MXPA97008047A - Protocol of hipertext marking language for exhibition and control by televis - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a television screen providing text and graphic displays using hypertext markup language (HTML). Display or display devices allow a user to invoke hyperlinks to different pages of HTML encoded data. in addition to function calls to control functions of a television set and an apparatus unrelated to television. One method provides display data encoded in HTML that is processed to provide a suitable signal for playback on a television. The display data may provide information about a stellar movie (325) or other presentation of an associated signal from the video programming service, such as network transmission (315). The function calls (232, 510, 530, 550) allow the control of various television functions and programming options, such as the acquisition of pay-per-view service (330) or options on the television display as per example the three-dimensional production (512, 514), the channel, the brightness (518), the image-in-picture or split-screen display. Other devices not related to television can be controlled with function calls, among these devices is included audio equipment that is associated with the programming service (for example surround sound (552), filtering (554, 556) as well as, for example, a domestic heating and air conditioning system (536, 538) or other domestic appliances (532, 534) The invention allows a designer to adapt the THML's vast Internet resources to be used in a television environment of entertainment, educational or information

Description

PROTOCOL OF HIPERTEXT MARKING LANGUAGE FOR TV EXHIBITION AND CONTROL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing textual and graphic display using the hypertext markup language (HTML) in a television decoder. Additionally, the HTML is adapted to be used in the control of various television functions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The hypertext markup language (HTML) is a document marking system to indicate the manner in which the document should be displayed or displayed and the manner in which various documents should be linked or linked. HTML has been widely used to provide documents to the computer communications network known as the Internet. The Internet includes a vast collection of interconnected documents that are stored on computers around the world in a system known as the World Wide Web (literally the World Wide Web, known simply as the Web). The documents are organized in spaces of the network, where a network space includes a home page or base and links to other documents that may be in the space of the local network or in an external space of the network. These links are known as hyperlinks or hyperlinks. Documents can include moving images, text, graphic representations and sound. HTML is a form of standardized generalized markup language (SGML) defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO) with the reference number ISO 8879: 1986. HTML specifies the grammar and syntax of tagging tags that are embedded in a data file to define how data will be presented when read by a computer program known as a browser. The data file, which is normally stored on a network server, includes one or more pages of the Network that are visited by users who have computers that can run different browser programs. When a page is visited, usually through a telephone connection, the HTML data is downloaded or downloaded to the user's computer. The computer browser processes the data to format an arrangement or layout for the page, so that the page can be observed by the user on the computer screen. An SGML document includes three parts. The first . : / 'WMX part describes the set of characters or codes that are used in the language. The second part defines the type of document and which marking tags will be recognized. The third part is known as the document in question and contains the actual text and the marking labels. The three parts can be stored in different files. In addition, HTML browsers assume that files on different pages contain a common character set and type of document, so that only text and markup tags will change for different pages. The base character set for HTML is Latin-1 (ISO 8859/1) which is an eight-bit alphabet with characters for most American and European languages. The 128-character ASCII language (ISO 646) is a subset of seven bits of Latin-1. For simplicity and compatibility with different browsers, many web pages include only one set of ASCII characters. Additionally, non-ASCII characters can be defined using ASCII character sequences. For example, the "é" character is defined as "&egrave". HTML characters are enclosed in angle brackets to distinguish them from the text of the page. Characters can appear alone or, they can appear at the beginning and end of a text field on the page. l / 't / MX For example, < P > indicates the start of a new paragraph while < I > Welcome to my page < / I > indicates that the phrase "Welcome to my page" should be in italics. Generally, HTML tags provide formatting of text, links or hypertext links to other pages and links or links to sound and image elements. HTML tags also define input fields for Interactive Network pages. The following list identifies some of the most common HTML codes and functions: Codex HTML Description < A > anchor code - defines a section of text as a hyperlink or target of another hyperlink. < bloc quote > cited text < B0DY > main portion of the page < B > bold < ! -comment- > Author's comment - does not appear on page < EM > emphasized or highlighted text, usually in italics < HEAD > header or title < HR > horizontal rule < HTML > denotes an HTML document < I > in italics < BR > line break ? i '.: I' WMX < LI > list item < UL > unordered list < L0 > ordered list < P > start a new paragraph < STRON > very emphasized text, usually in bold < TITLE > title of the document < TT > typing text < U > underline In addition, there are usually three standardized levels of HTML. Level 1 defines a baseline level with which all browsers in the Network must be compatible. Level 2 includes the elements of level 1 in addition to tags to define user input fields. Level 3 adds marking labels for various particularities such as tables, figures and mathematical equations. The levels are fully compatible in the opposite direction. The hypertext is so called because it allows a user to access different pages in different orders using hyperlinks or hyperlinks, and not using a predetermined linear form. In addition, a known particular application of the hypertext known as hypermedia includes elements different from those of the text, . / "/ MX such as images, video and audio HTML can specify links or links or multimedia objects Links on an HTML hypertext page usually appear as highlighted or highlighted text that is known as the link anchor. an image, such as for example an icon, can be an anchor, which is activated, for example with the click of a user on the icon using a mouse or other pointing device.In addition, the images known as image maps can include several regions that are themselves individual anchors An HTML application is available to users on the network by storing the file (HTTP) in a directory that can be accessed on a server, this server is usually a server on the network that is conformed to a protocol supported by a network browser known as a Hypertext Transfer Protocol 0 Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Servers that are conformed to other protocols such as the File Transfer Protocol or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or GOPHER can also be used but do not support interactive HTML files. 1 HTTP defines a set of rules that servers and browsers follow when communicating with each other. Normally, the process begins when a 1 M ./'WMX user clicks on an icon of an HTML page that is the anchor of a hyperlink or the user types in a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), described later. A connection to the server is then established at the address and port number specified by the URL. Next, the browser sends a request to retrieve an object from the server or to send data to an object on the server. The server sends a response to the browser including a status code and response data. The connection between the browser and the server is then closed. FTP is a file transfer protocol supported by stacked protocol Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol-TCP / IP). In particular, FTP is oriented to session management while HTTP is not. Consequently, unlike HTTP, FTP requires the server to maintain a list of active clients. GOPHER is an indexing or linking system that allows a user to access several Internet resources through a system activated or activated by a menu. Other protocols include TELNET, NEWS or MAILTO. A TELNET program allows a user to connect with i • '.i; / 'i another computer and use it as if the user were sitting on the keyboard of the computer. NEWS indicates that a link or link to a USENET newsgroup should be established, for example, to access a specific news article. MAILTO indicates an Internet Mail Protocol (Internet Mail Protocol). If a user is targeting a URL type email, the browser will open a window to allow the user to create an email message that will be sent to the email address or email address indicated. The previous protocols are standardized or standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IEFT) and are supported by most of the web browsers. The URL is a unique address that identifies virtually all files and resources on the Internet. A URL has the form: method: // server: port / path / file # anchor (method: // server: port / rayectoria / archivoftancla) The "method" of access to the resource is the protocol supported by the web browser and may include, for example, HTTP, FTP, GOPHER, TELNET, NEWS or MAILTO. The "server: port" indicates the name of the server that is providing the resource and is alternatively known as the domain name (domain name) of I! ' . / WM.

Internet. For example, many companies will use the name of the company as part of the server field. The port designation is the port number on the server, but it is not normally used since a default port is adopted. The "path" indicates the path of the directory to the resource. The file indicates the name of the resource file. The "anchor" indicates the element named in the HTML document. All fields are not required. Consider, for example, the following URL: http: // www. company. com / news / june .html. The access method is HTTP, the server is www.compania.com, a port is not specified, the path is news, the file is j une. html and there is no anchor. Examples of the URLs of FTP, GOPHER, TELNET, NEWS and MAILTO are respectively: ftp: //ftp.uu. net / doc / li erary / obi / World. Factobook; gopher: // gopher .micro .umn. edu /, - telnet: // compuserve. com/; news: al. cows .moo; and mailto: presidentíawhitehouse .gov In addition, the interactive applications of the Network use a client-server standard known as the Common Gateway Interface Interface (CGI). A CGI program generates an HTML in time IMI 1 / "7MX to produce a dynamically generated Network page CGI programs or macros perform various network functions, for example, a CGI program known as Imagemap processes image maps for servers. HTML forms often require CGI macros to process the information entered by the user CGI macros act as an interface between network servers and other computer applications, including managers or database administrators and order processing systems In view of the increasingly accelerated increase in the use of web pages and other resources that are created using HTML, it would be advantageous to provide a scheme to adapt these resources for use by consumers and others, through television or Other means of transmission or pre-recorded media In particular, it would be desirable to provide graphic or textual displays or displays to use them with a television for educational and recreational purposes. These exhibits or displays must be compatible as far as possible with the existing transmission and reception equipment, including decoder boxes and the like, and must also be compatible with the current communication protocols, such as those of the i: ',: i / 'M transmission of digital satellite television signals and / or cable installations. In addition, the system must provide the ability to control various television functions, such as channel selection, volume and preferred language, as well as interactive operations such as the acquisition of on-demand video programming or other purchases of products or services. from the home, as well as functions of a device that is not a television set such as for associated audio equipment or, finally, for a domestic heating and air conditioning system, a security system or the like. The present invention provides a system having the above advantages and other advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for providing displays or displays of texts and graphics using the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) for use with a television decoder are presented. Additionally, the invention allows the control of various television functions, such as channel selection, volume or preferred language, as well as non-television functions, such as the programming of a television.

IT i: / 'WM automated heating system or similar. With the invention, the vast HTML resources of the Internet can be adapted to be used in the television environment for entertainment purposes, educational or information. A method that provides the display data for use with a television includes the step of providing a data signal that includes the display data that is encoded in accordance with a Hypertext Markup Language. The display data signal is processed to provide a signal suitable for reproduction on a television or similar video display apparatus. In particular, the deployment data may allow a user to invoke hyperlinks to view different parts of the deployment data, such as different pages of deployment data. The display data may also be used to allow a user to invoke function calls that control a function that may or may not be related to the television or to an associated programming service signal. In addition, the display data may provide information related to an associated video programming service signal, such as for example a network television transmission signal. The deployment data can provide information about a star movie or other special presentation or can provide a programming guide with information about the schedules of the programs. The display data may include an observer input field that allows observation of the associated service signal from video programming based on a rate. For example, when an interactive capability is provided between a television set-top box and the head of the cable system or another provider or programming service provider station, a user may enter a password authorizing the purchase of the pay-per-view programming. In addition, the signal of the display data and the associated signal of the video programming service can be processed to be displayed on the television in a superimposed (e.g., combined) manner. For example, the display data may be provided in a marginal region, while the video programming service signal is supplied in an insert region or vice versa. Alternatively, a split-screen, image-on-picture or other configuration may be provided. The display data may allow a user to invoke hyperlinks and function calls to observe the display data and / or the associated video programming service signal. For example, the deployment data can be used to provide: a screen with buttons, graphics or text devices that can be selected by a user by means of a remote control. When a particular button is selected, the corresponding hyperlink and / or the function call may then trigger the display of a screen, including additional display data (for example, an additional HTML page) and / or a programming service channel in particular video and, additionally, can control a particular television function, such as volume, sound off or the like or a non-television function, as already mentioned. A corresponding apparatus is also presented. Additionally, a receiver is presented to supply the deployment data for use with a television. The receiver may be a television decoder (e.g., a junction box) having an input for receiving a data signal comprising the display data that is encoded in accordance with a hypertext markup language. In addition, a display data processor is included to process the display data signal in order to provide a signal suitable for television reproduction. The receiver also has an input for the reception of a video programming service signal and a video processor for processing the service signal of video programming. This processor can play video decompression processing. The deployment data provides information regarding the video programming service signal. A user command processor in the receiver is operatively associated with the display data processor to receive user commands that allow selective observation of the deployment data. The user's orders can be provided, for example, by means of a remote control infrared transmitter or a mouse or other pointing device. In addition, the user's command processor may work in conjunction with the video processor to receive user commands that allow selective observation of the video programming service signal. That is, the commands entered by a user can be received by the user's order processor and sent to the video processor to provide the appropriate action. In this way, the user can select the programming service and the deployment data that he wishes to observe and, optionally, an observation format ?? . : / "/ Particular MX, such as, for example, the aspect ratio (eg, cinema format), color adjustment, brightness, contrast, or other display options.Display data may include URLs representing function calls that they are implemented in accordance with the user's order processor, to allow selective control of the functions of the television or of a different related device, For example, a display data screen may include a button that initiates a function call for change the volume of the television or to select the preferred language of a sound track or subtitled signal available.Other button can, for example: initiate a function call to adjust an automated heating and air conditioning system in a house. , the relation between the syntax of the calls of the function and the resulting functions can be determined in accordance with the syntax of the loc uniform resource alier presented here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram of a television transmission system in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a I I '/ i / HÍ television receiver in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 is an illustration of a screen with HTML / HTVP display data in accordance with the present invention. Figure 4 is an illustration of a screen with HTML / HTVP display data combined with a video programming service signal in accordance with the present invention. Figure 5 is an illustration of a screen with HTML / HTVP display data for selecting television function calls and of a non-television set according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A method and apparatus for providing the display or display of text and graphics using the Hypertext Markup Language are presented.

(HTML) to use it with a television decoder. Additionally, the HTML is adapted to be used in the control of various television functions as well as other functions in a Hypertext Markup Language Protocol defined herein as "HTVP". The HTVP can be considered to be a type of HTML that is used in the instrumentation of functions in accordance with the 11 '1 l /' WMX present invention. The HTVP concept, which is a scheme in which future protocols can be developed and defined, is built on the methods used by the HTML pages for the URL syntax. As mentioned, a URL or Uniform Resource Locator, usually defines three things: a communication protocol, a logical access path that will be used by that protocol and the name of an object. Examples of object types include bitmap images, other HTML pages and files of virtually any type of format. The HTVP URL type represents a new function associated with the URLs within the HTML syntax. The general form of an HTVP URL according to the present invention is defined as: htvp: // function_domain / receiver_function? Function_parameters. The "function_domain" field identifies the function family of the receiver of which the identified function is a part. A standard or default function_domain can be defined as "std". The std function can define a group or family of common functions that can be made available as an open standard to be used by the general public. In addition, you can also define a private property function_domain that is recognized only by a recipient of a particular r: ./ WM company. For example, a "company" function_domain can be used. A receiver that does not recognize functions in a certain domain will ignore the URL in which they are referred. The "receiver_function" field identifies a specific function of the receiver or Application Program Interface (API). For example, when the receiver is a television decoder (for example, a junction box), the functions may include "next channel" ("channel_up"), "select virtual channel" ("select_virtual_channel"), "per program" ("by program"), "buy package" ("buy_package"), "link to page" ("link to page"), "see" ("VIEW"), "select language" ("select_language"), " silence "(" mute_audio "), etc. These receiver_func ion fields instruct the encoder to adjust the display and / or sound of the television as indicated. The field of "function_parameters", provides an optional list of parameters that will pass to the receiver to execute the functions in it. These parameters can be used to select subfunctions or to provide fixed parametric values. For example, when the "receiver_function" field is "select virtual channel", a required parameter would be the channel number for which the programming should be displayed. In this ?? :: / '? M case, a URL that would acquire virtual channel 444, for example, would have the syntax: htvp: // std / select_virtual_channel? channel = 444 In this way, the function_parameters field is "channel = 444". In addition, the field of function_parameters can include more than one parameter, where each parameter has the form: parameter_ID = parameter_value, and a division between parameters is indicated by an ampersand (&;). For example, a URL that identifies an HTVP receiver_function called "function_l" that has three parameters, "parml", "parm2" and "parm3", with the respective values "valuel", "value2" and "value3", has the syntax: htvp: // std / function_l? parml = valuel &ampm2 = value2 & parm3 = value3. For example, Function_l can allow a user to acquire several products or services through an interactive cable television network, where parml, parm2 and parm3 indicate the acquisition number and valuel, value2 and value3 indicate the selected articles. In addition, the functionjparameters field can be incorporated into a URL for an HTML page that follows the field of the file name. Measures can be taken to provide interactivity, so that a user can interact with a processor that operates 'i.:; 'iw using commands similar to a Web browser. That is, the user can enter or select a function_parameters field using an input device, such as a mouse, another pointing device, an infrared transmitter or a keyboard. The processor receives the entered function_parameters field, appends the field to a URL and transmits a request back to a server. For example, a user may wish to retrieve the existing stock exchange information using television. In this case, assume that the relevant Network site is "ww.stocks.com", the relevant server file is "quotes" and the functionjparameters field entered by the user will be the symbol for a particular company (for example, GM) ) that is recognized by the Web site, for example "tick = GM", where parameter_ID = tick and parameter_value = GM. In this case, the processor transmits the following URL to the server of the Web site: http: // www. stocks. com / quotes? tick = GM Here, the "?" it is specified by defining the FORM command of HTML as the separator between the name of the program on the server that executes the search in the database ("quotes" in this case) and the parameters passed to it (for example, tick = GM) ). The syntax used to delimit the parameters and their values is defined in the same way as in the POST (SEND) method within the FORM HTML type. In general, the Hypertext Mark FORM element is used to define the area of a page that contains objects for the observer's input. Objects can enter fields and other interactive objects, such as immediate-appearance menus, check boxes, and buttons. There can be any number of forms on a page, each of which starts and ends, respectively, with the tags < F0RM > and < / F0RM > . The FORM tag of the principle takes an ACTION attribute that specifies that the action be performed with the information entered by the user. The ACTION attribute takes a URL as its value, which can be the URL of a CGI macro or a MAILTO URL. For example, when the input field "tick = GM" is received, the action is sent to an HTML form that provides the requested information, including the price of the shares of that company. The POST marking element indicates that the contents of FORM are in a standard configuration. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a television transmission system in accordance with the present invention. The system includes a transmitter side, generally shown at 100, and a receiver side, generally shown at 150. The transmitter side 100 includes a programming service function 105 which contains video and audio programming services of the television stations in network and similar. The audio / video data of the programming services, which can be transported as digital data, are multiplexed with HTML / HTVP of an HTML / HTVP data function. HTML / HTVP data may be related to some or all of the programming services and include, for example, display or display screens that allow a user to acquire programming or other products or services or to provide information in programming services available, such as movie reviews, programming guides etc. In addition, HTML / HTVP data can provide unrelated information, such as stock quotes, weather information, airline itineraries or virtually any resource that is built with HTML. In addition, the HTML / HTVP data includes information to control various television functions. The programming services data and the HTML / HTVP data are provided to a multiplexer 115 which outputs a corresponding combined signal to a transmission antenna 120. The transmitting antenna transmits a signal to a receiving antenna 155 via a satellite 125. The signal can be transported as a packaged digital transport stream that is i'i.; : / 'WMX conformed with, for example, the standard of the Group of Experts in Animated Movies: Moving Pictures Expert Group-2 (MPEG-2). The transport stream is supplied to the headend 160 of the cable system, where the data can be processed for distribution to cable system customers. For example, various decryption / encryption and mixing / unmixing operations can be performed. Additionally, the insertion of local programs and commercials may occur. Furthermore, in the headend 160 of the cable system it is possible to provide HTML / HTVP data in addition to or instead of the data provided by the function 110 using a means not shown. For example, HTML / HTVP data from local businesses and broadcasters can be provided. In addition, the transport stream can be transmitted directly to the user by a direct broadcasting satellite system, a microwave transmission system or the like. The headend 160 of the cable system distributes the transport current to the subscribers by means of the representative cubes 165 and 170 and the rays that are shown. In the home 180 of the subscriber, a decoder receives the transport stream, decodes it and provides an audio and video signal for its reproduction on a television 188 or in a similar display or video display apparatus. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a television receiver in accordance with the present invention. The decoder, generally shown as 180, corresponds to the decoder of Figure 1. The decoder 180 receives the transport stream from the cable header or, alternatively, directly from a satellite in a satellite communication scheme of the cable. direct transmission. The transport stream is demultiplexed in the demultiplexer 205 to retrieve the HTML / HTVP data and the audio / video data from the programming service. The scheduling service data is analyzed eyntactically in the syntax parser 220 and is supplied to a memory manager 225. The memory manager, which may include a central processing unit, controls the decoding of the audio and video data. by interacting with a video decompression 240 processor, an audio decompression processor 245 and a memory 235. The memory 235, which may comprise a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), is used to temporarily store the images of video before the decoding and presentation of the video on the television screen. The video decompression processor 240 provides a variety of processing functions, such as error detection and correction, motion vector decoding, inverse quantization, inverse discrete cosine transformation, Huffman decoding and prediction calculations, for example. After being processed by the decompression processor 240, the video images are output to a combiner 250. Alternatively, the decoded data may be stored temporarily in the memory 235. The audio decompression processor 245 processes the audio data using, for example, . example, inverse quantization, Huffman decoding and spectral shaping algorithms. The memory manager 225 receives commands from a user command processor 230, which, in turn, receives a command from the user via the terminal 232. The user's command can be entered, for example, by means of a mouse or another pointer device, a keyboard or an infrared remote control or similar. The user command processor 230 may provide a request signal from the user by installing cable or a telephone line to the cable header to achieve an interactive capability and, additionally, may provide a control signal to the combiner 250. Additionally, a medium (not shown) may be used I'JI l / 'WMX to maintain a record of user commands that is periodically transmitted to the cable header or to another transmission station, such as in a store and send routine. The memory manager 225 also receives commands from an HTVP 215 processor. The HTML / HTVP 215 processor communicating with a memory 210 receives the HTML / HTVP data from the demultiplexer 205. The processor 215 may include a central processing unit that implements an HTML-based code which is analogous to that of a Web browser. The HTML / HTVP processor also receives commands from the user's command processor 230. The HTML / HTVP display data provided by the processor 215 is then supplied to the combiner 250, wherein optionally they can be combined with the video data of the processor 240 to produce a graphic display on a television screen, where the display data is superimposed on the programming service data or vice versa. The memory 210 may include data from the service map that allows an HTML / HTVP page displayed on the television screen to link to other HTML / HTVP pages. Furthermore, note that the HTML / HTVP code can be downloaded or downloaded to the decoder 180 by the transport stream or a telephone line (not shown) and / or installed locally, for example, by iiM / iii, a smart card. Figure 3 is an illustration of a screen with HTML / HTVP display data in accordance with the present invention. The screen, generally shown at 300, comprises an HTML / HTVP page that was provided using the HTML / HTVP display data of processor 215 of Figure 2. Screen 300 may include a variety of text or graphic displays in addition to providing a Interactive ability For example, screen 300 includes buttons 305, 310, 315, 320, 335, 340 and 345, which define hyperlinks to other HTML / HTVP pages or function calls. The buttons can be selected by the user through a pointer device, an infrared remote control or similar. The buttons can include text and / or graphics, such as icons, that inform and entertain the user. Button 305 informs the user that by pressing the "-" key on a remote control's keyboard, for example, a previous HTVP deployment page can be selected for observation. Referring again to Figure 2, when the user's order processor 230 receives the user's order, it passes it to the HTVP 215 processor which causes the processor to supply the appropriate display data to the television. In addition, the processor 230 of the GI'J:; / < WMX user may provide a signal to memory manager 225 to provide audio and / or video of the programming service together with or instead of the HTVP data. The button 310 informs the user that by pressing the "-" key, he can select the next page for his observation. Button 315 informs the user that by pressing the "*" key you can select a page that includes a programming guide for your observation. Button 320 informs the user that by pressing the "?" Key, you can select a page with useful information. The button 335 informs the observer that by pressing the "1" key a page with the review of a movie can be observed. The button 340 informs the observer that by pressing the "2" key a page with observation about the main actress of the film can be observed. Button 345 informs the observer that by pressing the "3" key a page with information about the next day's movie can be observed. Additionally, screen 300 includes a region 325 that does not initiate a hyperlink but provides relevant text and / or images, such as for example the title of a star movie. Field 330 is an HTVP input field that provides interactive capability. Interactive cable television systems are becoming increasingly common. These systems allow a subscriber to transmit signals from their homes to the head of the cable system to order pay-per-view movies, sports and other programming services, including video on demand (Near-video-on-demand (NVOD)), to purchase goods or services through a shopping channel for the home or participate in surveys, competitions and the like, alternatively , if the cable installation does not provide this interactive capability, the television decoder may be coupled to a telephone line to automatically dial a computer that maintains billing and authorization records, for example, in a store and send routine. In any case, an addressable decoder is required. In particular, the entry field 330 allows a user to enter a password, for example using the numeric keypad in a manual or portable remote control, to authorize the acquisition of a pay-per-view program. Referring again to Figure 2, when the user's order processor receives the password, it will transmit it to the cable header or to another location for authorization. When the request is authorized, the programming service and / or the corresponding HTML / HTVP data will be transmitted to the decoder 180 in the aforementioned manner. Figure 4 is an illustration of an HTVP display screen combined with a video programming service signal in accordance with the present invention. The screen, generally shown at 400, includes a combination or overlay of HTML / HTVP display data and a video of the programming service. Techniques for delivering multiple images in a programming display (eg, image within image) are well known in the art. Any of these well-known techniques can be used to provide the combined display of Figure 4. In the example shown, the screen 400 includes a sub-region or insert 410 in which a video programming service is deployed. The elements 305, 310, 315, 320, 325 and 330 are the same as discussed in Figure 3. This screen configuration allows the user to watch the video of the programming service, which may be the current channel that the user had been observed, while also observing the HTML / HTVP display data in the surrounding region 420 to learn about other available programming options. Alternatively, sub-region 410 may provide free introductory advances of a pay-per-view program, while the HTML / HTVP display in surrounding region 420 provides information about the order or order of the entire program. In addition, the display 400 may provide an HTML / HTVP display that is updated in real time with the information that is unrelated to the video image present in the sub-region 410. For example, the HTML / HTVP data may provide prices of the bag or climate information, while sub-region 410 allows the user to independently observe any available programming service. In a further alternative form, the HTML / HTVP display may be provided in the sub-region 410 as an overlay to the programming service video that is present in the surrounding region 420. Other variations and combinations are possible, including split-screen and the image within image. In addition, the user can provide an order for the switching or to modify in some other way the relative positions of the HTML / HTVP display and the programming service video. The command processor 230 of the user of Figure 2 will be responsive to the user's command to send a control signal to the HTML / HTVP processor 215, to the memory manager 225 and / or to the combiner 250 to control the output signal to the TV. The HTVP concept can be extended to various applications. For example, it can provide a text service, which is a virtual channel that provides the user with a number of interlaced text / graphics screens. As with teletext (for example closed captioning). The data source for each screen is transmitted in a carousel or cyclic form, in such a way that the data for a complete page is transmitted in one or more segments in several successive transmission cycles. The decoder must wait until the desired page is transmitted completely. When the entire page is captured, it is stored in memory, such as for example a random access memory (RAM) (eg, memory 210), for processing and subsequent display. In an application, the HTVP can provide a peculiarity of feedback. In this case, an interface of the standard application program (API) can be used. An API is a set of default functions to build an application. For example, an API that defines a particular design, color or pattern can be used. In addition, an API can be used to build an HTML page that includes a certain button that, when selected, causes a string or string of parameters to be processed by a store-and-send routine of the decoder. For example, an API could include a phone number to call and a message to send. An option could allow either immediate reporting or a store and send operation. Another option may require the correct entry of a password to enable the function. Although not part of the parameter line, the data report may include the unit address to inform the team upstream of the source of the request or report. In this way, for example, a decoder could automatically report the diagnostic information to the cable system header when the decoder is not functioning properly. The HTVP concept can support other diverse functions. In the next line, the first column lists a proposed HTVP syntax, while the second column explains the associated function. The implementation of a function using the suggested syntax according to the present invention is referred to as a "function call". HTVP commands can be linked with the appropriate buttons or with other graphic displays on a television screen interface to facilitate selection.

Syntax Function htvp: // std / channel_down Tune to the next lower channel number htvp: // std / channel_up Tune to the next higher channel number htvp: // std / getchannel_number Returns a string or ASCII text string that represents the channel number htvp: // std / getchannel_name Returns a string of ASCII text that represents the channel name htvp: // std / mute Enables audio sound shutdown htvp: // std / unmute Disables audio sound shutdown htvp: // std / volume_down Decrease audio volume by one level htvp: // std / volume_up Increase audio volume by one level htvp: // std / program_name Return to the program name htvp: // std / purchase? item = xxx Records the acquisition of a specified item with an item identifier. It can be used for impulse payment per event or items not related to the pre-existing material that is being observed htvp: // std / skip_back Channel change to a presentation of an NVOD program that is earlier than the current channel htvp: // std / set_language? lang = Sets the preferred language xxx; [audio | subtitle] htvp: // std / ir_blast? string = xx Transmits string or cited string x (xxx) using an infrared trigger In the above table, an "infrared trigger" refers to a secondary infrared transmitting device that transmits an infrared signal in response to an infrared command or to another command received by a user. For example, a user can transmit an infrared command from a hand-held tracker to a box decoder to observe a particular television channel. The decoder will execute the function call that changes the television to the appropriate channel and also transmits an infrared signal, for example, to a VCR to cause the VCR to start recording or to an audio component to make the component work in a particular mode (for example, surround sound). In addition, the HTML / HTVP concept can be extended to allow the viewer to control domestic appliances as well as a television, when the devices are linked to the decoder. For example, an HTVP page may provide hyperlinks, entry fields and function calls that allow the viewer to program a home security system, a heating and cooling system, a fire alarm system or the like, for convenience or convenience reasons. of conservation of energy. For example, Figure 5 is an illustration of a display with HTML / HTVP display data for selecting function calls in accordance with the present invention. Both function calls are provided, those of television and those not belonging to television. The screen, generally shown at 500, includes a field 510 of "TV Control", a field 530"Home Systems" and a field 550 of "Audio Center". The TV Control field 510 allows a user to control divereae functions related to television. In the illustration shown, the aspect ratio can be controlled by a button 512 selectable by the user for a standard aspect ratio (std) and a button 514 for a "movie or film" aspect ratio. The dye level of the video image is represented by a bar 516 and the brightness is represented by a bar 518. For example, when the aspect ratio is changed, a user command is supplied to the user's command processor 230 which then instructs the memory manager 225 and video decompression processor 240 to provide a video signal with the appropriate aspect ratio. This is an example of a function call related to television, since a television function is being controlled by the use of an HTML / HTVP display screen. In the field 530 of Sietemas Caseros, a security system, such as a user's home security system, includes an "on" button 532 and a "off" button 534. A heating system can be controlled using a "set" button 536 or an "auto" button 538. The adjustment button 536 allows the user to select the custom settings, while the automatic button 538 can provide a default profile. In any case, the user provides an order to the user order processor 230 which then provides an appropriate signal to the security or heating system. Referring again to Figure 2, the decoder 180 may be provided with an interface means (not shown) to provide an appropriate control signal to the non-television system that will be controlled by the display 500. This is an example of a function call unrelated to television, since a function unrelated to the television and / or function of an electrical device will be controlled by the use of an HTML / HTVP display screen. A function unrelated to the television or apparatus function is defined herein to refer to any device, apparatus or apparatus other than a television and includes, for example, a heating or air conditioning system, a security system, a air filtration system or household appliances, such as for example a water heater, a clothes washer or a dishwasher. Additionally, the term encompasses electronic equipment such as audio amplifiers, filters and recording devices such as those using digital audio tapes, magnetic and optical cassette tapes and recordable compact discs, for playing, recording or otherwise processing. to the audio portion of a programming service signal. The term also encompasses analog electronic equipment for recording or some other type of processing of the video portion of an external programming service signal to television, including those using digital video discs and laser discs. Additionally, a decoder such as, for example, the decoder 180 of Figure 2 may be considered to be an apparatus unrelated to television. In field 550 of the Audio Center, the surround sound level is represented by a bar 552 and a special effects switch can be controlled by an "on" button 554 and a "off" button 556 ( "off"). In this case, the user supplies an order to the user's command processor 230 which then supplies an appropriate signal to the audio equipment. This is another example of a function call unrelated to television. In the examples in Figure 5, various other display options are possible in accordance with the information that will be conveyed and the desired appearance of the screen. In addition, the selection of a button or other particular interface device, such as for example the adjustment button 536 in field 530 of the Caseroe System, can select a hyperlink to another display data screen with wt call options. ! additional function. For example, after selecting the adjustment button 536, a screen may be displayed that allows the user to adjust the desired temperature at different times of the day, on different days of the week and / or in different places of the house or business that they are going to heat up In addition, the decoder 180 may be provided with a timing means (not shown) to maintain the selected itinerary or program. In this way, a heating system that is not programmable or automated in some other way can be controlled in an automated way by a television screen using HTML / HTVP data. For example, other appliances, such as for example a dishwasher, a water heater or a coffee maker, they can also be controlled in this way. In any case, the HTML / HTVP data provides the user with a display or display that presents the available programming options and responds to the user's orders by arranging the function calls that send the appropriate signal to the television or to the television. apparatus not related to television. In view of the above, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides an apparatus and method for providing textual and graphic displays and displays using the hypertext markup language (HTML) for use with a television decoder. Additionally, the HTVP is adapted to be used in the control of different television and non-television functions with a syntax referred to as HTVP. In accordance with the foregoing, the invention provides entertainment, educational and information displays for viewers. Furthermore, the invention allows the viewer to execute hyperlinks and function calls to observe HTML / HTVP pages and / or programming service videos or to activate various additional television functions, unrelated to the television or the decoder. In addition, the invention is compatible with virtually any type of programming service, including television services, information services such as stock quotes and weather data and audio / video programming instrumented in software, including games and other programs. Although the invention has been described in connection with various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous adaptations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following CLAIMS is claimed as property: 1. A method for providing exhibition data for use with a television, comprising the steps of: providing a data signal comprising the display data that is encoded in accordance with a hypertext markup language; recover the data signal from the data stream; and proceeding the data signal to provide a signal suitable for reproduction on the television, - wherein the display data allows the user to invoke function calls to control selected functions of at least one of a television set and a television set. apparatus not related to television.
2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the display data allows a user to invoke hyperlink to observe selected portions of the display data. •: M: / "/ MX
3. 3. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the display data allows the user to invoke function calls to observe selected portions of an associated signal of video programming services.
4. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the display data provides information with respect to an associated signal from video programming services.
5. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the display data provides an input field of the viewer that allows it to observe an associated video programming service signal based on a rate.
6. The method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the additional step of: processing the data signal and the associated signal of the video programming service for its display on television in a superimposed form.
7. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the data signal and an associated signal from the video programming service are transported in a digital transport data stream.
8. 8. An apparatus for providing display data for use with a television, comprising: means for providing a data signal comprising the display data that are encoded in accordance with a hypertext markup language; a means for recovering the data signal from the data stream; a processor for processing the data signal to provide a signal suitable for reproduction on the television; and a means responsive to the display data and allows the user to invoke the function calls to control the selected function of at least one television set and one non-television apparatus.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: the display data allows a user to invoke hyperlinks to observe selected portions of the display data.
10. The apparatus according to one of claims 8 and 9, wherein: the display data allows the user to invoke function calls to observe selected portions of an associated signal from the video programming service.
11. 11. The apparatus according to one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein: the display data provides information related to the associated video programming service signal.
12. 12. The apparatus according to one of the claims 8 to 11, wherein: the display data provides an entry field for the viewer to enable him to observe an associated video programming service signal based on a rate.
13. The apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising: a combiner for combining the data signal and the associated signal of the video programming service for display on the television in an overpicture form.
14. The apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 13, where: the data signal and the associated signal from the video programming service are carried in a digital transport data stream.
15. 15. A receiver for providing display data for use with a television, comprising: an input for receiving the data signal comprising the display data that is encoded in accordance with a hypertext markup language; a display data processor for processing the data signal and providing a signal suitable for reproduction on the television; and a user command processor operatively associated with the display data processor to receive the user's commands and invoke the corresponding function calls, to control the selected functions of at least one television set and an apparatus unrelated to the TV.
16. The receiver according to claim 15, further comprising: an input to receive a signal from the video programming service, - and a video processor to process the signal from the video programming service, - wherein: the signal from Display data provides information related to the signal from the video programming service.
17. 17. The receiver according to claim 16, wherein: the video processor responds to the user's command processor to invoke the function calls.
18. The receiver according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: the display data processor responds to the user's command processor to allow the user to invoke hyperlinks to observe selected portions of the display data.
19. 19. The receiver according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: the display data provides an entry field for the viewer to enable him to observe an associated signal from the video programming service based on a rate.
20. 20. The receiver according to one of claims 15-19, wherein: the relationship between the function calls and the selected functions is determined in accordance with the syntax of a uniform resource locator. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a television screen, text and graphic displays are provided using hypertext markup language (HTML). The on-screen display or display factors allow a user to invoke hyperlinks to different pages of HTML-encoded data, as well as function calls to control functions of a television set and a device unrelated to television. One method provides display data encoded in HTML that has been processed to provide a suitable signal for playback on a television. The display data may provide information about a stellar movie (325) or other display of an associated signal from the video programming service, such as network television transmission (315). The function calls (232, 510, 530, 550) allow the control of various television functions and programming options, such as the acquisition of pay-per-view service (330) or options on the television display as per example the dimensional proportion (512, 514), the channel, the brightness (518), the image-in-picture or split-screen display. Other devices not related to television can be controlled with function calls, among which are included: audio equipment that is associated with the programming service (for example surround sound (552), filtering (554, 556)) of, for example, a domestic heating and air conditioning system (536, 538) or other domestic appliances (532, 534). The invention allows a designer to adapt the vast THML resources of the Internet to be used in a television environment for entertainment, educational or information purposes. I 1 '