Motorola Mobility, Inc. v. Apple, Inc.
Filing
94
NOTICE by Motorola Mobility, Inc. of Filing Brief on Claim Construction (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit, # 14 Exhibit, # 15 Exhibit, # 16 Exhibit, # 17 Exhibit, # 18 Exhibit, # 19 Exhibit, # 20 Exhibit, # 21 Exhibit, # 22 Exhibit, # 23 Exhibit, # 24 Exhibit, # 25 Exhibit, # 26 Exhibit, # 27 Exhibit, # 28 Exhibit, # 29 Exhibit, # 30 Exhibit, # 31 Affidavit)(Giuliano, Douglas)
Exhibit 11
to Motorola’s Opening Claim Construction Brief
July 28, 2011
111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US005594509A
United States Patent
[11]
Florin et a!.
[54]
[75]
[73]
Date of Patent:
Inventors: Fabrice Florin, Mill Valley; Michael
Buettner, Burlingame; Glenn Corey,
San Rafael; Janey Fritsche, Mill
Valley; Peter Maresca, Palo Alto;
Peter Miller, Los Altos Hills; Bill
Purdy, San Anselmo; Stuart Sharpe;
Nick West, both of San Francisco, all
of Calif.
Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino,
Calif.
Alexander, Visualizing cleared-off desktops, Computer
World, May 6, 1991, p. 20.
Hiroshi Ishii, Kazuho Arita, Clearface: Translucent Multiuser Interface for Team Work Station, ECSCW, Sep., 1991,
pp.6-1O.
Hiroshi Ishii, Naomi Miyaka, Toward an Open Shared
Workspace, Communication of the ACM, Dec., 1991, vo!.
34, No. 12, pp. 37-50.
(List continued on next page.)
Primary Examiner-James 1. Groody
Assistant Examiner-Jeffrey S. Murrell
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman
[57]
App!. No.: 81,931
[22]
Filed:
Jun. 22,
1993
(Under 37 CFR 1.47)
[51]
[52]
[58]
[56]
Int. Cl.6 ....................................................... H04N 5/45
U.S. Cl. .......................... 348/731; 348/705; 3481734;
348/505; 348/906
Field of Search ..................................... 348/731,734,
348/484, 706, 906, 467, 564, 705, 569,
462, 570, 468, 7, 563, 10, 565, 552; 358/335;
H04N 5/445, 5/45
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
Re. 32,632 12/1985 Atkinson ................................. 3401709
Re. 34,340 8/1993 Freeman .................................... 358/86
4,290,142 9/1981 Schnee et al ............................... 455/3
(List continued on next page.)
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
0239884 10/1987
393555 1011990
420123 411991
Jan. 14, 1997
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
AUDIO-VISUAL INTERFACE FOR THE
DISPLAY OF MULTIPLE LEVELS OF
INFORMATION ON A DISPLAY
[21]
5,594,509
Patent Number:
[45]
[19]
European Pat. Off..
European Pat. Off.......... H04N 7/08
European Pat. Off........ H04N 51702
ABSTRACT
An interactive audio-visual (AIV) transceiver is advantageously coupled to a television and/or telephone (TIT) cable,
a TV, a video recorder (VCR), and other AIV devices. The
AIV transceiver switches data between a program/service
provider and the connected AIV devices. In one embodiment, the transceiver includes three primary modules, a
main module including a CPU, a system bus, system
memory, an infra-red (IR) control unit, an audio-visual bus,
an AIV decoder, an AIV processor, and an AIV encoder, an
AIV connect module including a number of tuner/demodulators and a switch, and an optional CD ROM module. The
AIV transceiver hardware is complemented with an operating system and software program which supports the functions provided in the AIV user interface. Additionally, a
remote control device is provided to communicate with the
AIV transceiver to interactively manage selection of program and service sources, selection program and service
offerings from any selected source, viewing of selected
program offerings, and interaction with selected service
offerings. The remote control device is advantageously
provided with a basic AIV control button group, an interactive control button group, an auxiliary control button group
and a numeric key pad to facilitate control of the transceiver.
The interactive control button group includes an info button,
a list button, a categories button, a pix button, a mark button,
ajump button, and a pointing device consisting of up, down,
left, and right arrow buttons, and a center select button.
(List continued on next page.)
71 Claims, 50 Drawing Sheets
: AIV Connect.
: Module 66
EXHIBIT 11
PAGE 1
5,594,509
Page 2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,381,522
4,533,910
4,536,791
4,555,775
4,573,072
4,622,545
4,641,205
4,706,121
4,748,618
4,750,036
4,772,882
4,785,408
4,812,834
4,829,558
4,847,604
4,847,700
4,873,623
4,884,223
4,890,320
4,899,136
4,914,517
4,914,732
4,931,783
4,935,865
4,937,821
4,939,507
4,959,720
4,977,455
4,987,486
4,995,078
5,008,853
5,014,125
5,047,867
5,062,060
5,072,412
5,148,154
5,151,782
5,151,789
5,155,806
5,157,768
5,177,604
5,195,092
5,206,722
5,220,420
5,223,924
5,236,199
5,239,540
5,247,347
5,253,066
5,253,067
5,283,819
5,353,121
5,357,276
5,404,393
5,410,326
Bl 4,977,455
411983
8/1985
8/1985
1111985
2/1986
1111986
2/1987
1111987
511988
611988
911988
11/1988
311989
511989
711989
6/1989
1011989
11/1989
12/1989
211990
411990
411990
6/1990
611990
611990
711990
911990
1211990
111991
2/1991
411991
511991
911991
1011991
1211991
911992
911992
911992
1011992
1011992
111993
311993
411993
6/1993
611993
811993
811993
9/1993
1011993
1011993
211994
1011994
1011994
411995
411995
411993
Lambert .................................... 358/86
Sukonick et al ........................ 3401721
Campbell et al ....................... 358/122
Pike ........................................ 364/900
Freeman .................................... 358/86
Atkinson ................................. 3401747
Beyers, Jr. .............................. 358/335
Young ..................................... 348/906
Braun et al. .............................. 370/94
Martinez ................................. 3581147
Mical ...................................... 3401709
Britton et al. ....................... 364/513.5
Wells ...................................... 340/721
Welsh ........................................ 358/84
Doyle ...................................... 3401706
Freeman .................................. 358/343
Lane et al ............................... 364/188
Ingle et al. .............................. 364/550
Monslow et al .......................... 380110
Beard et al ............................. 3401706
Duffield ............................... 358/191.1
Henderson et al. .................... 340/825
Atkinson ... .............................. 3401710
Rowe et al ............................. 3641188
Boulton ..................................... 358/86
Beard et al ............................. 3401706
Duffield et al. ......................... 3481734
Young ..................................... 358/455
Johnson et al ............................ 358/86
Monslow et al .......................... 380110
Bly et al. ................................ 364/900
Pocock et al ............................. 358/86
Steubbe et al .......................... 348/569
Kolnic.
Henderson et al ..................... 3951159
Mackay et al .......................... 3401712
Ferraro ...................................... 358/86
Young .................................. 3581194.1
Hoeber et al. .......................... 3951157
Hoeber et al ........................... 3951157
Martinez ................................... 358/86
Wilson et al .......................... 370/94.2
Kwan ........................................ 358/86
Hoarty et al. ............................. 358/86
Strubbe ..................................... 358/86
Thompson, Jr......................... 273/439
Rovira et al .............................. 370177
Litteral et al. ............................ 358/85
Vogel ...................................... 348/906
Chaney et al. ....................... 358/191.1
Glick et al. ............................... 379/90
Young et al ............................ 348/563
Banker et al ............................... 34817
Remillard .................................. 379196
Goldstein ................................ 3481134
Young ..................................... 3581142
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
6174476
411986
Japan ............................. H04N 5/445
48879 2/1990
8601962 311986
8912370 1211989
9001243 211990
396062 1111990
9118476 1111991
9311639 611993
9311640 611993
9311638 611993
Japan ............................. H04N 5/445
WIPO .............................. H04N 7116
WIPO ............................ H04N 7/167
WIPO .............................. H04N 7118
WIPO ............................ H04N 71173
WIPO .............................. H04N 7/10
WIPO .............................. H04N 7/16
WIPO .............................. H04N 7116
WIPO .............................. H04N 7116
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Article entitled: Learning Considerations In User Interface
Design: The Room Model; author: Patrick P. Chan; publication of the Software Portability Laboratory, University of
Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Jul., 1984.
Article entitled: CreationlModification of the Audio Signal
Processor Setup For A PC Audio Editor; publication International Business Machines, IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 30, No. 10, Mar. 1988.
Article entitled: Browsing Within Time-Driven Multimedia
Documents; authors: Stavros Christodoulakis and Steven
Graham; publication of the Institute for Computer Research,
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Jul.,
1988.
Article
entitled:
Impact:
An
Interactive
Natural-Motion-Picture Dedicated Multi-Media Authoring
System; authors: Hirotada Ueda, Takafumi Miyatake, and
Satoshi Yoshizawa; Communications of the ACM, Mar.,
1991, pp. 343-350.
Instructional manual entitled: Sonic The Hedgehog; authors:
Sega of America, 1991.
42nd Annual Convention and Exposition of the National
Cable Television Association, Jun. 6, 1993, SF, CA, pp.
82-89, Mack Daily "Addressable Decoder with Downloadable Operation".
18th International Television Symposium and Technical
Exhibition, May 10, 1993, Montreux, Switzerland, pp.
555-567, Hoarty "Multimedia a on Cable Television Systems".
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 34, No. 7A, Dec.
1991, pp. 375-377, "Interactive Computer Conference
Server".
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 36, No.7, Jul. 1993,
pp. 53-54, "Interactive Device for Conventional TVs to
Improve Functionality".
Elektor, No.4, Apr. 1990, pp. 10-12 "D2B-Homebus Flir
Audio and Video".
42nd Annual Convention and Exposition of the NCTA, Jun.
6, 1993, SF, CA, pp. 223-236, Bestler "Flexible Data
Structures and Interface Rituals for Rapid Development of
OSD Applications".
EXHIBIT 11
PAGE 2
u.s. Patent
Jan. 14, 1997
5,594,509
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1
In the computer industry, a variety of graphic user interfaces have been developed to facilitate human interaction
with computer systems. Many display systems utilize metaphors in the design of the interface as a way of maximizing
5 human familiarity, and conveying information between the
user and the computer. It is well known that designing
RELATED APPLICATIONS
around a familiar metaphor helps reduce human learning
time (See for example, Patrick Chart, "Learning ConsiderThe present application is related to the following conations In User Interface Design: The Room Moder', Report
temporaneously filed applications:
10 CS-84-16, University of Waterloo Computer Science
(a) Ser. No. 08/082,081, entitled "Method And Apparatus
Department, Ontario, Canada, July, 1984, and the references
For Controlling An Audio-Visual System For Selectively
cited therein). Research in interface design using metaphors
Viewing And Interacting With Programs And Services From
in man-machine interfaces may be applied to multi-media
A Number of Program/Service Sources";
systems, and in particular, to interactive television systems.
(b) Ser. No. 08/082,056, entitled "Methods And Appara- 15
The marriage of video and television technology with
tus For Managing Selection Of Audio-Visual Program And
computer interface technology provides consumers with
Service Offerings";
maximum flexibility in storing, retrieving and viewing tele(c) Ser. No. 08/081,471, entitled "Methods And Apparatus
vision and other audio-visual programming. As will be
For Managing Viewing Of And Interaction With Audiodescribed, the present invention provides methods and appaVisual Program And Service Offerings".
20 ratus for presenting an improved audio-visual user interface,
which includes various user-selectable features for viewing
and controlling a television, video tape recorder (VCR) and
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
other audio-visual devices. As will be disclosed, the present
invention's user interface provides a user-friendly mecha1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of audio-visual 25 nism for consumers to view, record, and play back TV and
AIV programs, as well as control other AIV home entertainsystems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
ment devices using a remote control device. Furthermore,
system for selectively viewing and interacting with proinformation such as TV program listings and additional
grams and services from a number of program/service
information related to programs as well as selecting and
sources, a control device for controlling the system, and the
methods and apparatus incorporated in the system for man- 30 controlling categories of interactive programs and services
may be provided through the user interface of the present
aging selection, viewing, and interacting with the program/
invention.
service offerings.
2. Art Background
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Over the past 40 years, television and motion pictures 35
have become an important aspect of everyday life for people
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for
in the industrialized world. The development of advanced
presenting an improved audio-visual user interface for
technology in the areas of digital and high definition teleselecting and displaying cable television or other audiovision (HDTV), video recording systems, laser disks and
visual programs, as well as controlling various audio-visual
compact disc (CD) entertainment systems, coupled with 40 devices and interactive services. The present invention
satellite, cable television and telephone services, have proassumes a service provider provides cable television and/or
vided opportunities for viewers to store, retrieve and selectelephone (TIT) service to users via a TIT cable, including a
tively display a variety of television and audio-visual or
digital channel of program/service listings, at least one
interactive programming on home entertainment systems.
digital back channel (from the user's home to a central file
Over the past decade, improvements in personal computing 45 server), a number of analog TV channels, a number of digital
systems have provided a variety of powerful miniaturized
pay-per-view channels, and other interactive services transpersonal computers which permit the storage of data and
mitted from remote storage devices such as digital file
control of home appliances, such as entertainment systems,
servers. Under the present invention an interactive audiothrough the use of microprocessors. Additionally, a variety
visual (AtV) transceiver is advantageously coupled to a
of graphic user interfaces have been developed to ease 50 user's television, video tape recorder, and the TIT cable. In
human interaction with these new personal computer sysone embodiment, the transceiver includes three primary
tems.
modules. A main module includes a central processing unit
(CPU) coupled over a digital system bus to system memory
The combination of computer technology with television
and, preferably, an infrared (IR) or similar wireless control
(TV) and audio-visual (AIV) systems, has fostered the
development of multi-media interactive entertainment sys- 55 unit. The main module is further coupled over an audiovisual bus to an AIV decoder, an AIV processor, an AIV
tems. The combination of computer hardware and software
encoder, a TV, an AIV connect module connected to the TIT
with audio-visual systems has brought new forms of art and
cable, and to one or more VCRs and other AIV devices. The
entertainment into being. CD read only memory (ROM)
main module may also be coupled to an optional CD ROM
systems coupled to personal computers permit interactive
video computer simulations, unique self-paced learning 60 module, to permit the playback of multi-media CD ROM
titles, audio CDs, and the like. Other optional modules or
environments and interactive "movies", not possible in
external devices (such as additional VCRs, CDs, hard disks,
earlier television systems (See, "The Revolution Starts
telephone, fax and answering machines) may be connected
Here", Newsweek, page 42 (Jan. 18, 1993)). It is known that
to this transceiver and controlled through the use of the
consumers desire interactive television and multi-media
applications for home use. One of the biggest challenges for 65 audio-visual user interface of the present invention. The AIV
transceiver hardware is complemented with an operating
an interactive television service is the design of an interface
system software program which supports the functions prothat is easy and fun to use by average consumers.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
AUDIO-VISUAL INTERFACE FOR THE
DISPLAY OF MULTIPLE LEVELS OF
INFORMATION ON A DISPLAY
EXHIBIT 11
PAGE 53
5,594,509
4
3
vided in the present invention's audio-visual user interface.
In operation, the cable or telephone service provider
transmits an interleaved data stream preferably including a
television program listing, together with program titles,
program times, categories, channel numbers and the like, 5
from a central file server on the digital channel of program
listings to the transceiver. The data is interleaved such that
the current day's data is followed by other weekly data.
A remote control device is preferably provided for communicating with the transceiver, and includes a number of 10
user selectable interactive functions such as: an info button,
a list button, a categories button, a pix button, a mark button,
a jump button, a select button, and a pointing device
consisting of a set of cross-hair arrow buttons (up, down,
left, right) or other pointing devices capable of providing the 15
same functions (such as a mouse, thumb stick or touch pad).
While viewing the TV, a user may obtain additional information on a current program by depressing the info button,
and obtaining more detailed information using the pointing
device. By depressing the list button on the remote control 20
device, the transceiver displays a program listing of the
current programs available for viewing. Through the use of
the pointing device, viewers can scroll up and down the
program listing or view a highlighted program in full screen
by pressing the select button. By pushing the right or left 25
arrow buttons on the pointing device, program listings may
also be viewed for different hours, days and up to several
weeks in advance through the present invention's use of data
interleaving. The depression of the categories button on the
remote control device results in the display of a categories
menu bar on the TV screen, which includes categories such 30
as "all", "sports", "news" and "favorites". The selection of
one of these categories results in the display of only programs within that category. Moreover, through the depressions of both the list button and the categories button, a 35
program listing is displayed of the currently available programs within the selected category. Through the use of the
arrow buttons on the pointing device, category listings for
different times and dates up to several weeks in advance may
also be viewed. The selection of the favorites category 40
results in the display of currently available favorite programs, including programs that are frequently watched by a
particular TV household, marked programs, or programs
that match preselected user preferences.
The depression of the pix button results in the display of 45
a "visual menu" of multiple picture-in-picture (pIP) windows along the perimeter of the TV screen. Each of the PIP
windows displays one of the programs currently being
received by the AIV transceiver in the last category selected
by the viewer. The PIP windows are displayed at a variable 50
frame rate (N) (depending on the number of windows), and
are captured by one or more tuners in the transceiver. A
center PIP window displays a larger video image (along with
audio) of the currently highlighted PIP window. The other
PIP windows can be similarly viewed by using the pointing ss
device on the remote control. The depression of the mark
button allows users to "bookmark" a particular program for
later viewing. The depression of the jump button allows a
user to jump between previously marked programs.
Additional features, functions, and interface screens are 60
available to the viewer using the teachings of the present
invention, including a menu button for controlling other
devices connected to the AIV transceiver (such as CD, VCR,
etc.), a record button for making copies of programs onto
connectedAIV recording devices (such as VCRs, hard disks, 65
etc.), a plurality of control buttons for playing back, stopping, rewinding, or fast-forwarding audio-visual programs
on connected AIV playback devices, a numeric keypad for
dialing channel numbers, confirming financial transactions
with personal identification numbers, an optional microphone with talk button for supplementing the present user
interface with direct voice commands through the use of
voice recognition technology, a pay-per view interface, and
a home shopping interface, as well as other features
described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the audio-visual
(AIV) system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the major
components of the audio-visual transceiver of FIG. 1 in
further detail.
FIG. 3a diagramatically illustrates the electronic spectrum
utilized by the present invention.
FIG. 3b conceptually illustrates the present invention's
use of an interleaving data stream to download program/
service listings, and other information, to the present invention's AIV transceiver.
FIG. 4a illustrates one embodiment of the remote control
device of the present invention with the sliding panel in a
closed position.
FIG. 4b illustrates the first embodiment of the remote
control device of the present invention shown in FIG. 4a
with the sliding panel in an open position.
FIGS. Sa and Sb illustrate a second embodiment of the
remote control device of the present invention with no
sliding panel and additional features.
FIG. 6 illustrates the present invention's full screen viewing function as viewed by a user with a graphic overlay
panel which includes the current channel number as well as
the channel logo and identifier.
FIG. 7 illustrates the present invention's info function
showing the first page of the basic information track ("infotrack").
FIG. 8 illustrates the present invention's info function
with a second page of basic information, obtained by using
the right arrow button on the remote control device.
FIG. 9 is an additional illustration of the info function of
the present invention in which the user has requested a third
page of information using the remote cOIitrol device.
FIG. 10 illustrates the present invention's use of the info
function providing the user with additional tracks of information (such as the "Tid Bits" information track), by using
the down arrow button of the remote control device.
FIG. 11 is a further illustration of additional information
tracks ("info-tracks"), such as this "Info Mart", accessible to
the user of the present invention using the down arrow
button of the remote control device.
FIG. 12 illustrates the present invention's use of the list
function to display current program/service listings and to
highlight a particular program. Viewers may scroll up or
down that list by using the up or down arrow buttons on the
remote control device.
FIG. 13 illustrates the list function of the present invention in which the NTV programming during the hour of 8:00
to 9:00 p.m. includes two programs, one starting at 8:00
p.m., the other starting after the previous program has ended.
FIG. 14 illustrates the list function of the present invention which allows the user to highlight the second program,
which starts at 8: 10 p.m., using the right arrow button of the
remote control device.
EXHIBIT 11
PAGE 54
5,594,509
5
6
FlG. 15 is an additional feature of the list function of the
programs", is highlighted displaying a list of previously
present invention where the user marks the highlighted
marked programs.
program with the mark button of the remote control device.
FIG. 33 conceptually illustrates the pix function of the
present invention wherein multiple PIP windows are disFlG. 16 illustrates the selection of an alternate hourly time
slot beginning at 9 p.m. using the right arrow button of the 5 played by pressing the pix button on the remote control
remote control device.
device.
FlG. 17 illustrates the selection of an alternate day for the
FIG. 34 illustrates the pix function of the present invenprogram/service listing by depressing the right arrow button
tion in which a new PIP window has been highlighted and
of the remote control device.
is displayed in a larger format in the center of the display
FIG. 18 illustrates displaying of a record panel confirming 10 screen.
the title and length of the program to be recorded, along with
FlG. 35 is a further illustration of the present invention's
a confirmation of which VCR and tape to record on, by
pix function in which, through the use of the remote control
depressing a select button in the remote control device.
device, a PIP window showing a pay-per-view program has
FlG. 19 illustrates the present invention's use of the select
been highlighted and is displayed in the center portion of the
button on the remote control device while the program! 15 screen.
service listing is displayed to instruct the selected VCR or
FIG. 36 illustrates the menu function which permits users
AfV recording device to make a copy,of the highlighted
to press a menu button to switch the television display to
program.
other audio-visual devices coupled to the transceiver, such
FlG. 20 illustrates the present invention's "reminder"
as VCR, CD, on-line services, telephone, etc. For example,
feature, which automatically displays a live picture-in-pic- 20 once VCR is selected, with the right arrow button, the TV
ture (PIP) window of a previously marked program when the
displays an image from the videotape currently in the VCR
program is received by the AfV transceiver.
and the user can press the play button on the remote to
FlG. 21 illustrates the present invention's jump function,
playback a previously recorded program on the video tape.
wherein pressing a jump button one the remote control
FlG. 37 illustrates one embodiment of the present invendevice permits a user to jump directly to a full screen view 25
tion for selecting a pay-per-view channel offering entitled
of a previously marked program, and wherein pressing the
"Jeff's World" through the use of the select button of the
jump button again results in the display of another marked
remote control device.
program.
FIG. 38 illustrates a preview feature of pay-per-view
FlG. 22 illustrates the categories function of the present
invention which is displayed by pressing the categories 30 under the above illustrated embodiment.
FlG. 39 illustrates a credits feature of pay-per-view under
button on the remote control device.
the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 23 further illustrates the categories function wherein
the "favorites" category is highlighted by pressing the right
FlG. 40 illustrates an info feature of pay-per-view under
arrow button on the remote control device.
the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 24 further illustrates the categories function wherein 35
FIG. 41 illustrates a confirmation feature for ordering a
the "sports" category is highlighted by depressing the right
pay-per-view offering through the use of the numeric keypad
arrow button on the remote control device.
on the remote control device under the above illustrated
embodiment.
FIG. 25 illustrates a representative television image in the
case where the "sports" category has been selected by 40
FIG. 42 illustrates the reminder feature advising the user
depressing the select button on the remote control device.
that the selected offering of pay-per-view will begin in three
minutes under the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a further illustration of a representative television image in which the "sports" category has been
FIG. 43 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention for selecting and interacting with a home shopping
selected, and an alternate sports channel has been further
selected by a user through the use of the up arrow button on 45 service (TV Shop) offering.
the remote control device.
FIG. 44 illustrates a sample commercial shown to the user
FIG. 27 illustrates a sports program listing in which the
if the home shopping service is selected through the use of
list button has been depressed after the "sports" category has
the select button on the remote control device under the
been selected.
above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 28 illustrates the categories function in conjunction 50
FlG. 45 illustrates a menu permitting the user to select
with the list function.
various shops available on the home shopping service using
the select button on the remote control device under the
FIG. 29 further illustrates the categories and list functions
above illustrated embodiment.
when the down arrow button is depressed on the remote
control device, breaking down the "sports" category into
FlG. 46 is a further illustration of the home shopping
55 service in which a cookware product is highlighted under the
sub-categories such as baseball or football.
above illustrated embodiment.
FlG. 30 is a further illustration of the categories and list
functions in which the category "favorites" is highlighted
FlG. 47 is a further illustration of the home shopping
and can now be selected by depressing the select button or
service in which a mini-espresso machine is highlighted, and
broken down into sub-categories by depressing the down 60 can be selected for ordering with the select button on the
arrow button on the remote control device.
remote control device under the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 31 further illustrates the categories and list functions,
where the "favorites" category has been broken down into a
FIG. 48 is an information screen provided to the user after
sub-category of "frequent" programs which are currently
selecting a mini-espresso machine for ordering under the
listed.
65 above illustrated embodiment.
FlG. 32 is a further illustration of the categories and list
FIG. 49 is an order screen in which the user, using the
functions, where another "favorites" sub-category, "marked
numeric keypad on the remote control device, enters a
EXHIBIT 11
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personal identification number to order the mini-espresso
machine under the above illustrated embodiment.
FIG. 50 is a sample order confirmation provided to the
user subsequent to ordering a product in the home shopping
5
service under the above illustrated embodiment.
NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE
info, list, record, mark, jump, category, pix and menu
functions, as well as the overall structure and operation of
the present invention's user interface.
In addition, in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as functional blocks representing data processing devices, and metaphors such as
screen, menu and other configurations to assist the user in
navigating through the user interface, etc., to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In
other instances, well known circuits and structures are not
described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention
unnecessarily. For the purpose of this application, the word
"audio-visual" and its abbreviation, "AIV", will be used
interchangeably and will have the same meaning.
The detailed descriptions which follow are presented
largely in terms of interface display images, algorithms, and 10
symbolic representations of operations of data bits within a
computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data
processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of
their work to others skilled in the art.
15
An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self
consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result.
General System Configuration
These steps are those requiring physical manipulations of
physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these
The multi-media interactive television system of the
quantifies take the form of electrical or magnetic signals 20 present invention is illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 1.
capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared,
As shown in FIG. 1, a cable or telephone service provider 50
displayed and otherwise manipulated. It proves convenient
provides cable television or telephone (TfT) services over a
at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer
TfT cable 52 to a plurality of users coupled to the cable or
to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, charactelephone system, as is known. Although in this Specificaters, images, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be borne 25 tion reference is made to a cable television or telephone
in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to
system, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that
be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and
the present invention may be used in conjunction with a
are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.
variety of other electronic transmission systems including
In the present case, the operations are machine operations
satellite service systems, microwave systems, fiber optic,
performed in conjunction with a human operator. Useful 30 and radio frequency (RF) systems.
machines for performing the operations of the present invenAs illustrated in FIG. 1, the TfT cable 52 is coupled to an
tion include general purpose digital computers, digitally
audio-visual transceiver 54 which comprises a number of
controlled displays or other similar devices. In all cases,
separately identifiable modules. The transceiver 54 is
there should be borne in mind the distinction between the
intended to be located in proximity to and coupled to a VCR
method operations of operating a computer andlor display 35 56, a television (TV) 58, as well as one or more optional
system, and the method of computation itself. The present
audio-visual devices 57 such as additional VCRs, laser disc
invention relates to method steps for operating a computer
players, camcorders, stereos, various storage devices, teleand interactive display system, and processing electrical or
phones, faxes and answering machines, as shown. Moreother physical signals to generate other desired physical
over, it is contemplated that transceiver 54 may be directly
signals.
40
incorporated into the VCR 56, the TV 58, or one the other
The present invention also relates to apparatus for perA!V devices 57. As will be described below, a remote
forming these operations. This apparatus may be specially
control device 60 communicates with the transceiver 54
constructed for the required purposes or it may comprise a
preferably through a wireless transmission signal (for
general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfig- 45 example, an infrared (IR) signal), or other mechanisms
ured by a computer program stored in the computer. The
known in the art. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
method steps presented herein are not inherently related to
transceiver 54 is further capable of communicating with the
any particular computer or other apparatus. In particular,
television 58, the VCR 56 and the other AIV devices 57
various general purpose machines may be used with prothrough infrared or other means.
grams in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may 50
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transceiver 54
prove more convenient to construct more specialized a~pa
comprises three primary modules: a main module 62, an AIV
ratus to perform the required method steps. The reqUlred
connect module 66 and an optional compact disc read only
structure for a variety of these machines will appear from the
memory (CD ROM) module 70. The main module 62
description given below. Machines which may perform the
includes a central processing unit (CPU) 63 coupled over a
functions of the present invention include those manufac55 system bus 64 to a system memory 65 and an infra-red (IR)
tured by the Assignee, Apple Computer, Inc., as well as other
control unit 82, which sends and receives wireless control
manufacturers of computer and computer controlled mutisignals to and from the remote control device 60. The CPU
media systems.
63 is further coupled through the system bus 64 to a memory
and bus controller 80, which is itself coupled through an AIV
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
60 decoder 74 and an AIV encoder 78 to the AIV connect
INVENTION
module 66, as well as to an optional CD ROM module 70.
The CPU 63 is also coupled through the system bus 64, the
The following detailed description will be divided into
memory and bus controller 80 and an AIV bus 73 to an AIV
several sections. The first of these will describe a general
processor 77 and an optional A!V memory 75.
system arrangement for receiving and generating the audioThe AIV connect module 66 switches and receives analog
visual user interface of the present invention. Subsequent 65
audio-visual signals and digital data from a plurality of
sections will deal with the functional aspects such as the
audio-visual sources including the TfT cable 52, the video
present invention's interactive functions, which includes the
EXHIBIT 11
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5,594,509
10
9
such as order information sent by the CPU 63 through the
cassette recorder (VCR) 56, or the other AfV devices 57, and
couples those signals and data to the main module 62
memory and bus controller 80 and the system bus 64 and
through the video decoder 74. The AfV connect module
transmit them to the service provider 50 through the AlV
further switches audio-visual signals and data received from
connect module 66 and a back channel 102 described below.
the main module 62 through the video encoder 78, and sends 5
The CPU 63 is also coupled over the system bus 64 to a
them back out to the Ttr cable 52, the VCR 56, the other
system memory 65 including both volatile and non-volatile
AlV devices 57 and/or the TV 58. The AfV connect module
memory components. The non-volatile part of system
66 includes a switcher 67 and one or more programmable
memory 65 includes read-only memory (such as ROM),
tuners/demodulators 69, wherein one tuner/demodulator
reads and displays a current program from one of the 10 which is used to store an operating system and playback
software, fonts, sounds and the like used in the present
channels received over the Ttr cable 52, and additional
invention. The non-volatile part of system memory 65 also
tuners/demodulators (or the same tuner/demodulator, used
includes rewritable memory (such as SRAM), which is used
in alternation) are used to read and display data from the
for persistent storage of mark or record indicators, listings of
side-band channels in picture-in-picture (pip) windows. In
programs viewed or taped, and other user preferences.
addition, the AlV connect module 66 may include descrambling circuitry (not shown) to descramble premium pro- 15 Additionally, the volatile part of system memory 65 includes
sufficient random access memory (such as RAM or DRAM)
grams received over the Ttr cable 52. It is further contemfor the temporary storage of data received over the Ttr cable
plated that the AfV connect module 66 provides a graphic
52 or from the other devices 56-58 connected to the transoverlay function that superimposes an AfV signal from the
ceiver 54.
video encoder 78 against another AfV signal from the Ttr
cable 52, the VCR 56, or the other AfV devices 57 allowing 20
The transceiver 54 can also include an optional CD ROM
both signals to be simultaneously displayed on the TV 58,
module 70 coupled through the memory and bus controller
80 to the system bus 64 and the CPU 63. This optional CD
the VCR 56 or the other AfV devices 57. Finally, the AfV
ROM module 70 constitutes a general purpose storage
connect module 66 can be used to transmit data such as order
device to permit playback of optical compact discs (CDs),
information to the cable (Ttr) service provider 50 over a
25 including multi-media CD ROM titles, audio CDs, photo
back channel 102 described below.
CDs, and motion picture CDs on the TV 58. It is contemThe AfV decoder 74 is used to decode data encoded in the
plated that those transceivers which do not include an
vertical blanking interval or special side-band cable chaninternal CD ROM module could instead include a CD ROM
nels into digital data and couple them to the CPU 63 through
the memory and bus controller 80 and the system bus 64. 30 interface allowing users to connect an external CD ROM
dri ve to the transceiver 54 at a later date. It is also contemFurthermore, the AJV decoder 74 is used to convert analog
plated that this CD ROM module 70 may in the future use
audio-visual signals from the AfV connect module 66 into
different electronic, magnetic, optical or storage technolodigital AfV data and couple them to the AfV processor 77
gies other than the current CD ROM embodiment.
through the memory and bus controller 80 and the AfV bus
Additional modules may be added to the transceiver 54
73. Moreover, the AJV decoder 74 may be used to resize 35
including, for example, such options as a small computer
audio-visual signals from the AfV connect module 66 in
order to create picture-in-picture windows and the like. It is
system interface (SCSI) for accessing digital storage devices
such as hard disks, a modem for exchanging digital data over
also contemplated that the AfV decoder 74 may be used to
telephone lines, or a serial port for controlling other devices
decompress certain analog or digital signals (such as MPEG
motion video and the like) and couple them to the AJV 40 over a wired connection. Another module presently being
contemplated is a remote beeper button for locating the
processor 77 through the memory and bus controller 80 and
remote control device 60. Many consumers often misplace
the AJV bus 73.
their remote control devices, and it is contemplated that the
The memory and bus controller 80 is used to route data
present invention may provide a function wherein a speaker
and control signals between the system bus 64, the AfV bus
73, the AJV decoder 74, the Al V encoder 78 and the optional 45 on remote control 60 would beep while the beeper button is
pressed until the user locates the remote control.
CD ROM module 70. The Al V bus 73 is a high-speed digital
Referring now to FIG. 3a, there is shown one possible
bus used to free up the system bus 64 during the transmiselectronic spectrum of signals provided by the cable Ttr
sion of large amount of audio-visual data between the AJV
service provider 50 over the Ttr cable 52 to the transceiver
processor 77, the optional AfV memory 75 and, through the
memory and bus controller 80, the AfV decoder 74, the AJV 50 54. As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the spectrum includes at least
encoder 78, and the optional CD ROM module 70. The AfV
one digital program listing channel 100, a plurality of back
channels 102, and a plurality of standard analog TV channels
processor 77 coupled to the AfV bus 73 is used to manipu103. In addition, and as will be described more fully below,
late, process, render, mix and otherwise re-arrange digital
data into coherent audio-visual displays. An optional AfV
the spectrum includes pay-per-view digital channels 106,
memory module 75 also coupled to the AfV bus 73 can be 55 and further additional definable digital channels 108 offering
a variety of interactive services, in addition to the general
used to store AJV data before or after processing by the AfV
purpose or special channels or services particular to the
processor 77 (using components such as video random
access memory (VRAM) to hold, for example, a frame
specific application of the present invention.
buffer equivalent to one 640x4S0xS-bit color image in
As illustrated in FIG. 3b, the digital program listing
memory).
60 channel 100 provides data representing daily and weekly
The AfV encoder 78, coupled to the AfV bus 73 through
program listings and related information from the service
the memory and bus controller 80, is used to convert digital
provider 50 to the transceiver 54. As shown in FIG. 3b, the
listing channel 100 includes a repetitive data stream having
AJV data from the AJV processor 77 or the optional AfV
data representing today' s listing 110 interleaved with weekly
memory 75 into analog audio-visual signals which are
routed to the TV 58, the VCR 56 or the other AfV devices 65 listings. For example, there is shown today's data 110,
followed by Monday's data 112, and then once again folthrough the AJV connect module 66. It is also contemplated
lowed by today's data 110. As seen in FIG. 3b, Tuesday's
that the AfV encoder 78 may be used to encode other data
EXHIBIT 11
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12
data 114 is followed once again by today's data 110, and
thereafter by Wednesday's data 116. Wednesday's data 116
is followed by today's data 110, and thereafter by Thursday's data 118. Thursday's data 118 is followed once again
by today's data 110, and thereafter by Friday's data 119.
Finally, following today's data 110, Monday's data 112 is
once again transmitted along the data stream provided by the
service provider 50. For programming purposes, the data
preferably will include titles of programs, show times,
special captions, length information, categories, and key
words, as well as channel numbers provided from the service
provider 50 over the Tff cable 52, and received by the
transceiver 54. The data stream is an interleaved data stream
which repeats on a weekly basis as shown in FIG. 3b. It is
presently contemplated that there would be at least 100
different channels of programs andlor services. A weekly
program/service listing with information relating to 100
channels of programs/services could require over 2 megabytes of information. This data stream of programs/services
listing information (illustrated in FIG. 3b) is received by the
transceiver's main CPU module 62, whereafter the sections
that are most relevant to the users are stored in the system
memory 65. By interleaving the current day's data with the
weekly data, the daily data, the CPU module 62 can update
the system memory 65 periodically and still provides quick
access to the viewer, without having to store all the received
program/service information, thereby reducing the amount
of system memory 65 required and the associated hardware
cost.
Referring once again to FIG. 3a, the back channels 102
are used to engage in a variety of transactions, such as
ordering products, home banking services and pay-per-view
movies, as will be described more fully below. In operation,
any request by a user to view a pay-per-view movie or order
a product is transmitted to the service provider 50 over at
least one back channel 102 through the Tff cable 52. It is
contemplated that as channel capacity increases, so will the
number of back channels, allowing for broader band twoway communications such as telephone conversations or
interaction with on-line networks.
Referring now to FIGS. 4a, 4b, and FIGS. 5a and 5b, two
alternative embodiments of the remote control device 60 are
shown in further detail. It is expected that the model shown
in FIGS. 5a and 5b would be more commonly used. As
illustrated in the figures, both embodiments of the remote
control device 60 are comprised of four control button
groups 115, 134, 160 and 176. These control button groups
115, 134, 160 and 176 will first be described briefly here, and
their usage will be described in further detail below.
The first control button group is the basic control button
group 115 which includes standard television control buttons such as power on/off button 120, volume control button
122 and a mute button 125. Moreover, channel up/down
buttons 130 are provided to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 4a and 4b to increment or decrement the currently
viewed channel on television 58, as is well known. For the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the channel
control function is effectuated using the up and down arrow
buttons 145 and 146.
The second control button group is the interactive control
button group 134 which includes an info button 136, a list
button 138, a categories button 140, and a mark button 142.
The info button 136 permits the user to obtain multiple
levels of information on programs while the user is watching
one of the program offerings on the TV 58 (or other A/V
devices). The list button 138 permits the user to view listings
for programs/services. In the presently preferred embodi-
ment, when TV is selected, the list button 138 permits the
user to view current and future TV listings up to one week
in advance. The categories button 140 permits the viewer to
select programs/services by category. For example, and as
will be described below, the user may desire to watch only
sports programs, only news programs, or the like. As will be
disclosed, the categories button 140, and the list button 138
operate in concert to provide listings of selected categories,
such as sports or news programs, on the TV 58. The mark
button 142 permits the user to mark programs for reminders,
later recall, or switching between programs which have been
selected using the mark button 142. A jump button 132 lets
the user switch to the program that was last marked, then to
the program that was marked before that, and so on, until all
marked programs have been shown, looping back to the last
marked program again. As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the
jump button 132 and the mark button 142 are placed side by
side together on the dividing line between the first and
second control button groups 115 and 134 to emphasize their
interrelation.
Also provided with the interactive control button group
134 is a pointing device consisting of an up arrow button
145, a down arrow button 146, a left arrow button 148, and
a right arrow button 150. For example, if the user is viewing
a program/service listing through the use of list button 138,
and desires to scroll up or down within the listing, the up
arrow button 145 and the down arrow button 146 are
utilized. In addition, a center select button 155 is provided
for permitting the user to select one of several choices,
represented by words or icons in graphic menus or lists
displayed on the TV 58, for example a "bull' s eye" as shown
in FIG. 5a. As will be described, the interactive control
button group 134 may be used in a variety of applications,
including selection of pay-per-view channels, home shopping services, and the like, as well as to display and control
programs from other A/V devices connected to the transceiver 54.
The third control button group is the auxiliary control
button group 160 comprising various A/V control buttons
for controlling the VCR 56 or the other AN devices 57
connected to the transceiver 54. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the
auxiliary control button group 160 includes a record button
162, a rewind button 164, a stop arrow button 166, a
play/pause button 168, a fast forward button 170, and a
menu button 172. In accordance with the teachings of the
present invention, the user depresses the record button 162
while watching a television program on TV 58, which brings
up a record panel confirming the current program's title and
length, along with a highlighted select icon and confirmation
of which A/V device and type to use for recording. Once the
center select button 155 is depressed, the VCR 56 or the
other selected AN device 57 begins to record the program
currently being viewed by the user. Alternatively, if the user
has pressed list button 138, and a program listing is highlighted, pressing the record button 162, and then the center
select button 155 results in the VCR 56 being programmed
to record the particular show highlighted in the program
listing. Pressing the menu button 172 displays icons for all
the AN devices 57 currently connected to the transceiver 54
and allows users to select another device with the arrow
buttons. Pressing the center select button 155 displays the
output of that device and lets the user control that device.
The fourth control button group is the numeric keypad
panel 176, which permits the user to directly enter channel
numbers to be viewed on the TV 58 by pressing a single,
double or triple digit number, followed by the ok button 178
(FIG. 5a). For the remote control device 60 shown in in FIG.
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
EXHIBIT 11
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be displayed if the up arrow button 145 is depressed.
Referring now to FIG. 8, which illustrates a new graphic
overlay panel 190 displayed in response to the user having
depressed the right arrow button 150 on the remote control
device 60 while using the information function. The transceiver 54 provides additional information on the currently
viewed program. As illustrated, an additional page of information on the program currently viewed is displayed. For
example, additional guests on the show "Showbits This
Month" include "Madeline, Harold Black and Harmer".
Referring now to FIG. 9, which illustrates another new
graphic overlay panel 190 displayed in response to the user
having depressed the right arrow button 150 again. A third
page of information is displayed on the screen 180 relating
to the currently viewed program "Showbits This Month". It
will be noted that the currently viewed television program
("Showbits This Month" in this example) continues to be
Full Screen Viewing Function
viewed in the main portion of the screen 180, while different
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a representative
graphic overlay panels 190 are superimposed over the lower
full screen audio-visual program displayed on the screen 180 20 third portion of the screen 180.
of the TV 58. By depressing the channel up/down buttons
In the currently preferred embodiment, a user may selec130 on the remote in FIGS. 4a and 4b, (or by depressing the
tively move between pages of information relating to the
up and down arrow buttons 145 and 146 on the remote
currently viewed program by pressing the right arrow button
control device in FIGS. 5a-5b), users can switch channels as
150 or the left arrow button 148 on the remote control device
is commonly done with regular TV remotes. As the user 25 60, or alternatively, the main module 62 will automatically
selects a channel to view using the remote control device 60,
scroll through the various pages of information with a
a graphic overlay panel 185 is displayed in the lower right
predetermined amount of display time for each page of
hand portion of screen 180. As illustrated, the graphic
information.
overlay panel 185 includes the channel number currently
Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a currently
being viewed 186 along with the channel logo and identifier 30
viewed baseball game entitled "Saint Louis at San Fran188. Additionally, a marking identifier 189, such as a check
cisco" displayed on the screen 180. Assume now the user
mark, is also displayed, as will be described, to indicate that
also depresses the info button 136 on the remote control
the program has been marked through the use of the mark
device 60. As previously described, information relating to
button 142 previously discussed with reference to the remote
35 the currently viewed program is displayed within the graphic
control device of FIGS. 4a, 4b, and FIGS. Sa and 5b.
overlay panel 190. (n the present example, information
relating to the baseball player, "John Smith", is provided
Information Function
within the overlay 190. In the event the down arrow 210 is
highlighted, an additional information track is available to
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown the screen 180 in
which the information (info) function 136 has been 40 the user. This additional information track may be displayed
through the use of down arrow button 146 on the remote
requested by the user. As the user is watching a particular
control device 60, and is referred to here as ''Tid Bits". As
television program on the TV 58, he may depress the info
shown in FIG. 10, the ''Tid Bits" information track gives
button 136 to obtain information in the form of a graphic
additional information relating to the particular subject
overlay panel 190 on the screen 180. In operation, the
transceiver 54 coupled with the main module 62 through the 45 currently being displayed on the screen 180. In the example
of FIG. 10, the first baseman John Smith is currently being
A!V connect module 66 superimposes the graphic overlay
viewed on the screen 180, and information relating to John
panel 190 against the currently displayed video image. This
Smith is provided in the graphic overlay panel 190. It will
process is also used in other functions, such as the full screen
also be noted that in FIG. 10, the down arrow 210 is
viewing function, where the graphic overlay panel 185 is
superimposed on the screen 180. The overlay graphic panel 50 highlighted, indicating that yet another information track is
available.
190 contains an "i" logo 192 indicating that the information
Still referring to FIG. 10, it will be noted that a down
button 136 has been depressed, and also displays the title of
arrow 210 is shown. By depressing the down arrow button
the currently viewed program 194 ("Showbits This Month"
146 on the remote control device 60 once again, an Info Mart
in this example), a category name 196 ("News" in this
example), and the length of the overall program ("60 min" 55 track information track as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed by
CPU 63 in the graphic overlay panel 190. As illustrated, the
in this example). In addition, the channel number and
Info Mart information track provides the viewer with the
network logo ("8" and "CMM" in this example) are also
opportunity to purchase products, services, programs and the
provided to the user. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the overall
like related to the program which is currently being viewed
length of the currently viewed program is graphically illustrated, by a time bar 200 showing how much time remains 60 (in the present example, the baseball game "Saint Louis at
San Francisco"). The information track disappears when the
before the program ends. A left arrow 201, a right arrow 202,
info button 136 is pressed again.
and a down arrow 210 are displayed and highlighted to
While the information has been described with the left
indicate that the left arrow button 148, the right arrow button
150, and the down arrow button 146, of the remote control
and arrow arrow buttons 148 and 150 causing different pages
device 60 can be depressed to cause additional information 65 of an information track to be displayed, and the up and down
to be displayed. An up arrow 205 is also displayed, but is not
arrow buttons 145 and 146 causing different information
highlighted, to indicate that no additional information will
tracks to be displayed, it is contemplated that the informa-
4b, the user would depress the select button 155 after
entering values using the keypad 176. In addition, the
numeric keypad 176 may be used by the user to enter a
personal identification number ("PIN"), to be transmitted to
the service provider 50 through the A!V connect module 66 5
for payment of pay-per-view movies, products and the like.
In addition to the control button groups, both embodiments comprise a transmitter (not shown) for transmitting
signals to the audio-visual system. Additionally, the model
illustrated in FIGS. 5a-5b is further provided with a talk 10
button 181, a microphone 179, a speaker 182 and a receiver
(not shown). The talk button 181 when depressed allows the
user to speak into the microphone 179, thereby providing
input to the A!V system through voice, and receive voice
15
feedback from the A!V system through the speaker 182.
EXHIBIT 11
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tion displayed may be related to each other in other applidown arrow button 146 on the remote control device 60 to
move the highlighting over to alternate program/service
cation dependent manners. It is further contemplated that
offerings. For example, if the user presses the down arrow
tiffs information function can also be used with audio-visual
button 146, as shown in FIG. 13, the NTV listing is then
programs or services other than TV shows, in particular
when the menu button 172 is used to display the output of 5 highlighted. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, by continuing to
depress the down arrow button 146, the highlighting conthe VCR 56, the CD 70, a hard disk, a telephone or another
tinues to move upward towards the lower channel numbers
other AIV device 57 connected to the transceiver 54.
and once the highlighting reaches Channel 9, the entire
The data comprising the information of the various inforprogram/service listing scrolls to display consecutively
mation tracks shown in FIGS. 7-11 are downloaded using 10 lower channel numbers previously not displayed. At the
the method illustrated in FIG. 3b, i.e. the interleaved data
same time, the higher channel numbers previously displayed
stream transmitted from the service provider 50, to the
at the bottom part of the screen 180 will consecutively
transceiver 54. The data are stored in the system memory 65
disappear. As illustrated in FIG. 14, Channels 7 and 8 are
and updated as new data are received over the digital
now displayed, and Channels 19 and 20 are no longer
program listing channel 100. Alternatively, data displayed in
displayed to the user. If the up arrow button 145 is now
the information tracks such as the exemplary Tid Bits or 15 pressed instead, the highlighting will move down towards
the higher channel numbers as illustrated in FIG. 14. NotaInfo-Mart information tracks may be transmitted by the
bly, movement of the program/service listing and the highservice provider 50 to the transceiver 54 using the vertical
lighting in the present invention are specifically calculated to
blanking intervals, which are inherently part of the analog
conform with an average person's expectations in using a
TV channel 103 used to display the currently viewed program on the TV 58. In another embodiment, data comprising 20 television remote control. While the list function has been
described with the down arrow button 146 causing highthe information tracks may be transmitted and downloaded
lighting to move towards the lower channel numbers, and
through the use of separate info-track channels comprising
the up arrow button 145 causing highlighting to move
additional channels in the electronic spectrum illustrated in
towards the higher channel numbers, it will be appreciated
FIG.3a.
25 that the correspondence between the arrow buttons 145 and
146 and the highlighting movement may be implemented in
List Function
other ways as best suits the anticipated user of the interface
system.
Referring now to FIG. 12, the list function of the present
Skipping now to FIG. 16, a further feature of the list
invention will be described. While viewing a television
program displayed on the TV 58, the user may depress the 30 function of the present invention is illustrated. In the event
the user depresses the right arrow button 150, the CPU 63
list button 138 on the remote control device 60 to obtain a
displays the next hourly time slot listing on the screen 180.
program/service listing for the current date and time during
In the example of FIG. 16, the time slot for 9:00-10:00 p.m.
which the user is watching television. As shown in FIG. 12,
is illustrated. It will be appreciated that, had the user
upon depressing the list button 138, a program/service
depressed the left arrow button 148 three times, then the
listing 220 is displayed for the current date and time at which
35 program/service listing for 6:00-7:00 p.m. would have been
the viewer has depressed the list button 138. As illustrated,
displayed. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the conprograms/services currently available for viewing and intertinued depression of the right arrow button 150 for a
action are identified by their channel numbers, channel name
predetermined amount of time (in the present embodiment
identifiers (for example, Channel 10, NTV), and by titles of
for more than 2 seconds) results in the display of program/
the programs/services. In the event that the program/service 40 service listings for subsequent days. In this case, the conlisting includes two programs for a given time interval, then
tinued depression of the right arrow button 150 has resulted
the names of both programs are displayed. For example, in
in a scanning of the program/service listings through to
FIG. 12, Channel 10 is NTV which beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 17. It will be noted that in the currently
is showing a program entitled "Rock Today", and beginning
preferred embodiment, a scanning of subsequent days
at 8:10 p.m. is showing a program called "Party Time". In 45 results in the display of the program/service listing from the
addition, as shown in FIG. 12, a picture-in-picture window
beginning of prime time, namely, 6:00 p.m. (or 7:00 p.m., at
250 continues to display the currently viewed program
the service provider's option). It will also be noted that the
which the user was last viewing. Accordingly, the user may
info function can be used in conjunction with the list
continue to view the currently selected program, and the
function to display program/service information about the
current program/service listing simultaneously. By pressing 50 currently highlighted program/service. It will further be
the select button 155 in the current time slot, the user can
noted that the listing display will disappear if the user
view the currently highlighted program in fun screen, as
depresses the list button 138 once again. It is also contemlong as that program is playing live at the current time. For
plated that this list function can be used with audio-visual
example, in the case of FIG. 13, the pressing of the select
programs or services other than TV programs, in particular
button 155 would display NTV's "Rock Today" program in 55 when the menu button 172 is used to display the output of
full screen. It will be noted that although the current impleother AIV devices 57. For example, if the VCR 56 is
mentation of the list function displays a list of programs!
displayed on the TV 58, pressing the list button 138 on the
services on single lines for one hour time slots, the invenremote control device 60 would display a listing of all
tion's user interface also supports other styles of display, for
programs recorded by the user on the VCR 56, highlighting
example, a grid showing programs on two lines, each line 60 the program now displayed from the VCR 56. Similarly, the
representing a two hour time slot.
list function would display CD ROM or telephone listings
when these AIV devices are selected through the menu
It will also be noted that the currently selected program
function.
being displayed in the picture-in-picture window 250 is
initially highlighted in the program/service listing to assist
Record Function
the user. In the example of FIG. 12, Channel 11 , PBS, a show 65
entitled "Say Nay Billy" is highlighted. Moreover, channels
Referring now to FIG. 18, which illustrates a program!
may be selected by pressing the up arrow button 145 or the
service listing displayed in response to the user having
EXHIBIT 11
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18
continuously depressed the right arrow button 150 on the
remote control device 60. The exemplary program/service
listing displayed is for Saturday, October 17 beginning at
prime time (6:00 p.m.). The up and down arrow buttons 145
and 146 on the remote control 60 are then used to highlight
the program "Specials Tonight". Assume now the user
desires to record the exemplary program "Specials Tonight".
By pressing the record button 162 on the remote control
device 60, a record panel 259 is displayed by the CPU 63 on
the screen 180, confirming the title and length of the
program to be recorded, along with a highlighted select
("bull's eye") icon as shown in FIG. 18. It is contemplated
that other functions can be included in the record panel 259,
such as a function for selecting different VCRs or other AIV
recording devices, a function for selecting different tapes or
reading media, and/or a function for selecting how often the
recording is to take place (once, weekly, daily). Once the
select button 155 is pressed, the program listing is redisplayed without the record panel 259. A record icon 260 is
displayed on the screen 180, as shown in FIG. 19. The
"Specials Tonight" program which will begin on Saturday,
October 17, will then be recorded automatically. In the event
the viewer changes his mind and does not desire to record
the program "Specials Tonight", by pressing the record
button 162 again and then pressing the select button 155
once more, the program listing will be redisplayed without
the record icon 260 and no recording will take place.
audio-visual programs other than TV shows, allowing a user
to mark and subsequently jump between, for example, a
VCR program, a CD ROM program, an on-line service or an
answering machine message, in addition to the TV programs
previously marked while viewing television channels.
5
Categories Function
Referring now to FIGS. 22-32, the categories function of
the present invention will be described. To initiate the
categories function of the present invention, the categories
button 140 is depressed on the remote control device 60. As
illustrated in FIG. 22, the CPU 63 displays a categories
graphic overlay panel 300 which is superimposed over the
15
currently viewed program on screen 180. A plurality of
categories are identified by representative icons. The first
category which is selected by default is the "all" category
302, and is highlighted around the border. The "all" category
302 refers to all currently available programs/services being
20
transmitted by the service provider 50. By depressing the
right arrow button 150 or left arrow button 148 on the
remote control device 60, other categories may be highlighted. For example, by depressing the right arrow button
150, the next category "favorites", as indicated by a star icon
25
305, is highlighted (See FIG. 23). Similarly, by depressing
the right arrow button 150 again, a movies icon 310 is
highlighted. By depressing the right arrow button 150
another time, a sports icon 315 is highlighted (see FIG. 24),
Mark and Jump Functions
and so on. Additional categories may include a news icon
Skipping now to FIG. 15, the mark function of the present 30 312 and a music video icon 313. However, it will be
appreciated that many other categories can be displayed. By
invention and its operation will be described. Shown in FIG.
repeatedly pressing the right arrow button 150, the user can
15 is a program listing reflecting Channel 10 (NTV) having
make category icons appear, scrolling from right to left
been selected using the up and down arrow buttons 145 and
146 on the remote control device 60. Assume now the 35 against the category overlay panel 300.
In FIG. 24, the sports category has been highlighted by the
current time is 8:08:30 p.m. In accordance with the teachuser as indicated by the highlighted sports icon 315. To
ings of the present invention as described earlier, the proselect a category that is currently highlighted, the user can
gram "Rock Today" would be highlighted on the screen 180.
press the select button 155 and the category overlay panel
The program "Party Time" may be highlighted by the viewer
by pressing the right arrow button 150. The mark function 40 300 disappears while the currently viewed program displayed on the screen 180 is replaced by the nearest available
may then be initiated by pressing the mark button 142 on the
program in the category just selected. The selection of the
remote control device 160. As illustrated in FIG. 15, a mark
sports category results in the display of only sports related
identifier 252 is displayed adjacent to the selected program
programs on the TV 58. FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary
(in the present example, "Party Time"). Skipping again to
FIG. 20, a reminder box 254 is displayed on the screen 180 45 baseball game which is displayed after the user presses the
select button 155. As illustrated, the sports icon 330 is also
at the time the program "Party Time" begins (in the present
displayed in the graphic overlay panel 185 along with the
example, 8:10 p.m.), regardless of what channel is currently
channel identifier 188.
being viewed then by the user on TV 58. It should also be
noted that programs playing live in a current time slot can be
Assume now after the nearest sports program has been
marked while displayed in full screen by depressing the 50 displayed on the screen 180, the user desires to view
additional sports category programs on the TV 58. By
mark button 142. This causes a mark identifier 189 to be
displayed in the graphic overlay panel 185, as shown in
depressing the up channel button 130 or the up arrow button
145 on the remote control device 60, the transceiver 54
FIGS. 6 and 21.
displays the next higher number channel which is currently
Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, depressing the jump
button 132 while the reminder PIP window 254 is displayed 55 showing a sports program. In the example of FIG. 26, the
sports program relates to a windsurfing event. As shown, the
switches the program displayed in the main viewing area of
sports icon 330 continues to be displayed along with the
the screen 180 to the program which the user has previously
numerical channel indicator and the channel identifier 188
marked (see FIG. 21). If more than one program has been
(in the example of FIG. 26 "Sportstime") in the graphic
marked, by repetitively depressing the jump button 132,
users can jump to the other previously marked programs 60 overlay panel 185.
displaying them in full screen in the main display area of the
Referring now to FIG. 27, if the user has selected the
category of sports (icon 315), and depresses the list button
screen 180 one at a time. It will be appreciated that in an
138, a program/service listing 360 of currently available
alternate embodiment, the picture-in-picture window 254
illustrated in FIG. 20 may be preceded by a reminder icon
sports programs is displayed on screen 180. It will also be
displayed automatically in the PIP window 254 a few 65 noted that the currently viewed sports program will continue
minutes prior to the actual start of the program. It will also
to be displayed in a picture-in-picture window 365. As
previously discussed, with respect to the list function, probe noted that the mark and jump functions may be used with
10
EXHIBIT 11
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grams which are shown during half hour intervals (See FIG.
27 "Windsurfing" and "Basketball") are identified and may
be individually selected using the remote control device 60.
Referring now to FIG. 28, which illustrates a program
listing with the sports icon 330 in the category overlay panel
highlighted, displayed in response to the user having pressed
the list button 138, and then presses the categories button
140. Assume now the user desires to break down the main
sports category into finer sub-categories such as baseball,
football, basketball, hockey, etc. By depressing the down
arrow button 146 on the remote control device 60, the user
causes the CPU 63 to select a default sport sub-category
(baseball in this example) and display a plurality of sports
sub-category icons against the categories overlay panel 300
as illustrated in FIG. 29. The default sports sub-category
icon 315 is also highlighted, and the program listing 361
comprises only programs of that sports sub-category, i.e.
baseball in this example. By pressing the right arrow button
150 on the remote control device 60, the user can highlight
the football sub-category icon 317, then press the select
button 155 to cause only football programs to be listed.
Alternatively, the user can press the up arrow button 145 to
display the main categories again, with the sports icon 315
highlighted as illustrated in FIG. 28. The user can also press
the categories button 140 once more to make the categories
overlay panel 300 disappear.
Referring now to FIG. 30, which illustrates a program
listing 320 with the favorite icon 305 in the category overlay
panel highlighted, displayed in response to the use having
selected the "favorites" category using the left arrow button
148 on the remote control device 60. The program listing
320 comprises favorite programs for the current time slot
including frequently viewed programs, marked programs,
and programs to be recorded, as well as programs that match
specified user preferences. Assume now that the user desires
to resolve the "favorites" category into finer sub-categories.
By pressing the down arrow button 146 on the remote
control device 60, the user causes the CPU 63 to display a
plurality of favorites sub-category icons against the categories overlay panel 300, as illustrated in FIG. 31. The CPU 63
highlights the "frequent" programs sub-category icon 318
and displays a program listing 362 of programs most frequently watched by the user as determined by the CPU 63
from previous monitoring of the user's viewing habits. In the
normal course of operation, the CPU 63 monitors programs
which are most frequently viewed and compiles a prioritized
list of those frequent programs for each time slot, which list
is stored in the rewritable non-volatile part of the system
random access memory (such as SRAM) 65.
In the presently preferred embodiment, if a viewer views
a television program for more than 10 minutes, the current
program and channel identifiers are compared to frequent
programs already stored in system memory 65 for that
particular time slot, and an updated list of frequent programs
is created by CPU 63 and stored in the system memory 65.
In the event there are no frequent programs stored in the
system memory 65 for any particular time slot, then a
general list of most frequently watched programs is retrieved
from the system memory 65. It is anticipated that the
majority of frequent programs will be stored in time slots
corresponding to prime time, or during daytime television
hours.
By pressing the right arrow button 150, the user can move
the highlighting from the "frequent" programs sub-category
icon 318 to the "marked programs" sub-category icon 319,
as shown on FIG. 32. Accordingly, the CPU 63 highlights
the "marked programs" icon 319 and displays a program
listing 363 of only programs that have been previously
marked. Other favorite sub-categories include a record subcategory of all programs selected for recording, and personalized favorites sub-categories such as "Mom" 321 and
"Joe" 322. It is contemplated that new preferences can be
defined by individual users by selecting a special favorites
sub-category, represented by a "set-up" icon 323, then
marking preferred items from a list of programs and/or
categories, as well as specifying an icon and/or a name for
this new preference set. By first defining and subsequently
selecting, for example, the "Mom" sub-category icon 321, a
user can view only programs that match the interests defined
earlier by the mother of the household.
It is also contemplated that this category function can be
used in combination with AIV programs or services other
than TV programs, in particular when the menu button 172
is used to select the VCR 56, or one of the other AIV devices
57. For example, pressing the categories button 140 while
viewing a VCR listing (FIG. 36, below) would enable users
to find all previously recorded comedy programs. Similarly,
the categories function could enable users to find phone
listings in the "gardening" category, according to telephone
directory information accessed from the provider 50 via the
Tff cable 52.
While the present invention has been described with the
categories function having different effects on the displayed
image when used during full screen display and when used
in conjunction with list function, it will be appreciated that
the present invention also may be practiced with the categories function having consistent effect on the displayed
image in either situation, as desired.
5
10
15
20
25
30
Pix Function
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, the present invention's
picture-in-picture (or pix function) will now be described.
The depression of the pix button 144 on the remote control
device 60 results in the display of a pix display 381 as
illustrated in FIG. 33. As shown in the present embodiment,
12 picture-in-picture video windows are arranged within the
screen 180, along the perimeter of the pix display 381, with
a central picture-in-picture window 375 also displayed.
Depressing the pix button 144 on the remote control device
60 results in the simultaneous display of multiple programs
currently transmitted over the Tff cable 52, the VCR 56, the
CD ROM 70 and/or the other AIV devices 57. Moreover, one
of the picture-in-picture windows displaying the last program viewed in full screen, such as, for example, picturein-picture window 380, is highlighted. As shown in FIG. 33,
the highlighted smaller screen is also displayed in larger size
in the central picture-in-picture window 375, with the audio
track of the program also audible to the user. Accordingly, a
user may watch a motion picture or television program,
including the audio track, in window 375, while viewing
multiple other programs simultaneously. In the presently
preferred embodiment, the AIV connect module 66 samples
(or "grabs") a video frame from each of the 12 programs
every pre-determined (N) number of frames. Accordingly, a
user viewing the pix display 381 perceives each of the 12
small picture-in-picture windows as sequential representative images of every N frames per window. However, the
picture-in-picture window 375 represents a full motion
display of the currently selected program, provided that a
second TV tuner 67 is included within the AIV connect
module 66.
Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, it is contemplated that the user is able to view the
EXHIBIT 11
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21
pix display 381 by category by pressing the categories
viewed AlV source icon is automatically highlighted, typibutton 140 and selecting a particular category, such as
cally the TV icon 421. By depressing the right arrow button
favorites or movies. For example, the pix display 381
150, or left arrow button 148 on the remote control 60, other
A/V source icons may be highlighted and previewed. For
illustrated in FIG. 33 is comprised of only favorite programs, as the user had previously selected the favorites 5 example, by depressing the right arrow button 150, the next
AI V source icon, VCR 422, is highlighted, as shown in FIG.
category. Had the user selected the "marked" subcategory,
only marked programs would be displayed on the pix
36. Simultaneously, CPU 63 displays an audio-visual prodisplay 381, allowing users to easily add or delete programs
gram derived from the highlighted source icon, in this case
a videotape playing in the VCR 56 onto the screen 180, as
in the pix display 381 by using the mark button 142. If no
categories have been selected (which is equivalent to select- 10 illustrated in FIG. 36. To select and control any A/V source
ing the "all programs" category), then the pix display 381
whose icon is currently highlighted, in this case the VCR 56,
the user can press the select button 155, whereafter the
displays the 12 programs nearest to the last selected prographic overlay panel 420 disappears while the currently
gram. Similarly, pressing the info button 136 would display
viewed program sourced from the VCR 56 is displayed in
the graphic overlay panel 190 shown in FIG. 7 for program
15 full screen. Thereafter, the user can press the play button 168
information.
on the remote control device 60 to cause the CPU 63 to
Referring now to FIG. 34, which illustrates the selection
instruct the VCR 56 through the AlV connect module 66 or
of a different pix program to be viewed in the central
the IR control 82 to playback a previously recorded program
picture-in-picture window 375. By depressing the left arrow
on the VCR 56. Similarly, the user can press the stop arrow
button 148 on the remote control device 60, the highlighting
380 is moved one window to the left. In the example of FIG. 20 button 166, the rewind button 164, andlor the fast-forward
button 170 on the remote control device 60 to further control
34, a "Discover It" program is now highlighted and shown
the program sourced from VCR 56. It is contemplated that
simultaneously in the central picture-in-picture window 375.
the CD ROM module 70 and some of the other A/V devices
Similarly, through the use of the left arrow button 148 and
57 including other CDs, VCRs, laser disc players, hard
the right arrow button 150 along with the up arrow button
145 and the down arrow button 146 on the remote control 25 disks, telephones, answering machines, as well as transmitting devices connected to voice mail, electronic mail and
device 60, each of the pix programs in the pix display 381
various on-line services can be similarly selected and conmay be viewed within the central picture-in-picture window
trolled through the use of the menu function, as illustrated in
375, as desired. As in the list function, pressing the select
FIG. 36.
button 155 displays the currently highlighted program in full
screen. Alternatively, pressing the pix button 144 a second 30
Other Functions
time causes the pix display 381 to disappear and the last
highlighted program appears in full screen.
Other functions may be realized with the present invenReferring to FIG. 35, selection of pay-per-view movie
tion, including numeric data entry. As shown in FIGS. 41
currently shown in one of the picture-in-picture window 380
and 49, by pressing one or more buttons on the numeric
of the pix display 381 for viewing is illustrated. As described 35 keypad 176 of the remote control device 60, a user can
earlier, by depressing the left arrow button 148 on the remote
confirm a financial transaction by entering his or her percontrol device 60, the PIP window 380 becomes highlighted.
sonal identification number (PIN) in a confirmation display
In the example of FIG. 32, the pay-per-view channel shows
field 425. The numeric keypad 176 may also be used for
dialing TV channel numbers, telephone numbers and other
a preview trailer for the motion picture "Jeff's World",
which is now displayed in the center PIP window 375 and 40 program source identifiers, as desired.
the perimeter PIP window 380 simultaneously. To select the
Yet another function which may be optionally realized by
pay-per-view movie, the select button 155 is depressed on
the present invention is a talk function, whereby a user can
the remote control device 60. It is contemplated that pressing
depress the talk button 181 on the remote control device 60,
a single, double or triple digit number on the numeric 45 and thereafter issue spoken commands into the microphone
keypad 176, followed by the ok button 178 of the remote
179 located on the remote control device 60 in lieu of or in
control 60, will display the corresponding pay-per-view
addition to pressing buttons on the remote control device 60.
channel, along with the 12 nearest channels. It is also
Through the use of voice recognition hardware and software
contemplated that this pix function can be used with audiooperating in conjunction with the CPU 63, the present
visual programs and services other than TV shows, in 50 invention can be made to interpret the spoken commands
particular when the menu button 172 is used to display the
requested by the user, and invoke the corresponding funcoutput of the VCR 56, the CD 70, a hard disk or one of the
tions. For example, a user may speak the word "sports"
other A/V devices 57 connected to the A/V transceiver 54.
while pressing talk button 181, which is equivalent to
invoking the category function and highlighting the sports
Menu Function
55 category, as if the user had pressed the corresponding
sequence of buttons, as described earlier. It is further conReferring now to FIG. 36, the menu function will now be
templated that the remote control device 60 in conjunction
described. The menu function permits users to switch the
with the TV 58 and a camera can be used as a video
television display to any A/V source connected to the
telephone for video conferencing and the like, wherein
transceiver 54, such as the VCR 56, the CD ROM module
70, or one of the other AI V devices 57, and lets users control 60 having engaged a telephone line (via the menu function) the
user speaks directly into the remote control device 60 as if
those A/V sources directly. As shown in FIG. 36, upon
it were a standard telephone.
pressing the menu button 172 on the remote control device
60, the CPU 63 displays on the screen 180 a graphic overlay
panel 420 which is superimposed over the currently viewed
audio-visual program. As further shown in FIG. 36, a
plurality of audio-visual sources connected to the transceiver
54 are identified by representative icons. The currently
Pay-Per-View Interface
65
The present invention includes one possible pay-per-view
(PPV) interface which will now be described. Assume that
the user has selected the TV source icon 421 using the menu
EXHIBIT 11
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function displayed in the graphic overlay panel 420, and
further selects a pay-per-view program using either the list
or the pix function. This selection results in an initial title
screen to be displayed, as illustrated in FIG. 37, which may
be static or animated. As shown in FIG. 38, upon the
selection of the PPV program and subsequent to the display
of the title screen of FIG. 37, a preview icon 382, a credit
icon 384, an info icon 386, and a ticket icon 388 are
displayed, along with a preview trailer which is continuously looping and is displayed in a half-screen picture-inpicture window 390. It will be noted that in FIG. 38, the
preview icon 382 has been highlighted by default, thereby
corresponding to the trailer being shown in the window 390.
Referring now to FIG. 39, by depressing the right arrow
button 150 of the remote control device 60, the credit icon
384 may be highlighted. The credits for the pay-per-view
movie are displayed on the screen 180 within the window
390. By depressing the right arrow button 150 once again,
the info icon 386 is highlighted. As shown in FIG. 40,
information related to the pay-per-view movie is then provided to the user, such as the title, the production company,
a brief description of the movie, the rating and the total
length. If the user desires to watch the pay-per-view movie,
he/she depresses the right arrow button 150 once again to
highlight the ticket icon 388, as illustrated in FIG. 41.
As shown in FIG. 41, upon the selection of the highlighted
"ticket" icon 388, the CPU 63 generates and displays on the
screen 180 a request for the user to input a "movie pass"
password using the numeric keypad 176 of the remote
control device 60. After entering the personal identification
number (PIN) using the numeric keypad 176, causing a
confirmation sound to be played and confirmation symbols
such as asterisks to fill in a blank confirmation display 425,
the user depresses the ok button 178 or the select button 155
on the remote control device 60 to order and view the
pay-per-view movie. As shown in FIG. 42, transceiver 54
then displays the ordered program if it is available, or
displays a message informing the viewer that the pay-perview movie will begin screening within X number of
minutes. In operation, depressing the ok button 178 or the
select button 155 subsequent to the entering of the movie
pass personal identification number (PIN) results in the CPU
63 providing a signal to the cable service provider 50, over
the Trr cable 52 using one of the back channels 102 (See
FIG. 3a). It will further be appreciated that during the
waiting period prior to the transmission of the pay-per-view
movie, additional trailers and other previews may be displayed to the user on the screen 180. It will also be noted that
if the user incorrectly enters hislher movie pass PIN number,
pressing the clear button 177 on the numeric keypad 176
allows them to clear the confirmation display 425 and start
over again. It will also be appreciated that other pay-perview interfaces may be designed and implemented using the
teachings of the present invention on general purpose audiovisual user interface.
service results in a continuous full-motion video display of
various paid-for commercials or advertising messages. As
shown in the representative screen of FIG. 44, a TV Shop
icon is displayed along with a blinking select icon (or right
arrow icon) in a graphic overlay panel 400, at the start and
end of each advertisement, prompting users to press the
select button 155 (or right arrow 150).
Referring now to FIG. 45, by pressing the select button
155 (or the right arrow button 150), the user can view
additional information relating to the advertisements shown
in the full motion video section of the TV Shop. In the
example of FIG. 45, it will be noted that a listing of the
advertisers is provided, in which the advertisers whose
commercial was playing last is highlighted. Through the use
of the up arrow button 145 or the down arrow button 146,
the user may scroll through the advertisers, sequentially
highlighting each of their advertising identifiers, along with
a select icon 403 prompting a user to select that advertiser.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 45, an "exit" icon 402, a
"stores" icon 404, a "specials" icon 406, an info icon (or
"compare" icon) 408, an "order" icon 409 and other icons
may be presented to the viewer. As illustrated in FIG. 46 the
selection of the "Attic at Casey's" advertiser with the select
button 155 (or the right arrow button 150) results in a display
ofthe various specials available from that advertiser. In FIG.
46, there is shown cookware highlighted in conjunction with
a still image of the cookware for sale. By depressing the
down arrow button 146 on remote control device 60, the
highlighted section on the display can be moved down such
that the mini-espresso (see FIG. 47) is selected. Simultaneousl y with the highlighting of the mini -espresso selection,
a still image of the mini-espresso machine for sale is shown.
Referring to FIG. 48, to obtain further information regarding the mini-espresso machine illustrated in FIG. 47, the
user depresses the select button 155 (or the right arrow
button 150) on the remote control device 60 to highlight the
info icon 408. As illustrated in FIG. 48, information relating
to the particular product (i.e. espresso machine) is shown on
the screen 180. To order the mini-espresso machine illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48, the user depresses the select
button 155 (or the right arrow button 150) to highlight the
order icon 409. As illustrated in FIG. 49, a personal identification order number window 420 is displayed in which
the user (using the numeric keypad 176) inputs a personal
identification number (PIN). After entering the personal
identification number (PIN), the ok button 178 or select
button 155 is depressed to order the product. In the presently
preferred embodiment, once the personal identification number (PIN) of the user is entered into the system of the present
invention and the ok button 178 or the select button 155 is
depressed, a signal is provided by the CPU 63 to the service
provider 50, using one of the back channels 102 (See FIG.
3)a. As illustrated in FIG. 50, a confirmation of the order,
along with a delivery time is displayed to the user. It will
also be appreciated that other home shopping interface
variants may be designed and implemented using the teachings of the present invention.
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
Home Shopping Interface
The present invention includes one possible home shopping interface, which will now be described. In FIG. 43, a
channel identified as "SHP" or "TV Shop" represents a
dedicated home shopping service within the electronic spectrum illustrated in FIG. 3a. It will be noted that although in
its present embodiment, TV Shop is presented as a television
channel, it could also be presented as an on-line service
through a transmitting device connected to the Trr cable 52.
In the current embodiment, the selection of the TV Shop
Summary
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65
The present invention as described provides methods and
apparatus for a unique audio-visual interface for television
and other AIV programs and services. The present invention's functions and features provide a user interface which
helps users find and view programs of interest, access related
information, control various audio-visual devices and order
products or services from their own homes. While the
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wherein a plurality of direction cues are displayed on said
present invention has been described with references to the
AlV display, wherein one or more of said plurality of
various figures, it will be appreciated that the figures are for
direction cues are available direction cues, said availillustration only, and do not limit the spirit and scope of the
able direction cues being highlighted on said A/V
invention. For example, although the figures have, by necessity, used example screens having certain attributes, icons, 5
display;
criteria or functions, it will be appreciated that the invention
wherein said control means includes direction arrow
is not limited by the specific examples provided. Rather, the
buttons, said user activating one of said direction arrow
present invention has application in any television and/or
buttons corresponding to the direction identified by one
audio-visual display system. In addition, it will be noted that
of said available direction cues resulting in said transthe present invention may be realized using a variety of 10
ceiver causing said AlV display to display an additional
computer hardware and computer software, and is not limlevel of information related to said currently viewed
ited to any particular hardware or software systems.
program.
4. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 3 wherein
Moreover, it will be appreciated that many of the funcactivation of a left and a right direction button on said
tions and features of the present invention, such as graphic
overlay panels, icons, and selection methods, are not static
control means results in movement between pages of infor15
events and are perceived by the user as having motion, color,
mation relating to said currently viewed program.
5. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 3 wherein
sound and/or animation. Specifically, it will be appreciated
activation of an up and a down button on said control means
that the present audio-visual user interface also includes an
results in movement between additional levels of informaaudio interface using a plurality of sound icons and backtion, wherein said additional levels of information provide
grounds, which compliment the visual interface and are
played almost every time a function of the present invention 20 data on a plurality of currently viewed subjects in said
is used, and which cannot be illustrated graphically here, but
currently viewed program.
6. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 3 wherein
are part of the present invention. Due to the limitations of a
written specification, the reader is referred to a videotape
said additional levels of information are selectively disentitled "EZTV" submitted by the Applicants concurrent
played in an overlay region that comprises a horizontal bar
with the filing of the application on which this patent is 25 on a lower portion of said AlV display.
7. An interactive user interface and audio-visual (AlV)
based.
system, comprising:
We claim:
a transceiver coupled to an audio-visual (AlV) display for
1. An interactive user interface and audio-visual (AlV)
receiving audio-visual signals in an electronic signal
system comprising:
spectrum from a signal source, said transceiver includa transceiver coupled to art audio-visual (AlV) display for 30
ing interface generation means for causing said A/V
recei ving audio-visual signals in an electronic signal
display to display an interface, said interface including
spectrum from a signal source, said transceiver includselectively displayed multiple levels of information
ing interface generation means for causing said AlV
related to an audio-visual program viewed on said AlV
display to display an interface, said interface including
display;
selectively displayed multiple levels of information 35
control means in communication with said transceiver for
related to an audio-visual program viewed on said AlV
permitting a user viewing said AlV display to selecdisplay, wherein said multiple levels of information
tively display said multiple levels Of information on
include information received by said transceiver over a
said AlV display;
plurality of information tracks;
wherein said transceiver further includes a switcher and at
control means in communication with said transceiver for 40
least one tuner/demodulator coupled to said signal
permitting a user viewing said AlV display to selecsource; said switcher coupling said at least one tunerl
tively display said multiple levels of information on
demodulator to said AlV display and a storage means,
said AlV display;
for switching digital and analog AlV data between said
signal source, said AlV display and said storage means,
wherein said interface is displayed in an overlay region 45
that includes at least one direction cue to identify at
said transceiver further including
least one direction on said AlV display corresponding
at least one processor unit,
to at least one additional level of information.
at least one system memory, unit, and
2. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 1 wherein
a bus controller cooperatively coupled together for receiva plurality of direction cues are displayed on said AlV 50
ing input control and data signals and in response
display, wherein one or more of said plurality of direction
generating output control and data signals for said
cues are available direction cues said available direction
signal source, saidAlV display, and said storage means.
cues being highlighted on said AlV display.
8. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 7 wherein
3. An interactive user interface an audio-visual (AlV)
said electronic signal spectrum includes at least one digital
system comprising:
55 program listing channel for downloading program listing
a transceiver coupled to an audio-visual (AlV) display for
data from said signal source to said system memory.
receiving audio-visual signals in an electronic signal
9. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 8 wherein
spectrum from a signal source, Said transceiver includsaid program listing data is downloaded to said system
ing interface generation means for causing said AlV
memory such that said data is interleaved, and wherein said
display to display an interface, said interface including 60 program listing data comprises data for a current date
selectively displayed multiple levels of information
followed by data for another day of the week.
related to a currently viewed program viewed on said
10. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 8
AlV display:
wherein said program listing data includes program title
control means in communication with said transceiver for
data.
11. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 8 wherein
permitting a user viewing said AlV display to selec- 65
tively display said multiple levels of information on
said program listing data includes show time data and
said AlV display;
channel number data.
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12. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 8
wherein said program listing data includes length data and
caption data for audio-visual programs.
13. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 7
wherein said electronic signal spectrum comprises analog 5
and digital NY channels.
14. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 7
wherein said control means includes a hand held remote
control device.
15. An interactive user interface and audio-visual (NY) 10
system, comprising:
a transceiver coupled to an audio-visual (NY) display for
receiving audio-visual signals in an electronic signal
spectrum from a signal source, said transceiver including interface generation means for causing said NY
display to display an interface, said interface including 15
selectively displayed multiple levels of information
related to an audio-visual program viewed on said NY
display;
control means in communication with said transceiver for 20
permitting a user viewing said AIV display to selectively display said multiple levels of information on
said NY display;
wherein said interface generation means further includes
listing means for causing said NY display to selec- 25
tively display a program listing that contains listing
information related to NY programs viewable on said
NY display;
wherein said program listing includes a first picture-ina-picture (PIP) window in which the currently viewed 30
program viewed by said user prior to said activation of
said listing means is displayed on said NY display.
16. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 15
wherein said program listing includes a program listing icon
to identify to said user that said listing means has been 35
activated.
17. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 15
wherein a listing for the currently viewed program that is
displayed in said first picture-in-picture (PIP) window is
highlighted when said program listing is activated.
40
18. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 17
wherein said control means includes a remote control device
operated by said user having direction arrow buttons, including up, down, left and right buttons.
19. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 18 45
wherein said program listing scrolls up and down to display
additional program listings for said current date and time
when said user continues to depress respectively, said up and
down buttons on said remote control device.
20. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 18 50
wherein depressing said up and down buttons causes a
particular program listing to be selected, said particular
program listing being thereby highlighted on said NY
display.
21. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 18 55
wherein said interface generation means causes said AIV
display to display listings for future time slots if said user
depresses a predefined button on said remote control device
and in which the speed of display increases if the user
depresses the predefined button longer than N seconds.
60
22. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 15
wherein said program listings are displayed in hourly time
slots, programs of less than one hour in duration being
displayed adjacent to one another separated by a half hour
delineation mark.
65
23. An interactive user interface and audio-visual (NY)
system, comprising:
a transceiver coupled to an audio-visual (AIV) display for
receiving audio-visual signals in an electronic signal
spectrum from a signal source, said transceiver including interface generation means for causing said AIV
display to display art interface, said interface including
selectively displayed multiple levels of information
related to an audio-visual program viewed on said AIV
display, wherein said multiple levels of information
include information received by said transceiver over a
plurality of information tracks;
control means in communication with said transceiver for
permitting a user viewing said AIV display to selectively display said multiple levels of information on
said AIV display;
wherein said interface generation means is further
includes listing means for causing said AIV display to
selectively display a program listing that contains listing information related to AIV programs viewable on
said AIV display;
wherein said interface generation means includes marking
means for marking programs on said program listing.
24. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 23
wherein said control means includes a remote control device
operated by said user having direction arrow buttons, including up, down, left and right buttons.
25. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 22
wherein said marking means is activated by said user
choosing a selected program from said program listing using
said up and down buttons and then activating a mark button
on said remote control device.
26. An interactive User interface and audio-visual (NY)
system, comprising:
a transceiver coupled to an audio-visual (NY) display for
receiving audio-visual signals in an electronic signal
spectrum from a signal source, said transceiver including interface generation means for causing said NY
display to display an interface, said interface including
selectively displayed multiple levels of information
related to an audio-visual program viewed on said NY
display;
control means in communication with said transceiver for
permitting a user viewing said AIV display to selectively display said multiple levels of information on
said NY display
wherein said interface generation means further includes
listing means for causing said AIV display to selectively display a program listing that contains listing
information related to AIV programs viewable on smd
NY display:
wherein said interface generation means includes marking
means for marking programs on said program listing,
each of said programs on said program listing corresponding to one of said audio-visual signals;
wherein said marking means is activated by said user
choosing a selected program from said program listing.
Using up and down buttons on said control means and
then activating a mark button on said control means;
wherein when said user activates said mark button on said
control means, said listing means causes said AIV
display to display a reminder mark adjacent to said
marked program
wherein said interface generation means causes said NY
display to display a reminder indication on a date and
at a time based on the date and time that said selected
program is carried over the audio-visual signal that
corresponds to said marked program.
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27. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 26
wherein said interface generation means causes said AIV
display to display a reminder icon at a predefined location on
said A/Y display on the date and at the time that said selected
program is carried by one of said audio-visual signals.
28. An interactive user interface and audio-visual (A/Y)
system, comprising:
a transceiver coupled to an audio-visual (AIV) display for
receiving audio-visual signals in an electronic signal
spectrum from a signal source, said transceiver including interface generation means for causing said g
display to display an interface, said interface including
selectively displayed multiple levels of information
related to an audio-visual program viewed on said AIV
display;
control means in communication with said transceiver for
permitting a user viewing said AIV display to selectively display said multiple levels of information on
said AIV display;
wherein said interface generation means further includes
listing means for causing said AIV display to selectively display a program listing, said program listing
including information related to AIV programs viewable on said AIV display;
wherein said interface generation means includes marking
means for marking a selected program on said program
listing;
wherein said interface generation means causes said AIV
display to display a reminder icon at a predefined
location on said AIV display on the date and at the time
that said selected program is carried by one of said
audio-visual signals;
wherein said reminder icon comprises a picture-in-apicture (PIP) window in which said selected program is
displayed.
29. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 28
wherein said control means further includes a jump button,
the activation of said jump button by a user while said PIP
window is displayed results in said AIV display displaying
said selected program in a primary portion of said AIV
display, and said program originally displayed in said primary portion displayed in said PIP window.
30. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 29
wherein further repetitive activation of the jump button
results in the display in said primary portion of said display
of other selected programs which said user has marked using
said marking means.
31. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 28
wherein said interface generation means further includes
record means for causing programs to be recorded by a
storage recorder coupled to said transceiver.
32. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 31
wherein said record means is activated by said user choosing
said selected program on said listing using up and down
buttons on said control means and then activating a record
button on said control means.
33. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 32
whereupon said user activating said record button, said
listing means causes said AIV display to display a record
icon adjacent to said selected program.
34. The audio-visual system as defined by claim 31
wherein said record means causes said storage recorder to
record said selected program on the date and at the time said
selected program is received by said transceiver.
35. A method for generating and displaying an interface
on an audio-visual (AIV) system comprising the steps of:
recelVlllg audio-visual (AIV) signals in an electronic
signal spectrum from a signal source using a transceiver coupled to an AIV display, said transceiver
including interface generation means;
said interface generation means causing said AIV display
to display an interface, said interface including a currently viewed level of information that has been
selected by a user from mUltiple levels of information
related to an audio-visual program viewed on said A/Y
display;
said user selectively displaying said multiple levels of
information on said AIV display using control means in
communication with said transceiver;
said user pressing one or more direction buttons on said
control means to cause said currently viewed level of
information about said audio-visual program to be
replaced in said interface with a next level of information about said audio-visual program.
36. The method as defined by claim 35 further including
the step of displaying a numeric level indicator identifying
the currently viewed level of information.
37. The method as defined by claim 35 wherein said
interface is displayed in an overlay region that includes at
least one direction cue to identify at least one direction on
said AIV display corresponding to at least one additional
level of information.
38. The method as defined by claim 37 wherein a plurality
of direction cues are displayed on said AIV display, wherein
said plurality of direction cues include one or more available
direction cues, said available direction cues being highlighted on said AIV display.
39. The method as defined by claim 35 wherein said
control means includes a remote control device having
direction arrow buttons, said user activating one of said
direction arrow buttons corresponding to the direction identified by one of said available direction cues resulting in said
transceiver causing said AIV display to display an additional
level of information related to a currently viewed program.
40. The method as defined by claim 39 wherein activation
of a left and a right direction button on said control means
results in movement between pages of information relating
to said currently viewed program.
41. The method as defined by claim 39 wherein activation
of an up and a down button on said control means results in
movement between additional information levels, said additional information levels providing data on a plurality of
currently viewed subjects in said currently viewed program.
42. The method as defined by claim 29 wherein said
interface is displayed in an overlay region that comprises a
horizontal bar on a lower portion of said AIV display.
43. A method for generating and displaying an interface
on an audio-visual (AIV) system comprising the steps of:
receiving audio-visual (AIV) signals in an electronic
signal spectrum from a signal source using a transceiver coupled to an AIV display, said transceiver
including interface generation means for causing said
AIV display to display an interface, said interface
including selectively displayed multiple levels Of
information related to an audio-visual program viewed
on said AIV display;
a user selectively displaying said multiple levels of information on said AIV display using control means in
communication with said transceiver;
wherein said transceiver further includes:
a switcher and
at least one tuner/demodulator coupled to said signal
source,
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15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
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60
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picture-in-picture (PIP) window in which the currently
said switcher coupling said at least one tuner/demodulator, said A/V display, and a storage means, for switchviewed program viewed by said user prior to said activation
ing digital and analog A/V data between said signal
of said listing means is displayed on said A/V display.
source, said A/V display and said storage means, said
58. The method as defined by claim 57 wherein said
transceiver further comprising at least one processor 5 listing means causes said A/V display to display a program
unit, at least one system memory unit, at least one data
listing icon to identify to said user that said program listing
bus, an A/V decoder, an A/V encoder, a control interhas been activated.
face unit, and a bus controller cooperatively coupled
59. The method as defined by claim 58 wherein said
together for receiving input control and data signals and
listing means further causes said A/V display to display the
in response generating output control and data signals
for said signal source, said A/V display, and said 10 current date and time.
storage means.
60. The method as defined by claim 57 wherein A/V
44. The method as defined by claim 43 wherein said
program listings in said program listing are displayed in
electronic signal spectrum includes at least one digital
hourly time slots, programs of less than one hour in duration
program listing channel, and further including the step of 15 being displayed adjacent to one another separated by a half
downloading program listing data from said signal source to
hour delineation mark.
said system memory.
61. The method as defined by claim 57 wherein upon
45. The method as defined by claim 44 wherein said
activation of said listing means, the listing for the currently
program listing data is downloaded, such that said data is
viewed program displayed in said first PIP window is
interleaved and wherein said program listing data comprises 20 highlighted.
data for a current date followed by data for another day of
62. The method as defined by claim 61 wherein said
the week.
program listing is selectively scrolled up and down by said
46. The method as defined by claim 44 wherein said
user to view additional program listings for said current date
program listing data includes program title data.
and time by continuing to depress, respectively, said up and
47. The method as defined by claim 44 wherein said 25 down buttons on said [remote]control means.
program listing data includes show time data and channel
63. The method as defined by claim 61 wherein depressnumber data.
ing said up and down buttons selects a particular program
48. The method as defined by claim 44 wherein said
listing, said particular program listing being thereby highprogram listing data includes length data and caption data 30 lighted on said AIV display.
for A/V programs.
64. The method as defined by claim 61 wherein said
49. The method as defined by claim 43 further wherein
interface generation means causes said A/V display to dissaid interface generation means includes marking means for
play listings for future time slots if said user depresses a
marking A/V programs in a program listing.
button on said control means where the speed of display
50. The method as defined by claim 49 wherein said 35 increases if the user depresses said button longer than N
marking means is activated by said user choosing a selected
seconds.
A/V program from said program listing using up and down
65. A method for generating and displaying an interface
buttons and then activating a mark button on said control
on an audio-visual (AIV) system comprising the steps of:
means.
40
receiving audio-visual (A/V) signals in an electronic
51. The method as defined by claim 43 wherein when said
signal spectrum from a signal source using a transuser activates a mark button on said control means, a listing
ceiver coupled to an A/V display, said transceiver
means causes said AIV display to display a reminder mark
including interface generation means for causing said
A/V display to display an interface, said interface
adjacent to a selected program in a program listing.
including selectively displayed multiple levels ofinfor52. The method as defined by claim 51 wherein said 45
mation related to an audio-visual program viewed on
interface generation means causes said A/V display to dissaid AIV display;
play a reminder icon at a predefined location on said AIV
a user selectively displaying said multiple levels of infordisplay on the date and at the time that said selected program
mation on said AIV display using control means in
is carried on one of said audio-visual signals.
50
communication with said transceiver;
53. The method as defined by claim 43 wherein said
wherein said transceiver further includes listing means for
electronic signal spectrum comprises analog and digital
causing said AIV display to selectively display a prochannels.
gram listing that contains information related to AIV
54. The method as defined by claim 43 wherein said
programs viewable on said A/V display;
transceiver further includes listing means for causing said 55
wherein said interface generation means includes marking
A/V display to selectively display listing information related
means for marking a selected program on said program
to A/V programs viewable on said A/V display.
listing;
55. The method as defined by claim 54 wherein the
wherein said interface generation means causes said A/V
activation of said listing means results in a listing interface
display to display a reminder icon at a predefined
being displayed on said A/V display.
60
location on said A/V display on the date and at the time
56. The method as defined by claim 55 wherein said
that said selected program is carried on one of said
listing means causes said A/V display to display a program
audio-visual signals;
listing of currently available A/V programs available to the
wherein said reminder icon includes a picture-in-picture
65
user for viewing on said A/V display.
window in which said selected program is displayed.
57. The method as defined by claim 56 wherein said
66. The method as defined by claim 65 further including
listing means causes said A/V display to display a first
the step of activating a jump button on said control means,
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the activation of said jump button results in said NV display
lighted program on said program listing using said up and
displaying said selected program in a primary portion of said
down buttons and then activating a record button on said
display, said program originally displayed in said primary
control means.
portion displayed in a PIP window.
70. The method as defined by claim 68 whereupon said
67. The method as defined by claim 66 further including 5
user activates said record button, said listing means causes
the step of said user repetitively activating said jump button
resulting in the display in said primary portion of said AJV
said AJV display to display a record icon adjacent to said
display of other programs which said user has marked using
highlighted program.
a marking means.
10
71. The method as defined by claim 69 wherein said
68. The method as defined by claim 65 wherein said
record means causes said storage recorder to record said
interface generation means further includes record means for
highlighted program on the date and at the time said highcausing programs to be recorded by a storage recorder
lighted program is received by said transceiver.
coupled to said transceiver.
69. The method as defined by claim 68 wherein said 15
record means is activated by said user choosing a high-
* * * * *
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