(19) &  

(11) EP 1 467 566 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: H04N 7/173 (2006.01) 11.11.2009 Bulletin 2009/46

(21) Application number: 04015821.4

(22) Date of filing: 24.04.1996

(54) Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with remote product ordering Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur elektronischen Fernsehprogrammzeitplanung mit Warenfernbestellung Système électronique de choix de programmes télévisuels et procédé permettant de passer commande de produits à distance

(84) Designated Contracting States: • Davis, Bruce AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (US) NL PT SE • Knudson, Edward Littleton, CO 80127 (US) (30) Priority: 24.04.1995 US 428809 • Miller, Larry Greenwood Villiage, CO 80111 (US) (43) Date of publication of application: 13.10.2004 Bulletin 2004/42 (74) Representative: Hibbert, Juliet Jane Grace et al Kilburn & Strode LLP (62) Document number(s) of the earlier application(s) in 20 Red Lion Street accordance with Art. 76 EPC: London WC1R 4PJ (GB) 96913121.8 / 0 823 179 (56) References cited: (73) Proprietor: United Video Properties, Inc. WO-A-93/26121 WO-A-94/13107 Tulsa, OK 74136 (US) WO-A-95/28799 WO-A-95/32583 WO-A-96/08927 (72) Inventors: • Ellis, Michael D. Boulder, CO 80304 (US)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 467 566 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 1 467 566 B1 2

Description tems that can not be updated without physical replace- ment of integrated circuits and/or other parts. Background of the Invention [0005] Nor do these prior electronic guide systems have the capability of linking the user to other applications [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of ap- 5 or information systems which are not part of the electronic plication serial no. 247,101, which is a continuation-in- program guide application or data. part of application serial no. 119,367. This invention re- [0006] Nor do these prior electronic guide systems pro- lates to an electronic program schedule system, which vide video promotion of television programs and services provides a user with schedule information for broadcast that are functionally linked and visually displayed in an or cablecast programs viewed by the user on a television 10 integrated fashion. Program promotion is an important receiver. More particularly, it relates to an electronic pro- element of the effective marketing of television program- gram guide that provides the user with the capability to ming. The promotion of pay-per-view pay (i.e., "a la order products and services remotely at the user location carte") programs and other unregulated program servic- simply by depressing a button on a remote control device es is particularly important to cable television operators or other user-controlled device. 15 in the wake of re-regulation by the federal government. [0002] Electronic program guides ("EPGs") for televi- The current method of promoting such programming us- sion systems are known in the art. For example, one prior ing video is through dedicated "barker" channels that use system used an electronic character generator to display full screen continuous trailers (i.e., previews) which may textual schedule information on the full screen of a tele- or may not be accompanied by prices and ordering in- vision receiver. Other prior systems presented electron- 20 formation. Recently, such promotional videos have been ically stored program schedule information to a user for shown in split screens where part of the screen shows viewing while allowing the user to select display formats. general schedule information for a time period roughly Still other systems employed a data processor to input corresponding to the time period during which the general user-selection criteria, then stored only the program program being promoted is shown. Accordingly, there schedule information meeting these criteria, and subse- 25 exists a need for an electronic program guide which can quently used the stored information to automatically tune provide improved display and linking of video promotions a programmable tuner or activate a recording device at with program schedule information and order processing the time of broadcast of the selected television programs. functions. Such prior systems are generally discussed in "Stay [0007] The prior electronic program guides also fail to Tuned for Smart TV," published in the November 1990 30 provide the user with a simple and efficient method of issue of Popular Science. controlling access to individual channels and individual [0003] Collectively, the prior electronic program sys- programs. The amount of adult situations involving sex tems may be difficult to implement and cumbersome to and violence has steadily increased during the last 40 use. They also fail to provide viewing capabilities that years. The issue of how this affects children or other view- address in a more realistic manner the viewing habits of 35 ers has gained national attention. Providing a parent with the users of these electronic program systems. Moreo- the ability to lock-out a channel is a well known and wide- ver, many of these systems are complex in their design spread feature of certain television receivers and cable and are expensive to implement. Ease of use and econ- converter boxes. Despite this availability, the feature is omy are primary concerns of television program distrib- seldom used by parents. The main impediments to its utors and viewers as they contemplate dramatic increas- 40 effective use are the cumbersome ways in which it is es in the number and nature of program networks and generally implemented, as well as the requirement that other television-based services. And, as the number of entire channels be blocked in order to block access to television channels available to a user increases dramat- any objectional programming. A channel-oriented paren- ically with the advent of new satellite and cable-based tal lock is unfair to other programmers on the blocked technologies, the utility of these prior systems substan- 45 channel -- who, for example, offer adult-oriented pro- tially diminishes. gramming in the evening and youth-oriented program- [0004] These prior-art systems also fail to provide the ming the following morning--and inconvenient for viewers user with sufficient information, for example pricing and who want access to such programs. Thus, there is a par- the like, about pay-per-view events, premium services or ticular need for a system which provides password con- other packaged programming to which the user does not 50 trol to individual programs and channels using a flexible subscribe, nor do they provide the user with the capability and uncomplicated on-screen user interface. to automatically purchase such programming on demand [0008] The prior electronic program guides are also or impulse. Moreover, these prior-art systems are defi- deficient in that they do not provide the user with the cient in that they fail to provide an efficient and automatic ability to view on demand current billing status and, thus, method of updating or replacing the application software 55 a need exists for a system which can provide the user programs that implement the electronic guide at the user with current billing information on the user’s demand. sites, relying instead on manual or other cumbersome [0009] An additional problem with prior program forms of revision or replacement or hardware-based sys- guides is that when displaying schedule information in

2 3 EP 1 467 566 B1 4 grid format, i.e., columns representing time slots and righted programs, it is now possible to prevent the loss rows representing channels, program titles generally are of copyright royalties and other revenues that result when width-wise truncated to fit into the cells of the grid. The a home viewer makes an archival copy of a copyrighted width of a grid cell varies with the duration of the program. program. Many viewers may be willing to pay for profes- Since a 30 minute program is allotted only a small amount 5 sional copies of these programs that they can no longer of space for the program title and description, titles and/or copy themselves by recording off-the-air. As a result, a descriptions for half and even full hour programs often new marketing opportunity is available if a convenient must be truncated in order to fit into the allotted space. means for acquiring purchased archival copies of copy- Some systems simply cut off the description of a program righted programs can be provided. Users who would oth- without abbreviating it in any way, such that the user is 10 erwise have produced an amateur recording of a program unable to determine the subject matter of the program. using consumer equipment may decide to purchase a For example, a recent television program display includ- professionally produced and packaged copy from a li- ed the following text in a grid cell: "Baseball: Yankees v." censed distributor if they are unable to record the pro- Although some systems partially alleviate this problem gram on their own. by providing two lines of text in each grid cell, this solution 15 [0014] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a sim- is not ideal because program descriptions may still be plified electronic program schedule system that may be truncated. more easily implemented, and which is appealing and [0010] A similar problem arises as the time slots efficient in operation. There is also a need to provide the change, either automatically or in response to a user con- user with an electronic program schedule system that trol command. Typically, 90 minutes of schedule infor- 20 displays both broadcast programs and electronic sched- mation is displayed at one time and the 90 minute window ule information in a manner not previously available with is shiftable in 30-minute increments. In the case where other electronic program schedule systems, particularly a 30 minute shift causes a 30 minute size grid cell to those using a remote controller. display, e.g., a two-hour movie, it is likely that the full title [0015] For example, there is a particular need for a of the movie will not fit into the cell. Truncation of the title 25 flexible program schedule system that allows a user to is thus required in this situation as well. In this case, while view selected broadcast programs on a portion of the two lines of text may be desirable to fit the title in the 30 screen of the television receiver while simultaneously minute cell, the 60 and 90 minute cells may require only viewing program schedule information for other channels one line of text to display the title. and/or services on another portion of the screen. There [0011] The prior electronic program guides also lack a 30 is also a need for such a program schedule system that method for creating a viewing itinerary electronically permits the user to select from a plurality of selectable while still viewing a program currently appearing on the display formats for viewing the program schedule infor- television receiver. Moreover, these prior program mation. It is also preferred to have a system that indicates guides leave much guess work for the user as he navi- to the user those keys on the remote controller that are gates through a sequence of channels. When skimming 35 active in any particular mode of operation. There also through channels to ascertain the program then being exists a need for such a system that will give a user the displayed on any channel, commonly known as "channel capability to set a programmable reminder for viewing a surfing," the user needs to guess which program is cur- program scheduled to air at a future time. rently being aired from the video encountered as the user [0016] There is also a need for an electronic guide sys- surfs through the channels. Since much -- in some cases, 40 tem providing the user with comprehensive information up to 30% -- of the programming appearing on any given about pay-per-view events, premium services or other channel at any given time is advertising or other com- packaged programming to which the user does not ordi- mercial programming, the user is not provided with any narily subscribe, and which provides the user with the clues as to what program is appearing on a selected capability to automatically purchase such programming channel at a given time and must therefore wait until the 45 on demand or impulse. There is also a need for an elec- advertisement or commercial is over before ascertaining tronic guide system providing a reliable and efficient the program then appearing on the selected channel. method of updating or replacing the application software Thus a need exists for a program guide which displays that implements the electronic guide at the user sites. current program schedule information for each channel [0017] There also exists a need for an electronic pro- as the user surfs through the available channels. 50 gram guide that operates as a shell or window to provide [0012] Interactive home shopping services are also the user with the capability to access other applications known in the art. Lacking in the art, however, is an inter- or information systems that are not part of the electronic active home shopping service deployed in conjunction program guide application or data. with an EPG permitting users of the EPG to remotely [0018] There also exists a need for an interactive home order products and services associated with the EPG or 55 shopping service deployed in conjunction with an EPG the program listings included in the EPG. permitting users of the EPG to remotely order services [0013] In addition, with the availability of techniques and products associated with the EPG or the program for electronically blocking the home recording of copy- listings included in the EPG.

3 5 EP 1 467 566 B1 6

There is also a need for a convenient means for purchas- embodiment. ing archival copies of copyrighted programs that cannot Fig. 11 shows a graphic overlay appearing on a tel- be recorded by viewers. evision screen in a BROWSE mode of operation of [0019] WO-A-93/26121 discloses a method and appa- the preferred embodiment. ratus for providing periodic subscription television serv- 5 Fig. 12 shows a graphic overlay appearing on a tel- ices such that a service may be denied using a service evision screen in a BROWSE mode of operation of denying switch or high frequency amplifier. the preferred embodiment having different informa- [0020] WO-A-94/13107 discloses a set top terminal tion from that shown in Fig. 11. capable of digital decompression, menu generation, in- Fig. 12A shows a graphic overlay appearing on a teractivity and other advanced functional capabilities for 10 television screen in a BROWSE mode of operation use in a television program delivery system and, in par- displaying schedule information for a time and chan- ticular, methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set nel other than that shown in Fig. 11. top terminals to provide menu generation capability and Fig. 13 shows a graphic overlay appearing in a RE- advanced functional capabilities. MINDER mode of operation of the preferred embod- [0021] It is an object of this invention to provide the 15 iment. system user with comprehensive information about pay- Fig. 14 shows yet another graphic overlay appearing per-view events, premium services or other packaged in a REMINDER mode of operation of the preferred programming to which the user does not subscribe and embodiment . the capability to automatically purchase such program- Fig. 15 is yet another menu that appears on a tele- ming on demand or impulse. 20 vision screen in a MENU mode of operation of the [0022] This object of the invention is achieved by an preferred embodiment. electronic program schedule system as claimed in claim Fig. 16 is yet another menu that appears on a tele- 1. vision screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment. Brief Description of the Drawings 25 Fig. 17 is yet another menu that appears on a tele- vision screen in a MENU mode of operation of the [0023] preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 shows a grid listing of schedule information Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing various compo- displayed in an All Listings mode of operation of the nents of the preferred embodiment. 30 preferred embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the combination Fig. 19 shows schedule information displayed in a of program and schedule information by the video Listings By Category mode of operation of the pre- overlay device utilized in the preferred embodiment. ferred embodiment. Fig. 3 depicts a remote controller that can be used Fig. 20 shows schedule information displayed in a in connection with the preferred embodiment of the 35 Listings By Channel mode of operation of the pre- electronic program guide system of the present ap- ferred embodiment. plication. Fig. 21 shows information displayed in response to Fig. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of the re- a user’s request for supplemental programming in- mote controller shown in Fig. 3. formation. Fig. 5 shows an overlay appearing on a television 40 Fig. 22 shows programming, ordering and video pro- screen in one mode of operation of the preferred motional information displayed in a Pay-Per-View embodiment. mode of operation of the preferred embodiment. Fig. 6 is a menu that appears on a television screen Fig. 23 shows an ordering submenu used in conjunc- in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred em- tion with the mode of operation shown in Fig. 22. bodiment. 45 Fig. 24 shows yet another ordering submenu used Fig. 6A is yet another menu that appears on a tele- in conjunction with the mode of operation shown in vision screen in a MENU mode of operation of the Fig. 22. preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24A shows yet another ordering submenu used Fig. 7 depicts a Viewer Preference Menu that ap- in conjunction with the mode of operation shown in pears on a television screen in one aspect of the 50 Fig. 22. preferred embodiment. Fig. 25 shows another grid listing of schedule infor- Fig. 8 shows a Preferred Channel selection sub- mation displayed in an All Listings mode of operation. menu. Fig. 26 shows a Premium Services submenu that Fig. 9 shows an impulse ordering menu that appears appears in one mode of operation of the preferred on a television screen in one aspect of the preferred 55 embodiment. embodiment. Fig. 27 shows a Messages menu that appears in one Fig. 10 shows a Premium Services submenu that mode of operation of the preferred embodiment. appears in one mode of operation of the preferred Fig. 28 shows exemplary messages used in connec-

4 7 EP 1 467 566 B1 8 tion with the menu of Fig. 27. ture in conjunction with the flip mode of the described Fig. 28A is an alternative message menu. system. Fig. 29 shows billing information used in connection Fig. 46 illustrates the product or service ordering fea- with the menu of Fig. 27. ture in conjunction with program information for a Fig. 30 shows a Key Lock Access menu that appears 5 music program. during one mode of operation of the preferred em- Fig. 47 is a block diagram of an alternate embodi- bodiment. ment of the described system. Fig. 31 shows a menu appearing in connection with an Interactive Television mode of operation of the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM- preferred embodiment. 10 BODIMENT Fig. 32 shows information that appears in a Quote Watch menu in connection with the Interactive Tel- System Configuration evision mode of operation shown in Fig. 31. Fig. 33 shows other information that appears in con- [0024] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing various com- nection with the Interactive Television mode of op- 15 ponents of the electronic program schedule system gen- eration shown in Fig. 31. erally designated as 10. Physically, these system com- Fig. 34 is a menu showing information that appears ponents can be located in a user’s set-top cable converter in a news display in the Interactive Television mode box or other signal reception or processing device, such of operation of the preferred embodiment. as a satellite receiver. Alternatively, the components can Fig. 35 is a menu showing information that appears 20 be mounted in a separate housing, or included as part in a sports display in the Interactive Television mode of a television receiver, VCR, personal computer, or mul- of operation of the preferred embodiment. timedia player; or reside as a distributed application in a Fig. 36a-d is a flow chart showing the operation logic broadband network architecture. required for implementation of a computer program [0025] An input signal 11 is connected to a receiver for the electronic program guide. 25 12, which receives a transmitted data stream from a data Fig. 37 is a menu showing a Locator screen for lo- provider. The data stream may contain, for example, in- cating channel numbers and defining favorite chan- formation about programs or services available in a par- nel lists. ticular market, geographical or otherwise. The input sig- Fig. 38 is an alternative menu that can be used in a nal 11 can originate, for example, as part of a standard MENU mode of operation of the electronic program 30 broadcast, cablecast or satellite transmission, or other guide. form of data transmission, such as video dial tone. The Fig. 38A and 38B show, respectively, an alternative data provider is a program information provider, the sat- main menu screen and a listing-by-time screen ac- ellite uplink manager, a local cable operator, or a com- cessible from the alternative main menu. bination of these sources, and the data stream contains Fig. 39 is a Lockout menu that alternatively can be 35 program schedule information for all television programs used for permitting or prohibiting access to certain and other services available in the operator’s geograph- programs. ical market. Fig. 40 is a Setup menu that can be used to set text [0026] The data stream may be modulated and then location and a purchase code for premium and pay- transmitted on the cable line in any number of ways, in- per-view programming. 40 cluding as part of a dedicated channel transmission op- Fig. 40A shows an exemplary menu for inputting a erating at a frequency of, for example, 75 MHz. Those lockout code. of skill in the art will understand that numerous other Figs. 40B through 40E show, respectively, exempla- transmission schemes can be used to transmit the data ry menus for entering, confirming, clearing or chang- stream, such as embedding it in the vertical blanking in- ing a purchase code. 45 terval of a program broadcast signal. As will be discussed Fig. 41 is a Lockout Verify menu that is used in con- in greater detail below, according to the present inven- nection with the Lockout menu of Fig. 39. tion, the transmitted data stream may additionally contain Fig. 42 is a flow chart showing the operation of the application software for implementing or updating the preferred embodiment of the textfit system. electronic program guide at the user site. Figs. 43A-E illustrate one embodiment of a series of 50 [0027] The transmitted program schedule data or ap- screens that may be used for ordering a product as- plication software is received by the receiver 12 on signal sociated with a program displayed in the EPG. input line 11. The received signal is passed from the re- Fig. 44 illustrates one embodiment of a screen that ceiver to a data demodulator 13, such as a QPSK de- may be presented to the user upon user activation modulator or a GI Info-Cipher 1000R, which demodulates of the ordering process while the cursor is highlight- 55 the transmission and passes it to a buffer 15. ing a program listing for which a product or service [0028] A microcontroller 16, such as a M68000EC, re- is available. ceives data passed to the buffer 15. Bootstrap operating Fig. 45 illustrates the product or service ordering fea- software, which may be used for capturing electronic pro-

5 9 EP 1 467 566 B1 10 gram guide application software updates, is stored in a not resident, the bootstrap operating software waits for read only memory (ROM) 17. The microcontroller 16 us- a download of the software. Once the application soft- es the received program schedule information to build a ware is resident, the microcontroller 16 executes the ap- database by storing the data in appropriately organized plication program software from a dedicated portion of records in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 18. 5 the DRAM 18. Alternatively, the application software can The stored schedule information can be updated on a be executed directly from the non-volatile memory 20. periodic basis, such as hourly, daily or weekly, or at any Under control of the program guide application software, time when changes in scheduling or other factors warrant the microcontroller 16 first verifies that the program an update. The system also includes a system clock 19. schedule information is resident in DRAM 18. If it is not [0029] Alternatively, the program schedule information 10 resident, the microcontroller waits for a download of the could be supplied in a ROM, disk or other non-volatile program schedule information, as discussed above. Al- memory, or it could be downloaded to a storage disk or ternatively, if the application program is resident in mem- other data storage device. The invention herein is not ory, but the database records containing the program directed to the particular method of transmission or re- schedule information data are not yet available, the ap- ception of the schedule information. 15 plication software can be configured to carry out other [0030] If the microcontroller 16 recognizes the re- tasks, such as allowing the user to carry out functions ceived data as application software which controls the not requiring the program schedule information data, as program schedule system, as opposed to program well as displaying an appropriate message indicating the schedule information, it stores it in non-volatile memory, database data is not yet available. such as an electrically erasable programmable ROM 20 [0035] When the schedule system is operating, as dis- (EEPROM) 20 or battery-backed static RAM (SRAM). cussed in greater detail hereinbelow, the microcontroller This configuration allows revised or replacement ver- 16 takes the program schedule information stored in the sions of the application software to be downloaded di- DRAM 18 and, in conjunction with other downloaded data rectly from the software developer to the user site through types such as stored bit maps for the screen configuration the cable or other transmission system. 25 and the graphic symbol or logo displays stored in non- [0031] In the case where an EEPROM is utilized, re- volatile memory 20 or, alternatively, in DRAM 18, sup- vised or replacement versions of the application software plies it to a video display generator (VDG) 23, which in downloaded from the developer are first stored in DRAM the present embodiment may be a commercially availa- 18 by the microcontroller 16, under direction of the down- ble VGA-type graphics card, such as a Rocgen card man- loading operating software stored in the ROM 17. The 30 ufactured by Roctec. The VDG includes a standard RGB stored application software can then be checked for ac- video generator 24, which takes the digital program curacy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other schedule information sent by the microcontroller 16 and verification routine. converts it to an RGB format in accordance with the bit [0032] After the accuracy of the application software map for the particular screen display then being present- has been verified, the microcontroller 16 initiates a rou- 35 ed to the user on the television receiver 27. The config- tine to re-program the EEPROM 20, where the applica- uration of each screen is shown and discussed in greater tion software is permanently stored. The microcontroller detail in the System Operation section below. 16 will issue proper control commands to a reprogram [0036] The VDG also includes a Video Overlay Device circuit 21, which is adapted to supply the proper program 25, which accepts the RGB video input, as well as an voltage and logic control signals 22 required to erase and 40 input from conventional television tuner 28, such as a write to the EEPROM. It supplies this program voltage, conventional tuner manufactured by General Instrument Vprog, as well as any other required control signals, such or a Jerrold DPBB tuner, which supplies a program signal as read or write enable, to the EEPROM 20 upon com- in standard NTSC video format. The overlay device 25 mand from the microcontroller 16. After the EEPROM 20 converts and combines the RGB signal with the signal has been electrically erased, the microcontroller 16 initi- 45 from the tuner 28, and produces a composite NTSC out- ates transfer of the new application software from the put signal containing both the program signal and the DRAM 18 to the EEPROM 20 for storing. program schedule information, as shown in Fig. 2. This [0033] When a battery-backed SRAM is utilized as composite video signal is supplied to a modulator 26, non-volatile memory, the microcontroller stores the re- shown in Fig. 1, which can be a modulator such as avail- vised or replacement version of the application software 50 able from Radio Shack, and then to the television receiver downloaded from the developer directly in the SRAM, 27, which the user keeps tuned to the modulated channel, again under direction of the downloading operating soft- for example, channel 3 or 4. The composite video signal ware stored in the ROM. The stored application software can also be supplied directly to the television receiver 27 can then be checked for accuracy by, for example, a or other receiving device from the VDG through a video checksum analysis or other verification routine. 55 port 25A on the VDG. [0034] When power is first applied to the system 10, [0037] The system components identified in connec- the bootstrap operating software verifies that the program tion with Fig. 1 can all be implemented in a preferred guide application software is resident in memory. If it is platform by, for example, an IBM personal computer

6 11 EP 1 467 566 B1 12 equipped with a transmission link and a video graphics information, or "i," key 39 allows the user to view supple- card, such as those manufactured by Roctec. Other plat- mental program and other information during the various forms, such as a cable converter box equipped with a modes of the program schedule system. The ENTER 35 microprocessor and memory, or a broadband network key fulfills and inputs a command once the user has made also could be used. Examples of the particular compo- 5 a selection from the remote controller keys. The function nents are as follows: Microcontroller -- Motorola part no. and operation of these keys will be made more apparent MC68331-16; ROM -- Texas Instruments part no. in the detailed discussion of the FLIP, BROWSE and TMS27PC512; DRAM -- Texas Instruments part no. MENU modes below. TM4256; EEPROM -- Intel part no. 28F001BX-T. In any [0041] A second embodiment of the remote controller event, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the par- 10 40 is shown in Fig. 4. This embodiment of the remote ticular details of the hardware components and data stor- controller also includes a power key 41, numeric digit age are a function of the particular implementation of the keys 42, direction arrow keys 43A and 43B, information system, and are not the subject of the present invention. key 48, ENTER or SELECT or "OK" key 44, volume con- [0038] As discussed in detail below, the user may nav- trol 45, lockout key 45A, mute keys 46 and help key 48A. igate through the program schedule system with a remote 15 It also includes pound sign and star keys. controller, such as that shown in Fig. 3, which operates [0042] This embodiment of the remote controller fur- on conventional principles of remote control transmitter- ther includes a number of icon keys 47A and 47B, which receiver logic, such as by infrared or other signalling, or correspond to different submenus or modes of the pro- other suitable user interface. The remote controller 31 gram schedule system. The icons 47A and 47B may also communicates with the microcontroller 16 through the 20 be displayed on the TV screen when the program sched- remote controller receiver 29, shown in Fig. 1, which can ule system is operating. The icon keys essentially replace be a Silent Partner IR receiver and which receives signals the MODE key 38 used in the embodiment of the remote transmitted by the remote controller 31 and supplies the controller shown in Fig. 3. Using these keys, the user can microcontroller 16 with a corresponding digital signal in- move from one mode to another simply by depressing dicating the key depressed by the user. 25 the icon key corresponding to the desired mode of oper- [0039] A remote controller suitable for the present in- ation of the program schedule system. In the embodiment vention, such as shown in Fig. 3, which can be a remote of Fig. 4, the icons 47A and 47B are shown as graphic controller manufactured by Universal Electronics or symbols situated directly above a corresponding color- Presentation Electronics’ Silent Partner, may include a coded key. Alternatively, the color-coded keys could be power switch 32, volume 33 and mute 34 controls, an 30 eliminated and keys could be formed in the image of the ENTER key 35, 0-9 digit keys 36, four direction arrow icon itself. keys 37A and 37B, a MODE key 38 and an information [0043] The embodiment of the remote controller key 39 that is designated with a lower case "i." The power shown in Fig. 4 also includes three color-coded viewer 32, volume 33 and mute 34 keys operate in the same preference or favorite channel keys, 48A, 48B and 48C manner as conventional remote controllers typically used 35 that are situated directly above the icon keys. Each of with present-day television receivers. The numeric digit these keys indicates to the program schedule system a keys 36 also function in much the same manner as con- distinct user-created "Channel Preference" or "Favorite ventional remote controllers. A brief description of the Channel" list, which is a listing of a specific subset of remaining keys follows. channels for a particular user, arranged in the sequential [0040] The MODE key 38 takes the user through var- 40 order that the user wishes to view during operation of the ious layers of the electronic program schedule system program schedule system. The creation of the Channel 10 and generally allows the user to return to a previous Preference or Favorite Channel list is discussed in the screen when he is in a submenu. The up/down direction following section. Thus, the system provides for at least arrow keys 37A allow a user to navigate through the dif- three individual channel subsets for three individual us- ferent TV program channels when the program schedule 45 ers. system is in a FLIP or BROWSE mode, as will be fully [0044] The remote controller of Fig. 4 also may be described below, and also allow the user to navigate equipped with a "HELP" key 48A, which, when de- through highlighted bars displayed on the TV screen pressed, causes the microcontroller 16 to retrieve previ- when in a MENU mode. The left/right direction arrow keys ously stored instruction messages from memory and 37B allow the user to navigate through selected time pe- 50 cause them to be displayed on the television receiver 27. riods when the program schedule system is in the These messages offer help to the user in the form of BROWSE mode, as will also be described below. They instructions that guide the user through the operation of further allow the user to navigate across subject-matter the various operating modes of the electronic television categories while in the "Categories" submenu of the program guide. They may be text messages, or instruc- MENU mode, as well as to navigate across time periods 55 tional video images, or audio programs, depending on when the program schedule system is in a pay-per-view the storage capacity of the system, or any combination ordering mode and, in general, navigate in left or right of these. Moreover, these help messages may be created directions to select various icons and other objects. The so that they are context-sensitive, i.e., the messages dis-

7 13 EP 1 467 566 B1 14 played depend entirely upon the precise point in the op- pany prioritized by numeric order, which is determined eration of the electronic program guide that the user de- by the broadcast channel position in the radio spectrum presses the help key 48A. For example, information could or the marketing judgments of local cable operators. Us- be supplied for operation of the remote controller, for op- ing a "Channel Preference" submenu, or an alternative erating the FLIP or BROWSE mode (discussed below), 5 "Locator" screen, both of which are discussed below, the or any other mode of operation of the guide, for impulse user can revise the content and/or sequential order of ordering, for setting a lockout, etc. In order to accomplish the channels presented to the television receiver 27. this, each point of operation of the guide could be coded [0050] In general, if the user does not issue a change- so that the microprocessor could track the current oper- channel instruction, or other command, from the remote ating point, for example, by temporarily storing the code 10 controller 40 within a predetermined time interval while reflecting the present operating point as the user oper- in the FLIP mode, the microcontroller 16 instructs the ated the guide. When the user pressed the help key 48A, VDG 23 to remove the graphic overlay 51 from the tele- the microcontroller 16 would retrieve an appropriate set vision receiver, thus presenting only a program signal 55 of messages based on the presently stored operating to the television receiver 27 for viewing. The duration of point code. Additionally, the i key 39 could be used to 15 the predetermined time interval is such that it allows the carry out the function of the help key. user sufficient time to read the programming information [0045] Additionally, each of the functions of the remote contained in the overlay. The duration of the predeter- controllers can also be integrated into a keypad on the mined time interval during which the graphic 51 overlay user’s cable box or other hardware. appears is stored in a location in non-volatile memory 20 20 addressable by the microcontroller 16. The user can System Operation change the duration of the time interval, by first entering a Viewer Preference mode, and then selecting an "over- [0046] In operation, the described electronic program lay interval" entry. The microcontroller 16 then causes a schedule system functions as follows. user prompt to be displayed on the screen which, for 25 example, asks the user to select an appropriate time pe- FLIP Mode riod for displaying in the graphic overlay on the screen. Using the numeric keys, the user can input an appropriate [0047] When the user is viewing a particular program response, for example, a period between 5 and 60 sec- channel on the television receiver, the program schedule onds, and then depress ENTER. The new interval period system defaults to a FLIP mode, shown in Fig. 5. In this 30 is then read and stored by the microcontroller 16 in the mode, a graphic overlay 51 containing programming in- overlay time interval location in memory. formation for the channel currently tuned on the tuner is [0051] If the user issues a change-channel command superimposed in overlaying relationship with a received from the remote controller 40 before or after the prede- program signal 55 on the screen of the television receiver termined overlay period has elapsed, either by using the 27 whenever the viewer changes the program channel, 35 up/down direction arrows 43A, or by entering a desired for example, by using the up/down direction arrows on channel number using the numeric keys 42 and then de- the remote controller. The video overlay device 25, such pressing the ENTER key 44, the microcontroller 16 will as shown in Fig. 1, combines the computer-generated cause the tuner 28 to tune to the desired channel -- either RGB video-graphic overlay information with the NTSC- the channel immediately preceding or following the cur- format program signal from the tuner 28, and supplies 40 rent channel when the up or down arrow 43A is used or an NTSC-format output signal which includes the pro- the specific channel entered on the numeric key pad by gram signal from the tuner and the program schedule the user -- and will also search for and immediately cause overlay information for viewing on the television receiver to be displayed the current program information for that 27. channel. Thus, as the user flips through the channels, [0048] The programming information contained in the 45 the program schedule information for any selected chan- graphic overlay 51 is supplied to the RGB video generator nel automatically appears in the graphic overlay 51 while by the microcontroller. In FLIP mode, the microcontroller the actual program 55 appearing on the selected channel first searches the program schedule database in, for ex- at the particular time occupies the remainder of the ample, the DRAM 18 to retrieve the programming infor- screen. mation for the currently tuned channel 52 corresponding 50 [0052] The system can also be configured to issue an to the current time; i.e., the time at which the user just error message, such as an audible beep or displayed turned on the television receiver for viewing. The micro- text indicating an invalid key stroke, if the user depresses controller 16 then supplies the current channel and pro- either the left or right direction arrow keys while in the gram information to the RGB video generator 24 which FLIP mode. converts the digital data information to RGB format and 55 supplies it to the video overlay device 25. BROWSE Mode [0049] In normal operation, the microcontroller 16 de- faults to displaying all channels offered by the cable com- [0053] To initiate the BROWSE mode, the user de-

8 15 EP 1 467 566 B1 16 presses the MODE switch once while in the FLIP mode cussed below, and the second depression will take the when using the first embodiment of the remote controller user to the FLIP mode. Once in the FLIP mode, the graph- 31 shown in Fig. 3. Utilizing the second embodiment of ic overlay will be removed after the duration of the time- the remote controller 40 shown in Fig. 4, the user would out interval has passed. In the second embodiment of depress the button below the BROWSE icon 47A. 5 the remote controller shown in Fig. 4, the user toggles [0054] In the BROWSE mode, the user is provided with the BROWSE icon key to deactivate the BROWSE mode. the ability to scan through program schedule information [0057] When the user first enters the BROWSE mode for any channel, including, but not limited to, the channel and begins scanning channels, the schedule information being viewed, while at the same time continuing to view appearing in the overlay portion 111 describes the pro- the TV program previously selected. As shown in Fig. 10 grams currently playing on any particular channel. In or- 11, in this mode the graphic overlay information that ap- der to view programming information for later or earlier pears in the FLIP mode is replaced with programming times, the user employs the left and right direction arrows information for the channel being browsed, which may 43B. As a consequence, the system will display future or may not be the channel currently being viewed by the program schedule information for the particular channel user. After the user issues the command from the remote 15 previously selected by the up and down direction arrows, controller 40 to enter the BROWSE mode, a graphic over- whether it is the channel currently being viewed or any lay 111 is generated, as in the FLIP mode, with program other available channel. The schedule information pre- schedule information for the currently tuned channel 112 sented includes the name of the program and program and a textual BROWSE indicator 113 to remind the user start/stop time. The instant embodiment of the system, of the currently active mode, as shown in Fig. 11. 20 in order to conserve memory, will not allow the user to [0055] If the user depresses either the up or down di- view programming information for a time prior to the cur- rection arrow on the remote controller 40 while in the rent time. The system could be easily modified to provide BROWSE mode, program schedule information for either such information if adequate memory is made available. the prior or next channel is displayed in the graphic over- It may be desirable, for example, to allow a user to view lay portion 111 of the television receiver screen 27, while 25 schedule information for an earlier time to find a particular the tuner remains tuned to the channel program that ap- show and then allow the user to command the microcon- peared on the television receiver at the time the user troller to find and display future airing dates of the show, entered the BROWSE mode, as shown in Fig. 12, and or the microcontroller could simply do this automatically. continues to so appear. Each successive depression of [0058] When viewing program schedule information the up or down direction arrow key produces correspond- 30 for a future time in the BROWSE mode, the displayed ing program schedule information for the selected chan- time of airing 121 of the particular show 122 is highlighted, nel. The graphic overlay may also include a small video as well as the channel number and service indicator 123, window for showing the actual video signal of a currently as shown in Fig. 12A. Such highlighted information re- aired program or a clip of a future program corresponding minds the user that he is viewing program schedule in- to the schedule information then appearing in the 35 formation for a future time. Also, when viewing program BROWSE overlay. In this way, the user can simultane- schedule information for a future time on any particular ously scan program schedule information for all channels channel in the BROWSE mode, depression of the chan- while continuously viewing at least one selected program nel up direction arrow key on the remote controller 40 on the television receiver. With the advent of sophisticat- causes programming schedule information for the next ed television receivers, it may also be possible to simul- 40 channel to appear, which corresponds in time to the fu- taneously display multiple broadcast programs on a sin- ture time that was being viewed before the up key was gle screen for viewing, or to split the screen to show, for depressed by the user. The channel down direction arrow example, broadcast programs in combination with adver- key 43B functions identically in this mode. tisements. The BROWSE feature could be used in any [0059] If while viewing program schedule information of these situations. 45 for a future time in BROWSE mode the user depresses [0056] If, at any time during scanning of the program the ENTER key on the remote controller, the microcon- schedule information in the BROWSE mode, the user troller 16 will instruct the VDG 23 to display a REMINDER desires to tune the television receiver 27 from the pro- overlay message 130 which, as shown in Fig. 13, is dis- gram channel currently being viewed to the program played as a second overlay 131 appearing above the channel indicated in the schedule information in the 50 BROWSE overlay 132. The REMINDER message 130 graphic overlay, he simply depresses the ENTER button queries the user as to whether the system should remind 44 and the tuner 28 will be tuned to that channel. If the the user, at a predetermined time before the start of the user does not want to view another channel and wishes selected program, that he or she would like to view the to exit the BROWSE mode, thus removing the graphic selected program, as shown in Fig. 13. If the user re- overlay 111 with the program schedule information, he 55 sponds affirmatively, the microcontroller 16 stores re- must depress the MODE key twice in the first embodi- minder data consisting of at least the channel, time and ment of the remote controller 31. The first depression of day of the selected program in a reminder buffer, which the MODE key takes the user to the MENU mode, dis- contains similar schedule information for all programs for

9 17 EP 1 467 566 B1 18 which the user has set a reminder. At a pre-determined of broadband networks, other venues, e.g., home shop- time before the selected program start time, for example, ping, banking or telephone use. As also shown in Figs. five minutes, the microcontroller 16 will retrieve schedule 6 and 6A, each bar also contains a textual description of information, including title and service, based on the re- its contents. minder data, and will instruct the VDG 23 to display a 5 [0062] When the user first enters the MENU mode, the REMINDER overlay message 140 on the television re- system defaults to selection of the program schedule bar. ceiver 27, as shown in Fig. 14, to remind the user that When a particular bar is selected, the textual description he or she previously set a reminder to watch the selected is removed and a plurality of icons or identifying windows program. The REMINDER message 140 contains the are displayed adjacent the identifying icon. In Fig. 6, the channel, service and start time. It also displays the 10 program schedule bar 61 is selected. Using the up or number of minutes before the time of airing of the partic- down direction arrow key on the remote controller 40, the ular show and updates the display every minute until the user selects a vertically adjacent bar. Figs. 15-17 show, time of airing. The REMINDER message 140 also dis- respectively, selection of the Pay-Per-View bar 62, the plays a "TUNE" inquiry, which asks the user if she would Customer service or Messages bar 63 and the Interactive like to tune to the selected program. When the user sets 15 TV services bar 64. multiple reminders, the reminder overlays are stacked, [0063] An alternative MAIN MENU screen 215 is for example, in ascending order according to the time shown in Fig. 38. Certain selection screens accessible each reminder is scheduled to be displayed, and the next from the menu shown in Fig. 38 are shown in Figs. 38A reminder message will appear on the television receiver and 38B. It has three horizontally selectable bars: pro- after the user takes appropriate action to remove the re- 20 gram schedule 205, Home Theater 206 and Customer minder message then being displayed. The REMINDER Service 207. The MAIN MENU screen 215 also contains message (140 could also be adapted to allow the user an additional "Locator" identifier, which is described be- to display or modify a list of all reminders previously set low. by the user. As with the overlay display time period in the [0064] Once a particular bar in the MENU screen is FLIP mode, the user can modify the time period before 25 selected, the user can select a particular icon from the a selected program that the REMINDER message ap- plurality of horizontally selectable displayed icons 65A- pears by entering the Viewer Preference mode and re- 65C by using the left or right direction arrow and the EN- vising the time entry. TER key on the remote controller 40. Each icon contains a graphical symbol appearing in a background window MENU Mode 30 of a particular color. When a particular icon is selected, it is offset from its background window and the color of [0060] Using the remote controller 31 shown in Fig. 3, the window changes. In Fig. 6, the grid icon 65A imme- the user can enter the MENU mode from the BROWSE diately adjacent the "TV GUIDE" icon in the first bar 61 mode or from the FLIP mode by toggling the MODE but- is selected. ton 38 once or twice, respectively. Using the remote con- 35 [0065] The function corresponding to the selectable troller 40 of Fig. 4, the user would simply depress the key entries in the MAIN MENU screen will now be discussed 47B corresponding to the MENU icon. with reference to Fig. 6. It will be appreciated by those [0061] Referring to Fig. 6, in the MENU mode, the sys- of skill in the art that the same functionality applies in the tem displays a plurality of menu items and icons, which categories shown in the MAIN MENU 215 shown in Fig. correspond to and allow user selection of distinct pro- 40 38. gram schedule information display formats, local cable [0066] In the uppermost vertically selectable horizontal system message boards and other on-line information bar 61, the first grid icon 65A represents an "All Listings" services. The MENU screen shown in Fig. 6 is a full- mode in which the program schedule information is dis- screen display. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, there played in a grid listing, such as that shown in Fig. 18. are four vertically selectable horizontal bars 61-64, which 45 Alternatively, a single column grid-like display could be are accessed using the up and down direction arrows used, as that shown in Fig. 25. In this format, the vertical 43A on the remote controller 31 or 40. At the extreme left y-axis identifies the channel number and service while of each bar, an identifying icon 61A-64A is displayed, the horizontal x-axis identifies the time. The screen dis- which identifies the information contained in that bar. In play of Fig. 18 also contains in the upper left-hand corner the embodiment of Fig. 6, the "TV GUIDE" icon 61A in 50 a mode identifier 180, in this case the notation "All List- the first bar corresponds to program schedule information ings," to remind the user of the current operating mode from TV Guide® magazine, the "NOW SHOWING" icon of the system. Directly underneath the mode display is a 62A in the second bar 62 corresponds to pay-per-view highlighted display 181 of the channel that the user was and premium service events, the "MSO Logo" icon 63A watching before entering the MENU mode. In the upper in the third bar 63 corresponds to Customer Service or 55 right-hand corner, a logo icon 182 appears in a window local cable company information messages, and the cir- directly above a date/time identifier 183, which alterna- cular icon 64A in the fourth bar 64 corresponds to other tively displays the current date and time. interactive services available to the user, or in the case [0067] In the center of the screen display shown in Fig.

10 19 EP 1 467 566 B1 20

18 is a graphical Active Key Display (AKD) 184 which in connection with the All Listings mode. indicates to the user those keys on the remote controller [0070] As with the All Listings mode, if the user high- that are active for that particular mode of the program lights a show which is currently airing, he can immediately guide display system. For example, in the screen display tune to that show by depressing the ENTER key on the of Fig. 18, the cursor can only move up, down or to the 5 remote controller 40. If the highlighted show is one that right. If the user were to depress the left direction arrow will appear at future time, the user is again given the key on the remote controller at that point, the system option of setting a REMINDER message. would not carry out any function since the cursor can not [0071] The triangular icon 65C at the far right of the move to the left. Thus, the left arrow key is not active so TV GUIDE bar 61 in the display of Fig. 6 identifies a its image is not displayed on the AKD 184. similarly, since 10 "Channel Listing" mode in which the program schedule the system will only respond to a depression of the up, information is categorized and displayed by channel, as down or right direction arrow keys and the ENTER key, shown in Fig. 20. The screen display shown in Fig. 20 they are the only key images displayed on the graphical again includes a textual mode identifier 201, the graphic AKD 184. The MODE key, though not displayed, is al- AKD 184, and the window including the logo icon 182 ways active to change from one mode to another. When 15 and alternating time/date display 183. At the head of the the user first enters the All Listings guide, the time listing program listing is a list of several consecutive channels begins by default at the half-hour immediately preceding 202A-202C beginning with the last channel viewed by the current time unless the current time is on the hour or the user before entering the Channel Listing mode. The half-hour, in which case the display begins with the par- channel in the middle window 202B is highlighted and is ticular hour or half-hour, and the channel listing begins 20 the channel for which schedule information is displayed. at the last channel being viewed by the user before en- The display identifies those programs appearing on the tering the MENU mode. For example, in Fig. 18, the cur- highlighted channel beginning with the half-hour imme- rent time is displayed as 7:13 p.m., the time listing begins diately preceding the current time unless the current time at 7:00 p.m. and the channel listing begins with channel 4. is on the hour or half-hour, in which case the display [0068] In the All Listings mode, a moveable highlighted 25 begins with the particular hour or half-hour. The user can cursor 185 is used to indicate the currently selected pro- display further future listings by manipulating the cursor gram to the user. The user manipulates cursor movement to the bottom of the screen and paging the display, as using the direction arrow keys on the remote controller previously described. The user can also change the se- 40. Furthermore, the entire information display pages up- lected channel by manipulating the left or right direction ward if the cursor is placed at the bottom of the screen 30 arrow keys on the remote controller 40. When the user and the down direction arrow is depressed, and similarly issues a change-channel command in this manner, the pages to the left if the cursor is at the extreme right side next consecutive channel will be displayed in the high- of the display and the right direction arrow is depressed. lighted window 202B in the channel string at the head of In this way, the user can navigate through the entire pro- the display, and schedule information for the newly se- gram schedule. 35 lected channel will be displayed on the television receiver [0069] The folder icon 65B immediately to the right of 27. the All Listings icon in the top horizontal bar 61 of Fig. 6 [0072] As with other modes, if a user wishes to tune identifies a "Category Listing" mode in which program to a highlighted program that is currently airing, he can schedule information is displayed and categorized by do so by simply depressing the ENTER key on the remote program content, as shown in Fig. 19. The particular list- 40 controller 40, and if the user wishes to view a program ing shown in Fig. 19 includes the categories of Movies, that airs at a future time, the user is again given the option Sports, News and Children 190A-190D. The database of setting a REMINDER message. record stored for each listing contains a content-specific [0073] In each of the FLIP, BROWSE and MENU identifier so the microcontroller can search the database modes, a lower case "i" icon appears at a number of and categorize the information by content for purposes 45 occasions in connection with certain program listings, of displaying it in the Category Listing mode. As shown such as movies, such as the "i" 203 shown in Fig. 20. in Fig. 19. the user can manipulate the cursor left or right Any time this icon appears, the user can view additional to highlight any one of the categories which appear at programming information, generally comprising a textual the head of the listing. In Fig. 19, the "Movies" category description of program content and/or other information 190A is selected. As shown, the user is given a display 50 related to the program, such as the names of cast mem- of all movies, prioritized by time and then alphabetically bers and the like, by depressing the "i" key 48 on the by title of show, beginning with the half-hour immediately remote controller 40. An example of a display of such preceding the current time unless the current time is on additional information is shown in Fig. 21. the hour or half-hour, in which case the display begins [0074] The second horizontal bar 62 appearing on the with the particular hour or half-hour. The screen display 55 screen in the MAIN MENU mode shown in Fig. 6 is the shown in Fig. 19 also includes a textual description of "Home Theater" Listing. It corresponds to Pay-Per-View the current operating mode of the program schedule sys- events or services, specialized programming, and Pre- tem, as well as the graphic AKD 184, similar to that used mium Service programs. When this category is chosen

11 21 EP 1 467 566 B1 22 by the user, the television receiver displays information of Fig. 15 identifies a specialized broadcast, cable or sat- as shown in Fig. 15. The first theater-ticket icon 150 that ellite programming service to which the user has access appears in this Home Theater bar identifies a format in via the electronic program guide. In this mode, the elec- which the Pay-Per-View events and premium services tronic program guide application software acts to connect are displayed, as shown in Fig. 22. As with other modes, 5 the user, through an appropriate data transmission link, the user can manipulate the cursor to highlight and select to the programming service, at which point the user in- any particular show. Also, the user can obtain additional teracts with the service. Alternatively, the electronic pro- information about the Pay-Per-View event or service by gram guide provides the navigation software, including depressing the "i" key 48 on the remote controller 40. the menus and scheduling information, for the particular The Pay-Per-View menu screen display shown in Fig. 22 10 programming service. Such a service could be, for ex- also includes a video display section 220 in which short ample, Your Choice TV ("YCTV"), a service offering re- promotional clips of current and future events and serv- runs of highly rated broadcast and cable programs, in ices can be shown to the user while the user is viewing which case the icon may take a form suitable to identify the Pay-Per-View scheduling information. The display of YCTV. The programming available on YCTV is then sup- Fig. 22 is bit mapped such that the advertising clips may 15 plied to the user via the programming guide system. be shown in the lower left quadrant of the screen. The [0078] The last icon 152 appearing in the Pay-Per- clips may be shown randomly in the video display section View bar of Fig. 15 identifies a display format which lists 120 or, alternatively, the clip shown could correspond to all Premium Services offered by the cable operator, as the particular selected entry on the list of events, and shown in Fig. 26. In this mode, the user can select for would change automatically as the user navigated 20 impulse ordering any one of the premium services by through the list. manipulating the cursor using the direction arrow keys [0075] When a user highlights a Pay-Per-View event on the remote controller and depressing the ENTER key. or service by manipulating the cursor to the desired event Similar to Pay-Per-View ordering, the system will present or service using the direction arrow keys on the remote the user with a series of ordering displays and, if a service controller 40, he can order the event or service by de- 25 is ordered by the user, it will confirm the user’s request pressing the ENTER button on the remote controller, thus using another other submenu. If confirmed, the micro- linking schedule, promotional and ordering functions. If controller 16 will store the ordering information or transmit the user selects a particular Pay-Per-View event or serv- it directly to the cable operator. Once the order has been ice in this manner, the programming schedule system confirmed, the microcontroller can immediately allow the will next present to the user a Pay-Per-View ordering 30 user access to the ordered premium service. In this man- screen such as that shown in Fig. 23. The display in- ner, the user can order premium events or services on cludes a figure representing the cost of the event or serv- demand. ice. The display also asks the user to choose from among [0079] If, during FLIP or BROWSE modes, a user a plurality of scheduled airing times 230A-230C, as well views a channel or schedule information for a service not as whether the user would like to see a REMINDER mes- 35 subscribed to by the user, the microcontroller 16 causes sage prior to the start of the Pay-Per-View event or serv- an ordering submenu to appear instead of displaying a ice. The user responds to these inquiries by using the program signal along with the graphic overlay, as shown direction keys on the remote controller 40 to manipulate in Fig. 9. This submenu indicates to the user that she the cursor to the proper response and then depressing does not currently subscribe to the selected service, and the ENTER key. After the user has ordered a Pay-Per- 40 then asks the user if she would like to order the service. View event or service, the program schedule system will If the user responds affirmatively, the program schedule present the user with two ordering confirmation submen- system takes the user to the ordering submenu dis- us, such as shown in Figs. 24 and 24A. In either of these cussed above. In this manner, the user can order premi- submenus, the user can confirm or cancel the Pay-Per- um events or services on impulse. Many variations of this View event or service. 45 premium service ordering function are possible. For ex- [0076] If the user confirms the order, the microcontrol- ample, upon depressing the ENTER key while the screen ler 16 stores the Pay-Per-View ordering information in a shown in Fig. 9 is displayed, the user may be presented location in memory. The ordering information can then with the option to order the selected service or a package be transmitted to the cable operator by the microcontrol- of programming services that includes the selected serv- ler 16 either by phone line or on the cable line where the 50 ice. This feature may be implemented by receiving and system has two-way communication or other such inter- storing information identifying packages of program serv- active capability. Alternatively, a computer at the cable ices in the DRAM 18. When the user depresses the EN- operator location can interrogate the memory where the TER key while the screen in Fig. 19 is displayed, micro- microcontroller stored the Pay-Per-View ordering infor- controller 16 may then be programmed to check DRAM mation. At the appropriate time, the cable operator sup- 55 18 to determine if the particular premium service is part plies the Pay-Per-View event or service and it is received of any package currently being offered and present the by all users who have ordered the program. user with the option to purchase a programming package [0077] The second icon 151 in the Pay-Per-View bar or the individual service.

12 23 EP 1 467 566 B1 24

[0080] The third horizontal bar 63 in the MENU mode represent ratings of program content as follows: "V" for shown in Fig. 6 is the "Messages" or "Customer Service" violence, "N" for nudity, "L" for language, "AS" for adult listing. As shown in Fig. 16, the first envelope icon 160 situations and "PD" for parental discretion. Once the user represents message information available from the cable selects a particular item, such as "L", by moving to the operator. When the user selects the message icon, he 5 active window 302 using the right direction arrow key, is presented with a screen display of currently available depressing the ENTER key will indicate to the microcon- messages, as shown in Fig. 27. The display shown in troller 16 that a key lock access has been selected for Fig. 27 includes cable system messages 270 and billing programs rated with a "L" rating for violent or explicit lan- information 271. If the user selects the cable system mes- guage. The system indicates activation of a key lock ac- sages option 270, she is presented with a message per- 10 cess by displaying a key icon directly below the "L" cat- taining to the local cable operator, such as that shown in egory display. Once a key lock access is set, it can be Fig. 28. If the user selects the billing status option 271 deactivated by selecting the category letter and then de- shown in Fig. 27, she is presented with a display of current pressing the ENTER key. This action causes the key icon billing information, such as that shown in Fig. 29. This to disappear. The user can change the rating category information may include a history of purchases charged 15 in the active window 302 by using the left or right direction to the user, current balance information, pending orders, arrow keys on the remote controller 40, images of which and, an indication of available credit, which can be an are displayed on the screen adjacent the active window authorized debit limit previously arranged with the cable as a reminder to the user. In this manner, the user can or other operator. Thus, a user could specify only a cer- select other rating categories for setting a key lock access tain pre-set spending limit. Once the amount of charges 20 for any of the program content identifiers appearing in from pay-per-view events reaches the limit, the micro- the Parental Guidance category. controller would not permit further ordering of events. An [0085] The key lock access code itself consists of a alternative messages menu is shown in Fig. 28A. four digit code, which the user can enter and modify at [0081] The next icon 161 in the Customer Service in- any time. To do so, the user highlights the fourth vertically formation bar 63 of Fig. 16 identifies a "Viewer Prefer- 25 selectable entry "Change Key Lock Access Code," 304 ence" mode, which allows the user to create or revise a by manipulating the cursor to highlight it using the direc- number of program schedule system operating parame- tion arrow keys on the remote controller. Once highlight- ters. Once selected, this display presents the user with ed, the user enters a new four digit code or revises the several preference options concerning certain operating then existing code and depresses the ENTER key. The parameters of the program schedule system, as well as 30 microcontroller 16 then identifies the new four digit key the viewing of certain channels and/or certain content- lock access code and stores it in memory. The user can specific programming, for example, those shown in Fig. clear the key lock access code, as well as all other pre- 7. viously activated keys, by moving to the last entry in Fig. [0082] The first option shown in Fig. 7 is the "Parental" 30, "Clear Key Lock Access Code and All Keys," 305 option 70, which can also be expressed as a "Key Lock 35 which highlights the "OK" window, and then depressing Access" option. Once this option is initially selected by the ENTER key. This action clears and deactivates all the user, the system displays a "Key Lock Access" sub- previously set keys, as well as the key lock access code. menu such as that shown in Fig. 30. [0086] The schedule information database record for [0083] The Key Lock Access menu shown in Fig. 30 each program contains a field that corresponds to the allows the user to control access to individual channels 40 program content identifiers in the Parental Guidance cat- and programs or events by requiring the user to enter an egory. During operation, the microcontroller checks this access code "key," consisting of a user-specified four field in response to a user command to tune to or order digit code in the specific embodiment discussed herein, a program, or to display its corresponding schedule in- before ordering or viewing these pre-selected channels, formation before carrying out the tuning, ordering or dis- programs or events. The menu display shown in Fig. 30 45 playing function. If the parental guide identifier in the pro- shows a series of subject categories that are entries in gram schedule information database record matches any the vertical y-axis selectable by the user. A particular one of the activated parental guidance identifiers shown subject category is chosen by using the up or down di- in Fig. 30, the user will be prompted to enter the four digit rection arrow keys on the remote controller 40 to highlight key lock access code before the system takes any further the desired entry. Once the user selects a particular sub- 50 action. If the entered code matches the key lock access ject category, the left and right arrow keys are used to code previously entered and stored by the user as de- navigate within the chosen category. scribed above, the system will carry out the user request [0084] The first subject entry shown in Fig. 30 is the to tune to the program, to order it, or to display its corre- "Parental Guidance" category 301. Once the user selects sponding schedule information. If the code is not recog- this category by manipulating the cursor to highlight the 55 nized by the system, no further action will be taken and entry, the cursor can be then moved horizontally to an the user’s request will be denied. active window 302 which displays and selects one the [0087] By manipulating the cursor using the direction five letter rating items in the category. The letter items arrow keys to highlight the second entry, "MPAA ratings,"

13 25 EP 1 467 566 B1 26

308 the user can also set a key lock access for programs [0091] An alternative method for effecting lockout of based on their MPAA rating code, as also shown in Fig. programs is accomplished using a "Lockout" screen, as 30. shown in Fig. 39. In addition to limiting access to pro- [0088] As with the Parental Guidance category, once grams based on the Parental Guidance, MPAA and chan- the MPAA rating category has been selected, the user 5 nel criteria, as discussed above, access may be limited can move horizontally within the category to the active on the basis of program title. Fig. 39 shows an alternative window 306 to select one the five rating codes, i.e., "G" Lockout screen 250 that can be used to permit or limit for general audiences, "PG" for parental guidance, "PG- access to programs based on program title, in addition 13" for suggested parental guidance, no one under 13 to the aforementioned criteria. Other parameters also admitted without an adult, "R" for restricted and "X" for 10 may be included, such as time of day, day of week, credit x-rated. As with the Parental Guidance category, by se- limit, and content category (e.g., talk shows). lecting a particular rating --by using the left or right direc- [0092] To enter the Lockout screen 250 shown in Fig. tion arrow keys until the particular rating code appears 39, the user must enter a multi-digit lockout code using in the active window--and then depressing the ENTER the numeric digit keys 42 and the enter key 44 on the key, the user sets a key lock access for the rating, in 15 remote controller 40. The lockout code is set initially when which case a key icon appears below the rating code. the system is first used or installed. To set a lockout code And, as with the Parental Guidance category, once a key in the first instance, the user accesses a Setup screen lock access is set, the system will prompt the user to 260, such as that shown in Fig. 40. The Setup screen enter the four digit key lock access code anytime a re- 260 will automatically appear the first time the electronic quest is made to tune to, order or display schedule infor- 20 program guide is installed and initialized. For access dur- mation for a particular program having a rating code ing normal operation of the electronic program guide, a which matches a rating code for which key lock access suitable access path to the Setup screen 260 may be has been activated. provided, such as from an appropriate icon in the MAIN [0089] The Key Lock Access mode also includes a MENU 215. subject category 303 for controlling access to channels, 25 [0093] In the Setup screen 260 of Fig. 40, the user can which may be entitled, for example, "Channel Block" or navigate to the Lockout Code category 265 and set a "Channel Lock." As with the Parental Guidance 301 and new lockout code using the appropriate navigation and MPAA 308 categories, the user navigates to the Channel selection keys on the remote controller 40. A suitable Block category 303 by manipulating the cursor using the menu for inputting the lockout code is shown in Fig. 40A. direction arrow keys on the remote controller and de- 30 Once enabled, the lockout code must be used to set or pressing the ENTER key. Once the Channel Block cat- modify locks, to view a previously locked program, or to egory 303 has been entered, the user can move horizon- clear or change the lockout code. The memory location tally to an active window 307, which in Fig. 30 indicates of the stored lockout code also should be remotely ac- channel 2. Once the user highlights this window by ma- cessible, such as by the local cable company, in case nipulating the cursor using the direction arrow keys on 35 the user forgets the lockout code and it must be erased. the remote controller 40, a key lock access can be set [0094] Once the lockout code is entered and the Lock- for the channel appearing in the active window. This is out screen 250 of Fig. 39 is displayed, navigation within done, as with the other subject categories in the Key Lock the screen is controlled by the direction keys 43A and Access mode, by depressing the ENTER key, which 43B on the remote controller 40. Using the up and down again causes a key icon to appear below the channel 40 direction keys 43A to move the selection cursor, either number in the active window. The user can move to the the Movie Rating 251, Parental Guidance 252, Channel prior channel or to the next channel in sequence by de- 253, Locked Program 254 or Lockout Code 255 category pressing either the left or right direction arrow key on the can be selected. The left and right direction keys 43B are remote controller 40. In this manner, the user can activate then used to navigate inside the selected category. a key lock access for any available channel. 45 [0095] Clearing a previously set lockout code is ac- [0090] As with the Parental Guidance 301 and MPAA complished by moving the selection cursor to the "Clear" 308 categories, once a key lock access is set for a par- entry 256 in the Lockout Code category 255 and depress- ticular channel, the system will prompt the user to input ing the enter key 44 on the remote controller 40. This the key lock access code prior to carrying out an instruc- causes the microcontroller to clear the lockout code tion to tune to or order that channel. If the input key lock 50 stored in memory, as well as all locks previously set by access code matches the previously stored access code, the user. To change the current lockout code, the user the user’s instruction is carried out. Otherwise, the user’s navigates to the "Change" entry 257 in the Lockout Code instruction is ignored. Thus the user can control access category 255 and depresses the enter key 44 on the re- to the audio and video program content of any available mote controller 40. The user is then prompted to enter a channel. In this instance, the microcontroller 16 will not 55 new lockout code, which is subsequently stored in mem- allow audio or video program signals to pass to the VDG, ory by the microcontroller. but it will allow schedule information to appear for the [0096] To set a lock in either the Movie Rating 251 or channel. Parental Guidance 252 category, the user navigates to

14 27 EP 1 467 566 B1 28 the selected entry in Fig. 39 by manipulating the selection schedule information for the program that is to be locked cursor using the direction keys 43A and 43B on the re- out, and to thereafter access the database to retrieve the mote controller 40, and then depresses a lockout key on title information when it is to be displayed, such as when the remote controller, such as the padlock key 45A shown the viewer is reviewing the lockout title list in the Locked in Fig. 4. The microcontroller will appropriately modify 5 Program window 259. the display to indicate that a lock has been set, for ex- [0100] Once an individual title has been locked out, ample, by changing the color of the text or the background the microcontroller can be programmed optionally to dis- in the selected entry window, or by displaying an appro- play an appropriate lockout icon, such as a padlock, priate icon next to the text in the selected entry window. whenever program schedule information for the locked In Fig. 39, a padlock icon 258 appears in the window of 10 program is to be displayed, such as in the window overlay the "PG" entry in the Movie Rating category 251. Toggling of the FLIP or BROWSE mode, or in the various grid and the lockout key while the selection cursor is positioned category displays available in the MAIN MENU displays. on a selected entry will alternately enable and disable The system also may display an appropriate text mes- the lockout function for that entry. sage if someone tries to access the program signal of a [0097] Similarly, to set a lock for a particular channel, 15 previously-locked program. Of course, once a program the user selects the channel using the selection cursor is locked, in all instances the microcontroller prevents and then depresses the lockout key. In Fig. 39, the chan- access to the actual program signal (including both the nel "4 KCNC" entry in the Channel category 253 has been audio and video portions of the program signal) until an locked, which is indicated by the inverse video and pad- appropriate code is entered or the lockout is removed. lock icon appearing in the window. 20 [0101] Several methods can be used to block pro- [0098] Program locks also may be set by title, which grams at their time of airing. For example, in the case of can be effected in several ways. For example, when the the Movie Rating, Parental Guidance and Channel cat- above-described FLIP or BROWSE mode of the elec- egories, the schedule information database record for tronic program guide is enabled, thereby causing the title each program is provided with a field that corresponds of a program to be displayed along with other program 25 to the rating, program content identifier or channel ap- schedule information in a window superimposed on the pearing, respectively, in the Movie Rating 251, Parental actual program signal then being received, the user can Guidance 256 and Channel 253 category of the Lockout limit access to the program corresponding to the dis- screen 250 shown in Fig. 39. played program information by depressing the lockout [0102] During operation, the microcontroller checks key 45A on the remote controller 40. The user also may 30 the appropriate field in the database record in response limit access to the currently tuned program by depressing to a user command to tune to or order a program before the lockout key 45A on the remote controller 40 while carrying out the tuning or ordering function. Additionally, viewing the program, regardless whether the FLIP or the lockout code also may be used to restrict access to BROWSE modes are enabled. In this instance, the mi- program schedule information. In this instance, the mi- crocontroller first removes the program signal from the 35 crocontroller also would check the appropriate field in the display and then accesses the schedule information da- schedule information database record before displaying tabase record for the program then appearing and sets schedule information for a program. an appropriate flag to indicate the program has been [0103] If the movie rating, parental guidance or chan- locked. Also, when viewing program schedule informa- nel identifier in the program schedule information data- tion in the grid or category listings, as discussed above 40 base record matches any one of the locked-out entries and shown, for example, in Figs. 18-20, the user also indicated in the Lockout screen 250, a Lockout Verify can tag a program for lockout by highlighting it with the screen 300 is displayed in overlaying relationship with selection cursor and then depressing the lockout key 45A the video signal then being displayed on the television on the remote controller 40. receiver, as shown in Fig. 41. The user will be prompted [0099] In each of these instances, the microcontroller 45 to enter the previously set lockout code before the system then stores the program title in a lockout title list stored takes any further action. As an added security measure, in memory along with any other titles that previously have asterisks will be displayed as the user enters the lockout been locked out by the user. Individual items in the lock- code. If the entered code matches the lockout code pre- out title list are displayed in alphabetical order in the viously entered and stored by the user as described "Locked Program" window 259 shown in Fig. 39, and the 50 above, the system will carry out the user request to tune user may scroll through the list by positioning the selec- to or order the program, or to display its corresponding tion cursor on the Locked Program window 259 using the schedule information. If the code is not recognized by up and down direction keys 43A on the remote controller the system, no further action will be taken and the user’s in Fig. 40 and then using the left and right direction keys request will be denied. In this case, the Lockout Verify 43B to scroll through the list one item at a time. In order 55 screen 300 will remain displayed on the television receiv- to save memory space, alternatively, the microcontroller er waiting for a correct code to be entered. If no action may be programmed to set a flag or otherwise mark the is taken by the user, the Lockout Verify screen 300 will particular database record containing the program be removed after a predetermined time-out period, such

15 29 EP 1 467 566 B1 30 as one or two minutes. menu on the screen such as that shown in Fig. 8. [0104] Similarly, in the case of lockout by title, the mi- [0109] In normal operation, the program guide system crocontroller also could check the title field in the sched- presents channels to the user in numerical order in re- ule information database record and compare it with the sponse to an up or down change-channel command is- list of program titles for which the user previously set a 5 sued by the user using one of the direction arrow keys lock. If, as described above, the microcontroller does not on the remote controller. The channel number presenta- maintain a list of the actual titles of programs locked by tion sequence includes all channels offered by the cable title, a suitable identifier can be set in a field in the data- company in the order of which they are modulated onto base record to indicate that a program has been locked the channel by the operator. by title when the user first sets the lock, and, thereafter, 10 [0110] The program guide system also provides the the microcontroller could check that field in response to capability of selecting from among several user-defined a user request to tune to or order a program, or display channel presentation sequences, which are activated us- schedule information. ing one of the three "check mark" icon keys 48A, 48B or [0105] An alternative method for effecting lockout in- 48C on the remote controller 40 shown in Fig. 4. Each volves the use of a portion of the real-time program signal 15 of these keys represents a preferred particular list of being received by the television receiver. With this meth- channels which a particular user selects and which the od, codes corresponding to a program’s rating, parental microcontroller stores in memory as a "Channel Prefer- guidance category, title or channel are inserted into and ence" list, as discussed in detail below. To activate one transmitted along with the program signal, such as in the of these preferred channel lists, the user depresses the vertical or horizontal blanking intervals, or on raster scan 20 corresponding check-mark icon key, in which case the lines that are not visible on the television receiver. When microcontroller may display the chosen icon on the the program signal is received, these codes are stripped screen in the graphic overlays and full screen displays from the program signal and stored in memory. Methods to remind the user that a particular channel preference and apparatus for the insertion transmission and recep- list is being used by the system. Once a preference list tion of digital codes carried on a program signal are 25 is activated, the system will limit the tuning of the televi- known in the art. sion receiver and the display of schedule information only [0106] After the transmitted codes have been separat- to those channels that are designated in the activated ed from the program signal and stored in memory, the viewer preference list. microcontroller can compare them with the lockout crite- [0111] To revise the content and/or sequential order ria set by the user in the Lockout screen and take appro- 30 of the channels in the Channel Preference list, the user priate action, as described above. enters the MENU mode of the programming guide sys- [0107] The Setup screen 260 shown in Fig. 40 also tem. To enter the MENU mode from the FLIP mode, the contains a Purchase Code category 270, which allows user twice depresses the MODE key 38 when using the the user to set a numeric purchase code that must be remote controller 31 of Fig. 3. To enter the MENU mode entered before any premium channels or pay-per-view 35 when using the alternative embodiment of the remote programs can be ordered. The Setup screen 260 shown controller 40 of Fig. 4, the user simply depresses the in Fig. 40 includes entries for setting a new purchase MENU icon key 47B. code and for clearing or changing a previously set pass- [0112] When first entered, the MENU mode has a word. Appropriate menus for setting, confirming, clearing screen display such as shown in Fig. 6. To select the or changing the purchase code are shown in Figs. 40B 40 submenu for editing the Channel Preference list, the user through 40E. Once a user sets a purchase code, the mi- first selects the third horizontal bar 63, which can be titled, crocontroller thereafter will display a Purchase Code Ver- for example, "Messages" or "Customer Service," by ma- ify screen in response to a user request to tune to or order nipulating the cursor using the down direction arrow key, a premium services channel or pay-per-view program. as shown in Fig. 7. The screen of Fig. 6A is thereby dis- The Purchase Code Verify screen works in a manner 45 played. The user then selects the second icon 161 ap- similar to the Lockout Verify screen 300 in that the user pearing in that bar, indicated with a check mark, which is prompted to enter the previously set purchase code corresponds to a "Viewer Preference" mode, by high- password before the microcontroller will tune to or order lighting the icon using the direction arrow keys and again the requested program. If the correct purchase code is depressing the ENTER key. This action will cause the not entered, the microcontroller will take no further action 50 microcontroller 16 to display a Viewer Preference sub- and the Purchase Code Verify screen will remain dis- menu such as that shown in Fig. 7. By selecting the Chan- played waiting for input of the correct code. If no action nel Preference or "Favorite Channel" entry 71, the user is taken within a predetermined time-out period, the Pur- enters the Channel Preference submenu, shown in Fig. chase Code Verify screen will be removed. 8. If the user has not already done so, he would then [0108] The next option shown in Fig. 7 is the Channel 55 depress the particular check-mark icon key on the remote Preference or "Favorite Channel" list option 71. By high- controller 40 of Fig.4 to create or revise the particular lighting this icon and depressing the ENTER key on the channel preference list. remote controller 40, the user is presented with a sub- [0113] In the Channel Preference menu shown in Fig.

16 31 EP 1 467 566 B1 32

8, a list 80 of all channels available on the particular cable of the three check-mark icon keys 48A, 48B or 48C on system is displayed on the left side of the television re- the top of the remote controller shown in Fig. 4. The view- ceiver screen, labeled "Choices" in Fig. 8, and the view- er preference list can be used to selectively limit tuning er’s preferred list 81, designated "Selected" in Fig. 8, is of the television receiver or display of schedule informa- displayed on the right side. If a particular code, such as 5 tion in any of the operating modes of the electronic pro- an END or "-1" symbol appears in the first (uppermost) gram guide. In the present embodiment, once a prefer- position 82 of the viewer preference list 81, the system ence list is activated, the system will limit the tuning of displays information for all channels in numerical order the television receiver and the display of schedule infor- in all modes of operation. This is the default mode of the mation in the FLIP, and BROWSE modes, as well as in system. 10 the grid category and channel listings in the MENU mode, [0114] By selecting channels in sequence from the only to those channels designated in the activated viewer available list 80 and placing them in the desired order in preference list. The tuner can not be tuned to, and no the preference list 81, the user can select a subset of corresponding schedule information can be displayed channels and/or rearrange the default sequence in re- for, any channel not entered in the viewer preference list sponse to a channel up or channel down command from 15 when it is activated. In this regard, it should be noted that the user. This is accomplished by highlighting a channel setting a key lock access in the Parental Guidance 301, in the available list 80 using the up and down direction MPAA 308 or Channel Block 303 categories produces a arrow keys on the remote controller 40 and depressing different result than when using other display criteria, the ENTER key 44, which stores the entry temporarily in such as the Channel Preference List of preferred chan- a buffer. 20 nels discussed above. Thus, while a key lock access will [0115] The microcontroller 16 stores a list of all chan- prevent audio and video program information, but not nels previously entered in the viewer preference list 81. schedule information, from being displayed or ordered As a particular channel is highlighted by the user when absent entry of an authorization code, if a particular chan- navigating through the available channel list 80 displayed nel is included in the Channel Preference list and also on the left side of the television screen, a window 84 25 has a key lock access activated in the Channel Block appears adjacent to the particular channel highlighted by category 303 of the Key Lock Access mode, that channel the user. If the particular channel already appears in the or its corresponding schedule information will not be dis- viewer preference list 81, the system displays a "DE- played at any time. LETE" message in the window 84 as a reminder that the [0118] To deactivate a previously selected viewer pref- channel was previously selected from the available chan- 30 erence list, the user toggles the appropriate check-mark nel list 80 and can only be deleted from the list 81, which icon key on the remote controller 40 of Fig. 4. Once de- is accomplished by depressing the ENTER key 44. If the activated, the system defaults to displaying and tuning particular highlighted channel in the list 80 was not pre- all available channels, as well as displaying schedule in- viously selected, the system displays a "SELECT" mes- formation for all available channels. sage in the window 84 as a reminder that the particular 35 [0119] Alternatively, the viewer preference list 81, if channel will be selected for addition to the viewer pref- activated, can be used to control tuning and display of erence list 81 if the user depresses the ENTER key 44. schedule information only in selected modes, such as The microcontroller 16 inserts a selected channel at the only in the FLIP mode, thus allowing the user to tune and bottom of the list 81. In this manner, the user can select view corresponding schedule information only for those or delete channels from the viewer preference list in any 40 channels entered in the preference list 81 in the FLIP desired order. mode, while viewing all channels and corresponding [0116] The available channel list 80 may also be pro- schedule information in all other modes. vided with categorical entries 83, such as movies, news, [0120] In this latter configuration, as well as in the in- sports or children’s shows. The user may also highlight stance where no channel preference list is activated and any of these entries and put them into the viewer prefer- 45 the system is in default mode, if a channel appears in the ence list 81. If the user does include a category in his viewer preference list 81 that corresponds to a service viewer preference list 81, when the user issues channel not subscribed to by the user, the microcontroller 16 up or down commands, the system will display, in se- causes an ordering submenu to appear instead of dis- quence, first the user’s selected preferred channels in playing a program signal along with the graphic overlay, numerical order and then all channels having a program 50 as shown in Fig. 9. This submenu indicates to the user whose content corresponds to the selected category or that he does not currently subscribe to the selected serv- categories at the time. ice, and then asks the user if he would like to order the [0117] Once the user has revised the channel prefer- service. If the user responds affirmatively, the program ence list 81 in the described manner, the microcontroller schedule system takes the user to another ordering sub- 16 will follow the stored user-specified channel sequence 55 menu to confirm the user’s request, as with impulse or- in response to a change-channel command made by the dering. user employing one of the direction arrow keys. To acti- [0121] The program guide also may be configured with vate the viewer preference list, the user depresses one a Locator screen 201, as shown in Fig. 37, which aids

17 33 EP 1 467 566 B1 34 the viewer in channel selection and definition of a favorite the color of the selected favorite channel key. channel list. The Locator screen 201 displays all available [0125] The Locator screen 201 may be accessed via channel numbers grouped according to the source of the several paths. For example, it may be included as a virtual program information appearing on any particular channel channel that is conveniently positioned in the channel- at any particular time, e.g., broadcast, cablecast, pay- 5 tuning sequence, such as between the highest and low- per-view, near video on demand, satellite, or other source est available channel numbers -- for example, a virtual of program material. Thus, the Locator screen 101 can channel 0. To the user, such a virtual channel appears be used to locate any particular channel or service be- to be a conventional channel. However, it requires no cause the groupings provide a quick and efficient method additional bandwidth as a carrier. For example, it can be for scrolling through the list of available channels. The 10 digitally produced at the subscriber station or included in channel numbers also may be grouped according to oth- an appropriate blanking interval in existing bandwidth fre- er criteria, such as program category, program content, quencies. In this manner, the virtual channel is accessible program rating or other content-based standard, time of either by entering the corresponding channel number us- availability, numerical order, or other logical grouping. ing the numeric digit keys 42 on the remote controller, or [0122] In the example shown in Fig. 37, the user nav- 15 by using the up and down direction keys 43A to wrap igates within the Locator screen 201 using the direction around from the highest to the lowest channel number, keys 43A and 43B on the remote controller 40. The right or vice versa. As shown in Fig. 38, it also may be desirable and left direction keys 43B move the selection cursor to provide a suitable identifier, such as an icon or text within the category rows, while the up and down direction message 210, in the MAIN MENU display 215, from keys 43A are used to select a particular category. From 20 which the user could access the Locator screen 201 sim- the Locator screen 201, any particular channel can be ply by highlighting the identifier 210 with the selection selected for viewing by positioning the selection cursor cursor and depressing the enter key 44 on the remote on the desired channel and depressing either the enter controller 40. Alternatively, the remote controller may be key 44 or an optional tune key (not shown) on the remote provided with a key corresponding to the Locator screen controller 40. 25 201 which would cause the microcontroller to display the [0123] In addition to aiding in channel selection, the Locator screen 201 when the user depressed it. Locator screen 201 also provides the user with the ability [0126] In addition to Channel Preference or Favorite to conveniently define favorite channel lists. To do so, Channel keys, the remote controller 40 can also be sup- the user first moves the selection cursor to the desired plied with a number of user-activated category prefer- channel by using the direction keys 43A and 43B or nu- 30 ence icon keys, e.g., movies, sports, or children’s pro- meric digit keys 42 on the remote controller 40, and then gramming. The system can be adapted to present to the depresses a favorite channel key 46A provided on the user only those programs meeting particular preference remote controller 40, which causes the display to change category when it is activated by the user. As with the in some manner or characteristic as an indication that Channel Preference icons, the microcontroller may dis- the channel has been selected as a favorite channel, 35 play the icon corresponding to the activated preference such as by changing the color of the channel identification category to remind the user of the currently activated text or the text background, by displaying an appropriate mode of system operation. icon or by some other appropriate identification scheme. [0127] The question mark icon 162 at the far right of In the remote controller 40 shown in Fig. 4, the pound the third horizontal bar in the menu of Fig. 16 identifies key "#" can function as the favorite channel key. 40 a program guide system "Help" mode in which informa- [0124] Also, if multiple favorite channel lists are being tion explaining the operation of the system is displayed used, the user would depress the appropriate favorite for the user. Again, by manipulating the cursor using the channel key on the remote controller to select a particular appropriate keys on the remote controller, the user can list before depressing the favorite channel key. For ex- select this mode. Once selected, the next submenu ap- ample, as discussed above, the remote controller 40 45 pearing in the Help mode asks the user to identify the shown in Fig. 4, has three color-coded check-mark fa- particular portion of the system about which the user vorite channel keys 48A, 48B and 48C, which provide for would like to view Help information. at least three individual favorite channel lists for three [0128] The icons appearing in the last horizontal bar individual users. Different identification characteristics of the MENU mode identify certain interactive and/or oth- could be displayed on the Locator screen 201 to indicate 50 er types of information services which the programming that a particular favorite channel list is selected. For ex- system, acting as a gateway, makes available to the user ample, the icon or image used to enable a favorite chan- as shown in Fig. 17. By manipulating the cursor, the user nel list on the remote controller, such as the check mark can select any one of the identified services, as shown key 48A used on the remote controller 40 shown in Fig. in Figs. 31-35. 4, could be displayed on the Locator screen 201, as well 55 [0129] For example, if the user initially selects the as other screens of the program guide, when a favorite "X*PRESS" icon appearing in the last horizontal bar, he channel list is enabled. Alternatively, the color of the dis- is presented with a submenu such as that shown in Fig. played text or background could be changed to match 31. Using the direction arrow and enter keys on the re-

18 35 EP 1 467 566 B1 36 mote controller, the user selects one of the three entries programmed to enable all added-value programming or appearing in the display of Fig. 31. Once a particular entry services that are specially related to the selected content- is selected, the electronic program guide connects the specific category. For example, if the user activates a user to the selected service and passes control to the Sports content-specific mode, the microcontroller, in ad- particular service application software, as shown in Figs. 5 dition to allowing only sports programming or schedule 32-35. information related to sports programming to be dis- [0130] Alternatively, the remote controller 40 can be played, will proactively seek out and enable all sports supplied with a plurality of content-specific keys corre- related added-value services, such as related trivia or sponding to a plurality of content-specific categories of video games, up-to-date scores while a game is in programming, e.g., a Sports key, News key, Movie key, 10 progress, team schedules, replays of prior games of the etc. When the user depresses a content-specific key, a selected teams or players, ticket or souvenir purchasing, content-specific mode is initiated. In Fig. 4, the remote etc. Thus, the information available from the program- controller is equipped with a Sports key 49. If the user ming or service can be integrated into the environment depresses the Sports key 49, the microcontroller will limit of the electronic program guide. Rather than simply pass- the display of programs and/or program schedule infor- 15 ing control to another service as described above, in this mation to those that are sports-related. The microcon- manner the electronic program guide would function as troller will block all other programming or schedule infor- a system integrator or interface to combine the available mation from appearing on the television receiver. The added-value information into a package within the elec- microcontroller can be adapted to distinguish programs tronic guide environment, thus essentially creating a se- and schedule information that are sports-related by ex- 20 ries of modular electronic program applications corre- amining an appropriate code associated with the pro- sponding to a variety of available content-specific cate- gram or schedule information. gories. [0131] As discussed above, coding can be accom- [0134] The Setup screen shown in Fig. 40 also in- plished using any number of methods, such as by includ- cludes a Text Location category 275, which contains the ing an appropriate code in the vertical blanking interval 25 textual entries "Bottom of Screen" and "Top of Screen." of the program signal, or in an appropriate memory loca- By navigating to the Text Location category 275 using tion in the database record of the program schedule in- the up and down direction keys 43A on the remote con- formation, or if the schedule information is being received troller 40, and to either the "Top" or "Bottom" entries in on a broadband network, by including it in an appropriate that category using the left and right direction keys 43B blanking interval. The user activates a content-specific 30 on the remote controller, and then depressing the enter mode by depressing the appropriate content-specific key or select key 44, the user can control the position of the in any mode of operation of the electronic programming overlay windows used to display information in various guide, including the aforedescribed FLIP, BROWSE or operating modes of the electronic program guide. The MAIN MENU modes, as well as when no schedule infor- Setup screen of Fig. 40 provides the user with two posi- mation is being displayed and only a program signal is 35 tional choices: the top or bottom of the screen. Depending visible on the television receiver. Once a content-specific on the modes of operation of the program guide, it may mode is requested by the user, the microcontroller im- be desirable to provide the user with more positional mediately and directly enables the content-specific pro- choices in viewing area of the television receiver, or to gramming criteria, and maintains it for all operating provide the user with the ability to choose a different po- modes of the guide until disabled, which can be accom- 40 sition for information displayed different operating plished, for example, by toggling the Sports key 49. modes. [0132] Instead of a dedicated content-specific key, [0135] One of the novel features of the disclosed in- such as Sports key 49, the system may be configured vention is the textfit system. The preferred embodiment with a single, generic content-specific key, which, when of the text fit system includes an interactive computer activated, would cause the microcontroller to display a 45 program used to edit the program listings data before it content-specific menu containing a list of all content-spe- is transmitted to the user and stored in memory. The in- cific categories available to the user. The user then could teractive system operates as follows: unedited (or par- highlight a particular category by manipulating the selec- tially edited) program listings information is loaded into tion cursor using the direction arrow keys on the remote data a processor. The data includes program titles, pro- controller and select it by depressing the ENTER or OK 50 gram schedule times, duration, category, as well as ad- key 44. As an alternative to using a content-specific key ditional descriptive information dependent on the type of on the remote controller, access to the content-specific program. For example, for movies the data includes the menu can be effected by providing an appropriate iden- MPAA rating, year of the movie, whether it is in black and tifier in another menu screen of the electronic guide, such white, and a list of starring actors and actresses. as in the LOCATOR, SETUP or MAIN MENU screens. 55 [0136] The data processor extracts only the program [0133] In addition to blocking all non-selected content- title data which includes television program titles as well specific programming when a particular content-specific as movie titles, sporting events and titles for other special category has been selected, the microcontroller can be events. Based on the duration of the program, the data

19 37 EP 1 467 566 B1 38 processor first analyzes the listings data to determine ducing the available space. Thus, in the preferred em- what grid size listings are needed for each title. Thus, a bodiment the interactive program would request edits for two hour movie could require four different edited titles all platforms for which they required at the same time. In to fit into each of the four different size grid cells (30, 60, addition, editing of text may be required for display modes 90, 120 minutes). The data processor then determines 5 other than a grid of program listings. For example, in the how much space is required to display the title based on "Listings by Channel" display of fig. 20, programs are its character length. If the title is to be displayed in the listed on an entire, fixed-length line, but the length of the program schedule grid using a proportional font and char- line may vary from platform to platform, so that the text acter to character kerning, the data processor may also fit system may be employed for the purpose of editing account for these factors in determining the space re- 10 listings for the different platforms in this display mode as quired to display a title. The determination would than be well. The space available for the display of text will also based on the number of pixels required for the particular depend on how much space is reserved for icon display. combination of characters in the title. The amount of The same process as that shown in fig. 42 would apply, space available for display of a title depends on the size except that there would be no need to determine what of the grid cell and the space required for display of icons, 15 grid sizes are needed because a fixed length line is used when activated. for display rather than multiple sized grid cells. [0137] If the data processor determines that a full title [0142] It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that requires too much space to fit into one or more grid cells, the disclosed text fit system has applications beyond that the title is then presented to the editor using a suitable of title editing alone. The system may be easily modified display device connected to the data processor, such as 20 to provide editing of messages, "i" screen storylines, pay- a CRT. The editor is then queried to alter the title so that per-view promotional copy, and similar text messages it will fit in the allotted space. If the title must be edited so that they will fit into the designated space available for more than one cell size, the editor is queried to edit for display of the text. In fact, the system may be used each of these separately. In the preferred embodiment to edit any text for display in the disclosed program sched- of the interactive program, the editor is shown in real time 25 ule system. whether the edited title will fit in the designated grid cell. [0143] The computer program for the microcontroller [0138] In the preferred embodiment, two lines of text 16 may also include a schedule for the display of varying are displayed in each grid cell of the program listings. background views upon which the program schedule in- The title, as edited, appears on the first line, and if nec- formation is overlaid either partially or in a full screen essary, continues onto the second line. The decision to 30 display. The background views may be stored as bit maps wrap-around to the second line is based on whether nat- in memory or in another storage medium, such as an ural breaks exist in the title such as spaces between optical storage device. For example, the microcontroller words, commas, periods, hyphens, etc. These are stand- 16 may be programmed to issue a command to the VDG ard techniques used in word processing software rou- every morning at 6:00 AM to display a sunrise in the back- tines. The editor may also be queried to edit a title in the 35 ground. The background may then be changed accord- situation where the full title will fit on the allotted two lines, ingly throughout the day to, for example, a blue sky or a but a hyphen is required because there are no natural nighttime view. It also may vary, e.g., by time of day, day breaks in the title. of week, month, year or season. The mood background [0139] Prior to querying the editor to shorten a title, the also could change depending on the particular category data processor compares the title with a stored library of 40 of programming that the user is watching or to which se- shortened titles to determine if the title had previously lected schedule information pertains. The mood back- been shortened while editing another listings database. ground also may be adapted to display scenes that reflect Each time changes are made by the editor to a title, the the particular viewing area in which the user is situated, shortened title is added to the library. It is apparent that like the Rocky Mountains, or Mt. Rainier, etc. It also may this process of building a library of shortened titles greatly 45 be possible to display standard scenes, such as an ocean reduces the manual input required. or forest scene. Moreover, the audio background also [0140] A flow chart illustrating the process by which could be adjusted to relate to the particular mood back- the text fit system operates is shown in Fig. 42. The chart ground then being displayed. In addition, different back- illustrates the operation of editing a listing for display in ground views may be used for holidays and special a program grid for a single platform, but operation is the 50 events, such as Christmas, Fourth of July, Superbowl same for all platforms. Sunday, etc. The purpose of the background views is to [0141] Text editing may be necessary in other situa- help ease the monotony of viewing program listings. The tions besides that where multiple size grid cells are used microcontroller 16 could be adapted automatically to co- for display of the same title. For example, the disclosed ordinate the display of the mood background. The user program guide may run on several different platforms, 55 also could be given the ability to choose from among with each one having different constraints and grid cell various mood background displays by adapting the mi- space availability. Some may not display the text in pro- crocontroller to display an appropriate mood option menu portional fonts and some may have other limitations re- that lists the mood background options available to the

20 39 EP 1 467 566 B1 40 user and allows the user to select one or more by ma- ment methods, the user is presented with the screen in nipulating the selection cursor. Access to such a mood Fig. 43d to review and confirm the order. A purchase option menu could be achieved by supplying an appro- code may be used to prevent unauthorized persons from priate identifier, textual or visual, in an appropriate menu ordering products or services as shown in Fig. 43e. The of the system, such as the LOCATOR or SETUP screen. 5 purchase code may be selected in advance in the same [0144] Additionally, the electronic program guide could manner as program lock-out code discussed above. be configured to store a unique digital identifier for each [0147] The screen in Fig. 43d may be used where the program along with its schedule information and later use user has previously entered his address and phone the identifier - - e.g., by transmitting it -- to indicate to a number. The user may have previously entered this in- recording or storage device, such as a video recorder, 10 formation in advance using a set-up screen to input all that the user wishes to record the program. The program the necessary information upon first use of the product guide could also use the identifier to automatically control ordering service. The setup information may also include operation of the video recorder. The electronic program one or more credit card numbers so that when a product guide could also be configured to use other stored sched- is ordered, the user need only select a credit card from ule information for this purpose. 15 a list previously entered. Alternatively, the user’s address [0145] Operation of the interactive home shopping fea- and phone number may be extracted from the program ture of the present invention may be explained with ref- services billing system. erence to Fig. 43. Fig. 43a illustrates a "by time" screen [0148] The star icon may also be used to indicate that of the EPG listing the different programs scheduled to air more than one product or service associated with the at a particular time on the different channels. As shown 20 television program is available. Fig. 44 illustrates one em- in Fig. 43a, certain listings are provided with an asterisk bodiment of a screen that may be presented to the user or "star" icon 401 indicating that a product or service as- upon depressing the star button while the cursor is high- sociated with each of the listings is available and may be lighting the program "48 Hours." As shown in Fig. 44, ordered remotely by the user. The remote control unit 40 both a transcript and tape (VHS or Beta format) are avail- discussed above may be further configured with a star 25 able. Using the arrow buttons 43B on the remote control button used to order products and services. Alternatively, unit 40, the user highlights the desired product and de- the existing star key on the keypad 42 may be used. The presses the "OK" button to order the product. particular icon used to designate that the indicated listing [0149] Products and services may be ordered from any has an associated product or service available for pur- of the different modes of the EPG by including the star chase is not part of the invention -- any convenient symbol 30 icon in the program schedule display in each of the dif- may be used. ferent modes of the system. Fig. 45 illustrates use of the [0146] The screen shown in Fig. 43a indicates that two star icon in connection with the flip mode of the system listings, "Full Metal Jacket," and "Beverly Hills Cop III," discussed above. include associated products or services. Upon depress- [0150] There are many potential applications for this ing the star button on the remote control while the cursor 35 type of product ordering service. In addition to ordering is highlighting the program listing for "Full Metal Jacket," a videocassette or transcript of a program, various ancil- the format selection screen shown in Fig. 43b is dis- lary products may similarly be ordered, such as tee shirts played. This screen informs the user of the particular and other apparel, books, movie soundtracks, toys, etc. product or service available and the various options The disclosed product ordering system is especially use- and/or formats available, as well as the price of the dif- 40 ful in conjunction with programs that are copy-protected, ferent options and formats. As shown in Fig. 43b, the left such as PPV movies. These programs cannot be record- and right arrow buttons 43B on the remote control unit ed using a VCR so that the disclosed product ordering 40 are used to scroll throughout the different formats. As service presents a powerful marketing tool and permits the user scrolls, the price displayed automatically chang- users to order their own, professionally produced, li- es to reflect the price for the currently selected format. 45 censed copy of, e.g., a PPV movie simply by depressing Upon selection of the particular product format (by de- a button on their remote control device. One example of pressing the "OK" or enter key 44 on the remote control a service that can be provided is the ordering of tickets unit 40), i.e., a VHS format cassette, the user is presented for television programs with live audiences. Program list- with the screen shown in Fig. 43c to select the payment ings for such programs as game shows and talk shows method and method of shipment. The user may scroll 50 could utilize the star icon to order audience or participant through the different payment methods which may in- tickets for the show. The star icon may also be used with clude various credit cards as well as the option to add the program listings for local sporting events to order tick- the purchase price to the user’s bill for program services. ets for the listed event as well as future events. At the bottom of the screen, the user enters his credit [0151] The use of the disclosed product and service card number and expiration date. The user may also 55 ordering capability need not be limited to television pro- scroll through various methods of shipment, and the total grams. For example, if the cable system operator or other price changes accordingly based on the different ship- program provider provides music as well as television ment methods. Upon selection of the payment and ship- channels, products and services associated with music

21 41 EP 1 467 566 B1 42 programs may also be ordered through the guide. Fig. orders are stored for transmission to the cable headend. 46 illustrates one embodiment of a screen that may be If orders are present, they are provided to the cable head- used for ordering a product or service associated with a end for processing. music program. Products that may be ordered include a [0156] A two-way cable plant is most advantageous if CD or cassette tape of the song or album. The ordering 5 real-time ordering capability is desired. Using the return service may also be used to order tickets to an upcoming channel, orders may be placed and immediately trans- concert of the artist that performs the selected music pro- mitted upstream to the cable headend where they can gram. be processed or forwarded to a separate processing [0152] The use of the EPG thus presents a new vehicle center. In this manner, orders may readily be processed for marketing program-related products and services ca- 10 the same day and shipped to the user via overnight cou- pable of reaching a very large audience, including those rier. who would not normally tune to existing home shopping [0157] Another possible technique is to control the call- channels. in of orders from subscribers from the central location. [0153] Product and service ordering may be readily For example, the cable headend could poll the subscrib- implemented in the EPG of the present invention. The 15 ers and program the set-top boxes to call the central lo- different display screens that comprise the EPG are con- cation at a particular time so as to stagger the call-in trolled by the microcontroller 16, which accesses the pro- times and avoid overloading the processing center. Fi- gram listings data for each of the programs. If the data nally, it is also possible for the cable headend to connect indicates that a product or service associated with a par- to each user’s set top box via telephone lines and call- ticular program is available, the microcontroller 16 will 20 out to each viewer sequentially to determine if any orders display the star icon whenever the particular program are pending. listing is displayed in the different modes of the EPG. The [0158] It is also possible to maintain the product order- microcontroller 16 also controls the display of user-se- ing feature entirely separate from the cable system or lected options in the EPG so that when a particular listing other program provider operations. The entity providing is highlighted by the user, the microcontroller 16 displays 25 the EPG may maintain its own processing equipment at appropriate ordering information when the user depress- the cable system headend or other program provider lo- es the star key on the remote control unit 40 so that cor- cation so as to receive order requests directly from users rect product or service information is displayed. without the need for any pre-processing by the cable [0154] The ordering of services is discussed above in headend. User requests identified as product orders may connection with Fig. 9 regarding the ordering of premium 30 then be diverted directly to the EPG provider’s processing services and pay-per-view events. Products may be or- equipment. This type of system architecture allows for dered in a similar manner using either a telephone line, more centralized management of a nationwide product coaxial cable, optical fiber, or wireless transmission as ordering system. the return path for placing user orders. There are many [0159] The information on each of the products and techniques known in the art that may be used for provid- 35 services available may be provided to the users in any ing information on products and services ordered by a of a number of ways. In one embodiment, the database subscriber to a cable television service at a remote loca- of program schedule information stored at each user lo- tion for processing at a central location. For example, the cation may include all the information for each product same techniques used for billing subscribers for pay-per- and service -- a description of the product(s) or service view events may be applied to product ordering as well. 40 (s), price, and any other information required. The dis- In one embodiment, the microcontroller 16 stores sub- advantage of this method, however, is that if a large scriber orders in memory for subsequent transmission number of programs include products and services avail- using the subscriber’s telephone lines. The microcontrol- able for ordering, the demands on the system memory ler 16 is programmed to dial the central ordering location are great. Another method is to standardize the products to place subscriber orders. Typically, a toll free "800" 45 and services available so as to include in the database number is utilized for this purpose and calls are placed only a minimal amount of information necessary to iden- at times when the subscriber is not likely to be using the tify the type of product or service. For example, if only telephone. The microcontroller 16 may be programmed videocassettes and transcripts are available, the data- so that orders are accumulated throughout the day and base need only include a flag for each listing indicating a call is placed once per day to transmit all the accumu- 50 whether a videocassette, transcript, or both are available. lated orders. Further simplification is possible if all transcripts and all [0155] Another possible technique for placing orders videocassettes are priced the same. The screens illus- is to use the cable itself. This technique may be used in trated in Figs. 43-46 may then be standardized screens both one-way and two-way cable plants. In a one-way for all products so as to conserve memory space. cable plant system, orders may be stored at the user 55 [0160] It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in location in a set-top box provided by a local cable system. the art that many variations are possible. To provide more The set-top box may then be polled by the cable headend flexibility, different categories of products and services using techniques known in the art to determine if any may be established for different types of programs, such

22 43 EP 1 467 566 B1 44 as movies, news programs, sports, pay-per-view, etc. gram for which a product or service is available as indi- The microcontroller 16 may then be configured to select cated by the data in the VBI. If there is a product or service the product or service information displayed to the user available, microcontroller 16 causes the product availa- based on the type of program. In this manner, when the bility icon to be overlaid on the television signal. In a pre- user depresses the product ordering icon on the remote 5 ferred embodiment, the currently-tuned television signal control, the microcontroller 16 determines the type of pro- comprises a commercial advertisement and the product gram displayed in the program guide and selects the ap- or service available is associated with the commercial. propriate ordering screens for display. Similarly, with re- Either a one-step or multi-step ordering process may be gard to price, different categories of prices may be set. utilized. For example, in the simplest embodiment, only The microcontroller 16 may then read the price category 10 a single product, i.e., a product brochure, may be avail- for the product from the database and display the appro- able. In this case, the microcontroller 16 may be config- priate price for the product in the screens 43-46. ured to cause the video overlay device 25 to display a [0161] An alternate embodiment of the disclosed prod- standard on-screen message such as "Press * to receive uct ordering system may be implemented as follows. a brochure describing this product." This embodiment Rather than indicating the availability of a product or serv- 15 assumes that the user has previously provided his name ice only in association with the program listings stored at and address or that the information is extracted from the the user location, product availability may be indicated program services billing system as discussed above. Al- when the user is not in one of the program schedule dis- ternatively, a multi-step process similar to that described play modes by overlaying the star icon on a program above may be implemented. Upon depressing the order- display signal if there is a product or service associated 20 ing icon key, the microcontroller 16 may extract additional with that program. In this manner, products and services information from the VBI describing the product or service associated with programs not included in the program and cause the video overlay device 25 to display it on schedule information database stored in DRAM 18 may the receiver. The microcontroller may then present a se- also be made available to users. This embodiment is es- ries of screens to the user similar to those shown in Fig. pecially useful in connection with commercial advertise- 25 43 to obtain the information required from the user. In ments and permits the user to place an order for the prod- this case, however, the information for composing the uct or service being advertised using the remote control screens is obtained from the program signal rather than device 40. Alternatively, the user may simply request to the stored program schedule information. It is also pos- be placed on a mailing list to receive additional informa- sible to store the screen formats as bit maps in memory tion about the product or service being advertised as well 30 and use the information from the VBI to complete the as other related products and services. information in the screens. [0162] This alternate embodiment (which may be used [0164] If the user chooses to order the product or serv- in conjunction with the above-described embodiment) ice, the microcontroller receives the request and may may be implemented as follows. The received program process it as follows. In the simplest embodiment, the signal for the commercial or other program may include 35 microcontroller may simply time and channel stamp the the information about the product or service associated request. By providing the time of the request and the with the program. The information may be included in the channel tuned by the user at the time of the request, the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of a standard analog tel- system operator may determine the commercial or other evision signal, a technique well known to those of ordi- program the viewer was watching at the time the product nary skill in the art. Similarly, the information may be in- 40 or service was ordered and thus provide the correct prod- cluded in an in-band digital channel for programs deliv- uct or service to the user. Alternatively, in a more sophis- ered in digital form. One advantage of including the in- ticated system, the microcontroller 16 may extract from formation in the VBI or an in-band digital channel is that the VBI or in-band digital channel product identification it eliminates the need to consume memory space at the information and include the information with the user’s user location to store product and service information. 45 request to identify the product or service ordered. The [0163] The modified system illustrated in the block di- user’s request may then be provided to the cable head- agram of Fig.47 is one embodiment of a system that in- end and processed in any of the manners described corporates a product ordering system using the VBI into above in connection with products and services associ- the program schedule system of the present invention. ated with a program listing. In this modified system, a second receiver 30 is used to 50 [0165] The form and content of a particular computer receive the television channel signal tuned by tuner 28 program to implement the invention disclosed herein will under control of microcontroller 16. The signal is then be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of video provided to a VBI decoder 30A which decodes the data system programming and graphic display. A flow chart contained in the VBI of the received television signal. showing the operation logic of the system is shown in This data is then provided to buffer 15 and microcontroller 55 Figs. 36a-d. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in 16 in the manner described above for the program sched- the art that there can be departure from the specific em- ule information. The microcontroller 16 then determines bodiment of the invention described herein without de- whether the currently-tuned channel is displaying a pro- parting from the true scope of the claims appended here-

23 45 EP 1 467 566 B1 46 to. ule information that is displayed on a screen generated by an interactive television program guide application, wherein a television program- Claims ming service is associated with the channel or 5 schedule information; 1. An electronic television program guide system with displaying a menu in response to a user selec- which a user may purchase television programming tion of the channel or schedule information if the services, comprising user television equipment on user does not subscribe to the television pro- which an interactive television program guide appli- gramming service, wherein the menu prompts cation is implemented, wherein the user television 10 the user to indicate whether the user would like equipment comprises: to order the television programming service; checking the stored information to determine means for receiving and storing information whether the television programming service is identifying a package of television programming part of the package of television programming services, wherein the package includes a plu- 15 services; and rality of different television programming servic- if the television programming service is part of es; the package, presenting the user with an option means for receiving a user selection of a channel to purchase the package of which the television or schedule information that is displayed on a programming service is a part. screen generated by the interactive television 20 program guide application, wherein a television 5. The method defined in claim 4, wherein the providing programming service is associated with the se- of the user with an option to select a channel or lected channel or schedule information; schedule information comprises providing the user means for displaying a menu in response to the with an option to select a subscription channel. user selection of the channel or schedule infor- 25 mation if the user does not subscribe to the tel- 6. The method defined in claim 5, wherein the menu evision programming service, wherein the menu indicates that the user is not subscribed to the un- prompts the user to indicate whether the user subscribed television programming service. would like to order the television programming service; 30 7. A computer-readable storage medium storing in- means for checking the stored information to de- structions that, when executed on equipment includ- termine whether the television programming ed in an electronic television program guide system service is part of the package of television pro- that is configured to read and execute the instruc- gramming services; tions, cause the electronic television program guide 35 system to perform a method as claimed in any of and means for, if the television programming service claims 4 to 6. is part of the package, presenting the user with an option to purchase the package of which the televi- sion programming service is a part. Patentansprüche 40 2. The electronic television program guide system de- 1. Elektronisches Fernsehprogrammführer-System, fined in claim 1, wherein the television programming mit welchem ein Benutzer Fernsehprogramm-Dien- service is a subscription channel. ste erwerben kann, wobei das System eine Benut- zer-Fernsehausrüstung aufweist, auf der eine inter- 3. The electronic program guide system defined in 45 aktive Fernsehprogrammführer-Anwendung imple- claim 1, wherein the menu indicates that the user is mentiert ist, wobei die Benutzer-Fernsehausrüstung not subscribed to the unsubscribed television pro- folgendes aufweist: gramming service. Hilfsmittel zum Empfangen und Speichern von 4. A method for providing television programming serv- 50 Informationen, die ein Paket an Fernsehpro- ices for purchase with an electronic television pro- gramm-Diensten identifizieren, wobei das Paket gram guide system, comprising: eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Fernsehpro- gramm-Dienste enthält; receiving and storing information identifying a Hilfsmittel zum Empfangen einer Benutzeraus- package of television programming services, 55 wahl einer Kanal- oder Zeitplanungsinformati- wherein the package includes a plurality of dif- on, die, erzeugt von der interaktiven Fernseh- ferent television programming services; programmführer-Anwendung, auf einem Bild- receiving a user selection of a channel or sched- schirm angezeigt wird, wobei ein Fernsehpro-

24 47 EP 1 467 566 B1 48

gramm-Dienst mit der ausgewählten Kanal- Pakets ist, dem Benutzer eine Möglichkeit bie- oder Zeitplanungsinformation in Zusammen- ten, das Paket, von dem der Fernsehprogramm- hang steht; Dienst ein Teil ist, zu erwerben. Hilfsmittel zu Anzeige eines Menüs in Reaktion auf die Benutzerauswahl der Kanal- oder Zeit- 5 5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Schritt, dem planungsinformation, wenn der Benutzer für den Benutzer eine Möglichkeit zu bieten, eine Kanal- Fernsehprogramm-Dienst nicht angemeldet ist, oder Zeitplanungsinformation auszuwählen, es be- wobei das Menü eine Aufforderung an den Be- inhaltet, dem Benutzer eine Möglichkeit zu bieten, nutzer richtet, anzugeben, ob der Benutzer den einen Abonnementkanal auszuwählen. Fernsehprogramm-Dienst bestellen will; 10 Hilfsmittel zum Überprüfen der gespeicherten 6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Menü an- Information, um zu ermitteln, ob der Fernseh- zeigt, dass der Benutzer den nicht abonnierten Fern- programm-Dienst ein Teil des Pakets an Fern- sehprogramm-Dienst nicht abonniert hat. sehprogramm-Diensten ist; und Hilfsmittel, um dem Benutzer, falls der Fern- 15 7. Computerlesbares Speichermedium, welches An- sehprogramm-Dienst ein Teil des Pakets ist, ei- weisungen speichert, die das elektronische Fern- ne Möglichkeit zu bieten, das Paket, von dem sehprogrammführer-System veranlassen, ein Ver- der Fernsehprogramm-Dienst ein Teil ist, zu er- fahren nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6 auszufüh- werben. ren, wenn die Anweisungen auf einer zum Auszule- 20 sen und Auszuführen dieser Anweisungen ausge- 2. Elektronisches Fernsehprogrammführer-System bildeten Einrichtung, die in einem elektronischen nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Fernsehprogramm- Fernsehprogrammführer-System enthalten ist, aus- Dienst ein Abonnementkanal ist. geführt werden.

3. Elektronisches Fernsehprogrammführer-System 25 nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Menü anzeigt, dass der Revendications Benutzer den nicht abonnierten Fernsehprogramm- Dienst nicht abonniert hat. 1. Système électronique de guide de programmes de télévision avec lequel un utilisateur peut acheter des 4. Verfahren zum Bereitstellen von Fernsehprogramm- 30 services de programmation de télévision, compre- Diensten zum Erwerben mit einem elektronischen nant un équipement de télévision de l’utilisateur sur Fernsehprogrammführer-System, welches Verfah- lequel une application interactive de guide de pro- ren folgendes aufweist: gramme de télévision est installée, dans lequel l’équipement de télévision de l’utilisateur comprend : Empfangen und Speichern von Informationen, 35 die ein Paket an Fernsehprogramm-Diensten un moyen pour recevoir et enregistrer des infor- identifizieren, wobei das Paket eine Vielzahl un- mations identifiant un forfait de services de pro- terschiedlicher Fernsehprogramm-Dienste ent- grammation de télévision, dans lequel le forfait hält; comprend une pluralité de services de program- Empfangen einer Benutzerauswahl einer Ka- 40 mation de télévision différents ; nal- oder Zeitplanungsinformation, die, erzeugt un moyen pour recevoir une sélection de l’utili- von der interaktiven Fernsehprogrammführer- sateur d’une chaîne de télévision ou d’informa- Anwendung, auf einem Bildschirm angezeigt tions de programmation affichées sur un écran wird, wobei ein Fernsehprogramm-Dienst mit générées par l’application interactive de guide der ausgewählten Kanal- oder Zeitplanungsin- 45 de programme de télévision, dans lequel un ser- formation in Zusammenhang steht; vice de programmation de télévision est associé Anzeigen eines Menüs in Reaktion auf die Be- à la chaîne de télévision ou aux informations de nutzerauswahl der Kanal- oder Zeitplanungsin- programmation sélectionnées ; formation, wenn der Benutzer für den Fernseh- un moyen pour afficher un menu en réponse à programm-Dienst nicht angemeldet ist, wobei 50 la sélection de l’utilisateur de la chaîne de télé- das Menü eine Aufforderung an den Benutzer vision ou des informations de programmation si richtet, anzugeben, ob der Benutzer den Fern- l’utilisateur ne s’abonne pas au service de pro- sehprogramm-Dienst bestellen will; grammation de télévision, dans lequel le menu Überprüfen der gespeicherten Information, um demande à l’utilisateur d’indiquer si l’utilisateur zu ermitteln, ob der Fernsehprogramm-Dienst 55 aimerait commander le service de programma- ein Teil des Pakets an Fernsehprogramm-Dien- tion de télévision ; sten ist; und, un moyen pour contrôler les informations enre- falls der Fernsehprogramm-Dienst ein Teil des gistrées pour déterminer si le service de pro-

25 49 EP 1 467 566 B1 50

grammation de télévision fait partie du forfait de 6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le me- services de programmation de télévision ; nu indique que l’utilisateur n’est pas abonné au ser- et, si le service de programmation de télévision vice de programmation de télévision non souscrit. fait partie du forfait, un moyen pour présenter à l’utilisateur une option d’achat du forfait dont le 5 7. Support d’enregistrement informatique stockant des service de programmation de télévision fait par- instructions qui, quand elles sont exécutées sur un tie. équipement inclus dans un système électronique de guide de programmes de télévision configuré pour 2. Système électronique de guide de programmes de lire et exécuter les instructions, font réaliser au sys- télévision selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le 10 tème électronique de guide de programmes de té- service de programmation de télévision est une chaî- lévision un procédé selon l’une quelconque des re- ne de télévision payante. vendications 4 à 6.

3. Système électronique de guide de programmes se- lon la revendication 1, dans lequel le menu indique 15 que l’utilisateur n’est pas abonné au service de pro- grammation de télévision non souscrit.

4. Procédé pour fournir des services de programmation de télévision pour un achat avec un système élec- 20 tronique de guide de programmes de télévision, comprenant :

la réception et l’enregistrement d’informations identifiant un forfait de services de programma- 25 tion de télévision, dans lequel le forfait com- prend une pluralité de services de programma- tion de télévision différents ; sélection de l’utilisateur d’une chaîne de télévi- sion ou d’informations de programmation affi- 30 chées sur un écran générées par une applica- tion interactive de guide de programme de télé- vision, dans lequel un service de programmation de télévision est associé à la chaîne de télévi- sion ou aux informations de programmation ; 35 l’affichage d’un menu en réponse à la sélection de l’utilisateur de la chaîne de télévision ou des informations de programmation si l’utilisateur ne s’abonne pas au service de programmation de télévision, dans lequel le menu demande à l’uti- 40 lisateur d’indiquer si l’utilisateur aimerait com- mander le service de programmation de télévision ; le contrôle des informations enregistrées pour déterminer si le service de programmation de 45 télévision fait partie du forfait de services de pro- grammation de télévision ; et si le service de programmation de télévision fait partie du forfait, la présentation à l’utilisateur d’une option d’achat du forfait dont le service de 50 programmation de télévision fait partie.

5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel la four- niture à l’utilisateur d’une option pour sélectionner une chaîne de télévision ou des informations de pro- 55 grammation comprend la fourniture à l’utilisateur d’une option pour sélectionner une chaîne de télé- vision payante.

26 EP 1 467 566 B1

27 EP 1 467 566 B1

28 EP 1 467 566 B1

29 EP 1 467 566 B1

30 EP 1 467 566 B1

31 EP 1 467 566 B1

32 EP 1 467 566 B1

33 EP 1 467 566 B1

34 EP 1 467 566 B1

35 EP 1 467 566 B1

36 EP 1 467 566 B1

37 EP 1 467 566 B1

38 EP 1 467 566 B1

39 EP 1 467 566 B1

40 EP 1 467 566 B1

41 EP 1 467 566 B1

42 EP 1 467 566 B1

43 EP 1 467 566 B1

44 EP 1 467 566 B1

45 EP 1 467 566 B1

46 EP 1 467 566 B1

47 EP 1 467 566 B1

48 EP 1 467 566 B1

49 EP 1 467 566 B1

50 EP 1 467 566 B1

51 EP 1 467 566 B1

52 EP 1 467 566 B1

53 EP 1 467 566 B1

54 EP 1 467 566 B1

55 EP 1 467 566 B1

56 EP 1 467 566 B1

57 EP 1 467 566 B1

58 EP 1 467 566 B1

59 EP 1 467 566 B1

60 EP 1 467 566 B1

61 EP 1 467 566 B1

62 EP 1 467 566 B1

63 EP 1 467 566 B1

64 EP 1 467 566 B1

65 EP 1 467 566 B1

66 EP 1 467 566 B1

67 EP 1 467 566 B1

68 EP 1 467 566 B1

69 EP 1 467 566 B1

70 EP 1 467 566 B1

71 EP 1 467 566 B1

72 EP 1 467 566 B1

73 EP 1 467 566 B1

74 EP 1 467 566 B1

75 EP 1 467 566 B1

76 EP 1 467 566 B1

77 EP 1 467 566 B1

78 EP 1 467 566 B1

79 EP 1 467 566 B1

80 EP 1 467 566 B1

81 EP 1 467 566 B1

82 EP 1 467 566 B1

83 EP 1 467 566 B1

84 EP 1 467 566 B1

85 EP 1 467 566 B1

86 EP 1 467 566 B1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• US 247101 A [0001] • WO 9413107 A [0020] • US 119367 A [0001] • MC 6833116 [0037] • WO 9326121 A [0019]

Non-patent literature cited in the description

• Stay Tuned for Smart TV. Popular Science, Novem- ber 1990 [0002]

87