(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent N0.:
`US 6,909,837 B1
`
`Unger
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jun. 21, 2005
`
`U8006909837B1
`
`(54) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING
`ALTERNATIVE, LESS-INTRUSIVE
`ADVERTISING THAT APPEARS DURING
`FR’E%%§%§¥)VAV1}3E%LAP§%’E%§§FA
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Robert Allan Unger, ElCajon, CA (US)
`.
`.
`.
`(73) ASSIgnee. Sony Corporatlon, Tokyo (JP)
`( * ) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1132 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/711,448
`.
`Flledi
`
`NOV- 13, 2000
`
`(22)
`
`7
`fins (2] """""""""""""""""""""""3136;841:8335
`(2:)
`.-
`.
`.
`............................................
`,
`(
`)
`(58) Fleld of Search .............................. 386/46, 68, 69,
`386/70’ 95’ 94’ 125—126’ H04N 5/91
`References Cited
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(56)
`
`5,973,723 A
`
`10/1999 DeLuca
`
`5,987,210 A
`6,006,257 A
`6,011,537 A
`6,038,367 A
`
`11/1999 Iggulden et 211.
`12/1999 Slezak
`1/2000 Slotznick
`3/2000 Abecassis
`
`*
`
`5/2000 Nishio
`6,070,185 A
`5/2000 Nishio ......................... 725/92
`6,070,186 A *
`3:88;) gage/(all
`22:33:: 31
`386/125
`1m1 r1 e a .
`,
`,
`*
`..............
`2001/0046368 A1 1 11/2001 Tada e111.
`.................... 386/46
`'t d b
`'
`Cl e
`y examiner
`Primary Examiner—Vincent Boccio
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Steven L. Nichols; Rader,
`Fishman & Grauer PLLC
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A digital video recorder can be used to allow users to fast
`forward through segments of a recorded video signal, such
`as commercial breaks, while still allowing the advertiser a
`limited opportunity to present an advertising message.
`Frames from the commercial recorded with the video signal
`are electronically tagged. When the processor of the digital
`video recorder finds a tagged frame or frames during a fast
`forward operation,
`the processor may display the tagged
`frame as a static image during the fast forward operation or
`may play the series of tagged frames at normal speed as a
`condensed video clip during the fast forward operation.
`Thus, through a static image or a condensed video clip, an
`advertiser can present an advertising message, while the user
`may still skip the full-length commercials as quickly as
`before
`'
`
`20 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`Record broudca5!
`programming 0n
`hard drive under
`user conlwl
`(201 )
`
`
`
`N0
`
`
`
`command received?
`(202)
`
`NO
`
`
` Playback
`
`
`
`
`
`Playback recorded
`programming
`(203)
`
`
`~o
`
`YES»
`
`Fasl lurward through
`recorded video frames
`
`(205)
`
`
`
`Fast lcrward
`command terminated
`(709)
`
`
`
`
`
`Tagged l-lrame
`delecled?
`
`(206]
`
`
`YES
`
`Fast lorward
`
`command terminaled
`(208)
`
`YES
`
`
`Display lagged frame as
`static image during last
`forward
`
`
`(207)
`
`NO
`
`Playback
`completed?
`
`
`(210)
`
` YES
`
`404
`
`405
`
`_
`
`/l
`1,,
`Program
`(401)
`
`I»
`Commercial A
`(402)
`
`
`
`Commercial 8
`(403)
`
`Program
`(101)
`
`Page 1 of 11
`
`OPENTV EXHIBIT 2009
`
`NETFLIX, INC. v. OPENTV, INC.
`
`|PR2014-00252
`
`

`

`US. Patent
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`Jun. 21,2005
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`Page 2 of 11
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`US. Patent
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 21, 2005
`
`Sheet 4 0f 4
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`US 6,909,837 B1
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`Page 5 of 11
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`

`

`US 6,909,837 B1
`
`1
`METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING
`ALTERNATIVE, LESS-INTRUSIVE
`ADVERTISING THAT APPEARS DURING
`FAST FORWARD PLAYBACK OF A
`RECORDED VIDEO PROGRAM
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention relates to the field of video
`The present
`recording, particularly the recording of broadcast television
`signals, whether broadcast over-the-air, by cable network,
`satellite system or some other means. More specifically, the
`present application relates to a method and system of
`providing alternative, less-intrusive advertising that appears
`during fast forward of the playback of a recorded television
`program.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Television is widely used in modern society as a source of
`both information and entertainment. Cable and satellite
`
`systems can supplement local over-the-air broadcasting to
`provide dozens or even hundreds of channels of program-
`ming. With so much programming available,
`it may be
`difficult for a viewer to be available to watch all
`the
`
`programming he or she wishes to see at the times those
`programs are broadcast.
`Consequently, there a number of electronic devices that
`have been developed to record broadcast television signals.
`In this way,
`the viewer can “time-shift” a program by
`recording the program when it is broadcast, but then replay-
`ing it for viewing at a time convenient to the viewer. These
`recording devices may be generally categorized as video
`cassette recorders (VCRs) and Personal Video (or Versatile)
`Recorders (PVRs).
`A VCR uses a magnetic tape to allow the user to record
`incoming audiovisual programming while watching the
`same or a different channel. A timer in the VCR allows the
`
`user to record broadcast programming according to a pre-
`programmed recording schedule. Consequently, programs
`can be recorded even when the user is away and cannot
`watch the desired programming or operate the VCR. As
`mentioned above, the recording is then available for play-
`back at the user’s convenience.
`
`The basic concept of the VCR has been extended to digital
`compression devices that provide even more features for
`managing the reception and recording of audiovisual pro-
`gramming. These products have a number of names such as
`personal television products, personal video recorders, video
`recording computers, personal
`television servers, etc.,
`(referred to collectively as “personal video recorders” or
`“PVRS” hereafter). Current examples of personal video
`recorders include the TiVo® system made by TiVo, Inc. and
`the ReplayTV® system made by Reply Networks, Inc.
`Personal video recorders replace the video cassette
`recording medium with a hard drive or other digital memory
`device internal to the recorder. The personal video recorder
`is connected between a user’s television set and that user’s
`
`cable box, satellite receiver or antenna. The personal video
`recorder can control the channel tuned on the television,
`provide an interactive electronic program guide and record
`programming on a manual or
`timer-controlled basis.
`Additionally, the personal video recorder can buffer incom-
`ing audiovisual programming so that the viewer can pause a
`live television program or replay a portion of a live televi-
`sion program without missing any subsequent segment of
`the program, as long as the pause or replay does not exceed
`the capacity of the buffer.
`
`2
`the personal video
`In even more advanced features,
`recorder can be programmed to regularly record a user’s
`favorite programs and then also record other programs of the
`same genre that the user may be interested in watching.
`Thus, the personal video recorder may help a user Watch
`audiovisual programming that the user is interested in, but
`was not even aware of at
`the time it was broadcast.
`
`Consequently, the PVR provides even more flexibility in
`recording and capturing incoming audiovisual signals than is
`available with a VCR.
`
`10
`
`In addition to the educational or entertainment program,
`advertisements or commercials are interspersed with the
`main programming and broadcast as part of the television
`signal. These advertisements can provide viewers with
`important information related to products and services of
`which viewers have a need. The advertising that accompa-
`nies broadcast television programming is a critical source of
`revenue for the broadcaster and provides the advertiser with
`an unequalled opportunity to reach customers and potential
`customers with product information.
`However, advertising is often considered a nuisance by
`the viewer who wishes to watch the program without
`interruption. Consequently, when the viewer has recorded
`the program with, for example, a VCR or PVR, the viewer
`will tend to fast forward the video playback during com-
`mercials. Usually there is no audio playback during a fast
`forward operation. Consequently, the commercial is muted,
`the images are accelerated and the interruption to viewing
`the recorded program is minimized.
`this ability to avoid
`While convenient
`to the viewer,
`commercial messages in recorded broadcast programming is
`detrimental to both the advertiser who is trying to reach
`potential customers and the broadcaster who depends upon
`advertising for critical revenue. Consequently, there is a
`need in the art for a system and method that still allow a
`viewer who has recorded broadcast programming to,
`if
`desired, minimize the interruption to the programming
`caused by interspersed commercial messages, while also
`protecting the broadcaster’s source of revenue by providing
`the advertiser with a means of reaching potential customers
`with, at least, an abbreviated advertising message.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides a method and system in
`which a digital video recorder can be used to allow users to
`fast forward through segments of a recorded video signal,
`such as commercial breaks, while still allowing the adver-
`tiser a limited opportunity to present an advertising message.
`Frames from the commercial recorded with the video signal
`are electronically tagged. When the processor of the digital
`video recorder finds a tagged frame or frames during a fast
`forward operation,
`the processor may display the tagged
`frame as a static image during the fast forward operation or
`may play the series of tagged frames at normal speed as a
`condensed video clip during the fast forward operation.
`Thus, through a static image or a condensed video clip, an
`advertiser can present an advertising message, while the user
`may still skip the full-length commercials as quickly as
`before.
`
`The present invention may be embodied and described in
`a video recorder and playback unit receiving a video signal.
`The recorder includes a processor; a digital data storage
`device in which the video signal is recorded; and a user input
`device for issuing playback and fast forward commands to
`the recorder to control playback of the recorded video signal.
`During execution of the fast forward command, the proces-
`
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`Page 6 of 11
`
`

`

`US 6,909,837 B1
`
`3
`sor identifies electronically tagged frames in the recorded
`video signal and uses the tagged frame or frames to provide
`an alternative display during execution of the fast forward
`command.
`
`In a first embodiment of the present invention, the tagged
`frame is output by the recorder as a static image during the
`execution of the fast forward command. Preferably,
`the
`static image comprises an advertising message.
`the
`In a second embodiment of the present invention,
`tagged frames are interspersed throughout untagged frames
`of the recorded video signal and constitute a condensed
`video clip. The condensed video clip is output at a normal
`speed by the recorder during the execution of the fast
`forward command. Preferably,
`the condensed video clip
`comprises an advertising message.
`The present invention also encompasses the methods of
`making and operating the system described above. For
`example, the present invention encompasses a method of
`providing an advertising message with a video recorder and
`playback unit that is playing back a recorded video signal by
`identifying electronically tagged frames in the recorded
`video signal during execution of a fast forward command
`and using the tagged frame or frames to provide an alter-
`native display during execution of the fast forward com-
`mand.
`
`invention also encompasses computer-
`The present
`readable instructions stored in or on an appropriate medium
`for causing the processor or processing device of a video
`recorder to provide the alternative display feature described
`above. Specifically,
`the present
`invention encompasses
`computer-readable instructions recorded on a medium for
`storing computer-readable instructions, where the instruc-
`tions cause a processor of a video recorder and playback unit
`that
`is playing back a recorded video signal
`to, during
`execution of a fast forward command, identify electronically
`tagged frames in said recorded video signal and use said
`tagged frame or frames to provide an alternative display
`during execution of said fast forward command.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodi-
`ments of the present invention and are a part of the speci-
`fication. Together with the following description, the draw-
`ings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital video recorder
`according to the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing
`alternate advertising during a fast forward operation accord-
`ing to a first embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing
`alternate advertising during a fast forward operation accord-
`ing to a second embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the interspersion of tagged
`video frames in an audiovisual signal according to the
`present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Stated in general principle, the present invention exists in
`a system for recording and replaying programming from a
`commercial television broadcast. A frame or frames of the
`
`commercials in the broadcast are tagged with an electronic
`tag. When a fast forward operation is performed and the
`recorder/playback device encounters a tagged frame, that
`
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`4
`frame or frames are used to provide a limited commercial
`message during the fast forward operation.
`FIG. 1 illustrates a recorder/playback device (101) with
`which the present
`invention can be implemented. The
`recorder/playback device (101) illustrated in FIG. 1 is a
`personal video recorder (“PVR”) which uses a hard drive
`(107) for storage of recorded audiovisual or
`television
`signals. However, as will be understood by those skilled in
`the art, the principles of the present invention could equiva-
`lently be practiced with any digital video recording/playback
`device having a hard drive or other digital memory device
`for electronically storing the frames of a recorded video
`(e.g., television) signal.
`As shown in FIG. 1, the PVR (101) receives a video signal
`from a signal source (104). This signal source (104) may be
`any source of an audiovisual or video signal, for example, a
`terrestrial television antenna, a cable television system, a
`satellite antenna, a VCR, another PVR, etc. The signal from
`the signal source (104) is received by a tuner (111). If the
`signal from the signal source (104) is a composite television
`signal including multiple television channels, the tuner (111)
`tunes a particular channel from the composite television
`signal and passes the signal for that channel to a signal
`processing circuit (112) which then outputs the signal to a
`television set (102) for use by the viewer.
`The signal processing circuit (112), which is controlled by
`a processor (103), may also buffer the video signal in a data
`buffer (108). This allows the PVR (101) to provide a pause
`of a live broadcast or a replay of a segment of the broadcast
`as described above. The signal processing circuit (112) may
`perform any processing of the signal required to make the
`signal usable by the television or monitor (102). However,
`if no such processing is required,
`the signal processing
`circuit (112) may simply route the incoming signal, under
`control of the processor (103), among the output to the
`television (102), the data buffer (108) and the hard drive
`(107).
`The tuner (111) is also controlled by the processor (103).
`The processor (103) is also connected to a user input device.
`Through the user input device,
`the user can signal
`the
`processor (103) and control
`the tuner (111) to tune the
`desired channel. The user can also, through the user input
`device, signal
`the processor (103) to perform the other
`various functions of the PVR (101).
`The user input device illustrated in the preferred embodi-
`ment of FIG. 1 includes a remote control unit (106) which
`uses an optical transmitter to signal the PVR (101). The PVR
`(101) consequently includes an optical receiver (105) for
`reception of the command signals from the remote control
`unit (106). However, as will be understood by those skilled
`in the art, the remote control unit (106) and optical receiver
`(105) may be replaced or supplemented by other user input
`devices, such as a keypad, switches, buttons, knobs, etc
`located on the housing of the PVR (101).
`The PVR (101) also contains a hard drive (107) on which
`the processor may record television programming from the
`signal source (104). As described above, recording may be
`performed based on immediate commands input
`to the
`processor through the user input device (105, 106) or may be
`based on a timer-controlled recording schedule input to the
`processor (103) through the user input device (105, 106).
`Computer-readable instructions or programming are
`executed by the processor (103) to allow the processor (103)
`to provide all the features of the invention described herein.
`This programming can be stored on the hard drive (107) and
`read into random-access-memory (110) for use by the pro-
`cessor (103) during execution.
`
`Page 7 of 11
`
`

`

`US 6,909,837 B1
`
`5
`As described above, after programming has been recorded
`on the hard drive (107), it can be retrieved by the processor
`(103) and output to the television set (102) for viewing by
`the user. During this playback, the processor (103) retrieves
`the stored video signal from the hard drive (107), buffers the
`retrieved data in the buffer (108) and causes the signal
`processing circuit (112) to output the retrieved signal from
`the buffer (108) to the television or monitor (102) at an
`appropriate rate.
`During the playback, the user may signal a fast forward
`operation through the user input device (105, 106). Upon
`receipt of this command, the processor (103) will increase
`the rate at which the frames of the video signal recorded on
`the hard drive (107) are retrieved and passed to the television
`(102). As noted above, the user will usually input a fast
`forward command to speed through commercials and adver-
`tisements that have been recorded with the broadcast tele-
`
`vision signal.
`As described in more detail below, when receiving and
`executing a fast forward command from the user, the pro-
`cessor (103) will check the frames of the recorded video
`signal for special tags. When these tags are encountered, the
`processor (103) uses the tagged frame or frames to provide
`a limited commercial message during the execution of the
`fast forward command.
`
`FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to a
`first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
`2,
`the method begins with the user recording broadcast
`commercial programming using a digital recorder, e.g. a
`PVR with a hard drive, (201). The user may then initiate
`playback of the recorded programming (202, 203). When
`playback is completed (210), the method ends.
`During playback,
`the user may initiate a fast forward
`command (204) using the recorder’s user interface or input
`device. If the fast forward command is received, the frames
`of the recorded video signal will be displayed at an accel-
`erated rate (205).
`During execution of the fast forward command, the pro-
`cessor of the recorder will check the video i-frames for an
`
`electronic tag (206). An I-frame or inter-frame is one of the
`two complete video frames per second in the MPEG
`(Moving Pictures Expert Group) standard. Between any two
`I-frames are P-frames (Predictive Frames) and B-frames)
`(Bi-directional predictive frames). P- and B-frames contain
`only information on changes between I-frames. An I-frame
`with its P- and B-frames is called a GOP (Group of Pictures).
`If no tagged frame is detected, the fast forward operation
`continues until terminated, at which time, normal playback
`resumes (209). If a tagged frame is detected, that frame is
`then output by recorder/playback device and displayed on
`the television set or monitor as a static image that
`is
`maintained until the fast forward operation is terminated
`(207). This static image is preferably an advertising image,
`including, for example, a company logo or name, a picture
`of the product being advertised, a celebrity endorser, etc.
`The static image is replaced when normal playback is
`resumed upon termination of the fast forward operation
`(208). Alternatively,
`the static image may be terminated
`when a second tagged frame is detected that indicates the
`end of the commercial break in the recorded video program-
`ming.
`In this way, the viewer is still able to swiftly skip over the
`full-length commercials recorded with the desired program-
`ming. However, the advertiser can also still make a subdued
`(less brash) exposition of its product or services to the
`viewer.
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`6
`As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the
`above-described method could be modified to, for example,
`display two or more static images based on tagged I-frames
`during the execution of the fast forward command. The
`length of time each static image is presented may be
`proportional to the normal running time of a full-length
`commercial corresponding to the static image which is being
`skipped by the fast forward operation.
`The first frame of a commercial message may be the
`tagged I-frame. If the video signal is recorded on a recording
`device that does not recognize tagged I-frames under the
`principles of the present invention, the tagged frame will be
`displayed as any normal frame for about 1/30 of a second.
`Such a brief presentation of the frame will be imperceptible
`to the human eye. Thus, a broadcast video signal
`that
`includes electronically tagged i-frames bearing static adver-
`tising images will demonstrate no adverse effect or problem
`if the broadcast is received or recorded by equipment that
`does not recognize the electronic tag.
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a second method accord-
`ing to a second embodiment of the present invention. Much
`of the method is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2. Identical
`
`steps in the methods have been given identical reference
`numbers and a redundant explanation of these method steps
`will be largely omitted.
`As shown in FIG. 3, after a user has recorded (201) and
`initiated playback (202, 203) of commercial video signal, a
`fast forward command (204) may be given by the user. Upon
`receipt of the fast forward command, as before, the proces-
`sor accelerates the display of the frames of the recorded
`video signal (205) and searches the frames for an electronic
`tag (306). This electronic tag may be different from the
`electronic tag described above in connection with FIG. 2 so
`that both embodiments can be used together is a single
`system.
`Upon detection of a frame being this second-type of
`electronic tag, the processor looks for a succeeding series of
`tagged I-frames (306). These tagged frames, as they are
`identified, are output by the recorder/playback device to the
`television set or other video monitor at normal speed (307)
`(e.g., 30 to 60 frames per second). Thus, the tagged I-frames,
`interspersed regularly among the other frames of the video
`segment, e.g. a commercial, being skipped by the fast
`forward operation constitute a condensed video clip, perhaps
`a third the length of the video segment skipped by fast
`forwarding.
`This condensed video clip can be used to present an
`abbreviated commercial message (307). Thus, again, the
`user may move through the commercials recorded with the
`video signal at an accelerated rate using the fast forward
`operation of the playback unit. However, the advertiser also
`still has a chance to present a commercial message to the
`viewer.
`
`FIG. 4 further illustrates the interspersion of the tagged
`video frames of the present
`invention in an audiovisual
`signal that is being broadcast or has been recorded and is
`being replayed. As shown in FIG. 4, the audiovisual signal
`(400) includes signal segments (401) that provide the frames
`of the main program being carried by the audiovisual signal
`(400). Between program segments (401) is a commercial
`break which, in this example, includes two commercials,
`CommercialA and Commercial B. The segment of the signal
`(400) carrying the frames of Commercial A is indicated at
`(402). The segment of the signal (400) carrying the frames
`of Commercial B is indicated at (403).
`Given the preceding explanation of the present invention,
`Commercial A (402) is an example of a commercial during
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`US 6,909,837 B1
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`7
`which a static image will be provided by the playback
`system of the present
`invention if a user fast forwards
`through a recording of Commercial A. The initial frame
`(404) of Commercial A is a tagged frame that causes the
`playback system (101) of the present invention to display
`that frame (404) as a static image while the system (101) fast
`forward through Commercial A.
`When the signal (402) carrying Commercial A has been
`passed during the playback or fast forward operations, the
`playback system (101) encounters the last frame (405) of
`Commercial A. Frame (405) is also tagged and causes the
`playback system (101) to terminate the static image of frame
`(404) being displayed.
`Commercial B is carried by the next segment (403) of the
`audiovisual signal (400). Commercial B (403) has inter-
`spersed therein a number of evenly spaced frames (406).
`These frames (406) are tagged and, when the playback
`system (101) is fast forwarding through a playback of the
`signal (400), the frames (406) arrive rapidly enough to be
`played by the playback system (101) as an abbreviated
`advertising message that replaces the longer message of
`Commercial B (403).
`Frame (407) at the end of Commercial B (403) is also
`tagged and indicates to the playback system (101) that the
`advertising message composed of the interspersed frames
`(406) has ended.
`If the fast forward operation is then
`continued through the program (401), the playback device
`(101) may then display the frames of program (401) at an
`accelerated rate as is the case with most conventional
`
`playback devices during a fast forward operation.
`The present invention also encompasses the computer-
`readable instructions required to make the processor of a
`digital video recorder operate in the manner described
`above. Specifically,
`the present
`invention encompasses
`computer-readable instructions recorded in a medium for
`storing computer-readable instructions which cause the pro-
`cessor of a digital video recorder to identify electronically
`tagged frames in a video stream during a fast forward
`operation and use those frames to provide either a static
`image or a condensed video clip with an advertising mes-
`sage.
`
`As used herein, the term “computer-readable instructions”
`includes both software and firmware, irrespective of the
`language in which written and the level at which written
`(e.g. object code, source code, etc.). The firmware may
`include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or
`the like.
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`The preceding description has been presented only to
`illustrate and describe the invention. It is not intended to be
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`exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form
`disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in
`light of the above teaching. For example, another alternative
`with disk-based video signal storage would be to play all the
`commercials at one time and then play the program without
`commercial interruption.
`The preferred embodiment was chosen and described in
`order to best explain the principles of the invention and its
`practical application. The preceding description is intended
`to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention
`in various embodiments and with various modifications as
`
`are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended
`that the scope of the invention be defined by the following
`claims.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A video recorder and playback unit receiving a video
`signal, the recorder comprising:
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`a processor;
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`a digital data storage device in which said video signal is
`recorded; and
`a user input device for issuing playback and fast forward
`commands to the recorder to control playback of said
`recorded video signal;
`wherein, during execution of said fast forward command,
`said processor identifies electronically tagged frames in
`said recorded video signal and uses said tagged frame
`or frames to provide an alternative display during
`execution of said fast forward command.
`
`2. The recorder of claim 1, wherein said tagged frame is
`output by said recorder as a static image during said execu-
`tion of said fast forward command.
`
`3. The recorder of claim 2, wherein said static image
`comprises an advertising message.
`4. The recorder of claim 1, wherein said tagged frames are
`interspersed throughout untagged frames of said recorded
`video signal and comprise a condensed video clip which is
`output at a normal speed by said recorder during said
`execution of said fast forward command.
`5. The recorder of claim 4, wherein said condensed video
`clip comprises an advertising message.
`6. A method of providing an advertising message with a
`video recorder and playback unit that is playing back a
`recorded video signal, the method comprising, during execu-
`tion of a fast forward command, identifying electronically
`tagged frames in said recorded video signal and using said
`tagged frame or frames to provide an alternative display
`during execution of said fast forward command.
`7. The method of claim 6, further comprising outputting
`said tagged frame with said recorder as a static image during
`said execution of said fast forward command.
`
`8. The method of claim 7, further comprising providing an
`advertising message as said static image.
`9. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
`composing a condensed video clip of said tagged frames
`which are interspersed throughout untagged frames of
`said recorded video signal; and
`outputting said condensed video clip at a normal speed
`with said recorder during said execution of said fast
`forward command.
`
`10. The method of claim 9, further comprising including
`an advertising message in said condensed video clip.
`11. A video recorder and playback unit receiving a video
`signal, the recorder comprising:
`a processor means;
`a digital data storage means in which said video signal is
`recorded; and
`a user input means for issuing playback and fast forward
`commands to the recorder to control playback of said
`recorded video signal;
`wherein said recorded video comprises one or more
`frames having an electronic tagging means and, during
`execution of said fast forward command, said processor
`means identifies electronically tagged frames in said
`recorded video signal and uses said tagged frame or
`frames to provide an alternative display during execu-
`tion of said fast forward command.
`
`12. The recorder of claim 11, wherein said tagged frame
`is output by said recorder as a static image during said
`execution of said fast forward command.
`
`13. The recorder of claim 12, wherein said static image
`comprises an advertising message.
`14. The recorder of claim 11, wherein said tagged frames
`are interspersed throughout untagged frames of said
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`US 6,909,837 B1
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`9
`recorded video signal and comprise a condensed video clip
`which is output at a normal speed by said recorder during
`said execution of said fast forward command.
`15. The recorder of claim 14, wherein said condensed
`video clip comprises an advertising message.
`16. Computer-readable instructions recorded on a
`medium for storing computer-readable instructions, said
`instructions causing a processor of a video recorder and