system and methods for managing stored television programs and processor readable non-transient medi

专利摘要:
System and Methods for Managing Stored Television Programs and Processor Readable Non-Transient Media Various arrangements are described which may cause a recording of a television channel to be stored. television channel recording may include a plurality of television programs. A graphic playback state element can be displayed through a display device. the graphic playback state element may indicate a starting point for each television program of the plurality of television programs in the television channel recording.
公开号:BR112014020420A2
申请号:R112014020420
申请日:2013-03-15
公开日:2019-08-13
发明作者:Minnick Danny；Gregg Martch Henry；Vanduyn Luke；Templeman Mark；Kirby Morgan；Yang Yunfeng
申请人:Echostar Tech Llc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

^ System and Methods for Managing Television Programs
Stored and Processable Readable Non-Transient Media ”
Descriptive Report
REMISSIVE REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS [0001]. This Request requests priority to the United States provisional application for pending issue 61 / 611,483, filed on March 15, 201.2, entitled “Reception, Recording, Storage, and Manipulation q / 'Multiple television tie channels,” Attorney's folder number P2012 -03-02 (834040), the total description of which is thus incorporated by reference for all purposes.
[0002]. This Order claims priority to the United States co-pending Order 1.3 / 795.914, filed on March 12, 201.3, entitled 'úMulíf-Program Reproduction Status Display / Attorney's folder number P2012-08-10 (848970), whose total description is thereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
[0003]. This Order claims, priority to United States pending order 13 / 829,350, filed on March 14, 2013, .titled “Electronic Programming Guide”, attorney's folder number P2012-08 13 (848980), whose total description it is, therefore, incorporated by reference for all purposes.
[0004]. This Order claims priority to the United States pending claim 13 / 801.968, filed on March 13, 2013, entitled “Electronic Programming Guide”, attorney's folder number P2012-08-14 (848979), whose full description It is, therefore, incorporated by reference for all purposes.
[0005]. This Order claims priority to the United States co-pending request 13 / 801,994, filed on March 13, 2013. entitled “Dynamic Tuner Adocation”, attorney's file number P2012-08-15 (848978), whose total description> thus incorporates
2/154 of by reference for all purposes, [0006]. This Application is related to the United States Non-Provisional Patent Application for Serial No, Series 13 / 793,636, Attorney's File Number 94567-848967, filed on March 11, 201.3, entitled * Trans / èr o / TYograms of television From Archives of etmtd espea / icos to Archives specific to programs ”, the totality of which is thus incorporated by reference for all purposes and purposes.
BACKGROUND [0007]. The advent of the digital video recorder (DVR) and the availability of high capacity computer-readable storage devices at reasonable prices have made many possibilities available to television programming service providers and viewers alike. In recent years, viewers have come to expect the ability to easily customize and manage the recording of television programming through their television receivers.
SUMMARY [0008]. In some modalities, a system for managing stored television programs is presented. The system can include one or more processors. The system may include a memory communicatively coupled with and readable by one or more processors and having instructions readable by the processor stored in it. When executed by one or more processors, instructions can cause one or. More processors cause a recording of a television channel to be stored, the recording of the television channel comprising a plurality of television programs. The instructions may cause one or more processors to cause a graphic reproduction state element to be displayed via a display device, the graphic reproduction state element comprising an initial point for each plurality television program. of television programs in the recording of the television channel, [0009]. The modalities of such a system may include one or more of the following: The plurality of television programs may have been transmitted consecutively on the television channel. Instructions can do that one. or more processors cause the recording of the television channel to be recorded, the recording of the television channel being recorded from a broadcast of the television channel. The starting point for each television program of the plurality of television programs may be denoted by a specific graphic indicator for the television program. For each television program of the plurality of television programs, the graphic indicator may include a graphic eartax. The instructions can cause one or more processors to receive, from a user, a selection of a graphic poster for a television program from the plurality of television programs. The instructions can cause one or more processors in response to. selection of the graphic poster for the television program being received from the user, start playback of the recording of the television channel at a playback time associated with the television program. Instructions can cause one or more processors to receive, from a user, orna selection of a first television program from the plurality of television programs from the recording of the television channel. The instructions may cause one or more processors to cause the first television program selected by the user to be presented via the display device, [00010], Additional or alternatively, the modalities of such a system may include one or more of the following: The instructions can cause one or more processors, upon completing the presentation of the first television program, to tie a second television program out of the plurality of television programs on the record
4/154
Tion of the television channel is presented. The first television program and the second television program may have been broadcast consecutively. The instructions can cause one or more processors to receive, from a user, a selection of a first television program from the plurality of television programs from the television channel recording. The instructions can cause one or more processors to cause the first television program selected by the user to be presented through the display device. Instructions can make one or. more processors at the conclusion of. presentation of the first television program, cause a selection option to be presented requesting input to indicate whether a second television program from the plurality of television programs from the recording of the television channel should be presented. The first television program and the second television program may have been broadcast consecutively. The instructions can cause one or more processors to cause a second recording of a second television channel to be stored, the recording of the second television channel comprising a second plurality of television programs. The instructions can cause one or more processors to cause a second graphic reproduction state element to be displayed through the display device simultaneously with the graphic reproduction state element display, the second graphic reproduction state element comprising a starting point. for each television program of the second plurality of television programs on the second recording of the second television channel.
[00011]. In some modalities, a method for managing stored television programs is presented. The method may include storing, by a television receiver, a recording of a television channel, the recording of the television channel comprising a plurality of television programs. The method may include making a graphic reproduction state element is displayed, buy
5/154 endowing the element of graphic reproduction status a starting point for each television program of the plurality of television programs in the recording of the television channel.
[00012]. The modalities of such a method may include one or more of the following: The plurality of television programs may have been transmitted consecutively on the television channel. The method may include recording the recording of the television channel, the recording of the television channel being recorded from a broadcast of the television channel. The starting point for each television program of the plurality of television programs may have been denoted by a graphic indicator specific to the television program. For each program, television. plurality of television programs the graphic indicator may include a graphic poster. The method may include receiving, from a user, a selection of a poster, graphics for a television program from the plurality of television programs. The method may include, in response to the selection of the graphic poster for the television program being received a. from the user, start playing the recording of the television channel at a playback time associated with the television program. The method may include receiving, from a user, a selection of a first television program from the plurality of television programs from the recording of the television channel. The method may include making the first television program selected by the user to be presented through a display device. The method may include, at the conclusion of the presentation of the first television program, having a second television program of the plurality of television programs from the recording of the television channel be presented. The first television program and the second television program may have been broadcast consecutively. The method may include receiving, from a user, a selection of a first television program from the plurality of television programs from the television channel recording. (.) method may include making the first television program
0/154 selected by the user is presented through a display device. The method may include, at the conclusion of the presentation of the first television program, having a selection option be presented requesting input to indicate whether a second television program from the plurality of television programs from recording to the television channel should be presented. The first television program and the second television program may have been classified as con ictive.
[00013]. In some modalities, a readable means by the non-transitory processor for managing stored television programs is presented. The non-transient processor-readable medium may include processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to cause the recording of a television channel to be stored, the recording of the television channel comprising a plurality of television programs. The instructions can cause one or more processors to cause a graphic reproduction state element to be displayed through a display device, the graphic reproduction state element comprising a starting point for each television program from the plurality of television programs. in the recording of the television channel. The initial comb for each television program of the plurality of television programs is denoted by a specific graphic indicator for the television program, [00014]. In one aspect, a method implemented by the computer is described. The method may include identifying an indication of the user's interest in a program on a particular television channel based on the user's interaction with a program guide that displays the first content. The method may include generating, in response to the identification of the user's interest indication and for displaying in the programming guide, a selectable icon positioned in association with a descriptor that identifies the particular television channel. The method may include generating, in response to the user's selection of the selectable icon and for display in the programming guide, an interactive panel that identifies at least one particular program, which is stored in an omnibus channel file containing a plurality of broadcast programs consecutively on the private TV channel for a predefined period of time.
[00015], In one aspect, a system is described including one or more processors and a memory communicatively coupled with and readable by the one. or more processors. The memory may have instructions readable by the processor that. when executed by one or more processors, they cause one or more processors to identify an indication of the interest of the user of a program, of one. private television channel based on. user interaction with a programming guide that displays the first content. The memory may have instructions readable by the processor stored in it, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to generate a selectable icon positioned in association with a descriptor that identifies the particular television channel in response to identification of the indication of interest to the user and for display on the programming guide. The memory may have stored instructions readable by the processor that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to generate an interactive panel that identifies at least one particular program that is stored in an omnibus channel file containing a plurality of programs broadcast exclusively on the private television channel for a predefined period of time in response to the user's selection of the selectable icon and for display on the program guide.
[00016]. In. In one aspect, a non-transitory processor-readable medium comprising instructions readable by the processor is described. The instructions readable by the processor can be configured for leisure with one or more processors identifying an indication of the user's interest in a program of a particular television channel.
8/154 home based on user interaction with a programming guide that displays the first content. The instructions readable by the processor can be configured to do with. that one or more processors generate, in response to the identification of the indication of the user's interest and for display in the programming guide, a selectable icon positioned in association with a descriptor that identifies the particular television channel. Processor-readable instructions can be configured to have one or more processors generate, in response to the user's selection of the selectable icon and for display on the programming guide, an interactive panel that identifies at least one particular program that is stored in a omnibus channel file containing a plurality of programs transmitted consecutively on the particular television channel over a predefined period of time.
[00017]. In. one aspect, one is described. method implemented by the computer. The method may include programming a first program recording timer to record a particular program broadcast on a particular television channel by a television service provider. The method may include programming a second program recording timer to record a plurality of programs transmitted consecutively on the particular television channel by the television service provider, including the particular program. The method may include producing, simultaneously for display on a program guide and in association with a particular program descriptor, a first graphic indicator that identifies the programming of the first program recording timer and a second graphic indicator that identifies the programming of the second program. program recording timer, [00018] «In one aspect, a system including one or more processors and a memory communicatively coupled with and readable by one or more processors is described. The memory may have instructions readable by the processor stored in it, which, when executed by
9/154 one or more processors cause one or more processors to store a first program recording timer to record a particular program broadcast on a particular television channel by a television service provider. The memory may have instructions readable by the processor stored in it, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to store in a second program recording timer to record a plurality of programs transmitted conseoutiva.men.te in the transmission channel. private television by the television service provider, including the private program. A. memory may have instructions readable by the processor in it that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to produce, for simultaneous display in a programming guide and in association with a particular program descriptor, a first graphic indicator that identifies the programming of the first program recording timer and a second graphic indicator that identifies programming of the second program recording timer.
[00019] * In one aspect, a non-transient processor-readable medium comprising instructions readable by the processor is described. Processor-readable instructions can be configured to have one or more processors store one. first program recording timer to record a particular program broadcast on a particular television channel by a television service provider. Processor-readable instructions can be configured to have one or more processors store a second program recording timer to record a plurality of programs transmitted consecutively on the particular television channel by the television service provider, including the particular program. Processor-readable instructions can be configured to have one or more processors produce, simultaneously for display on a programming guide and in
10/154 association with a particular program descriptor, a first graphic indicator that identifies programming of the first program recording timer and a second graphic indicator that identifies, programming of the second program recording timer.
(00020). In one aspect, a method implemented by the computer is described. The method may include determining a current state of each of a plurality of tuners from a television receiver in response to receiving a request to allocate a tuner from the television receiver for recording a particular broadcast program. The method may include assigning a rating to each of the plurality of tuners based on a given associated state. The method may include generating a list based on the rating, where when selecting a particular tuner with a rating higher than each of the plurality of tuners, it is allocated for recording the particular broadcast program.
(00021). In one aspect, a system including one or more processors and a memory communicatively coupled with and readable by one or more processors is described. The memory may have instructions readable by the processor in it that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to determine the current state of each of a plurality of tuners on a television receiver based on a request for allocate a tuner from the television receiver for recording a particular broadcast program. The memory may have instructions readable by the processor in it that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to assign a rating to each of the plurality of tuners based on a given associated state. The memory may have instructions readable by the processor in it that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to generate a list based on the classification,
11/154 being that when selected, a particular tuner with a rating higher than each other of the plurality of tuners is allocated for recording the particular broadcast program.
[00022] .. In one aspect, a medium readable by the non-transitory processor comprising instructions readable by the processor is described. Processor-readable instructions can be configured to make one or more processors com. Based on a request to allocate a tuner from a television receiver for recording a particular broadcast program, they determine a current state of each of a plurality of tuners on the television receiver. Processor-readable instructions can be configured to cause one or more processors to assign a rating to each of the plurality of tuners based on a given associated state. Processor-readable instructions can be configured to have one or more processors generate a list based on the rating, and when selected, a particular tuner with a rating higher than each, of the others from the plurality of tuners is allocated to the recording of the particular broadcast program.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION. OF THE DRAWINGS [00023], Any understanding of the nature and advantage of various modalities can be carried out with reference to the following Figures. In the attached Figures, components or similar aspects may have the same reference label. In addition, several components of the same type can be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes between similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, a description is applicable to any of the similar components having the same first reference label independent of the second reference label.
[00024]. Figure 1 illustrates a modality of a satellite television distribution system.
[00025]. Figure 2 illustrates a modality of a television receiver that is configured to display various graphical features through a display device.
[00026]. Figure 3 illustrates a modality of a control for managing the reproduction of stored television programs.
[00027]. Figure 4 illustrates another modality of a control for managing the reproduction of stored television programs.
[00028]. Figure 5 illustrates a modality of a control for managing the reproduction of stored television programs from multiple television channels.
[00029]. Figure 6 illustrates another modality of a control for managing the reproduction of stored television programs from multiple television channels.
[00030]. Figure 7 illustrates a modality of a control to receive user input following the reproduction of a television program being completed.
[00031]. Figure 8 illustrates another modality of a control to receive user input following the reproduction of a television program being completed.
[00032]. Figure 9 illustrates a modality of a method for managing the reproduction of stored television programs, [00033]. Figure 10 illustrates a modality of a method for managing the reproduction of stored television programs.
[00034]. Figure 11 shows an example of a media content distribution system in which aspects of the present description can be implemented.
[00035]. Figure 12 shows aspects of the example system in Figure. 11 in additional detail.
[00036]. Figure 13 shows a simplified block diagram of a television receiver in Figure 11.
13/154 [00037], Figure 14 shows a block diagram of particular components of the television receiver of Figure 1.3.
[00038], Figure 15 shows a first example of the programming guide according to the present description.
[00039]. Figure 16 shows the. Programming guide in Figure 15 with the first and second graphical indicators associated with a particular program.
[00040], Figure 17 shows a first example of method according to the present description * [00041], Figure 18 shows, a second example of programming guide according to the present description.
[00042], Figure 19 shows the programming guide of Figure 18 in a first modified state, [00043], Figure 20 shows the programming guide of Figure 18 in a second modified state.
[00044], Figure 21 shows the programming guide of Figure 18 and a third modified state.
[00045], Figure 22 shows the programming guide of Figure 18 in a fourth modified state.
[00046]. Figure 23 shows a second example of the method according to the present description.
[00047], Figure 24 shows an example of the method for selecting a particular tuner from a television receiver, among a plurality of tuners, to be used for recording particular broadcast programming.
[00048], Figure 25 shows a block diagram illustrating particular eomponents of the primary television receiver. Figure 13.
[00049], Figure 26 shows an example of the method for determining a current state of each of a plurality of tuners in a television receiver.
[00050], Figure 27 illustrates a modality of a system of
14/154 computer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [OGOS1], A television receiver could be configured to record multiple television heads over a period of time. In addition, such a television receiver can be configured to record one or more television channels over a period of time during which multiple television programs are broadcast. For example, a television receiver can be configured to record a television channel on a daily basis from 6-10 PM, such recording can be performed on multiple channels simultaneously. For example, each major television network, such as NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX, can be recorded every night during prime time (for example, 7-10 PM), Such recording can result in a large amount of programming being stored by the television receiver such that television programming is available for a user to reproduce through a display device, such as a television or monitor, when desired. However, conventional arrangements to allow the user to interact with stored recordings of television programs may be inconvenient, inefficient and / or undesirable.
[00052], In some modalities, a single file is recorded for a television channel for a certain consecutive period of time. During this time period, multiple television programs are recorded. As such, the specific channel file could contain multiple television programs. When an element of playback status is displayed, the playback progress through the entire file and the program. of private television can be displayed. In addition, visual indicators, referred to as showcards, can be displayed; each showcard represents a television program in the specific channel file, as such if a specific channel file is dedicated to the prime time broadcast of a day on a channel
15/154 television, a showcaná can be shown for each television program broadcast on the television channel during prime time. In some embodiments, elements of reproduction status can be displayed for multiple television channels simultaneously. For example, if two television channels were recorded during the same period of time, a playback state element could be displayed for each of these television channels simultaneously, [00053]. Figure 1 illustrates a modality of a satellite television distribution system 100, Ac while the modalities detailed here can be applied to various television distribution systems, including cable and IP. a satellite television distribution system is provided as an example. Satellite television distribution system '100 may include: television service provider system 11.0, satellite transmitting equipment 120, satellites 130, parabolic antenna disk 140, television receiver 150 and display device 160. Alternative modes of Satellite television distribution 100 may include few or large numbers of components. While only a satellite dish 140, television receiver 150 and display device 160 (collectively referred to as user equipment) are to be understood, it should be understood that multiple (for example, tens, hundreds, thousands) cases of equipment user can receive television signals from satellites 130.
[00054], The television service provider system 110 and satellite transmitting equipment 120 may be operated by a television service provider. A television service provider may distribute television channels, on-demand programming, programming information and / or other services to users. De10 television service provider system can receive can receive jfeeds from one or more television channels from various sources. Such television channels may include multiple television channels that contain the same content (however, they may be in different formats, such as high
16/154 definition and standard definition). To distribute such television channels to users, feeds from television channels can be relayed to the user's equipment via one or more satellites via conveyor chains. Satellite transmitting equipment 120 can be used to transmit a Jeed from one or more television service provider system television channels 110 to one or more satellites 130. At the same time as a single television service provider system 110 and satellite transmitting equipment 120 are illustrated as part of the satellite television distribution system 100. it should be understood that multiple cases of transmitting equipment can be used, possibly geographically dispersed to communicate with satellites 130. Such multiple cases of satellite equipment satellite transmission can communicate with the same or different satellites. Different television channels can be transmitted to satellites 130 from different cases of transmission equipment. For example, a different satellite dish of satellite transmitting equipment 120 can be used for communication with satellites in different orbital bands.
[00055], Satellites 130 can be configured to receive signals, such as streams of television channels, from one or more satellite uplinks such as satellite transmitting equipment 120. Satellites 130 can relay signals received from satellite transmitting equipment 120 (and / or other satellite transmitting equipment) for multiple cases of user equipment through conveyor chains. Different frequencies can be used for uplink signals 170 of carrier current 180. Satellites 130 can be in geostationary orbit. Each satellite 130 can be in a different orbital band, such that the signal pathways between each satellite, transmitting equipment and user equipment vary. Multiple satellites 130 can be used to retransmit television channels from television service provider system 110 to satellite dish 140. Different channels of
17/154 television can be made using different satellites. Different television channels can also be made using different trans-transmitters from the same satellite; thus, such television channels can be broadcast on different frequencies and / or different frequency bands. As an example, a first and second television channel can be performed on a first 130-1 satellite transceiver. A third, fourth and fifth television channel can be made using a different satellite or a different transceiver from the same satellite retransmitting to. conveyor chain. at a different frequency, a carrier stream transmitted by a particular transceiver on a particular satellite can include a finite number of television channels, such as seven. Consequently, if many television channels are to be made available for viewing and recording, multiple carrier currents can necessary to transmit all television channels to the user's equipment cases.
[00056]. Satellite dish 140 may be a piece of user equipment that is used to receive carrier currents from one or more satellites, such as satellites 130. Satellite dish 140 may be provided to a user for use on a subscription basis to receive television channels provided by the television service provider system 110, satellite transmitting equipment 120 and / or satellites 130. Satellite dish 140 can be configured to receive carrier currents from multiple satellites and / or multiple transceivers from the same satellite. Satellite dish 140 can be configured to receive television channels via carrier currents on multiple frequencies. Based on the characteristics of the television receiver 150 and / or satellite dish 140, it may only be possible to capture the carrier currents from a limited number of tra.nsceptors concurrently. For example, a television receiver tuner 150 may only be able to tune to a single carrier current of a given transceiver.
18/154 a single satellite at a time.
[00057]. In communication with the satellite dish 140 may be one or more sets of reception equipment. The receiving equipment can be configured to decode signals received from satellites 130 via satellite dish 140 for display on a display device, such as display device 160. The receiving equipment can be incorporated as part of a television or can be part of a separate device, usually referred to as a set-tqp box (STB) converter. The receiving equipment may include a satellite tuner configured to receive television channels via a satellite. In Figure 1, the receiving equipment is present in the form of a television receiver 150. As such. television receiver 150 can decode signals received via satellite dish 140 and provides an output to, display device 160. Figure 2 provides additional detail of a television receiver. A television receiver is defined to include set-top box converters (STBs) and also circuits having similar functionality that can be incorporated with another device. For example, a circuit similar to that of a television receiver can be incorporated into a television. As such, while Figure 1 illustrates a television receiver modality 150 as separate from the display device 160. it should be understood that in other embodiments, similar functions can be performed by a television receiver integrated with the television device. display 160.
[00058]. The display device 160, which can be a television, monitor, or some other display device, can be used to display video and / or audio decoded by the television receiver 150. [00059]. The television receiver 150 can also produce a display of one. or more interfaces to the display device 160, such as an electronic program guide (EPG).
[00060]. The uplink signal 170-1 represents a signal between satellite transmitting equipment 120 and satellite 130-1. Signal
19/154 uplink 170-2 represents a signal between the transmitting equipment via. satellite 120 and satellite 13 () - 2. Each of the uplink signals 170 may contain streams from one or more different television channels. For example, uplink signal 170-1 may contain a certain group of television channels, while uplink signal 170-2 contains a different grouping of television channels. Each of these television channels can be mixed so that unauthorized persons are prevented from accessing the television channels.
[00061]. Carrier current 180-1 represents a signal between satellite 130-1 and antenna, satellite dish 140. Carrier current 180-2 represents a signal path between satellite 130-2 and satellite dish 140. Each of the carrier currents 1.80 I was able to contain one or more different television channels in the form of carrier currents' that can be at least partially mixed. For example, the conveyor chain 180-1 may include a first conveyor chain containing a first group of television channels, at the same time as the conveyor chain. 180-2 can include a second carrier stream containing a different group of television channels. A satellite can transmit multiple carrier streams to the user's equipment. For example, a typical satellite was able to retransmit thirty-two carrier currents through corresponding trans-transmitters to the user's equipment. In addition, point beams are possible. For example, a satellite may be able to transmit a carrier stream to a particular geographic region (for example, to distribute local television channels to the relevant market). Different television channels can be transmitted using the same frequency, from the carrier chain to a different geographical region, [00062]. Figure 1 illustrates conveyor chain 180-1 and a. conveyor chain. 180-2 being received by the satellite dish 140.
For a first group of television channels, the satellite dish 140 can receive a carrier current from the 180-1 carrier chain; for a second group of channels, a chain conveyor chain. 180-2 can be received. The television receiver 150 can decode the incoming carrier stream. As such, depending on which television channel (s) is desired, a carrier current from a different satellite (or a different transseptor from the same satellite) can be accessed e. decoded by the television receiver 150. In addition, at the same time that two satellites are present in the satellite television distribution system 100, in other modalities greater or lesser numbers of satellites may be present to receive and transmit carrier currents to the equipment of user.
[00063], Network 190 may serve as a secondary communication channel between the television service provider system 110 and the television receiver 150. Through such a secondary communication channel, a. Two-way data exchange can occur. As such, data can be transmitted to the television service provider system 110 over network 190. Data can also be transmitted from television service provider system 110 to television receiver 150 over network 190. Network .190 could be the Internet. While audio and video services can be provided to the television receiver 150 via satellites 130, the return from the television receiver 150 to the television service provider system 110 can be transmitted over the network 190.
[00064], Figure 1 illustrates an example of a satellite-based television channel distribution system. It should be understood that through the menus some aspects of such a system may be similar to a television distribution system. For example, in a cable television system, instead of using satellite transceivers, multiple RF channels on a cable can be used to transmit streams of television channels. As such, the aspects detailed here
21/154 may apply to cable television distribution systems, [00065]. Figure 2 illustrates a television receiver modality 200, which can typically be in the form of a separate device configured to be connected with a display device, such as a television. Television receiver modalities 200 may include set top box converters (STBs). As previously noted, in addition to being in the form of an STB, a television receiver can be incorporated into another device, such as a television. For example, a television may have an integrated television receiver (which does not involve an external STB being coupled with the television). An STB may contain some or all of the television receiver 200 components and / or may be able to perform some or all of the television receiver 200 functions. Consequently, cases in this document referring to an STB and steps being performed by a STBs can also be performed, more generally, by a television receiver. [00066]. The figure. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a television receiver modality 200 that is configured to record the omnibuss channel file and extract a television program from a recorded omnibus channel file. The television receiver 200 can be the television receiver of Figure 1 and could be in the form of an STB that communicates with a display device such as a television. The television receiver 200 can be incorporated as part of a television, such as display device 160 of Figure 1. Television receiver 200 may include: processors 210 (which may include control processor 210-1 and SMT management processor 210-2), tuners 215, network interface 220, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 225, bank electronic program guide (EPQ) data bank 230, control interface module 232, ãoofcmarfc database 234, television interface 235, information table (ΝΓΤ) 240, digital video recorder (DVR) database 245, user interface 2o0, PID 255 filters. Smart card 260 and / or decoder motor 265. In
22./154 other modalities of television receiver '200, smaller or larger numbers of components may be present. It is to be understood that the various television receiver components 200 can be implemented using hardware, / Irmware, software and / or some combination thereof. The functionality of the components can be combined; for example, the decoding engine functions 265 can be performed by the tuning management processor 210-2. In addition, component functionality can be spread across additional components; for example, PID 255 filters can be handled by hardware separate from the program map table 257.
[00067]. Processors 210 may include one or more specialized and / or general purpose processors configured to perform processes such as tuning to a particular channel, accessing and displaying EPG information from the EPG 230 database and / or receiving and processing the input to from a user. For example, processors 210 may include one or more processors dedicated to the decoding of video signals of a particular format, such as MPEG, for production and display on a television and for performing scripting. It should be understood that the functions performed by several modules in Figure 2 can be performed using one or more processors. As such, for example, the decoding engine functions 265 can be performed by the control processor 210-1.
[00068]. The 210-1 control processor. can communicate with the tuning management processor 2.10-2. The control processor 210-1 can control the recording of television channels based on the timers stored in the DVR 240 databases. Control processor 210-1 can start recording a television channel by sending a recording command along with a indication of the television channel to be recorded by the tuning management processor 210-2. The control processor 210-1 cannot send a second recording command (if additional recording
23/154 start at the same time) until a confirmation of that, recording of the first television channel has been successfully received and started by the tuning management processor 210-2. The control processor 210-1 can also provide commands to the tuning management processor 210-2 when recording from a television channel has to stop. In addition to providing commands related to the recording of the television channels, the control processor 210-1 can provide commands to the tuning management processor 210-2 that indicate the television channels to be a. output to the audio / video decoder 233 for output to a presentation device, such as a television.
[00069], Control processor 210 1 can also communicate with network interface 220 and user interface 250. Control processor 210-1 can control input data from network interface '220 and user interface 250, Additionally , control processor 210-1 can be configured for output data via network interface 220.
[00070] «Tuner Gs 215 may include one. or more tuners used to tune to television channels, such as television channels transmitted via satellite or. cable, In the illustrated mode of television receiver 200, three tuners are present (tuner 215-1> tuner 215-2 and tuner 2153). Each tuner contained in tuners 215 may be able to receive and process a data transport stream from a transceiver satellite (or a cable R.F channel) at a given time. This transport chain can contain audio and video data for multiple television channels in addition to other data. As such, a single tuner can tune to a single transceiver (or, for a cable network, a single RF cable channel.) If tuners 215 include multiple tuners, a tuner can be used to tune to a television channel in a. first, conveyor chain for display using one. television at the same time in
24/154 that another tuner can be used to tune to a television channel on a second transceiver for recording and viewing at some other time. If multiple television channels transmitted on the same carrier stream are desired, a single tuner tuner 215 can be used to receive the signal containing the multiple television channels for presentation and / or recording. Tuners 215 can receive 210-2 tuning management processor commands. Such commands can instruct tuners 215 that frequencies should be used for tuning.
[00071]. The network interface 220 asks to be used to, communicate through an alternative communication channel with a television service provider. For example, the primary communication channel can be via satellite (which can be unidirectional with the STB) and the alternative communication channel (which can be bidireeionic) can be via a network, such as the Internet. Referring again to Figure 1, the television receiver 1.50 may be able to communicate with the television service provider system 110 over a network, such as the Internet. This communication can be bidireeionic ·. data can be transmitted from the television receiver 150 to the system, from the television service provider 110 and from the television service provider system 110 to the television receiver 150. Referring again to Figure 2. network interface 220 it can be configured to communicate over one or more networks, such as the Internet, to communicate with the television service provider system 110 of Figure 1. Information can be transmitted and / or received via network interface 220.
[00072]. Storage medium 225 may represent a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium 225 may include memory and / or a hard disk. The storage medium 225 can be used to store the information received from one or more satellites and / or information received through the network interface 220. The storage medium 225 can store
25/154 information related to the EPG 230 database and / or DVR 245 databases. In some embodiments, the storage medium 225 can also be used to store various tables, such as ΝΓΓ 240, PMT 257 and / or PAT . Recorded television programs can be stored using storage medium 225, Q storage medium 225 can be partitioned or otherwise divided such that predetermined amounts of storage medium 225 are dedicated to the storage of ommbuss channel files and selected television programs by the user.
[00073], The EPG 230 database can store information related to the television channels and the schedule of programs that appear on such television channels. The EPG 230 database can be stored using storage medium 225, which can be a hard drive. The EPG 230 database information can be used to inform users of which television channels or programs are popular and / or provide recommendations to the user, The EPG 230 database information can provide the user with a visual interface displayed by a television that allows the user to browse and select television channels and / or television programs for viewing and / or recording , [00074], The information used to fill the EPG 230 database can be received via the network interface 220 and / or via. satellites, such as satellites 130 in Figure 1 through tuners 215, For example, updates to the EPG 230 database can be received periodically via the satellite, The EPG 230 database can serve as an interlink for a user to control functions DVR 200 television receiver and / or to allow viewing and / or recording of multiple television channels simultaneously, [00075], In addition to being used, to provide users with information about scheduled programming, EPG 230 database information can be used to determine when television programs start and end for recording purposes. For example, if a specific channel file is recorded which contains multiple television programs, the start and end time of specific television programs in the specific channel file can be based on the start and end times indicated in the EPG. Other data can be stored by the EPG which can be useful in managing specific channel files, such as series identifiers and episode identifiers (which can be used by a television service provider to identify particular television programs).
[00076] * The audio / video decoder 233 can be used to convert encoded video and audio into a format suitable for output to a display device. For example, the audio / video decoder 233 can receive MPEG audio and video from storage medium 225 or decoding engine 265 to be output to a television. The MPEG video and audio from storage medium 224 may have been recorded to DVR databases 245 as part of a previously recorded television program. The 233 audio / video decoder can convert MPEG video and audio into an appropriate format to be displayed by a television or other form of display and audio device in an appropriate format to be output from the speakers, respectively.
[00Ô77J. The television interface 235 can output one signal to one. television (or other form of display device) in a format suitable for video display and audio playback. As such, the television interface 235 can broadcast one or more television channels and the stored television programming from the storage medium 225 (for example, television programs from DVR databases 245 and / or information from the EPG database 230 ) for a presentation television.
[00078], Network Information Table (NIT) 240 can store the information used by the television receiver 200 to access various television channels. Ν.ΓΓ 240 can be stored locally by a processor, such as by the symptom management processor ··
27/154 organization 210-2. The information used to fill NIT 240 can be received via satellite (or cable) through tuners 215 and / or can be received via network interface 220 from the television service provider. As such, the Information present in NIT 240 can be periodically updated. In some embodiments, NIT 240 can be stored locally by the television receiver 200 using storage medium 225.
[00079], NIT 240 can generally store information about a service provider network, such as a satellite based service provider network. The information that may be present in NIT 240 can include; television channel numbers, satellite identifiers, frequency identifiers and / or tra.nscept.or identifiers for various television channels. In some embodiments, NIT 240 may contain additional data or additional tables may be stored by the television receiver. For example, specific audio PIDs and video PIDs may not be present in NIT 240; a channel identifier can be present in NIT 240 which can be used to search for audio PIDs and video PIDs in another table, such as a program map table (PMT). In some modalities, a PI D associated with the data for the PMT is indicated in a separate table, table of association with the program (PAT), which is not illustrated in Figure 2. A PAT can be stored by the television receiver of a similar to NIT, for example, a PMT can store information in audio PIDs, video PIDs and / or ECM (benefit control message) PIDs for television channels that are transmitted on a transceiver frequency.
[00080], Table I provides a simplified example of NIT 240 for various television channels. It should be understood that in other modalities, many more television channels can be represented on NIT 240. NIT 240 can be periodically updated by a television service provider. As such, television channels can be reassigned to different satellites and / or transceivers and the television receiver 200 may be able to control this reassignment as long as ο ΝΓΓ 240 is updated.
Table 1.
[00081], Based on the information in ΝΤΓ, it may be possible to determine the appropriate satellite and transceiver to tune to for a reed! of private television. In some embodiments, NIT may list a particular frequency to tune to a particular television channel. Once tuned to the appropriate satellite / transceiver / frequency, a known PID PMT can be used to retrieve a program map table that indicates the PIDs for audio and video streams from television channels transmitted by that transceiver.
[00082], It should be understood that the values provided in Table 1 are for example purposes only. Actual values, including how satellites and transceivers are identified, may vary. Additional information can also be stored in NIT 240. Additional information on how NIT 240, as indicated in Table 1, can be used, is provided with reference to Figure 3.
[00083], A digital video recorder (DVR) can allow a television channel to be recorded over a period of time. The television receiver DVR functionality 200 can be managed by the control processor 21 () - 1. The control processor 210-1 can coordinate the television channel, start time and stop time when the recording of a television channel is about to occur. The
29/154 DVR 245 databases can store information related to the recording of television stations. The DVR 245 databases can store timers that are used by the control processor 210-1 to determine when a television channel should be tuned and its programs recorded in the DVR 245 databases of storage medium 225. In some embodiments, a limited amount of storage medium 225 can be dedicated to DVR data banks 245. Timers can be set by the television and / or service provider. one or more 200 television receiver users.
[00084], The DVR functionality of the 210-1 control processor can have multiple modes. First, the DVR functionality of the 210-1 control processor can be configured to record individual television programs selected by a user from the DVR 245 databases. When using the EPG 230 database, a user can select a television program particular. Based on the date, time period and television channel indicated by the EPG 230 database, the control processor 21.0-1 can record the television program associated with the DVR 245 databases. Second, the DVR 245 databases can be used to store recordings of predefined periods of time on one or more television channels. These predefined periods of time may include one or more television programs. For example, prime time on a private television network can be recorded every night of the week. In addition, multiple television channels can be recorded during such predefined periods of time. Such recording of television channels for predefined periods of time can be defined, by the television service provider.
[00085], As an example of this second mode of DVR functionality, a television service provider was able to configure the television receiver 200 to record television programming on multiple, predefined television channels during a predefined period of
30/154 time, on predefined dates, For example, a television service provider can configure the television receiver 200 in such a way that television programming can be recorded from 7 to 1.0 PM on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX on every night of the week. If a television program is selected for recording by a user and is also specified for recording by the television service provider, the user's selection may serve as an indication to save the television program for an extended time (in addition to the time the default recording, otherwise it would be saved).
[00086], User interface 250 may include a remote control (physically separate from the television receiver 200) and / or one or more buttons on the television receiver 200 that allows a user to interact with the television receiver 200. Interface user 250 can be used to select one. television channel for viewing, viewing EPG 230 database information and / or programming a stored timer to DVR 245 databases, sends that the timer is used to control the DVR functionality of the 210-1 control processor.
[00087]. Referring again to tuners 215, the television channels received via satellite (or cable) may contain at least some mixed data. Audio and video packages can be mixed to prevent unauthorized users (for example, non-subscribers) from receiving television programming without paying the television service provider. When a tuner tuner 215 is receiving data from a particular transceiver on a satellite, the carrier stream may be a series of data packets that correspond to multiple television channels. Each data packet can contain one. packet identifier (PID), which, in combination with N1T 240 and / or PMT 257, can be determined to be associated with a particular television channel. Particular damage packages, referred to as benefit control messages (EC Ms), can be periodically transmitted. ECMs can be associated with another
31/154
PID and request, be encrypted; television receiver 200 can use smart card 260 to decrypt ECMs. De-typing of an ECM may only be possible if the user is authorized to access the particular television channel associated with the ECM. When an ECM is determined to correspond to a television channel being stored and / or displayed, the ECM can be provided for smart card 260 for decryption.
[00088] * When smart card 260 receives an encrypted one, smart card 260 can decrypt the ECM to obtain some, number of control words. In some modalities, from each ECM received by the smart card 260, two control words are obtained. In some embodiments, when the smart card 260 receives an ECM, it compares the ECM with the ECM previously received. If the two ECMs match, the second ECM is not decrypted because the same control words would be obtained. In other ways, each ECM received by smart card 260 is decrypted; however, if a second ECM combines with a first. ECM, the control words issued will match; thus, the second ECM effectively does not affect the control words issued by the smart card 260. The smart card 260 can be permanently part of the television receiver 200 or can be configured to be inserted and removed from the television receiver 200.
[00089], The tuning management processor 210-2 can be in communication with tuners 21.5 and control processor 210-1. The 210-2 tuning management processor can be configured to receive commands from the 21.0-1 control processor. Such commands can indicate when to start / stop recording a television channel and / or when to start / stop causing a television channel to be broadcast to a television. The tuning management processor 21.0-2 can control tuners 215. The tuning management processor 210-2 can provide commands to tuners 215 that instruct them to tune
32/154 lasts which satellite, transceiver and / or frequency to be tuned. From tuners 215, the tuning management processor 210-2 can receive streamed data carriers in packets. As previously detailed, some or all of these packets may include a PID that identifies the contents of the packet, [00090], The tuning management processor 210-2 can be configured to create one or more PID 255 Filters that classify packets received from 215 tuners based on PIDs. When a tuner is initially tuned to one. frequency, particular (for example, to a particular satellite transceiver), a PID filter can be created based on a PMT data PID. The PID of PMT data packets can be known because it is stored as part of NTT 240 or another table, such as a PAT. From the PMT data packets, PMT can be built by the 210-2 tuning management processor. The Table. 2 provides an exemplificative extract from a PMT. PMT 257 can be specific to a particular transceiver. As such, if tuning to a different transceiver occurs, a new PMT can be created for the different transceiver.
Channel Video PID ls Audio PID 2s Audio 4 1003 2383 2119 5 2993 2727 2728 7 9238 1233 0129 13 0012 9348 *
Table 2 [00091] Consequently, based on the information present in PMT 257, the audio and video PIDs for specific television channels can be identified. A television channel can have multiple audio PIDs due to a second audio program (SAP), which can be
33/154 in different languages.
[00092]. It should be understood that the values provided in Table 2 are for example purposes only. Actual values may vary. Additional information or less information can also be stored in PMT 257.
[00093]. Pi D 255 filters can be configured to filter data packets based on PIDs. In some embodiments, P1D 255 Filters are created and executed by the 210-2 tuning management processor. In other embodiments, separate hardware can be used to create and run such PID Filters. Depending on a television channel selected for recording / viewing, a Pl D filter could be created to filter the video and audio packages associated with the television channel (based on the PID assignments present in PMT 257). For example, if a tra.nseept.or data stream includes multiple television channels, data packages, corresponding to a television channel that is not desired to be stored or displayed by the user, can be ignored by PID 255 Filters. such, only data packets corresponding to one or more desired television channels being stored and / or displayed, can be filtered and passed through the decoding engine 265 or smart card 260; other data packets can be ignored. For each television channel, a stream of video packets, a stream of audio packets (one or both of the audio programs) and / or a stream of ECM packets can be present, each stream identified by a PID. In some embodiments, a common ECM stream can be used for multiple television channels. Additional data packages corresponding to other information, such as updates to. N1T 240, can be appropriately prorated by PID 255 Filters. In a given time, one or multiple PID Filters can be executed by the tuning management processor 210-2.
[00094]. The decoding engine 265 can use the control words issued by the smart card 260 to decode video
34/154 and / or audio corresponding to the television channels for storage and / or presentation. The video and / or audio data contained in the transceiver data stream by tuners 215 can be mixed. Video and / or audio data can be decoded by the decoder engine 265 using a particular control word. Whose control word issued by smart card 260 to be used for successful decoding can be indicated by a mix control identifier present in the data package containing the mixed video or audio. The decoded video and / or audio can be output by the decoding engine 265 to the storage medium 225 for, storage (in DVR databases 245) and / or to the audio / vldco decoder 233 for broadcast to a television or other presentation equipment via interface, television 235.
[0009S]. The television receiver 200 can be configured to record channel-specific files that contain multiple television programs. For example, processors 210 can be configured to cause multiple television channels to be recorded for specific channel files, where each file contains multiple television programs. These channel-specific files can be stored by DVR 245 databases. A user may be allowed to select a specific channel file or a specific television program from within a specific channel file for playback.
[00096]. The control interface module 232 can contain data used to create various user interfaces that allow a user to interact with specific channel-stored files. For example, the modalities of such interfaces are described in relation to Figures 3-10. The boofonark 234 database can contain bookmark files. A bookmark file can correspond to a specific channel file and I was able to contain data about the television programs present in the specific channel file. A bookmark file can be created based on EPG data from the EPG 230 database. The boofcmarfc file can indicate locations in the corresponding channel-specific file as to when television programs, according to EPG data, were scheduled to start. The boofarnarfcs file can be created by the 2ΙΟΙ control processor using data from the EPG 230 database.
[00097]. For simplicity, the television receiver 200 of Figure 2 has been reduced to a block diagram; generally known parts, such as a power supply, have been omitted. In addition, some routings between the various television receiver modules 200 have been illustrated. Such illustrations are for illustrative purposes only. The state of two modules not being directly or indirectly connected does not indicate that the modules cannot communicate. Preferably, the connections between the television receiver modules 200 are intended only to indicate possible common data routing. It is to be understood that the television receiver modules 200 can be combined into a smaller number of modules or divided into a larger number of modules. In addition, the television receiver components 200 may be part of another device, such as built into a television. Also, while the television receiver 200 can be used to receive, store and display the television channels received via a satellite, it should be understood that similar components can be used to receive, store and display the television channels. through a cable network.
[00098] «Figure 3 illustrates a .300 modality of a control for managing the reproduction of stored television programs. Modality 300 can be emitted by a television receiver, such as the television receiver 200 of Figure 2, based on the data received through a television distribution system, such as satellite television distribution system 100 of Figure. 1. Mode 300 illustrates a display device 310 featuring
36/154 a reproduction state element 320. Na. mode 300, a file specific to the television channel is being played by a television receiver. The television receiver could have previously recorded a file that included multiple television programs broadcast simultaneously on the television channel. For example, the television receiver may have recorded a 7-10PM television channel, during which time multiple television programs were broadcast on the television channel, information about the television programs broadcast on the television channel during the time period during which the recording occurred could be stored to a bookmark file by the television receiver. The data for a bookmark file may have been created at least partially based on the EPG data, which may be from the EPG 230 database. In modality 300, a television channel (“CISC”) was recorded from 7-10PM . During this time period, four television programs were broadcast: “Sharkland” television program indicated by shomcard 350-1, True Friend television program indicated by shomcard 350-2, “So Happy” television program indicated by shomcard 350 -3 and television program “SoCal Vaca” indicated by the shomenná 350-4.
[00099], In the illustrated embodiment 300, the reproduction status element 320 includes a progress bar, which indicates a start point 311 and an end point 312 for the specific channel file. The starting point 31.1 can correspond to the bare time at which the recording of the television channel started. The end point 31.2 can correspond to the time at which the recording of the television channel ended. In some modalities, additionally or alternatively to indicate the time at which the recording started and ended, a recording timer can be indicated which has an initial time at time "0" and the end point being the amount of recording time. For example, in illustrated modality 300, the end point can be three hours. Also in the playback state element 320, the start points and end points for particular television programs are indicated, as well as the program start point 313 and program anal point 314 for the television program ^s So Happy ”. The ending point of program 314 can also serve as the starting point for a television program broadcast after “So Happy, [000100]. Channel 330 status indicates the TV channel, date and time period during which the TV channel was recorded. The time period may include periods of time during which multiple television programs have been broadcast on the television channel consecutively. To be clear, “television program” is defined to include content broadcast on a television channel. It can be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series.
[000X01]. Television programs are typically programmed for at least thirty minutes, including commercial breaks. Television programs do not include commercials, which may be broadcast before, after and during the broadcast of television programs. For example, if a television program is scheduled for thirty minutes, the broadcasting period may include several minutes at the beginning and / or end of commercials. In addition, during the broadcast of the television program, multiple commercials may be present. [000102], In some modalities, when selecting the state of channel 330, a user may be allowed to select a different television channel, date and / or time period for reproduction. For example, multiple other television channels may have been recorded during the same period of time and / or date as the channel “CBCT Recordings from these television channels also request to be available for playback in the form of a specific channel file that contains multiple television programs. As such, if the state of channel 330 is selected, a user may be asked to. select a different channel, date and / or time period, [000103], If one or more other TV channels were recorded during the same time period, these other TV channels
38/154 may have been received by the television receiver through the same tuner. A single tuner from a television receiver can be used to receive each of the television channels for the same recording period if the multiple television channels are transmitted as part of the same carrier stream. As such. multiple television channels can be received and recorded while limiting the number of tuners required to receive the television channels on them, [000104]. In the illustrated embodiment 300, the reproduction status element 320 includes a progress bar on. the times at which various television programs start are indicated. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the reproduction state element 320 could include a display arrangement other than a progress bar. In the illustrated modality 300, an indication of an initial time of each television program in the specific channel file is indicated. These start times can be based on the programmed start time as indicated by the EPG data. EPG data can be used to create a bookmark file containing information about each television program present in the specific channel file (for example, a start time, a name of the television program, graphic data for a showcard, etc.) [00010S ], The initial time of each television program is indicated in the playback status element 320 by a showcard. A showcard can include text and / or a graphic that is indicative of the television program. For simplicity, in modality 300, the text that indicates the title of the television program is used. In other modalities, a graphic that is indicative of the television program can be used. For example, when a television program is selected or highlighted based on user input in an EPG display created by a television receiver, the poster art "for the television program can be displayed. This poster art can show an image selected to represent the television program, such as the
39/154 main actors and / or actresses of the television program posing and / or may include the title of the television program. This poster art can be received and stored by the television receiver for use on an EPG display. This poster art can be received by the television receiver through the television service provider's network, such as a satellite-based television distribution network. In addition to using such poster art for display when the television program is selected through an ERG display, the poster art can be used for 350 shorecards. some modalities, an image, of the screen of the recorded television program can be used by the showcard. This screen image can be selected by the television service provider, chosen at random, or selected from a pre-selected point in time when recording the television program.
[000106]. Showcard 350-1 indicates that the Shark Land television program ”starts at 7:00 PM. Showcard 350-2 indicates that the television show "True Friend", which airs shortly after "Shark Land" was recorded as part of the same specific channel file, begins an hour later. In some modalities, a time can be indicated for, the beginning of "True Friend". For each showcard, some form of indicator may be present on a progress bar, such as a line associated with each showcard 350, which indicates the point on the progress bar at which the television programs associated with the showcard begin. In the illustrated modality 300. the start of “True Friend”., As indicated by showcard 350-2 signals the end, of “Shark Land”. The amount of space along the progress bar between the indicated starting points for television programs can be indicative of the length of time the television program (for example, twice as much space can be present for a television program that has one hour compared to a television program that lasts 30 minutes).
[000107], The playback indicator 340 indicates the current point in the reproduction. As such, while for simplicity,
40/154 not shown in Figure 3, a Shark Land structure ”which is 27 minutes, thirteen seconds in the programmed Shark Land transmission time” can be displayed in addition to the playback state element 320. As a point in the file playback specific channel changes, the location of the playhead 340 may change. In the illustrated modality 300, continuous reproduction may result in the reproduction indicator 340 which moves from the starting point 311 to the end point 3.1.2 over a period of three hours.
[000108], The playback status element 320 can only be displayed when a user has provided a "pause" or stop "command to the television receiver regarding the playback of the specific channel file. In some embodiments, at the same time that the specific channel file is being played, the playback state element 320 can be displayed. Such a display can be based on a user providing a play state ”or similar command. In some ways, whenever a new television program starts or ends playing, the playback status element 320 is displayed for a predefined period of time (for example, .10 seconds).
[000109], The playback status element 320 can be displayed before the entire specific channel file has been recorded. For example, a user may be allowed to be played back from a part of the specific channel file before the entire file has been recorded. As an example, a user may be allowed to watch “Shark Land” at the same time that the recording of the file (for example, a part after “Shark Land” or a broadcast television show afterwards) is taking place. Parts of the specific channel file that have not yet been recorded can be displayed differently in the playback status element 320. For example, the parts of the status bar and / or showcards that correspond to the unrecorded parts of the specific channel file may be greyed out to indicate unavailability. Similar playback during recording also
41/154 can occur in relation to the other modalities detailed here.
[000110], The names of the television program, name of the television channel, number of television programs, time period and the specific layout of graphic elements of modality 300 are for example purposes only. It should be understood that the examples and details provided in relation to modality 300 can be applied to the various implementations of similar presentation techniques that allow a user to interact with the recorded television programs.
[000111], Figure 4 illustrates a 400 modality of a control for managing the reproduction of stored television programs. Modality 400 can be issued by a television receiver, such as television receiver 200 of Figure 2, based on data received through a television distribution system, such as satellite television distribution system 100 of Figure 1. Due to the size limitation of the display device having a reproduction state element, such as reproduction state element 320, a desire to obscure less than one. television program being presented in the background and / or some other reason, showcards may be reduced in size or hidden unless selected by a user or currently being played. It should be understood that modality 400 may be an alternative modality of modality 300 of Figure 3; as such. aspects of modality 300 can be incorporated with modality 400.
[000112], In the reproduction state element 410 of. Figure 4, a user selected So Happy ”. This user input can involve a user providing input via a remote control that is in communication with the television receiver that emits the playback state element 410. In mode 400, the selected showcard 450-3 is shown larger (in a large format) than the others (which are presented in a small format). As such, showcard 450-3 is larger (thus making your graphics and / or text more easily viewable) than the shaiwards 450-1, 450-2 and 450-3. If
42 / 1S4 a user provides input to the television receiver by selecting a different showcard, such as showcard 450-4, showcard 450-3 can be reduced in size at the same time as showcard 450-4 would be, increased in size. Whether a 450 showcard showcard is displayed in a small or large format can affect its content: graphics and / or text can be present on a large format showcard while only text can be shown on a small format showcard . In some modalities, the poster art for a television program can be displayed only if the showcard is a large format showcard.
[000113]. A user may be able to select a showcard by manipulating a user input device, such as a remote condole. When a showcard is selected, such as showcard 450-3, it can be presented in a large format. A second user input, such as a “click” selection or another ^K OK, can result in the television program associated with the selected showcard being played. In 400 mode, a user selected show card 450-3. The input can be received from the user indicating that the playback of “So Happy” c to start, thereby resulting in the playback indicator 340 jumping to the time associated with the beginning of “So Happy”, Thus the playback indicator 340 would become a reproduction indicator 420, This initial time can be based on a .boafemarfe file created based on the EPG data stored by the television receiver. It's one. user, the change results in a different television program starting to. reproduction; functionally, the television receiver is changing one. playback location in a single specific channel file. In some modalities, showcard 450-3 can remain in one. large format while the associated television program is playing. As such, the television program currently being played and / or a selected showcard can be presented in a large format.
43 / 1H4 [000114]. It should be understood that in other modalities, other provisions can be used to emphasize a showcard instead of presenting it in a large format. For example, showcurds can be shown in black and white, unless selected. If selected, showcards can be shown in color, and even uses of color to highlight or select may be possible. In some ways, if a television program is not selected, its associated showcard could be hidden. As such, in an alternative of the 400 modality, 450-1,450-2 and 450-4 showcards cannot be displayed. In some embodiments, such showcards that are not selected may be more transparent than showcard 450-3 (thereby allowing a television program to be displayed behind the playback state element 410 to be viewed.
[000115]. The names of the television program, the number of the television channel, the number of the television programs, the time period and the specific arrangement of graphic elements of modality 400 are for example purposes only. It should be understood that the examples and details provided in relation to modality 400 can be applied to various implementations of similar presentation techniques that allow a user to interact with the recorded television programs.
[000116]. Figure 5 illustrates a modality 500 of a control for managing the reproduction of stored television programs from multiple television channels. Modality 500 can be issued by a television receiver, such as television receiver 200 in Figure 2, based on data received through a television distribution system, such as satellite television distribution system 100 in Figure 1. 500 illustrates an alternative control that can be presented to a user to control the playback of multiple television programs. It should be understood that modality 500 may be an alternative modality of modality 300 da. Figure 3 and / or modality 400 of Figure 4; as such, aspects of modalities 300 and 400 can be incorporated with modality 400.
[000117]. The playback state element 510 indicates multiple television channels that were recorded during an overlapping period of time on the same day. Specific channel indicator 520-1. specific channel indicator 520-2, specific channel indicator 520-3 and specific channel indicator 520-4 are each associated with a different television channel recorded over a period of time. Each of these television channels may have been recorded over the same period of time. Each of these television channels may have been received for recording using a single tuner from a television receiver. Each specific channel indicator of specific channel indicator 520 can have text and / or graphics specific to the television channel. As an example, a channel indicator specific to NBC can be a peacock graph of NBC, while a channel indicator specific to CBS can be the “eye” CBS graph. In the illustrated modality 500, the channel associated with specific channel indicator 520-4 is selected to control playback, as indicated by the selection graph 521 highlighting details of a file associated with specific channel indicator 520-4. A user may be allowed to select another television channel for playback by selecting a different specific channel indicator using a user input device. Each specific channel indicator of the specific channel indicators 520 can be associated with a particular file recorded over a period of time for the television channel. A file covering the same period of time on the same day may have been recorded by the television receiver for each of the television channels. In some embodiments, a single tuner from the television receiver may have been used to receive each of the four channels during the same period of time. A separate file can be created for each channel. As such, a selection of a specific channel indicator from the specific channel indicators 520 may result in a different specific channel file being selected for
45/154 reproduction.
[000118] «Once the 520 -4 specific channel indicator is selected, details regarding the playback of the associated specific channel file are displayed through the selection graph 521. Each television program present in this specific channel file is indicated . For example, the television program 540 -1 has text indicating the title of a television program in the specific file of the television channel. Times 550 indicate the start and end times for the associated specific channel file (time 550-1 and time 550-5) and individual television programs in the specific channel file. For example, television program 540-1 starts at time 550-3 and ends at time 550-4. Graph 541 can be associated with television program 540-2.
[000119], Graph 541 may be an icon associated with the specific television program, may indicate the type of television program (for example, comedy, drama., Film), may indicate a classification of the television program (for example , G, PG, R), or. it may have some other meanings. The playhead 545 indicates, the current playhead in the specific channel file being played. A time can be displayed which is associated with playback indicator 545, the time indicating the time remaining in the playback of the specific channel file and / or the time remaining in the playback of the specific television program.
[000120]. In the illustrated modality 500, only a single showcard is presented at a given time. As such, by selecting a television program 540 ·· 1, showcard 530 can be presented, with the poster art specific to that television program. A user can select graphic element 535 causing the television receiver to start playing the television program> 540-1. In the illustrated modality 500, the user may be allowed to manipulate the cursor 512 to provide input via the reproduction status element 510. Showcoto 530 and graphic element 535 can be
46/154 displayed as part of pop ~ wp 531 _s that is television program specific, 540-1, Pop-up content for other television programs may vary, [000121J. User input, such as a user manipulating an up or down arrow on an input from the user's device, can result in a specific channel file associated with a different television channel being selected. Each of these other channel-specific files may have been recorded over the same period of time as the television channel associated with specific channel indicator 520-4. If another television channel is selected, such as the channel associated with a specific channel mediator 520-2, a status bar associated with the channel represented by the specific channel indicator 520-2 can be displayed, The television schedule, initial times and final times then displayed correspond to the television channel represented by the specific channel indicator 520-2. To keep the status bar located at the bottom of the screen (which may be to limit how to obscure the currently displayed television program), specific channel indicator 520-2 can be moved to the illustrated location of the specific channel indicator 520-4, In other modalities, the status bar can be displayed directly next to the specific channel indicator 520-2 at the illustrated location.
[000122]. The names of the television program, name of the television channel, number of television programs, time period and the specific arrangement of graphic elements of modality 500 are for example purposes only. It should be understood that the examples and details provided in relation to modality 500 can be applied to the various implementations of similar presentation techniques that allow the user to interact with recorded television programs.
[000123]. Figure 6 illustrates another modality 600 of a control for managing the reproduction of stored television programs from multiple television channels. Mode 600 can be issued by a television receiver, such as television receiver 200 of Figure 2. based on data received through a television distribution system, such as satellite television distribution system 100 of Figure L [ 000124]. In mode 600, a user may have selected the television channel associated with the channel indicator o20 ~ 3 <As such, the selection graph 521 now displays details related to the television channel associated with channel indicator 520-3. By doing this, the television receiver can access the bookmark file for details on the specific channel file contents associated with specific channel indicator 520-3. The bookmark file can contain details such as start and end times for television programs, titles for television programs, poster art for television programs and / or another EPG that can be added to the user. In some embodiments, the eorieçao data, which includes a position in the file at which the television program starts, can be stored as part of the bookmark file. This correction data may have been identified as the specific channel file being recorded. For example, when a particular television program has started recording (according to an initial time indicated in the EPG data), a “check size” command can be processed to determine at which point in the sequential file the television program begins. In addition, the location of the selection graph ó21. im moved to corresponds to a specific channel indication 520-3. The start times, end times, television programs and showcards can be specific to the television programs stored as part of the specific channel file tiga.do with the specific channel indicator 520-a, The time period during which this specific channel file was recorded can overlap or combine the time period during which the specific channel file associated with specific channel indicator 520-4 was recorded.
[0O0125], In modalities 500 and 600, the selection graph 521 is
48/154 displays an indication of the content of the single specific channel file at a given time. In other embodiments, it should be understood that an indication of the content of multiple television channels can be presented simultaneously by a television receiver. For example, a status bar for each specific channel indicator can be displayed simultaneously. In some embodiments, two, three, or four status bars can be displayed simultaneously as part of the reproduction state element 610.
[000126]. In some embodiments, multiple television programs can be played simultaneously, such as through a picture-in-picture (PIP) arrangement or a split screen arrangement. For example, a user can indicate a first television program using 610 playback state element for primary playback and the user can indicate a second television program (which was recorded as part of the same specific channel file or a specific channel file different) for secondary reproduction (for example, on a small part of the screen). Such a provision can be useful if the user is watching sports and wants to watch a less desired game through one. PIP layout. However, it may be possible for a user to use the reproduction stay element 610 to select, for simultaneous reproduction, multiple television programs that have been: concurrently broadcast in different channels, broadcast at different times on the same channel: television and / or broadcast on different TV channels at different times.
[000127]. The names of the television program, name of the television channel, number of television programs, time period and the specific arrangement of graphic elements of the 600 modality are for example purposes only. It should be understood that the examples and details provided in relation to modality 600 can be applied to various implementations of similar presentation techniques that
49/154 allow a user to interact with recorded television programs.
[000128]. Referring again to modality 300 in Figure 3, playback indicator 340 indicates that the playback of 'Shark Land (and the specific channel file) occurred for 27 minutes and 13 seconds. In a short time afterwards, Shark Land® is scheduled to end and “True Friend” is scheduled to start. In some ways, this next television program may automatically start playing. In such embodiments, the reproduction status element 320 may be temporarily displayed. In other embodiments, instead of the following television program starting to play, user input may be requested to determine whether or not the following television program that was sequentially recorded as part of the specific channel file should be displayed. Figure 7 illustrates a modalkla.de 700 of a control to receive user input following the reproduction of a television program being completed. Modality '700 can be emitted by a television receiver, such as television receiver 200 in Figure 2, based on data received through a television distribution system, such as satellite television distribution system 100 in Figure 1 Modality 700 can be presented following the reproduction of a television program or any of modalities 300 to 600 being completed.
[000129]. The state of event 710 can be a pop-up displayed over the video being broadcast by the television receiver when a television program from a specific channel file is completed upon viewing. In some embodiments, the following television program recorded as part of the specific channel file may begin to be displayed. On the bottom of the screen, on the display device. In other modalities, the playback of the specific channel file can be paused or interrupted. until user input is received in event 710 state.
[<X> 0130 |. In illustrated modality 700, shc W. »Card 720 of the poster art for the television program that is completed when played, is displayed as part of the state of event 710. In some modalities, a showcard for the following television program recorded as part of the specific channel file can be displayed additionally or instead. The next 730 program indicator can indicate the next television program recorded as part of the specific channel file.
[000131]. The status of the event 10 can present a user with three options. A first option may be to watch the next television program that was recorded as part of the specific channel file. For example, referring again to modality 300, if the status of event 710 is displayed following the completion of “Shark Land”, ο the user can select option 740 to start “True Friend” playback. A second option can be to return to a DVR menu via the selection option 750. The DVR menu can allow the user to select a different channel and / or date to select another television schedule for playback. In other modes, a return to the DVR menu may automatically occur if the user has selected a specific television program for playback instead of a specific channel file for playback. As an example of this, referring to modality 300, if the user selected “CBC” 7/27/12 for reproduction, the status of the event 7'10 can be presented when the program's playback of the specific channel file is completed being completed. If the user specifically selected True Friend ”for playback (for example, via a DVR television program listing), event status 710 cannot be displayed, however, instead the television receiver can return to a DVR menu . A third option may be for the user to provide input by having the television receiver switch to live television via selection option 760. This may result in the television receiver broadcasting competing television programming51 / 154 being received on a broadcast channel. television. The television channel that is broadcast for viewing by the television receiver may be the same television channel as the last live broadcast or it may be the television channel that previously broadcast the television program that was recorded by the television receiver. For example, referring to modmida.de 300, upon completing “True Friend” being played, event status 710 being displayed and a user selecting selection option 760, the CBC television channel ”could be broadcast live by television receiver for a display device.
[000132]. The names of the television program, name of television channel, number of television programs, time period and the specific layout of graphic elements of the 700 mode are for the purpose of example only. It should be understood that the examples and details provided in relation to mortality / 00 padem sex applied to the various implementations of similar presentation techniques that allow a user to interact with the recorded television programs.
[000133]. Figure 8 illustrates a madalida.de 800 of a control to receive input, of user following the reproduction of a television program being concluded. Modality 800 can represent an alternative modality of modality 700. As such, aspects of modality 800 can be incorporated into modality 700; similarly, aspects of modality 700 can be incorporated into modality 800. Na. 800 mode, when event status 810 starts to be displayed (such as following a television program from a specific channel file ending playback), several other television programs that have been recorded as part of it and / or other files specific channel can be indicated. The ptogj «mas of indicated television can be similar in type (for example, comedy, drama) like the television program that concluded the. reproduction.
[000134]. A television service provider can identify television programs in suggestion 820 that fans of the / 154 television program that have completed playback can take advantage of. The 820 suggestion region can use showmrds for the suggested television programs. In some embodiments, instead of showing the suggested television programs, television programs that have been recorded over the same period of time on other television channels may be indicated in suggestion region 820. For example, if the television program completed playback was broadcast on 4/27/12 from 8-8: 30 PM, television programs recorded from a broadcast from another television channel on 4/27/12 from 8-8: 30 PM can be suggested to the user through suggestion region 820. [000135]. By using the previously described television distribution systems and television receivers, several methods can be performed to manage the reproduction of stored television programs. Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a 900 method for managing the reproduction of stored television programs. Each step of method 900 can be performed using the devices, components and systems previously described. More specifically, each step of method 900 can be performed by a television receiver, such as television receiver 200 of Figure 2. The system that performs method 900 can be computerized, having at least some components similar to the computer system 1100 of Figure 11. Means for carrying out each step of method 900 include one or more cases of all or a subset of the components shown in relation to the television receiver 200 of Figure 2 and / or computer system 1100 of Figure 11 * [000136]. In step 905, the EPG data for a television channel can be received and stored by a television receiver. EPG data can be transmitted to the television receiver via a television service provider's network. For example, if based on satellite, the television distribution system 100 o the size 1 can be used to provide the given EPG to a television receiver. In other forms of television service provider networks
53/154 are, like a cable-based television service provider network, the distribution of EPG data can be via cable. EPG data received by the television receiver can indicate: dates for television programs, channels for television programs, starting times for television programs, ending times for television programs, titles and descriptions for television programs, graphics for television programs television (for example, poster art to be used for shomcards) and / or additional information related to television programs that are scheduled to be broadcast at some point in the future. EPG data can be received before the broadcast of the television program. For example, EPG data for a day of television programming can be received approximately one week before when television programming will be broadcast.
[000137]. In step 910, the television channel can be recorded for a period of time. This can result in a specific channel file being created for the television channel. list specific channel file can contain multiple television programs. For example, a television channel can be recorded over a period of time such as multiple hours. During this time, two or more television programs can be broadcast on the television channel. In addition, multiple television channels can be recorded over the same period of time by the television receiver. These multiple television channels can be received using a single tuner from the television receiver. In addition, these multiple television channels can be transmitted to the television receiver via a single carrier stream by a television service provider, thereby allowing a single tuner to be used to receive the multiple television channels. The recording of the television channel in step 910 can be managed by the television service provider. The television service provider can configure the television receiver to record a particular television channel;> 4 / k> 4 for a particular period of time. As an example of this, a television service provider can configure their subscribers' television receivers to record television programming on each of the four main television networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX) of 710 PM every night ( using a single tuner from the subscriber's television receiver).
[000138]. In step 915, a boafcmarfc file can be created for the specific channel file recorded in step 910. The creation of doo.fcm.arfc file can occur when the recording of the television channel in step 910 is performed ,. The boofcmarfc file created in step 91.5 may contain some or all of the EPG data related to the television programs recorded as part of the specific channel file. Additional information can also be included in the boafcmariq file as well as an indication of where the individual television programs are located in the specific channel file. In some embodiments, a file offset can be used. For example, when a specific TV channel file is being recorded in step 910, when EPG data indicates that the next TV program that is scheduled to start is being broadcast, the file size of the specific channel file can be determined . This measured file size can serve as an offset to indicate the point in the file at which the next television program is scheduled to begin. The offset can be stored in the boo.fc.murfc file. for each television program recorded in the specific channel file.
[000139]. At. Step 920, user input can be received by requesting the playback of the television channel recording. For example, the user can specify a television channel and a date for which reproduction is requested. In some modalities, the user can select a particular television program that was. recorded as part of the specific channel file for playback. As an example, referring to modality 300 in Figure 3, a user can
55/154 have selected the CBC ^ft television channel, the 7/27/12 date and / or the 7-10 PM time range for playback.
[000140], In step 930, a reproduction status element can be displayed for the specific channel file recorded in step 910, The data used to display the reproduction status element in step 930 can be at least partially based on the boo & murfc file created in step 915, modalities 300, 400, 500 and 600 of Figures 3-6, respectively, are examples of various elements of reproduction status that can be displayed in step 930, A reproduction status element displayed by the television receiver in step. 930 via a display device may allow user input to be provided to select a specific file from the different television channel associated with the same or different television channel and / or to select a program. different TV channels for playback. Other selections can also be made by a user, such as those described in relation to the 300 a.tè 600 mode. The state element of; reproduction shown in step 930 can be represented, for example, when reproduction is initially requested, when a new television program starts to play and / or when a user has paused or interrupted the playback of the file; specific channel.
[000141]. Figure 10 illustrates a modality 1000 of a method for managing the reproduction of stored television programs. Each step of method 1000 can be performed using the components and systems previously described. More specifically, each step of method 1000 can be performed by a television receiver, such as television receiver 200 in Figure 2. The system that performs method 1000 can be computerized, having at least some components similar to the computer system 1100 of Figure 11. The means for carrying out each step of method 1000 includes one or more cases of all or a subset of the components presented in relation to the television receiver 200 of Figure 2 and / or computer system 1,100 of Figure 11. Method 1000 can represent a more detailed or alternative embodiment of the 900 method in Figure 9.
[000142], In step 1005. EPG data for multiple television ea.na.is can be received and stored by a television receiver EPG data can be transmitted to the television receiver through a television service provider network . For example, if based on satellite, the television distribution system 100 in Figure 1 can be used to provide EPG data to a television receiver. In other forms of a television service provider network, such as a provider network cable-based television service, the distribution of EPG data can be via cable. EPG data received by the television receiver can indicate; dates for television programs, channels for television programs, start times for television programs, end times for television programs, titles and descriptions for television programs, graphics for television programs (for example, poster art to be used for showcards) and / or additional information related to television programs that are scheduled to be broadcast at some point in the future. EPG data can be received before the broadcast of the indicated television programs. For example, given EPG for one day. Television programming can be received approximately one week before when television programming will be broadcast.
[000143], In step 1010, multiple television channels can be recorded concurrently over a period of time. These television channels can be received using a single tuner from the television receiver. This can result in a specific channel file being created for each of the television channels. Specific channel files can each contain multiple television programs. For example, one of the television channels can be recorded over a period of time such as multiple hours. During this time, two or more television programs can be broadcast on the television channel. The multiple television channels can be transmitted to the television receiver via a single carrier stream by a television service provider, thereby allowing a single tuner to be used to receive the multiple television channels. The recording of the television channel in step 1010 can be managed by the television service provider. The television service provider can configure the television receiver to record a particular television channel for a particular period of time. As an example, a television service provider can configure the television receivers of these subscribers to record television programming on each of the four main television networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX) from 7-10 PM every night (using a single tuner of the subscriber's television receiver).
[000144], In step 1015, a bookmark file can be created for each specific channel file recorded in step 1010. The creation of each bookmark file can occur when the recording of the television channel in step 1010 is performed, The file bookmarks created in step 1015 may contain some or all of the EPG data related to the recorded television programs as part of the specific channel files. The additional information can also be included in the bookmark files, such as an indication of where the individual television programs are located in the specific channel files. In some embodiments, a file offset can be used for such location identification. For example, when a specific channel file is being recorded on. step 1010, when the EPG data indicates that a time has been reached when the next television program that is scheduled to start is being broadcast, the file size of the specific channel file can be determined. This measured file size can serve ^- as an offset to indicate the point in the file where the next television program is, scheduled to start. Q offset will be stored in the bookmark file for each television program recorded in the specific channel file.
[000145], In step 1020. the user's input can be received requesting the reproduction of one of the recordings of the television channels. For example, the user can specify one of the television channels and a time / day for the reproduction to be requested. In some modes, the user can select a particular television program that was recorded as a specific channel file size for playback. As an example, referring to modality 300 in Figure 3, a user may have selected the television channel “CBC”, the date 7/27 / 1.2 and / or the time range 7-10 PM for reproduction.
[000146], In step 1030, a playback status element can be displayed for one or more of the specific television channel files recorded in step 1010. In some embodiments, the playback status element can only indicate the current television channel selected for reproduction (such as modality 300 in Figure 3). In other modalities the element of reproduction state can indicate multiple television channels (possibly those that were recorded at the same time) that are available for reproduction (such as the SOO modality of. Figure o). The data used to display the reproduction state element in step 1030 can be at least partially based on the bookmark file created in step 1015, The modalities 300, 400. 500 and 600 in Figures 3-6, respectively, are examples of various elements of reproduction status that can be displayed in step 1030. The element of reproduction status displayed by the television receiver in step 1030 through a display device could allow user input to be provided to select a specific channel file different television channel associated with the same or different television channel and / or to select a different television program for playback. Other selections can also be made by one. such as those described in relation to modality 300 to 600. The element of reproduction status displayed in step 1030 can be displayed, for example, when reproduction is initially requested, when a new television program begins to be reproduced and / or when one. user paused or interrupted the playback of the specific channel file, [000147], In step 1040, the playback of the selected TV channel and / or selected TV program can be played from one of the specific TV channel files recorded in step 1010 When a television program that is part of the specific channel file being played has been completed according to the corresponding òoofcmnrk file created in step 1015, method 1000 can proceed to step 1050 or step 1060, depending on the modality. At. step 1050, when the television program has finished playing, the next television program in the same specific channel file can begin playback. The playback status element can be displayed for a predetermined period of time when such playback begins. The next television program can correspond to the television program that was broadcast (and thus recorded) immediately following the television program that was played in step 1040. Method 1000 modalities can proceed to step 1050 when a specific channel file is selected for playback instead of a specific television program a. from within the specific channel file being selected for playback.
[000148] For some modalities, method 1000 can proceed to. step 1060 of step 1040, In step 1060, when the reproduction of the first television program played in step 1040 is complete, a state of the event can be presented to the user. For example, an event state such as in modalities 700 and 800 of Figures 7 and 8, respectively, can be shown. Such an event state may allow a user to provide input as to the fact that the next television program recorded as part of the channel file
60/154 must be reproduced, to return to a DVR menu, switch to live television broadcasts, or some other option.
[000149] * In step 1070, user input indicating the selected option can be received. Such input could be received from a remote control or some other form of input device by the television receiver. In step 1075, the user's input is analyzed to determine whether, for example, the user has indicated that the next television program recorded as part of the specific channel file should be played. If the first television program played in step 1040 was the last television program recorded in the specific channel file, a. continued play option may not be available to a user (or the option may change to a specific channel file for the same channel on a different date or a specific channel file for, a different channel), if a user selects playback continued from the specific channel file, in step 1080 u the second television program can be played. This second television program may have been recorded as part of the channel file specified in step 1010 on the same television channel as the first channel when the first television program was completed being broadcast.
[000150]. In step 1075, if a user in.di.oa that the playback of the next television program recorded in the specific channel file is not to occur, method 1000 can proceed to step. 1090, In step 1090, some other action can be performed, such as returning to a DVR menu, [000151]. Referring now to Figure 11 an example of the 1100 media content distribution system is shown to which aspects of the present description can be implemented. For brevity, the 1100 system is described in a simplified and conceptual way and can generally include more or less systems, devices, networks and / or other components as desired. In addition, the type and type of
61/154 aspects or elements incorporated in the 1100 system may or may not be implementation-specific and at least some aspects of the 1100 system may be similar to a cable television distribution system, an IPTV content distribution system Internet Protocol) and / or any other type of media or content distribution system.
[000152]. A system example 1100 may include a service provider 1102. an uplink via. satellite 11.04, a plurality of orbiting satellites (for example, geostationary) 1 IOõa-ο, a satellite dish 1108, a PTR (Primary Television Receiver) 1110, a plurality of secondary television receivers 1112a-b, a plurality of televisions 1114a ce a plurality of computing devices 1.1.lúa-b. In the present example, PTR 1'110 can at least include an 1118 content management engine or an 1119 tuner allocation engine. The 1118 content management engine can, in one respect, be configured to manage multiple storage arrangements. content of a DVR database, as also described below. The tuner allocation engine 1119 could in one respect be configured to select a particular tuner from PTR 111.0 for recording particular programming in accordance with the present description, as also described below. The 1100 system can also include one through the menus. network 1120 that establishes a bidirectional communication path for, data transfer between and PTR tooth 1110, secondary television receivers 1 H2a-b, televisions 1114a c and computing devices 1116a ··b of the example of the system .1.1.00. In some embodiments, the 1120 network may also establish a bidirectional communication path (not shown) for data transfer between the PTR II10 and the service provider 1102. The 1120 network is intended to represent any number of aspects and elements of the terrestrial network and / or non-terrestrial. For example, the 1120 network can incorporate or display any number of aspects or elements of various communication networks based on
62/154 wired and / or wireless packet such as, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a HAN (Home Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a WLAN network (Wireless Local Area Network), the internet, a cellular communication network and / or any other type of communication network configured such that data can be transferred between and among the respective elements of the 1100 system example.
[000153]. The PTR 1110 and the 111 Safe secondary television receivers, as described in the document, can generally be of any type of television receiver, such as an STB (Set-Top Box Converter), for example. In another example, FLR 1110 and secondary television receivers 1112a ~ b, may exhibit integrated functionality as part of or on a television, a DVR, a computing device, such as a tablet computing device, or. any other computing device or system, as well as variations thereof. In addition, the PTR 1110 and the 1.120 network, together with the H12a-b secondary television receivers, 1114a-e televisions and H16a-b computing devices, can form at least part of a private, home computing network and could each be respectively configured as such to allow communications according to any particular common standard (s) and / or protocol (s) including, for example, TCP / IP (Broadcast Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), DLNA / DTCP- 1P (Digital Active Network Alliance / Digital Transmission Copy Protection over Internet Protocol), HDMI / HDCP (High Definition Multimedia Interface / High Broadband Digital Content Protection) etc.
[000154], In practice, satellites 1106a-c can be configured to receive uplink signals l'122a-b from uplink via satellite 1.104. In this example, the uplink signals 1122a-b can contain one or more streams that carry particular content or data, such as a private television channel, which is provided by service provider 1102. For example, each of the
63 / 1S4 respective uplink signals 1122a-b can contain various media content such as a plurality of encoded HD television channels (High Definition), several SD television channels (Standard Definition), programming on demand, information about programming and / or any other content in the form of at least one carrier chain and according to an allocated broadband and carrier frequency. In this example, different media content can be transported using that different from satellites 1106a ~ c <In addition, different media content can be transported using different transceivers from a particular satellite (for example, satellite 1106a); thus, such media content can be transmitted on different frequencies and / or different frequency bands. For example, a first and second television channel may be carried on a first carrier frequency on a first satellite transceiver 1106a and a third, fourth and fifth television channel may be carried on the second carrier frequency on a first satellite transceiver 1106b, or the third, fourth and fifth television channels can be loaded on a second carrier frequency over a second satellite transceiver 1106a and so on.
[000155]. Satellites 1106a-c can also be configured to relay uplink signals 11.22a-b to satellite dish 1108 as downlink signals 1.124a-b. Similar to the uplink signals 11.22a ~ b, the uplink signals 1124a-b can contain one or more streams of particular content or data, such as several encoded and / or at least partially electronically mixed TV channels, programming on request etc., according to a wide probe and allocated carrier frequency. The downlink signals 1124a-b, however, may not necessarily contain the same or similar content as a corresponding content of the downlink signals I 122a-b. For example, the uplink signal 1122a
S4 can include a first carrier stream containing at least a first group or grouping of television channels and downlink signal 1124a can include a second carrier stream containing at least a second, different group or grouping of television channels. In other examples, the first and second group of television channels may have one or more television channels in common. In summary, there can be varying degrees of correlation between the uplink signals 1122a-b and the downlink signals 1124a-b, both in terms of underlying content and characteristics.
[000156], Continuing with the example implementation scenario, satellite dish 1108 can be provided for use to receive television channels, such as in a subscription base, provided by service provider 1102, satellite uplink 1.1.04 and / or satellites 1106a ~ c <For example, satellite dish 1108 can be configured to receive particular carrier currents, or downlink signals 1124a-b. of one or more of the H06a-c satellites. Based on the characteristics of the PTR 1110 and / or parabolic antenna 1108, however, it may only be possible to capture transporlating currents from a limited number of competing competitors. For example, a PTR 1110 tuner may only be able to tune to a single carrier current from a single satellite transceiver, such as satellite 1106a, at a time.
[000157], .Additionally, the PTR 1110, which is connected to the satellite dish 1108, can subsequently select through the tuner (see, for example, Figure 13), decode and retransmit particular carrier currents to television 1114c for 'xibição in it. For example, satellite dish 1108 and PTR 1110 can, respectively, be configured to receive, decode and retransmit at least one premium formatted HO television channel for television 1114c. The schedule or content associated with the HD channel can generally be presented live ”, or from a
65/154 recording comes previously stored on, by, or on the PTR 1110. In this example, the HD channel can be output to the 1114c television according to the HDMI / HDCP content protection technologies. Other modalities are possible. For example, in some modalities, the MD channel can be broadcast to 1114c television according to the MoCA® home entertainment redoing standard (Multimedia over Coax Alliance. Still other modalities are possible.
[000158]. In addition, PTR 11.10 can select, via the tuner, decode and retransmit particular carrier streams to one or both of the secondary television receivers 1112a-b, which can successively retransmit particular carrier streams to a corresponding receiver on television 1114a and television 111 - it to display on it. For example, satellite dish 108 and PTR 1110 can, respectively, be configured to receive, decode and retransmit at least one television channel to television 111 'via the secondary television receiver 1112a.
[000159]. Similar to the above example, the television channel can usually be apn. sent.ado ^s-live "or as a recording previously stored in PTR 1110 and can be output to the television 113.4a by secondary television receiver mode 1112th . according to a particular content protection technology and / or redemp standard. Other modalities are possible.
[000160]. However, in addition, satellite dish 1108 and PFR 1110 can, respectively, be configured to receive, decode and retransmit at least one premium television channel to one or both computing devices I116a-b. Similar to the examples above, the television channel can generally be presented live, or from a recording as previously stored on the PTR 1110 and be broadcast to one or both of the 1116a-b computing devices according to a particular content protection technology and / or standard redemm Other modalities are possible.
[000161]. R ·.-Wounding, now, to Figure 12, aspects of the example of the
66/154 system 1100 of Figure 11 are shown in further detail. In particular, the PTR 1110 can be configured to broadcast an EPG (Electronic Programming Guide) 1202 and for presentation on at least 1114c television. EPG 1202 can at least display various information related to television channels and the timing of programs or programming appearing on such television channels, such as television channels when received from one or more of satellites 1106a-c. EPG 1202 can display channel information associated with a 2012 channel ”, where a“ Show SE is listed as scheduled to appear on channel “2012” during a particular time period “9-1.0 PM * on a particular day etc. In this example and assuming that a current time is, at some point during the “9-10 PM” time period of a particular day, a user can manipulate a 1204 cursor using an indicating device (not shown) to select the “Show SP for immediate viewing on 1114c television. Other modalities are possible. For example, it is anticipated that any meaning consistent with menu-driven navigation can be used to interact with EPG 1.202 and its elements from EPG 1202.
[000162]. EPG 1202 also asks to display or otherwise display a first user selectable icon 1206 which can be selected by setting a recording timer to automatically record a particular program for later viewing. In this example, a PTR 1110 was able to display DVR functionality to record programs or programming appearing on multiple channels when received from I106a-e satellites, for example and assuming that a current time is sometime before the “9-10 PM ”, Such as a current time in the“ 8-9 PM ”time period preceding the“ 9-10 ΡΝΓ ¹ time period, a user can manipulate cursor 1204 to enter the “Show SI” when displayed in EPG 1202 for recording by PTR 1110 for later viewing of one. or more of televisions 1 114a- <. and computing devices 1116a-b.
67/154 [000163]. For example, during or within the “89 PM” time period and following the “SI SI” selection, as shown by dotted shading in Figure 12, a user can manipulate the cursor 1204 to select the icon 1206 to adjust a “Private N * timer to automatically record the“ Show SI ”for later viewing. In this example, c “Timer N”, where N is an integer value other than zero, is shown in a list of timer 1208 which can, in some embodiments, be displayed in 1202 (for example, completely or at least partially overlaid on EPG 1202) in response to selecting the 1206 icon. In general, the 1208 timer list can list or include an inventory of all program recording timers “currently” or presently “allowed, along with private information associated with each temp. .
[000164]. For example, the particular information could include a “Content Number” parameter, a “Start” recording time parameter, a recording 'Stop' time parameter and other parameters as desired. For example, on. some modalities, the information may include a “Tuner” parameter that designates a particular tuner that should be used to “tune” with “Show SI”, such that “Show SI” can be recorded for later viewing. In one mode, the “Tuner” parameter can be manually adjusted by a user. For example and as shown in timer list 1208 in Figure 12, a “Tuner 1” may have been manually adjusted by a user under the creation of “Timer N”. However, other modalities are possible. For example, in some modalities, “Tuner F can be a“ standard ”tuner automatically adjusted by PTR .1.11.0 under the“ Timer N ”. Still other modalities are possible. As can be understood based on the preceding description, a user can use an Independent or integrated DVR, such as the PTR 1110, to record the broadcast television program individually for viewing.
68/154 at a later time. A user can also use the PTR 1110 to record multiple cases of broadcast television programming, such as during television prime time, or prime time, which can, for example, be between or 8-10 PM, 7-9 PM , 7-10 PM etc., on any 'particular day. gravação recording of a television channel during such a period of time can be defined by a television service provider, such as the service provider 1.1.02 shown in Figure .1.1 .. During this time period, in which the channel of television is recorded, multiple television programs can be broadcast on the television channel. For example, comedies may tend to be scheduled for trims, minutes, including commercials, and dramas may tend to be scheduled for an hour including commercials. Recording a television channel, such as during Prime Time, over multiple hours can result in two or more, possibly six, television programs being recorded.
[000165]. In some scenarios, instead of a single television channel being recorded at a given time, multiple, such as four, television channels may be recorded over a period of time. For example, during weekly Prime Time hours, all major networks can be recorded simultaneously during the same period of time. Such recording was able to allow a user to view at a later time any television program that was broadcast during .Horário Nobre on one of the main networks. When multiple TV channels are recorded simultaneously, it can be efficient to use a single tuner to receive all of the multiple TV channels being recorded. This may allow other tuners of the television receiver to be used for other operations such as, for example, recording other television channels and / or presenting television channels to a user via a display device, such as a television. To imitate or facilitate the implementation of such functionality, the BPG 1202 can also display or present a second
69/154 user selectable cone 1210 that could be selected to set through the menus a recording timer to automatically record multiple cases of broadcast television programming, possibly on multiple channels, such as during prime time television. In this example, a user can manipulate the cursor 1204 to select Icon 1210 to set a particular “PT Timer” to automatically record the Prime Time of the television for later viewing on one or more of the televisions 1114a-c and the H16a- computing devices B. In some modalities, The “PTAT Timer” can be included in the list of timer 1208 that can be displayed in EPG 1202 in response, the selection of the icon .1206 and / or icon 1210. Other modalities are possible.
[000166]. In general, the “PTAT Timer” when itemized in the 1208 timer list may include particular information. The particular information can, for the most part, be defined by service provider 1 102 as shown in Figure 11. Example of information associated with “Timer ΗΆΤ” can at least include a “Network (s) ^s” parameter, a parameter “Prime time” with a “Tuner” parameter. The parameter "Network ^{(s), I} can specify pedo least one network channel to be recorded such as, for example, an NBC channel, ABC channel, CBS channel, FOX network channel , and etc, The “Prime Time” parameter can specify a particular period of time and frequency, in which the television schedule appearing on the network channel specified by the “Networks” parameter can be recorded, such as from 7 PM to 10 PM on the NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX networks each night. week. The “tuner” parameter can design a particular tuner that must be used to “tune” in television programming by appearing on the network channel (s) specified by the “Network (s)” parameter, such that it can be recorded for later viewing. In one mode, the “Tuner” parameter can be manually adjusted by a user, In other modes, the “Tuner” can specify a tuner
70/154 "standard * automatically adjusted by PTR .1.110 sub creation of" PTAT Timer *.
[000167], As described in further detail below, the tuner allocation engine 1119 can in one respect be configured to, in response, to a future activation of a programmed recording timer that can be listed in the timer list. r 1208, using one. PTR 1110 private tuner according to the present description.
[000168], Referring now to Figure 1.3, a simplified block diagram of PTR 1110 of Figure 12 is shown in accordance with the present description. In some embodiments, at least one of the secondary television receivers 1112a ~ b can be configured in a manner similar to that of the PTR 1110. In other embodiments, at least one of the secondary television receivers 1112a-b can be configured to exhibit reduced functionality when compared to PTR 11.10 and may depend at least to a certain degree on PTR 111.0 to implement certain aspects or functionality. In this example, secondary television receivers 1112a ~ b can be referred to as a “thin client, [000169]. For the sake of brevity, PTR 1110 is described in a simplified and conceptual way and can generally include more or less elements or coinponcm.es as desired according to the present description. For example, PTR .1110 is shown in Figure 13 to include the content management engine 1118 and the tuner allocation engine 1119 as mentioned above in conjunction with Figure 12. Additionally, although not explicitly shown in Figure 13, the FTR 1110 may include one or more logic modules configured to implement a semi-functional television stream that encodes video in a particular format for Internet transmission such as to allow users to remotely view and control a home cable, satellite, or personal video recorder from a computer with Internet access. Internet with a connection of
Internet bar, wide. The Slingbox ^ of Bling Media, Inc. of Foster City, CA, is an example of a product that implements such functionality.
[000170]. In addition, PTR 1. .1.10 can be configured to include any number of other various logic components or modules that are implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof and such logic components or modules may not be implementation specific. .
[000171]. In some modalities, the PTR. 1110 and / or secondary television receivers 1112a-b comprise an STB. In addition to being in the form of an STS, at least the .1110 PTR could be incorporated into another device, such as the 1114e television. For example, the 1114c television could have an integrated television receiver that does not involve an external STB being coupled with the 1114c television. An STB may contain some or all of the components of the PTR 1110 and / or I might be able to perform some or all of the functions of the PFR 1110, Consequently, cases in this document referring to an STB and steps being performed by an S1'B, may also , be carried out, more generally, by PTR 1110 and / or secondary television receivers 1112a-b.
[000172]. Referring further to Figure 13, the Pi'R 1110 can be configured to record the ommbuss channel file and extract a television program from a recorded omnibus channel file and can include the <18 content management engine 1118 or include the smtomzador allocation engine 1119 as shown in Figure 12, at least one processor 1302, including a central processor 1302a and a control processor 1302b, a plurality of tuners 1304a-c, at least one network interface 1306, at least one medium of non-transitory computer readable storage 1308. at least one EPG database 1310, at least one television interface 1312, at least one NIT (AWemq Information Table) 1314, at least one DVR database 1316. at least one user interface .1318, at least one PID filter 1320. at least one character; > the intelligent 1322, at least one decoding engine
1324, at least one. PMT (Program Map Table) 1326, less a 1328 decoder and a catalog database 1330. In addition to other modalities of PTR 1110, smaller or larger numbers of eompcment.es may be present. In addition, the functionality of one or more components can be ^- combined; for example, functions of the decoding engine 1324 can be performed by the central processor 1302a. However, in addition, component functionality can be spread across additional components. For example, the Pl D 1320 filter could be handled by hardware and / or sq / haare if stopped from the PMT 1326.
[000173]. Processor 1302 was able to include one or more specialized and / or general purpose processors configured to perform the process such as tuning to a particular channel, accessing and displaying EPG information from the EPG 1310 database and / or receiving and processing input to from a user. For example, processor 1302 may include one or more processors dedicated to decoding video signals of a particular format such as MPEG (Moving Image Expert Group), to, broadcast and display on a television, and to perform decryption.
[000174]. Control processor 1302b can communicate with central processor 1302a. The 1302b control processor was able to control the recording of television channels based on the timers stored in the DVR 1316 databases. The .1302b control processor can start recording a television channel by sending a recording command along with an indication of the television channel to be recorded by central processor 1302a. The control processor 1302b cannot send a second recording command when additional recording is about to start at the same time, until a confirmation that the recording of the first television channel has been successfully received and started by the central processor 1302a < The control processor 1302b can also provide commands to the central processor 1302a when recording a channel
73/154 and television is about to cease. In addition to providing commands related to the recording of television channels, control processor 1302b can provide commands to central processor 1302a that indicates television channels to be sent to decoder 328 to send to a display device, such as television 1114c , for example.
[000175] «The control processor 1302b can also communicate with the network interface 1306 and the user interface .1318. The control processor 1302b can handle input data from the network interface 1306 and the user interface 1318. Additionally, the control processor 1302b can be configured to output data through the network interface 1306.
[000176], Tuners 1304ac can be used to tune to television a.na.is, such as television channels transmitted via satellite or cable, such as satellites 1106a-c. (/ • Each respective 1304a-c tuner satellite may be able to receive and process a single data stream from a transceiver satellite, or an RF cable channel, at a given time. As such, a single tuner can tune to a single transceiver or, for a cable network, a single RF cable channel In addition, a tuner (for example, tuner 1304a) can be used to tune a television channel in a first carrier stream for display using a television, while while another tuner (eg 1304bj tuner can be used to tune to a television channel on a second transceiver for recording and viewing at some other time, yet another tuner (eg 1304c tuner) can be used to check multiple TV channels to determine · whether they are available or not, if multiple TV channels broadcast on the same stream between carrier are desired, a particular tuner (for example, tuner 1304a) can be used to receive the signal containing the multiple television channels for presentation and / or recording. Tuners 1304a-c can receive commands from central processor 1302a. Such commands can instruct tuners 1304a.-c that frequencies should be used for tuning.
[000177], The network interface 1306 can be used to communicate through an alternative communication channel with a television service provider. For example, the primary communication channel can be via satellite, which can be unidirectional to the STB, and the alternative communication channel, which can be bi-directional, can be via a network, such as the Internet. The PTR 1110 may be able to communicate with the service provider 1102 of Figure 11 over a network, such as the Internet. This communication can be two-way. For example, data can be transmitted from PTR 1110 to service provider 11.02 and from service provider .1.102 to PTR 1110. Network interface 1306 can be configured to communicate over one or more networks, such as Internet, to communicate with service provider 1102, Information can be transmitted and / or received via the network interface 1306.
[000178]. Storage medium 1308 can represent a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Storage medium 1308 can include memory and / or a hard disk. Storage medium 1308 can be used to store information received from one or more satellites and / or information received via network interface 1306. The storage medium. 130.8 can store information related to the EPG 1310 database, ο N1T 1314 and / or DVR 1316 databases. Recorded television programs can be stored using storage medium 1308. Storage medium 1308 can be partitioned OR : otherwise divided such that predefined quantities of storage medium 1308 are dedicated to the storage of omnibuss channel files and television programs selected by the user.
75 / 1H4 [000179]. The EPG 1310 database can store information related to television channels and the timing of programs appearing on such television channels. The EPG 1310 database can be stored using storage medium 1308. which can be a hard drive, information from the EPG-1310 database can be used to inform users of which television channels or programs are popular and / or provide user recommendations, information from the EPG 1310 database can provide the user with a visual interface (for example, EPG 1202) displayed by a television that allows a user to browse and select television channels and / or television programs for viewing and / or recording. Information used to fill the EPG 1310 database can be received through. network interface 306 and / or via satellites, such as satellites 1106a - c of Figure 11 through tuners 1304a-c. For example, updates to the EPG 1310 databases can be received periodically via satellite. The EPG 1310 database can serve as an interface for a user to control the DVR functions of the Fl'R 1110 and / or allow the viewing and / or recording of multiple television channels simultaneously.
[00Ô180]. In addition to being used to provide users with information about programmed programming, information from the EPG .131.0 database can be used to determine when television programs start and end for recording purposes. For example, when a specific channel file is recorded which contains multiple television channels, the start and end time of specific television programs in the specific channel file can be based on the start and end times indicated on the given EPG stand. 1310. Other data can be stored in the EPG 1310 database which can be useful in managing specific channel files, such as serial identifiers and episode identifiers, which can be used by a television service provider to identify programs private television.
76/154 [000181]. The 1328 decoder can be used to convert encoded video and audio into a format suitable for broadcast to a display device. For example, decoder 1328 can receive MPEG video and audio from storage medium 1308, or de-rating engine 1324, to be sent to a television. MPEG video and audio from storage medium 1124 may have been recorded in DVR 1316 databases as part of a previously recorded television program. The 1328 decoder was able to convert MPEG video and audio into an appropriate format to be displayed by one. television or other form of display and audio device in a format suitable for broadcasting from speakers, respectively. [000182]. The 1312 television interface can serve to output a signal to a television, or other form of display device, in a format suitable for displaying video and audio playback. As such, a. Television interface 1.312 can broadcast one or more television channels, stored television programming from storage medium '1308, such as television programs from DVR 1316 databases and / or EPG 1310 database information, for example, to a television for presentation.
[000183], NIT 1314 can store information used by PTR 1.110 to access various television channels. Ο ΝΓΓ 1314 can be stored using the storage medium 1308. Information used to fill ο ΝΓΤ 131.4 can be received via satellite, or cable, via 1304a-ce synthsisers / or can be received via the network interface 1306 from a service provider service. As such, information present in ΝΓΤ 1314 can be periodically updated. NIT 1314 can be stored locally by PTR 1110 using storage medium 1308. Information that may be present in N1T 1314 can include, for example; television channel numbers, a satellite identifier, a frequency identifier, a transceiver identifier, an ECM (Benefit Control Message) P1D (Packet Identifier), one or more audio PIDs and a video PID.
77/154
A second audio P1D of a channel can correspond to an SAP program (Second Audio Program), as in another language. In some modalities, NIT 1314 can be divided into additional tables. For example, instead of the specific audio PIDs and video PIDs being present in ΝΪΤ 1314, a channel identifier can be present in NIT 1314 which can be used to search for audio PIDs and video PIDs in another table, such as the PMT 1326. For example, the PMT 1326 can store information in audio PIDs and video PIDs for television channels that are transmitted on a transceiver frequency.
[000184], Table 3 below provides a simplified example of N1T 131.4 for various television channels. It should be understood that in other modalities, many more television channels can be represented in NIT 1314. NIT 1314 can be updated at least periodically by a television service provider. As such, television channels can be reassigned to different satellites and / or transceivers and the PTR 1110 may be able to handle this reassignment as long as NIT 1314 is updated.
Channel | Satellite | Transceiver | PÍD ÈCM] PID PMT) ⁴ I ϊ | 2 .................. j ...................... 27 ....... ...... j '1001j ⁵ | 2 j ΤΪ Γ ................ 29 ............. í ............... .... ΪΌ021 ⁷ | 2 | ............... 3 ............... j ™ 31 .............. i. ................. γθθρ-η
Ü 3 | 2 j 4 ................... | ...................... 33 Ϊ ... ................ ΪΌ04j
Table 3 [000185], Based on the information in NIT 1314, it may be possible to determine the appropriate satellite and transceiver to tune to a particular television channel. In some embodiments, NIT 1314 may list a particular frequency to tune to for a particular television channel. Once tuned to the satellite / transceiver / irequêneía. appropriate »the PIO PMT can be used to retrieve a Program Management Table - which indicates the PIDs for current audio and video from transnudated television channels · by that three sensor. It should be understood that the values provided in Tábcia 3 are for the purpose of example only. Current values »including how satellites and nvuiseeptorcs are identified» may vary.
(000136 |, additional information can also be stored in ΝΊΤ 1314, additional information on how NIT 1314 »as indicated in Table 3» can be used, provided with reference, to Figure 13. The same Pi D node can be reused etn different transcenters [000137], A DVR can allow a television channel to be recorded over a period of time The DVR functionality of the PTR 111G can be managed by the control processor 1302b The control processor 1302b can coordinate the channel television »initial icmpc 'and downtime when the recording of a television cariai should take place The DVR 1316 databases can store information related to the recording of television stations. The DVR 1316 databases can store ternnorizadcres that are used by the control processor 1302b to determine when a television channel should be tuned and its programs recorded pure in DVR 1316 databases.
[000.1331 However> other modalities are possible. For example, in some embodiments, storage medium 1303 can store temparizdorcs. The temp files can be defined as a daii \. Sc.bedule _w db.dat file with a glo al_timcn , db.dat, Em generai file »when a“ new * timer is created, a “new * entry asks for be added to the daily files. <scbedule „db.dat and gloalAJmemdbaiat, which can include all information related to the timer such a channel number» start time duration in. In addition, a limited amount of storage medium 1303 can be dedicated to DVR 1316 databases. Timing gs can be set by a service provider.
79/154 service and / or one or more users of the PTR 1110.
[000189] «The DVR functionality of the 1302b control processor can have multiple modes. For example, the DVR functionality of the 1302b control processor can be configured to record individual television programs selected by a user to the DVR 1316 databases. When using the EPG 1310 database, a user can select a television program particular. Based on the date, time period and television channel indicated by the EPG 1310 database, control processor 1302b can record the television program associated with DVR 1316 databases. In another example, DVR 1316 databases can be used to store recordings of predefined periods of time on one or more television channels. These predefined periods of time can include one or more television programs. For example. Prime time on a private television network can be recorded every night on a weekly basis. In addition, multiple television channels can be recorded during such predefined periods of time. Such recording of television channels for predefined periods of time can be defined by a television service provider (for example, service provider 1102).
[000190], As an example of this second mode of DVR functionality, a television service provider can configure the PTR 1110 to record television programming on multiple predefined television channels during a predefined period of time, on predefined dates. For example, one. television service provider can configure the PTR 1110 such that television programming can be recorded, from 7 PM to 10 PM on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX networks each night of the week. When a television program is selected for recording by a user and is also specified for recording by the television service provider, the user selection can serve as an indication to save the television program for an extended time, in addition to the time that the preset recording would otherwise be saved.
80/154 [000191]. If recording is performed based on a television program selected by the user or selection by a television service provider, the selection may result in storage by DVR 131.6 databases being managed differently. Separate storage arrangements, such as separate rooms on the same storage device, can be allocated based on which entity has designated the television program / channel for recording. As such, DVR 1316 databases can use multiple storage arrangements, such as multiple divisions in the 1308 storage medium. Television programming recorded based on a selection from the television service provider can be stored in a first storage arrangement. storage. Television programming recorded based on user selection can be stored in a second storage arrangement. Television programming in the first storage arrangement can be automatically deleted after a predefined period of time, such as two weeks. If a television program stored by the first storage arrangement is selected by a user (such as via a displayed EPG) to be saved, the television program can be transferred from the first storage arrangement to the second storage arrangement, such as when television programming would otherwise be deleted from the first storage arrangement. Additional detail regarding the recording, storage and maintenance of television programming by the PTR 1110 is provided below in conjunction with at least Figure 14.
[000192]. User interface 1318 may include a trim control, physically separate from PTR 1110 and / or one. or more buttons on the PTR 1110 that allow a user to interact with the PTR 1110. The 1318 user interface can be used to select a television channel for viewing, view the EPG 1310 database information and / or program a stored timer in DVR 1.316 databases and the timer can be used to control the DVR functionality of the 1302b control processor.
[000193], Referring again to tuners 1304a ~ c, the television channels received via satellite, or cable, may contain at least some mixed data. Audio and video packages can be mixed to prevent unauthorized users, such as non-subscribers, from receiving television programming without payment from the television service provider. When one of the tuners 1304a ~ e is receiving data from a particular satellite transceiver, the carrier stream may be a series of data packets corresponding to multiple television channels. Each node data packet contains a P1D, which, in combination with NIT 1314 and / or PMT 1326, can be determined to be associated with a particular television channel.
[000194], private data packets, referred to as ECMs, may be periodically transmitted. ECMs can be associated with another PID and can be encrypted; the PTR ΓΓ10 can use the smart card 1.322 to decrypt ECMs. The decryption of an ECM: may only be possible when the user (eg PFR 1110) is authorized to access the particular television channel associated with. o ECM, When an ECM is determined to correspond to a television channel being stored and / or displayed, the ECM can be supplied to the 1.322 smart card for decryption. When the 1322 smart card receives an encrypted ECM, the 1322 smart card can decrypt the ECM to obtain a certain number of control words. In some modalities, of each ECM received by the smart card 1322, two control words are obtained. In. some modes, when the 1322 smart card receives an ECM, it compares the ECM to the ECM previously received. When the two ECMs combine, the second ECM is not decrypted because the same control words would be obtained. In other embodiments, each ECM received by the smart card 1322 is decrypted; however, when a second ECM matches a first ECM, the control words issued will match; thus, effectively, the second ECM does not affect the control words issued by the smart card 1322. The smart card 1322 can be permanently part of PTR 11'10 or can be configured to be inserted and removed from PTR 1110, {000195], The central processor 1302a. may be in communication with tuners 1304a c and control processor 1302b. Central processor 1302a could be configured to receive commands from control processor 1302b. Such commands can indicate when to start / stop recording a television channel and / or when to start / stop causing a television channel to be broadcast to a television. The central processor 1302a can control tuners 1304a-c. Central processor 1302a can provide commands to tuners 1304a-c that instruct tuners whose satellite, transceiver and / or frequency tune. From tuners 1304a-c, central processor 1302a can receive packet data carrier streams. As previously detailed, some or all of these packages may include a PID that identifies the contents of the package.
[000196]. Central processor 1.302a can be configured to create at least one PID filter 1320 that classifies packets received from tuners 1304a ~ c based on PIDs. When a tuner is initially tuned to a particular frequency, such as a particular satellite transceiver, a PID filter can be created based on a PMT data PID. The PID of PMT data packets can be known because it is stored as part of the N1T 1314. From the PMT data packets, the PMT 1326 can be constructed by central processor 1302a. Table 4 below provides an example snapshot. of a PMT. The PMT 1326 can be specific to a particular transceiver. As such, when tuning a. a different transceiver occurs, a new PMT can be created for the different tran s and por tors.
83 /; 54
! Channel | Video PID | 14 PID of |Audio i 2 »Pl D of Audio | 4 | 1003 2383 i 2119 i I 5 | 2993 ............... 2727 | 2728 i 7 j 9238 ................ ₁₂₃₃ ............ η ---------------------0129 | 13 Γ 0012 93UH4 *·· ................ ....................
Table 4 [000197]. Consequently, based on the information present in PMT 1326, the audio and video PIDs for specific television channels can be identified. A television channel can have multiple audio PIDs due to a second audio program, which could be in one language different. It should be understood that the values provided in Table 4 are for example purposes only. Actual values may vary. Additional information or less information can also be stored.in PMT 1326.
[000198]. The PID 1320 filter can be configured to filter data packets based on the PIDs. In some embodiments, the PID 1320 filter is created and executed by the 1302a central processor. In other embodiments, separate hardware can be used to create and run multiple PID Filters. Depending on one. television channel selected for recording / viewing, a PID filter can be created to filter the video and audio packets associated with the television channel, based on the PID assignments present in the PMT 1326. For example, when a transeptor data stream includes multiple television channels, data packets corresponding to a television channel that is not desired to be stored or displayed by the user, can be ignored by PID filters. As such, only data packets corresponding to one or more television channels desired to be
84/154 stored and / or displayed can be filtered and passed to the decoding engine 1324 or smart card 1322; other data packets can be ignored, For each television channel, a stream of video packets, one. stream of audio packets, one or both of the audio programs and / or a stream of ECM packets may be present, each stream identified by a PID. In some embodiments, a common ECM stream can be used for multiple television channels. Additional data packets corresponding to other information, such as updates to ο ΝΠ '1314, can be appropriately rotated by the PID filter 1320. At any given time, one or multiple PID Filters can be executed by the central processor 1302a.
[000199]. The decoding engine 1324 can use the control words issued by the smart card 1322 to mix video and / or audio corresponding to the television channels for storing and / or displaying video and / or audio data contained in the received transceiver data stream by tuners 1304a-c can be mixed. Video and / or audio data can be mixed by the 1324 decoder engine using one. word, of particular control. Which control word emitted by the smart card 1322 to be used for successful decoding can be indicated by a mix control identifier present in the data package containing the mixed video or audio. The decoded video and / or audio can be output by the engine decoding code 1324 for storage medium 1308 for storage in DVR databases 1316 and / or for decoder 1328 to transmit to a television or other presentation equipment via the television interface 1312, [000200], The database of catalog 1330 can be used by the PTR 1110 to store information about the television programs that are stored as part of a specific channel file and in individual television program files.
85/154 catalog 1330 can be updated when television programs are recorded, transferred and when files corresponding to television programming are deleted. The data stored in the catalog database 1330 can be used to locate television programs in a specific channel file and a program specific file. The catalog database 1330 is described in further detail below in conjunction with Figure 14.
[000201]. For simplicity, PTR 1110 in the Figure. 13 has been reduced to a block diagram; the generally known parts, such as a power supply, have been omitted. In addition, some routing between the various PTR 1110 modules has been illustrated. Such illustrations are for illustrative purposes only. The status of two modules not being directly or indirectly connected does not indicate that the modules cannot communicate. Preferably, the connections between the FPR 1110 modules are intended only to indicate possible common data routing. It should be understood that the PTR .1110 modules can be combined into some module numbers or divided into a larger number of modules. In addition, the components of the PTR 1110 can be part of another device, such as construction on a television. Also, while the PTR 1110 could be used to receive, store and display television channels received via a satellite, it should be understood that similar components can be used to receive, store and display television channels over a network. cable.
[000202]. Referring now to Figure 14, a block diagram is shown illustrating particular components of PTR 1110 in Figure 13. More specifically, Figure 14 shows the control processor 1302b, including the content management engine 1113 and the databases. DVR 1316 data from PTR 1110. In this example, the content management engine 1113 can be configured to manage multiple content storage arrangements, including at least one. 1332 channel layout storage layout
86/154 and storage arrangement assigned to user 1334, from DVR 3 316 databases. Other modalities are possible. For example, in some modalities, the channel layout storage arrangement 1332 and storage layout assigned to user 1334 cannot be stored on the same device, however, they can be stored on separate devices. In addition, in some embodiments, the 1118 content management engine can be completely or at least partially located in one or more other components to the PTR 1110, such as central processor 1402a. In addition, the content management engine 1 de8 can be fully or at least partially located in one or more other components of the 1100 example system, such as service provider 1102, U12a-b secondary television receivers, etc. Still other modalities are possible.
[000203] «In one embodiment, the content management engine 1118 can interact with the channel layout storage arrangement 1332 to store recordings of television channels, and the recordings can each include multiple television programs. The time periods, dates and television channels that are recorded for the 1332 channel layout storage arrangement can be defined by a television service provider. The DVR 1316 data banks can store television channel arrangements recorded by the PTR 1110 according to the rules defined by the television service provider. For example, a television service provider can define which multiple television channels, such channels i, 2 and 7 as illustrated in Figure 14, for example, should be recorded each night of the week from 7 PM to 10 PM. A television service provider can define the channels, dates and time periods during which the channel arrangements are recorded by a particular television receiver. For each television channel and each time period, a separate file can be created. For example, a first omnibus channel file 1336 may correspond to a partieu television channel
87/154 lar 7 and a particular date. In contrast, a first 1338 omnibus channel file arrangement can represent three files created during the preset time period of 7 to 10 PM for pre-selected TV channels 1, 2 and 7. A separate file can be created for each channel television every day that a. recording occurs. For example, the first omnibus channel file arrangement 1338 may correspond to a first day, while a second omnibus channel file arrangement 1340 may correspond to another day and a third omnibus channel file arrangement 1342 may correspond to the other day.
[000204], Each omnibus channel file of the respective omnibus channel file provisions 1338, 1340 and 1342 can contain multiple television programs. In general, a television program is a scheduled production such as a film, documentary, animation, live event, sports event, comedy, drama etc., which may or may not be episodic. A television program is not a commercial. For example, content such as commercials, public service announcements, etc., that air during the broadcast of a particular television program should not be considered separate television programs. Typically, a television program is programmed for at least 30 minutes. Many television programs appear during prime time on weekdays are 60 minutes or 30 minutes in the programmed duration. These time periods may contain time allotted to the scheduled television program and commercials that must air during the scheduled television program.
[000205]. While an omnibus channel file, such as an omnibus channel file 1344, can store audio and video data corresponding to multiple television programs, a separate database can be maintained with program information, such as to locate television programs in a particular omnibus channel file. An example of such a database may include the PTR 1110 catalog database 1330, for each
88/154 recorded television program, an entry can be made in the catalog database 1330. The catalog database 1330 can indicate an identifier for a television program and a file in which the television program is stored, If the television program is stored as part of an omnibus channel file, a file offset can be stored in the catalog database 1330 for the television program. Table 5 below provides an example of the various entries that may be present in the 1330 catalog database. In some embodiments, a catalog's database may store series and episode identifiers for some or all of the television programs.
PI.D File Name File offset (bytes) Marked to save 2738239 es2738239.tsp 0 No 9034836 es2738239.tsp 9832939 Yes 4854557 es. 1003293. tsp 10239832 No 1122092 esl 122092. tsp 0 No
Table 5 [000206], As indicated in Table 5, the catalog database 1330 can include a television program identifier, a file name of the file in which the television program resides, a file offset (if any) and an indication of whether a user marked the corresponding television program to save. A television program identifier can be a unique number that is assigned to a television program on the television receiver. The file name associated with each television program identifier can indicate the file in which the associated television program is stored. This file can be a specific file for the pro
89/154 gram of television or it can be a specific channel file (an ommbus channel file) containing multiple television programs. As an example, the first two television program identifiers in Table 5 below correspond to the same file name. Consequently, both of these television program identifiers are associated with television programs present in the same file as the omnibus channel. In some embodiments, it may be a practice to name each omnibus channel file after the program identifier of the first television program recorded for the omnibus channel file. As such, the file names associated with the television program identifier “2738239 * contain“ 2738239 ”. The file offset can be used to determine a location in a file for television programs that contains multiple television programs.
[Õ00207J. During recording, the file offset can be determined. For the first television program recorded as part of an omnibus channel file, the offset can be zero. For subsequent television programs recorded to the same omnibus channel file, the file offset can be determined by measuring the file size, in bytes, when the television program starts recording. It can be determined when the television program starts recording based on the start time for the television program indicated in an electronic program guide stored by the television receiver. For example, in Table 3 the associated television program cam television program identifier 9034836 begins at a file offset of 9832939 bytes. A television program is determined to end either at the end of the file or at the next file shift in the same file indicated by the catalog database. For example, the television program associated with television program identifier “2738239” ends at a file offset of 9832938 bytes, based on the file offset associated with
90/154 television program 9034836. ” [000208]. Each omnibus channel file stored by the 1332 channel layout storage arrangement can be deleted on a scheduled basis. For example, two weeks after an omnibus channel file is recorded, the omnibus channel file can be reported. By automatically deleting the om.nibu.ss channel file after a period of time, the total amount of storage space needed for the .1.332 channel layout storage arrangement can be precisely determined. For example, if you know when the omnibuss channel file will be deleted and you know how many and how long the omnibuss channel file will be recorded, a required amount of storage space can be allocated to the channel arrangement storage arrangement. 1332.
[000209], During the period of time that the omnibuss channel file is stored by the channel layout storage arrangement 1332, a user may be able to watch any of the television programs stored in the omnibuss channel file, Following the period of time during which the omnibuss channel file is stored, only individual television programs specifically designated by a user a. be designated for rescue can be preserved; other television programs that are part of the omnibus channel file can be deleted. Referring to the 1344 omnibus channel file, the user can select a 1339 television program for preservation. This can result in a tab, such as a single bit, for example, being set in the catalog database 1330 which indicates, that the television program must be saved when the omnibus channel file is deleted. As an example of a reason why a user may choose to preserve the 1339 television program, the 1339 television program may be part of a series that the user likes to watch, however, the user does not have a chance to watch it at the same time. the television program 1339 was stored by the channel layout storage arrangement 1332. The user can designate the television program 1339 for saving via an EPG interface (for example, EPG 1202). The user may have marked the specific episode corresponding to the program, from television 1339 to, save, or may have selected the total series of which the television program 1339 is an episode to save.
[000210], When the omnihus channel file layout 1342 is to be deieted, the television program 1339 can be transferred from the channel layout storage layout 13.10 to the storage layout assigned to the user .1334. In general, the content management engine 11.18 can manage this process. The dotted arrow in the Figure. 14 is intended to illustrate how television program 1339 becomes a private individual television program file 1346e from a plurality of program files on individual television 1346a-e in the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334. User 1334 can be a separate storage arrangement, such as one. division of the separate storage device, in which the user is allowed to allocate storage space as desired, Other modalities are possible. As such, the television programs stored by the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334 can be determined by a user. For example, a user may be allowed to store as many television programs for the storage layout assigned to user 1334 as desired until the storage layout assigned to user 1334 no longer has the capacity to store programs. Once complete, the user may be required to delete the content from the storage layout assigned to user 1334 before storing other content for the storage layout assigned to user 1334.
[000211] «When a television program is transferred to the storage layout assigned to user 1334, the database
92/154 catalog data 1330 may need to be updated such that the television program can be allocated. Entries corresponding to the deleted ommbuss channel file can be deleted from the catalog database 1330. A new entry for a television program transferred to the storage layout assigned to user 1334 can be made, or the previous entry, for the program television can be modified. Table 6 below illustrates an example of a modified part of the catalog database 1330 for television program 1.339 after being transferred to the assigned storage layout 334.
PID File name File offset (bytes) Marked to save 27382290 nriv 9034836 Es9034836.tsp 0 Yes 485455-7 TxxSoct 1422-092 ο · & · 1-122Ο92-, 4 «ρ 9
Table 6 [000212]. In Table 6, it is assumed that the television program identifier 9034836 corresponds to television program 1339. The entries associated with television program identifier “2738239”, 4354557 “and“ 11.22092 ”can be excluded due to. exclusion of the collective channel files eorrespo.ndent.es from the channel array storage arrangement 1332, where such deletions are indicated by the strikethrough in Table 6. However, the entry corresponding to the 1339 television program is kept with the name of the file and file displacement being updated to the specific file of the television program in which the television program is stored. As such, how collective channel files are created, store
93/154 data and deleted and as individual television program files are created, stored and deleted, the catalog database 1.330 can be updated so that each television program has an entry. In particular, television programs stored in collective channel files and television programs stored in individual program files, each have entries.
[000213], Once a copy of the 1,339 television program has been transferred to the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334, the collective channel 1344 file may be deleted. However, the individual television program file 1346e can be created and stored in the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334. For the purposes of example only, four other television programs are illustrated as stored by the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334. Each one. of individual 1346a-e television program files is associated with a separate file. As such, each television program specific file of the individual television program files 1346a is intended to store a single television program from start to finish. It should be understood that, due to the recording schedule, a short period of time from another television program and possible commercials, can be stored at the beginning and / or at the end of a specific television program file. Likewise, a short period of time for the television program to be recorded may no longer be recorded at the beginning or at the end of the recording of the television program. While the array storage arrangement, channel 1332 can store channel-specific files, the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334 can store files specific to the television program, rather than a television program, such as the television program file. individual 1346e, is stored in the storage arrangement assigned to user 1,334, the television program can be stored indefinitely until the television program is selected for
94/154 deletion by a user.
[000214], The above description in relation to. Figure 14 represents a situation in which PTR 11 W is enabled to record arrays of television channels, as in every night. It should be understood that a user can disable said recording. If disabled, the user can still choose individual television programs for recording. Such individual television programs selected for recording can be recorded directly to the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334 in individual television program files. In some embodiments, if a user has deactivated the recording of the television channel matrix, the physical memory allocated for the storage arrangement of the 1332 channel matrix can be transferred and used for other storage, such as for the storage of television programs. additional selected by user. In some embodiments, when matrix recording is disabled, the 1332 channel array storage arrangement can be removed, if a partition, with the reallocated space for the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334 or some other storage arrangement. Alternatively, the channel array storage arrangement 1332 may be left unused. There are still other possible modalities.
[000215], Further details associated with the extraction of a particular television program from a collective channel file are discussed in Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No. US 13/793636, Attorney Number 94567-848967, filed at March 11, 2013, entitled “Trans / êr o / / fefemíun Programs From C / iunriefiFpe'ci / fe Fifes to Jfeoprum-Speci / ic Fifes”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all intentions and purposes. [000216], With reference now to Figure 15, a first example of EPG .1.502 is shown, according to the principles of the present disclosure. In many respects, the EPG 1502 is similar to the EPG 1202 described above in relation to Figure 12. For example, the EPG 1502 can at least display various information related to the
95/154 television and time of the programs or programming that appears in such television cards. For example, EPG 1502 can display the channel information associated with a “7” channel, which is associated with the ABC network, where a “Wipeout” program is listed as scheduled to appear on channel 7 ”for a specified period of time. “19:00 - 20:00” of a certain day Thursday 15/12 ”etc. In this example and assuming that the current time is at some point during the "7 pm to 8 pm" time on Thursday 15/12 ", a user can manipulate a pointing device (not shown) to put the up arrow" or set the arrow, down ”or set the arrow to the right” or set the arrow to the left ”and select the program“ Wipeout ”for immediate visualization, such as via manipulation of a D-pad or buttons on a controller control finish. In this example, a block "or cell" within EPG 1502 that is associated with the "Wipeout" program, as shown by the simplified hatch in Figure 1.5, can correspond to an icon selectable by the user that, when selected "," activated "etc. , I was able to start a process by which the “Wipeout” program would be generated for immediate display or presentation on a display device, such as the 1114c television in Figure 12, for example. In Figure 15, a first graphic indicator 1504 is displayed inside the block ”that is. associated with a Wipeout program ”. In this example, the first type of graphical indicator 1504 can indicate, designate, identify, etc., that the Wipeout program ”is associated with a recording matrix timer”, such as the certain “PTAT timer” described above in relation to Figure 12, for example. A “matrix” recording timer is distinguished from a “user-initiated” recording timer, because a timer for the recording “matrix” could be set or set by one. entity that is not a typical user, top by a service provider, for example. For example, service provider 1102 in Figure 12 can set a particular “matrix” recording timer to at least record prime time on ABC television from 7 pm to 10 pm during the week, etc. In this example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 would not only be displayed within the “block” that is associated with the “Wipeout” program, but also within a “block” that is associated with the “Grey's Anatomy” program, as shown in Figure 15. Other modalities are possible.
[000217]. In contrast, the time for a particular “user-initiated” recording timer could be set or created by a typical user. For example, a particular user was able to set a specific recording timer initiated by the user to record the program “The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes”, which is listed in EPG 1502 as scheduled to be shown on channel “6” over a period of time “20-2 pm” for the particular day “Thursday. 12/15 ". In this example, a second type of graphic indicator 1506 presented inside a “block” that is associated with the program “The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes” can indicate, designate, identify etc., that the program “The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes” is associated with the particular “user-initiated” recording timer.
[000218]. As I could understand from the previous discussion, the particular “indication” can be displayed within EPG 1502 for television programs that are specified by a user to be recorded, such as a television program subject to a recording timer “started by user". For example, as shown in Figure 15, the second type of graphical indicator 1506 may indicate that a user has individually selected the program “The Casebook of Sherlock. Holmes ”for recording. In contrast, the particular different "indication" can be displayed for television programs that are specified by an entity other than a specific user to be recorded, such as a television program subject to a "matrix" recording timer. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may indicate that the “Wipeout” program has been selected, along with at least the “Grey's Anatomy” program, for the
97/154 recording by a service provider as part of a PTAT service (Prime Time anytime). In some situations, however, both the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be displayed on EPG 1502, in association with a particular television program. In this example, the particular television program may be subject to recording as part of the television channel “matrix” and also according to a “user-initiated timer”.
[000219], For example, with reference now to Figure 16, EPG 1502 of Figure 15 is shown with the first and second graphic indicators related to a particular program. In particular, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 is displayed within the block ”that is associated with the program“ Wipeout ”. As mentioned above, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can indicate, designate, identify etc., that the Wipeout program is associated with a "matrix" recording timer, such as α determined "PTAT timer" described above in relation to the Figure 12. for example. In addition, the second type of graphic indicator 1506 is displayed inside the block ”that is associated with the program“ Wipeout ”. In this example, the second type of graphic indicator 1506 may indicate that a user has individually selected the “Wipeout” program for recording. As an example of a reason why the user can choose to record the “Wipeout” program, according to a “user-initiated” timer, even if the “Wipeout” program is subject to recording according to a “timer” recording matrix ", is that the program Wipeout" can be recorded as a "collective channel file" after the activation or "burning" of the "matrix" recording timer, where this file could "be deleted because it is old" and be deleted after a predetermined period of time, as described above in relation to FIGs. 11 to 14. The user can choose to record the program “Wipeout”, according to a timer “started by the user”, when interested in preserving the case in question of the program. “Wipeaut”, in such a way that
98/154 this program may be available for viewing after the predetermined period of time has passed. Other reasons may be possible.
[000220], In the exemplary modalities. the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can generally be visually different or distinct from the second type of graphic indicator 1506. This can manifest itself as a difference between at least one visually noticeable characteristic of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the first type of graphic indicator 1.504 may be different in color from the coloring of the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can be perceived as being substantially yellow ”, while the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be perceived as being substantially“ green ”. In another embodiment, the geometric shape of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may be different from the geometric shape of the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can be perceived as being substantially “circular”, while the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be perceived as being substantially rectangular ”.
[000221], In another embodiment, a geometric size of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may be different from a geometric size of the second type of graphic indicator 1506, For example, the first type of graphic indicator .1.504 can be perceived as being substantially twice ”the perceived size in relation to the second type of graphic indicator 1506. In another embodiment, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may have different symbols and / or signs than the symbols and / or signs of the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may show signs Pt ", which can mean PTAT", while the second type of graphic indicator 1506
99/154 may present .trues best described as corresponding to “hands on a watch”.
[000222]. Other modalities of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 are possible. In addition, the visual properties of specific cases of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be distinguished from the visual properties of other specific cases of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506.
[000223]. For example, in some embodiments, the coloring of the second type of graphic indicator 1506 may be a function of or associated with a particular profile of a customer account of service provider 1102 da. Figure 11. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504, when perceived as being substantially “green, can refer to or indicate that an associated timer was“ set up ”by a specific user associated with a User Profile 1”, while second type of graphic indicator 1506, when perceived as being substantially purple ”can refer to or indicate that an associated timer has been configured” by a specific user associated with a “User Profile 2”. For example, the second type of graphic indicator 1506 as shown within the '' block 'that is, related to the Wipeout program ”in Figure 16 can be seen as being substantially“ green ”, where the timer associated with this particular case of the second type of graphic indicator 1506 may have been defined by a specific user associated with “User Profile 1”. In contrast, the second type of graphic indicator .1506 as displayed within the “block” that is associated with the “Grey's Anatomy” program in Figure 16 can be seen as being substandalmeuie “purple”, where the timer associated with this particular case of second type of graphic indicator 1506 may have been defined by a specific user associated with “User Profile 2. Other modalities are possible. For example, the “shape” of the second
100/154 of the graphic indicator type 1506 can be used to associate the identification of the particular recording timer with a particular user or user profile. There are still other possible modalities. For example, the coloring of the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be a function of or associated with a particular receiver, used for recording an associated program. For example, tuner 1 "can be associated with the color red", "tuner 2" can be associated with the color purple "and etc. Other modalities are still possible.
[000224]. Referring now to Figure 17, a first example 1700 method is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In general, the steps or modules of the 1700 method, as described, can ultimately be implemented by or on the PTR 1110 of Figure II, Other modalities are, however, possible. For example, one or more modules or steps of the 1700 method can be implemented by, or in one or more of the other respective devices or components within the 1100 system as described above in relation to Figure 11, There are still other possible modalities.
[000225]. In 1702, a first program recording timer can be programmed or set to record a particular program · broadcast on a television channel at a given time by a television service provider. For example, a user can set a “user-initiated” recording timer to record the “Wipeout” program, which, as shown in. Figure 16 is listed on EPG 1502 as scheduled to be shown on a “7” channel during the “7 pm-10pm * time of the“ Thursday 1.5 / 12 ”day. In general, the first recording timer of the program can be defined, at least sometime before the transmission of the program “Wipeout, by the user through interaction with the icon 1206, as described above in relation to Figure 12. Other modalities are, however, possible. For example, the 1206 icon does not necessarily need to be selected using the 1204 cursor.
101/154 private user can browse and select elements within EPG 1202 (or EPG 1502), through any means desired, to interact with a menu based interface (eg, voice activation. Motion activation, control panel etc. ).
[000226]. At 1704, a second program recording timer can be programmed to record a series of programs broadcast on the television channel by the television service provider, including the particular program. For example, a user can select the 1210 icon to set a certain “timer Ρ'ΓΑΊ '” automatically to record the prime time of the television for later viewing, as described above in relation to Figure 12. In this example, the “PTAT timer ”Can be predefined to, when selected, at least record the prime time of ABC television from 7 pm to 8 pm on weekdays (other than Saturday and Sunday) etc. For example, it can correspond to, at least, the recording of the program “Wipeout” and the program “Grey's Anatomy”, as shown in Figure 15. In this way, at least, the program “Wipeout” can be associated with both the first program recording timer, and the second program recording timer. Other modalities are possible. For example, the “PTAT Timer” can be preset to, when selected, record the “Prime Time” of the television from 1.9: 00 to 22: 00 on NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX and every night of the week. There are still other possible modalities. However, at least, the “Wipeout” program can still be associated with the first recording timer of the program and the second recording timer of the program.
[000227]. In 1706, a first graphic indicator that identifies the programming of the first recording timer of the program and a second graphic indicator that identifies the programming of the second recording timer of the program can be transmitted simultaneously for display within a program guide and, in association with a particular program descriptor. F> for example,
102/154 as shown in Figure 16 and in continuation with the example described in 1702 and 1704, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be displayed within the "block" or cell "that is associated with the “Wipeout” program. A “Wipeout” program designer can, in one mode, refer to textual characters or letters within the word “Wipeout”. The first type of graphic indicator 1504 can indicate, designate, identify etc., that the “Wipeout” program is, associated with the second recording timer, a “matrix;” recording timer and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can indicate, designate, identify etc., that the “Wipeout” program is, associated with the first recording timer, a “user initiated” timer. Such an application can be beneficial in many ways. For example, in one. at a glance, a user can be informed or otherwise determine that at least the “Wipeout” program will not be “deleted because it is older” or deleted without the user having the opportunity to watch the case in question from the “Wipeout” program . On the contrary, the case in question from the “Wipeout” program can be preserved (for example, stored in the PTR 1110) until such time as the user intends to delete the case in question from the “Wipeout” program, for example. Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well.
[000228] »For example, another advantage of a user recording indicator, in addition to a channel matrix recording indicator may include the following. In certain cases, when a user sets up their own recording, a user recording indicator can be displayed within a "block" or "cell" associated with the program, to be recorded on an EPG. Whenever the user wants to ensure that it is configured to record, the user can access the EPG and this is clearly indicated. However, when the user looks at this confirmation for their recording started, in an EPG cell that is also marred by a channel matrix recording, the absence of the user recording indicator is confusing since, in certain
103/154 cases, the user's recording indicator shows, that the recording is scheduled. Thus, the user can start to guess and can try or configure the recording again, or have to go through a sequence of menu keys to find the timer in a timer list to determine whether the recording is actually scheduled. Having the user recording indicators displayed with channel matrix recording indicators can eliminate or prevent confusion, strenuous confirmation etc. and is consistent with the use of this indicator in the rest of the EPG. Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well.
[000229]. With reference now to. Figure. 18, a second example of EPG 1802 is shown, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In many respects, EPG 1802 is similar to at least EPG 1502 described above in relation to FIGs. 15-17. For example, EPG 1802 can at least display various information related to television channels and the schedule of programs or programming that appears on those television channels. For example, EPG 1802 can display channel information associated with a “6” channel that is associated with the PBS network, where a “Washington Week” program is listed as scheduled to appear on channel “6” for a specified period of time between “19 - 19:30” on a given day Thursday 3/3 ”etc. In this example and assuming that the current time is at some point during the “19 - 19: 30® on“ Thursday 3/3 ”time period, the user can manipulate a pointing device (not shown) to“ put the up arrow "Or" put the down arrow "or" put the right arrow "or" put the left arrow "and select the" Washington Week "program for immediate viewing, as via urn manipulation. D-pad or remote control buttons. In this example, a "block" or "cell" within EPG 1802 that is associated with the "Washington Week" program, as shown by the dotted shading, as in the Figure. 18, can correspond to a user selectable icon that, when “selected”, “activated” etc., can give
104/154 initiation of a process asking for the “Washington Week” program to be generated for immediate display or presentation on a display device, such as. television 1114e of Figure 12, for example, [000230]. In the example in Figure 18, the “6” channel cannot be a network channel that is associated with a “matrix” recording timer. Instead, channel “4”, which is associated with the CBS network, can be a channel that is associated with a special “matrix” recording timer and channel. "7", which is associated with the ABC network can be a channel which is associated with the recording timer of the particular "matrix" and channel "9", which is associated with the NBC network can be a channel which is associated with the the recording timer of the special “matrix” and channel “31”, which is. associated with the FOX network can be a channel that is. associated with the recording timer of the particular "matrix", this may correspond to the scenario in which, for example, during the prime time hours of the days of the week, all "large" networks can be recorded simultaneously for the same period of time , such as 7 pm to 10 pm. This can be designated in EPG 1802 using the first type of graphic indicator 1504, as discussed above. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can be displayed beside a descriptor that identifies a particular one of the television channels 4, 7, 9 and 31. A descriptor can, in a modality refer to textual characters, or letters , or a word, which identifies a particular one of the television channels 4, '7, 9 and 31. Like the word “FOX”, as shown in Figure 18, a descriptor can, in one modality refer to a logo that identifies a particular one of the television channels 4, '7, 9 and 31 such as the “eye” logo of the CBS channel 4, as shown in Figure 18, [000231]. According to the present disclosure, the EPG 1802 can grant, allow or enable a user to navigate within EPG 1802 to view the schedule that was recorded as part of the particular “matrix” recording timer and / or schedule that was recorded as part of a “started” recording timer fur
105/154 user ”. For example and as discussed further below, a user can navigate backwards "via EPG 1802, or from right to left within EPG 1802, where particular" blocks "or" cells "can be activated for selection when a certain program is currently stored, such as by PTR 1110, for example, to access the particular program, while other "blocks" or "cells" may be inactive, so that they are not available for selection. A user can then select the recorded schedule to view directly from EPG 1802. Such an implementation can be beneficial in many ways. For example, a user can access recorded programming directly from EPG 1802, without having to navigate to a separate interface. This can provide one. more “agile” user experience, adding value to the commercial product which is EPG 1802 (and EPG 1202 and EPG 1502). Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well. For example, with reference to the use of a user recording indicator, even in a “look backwards” EPG scenario, in which the PTAT recording is indicated in the EPG in the cells before the current moment. A user might want to use the same indications used elsewhere to ensure that the user's recording is in place, without confusion, arduous menu navigation to confirm and, consistent with its use elsewhere in an EPG. However, given that the events shown in the past are actual recordings and are not timers for future recording timers, you can follow the one that the recording indicators should perhaps change from an icon that indicates that the recording has already taken place, which is distinctive of a recording that will happen in the future. Thus, it was clear that, instead of a “user recording” icon, a user saved icon can be used in some modalities.
[000232]. In at least one embodiment, the EPG 1802 may collapse based on filtering the channels associated with the recorded programming. For example, EPG 1802 can show channels 1 to 31 for live viewing and channels 4, 7, 9 and 31 can be associated
106/354 to a stored content service ”, as a service that implements a“ matrix * recording timer. As the user moves “backwards” on EPG 1802. as from right to left within EPG 1802, where only left-to-right movement can normally be allowed, EPG 1802 can collapse downwards and show only channels 4, 7, 9 and 31. In addition, in at least one mode, EPG 1802 can only show time periods earlier in time associated with the time periods in which the content was recorded, both as part content service stored or generally recorded by the content receiver. For example, EPG 3,802 can go back in time through Prime Time blocks for each night and may not have all the data associated with other time blocks. An example of allowing a user to view the schedule that was recorded as part of a “matrix” recording timer and / or schedule that was recorded as part of a “user-initiated” recording timer, along with various breakdowns, filtering and / or presentation of channels and content, can be understood from the discussion that follows in relation to FIGs. 19 to 23.
[000233]. For example, with reference now to. Figure. 19, EPG 1802 of Figure 18 is shown in a first modified state. In particular, as the user navigates on EPG 1802 to move from the “block” or “cell” associated with the “Washington Week,” as shown in Figure 18, to the “cell” cu cell ”associated with the program “Wipeout,” an icon selected! 1804 can “pop up” or otherwise appear that can provide the user with an option to access one or more private recorded programs. In general, the recorded programs may have been recorded as part of a matrix recording timer ”and / or recorded as part of a“ user-initiated ”recording timer.
[000234]. For example, with reference now to Figure 20, EPG 1802 of Figure 18 is shown in a second modified state. In
107/154 particular, a user can select the selectable icon 1804 and a panel 1806 can be displayed within EPG 1802 that allows the user to select programs that are currently stored and available for viewing, As mentioned above, the programs may have been recorded as part of a “matrix” recording timer and / or recorded as part of a “user-initiated” recording timer. In addition, programs can be organized in any way as desired. In the example in Figure 20. private programs can be displayed within panel 1806 “in line” with a corresponding channel on which the programs were originally broadcast. For example, the program “Mr. Sunshine ”can be displayed inside panel 1806“ in line ”with channel“ 7 ”which is associated with the ABC network and etc. In this example, to the extent that panel 1806 was accessed by selecting the selectable icon 1804 that is associated with channel “7,” a particular “cell” or block ”associated with the content of“ Mr. Sunshine * 'can initially be “highlighted, ** as shown by the dotted-like shading in Figure 20, Here, the particular“ cell ”or“ block ”associated with the content of Mr. Sunshine” can correspond to a user selectable Icon that when “selected,” “activated,” etc., you can start a process by which the particular case of the “Mr. Sunshine could be generated for immediate viewing or presentation on a display device, such as the 1114c television. Figure 12, for example, [0OQ23S] »Other modalities of panel 180 & or features or elements inside panel 18 (16 are also possible. For example, specific programs can be presented within panel '1806 according to an hour” In this example, panel 1806 can be substantially similar to an EPG 1,802 format, as shown at least in Figures 18 to 19, where certain programs are listed or otherwise organized according to the time and There are still other possible modalities.
108/154 example, specific programs can be presented within panel 1806 “in line” with a corresponding channel on which the programs were aired, but may include more information within a particular “cell * or“ block ”, in addition to a descriptor (for example, “Mr. Sunshine”) that identifies a particular program. For example, the program “Mr. Sunshine * can be displayed inside panel 1806 "in line * with channel" 7 * which is associated with the ABC network and also the "cell" associated with the "Mr. Sunshine * asks you to specify a date / time for the initial display, similar to that shown for the program. “Criminal Minds * in Figure 20, [000236]. Still other modalities are possible that can allow a user to view the schedule that was recorded as part of a “matrix” recording timer and / or schedule that was recorded as part of a “user-initiated” recording timer, along with various breakdowns, filtering and / or displaying channels and content. For example, with reference now to Figure 21, EPG 1802 of Figure 18 is shown in a third modified state. In particular, a selection list for filter 1808 can be selected within EPG 1802 to “collapse” EPG 1802 to show only those channels that are classified with the particular “matrix * recording timer discussed above in relation to FIGs. 18 to 20, channels 4, 7, 9 and 31.
[600237], There are still other possible modalities. For example, with reference now to Figure 22, EPG 1802 of Figure 18 is shown in a fourth modified state. The scenario in Figure 22 may be similar to the scenario described above in relation to FIGs. 18 to 19. For example, as a user navigates EPG 1802 to move from the “block * or“ cell ”associated with the“ Washington Week ”program, as shown in Figure 18, to the“ block ”or“ cell * associated with the program “Wipeout *, a selectable icon 2202 can“ popup * or otherwise appear that can provide the user with an option to access one or more private recorded programs. In this
109/154 example, however, the one or more private recorded programs can be associated only with the network associated with channel “7”. For example, the programs “The Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars” and etc., are programs provided by the ABC network.
[000238], In one mode, a user can select the selectable icon 2202 and a panel 2204 can be displayed within EPG 1802 that allows the user to select the programs that are currently stored and available for viewing. Programs that have more than one (1) recorded program available for viewing can be “highlighted” within panel 2204 to distinguish them from other programs that may have only one (1) recorded program available for viewing. For example, as shown in Figure 22, a line, in “bold”, can frame a selectable icon associated with the “The Middle” program to indicate that more than one episode of the “The Middle” series is available for viewing. Furthermore, in the example in Figure. 22, panel 2204 could correspond to a “scrolling” menu that can display programs that are currently stored and available for viewing. Here, a. "cell." or particular “block” associated with “The Middle” content can correspond to a user-selectable icon that, when “selected”, “activated” etc., I was able to start a process by which a specific house in the “The Middle” program ”Senna. generated for, immediate display or presentation on an output device, such as television 1114c in Figure 12. for example. The particular case of the Tna Middle program was able to correspond to a “previous” program in the series when several recordings exist, in order to prevent the visualization of the series “'out of sequence”. There are other possible variants. Referring now to Figure 23, a second example of method 2300 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In general, the steps or modules of the 2300 method, as described in the last analysis, can be implemented by or on the PTR 1.1.10 of Figure .1.1. However, other modalities are possible. For example, one or more modules or steps in the 2300 method can be implemented
110/154 by, or in one or more of the other respective devices or components within the 1100 system as described above in relation to Figure 1 1. There are still other possible modalities.
[000239]. In 2302, an indication of the interest of the user of a television program of a particular television channel can be received within a gluttony, of programming that displays the specific content and, in 2304, an icon selectable by the user positioned in association with a descriptor that identifies the particular television channel can be generated and displayed with the programming guide in response to the user's indication of interest and stops the display in the programming guide.
[000240]. In general, the indication of the user's interest may correspond to the access of a particular cell within the guide, of programming associated with the television program. For example, with reference now in addition to Figure 1.9, as the user navigates EPG 1802 to move from the block or cell associated with the program. Washington Week "for the block" or cell "associated with the Wipeout program," the selectable icon 1804 may pop up "or otherwise appear that can provide the user with an option to access one or more recorded private programs. In this example, channel 7, ”which is associated with the ABC network, can be a channel that is associated with a matrix recording timer” in which, during prime time on weekdays, the programming of all the main ”networks can be simultaneously recorded for the same period of time, such as from 7 pm to 10 pm <In the example modes, the selectable icon 1804 may not be generated as, or when, or if, a user navigates EPG 1802 to move from the block "or cell" associated with the Wipeout program "to the block" or cell "associated with the Washington Week program", this may be because channel 6, "which is associated with the PBS network, may be a channel that is not associated with the particular matrix recording timer. However, other modalities are
111/154 eligible.
[000241]. In 2306, an interactive panel that identifies at least one particular program that is stored within a collective channel file containing a plurality of programs broadcast consecutively on the particular television channel over a predefined period of time can be generated for display within the guide. programming by selecting the user-selectable icon. In general, such recording can be implemented by a matrix recording timer ”, such as“ Tempor Timer that can be preset to, when selected, record the Prime Time of television from 7 pm to 10 pm on NBC, ABC, CBS and FQX on each night of the week as described above in relation to Figure 12.
[000242]. For example, with reference now in addition to Figure 20, a user can select selectable icon 1804 and panel 1806 can be presented within EPG 1802 which allows the user to select programs that are currently stored and available for viewing. In this example, panel 1806 is disconnected from or separated from conventional EPG 1802 content by a column comprising the descriptors that identify the particular television channels 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 20 and 31. In other words, the content within panel 1806 is independent or separate from the conventional content of BPG 1802. For example, the block "or cell" associated with the program "Mr. Sunshine ”is separated from the“ block or “cell” associated with the “Wipecut” program. This is because the block "or" cell "continuing the descriptor (s) that identifies the particular television channel 7" is between the "block" or "cell" associated with the "Wipeout" program and the block "or" cell ”Associated with the“ Mr. Sunshine ”. Other modalities are possible.
[000243]. For example, with reference now in addition to Figure 22, a user can select selectable icon 2202 and panel 2204 can be presented within EPG 1802 which allows the user to select programs that are currently stored and
112/154 available for viewing. In this example, panel 2204 is integrated or incorporated within the conventional content of EPG 1802. This is different from the example scenario described above in connection with Figure 20. In other words, the content within panel 2204 is not independent or separate from the conventional EPG 1802 content. For example, the block or cell ”associated with The Bachelor program is immediately adjacent to the block or cell” associated with the Wipeout program ”. Such an application described in connection with both Figure 20 and Figure 22 can be beneficial in many ways. For example, a user can access recorded programming directly from EPG 1802, without having to navigate to a separate interface. This can provide a more agile user experience ”, adding value to the commercial product which is EPG 1802 (and EPG 1202 and EPG 1502). Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well.
[000244], For example, as the PTAT option to view additional PTAT recordings when a PTAT EPG cell is selected, a similar approach could be taken when a cell is tied to the recording indicated by the user. For example, when a cell for a user-initiated recording is selected, one. queue of previous recorded episodes can be displayed from the same series as the episode represented in the cell, in case a user may not want to wait for the recording and instead instantly watch a past recording of another episode in the series. For example, when an EPG cell for the Wipeout 4 episode is selected, a row of cells from the Wipeaut 1, 2, and 3 episodes comes out from below the row with the Wipeout 4 episode. The cells for the recorded episodes 1 to 3, they can also be monitored with assisted indicators to mark which programs were previously viewed or not. When the user selects a cell between the cells of recorded episodes 1 to 3, that episode will be played immediately. Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well.
113/154 [000245]. For example, earn reference, now, to Figure 24, an example of the 2400 method is shown for the selection of a particular tuner of a television receiver, among a plurality of Tuners, to be used for recording the private broadcast programming, The exemplary method 2400 as described can be performed either by a computer system or device, such as a television receiver. An example of such a computer system or device is discussed below with reference to at least Figure 27.
[000246]. The 2400 method may include receiving (module 2402), by the television receiver, an indication of a near or imminent activation of a scheduled program recording timer. For example, the television receiver can receive an alert signal at a certain time before the recording timer is activated. The particular moment can be predetermined and configurable. For example, the television receiver can receive the alert signal within 0.5 seconds or 2 seconds, or 5 seconds or 10 seconds etc., before the recording timer is activated. In general, the recording timer could be set or configured to apply, after activation, a recording of the particular broadcast schedule at a predetermined cream and time. For example, the timer can be configured to instantiate the recording of a "Program 3Γ", which is scheduled to appear on a channel "2012" during a certain period of time "9 pm to 10 pm" on a given day (see, for example, Figure 12 and description). Other modalities are possible.
[000247], Method 2400 may also include the determination (modula 2404), by the television receiver, in response to receiving the indication, a current status of each one. the plurality of tuners of the television receiver. In general, one of the plurality of tuners can be on. one from an inactive state and one from active. A tuner in an inactive state can, for example, refer to a
114 / .154 tuner that is not in use. The current status of an inactive tuner can be defined as "inactive". A tuner in an active state can, for example, refer to a tuner that is being used for recording, but will be more recording in a "start" time associated with the recording timer and, therefore, may be available for recording the private broadcast schedule. A current situation of an active tuner in this scenario could be defined as “active; recording; non-transferable ”. In another example, a tuner in an active state can, for example, refer to a tuner being used to select a certain live program for the presentation of one. display device. The current status of an active tuner in this scenario can be defined as “active; Live". Other modalities are possible.
[000248], An example of sequence of steps to resolve or determine a current state of each of a plurality of tuners of a television receiver is described in more detail below in relation to FIGS. 25 to 26. In addition, the resolution or accuracy of the “current” tuner status in general can be a function of the timing of the indication (module 2402). For example, the determination of. “current” tuner status within 45 seconds prior to activating a recording timer can result in a more accurate result than determining the “current” tuner status within 60 seconds prior to activating the recording timer, [000249 ], The 2400 method can also include the generation (module 2406), by the television receiver by determining the current situation of each of the plurality of tuners, a listing that classifies each of the plurality of tuners in relation to each other with based on the respective “current” situation. For example, the tuner status “active; recording; assignable ”can be preset as having a higher priority rating than the“ active ”tuner status; live ”, which in turn can be predefined as having a higher rating or priority than the
115/154 tuner inactive ”. In this example, a particular tuner Tuner A ' ^- with a tuner status active; recording; assignable ”can be specified in the list in front of a special tuner B Tuner” with a tuner status “active; live ”and to. in front of a special tuner “Tuner C” with a “mativa” tuner situation. Here, a requested set of tuners within the list can be broken down as “Position 1: Tuner A; Position 2: Tuner 8; Position 3: Tuner C ”. Other modalities are possible.
[000250]. The 2400 method may also include allocating (module 2408), by the television receiver based on the listing, a particular tuner for recording the particular broadcast schedule at or near the specific date and time. As discussed in more detail below, the television receiver can use or use α profile to determine an “ideal” tuner for recording the particular broadcast schedule, and then allocate the ideal tuner for recording the broadcast. programming of the private broadcast. An ideal tuner can be defined as a tuner having a higher "or" better ranking within the list than others on the list. plurality of signs and symbols.
_ I I Deviate from file 1
I PID j File name I i Marked for saving
(I i (bites) i i 24-332-39 i as2333239 -: - tsp) The f is not | 9 () 34836 I es9Õ34836 <isp ΐ Õ I .......... Yes ...................
i i as -l-GG32-93vtop I -1-0239332- | No
I Ί - Ι - 22092 1 ea-1-l-2-20923sp 1 0 l -No
Table 6 [000251]. In Table 6, it is assumed that the identifier of television program 9034836 corresponds to television program 1339. The
116/154 entries associated with television program identifier ^ 2/38239 ^, 4854557 ”and“ 1122092 ”can be deleted due to deletion of the corresponding collective channel files from the 1332 channel array storage arrangement, where such deletions are indicated by the strikethrough in Table 6, however, the entry corresponding to the 1339 television program is maintained with the file name and file offset being updated to the specific file of the television program in which the television program is stored. As such, as collective channel files are created, stored and deleted and as individual television program files are created, stored and deleted, the 1330 catalog database can be updated so that each television program has an entry. In particular, television programs stored in collective channel files and television programs stored in individual program files, each have entries, [000252]. An. Once a copy of the 1339 television program has been transferred to the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334, the collective channel 1344 file may be deleted. However, the individual television program file 1346e can be created and stored in the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334. For the purposes of example only, four other television programs are illustrated as stored by the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334, Each one of the individual television program files i346a-e is associated with a separate file. As such, each television program-specific file of the individual 1346a-e television program files is intended to store one and the beginning television program. to the end. It should be understood that, due to the recording schedule, a short period of time from another television program and possible commercials, can be stored at the beginning and / or at the nm of a specific television program file. Likewise, a short time of the television program
1.17 / 154 that you want to record may no longer be recorded at the beginning or at the end of the television program recording. While the storage array arrangement for channel 1332 can store channel-specific files, the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334 can store files specific to the television program. Once a television program, such as the I346e individual television program file, is stored in the storage arrangement assigned to the user '1334, the television program can be stored moinely until the television program is selected for deletion by a user.
[000253], The description above in relation to Figure 14- represents a situation in which the PTR 1110 is enabled to record arrays of television channels, as in every night. It should be understood that a user was able to disable the recording. If disabled, the user can still choose individual television programs for recording. Such individual television programs selected for recording can be recorded directly to the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334 in individual television program files. In some cases, if a user has deactivated the recording of the television channel array, the physical memory allocated to the storage array arrangement of the channel 1332 may be transferred and used for other storage, such as for the storage of television programs. additional selected by user. In some embodiments, when the recording of the array is disabled, the array storage arrangement of channel 133.2 can be removed, if a partition, with the reallocated space for the storage arrangement assigned to user 1334 or some other storage arrangement. Alternatively, the channel array storage arrangement 1332 may be left unused. There are still other possible modalities.
[000254], Further details associated with the extraction of a particular television program from a collective oana.1 file are discussed in Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
118/154
13/793636, Attorney number 94567-848967, filed on March 11, 2013, entitled “Transfer of Television Programs From Channel-Specific Files to Program-Specific Files”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all intentions and purposes. [000255]. Referring now to Figure 15, a first example of EPG 1502 is shown, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In many respects, the EPG 1602 is similar to the EPG 1202 described above in relation to Figure 12. For example, the EPG 1502 can at least display various information related to the television channels and the time of the programs or programming that appears on such channels television. For example, EPG 1502 can display the channel information associated with a “7” channel, which is associated with the ABC network, on.de a “Wipeout” program is listed as programmed to appear on channel “7” during a given period of time "19:00 ~ 20:00 ^to a certain day" Thursday 15/12 "etc. In this example and assuming that the current time is at some point during the “19 to 20:00” time period on “Thursday. 15/12 ”, a user can manipulate a pointing device (not shown) to“ put the arrow on the circle ”or“ put the arrow down ”or“ put the arrow to the right. ” or “put the arrow to the left” and select the “Wipeout” program for immediate viewing, such as via manipulation of a D-pad or buttons on the remote control. In this example, a "block" or "cell" within EPG 1502 that is associated with the "Wipeout" program, as shown by the simplified hatch in Figure 15, can correspond to. a user-selectable icon that, when “selected”, “activated” etc., can initiate a process by which the “Wipeout” program would be generated for immediate display or presentation on a display device, such as the 1114c television in Figure 12 , for example. In Figure 15, a first graphic indicator 1504 is displayed inside the "block" that is associated with the "Wipeout" program. In this example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can indicate, designate, identify, etc., that the “Wipeout” program is associated with a timer.
119/154 recording matrix, such as the particular “PTAT timer described above in relation to Figure 12, for example. A “matrix” recording timer differs from a “user-initiated” recording timer, because a recording “matrix” timer can be set or set by an entity other than a typical user, such as a service provider, for example. For example, the service provider 1.1.02 in Figure 12 can set a particular “matrix” recording timer to at least record prime time on television. ABC network from 7 pm to 10 pm during the week etc. In this example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 would not only be displayed within the "block" that is associated with the "Wipeout" program, but also within a "block" that is associated with the "Grey's Anatomy" program, as shown in Figure 15. Other modalities are possible.
[000256]. In contrast, the time for a particular “user-initiated” recording timer can be set or created by a typical user. For example, a certain user can set a specific recording timer initiated by the user to record the program “The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes”, which is. listed in EPG 1502 as scheduled to be shown on channel “6” for a specified period of time “8 pm-2am” on the particular day “Thursday 15/12”. In this example, a second type of graphic indicator 1506 presented within a “block that is associated with the program“ The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes ”can indicate, designate, identify etc., that the program“ The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes ”is associated with the particular “user-initiated” recording timer.
[000257] »As can be understood from the. previous discussion, a. Particular “indication” may be displayed within EPG 1502 for television programs that are specified by a user to be recorded, such as a television program subject to. a “user-initiated” recording timer. For example, as shown in
120/154
Figure 15. The second type of graphic indicator 1506 may indicate that a user has individually selected the program “The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes * for recording. In contrast, the particular different 'indication' can be displayed for television programs that are specified by an entity other than a specific user to be recorded, such as a television program subject to a 'matrix * recording timer. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may indicate that the program “Wipeout * has been selected, ju.ntamen.te with at least the program“ Grey's Anatomy *, for the recording of a service provider as part of a PTAT service (Prime Time at any time). In some situations, however, both the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1.5 () 6 can be displayed on EPG 1502, in association with a particular television program. In this example, the particular television program may be subject to recording as part of the “matrix” of television channels and also according to a “user-initiated” timer.
[000258]. For example, with reference now to Figure 16, EPG 1502 of Figure 15 is shown with the first and second graphic indicators related to a particular program. In particular, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 is displayed within the “block” that is associated with the program “Wipeout *. As mentioned above, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can indicate, designate, identify etc., that the “Wipeout” program is associated with a “matrix * recording timer, such as α determined“ PTAT * timer described above in relation to The figure. 12, for example. In addition, the second type of graphic indicator 1506 is displayed within the "block * that is associated with the" Wipeout "program. In this example, the second type of graphic indicator 1506 may indicate that a user has individually selected the “Wipeaut” program for recording. As an example of a reason why the user can choose to record the “Wipeout” program, according to a “user-initiated” timer, even
121/154 that the “Wipeout” program is subject to recording according to a matrix recording timer ”., Is that the“ Wipeout ”program can be recorded as a“ collective channel file ”after activation or burning” of the "matrix" recording timer, where this file can "be deleted because it is old" and deleted after a predetermined period of time, as described above in relation to FIGs. 11 to 14. The user can choose to record the Wipeout program ”, according to a timer initiated by the user”, when interested in preserving the case in question of the “Wipeout” program, in such a way that this program may be available for viewing after the passage of the predetermined period of time. Other reasons may be possible.
[000259]. In the exemplary modalities, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can generally be visually different or distinct from the second type of graphic indicator 1506. This can manifest itself as a difference between at least one visually perceptible characteristic of the first type of indicator graphic 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 could have a different coloration than the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can be perceived as being substantially yellow ”, while the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be perceived as being substantially“ green ”. In another embodiment, the geometric shape of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may be different from the geometric shape of the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can be perceived as being substantially “circular”, while the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be perceived as being substantially “rectangular”.
[000260]. In another embodiment, a geometric size of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may be different from a geo size
122/154 xnetnco of the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 can be perceived as being substantially "twice" the size perceived in. with respect to the second type of graphic indicator 1506. In another embodiment, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may have different symbols and / or indicia than the symbols and / or indicia of the second type of graphic indicator 1506. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 may show signs "Pr", which may mean "PTAT", while the second type of graphic indicator 1506 may show signs better described as corresponding to "hands on a watch".
[000261]. Other modalities of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 are possible. In addition, the visual properties of specific cases of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be distinguished from the visual properties of other specific cases of the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506.
[000262]. For example, in some embodiments, the coloring of the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be a function of or associated with a certain profile of a customer account of service provider 1102 in Figure 1.1. For example, the first type of graphic indicator 150á, when perceived as being substantially “green” may refer to or indicate that an associated timer has been “configured” by a specific user associated with a “User Profile 1, while the second type of graphic indicator 1506, when perceived as being substantially "purple" can refer to or indicate that an associated timer has been "configured" by a specific user associated with a "User Profile 2". For example, the second type of graphic indicator 1506 as shown inside the block ”that is related to the“ Wipeout ”program in Figure 16 can be seen as being substantially“ green ”, where the timer
123/154 pain associated with this particular case of the second type of graphic indicator 1506 may have been defined by a specific user associated with “User Profile 1”. In contrast, the second type of graphic indicator 1506 as displayed within the “block” that is associated with the “Grey's Anatomy” program in Figure 16 can be seen as being substantially “purple”, where the timer associated with this particular case of the second Graphic indicator type 1506 may have been defined by a specific user associated with “User Profile 2”. Other modalities are possible. For example, the "shape" of the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be used to associate the identification of the particular recording timer with a particular user or user profile. There are also other possible modalities. For example, the coloring of the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be one. function of or associated with a particular receiver, used for. recording an associated program. For example, "tuner I" can be associated with the color "red", "tuner 2 can be associated with the color" purple "and etc. Other modalities are still possible.
[000263]. With reference now to Figure 17, a first example method 1700 is shown according to. this disclosure. In general, the steps or modules of the .1700 method, as described, can ultimately be implemented by or on the PTR 1110 da. Figure 11. Other modalities are, however, possible. For example, one or more modules or steps of the 1700 method can be implemented by, or in one or more of the other respective devices or components within the 1100 system as described above in relation to Figure 11. There are still other possible modalities.
[000264], In 1702, a first program recording timer can be programmed or set to record a particular program broadcast on. a television channel at a given time by a television service provider. For example, a user can set a recording timer “initiated by the user
124 / rio ”to record the“ Wipeout ”program, which, as shown in Figure 16, is listed in EPG 1502 as scheduled to be shown on a 7” channel during the “19 ~ 20h ^w of Thursday 15 / 12 ”. In general, the first recording timer of the program can be defined, at least sometime before the program starts. Wipeout ”, by the user through the interaction with the 1206 icon, as described above in relation to Figure 12. Other modalities are, however, possible. For example, the 1206 icon does not necessarily need to be selected using the 1204 cursor. Instead, the private user can browse and select elements within the EPG 1202 (or EPG 1502), through any means desired to interact with an interface based on menus (for example, voice activation, motion activation, control panel, etc.).
[000265], In 1704, a second program recording timer can be programmed to record a series of programs broadcast on the television channel by the television service provider, including the private program. For example, a user can select the 1210 icon to set a certain “PTAT timer” automatically to record the prime time of the television for later viewing, as described above in relation to Figure 1.2. In this example, the Tcmporizador PTAT can be predetermined to, when selected, at least record the prime time of reoe ABC television from 7 pm to 8 pm on weekdays (other than Saturday and Sunday) etc. For example, it can be at least a. recording of the “Wipeout” program and the Grey's Anatomy program, as shown in Figure 15. Thus, at least, the “Wipeout” program can be associated with both the first recording timer of the program and the second recording timer of the program . Other modalities are possible. For example, the "PTAT Timer" can be preset to, when selected, record Prime Time "on television from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX and every night of the week. There are still other possible modalities
125/154 vehicles. However, at least, the “Wipeout” program can still be associated with the program's first recording timer and the program's second recording timer, [000266] * In 1706, a first graphic indicator that identifies the programming of the first timer program recording time and a second graphic indicator that identifies the programming of the second program recording timer can be transmitted simultaneously for display within a program guide and, in association with a particular program descriptor. For example, as shown in Figure 16 and in continuation with the example described in 1702 and 1704, the first type of graphic indicator 1504 and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can be displayed within the "block" or "cell" that is associated with the “Wupeout” program. A "Wipeout" program descriptor can, in one mode, refer to textual characters or letters within the word. "Wipeout". The first type of graphic indicator 1504 can indicate, designate, identify etc., that the “Wipeout” program is associated with the second recording timer, a “matrix” recording timer and the second type of graphic indicator 1506 can indicate, designate , Identify etc., that the “Wipeout” program is associated with the first recording timer, a “user initiated” timer. Such an application can be beneficial in many ways. For example, at a glance, a user can be informed or otherwise determine that at least the “Wipeout” program will not be “deleted because it is older” or deleted without the user having an opportunity to watch the case in question. “Wipeout” program. On the contrary, the case in point of the “Wipeout.” it can be preserved (for example, stored in PTR 1110) until the moment the user intends to exclude the case in question from the “Wipeout” program, for example. Other benefits and / or advantages are also possible, [000267], For example, another advantage of a user recording indicator, in addition to a channel matrix recording indicator can
i.iclUif. the next. Certosπί certain cases, when a user configures his own recording, a recording indicator of the user can be displayed inside a “block or“ cell ”associated with the program to be recorded in an EPG. Whenever the user wants to ensure that it is configured to record, the user can access the EPG where this is clearly indicated. However, when the user looks at this confirmation for his recording started in an EPG cell that is also marked by a channel matrix recording, the absence of the user recording indicator is confusing since, in certain cases, the The user's recording indicator shows that the recording is scheduled. Thus, the user can start to guess and can try or configure the recording again, or have to go through a sequence of menu keys to find the timer in a timer list to determine whether the recording is actually scheduled. Having the user recording indicators displayed with channel matrix recording indicators can eliminate or prevent confusion, strenuous confirmation etc. and is consistent with the use of this indicator in the rest of the EPG. Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well.
[000268]. Referring now to Figure 18, a second example of EPG 1802 is shown, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In many respects, EPG 1802 is similar to at least EPG 1502 described above in relation to FIGs. 15-17. For example, EPG 1802 can at least display various information related to television channels and the schedule of programs or programming that appears on those television channels. For example, EPG 1802 can display channel information associated with. a "6" channel that is associated with the PBS network, where a "Washington Week" program is listed as scheduled to appear on channel "6" for a certain period of time between "7 pm - 7:30 pm" on a given day. “Thursday 3/3” etc. In this example and assuming the current time is at any point during the “1 $) - 7:30 pm” time period on. Fifth
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3/3 ”, the user can manipulate a pointing device (not shown) to“ set the arrow up ”or“ set the arrow down ”or“ set the arrow to the right ”or“ set the arrow to the left ”and select the “Washington. Week ”for immediate viewing, such as via manipulation of a D ~ pad or remote control buttons. In this example, a “block” or “cell” within EFG 1802 that is associated with the “Washington Week” program, as shown by the dotted shading, as in Figure 18, can correspond to a user selectable icon that, when “selected ”,“ Activated ”etc., can initiate a process by which the“ Washington Week ”program would be generated for immediate viewing or presentation on a display device, such as the 1114c television in Figure 12, for example.
[000269]. In the example of Figure 18, the “6” channel cannot be a network channel that is associated with a “matrix” recording timer. Instead, channel “4”, which is associated with the CBS network, can be a channel that is associated with a special “matrix” recording timer, and channel “7”, which is associated with the ABC network can be a channel that is associated with the recording timer of the particular "matrix" as channel "9", which is associated with a. NBC network can be a channel that is associated with the recording timer of the special "matrix" and channel "31", which is associated with the FOX network can be a channel that is associated with the recording timer of the particular "matrix" . This can correspond to the scenario in which, for example, during the prime time hours of the days of the week, all “big” networks can be recorded simultaneously for the same period of time, such as 7 pm to 10 pm. This can be designated in EPG 1802 using the first type of graphic indicator 1504, as discussed above. For example, the first type of graphic indicator '1504 can be displayed next to a descriptor that identifies a particular one of the television channels 4. 7, 9 and 31 <A descriptor can, in a modality refer to textual characters, or letters, or a word, that identifies a specific one of the television channels 4, 7, 9 and 31. As
128 / .154
The. word FOX ”, as shown in Figure 18. A descriptor may, in one embodiment, refer to a logo that identifies a particular one of the television channels 4, 7, 9 and 31 such as the eye logo” of the CBS channel 4, as shown in Figure 18.
[000270]. In accordance with this disclosure, EPG 1802 may grant, allow or enable a user to navigate within EPG 1802 to view the schedule that was recorded as part of the particular “matrix recording timer” and / or schedule that was recorded, as part of a user-initiated recording timer ”. For example and as discussed below, a user can navigate “backwards” through EPG 1802, or from right to left within EPG 1802. where particular blocks ”or“ cells ”can be activated for selection when a particular program it is currently stored, such as by PTR 1110, for example, to access the particular program, while other blocks ”or cells” may be inactive, so that they are not available for selection. A user can then select the recorded schedule to view directly from EPG 1802. Such an implementation can be beneficial in many ways. For example, a user can access EPG 1802's recorded programming directly, without having to navigate to a separate interface. This can provide a more agile user experience ”, adding value to the commercial product (EPG 1802 and EPG 1202 and EPG 1502). Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well. For example, with reference, to the use of a user recording indicator, even in a look back EPG scenario ”, in which the recording of ΡΤΑΤ is indicated in the EPG in the cells before the current moment. A user might want to use the same indications used elsewhere to ensure that the user's recording is in place, without confusion, strenuous menu navigation to confirm and, consistent with its use elsewhere in an EPG. However, given that the events shown in the past are actual recordings and are not tempering for future recording timers,
129/154 can follow the one that the recording indicators should perhaps change from an icon that indicates that the recording has already happened, which is distinguished from a recording that will happen in the future. Thus, it is contemplated that, instead of a user recording icon, a user saved icon can be used in some modalities.
[000271], In at least one mode, EPG 1802 may collapse based on filtering the channels associated with the recorded programming. For example, EPG 1802 can show channels 1 to 31 for live viewing and channels 4, 7. 9 and 31 can be associated with a stored content service, such as a service that implements a “matrix” recording timer. As the user moves backwards ”in EPG 1802, as from right to left within EPG 1802, where only left-to-right movement can normally be allowed, EPG 1802 can collapse downward and show only channels 4, 7, 9 and 31. In addition, in at least one mode, EPG 1802 can only show time periods earlier in time associated with the time periods in which the content was recorded, both as part of the content service stored or generally recorded by the content receiver. For example, EPG 1802 can go back in time through Prime Time blocks for each night and may not have all the data associated with other time blocks. An example of allowing a user to view the schedule that was recorded as part of a recording timer for: “matrix” and / or schedule that was recorded as part of a “user-initiated” recording timer, along with several breakdowns, filtering and / or presentation of channels and content, can be understood from the discussion that follows in relation to FlGs. 19 to 23.
[000272], For example, with reference now to Figure 19, EPG 1802 of Figure 18 is shown in a first modified state. In particular, as the user navigates EPG 1802 to move from the block "or cell" associated with the program "Washington
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Week, ”as shown in Figure 18, for the“ block ”or“ cell ”associated with the“ Wipeout ”program, a selectable icon 1804 may“ popup ”or otherwise appear that can provide the user with an option to access one or more private recorded programs. In general, recorded programs may have been recorded as part of a “matrix” recording timer and / or recorded as part of a “user-initiated” recording timer, [000273] «For example, with reference now The figure. 20, EPG 1,802 of Figure 18 is shown in a second modified state. In particular, a user can select the selectable .1804 icon and a panel 1806 can be displayed within EPG 1802 that allows the user to select programs that are currently stored and available for viewing. As mentioned above, programs may have been recorded as part of a “matrix” recording timer and / or recorded as part of a “user-initiated” recording timer. In addition, programs can be organized in any way as desired. In the example in Figure 20, particular programs can be displayed within panel 1806 “in line” with a corresponding channel on which the programs were originally broadcast. For example, the program Mr. Sunshine ”can be presented inside panel 1806“ in line ”with channel“ 7 ”which is associated with the ABC network and so on. In this example, as panel 1806 was accessed by selecting the selectable icon 1804 that is associated with channel “7,” a particular “cell” or “block” associated with the content of “Mr. Sunshine ”can be initially highlighted,” as shown by the dotted-like shading in Figure 20, Here, the particular “cell” or “block” associated with the “Mr. Sunshine ”can correspond to a user-selectable icon that when“ selected, ”“ activated, ”etc., can initiate a process by which the particular case of the“ Mr, Sunshine ”program could be generated for, visualization or immediate presentation on a display device, such as the 1114c television in Figure
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12. for example.
[000274]. Other types of panel 1806 or features or elements inside panel 1806 are also possible. For example, specific programs can be displayed within panel 1806 according to an “hour” of the original broadcast. In this example, panel 1806 may be substantially similar to an EPG 1802 format, as shown, at least, in FIGS. 18 to 19, where certain programs are listed or otherwise, organized according to time, and channel. There are still other possible modalities. For example, specific programs can be presented within panel 1806 "online." with a corresponding channel on which the programs air, but can include more information within a particular “cell” or “block”, in addition to a descriptor (for example, “Mr. Sunshine”) that identifies a particular program. For example, the program “Mr. Sunshine ”can be displayed inside panel 1806“ in line ”with channel“ 7 ”that is associated with the ABC network and also the cell associated with the“ Mr. Sunshine ”can specify a date / time for the initial display, similar to that shown for the“ Criminal Minds ”program in Figure 20.
[000275]. Still other modalities are possible that can allow a user to view the schedule that was. recorded as part of a “matrix” recording timer and / or programming that was recorded as part of a “user-initiated” recording timer, along with various breakdowns, filtering and / or. presentation of channels and content. For example, with reference now to Figure 21, EPG 1802 of Figure 18 is shown in a third modified state. In particular, a selection list for the 1808 filter can be selected within the EPG 1802 to “collapse” the EPG 1802 to show only the channels that are classified with the recording timer of the
132/154 particular "matrix" discussed above with reference to FIGs. 18 to 20, channels 4, 7. 9 and 31.
[000276]. There are still other possible modalities. For example, with reference now to Figure 22, EPG 1802 of Figure 1.8 is shown in a fourth modified state. The scenario in Figure 22 can be similar to the scenario described above in relation to FlGs. 18 to 19. For example, as a user navigates EPG 1802 to move from the “block” or “cell” associated with the “Washington Week” program, as shown in Figure 18, to the “block” or “cell " associated with. the program “Wipeout”, a selectable icon 2202 can “popup” or otherwise appear that can provide the user with an option to access one or more private recorded programs. In this example, however, the one or more private recorded programs can be associated only with the network associated with channel “7. For example, the programs “The Bachelor and“ Dancing with the Stars ”and etc., are programs provided by the ABC network.
[000277]. In one mode, a user can select the selectable icon 2202 and a panel 2204 can be displayed within EPG 1802 that allows the user to select the programs that are currently stored and available for viewing. Programs that have more than one (1) recorded program available for viewing can be “highlighted” within panel 2204 to distinguish them from other programs that may have only one (11 recorded program available for viewing. For example, as shown in Figure 22, a “bold” nail can frame a selectable icon associated with the “The Middle” program, indicating that more than one episode of the “The Middle” series is available for viewing. In addition, in the example in Figure 22, panel 2 ' 204 can correspond to a “scroll” menu that can display programs that are currently stored and available for viewing. Here, the particular “cell or“ block ”associated with the content of“ The Middle can match one. User selectable icon which, when “selected”, activated * etc., can initiate
133/154 a process by which a specific case of the program The Middle ”would be generated for immediate display or presentation on a display device, such as television 1114c in Figure 12, for example, The particular case of the program The Middle” may correspond to a previous program ”of the series when several recordings exist, in order to prevent the series from being viewed out of sequence”. There are other possible variants. Referring now to Figure 23, a second example of method 2300 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In general, the steps or modules of the 2300 method, as described in the final analysis, can be implemented by or on the PTR 1110 of Figure 11. Other modalities are, however, possible. For example, one or more modules or steps of the 2300 method can be implemented by, or in one or more of the other respective devices or components within the 1100 system as described above in relation to Figure 11. There are still other possible modalities.
[000278]. In 2302, an indication of the user's interest in a television program for a particular television channel can be received within a programming guide that displays the specific content and, in 2304, an Icon selectable by the user positioned in association with a deseritor that identifies the particular television channel could be generated and displayed with the programming guide in response to the user's indication of interest and for display in the programming guide.
[000279]. In general, the indication of the user's interest could correspond to the access of a particular cell within the programming guide associated with the television program. For example, with reference now to Figure 19, as the user navigates EPG 1802 to move from the block "or cell" associated with the Washington Week program to the block "or cell" associated with the Wipeout program, ”Selectable icon 1804 can pop up” or otherwise, appear that I was able to provide the user with an option to access one or more private recorded programs. In this example, the
134/154 channel * 7, ”which is associated with the ABC network, can be a channel which is associated with a recording timer of the“ private matrix in which, during prime time hours on weekdays, the programming of all the “main” networks can be simultaneously recorded for the same period of time, such as from 7 pm to 10 pm. In the exemplary modalities. the selectable icon 1804 may not be generated in the. as, or when, or if, a user navigates the EPG 1802 to move from the “block” or “cell ⁵ 'associated with the“ Wipeout ”progiama to the“ block ”on“ cell ”associated with the Washington Week program ”. This may be because channel “6,” which is associated with the PBS network, can be one. channel that is not associated with the recording timer of the particular “matrix”. However, other modalities are possible.
[000280]. In 2306, an interactive panel that identifies at least one particular program that is stored within a collective channel file containing a plurality of programs transmitted consecutively on the particular television channel over a predefined period of time could be generated for display within the guide. programming by selecting the icon selectable by user. In general, such recording can be implemented by a “matrix” recording timer, such as Timer ete PTAT ”which can be preset to, when selected, record the Noure d« Time. television from 7 pm to 10 pm on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX on each night of the week as described above in relation to Figure 12.
[000281]. For example, with reference now in addition to Figure 20, a user can select the selectable icon 1804 and a panel 1806 could be displayed within EPG 1802 which allows the user to select programs that are currently stored and available for viewing. In this example, a panel 1806 is disconnected from or separated from the conventional content of EPG 1802 by a column comprising the descriptors that identify the particular television channels 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 20 and 31. In other words, the
135/134 content within rio pamel 1806 is independent or separate from conventional EPG 1802 content. For example, the “bloco® or“ cell ”associated with the“ Mr. Sunshine ”is separated from the“ block ”or“ cell ”associated with the“ Wipeout ”program. This is because the "block" or "loop" continuing the descriptor (s) that identifies the particular television channel "7" is between the "block" or "cell" associated with the Wipeout program and the "block" I “Cell” associated with the “Mr. Sunshine ”. Other modalities are possible.
[000282]. For example, with reference now in addition to Figure 22, a user can select selectable icon 2202 and panel 2204 can be presented within EPG 1802 which allows the user to select programs that are currently stored and available for viewing. In this example, panel 2204 is integrated or incorporated within the conventional content of EPG 1802. This is different from the example scenario described above in connection with Figure 20. In other words, the content within panel 2204 is not independent or separate from the conventional EPG 1802 content. For example, the "block" or "cell" associated with the "The Bachelor" program is immediately adjacent to the "block" or "cell" associated with the "Wipeout" program. Such an application described in connection with both Figure 20 and Figure 22 can be beneficial in many ways. For example, a user can access recorded programming directly from EPG 1802, without having to navigate to a separate interface., This can provide a more “agile” user experience, adding value to the commercial product that is EPG 1802 (and EPG 1262 and EPG 1502). Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well.
[000283]. For example, as the PTAT option to view other PTAT recordings when a PTAT EPG cell is selected, a similar approach could be taken when one. cell is at bay for the recording indicated by the user. For example, when a cell for a user-initiated recording is selected, a row of previous recorded episodes can be displayed
136/154 of the same series as the episode depicted in the cell, in case a user may not want to wait for the recording and, instead, instantly watch a past recording of another episode of the series, eg Pot when an EPG cell stops the episode of Wipeout 4 is selected, a row of cells from the episodes of Wipeout 1, 2 and 3 come out from under the row with the episode of Wipeout 4. The cells for the recorded episodes 1 to 3 can also be mapped with assist indicators to mark which programs were previously viewed or not. When the user selects a cell between the cells of recorded episodes 1 to 3, that episode will be played immediately. Other benefits and / or advantages are possible as well.
[000284], For example, with reference now to Figure 24, an example of method 2400 is shown for the selection of a particular tuner for a television receiver, among a plurality of tuners, to be used for recording the programming private transmission. The exemplificative method 2400 as described can be performed either by a computer or device system, such as a television receiver. An example of such a computer system or device is discussed below in relation to at least Figure 27.
(000285]. Method 2400 may include receiving (module 2402). By the television receiver, an indication of a near or imminent activation of a scheduled program recording timer. For example, α television receiver may receive an alert signal at a certain time before the recording timer is activated. The particular moment can be predetermined and configurable. For example, α television receiver can receive the alert signal in 0.5 seconds or 2 seconds, or 5 seconds or 10 seconds, etc., before recording timer activation In general, the recording timer could be set or configured to apply, after activation, a recording of the particular broadcast schedule in
137/154 a predetermined date and time. For example, the timer can be configured to instantiate. recording of a "SI Program", which is scheduled to appear on a channel * 2012 "for a given period o and time 21 at 22h on a given day (see, for example, Figure 12 and description). Other modalities are possible.
[000286], The method 2400 could also include the determination (module 2404), by the television receiver, in response to receiving the indication, a current state of each of the plurality of tuners of the television receiver. In general, each of the plurality of tuners can be in one of an inactive state and an active state. A tuner in an inactive state can, for example, refer to a smmnízador that is not in use. The current status of an inactive tuner can be defined as "inactive". A tuner in an active state may, for example, refer to a tuner that is being used for recording, but it will be more recording in one hour and the “start” associated with the recording timer and therefore may be available for recording of. private broadcast programming. A current status of an active tuner in this scenario can be defined as “active; recording; non-transferable ”. In another example, a tuner in an active state can, for example, refer to a tuner being used to select det.ermi.nothing live programming for the presentation of a display device. The current status of an active tuner in this scenario can be defined as ‘active; Live''. Other modalities are possible.
[000287], A sequence of steps to resolve or determine a current state of each of a plurality of tuners of a television receiver is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 25 to 26. In addition, the resolution or precision of the “current” smtonizer status in general can be a function of the indication time (module 2402). For example, the determination of the “current” tuner status within 45 seconds before the active
138/154 tion of a recording timer can result in a more accurate result than determining the current tuner status ”within 60 seconds before the recording timer is activated. [000288]. The 2400 method can also include the generation (module 2406), by the television receiver by determining the current situation of each of the plurality of tuners, a listing that classifies each of the plurality of tuners in relation to each other based on respective “current” situation. For example, the tuner status “active; recording; assignable ”can be preset as having a higher rating or priority than the“ active ”tuner status; live ”, which in turn can know 'preset as having one. higher rating or priority than the “inactive” tuner status. In this example, a particular tuner Tuner A "with a tuner status" active; recording; assignable ”can be specified in the list in front of a special tuner“ Tuner B ”with a tuner status“ active; live ”and in front of a special tuner C Tuner” with a tuner status “inactive”. Here, a requested set of tuners within the list can be broken down as Position 1: Tuner A; Position 2: Tuner B; Position 3: Tuner C ”. Other modalities are possible.
[000289]. The 2400 method may also include (particular module 2408), by the television receiver based on the listing, a particular tuner for recording the particular broadcast schedule at or near the specific date and time. As discussed in more detail below, the television receiver can use or use the profile to determine an ideal tuner ”for recording the private broadcast schedule, and then allocate the ideal tuner for recording the private broadcast schedule. An ideal tuner can be defined as a tuner having a higher ”or better” rating within the list than others from the plurality of tuners.
[000290]. Such an application can be beneficial in many ways. For example, on some DVR-related systems, it may be possible to create a timer using a tuner designated by the user to record particular programming. For example, a first user can create a recording timer to start recording a particular program at 9:00 pm on a particular day, using a particular signal receiver. In this example, however, it may be possible that the private tuner is in use at 9:00 pm on the particular day. For example, a second user may be watching a program using the private tuner, which, in general, can be transparent to both the first and second users. Here, assuming that the particular tuner is assigned to the power by the direction of the particular timer, the second user's viewing experience can be unnecessarily interrupted. The systems and methods of the present disclosure can be configured to avoid unnecessary interruption by determining a more “ideal” tuner for programming recording.
[000291], More scenarios and beneficial aspects associated with the selection of a particular tuner for a television receiver in accordance with the present disclosure can be understood in light of the description below, in relation to FIGs. 11 to 13 and 25 to 27.
[000292]. Referring now to Figure 25, a block diagram is shown, illustrating the particular PTR 11 Kl components of Figure 13. More specifically, Figure 25 shows the control processor 1302b, including the tuner 1119 allocation mechanism, the tuners 1304-c and the DVR database 1316 of the PTR 1110. In this example, the tuner allocation mechanism 1119 can include a timer activation module 2502, a timer status module 2504 and a tuner allocation module 2506 Other modalities are possible. For example, in some embodiments, one or more respective components of the 1119 tuner allocation engine, or the tuning allocation engine itself
140/154 dor 1119, can be wholly or at least partially located in one or more other components of the PTR 1110, such as central processor 1302a. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more of the respective components of the 1119 tuner allocation engine, or the 1119 tuner allocation engine itself, can be fully or at least parially located in one or more other system components, exemplary 1100, such as service provider 1102, secondary television receivers .1.112ab etc.
[000293]. In practice, the 2502 timer activation module can be configured to receive, from the DVR 1316 database, for example, an indication of a near or imminent activation of a programmed recording timer that is stored in the base of DVR 1316 data. As mentioned above, the DVR 1316 database can store timers that are used by the control processor 1302b to determine when a television channel should be set and its programs recorded in the DVR 1316 database. The indication time can be a user-configurable parameter. For example, the DVR 1.316 database and / or the 1302b control processor can be configured to generate and transfer the indication to the 2502 timer activation module within 10 seconds or 20 seconds, or 30 seconds, or 45 seconds. seconds etc., before activating the scheduled program recording timer. Other modalities are possible.
[000294]. The timer activation module 2502 can activate the timer status module 2504, upon receiving the indication of the next activation of the programmed recording timer. In response, timer status module 2504 can consult control processor 1302b to determine the current state of each of the tuners 1304a-c and generate a list that ranks each of the tuners 13Ô4a .- 'C against each other with based on each respective current state. Each of the 1304a-e tuners can
141/154 is generally in an inactive state and an active state. When, for example, tuner 1304 is not currently in use, control processor 1302b can indicate for timer 2504 status module a tuner 1304a status of inactive ”. When, for example, tuner 1304b is currently in use, control processor 1302b can indicate to timer status module 2504 the status of tuner 1304b is "active". When a particular of one of the 1304a-c tuners is currently in an active state, the control processor 1302b can further mediate a state “type” of that particular among one of the 1304a-ce tuners to timer status module 2504 if whether or not the available information about the anticipated state of this particular one of the 1304a-c tuners, at a start time ”associated with the programmed program recording timer.
[000295], For example, control processor 1302b may indicate to timer status medium 2504 that tuner 1304c is currently being used for recording the particular schedule, but will not be recording at a time of timer activation scheduled program recording. In this example, tuner 1304c is known to be currently recording, but was not yet available to. Schedule recording of the particular broadcast associated with recording the scheduled program recording timer. The 1304-c tuner in this scenario can be considered an ideal tuner ”for recording the particular broadcast schedule and can be assigned a higher or better rating” to quantify the 1304c tuner as an “ideal” tuner. In one example, a current state of an active tuner in this scenario can be defined as active; recording; non-transferable ”. Other modalities are possible.
[000296], In another example, the control processor 1302b can indicate to the timer status module 2504 that it tunes it
142 pain 1304c is being used for recording the private schedule, but it will not be recording at a time when the scheduled program recording timer is activated and even though the tuner 1304c is being used by a PIP session (Figure in Figure). In this example, tuner 1304c is known to be recording, but will be available for recording the particular broadcast schedule associated with the scheduled program's recording timer and is still being used for one. PIP session. The tuner 1304c in this scenario cannot be considered an ideal tuner for recording the programming of the particular broadcast and can be assigned a rating lower than the highest rating, or higher than. otherwise it quantizes tuner 1304c as an ideal tuner. In one example, a current state of an active tuner in this scenario can be defined as “active; recording; attributable; PIP ”. Other modalities are possible.
[000297], In another example, control processor 1302b can indicate to timer status module 2504 that tuner 1304c is being used for recording. private programming, but it will not be recording at a time of activating the scheduled program recording timer and yet, that tuner 1304c is being used to select the particular programming for the presentation of a display device. In this example, tuner 1304c is known to be recording, but will be available for recording the private broadcast schedule associated with the recording timer of the scheduled program and is still not being used for, the “live” view of the particular schedule that is being recorded. Tuner 1.304c in this scenario cannot be considered an ideal tuner for recording the schedule of the particular broadcast and can be assigned a rating lower than the highest or highest rating that would otherwise quantify tuner 1304c as an ideal tuner. In one example, a current state of a tuner active in this scenario can be defined
143/154 do as «active; recording; attributable; Live". Other modalities are possible.
[000298], In another example, control processor 1302b may indicate to timer status module 2504 that tuner 1304o is currently being used for "live" viewing of a particular schedule and is still being used for a session PIP. Tuner 1.304c in this scenario may not be considered an ideal tuner for recording the particular broadcast schedule associated with the program recording timer, programmed and may be assigned a rating lower than. higher or higher rating that would otherwise quantify tuner 1304c as an ideal tuner. In one example, a current state of an active tuner in this scenario can be defined as «active; Live; PIFE Other modalities are possible. In another example, control processor 1302b may indicate to timer status module 2504 that tuner 1304c is currently being used for "live" viewing of a particular schedule. Tuner 1304c in this scenario may not be considered an ideal tuner for recording the particular broadcast schedule associated with the programmed recording timer and may be assigned a rating lower than the highest or highest rating. otherwise, it would quantify the tuner 1304c as an ideal tuner. In one example, a current state of an active tuner in this scenario can be defined as “active; Live". Other modalities are possible.
[000299], In another example, the control processor 1302b can indicate for the timer status module 2504 that the tuner 1304c is currently being used for "live" viewing of a particular schedule and is still "delayed" by some fashion. In this example, tuner 1304c is currently being used for "live" viewing of a particular schedule, but a "trick" mode can be performed by a user as by activating a
144/154 “pause.” Function or skip back function ”so that the particular schedule is overdue, Tuner 1304c in this scenario may not be considered an ideal tuner for recording the particular broadcast schedule associated with the programmed recording timer and may be assigned, a rating lower than the highest or highest rating that would otherwise quantify tuner 1304c as an ideal tuner. In one example, a current state of an active tuner in this scenario can be defined as active; Live; late". Other modalities are possible.
[000300], Referring now to Figure 26, an exemplary method 2600 is shown to determine a current situation for each of a plurality of tuners on a television receiver. In one embodiment, method 2600, as described, can be implemented by or on top of PTR 1110 of Figure 11. Other sound modalities, however, are possible. For example, one or more modules or steps of the 2600 exemplificative method can be implemented by one or more of the other respective devices or components within the F1G 1100 exemplary system. 11, as described above, [000301], There are still other possible modalities.
[000302], In 2602, the television receiver can set a counter to N ~ 1, [000303] «In 260-4, the television receiver can determine the current state of a particular tuner N of a plurality of tuners M of the television receiver. In this example, N and M are integer values, where N is less than or equal to M, Initially, this may correspond to a television receiver that determines the current status of a first tuner (for example, “Tuner 1”) of a plurality of tuners M of the television receiver, As mentioned above, in relation to Figure 25, in a modality a current situation of the particular tuner N can correspond to one of the following; a) “active; recording; attributable ”; b) active; recording; attributable; PIP ”;
145/154
c) “active; recording; attributable; Live"; d) “inactive”; is active; Live; P1P "; f) “active; Live"; g) “active; Live; late". Other modalities are possible.
[000304]. In 2606, the television receiver can assign a rating to private tuner N based on the current state of a private tuner N. Continuing with the example above, the television receiver can: aj assign a “Position 1” to private tuner N when the current state is determined to be “active; recording; attriveE; b) assign a “Position 2” to the private tuner N when the current state is determined to be “active; recording; attributable; PIP ^! ; c) assign a “Position 3” to the private tuner N when the current state is determined to be “active; recording; attributable; Live"; d) assign a “Position 4” to the private tuner N when the current state is determined “inactive”; e) assign a “Position 5” to the private tuner N when the current state is determined to be “active; Live; P1P "; f) assign a “Position 6” to the private tuner N when the current state is determined to be “active; Live"; g) assign a “Position 7” to private tuner N when the current situation of private tuner N is determined to be “active; Live; late ”.
[000305]. In '2608, the television receiver can fill in a list based on the hierarchy of the private tuner N. Initially, the list can only have a single entry, such as “Position 3; Tuner 1 ”, for example. When N is greater than 1 but less than M however, the profile can have several entries, such as “Position 6; Tuner 1 ”and“ Position 6; Tuner 2 ”and“ Position 3; Tuner 3 ”. Other modalities are possible.
[000306], In 2610, the television receiver can determine whether other tuners of the television receiver have not yet been classified. When the television receiver determines that none of the other tuners on the television receiver have yet to be rated, the process flow may branch to 2612. In 2612, the television receiver
146/154 television can choose a particular tuner from the plurality of M tuners having a “high” or “higher” rating within the list than the others from the plurality of M tuners and then allocate the particular tuner to record the programming of private transmission associated with a particular Timer.
[000307]. When the television receiver determines that other tuners on the television receiver have not yet been classified, the process flow may branch to 2614 which repeats the counter to N - N * 1> In this example, the process flow proceeds as one. loop until in 2610 the television receiver determines that there are no other tuners in the television receiver that have yet to be classified. In. 26.12, the television receiver can then select one. private tuner among the plurality of M tuners for recording the programming of the particular broadcast associated with a special mode timer, as discussed above.
[000308]. There may be a number of different situations that may arise when allocating a particular tuner for recording the particular broadcast schedule in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.
[000300]. For example, in some DVR-related systems, it may be possible for a user to configure a plurality of timers to activate or “trigger at a substantially similar or equal time, a number of timers being the same as the number of tuners available for the system. In this example, the activation of the timers may not be performed in parallel. Instead, the timers can be activated in sequence or series. For example, although it is set to activate at a substantially similar or equal moment, a “timer A” can fire before a “timer B, which can be triggered before a“ timer C ”> Here, the process flow in tuner classification based on predefined tuning or tuner priority. t.al as mentioned above, in
147/154 with respect to at least FIGs. 25 to 26, you can take into account the status of the respective tuners after assigning a specific tuner for each particular timer.
[000310]. For example, in practice, a first iteration of the exemplificative method 2600 in Figure 26 can be implemented in such a way that a first tuner can initially be assigned to timer A ”. A second iteration of the exemplary method 2600 in Figure 26 can then be implemented in such a way that a second tuner can be assigned to timer B ”. A third iteration of the exemplary method 2600 in Figure 26 can then be implemented in such a way that a third tuner can be assigned to “timer C”> Here, the status of the first tuner assigned to Timer A ”can change from the first iteration to , the second iteration and the state of the second tuner assigned to Timer B ”can change from the second iteration to the third iteration. In these examples, the television receiver takes into account the current status of the tuner in each iteration or application of the example method 2600 in Figure 26.
[000311], In other examples, in some systems related to the DVR, it may be possible that all available tuners in the system are being used to watch live programming ”. In this example, timer A ”can be triggered during a time when all available tuners in the system are being used to watch live programming”. This can correspond to all tuners associated with a status or priority of Position 6 ”, as mentioned above in relation to at least Figures 25 to 26. Here, the television receiver can offer users an option to allow or deny , that a specific tuner associated with the particular programming currently being viewed is allocated for recording a program associated with the AT Timer. This can, in some modalities, be performed according to a predefined priority.
1.48 / 154 [000312]. A computer system, as illustrated in. Figure 27 can be incorporated as part of the computer devices previously described. For example, the 2700 computer system may represent some of the components of the television receivers and / or the television service provider's system. Fig. 27 provides a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a 2700 computer system that can perform the methods described herein. It should be noted that Figure 27 is only intended to provide a generalized illustration of various components, one or all of which can be used as appropriate. Fig. 27, therefore, largely illustrates how the individual system elements can be implemented in a relatively separate or relatively more integrated manner.
[000313]. The 2700 computer system is shown comprising hardware elements that can be electrically coupled through a 2705 bus (au otherwise, be in communication, according to area). Hardware elements may include one or more 2710 processors, including, without limitation, one or more general purpose processors and / or one or more specific purpose processors (such as digital signal processing chips, graphics tie-in acceleration processors and / or similar): one or more 2715 input devices, which may include, without limitation, a mouse, keyboard and / or the like; and one or more output devices 2720, which may include, without limitation, a display device, a printer and / or the like, [000314]. The 2700 computer system may further include (and / or be in communication with) one or more non-transitory 2725 storage devices, which may include, without limitation, local accessible storage and / or network u / and may include, without limitation limitation, a disk drive, a drive array, an optical storage device, a solid-state storage device, such as a random access memory (“RAM”) and / or a read-only memory (“RDM), which can be programmable, updates
149/154 instantaneous and / or similar, Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data stores, including, without limitation, various file systems, database structures and / or the like, [000315]. The 2'700 computer system may also include a subsystem. 2730 communications, which may include, without limitation, a modem, a network card (wired or wireless), an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device and / or a chipset (such as a Bluetooth ™ device , an 802.1.1 device, a wireless device, a WiMax device, cellular communication facilities, etc.) and / or the like. The subsystem. 2730 communications network may allow data exchange with a network (such as the network described below, to cite an example), other computer systems and / or any other devices described herein. In many embodiments, the computer system 2700 will further comprise a working memory 2735, which may include a RAM or ROM device, as described above.
[000316] «The 2700 computer system may also comprise software elements, shown to be currently located within the 2733 working memory, including a 2740 operating system, device units, executable libraries and / or other code, such as one or further application programs 2745, which may comprise computer programs provided by various modalities and / or may be designed to implement the methods and / or configure systems, provided by other modalities, such as described herein. Merely the example title, one or more procedures described in relation to the method (s) discussed above can be implemented as code and / or instructions executable by a computer (and / or a processor inside a computer); in one respect, then this code and / or instructions can be used to configure and / or adapt a general purpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more operations according to the methods
150/154 described.
[000317]. A set of these instructions and / or code can be stored on non-transitory, computer-readable storage media, such as the 2425 non-transitory storage devices described above. In some cases, the storage media can be incorporated into a computer system, such as the 2400 computer system. In other embodiments, the storage media can be separated from a computer system (for example, a media removable., such as a compact disc) and / or supplied in an installation package, such that the storage media can be used to program, configure, and / or adapt a general purpose computer with instructions / code stored in it. These instructions may take the form of executable code, which is executable by the 2700 computer system and / or may take the form of source and / or installable code, which, upon compilation and / or installation of the 2700 computer system (for example, example, using any of a variety of commonly available compilers, installation programs, compression / decompression utilities, etc.), then take a. form of executable code.
[000318]. It will be evident to those versed in the. that substantial variations can be made according to specific requirements. For example, custom hardware can also be used and / or particular elements can be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets, etc.), or both. In addition, connection to other computing devices, such as network input / output devices can be employed, [000319]. As mentioned above, in one aspect, some embodiments may employ a computer system (such as the 2700 computer system) to perform the methods according to the various embodiments of the invention. According to a set of modalities, some or all of the procedures for such methods are
IS1 / IS4 performed by the 2700 computer system in response to the 2710 processor by executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions (which can be incorporated into the 2740 operating system and / or other code, such as a 2745 application program) contained in working memory 2735. Such instructions can be read in working memory 2735 from other computer-readable media, such as one or more of the 2725 non-transitory storage devices (s), sequences of instructions contained in the 2735 working memory may cause the 2710 processor (s) to perform one or more procedures of the methods described herein.
[000320]. The terms "machine-readable media" and "computer-readable media", as used here, refer to any medium that participates in providing data that makes the machine work in a specific way. In a modality implemented using the 2'700 computer system, several computer-readable media can be involved in providing the instructions / code to the processor (s) 271.0 for execution and / or can be used to store and / or transport such instructions / code. In many implementations, a computer-readable medium is a physical and / or tangible storage medium. This medium can take the form of one. non-volatile media or volatile media, non-volatile media includes, for example, optical and / or magnetic disks, such as the 2725 non-transitory storage device (s). Volatile media includes, without limitation, dynamic memory, such as working memory 2735.
[000321]. The most common forms of physical and / or tangible computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic form, a CD-ROM, any other optical communication medium, any other physical medium with the brand standards, a RAM, a FROM, EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other chip or memory cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer
152/154 can read the instructions and / or code.
[000322], Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying out one or more sequences of one or more instructions for the processor (s) 2710 for execution. By way of example only, the instructions can initially be carried on a magnetic disk and / or optical disk of a remote computer. A remote computer can load the instructions into dynamic memory and send the instructions as signals via a transmission medium to be received and / or executed by the 2700 computer system.
[000323], The communication subsystem 2730 (and / or its components) will generally receive signals and the 2705 bus can then send the signals (and / or the data, instructions, etc., carried by the signals) to the working memory 2735, from which the 2710 processor (s) retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the working memory 2735 can optionally be stored in a non-transitory storage device 2725 either before or after execution by the processor (s) 2710.
[000324], In addition, it should be understood that the components of the 1100 computer system can be distributed through one. network. For example, some processing can be done in one location, using a first processor while other processing can be done by another remote processor from the first processor. Other components of the 1100 computer system may be similarly distributed, [000325], The methods, systems and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, replace or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For example, in alternative configurations, the methods can be performed in a different order than described and / or several stages can be added, omitted and / or combined. In addition, the characteristics described in relation to. certain configurations can be combined into several other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the settings can be combined in a similar way. In addition, technology evolves and, therefore, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the description or Claims.
[000326] * Specific details are given in. description to provide a complete understanding of the exemplary configurations (including implementations). However, configurations can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary details in order to avoid confusing configurations. This description provides examples of configurations only and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the Claims. Instead, the previous description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with a description that allows the implementation of the techniques described. Various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.
[000327]. Also, configurations can be described as a process that is described as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each can describe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. In addition, the order of operations can be regrouped. A process can have additional steps not included in the figure. In addition, the examples of the methods can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination of these. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode segments, the program code or code to perform the necessary bumps can be stored on non-transitory computer-readable media, such as storage media.
[000328] «Processor gs can perform the tasks described.
[000329]. Having described several exemplificative configurations,
154/154 several modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions can be used without departing from the spirit of disclosure. For example, the elements mentioned above can be components of a broader system, where other rules can take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. In addition, a number of steps can be performed before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Therefore, the above description does not limit the scope of the Claims.

权利要求:
Claims (8)
[1]
Claims
1 - System for the Management of Stored Television Programs, characterized by a nose that includes:
one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled with and read by one or more processors and having instructions readable by the processor stored in it, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors:
cause the recording of a television channel to be stored, the recording of the television channel comprising a plurality of television programs; and cause an orographic reproduction state element to be displayed through a display device, the graphic reproduction state element comprising;
a starting point for each television program is the plurality of television programs in the recording of the television channel.
[2]
2 - System for the Management of Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 1, characterized by the fact that the plurality of television programs was transmitted, consecutively on the television channel.
[3]
3 - System for the Management of Stored Television Programs, according to the Claim, characterized by the fact that the instructions readable by the processor add to one or more processors;
cause the television channel to be recorded,
2/8 where the recording of the television channel is from a broadcast of the television channel.
[4]
4 - System for the Management of Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 1, characterized by the fact that the starting point for each television program of the plurality of television programs is denoted by a graphic indicator specific to the television program.
[5]
5 - System for Management of Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 4, characterized by the fact that, for each television program of the plurality of television programs, the graphic indicator comprises a graphic poster.
[6]
6- System for Managing Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 5, characterized by the fact that instructions readable by the processor additionally cause one or more processors to:
receive, from a user, a selection of a graphic poster for a television program from the plurality of television programs.
[7]
7 - System for Management of Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 6, characterized by the fact that the instructions readable by the additional processor cause one or more processors to:
in response to the selection of the graphic poster for the television program being received from the user, start playing the recording of the television channel at a play time associated with the television program.
S - Arma Television Program Management System
3/8 zen, in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by the fact that instructions readable by the processor additionally cause one or more processors:
receive, from a user, a selection of a first television program from the plurality of television programs from the recording of the television channel;
make sure that the first television program selected by the user is presented through the display device; and at the conclusion of the presentation of the first television program, have a second television program of the plurality of television programs from the recording of the television channel be presented, with the first television program and the second television program being transmitted consecutively. ,
9 - System for Managing Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 1, characterized by the fact that instructions readable by the processor additionally cause one or more processors to:
receive, from a user, a selection of a first television program from the plurality of television programs from the recording of the television channel;
cause the first television program selected by the user to be presented through the display device; and at the conclusion of the presentation of the first television program, cause a selection option to be presented requesting input to indicate whether a second television program from
4/8 plurality of television programs from the recording of the television channel must be presented, with the first television program and the second television program being transmitted together.
10 - System for Management of Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 1., characterized by the fact that the instructions readable by the processor are configured to additionally cause one or more processors:
make a second recording of a second television channel be stored, with the. recording of the second television channel comprises a second plurality of television programs; and cause a second graphic reproduction state element to be displayed through the display device simultaneously with display of the graphic reproduction state element, the second graphic reproduction state element comprising:
a starting point for each television program of the second plurality of television programs on the second recording of the second television channel.
IX ~ Method for Managing Stored Television Programs, characterized by the fact that it comprises:
storing, by a television receiver, a recording of a television channel, the recording of the television channel comprising a plurality of television programs; and cause a graphic reproduction state element to be displayed the graphic reproduction stay element comprised of:
a starting point for each television program of the plurality of television programs in the recording of the television channel.
12 »Processable Readable Non-Transient Medium For Managing Stored Television Programs, characterized by the fact that it comprises processor-readable instructions configured to make one or more processors:
cause the recording of a television channel to be stored, the recording of the television channel comprising a plurality of television programs; and causing a graphic reproduction state element to be displayed via a display device, the graphic reproduction state element comprising;
a starting point for each television program of the plurality of television programs in the recording of the television channel, the starting point for each television program of the plurality of television programs being denoted by a graphic indicator specific to the television program .
13 - Computer Implemented Method To Manage Stored Television Programs, characterized by the fact that it comprises:
identify an indication of the user's interest in a program on a particular television channel based on the user's interaction with a programming guide that displays the first content;
6/8 generate, in response to the identification of the indication of the user's interest and for display on the programming guide, a selectable icon positioned in association with a descriptor that identifies the particular television channel; and generate, in response to the user's selection of the selectable icon and for display on the programming guide, an interactive panel that identifies at least one particular program that is stored in an omnibus channel file containing a plurality of programs transmitted consecutively on the channel. private television for a predefined period of time.
14 - Computer Implemented Method for Managing Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 13, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises generating the interactive panel for display on the programming guide separate from the first content and adjacent to the descriptor that identifies the channel of I saw you are pa rti cu lar.
15 - Computer Implemented Method To Manage Stored Television Programs, according to. Claim 13, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises generating the interactive panel for display on the programming guide integrated in the first content and adjacent to the descriptor that identifies the particular television channel,
16 - Computer Implemented Method To Manage Stored Television Programs, characterized by the fact that it comprises:
program a first program recording timer to record a particular program broadcast on a particular television channel by a television service provider;
7/8 program one. second program recording timer to record one. plurality of programs transmitted consecutively on the private television channel by the television service provider, including the private program: and broadcast, simultaneously for display on a program guide and in association with a particular program descriptor, a first graphic indicator that identifies programming of the first program recording timer and a second graphic indicator that identifies programming of the second program recording timer,
17 - Computer Implemented Method for Managing Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 16, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises storing, in response to the activation of the second program recording timer, an omnibus channel file containing the plurality of programs broadcast consecutively on the channel, tie television,
18 - Computer Implemented Method for Managing Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 16, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises selecting the omnibus channel file for deletion after passing a predetermined period of time following completion of storage the omnibus channel file,
19 - Computer Implemented Method To Manage Stored Television Programs, characterized by the fact that coin pre ends:
in response to receiving a request to allocate a tuner from a television receiver to record a particular broadcast program, determining a current state of
[8]
8/8 each of a plurality of television receiver tuners;
assigning a rating to each of the plurality of tuners based on a given associated state; and generate a listing based on the rating, and when selecting a particular tuner with a rating higher than each of the other tuners of the plurality of tuners is allocated for recording the program, for private broadcast.
20 «Computer Implemented Method For Managing Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 19, characterized by the fact that adicio.nalmen.te comprises receiving the request to allocate the tuner of the television receiver for recording a broadcast program particular.
21 - Computer Implemented Method for Managing Stored Television Programs, according to Claim 19. characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises receiving the request at a predetermined time before the transmission of the particular broadcast program.

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法律状态:
2019-08-27| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2020-05-26| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-05-26| B15K| Others concerning applications: alteration of classification|Free format text: AS CLASSIFICACOES ANTERIORES ERAM: H04N 5/445 , H04N 5/50 Ipc: H04N 21/4147 (2011.01), H04N 21/426 (2011.01), H04 |

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2020-08-11| B25D| Requested change of name of applicant approved|Owner name: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C (US) |

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2020-08-25| B25G| Requested change of headquarter approved|Owner name: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C (US) |

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2021-10-05| B350| Update of information on the portal [chapter 15.35 patent gazette]|

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201261611483P| true| 2012-03-15|2012-03-15|

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US13/795,914|US8867893B2|2012-03-15|2013-03-12|Multi-program playback status display|

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US13/801,994|US9549213B2|2012-03-15|2013-03-13|Dynamic tuner allocation|

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US13/829,350|US9202524B2|2012-03-15|2013-03-14|Electronic programming guide|

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PCT/US2013/032176|WO2013138740A1|2012-03-15|2013-03-15|Television interface improvements|

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