Interactive video distribution systems – Video distribution system with upstream communication – Having link to external network
Reexamination Certificate
1997-06-26
2001-11-13
Grant, Chris (Department: 2611)
Interactive video distribution systems
Video distribution system with upstream communication
Having link to external network
C725S037000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317885
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to interactive television, and more particularly to an interactive entertainment and information system using a cable television set-top box.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The existing network of coaxial cable television wiring was once foreseen as providing the primary high-speed infrastructure for linking computers and computerized televisions to sources of information such as the Internet. However, it is becoming apparent that the availability of such cable-based information access will not be realized in the near term, if ever, particularly as competing high-speed transmission media (such as that based on higher quality telephone lines, faster modems and ISDN technology) become entrenched. Indeed, the current economic climate has made it impractical, or at least extremely risky, for cable television service providers to replace their existing base of possibly tens or even hundreds of thousands of receive-only cable set-top converter boxes with computerized transmit-and-receive cable modems. However, such two-way cable modems are needed to provide subscribers with interactive television and a real-time, high-speed link to information services, while simultaneously providing conventional television programming thereon.
At the same time, it is certain that many cable subscribers simply want low-cost television programming. This leaves cable providers with the dilemma of losing subscribers if they raise prices in order to upgrade their systems, or being left behind by new competitors and competing technologies if they do not. One solution is to convert to new technologies gradually. For example, conventional television programming can now be transmitted over cable in a digital format, enabling transmission of many more (virtual) channels on the same bandwidth cable. Rather than force all subscribers to convert to the digital format, however, cable service providers will transmit a mixture of analog and digital signals for a period of time. This reduces the total number of channels transmitted to less than the maximum possible allowed by the bandwidth, but allows the cable companies to keep subscribers who are reluctant to convert.
Regarding information services on the television, a number of low-cost devices presently exist for allowing access to information services using a television set instead of a computer monitor. However, these devices do not approach interactive television, but instead do little more than use the television display as an inexpensive monitor while connecting to the information service via a conventional, telephone-based modem. As a result, with such a device there is no direct connection between programs transmitted to a viewer and interaction with web pages or the like about those programs. For example, a viewer of a home shopping channel wishing to purchase a displayed item cannot simply do so with the low cost-device, but instead must first connect to the information service (e.g., the Internet) via the user's service provider, find the shopping channel's web-site (if one exists), find the appropriate item (if available on the web-site) and then place the order. Most significantly, these devices tie up a telephone line for long periods of time, a significant drawback in many households.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an interactive entertainment and information system using a cable television set-top box.
A related object is to provide the above system using existing digital set top boxes without need for modification of the hardware therein.
Another object is to provide a system as characterized above that enables a user to hyperlink between pages of information.
Yet another object is to provide a system of the above kind that facilitates an interactive relationship between transmitted programming and information pages related thereto.
A related object is to allow a user to submit form information, including forms related to a viewed television program.
In accomplishing those objects, another object is to provide a simple to operate, low cost information service to those users desiring same.
Still another object is to provide a system of the above kind that is flexible and extensible.
Briefly, the present invention provides an interactive television system including a head-end having means for injecting video information into a transmission medium. The video information includes a plurality of page images. Detection means at a subscriber end, such as hardware and software in a cable set-top box in conjunction with a remote control device, detect a first request to display one of the plurality of page images. Upon detection of the first request, the box selects and displays the page image, wherein the page image includes at least one active location, such as a link, having an action corresponding thereto. The detection means further detects a second request to take the action that corresponds to the active location, whereupon the action is taken. For example, a new page might be displayed when a link is selected. The video information includes meta-data or the like associated therewith for providing information about the active location and the action to be taken upon selection thereof. Other actions may include those related to form entry and submission of form data.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
REFERENCES:
patent: 5694163 (1997-12-01), Harrison
patent: 5903816 (1999-05-01), Broadwin et al.
patent: 5929850 (1999-07-01), Broadwin et al.
patent: 5982445 (1999-11-01), Eyer et al.
patent: 6018764 (2000-01-01), Field et al.
Grant Chris
Michalik & Wylie PLLC
Microsoft Corporation
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