WO2001074061A1 - L configured user interface to tv and internet content - Google Patents

L configured user interface to tv and internet content Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001074061A1
WO2001074061A1 PCT/US2001/009222 US0109222W WO0174061A1 WO 2001074061 A1 WO2001074061 A1 WO 2001074061A1 US 0109222 W US0109222 W US 0109222W WO 0174061 A1 WO0174061 A1 WO 0174061A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
controls
arrows
context
user interface
pair
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/009222
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony F. Istvan
Lisa M. Wilkins
Original Assignee
Digeo Broadband, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digeo Broadband, Inc. filed Critical Digeo Broadband, Inc.
Priority to AU2001247693A priority Critical patent/AU2001247693A1/en
Publication of WO2001074061A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001074061A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/234—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
    • H04N21/2343—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
    • H04N21/234363—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements by altering the spatial resolution, e.g. for clients with a lower screen resolution
    • G—PHYSICS
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    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
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    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
    • G—PHYSICS
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    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
    • G06F3/0482—Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
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    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
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    • H01L29/66227—Multistep manufacturing processes of devices having semiconductor bodies comprising group 14 or group 13/15 materials the devices being controllable only by the electric current supplied or the electric potential applied, to an electrode which does not carry the current to be rectified, amplified or switched, e.g. three-terminal devices
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    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences
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    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
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    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
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Definitions

  • the present application pertains to the fields of television reception and Internet access. More particularly, the present application pertains to a user interface to television broadcasts and Internet content.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,034,689 entitled “Web Browser Allowing Navigation Between Hypertext Objects Using Remote Control,” discloses browser software implemented in a set-top box which allows a user to navigate using a remote control through World Wide Web pages.
  • This browser software has limited capabilities and comprises a relatively simple user interface which allows for selection of hypertext anchors. In this simple user interface, access to Web pages is provided for separately from access to broadcast TV.
  • User interfaces for Internet-enabled television systems have unique needs stemming from their need to display, in a user-friendly way, both broadcast television and Internet content.
  • the present invention provides for user-friendly access to both broadcast television and Internet content via a single integrated user interface.
  • One embodiment of the user interface comprises a "L" configuration of controls. Permanent controls are provided along a first direction of the "L,” and context- sensitive controls are provided along a second direction of the "L.”
  • the context-sensitive controls that are provided depend on the content being displayed.
  • a first pair of arrows on a remote control navigates among the permanent controls, and a second pair of arrows (pe ⁇ endicular to the first pair) navigates among the context-sensitive controls. Switching between navigation among the permanent controls and navigation among the context- sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching between using the first pair of arrows and using the second pair of arrows.
  • the user interface automatically adjusts itself by providing different context-sensitive controls depending on the type of multimedia content in the display area. Furthermore, the user interface enables one-button switching between the permanent controls and the context-sensitive controls to provide particularly user-friendly access to the content.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a system 100 for distributing Internet content, in addition to TV content, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is an illustrative screen frame of a display with a full-size video being displayed.
  • Fig. 3 depicts an example layout 300 of a user interface (UI) which has been activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • UI user interface
  • Fig. 4 is an illustrative screen frame of a UI which has been activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 depicts an example layout 500 of a UI with a user submenu activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 depicts an example layout 600 of a UI with a TV submenu 602 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 depicts an example layout 700 of a UI with television listing controls in the context-sensitive area 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is an illustrative screen frame of a UI in a TV listing mode which provides an electronic programming guide (EPG) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • EPG electronic programming guide
  • Fig. 9 depicts an example layout 900 of a UI with a browser submenu 902 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 depicts an example layout 1000 of a UI with browser controls in the context-sensitive area 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 is an illustrative design for a remote control 1100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a system 100 for distributing Internet content, in addition to TV content, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system 100 is integrated with a cable TV distribution system.
  • cable TV distribution systems may include cable headends and are well known in the art.
  • the system 100 includes an Internet 102, a plurality of content sources 104, a plurality of distribution centers (depicted as headends or H/E) 106, and a plurality of client terminals (depicted as set top boxes or STB) 108.
  • a content source 104 is depicted as receiving data from data feeds 112, advertisement servers 114, image sources 116, and streaming video sources 118.
  • the plurality of content sources 104 are coupled to the Internet 102.
  • a content source 104 may comprise a web site portal such as Go2Net.com, or a news web site such as CNN.com, or other types of sources.
  • Each content source 104 may have various data feeds 112, servers 114, and sources 116/118 coupled to it.
  • news or stock quote feeds 112 may be fed into the content source 104.
  • Servers 114 may provide advertisements for insertion into multimedia content deliveredy by the content source 104.
  • Sources 116/118 may provide images 116, streaming video 118, and other content to the content source 104.
  • Various other feeds, servers and sources may also be coupled to the content source 104.
  • the Internet 102 comprises a network of networks and is well known in the art. Communications over the Internet 102 are accomplished using standard protocols such as TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) and other protocols.
  • the Internet 102 is coupled to the plurality of distribution centers 106.
  • a distribution center 106 may comprise a cable headend (H E).
  • Each distribution center 106 is coupled to a plurality of client terminals
  • a client terminal 108 may comprise a set top box (STB), a personal computer, an interactive television set, or another type of communication device.
  • STB set top box
  • personal computer a personal computer
  • interactive television set or another type of communication device.
  • communications channels or networks 120 apart from the Internet 102 may couple one or more content source 104 to one or more distribution center 106.
  • One example of such an alternate path for communications is illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • Other configurations are also possible and meant to be included within the scope of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is an illustrative screen frame of a display with a full-size video being displayed. While the screen frame is a still frame, the actual video is a motion video comprising a multitude of frames in sequence.
  • Fig. 3 depicts an example layout 300 of a user interface (UI) which has been activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the full-size display shrinks in an "animated" fashion (i.e. with visible motion to a viewer) to occupy a reduced-size area 301 of the display.
  • the L configured UI may be superimposed (overlayed) over the full-size display. For example, sliririking the full-size display maybe used if the display is showing TV or video content, while superimposing over the full-size display may be used if the display is showing pages which do not scale well.
  • a "menu" button on a remote control unit may be used to activate and deactivate the UI.
  • the UI includes a group of permanent controls 302 on a first side of the reduced-size area 301, a context-sensitive area 304 on a second side of the reduced-size area 301 (pe ⁇ endicular to the first side), and a logo area 306 at the intersection of the two sides.
  • the permanent controls 302 include user ("user name”), TV, mail, browser, and help controls or control icons.
  • Selection of these permanent control icons typically reveals a corresponding submenu. For pu ⁇ oses of illustration, described in detail below are a selection of such submenus.
  • a user submenu 502 is described below in relation to Fig. 5.
  • an example of the TV submenu 602 is described below in relation to Fig. 6.
  • an example of a browser submenu 902 is described below in relation to Fig. 9.
  • the context-sensitive area 304 may display different information (non- selectable items) and control icons (selectable items) depending upon the content in the display area 301. Initially, the context-sensitive area 304 may display information on the TV content currently being displayed in the display area 301. The information may include, for example, channel number/network call letters, program title, and current time.
  • context-sensitive area 304 may have the information shown in Fig. 3.
  • EPG electronic programming guide
  • context-sensitive area 304 may have the controls described in relation to Fig. 7.
  • context-sensitive area 304 may have the controls described in relation to Fig. 10.
  • the logo area 306 may display, for example, a logo and name for a service provider.
  • the service provider is named Charter Communications 1" ".
  • the particular layout of Fig. 3 shows a "L” configured UI along the top and left sides of the display, other “L” configurations are also contemplated and within the scope of the present invention.
  • the "L” configured UI may instead be along the bottom and left sides, or the bottom and right sides, or the top and right sides.
  • a first pair of arrows on a remote control navigates among the permanent controls
  • a second pair of arrows (pe ⁇ endicular to the first pair) navigates among the context-sensitive controls. Switching between navigation among the permanent controls and navigation among the context-sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching between using the first pair of arrows and using the second pair of arrows.
  • An example of a remote control with such arrows is shown in Fig. 11 which is described below.
  • Fig. 4 is an illustrative screen frame of a UI which has been activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the frame shown in Fig. 4 is an implementation in close (but not exact) correspondence to the layout 300 of Fig. 3.
  • the UI of Fig. 4 has permanent controls on the left side, a context-sensitive area on the top, and a service provider's logo at the upper left corner.
  • Bob234" is an example name of a currently active user.
  • the "Surf control corresponds to the browser control.
  • Conde Nast Traveler corresponds to the program title.
  • Fig. 5 depicts an example layout 500 of an UI with a user submenu 502 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the user submenu 502 is activated by selecting the "user name" on-screen control from the group of permanent controls 302.
  • the user submenu 502 may include various selections.
  • the "family" user is the default selection when the UI is activated.
  • the family user will be able to access only content which is accessible to all other users.
  • the family user will have a "permission space" which is the intersection of permission spaces of all other users.
  • this feature does not require a password to be entered upon turning on the TV. Nevertheless, this feature may be used to prevent children from accessing excessively violent or adult-oriented content. Moreover, the protection provided may extend to both TV and Internet content.
  • User #2, user #3, ..., user #N may be individual user names, each of which may have a password to protect against entry by an unauthorized person.
  • the different users may correspond to members of a family.
  • These user names may be sorted alphabetically in the user submenu 502. When an individual user name is selected and password, if any, entered correctly, then the user name becomes the active user.
  • the "manage users” and “settings" selections may be used to perform such function as: editing user name, password, and other user-related information for a specified user account; allowing users to block certain emails; allowing a user with administrative privileges to add or remove users and change user privileges; and so on.
  • Fig. 6 depicts an example layout 600 of a UI with a TV submenu 602 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the TV submenu 602 is activated by selecting the "tv" on-screen control from the group of permanent controls 302.
  • the TV submenu 602 may include various selections.
  • the "listing" selection provides an electronic programming guide (EPG) to broadcast TV content.
  • EPG electronic programming guide
  • corresponding controls are provided in the context-sensitive area 304 as described below in relation to Fig. 7.
  • An example of such an EPG within the UI is illustrated in Fig. 8 which is also described below.
  • the "info" selection provides information relating to the TV program currently being viewed in the display area 301.
  • the information may include a brief description of the program, names of actors/actresses, copyright year, and so on.
  • the TV "favorites" selection provides a user with a list of his/her favorite TV channels. When a TV channel is selected from the favorite list, then the embedded TV display changes to that channel.
  • the number N may be fixed, or it may be user selectable.
  • the TV “search” selection provides a mechanism to search electronic program guide (EPG) listings for a particular program or programs.
  • the search may be by program title, type of program (e.g., "basketball” may be searched to find basketball games being broadcast), by actor/actress, and so on.
  • “recent links” and “channel setup” selections are depicted in the TV submenu 602 of Fig. 6.
  • the "recent links” selection provides access to hyperlinks recently received via a mechanism such as an ATVEF (Advanced TV Enhancement Forum) trigger.
  • ATVEF is a cross-industry alliance of companies from broadcast and cable networks, television transport, consumer electronics, and personal computer industries.
  • the "channel setup" selection allows a user to specify which TV channels are included as channels to tune to as part of the channel up/down tuning sequence.
  • Fig. 7 depicts an example layout 700 of a UI with television listing controls in the context-sensitive area 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the television listing controls are provide when the display area 301 is used to provide an electronic programming guide (EPG).
  • EPG electronic programming guide
  • the television listing controls shown in Fig. 7 include a "change day” control, an EPG “search” control, and a “stay on channel” control.
  • the "change day” control allows the user to change the day of the program grid being shown by the EPG.
  • the EPG “search” control provides access to a mechanism to search EPG listings for a particular program or programs.
  • the "stay on channel” control comprises a toggle control to activate/deactivate this option. When the option is deactivated, then the TV tuner actively tunes to the selected channel in the program grid of the EPG. When the option is activated, then the TV tuner remains on the channel that was being displayed before entering the EPG.
  • Fig. 8 is an illustrative screen frame of a UI in a TV listing mode which provides an electronic programming guide (EPG) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the frame shown in Fig. 8 is an implementation in close (but not exact) correspondence to the layout 700 of Fig. 7. (The frame of Fig. 8, for example, does not show a "stay on channel" toggle control.)
  • the EPG shown provides a programming grid including rows representing different channels, and columns representing different timeslots. Other implementations of an EPG are also possible.
  • Fig. 9 depicts an example layout 900 of a UI with a browser submenu 902 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the browser submenu 902 is activated by selecting the "browser" on-screen control from the group of permanent controls 302.
  • the browser submenu 902 may include various selections.
  • the "home” selection may provide access to a web page designated by a service provider (e.g., a MSO) as its "home” page.
  • a service provider e.g., a MSO
  • the L configured UI retracts, so that the home page is shown on a full-size screen.
  • the "user defined" selections provide access to specialized web pages which may be focused to various categories of content.
  • the specialized web pages may focus on categories such as news, money, sports, weather, entertainment, and others.
  • the L configured UI retracts, so that the specialized page is shown on a full-size screen.
  • the “more” button provides access to other categories of content in addition to those specified by the "user defined” selections described above.
  • the “go to” button provides a query text box which allows a user to specify a URL to be displayed in the browser.
  • the browser "favorites” button provides access to an organized data structure of favorite links. These browser favorites may be provided separately from the TV favorites, or they may be provided together in an integrated data structure.
  • the browser "search” control provides access to a mechanism to search for particular Internet or Web content. The browser search may be provided separately from the EPG search, or they may be provided together in an integrated search feature.
  • Fig. 10 depicts an example layout 1000 of a UI with browser controls in the context-sensitive area 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the browser controls are provided when the display area 301 is used to access World Wide Web content and other similar hyperlinked content.
  • the left and right arrows 1002 may be individually selected.
  • the left arrow scrolls or shifts the browser controls one button to the left.
  • the left arrow would cause the "home" button 1004 to scroll “behind” the arrows 1002 and a control button (not shown) to the right of the "reload” button 1014 to become visible at the right side of the context-sensitive area 304.
  • the right arrow scrolls or shifts the browser controls one button to the right.
  • the "home” button 1004 provides access to the web page designated by the user as his her "home” page.
  • the "faves” or favorites button 1006 provides access to a list of web pages or URLs that the user selects as his/her favorites.
  • the “save” button 1008 enables a user to save a web page currently being displayed as a favorite page.
  • the "go to” button 1010 provides a query text box which allows a user to specify a URL to be displayed in the browser.
  • the "search” button 1012 provides access to a mechanism to search for particular Internet or Web content.
  • the "reload” button 1014 causes the content currently in the display 301 to be refreshed.
  • buttons may be provided to the right of the "reload” button 1014.
  • the other buttons may include a “print” button, a “find” button, a “send” button, and an “info” button.
  • the “print” button provides for printing, with various options, of the web page being displayed.
  • the “find” button provides for finding a specified text string within the web page being displayed.
  • the “send” button provides for sending an email with the web page being displayed or its URL attached thereto or contained therein.
  • the "info” button provides additional information about the web page being displayed.
  • Fig. 11 is an illustrative design for a remote control 1100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Many other designs with similar functionality are, of course, possible and would be within the scope of the present invention.
  • the menu button 1102 may be used to activate and deactivate the UI as described above in relation to Fig. 3.
  • the "Go To TV” button 1103 returns the display to a full-screen television display as illustrated by Fig. 2.
  • the up arrow 1108 and down arrow 1110 may be used to navigate among the permanent controls 302.
  • the left arrow 1104 and right arrow 1106 may be used to navigate among controls in the context-sensitive area 304. Switching between navigation among the permanent controls and navigation among the context-sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching between using the up/down arrows 1108/1110 and using the left/right arrows 1104/1106.
  • the "Go” button (which may also be designated the "OK” button) selects the screen object currently pointed to and triggers whatever event is associated with the object.

Abstract

The present invention provides a user interface for an Internet-enabled television system comprising an 'L' configuration of controls. Permanent controls (302) are provided along a first direction of the 'L', and context sensitive controls are provided along a second direction of the 'L'.

Description

L CONFIGURED USER INTERFACE TO TV AND INTERNET
CONTENT
RELATED APPLICATIONS '
The present application is related to and claims priority from provisional application U.S. Serial No. 60/193,046, filed March 29, 2000, with inventor Anthony F. Istvan, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION -
The present application pertains to the fields of television reception and Internet access. More particularly, the present application pertains to a user interface to television broadcasts and Internet content.
BACKGROUND
Televisions and Internet technologies are beginning to converge. In particular, access to the World Wide Web via an Internet-enabled television system is progressing and becoming more popular. However, prior art user interfaces for such systems are limited in their capabilities and do not provide for user-friendly access to both broadcast television (TV) and Internet content.
U.S. Patent No. 6,034,689, entitled "Web Browser Allowing Navigation Between Hypertext Objects Using Remote Control," discloses browser software implemented in a set-top box which allows a user to navigate using a remote control through World Wide Web pages. This browser software has limited capabilities and comprises a relatively simple user interface which allows for selection of hypertext anchors. In this simple user interface, access to Web pages is provided for separately from access to broadcast TV. SUMMARY
User interfaces for Internet-enabled television systems have unique needs stemming from their need to display, in a user-friendly way, both broadcast television and Internet content. The present invention provides for user-friendly access to both broadcast television and Internet content via a single integrated user interface.
One embodiment of the user interface comprises a "L" configuration of controls. Permanent controls are provided along a first direction of the "L," and context- sensitive controls are provided along a second direction of the "L." The context-sensitive controls that are provided depend on the content being displayed. A first pair of arrows on a remote control navigates among the permanent controls, and a second pair of arrows (peφendicular to the first pair) navigates among the context-sensitive controls. Switching between navigation among the permanent controls and navigation among the context- sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching between using the first pair of arrows and using the second pair of arrows.
Advantageously, the user interface automatically adjusts itself by providing different context-sensitive controls depending on the type of multimedia content in the display area. Furthermore, the user interface enables one-button switching between the permanent controls and the context-sensitive controls to provide particularly user-friendly access to the content.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a system 100 for distributing Internet content, in addition to TV content, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an illustrative screen frame of a display with a full-size video being displayed.
Fig. 3 depicts an example layout 300 of a user interface (UI) which has been activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is an illustrative screen frame of a UI which has been activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 depicts an example layout 500 of a UI with a user submenu activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 depicts an example layout 600 of a UI with a TV submenu 602 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 depicts an example layout 700 of a UI with television listing controls in the context-sensitive area 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is an illustrative screen frame of a UI in a TV listing mode which provides an electronic programming guide (EPG) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 depicts an example layout 900 of a UI with a browser submenu 902 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 depicts an example layout 1000 of a UI with browser controls in the context-sensitive area 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is an illustrative design for a remote control 1100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a system 100 for distributing Internet content, in addition to TV content, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 is integrated with a cable TV distribution system. Such cable TV distribution systems may include cable headends and are well known in the art.
The system 100 includes an Internet 102, a plurality of content sources 104, a plurality of distribution centers (depicted as headends or H/E) 106, and a plurality of client terminals (depicted as set top boxes or STB) 108. In addition, a content source 104 is depicted as receiving data from data feeds 112, advertisement servers 114, image sources 116, and streaming video sources 118. The plurality of content sources 104 are coupled to the Internet 102. For example, a content source 104 may comprise a web site portal such as Go2Net.com, or a news web site such as CNN.com, or other types of sources. Each content source 104 may have various data feeds 112, servers 114, and sources 116/118 coupled to it.
For example, news or stock quote feeds 112 may be fed into the content source 104. Servers 114 may provide advertisements for insertion into multimedia content deliveredy by the content source 104. Sources 116/118 may provide images 116, streaming video 118, and other content to the content source 104. Various other feeds, servers and sources may also be coupled to the content source 104.
The Internet 102 comprises a network of networks and is well known in the art. Communications over the Internet 102 are accomplished using standard protocols such as TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) and other protocols. The Internet 102 is coupled to the plurality of distribution centers 106. For example, a distribution center 106 may comprise a cable headend (H E).
Each distribution center 106 is coupled to a plurality of client terminals
108. For example, a client terminal 108 may comprise a set top box (STB), a personal computer, an interactive television set, or another type of communication device.
In alternative or in addition to the Internet 102 being used to distribute multimedia content from the content sources 104 to distribution centers 106, communications channels or networks 120 apart from the Internet 102 may couple one or more content source 104 to one or more distribution center 106. One example of such an alternate path for communications is illustrated in Fig. 1. Other configurations are also possible and meant to be included within the scope of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an illustrative screen frame of a display with a full-size video being displayed. While the screen frame is a still frame, the actual video is a motion video comprising a multitude of frames in sequence.
Fig. 3 depicts an example layout 300 of a user interface (UI) which has been activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, when the UI is activated, the full-size display (see Fig. 2) shrinks in an "animated" fashion (i.e. with visible motion to a viewer) to occupy a reduced-size area 301 of the display. Alternatively, when the UI is activated, the L configured UI may be superimposed (overlayed) over the full-size display. For example, sliririking the full-size display maybe used if the display is showing TV or video content, while superimposing over the full-size display may be used if the display is showing pages which do not scale well. A "menu" button on a remote control unit may be used to activate and deactivate the UI.
The UI includes a group of permanent controls 302 on a first side of the reduced-size area 301, a context-sensitive area 304 on a second side of the reduced-size area 301 (peφendicular to the first side), and a logo area 306 at the intersection of the two sides. In the example layout 300 shown in Fig. 3, the permanent controls 302 include user ("user name"), TV, mail, browser, and help controls or control icons.
Selection of these permanent control icons typically reveals a corresponding submenu. For puφoses of illustration, described in detail below are a selection of such submenus. First, an example of a user submenu 502 is described below in relation to Fig. 5. Second, an example of the TV submenu 602 is described below in relation to Fig. 6. Third, an example of a browser submenu 902 is described below in relation to Fig. 9.
The context-sensitive area 304 may display different information (non- selectable items) and control icons (selectable items) depending upon the content in the display area 301. Initially, the context-sensitive area 304 may display information on the TV content currently being displayed in the display area 301. The information may include, for example, channel number/network call letters, program title, and current time.
As the content in the display area 301 varies, so will the information and control icons in the context-sensitive area 304. For example, first, when display area 301 contains TV content, then context-sensitive area 304 may have the information shown in Fig. 3. Second, when the display area 301 contains electronic programming guide (EPG) content, then context-sensitive area 304 may have the controls described in relation to Fig. 7. Third, when display area 301 contains web content, then context-sensitive area 304 may have the controls described in relation to Fig. 10.
The logo area 306 may display, for example, a logo and name for a service provider. In this example, the service provider is named Charter Communications1"". While the particular layout of Fig. 3 shows a "L" configured UI along the top and left sides of the display, other "L" configurations are also contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. For example, the "L" configured UI may instead be along the bottom and left sides, or the bottom and right sides, or the top and right sides.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a first pair of arrows on a remote control navigates among the permanent controls, and a second pair of arrows (peφendicular to the first pair) navigates among the context-sensitive controls. Switching between navigation among the permanent controls and navigation among the context-sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching between using the first pair of arrows and using the second pair of arrows. An example of a remote control with such arrows is shown in Fig. 11 which is described below.
Fig. 4 is an illustrative screen frame of a UI which has been activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The frame shown in Fig. 4 is an implementation in close (but not exact) correspondence to the layout 300 of Fig. 3. Like the layout 300 in Fig. 3, the UI of Fig. 4 has permanent controls on the left side, a context-sensitive area on the top, and a service provider's logo at the upper left corner.
Regarding the permanent controls, "Bob234" is an example name of a currently active user. The "Surf control corresponds to the browser control. Regarding the context-sensitive area, "Conde Nast Traveler" corresponds to the program title.
"Channel 31, DSC" corresponds to the channel/network call letters. And, finally, "1:02 pm 02/28/00" corresponds to the current time (and date).
Fig. 5 depicts an example layout 500 of an UI with a user submenu 502 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The user submenu 502 is activated by selecting the "user name" on-screen control from the group of permanent controls 302. The user submenu 502 may include various selections.
The "family" user is the default selection when the UI is activated. In one embodiment, the family user will be able to access only content which is accessible to all other users. In other words, the family user will have a "permission space" which is the intersection of permission spaces of all other users. Advantageously, this feature does not require a password to be entered upon turning on the TV. Nevertheless, this feature may be used to prevent children from accessing excessively violent or adult-oriented content. Moreover, the protection provided may extend to both TV and Internet content.
User #2, user #3, ..., user #N, may be individual user names, each of which may have a password to protect against entry by an unauthorized person. For example, the different users may correspond to members of a family. These user names may be sorted alphabetically in the user submenu 502. When an individual user name is selected and password, if any, entered correctly, then the user name becomes the active user.
The "manage users" and "settings" selections may be used to perform such function as: editing user name, password, and other user-related information for a specified user account; allowing users to block certain emails; allowing a user with administrative privileges to add or remove users and change user privileges; and so on.
Fig. 6 depicts an example layout 600 of a UI with a TV submenu 602 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The TV submenu 602 is activated by selecting the "tv" on-screen control from the group of permanent controls 302. The TV submenu 602 may include various selections.
The "listing" selection provides an electronic programming guide (EPG) to broadcast TV content. When the EPG is provide, corresponding controls are provided in the context-sensitive area 304 as described below in relation to Fig. 7. An example of such an EPG within the UI is illustrated in Fig. 8 which is also described below.
The "info" selection provides information relating to the TV program currently being viewed in the display area 301. The information may include a brief description of the program, names of actors/actresses, copyright year, and so on.
The TV "favorites" selection provides a user with a list of his/her favorite TV channels. When a TV channel is selected from the favorite list, then the embedded TV display changes to that channel.
The TV "recents" selection provides small screen video images of the last N (where N is a positive integer) TV channels viewed. For example, if N = 9, then video images of the 9 most recently viewed TV channels may be shown in a 3x3 matrix configuration in the embedded display 301. The number N may be fixed, or it may be user selectable.
The TV "search" selection provides a mechanism to search electronic program guide (EPG) listings for a particular program or programs. The search may be by program title, type of program (e.g., "basketball" may be searched to find basketball games being broadcast), by actor/actress, and so on.
These and other selections may be provided in the TV submenu 602. For example, "recent links" and "channel setup" selections are depicted in the TV submenu 602 of Fig. 6. The "recent links" selection provides access to hyperlinks recently received via a mechanism such as an ATVEF (Advanced TV Enhancement Forum) trigger. ATVEF is a cross-industry alliance of companies from broadcast and cable networks, television transport, consumer electronics, and personal computer industries. The "channel setup" selection allows a user to specify which TV channels are included as channels to tune to as part of the channel up/down tuning sequence.
Fig. 7 depicts an example layout 700 of a UI with television listing controls in the context-sensitive area 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The television listing controls are provide when the display area 301 is used to provide an electronic programming guide (EPG).
The television listing controls shown in Fig. 7 include a "change day" control, an EPG "search" control, and a "stay on channel" control. The "change day" control allows the user to change the day of the program grid being shown by the EPG. The EPG "search" control provides access to a mechanism to search EPG listings for a particular program or programs. The "stay on channel" control comprises a toggle control to activate/deactivate this option. When the option is deactivated, then the TV tuner actively tunes to the selected channel in the program grid of the EPG. When the option is activated, then the TV tuner remains on the channel that was being displayed before entering the EPG.
Fig. 8 is an illustrative screen frame of a UI in a TV listing mode which provides an electronic programming guide (EPG) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The frame shown in Fig. 8 is an implementation in close (but not exact) correspondence to the layout 700 of Fig. 7. (The frame of Fig. 8, for example, does not show a "stay on channel" toggle control.) The EPG shown provides a programming grid including rows representing different channels, and columns representing different timeslots. Other implementations of an EPG are also possible.
Fig. 9 depicts an example layout 900 of a UI with a browser submenu 902 activated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The browser submenu 902 is activated by selecting the "browser" on-screen control from the group of permanent controls 302. The browser submenu 902 may include various selections.
The "home" selection may provide access to a web page designated by a service provider (e.g., a MSO) as its "home" page. In one embodiment, when going to the home page, the L configured UI retracts, so that the home page is shown on a full-size screen.
The "user defined" selections provide access to specialized web pages which may be focused to various categories of content. For example, the specialized web pages may focus on categories such as news, money, sports, weather, entertainment, and others. Again, in one embodiment, when going to a specialized web page, the L configured UI retracts, so that the specialized page is shown on a full-size screen.
These and other selections may be provided in the browser submenu 902. For example, "more," "go to," browser "favorites," and browser "search" selections are depicted in the browser submenu 902 shown in Fig. 9. The "more" button provides access to other categories of content in addition to those specified by the "user defined" selections described above. The "go to" button provides a query text box which allows a user to specify a URL to be displayed in the browser. The browser "favorites" button provides access to an organized data structure of favorite links. These browser favorites may be provided separately from the TV favorites, or they may be provided together in an integrated data structure. The browser "search" control provides access to a mechanism to search for particular Internet or Web content. The browser search may be provided separately from the EPG search, or they may be provided together in an integrated search feature.
Fig. 10 depicts an example layout 1000 of a UI with browser controls in the context-sensitive area 304 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The browser controls are provided when the display area 301 is used to access World Wide Web content and other similar hyperlinked content.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the left and right arrows 1002 may be individually selected. The left arrow scrolls or shifts the browser controls one button to the left. For example, in Fig. 10, the left arrow would cause the "home" button 1004 to scroll "behind" the arrows 1002 and a control button (not shown) to the right of the "reload" button 1014 to become visible at the right side of the context-sensitive area 304. Similarly, the right arrow scrolls or shifts the browser controls one button to the right.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the "home" button 1004 provides access to the web page designated by the user as his her "home" page. The "faves" or favorites button 1006 provides access to a list of web pages or URLs that the user selects as his/her favorites. The "save" button 1008 enables a user to save a web page currently being displayed as a favorite page. The "go to" button 1010 provides a query text box which allows a user to specify a URL to be displayed in the browser. The "search" button 1012 provides access to a mechanism to search for particular Internet or Web content. The "reload" button 1014 causes the content currently in the display 301 to be refreshed.
Other buttons may be provided to the right of the "reload" button 1014. In one embodiment, the other buttons may include a "print" button, a "find" button, a "send" button, and an "info" button. The "print" button provides for printing, with various options, of the web page being displayed. The "find" button provides for finding a specified text string within the web page being displayed. The "send" button provides for sending an email with the web page being displayed or its URL attached thereto or contained therein. Finally, the "info" button provides additional information about the web page being displayed.
Fig. 11 is an illustrative design for a remote control 1100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Many other designs with similar functionality are, of course, possible and would be within the scope of the present invention.
The menu button 1102 may be used to activate and deactivate the UI as described above in relation to Fig. 3. The "Go To TV" button 1103 returns the display to a full-screen television display as illustrated by Fig. 2. The up arrow 1108 and down arrow 1110 may be used to navigate among the permanent controls 302. The left arrow 1104 and right arrow 1106 may be used to navigate among controls in the context-sensitive area 304. Switching between navigation among the permanent controls and navigation among the context-sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching between using the up/down arrows 1108/1110 and using the left/right arrows 1104/1106. The "Go" button (which may also be designated the "OK" button) selects the screen object currently pointed to and triggers whatever event is associated with the object.
While specific embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, selecting one of the permanent controls 302 (user, TV, browser, etc.) may lead to alternative implementations other than submenus. Instead of submenus, a selection of buttons or a new page with controls may be utilized.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A user interface for displaying multimedia content on a broadband Internet-enabled television system, the user interface comprising: a display area for displaying the multimedia content; a group of permanent controls adjacent to the display area, where the group of permanent controls is provided whenever the user interface is active; and a plurality of groups of context-sensitive controls adjacent to the display area, where each group of context-sensitive controls is provided when a corresponding type of multimedia content is being displayed on the display area.
2. The user interface of claim 1, where the group of permanent controls is aligned along a first direction of the display area.
3. The user interface of claim 2, where each group of context- sensitive controls is aligned along a second direction of the display area.
4. The user interface of claim 3, where the first and second directions are peφendicular to each other so as to form a L-shaped configuration.
5. The user interface of claim 4, further comprising: an identifying logo located at an intersection of the first and second directions.
6. The user interface of claim 1 , where a first pair of arrows of an input device are used to navigate among the permanent controls, and where a second pair of arrows on the input device are used to navigate among the context-sensitive controls.
7. The user interface of claim 6, where the input device comprises a remote control device.
8. The user interface of claim 6, where the first and second pairs of arrows together form a four-pointed star configuration on the input device.
9. The user interface of claim 8, where the four-pointed star configuration comprises: a first arrow pointing up from a central point on the input device; a second arrow pointing down from the central point; a third arrow pointing right from the central point; and a fourth arrow pointing left from the central point.
10. The user interface of claim 6, where switching from navigation among the permanent controls to navigation among the context-sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching from use of the first pair of arrows to use of the second pair of arrows, and where switching from navigation among the context-sensitive controls to navigation among the permanent controls occurs automatically upon switching from use of the second pair of arrows to use of the first pair of arrows.
11. A user interface for displaying multimedia content on a broadband Internet-enabled television system, the user interface comprising: a display area for displaying the multimedia content; a group of permanent controls adjacent to the display area, where the group of permanent confrols is provided whenever the user interface is active; and a plurality of groups of context-sensitive controls adjacent to the display area, where each group of context-sensitive controls is provided when a corresponding type of multimedia content is being displayed on the display area, where the group of permanent controls is aligned along a first direction of the display area, where each group of context-sensitive controls is aligned along a second direction of the display area, where a first pair of arrows of an input device are used to navigate among the permanent controls, where a second pair of arrows on the input device are used to navigate among the context-sensitive controls, where switching from navigation among the permanent controls to navigation among the context-sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching from use of the first pair of arrows to use of the second pair of arrows, and ι where switching from navigation among the context-sensitive controls to navigation among the permanent controls occurs automatically upon switching from use of the second pair of arrows to use of the first pair of arrows.
12. A set-top terminal providing the user interface of claim 1.
13. A method of providing a user interface to television and broadband Internet content, the method comprising: displaying multimedia content on a display area; providing a group of permanent controls which is displayed whenever the user interface is active; and providing a plurality of groups of context-sensitive controls which changes depending on the multimedia content being displayed on the display area.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: displaying the group of pennanent controls along a first direction of the display area; and displaying each group of context-sensitive controls, when the corresponding permanent control is activated, along a second direction of the display area.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprisin : using a first pair of arrows of an input device to navigate among the permanent controls; and using a second pair of arrows on the input device to navigate among the context-sensitive controls.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: switching from navigation among the permanent controls to navigation among the context-sensitive controls occurs automatically upon switching from use of the first pair of arrows to use of the second pair of arrows; and switching from navigation among the context-sensitive controls to navigation among the permanent controls occurs automatically upon switching from use of the second pair of arrows to use of the first pair of arrows.
PCT/US2001/009222 2000-03-29 2001-03-21 L configured user interface to tv and internet content WO2001074061A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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AU2001247693A AU2001247693A1 (en) 2000-03-29 2001-03-21 L configured user interface to tv and internet content

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US19304600P 2000-03-29 2000-03-29
US60/193,046 2000-03-29
US59154700A 2000-06-08 2000-06-08
US09/591,547 2000-06-08

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5621456A (en) * 1993-06-22 1997-04-15 Apple Computer, Inc. Methods and apparatus for audio-visual interface for the display of multiple program categories
US5850218A (en) * 1997-02-19 1998-12-15 Time Warner Entertainment Company L.P. Inter-active program guide with default selection control
US6002394A (en) * 1995-10-02 1999-12-14 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Systems and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5621456A (en) * 1993-06-22 1997-04-15 Apple Computer, Inc. Methods and apparatus for audio-visual interface for the display of multiple program categories
US6002394A (en) * 1995-10-02 1999-12-14 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Systems and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters
US5850218A (en) * 1997-02-19 1998-12-15 Time Warner Entertainment Company L.P. Inter-active program guide with default selection control

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