US20040117831A1 - Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs - Google Patents
Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubsDownload PDFInfo
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- US20040117831A1 US20040117831A1US10/457,102US45710203AUS2004117831A1US 20040117831 A1US20040117831 A1US 20040117831A1US 45710203 AUS45710203 AUS 45710203AUS 2004117831 A1US2004117831 A1US 2004117831A1
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Definitions
- This inventionrelates to interactive television program guides, and more particularly, to interactive television program guide features organized into niche hubs.
- Interactive television program guidesallow users to view television program listings on their televisions. Such program guides allow users to view television program listings in different display formats and to perform various other functions. For example, a user may instruct the program guide to display a channel-ordered grid of current program listings.
- program guidesallow a user to view television programs in a specified category.
- the program guidemay display programs in a desired programming category such as sports or movies. If desired, the program guide may be used to order pay-per-view programming.
- Some program guidesallow users to define profiles of likes and dislikes, and to view program listings screens that meet the desired category combinations.
- an interactive electronic television program guidethat collects together all program guide features related to specific categories.
- Each of the niche hubsis an area of the program guide in which features, programming, and information related to a particular programming category or user interest may be found.
- Personalized niche hubscontain programming-related features and information that are selected by the user.
- User television equipmentsuch as a set-top box, may obtain data for the niche hub features from a television distribution facility, a program guide database, a web server, a real-time data source, a message processing facility, etc.
- the niche hubsmay include, for example, listings of programs related to a specific category.
- the hubsmay provide users with the ability to sort data. Detailed information on programs may be provided. Hubs may provide users with advance notification of unscheduled programs and information on packages of programs and channels.
- the hubsmay provide users with the ability to search for programs and other information, the ability to set reminders, targeted advertising, television messaging features, television chat features, news groups, web site listings, schedules of local events, the ability to record programs and access recorded programs, user help features, the ability to enter favorites, suggested programming, live data, news, magazine type features, links to applications other than program guide applications, links to setup features, parental control features, and the ability to display in-band data.
- Each niche hubmay include its own unique graphic style, icons, backgrounds, etc. Broadcast or on-demand video or audio may be incorporated into hubs, if desired.
- the program guidemay provide a main menu screen for each hub that provides interactive hyperlinks to related items or features of the program guide within the given category of interest of the hub.
- FIG. 1Ais a system diagram of an interactive television program guide system with niche hubs in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1Bis a system diagram showing how multiple television distribution facilities may be connected via a communications network in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1Cis a system diagram showing how multiple user television equipment devices may be connected to a television distribution facility and a separate server via neighborhood networks in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1Dis a diagram of a system configuration in which user television equipment devices of multiple television distribution facilities are connected via a message processing facility in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2is an illustrative interactive main menu television display screen in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3is an illustrative interactive themes television display screen for entering niche hubs in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4is an illustrative interactive television display screen for reordering themes in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a movies niche hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movies on now in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7is an illustrative Program Information display screen in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8is an illustrative interactive television display screen for hot movies in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movies on demand in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10is an illustrative interactive television display screen for providing a listing of programs that are new releases in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 11is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movies that are coming soon in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 12is an illustrative interactive television display screen for searching for movies in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 13is an illustrative interactive television display screen providing a listing of video clips in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 14is an illustrative interactive television display screen providing special ordering information in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 15is an illustrative interactive television display screen for program features in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 16is an illustrative interactive feature information display screen in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 17is an illustrative interactive television display screen for shopping in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 18is an illustrative interactive television display screen for providing feedback in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 19is an illustrative interactive television display screen listing recorded programs in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 20is an illustrative interactive television display screen listing scheduled programs in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 21is an illustrative interactive television display screen listing movie web sites in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 22is an illustrative interactive television display screen listing movie news groups in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 23is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a discussion group in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 24is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movie favorites in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 25is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movies genres in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 26is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movie comedies in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 27is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a sports fan niche hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 28is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting an individual area of the sports fan hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 29is an illustrative process for using the program guide niche hubs in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 30is an illustrative process for using an individual area of a niches hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 31is an illustrative interactive television display screen for highlighted sports television program listings in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 32is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting sports scores and news in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 33is an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing sports scores in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 34is an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing sports news in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 35is an illustrative sports ticker in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 36is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting sports wagering and voting in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 37is an illustrative interactive television display screen for sports voting in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 38is an illustrative interactive television display screen for sports wagering in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 39is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting a fantasy sport in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 40is an illustrative interactive television display screen for fantasy sport features in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 41is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a family niche hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 42is an illustrative interactive television display screen providing parental control of programming in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 43is an illustrative interactive television display screen with personal profiles in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 44is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a editing a personal profile in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 45is an illustrative interactive television display screen providing pen pal e-mail clubs in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 46Ais an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting a pen pal in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 46Bis an illustrative interactive television display screen for sending a message in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 47is an illustrative arrangement of multiple user television equipment within a house in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 48is an illustrative interactive television display screen for locking channels and programming in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 49is an illustrative interactive television display screen for monitoring viewing on other user television equipment within the house in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 50is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting a chat group in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 51is an illustrative interactive television display screen for displaying a chat group in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 52is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a music niche hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 53Ais an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing music channels in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 53Bis an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing video music channels in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 53Cis an illustrative music flip interactive television display screen in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 53Dis an illustrative interactive television display screen with a music channel browse region in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 53Eis an illustrative interactive Song Information display screen in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 54 A- 54 Eare illustrative interactive television display screens with music on-demand options in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 55is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting background music in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 56is an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing music favorites accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 57is an illustrative interactive television setup display screen for selecting music audio settings in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 58is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a news and information niche hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 59is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying a stock report in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 60is an illustrative sports ticker in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 61is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying local information in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 62is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying live news updates in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 63is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying weather reports in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 64is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying help options in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 65is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a custom niche hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 66is an illustrative interactive television display screen for adding features to or deleting features from a custom niche-hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 67is an illustrative interactive television display screen for adding features to a custom niche hub in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1AAn illustrative interactive television program guide system with niche hubs 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A.
- Main facility 12may contain a program guide database 14 for storing program guide information such as television program guide listings data, pay-per-view ordering information, etc.
- Database 14allows system 10 to support an interactive television program guide.
- Information from database 14may be transmitted to television distribution facility 16 or to some other distribution facility that does not broadcast the television programming signals (e.g., over paging frequencies) via communications link 18 .
- Link 18may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a fiber-optic link, a cable link, a microwave link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communications path.
- Television distribution facility 16is a facility for distributing television signals to users, such as a cable system headend. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented using a television distribution facility such as a broadcast distribution facility, or a satellite television distribution facility. Only one television distribution facility 16 is shown in FIG. 1A to avoid over-complicating the drawings. In general, however, main facility 12 distributes information to multiple television distribution facilities.
- the program guide information transmitted by main facility 12 to television distribution facility 16includes television program listings data such as program times, channels, titles, descriptions, etc.
- the information transmitted from main facility 12may also include information related to features provided by niche hubs (e.g., television program contests, surveys, trivia, targeted advertising, messaging features, chat features, new groups, video-on-demand programs, etc.).
- Some of the information from main facility 12may be tagged with appropriate niche hub(s) so that the information may be grouped into niche hub(s). Certain programs and other information may have tags for more than one hub.
- program guide data and other information stored in database 14may be provided using data sources at facilities other than main facility 12 .
- data relating to niche hub featuresmay be provided by a remote server, or other equipment that is separate from main facility 12 and television distribution facility 16 .
- Real-time data sources 11such as real-time sports data source 15 , real-time stock market data source 17 , real-time news data source 19 , and real-time music source 27 are used to gather information such as sports scores, stock quotes, news, music and the like from, e.g., various sporting and news sources or radio stations.
- Real-time information from real-time data sources 30may be provided to each of the television distribution facilities 16 by providing this information to main facility 12 via communications path 23 and redistributing the information to television distribution facilities 16 via paths 18 .
- real-time information from real-time data sources 11may be provided to one or more real-time data collection facilities 13 via communications path 21 A, where the data may be processed for retransmission to television distribution facilities 16 via communications path 21 C.
- data from real-time data collection facility 13may be provided to television distribution facility 16 via communications path 21 B, main facility 12 , and communications path 18 .
- Communications paths 21 A, 21 B, 21 C, and 23may be any suitable communications paths such as satellite links, coaxial cable, fiber optics, free-space transmissions, telephone links, or a combination of such links or other suitable links.
- Television distribution facility 16may also provide data to user television equipment 20 from communications network 31 (e.g., the Internet) as shown in FIG. 1A.
- Television distribution facility 16distributes program guide data and other information to the user television equipment 20 of multiple users via communications paths 24 .
- Communication paths 24are preferably bidirectional to support two-way communications (e.g., e-mail messages, chat messages, etc.) and preferably have sufficient bandwidth to allow television distribution facility 16 to distribute scheduled television programming, pay programming, video-on-demand, messages, and other video and audio information to user television equipment 20 in addition to non-video program guide information and messages.
- the messages (e.g., real-time, delayed, etc.) supported by communication paths 24may be text-based or, if more bandwidth is available, may be audio or video messages. If television distribution facility 16 is a cable system headend, communications paths 24 may be based on coaxial cable or fiber optics or the like.
- Bidirectional pathsmay involve transmitting information in free space.
- Bidirectional pathsmay have a free-space downlink to the home and a telephone line or cable or fiber optic return path from the home to the television distribution facility 16 .
- User television equipmentmay be based, for example, on a set-top box or other such device.
- a set-top box or other such deviceFor clarity, many aspects of the invention are described in connection with this illustrative arrangement, although any other suitable hardware arrangement for the user television equipment 20 may be used if desired.
- Multiple television and audio channelsmay be provided to user television equipment devices 20 (including, e.g., set-top boxes 26 ) via communications paths 24 .
- each path 24includes a number of traditional analog television channels, one or more of these channels may be used to support a number of digital channels.
- the bandwidth of each analog channel that is used to support digital channelsmay support ten or more of such digital channels.
- Two-way digital channelsmay support two-way communications in the form of real-time (e.g., chat) and delayed (e.g., e-mail) messages between set-top boxes 26 and a server (e.g., server 22 at television distribution facility 16 ).
- the return path for messagesusually requires additional bandwidth. If two-way communications between set-top boxes 26 and television distribution facility 16 involve only text or audio signals, the bandwidth required to support such two-way communications may be substantially less than the bandwidth required to support two-way communications involving video.
- Video, audio, graphical, and textual data to be used with the niche hubsmay be distributed along communications path 24 using any number of suitable techniques.
- textual datamay be distributed using out-of-band channels on paths 24 using out-of-band modulators.
- Video or audio datamay be more efficiently transmitted using one or more digital channels on path 24 .
- Such digital channelsmay also be used for distributing text and graphics.
- Any suitable communications protocolsmay be used for sending data to be used with the niche hubs.
- communicationsmay be analog or digital, synchronous or asynchronous, packet-based, Internet protocol transmissions, etc.
- Dedicated digital or analog channelsmay be used for the transmission of certain types of data (e.g., video-on-demand programs, chat messages, etc.). Such dedicated channels may be separate from the channels used for transmitting television program broadcast signals to the user television equipment.
- television programmingmay be transmitted to user television equipment 20 along one communications path such as a satellite link from a satellite system, while other data relating to the niche hubs (e.g., program guide data, messages, advertising, survey information, etc.) may be transmitted to and from the user over a second communications path such as a telephone, cable, or wireless link.
- Television distribution facility 16preferably has server 22 or other suitable computing equipment, audio, and/or video equipment for supporting the recording of programs, the transmission of chat and e-mail messages between users, the transmission of video-on-demand programs, the transmission of news information, the storage and transmission of program guide information, the storage of information from users, and the storage and transmission of data related to other niche hub features.
- the server 22may be capable of handling text, graphics, video, or audio data.
- Server 22 in television distribution facility 16may be configured in a client-server arrangement in which each user television equipment device 20 acts as a client processor.
- Each userhas a receiver, which is typically a set-top box such as set-top box 26 , but which may also be other suitable television equipment into which circuitry similar to set-top box circuitry has been integrated.
- user television equipment 20may be based on an advanced television receiver such as a high-definition television (HDTV) receiver or other such television-based platform.
- a set-top boxmay include a Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) modem for use in two-way communication to and from a server or television distribution facility.
- Set-top box 26may also comprise a WebTV Internet Receiver.
- DOCSISData Over Cable Service Interface Specification
- Set-top box 26may also comprise a WebTV Internet Receiver.
- each set-top box 26may have memory 25 .
- Memory 25may be used, for example, for maintaining a database of program listings data.
- Program guide informationmay be distributed to set-top boxes 26 continuously (in real-time), periodically, on request (using a client-server arrangement), or using a combination of these techniques.
- Other data relating to the niche hubsmay be distributed to set-top boxes 26 in real-time, periodically, or on-demand (e.g., when a user checks to see whether he has received a message and requests the message for viewing).
- Server 22may receive niche hub data from set-top boxes 26 in real-time, on-demand, or periodically.
- Main facility 12preferably contains a processor to handle information distribution tasks.
- Each set-top box 26preferably contains a processor to handle tasks associated with implementing an interactive television program guide application containing niche hub features.
- Television distribution facility 16preferably contains one or more processors (e.g., part of server 22 ) for tasks associated with providing program guide data and other niche hub data to the program guide on the set-top boxes.
- the program guide application hereinafter describedmay be integrated into an operating system on the set-top box, implemented as a stand-alone application on the set-top box, or performed by a server in television distribution facility 16 (sever 22 ) or separate from the television distribution facility.
- the set-top boxmay request data from the server.
- the servercan store and process data and send the results of a request back to the user television equipment for further processing, display, or storage.
- Any of the functionality of the program guide application hereinafter describedmay be implemented using a client-server architecture, if desired.
- Each set-top box 26is typically connected to an optional video recorder 28 , which may be a videocassette recorder, a digital video recorder, a personal video recorder (PVR), or other such recording device, so that selected television programs may be recorded.
- Each video recorder 28(or set-top box 26 ) may be connected to a television 30 .
- the video recorder 28may be integrated with the set-top box or the television.
- set-top box 26tunes to a particular channel and sends control signals to video recorder 28 (e.g., using an infrared transmitter) that direct video recorder 28 to start and stop recording at the appropriate times.
- programmingmay be recorded at server 22 in television distribution facility 16 .
- User television equipmentmay also include speakers, audio receiver, stereo receiver, pro-logic digital AC-3 receiver, or other audio equipment.
- the television program guide applicationmay display interactive display screens on television 30 .
- Each set-top box 26 , video recorder 28 , and television 30may be controlled by one or more user input devices 29 .
- user input device 29may be a remote control, mouse, trackball, microphone, digital video camera, dedicated set of buttons, touch screen, etc.
- Some of the niche hub features of the present inventionmay be handled on a server that is not located at the television distribution facility as shown in FIG. 1B.
- data used with the niche hubsmay be stored on server 36 which is connected to television distribution facilities 32 and 34 through communications network 38 .
- Television distribution facility 32is connected to user television equipment 42 via communications paths 40 .
- Television distribution facility 34is connected to user television equipment 46 via communications paths 44 .
- Communications network 110may be any suitable communications network such as the Internet, a public or private telephone network, a network involving satellite link or wireless links, a cable network, etc.
- the television distribution facilitiesmay also have servers that communicate with server 36 .
- television distribution facility 32has server 33
- television distribution facility 34has server 35 .
- Servers 33 , 35 , and 36may be message servers which handle the distribution of delayed e-mail type messages between user television equipment 42 and 46 , real-time chat messages between user television equipment 42 and 46 , news groups, web pages, and the transmission of program guide data, programming, and other niche hub data to user television equipment 42 and 46 .
- the configuration of servers 33 and 35 and user television equipment 42 and 46may be based on a client-server arrangement.
- delayed and real-time messagescan be distributed along communication paths 40 from one user television equipment device 42 associated with television distribution facility 32 to another user television equipment device 42 associated with that facility using a server 33 located at the facility.
- the messages sent between two or more user television equipment devices 42 associated with television distribution facility 32may be stored on server 33 in television distribution facility 32 .
- An advantage to limiting operation of a message system to individual television distribution facilitiesis that it allows individual cable system operators (for example) to control their systems, and it does not involve coordinating the transmission of messages related to an on-going television program between different geographical areas or different time zones.
- messages exchanged by user television equipment 42can be stored by server 36 that is connected to television distribution facility 32 via communications network 38 .
- Users at one or more of user television equipment devices 46may exchange messages or other data with one or more of user television equipment devices 42 .
- Television distribution facilities 32 and 34may be connected to each other via communications network 38 .
- Messages that are sent between user television equipment 42 and user television equipment 46may be stored on servers 33 , 35 , or 36 .
- any number of television distribution facilitiesmay be connected togther via communications network 38 or other such communications networks to allow user television equipment from these television distribution facilities to exchange messages or other data with each other.
- messages and other datamay be transmitted between user television equipment 42 or 46 and user communications equipment 48 .
- User communications equipment 48are connected via communications network 38 to television distribution facilities 32 and 34 .
- User communications equipment devices 48can be any number of, e.g., personal computers that can send and receive messages.
- the niche hub features of the present inventionmay be also handled on a server that is connected to the user television equipment through a neighborhood node as shown in FIG. 1C.
- niche hub datamay be stored on server 50 and transmitted between user television equipment devices 58 and 60 via neighborhood nodes 54 and 56 .
- User television equipment 58are connected to neighborhood node 54 via communications path 66
- user television equipment devices 60are connected to neighborhood node 56 via communications path 68 .
- Neighborhood nodes 54 and 56decrease the bandwidth requirements on communications paths 66 and 68 .
- Neighborhood nodes 54 and 56may route television programming from television distribution facility 52 to user television equipment 58 and 60 .
- Neighborhood nodes 54 and 56may also route niche hub data between server 50 and user television equipment 58 and 60 .
- Neighborhood nodes 54 and 56may also route requests to perform many of the niche hub functions described herein from user television equipment 58 and 60 to server 50 . Responses from server 50 are routed back to the appropriate user television equipment device via a neighborhood node. Server 50 may route delayed and real-time messages between user television equipment 58 and 60 .
- the program guide with niche hubs of the present inventionmay provide users with the opportunity to compose a message and send the message to the television distribution facility or a message processing facility.
- interactive program guides operating on user television equipment 76may provide users with the opportunity to compose a message and send the message to television distribution facility 72 through two-way communications paths 75 .
- the messagemay be a message to purchase merchandise, a pay-per-view program, a premium channel, etc.
- the messagemay also be a message to another user at another user television equipment 76 .
- Television distribution facility 72may forward such a message to another user to that user's user television equipment 76 through one of two-way communications paths 75 .
- Interactive program guides operating on user television equipment 76may also provide users with the opportunity to compose a message and send it to message processing facility 71 .
- program guidesmay provide users with the opportunity to compose a message to a television channel or a television personality and send the message to a television program entity that processes messages for that television channel or television personality.
- Program guidesmay also provide users with an opportunity to vote for athletes who are candidates for an all-star team, enter a television program contest, answer trivia questions, participate in sports or horse wagering or other interactive wagering, etc.
- the program guidemay send the user's input (e.g., the user's vote, the user's response to a contest question or trivia question, the user's bet, etc.) to message processing facility 71 which processes user responses (e.g., counts users' votes, evaluates user's answers to contest and trivia questions, places the user's bet, etc.)
- User television equipment 78may also send messages to television distribution facility 74 and other user television equipment 78 via two-way communications paths 77 .
- Messages from user television equipment 76 and 78may be forwarded by television distribution facilities 72 and 74 to message processing facility 71 via communications paths 73 which may be satellite links, cable links, telephone network links, microwave links, etc. Communications paths 73 may be two-way communications paths.
- the interactive television program guide of the present inventionprovides niche hubs, which are areas of the interactive program guide in which features, applications, programming, information, etc. related to a particular user interest or interests may be found.
- the niche hubs of the present inventionprovide the user with the opportunity to access a variety of electronic television program guide features using their user television equipment.
- the niche hubsmay link together program guide features such as applications, TV listings, messages, news, web site links, chat groups, merchandise, etc., that are related to specific user interests such as movies.
- the niche hubsmay also be customized by the user to link together program guide applications of interest to that particular user.
- Another attribute of this inventionis the interlinking of features.
- the top level of each hubgives access to the most commonly used requests within any specific feature. These are “hyperlinks” to other related features. These features may be common features throughout the guide, but specific to the content of how the user got there. For example, a niche hub may contain listings of programs that exclusively relate to the category or genre of the hub (e.g., movies).
- FIG. 2is an example of main menu screen 100 for a niche hub program guide.
- the television listings option 106 Aprovides access to listings of all programs on all channels.
- Recorded option 106 Bprovides a listing of programs that have been previously recorded by the guide on behalf of the user. This feature is discussed further with respect to FIG. 19.
- Movies option 106 C, Sports 106 D, Suzy option 106 E, and Tom option 106 Fare examples of on-screen options that provide direct access to some of the program guide hubs. For example, selecting Movies option 106 C may cause the program guide to display the television screen shown in FIG. 5, and selecting Suzy option 106 E may cause the guide to display the screen in FIG. 27.
- Themes option 106 Gprovides access to the complete list of available niche hubs, as well as the ability to create and customize new hubs, as discussed and shown with respect to FIG. 3.
- VOD option 106 Hprovides access to video on demand programs, as discussed and shown with respect to FIG. 9.
- Events option 106 Iprovides a listing of special events on television.
- Specials option 106 Jprovides access to special events, packages, and other offers from the service provider, as discussed and shown with respect to FIG. 14.
- Shop option 106 Kprovides access to shopping features, such as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 17.
- Features option 106 Lprovides access to interviews, reviews, articles, and other magazine “features”, such as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 15.
- Web option 106 Mprovides access to television-related web sites, such as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 21.
- My Schedule option 106 Nprovides access to a schedule of upcoming programs previously selected to be watched, purchased, and/or recorded, as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 20.
- Mail option 106 Oprovides access to a messaging or e-mail function.
- Feedback option 106 Pprovides access to contests, trivia, messaging to television networks, and other similar features, as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 18.
- Parents option 106 Qprovides access to a parental control feature.
- Favorites option 106 Sprovides access to a feature to set user preferences, as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 24.
- Support option 106 Tprovides access to support features, such as user help, answers to common questions, communication with technical support, etc.
- Setup option 106 Uprovides access to guide setup features.
- Exit option 106 Vprovides an exit from the program guide.
- the program guide application on set-top box 26may obtain a list of features available for the niche hub (such as shown in main menu screen 100 ) from program guide database 14 , a television distribution facility, or one of the servers shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- the niche hub informationmay be digitally encoded on a digital channel that is separate from the channel used for the television program signals. If desired, the list of features available for each of the niche hubs may be stored in memory 25 .
- Advertisementsmay be distributed generally, or may be targeted based on information about the user, the screen displayed, or other criteria. Further features of an illustrative program guide system with targeted advertising are described in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/034,939, filed Mar. 4, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Advertisements may be interactive; selecting an advertisement may cause the guide to display information about the advertised item, program, channel, or service, such as shown, for example, in FIG. 7.
- Themes screen 110Upon selecting Themes option 106 G in screen 100 , the user may, for example, be presented with Themes screen 110 , such as shown in FIG. 3.
- This screenshows a list of themes, any of which may be selected by the user.
- Each themeis related to a niche hub of the program guide that provides program guide features to the users based upon the theme.
- the program guideenters a niche hub related to that theme. If there are more themes than fit on a single screen, the user may scroll to additional pages.
- the theme listmay include standard (predefined) themes, such as Movies (option 112 A), Sports (option 112 B), Family (option 112 C), Music (option 112 D), News (option 112 E), Cultural (option 112 F), Soaps (option 112 G), Science Fiction (option 112 H), TV Lovers (option 112 I), Adult (option 112 J), and Local (option 112 K) themes. It may also include themes defined and customized by the user, such as Suzy (option 112 L) and Tom (option 112 M). Screen 110 may include option 112 N to add a new theme guide, as well as option 112 O to reorder the themes on the list.
- standard (predefined) themessuch as Movies (option 112 A), Sports (option 112 B), Family (option 112 C), Music (option 112 D), News (option 112 E), Cultural (option 112 F), Soaps (option 112 G), Science Fiction (option 112 H), TV Lovers (option 112 I), Adult (option 112 J), and Local (
- the themes for movies, sports, Tom, and Suzy from the list shown on Themes screen 110 of FIG. 3are also included as options on Main Menu scree 100 of FIG. 2. This provides the user with quick access to the most popular themes for niche hubs from the Main Menu screen 100 .
- the program guidemay also allow the user to select one or more hubs for 1-key access (i.e., accessing the hub by pressing a single button on the remote control). Pressing this key may bring up a miche hub screen such as shown in FIG. 5.
- the usermay flip through just the channels that are currently broadcasting programs that match the theme of a selected theme (e.g., movies or sporting events) by pressing UP and DOWN arrow keys on the remote control.
- the program guidemay also restrict the channels that the user can flip through to channels that are currently broadcasting programs that match the user's personal preferences.
- Each householdmay reorder the themes on the list by selecting Reorder option 112 O from Themes screen 110 . Doing so may display a screen such as Reorder Themes screen 120 shown in FIG. 4.
- Reorder Themes screen 120When Reorder Themes screen 120 is displayed, the user may highlight any of the themes displayed in list 122 of screen 120 and press the OK key on the remote control. This will cause that theme to be moved to the top of the list in Themes screen 110 of FIG. 3, as well as placing it on the Main Menu screen 100 of FIG. 2. All other themes will move down in the list correspondingly.
- FIG. 5is an example of a program guide niche hub screen that may be displayed when the user selects one of the themes from the Themes screen or Main Menu screen, in this case the Movies theme.
- a movies menuis displayed, with options relating to the selected theme. Some options may be specific to a single theme. Other options may be presented on multiple theme menus, as well as the Main Menu, with the action taken on selection of the option depending on the context in which it was displayed.
- FIG. 5shows how the advertisements may be targeted based on the screen, theme, and hub.
- the advertisement 134 Ais for a PPV movie. Selecting ad 134 A causes the guide to display the Program Information screen for that PPV movie, such as shown in FIG. 7.
- the advertisement 134 Bis for a Television movie, with selection of that ad causing the display of a program information screen for that movie.
- Region 134 Cshows a trivia question related to movies. Selecting region 134 C may display a screen similar to the Program Information screen, with the answer to the question, and other related information and options. Further features of an illustrative program guide with interactive information display screen are described in Rudnick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,268, filed Jul. 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- Selecting On Now option 132 A from Movies screen 130brings up a listing screen, such as shown in FIG. 6.
- Listing screens accessed from various options on various screenlook and function similarly. However, they may differ in the content shown in the listing, in the way the listing is sorted, and in other details.
- the Movies On Now listing screen 140shows a list of movies that are available to be viewed now or in the near future.
- Any of the options 132 A-O as well as the advertisements in movies screen 130may contain data related to movies, or data relating exclusively to movies.
- the data displayed on screen when the user selects an option in movies screen 130 (or any other niche hub menu of the present invention relating to a specific theme)may be filtered to match the current selected theme (e.g., movies) by a processor at the television distribution facility, the user television equipment, or a remote server from where the data relating to the selected program guide option was accessed so that only features related to that theme are provided.
- the top of screen 140 in FIG. 6may list one or more movies in list 142 that are available at any time from the Video On Demand (VOD) server.
- List 142may also contain movies that the user has asked to be recorded and which may be viewed at any time.
- the program guidemay pick one or two movies from both of those categories (based, for example, on availability/recording date, sponsorships, etc.). Additional on-demand movies and previously recorded movies may be shown when the user presses the UP Arrow key on the remote control.
- the program guidemay also show movies that are starting in the current time period in list 144 in screen 140 . If the user presses the DOWN Arrow key on the remote control, the guide may display additional current movies, as well as movies that are scheduled to start in the near future. If the user presses the UP Arrow key on the remote control, the guide may display movies that started earlier and are currently in progress. Movies may be sorted by start time, and for a particular start time may be sorted by title, by channel, or by other criteria.
- Program Information screen 150such as shown in FIG. 7. This screen may include the name of the program (possibly editorially shorted to fit into the screen space available), the rating of the program, the start time and run time of the program, the channel on which the program is being shown, and other details about the program, such as the price and package information. Screen 150 may also display the full title of the program (in the case that the title was editorially shortened), the year the movie was released, and a description of the movie in region 155 .
- the usercan use the UP and DOWN Arrow keys on the remote control to scroll through multiple pages of information.
- Other information related to the programmay be included on this screen such as language(s), country of origin, color/black and white/colorized, closed captioning availability, audio format, video format, etc.
- the data displayed in screen 150 relating to the selected programmay be obtained from a video-on-demand server, from program guide database 14 , or from the television distribution facility.
- Program Information screen 150also includes a set of options (such as options 151 , 152 , and 153 ) related to the program.
- the set of options availablewill depend on the program itself and how it was selected. The user can scroll through the options using the LEFT and RIGHT Arrow keys on the remote control. If a large number of options are available, the guide may present them in a nested menu. Options that may be available include: Option Displayed When Action Back Always Return to the previous screen. Remind The program has not Allows setting or cancelling a yet started. reminder for the program. Watch The program has Tunes to the program started or is immediately. available on demand.
- the programis Allows the user to purchase the purchasable, either program or package, or presents individually or as the information for the user to part of a package. do so.
- PackageThe program is Presents information about the purchasable as part package(s) containing this of one or more program. package.
- Air TimesThe program is Presents a list of scheduled on times/channels at which the multiple program airs, and allows the times/channels. user to select any of them. Lock Always Allows the user to parentally control this program or any attribute of this program. Favorite Always Allows the user to add this program or any attribute of this program to a custom user profile.
- Shop Productsare Allows the user to see available for information on related products purchase relating and to interactively order any to this product. of these products.
- Gift OrderThe program is Allows the user to purchase a purchasable. program and send the authorization to view the program to a user at another location.
- MailAlways Allows the user to send mail relating to this program to another user.
- Send The programhas not Allows the user to send an Reminder yet started. automatic program reminder for this program to a user at another location.
- NotifyThe program is not Provides user notification when yet available on this program becomes available television. on television.
- Review A critical reviewProvides a review of the is available. program, or a list of reviews that the user may choose from.
- Preview A video preview of Displays a video preview of the the programis preview in the video window. available. Record Only display if Allows the user to record the program is not copy selected program. protected.
- Delete This programhas The guide deletes the program been previously from storage. recorded for the user. Save This program has The guide marks the program in been previously storage to not be automatically recorded for the deleted. user. Find Always The guide displays programs Similar that are similar to the selected program, or displays a list of attributes of the selected program and allows the user to choose from among them to find matching programs. Further features of an electronic program guide with related- program search features are described in Herrington et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/451,612, filed Nov. 30, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein its entirety. Chat Always Allows the user to initiate or join a chat session related to the program.
- Gossip Gossip columnis Displays the gossip column, available relating possible including text, to this program. graphics, video, etc.
- Fast The guideis Moves quickly through the video Forward currently playing a clip. video clip in the video window.
- Rewind The guideis Moves quickly backwards currently playing a through the video clip. video clip in the video window.
- Stop The guideis Stops playback of the video currently playing a clip. video clip in the video window.
- Pause The guideis Temporarily pauses playback of currently playing a the video clip. video clip in the video window.
- WebThere are one or Displays a list of web sites and more web sites allows the user to go to one of relating to the them. program.
- LocalThis is information Displays information about the Showings about a movie in available local showings, and theatrical release, allows the user to purchase or an event that tickets. can be viewed live locally. More More details about Displays more details about the Description the program are program. available.
- Video ClipsOne or more video Displays a list of available clips relating to video clips and allows the user the program are to view one of them. available.
- TriviaOne or more trivia Presents the questions, and questions are allows the user to view the available relating answers. to the program.
- Respond User responsehas Allows the user to send a been defined for response to an entity relating this program. to the program, such as producers or cast members.
- Rate Ratingsare being Allows the user to rate this collected for this program, and to send that rating program. to the ratings collector. Ratings Ratings information Displays the ratings is available. information, possibly collected from other guide users. Actor, Information is Presents an Information screen Producer, available for for that person. That Director, anyone associated Information screen may have an etc. with the program option to present a list of (may be individual programs with which that person buttons for each, was associated, and to select or one button that any program for more provides a list). information.
- Live Update Displayed when live Presents live information to the program supports user for viewinge.g., sports transfer of live scores, live news updates, information. etc.
- News Brief Displayed when Presents news for viewinge.g., program supports news may be video, audio, or news updates textual). related to the program.
- Hot Movies screen 160may include movies available on demand, movies the user has previously recorded, as well as scheduled movies as shown in list 162 . Movies may be included on screen 160 based on critic's recommendations, as well as on promotional agreements as shown in list 163 . Movies may also be included based on matching user profile preferences as shown in list 164 . In addition, movies for which the user requested notification may be included on this listing. Programs may be sorted based on start time, with on-demand and recorded movies listed first. The programs displayed in screen 160 may be sorted and selected by a processor at the television distribution facility, in a server at another location, or in set-top box 26 .
- the hot movies shown in FIG. 8may also be selected by the program guide based upon the user's viewing habits.
- the user's viewing habitsmay be monitored, for example, by a processor in set-top box 26 , a processor at a television distribution facility, or one of the servers shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- the processor or servermay then search program guide database 14 for programs that match search criteria based upon the user's viewing habits. Further features of an illustrative television system with aided user program searching are described in Boyer et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/330,793, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- the guidemay present the Movies On Demand screen 170 shown in FIG. 9.
- Screen 170may provide the user with various methods of accessing a list of movies available on demand. This may include options to view new releases, to view “hot” releases, and to view movies of a specific genre, such as comedy, drama, family, and adult by selecting from list 172 . It may also include (not shown) options to find movies alphabetically, to see movies with special offers, to see movies that will be available soon on-demand, to view the staff picks of the service provider, etc. Picking one of the options, such as the New Releases option in list 172 , may present a listing screen, such listing screen 180 shown in FIG.
- FIG. 11shows an example of the Movies Coming Soon screen that may be displayed if the user selects Coming Soon option 132 D from Movies screen 130 .
- This screenshows list 192 of movies that are not currently scheduled in the time frame supported by the guide, but which will be available on Television in the future.
- List 192may include options such as a movie that is currently in theatrical release, and which will be available on-demand or on pay-per-view in the next few weeks, a movie that may be available on cable channel, and a movie that will be available on broadcast networks.
- List 192may also include a made-for-cable movie and a made-for-Television movie. The listings of movies or categories of movies coming soon may be maintained on a server at the television distribution facility or at database 14 and available on request by the program guide at set-top box 26 .
- the usermay select a movie in listing 192 to view a Program Information screen for that movie which allows the user to view information related to the movie or find local theatrical showings.
- the Program Information screenmay show the projected availability date and/or channel of the movie.
- the Program Information screenalso allows the user to request a notification when the selected movie becomes available within the guide. Further features of an illustrative electronic program guide with advance notification is described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/378,533, filed Aug. 20, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- FIG. 12shows screen 200 that may be displayed if the user selects Search option 132 E of Movies niche hub screen 130 .
- This featureallows the user to search the complete database of movies based on selected criteria, such as the movie title, the movie genre, the parental (e.g., MPAA) rating, actors/actresses/producers/directors and other movie credits, the language of the movie, critic's star ratings, or any word or phrase that may be found in the movie information by selecting a search criteria category from list 201 in screen 200 .
- Other criteriamay include availability of high quality audio or video formats, year of release, or any other information in the movie database.
- the program guidemay provide the user with an opportunity to select or enter one or more search criteria (e.g., such as a specific title, genre, parental rating, actor, language, star rating, word, etc.).
- search criteriae.g., such as a specific title, genre, parental rating, actor, language, star rating, word, etc.
- the guidewill display a list of matching movies. This may include movies on television, movies in theatrical release, and movies not currently available.
- the usermay be given the opportunity to select a sorting criteria, such as by year of release, by title, or by time of airing on television.
- the usermay select any individual movie to find out when it is available, select a reminder or advance notification, or any other action appropriate to the selected movie.
- the searchable program databasemay be part of database 14 , or it may be located at a television distribution facility or other location that is connected to the user television equipment through a communications network.
- the search criteriamay be transmitted to the television distribution facility from the set-top box along an out of band data channel or separate communications link (e.g. a direct Internet connection to the set-top box), and then transmitted to the searchable database from the television distribution facility.
- the search resultsmay be transmitted from the searchable database back to the user along the same channel or link, or a separate channel or link.
- the program guidemay also search multiple databases and combine the results to present to the user.
- the program guidemay display a screen such as screen 210 shown in FIG. 13.
- Screen 210allows the user to find specific video clips and to display them.
- the screenmay allow the user to see a list of new video clips, to see a list of clips related to video on demand movies, to see a list of clips related to shopping, to see other predefined lists of video clips, or to search for a clip or clips by selecting an option from list 211 .
- the program guidemay provide the user with an opportunity to search for a video clip or clips, for example, by providing a television screen similar to screen 200 shown in FIG. 12.
- a specific clip from list 211When the user selects a specific clip from list 211 , it may be shown in the video window of a Program Information screen, or it may be shown as a full-screen video.
- the video clipsmay be maintained on a database 14 or on a server at the television distribution facility or elsewhere and transmitted to the user television equipment along communications paths shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- Selecting Specials option 132 G from Movies screen 130may display a screen such as screen 220 shown in FIG. 14.
- This screenpresents list 221 of special offers related to movies that may be available from the system provider. These offers may include a special deal on a VOD movie, buy one get one free offers, movie clubs allowing the user to get discounts on purchases of multiple movies, upgrades of single or multiple movie channels, etc. Selecting a specific offer may display a screen similar to the Program Information screen with details on the offer, such as price and description, and the option to purchase the offer.
- this informationalong with the user's account information may be transmitted to the television distribution for processing so that the user can access the purchased channels, programs, etc., and the user's account may be debited.
- Further features of an illustrative interactive television program guide system with pay program package promotionare described in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/944,153, filed Oct. 6, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. While viewing the Program Information screen for any program that is part of a special offer, the guide may present the option to view and/or purchase any of those offers.
- the guidemay display a list of magazine-type feature articles. These articles may be taken directly from a magazine such as TV Guide Magazine, edited for the interactive program guide, or created for the interactive program guide.
- FIG. 15shows such a list 231 in screen 230 , as might be displayed if Features option 106 L were selected from the Main Menu 100 of FIG. 2. If Features option 132 H selected from Movies screen 130 , this screen would include only features related to movies.
- the Features in list 231may be filtered based on the current selected theme (e.g., movies) by a processor at the television distribution facility, the user television equipment, or a remote server from where the Features data was accessed so that only movie related features are provided in list 231 .
- the current selected themee.g., movies
- Screen 240may include a still image or video clip 245 related to the article, as well as the text of the article displayed in region 244 .
- Screen 240includes Back option 241 to return to the previous display screen.
- Screen 240may include an option to start playing of the video clip in region 245 (e.g., such as option 242 ), or an option to stop playing the video clip (not shown).
- option 242e.g., such as option 242
- the articleis about a specific program, there may also be options related to that program. In the example of FIG. 16, the article is about a program that is not currently in the time frame covered by the guide, so the guide presents Notify option 243 .
- Selecting option 243would cause the guide to provide a user notification when the series season premiere for the program is to be shown. While viewing the Program Information screen for any program that has one or more related feature articles, the guide may also provide the option to access those articles directly.
- Data displayed in features screens 230 and 240may be obtained from a server or database and transmitted to the user television equipment as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- FIG. 17shows a screen that might be displayed if the user selects Shopping option 132 I from the Movies screen 130 or Shop option 106 K from the Main Menu screen 100 . If selected from the Movies screen, this screen may be limited to only shopping related to Movies.
- Screen 250 in FIG. 17shows list 251 of merchandise catalogs, sorted in various ways. The user may select one of the options in list 251 to see a list of available merchandise, or may be given the option to search one or more of the catalogs for specific items, types of items, items related to a specific movie, etc. On selecting a specific item, a screen similar to the Program Information screen may be presented to allow the user to order the item.
- the guidemay also provide the option to order any of those items. If desired, the user may purchase the program merchandise as a gift for another person. Further features of an illustrative system for purchasing gifts for others through user television equipment are described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,245, filed Jul., 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- the program guide at the user television equipmentmay obtain data relating to purchasing available merchandise such as lists of products, product descriptions, and prices, from one or more servers or databases located at the main facility 12 , the television distribution facility, or elsewhere along communications paths shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- the interactive program guide with niche hubs of the present inventionmay act as a portal for other applications that are part of the niche hub.
- the interactive program guidemay provide the other applications with access to various guide features (e.g., access to memory, access to remote control keys, tuning, parental control, user favorites, database access, etc.), and may share data and code with the other applications.
- guide featurese.g., access to memory, access to remote control keys, tuning, parental control, user favorites, database access, etc.
- the advantages of using the program guide application as a portalmay include sharing a common user input device between the interactive program guide and the other applications to increase user friendliness, eliminating resource contention, and reducing the amount of code and data required by each application.
- the interactive program guide of the present inventionmay act as portal to other applications that are features of the niche hubs using hot-linking.
- Hot linkinginvolves invoking an application that has been preselected based on the current content of the program guide or status of set-top box 26 . For example, if the user is watching a program, viewing a program listing, viewing the description of a program, or taking other action within the program guide related to a given program, channel, type of channel, or the like and the user directs the program guide to launch an application, the program guide may launch that application and direct that application to take an action related to the given program, channel, type of channel, or the like.
- Hot linksmay be activated by dedicated buttons, a launch button, menu options, or any other suitable technique.
- the niche hubs of the present inventionmay use hot linking to launch applications accessible within the hub. For example, if the user selects an option to purchase merchandise in the movies niche hub screen 130 , the guide may launch a shopping application (e.g., for purchasing program-related merchandise) and direct the shopping application to display catalogs and merchandise related to movies (e.g., HBO Movie Catalog by Film as shown in list 251 in screen 250 ). Further features of an illustrative electronic program guide as a portal for other applications are described in Ellis et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/346,164, filed Jul. 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- FIG. 18shows screen 260 that might be displayed if the user selects Feedback option 106 P from the Main Menu screen 100 or Feedback option 132 K from Movies screen 130 . If selected from the Movies screen 130 , this screen may be limited to only feedback related to Movies. This filtering function may be performed by a processor in the user television equipment, at the television distribution facility, or elsewhere.
- Screen 260provides list 261 of feedback options that user may select (e.g., using UP or DOWN keys on the remote control).
- the Feedback in list 261may include opportunities for the user to provide several types of feedback. For example, it might include trivia questions, or the opportunity to enter a contest. It may support opinion polling, such as the option to answer personal opinion questions related to movie or television personalities.
- the program guidemay, for example, provide the user with a blank screen or region on the screen where the user may compose a message by using an alphabetic keypad on the remote control, a wireless keyboard, an on-screen keyboard, etc.
- the program guidemay provide the user with a Send option to transmit the message to the recipient when he is finished composing the message.
- Message processing facility 71may be a television network or a facility that conducts contests or processes messages from television customers. Further features of an illustrative television message system is described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,245, filed Jul., 16, 1999.
- FIG. 19shows screen 270 of that provides listing 271 of programs that have been previously recorded for the user. These programs may have been recorded because of a specific user request, or based on user preferences. They may have been recorded locally, for example on a hard drive or recordable DVD or videocassette recorder in the home (video recorder 28 ), or they may have been recorded at a centralized server that provides program-recording capacity for multiple homes (e.g., at a television distribution facility or elsewhere as shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C). Selecting one of the titles from screen 270 may display the Program Information screen for that program, allowing the user to watch the program at any time. If the screen of FIG. 19 was displayed from Main Menu 100 , it may include all programs recorded for the user household. If accessed from one of the niche hubs, it may only list those recorded programs matching the criteria of the hub—for example, listing only recorded movies if accessed from the Movies hub screen 130 of FIG. 5.
- television programsmay be recorded at one of the servers shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C or at another memory storage device at a television distribution facility or connected to the user television equipment through the television distribution facility or a separate communications path (e.g., a phone line, cable line, satellite link, etc.).
- the program guide application or servermay require that the user enter an debit account number before the transaction is complete so that the user's account may be charged.
- the user account informationmay be stored in set-top box 26 and sent to the television distribution facility so that the user's account may be charged for the recording.
- the program guidemay notify the user that the program has been recorded and is available for viewing.
- the guidemay display a screen such as screen 280 that is shown in FIG. 20.
- Screen 280displays a list 281 of all programs (or all programs matching the niche hub theme such as movies) that are scheduled for future viewing and recording. These programs may be scheduled for reminders, such as “Practical Magic” in the example.
- the check symbol in region 282indicates that a reminder has been set for the program “Practical Magic.”
- the programs in list 281may be pay-per-view programs that have been purchased in advance, such as “Eyes Wide Shut” in the example.
- the dollar symbol in region 283indicates that the movie “Eyes Wide Shut” is a pay per video program.
- the programs in list 281may be programs that are scheduled to be recorded, such as “Bone Collector,” which is also shown as a pay-per-view movie by the dollar symbol.
- the “R” symbol in region 284indicates that the program “Bone Collector” has been scheduled to be recorded.
- Reminders and recordingsmay have been set for individual programs or as part of a series or package or programs. Further features of an illustrative system for series reminders from an interactive television program guide are described in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/330,792, filed Jun. 11, 1999. Reminders and recordings may have been set explicitly by the user. They may also have been set automatically by the guide based on user preferences and history. Selecting a program from list 281 may display the Program Information screen for that program, allowing the user to cancel or modify the scheduled reminder, purchase or recording.
- the program guidemay provide the user with an opportunity to set a reminder remotely, such as via the Internet, via e-mail, or via a pager that will be displayed on the television electronic program guide.
- the program guidemay also allow the user to set up a reminder at the user television equipment and send it to a remote location, such as to a personal computer, palmtop computer, pager, etc.
- the remindermay be displayed on the remote computing device at a appropriate time before the program begins.
- Reminder messagesmay be sent between user television equipment and user communications equipment (e.g., a personal computer, pager, palmtop, etc.) via two-way communications paths shown, for example, in FIG. 1B. Further features of an electronic television program guide with remote access are described in Ellis et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/354,344, filed Jul. 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- the program guidemay also provide the user with an opportunity to set a reminder for another person (e.g., a user of another user television equipment or user communications equipment).
- the reminder for the other personmay sent to the recipient's user television equipment via the communications paths shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- the remindermay also be sent to the recipient's personal computer over the Internet or over communication paths shown in FIG. 1B. Further features of an illustrative system for sending reminders to others through user television equipment is described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,245, filed Jul. 16, 1999.
- FIG. 21is an example of screen 290 that may be displayed if the user selects the Web option 106 M from the Main Menu 100 or Web option 132 L from the Movies screen 130 .
- Screen 290provides list 291 of web sites related to the selected niche hub (e.g., movie web sites if option 132 L is selected by the user to display screen 290 ), or general program-related web sites (if screen 290 is accessed from screen 100 ), and allows the user to choose one and view it.
- a web featuremay also allow the user to search for related web sites, to mark them as favorites, to parentally control them, etc. If any specific program has related web sites, those sites may be made available from the Program Information screen for that program.
- the program guidemay obtain URLs for and data from the web pages from a web server connected to the television distribution facility as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 A- 1 B.
- FIG. 22shows screen 300 that may be displayed when the user selects a Discussions option from the Main Menu 100 or Discussions option 132 M from a niche hub such as the Movies hub screen 130 .
- Screen 300provides list 301 of news groups or discussion groups related to the topic of the niche hub (if screen 300 is entered from a niche hub such as screen 130 ).
- the program guidemay display messages from the discussion group in a list such as list 311 on screen 310 of FIG. 23 .
- the usermay select a message from list 311 to display the message in overlay 312 for viewing by the user.
- a discussion featuremay also allow the user to group the discussion groups, to view conversation threads, to save or delete messages, to subscribe or unsubscribe to specific discussion groups, etc. If any specific program has related discussion groups, those discussion groups may be made available from the Program Information screen for that program.
- the program guidemay obtain data containing lists of discussion and news groups and messages within the discussion and news groups from a server or database located at the television distribution facility, main facility 12 , or elsewhere along paths shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C. Further features of an illustrative interactive television system with news groups are described in Ellis, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith (Attorney Docket No. UV-154), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- Screen 320 in FIG. 24is an example of a screen that may be displayed if the user selects Favorite option 132 N from the Movies screen 130 (FIG. 5).
- Screen 320provides list 321 of a number of categories in which the user can choose favorites, and a number of items within each category that the user can rate individually. For example, for the category “Actors/Actresses”, the user has picked the individual items “Gwyneth Paltrow”, “Matt Damon”, and “Jim Carrey”. The user has rated them with two happy faces, one unhappy face, and one happy face, respectively, to indicate whether the user likes movies starring these actors or not. This rating system is illustrative; any other rating system may be used. In the category “Genres”, the user has selected the items “Comedy” and “Children's”, and rated them two happy faces and one happy face, respectively, to indicate that the user likes children's movies and likes comedy movies even more.
- Other categories that may be shown for moviesinclude Directors, Producers, Channels, Parental (e.g. MPAA) ratings, Movie Titles, Language, Video Format (e.g., High Definition, Wide Screen, etc.), Audio Format (e.g., Digital Dolby, etc.).
- the program guideuses the user ratings (e.g., happy faces and unhappy faces in FIG. 24) to determine which programs the viewer is most likely to like or dislike. Programs with attributes the user has rated highly may be featured in various parts of the guide, and the guide may provide quick access to them, for example in listing screens. Programs with attributes that are rated low may be hidden from the user. The user may also rate individual movie critics.
- program guide functions with respect to changing program information displayed to the user based upon his or her preferencesmay be performed by a processor in the user television equipment or by a server at the television distribution facility or elsewhere in a client-server arrangement.
- Attribute ratingsmay be set by the user on a screen such as 320 . They may be set by the user after selecting a Favorite option from a Program Information screen for a certain program, at which point the guide may display the attributes of the selected program and allow the user to rate any of them, such as rating actors starring in a movie. Further features of an illustrative program guide system with preference profiles is described in Ellis et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/034,934, filed Mar. 4, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The attribute ratings may also be set automatically by the guide based on program selections made by the user household.
- the guidemay support multiple sets of favorites based on household users, or for each niche hub.
- the userUpon selecting the Favorites option from any niche hub, the user is presented with the categories and items most appropriate for that hub.
- the Movies Favorites screenmay allow the user to rate Movie Critics, MPAA Ratings, and Movie Producers.
- the Sports Favorites screenmay allow the user to rate individual sports and teams.
- the usermay add items to the Favorites list by selecting the Add Another option under any category in list 321 .
- the program guidemay then display a screen allowing the user to choose from items within the category, such as screen 330 shown in FIG. 25.
- Screen 330displays list 331 of movie genres.
- the happy faces next to some movie genresindicate that the user has indicated these genres as his favorites (e.g., from a genre Information screen such as screen 340 ).
- the usermay press UP or DOWN arrows on the remote control to select a genre in list 331 .
- the guidemay display an Information screen related to the item. For example, if the user selects comedy from list 331 , the program guide may display genre Information screen 340 as shown in FIG. 26, or the guide may simply return to the screen of FIG. 24 with the selected item added to the list. In FIG. 26, the guide presents additional information about the selected item in region 344 . Screen 340 also presents the option to change the user rating by selecting option 342 . Screen 340 also presents the user with an option to list a group of programs matching the selected item by selecting option 343 . The user may return to screen 330 by selecting Back option 341 .
- the usermay select any specific item in list 321 and press a key on the remote control or select an on screen option (not shown) to change its rating. Selecting an item may alternatively display a screen such as FIG. 26, allowing the user to change the rating on that screen by selecting option 342 . Removing the user rating from any item (i.e., setting the rating to “no (un)happy face”) may cause that item to be removed from the screen the next time it is displayed, as the user has indicated no preference with respect to that item.
- the guidemay support automatic reminders and/or automatic recordings of programs based on user preferences. Information relating to the user's favorites and programming preferences may be stored in memory 25 or at a server at a television distribution facility or elsewhere.
- the Movies screen 130may also have a Watch Movies button (not shown). Upon selecting this option, the guide may allow the user to watch television, but with quick access to movies.
- a Menu or Guide key on the remote controlwhich normally displays the Main Menu screen 100 , may instead display the Movies screen 130 or the Movies On Now screen 140 (FIG. 6). While changing channels, the guide may limit the user to only channels currently airing movies, possibly limited to movies matching the criteria selected under Movies Favorites screen 320 in FIG. 24 with happy faces. Other guide functions, such as for example Browse, may also be similarly limited. While in this mode, the Movies screen 130 may change the Watch Movies option to a Watch Normal Television option; selecting this option would return the user to regular television watching and guide features.
- the guidemay support many other niche hubs.
- Each hubincludes options that are appropriate for a user interested in that particular theme. Some options may be similar to those shown for the movies hub. Other options may be specific to another theme, such as a sports fan hub (option 112 B), a music hub (option 112 D), a soap opera hub (option 112 G), a kids/family hub (option 112 C), science fiction hub (option 112 H), a news and information hub (option 112 E), a local information hub (option 112 K), a cultural hub (option 112 F), a television lover's hub (option 112 I), and an adult hub (option 112 J).
- a usermay enter these hubs by selecting, for example, the corresponding option in Themes screen 110 (FIG. 3).
- FIG. 27Another illustrative television program guide main menu screen of a niche hub in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 27.
- Screen 350is the main menu screen of a sports fan hub.
- Screen 350provides the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to sports programming by selecting one of options 351 - 359 .
- a usermay view sports television program listings, as shown and discussed, for example, with respect to FIG. 31, by selecting option 352 .
- the usermay view sports scores and news, as shown for example in FIGS. 32 - 34 , by selecting option 353 .
- the usermay view a controllable sports ticker, as shown for example in FIG. 35, by selecting option 354 .
- the usermay participate in sports wagering and voting as well, as shown for example in FIGS. 36 - 38 , by selecting option 355 .
- the usermay participate in fantasy sports leagues, as shown for example in FIGS. 39 - 40 , by selecting option 356 .
- the usermay also view a listing of pay-per-view sports by selecting option 357 , or a listings of sports programs on now by selection option 358 .
- the usermay purchase sports-related merchandise through an interactive shopping application by selecting option 359 .
- Sports hub screen 350may also display options for accessing sports web sites, sports discussion groups, sports chat groups, and other program guide features (e.g., any features shown and used with other hubs) with sports-related content.
- the program guidemay also allow the user to enter favorites within the sports niche hub such as favorite sports, teams, leagues, etc. as part of a user profile.
- the profilesmay indicate, for example, that the user likes certain sports and teams but not others.
- the program guidemay customize the features within the niche hub based upon the user's favorites.
- the niche hubs of the present inventionmay contain individual areas within the hub for sub-categories within the niche hub category.
- a sports fan hubmay have individual areas within the hub for specific sports.
- Screen 350provides option 351 for selecting an individual area within the sports hub that relate to a specific sport (e.g., football).
- the program guidemay display screen 360 as shown in FIG. 28.
- Screen 360provides list 361 of individual sports that relate to an individual area of the sports niche hub.
- the usermay select a sport from list 361 to enter the individual area of the hub corresponding to that sport.
- the program guidemay provide the user with the option of selecting a specific team, league, etc. within that sport when the user selects a sport in list 361 .
- Each individual area within the hub that is tailored to a sub-category such as a specific sport, team, league, etc.contains niche hub features that relate to that sub-category. For example, if the user enters the football area of the niche hub, the program guide displays options such as television program listings, news groups, news stories, sports scores, fantasy sports leagues, etc. that relate (or only relate) to football in screen 350 and in other display screens of the sports fan hub. These options can be the same as screen 350 with filtered content related to the selected sub-category, a subset of the options displayed on screen 350 , or options that are specific to the selected sub-category.
- the program guidecan customize the program guide features to match the user's selected sub-category so that options relating to that sub-category are displayed in the sports hub.
- This functionalitymay be performed by a processor in the user television equipment, at the television distribution facility, or elsewhere.
- the hubmay be customized by a server (e.g., connected to user television equipment as shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C) in a client-server arrangement.
- FIG. 29An illustrative process for using niche hubs of the present invention is shown in FIG. 29.
- the interactive program guideprovides the user with an opportunity to enter a niche hub, for example, by displaying Themes screen 110 in FIG. 3.
- the usermay then select a niche hub based on the options provided by the interactive program guide or based upon the current selection in the program guide.
- the usermay highlight a movie in a general-purpose program guide television listing and then select a “niche hub” button on a remote control to enter the movie niche hub.
- the program guidemay then display features of the niche hub at step 371 , for example, by displaying niche hub movie display screen 130 or other niche hub menu screens discussed further below.
- the niche hub featuresare related to specific types of television programming, or user interests.
- the niche hub featuresmay also be selected by the user as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 65 - 67 .
- the program guidemay provide the user with an opportunity to select a niche hub feature, for example, by providing interactive options 132 A- 132 O in screen 130 .
- the usermay select a niche hub feature by selecting the region on the niche hub menu display screen and press an “ENTER” key on the remote control.
- the program guidemay display options and information relating to the selected feature in step 373 , as shown for example, by FIG. 9.
- the options and information displayedmay be related to the selected feature. For example, screen 170 when selected from the movie niche hub displays video on demand movies.
- FIG. 30Another illustrative process for using niche hubs of the present invention is shown in FIG. 30.
- the interactive program guideprovides the user with an opportunity to enter a niche hub, for example, by displaying Themes screen 110 in FIG. 3.
- the usermay then select a niche hub based on the options provided by the interactive program guide or based upon the current selection in the program guide.
- the program guidemay then display features of the selected niche hub at step 376 , for example, by displaying niche hub menu display screen 130 for sports or other niche hub menu screens discussed in this application.
- the program guideprovides the user with an opportunity to enter an individual area of the niche hub that relates to a sub-category of the hub.
- screen 360 of the sports hubprovides list 361 of individual areas within the sports hub that relate sub-categories such as specific sports. If the user then selects an individual area of the hub, the program guide then displays options and information relating to the selected individual area of the hub (e.g., as discussed with respect to FIG. 28) at step 378 .
- the program guide applicationmay obtain information regarding available individual areas of each niche hub and features available within each individual area from database 14 , a server, or a television distribution facility.
- a processor in the user television equipment, the television distribution facility, or elsewheremay provide program guide features and information to the user at the user television equipment based upon the individual area of the niche hub that the user selected. For example, if the user selects football in list 361 , the processor may provide football scores, news, and wagering options to the user in the sports niche hub.
- the program guide with niche hubs of the present inventionmay provide the user with an opportunity to view highlighted television program listings within the hub. Only programs relating to the user interest category of the niche hub are highlighted in the program listings.
- the program guidemay display listings screen 380 as shown in FIG. 31 when the user selects option 352 in menu screen 350 of the sports fan niche hub.
- Screen 380displays listings grid 386 which is organized by time and television channel. Grid 386 displays all programs on the channels in the grid, but highlights sports programs since the user entered screen 380 from the sports hub. If a channel has no programs related to the category of the hub (e.g., sports), the program guide may omit that channel from the television programs listings entirely.
- the program guidemay display a screen similar to Movies On Now shown in FIG. 6 (but directed toward sports programming on now) when the user selects option 352 .
- the interactive program guide applicationmay also display context sensitive pop-up hints. These hints appear either when the user explicitly asks for help or when the system detects that the user needs assistance through the user's inaction or when the user presses an improper key on the remote control (i.e., a key that does not correspond to a valid command at the current program guide operating point).
- the pop-up hintsmay be text messages, instructional video images, and/or audio programs or messages.
- the pop-up hintsmay be context sensitive, displaying information based on the user's current location within the program guide and, possibly, taking into account the prior user control commands by which the user reached the current location.
- pop-up hint 390provides a suggestion to the user on how to select another program by pressing the UP or DOWN arrow keys on the remote control. If the user continues to remain inactive, request help, or press improper keys, the program guide may cycle through other pop-up hints (e.g., “to watch this program press OK”).
- the program guide with niche hubs of the present inventionmay provide the user with an opportunity to view sports scores and news within a niche hub.
- the news stories displayed within the niche hubrelate to the user interest category of the hub.
- the program guidemay display screen 400 as shown in FIG. 32 when the user selects option 353 in screen 350 .
- Screen 400may display list 401 of sports leagues for which the user may view scores in the program guide. If the user has entered an individual area of the sports hub relating to a specific sport, then screen 400 can display only sports scores and news relating to that specific sport.
- the usermay select a sport from list 401 to view scores from that sport. For example, if the user selects “NBA scores” the program guide may display screen 405 as shown in FIG. 33. Screen 405 displays listing 406 of recent NBA scores. The user may select an option in listing 406 to view an information screen that provides for information about the game.
- the information screenmay be a Program Information screen for a program that is currently on television.
- the scores in listing 406may be obtained from real-time sports data source 15 (FIG. 1A) and updated periodically or continuously as scores from current games change.
- the usermay select Last option 407 to return to the previous display screen. The user may press a DOWN arrow key on the remote control to view scores from previous days.
- the program guidemay provide a listing of current and future television games that correspond to the sport selected in list 401 .
- the usercan select a game in this list to view a Program Information screen for that game.
- the Program Information screenmay provide scores for current games.
- Screen 400 in FIG. 32also displays list 402 of top news stories relating to sports.
- the usermay select a story in list 402 to read the story.
- the program guidemay then display the selected news story such as shown in screen 410 of FIG. 34.
- the text or video of the story selected by the useris displayed in region 413 .
- the usermay view the text or video of the next story in list 402 by selecting Next Story option 412 in screen 410 .
- news videomay be displayed in window 105 , instead of region 413 .
- screen 410may be formatted as an information screen with options (on-screen or remote control based) that such as play, fast forward, rewind, pause, and stop that allow the user to control the news story segment (e.g., video or scrolling text) as it is played on screen 410 .
- Screen 410may also provide a mail option to send this story to a friend. The user may return to screen 400 by selecting Last option 411 .
- News storiesmay be obtained from real-time news data source 19 (FIG. 1A), from program guide database 14 , from a television distribution facility, or from a web server connected to user television equipment via communications network 38 (e.g., the Internet) and paths shown in FIG. 1B.
- the scores or newsmay be available directly from a listing or information screen by, for example, providing on-screen options for scores or news stories related to the program. These options act as hyperlinks which allow users to access related information or features within the hub.
- News and scoresmay also be displayed on screen 350 based upon user preferences, or the most popular teams, sports, etc. Selecting the option on screen 350 may cause program guide to bring up more details relating to the news story or sports score such as an information screen that provides options related to the news or scores. For example, scores for a past game may be displayed on screen 350 . The user may then select the score option on screen 350 to display an information screen for the game. The information screen may have highlights of the game, an option to display video highlights, statics, related stories, etc.
- Screen 400may also provide other options such as the option to buy tickets for local sports events by selecting option 403 .
- the program guidemay provide a schedule of sporting events. The user may select a sporting event to purchase a ticket for that event. Sporting schedules may be obtained from a real-time data source, server, or other database.
- the program guide with niche hubs of the present inventionmay provide the user with an opportunity to view real-time (live) data relating to the user interest category of the niche hub.
- the program guidemay display screen 420 as shown in FIG. 35 when the user selects option 354 in screen 350 .
- the usermay also be able to bring up a sports ticker without going into the hub (e.g., by pressing a key on the remote control while watching television).
- FIG. 35displays live data of sports scores on controllable sports ticker 424 in overlay 422 on top of a television program displayed on screen 420 (e.g., program shown on channel 4).
- Controllable ticker 424may contain a selectable sports category 421 such as national football league (NFL), major league baseball, national hockey league, etc.
- the usermay select from different sports categories that are available using RIGHT and LEFT cursor keys on the remote control as indicated by arrows 426 .
- Each sports category 421has a number of associated items of status information.
- the program guidedisplays status information which contains real time data such as the game title, current score, current quarter, time, and channel of the current game (e.g., Greenbay v. Detroit).
- a usermay select from among the various status information items associated with a given category by using UP and DOWN remote control cursor keys as indicated by arrows 428 . For example, if the user presses the DOWN cursor key, the program guide may display the status information from another football game.
- the program guidemay also automatically scroll through the scores of current and recent games from sports category 421 without user intervention. The user may press OK on the remote control while viewing a score for a game to tune to that game if it is currently available on television.
- Real-time datasuch as sports scores may be transmitted from real-time data sources 11 (e.g., real-time sports data source 15 ) via television distribution facility 16 and real-time data collection facility 13 or main facility 12 along the communications paths shown in FIG. 1A to user television equipment 20 .
- real-time datamay be transmitted to user television equipment from real-time data sources 11 directly to server 22 or server 50 (FIG. 1C) or from the Internet (e.g., communications network 38 in FIG. 1B).
- server 22 or server 50FIG. 1C
- Internete.g., communications network 38 in FIG. 1B
- a program guide niche hub of the present inventionmay provide the user with an opportunity to view and participate in program-related wagering and voting relating the programming category of the hub (e.g., sports all-star voting and sports game wagering).
- the program guidemay display screen 440 as shown in FIG. 36 when the user selects option 355 in screen 350 .
- Screen 440provides the user with an opportunity to select a voting option from list 441 .
- the program guidemay display, for example, screen 450 as shown in FIG. 37.
- the usermay vote for a team of the season by selecting a team from list 452 of baseball teams.
- the program guidemay then transmit the user's vote to a television distribution facility or message processing facility 71 along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIG. 1D for counting and processing users' votes.
- the usermay return to the previous screen by selecting option 451 .
- Screen 440also provides the user with the opportunity to participate in sports wagering. For example, screen 440 provides the user with an opportunity to select a type of sports wagering from list 442 .
- a sports wagering optione.g., NFL game wagering
- the program guidemay provide a wagering screen such as screen 460 in FIG. 38.
- the program guidethen provides the user with upcoming games for the selected sport and the point spread for that game. For example, if the user has chosen NFL wagering (football), the program guide provides an upcoming football game, and the point spread for this game. The user may bet on a team by selecting the team from list 462 .
- Detroit in list 462this means that the user is betting that Detroit will beat Minnesota by 5 points or more.
- the usermay enter the amount of money he wishes to wager in region 463 by pressing numbers on the remote control.
- the user's bet informationmay be transmitted to a television distribution facility or message processing facility 71 along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIG. 1D for processing the user's bet.
- the usermay bet on other games by pressing the DOWN arrow on the remote control.
- the program guidewill them display teams and point spreads for other upcoming NFL games.
- the wageringmay be real or pretend.
- the program guideprovides user setup accounts, personal identification number (PIN) to access the account, and other user security features. Also, once the user has set up an account and placed a bet, the program guide provides an option to access the user's account to view the status of pending bet, the results of previous bets, the user's account value, betting dollar limits, betting statistics, and other useful information. Wagering and voting options may be available from a Program Information screen, if applicable to a specific program. Further features of illustrative interactive wagering systems and processes are described in Brenner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,068, issued Nov. 3, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- a program guide sports niche hub (or other related hub) of the present inventionmay provide the user with an opportunity to participate in a fantasy sports league. Fantasy sports leagues allow users to form a squad of real-life sports teams that are evaluated on the basis of their real-life performance. Users compete against each other for the highest fantasy sports score.
- the program guidemay provide display screen 480 as shown in FIG. 39 when the user selects option 356 in screen 350 . Screen 480 provides the user with an opportunity to enter an interactive fantasy sports league display screen by selecting a fantasy sport from list 482 . For example, if the user selects fantasy basketball, the program guide may subsequently provide display screen 490 as shown in FIG. 40.
- Display screen 490is an example of an interactive fantasy sports league display screen for fantasy basketball.
- Screen 490allows the user to select a fantasy basketball squad by choosing real-life basketball teams by selecting option 492 .
- the usermay view the rules of fantasy basketball by selecting option 491 .
- the usermay view scores for recent basketball games by selecting option 495 .
- the usermay view the top scores of all the participants in the Virtut sports league by selecting option 493 .
- the user's current score in the fantasy leagueis displayed in region 494 .
- the usermay select option 496 to add more squads for other users in the household that want to participate in the same fantasy sports league.
- the usermay select option 497 to view details of the teams of the currently selected squad.
- the usermay select option 498 to view the details of his standings with respect to the performance of the teams in his squad relative to other players in the league (such as a ranking).
- the program guidemay obtain fantasy sports league data such as available fantasy sports leagues, lists of real-life sports teams, recent real-life game scores, and fantasy sports rules from program guide database 14 , a television distribution facility, or a server (e.g., a web server connected via the Internet). Fantasy sports league data may be transmitted to user television equipment along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C. A user's current score in a fantasy sports league (in region 494 ) may be calculated by the program guide operating on the set-top (e.g., if the set-top box has a processor).
- fantasy sports league datasuch as available fantasy sports leagues, lists of real-life sports teams, recent real-life game scores, and fantasy sports rules from program guide database 14 , a television distribution facility, or a server (e.g., a web server connected via the Internet). Fantasy sports league data may be transmitted to user television equipment along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C. A user's current score in a fantasy sports league (
- the program guide operating on the set-top boxmay transmit the teams on the user's fantasy sports squad to a server (e.g., at the television distribution facility or elsewhere as shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C).
- the user's current score in region 494may be then be calculated by the server, transmitted back to the set-top box, and stored in memory 25 .
- Fantasy sports leagues scores of other usersmay be stored in a server such as a web server, and the top scores may be transmitted from the server to user television equipment upon request by the interactive program guide on the user television equipment when the user selects option 493 (e.g., through communications network 38 along paths shown in FIG. 1B).
- FIG. 41Another illustrative television program guide main menu screen of a niche hub in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 41.
- Screen 510is the main menu screen of a family hub.
- Screen 510provides the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to family programming by selecting one of options 512 A- 512 F.
- a usermay program parental control setup features in the family hub, as shown for example in FIG. 42, by selecting option 512 A.
- a usermay program personal profiles in the family hub, as shown for example in FIGS. 43 - 44 , by selecting option 512 B.
- a usermay send messages to other users, as shown for example in FIGS. 45, 46A, and 46 B, by selecting option 512 C.
- a usermay select parents' television and kids' television options, as shown for example in FIGS. 47 - 49 , by selecting option 512 D.
- a usermay also view and send messages in chat groups by selecting option 512 E, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 50 - 51 .
- a usermay also view family-oriented television program listings by selection option 512 F.
- the television program listingsmay be arranged similarly to listings displayed from other hubs with programs appropriate for family viewing and/or particular age groups. There also may be multiple programming categories for families such as program listings for young children, education programming, programming for teenagers, etc.
- the main family hub screenmay also include options similar to other hubs (such as the movie hub and the sports hub) that are tailored to family or kids programming.
- the family hub screenmay provide options for video on-demand or pay-per-view family movies, kids programs on now, video clips of interest to families, web pages of interest to children, shopping features for toys, etc.
- the family hubmay also include the ability to control which features of the hub or general purpose program guide are accessible by children (e.g., making a shopping feature password protected).
- the program guide with niche hubs of the present inventionmay provide the user with an opportunity to use parental control features.
- display screen 530 in FIG. 42may be displayed within the family hub when the user selects option 512 A in screen 510 .
- Screen 530provides the user with list 532 of typical television programming features that a user can lock or unlock. By the locking (or blocking) the selected feature, the user prevents other users (e.g., children) from viewing that feature without entering a password or code.
- the usercan lock a program, rating, or channel from a Program Information screen by selecting a lock option for that program, rating, or channel.
- the usercan unlock a program such as “Jerry Springer” by selecting option 531 and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to unlock that program.
- a usermay lock or unlock a specific television program rating (e.g., TV-MA) by selecting option 532 , and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that rating.
- a usermay lock or unlock a specific movie rating (e.g., R) by selecting option 533 , and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that rating.
- a usermay lock or unlock a specific television channel (e.g., 14-HBO) by selecting option 534 , and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that channel.
- the usercan scroll to other locked programs, ratings or channels in regions 531 - 534 by pressing RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys on the remote control.
- a lock icon in any of regions 531 - 534indicates that the selected option is currently locked.
- a usermay hide adult programs by selecting option 535 , then using a LEFT arrow key on the remote control to scroll from the “SHOW” to the “HIDE” option to hide adult programs and their titles in the program guide listings.
- Parental control featuresmay also be available, for example, from a Program Information screen.
- the lock features in screen 530may be stored in memory 25 of set-top box 26 or provided to the set-top box from a server along communications paths such as shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- the set-top boxmay contain a processor for performing the locking functions including evaluating which programs, music, and channels are to be locked when a given locking feature has been chosen in screen 530 .
- the set-top box and program guidemay also be configured to block web sites based on specific URLs or certain words as entered by the user.
- Programming provided from the television distribution facilitymay contain labels (e.g., data provided in band with the television program channel or in its vertical blanking interval) that identify the program, music, or channel as having an adult theme, containing foul language, nudity, violence, etc.
- datamay provided as part of the program guide data from main facility 12 that identifies program ratings and content.
- the program guide application on the set-top boxmay then compare each program, music, and channel label with the locked features to determine whether to permit the user view the program, music, or channel or whether to require a password or access code before viewing is permitted.
- the program guidemay also provide locking of other content such as web sites, chat rooms, applications, etc.
- a family niche hub or other hub of the present inventionmay provide the user with an opportunity to enter personal profiles with different levels of rating restrictions for various viewers (e.g., family members) and other personal preferences.
- display screen 540 in FIG. 43may be provided when the user selects option 512 B in screen 510 .
- Screen 540displays list 541 of profiles for household users that have previously been entered into the program guide system, and provides an option to add a new profile.
- the usermay select a user profile by choosing an option in list 541 .
- Each user profilemay contain a particular rating restriction, and may contain information regarding the user's favorite programs and interests.
- the program guidemay require that an access code or password be entered by the user before he or she can select a particular user profile.
- the usermay edit a user profile by selecting a profile in list 541 and then pressing an “OK” key on the remote control.
- the program guidemay then display a screen such as television display screen 550 as shown in FIG. 44.
- the usermay enter a password in region 551 to enter that user profile.
- the usermay set a rating restriction in region 552 for the selected name by pressing LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys on the remote control to scroll through a list of rating restrictions.
- the users favorite program or programsare displayed in region 553 .
- the personal profile screenmay also provide the user with the opportunity to enter other user preference information such as favorite channels, actors, directors, genres of programming, etc.
- the program guidemay use the user preference information to set targeted advertising, automatic reminders, automatic recording of favorite programs, etc.
- Profilesmay be defined by example from a Program Information screen.
- a Program Information screenmay provide a favorites option.
- the program guideadds that program to the user's profile and displays that program in region 553 .
- the usermay scroll between her favorite programs in region 553 by pressing RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys on the remote control.
- the program guidemay use the user's profile in a number of ways. For example, the program guide may provide program listings that match the user's favorite programs, genres, actors, etc.
- the program guidemay also customize other features of the guide based upon the user's preferences. For example, the guide may provide web sites or merchandise in a shopping application that match the user's preferences.
- a program guide niche hub of the present inventionmay provide the user with an opportunity to read, compose, and send messages to other users in pen pal e-mail clubs that are related to the programming category or user interest of the hub.
- the program guidemay provide display screen 560 in FIG. 45 when the user selects option 512 C in screen 510 .
- pen pal clubs related to a programmay be selected from a Program Information screen for that program.
- Screen 560provides the user with the opportunity to view listing 561 of topics related to programming, certain localities, sports, etc. or any topic. The user may select an option in list 561 to display a list of persons who have indicated an interest in that topic or who wish to receive messages from a pen pal on any topic.
- the program guidemay then, for example, display television display screen 570 as shown in FIG. 46A.
- Screen 570displays list 571 of persons that have indicated a desire to receive messages from a pen pal on the selected topic or any topic.
- the usermay select a person in list 571 to send a message to that person.
- Each option is list 571may provide the person's name as well as further information about the person such as where they live.
- the program guidemay, for example, display television display screen 575 as shown in FIG. 46B.
- the usermay compose the text of a message (e.g., using a wireless keyboard) in region 576 .
- the usermay press an “OK” key on the remote control to send the message in region 576 to the intended recipient.
- the program guide application operating on set-top box 26may receive and transmit e-mail messages for pen pal e-mail clubs via communications network 38 (e.g., the Internet) and a television distribution facility as shown in FIG. 1B.
- the messagemay be maintained on a message server (e.g., server 36 ).
- e-mail messages for pen pal e-mail clubsmay be sent and received via a direct Internet connection to set-top box 26 (e.g., a separate phone line to the set-top box) that is not routed through a television distribution facility.
- the messages in the e-mail pen pal clubsmay also be messages that are transmitted between user television equipment via a television distribution facility and maintained at a server at the television distribution facility or elsewhere (e.g., FIG. 1C).
- Messages between user television equipmentmay be transmitted along communications paths as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- the messagesmay also be maintained at message processing facility 71 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1D.
- Message processing facility 71may be associated with a television channel that maintains pen pal e-mail clubs relating to its programming. Further features of an illustrative television message system is described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,245, filed Jul., 16, 1999.
- FIG. 47shows an illustrative arrangement for interconnecting various user television equipment within a home.
- Primary user television equipment 581may be connected to secondary user television equipment 582 , secondary user television equipment 583 , and secondary user television equipment 584 via communications paths 586 .
- Communications paths 586may be any suitable communications paths for an in home network, such as twisted pair lines, Ethernet links, fiber optics, power lines, radio frequency links, infrared and other wireless links, Firewire (IEEE 1394) paths, dedicated cables, etc.
- one or more pieces of secondary user television equipmentmay be connected to primary user television equipment 581 in a star configuration.
- User television equipment devicesare typically located in different rooms within home 580 .
- primary user television equipment 581may be placed in the parents' bedroom
- secondary user television equipment 582may be placed in the children's room
- secondary user television equipment 583may be placed in a living room
- secondary user television equipment 584may be placed in a guest room.
- the parents' bedroommay be used as a master location to adjust user settings for the program guides on the user television equipment in the children's room and other rooms.
- Each of user television equipment 581 - 584may be connected to television distribution facility 588 and server 588 A independently along communications paths 587 A- 587 D as shown, for example, in FIG. 47. If desired, only primary user television equipment 581 may be connected to television distribution facility 588 and server 588 A along path 587 A while secondary user television equipment devices 582 - 584 communicate with television distribution facility 588 , server 588 A, and each other (e.g., for sending messages between user television equipment 581 - 584 ) via primary user television equipment 581 through an in-home network such as an Ethernet link using paths 586 or other suitable connections. If all of user television equipment 581 - 584 are connected to server 588 A, then there is no need for having an in-home network as well.
- a user at primary user television equipment 581may control and monitor the programs that may be viewed from each secondary user television equipment device in the home. For example, a parent may wish to block certain channels on a television set in the children's room, or monitor the programs that are being watched on television sets through the home.
- the interactive program guidemay provide screen 590 in FIG. 48 when the user selects option 512 D in screen 510 .
- Screen 590provides the user with the opportunity to control and monitor viewing on various user television equipment devices in the home.
- the usermay select a television set in the home such as the Kid's TV by selecting option 591 and pressing RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys on the remote control.
- the usermay then select blocking features for the television set selected in region 591 by manipulating options 592 - 595 on screen 590 .
- the usercan lock a program, rating, or channel for the kid's television set from an information screen (e.g., Program Information screen) by selecting a lock option for that program, rating, or channel.
- the usercan unlock a program such as “Jerry Springer” for the kid's television set by selecting option 592 and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to unlock that program.
- a usermay lock or unlock a specific television program rating (e.g., TV-MA) for the kid's television set by selecting option 593 , and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that rating.
- TV-MAtelevision program rating
- a usermay lock or unlock a specific television channel (e.g., 14-HBO) for the kid's television set by selecting option 595 , and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that channel.
- the usercan scroll to other locked programs, ratings or channels in regions 592 , 593 , and 595 by pressing RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys on the remote control.
- a lock icon in any of regions 592 , 593 , and 595indicates that the selected option is currently locked.
- a usermay hide adult programs for the kid's television set by selecting option 594 , then using a LEFT arrow key on the remote control to scroll from the “SHOW” to the “HIDE” option to hide adult programs and their titles in the program guide listings.
- Parental control featuresmay also be available, for example, from a Program Information screen.
- the usermay select option 596 in screen 590 to monitor the channels that are being viewed on user television equipment throughout the home.
- the program guide at primary user television equipment 581may poll the program guides at secondary user television equipment in the home to determine whether anyone is currently viewing television and which channels they are tuned to.
- the program guidemay provide, for example, screen 600 as shown in FIG. 49.
- Screen 600provides a grid in region 601 which shows the channel and program that is being currently viewed on user television equipment in the home.
- Grid 601also provides the ratings for the programs currently being viewed on each user television equipment that is being monitored (e.g., R for 17 and up, G for general audiences).
- Video window 105 on screen 590 or screen 600may be video from the other television being monitored.
- the set-top box at the primary user television equipmentmay tune to the same channel that the monitored television is tuned to. If the monitored television is displaying video from another source such as a local video recorder, then the video shown in window 105 on the primary user television equipment may be reduced quality if it needs to be transferred from one location in the house to another.
- the program guidemay also provide the user at primary user television equipment 581 with the option of changing the television channel at one or more of secondary user television equipment 582 - 584 by selecting a location user television equipment and pressing UP or DOWN arrow keys on the remote control.
- the program guide on primary user television equipment 581then directs the selected secondary user television equipment to tune to the selected channel.
- the program guidemay also provide the user with the opportunity to turn off viewing by pressing an OFF key on the remote control or to control the volume in one of the secondary user television equipment by manipulating volume control buttons on the remote control.
- the program guidemay only provide option 512 D, and screens 590 and 600 on primary user television equipment 581 and may require an access code to enter screen 590 .
- Screen 610 in FIG. 50is an example of a display screen that provides the user with an opportunity to participate in a chat group.
- the program guidemay display screen 610 when the user selects, for example, option 512 E from screen 510 .
- a chat groupcomprises a group of users who send real-time messages to each other.
- the usersmay be Internet users and users of user television equipment devices.
- the real-time messages in the chat groupmay be maintained on a chat server at, e.g., a television distribution facility or elsewhere as shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C, such as such as servers 33 , 35 , 36 , and 50 .
- the usermay participate in a chat group by selecting from list 611 in screen 610 .
- List 611may contain chat groups that are related to family oriented programming.
- the usermay view additional chat groups by pressing the DOWN arrow key on the remote control.
- the program guidemay also provide the user with an opportunity to enter chat groups related to a program from a Program Information screen for that program.
- the program guidemay communicate with a television distribution facility to connect to the chat server that maintains that chat group.
- the program guidemay display a screen such as screen 620 in FIG. 51.
- Messages from the chat groupare displayed in region 621 .
- the usermay compose a message in region 622 to be added to the chat group using, e.g., a wireless keyboard.
- the usermay send the message to other users in the chat group by, e.g., pressing an “ENTER” key on the remote control.
- the message in region 622then appears in region 621 and is sent to the other users in the chat group.
- Messages between users (of user television equipment and user communications equipment) in chat groupsmay be sent along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C.
- the usermay also enter a chat group for a program by selecting a chat option from a Program Information for that program.
- Further features of an illustrative television chat systemis described in DeWeese et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,270, filed Jul., 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- FIG. 52Another illustrative television program guide main menu screen of a niche hub in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 52.
- Menu screen 630 in FIG. 52is the main menu screen of a music niche hub.
- Screen 630provides the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to music and music related programming.
- the music hubmay have many of the same options as the other hubs such as program listings, shopping, web sites, chat groups, video on-demand or pay-per-view concerts, etc.
- the music hubmay also have an option to see music-related programs, in addition to actual music programming within each feature of the hub. This might include programs with guest appearances by music celebrities or music groups, or any other programs that may be of interest to a music fan.
- the music hubmay have an option to provide feedback for rating individual songs and the ability to see other people's ratings.
- the music hubmay also provide parental control for music such as the ability to block songs with sexual or foul language. Also, songs and song categories may come with parental warning labels.
- the music hubmay also have features for fan clubs such as chat groups, the ability to buy merchandise relating to an artist, concert schedules, etc.
- the musicmay also have recording features that are used to record music.
- Screen 630provides the user with the opportunity to view a listing of music channels (e.g., cable music channels) by selecting option 631 A as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 53A.
- the usermay view a listing of music video channels by selecting option 631 B as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 53B.
- the usermay view a listing of available music-on-demand song tracks by selecting option 631 C as discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 54 A- 54 E.
- the usermay select background music for the program guide by selecting option 631 D as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 55.
- the usermay select music favorites by selecting option 631 E as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 56.
- the usermay manipulate music setup options by selecting option 631 F as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 57.
- the program guidemay, for example, display screen 634 as shown in FIG. 53A.
- Screen 634displays listing 636 of available music channels.
- the program guideswitches the current audio to the selected music channel.
- the program guidemay display the album cover for that song in window 105 .
- Each option in listing 636includes the title of the music channel, and the title and the artist for the current song on that channel.
- the program guidetunes to the selected music channel and displays the song title, artist, and album cover of the song that is currently playing on the selected music channel.
- Song title, artist, and album cover graphics for current songsmay be provided to the set-top box from a television distribution facility in-band with the music channels.
- the set-top boxmay decode the in-band track, artist, and title information from the selected music channel signal using the tuner tuned to that channel.
- the program guidemay also display track and artist information for songs that are currently playing on available music channels other than the music channel currently selected in listing 636 .
- the set-top boxmay contain two tuners.
- the set-top boxmay have a second tuner for decoding the in-band track and artist information for the song currently playing on a music channel other than the one that the first tuner is tuned to.
- the second tunermay sequentially tune to each available analog and digital music channel so that the program guide application may obtain in-band music information such as track and artist information for current songs on each channel.
- the song title, artist, and album cover information for the current songs on the available music channelsmay be stored in memory 25 of set-top box 26 and displayed in listing 636 .
- the song title, artist, and album cover information for the current songs on the available music channelsmay also be obtained from an Internet web server via a television distribution facility (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B) and transmitted to the set-top box along an out-of-band channel along communication paths connected to the television distribution facility.
- a television distribution facilitye.g., as shown in FIG. 1B
- the program guidemay, for example, display screen 640 as shown in FIG. 53B.
- Screen 640displays listing 641 of available music video channels.
- the program guideswitches the current video in window 105 to the selected music video channel to play the current video and accompany music.
- the program guidedisplays song title and artist information for each video music channel in listing 641 .
- the program guidemay obtain the song title and artist information for the current video from by decoding in-band data using two tuners as discussed above with respect to FIG. 53A, from the program guide database 14 at main facility 12 , or from a server.
- Screen 645 in FIG. 53Cis an example of a music flip screen that may be displayed for a few seconds when the program guide tunes to a music channel or music video channel.
- the guidemay tune to a music or music video channel when, for example, the user presses the OK key while a channel is highlighted on screen 634 or screen 640 , presses channel UP or channel DOWN while on another channel, or enters the channel number of the music or music video channel.
- the album cover, music video, or other still image for the current song on the music or music video channelmay be displayed on screen 645 . If desired, screen 645 may be blank.
- Screen 645displays the music genre, artist, and title for the current song on the music or music video channel, as well as selectable advertisement 647 , and channel information, in overlay 646 .
- the program guidemay display music browse region 651 as shown in screen 650 of FIG. 53D.
- Region 651displays the music genre, title, and artist of the song playing on each available music and music video channel without having to change channels. This information may be obtained by the set-top box as discussed with respect to FIG. 53A.
- the usermay press the UP and DOWN arrows to view additional music channels.
- the program guidemay automatically scroll through the available music or music video channels in region 651 .
- Region 651also displays advertisement 652 which may be selectable. The user may press OK on the remote control to tune to (and display the music flip screen for) the channel currently displayed in region 651 .
- the usermay press an INFO key on the remote control to display a Song Information screen for the current song playing on the currently selected channel (e.g., from screen 634 , 640 , 645 , or 650 ).
- a Song Information screenin shown in FIG. 53E.
- Screen 655 in FIG. 53Edisplays the title and artist for a song the user is listening to or a song that is listed on any program guide menu screen.
- Region 657also includes further details about the song, for example, the title of the compact disc for that song, and the name of the publisher.
- Screen 655also has options related to the song, as appropriate. For example, screen 655 has option 656 A to return to the previous display screen, option 656 B to display the Song Information screen for the previous song heard, and option 656 C to buy the compact disc indicated in region 657 . Screen 655 also displays option 656 D to display a concert schedule for the artist indicated in screen 655 if one is available. When the user selects option 656 D, the program guide may display national or local concert schedules and concert reviews, and provide the user with an opportunity to purchase tickets to a concert.
- the concert optionis another example of a hyperlink feature that links the user to options that are related to information the user is currently viewing.
- a Song Information screensuch as screen 655 may provide further options.
- the usermay press RIGHT or LEFT arrow keys on the remote control to display these options on screen 655 .
- screen 655may provide further options relating to the song and artist shown in screen 655 such as an option to view information about the artist (e.g., biographical information or music reviews), and an option to view a discography for the artist (i.e., a listings of the artist's albums or songs). These features may include an option to select an individual song and to view further information about that particular song and an option to buy a featured compact disc.
- Screen 655may also include an option to enter a karaoke mode for video music channels, in which the program guide plays the song and music video without vocals.
- the program guidemay provide the vocals for video music channels separately from the instrumental music.
- karaoke modethe program guide only provides the instrumental portion of the music for the selected video music channel without the vocal portion of the music, and provides the words of the song as text on the television screen.
- Screen 655may also include an option to add the song to the music on-demand play-list (e.g., maintained at a music on-demand server at a television distribution facility).
- Screen 655may also include an option to request the song from a music or music video channel that takes requests.
- the program guidemay indicate to the user the price of the song and may debit the user's account when the user confirms the transaction.
- Screen 655may also include an option to add the song to the user's profile of likes and dislikes (discussed further with respect to FIG. 56).
- a Song Information screenmay be displayed automatically every time the song on the current channel changes.
- the program guidemay, for example, provide a screen such as screen 660 in FIG. 54A.
- Screen 660provides list 661 of genres of music for which music song are available on-demand.
- Screen 660also provides the user with the opportunity to add songs to a user selected play list that may be played on-demand for a fee.
- the usermay view his play list may selecting “My Play List” in list 661 .
- the program guideprovides a screen such as screen 665 in FIG. 54B that contains list 666 of artists within the selected genre.
- the program guideprovides a screen such as screen 670 in FIG.
- the program guideprovides a screen such as screen 675 in FIG. 54D that displays the songs for the selected album in list 676 .
- the program guideprovides a screen such as screen 680 in FIG. 54E.
- Screen 680displays the price and title of the song, and provides the user with the opportunity to add the selected song to the user's play list by selecting option 681 or not by selecting option 682 .
- the usermay play the song now by selecting option 683 .
- the program guidemay provide the user with an option on screen 630 to view his play list. When the user selects this option, the program guide displays the play list as well as the price to play the list, the time duration of the entire list, and an option to start playing the play list now.
- the program guidemay provide a screen such as screen 685 in FIG. 55.
- Screen 685provides the user with the opportunity to select background music for the program guide.
- Background musicis a music category that plays whenever an interactive program guide screen is displayed, unless it is overridden by audio from a channel or other source.
- the usermay select a background music category in list 686 .
- the musicmay be obtained from a server that maintains prerecorded tracks at the television distribution facility or elsewhere, a radio station, or other real-time data source. Further features of an illustrative interactive television program guide system with audio are described in Allison U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/436,976, filed Nov. 9, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- the program guidemay provide a screen such as screen 800 in FIG. 56.
- Screen 800displays listings of the user's favorite songs, categories of songs (list 801 ), artists (list 802 ), albums, etc.
- the usermay press the DOWN arrow key to view additional favorites on screen 800 .
- the number of happy faces and unhappy facesindicate whether the user likes that song category, artist, etc., and to what degree.
- the usermay add more categories of songs to his profile by selecting the more option in list 801 .
- the program guidemay provide the user with the opportunity to add a song, category, artist, album, etc. to his favorites by selecting an “add to favorites” option in an information screen (e.g., Song Information screen).
- the program guidemay utilize user profile information by customizing features of the hub to match the user's favorites.
- the program guidemay provide a screen such as screen 810 in FIG. 57.
- Screen 810provides the user with the opportunity to manipulate various setup features of the guide that relate to audio settings for music programming.
- the usermay select an audio format such as digital Dolby in region 811 by pressing RIGHT or LEFT arrows on the remote control when the format option is highlighted.
- the usermay select an audio compression format such as light in region 812 by pressing RIGHT or LEFT arrows on the remote control when the compression option is highlighted.
- the usermay select an audio effect such as concert hall in region 813 by pressing RIGHT or LEFT arrows on the remote control when the effect option is highlighted.
- FIG. 58Another illustrative television program guide main menu screen of a niche hub in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 58.
- Menu screen 690 in FIG. 58is the main menu screen of a news and information hub.
- Screen 690provides the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to news and information.
- the usermay view a stock report by selecting option 691 A as discussed with respect to FIG. 59.
- the usermay view a stock ticker by selecting option 691 B as discussed with respect to FIG. 60.
- the usermay view local reports by selecting option 691 C as discussed with respect to FIG. 61.
- the usermay view live news by selecting option 691 D as discussed with respect to FIG. 62.
- the usermay view weather reports by selecting option 691 E as discussed with respect to FIG. 63.
- the news and information hubmay also include options similar to the options in the other hubs.
- screen 700is an example of a stock report display screen that the program guide can provide when the user selects option 691 A in screen 690 .
- Screen 700provides the user with a personalized stock report in list 701 .
- List 701provides the latest stock quote for a list of publicly traded companies, indexes, and funds as well as the change in the current price relative to the previous day's closing price.
- the usermay add stocks to the list 701 by selecting option 702 in screen 700 .
- the program guidemay then provide the user with a list of stocks to choose from that may be added to list 701 .
- the usermay scroll down the list by entering letters from a keypad. If desired, the program guide may provide the user with the opportunity to enter stock symbols to add stocks to screen 700 .
- the program guidemay also provide a scrolling stock ticker as shown, for example, in FIG. 60 when the user selects option 691 B in screen 690 .
- the program guidemay then display the video and audio for the current television channel concurrently with a stock ticker in overlay 711 .
- Overlay 711contains stock ticker 712 which continuously scrolls recent stock quotes for a variety of publicly traded companies, indexes, and funds. If desired, ticker 712 may scroll only a subset of stocks that are selected by the user (e.g., that are picked on screen 700 ).
- the program guidemay obtain real-time stock information for scrolling ticker 712 and list 701 in screen 700 from real-time stock market data source 17 along a digital or analog channel in communications paths as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A.
- the program guidemay also provide the user with an opportunity to view local information as part of the news and information hub when the user selects option 691 C in screen 690 as shown, for example, in FIG. 61.
- Screen 720 in FIG. 61displays local reports including local traffic conditions in region 721 , and local ski reports in region 722 .
- the program guidemay provide local information in screen 720 in the form of text, graphics, or video-on-demand from, e.g., real-time news data source 19 along paths shown in FIG. 1A.
- Local informationmay be obtained from a television distribution facility and local real-time data sources such as local news services, stations, or web pages (e.g., from a server 36 ) along communications paths shown, for example, in FIG. 1A (with respect to real-time data sources 11 or communications network 31 ), or FIG. 1B (with respect to communications network 36 ). Local information may also be obtained a central facility such as main facility 12 , with addressing to specific localities, or obtained from the Internet.
- the television distribution facilityprovides local information related to the locality that the user resides in. If the television distribution facility is connected to user television equipment in only one given locality, it may provide local information to users only relevant to that specific locality. If a television distribution facility is connected to users in multiple localities, the television distribution facility may divide users in groups of localities and provide local information to the users based upon their location in a given locality.
- the program guidemay also provide the user with an opportunity to read live news updates in the news and information hub by selecting option 691 D in screen 690 .
- Screen 730 in FIG. 62is an example of a display screen that the program guide may display when the user selects option 691 D.
- Screen 730displays live news updates on breaking news events in region 731 .
- Live news updatesmay be provided in the form of scrolling real-time textual messages to the user television equipment that are displayed in region 731 as shown in FIG. 62.
- the live news updates in screen 730may also be in the form of audio or video news (e.g., video from the story may be displayed in window 105 ).
- the program guidemay obtain live news updates, for example, from real-time news data source 19 along paths shown in FIG. 1A.
- the program guidemay also provide the user with an opportunity to search for other live news updates or other news stories related to the news update in region 731 or background news stories by selecting option 732 .
- Screen 740 in FIG. 63is an example of a display screen that may be provided by the program guide when the user selects option 691 E in screen 690 .
- Screen 740provides a local weather forecast in region 741 for the user's locality.
- the television distribution facilitymay divide users into localities and provide weather reports specific to each locality if users connected to that television distribution facility are in different localities.
- the usermay search for weather reports for other localities by selecting option 742 .
- the program guidemay then provide the user with a list of other localities. When the user selects a locality on the list, the program guide may then provide the user with the weather forecast or report for that locality on a display screen such as screen 740 .
- the program guidemay obtain the contents of the weather reports for the news and information hub from real-time news data source 19 along a digital or analog channel in communications paths as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A.
- the program guidemay also obtain news stories, weather reports, and stock quotes from a web server (e.g., server 36 ) connected to user television equipment via communications network 38 (FIG. 1B).
- Real-time news data source 19may contain a searchable weather database of national and international weather reports that the user can access from the user television equipment along two-way communications paths as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A.
- Screen 750 in FIG. 64is an example of a help display screen that may be provided by the program guide when the user selects option 106 T in screen 100 .
- Screen 750provides the user with listing 751 of help topics that may be selected by the user. The user may press UP and DOWN arrows on the remote control to select a help topic in list 751 .
- the program guidedisplays detailed information on a display screen that relates to using the selected program guide feature.
- the detailed help informationmay be in the form of text, audio, or video.
- the program guide help informationmay be stored in memory 25 of set-top box 26 , or at a remote server (e.g., at the television distribution facility) and transmitted to the set-top box upon request.
- a local hubmay provide the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to local events, programming, and information.
- the program guidemay, for example, obtain data for the local hub features from a television distribution facility.
- the television distribution facility(or server or computing equipment located elsewhere) filters local information to the user television equipment connected to that television distribution facility based upon where the users reside. The local information is received by the user television equipment and displayed in conjunction with the local hub.
- the local hubmay provide local information such as upcoming community events, local theater productions, classified ads, local television program listings, (which may be include local channels and local programming on any channels), local news, local debates, local government information, movies playing at local theaters, local personal ads, local restaurants, local attractions, local concert schedules, local high school sports, local interest groups (e.g., a local historical society), yellow pages with local listings, school lunches for local schools, and surveys relevant to local issues.
- Local featuressuch as local news, local ski reports, sports, traffic reports, etc. may be present in both the news hub and the local hub.
- the local hubmay obtain local information, for example, from local real-time data sources 11 (e.g., a local radio station, community service center, local government offices, etc.) along communications paths shown, for example, in FIG. 1A.
- the program guide local hubmay obtain local information for local features from a server that stores information on local events and features.
- the servermay be located at a television distribution facility, or may be a remote server connected to a television distribution facility through a communications network as shown, for example, in FIG. 1B, or a remote server connected through neighborhood nodes to the user television equipment as shown, for example, in FIG. 1C.
- the local informationmay be retrieved from at a web site maintained by a web server (e.g., server 36 connected to television distribution facilities via paths shown in FIG. 1B).
- the local hubmay also provide a user with an opportunity to participate in a lottery.
- the usermay enter a lottery number pick using the remote control into the set-top box memory to participate in the lottery.
- the program guidemay transmit the user's lottery pick to a lottery processing facility such as message processing facility 71 (FIG. 1D) along communications paths as shown, for example, in FIG. 1D.
- the lottery processing facilitymay determine the lottery winners and then send messages back to the winners to inform them of their prizes.
- the messages to the winnersmay be sent as, for example, e-mail messages, snail mail messages, or messages to the user television equipment along two-way communications paths as shown, e.g., in FIG. 1D. If desired, the lottery winners may be announced on a television channel received by the user television equipment.
- the communications pathse.g., paths 24 in FIG. 1A
- the communications pathse.g., paths 24 in FIG. 1A between the user television equipment and the television distribution facility must be two-way paths to support lottery features.
- a soap opera hubmay contain television program guide listings of soaps and summaries of recent episodes.
- the soap hubmay include actor biographies, interviews, and behind the scenes segments (e.g., recorded video, images, or textual segments), as well as targeted advertisements, scheduled soap chats, news groups, and fan clubs that communicate through e-mail messages.
- the soap hubmay also contain links to soap opera web sites, the ability to purchase soap opera related merchandise, video-on-demand of missed soap episodes, and soap trivia questions.
- a science fiction hubmay contain listings of science fiction television programs and movies, targeted ads, summaries of recent episodes of science fiction programs and sitcoms, Star Trek convention schedules, links to web sites, trivia, video-on-demand, as well as science fiction chat groups, news groups, and e-mail fan clubs.
- the science fiction hubmay include actor biographies, interviews, and behind the scenes segments (e.g., recorded video, images, or textual segments).
- the science fiction hubmay also have access to a searchable database of Star Trek episodes and other science fiction programs and related information and news.
- a television lover's hubmay include highly searchable television program guide listings.
- the highly searchable listingsallow a user to search for television programs by entering search criteria such as the names of actors in the programs, words in description of the program, the subject of the program, the year the program was filmed, a specific episode in a sitcom or program series, etc.
- the program guidemay transmit the search criteria to program database 14 or a database at the television distribution facility which searches for programs that match the user's selected criteria. When a match has been found, the program information may be transmitted back to the originating set-top box and displayed on the television set.
- the television lover's hubmay also include targeted ads, recommended programs with an emphasis on programs that are popular, server-based recording, video-on-demand, pay-per-view programs, packages of pay channels and programs, reviews, interviews, shopping for program-related merchandise, trivia, user favorites and personal preferences, suggested programs given the user's likes and dislikes, chat groups, news groups, and web site links related to popular shows.
- the adult hubmay contain any of the options available for the Movies hub, with adult-oriented content, adult-oriented advertising, support for adult-oriented programming on-demand, on pay-per-view, and on cable channels, as well as the ability to control access of this hub to specific family members.
- the cultural hubmay contain any of the options available for the Movies hub, with cultural content; culture-related advertising; support for public television; nature shows, art shows, history shows, philosophy shows and listings therefor; support for distance learning; feedback to network executives; and highlighting shows with critical appeal in television listings.
- the guidemay allow the household to define one or more custom hubs, for example by choosing “Add Guide” option 112 N from Themes screen 110 of FIG. 3.
- Screen 760 shown in FIG. 65is an example of a screen that may be displayed when the user creates a new guide (i.e., niche hub). The user may be given the opportunity to name the guide, and to create a PIN that must be entered to access the guide. The user may access the custom hub by selecting, for example, options 106 E/ 112 L (Suzy's custom hub) or 106 F/ 112 M (Tom's custom hub) in screens 100 or 110 of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. Screen 760 may have option 761 A to edit the current options on the custom guide being defined.
- Selecting custom option 761 Amay display an overlay, such as screen 770 of FIG. 66, allowing the user to further customize this hub, perhaps adding or deleting options, changing the hub name, or adding or changing the access PIN.
- screen 770the user may enter a name for the custom hub (e.g., Suzy) in region 771 , and may enter a PIN number required to enter this custom niche hub in region 772 .
- a useris required to enter the PIN number to access the custom hub from the main menu 100 (e.g., when the user selects Suzy option 106 E).
- Screen 770displays options (such as options 773 - 775 ) that are available in screen 760 .
- the usermay press the DOWN arrow on the remote control to view more options that are available on screen 760 .
- the usermay select an option such as TV listings option 773 , VOD option 774 , or Coming Soon option 775 and press “OK” on the remote control to remove that option from screen 760 .
- the usermay add any option from the guide's Main Menu screen 100 , or from any of the sub-screens within the guide, including any of the predefined niche hub guides by selecting option 776 .
- screen 770includes an exemplary list 766 of program guide options that the user can add to the custom hub of FIG. 65.
- options in list 766such as option 767
- Screen 760 in FIG. 65is an example of a custom guide defined by a user.
- Option 761 B for video on demand and option 761 C for Television Listingswere selected from the Main Menu screen. Movies Coming Soon option 761 D and Movies On Now option 761 E, were selected from the Movies hub. Note that these two option buttons were enlarged to make room for additional text, possibly reducing the total number of options that can be shown on the custom screen.
- Selection option 761 Fa direct link to a predefined cultural hub
- Local HS Sports option 761 Ga link to a feature on another hub
- AMC option 761 Ha link to a channel selected from within a feature of another hub
- Discussion Mel Gibson option 761 Ia link to a specific discussion group found within another hub.
- Screen 760also includes Search option 761 K from screen 130 , and My Schedule 761 L and Recorded 761 M options chosen from the Main Menu 100 . Note that when My Schedule 761 L or Recorded option 761 M is chosen from within the personalized niche hub, the program guide may list only programs selected by the user while this personalized hub is active.
- Screen 760also has Mail option 761 J which may be present on all custom hubs. Each custom hub may provide access to a different mail account, and selecting option 761 J may allow the user to change the options and read/send mail for that account.
- Favorites option 761 Omay also be present within each custom hub, and may provide the user with the option to define favorite program attributes that are active while the hub is active.
- Screen 760also has targeted advertising 762 A and 762 B that may be targeted to the user's favorite programming.
- the custom hubmay also have an option to Watch Favorites 761 N. Selecting this option would function similar to the Watch Movies option described above, changing the mode of television watching so that easy access is provided to programs matching the Favorite criteria of the custom hub.
- the guidemay also allow the user to define a PIN required to enter this mode, to prevent children, for example, from entering this mode without adult supervision.
- the program guidemay require the user to enter the PIN number.
- the guidemay also provide for a PIN that is required to exit from this mode, allowing a highly controlled television-watching mode to be created for any child in the household.
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Abstract
Description
- This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/604,470, filed Jun. 26, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Serial No. 60/141,501, filed Jun. 28, 1999.[0001]
- This invention relates to interactive television program guides, and more particularly, to interactive television program guide features organized into niche hubs.[0002]
- Interactive television program guides allow users to view television program listings on their televisions. Such program guides allow users to view television program listings in different display formats and to perform various other functions. For example, a user may instruct the program guide to display a channel-ordered grid of current program listings.[0003]
- Many program guides allow a user to view television programs in a specified category. The program guide may display programs in a desired programming category such as sports or movies. If desired, the program guide may be used to order pay-per-view programming.[0004]
- Some program guides allow users to define profiles of likes and dislikes, and to view program listings screens that meet the desired category combinations. However, there has not previously been provided an interactive electronic television program guide that collects together all program guide features related to specific categories.[0005]
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to collect together features related to specific programming categories into niche hubs.[0006]
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide user customizable niche hubs that collect togther program guide features of interest to particular users.[0007]
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide interactive hyperlinks to related items or features of a program guide within a given area of interest.[0008]
- These and other objects of the invention are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing an interactive television program guide system that has niche hubs. Each of the niche hubs is an area of the program guide in which features, programming, and information related to a particular programming category or user interest may be found. Personalized niche hubs contain programming-related features and information that are selected by the user. User television equipment, such as a set-top box, may obtain data for the niche hub features from a television distribution facility, a program guide database, a web server, a real-time data source, a message processing facility, etc.[0009]
- The niche hubs may include, for example, listings of programs related to a specific category. The hubs may provide users with the ability to sort data. Detailed information on programs may be provided. Hubs may provide users with advance notification of unscheduled programs and information on packages of programs and channels. The hubs may provide users with the ability to search for programs and other information, the ability to set reminders, targeted advertising, television messaging features, television chat features, news groups, web site listings, schedules of local events, the ability to record programs and access recorded programs, user help features, the ability to enter favorites, suggested programming, live data, news, magazine type features, links to applications other than program guide applications, links to setup features, parental control features, and the ability to display in-band data. Each niche hub may include its own unique graphic style, icons, backgrounds, etc. Broadcast or on-demand video or audio may be incorporated into hubs, if desired. The program guide may provide a main menu screen for each hub that provides interactive hyperlinks to related items or features of the program guide within the given category of interest of the hub.[0010]
- FIG. 1A is a system diagram of an interactive television program guide system with niche hubs in accordance with the present invention.[0011]
- FIG. 1B is a system diagram showing how multiple television distribution facilities may be connected via a communications network in accordance with the present invention.[0012]
- FIG. 1C is a system diagram showing how multiple user television equipment devices may be connected to a television distribution facility and a separate server via neighborhood networks in accordance with the present invention.[0013]
- FIG. 1D is a diagram of a system configuration in which user television equipment devices of multiple television distribution facilities are connected via a message processing facility in accordance with the present invention.[0014]
- FIG. 2 is an illustrative interactive main menu television display screen in accordance with the present invention.[0015]
- FIG. 3 is an illustrative interactive themes television display screen for entering niche hubs in accordance with the present invention.[0016]
- FIG. 4 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for reordering themes in accordance with the present invention.[0017]
- FIG. 5 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a movies niche hub in accordance with the present invention.[0018]
- FIG. 6 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movies on now in accordance with the present invention.[0019]
- FIG. 7 is an illustrative Program Information display screen in accordance with the present invention.[0020]
- FIG. 8 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for hot movies in accordance with the present invention.[0021]
- FIG. 9 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movies on demand in accordance with the present invention.[0022]
- FIG. 10 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for providing a listing of programs that are new releases in accordance with the present invention.[0023]
- FIG. 11 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movies that are coming soon in accordance with the present invention.[0024]
- FIG. 12 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for searching for movies in accordance with the present invention.[0025]
- FIG. 13 is an illustrative interactive television display screen providing a listing of video clips in accordance with the present invention.[0026]
- FIG. 14 is an illustrative interactive television display screen providing special ordering information in accordance with the present invention.[0027]
- FIG. 15 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for program features in accordance with the present invention.[0028]
- FIG. 16 is an illustrative interactive feature information display screen in accordance with the principles of the present invention.[0029]
- FIG. 17 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for shopping in accordance with the present invention.[0030]
- FIG. 18 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for providing feedback in accordance with the present invention.[0031]
- FIG. 19 is an illustrative interactive television display screen listing recorded programs in accordance with the present invention.[0032]
- FIG. 20 is an illustrative interactive television display screen listing scheduled programs in accordance with the present invention.[0033]
- FIG. 21 is an illustrative interactive television display screen listing movie web sites in accordance with the present invention.[0034]
- FIG. 22 is an illustrative interactive television display screen listing movie news groups in accordance with the present invention.[0035]
- FIG. 23 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a discussion group in accordance with the present invention.[0036]
- FIG. 24 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movie favorites in accordance with the present invention.[0037]
- FIG. 25 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movies genres in accordance with the present invention.[0038]
- FIG. 26 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for movie comedies in accordance with the present invention.[0039]
- FIG. 27 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a sports fan niche hub in accordance with the present invention.[0040]
- FIG. 28 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting an individual area of the sports fan hub in accordance with the present invention.[0041]
- FIG. 29 is an illustrative process for using the program guide niche hubs in accordance with the present invention.[0042]
- FIG. 30 is an illustrative process for using an individual area of a niches hub in accordance with the present invention.[0043]
- FIG. 31 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for highlighted sports television program listings in accordance with the present invention.[0044]
- FIG. 32 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting sports scores and news in accordance with the present invention.[0045]
- FIG. 33 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing sports scores in accordance with the present invention.[0046]
- FIG. 34 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing sports news in accordance with the present invention.[0047]
- FIG. 35 is an illustrative sports ticker in accordance with the present invention.[0048]
- FIG. 36 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting sports wagering and voting in accordance with the present invention.[0049]
- FIG. 37 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for sports voting in accordance with the present invention.[0050]
- FIG. 38 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for sports wagering in accordance with the present invention.[0051]
- FIG. 39 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting a fantasy sport in accordance with the present invention.[0052]
- FIG. 40 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for fantasy sport features in accordance with the present invention.[0053]
- FIG. 41 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a family niche hub in accordance with the present invention.[0054]
- FIG. 42 is an illustrative interactive television display screen providing parental control of programming in accordance with the present invention.[0055]
- FIG. 43 is an illustrative interactive television display screen with personal profiles in accordance with the present invention.[0056]
- FIG. 44 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a editing a personal profile in accordance with the present invention.[0057]
- FIG. 45 is an illustrative interactive television display screen providing pen pal e-mail clubs in accordance with the present invention.[0058]
- FIG. 46A is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting a pen pal in accordance with the present invention.[0059]
- FIG. 46B is an illustrative interactive television display screen for sending a message in accordance with the present invention.[0060]
- FIG. 47 is an illustrative arrangement of multiple user television equipment within a house in accordance with the present invention.[0061]
- FIG. 48 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for locking channels and programming in accordance with the present invention.[0062]
- FIG. 49 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for monitoring viewing on other user television equipment within the house in accordance with the present invention.[0063]
- FIG. 50 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting a chat group in accordance with the present invention.[0064]
- FIG. 51 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for displaying a chat group in accordance with the present invention.[0065]
- FIG. 52 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a music niche hub in accordance with the present invention.[0066]
- FIG. 53A is an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing music channels in accordance with the present invention.[0067]
- FIG. 53B is an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing video music channels in accordance with the present invention.[0068]
- FIG. 53C is an illustrative music flip interactive television display screen in accordance with the present invention.[0069]
- FIG. 53D is an illustrative interactive television display screen with a music channel browse region in accordance with the present invention.[0070]
- FIG. 53E is an illustrative interactive Song Information display screen in accordance with the present invention.[0071]
- FIGS.[0072]54A-54E are illustrative interactive television display screens with music on-demand options in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 55 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for selecting background music in accordance with the present invention.[0073]
- FIG. 56 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for viewing music favorites accordance with the present invention.[0074]
- FIG. 57 is an illustrative interactive television setup display screen for selecting music audio settings in accordance with the present invention.[0075]
- FIG. 58 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a news and information niche hub in accordance with the present invention.[0076]
- FIG. 59 is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying a stock report in accordance with the present invention.[0077]
- FIG. 60 is an illustrative sports ticker in accordance with the present invention.[0078]
- FIG. 61 is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying local information in accordance with the present invention.[0079]
- FIG. 62 is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying live news updates in accordance with the present invention.[0080]
- FIG. 63 is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying weather reports in accordance with the present invention.[0081]
- FIG. 64 is an illustrative interactive television display screen displaying help options in accordance with the present invention.[0082]
- FIG. 65 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for a custom niche hub in accordance with the present invention.[0083]
- FIG. 66 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for adding features to or deleting features from a custom niche-hub in accordance with the present invention.[0084]
- FIG. 67 is an illustrative interactive television display screen for adding features to a custom niche hub in accordance with the present invention.[0085]
- An illustrative interactive television program guide system with[0086]
niche hubs 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A.Main facility 12 may contain aprogram guide database 14 for storing program guide information such as television program guide listings data, pay-per-view ordering information, etc.Database 14 allowssystem 10 to support an interactive television program guide. - Information from[0087]
database 14 may be transmitted totelevision distribution facility 16 or to some other distribution facility that does not broadcast the television programming signals (e.g., over paging frequencies) via communications link18.Link 18 may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a fiber-optic link, a cable link, a microwave link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communications path. - [0088]
Television distribution facility 16 is a facility for distributing television signals to users, such as a cable system headend. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented using a television distribution facility such as a broadcast distribution facility, or a satellite television distribution facility. Only onetelevision distribution facility 16 is shown in FIG. 1A to avoid over-complicating the drawings. In general, however,main facility 12 distributes information to multiple television distribution facilities. - The program guide information transmitted by[0089]
main facility 12 totelevision distribution facility 16 includes television program listings data such as program times, channels, titles, descriptions, etc. The information transmitted frommain facility 12 may also include information related to features provided by niche hubs (e.g., television program contests, surveys, trivia, targeted advertising, messaging features, chat features, new groups, video-on-demand programs, etc.). Some of the information frommain facility 12 may be tagged with appropriate niche hub(s) so that the information may be grouped into niche hub(s). Certain programs and other information may have tags for more than one hub. - If desired, some of the program guide data and other information stored in[0090]
database 14 may be provided using data sources at facilities other thanmain facility 12. For example, data relating to niche hub features may be provided by a remote server, or other equipment that is separate frommain facility 12 andtelevision distribution facility 16. - Real-[0091]
time data sources 11 such as real-timesports data source 15, real-time stockmarket data source 17, real-timenews data source 19, and real-time music source 27 are used to gather information such as sports scores, stock quotes, news, music and the like from, e.g., various sporting and news sources or radio stations. Real-time information from real-time data sources 30 may be provided to each of thetelevision distribution facilities 16 by providing this information tomain facility 12 viacommunications path 23 and redistributing the information totelevision distribution facilities 16 viapaths 18. If desired, real-time information from real-time data sources 11 may be provided to one or more real-time data collection facilities13 viacommunications path 21A, where the data may be processed for retransmission totelevision distribution facilities 16 viacommunications path 21C. If desired, data from real-time data collection facility13 may be provided totelevision distribution facility 16 via communications path21B,main facility 12, andcommunications path 18.Communications paths Television distribution facility 16 may also provide data touser television equipment 20 from communications network31 (e.g., the Internet) as shown in FIG. 1A. - [0092]
Television distribution facility 16 distributes program guide data and other information to theuser television equipment 20 of multiple users viacommunications paths 24.Communication paths 24 are preferably bidirectional to support two-way communications (e.g., e-mail messages, chat messages, etc.) and preferably have sufficient bandwidth to allowtelevision distribution facility 16 to distribute scheduled television programming, pay programming, video-on-demand, messages, and other video and audio information touser television equipment 20 in addition to non-video program guide information and messages. The messages (e.g., real-time, delayed, etc.) supported bycommunication paths 24 may be text-based or, if more bandwidth is available, may be audio or video messages. Iftelevision distribution facility 16 is a cable system headend,communications paths 24 may be based on coaxial cable or fiber optics or the like. Iftelevision distribution facility 16 is a satellite system or broadcast system, unidirectional paths may involve transmitting information in free space. Bidirectional paths may have a free-space downlink to the home and a telephone line or cable or fiber optic return path from the home to thetelevision distribution facility 16. - User television equipment may be based, for example, on a set-top box or other such device. For clarity, many aspects of the invention are described in connection with this illustrative arrangement, although any other suitable hardware arrangement for the[0093]
user television equipment 20 may be used if desired. - Multiple television and audio channels (analog, digital, or both analog and digital) may be provided to user television equipment devices[0094]20 (including, e.g., set-top boxes26) via
communications paths 24. If eachpath 24 includes a number of traditional analog television channels, one or more of these channels may be used to support a number of digital channels. The bandwidth of each analog channel that is used to support digital channels may support ten or more of such digital channels. Two-way digital channels may support two-way communications in the form of real-time (e.g., chat) and delayed (e.g., e-mail) messages between set-top boxes 26 and a server (e.g.,server 22 at television distribution facility16). The return path for messages usually requires additional bandwidth. If two-way communications between set-top boxes 26 andtelevision distribution facility 16 involve only text or audio signals, the bandwidth required to support such two-way communications may be substantially less than the bandwidth required to support two-way communications involving video. - Video, audio, graphical, and textual data to be used with the niche hubs (e.g., two-way messages, news stories, web sites, contest information, etc.) may be distributed along[0095]
communications path 24 using any number of suitable techniques. For example, textual data may be distributed using out-of-band channels onpaths 24 using out-of-band modulators. Video or audio data may be more efficiently transmitted using one or more digital channels onpath 24. Such digital channels may also be used for distributing text and graphics. Any suitable communications protocols may be used for sending data to be used with the niche hubs. For example, communications may be analog or digital, synchronous or asynchronous, packet-based, Internet protocol transmissions, etc. - Dedicated digital or analog channels, or at least an allocated portion of the available bandwidth in[0096]
communications paths 24, may be used for the transmission of certain types of data (e.g., video-on-demand programs, chat messages, etc.). Such dedicated channels may be separate from the channels used for transmitting television program broadcast signals to the user television equipment. If desired, television programming may be transmitted touser television equipment 20 along one communications path such as a satellite link from a satellite system, while other data relating to the niche hubs (e.g., program guide data, messages, advertising, survey information, etc.) may be transmitted to and from the user over a second communications path such as a telephone, cable, or wireless link. - [0097]
Television distribution facility 16 preferably hasserver 22 or other suitable computing equipment, audio, and/or video equipment for supporting the recording of programs, the transmission of chat and e-mail messages between users, the transmission of video-on-demand programs, the transmission of news information, the storage and transmission of program guide information, the storage of information from users, and the storage and transmission of data related to other niche hub features. Theserver 22 may be capable of handling text, graphics, video, or audio data.Server 22 intelevision distribution facility 16 may be configured in a client-server arrangement in which each usertelevision equipment device 20 acts as a client processor. - Each user has a receiver, which is typically a set-top box such as set-[0098]
top box 26, but which may also be other suitable television equipment into which circuitry similar to set-top box circuitry has been integrated. For example,user television equipment 20 may be based on an advanced television receiver such as a high-definition television (HDTV) receiver or other such television-based platform. A set-top box may include a Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) modem for use in two-way communication to and from a server or television distribution facility. Set-top box 26 may also comprise a WebTV Internet Receiver. For clarity, the present invention will be described primarily in the context ofuser television equipment 20 that is based on set-top boxes 26. As shown in FIG. 1A, each set-top box 26 may havememory 25.Memory 25 may be used, for example, for maintaining a database of program listings data. - Program guide information may be distributed to set-[0099]
top boxes 26 continuously (in real-time), periodically, on request (using a client-server arrangement), or using a combination of these techniques. Other data relating to the niche hubs may be distributed to set-top boxes 26 in real-time, periodically, or on-demand (e.g., when a user checks to see whether he has received a message and requests the message for viewing).Server 22 may receive niche hub data from set-top boxes 26 in real-time, on-demand, or periodically. - [0100]
Main facility 12 preferably contains a processor to handle information distribution tasks. Each set-top box 26 preferably contains a processor to handle tasks associated with implementing an interactive television program guide application containing niche hub features.Television distribution facility 16 preferably contains one or more processors (e.g., part of server22) for tasks associated with providing program guide data and other niche hub data to the program guide on the set-top boxes. - It should be understood that some or all of the functions of the program guide application hereinafter described may be integrated into an operating system on the set-top box, implemented as a stand-alone application on the set-top box, or performed by a server in television distribution facility[0101]16 (sever22) or separate from the television distribution facility. In client-server architectures, the set-top box may request data from the server. The server can store and process data and send the results of a request back to the user television equipment for further processing, display, or storage. Any of the functionality of the program guide application hereinafter described may be implemented using a client-server architecture, if desired.
- Each set-[0102]
top box 26 is typically connected to anoptional video recorder 28, which may be a videocassette recorder, a digital video recorder, a personal video recorder (PVR), or other such recording device, so that selected television programs may be recorded. Each video recorder28 (or set-top box26) may be connected to atelevision 30. Thevideo recorder 28 may be integrated with the set-top box or the television. To record a program, set-top box 26 tunes to a particular channel and sends control signals to video recorder28 (e.g., using an infrared transmitter) thatdirect video recorder 28 to start and stop recording at the appropriate times. If desired, programming may be recorded atserver 22 intelevision distribution facility 16. User television equipment may also include speakers, audio receiver, stereo receiver, pro-logic digital AC-3 receiver, or other audio equipment. - During the use of the television program guide application with niche hub features, the television program guide application may display interactive display screens on[0103]
television 30. Each set-top box 26,video recorder 28, andtelevision 30 may be controlled by one or moreuser input devices 29. Features of this invention are primarily discussed in the context of a remote control, howeveruser input device 29 may be a remote control, mouse, trackball, microphone, digital video camera, dedicated set of buttons, touch screen, etc. - Some of the niche hub features of the present invention may be handled on a server that is not located at the television distribution facility as shown in FIG. 1B. For example, data used with the niche hubs may be stored on[0104]
server 36 which is connected totelevision distribution facilities communications network 38.Television distribution facility 32 is connected touser television equipment 42 viacommunications paths 40.Television distribution facility 34 is connected touser television equipment 46 viacommunications paths 44.Communications network 110 may be any suitable communications network such as the Internet, a public or private telephone network, a network involving satellite link or wireless links, a cable network, etc. - The television distribution facilities may also have servers that communicate with[0105]
server 36. For example,television distribution facility 32 hasserver 33, andtelevision distribution facility 34 hasserver 35.Servers user television equipment user television equipment user television equipment servers user television equipment - As shown in FIG. 1B, delayed and real-time messages can be distributed along[0106]
communication paths 40 from one usertelevision equipment device 42 associated withtelevision distribution facility 32 to another usertelevision equipment device 42 associated with that facility using aserver 33 located at the facility. The messages sent between two or more usertelevision equipment devices 42 associated withtelevision distribution facility 32 may be stored onserver 33 intelevision distribution facility 32. An advantage to limiting operation of a message system to individual television distribution facilities is that it allows individual cable system operators (for example) to control their systems, and it does not involve coordinating the transmission of messages related to an on-going television program between different geographical areas or different time zones. If desired, messages exchanged byuser television equipment 42 can be stored byserver 36 that is connected totelevision distribution facility 32 viacommunications network 38. - Users at one or more of user[0107]
television equipment devices 46 may exchange messages or other data with one or more of usertelevision equipment devices 42.Television distribution facilities communications network 38. Messages that are sent betweenuser television equipment 42 anduser television equipment 46 may be stored onservers communications network 38 or other such communications networks to allow user television equipment from these television distribution facilities to exchange messages or other data with each other. - In addition, messages and other data may be transmitted between[0108]
user television equipment user communications equipment 48.User communications equipment 48 are connected viacommunications network 38 totelevision distribution facilities communications equipment devices 48 can be any number of, e.g., personal computers that can send and receive messages. - The niche hub features of the present invention may be also handled on a server that is connected to the user television equipment through a neighborhood node as shown in FIG. 1C. For example, niche hub data may be stored on[0109]
server 50 and transmitted between usertelevision equipment devices neighborhood nodes User television equipment 58 are connected toneighborhood node 54 viacommunications path 66, and usertelevision equipment devices 60 are connected toneighborhood node 56 viacommunications path 68.Neighborhood nodes communications paths Neighborhood nodes television distribution facility 52 touser television equipment Neighborhood nodes server 50 anduser television equipment Neighborhood nodes user television equipment server 50. Responses fromserver 50 are routed back to the appropriate user television equipment device via a neighborhood node.Server 50 may route delayed and real-time messages betweenuser television equipment - The program guide with niche hubs of the present invention may provide users with the opportunity to compose a message and send the message to the television distribution facility or a message processing facility. For example, referring to FIG. 1D, interactive program guides operating on[0110]
user television equipment 76 may provide users with the opportunity to compose a message and send the message totelevision distribution facility 72 through two-way communications paths 75. The message may be a message to purchase merchandise, a pay-per-view program, a premium channel, etc. The message may also be a message to another user at anotheruser television equipment 76.Television distribution facility 72 may forward such a message to another user to that user'suser television equipment 76 through one of two-way communications paths 75. - Interactive program guides operating on[0111]
user television equipment 76 may also provide users with the opportunity to compose a message and send it tomessage processing facility 71. For example, program guides may provide users with the opportunity to compose a message to a television channel or a television personality and send the message to a television program entity that processes messages for that television channel or television personality. Program guides may also provide users with an opportunity to vote for athletes who are candidates for an all-star team, enter a television program contest, answer trivia questions, participate in sports or horse wagering or other interactive wagering, etc. The program guide may send the user's input (e.g., the user's vote, the user's response to a contest question or trivia question, the user's bet, etc.) tomessage processing facility 71 which processes user responses (e.g., counts users' votes, evaluates user's answers to contest and trivia questions, places the user's bet, etc.)User television equipment 78 may also send messages totelevision distribution facility 74 and otheruser television equipment 78 via two-way communications paths 77. Messages fromuser television equipment television distribution facilities message processing facility 71 viacommunications paths 73 which may be satellite links, cable links, telephone network links, microwave links, etc.Communications paths 73 may be two-way communications paths. - The interactive television program guide of the present invention provides niche hubs, which are areas of the interactive program guide in which features, applications, programming, information, etc. related to a particular user interest or interests may be found. The niche hubs of the present invention provide the user with the opportunity to access a variety of electronic television program guide features using their user television equipment. The niche hubs may link together program guide features such as applications, TV listings, messages, news, web site links, chat groups, merchandise, etc., that are related to specific user interests such as movies. The niche hubs may also be customized by the user to link together program guide applications of interest to that particular user.[0112]
- Another attribute of this invention is the interlinking of features. The top level of each hub gives access to the most commonly used requests within any specific feature. These are “hyperlinks” to other related features. These features may be common features throughout the guide, but specific to the content of how the user got there. For example, a niche hub may contain listings of programs that exclusively relate to the category or genre of the hub (e.g., movies).[0113]
- FIG. 2 is an example of[0114]
main menu screen 100 for a niche hub program guide. Thetelevision listings option 106A provides access to listings of all programs on all channels. Recordedoption 106B provides a listing of programs that have been previously recorded by the guide on behalf of the user. This feature is discussed further with respect to FIG. 19.Movies option 106C,Sports 106D,Suzy option 106E, andTom option 106F are examples of on-screen options that provide direct access to some of the program guide hubs. For example, selectingMovies option 106C may cause the program guide to display the television screen shown in FIG. 5, and selectingSuzy option 106E may cause the guide to display the screen in FIG. 27. - [0115]
Themes option 106G provides access to the complete list of available niche hubs, as well as the ability to create and customize new hubs, as discussed and shown with respect to FIG. 3.VOD option 106H provides access to video on demand programs, as discussed and shown with respect to FIG. 9. Events option106I provides a listing of special events on television.Specials option 106J provides access to special events, packages, and other offers from the service provider, as discussed and shown with respect to FIG. 14.Shop option 106K provides access to shopping features, such as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 17.Features option 106L provides access to interviews, reviews, articles, and other magazine “features”, such as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 15.Web option 106M provides access to television-related web sites, such as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 21. - My[0116]
Schedule option 106N provides access to a schedule of upcoming programs previously selected to be watched, purchased, and/or recorded, as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 20. Mail option106O provides access to a messaging or e-mail function.Feedback option 106P provides access to contests, trivia, messaging to television networks, and other similar features, as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 18.Parents option 106Q provides access to a parental control feature.Favorites option 106S provides access to a feature to set user preferences, as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 24.Support option 106T provides access to support features, such as user help, answers to common questions, communication with technical support, etc.Setup option 106U provides access to guide setup features.Exit option 106V provides an exit from the program guide. - The program guide application on set-[0117]
top box 26 may obtain a list of features available for the niche hub (such as shown in main menu screen100) fromprogram guide database 14, a television distribution facility, or one of the servers shown in FIGS.1A-1C. The niche hub information may be digitally encoded on a digital channel that is separate from the channel used for the television program signals. If desired, the list of features available for each of the niche hubs may be stored inmemory 25. - Other items shown on[0118]
main menu screen 100 and other screens in the niche hub program guide include: brand identifier of the guide provider in window102 (such as the TV Guide logo shown); current time; title of the current screen;Video window 105, typically showing the currently tuned channel, but which may show other videos, such as video clips on demand; and threeadvertisements 104A-C, which may include text, graphics, video, or any other media. Advertisements may be distributed generally, or may be targeted based on information about the user, the screen displayed, or other criteria. Further features of an illustrative program guide system with targeted advertising are described in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/034,939, filed Mar. 4, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Advertisements may be interactive; selecting an advertisement may cause the guide to display information about the advertised item, program, channel, or service, such as shown, for example, in FIG. 7. - Upon selecting[0119]
Themes option 106G inscreen 100, the user may, for example, be presented with Themes screen110, such as shown in FIG. 3. This screen shows a list of themes, any of which may be selected by the user. Each theme is related to a niche hub of the program guide that provides program guide features to the users based upon the theme. When the user selects a theme inscreen 110, the program guide enters a niche hub related to that theme. If there are more themes than fit on a single screen, the user may scroll to additional pages. The theme list may include standard (predefined) themes, such as Movies (option 112A), Sports (option 112B), Family (option 112C), Music (option 112D), News (option 112E), Cultural (option 112F), Soaps (option 112G), Science Fiction (option 112H), TV Lovers (option112I), Adult (option 112J), and Local (option 112K) themes. It may also include themes defined and customized by the user, such as Suzy (option 112L) and Tom (option 112M).Screen 110 may includeoption 112N to add a new theme guide, as well as option112O to reorder the themes on the list. - The themes for movies, sports, Tom, and Suzy from the list shown on Themes screen[0120]110 of FIG. 3 are also included as options on Main Menu scree100 of FIG. 2. This provides the user with quick access to the most popular themes for niche hubs from the
Main Menu screen 100. The program guide may also allow the user to select one or more hubs for 1-key access (i.e., accessing the hub by pressing a single button on the remote control). Pressing this key may bring up a miche hub screen such as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the user may flip through just the channels that are currently broadcasting programs that match the theme of a selected theme (e.g., movies or sporting events) by pressing UP and DOWN arrow keys on the remote control. If desired, the program guide may also restrict the channels that the user can flip through to channels that are currently broadcasting programs that match the user's personal preferences. - Each household may reorder the themes on the list by selecting Reorder option[0121]112O from Themes screen110. Doing so may display a screen such as Reorder Themes screen120 shown in FIG. 4. When Reorder Themes screen120 is displayed, the user may highlight any of the themes displayed in
list 122 ofscreen 120 and press the OK key on the remote control. This will cause that theme to be moved to the top of the list in Themes screen110 of FIG. 3, as well as placing it on theMain Menu screen 100 of FIG. 2. All other themes will move down in the list correspondingly. - FIG. 5 is an example of a program guide niche hub screen that may be displayed when the user selects one of the themes from the Themes screen or Main Menu screen, in this case the Movies theme. In this case, a movies menu is displayed, with options relating to the selected theme. Some options may be specific to a single theme. Other options may be presented on multiple theme menus, as well as the Main Menu, with the action taken on selection of the option depending on the context in which it was displayed.[0122]
- FIG. 5 shows how the advertisements may be targeted based on the screen, theme, and hub. For example, since this is the Movies screen, the[0123]
advertisement 134A is for a PPV movie. Selectingad 134A causes the guide to display the Program Information screen for that PPV movie, such as shown in FIG. 7. Theadvertisement 134B is for a Television movie, with selection of that ad causing the display of a program information screen for that movie. Region134C shows a trivia question related to movies. Selecting region134C may display a screen similar to the Program Information screen, with the answer to the question, and other related information and options. Further features of an illustrative program guide with interactive information display screen are described in Rudnick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,268, filed Jul. 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - Selecting On[0124]
Now option 132A fromMovies screen 130 brings up a listing screen, such as shown in FIG. 6. Listing screens accessed from various options on various screen look and function similarly. However, they may differ in the content shown in the listing, in the way the listing is sorted, and in other details. In this case, the Movies OnNow listing screen 140 shows a list of movies that are available to be viewed now or in the near future. - Any of the[0125]
options 132A-O as well as the advertisements in movies screen130 may contain data related to movies, or data relating exclusively to movies. The data displayed on screen when the user selects an option in movies screen130 (or any other niche hub menu of the present invention relating to a specific theme) may be filtered to match the current selected theme (e.g., movies) by a processor at the television distribution facility, the user television equipment, or a remote server from where the data relating to the selected program guide option was accessed so that only features related to that theme are provided. - For example, the top of[0126]
screen 140 in FIG. 6 may list one or more movies inlist 142 that are available at any time from the Video On Demand (VOD) server.List 142 may also contain movies that the user has asked to be recorded and which may be viewed at any time. The program guide may pick one or two movies from both of those categories (based, for example, on availability/recording date, sponsorships, etc.). Additional on-demand movies and previously recorded movies may be shown when the user presses the UP Arrow key on the remote control. - The program guide may also show movies that are starting in the current time period in[0127]
list 144 inscreen 140. If the user presses the DOWN Arrow key on the remote control, the guide may display additional current movies, as well as movies that are scheduled to start in the near future. If the user presses the UP Arrow key on the remote control, the guide may display movies that started earlier and are currently in progress. Movies may be sorted by start time, and for a particular start time may be sorted by title, by channel, or by other criteria. - If a program is selected, for example from[0128]
listing screen 140 of FIG. 6 or from an interactive advertisement (e.g.,104A-C), the program guide may display, for example,Program Information screen 150, such as shown in FIG. 7. This screen may include the name of the program (possibly editorially shorted to fit into the screen space available), the rating of the program, the start time and run time of the program, the channel on which the program is being shown, and other details about the program, such as the price and package information.Screen 150 may also display the full title of the program (in the case that the title was editorially shortened), the year the movie was released, and a description of the movie inregion 155. The user can use the UP and DOWN Arrow keys on the remote control to scroll through multiple pages of information. Other information related to the program (not shown) may be included on this screen such as language(s), country of origin, color/black and white/colorized, closed captioning availability, audio format, video format, etc. The data displayed inscreen 150 relating to the selected program may be obtained from a video-on-demand server, fromprogram guide database 14, or from the television distribution facility. - [0129]
Program Information screen 150 also includes a set of options (such asoptions Option Displayed When Action Back Always Return to the previous screen. Remind The program has not Allows setting or cancelling a yet started. reminder for the program. Watch The program has Tunes to the program started or is immediately. available on demand. Order The program is Allows the user to purchase the purchasable, either program or package, or presents individually or as the information for the user to part of a package. do so. Package The program is Presents information about the purchasable as part package(s) containing this of one or more program. package. Air Times The program is Presents a list of scheduled on times/channels at which the multiple program airs, and allows the times/channels. user to select any of them. Lock Always Allows the user to parentally control this program or any attribute of this program. Favorite Always Allows the user to add this program or any attribute of this program to a custom user profile. Shop Products are Allows the user to see available for information on related products purchase relating and to interactively order any to this product. of these products. Gift Order The program is Allows the user to purchase a purchasable. program and send the authorization to view the program to a user at another location. Mail Always Allows the user to send mail relating to this program to another user. Send The program has not Allows the user to send an Reminder yet started. automatic program reminder for this program to a user at another location. Notify The program is not Provides user notification when yet available on this program becomes available television. on television. Review A critical review Provides a review of the is available. program, or a list of reviews that the user may choose from. Preview A video preview of Displays a video preview of the the program is preview in the video window. available. Record Only display if Allows the user to record the program is not copy selected program. protected. Delete This program has The guide deletes the program been previously from storage. recorded for the user. Save This program has The guide marks the program in been previously storage to not be automatically recorded for the deleted. user. Find Always The guide displays programs Similar that are similar to the selected program, or displays a list of attributes of the selected program and allows the user to choose from among them to find matching programs. Further features of an electronic program guide with related- program search features are described in Herrington et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/451,612, filed Nov. 30, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein its entirety. Chat Always Allows the user to initiate or join a chat session related to the program. Discussion There are one or Displays a list of discussion more discussion groups and allows the user to go groups (newsgroups) to one of them. relating to the program. Gossip Gossip column is Displays the gossip column, available relating possible including text, to this program. graphics, video, etc. Fast The guide is Moves quickly through the video Forward currently playing a clip. video clip in the video window. Rewind The guide is Moves quickly backwards currently playing a through the video clip. video clip in the video window. Stop The guide is Stops playback of the video currently playing a clip. video clip in the video window. Pause The guide is Temporarily pauses playback of currently playing a the video clip. video clip in the video window. Web There are one or Displays a list of web sites and more web sites allows the user to go to one of relating to the them. program. Local This is information Displays information about the Showings about a movie in available local showings, and theatrical release, allows the user to purchase or an event that tickets. can be viewed live locally. More More details about Displays more details about the Description the program are program. available. Video Clips One or more video Displays a list of available clips relating to video clips and allows the user the program are to view one of them. available. Article Magazine-type Displays the article, possible article is including text, graphics, video, available relating etc. to this program. Contest A contest relating Presents information about the to this program is contest and allows the user to available. enter it. Trivia One or more trivia Presents the questions, and questions are allows the user to view the available relating answers. to the program. Respond User response has Allows the user to send a been defined for response to an entity relating this program. to the program, such as producers or cast members. Rate Ratings are being Allows the user to rate this collected for this program, and to send that rating program. to the ratings collector. Ratings Ratings information Displays the ratings is available. information, possibly collected from other guide users. Actor, Information is Presents an Information screen Producer, available for for that person. That Director, anyone associated Information screen may have an etc. with the program option to present a list of (may be individual programs with which that person buttons for each, was associated, and to select or one button that any program for more provides a list). information. Wager Displayed when Presents information about the selected program wagering options and allows the supports wagering, user to place a wager. and if user is in a jurisdiction where the particular type of wagering is legal. Live Update Displayed when live Presents live information to the program supports user for viewing (e.g., sports transfer of live scores, live news updates, information. etc.). News Brief Displayed when Presents news for viewing (e.g., program supports news may be video, audio, or news updates textual). related to the program. - If the user selects[0130]
Hot option 132B fromMovies screen 130, the guide may present a screen such as Hot Movies screen160 of FIG. 8.Listing screen 160 may include movies available on demand, movies the user has previously recorded, as well as scheduled movies as shown inlist 162. Movies may be included onscreen 160 based on critic's recommendations, as well as on promotional agreements as shown inlist 163. Movies may also be included based on matching user profile preferences as shown inlist 164. In addition, movies for which the user requested notification may be included on this listing. Programs may be sorted based on start time, with on-demand and recorded movies listed first. The programs displayed inscreen 160 may be sorted and selected by a processor at the television distribution facility, in a server at another location, or in set-top box 26. - The hot movies shown in FIG. 8 may also be selected by the program guide based upon the user's viewing habits. The user's viewing habits may be monitored, for example, by a processor in set-[0131]
top box 26, a processor at a television distribution facility, or one of the servers shown in FIGS.1A-1C. The processor or server may then searchprogram guide database 14 for programs that match search criteria based upon the user's viewing habits. Further features of an illustrative television system with aided user program searching are described in Boyer et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/330,793, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - If the user selects On[0132]
Demand option 132C fromMovies screen 130, the guide may present the Movies OnDemand screen 170 shown in FIG. 9.Screen 170 may provide the user with various methods of accessing a list of movies available on demand. This may include options to view new releases, to view “hot” releases, and to view movies of a specific genre, such as comedy, drama, family, and adult by selecting fromlist 172. It may also include (not shown) options to find movies alphabetically, to see movies with special offers, to see movies that will be available soon on-demand, to view the staff picks of the service provider, etc. Picking one of the options, such as the New Releases option inlist 172, may present a listing screen,such listing screen 180 shown in FIG. 10, that provides movies on demand related to the selected option. Choosing any of the programs fromlisting screen 180 causes the guide to display a Program Information screen for the selected program (such as screen150), allowing the user to find out about the movie, to view a preview video clip, and to order it. - FIG. 11 shows an example of the Movies Coming Soon screen that may be displayed if the user selects Coming Soon[0133]
option 132D fromMovies screen 130. This screen showslist 192 of movies that are not currently scheduled in the time frame supported by the guide, but which will be available on Television in the future.List 192 may include options such as a movie that is currently in theatrical release, and which will be available on-demand or on pay-per-view in the next few weeks, a movie that may be available on cable channel, and a movie that will be available on broadcast networks.List 192 may also include a made-for-cable movie and a made-for-Television movie. The listings of movies or categories of movies coming soon may be maintained on a server at the television distribution facility or atdatabase 14 and available on request by the program guide at set-top box 26. - The user may select a movie in listing[0134]192 to view a Program Information screen for that movie which allows the user to view information related to the movie or find local theatrical showings. The Program Information screen may show the projected availability date and/or channel of the movie. The Program Information screen also allows the user to request a notification when the selected movie becomes available within the guide. Further features of an illustrative electronic program guide with advance notification is described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/378,533, filed Aug. 20, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- FIG. 12 shows screen[0135]200 that may be displayed if the user selects
Search option 132E of Moviesniche hub screen 130. This feature allows the user to search the complete database of movies based on selected criteria, such as the movie title, the movie genre, the parental (e.g., MPAA) rating, actors/actresses/producers/directors and other movie credits, the language of the movie, critic's star ratings, or any word or phrase that may be found in the movie information by selecting a search criteria category fromlist 201 inscreen 200. Other criteria may include availability of high quality audio or video formats, year of release, or any other information in the movie database. - Once the user has selected a search criteria category from[0136]
list 201, the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to select or enter one or more search criteria (e.g., such as a specific title, genre, parental rating, actor, language, star rating, word, etc.). Once the user has entered one or more search criteria, the guide will display a list of matching movies. This may include movies on television, movies in theatrical release, and movies not currently available. The user may be given the opportunity to select a sorting criteria, such as by year of release, by title, or by time of airing on television. The user may select any individual movie to find out when it is available, select a reminder or advance notification, or any other action appropriate to the selected movie. - The searchable program database may be part of[0137]
database 14, or it may be located at a television distribution facility or other location that is connected to the user television equipment through a communications network. The search criteria may be transmitted to the television distribution facility from the set-top box along an out of band data channel or separate communications link (e.g. a direct Internet connection to the set-top box), and then transmitted to the searchable database from the television distribution facility. The search results may be transmitted from the searchable database back to the user along the same channel or link, or a separate channel or link. The program guide may also search multiple databases and combine the results to present to the user. - If the viewer selects[0138]
Video Clips option 132F fromMovies screen 130, the program guide may display a screen such asscreen 210 shown in FIG. 13.Screen 210 allows the user to find specific video clips and to display them. The screen may allow the user to see a list of new video clips, to see a list of clips related to video on demand movies, to see a list of clips related to shopping, to see other predefined lists of video clips, or to search for a clip or clips by selecting an option fromlist 211. The program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to search for a video clip or clips, for example, by providing a television screen similar toscreen 200 shown in FIG. 12. When the user selects a specific clip fromlist 211, it may be shown in the video window of a Program Information screen, or it may be shown as a full-screen video. The video clips may be maintained on adatabase 14 or on a server at the television distribution facility or elsewhere and transmitted to the user television equipment along communications paths shown, for example, in FIGS.1A-1C. - While viewing the Program Information screen for any program with related video clips, the guide may also present the option to view any of those clips.[0139]
- Selecting[0140]
Specials option 132G from Movies screen130 (FIG. 5) may display a screen such asscreen 220 shown in FIG. 14. This screen presentslist 221 of special offers related to movies that may be available from the system provider. These offers may include a special deal on a VOD movie, buy one get one free offers, movie clubs allowing the user to get discounts on purchases of multiple movies, upgrades of single or multiple movie channels, etc. Selecting a specific offer may display a screen similar to the Program Information screen with details on the offer, such as price and description, and the option to purchase the offer. When the user purchases one of the special offers, this information along with the user's account information may be transmitted to the television distribution for processing so that the user can access the purchased channels, programs, etc., and the user's account may be debited. Further features of an illustrative interactive television program guide system with pay program package promotion are described in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/944,153, filed Oct. 6, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. While viewing the Program Information screen for any program that is part of a special offer, the guide may present the option to view and/or purchase any of those offers. - If the user selects[0141]
Features option 132H fromMovies screen 130, the guide may display a list of magazine-type feature articles. These articles may be taken directly from a magazine such as TV Guide Magazine, edited for the interactive program guide, or created for the interactive program guide. FIG. 15 shows such alist 231 inscreen 230, as might be displayed ifFeatures option 106L were selected from theMain Menu 100 of FIG. 2. IfFeatures option 132H selected fromMovies screen 130, this screen would include only features related to movies. The Features inlist 231 may be filtered based on the current selected theme (e.g., movies) by a processor at the television distribution facility, the user television equipment, or a remote server from where the Features data was accessed so that only movie related features are provided inlist 231. - Selecting any individual item from Features screen[0142]230 may display a screen such as
screen 240 shown in FIG. 16.Screen 240 may include a still image orvideo clip 245 related to the article, as well as the text of the article displayed inregion 244.Screen 240 includesBack option 241 to return to the previous display screen.Screen 240 may include an option to start playing of the video clip in region245 (e.g., such as option242), or an option to stop playing the video clip (not shown). If the article is about a specific program, there may also be options related to that program. In the example of FIG. 16, the article is about a program that is not currently in the time frame covered by the guide, so the guide presents Notifyoption 243. Selectingoption 243 would cause the guide to provide a user notification when the series season premiere for the program is to be shown. While viewing the Program Information screen for any program that has one or more related feature articles, the guide may also provide the option to access those articles directly. Data displayed infeatures screens - FIG. 17 shows a screen that might be displayed if the user selects Shopping option[0143]132I from the
Movies screen 130 orShop option 106K from theMain Menu screen 100. If selected from the Movies screen, this screen may be limited to only shopping related to Movies.Screen 250 in FIG. 17 shows list251 of merchandise catalogs, sorted in various ways. The user may select one of the options inlist 251 to see a list of available merchandise, or may be given the option to search one or more of the catalogs for specific items, types of items, items related to a specific movie, etc. On selecting a specific item, a screen similar to the Program Information screen may be presented to allow the user to order the item. While viewing the Program Information screen for any program that has related merchandise, the guide may also provide the option to order any of those items. If desired, the user may purchase the program merchandise as a gift for another person. Further features of an illustrative system for purchasing gifts for others through user television equipment are described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,245, filed Jul., 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The program guide at the user television equipment may obtain data relating to purchasing available merchandise such as lists of products, product descriptions, and prices, from one or more servers or databases located at themain facility 12, the television distribution facility, or elsewhere along communications paths shown, for example, in FIGS.1A-1C. - The interactive program guide with niche hubs of the present invention may act as a portal for other applications that are part of the niche hub. The interactive program guide may provide the other applications with access to various guide features (e.g., access to memory, access to remote control keys, tuning, parental control, user favorites, database access, etc.), and may share data and code with the other applications. The advantages of using the program guide application as a portal may include sharing a common user input device between the interactive program guide and the other applications to increase user friendliness, eliminating resource contention, and reducing the amount of code and data required by each application.[0144]
- The interactive program guide of the present invention may act as portal to other applications that are features of the niche hubs using hot-linking. Hot linking involves invoking an application that has been preselected based on the current content of the program guide or status of set-[0145]
top box 26. For example, if the user is watching a program, viewing a program listing, viewing the description of a program, or taking other action within the program guide related to a given program, channel, type of channel, or the like and the user directs the program guide to launch an application, the program guide may launch that application and direct that application to take an action related to the given program, channel, type of channel, or the like. - Hot links may be activated by dedicated buttons, a launch button, menu options, or any other suitable technique. The niche hubs of the present invention may use hot linking to launch applications accessible within the hub. For example, if the user selects an option to purchase merchandise in the movies[0146]
niche hub screen 130, the guide may launch a shopping application (e.g., for purchasing program-related merchandise) and direct the shopping application to display catalogs and merchandise related to movies (e.g., HBO Movie Catalog by Film as shown inlist 251 in screen250). Further features of an illustrative electronic program guide as a portal for other applications are described in Ellis et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/346,164, filed Jul. 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - FIG. 18 shows screen[0147]260 that might be displayed if the user selects
Feedback option 106P from theMain Menu screen 100 orFeedback option 132K fromMovies screen 130. If selected from theMovies screen 130, this screen may be limited to only feedback related to Movies. This filtering function may be performed by a processor in the user television equipment, at the television distribution facility, or elsewhere.Screen 260 provideslist 261 of feedback options that user may select (e.g., using UP or DOWN keys on the remote control). The Feedback inlist 261 may include opportunities for the user to provide several types of feedback. For example, it might include trivia questions, or the opportunity to enter a contest. It may support opinion polling, such as the option to answer personal opinion questions related to movie or television personalities. It may allow the user to send a message to studio executives regarding the cancellation of a television series. It may also allow the user to send an electronic mail message to the guide provider, to the television service provider, or to any specific programmer. If any specific program has related feedback opportunities, these options may be made available from that program's Program Information screen. When the user selects an option inlist 261, the program guide may, for example, provide the user with a blank screen or region on the screen where the user may compose a message by using an alphabetic keypad on the remote control, a wireless keyboard, an on-screen keyboard, etc. The program guide may provide the user with a Send option to transmit the message to the recipient when he is finished composing the message. The message may then be transmitted tomessage processing facility 71 along paths shown, for example, in FIG. 1D.Message processing facility 71 may be a television network or a facility that conducts contests or processes messages from television customers. Further features of an illustrative television message system is described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,245, filed Jul., 16, 1999. - FIG. 19 shows screen[0148]270 of that provides listing271 of programs that have been previously recorded for the user. These programs may have been recorded because of a specific user request, or based on user preferences. They may have been recorded locally, for example on a hard drive or recordable DVD or videocassette recorder in the home (video recorder28), or they may have been recorded at a centralized server that provides program-recording capacity for multiple homes (e.g., at a television distribution facility or elsewhere as shown in FIGS.1A-1C). Selecting one of the titles from
screen 270 may display the Program Information screen for that program, allowing the user to watch the program at any time. If the screen of FIG. 19 was displayed fromMain Menu 100, it may include all programs recorded for the user household. If accessed from one of the niche hubs, it may only list those recorded programs matching the criteria of the hub—for example, listing only recorded movies if accessed from theMovies hub screen 130 of FIG. 5. - If desired, television programs may be recorded at one of the servers shown in FIGS.[0149]1A-1C or at another memory storage device at a television distribution facility or connected to the user television equipment through the television distribution facility or a separate communications path (e.g., a phone line, cable line, satellite link, etc.). The program guide application or server may require that the user enter an debit account number before the transaction is complete so that the user's account may be charged. If desired, the user account information may be stored in set-
top box 26 and sent to the television distribution facility so that the user's account may be charged for the recording. When the recording is complete, the program guide may notify the user that the program has been recorded and is available for viewing. Further features of an illustrative client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording are described in Ellis et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,244, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The program guide application may also provide the user with an opportunity to record a program series (e.g., all the weekly episodes of a television sitcom in a programming season). Further features of an illustrative system for series recording from an interactive television program guide are described in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/330,792, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - If the user selects My[0150]
Schedule option 106N from theMain Menu screen 100 or the My Schedule option132O fromMovies screen 130, the guide may display a screen such asscreen 280 that is shown in FIG. 20.Screen 280 displays alist 281 of all programs (or all programs matching the niche hub theme such as movies) that are scheduled for future viewing and recording. These programs may be scheduled for reminders, such as “Practical Magic” in the example. The check symbol inregion 282 indicates that a reminder has been set for the program “Practical Magic.” The programs inlist 281 may be pay-per-view programs that have been purchased in advance, such as “Eyes Wide Shut” in the example. The dollar symbol inregion 283 indicates that the movie “Eyes Wide Shut” is a pay per video program. The programs inlist 281 may be programs that are scheduled to be recorded, such as “Bone Collector,” which is also shown as a pay-per-view movie by the dollar symbol. The “R” symbol inregion 284 indicates that the program “Bone Collector” has been scheduled to be recorded. Reminders and recordings may have been set for individual programs or as part of a series or package or programs. Further features of an illustrative system for series reminders from an interactive television program guide are described in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/330,792, filed Jun. 11, 1999. Reminders and recordings may have been set explicitly by the user. They may also have been set automatically by the guide based on user preferences and history. Selecting a program fromlist 281 may display the Program Information screen for that program, allowing the user to cancel or modify the scheduled reminder, purchase or recording. - The program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to set a reminder remotely, such as via the Internet, via e-mail, or via a pager that will be displayed on the television electronic program guide. The program guide may also allow the user to set up a reminder at the user television equipment and send it to a remote location, such as to a personal computer, palmtop computer, pager, etc. The reminder may be displayed on the remote computing device at a appropriate time before the program begins. Reminder messages may be sent between user television equipment and user communications equipment (e.g., a personal computer, pager, palmtop, etc.) via two-way communications paths shown, for example, in FIG. 1B. Further features of an electronic television program guide with remote access are described in Ellis et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/354,344, filed Jul. 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.[0151]
- The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to set a reminder for another person (e.g., a user of another user television equipment or user communications equipment). The reminder for the other person may sent to the recipient's user television equipment via the communications paths shown in FIGS.[0152]1A-1C. The reminder may also be sent to the recipient's personal computer over the Internet or over communication paths shown in FIG. 1B. Further features of an illustrative system for sending reminders to others through user television equipment is described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,245, filed Jul. 16, 1999.
- FIG. 21 is an example of[0153]
screen 290 that may be displayed if the user selects theWeb option 106M from theMain Menu 100 orWeb option 132L from theMovies screen 130.Screen 290 provideslist 291 of web sites related to the selected niche hub (e.g., movie web sites ifoption 132L is selected by the user to display screen290), or general program-related web sites (ifscreen 290 is accessed from screen100), and allows the user to choose one and view it. A web feature may also allow the user to search for related web sites, to mark them as favorites, to parentally control them, etc. If any specific program has related web sites, those sites may be made available from the Program Information screen for that program. The program guide may obtain URLs for and data from the web pages from a web server connected to the television distribution facility as shown, for example, in FIGS.1A-1B. - FIG. 22 shows screen[0154]300 that may be displayed when the user selects a Discussions option from the
Main Menu 100 orDiscussions option 132M from a niche hub such as theMovies hub screen 130.Screen 300 provideslist 301 of news groups or discussion groups related to the topic of the niche hub (ifscreen 300 is entered from a niche hub such as screen130). If the user selects a discussion group from list301 (such as the Gwyneth Paltrow discussion group), the program guide may display messages from the discussion group in a list such aslist 311 onscreen 310 of FIG.23. The user may select a message fromlist 311 to display the message inoverlay 312 for viewing by the user. - A discussion feature may also allow the user to group the discussion groups, to view conversation threads, to save or delete messages, to subscribe or unsubscribe to specific discussion groups, etc. If any specific program has related discussion groups, those discussion groups may be made available from the Program Information screen for that program. The program guide may obtain data containing lists of discussion and news groups and messages within the discussion and news groups from a server or database located at the television distribution facility,[0155]
main facility 12, or elsewhere along paths shown, for example, in FIGS.1A-1C. Further features of an illustrative interactive television system with news groups are described in Ellis, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith (Attorney Docket No. UV-154), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - [0156]
Screen 320 in FIG. 24 is an example of a screen that may be displayed if the user selectsFavorite option 132N from the Movies screen130 (FIG. 5).Screen 320 provideslist 321 of a number of categories in which the user can choose favorites, and a number of items within each category that the user can rate individually. For example, for the category “Actors/Actresses”, the user has picked the individual items “Gwyneth Paltrow”, “Matt Damon”, and “Jim Carrey”. The user has rated them with two happy faces, one unhappy face, and one happy face, respectively, to indicate whether the user likes movies starring these actors or not. This rating system is illustrative; any other rating system may be used. In the category “Genres”, the user has selected the items “Comedy” and “Children's”, and rated them two happy faces and one happy face, respectively, to indicate that the user likes children's movies and likes comedy movies even more. - Other categories that may be shown for movies include Directors, Producers, Channels, Parental (e.g. MPAA) ratings, Movie Titles, Language, Video Format (e.g., High Definition, Wide Screen, etc.), Audio Format (e.g., Digital Dolby, etc.). The program guide uses the user ratings (e.g., happy faces and unhappy faces in FIG. 24) to determine which programs the viewer is most likely to like or dislike. Programs with attributes the user has rated highly may be featured in various parts of the guide, and the guide may provide quick access to them, for example in listing screens. Programs with attributes that are rated low may be hidden from the user. The user may also rate individual movie critics. If the user rates a movie critic highly, the guide may give more weight to the critic's rating in determining what movies the viewer may like or dislike. These program guide functions with respect to changing program information displayed to the user based upon his or her preferences may be performed by a processor in the user television equipment or by a server at the television distribution facility or elsewhere in a client-server arrangement.[0157]
- Attribute ratings may be set by the user on a screen such as[0158]320. They may be set by the user after selecting a Favorite option from a Program Information screen for a certain program, at which point the guide may display the attributes of the selected program and allow the user to rate any of them, such as rating actors starring in a movie. Further features of an illustrative program guide system with preference profiles is described in Ellis et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/034,934, filed Mar. 4, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The attribute ratings may also be set automatically by the guide based on program selections made by the user household.
- If desired, the guide may support multiple sets of favorites based on household users, or for each niche hub. Upon selecting the Favorites option from any niche hub, the user is presented with the categories and items most appropriate for that hub. For example, the Movies Favorites screen may allow the user to rate Movie Critics, MPAA Ratings, and Movie Producers. The Sports Favorites screen may allow the user to rate individual sports and teams.[0159]
- The user may add items to the Favorites list by selecting the Add Another option under any category in[0160]
list 321. The program guide may then display a screen allowing the user to choose from items within the category, such asscreen 330 shown in FIG. 25.Screen 330displays list 331 of movie genres. The happy faces next to some movie genres indicate that the user has indicated these genres as his favorites (e.g., from a genre Information screen such as screen340). The user may press UP or DOWN arrows on the remote control to select a genre inlist 331. - When the user has selected a specific item from[0161]
list 331 in FIG. 25, the guide may display an Information screen related to the item. For example, if the user selects comedy fromlist 331, the program guide may displaygenre Information screen 340 as shown in FIG. 26, or the guide may simply return to the screen of FIG. 24 with the selected item added to the list. In FIG. 26, the guide presents additional information about the selected item inregion 344.Screen 340 also presents the option to change the user rating by selectingoption 342.Screen 340 also presents the user with an option to list a group of programs matching the selected item by selectingoption 343. The user may return toscreen 330 by selectingBack option 341. - From[0162]
screen 320 of FIG. 24, the user may select any specific item inlist 321 and press a key on the remote control or select an on screen option (not shown) to change its rating. Selecting an item may alternatively display a screen such as FIG. 26, allowing the user to change the rating on that screen by selectingoption 342. Removing the user rating from any item (i.e., setting the rating to “no (un)happy face”) may cause that item to be removed from the screen the next time it is displayed, as the user has indicated no preference with respect to that item. The guide may support automatic reminders and/or automatic recordings of programs based on user preferences. Information relating to the user's favorites and programming preferences may be stored inmemory 25 or at a server at a television distribution facility or elsewhere. - The[0163]
Movies screen 130 may also have a Watch Movies button (not shown). Upon selecting this option, the guide may allow the user to watch television, but with quick access to movies. A Menu or Guide key on the remote control, which normally displays theMain Menu screen 100, may instead display theMovies screen 130 or the Movies On Now screen140 (FIG. 6). While changing channels, the guide may limit the user to only channels currently airing movies, possibly limited to movies matching the criteria selected under Movies Favorites screen320 in FIG. 24 with happy faces. Other guide functions, such as for example Browse, may also be similarly limited. While in this mode, theMovies screen 130 may change the Watch Movies option to a Watch Normal Television option; selecting this option would return the user to regular television watching and guide features. - The guide may support many other niche hubs. Each hub includes options that are appropriate for a user interested in that particular theme. Some options may be similar to those shown for the movies hub. Other options may be specific to another theme, such as a sports fan hub ([0164]
option 112B), a music hub (option 112D), a soap opera hub (option 112G), a kids/family hub (option 112C), science fiction hub (option 112H), a news and information hub (option 112E), a local information hub (option 112K), a cultural hub (option 112F), a television lover's hub (option112I), and an adult hub (option 112J). A user may enter these hubs by selecting, for example, the corresponding option in Themes screen110 (FIG. 3). - Another illustrative television program guide main menu screen of a niche hub in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 27.[0165]
Screen 350 is the main menu screen of a sports fan hub.Screen 350 provides the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to sports programming by selecting one of options351-359. A user may view sports television program listings, as shown and discussed, for example, with respect to FIG. 31, by selectingoption 352. The user may view sports scores and news, as shown for example in FIGS.32-34, by selectingoption 353. - The user may view a controllable sports ticker, as shown for example in FIG. 35, by selecting[0166]
option 354. The user may participate in sports wagering and voting as well, as shown for example in FIGS.36-38, by selectingoption 355. The user may participate in fantasy sports leagues, as shown for example in FIGS.39-40, by selectingoption 356. The user may also view a listing of pay-per-view sports by selectingoption 357, or a listings of sports programs on now byselection option 358. The user may purchase sports-related merchandise through an interactive shopping application by selectingoption 359.Sports hub screen 350 may also display options for accessing sports web sites, sports discussion groups, sports chat groups, and other program guide features (e.g., any features shown and used with other hubs) with sports-related content. - The program guide may also allow the user to enter favorites within the sports niche hub such as favorite sports, teams, leagues, etc. as part of a user profile. The profiles may indicate, for example, that the user likes certain sports and teams but not others. The program guide may customize the features within the niche hub based upon the user's favorites.[0167]
- The niche hubs of the present invention may contain individual areas within the hub for sub-categories within the niche hub category. For example, a sports fan hub may have individual areas within the hub for specific sports.[0168]
Screen 350 providesoption 351 for selecting an individual area within the sports hub that relate to a specific sport (e.g., football). If the user selectsoption 351, the program guide may displayscreen 360 as shown in FIG. 28.Screen 360 provideslist 361 of individual sports that relate to an individual area of the sports niche hub. The user may select a sport fromlist 361 to enter the individual area of the hub corresponding to that sport. If desired, the program guide may provide the user with the option of selecting a specific team, league, etc. within that sport when the user selects a sport inlist 361. - Each individual area within the hub that is tailored to a sub-category such as a specific sport, team, league, etc. contains niche hub features that relate to that sub-category. For example, if the user enters the football area of the niche hub, the program guide displays options such as television program listings, news groups, news stories, sports scores, fantasy sports leagues, etc. that relate (or only relate) to football in[0169]
screen 350 and in other display screens of the sports fan hub. These options can be the same asscreen 350 with filtered content related to the selected sub-category, a subset of the options displayed onscreen 350, or options that are specific to the selected sub-category. - The program guide can customize the program guide features to match the user's selected sub-category so that options relating to that sub-category are displayed in the sports hub. This functionality may be performed by a processor in the user television equipment, at the television distribution facility, or elsewhere. If desired, the hub may be customized by a server (e.g., connected to user television equipment as shown in FIGS.[0170]1A-1C) in a client-server arrangement.
- An illustrative process for using niche hubs of the present invention is shown in FIG. 29. At[0171]
step 370, the interactive program guide provides the user with an opportunity to enter a niche hub, for example, by displaying Themes screen110 in FIG. 3. The user may then select a niche hub based on the options provided by the interactive program guide or based upon the current selection in the program guide. In another example ofstep 370, the user may highlight a movie in a general-purpose program guide television listing and then select a “niche hub” button on a remote control to enter the movie niche hub. If the user indicates a desire to enter a niche hub, the program guide may then display features of the niche hub atstep 371, for example, by displaying niche hubmovie display screen 130 or other niche hub menu screens discussed further below. The niche hub features are related to specific types of television programming, or user interests. The niche hub features may also be selected by the user as discussed below with respect to FIGS.65-67. - At[0172]
step 372, the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to select a niche hub feature, for example, by providinginteractive options 132A-132O inscreen 130. The user may select a niche hub feature by selecting the region on the niche hub menu display screen and press an “ENTER” key on the remote control. If the user selects a niche hub feature, the program guide may display options and information relating to the selected feature instep 373, as shown for example, by FIG. 9. The options and information displayed may be related to the selected feature. For example,screen 170 when selected from the movie niche hub displays video on demand movies. - Another illustrative process for using niche hubs of the present invention is shown in FIG. 30. At[0173]
step 375, the interactive program guide provides the user with an opportunity to enter a niche hub, for example, by displaying Themes screen110 in FIG. 3. The user may then select a niche hub based on the options provided by the interactive program guide or based upon the current selection in the program guide. If the user indicates a desire to enter a niche hub, the program guide may then display features of the selected niche hub atstep 376, for example, by displaying niche hubmenu display screen 130 for sports or other niche hub menu screens discussed in this application. - At[0174]
step 377 the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to enter an individual area of the niche hub that relates to a sub-category of the hub. For example,screen 360 of the sports hub provideslist 361 of individual areas within the sports hub that relate sub-categories such as specific sports. If the user then selects an individual area of the hub, the program guide then displays options and information relating to the selected individual area of the hub (e.g., as discussed with respect to FIG. 28) atstep 378. The program guide application may obtain information regarding available individual areas of each niche hub and features available within each individual area fromdatabase 14, a server, or a television distribution facility. A processor in the user television equipment, the television distribution facility, or elsewhere may provide program guide features and information to the user at the user television equipment based upon the individual area of the niche hub that the user selected. For example, if the user selects football inlist 361, the processor may provide football scores, news, and wagering options to the user in the sports niche hub. - The program guide with niche hubs of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to view highlighted television program listings within the hub. Only programs relating to the user interest category of the niche hub are highlighted in the program listings. For example, the program guide may display listings screen[0175]380 as shown in FIG. 31 when the user selects
option 352 inmenu screen 350 of the sports fan niche hub.Screen 380displays listings grid 386 which is organized by time and television channel.Grid 386 displays all programs on the channels in the grid, but highlights sports programs since the user enteredscreen 380 from the sports hub. If a channel has no programs related to the category of the hub (e.g., sports), the program guide may omit that channel from the television programs listings entirely. Alternatively, the program guide may display a screen similar to Movies On Now shown in FIG. 6 (but directed toward sports programming on now) when the user selectsoption 352. - If the user has selected a sport from[0176]
list 361 in screen360 (such as football), only programs relating to that sport are highlighted ingrid 386. The program guide listings may be obtained fromdatabase 14. The program guide application on the set-top box or computing equipment at the television distribution facility or other location may highlight the sports programs as shown in FIG. 31. - The interactive program guide application may also display context sensitive pop-up hints. These hints appear either when the user explicitly asks for help or when the system detects that the user needs assistance through the user's inaction or when the user presses an improper key on the remote control (i.e., a key that does not correspond to a valid command at the current program guide operating point). The pop-up hints may be text messages, instructional video images, and/or audio programs or messages. The pop-up hints may be context sensitive, displaying information based on the user's current location within the program guide and, possibly, taking into account the prior user control commands by which the user reached the current location.[0177]
- For example, if the user selects a program such as[0178]
program 388 and either remains inactive for a period of time, requests help (e.g., presses a “HELP” key on the remote control), or presses an improper key, the program guide automatically displays a pop-up hint such as pop-uphint 390. Pop-uphint 390 provides a suggestion to the user on how to select another program by pressing the UP or DOWN arrow keys on the remote control. If the user continues to remain inactive, request help, or press improper keys, the program guide may cycle through other pop-up hints (e.g., “to watch this program press OK”). Further features of an illustrative electronic television program guide schedule system and method with pop-up hints is described in Davis et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,123, issued Oct. 13, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - The program guide with niche hubs of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to view sports scores and news within a niche hub. The news stories displayed within the niche hub relate to the user interest category of the hub. For example, the program guide may display[0179]
screen 400 as shown in FIG. 32 when the user selectsoption 353 inscreen 350.Screen 400 may displaylist 401 of sports leagues for which the user may view scores in the program guide. If the user has entered an individual area of the sports hub relating to a specific sport, then screen400 can display only sports scores and news relating to that specific sport. - The user may select a sport from[0180]
list 401 to view scores from that sport. For example, if the user selects “NBA scores” the program guide may displayscreen 405 as shown in FIG. 33.Screen 405 displays listing406 of recent NBA scores. The user may select an option in listing406 to view an information screen that provides for information about the game. The information screen may be a Program Information screen for a program that is currently on television. The scores in listing406 may be obtained from real-time sports data source15 (FIG. 1A) and updated periodically or continuously as scores from current games change. The user may selectLast option 407 to return to the previous display screen. The user may press a DOWN arrow key on the remote control to view scores from previous days. - If desired, the program guide may provide a listing of current and future television games that correspond to the sport selected in[0181]
list 401. The user can select a game in this list to view a Program Information screen for that game. The Program Information screen may provide scores for current games. - [0182]
Screen 400 in FIG. 32 also displayslist 402 of top news stories relating to sports. The user may select a story inlist 402 to read the story. The program guide may then display the selected news story such as shown inscreen 410 of FIG. 34. The text or video of the story selected by the user is displayed inregion 413. The user may view the text or video of the next story inlist 402 by selectingNext Story option 412 inscreen 410. If desired, news video may be displayed inwindow 105, instead ofregion 413. If desired,screen 410 may be formatted as an information screen with options (on-screen or remote control based) that such as play, fast forward, rewind, pause, and stop that allow the user to control the news story segment (e.g., video or scrolling text) as it is played onscreen 410.Screen 410 may also provide a mail option to send this story to a friend. The user may return toscreen 400 by selectingLast option 411. - News stories may be obtained from real-time news data source[0183]19 (FIG. 1A), from
program guide database 14, from a television distribution facility, or from a web server connected to user television equipment via communications network38 (e.g., the Internet) and paths shown in FIG. 1B. If an individual program has sports scores or news stories associated with it, the scores or news may be available directly from a listing or information screen by, for example, providing on-screen options for scores or news stories related to the program. These options act as hyperlinks which allow users to access related information or features within the hub. - News and scores may also be displayed on[0184]
screen 350 based upon user preferences, or the most popular teams, sports, etc. Selecting the option onscreen 350 may cause program guide to bring up more details relating to the news story or sports score such as an information screen that provides options related to the news or scores. For example, scores for a past game may be displayed onscreen 350. The user may then select the score option onscreen 350 to display an information screen for the game. The information screen may have highlights of the game, an option to display video highlights, statics, related stories, etc. - [0185]
Screen 400 may also provide other options such as the option to buy tickets for local sports events by selectingoption 403. When the user selectsoption 403, the program guide may provide a schedule of sporting events. The user may select a sporting event to purchase a ticket for that event. Sporting schedules may be obtained from a real-time data source, server, or other database. - The program guide with niche hubs of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to view real-time (live) data relating to the user interest category of the niche hub. For example, the program guide may display[0186]
screen 420 as shown in FIG. 35 when the user selectsoption 354 inscreen 350. The user may also be able to bring up a sports ticker without going into the hub (e.g., by pressing a key on the remote control while watching television). FIG. 35 displays live data of sports scores oncontrollable sports ticker 424 inoverlay 422 on top of a television program displayed on screen420 (e.g., program shown on channel 4).Controllable ticker 424 may contain aselectable sports category 421 such as national football league (NFL), major league baseball, national hockey league, etc. - The user may select from different sports categories that are available using RIGHT and LEFT cursor keys on the remote control as indicated by[0187]
arrows 426. Eachsports category 421 has a number of associated items of status information. For example, inticker 424, the program guide displays status information which contains real time data such as the game title, current score, current quarter, time, and channel of the current game (e.g., Greenbay v. Detroit). A user may select from among the various status information items associated with a given category by using UP and DOWN remote control cursor keys as indicated byarrows 428. For example, if the user presses the DOWN cursor key, the program guide may display the status information from another football game. The program guide may also automatically scroll through the scores of current and recent games fromsports category 421 without user intervention. The user may press OK on the remote control while viewing a score for a game to tune to that game if it is currently available on television. - Real-time data such as sports scores may be transmitted from real-time data sources[0188]11 (e.g., real-time sports data source15) via
television distribution facility 16 and real-time data collection facility13 ormain facility 12 along the communications paths shown in FIG. 1A touser television equipment 20. If desired, real-time data may be transmitted to user television equipment from real-time data sources 11 directly toserver 22 or server50 (FIG. 1C) or from the Internet (e.g.,communications network 38 in FIG. 1B). Further features of a program guide system with real-time data sources is described in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/229,047, filed Jan. 12, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Further features of an illustrative electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access are described in Knee et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,892, issued Dec. 31, 1996, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - A program guide niche hub of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to view and participate in program-related wagering and voting relating the programming category of the hub (e.g., sports all-star voting and sports game wagering). For example, the program guide may display screen[0189]440 as shown in FIG. 36 when the user selects
option 355 inscreen 350. Screen440 provides the user with an opportunity to select a voting option from list441. When the user selects a voting option (such as voting for the best baseball team of the season or voting for players for an All-Star team), the program guide may display, for example,screen 450 as shown in FIG. 37. The user may vote for a team of the season by selecting a team fromlist 452 of baseball teams. The program guide may then transmit the user's vote to a television distribution facility ormessage processing facility 71 along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIG. 1D for counting and processing users' votes. The user may return to the previous screen by selectingoption 451. - Screen[0190]440 also provides the user with the opportunity to participate in sports wagering. For example, screen440 provides the user with an opportunity to select a type of sports wagering from
list 442. When the user selects a sports wagering option from list442 (e.g., NFL game wagering), the program guide may provide a wagering screen such asscreen 460 in FIG. 38. The program guide then provides the user with upcoming games for the selected sport and the point spread for that game. For example, if the user has chosen NFL wagering (football), the program guide provides an upcoming football game, and the point spread for this game. The user may bet on a team by selecting the team fromlist 462. For example, if the user selects Detroit inlist 462, this means that the user is betting that Detroit will beat Minnesota by 5 points or more. The user may enter the amount of money he wishes to wager inregion 463 by pressing numbers on the remote control. The user's bet information may be transmitted to a television distribution facility ormessage processing facility 71 along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIG. 1D for processing the user's bet. The user may bet on other games by pressing the DOWN arrow on the remote control. The program guide will them display teams and point spreads for other upcoming NFL games. - The wagering may be real or pretend. In real wagering, the program guide provides user setup accounts, personal identification number (PIN) to access the account, and other user security features. Also, once the user has set up an account and placed a bet, the program guide provides an option to access the user's account to view the status of pending bet, the results of previous bets, the user's account value, betting dollar limits, betting statistics, and other useful information. Wagering and voting options may be available from a Program Information screen, if applicable to a specific program. Further features of illustrative interactive wagering systems and processes are described in Brenner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,068, issued Nov. 3, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.[0191]
- A program guide sports niche hub (or other related hub) of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to participate in a fantasy sports league. Fantasy sports leagues allow users to form a squad of real-life sports teams that are evaluated on the basis of their real-life performance. Users compete against each other for the highest fantasy sports score. The program guide may provide[0192]
display screen 480 as shown in FIG. 39 when the user selectsoption 356 inscreen 350.Screen 480 provides the user with an opportunity to enter an interactive fantasy sports league display screen by selecting a fantasy sport fromlist 482. For example, if the user selects fantasy basketball, the program guide may subsequently providedisplay screen 490 as shown in FIG. 40. - [0193]
Display screen 490 is an example of an interactive fantasy sports league display screen for fantasy basketball.Screen 490 allows the user to select a fantasy basketball squad by choosing real-life basketball teams by selectingoption 492. The user may view the rules of fantasy basketball by selectingoption 491. The user may view scores for recent basketball games by selectingoption 495. The user may view the top scores of all the participants in the fantast sports league by selectingoption 493. The user's current score in the fantasy league is displayed inregion 494. The user may selectoption 496 to add more squads for other users in the household that want to participate in the same fantasy sports league. The user may selectoption 497 to view details of the teams of the currently selected squad. The user may selectoption 498 to view the details of his standings with respect to the performance of the teams in his squad relative to other players in the league (such as a ranking). - The program guide may obtain fantasy sports league data such as available fantasy sports leagues, lists of real-life sports teams, recent real-life game scores, and fantasy sports rules from[0194]
program guide database 14, a television distribution facility, or a server (e.g., a web server connected via the Internet). Fantasy sports league data may be transmitted to user television equipment along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIGS.1A-1C. A user's current score in a fantasy sports league (in region494) may be calculated by the program guide operating on the set-top (e.g., if the set-top box has a processor). - If desired, the program guide operating on the set-top box may transmit the teams on the user's fantasy sports squad to a server (e.g., at the television distribution facility or elsewhere as shown in FIGS.[0195]1A-1C). The user's current score in
region 494 may be then be calculated by the server, transmitted back to the set-top box, and stored inmemory 25. Fantasy sports leagues scores of other users may be stored in a server such as a web server, and the top scores may be transmitted from the server to user television equipment upon request by the interactive program guide on the user television equipment when the user selects option493 (e.g., throughcommunications network 38 along paths shown in FIG. 1B). - Another illustrative television program guide main menu screen of a niche hub in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 41.[0196]
Screen 510 is the main menu screen of a family hub.Screen 510 provides the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to family programming by selecting one ofoptions 512A-512F. A user may program parental control setup features in the family hub, as shown for example in FIG. 42, by selectingoption 512A. A user may program personal profiles in the family hub, as shown for example in FIGS.43-44, by selectingoption 512B. A user may send messages to other users, as shown for example in FIGS. 45, 46A, and46B, by selectingoption 512C. A user may select parents' television and kids' television options, as shown for example in FIGS.47-49, by selectingoption 512D. A user may also view and send messages in chat groups by selectingoption 512E, as shown, for example, in FIGS.50-51. A user may also view family-oriented television program listings byselection option 512F. The television program listings may be arranged similarly to listings displayed from other hubs with programs appropriate for family viewing and/or particular age groups. There also may be multiple programming categories for families such as program listings for young children, education programming, programming for teenagers, etc. - The main family hub screen may also include options similar to other hubs (such as the movie hub and the sports hub) that are tailored to family or kids programming. For example, the family hub screen may provide options for video on-demand or pay-per-view family movies, kids programs on now, video clips of interest to families, web pages of interest to children, shopping features for toys, etc. The family hub may also include the ability to control which features of the hub or general purpose program guide are accessible by children (e.g., making a shopping feature password protected).[0197]
- The program guide with niche hubs of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to use parental control features. For example,[0198]
display screen 530 in FIG. 42 may be displayed within the family hub when the user selectsoption 512A inscreen 510.Screen 530 provides the user withlist 532 of typical television programming features that a user can lock or unlock. By the locking (or blocking) the selected feature, the user prevents other users (e.g., children) from viewing that feature without entering a password or code. - For example, the user can lock a program, rating, or channel from a Program Information screen by selecting a lock option for that program, rating, or channel. The user can unlock a program such as “Jerry Springer” by selecting[0199]
option 531 and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to unlock that program. A user may lock or unlock a specific television program rating (e.g., TV-MA) by selectingoption 532, and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that rating. A user may lock or unlock a specific movie rating (e.g., R) by selectingoption 533, and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that rating. A user may lock or unlock a specific television channel (e.g., 14-HBO) by selectingoption 534, and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that channel. The user can scroll to other locked programs, ratings or channels in regions531-534 by pressing RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys on the remote control. A lock icon in any of regions531-534 indicates that the selected option is currently locked. A user may hide adult programs by selectingoption 535, then using a LEFT arrow key on the remote control to scroll from the “SHOW” to the “HIDE” option to hide adult programs and their titles in the program guide listings. Parental control features may also be available, for example, from a Program Information screen. - The lock features in[0200]
screen 530 may be stored inmemory 25 of set-top box 26 or provided to the set-top box from a server along communications paths such as shown in FIGS.1A-1C. The set-top box may contain a processor for performing the locking functions including evaluating which programs, music, and channels are to be locked when a given locking feature has been chosen inscreen 530. The set-top box and program guide may also be configured to block web sites based on specific URLs or certain words as entered by the user. Programming provided from the television distribution facility may contain labels (e.g., data provided in band with the television program channel or in its vertical blanking interval) that identify the program, music, or channel as having an adult theme, containing foul language, nudity, violence, etc. If desired, data may provided as part of the program guide data frommain facility 12 that identifies program ratings and content. The program guide application on the set-top box may then compare each program, music, and channel label with the locked features to determine whether to permit the user view the program, music, or channel or whether to require a password or access code before viewing is permitted. The program guide may also provide locking of other content such as web sites, chat rooms, applications, etc. - A family niche hub or other hub of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to enter personal profiles with different levels of rating restrictions for various viewers (e.g., family members) and other personal preferences. For example, display screen[0201]540 in FIG. 43 may be provided when the user selects
option 512B inscreen 510. Screen540displays list 541 of profiles for household users that have previously been entered into the program guide system, and provides an option to add a new profile. The user may select a user profile by choosing an option inlist 541. Each user profile may contain a particular rating restriction, and may contain information regarding the user's favorite programs and interests. The program guide may require that an access code or password be entered by the user before he or she can select a particular user profile. - The user may edit a user profile by selecting a profile in[0202]
list 541 and then pressing an “OK” key on the remote control. The program guide may then display a screen such astelevision display screen 550 as shown in FIG. 44. The user may enter a password inregion 551 to enter that user profile. The user may set a rating restriction inregion 552 for the selected name by pressing LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys on the remote control to scroll through a list of rating restrictions. The users favorite program or programs are displayed in region553. The personal profile screen may also provide the user with the opportunity to enter other user preference information such as favorite channels, actors, directors, genres of programming, etc. The program guide may use the user preference information to set targeted advertising, automatic reminders, automatic recording of favorite programs, etc. - Profiles may be defined by example from a Program Information screen. For example, a Program Information screen may provide a favorites option. When the user selects that option, the program guide adds that program to the user's profile and displays that program in region[0203]553. The user may scroll between her favorite programs in region553 by pressing RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys on the remote control. The program guide may use the user's profile in a number of ways. For example, the program guide may provide program listings that match the user's favorite programs, genres, actors, etc. The program guide may also customize other features of the guide based upon the user's preferences. For example, the guide may provide web sites or merchandise in a shopping application that match the user's preferences.
- A program guide niche hub of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to read, compose, and send messages to other users in pen pal e-mail clubs that are related to the programming category or user interest of the hub. For example, the program guide may provide[0204]
display screen 560 in FIG. 45 when the user selectsoption 512C inscreen 510. If desired, pen pal clubs related to a program may be selected from a Program Information screen for that program.Screen 560 provides the user with the opportunity to view listing561 of topics related to programming, certain localities, sports, etc. or any topic. The user may select an option inlist 561 to display a list of persons who have indicated an interest in that topic or who wish to receive messages from a pen pal on any topic. - The program guide may then, for example, display[0205]
television display screen 570 as shown in FIG. 46A.Screen 570displays list 571 of persons that have indicated a desire to receive messages from a pen pal on the selected topic or any topic. The user may select a person inlist 571 to send a message to that person. Each option islist 571 may provide the person's name as well as further information about the person such as where they live. When the user selects a person inlist 571, the program guide may, for example, displaytelevision display screen 575 as shown in FIG. 46B. The user may compose the text of a message (e.g., using a wireless keyboard) inregion 576. The user may press an “OK” key on the remote control to send the message inregion 576 to the intended recipient. - The program guide application operating on set-[0206]
top box 26 may receive and transmit e-mail messages for pen pal e-mail clubs via communications network38 (e.g., the Internet) and a television distribution facility as shown in FIG. 1B. The message may be maintained on a message server (e.g., server36). If desired, e-mail messages for pen pal e-mail clubs may be sent and received via a direct Internet connection to set-top box26 (e.g., a separate phone line to the set-top box) that is not routed through a television distribution facility. The messages in the e-mail pen pal clubs may also be messages that are transmitted between user television equipment via a television distribution facility and maintained at a server at the television distribution facility or elsewhere (e.g., FIG. 1C). - Messages between user television equipment may be transmitted along communications paths as shown, for example, in FIGS.[0207]1A-1C. The messages may also be maintained at
message processing facility 71 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1D.Message processing facility 71 may be associated with a television channel that maintains pen pal e-mail clubs relating to its programming. Further features of an illustrative television message system is described in McKissick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,245, filed Jul., 16, 1999. - The program guide with niche hubs of the present invention may provide the user with an opportunity to control programming options between multiple user television equipment devices or multiple television sets within a home. FIG. 47 shows an illustrative arrangement for interconnecting various user television equipment within a home. Primary[0208]
user television equipment 581 may be connected to secondaryuser television equipment 582, secondaryuser television equipment 583, and secondaryuser television equipment 584 viacommunications paths 586.Communications paths 586 may be any suitable communications paths for an in home network, such as twisted pair lines, Ethernet links, fiber optics, power lines, radio frequency links, infrared and other wireless links, Firewire (IEEE 1394) paths, dedicated cables, etc. As shown in FIG. 47, one or more pieces of secondary user television equipment may be connected to primaryuser television equipment 581 in a star configuration. - User television equipment devices are typically located in different rooms within[0209]
home 580. For example, primaryuser television equipment 581 may be placed in the parents' bedroom, secondaryuser television equipment 582 may be placed in the children's room, secondaryuser television equipment 583 may be placed in a living room, and secondaryuser television equipment 584 may be placed in a guest room. With such an arrangement, the parents' bedroom may be used as a master location to adjust user settings for the program guides on the user television equipment in the children's room and other rooms. - Each of user television equipment[0210]581-584 may be connected to
television distribution facility 588 andserver 588A independently alongcommunications paths 587A-587D as shown, for example, in FIG. 47. If desired, only primaryuser television equipment 581 may be connected totelevision distribution facility 588 andserver 588A alongpath 587A while secondary user television equipment devices582-584 communicate withtelevision distribution facility 588,server 588A, and each other (e.g., for sending messages between user television equipment581-584) via primaryuser television equipment 581 through an in-home network such as an Ethernetlink using paths 586 or other suitable connections. If all of user television equipment581-584 are connected toserver 588A, then there is no need for having an in-home network as well. - A user at primary[0211]
user television equipment 581 may control and monitor the programs that may be viewed from each secondary user television equipment device in the home. For example, a parent may wish to block certain channels on a television set in the children's room, or monitor the programs that are being watched on television sets through the home. The interactive program guide may providescreen 590 in FIG. 48 when the user selectsoption 512D inscreen 510.Screen 590 provides the user with the opportunity to control and monitor viewing on various user television equipment devices in the home. The user may select a television set in the home such as the Kid's TV by selectingoption 591 and pressing RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys on the remote control. The user may then select blocking features for the television set selected inregion 591 by manipulating options592-595 onscreen 590. - For example, the user can lock a program, rating, or channel for the kid's television set from an information screen (e.g., Program Information screen) by selecting a lock option for that program, rating, or channel. The user can unlock a program such as “Jerry Springer” for the kid's television set by selecting[0212]
option 592 and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to unlock that program. A user may lock or unlock a specific television program rating (e.g., TV-MA) for the kid's television set by selectingoption 593, and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that rating. A user may lock or unlock a specific television channel (e.g., 14-HBO) for the kid's television set by selectingoption 595, and then pressing “OK” on the remote control to lock or unlock that channel. The user can scroll to other locked programs, ratings or channels inregions regions option 594, then using a LEFT arrow key on the remote control to scroll from the “SHOW” to the “HIDE” option to hide adult programs and their titles in the program guide listings. Parental control features may also be available, for example, from a Program Information screen. - The user may select[0213]
option 596 inscreen 590 to monitor the channels that are being viewed on user television equipment throughout the home. The program guide at primaryuser television equipment 581 may poll the program guides at secondary user television equipment in the home to determine whether anyone is currently viewing television and which channels they are tuned to. When the user selectsoption 596, the program guide may provide, for example,screen 600 as shown in FIG. 49.Screen 600 provides a grid inregion 601 which shows the channel and program that is being currently viewed on user television equipment in the home.Grid 601 also provides the ratings for the programs currently being viewed on each user television equipment that is being monitored (e.g., R for 17 and up, G for general audiences).Video window 105 onscreen 590 orscreen 600 may be video from the other television being monitored. The set-top box at the primary user television equipment may tune to the same channel that the monitored television is tuned to. If the monitored television is displaying video from another source such as a local video recorder, then the video shown inwindow 105 on the primary user television equipment may be reduced quality if it needs to be transferred from one location in the house to another. - The program guide may also provide the user at primary[0214]
user television equipment 581 with the option of changing the television channel at one or more of secondary user television equipment582-584 by selecting a location user television equipment and pressing UP or DOWN arrow keys on the remote control. The program guide on primaryuser television equipment 581 then directs the selected secondary user television equipment to tune to the selected channel. The program guide may also provide the user with the opportunity to turn off viewing by pressing an OFF key on the remote control or to control the volume in one of the secondary user television equipment by manipulating volume control buttons on the remote control. The program guide may only provideoption 512D, and screens590 and600 on primaryuser television equipment 581 and may require an access code to enterscreen 590. Further features of an illustrative interactive television program guide system having multiple devices within a household are described in Ellis et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,161, filed Jul., 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - [0215]
Screen 610 in FIG. 50 is an example of a display screen that provides the user with an opportunity to participate in a chat group. The program guide may displayscreen 610 when the user selects, for example,option 512E fromscreen 510. A chat group comprises a group of users who send real-time messages to each other. The users may be Internet users and users of user television equipment devices. The real-time messages in the chat group may be maintained on a chat server at, e.g., a television distribution facility or elsewhere as shown in FIGS.1A-1C, such as such asservers list 611 inscreen 610.List 611 may contain chat groups that are related to family oriented programming. The user may view additional chat groups by pressing the DOWN arrow key on the remote control. The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to enter chat groups related to a program from a Program Information screen for that program. - When the user selects a chat group in[0216]
list 611, the program guide may communicate with a television distribution facility to connect to the chat server that maintains that chat group. When the program guide connects to the selected chat group, the program guide may display a screen such asscreen 620 in FIG. 51. Messages from the chat group are displayed inregion 621. The user may compose a message inregion 622 to be added to the chat group using, e.g., a wireless keyboard. The user may send the message to other users in the chat group by, e.g., pressing an “ENTER” key on the remote control. The message inregion 622 then appears inregion 621 and is sent to the other users in the chat group. Messages between users (of user television equipment and user communications equipment) in chat groups may be sent along communications paths such as the ones shown in FIGS.1A-1C. The user may also enter a chat group for a program by selecting a chat option from a Program Information for that program. Further features of an illustrative television chat system is described in DeWeese et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,270, filed Jul., 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - Another illustrative television program guide main menu screen of a niche hub in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 52.[0217]
Menu screen 630 in FIG. 52 is the main menu screen of a music niche hub.Screen 630 provides the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to music and music related programming. The music hub may have many of the same options as the other hubs such as program listings, shopping, web sites, chat groups, video on-demand or pay-per-view concerts, etc. - The music hub may also have an option to see music-related programs, in addition to actual music programming within each feature of the hub. This might include programs with guest appearances by music celebrities or music groups, or any other programs that may be of interest to a music fan. The music hub may have an option to provide feedback for rating individual songs and the ability to see other people's ratings. The music hub may also provide parental control for music such as the ability to block songs with sexual or foul language. Also, songs and song categories may come with parental warning labels. The music hub may also have features for fan clubs such as chat groups, the ability to buy merchandise relating to an artist, concert schedules, etc. The music may also have recording features that are used to record music.[0218]
- [0219]
Screen 630 provides the user with the opportunity to view a listing of music channels (e.g., cable music channels) by selectingoption 631A as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 53A. The user may view a listing of music video channels by selecting option631B as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 53B. The user may view a listing of available music-on-demand song tracks by selectingoption 631C as discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS.54A-54E. The user may select background music for the program guide by selectingoption 631D as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 55. The user may select music favorites by selectingoption 631E as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 56. The user may manipulate music setup options by selectingoption 631F as discussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 57. - If the user selects[0220]
option 631A inscreen 630, the program guide may, for example,display screen 634 as shown in FIG. 53A.Screen 634 displays listing636 of available music channels. When the user selects a channel option from listing636 using UP and DOWN arrow keys on the remote control, the program guide switches the current audio to the selected music channel. When the user selects or highlights an option in listing636, the program guide may display the album cover for that song inwindow 105. - Each option in listing[0221]636 includes the title of the music channel, and the title and the artist for the current song on that channel. When the user selects an option in listing636, the program guide tunes to the selected music channel and displays the song title, artist, and album cover of the song that is currently playing on the selected music channel. Song title, artist, and album cover graphics for current songs may be provided to the set-top box from a television distribution facility in-band with the music channels. The set-top box may decode the in-band track, artist, and title information from the selected music channel signal using the tuner tuned to that channel.
- The program guide may also display track and artist information for songs that are currently playing on available music channels other than the music channel currently selected in[0222]
listing 636. The set-top box may contain two tuners. The set-top box may have a second tuner for decoding the in-band track and artist information for the song currently playing on a music channel other than the one that the first tuner is tuned to. The second tuner may sequentially tune to each available analog and digital music channel so that the program guide application may obtain in-band music information such as track and artist information for current songs on each channel. - The song title, artist, and album cover information for the current songs on the available music channels may be stored in[0223]
memory 25 of set-top box 26 and displayed inlisting 636. The song title, artist, and album cover information for the current songs on the available music channels may also be obtained from an Internet web server via a television distribution facility (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B) and transmitted to the set-top box along an out-of-band channel along communication paths connected to the television distribution facility. Further features of an illustrative music information system using second tuner to collect in-band data is described in Ellis, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/330,860, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - If the user selects option[0224]631B in
screen 630, the program guide may, for example,display screen 640 as shown in FIG. 53B.Screen 640 displays listing641 of available music video channels. When the user selects a channel option from listing641 using UP and DOWN arrow keys on the remote control, the program guide switches the current video inwindow 105 to the selected music video channel to play the current video and accompany music. The program guide displays song title and artist information for each video music channel inlisting 641. The program guide may obtain the song title and artist information for the current video from by decoding in-band data using two tuners as discussed above with respect to FIG. 53A, from theprogram guide database 14 atmain facility 12, or from a server. - [0225]
Screen 645 in FIG. 53C is an example of a music flip screen that may be displayed for a few seconds when the program guide tunes to a music channel or music video channel. The guide may tune to a music or music video channel when, for example, the user presses the OK key while a channel is highlighted onscreen 634 orscreen 640, presses channel UP or channel DOWN while on another channel, or enters the channel number of the music or music video channel. The album cover, music video, or other still image for the current song on the music or music video channel may be displayed onscreen 645. If desired,screen 645 may be blank.Screen 645 displays the music genre, artist, and title for the current song on the music or music video channel, as well asselectable advertisement 647, and channel information, inoverlay 646. - If the user presses the UP or DOWN arrow on the remote control while the set-top box is currently tuned to a music or music video channel, the program guide may display[0226]
music browse region 651 as shown inscreen 650 of FIG. 53D.Region 651 displays the music genre, title, and artist of the song playing on each available music and music video channel without having to change channels. This information may be obtained by the set-top box as discussed with respect to FIG. 53A. The user may press the UP and DOWN arrows to view additional music channels. If desired, the program guide may automatically scroll through the available music or music video channels inregion 651.Region 651 also displaysadvertisement 652 which may be selectable. The user may press OK on the remote control to tune to (and display the music flip screen for) the channel currently displayed inregion 651. - The user may press an INFO key on the remote control to display a Song Information screen for the current song playing on the currently selected channel (e.g., from[0227]
screen Screen 655 in FIG. 53E displays the title and artist for a song the user is listening to or a song that is listed on any program guide menu screen.Region 657 also includes further details about the song, for example, the title of the compact disc for that song, and the name of the publisher. - [0228]
Screen 655 also has options related to the song, as appropriate. For example,screen 655 hasoption 656A to return to the previous display screen,option 656B to display the Song Information screen for the previous song heard, andoption 656C to buy the compact disc indicated inregion 657.Screen 655 also displaysoption 656D to display a concert schedule for the artist indicated inscreen 655 if one is available. When the user selectsoption 656D, the program guide may display national or local concert schedules and concert reviews, and provide the user with an opportunity to purchase tickets to a concert. The concert option is another example of a hyperlink feature that links the user to options that are related to information the user is currently viewing. - A Song Information screen such as[0229]
screen 655 may provide further options. The user may press RIGHT or LEFT arrow keys on the remote control to display these options onscreen 655. For example,screen 655 may provide further options relating to the song and artist shown inscreen 655 such as an option to view information about the artist (e.g., biographical information or music reviews), and an option to view a discography for the artist (i.e., a listings of the artist's albums or songs). These features may include an option to select an individual song and to view further information about that particular song and an option to buy a featured compact disc. - [0230]
Screen 655 may also include an option to enter a karaoke mode for video music channels, in which the program guide plays the song and music video without vocals. The program guide may provide the vocals for video music channels separately from the instrumental music. In karaoke mode, the program guide only provides the instrumental portion of the music for the selected video music channel without the vocal portion of the music, and provides the words of the song as text on the television screen.Screen 655 may also include an option to add the song to the music on-demand play-list (e.g., maintained at a music on-demand server at a television distribution facility).Screen 655 may also include an option to request the song from a music or music video channel that takes requests. The program guide may indicate to the user the price of the song and may debit the user's account when the user confirms the transaction.Screen 655 may also include an option to add the song to the user's profile of likes and dislikes (discussed further with respect to FIG. 56). A Song Information screen may be displayed automatically every time the song on the current channel changes. - When the user selects music on-[0231]
demand option 631C, the program guide may, for example, provide a screen such asscreen 660 in FIG. 54A.Screen 660 provideslist 661 of genres of music for which music song are available on-demand.Screen 660 also provides the user with the opportunity to add songs to a user selected play list that may be played on-demand for a fee. The user may view his play list may selecting “My Play List” inlist 661. When the user selects a music genre inlist 661, the program guide provides a screen such asscreen 665 in FIG. 54B that containslist 666 of artists within the selected genre. When the user selects an artist inlist 666, the program guide provides a screen such asscreen 670 in FIG. 54C that containslist 671 of songs and albums for the selected artist. When the user selects an album inlist 671, the program guide provides a screen such asscreen 675 in FIG. 54D that displays the songs for the selected album inlist 676. When the user selects a song inlist screen 680 in FIG. 54E.Screen 680 displays the price and title of the song, and provides the user with the opportunity to add the selected song to the user's play list by selectingoption 681 or not by selectingoption 682. The user may play the song now by selectingoption 683. The program guide may provide the user with an option onscreen 630 to view his play list. When the user selects this option, the program guide displays the play list as well as the price to play the list, the time duration of the entire list, and an option to start playing the play list now. - When the user selects[0232]
option 631D inscreen 630, the program guide may provide a screen such asscreen 685 in FIG. 55.Screen 685 provides the user with the opportunity to select background music for the program guide. Background music is a music category that plays whenever an interactive program guide screen is displayed, unless it is overridden by audio from a channel or other source. The user may select a background music category inlist 686. The music may be obtained from a server that maintains prerecorded tracks at the television distribution facility or elsewhere, a radio station, or other real-time data source. Further features of an illustrative interactive television program guide system with audio are described in Allison U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/436,976, filed Nov. 9, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - When the user selects[0233]
option 631E inscreen 630, the program guide may provide a screen such asscreen 800 in FIG. 56.Screen 800 displays listings of the user's favorite songs, categories of songs (list801), artists (list802), albums, etc. The user may press the DOWN arrow key to view additional favorites onscreen 800. The number of happy faces and unhappy faces indicate whether the user likes that song category, artist, etc., and to what degree. The user may add more categories of songs to his profile by selecting the more option inlist 801. The program guide may provide the user with the opportunity to add a song, category, artist, album, etc. to his favorites by selecting an “add to favorites” option in an information screen (e.g., Song Information screen). The program guide may utilize user profile information by customizing features of the hub to match the user's favorites. - When the user selects[0234]
option 631F inscreen 630, the program guide may provide a screen such asscreen 810 in FIG. 57.Screen 810 provides the user with the opportunity to manipulate various setup features of the guide that relate to audio settings for music programming. The user may select an audio format such as digital Dolby inregion 811 by pressing RIGHT or LEFT arrows on the remote control when the format option is highlighted. The user may select an audio compression format such as light inregion 812 by pressing RIGHT or LEFT arrows on the remote control when the compression option is highlighted. The user may select an audio effect such as concert hall inregion 813 by pressing RIGHT or LEFT arrows on the remote control when the effect option is highlighted. - Another illustrative television program guide main menu screen of a niche hub in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 58.[0235]
Menu screen 690 in FIG. 58 is the main menu screen of a news and information hub.Screen 690 provides the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to news and information. The user may view a stock report by selectingoption 691A as discussed with respect to FIG. 59. The user may view a stock ticker by selectingoption 691B as discussed with respect to FIG. 60. The user may view local reports by selectingoption 691C as discussed with respect to FIG. 61. The user may view live news by selectingoption 691D as discussed with respect to FIG. 62. The user may view weather reports by selectingoption 691E as discussed with respect to FIG. 63. The news and information hub may also include options similar to the options in the other hubs. - Referring to FIG. 59,[0236]
screen 700 is an example of a stock report display screen that the program guide can provide when the user selectsoption 691A inscreen 690.Screen 700 provides the user with a personalized stock report inlist 701.List 701 provides the latest stock quote for a list of publicly traded companies, indexes, and funds as well as the change in the current price relative to the previous day's closing price. The user may add stocks to thelist 701 by selectingoption 702 inscreen 700. The program guide may then provide the user with a list of stocks to choose from that may be added tolist 701. The user may scroll down the list by entering letters from a keypad. If desired, the program guide may provide the user with the opportunity to enter stock symbols to add stocks to screen700. - The program guide may also provide a scrolling stock ticker as shown, for example, in FIG. 60 when the user selects[0237]
option 691B inscreen 690. The program guide may then display the video and audio for the current television channel concurrently with a stock ticker inoverlay 711.Overlay 711 containsstock ticker 712 which continuously scrolls recent stock quotes for a variety of publicly traded companies, indexes, and funds. If desired,ticker 712 may scroll only a subset of stocks that are selected by the user (e.g., that are picked on screen700). The program guide may obtain real-time stock information for scrollingticker 712 andlist 701 inscreen 700 from real-time stockmarket data source 17 along a digital or analog channel in communications paths as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A. - The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to view local information as part of the news and information hub when the user selects[0238]
option 691C inscreen 690 as shown, for example, in FIG. 61.Screen 720 in FIG. 61 displays local reports including local traffic conditions inregion 721, and local ski reports inregion 722. The program guide may provide local information inscreen 720 in the form of text, graphics, or video-on-demand from, e.g., real-timenews data source 19 along paths shown in FIG. 1A. - Local information may be obtained from a television distribution facility and local real-time data sources such as local news services, stations, or web pages (e.g., from a server[0239]36) along communications paths shown, for example, in FIG. 1A (with respect to real-
time data sources 11 or communications network31), or FIG. 1B (with respect to communications network36). Local information may also be obtained a central facility such asmain facility 12, with addressing to specific localities, or obtained from the Internet. The television distribution facility provides local information related to the locality that the user resides in. If the television distribution facility is connected to user television equipment in only one given locality, it may provide local information to users only relevant to that specific locality. If a television distribution facility is connected to users in multiple localities, the television distribution facility may divide users in groups of localities and provide local information to the users based upon their location in a given locality. - The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to read live news updates in the news and information hub by selecting[0240]
option 691D inscreen 690.Screen 730 in FIG. 62 is an example of a display screen that the program guide may display when the user selectsoption 691D.Screen 730 displays live news updates on breaking news events inregion 731. Live news updates may be provided in the form of scrolling real-time textual messages to the user television equipment that are displayed inregion 731 as shown in FIG. 62. The live news updates inscreen 730 may also be in the form of audio or video news (e.g., video from the story may be displayed in window105). The program guide may obtain live news updates, for example, from real-timenews data source 19 along paths shown in FIG. 1A. The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to search for other live news updates or other news stories related to the news update inregion 731 or background news stories by selectingoption 732. - [0241]
Screen 740 in FIG. 63 is an example of a display screen that may be provided by the program guide when the user selectsoption 691E inscreen 690.Screen 740 provides a local weather forecast inregion 741 for the user's locality. The television distribution facility may divide users into localities and provide weather reports specific to each locality if users connected to that television distribution facility are in different localities. The user may search for weather reports for other localities by selectingoption 742. The program guide may then provide the user with a list of other localities. When the user selects a locality on the list, the program guide may then provide the user with the weather forecast or report for that locality on a display screen such asscreen 740. - The program guide may obtain the contents of the weather reports for the news and information hub from real-time[0242]
news data source 19 along a digital or analog channel in communications paths as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A. The program guide may also obtain news stories, weather reports, and stock quotes from a web server (e.g., server36) connected to user television equipment via communications network38 (FIG. 1B). Real-timenews data source 19 may contain a searchable weather database of national and international weather reports that the user can access from the user television equipment along two-way communications paths as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A. - [0243]
Screen 750 in FIG. 64 is an example of a help display screen that may be provided by the program guide when the user selectsoption 106T inscreen 100.Screen 750 provides the user withlisting 751 of help topics that may be selected by the user. The user may press UP and DOWN arrows on the remote control to select a help topic inlist 751. When the user selects a help topic inlist 751, the program guide displays detailed information on a display screen that relates to using the selected program guide feature. The detailed help information may be in the form of text, audio, or video. The program guide help information may be stored inmemory 25 of set-top box 26, or at a remote server (e.g., at the television distribution facility) and transmitted to the set-top box upon request. - Another illustrative television program guide niche hub in accordance with the present invention is a local hub. A local hub may provide the user with the option of using a variety of program guide features related to local events, programming, and information. The program guide may, for example, obtain data for the local hub features from a television distribution facility. The television distribution facility (or server or computing equipment located elsewhere) filters local information to the user television equipment connected to that television distribution facility based upon where the users reside. The local information is received by the user television equipment and displayed in conjunction with the local hub.[0244]
- The local hub may provide local information such as upcoming community events, local theater productions, classified ads, local television program listings, (which may be include local channels and local programming on any channels), local news, local debates, local government information, movies playing at local theaters, local personal ads, local restaurants, local attractions, local concert schedules, local high school sports, local interest groups (e.g., a local historical society), yellow pages with local listings, school lunches for local schools, and surveys relevant to local issues. Local features such as local news, local ski reports, sports, traffic reports, etc. may be present in both the news hub and the local hub. The local hub may obtain local information, for example, from local real-time data sources[0245]11 (e.g., a local radio station, community service center, local government offices, etc.) along communications paths shown, for example, in FIG. 1A. If desired, the program guide local hub may obtain local information for local features from a server that stores information on local events and features. The server may be located at a television distribution facility, or may be a remote server connected to a television distribution facility through a communications network as shown, for example, in FIG. 1B, or a remote server connected through neighborhood nodes to the user television equipment as shown, for example, in FIG. 1C. If desired, the local information may be retrieved from at a web site maintained by a web server (e.g.,
server 36 connected to television distribution facilities via paths shown in FIG. 1B). - The local hub may also provide a user with an opportunity to participate in a lottery. The user may enter a lottery number pick using the remote control into the set-top box memory to participate in the lottery. The program guide may transmit the user's lottery pick to a lottery processing facility such as message processing facility[0246]71 (FIG. 1D) along communications paths as shown, for example, in FIG. 1D. The lottery processing facility may determine the lottery winners and then send messages back to the winners to inform them of their prizes. The messages to the winners may be sent as, for example, e-mail messages, snail mail messages, or messages to the user television equipment along two-way communications paths as shown, e.g., in FIG. 1D. If desired, the lottery winners may be announced on a television channel received by the user television equipment. The communications paths (e.g.,
paths 24 in FIG. 1A) between the user television equipment and the television distribution facility must be two-way paths to support lottery features. - Another illustrative program guide niche hub is a soap opera fanatic hub. A soap opera hub may contain television program guide listings of soaps and summaries of recent episodes. The soap hub may include actor biographies, interviews, and behind the scenes segments (e.g., recorded video, images, or textual segments), as well as targeted advertisements, scheduled soap chats, news groups, and fan clubs that communicate through e-mail messages. The soap hub may also contain links to soap opera web sites, the ability to purchase soap opera related merchandise, video-on-demand of missed soap episodes, and soap trivia questions.[0247]
- Another illustrative program guide niche hub is a science fiction hub. A science fiction hub may contain listings of science fiction television programs and movies, targeted ads, summaries of recent episodes of science fiction programs and sitcoms, Star Trek convention schedules, links to web sites, trivia, video-on-demand, as well as science fiction chat groups, news groups, and e-mail fan clubs. The science fiction hub may include actor biographies, interviews, and behind the scenes segments (e.g., recorded video, images, or textual segments). The science fiction hub may also have access to a searchable database of Star Trek episodes and other science fiction programs and related information and news.[0248]
- Another illustrative program guide niche hub is a television lover's hub. A television lover's hub may include highly searchable television program guide listings. The highly searchable listings allow a user to search for television programs by entering search criteria such as the names of actors in the programs, words in description of the program, the subject of the program, the year the program was filmed, a specific episode in a sitcom or program series, etc. The program guide may transmit the search criteria to[0249]
program database 14 or a database at the television distribution facility which searches for programs that match the user's selected criteria. When a match has been found, the program information may be transmitted back to the originating set-top box and displayed on the television set. - The television lover's hub may also include targeted ads, recommended programs with an emphasis on programs that are popular, server-based recording, video-on-demand, pay-per-view programs, packages of pay channels and programs, reviews, interviews, shopping for program-related merchandise, trivia, user favorites and personal preferences, suggested programs given the user's likes and dislikes, chat groups, news groups, and web site links related to popular shows.[0250]
- Another illustrative television program guide niche hub is an adult hub. The adult hub may contain any of the options available for the Movies hub, with adult-oriented content, adult-oriented advertising, support for adult-oriented programming on-demand, on pay-per-view, and on cable channels, as well as the ability to control access of this hub to specific family members.[0251]
- Another illustrative television program guide niche hub is a cultural hub. The cultural hub may contain any of the options available for the Movies hub, with cultural content; culture-related advertising; support for public television; nature shows, art shows, history shows, philosophy shows and listings therefor; support for distance learning; feedback to network executives; and highlighting shows with critical appeal in television listings.[0252]
- In addition to predefined hubs, the guide may allow the household to define one or more custom hubs, for example by choosing “Add Guide”[0253]
option 112N from Themes screen110 of FIG. 3.Screen 760 shown in FIG. 65 is an example of a screen that may be displayed when the user creates a new guide (i.e., niche hub). The user may be given the opportunity to name the guide, and to create a PIN that must be entered to access the guide. The user may access the custom hub by selecting, for example,options 106E/112L (Suzy's custom hub) or106F/112M (Tom's custom hub) inscreens Screen 760 may haveoption 761A to edit the current options on the custom guide being defined. - Selecting[0254]
custom option 761A may display an overlay, such asscreen 770 of FIG. 66, allowing the user to further customize this hub, perhaps adding or deleting options, changing the hub name, or adding or changing the access PIN. Once inscreen 770, the user may enter a name for the custom hub (e.g., Suzy) inregion 771, and may enter a PIN number required to enter this custom niche hub inregion 772. A user is required to enter the PIN number to access the custom hub from the main menu100 (e.g., when the user selectsSuzy option 106E). - [0255]
Screen 770 displays options (such as options773-775) that are available inscreen 760. The user may press the DOWN arrow on the remote control to view more options that are available onscreen 760. The user may select an option such asTV listings option 773,VOD option 774, or Coming Soonoption 775 and press “OK” on the remote control to remove that option fromscreen 760. The user may add any option from the guide'sMain Menu screen 100, or from any of the sub-screens within the guide, including any of the predefined niche hub guides by selectingoption 776. - When the user selects[0256]
option 776 to add an option, the program guide displays screen765 in FIG. 67.Screen 770 includes anexemplary list 766 of program guide options that the user can add to the custom hub of FIG. 65. With respect to options inlist 766 such asoption 767, the user presses the LEFT arrow key to select an option higher in the menu hierarchy, the RIGHT arrow to select an option lower in the menu hierarchy, and the UP or DOWN arrow key to select a different option at the same menu level. The user may press OK once the correct option has been selected inscreen 765 to add that option to screen760. - In the example shown in FIG. 67, the user had selected the[0257]
On Now selection 767 from the Movies screen to be displayed on thecustom guide screen 760. By pressing the LEFT arrow key,Movies option 106C from the Main Menu screen100 (FIG. 2) is selected inlist 766, because this option is higher in the menu hierarchy than Movies onNow option 132A (FIG. 5) and above the On Now option inlist 766. By pressing the DOWN arrow key, the option will be changed to theHot option 132B of the Movies screen130 (FIG. 5), because this option is the second option inscreen 130 and below the On Now option inlist 766. And by pressing the RIGHT arrow key, the option may be changed to the first option on the Movies On Now screen140 (FIG. 6), because this option is lower in the menu hierarchy than MoviesOn Now option 132A. - [0258]
Screen 760 in FIG. 65 is an example of a custom guide defined by a user.Option 761B for video on demand andoption 761C for Television Listings, were selected from the Main Menu screen. Movies Coming Soonoption 761D and MoviesOn Now option 761E, were selected from the Movies hub. Note that these two option buttons were enlarged to make room for additional text, possibly reducing the total number of options that can be shown on the custom screen. In the second column isCultural option 761F, a direct link to a predefined cultural hub; LocalHS Sports option 761G, a link to a feature on another hub;AMC option 761H, a link to a channel selected from within a feature of another hub; and Discussion Mel Gibson option761I, a link to a specific discussion group found within another hub.Screen 760 also includesSearch option 761K fromscreen 130, and MySchedule 761L and Recorded761M options chosen from theMain Menu 100. Note that when MySchedule 761L or Recordedoption 761M is chosen from within the personalized niche hub, the program guide may list only programs selected by the user while this personalized hub is active. - [0259]
Screen 760 also hasMail option 761J which may be present on all custom hubs. Each custom hub may provide access to a different mail account, and selectingoption 761J may allow the user to change the options and read/send mail for that account. Favorites option761O may also be present within each custom hub, and may provide the user with the option to define favorite program attributes that are active while the hub is active.Screen 760 also has targetedadvertising - The custom hub may also have an option to Watch[0260]
Favorites 761N. Selecting this option would function similar to the Watch Movies option described above, changing the mode of television watching so that easy access is provided to programs matching the Favorite criteria of the custom hub. The guide may also allow the user to define a PIN required to enter this mode, to prevent children, for example, from entering this mode without adult supervision. When the user indicates a desire to a enter a custom hub, the program guide may require the user to enter the PIN number. The guide may also provide for a PIN that is required to exit from this mode, allowing a highly controlled television-watching mode to be created for any child in the household. - The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.[0261]
Claims (46)
1. A method for providing access to a fantasy sports contest application, the method comprising:
providing an interactive television program guide to a user; and
providing the user with the ability to access a fantasy sports contest application using the interactive television program guide.
2. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising providing the user with the ability to access a sports wagering application using the interactive television program guide.
3. The method ofclaim 2 , wherein the sports wagering application allows the user to wager a real bet.
4. The method ofclaim 2 , wherein the sports wagering application allows the user to wager a pretend bet.
5. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising providing the user with point spreads.
6. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising providing the fantasy sports contest application via an interactive television program menu screen.
7. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising allowing a user to participate in a fantasy sports league using the interactive television program guide.
8. The method ofclaim 7 , further comprising using the interactive television program guide to provide a participant of the fantasy sports league the ability to select a fantasy squad.
9. The method ofclaim 8 , wherein the participant's fantasy squad is evaluated based on real-life performances of the squad.
10. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising providing scores of real-life sporting events to a fantasy sports contest participant using the interactive television program guide.
11. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising providing fantasy sports contest rules to a fantasy sports contest participant using the interactive television program guide.
12. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising providing the fantasy sports contest application and a television program substantially simultaneously to a fantasy sports contest participant using the interactive television program guide.
13. The method ofclaim 1 , further comprising calculating a score for a fantasy sports contest participant using the interactive television program guide.
14. The method ofclaim 13 , further comprising displaying the score of fantasy sports contest participant using the interactive television program guide.
15. A system for providing access to a fantasy sports contest comprising:
a transceiver that transmits and receives data relating to a fantasy sports contest application;
an interactive television program guide that provides a user with the ability to access the fantasy sports contest application; and
a display device that displays a fantasy sports contest.
16. The system ofclaim 15 , wherein the transceiver further transmits and recveives data relating to a sports wagering application.
17. the system ofclaim 16 , wherein the interactive television program guide provides the user with the ability to access the sports wagering application.
18. The system ofclaim 15 , wherein the display device displays a user selected video channel and a fantasy sports contest substantially simultaneously.
19. The system ofclaim 15 , wherein the interactive television program guide displays data comprising available fantasy sports contests, real-life sports scores, and fantasy sports contest information.
20. The system ofclaim 15 , further comprising a local processor that calculates a score for a fantasy sports contest participant, wherein the calculated score is based at least in part on the performance of real-life sports teams.
21. The system ofclaim 20 , further comprising a local storage device that stores the participant's score.
22. The system ofclaim 15 , further comprising a remote processor processor that calculates a score for a fantasy sports contest participant, wherein the calculated score is based at least in part on the performance of real-life sports teams.
23. The system ofclaim 22 , further comprising a remote storage device that stores the participant's score.
24. The system ofclaim 15 , further comprising a local database that stores league information for a fantasy sports contest.
25. The system ofclaim 15 , further comprising a remote database that stores league information for a fantasy sports contest.
26. A system for providing access to a fantasy sports contest comprising:
a means for transmitting and receiving data relating to a fantasy sports contest application;
a means for providing a user with the ability to access the fantasy sports contest; and
a means for displaying a fantasy sports contest.
27. The system ofclaim 26 , further comprising a means for providing the user with the ability to access a sports wagering application.
28. The system ofclaim 27 , wherein the sports wagering application allows the user to wager a real bet.
29. The system ofclaim 27 , wherein the sports wagering application allows the user to wager a pretend bet.
30. The system ofclaim 26 , further comprising a means for providing the user with point spreads.
31. The system ofclaim 26 , further comprising a means for providing the fantasy sports contest application on an interactive television program.
32. The system ofclaim 26 , further comprising a means for allowing a user to participate in a fantasy sports league.
33. The system ofclaim 32 , further comprising a means for providing a participant of the fantasy sports league the ability to select a fantasy squad.
34. The system ofclaim 33 , wherein the participant's fantasy squad is evaluated based on real-life performances of the squad.
35. The system ofclaim 26 , further comprising a menas for providing scores of real-life sporting events to a fantasy sports contest participant.
36. The system ofclaim 26 , further comprising a means for providing fantasy sports contest rules to a fantasy sports contest participant.
37. The system ofclaim 26 , further comprising a means for providing the fantasy sports contest application and a television program substantially simultaneously to a fantasy sports contest participant.
38. The system ofclaim 26 , further comprising a means for calculating a score for a fantasy sports contest participant.
39. The system ofclaim 38 , further comprising a means for displaying the score of fantasy sports contest participant.
40. A machine-readable medium for use in allowing users to access a fantasy sports contest comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for:
providing a user an interactive television program guide;
providing a user a sports wagering application;
providing the user with the a fantasy sports contest application; and
providing the user with the ability to access the interactive television program guidfe, the sports wagering application, and the fantansy sports contest application from an integrated user interface.
41. The machine-readable medium defined inclaim 40 further comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for providing the user with the ability to access a fantasy sports contest application from an integrated interactive television program guide menu.
42. The machine-readable medium defined inclaim 40 further comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for providing the user with the ability to participate in a fantasy sports contest using the interactive television program guide.
43. The machine-readable medium defined inclaim 40 further comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for providing the user with the opportunity to select a fantasy squad using the interactive television program guide, wherein the fantasy squad includes real-life sports teams.
44. The machine-readable medium defined inclaim 40 further comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for providing the user with squad information.
45. The machine-readable medium defined inclaim 40 further comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for providing the user with scores of real-life sporting events.
46. The machine-readable medium defined inclaim 40 further comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for providing the user with scores of the fantasy sports contest.
Priority Applications (5)
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|---|---|---|---|
| US10/457,102US20040117831A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2003-06-06 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US12/212,873US8505049B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2008-09-18 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US12/751,037US20100192179A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2010-03-31 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US13/933,592US9071879B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2013-07-02 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US14/729,720US20150312640A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2015-06-03 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
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| US60447000A | 2000-06-26 | 2000-06-26 | |
| US10/457,102US20040117831A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2003-06-06 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
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| US12/212,873ContinuationUS8505049B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2008-09-18 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
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| US12/212,873Expired - Fee RelatedUS8505049B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2008-09-18 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US12/751,037AbandonedUS20100192179A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2010-03-31 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US13/933,592Expired - Fee RelatedUS9071879B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2013-07-02 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US14/729,720AbandonedUS20150312640A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2015-06-03 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
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| US12/212,873Expired - Fee RelatedUS8505049B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2008-09-18 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US12/751,037AbandonedUS20100192179A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2010-03-31 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US13/933,592Expired - Fee RelatedUS9071879B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2013-07-02 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
| US14/729,720AbandonedUS20150312640A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2015-06-03 | Interactive television program guide system and method with niche hubs |
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| EP (1) | EP1197075A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2003503907A (en) |
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|---|---|
| CN1371571A (en) | 2002-09-25 |
| US20150312640A1 (en) | 2015-10-29 |
| EP1197075A1 (en) | 2002-04-17 |
| US20140040942A1 (en) | 2014-02-06 |
| US20090019485A1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
| CA2377941A1 (en) | 2001-01-04 |
| US9071879B2 (en) | 2015-06-30 |
| US8505049B2 (en) | 2013-08-06 |
| US20100192179A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 |
| AU5892300A (en) | 2001-01-31 |
| WO2001001677A1 (en) | 2001-01-04 |
| JP2003503907A (en) | 2003-01-28 |
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