JP2007195221A - Method and apparatus for displaying electronic program guide - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for channel surfing, while using an electronic program guide. <P>SOLUTION: A system is tuned to a first channel to display a first program on the first channel within a first broadcast window on a screen; and when translating to a second broadcast window smaller than the first broadcast window, a third broadcast window smaller than the first broadcast window and larger than the second broadcast window is sequentially superimposed on a display of the first program to display the first program within the third broadcast window. The translated first program is displayed within the second broadcast window and an electronic program guide that identifies a plurality of channels of a multiple channel broadcasting system and programming on the channels is displayed on the screen, except the second broadcast window. In the multiple channel broadcasting system for broadcasting a program displayed on the screen, an on-screen guide for a user to select a viewing channel is generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to display of channels, programs, and broadcast information of a multi-channel television broadcasting system.

  Television broadcasting technology has made significant progress since the start of broadcasting. Today, television signals are broadcast by terrestrial, cable or satellite. There are currently hundreds of broadcast stations available. In order to select a program to watch, many viewers simply “choose a channel randomly (hereinafter referred to as channel surfing)” until they find a channel that broadcasts the desired program. Channel surfing is an operation of sequentially watching programs on each channel using the “+” or “−” key of the channel. Some viewers can find interesting programs from hundreds of stations by channel surfing. However, most viewers want a more direct way of selecting the program to watch.

  Some conventional television channel selection guides provide a television channel selection guide that displays a list of channels generally arranged in numerical order and the titles of programs being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast on the channels. A simplified view of such a guide is shown in FIG. The viewer or user of the television system can select a channel by inputting a channel number or selecting a program. In response to this, the television system erases the displayed guide screen, selects the selected broadcast station, and displays the broadcast signal of the broadcast station on the screen.

  This television system has several drawbacks. First, the guide only provides the program title. In order to obtain more information, such as a program description, the user must select the information button and pull out the second layer of the menu that contains the program description. Therefore, as the number of broadcasting stations increases, the efficiency of viewing programs and program explanations decreases.

  Further, many viewers want to preview the actual broadcast of the broadcast station before selecting the broadcast station to view. In conventional television systems, the user must select each broadcast station to watch and then return to the channel guide to view program titles on other channels. Some other conventional television systems can provide a program list with a transparent background superimposed on the program broadcast, but it is still difficult to view the program broadcast through the program list.

  In addition, any television system can surf the channel by using the channel “up” or “down” buttons to sequentially skip between channels. However, in the conventional television system, when surfing the channel, the user cannot use the channel list and the program commentary information. Some conventional television channel selection guides allow you to surf the channel while the guide is displayed, but in these television systems the channel is moved by the user moving the selection device, ie the pointer, to each new channel. Be changed. The system guide provides a program description, but the user may want to watch a particular channel while surfing the program description on other channels, so the broadcast system guide is completely Not available for

  Another drawback of the conventional television channel selection guide is that it displays the current time on the guide display, but the current time for the channel program list is not clearly displayed. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to check the time that has elapsed since the start of a specific program.

  Conventional broadcast technology provides viewers with many options for programs available for broadcast. These options include, but are not limited to, on-demand selection of pay-per-view broadcasts, selection of programs for automatic recording, and tuning of the broadcast system to a preselected broadcast station at a specified time. Programming. As the number of options increases, a user-friendly system interface is required. Conventional channel selection guides do not display a ready (usable) state as part of the channel selection guide. Furthermore, since the channel selection guide is interactive and provides more choices to the viewer, the viewer's dissatisfaction increases without a system pointer and tuner status display.

  The present invention provides a method and system for displaying program information by converting the display of a program broadcast. In one embodiment of the present invention, a channel of a multi-channel broadcasting system is selected and a program broadcast is displayed on a screen. Program information for identifying channels of the multi-channel broadcasting system is displayed. When displaying program information, the display of the program broadcast is converted into a smaller broadcast window on the screen. The transformation includes two steps. In the first step, on the broadcast display on the screen, at least one of the outlines of a series of broadcast windows that are sequentially reduced is superimposed. In the second step, the broadcast is displayed in a smaller broadcast window. Therefore, the program information is displayed on the screen together with the program broadcast, and a part of the broadcast is not covered with the program information. Therefore, the viewer can watch the selected program without being blocked at the same time while selecting the channel program of the program information. The program information includes an electronic program guide, a display information packet, an electronic category guide, and an electronic subcategory guide.

  The present invention also provides a method and system for channel surfing while utilizing an electronic program guide. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first channel is selected and the first program broadcast is displayed on the screen. An electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel is displayed. A first display information packet including the first program explanation is displayed together with the electronic program guide. Displays the system pointer. The system pointer is moved to an area associated with the second program in the electronic program guide in response to input by the user. Then, the display of the first display information packet is replaced with the display of the second display information packet including the second program explanation. While the user is viewing the program information of the second program on the second channel, the first program remains selected.

  The present invention also provides a tuner for selecting each channel of a multi-channel broadcasting system and a method and system for displaying the status of a system pointer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a channel of a multi-channel broadcasting system is selected, and the broadcast of the selected program is displayed on the screen. An electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel is displayed. A system pointer pointing to the area of the electronic program guide identifying the channel program is displayed. The status of the tuner and system pointer of the multi-channel broadcasting system is displayed to the user. When a channel program is selected, the channel program is displayed on the electronic program guide so as to be pushed into the screen. When no channel program is selected, the channel program is displayed on the electronic program guide so as to protrude from the screen. When the system pointer indicates a channel program, the program block of the corresponding program is highlighted and displayed. When the system pointer does not point to a channel program, the program block of the corresponding program is displayed without being highlighted.

  The described features, embodiments and advantages and other features, embodiments and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings, the following detailed description and the claims.

  Objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

  In the method and system of the present invention, the described multi-channel broadcast system is a direct broadcast satellite system. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the method and system of the present invention can be used in other broadcast systems that can receive and display multiple broadcast stations. Furthermore, in the following description, numerous details are set forth, such as menus, flowcharts, and system configuration diagrams, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessarily required in order to practice the invention. In other instances, well-known electrical structures and circuits are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention unnecessarily.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a direct broadcast satellite system (DSS). The direct broadcast satellite system (hereinafter also referred to as a multi-channel broadcast system) includes an antenna 3, an integrated receiver / decoder 2 (hereinafter referred to as IRD), a remote controller 5, and a monitor 4. A packet of data is transmitted by a satellite transponder. Each transponder transmits data in a time division manner using a predetermined frequency. The tuner 21 of the IRD 2 tunes to the frequency of the transponder corresponding to a certain channel. The channel is specified by the viewer so that digital data packets are received by the IRD2.

  The antenna 3 receives an encoded data signal transmitted from a satellite. The received encoded data signal is decoded by IRD2. The antenna 3 includes a low noise block down converter (hereinafter referred to as LNB) 3a. The LNB 3a converts the frequency of the signal transmitted from the satellite into another frequency. The converted signal is supplied to IRD2. The monitor 4 receives a signal from the IRD 2.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of IRD2. A radio frequency (hereinafter referred to as RF) signal output from the LNB 3 a of the antenna 3 is supplied to the tuner 21 of the front end 20. The output from the tuner 21 is supplied to a demodulation four-phase phase modulation (hereinafter referred to as QPSK) demodulation circuit 22. The output from the QPSK demodulation circuit 22 is supplied to an error correction circuit 23 for error correction. The data is supplied in encrypted and encoded (ie, compressed) form.

  The transport IC 24 is supplied with a data stream composed of data packets from the error correction circuit 23, and supplies a part of the data stream to an appropriate circuit for processing. The digital data stream coming from the satellite includes a header for classifying different data portions of the digital data stream. The transport IC 24 stores a header in a register and supplies data using the header. The data stream sent from the satellite includes video data (hereinafter referred to as MPEG), MPEG audio data, and electronic program guide (hereinafter referred to as EPG) data in a format defined by the motion picture expert group standard. Data identified as video data by the header is transferred to the MPEG video decoder 25. The data specified as audio data by the header is transferred to the MPEG audio decoder 26. Similarly, data having a header for specifying EPG data is transferred to a predetermined area 52 of the data buffer 51 designated to store EPG data.

  The conditional access module 33 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU), a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM), and a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM). The conditional access module 33 uses the permission information stored in the memory to determine whether the user has permission to receive specific data, for example, audio / video data of a pay TV broadcast station. In this way, when the conditional access module 33 determines that the user is permitted to access, a key for normalizing received data is supplied to the transport IC 24, and the transport IC 24 receives the supplied key. Use data to flatten the data. In one embodiment, a smart card is used. This smart card is inserted into a card reader interface 32 connected to the transport IC 24. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the conditional access module 33 is not limited to a smart card, but can be configured by other types of circuits.

  The MPEG video decoder 25 decodes the video signal supplied from the transport IC 24. A dynamic random access memory (hereinafter referred to as DRAM) 25 a connected to the MPEG video decoder 25 is used to buffer and store video data during processing by the MPEG video decoder 25. The decoded digital video signal is supplied to a National Television System Committee (hereinafter referred to as NTSC) encoder 27 and converted into a luminance signal (Y) and a color difference signal (C), respectively. The S video signal is output through the buffer amplifiers 28Y and 28C. A composite video signal is output through the buffer amplifier 28V.

  The MPEG audio decoder 26 decodes the digital audio signal. A DRAM 26A connected to the MPEG audio decoder 26 is used to buffer data and information during processing by the MPEG audio decoder 26. The decoded digital audio signal is converted into an analog audio signal by the D / A converter 30. The left audio signal is output through the buffer amplifier 31L, and the right audio signal is output through the buffer amplifier 31R.

  The RF modulator 41 mixes the composite signal output from the NTSC encoder 27 with the analog audio signal output from the D / A converter 30. The RF modulator 41 converts the mixed signal into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal.

  The CPU 29 is a central control mechanism, and executes codes stored in the ROM 37 to execute certain functions of the multi-channel broadcasting system. For example, the CPU 29 processes specific data and controls generation of a program list based on the present invention. Further, the CPU 29 processes user inputs supplied from the buttons or switches and the photodetector circuit 39 on the front panel 40 to provide user functions and access the multi-channel broadcasting system described herein. In addition, the CPU 29 accesses user settings / selections for processing information and configuration of the multi-channel broadcast system. The user settings are stored in a non-volatile memory such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (hereinafter referred to as EEPROM) 38. Further, the CPU 29 stores the pointer information stored in the static random access memory (hereinafter referred to as SRAM) 36 for the channel information and program information stored in the data buffer 51 (hereinafter referred to as data buffer RAM) composed of SRAM. Maintain the list. As a result, when the user desires to display the EPG form on the screen, the CPU 29 accesses the pointer stored in the SRAM 36, and sends the data specified by the pointer from the data buffer RAM 51 to the transport IC 24. Tell them to read. Then, the CPU 29 determines the format and other digital data for forming the guide or list on the screen, and transfers the data representing the guide / list to the transport IC 24. The transport IC 24 later transfers this data to the screen. The data is transferred to the DRAM 25a of the MPEG video decoder 25 for output.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the appearance of an example of the remote controller 5 used by the user to send commands and select programs according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an example of the remote controller 5 (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller 400). The remote controller 400 includes an infrared light emitting device 405, a set of operation buttons 410, a CPU 415, a ROM 420, and a RAM 425. The CPU 415 is supplied with a signal sent from the operation button 410 via the input port 430. The signal is processed based on a program stored in the ROM 420. The RAM 425 is used as a work space for generating a transmission code. The transmission code is supplied to the infrared light emitting device 405 via the output port and converted into an infrared signal. The infrared signal is transmitted to IRD2. The operation buttons 410 are a direction key for designating the direction of the pointer such as up / down / left / right, “EPG” key, “favorite” key, “select” key, “menu” key, “end” key, numeric keypad, “enter” key. Is provided. A set of operation buttons 410 allows a user to select a program via an electronic program guide according to the present invention.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining data stored in a part of the data buffer RAM 51. The data buffer RAM 51 stores EPG data as described above, and this EPG data includes guide data, channel data, and program data. For example, general information such as the current date and time is included in the guide data. The transponder list identifies the number of transponders that transmit the segment. The channel list identifies the channel number of the first channel that is part of the data. The channel data is data relating to a channel, for example, a channel number, a channel name (that is, a call sign of a broadcasting station), a logo ID (that is, an ID that identifies a channel logo), data that identifies a channel number of MPEG video data or MPEG audio data. ID, the number of programs specifying the number of programs transmitted on a channel in a predetermined time frame, the first program offset specifying the offset from the header in the segment to the first channel data, and the like.

  The program data includes a program title, a program start time, a program length, a program category such as a movie, news, and a sport, for example, a drama, a horror, a movie for children, a baseball, a basketball, Includes sub-categories of programs such as football, movie ranks, and program descriptions that provide detailed descriptions of programs.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how pointers to EPG data are sorted for display on a guide on the screen of the user's television receiver. As described above, the EPG data includes guide data, channel data, and program data (as shown in FIG. 3), and is stored in the data buffer RAM 51 of the IRD2. When the viewer selects a channel, the CPU 29 of the IRD 2 determines a packet including the channel information and extracts the transponder number from the channel information. The front end 20 of the IRD 2 starts tuning for the designated transponder frequency and receives data transmitted from the transponder. If the viewer does not select a channel, the last selected channel is specified.

  As described above, the CPU 29 generates a pointer table 736 for the EPG data stored in the SRAM 36. The table 736 is used to change the order of channels or programs based on information displayed in the guide to the user. Table 736 includes an address pointer entry for the corresponding channel data and an address pointer entry for the corresponding program data.

  A table for generating display information is stored in the ROM 37. Specific data in the table is read from the ROM 37 and stored in the DRAM 25a. Preferably, the data is stored in a compressed format. Therefore, when the character is displayed on the screen, the compressed character string is decoded to generate the character to be displayed. The encoder refers to a dictionary that includes a set of words and a portion of frequently used words and a number corresponding to each word or portion of a word. The encoder uses a dictionary to encode each word into a number. The decoder refers to the same dictionary as the encoder and performs the decoding function. Once decoded, each character of the decoded word includes a character code corresponding to an American Standard Code for Information Exchange (ASCII code). The nonvolatile memory (for example, EEPROM 38) has two tables. The first table includes bitmaps of various font characters available to each character. The second table specifies the address of the first table for extracting the character bitmap. This address is determined based on the character code. The bitmap image of the character is sent to the DRAM 25a and is then accessed to display the character on the screen.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, channel data is received from a predetermined transponder, and the channel number and channel name are stored in the DRAM 25a. Additional channel information such as a channel logo is stored in the ROM 36. The ROM 36 preferably has a logo ID table and an address of logo data stored in the ROM 36. Therefore, once the logo ID is determined, the address of the logo data is determined, and the logo data is read out and stored in the DRAM 25a.

  The channel data has a start address of program data of a specific program. The actual position on the screen where the program information is displayed depends on the format of the guide. For example, in a time-series broadcasting system, the position where the program title is displayed is determined by the start time and length stored in the program data.

  Using this program information downloaded from the satellite transmission, program and channel selection information is provided to the viewer. In the multi-channel broadcasting system and method according to an embodiment of the present invention, this program information is provided to the user in a new format in order to easily determine and select a broadcasting station and a program to be viewed by the viewer. FIG. 8 shows the position of the system pointer that can be manipulated by channel call sign 810, channel number 815 of the multi-channel broadcasting system, channel logo 820 of the selected broadcasting station, and arrow direction buttons. It is a figure which shows the master guide provided as highlight 825, the program description 830 of the program in which a system pointer is located, and program time information 835.

  This master guide is superimposed on the broadcast display 840 of the channel where the system pointer is located. Thus, the user is not only provided with television system data indicating the television channel, program broadcast time and program description, but is also provided with one channel of audio and video on the same master guide menu level. . By moving the system pointer 845 (in this example, manipulating the highlighted information), the channel to be selected is automatically changed, and the user is highlighted on the master guide while staying in the menu. The actual channel can be partially previewed. This process is shown in FIGS. Here, a general-purpose processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that additional functions can be added to this process, and the functions can be changed or deleted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Multi-channel broadcast systems provide new and easy-to-operate access to a lot of information about programs available through multi-channel broadcast systems. In the present invention, several functions can be selected using the remote controller 5. Obviously, these functions can be selected using other devices such as joysticks or other means such as on-screen menus.

  FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart showing a process of converting the display into a small window in the embodiment of the present invention. The resize process provides the user with a new function that provides the broadcast system time to perform the calculations necessary to resize the window and gives the user a new footback. In this embodiment, when the user chooses to display the electronic program guide, the broadcast display is converted into a small window. Therefore, both the broadcast and the electronic program guide are displayed without overlapping. It is readily apparent that the window size change process can be used to change the size of a window for various purposes.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the process starts at Step 1000. In Step 1000, the multi-channel broadcasting system selects a channel for displaying a program broadcast. The broadcast window corresponds to the entire screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a broadcast display 1102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is readily apparent that the window size need not initially correspond to the entire screen and may be part of the screen. Thereafter, processing proceeds to step 1002, where a series of smaller broadcast window outlines are superimposed on the program display if conversion to a smaller window is desired. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating superimposing the outlines 1202 to 1210 of a series of broadcast windows that are sequentially reduced on the broadcast display 1201 in the broadcast window conversion according to the embodiment of this invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the contour 1202 is displayed first, and the contours 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210 are displayed. The contour 1202 is preferably shorter in length and width than the outer periphery 1220 of the screen, but it is also conceivable that the contour 1202 can have one dimension larger. Each of the contours 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210 is shorter in length and width than the preceding contour.

  As shown again in FIG. 12, the process proceeds to step 1004 where the program display is converted to a smaller broadcast window. Preferably, the size of the broadcast window is not changed until the minimum superimposed broadcast window outline size is equal to the predetermined minimum size of the broadcast window. In other embodiments, the size of the broadcast window is changed as the size of the contour changes.

  The process proceeds to step 1006, and the program information in the electronic program guide format is displayed on the screen together with the broadcast so that a part of the broadcast is not covered by the electronic program guide. In other embodiments, the program information is displayed before the program broadcast is converted.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which an electronic program guide 1301 is displayed on a screen 1320 together with a program broadcast 1310. Electronic program guide 1301 includes broadcast channel number 1330, broadcast station ID 1332, program title 1334, program start and end times 1356, current day 1338, current date 1340, and current time 1342. . It will be readily apparent that other embodiments of displaying an electronic program guide showing different information can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the user can not only view the broadcast audio and video, but also can easily view the electronic program guide 1301 and the program description of the program. A display information packet 1302 including a description of the program broadcast is displayed together with the electronic program guide 1301. The display information packet 1302 includes a program title 1350, a broadcast station ID 1352, a broadcast channel number 1354, a program start and end time 1356, and a program rank 1358. Alternatively, the user can selectively replace the display of the display information packet 1302 with the display of the electronic category guide. The electronic category guide includes a list of program categories.

  After viewing the excerpt of the program on the electronic program guide 1301, the viewer can end (cancel) the display of the electronic program guide 1301. The display of the electronic program guide 1301 is terminated when the user selects a channel. When the display of the electronic program guide 1301 is terminated, the multi-channel broadcasting system converts the program broadcast displayed in the small window by superimposing the outline of a series of broadcast windows that are sequentially enlarged on the screen. . In this embodiment, the first larger broadcast window is both longer and wider than the small window in which the program is displayed. Each successive contour is longer and wider than the preceding contour. After conversion, the video broadcast is redisplayed in an area defined by the outline of each series of broadcast windows that grows sequentially.

  FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process for integrating display conversion into a small window with other functions of a multi-channel broadcast system. The process starts in step 1402, and in step 1402, the broadcast of the currently selected broadcasting station is displayed on the screen or display of the television receiver. Processing continues at step 1404 where the user can select an electronic program guide for display. The multi-channel broadcasting system monitors the state of the button on the user's remote controller 5 and determines whether the user has pressed a specific button. For example, polling and interrupt driven events are monitored. These are well known in the art and will not be described further here. If the user does not select an electronic program guide for display, the process returns to step 1402 and the multi-channel broadcast system continues to display the broadcast and monitors the user for selecting an electronic program guide function. In step 1404, if the user selects an electronic program guide for display, the process proceeds to step 1406, where the outline of a series of broadcast windows that are progressively smaller is displayed.

  Processing continues at step 1408 where the broadcast display is converted to a smaller broadcast window on the screen. Processing continues at step 1410 where the electronic program guide is displayed in the area adjacent to the smaller broadcast window. An exemplary electronic program guide has already been described with reference to FIG. Processing proceeds to step 1412 where the display information packet 1302 is displayed with the electronic program guide 1301 in an area adjacent to the broadcast window above the electronic program guide 1301. Display information packet 1302 includes a description of the currently selected program. The process proceeds to step 1414, and the user can select an electronic category guide for display using a button on the remote controller 5. If the user selects display of the electronic category guide, the process proceeds to step 1416, where the display of the display information packet 1302 is replaced with the display of the electronic category guide. The electronic category guide includes a list of several program categories. The multi-channel broadcasting system identifies a program on a channel corresponding to each program category included in the electronic category guide. Then, a program corresponding to a specific program category of the electronic category guide is highlighted on the electronic program guide.

  If the user does not select the electronic category guide for display, or if the user selects the electronic program guide for display following the display of the electronic category guide, the process proceeds to step 1418 and the button on the remote controller 5 is pressed. The user can finish displaying the electronic program guide. If the user does not finish displaying the electronic program guide at step 1418, the process returns to step 1410, and the multi-channel broadcasting system continues to display the electronic program guide. In step 1418, if the user has finished displaying the electronic program guide, the process proceeds to step 1420, where the outlines of a series of broadcast windows that are sequentially enlarged are displayed. The process proceeds to step 1422, and the display of the electronic program guide is cleared from the screen. If the electronic category guide is not selected by the user, the display information packet display is also cleared from the screen at step 1422. If the electronic category guide is selected by the user, the display of the electronic category guide is also cleared from the screen at step 1422. Processing proceeds to step 1424 where the broadcast display is converted to a larger window on the display screen.

  As shown in FIG. 15 described above, the user can select the display information packet 1302 for display together with the electronic program guide 1301. In one embodiment, display information packet 1302 includes a description of the program selected for display. Preferably, the multi-channel broadcasting system automatically changes the size of the text in the display information packet 1302 so that all text is displayed in the window. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display of the electronic program guide in one embodiment of the present invention displayed together with a display information packet 1502 including more characters than the display information packet 1302 of FIG. In one embodiment of the multi-channel broadcast system, the area allocated for the display information packet 1502 is of a fixed fixed size, so the multi-channel broadcast system is based on the number of characters present for display. Adjust the font size of the character. By optimizing the font size, the maximum number of characters to be displayed can be adjusted to a predetermined display area.

  FIG. 18 is an exemplary flowchart showing a process of optimizing the font size for the display area space that can be used in an embodiment of the present invention. Processing begins at step 1602, where the multi-channel broadcast system determines the number of characters to be displayed. Processing proceeds to step 1604, where the multi-channel broadcasting system determines the number of display pixels that can be used for character display. The process proceeds to step 1606, and the multi-channel broadcasting system adjusts the font size of the character in order to display all characters at the available display pixel count. The process proceeds to step 1608, and the multi-channel broadcasting system displays the character of the display information packet.

  FIG. 19 is an exemplary flowchart showing a process for integrating the process of optimizing the font size of the display information packet with other functions of the multi-channel broadcasting system in the embodiment of the present invention. The process starts in step 1702, and in step 1702, the broadcast of the currently selected broadcasting station is displayed on the screen or display of the television receiver. Processing continues at step 1704, where the user can choose to display an electronic program guide. If the user does not select an electronic program guide for display, the process returns to step 1702 and the multi-channel broadcast system continues to display the broadcast. If the user selects display of the electronic program guide, the process proceeds to step 1706 where the electronic program guide is displayed. Processing proceeds to step 1708 where the user selects a display information packet for display along with the electronic program guide.

  If the display information packet for display is selected, the process proceeds to step 1710, and the multi-channel broadcasting system determines the number of pixels available for the display information packet. The process proceeds to step 1712, and the multi-channel broadcasting system determines the number of characters of the display information packet to be displayed. In one embodiment, the maximum number of characters is 256. The process proceeds to step 1714, and the multi-channel broadcasting system determines whether the number of characters is less than 180. In one embodiment of the present invention, three font sizes are used to display the characters of the display information packet. If the multi-channel broadcasting system determines in step 1714 that the number of characters is less than 180, the multi-channel broadcasting system selects the largest font size among the three font sizes. After selecting the largest font size, processing proceeds to step 1722 where the multi-channel broadcast system displays the display information packet using the largest font.

  If the multi-channel broadcasting system determines in step 1714 that the number of characters is 180 or more, the process proceeds to step 1716, and the multi-channel broadcasting system determines whether the number of characters is 180 or more and less than 220. . When the number of characters is 180 or more and less than 220, the multi-channel broadcasting system selects an intermediate font size. After selecting the intermediate font size, the process proceeds to step 1722, where the multi-channel broadcast system displays the display information packet using the intermediate font size.

  If the multi-channel broadcasting system determines in 1714 that the number of characters is not 180 or less and less than 220, the process proceeds to step 1718, and the multi-channel broadcasting system determines that the number of characters is 220 or more. Processing proceeds to step 1720 where the multi-channel broadcast system selects the smallest font size among the three font sizes. Processing proceeds to step 1722 where the multi-channel broadcast system displays the display information packet using the smallest font size.

  With hundreds of television broadcasters accessible today, many viewers surf the channel until they find a channel that broadcasts the desired program. Channel surfing is an operation of viewing each channel in turn using the “+” or “−” key of the channel. Some viewers find the desired channel from hundreds of stations, but some viewers want a more direct way of selecting programs. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the multi-channel broadcasting system of the present invention, two modes are used, that is, a non-channel surfing mode and a channel surfing mode. A non-channel surfing mode can be used to select a channel for viewing.

  The non-channel surfing mode will be described with reference to FIGS. When the user selects the non-channel surfing mode, the multi-channel broadcasting system first selects channel 233 and displays the program broadcast on the screen or display 910. The user then selects display of an electronic program guide 912 that identifies the channels available in the multi-channel broadcast system and programs that can be viewed on those channels. A display information packet 916 is displayed with the electronic program guide 912, and the display information packet 916 includes a description of the program currently selected by the multi-channel broadcast system. In addition, a system pointer 918 is displayed on the electronic program guide 912. The system pointer 918 is used to select a program that the user views, and thus the user can move the system pointer 918 into the area of the electronic program guide 912. In the non-channel surfing mode, the multi-channel broadcasting system selects the channel indicated by the system pointer 918. Further, the display information packet 916 displays a program description of a program selected by the multi-channel broadcasting system. Thus, in non-channel surfing mode, when the user moves the system pointer to a different channel 240, 229, the multi-channel broadcasting system tunes that channel, and the program 965, 980 currently broadcast on that channel, respectively. indicate.

  The channel surfing mode of one embodiment of the present invention is in contrast to the non-channel surfing mode. FIG. 20 is an exemplary flowchart showing a channel surfing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 1802, the multi-channel broadcast system tunes to the first channel and a display is generated consisting of a broadcast window, an electronic program guide, a display information packet, and a system pointer. The first program broadcast is displayed in this broadcast window. The process proceeds to step 1804, where a display information packet for the first program broadcast is displayed. This display information packet includes a description of the first program broadcast. In step 1806, the user moves the system pointer to the area associated with the second program broadcast in the electronic program guide. Processing proceeds to step 1808, and the multi-channel broadcasting system replaces the display information packet of the first program broadcast with the display information packet of the second program broadcast. The multi-channel broadcasting system keeps selecting the first program broadcast and continues to display the first program broadcast.

  In the channel surfing mode, the user can move the system pointer to a program or channel in an electronic program guide that is different from the program or channel currently being broadcast. Accordingly, the multi-channel broadcasting system preferably provides the user with an indication regarding the status of the tuner and system pointer of the multi-channel broadcasting system in the electronic program guide. However, the status display is not required to operate the channel surfing mode according to the present invention. FIG. 21 is an exemplary flowchart showing a process for displaying the statuses of the tuner and the system pointer in the embodiment of the invention. In step 1902, an electronic program guide is generated. In step 1904, a system pointer is displayed in the electronic program guide. Processing proceeds to step 1906, where the status of the tuner and system pointer of the multi-channel broadcasting system is displayed.

  Each program displayed in the electronic program guide is displayed in a program block or area associated with a specific channel and a specific time slot. The status display is performed by controlling the appearance of the program block based on the position of the system pointer and the channel selected by the multi-channel broadcasting system. Specifically, when a multi-channel broadcast system selects a program, and therefore displays a program on a channel that can be selected by the multi-channel broadcast system in a broadcast window, the corresponding program block is displayed on the electronic program guide. It appears to be pushed in. The program blocks of the remaining non-broadcast programs displayed in the electronic program guide appear to protrude from the screen. Therefore, when the multi-channel broadcasting system does not select a program, the corresponding program block is displayed on the electronic program guide so as to protrude from the screen. The system pointer status display produces different results. Specifically, when the system pointer points to a program, the corresponding program block is highlighted and displayed on the electronic program guide. When the system pointer does not point to a program, the corresponding program block is displayed without being highlighted on the electronic program guide.

  There are mainly four combinations of status displays used by the embodiment of the multi-channel broadcasting system of the present invention. First, the program block appears to be pushed into the screen and is displayed highlighted so that the multi-channel broadcasting system selects the corresponding program and the system pointer points to the corresponding program Indicates. Secondly, the program block appears to be pushed into the screen and displayed without being highlighted, so that the multi-channel broadcasting system selects the corresponding program but the system pointer is different. Indicates that Third, the program block appears to protrude from the screen and is displayed highlighted so that the system pointer points to the corresponding program, but the multi-channel broadcast system selects a different program Indicates. Fourth, the program block appears to protrude from the screen and is displayed without being highlighted, so that the multi-channel broadcasting system does not select the corresponding program and the system pointer does not point to the corresponding program. Indicates. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a status display of the tuner and the system pointer in the embodiment of the present invention. The multi-channel broadcast system of FIG. 15 has selected the National Geographic Explorer program of the TBS network, as indicated by the corresponding program block 1380 that appears to be pushed into the screen. The system pointer is indicated by the highlight of the program block 1380 and points to the National Geographic Explorer program.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the multi-channel broadcasting system selects one channel and the system pointer indicates a place other than the selected channel. Specifically, the multi-channel broadcasting system of FIG. 22 tunes the National Geographic Explorer program of the TBS network as shown by the corresponding program block 2002 that appears to be pushed into the screen. An electronic category guide 2006 is selected and displayed instead of the display information packet. The system pointer is indicated by the highlight of the category block 2004 and points to the “ALL” category block 2004 in the electronic category guide 2006.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in step 1804 of FIG. 20, the user can select the electronic category guide 2006 for display together with the electronic program guide 2001 instead of the display information packet for display. Electronic category guide 2006 includes several program category blocks 2010. The multi-channel broadcasting system identifies a program on a channel corresponding to each program category block 2010 included in the electronic category guide 2006. Then, a program corresponding to a specific program category block of the electronic category guide 2006 is displayed or highlighted on the electronic program guide 2001. The system pointer is moved to the area of the electronic category guide 2006 by the user, and the state of the system pointer is displayed. When the system pointer points to a program category block, the program category block is highlighted and displayed on the electronic category guide 2006. The system pointer is indicated by the highlight of the program category block 2004 and points to the “ALL” category block 2004 in the electronic category guide 2006.

  If the user selects one of the program category blocks from the electronic category guide, typically using the remote controller 5 of the multi-channel broadcast system, the display of the electronic category guide is replaced with one of the electronic subcategory guides. . FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a case where the electronic subcategory guide 2102 is displayed together with the electronic program guide 2104 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The selected program category block 2106 is displayed with an electronic subcategory guide 2102 and an electronic program guide 2104. Electronic subcategory guide 2102 includes several subcategory blocks 2108. The multi-channel broadcasting system identifies a program on a channel corresponding to each subcategory block included in the electronic subcategory guide 2102. A program corresponding to a particular subcategory block of the electronic subcategory guide 2102 is displayed or highlighted on the electronic program guide 2104. The state of the system pointer is shown, and the state of the system pointer changes as the system pointer moves on the display. For example, the user can move the system pointer to the area of the electronic subcategory guide 2102. When the system pointer points to a subcategory block, the subcategory block is highlighted and displayed on the electronic subcategory guide 2102. As shown in FIG. 23, the system pointer is indicated by the highlight of the subcategory block 2108 and points to the “ALL” category block 2108 of the electronic subcategory guide 2102.

  The multi-channel broadcasting system of an embodiment of the present invention provides the user with several options regarding programs available for broadcasting. The multi-channel broadcasting system allows the user to select a paid viewing program broadcast for purchase. Further, the broadcast system allows the user to select a program for recording. Furthermore, the multi-channel broadcasting system allows the user to set a broadcasting system timer and automatically select a program at a specific time on the broadcasting system. Furthermore, the multi-channel broadcasting system allows the user to designate a certain program as a favorite program. As a result, in the multi-channel broadcasting system according to the embodiment of the present invention, an icon for displaying the program status to the user is displayed while viewing the electronic program guide.

  FIG. 24 is an exemplary flowchart showing a process for providing an icon for indicating a program state in an embodiment of the present invention. The process starts in step 2202, and in step 2202, the broadcast system selects a program broadcast to be displayed. Processing continues at step 2204 where an electronic program guide is generated. An electronic menu can be displayed together with the electronic program guide. The electronic menu manages the purchase of pay programs, selection of programs for recording, setting of a broadcast system timer, and selection of favorite programs. In step 2206, a graphic image showing the program status is generated. Processing continues at step 2208 where a graphic image is displayed in the electronic program guide. The icon or graphic image can serve as an electronic link between the electronic program guide and the corresponding menu of the electronic menu and display information packet.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a display of an electronic program guide having a program status icon according to an embodiment of the present invention. An icon 2302 displayed in the program block 2304 for indicating that a pay broadcast is selected is similar to a dollar sign. An icon 2306 displayed in program block 2308 to indicate that a broadcast is selected for recording is similar to a videocassette tape. The icon 2310 displayed in the program block 2312 for indicating that the broadcast system is set to select a program at the time of the program corresponding to the broadcast system timer is similar to a clock. An icon can also be displayed in the program block to indicate that the program is a favorite program. The icon 2314 of the program block 2316 is an example of a possible expression for a favorite program icon.

  The multi-channel broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention displays time, and the user can view the current time regarding the time of programs and program blocks. FIG. 26 is an exemplary flowchart showing a process of displaying the current time marker on the time bar in the embodiment of the invention. The process starts in step 2402, and in step 2402, the broadcast of the currently selected broadcasting station is displayed on the screen or display of the television receiver. Processing continues at step 2404, where the user can choose to display an electronic program guide. If the user does not select display of the electronic program guide, the process returns to step 2402 and the broadcast system continues to display the broadcast of the currently selected broadcast station. If the user selects display of the electronic program guide, the process proceeds to step 2406, where the electronic program guide is displayed by the broadcast system.

  After displaying the electronic program guide, processing proceeds to step 2408 where a time bar is displayed that identifies the time of the program on the channel of the broadcast system. Processing proceeds to step 2410 where a graphic display of the current time is generated. Processing proceeds to step 2412 where a graphic display of the current time is displayed near the time bar to indicate the current time with respect to the time of the program on the broadcast system channel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the graphic display of the current time is displayed as an inverted triangle on the time bar. The graphic display of the current time can also include a digital display of the current time. The graphic display of the current time can also include an icon that displays the current time.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a graphic display of the current time regarding the display of the electronic program guide and the channel program time in one embodiment of the present invention. When the user selects display of the electronic program guide, the electronic program guide 2502 is displayed by the broadcasting system. Along with the electronic program guide 2502, a time bar 2504 for specifying the time of the program block 2506 on the channel of the broadcast system is displayed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a current time graphic display 2508 is generated. This graphic display 2508 of the current time is displayed in the vicinity of the time bar 2504 to indicate the current time regarding the time of the program on the channel of the broadcasting system. The graphic display 2508 of the current time is displayed as an inverted triangle on the time bar 2504 and includes a digital display of the current time.

  In addition to the electronic program guide described herein, the multi-channel broadcast system embodiment of the present invention displays an on-screen menu that allows the user to operate different functions of the system. FIG. 28 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for providing an on-screen menu having different transparency levels in one embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 28, processing begins at step 2602, where an electronic menu display is generated. The display of the electronic menu includes a plurality of components, a plurality of alphanumeric characters, and a plurality of icons that specify different functions of the broadcast system. Processing continues at step 2604 where different levels of transparency are applied to each component so that the number of opaque components is minimized and the background is very transparent. Processing proceeds to step 2606 where the electronic menu is superimposed on the program broadcast display. Opaque components are minimal and there is minimal interference with the broadcast video by displaying electronic menus. Different transparency levels are preferably selectable by the user.

  When the user selects an electronic menu for display, alphanumeric characters and icons that specify different functions of the broadcast system are generated. The user can select a transparency level to be applied to the characters and icons displayed in the electronic menu. If the user does not select the transparency level applied to the characters and icons displayed in the electronic menu, the multi-channel broadcasting system applies the lowest transparency level transparency to the electronic menu icons. Furthermore, the multi-channel broadcasting system applies the transparency with the smallest transparency level to the textual description of the function of the broadcasting system. Furthermore, multi-channel broadcasting systems apply the highest transparency level of transparency to the numbers displayed on the electronic menu.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display of an on-screen menu having different transparency levels according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic menu display 2702 includes a plurality of components 2711 to 2719, a plurality of alphanumeric characters 2720 to 2722, and a plurality of icons 2731 to 2739 that specify different functions of the multi-channel broadcasting system. Different levels of transparency are applied to each component so that the number of opaque components is minimized and the background is very transparent. After generating the electronic menu display 2702, the electronic menu display 2702 is superimposed on the program broadcast 2750.

  The present invention has been described using preferred embodiments. Although the invention has been described using specific exemplary embodiments, various modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Obviously, and modifications can be made. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

1 is a schematic illustration of a prior art direct digital satellite system guide display. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the component used for the receiver of a television signal. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a remote controller used to select a television station in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a remote controller simply. FIG. 6 is a diagram representing the types of data used to represent an electronic program guide in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 4 represents a pointer to data used to generate an electronic program guide in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is a figure showing the master guide provided in order to enable a viewer to view a program being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast. FIG. 6 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention in which broadcast audio and video are displayed behind a master guide. FIG. 6 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention in which broadcast audio and video are displayed behind a master guide. FIG. 6 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention in which broadcast audio and video are displayed behind a master guide. 6 is an exemplary flow chart for converting a display into a small window in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the broadcast display in one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which superposed the outline of a series of broadcast windows which become small sequentially on a broadcast display in conversion of the broadcast window of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which displays an electronic program guide with a program broadcast on a screen in one embodiment of this invention. It is an exemplary flowchart in the case of integrating the conversion of the display to a small window with the other function of a broadcasting system in one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the display of the electronic program guide in one embodiment of this invention. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for optimizing a font size for a display area that can be used in an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is an exemplary flowchart for integrating font size optimization processing with other functions of a broadcasting system in an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating channel surfing according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for displaying a status of a tuner and a system pointer in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the display of the electronic program guide in one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display of an electronic subcategory guide with the electronic program guide in one embodiment of this invention. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for providing icons to indicate program status in one embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows the display of the electronic program guide which has a program status icon in one embodiment of this invention. It is an exemplary flowchart which shows the process for displaying the time bar which has a present time marker in one embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display of an electronic program guide having a graphical display of the current time regarding the time of a channel program in one embodiment of the present invention. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for providing an on-screen menu having various transparency levels in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display of an on-screen menu having various transparency levels in an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (60)

A method for generating an on-screen guide for selecting a channel to be viewed by a user in a multi-channel broadcasting system in which a program displayed on a screen is broadcast,
Selecting a first channel and displaying a broadcast of a first program on the first channel in a first broadcast window on the screen;
When the display of the broadcast of the first program is converted into a second broadcast window that is smaller than the first broadcast window, the display is smaller than the first broadcast window and larger than the second broadcast window. At least one third broadcast window is sequentially superimposed on the broadcast display of the first program, and the broadcast of the first program is displayed in the sequentially superimposed third broadcast window. And steps to
Displaying the converted broadcast of the first program in the second broadcast window;
Displaying an electronic program guide for identifying a plurality of channels of the multi-channel broadcasting system and a program on each channel on the screen excluding the second broadcast window.   The method according to claim 1, wherein a display information packet including a description of the program is displayed together with the electronic program guide.   The method of claim 1, wherein an electronic category guide including a plurality of program categories is displayed along with the electronic program guide. Displaying a first display information packet including commentary on the first program;
Displaying a system pointer;
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
The method of claim 1, further comprising: replacing the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second display information packet that includes a description of the second program. Selecting a channel pointed to by the system pointer;
If the selected channel is different from the first channel, tuning the selected channel;
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of clearing the display of the electronic program guide and display information packet from the screen in response to the channel selection. The display of the electronic program guide consists of a plurality of channel programs representing areas respectively associated with each program on each channel,
When selecting a program corresponding to one of the plurality of channel programs, the channel program is displayed on the electronic program guide so as to be pushed into the screen;
5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide so as to appear to protrude from the screen when a program corresponding to the channel program is not selected. Displaying a first display information packet including commentary on the first program;
Displaying a system pointer;
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting the second program and displaying a second display information packet including a description of the second program. Displaying on the electronic program guide a status display that indicates to the user the status of the tuner that selects each channel of the multi-channel broadcast system;
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of displaying on the electronic program guide a status indication that indicates to the user the status of the system pointer. The display of the electronic program guide consists of a plurality of channel programs representing areas related to each program on each channel, and the step of displaying the system pointer status display includes:
When the system pointer points to a channel program, highlighting and displaying the pointed channel program on the electronic program guide;
9. The method of claim 8, comprising displaying the channel program without highlighting on the electronic program guide when the system pointer does not point to a channel program. Displaying an electronic category guide including a plurality of program categories;
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying a system pointer movable in response to an input by a user in the area of the electronic category guide. When one of a plurality of categories of the electronic category guide is selected by a user, displaying an electronic subcategory guide consisting of a plurality of subcategories corresponding to the selected category;
The method further comprises highlighting a program on the electronic program guide corresponding to the selected subcategory when one of a plurality of subcategories of the displayed electronic subcategory guide is selected by a user. 10. The method according to 10. When the display of the broadcast of the first program displayed in the second broadcast window is converted into the first broadcast window, the at least one third broadcast window is displayed on the electronic program on the screen. Sequentially superimposing on the display of the guide, and displaying the broadcast of the first program in the sequentially superimposed third broadcast window;
Removing the display of the electronic program guide from the screen;
The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a broadcast of the first program in the first broadcast window. A tuner that selects each channel of the multi-channel broadcasting system;
A display device for displaying a broadcast of a program on a channel selected by the tuner;
A processor for controlling the tuner and the display device,
The processor controls the tuner and the display device,
Selecting the first channel of the multi-channel broadcast system, displaying the broadcast of the first program on the first channel in the first broadcast window on the display device,
When the display of the broadcast of the first program is converted into a second broadcast window that is smaller than the first broadcast window, the display is smaller than the first broadcast window and larger than the second broadcast window. At least one third broadcast window is sequentially superimposed on the broadcast display of the first program, and the broadcast of the first program is displayed in the sequentially superimposed third broadcast window. And
Displaying the converted broadcast of the first program in the second broadcast window;
An electronic program guide for identifying a plurality of channels of the multi-channel broadcasting system and a program on each channel is displayed on the display device excluding the second broadcast window. The processor further controls the tuner and the display device,
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein a display information packet including a description of the program is displayed together with the electronic program guide. The processor further controls the tuner and the display device,
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein an electronic category guide including a plurality of program categories is displayed together with the electronic program guide. The processor further controls the tuner and the display device,
Displaying a first display information packet including a description of the first program;
Display the system pointer
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the display of the first display information packet is replaced with a display of a second display information packet including an explanation of the second program. The processor further controls the tuner and the display device,
Displaying a first display information packet including a description of the first program;
Display the system pointer
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the second program is selected and a second display information packet including an explanation of the second program is displayed. The processor further controls the tuner and the display device,
A status display showing the status of the tuner to the user is displayed on the electronic program guide,
The system according to claim 16, wherein a status display indicating the status of the system pointer to the user is displayed on the electronic program guide. The processor further controls the tuner and the display device,
Displays an electronic category guide that includes multiple program categories,
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein a system pointer that can be moved according to an input by a user is displayed in the area of the electronic category guide. The processor further controls the tuner and the display device,
When one of the plurality of categories in the electronic category list is selected by the user, an electronic subcategory guide including a plurality of subcategories corresponding to the selected category is displayed.
The program on the electronic program guide corresponding to the selected subcategory is highlighted when one of a plurality of subcategories of the displayed electronic subcategory guide is selected by a user. 19. The system according to 19. The processor further controls the tuner and the display device,
When the display of the broadcast of the first program displayed in the second broadcast window is converted into the first broadcast window, the at least one third broadcast window is displayed on the electronic device on the display device. Superimposing sequentially on the display of the program guide, and displaying the broadcast of the first program in the sequentially superimposed third broadcast window,
Turn off the display of the electronic program guide from the display device,
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein a broadcast of the first program is displayed in the first broadcast window. A computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions for generating an on-screen guide for causing a user to select a channel of a multi-channel broadcast system when executed in a processing system,
Selecting a first channel and displaying a broadcast of the first program on the first channel in a first broadcast window on the screen;
When the display of the broadcast of the first program is converted into a second broadcast window that is smaller than the first broadcast window, the display is smaller than the first broadcast window and larger than the second broadcast window. At least one third broadcast window is sequentially superimposed on the broadcast display of the first program, and the broadcast of the first program is displayed in the sequentially superimposed third broadcast window. And steps to
Displaying the converted broadcast of the first program in the second broadcast window;
A medium containing instructions for causing the processing system to execute a step of displaying an electronic program guide for identifying a plurality of channels of the multi-channel broadcasting system and a program on each channel on the screen excluding the second broadcasting window. . Displaying a first display information packet including commentary on the first program;
Displaying a system pointer;
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
23. The medium according to claim 22, further comprising: an instruction for causing the processing system to execute a step of replacing the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second display information packet including a description of the second program. . Selecting a channel pointed to by the system pointer;
If the selected channel is different from the first channel, tuning the selected channel;
24. The medium of claim 23, further comprising instructions that cause the processing system to execute the step of erasing the display of the electronic program guide and display information packet from the screen in response to the channel selection. Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
25. The medium of claim 24, further comprising instructions for selecting the second program and causing the processing system to execute a step of displaying a second display information packet including a description of the second program. Displaying an electronic category guide including a plurality of program categories;
23. The medium of claim 22, further comprising instructions for causing the processing system to execute a step of displaying a system pointer movable in response to an input by a user in the area of the electronic category guide. Displaying an electronic category guide including the plurality of program categories;
Highlighting a program on the electronic program guide corresponding to the selected category when one of a plurality of categories of the displayed electronic category guide is selected by the user. 27. The medium of claim 26, further comprising instructions to be executed. When one of a plurality of categories of the electronic category guide is selected by a user, displaying an electronic subcategory guide consisting of a plurality of subcategories corresponding to the selected category;
Highlighting a program on the electronic program guide corresponding to the selected subcategory when one of a plurality of subcategories of the displayed electronic subcategory guide is selected by the user. 27. The medium of claim 26, further comprising instructions to be executed. Displaying a system pointer indicating the position of the electronic program guide for identifying a channel program of the multi-channel broadcasting system;
A command for causing the processing system to execute a tuner for selecting each channel of the multi-channel broadcasting system and a step of displaying on the electronic program guide a status display indicating a status of the system pointer to the user;
When selecting the channel program, the channel program is displayed on the electronic program guide so as to be pushed into the screen,
When the channel program is not selected, the channel program is displayed on the electronic program guide so as to protrude from the screen.
When the system pointer points to a channel program, the indicated channel program is highlighted and displayed,
The medium of claim 22, wherein when the system pointer does not point to a channel program, the channel program is displayed without highlighting. When the display of the broadcast of the first program displayed in the second broadcast window is converted into the first broadcast window, the at least one third broadcast window is displayed on the electronic program on the screen. Sequentially superimposing on the display of the guide, and displaying the broadcast of the first program in the sequentially superimposed third broadcast window;
Removing the display of the electronic program guide from the screen;
23. The medium of claim 22, further comprising instructions that cause the processing system to execute a step of displaying a broadcast of the first program in the first broadcast window. A system for generating on-screen guides,
A tuner that selects each channel of the multi-channel broadcasting system;
A display device for displaying an electronic program guide in a first mode for identifying channels and programs of a multi-channel broadcasting system, and displaying a broadcast of the first program selected by the tuner;
When the electronic program guide is displayed on the display device, at least one of the outlines of a series of broadcast windows that are sequentially reduced is superimposed on the display of the broadcast of the first program, thereby the first program guide. And a controller for controlling the display device so as to convert the broadcast display of the program from the first size to a smaller second size.   32. The system according to claim 31, wherein the controller controls the display device to display a display information packet including an explanation of the first program together with the electronic program guide.   The system of claim 32, wherein the controller controls the display device to selectively replace the display information packet with an electronic category guide including a plurality of program categories. The display device displays a display information packet including a description of the first program and a system pointer that is moved in response to an input by a user to indicate an area related to the second program of the electronic program guide. And
The controller further includes:
While controlling the tuner and watching the broadcast of the first program on the display device according to the movement of the system pointer while the tuner selects the first channel, the user 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the system can view the contents of a region associated with the second program. Multiple categories,
An ID of a program on a channel corresponding to each of the plurality of categories,
35. The system of claim 34, further comprising an electronic category guide having a highlight display of the program on the program guide identified as the selected category.   When moving the system pointer to point to an area associated with the second program, the controller can cause the system to tune to the second program and display the second display information packet. The system of claim 34, further comprising a second mode. A first status display displayed on the electronic program guide and indicating a status of the tuner of the multi-channel broadcasting system to the user;
36. The system of claim 35, further comprising a second status display displayed on the electronic program guide and indicating a status of the system pointer to a user. In a multi-channel broadcasting system including a first window including a program broadcast and a second window including program information, the method is configured to erase the display of the program information from the screen.
Converting the broadcast of the program displayed in the first window into a larger window of the display by superimposing at least one of the contours of a series of video windows that sequentially increase on the screen;
Removing the display of the program information from the screen;
Displaying the video of the broadcast in the area of the largest video window outline. A display device;
A processor connected to the display device,
The processor
Selecting a channel of the multi-channel broadcasting system, displaying a program on the selected channel in the first window on the display device,
Generate program information that identifies the channel of the multi-channel broadcasting system,
Converting the broadcast video of the program into a smaller broadcast window on a display device, superimposing at least one of the outlines of a series of broadcast windows in which the conversion is progressively smaller on the broadcast of the display device;
A system for displaying the program information together with the converted broadcast on the display device. When deleting the display of the program information from the display device,
The processor
By controlling the system and superimposing a series of broadcast windows that are sequentially enlarged on the display device, the broadcast video of the program displayed in the smaller broadcast window is displayed on the display device. Converted to
Control the system to turn off the display of the program information from the display device,
40. The system of claim 39, wherein the system is controlled to display the video of the broadcast in an area of the outline of the largest broadcast window. A method of generating an on-screen guide in a first mode for selecting a channel to be viewed by a user in a multi-channel broadcasting system in which a program to be displayed on a screen is broadcast,
Selecting a first channel to display a broadcast of the first program on the screen;
Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on the channels;
Displaying a first display information packet including commentary on the first program;
Displaying a system pointer;
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
Replacing the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second display information packet including a description of a second program. Instructing selection of a channel pointed to by the system pointer;
Tune the multi-channel broadcast system to the channel when the channel is different from the first channel;
42. The method of claim 41, further comprising: turning off display of the electronic program guide and display information packet in response to channel selection. The method further includes generating an on-screen guide in a second mode for selecting a channel for the user to view, the method comprising:
Selecting a first channel to display a broadcast of the first program on the screen;
Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on the channels;
Displaying a first display information packet including commentary on the first program;
Displaying a system pointer;
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
42. The method of claim 41, further comprising the step of tuning the multi-channel broadcast system to the second program and displaying a second display information packet including a description of the second program. Displaying on the electronic program guide a status display that indicates to the user the status of the tuner of the multi-channel broadcast system;
42. The method of claim 41, further comprising: displaying a status indication on the electronic program guide that indicates a status of the system pointer to a user. The step of displaying the status display of the tuner of the multi-channel broadcasting system is as follows.
When the multi-channel broadcasting system selects the channel program, displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide so that the channel program appears to be pushed into the screen;
45. The method of claim 44, further comprising: displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide so as to protrude from the screen when the multi-channel broadcasting system is not synchronized with the channel program. The method described. The step of displaying the system pointer status display is as follows:
When the system pointer points to a channel program, highlighting and displaying the pointed channel program on the electronic program guide;
45. The method of claim 44, comprising displaying the channel program without highlighting on the electronic program guide when the system pointer does not point to a channel program. A method for generating an on-screen guide for selecting a channel to be viewed by a user in a multi-channel broadcasting system in which a program for display is broadcast on a screen,
Selecting a first channel to display a broadcast of the first program on the screen;
Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel;
Displaying an electronic category guide;
Displaying in the area of the electronic category guide a system pointer that is movable in response to an input by a user. The step of displaying the electronic category guide further comprises:
Displaying a category guide identifying multiple categories;
Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each of the plurality of categories;
Highlighting a program on the program guide identified as the selected category,
48. The method of claim 47, wherein all programs are viewable and the category of the selected program is highlighted for easy viewing by a user. Displaying on the electronic program guide a status display that indicates to the user the status of the tuner of the multi-channel broadcast system;
Displaying on the electronic program guide a status display indicating the status of the system pointer to the user;
Displaying a status display indicating the status of the system pointer to the user on the electronic category guide;
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the status display causes one of a plurality of categories on the electronic category guide to be highlighted and displayed when the system pointer points to the category. Further comprising displaying an electronic subcategory guide in response to the user selecting one of the plurality of categories, the steps comprising:
Displaying the selected category above;
Displaying a subcategory guide identifying multiple subcategories;
Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each of the plurality of subcategories,
Highlighting a program on the program guide identified as the selected subcategory,
48. The method of claim 47, wherein all programs are viewable and the selected program subcategory is highlighted for easy viewing by a user. A computer system comprising a processor connected to a display device,
The processor
Controlling the system, selecting the first channel, displaying the broadcast of the first program on the screen,
Controlling the system to display an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel;
Controlling the system to display a first display information packet including a description of the first program;
Control the above system, display the system pointer,
Controlling the system to move the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
A computer system for controlling the system to replace the display of the first display information packet with the display of a second display information packet including a description of a second program. The processor generates an on-screen guide in a second mode for user viewing, the processor
Control the system, select the first channel, display the broadcast of the first program on the screen,
Controlling the system to display an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel;
Controlling the system to display a first display information packet including a description of the first program;
Control the above system, display the system pointer,
Controlling the system to move the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
52. The computer of claim 51, wherein the computer is controlled to tune the multi-channel broadcast system to the second program and to display a second display information packet including the second commentary. system. A display device;
A computer system comprising a processor connected to the display device,
The processor
Control the system, select the first channel, display the broadcast of the first program on the screen,
Controlling the system to display an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel;
Control the above system to display the electronic category guide,
A computer system which displays a system pointer which can be moved according to an input by a user in the area of the electronic category guide. The display of the above electronic subcategory guide is
Displaying the selected category above;
Displaying a subcategory guide identifying multiple subcategories;
Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each of the plurality of subcategories,
Highlighting a program on the program guide identified as the selected subcategory,
53. The computer system of claim 52, wherein all programs are viewable and the selected program subcategory is highlighted for easy viewing by a user. A system for generating an on-screen guide in a first mode for selecting a channel for a user to watch,
A multi-channel broadcasting system for selecting a first channel in order to display a broadcast of the first program on the screen;
An electronic program guide operating in a first mode to identify a plurality of channels and programs on each channel in the multi-channel broadcast system;
A display information packet including commentary on the first program;
A system pointer that is moved in response to an input by a user to point to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide;
In response to the movement of the system pointer, the multi-channel broadcasting system remains tuned to the first channel so that the user can watch the first program broadcast on the screen. And a controller for controlling the contents of the area related to the second program. When the multi-channel broadcasting system selects the channel program, displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide so that the channel program appears to be pushed into the screen;
A state of a tuner of the multi-channel broadcasting system by displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide so as to protrude from the screen when the multi-channel broadcasting system is not synchronized with the channel program; A first status display indicating
A first status indication displayed on the electronic program guide and indicating a status of the tuner of the multi-channel broadcasting system to the user;
A second status display displayed on the electronic program guide and indicating a status of the system pointer to the user;
The second status display is
When the system pointer points to a channel program, highlighting and displaying the pointed channel program on the electronic program guide;
56. When the system pointer does not point to a channel program, the state of the system pointer is indicated by displaying the channel program without highlighting on the electronic program guide. The described system. A computer-readable medium comprising the executable instructions includes generating an on-screen guide in a first mode for a user to select a channel for viewing in a multi-channel broadcast system when executed in a processing system. And
The above steps are
Selecting a first channel to display a broadcast of the first program on the screen;
Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel;
Displaying a first display information packet including commentary on the first program;
Displaying a system pointer;
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
Replacing the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second display information packet including a description of a second program. Generating an on-screen guide in a second mode for the user to select a channel for viewing, comprising:
Selecting the first channel to display the first broadcast on the screen;
Displaying the electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel;
Displaying the first display information packet including the description of the first program;
Displaying the system pointer;
Moving the system pointer to an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide in response to input by a user;
58. The computer according to claim 57, further comprising the step of synchronizing the multi-channel broadcasting system with the second program and displaying the second display information packet including a description of the second program. Readable media. A computer readable medium comprising the executable instructions for generating an on-screen guide in a first mode for a user to select a channel for viewing in a multi-channel broadcast system when executed in a processing system. ,
The above steps are
Selecting a first channel to display a broadcast of the first program on the screen;
Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programs on each channel;
Displaying an electronic category guide;
A computer-readable medium having a step of displaying a system pointer movable in response to an input by a user in the area of the electronic category guide. The instruction to display the electronic subcategory guide is
Displaying the selected category above;
Displaying a subcategory guide identifying multiple subcategories;
Identifying programs on channels corresponding to each subcategory of the plurality of subcategory guides;
Highlighting a program on the program guide identified as the selected subcategory,
60. The computer readable medium of claim 59, wherein all programs are viewable and the selected program subcategories are highlighted for easy viewing by a user.

Images