Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Controlling the condition of display elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-26
2001-05-22
Kostak, Victor R. (Department: 2711)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Controlling the condition of display elements
C725S061000, C725S046000, C345S215000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236395
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for managing audiovisual information, and in particular to a system for audiovisual information browsing, filtering, searching, archiving, and personalization.
Video cassette recorders (VCRs) may record video programs in response to pressing a record button or may be programmed to record video programs based on the time of day. However, the viewer must program the VCR based on information from a television guide to identify relevant programs to record. After recording, the viewer scans through the entire video tape to select relevant portions of the program for viewing using the functionality provided by the VCR, such as fast forward and fast reverse. Unfortunately, the searching and viewing is based on a linear search, which may require significant time to locate the desired portions of the program(s) and fast forward to the desired portion of the tape. In addition, it is time consuming to program the VCR in light of the television guide to record desired programs. Also, unless the viewer recognizes the programs from the television guide as desirable it is unlikely that the viewer will select such programs to be recorded.
RePlayTV and TiVo have developed hard disk based systems that receive, record, and play television broadcasts in a manner similar to a VCR. The systems may be programmed with the viewer's viewing preferences. The systems use a telephone line interface to receive scheduling information similar to that available from a television guide. Based upon the system programming and the scheduling information, the system automatically records programs that may be of potential interest to the viewer. Unfortunately, viewing the recorded programs occurs in a linear manner and may require substantial time. In addition, each system must be programmed for an individual's preference, likely in a different manner.
Freeman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,881, disclose an interactive computer system where subscribers can receive individualized content.
With all the aforementioned systems, each individual viewer is required to program the device according to his particular viewing preferences. Unfortunately, each different type of device has different capabilities and limitations which limit the selections of the viewer. In addition, each device includes a different interface which the viewer may be unfamiliar with. Further, if the operator's manual is inadvertently misplaced it may be difficult for the viewer to efficiently program the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by providing at least one description scheme. For audio and/or video programs a program description scheme provides information regarding the associated program. For the user a user description scheme provides information regarding the user's preferences. For the system a system description scheme provides information regarding the system. The description schemes are independent of one another. In the preferred embodiment the system may use a combination of the description schemes to enhance its ability to search, filter, and browse audiovisual information in a personalized and effective manner.
The foregoing and other objectives, features and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5012334 (1991-04-01), Etra
patent: 5822537 (1998-10-01), Katseff et al.
patent: 5861881 (1999-01-01), Freeman et al.
patent: 5995094 (1999-11-01), Eggen et al.
patent: 6029195 (2000-02-01), Herz
Qian Richard
Sezan M. Ibrahim
Van Beek Peter J. L.
Chernoff Vilhauer & McClung & Stenzel
Kostak Victor R.
Sharp Laboratories of America Inc.
LandOfFree
Audiovisual information management system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Audiovisual information management system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Audiovisual information management system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2449986