|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||l||l|||||||||l||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
`
`US008l 5652832
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Baumgartner et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45; Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`725:'I36
`725.-"35
`348-"'27
`38539")
`386-"99
`348-"460
`380-"203
`3487460
`3483460
`386783
`
`271986 Freeman
`7»"l986 Freeman ..
`11.51987 Young .... ..
`7:'l989 Freeman ..
`7.51989 Freeman
`3-‘I990 Kinghom
`731990 Horton elal.
`I2-(I990 Young
`8:'l99|
`I-lallcnbeck
`9-‘I991 Strubbeeial.
`
`
`
`4.573.072 A
`4.602.279 A
`4.705.121 A
`4.847.698 A
`4.847.700 A
`4,908,707 A
`4.945.563 A
`4.977.455 A
`5.038.211 A
`5.047.867 A
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDER SYSTEMS
`AND METHODS
`
`Inventors: Joseph P. Baumgartner. Tulsa. UK
`(US); Kenneth Ii‘. Carpenter, J r.. Mount
`Laurel. NJ (US): Michael D. Ellis,
`Boulder. CO (US): Danny R. Gaydou.
`Tulsa. OK (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assigrtee: United Video Properties, Inc.. Santa
`Clara. (‘A (US)
`
`(‘°‘)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(13): by 2316 days.
`
`[Ctmti11ued)
`
`EP
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0632 452 A2
`ll-"I995
`
`((‘ontinued)
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Appl. No .: 101'] 05,082
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 21, 2002
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 200270174433 Al
`
`Nov. 21. 2002
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Provisional application No. 607278.079. filed on Mar.
`22. 200]. provisional application No. 60i’284,95l.
`filed on Apr. 19. 2001. provisional application No.
`607290.714, filed on May 14. 2001.
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04N 5/445
`U.S. (Tl.
`
`(200601 )
`725758: 725780: 7257133: 3481734:
`386783
`l-‘in.-Id of(.‘lassilicatinn Search ............ .. 725737-61.
`725778-85. 131-134. 139---J42. 151-153;
`3487515. 565, 734
`See application tile for complete search llislnry.
`
`References Cited
`
`U .S. PA’I‘I~1N’l' I')()(.‘1JMEiN'l‘S
`4.-“I981 Fteetnan
`4.264.924 A
`47198} Freeman ctal.
`4.264.925 A
`
`7255138
`725-"I38
`
`Priumry I.-I.\-amirier Annan Q Shang
`(74) AIrorm3_1-‘. /lgem‘, or 1"'.=‘m.=
`Ropes & Gray l_.I..l-’
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an interac-
`tive television system for recording television programming.
`The interactive television system may include components
`for providing personal video recorder (PVR) fitnctionality,
`such as a11 interactive television program guide (IPG). PVR
`extensions. I-’V'R application programnting interfaces (Al-‘ls].
`a PVR device, any suitable hardware or software, or a com-
`bination thereof. These components may be implemented in.
`for example. an arrangement having an integrated PVR-com-
`pliant device with a PVR device. or in an arrangement having
`a PVR-compliant device (cg... a set-top box) coupled to PVR
`equipment (e.g.. a remote PVR server or a PVR Sidecar) with
`a PVR device. The PVR—compIiant device may include soft-
`ware and hardware configured to implement the IPG. The
`PVRAPIS. may be a library of intelligent vendor-specific and
`vendor-independent APIs able to detennine the type ol'PVR
`device being used. The PVR extensions and PVR APls may
`be conligttred to provide a seamless integration of ft111ctior1-
`ality associated with the PVR-compliant device and the l-‘YR
`device. A full port of the IPG may be implemented in both the
`PVR-compliant device and the PVR device.
`
`36 Claims, 30 Drawing Sheets
`
`SET-TOP BOX .902
`
`904
`
`._9|?J6
`
`I/1200
`
`E)(TEN3iONS|
`
`,
`
`F “V3 _..q PVRAF-igi
`_T .__\
`'/.'
`
`.__
`
`_ 908 _.a’
`
`PVR SIDECAR
`
`,. 302
`
`PVR
`DEWCE
`
`
`APPLE 1007
`
`APPLE 1007
`
`

`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`Page 2
`
`725773
`-- 735-"133
`385783
`.. 3807242
`.. 348.7473
`7357'“
`353*“
`
`.. 3487731
`725738
`-- 735*”
`.. 725752
`
`
`
`9.-11999 Ker1r1eret1a].
`13.13% ififiiell‘
`1171999 Wiilia.m8'15't5515im
`5.0000 5.1101000
`'
`5.0000 "V0000 01011“““ “
`0.70000 K100100000‘
`1072000 Stinebruncr
`1072000 Knudsen 51.41"’
`Elarmfecctal‘
`’
`10.0000 10111100
`‘
`1.0001
`010000.1'0;'01'111'
`372001
`\7Ia.rshetaJ
`5.0001 15.0.00 0.01’
`0.0001 0101
`00001 0005000 0101‘
`0.0001 1011000100
`‘
`500.00
`11.0001 000000.01
`385745
`‘
`1772001 Barton
`""'000..505
`0.0000 10.00 01
`" ‘..0'5'.00
`11.0000 511.151.1.1010‘0‘1“.‘1‘1‘
`""'..15;010
`‘
`0.000..
`00111000
`'
`"
`..0'5.50
`0.0000 0110.1000'.‘5'1".11“""‘
`53707282
`57'2004 Ba11c1'j0c 9111]‘
`715-715
`572004 W213-det al
`5
`3485473
`452005 Fren~11
`-
`'.
`‘
`412005
`’5"p°” """""""""""" " 3‘“*176
`‘@2905 WW1° 8'31»
`735-*9“
`172006 Pr0e111|etal.
`.. 725740
`572002 Schem 1441-
`- 225739
`772002 Leungeta].
`725725
`1072002 1-Ioshen ct al.
`372003 We-ode: 21].
`772003 Young eta].
`872008 Elliscta].
`372003
`13111503],
`
`gjgfig
`3457327
`..,5.1.11
`0305.505
`‘-105.50
`55553453327
`"
`385783
`
`"
`
`0.15.502.
`005.50
`385783
`' 000.00
`
`500.05
`
`
`
`5
`
`
`
`385.783
`. 385783
`. 725739
`_ __
`-735.739
`
`_ .
`
`, _ , ,
`
`5.955.715 A
`
`5977.954 A
`‘0‘05..'0...1 0 ,1
`0‘05..‘000 .1
`0‘0—..0‘003 .5 5
`5133910 5
`5141488 A *
`A
`0105010 01
`0'1..5.'001 151..
`6.208999 131
`0'..05‘000 151
`0050000 01
`0'0..5’0.10 01
`0‘000‘100 01
`0‘5...1‘550 01
`5'3§7’418 131
`0'041‘000 01..
`0‘.101‘015 01.,
`0‘..1..'500 151.,
`0‘...10'500 150..
`6.754.185 111*
`55755997 131*
`6879.347 131*
`1
`0*
`0
`5-33--399 B10
`57975357 Bl
`5.990.676 Bl‘
`2002-0059599 01*
`200270095573 A1*
`2002.70154892 A1
`200370044155 Al‘
`200370142957 Al‘
`200870189742 7911*
`200870189743 Al‘
`
`_.
`fig
`151,
`151,
`01,
`0515
`GB
`00
`0.0
`W0
`W0
`0.0
`“.01
`1.1.0
`1.1.01
`W0
`WO
`W01
`5.0.0
`0.0
`000
`01.0
`01.01
`1.1.01
`01.0.
`W0
`0.0
`W0
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`.
`
`352.35 .233 A0
`0050 045 00
`0000 001
`0005105
`0 00.. 000
`0 ‘0"0'9 505
`05.10 051
`“.10 05.00055
`“.10 05.0050..
`“,1-OgE1_7"J56Uq
`0.10 00,501.10
`01.0 00.55005
`we 00.01 4.10
`1.1.01 00.15000
`5000 000101.10
`1.1.O0.._.000'50
`1.1.0 00.00010
`w0'100._,_10000
`01.0 00.10000
`W0100015000
`01.10 00.50000
`“.10 00.55005
`10.000.00.105
`0.O00.000.10
`wO01_.0000_0
`01.0101’..035..5
`'
`‘
`7170 02719591
`
`501000
`1.0000
`0.0000
`0.1000
`001990
`0.0000
`111.1000
`111.1005
`8'.-19956
`11.1000
`11__.1000
`10.1000
`3.100..
`10.1000
`10.1005,
`‘0-.1000
`10.1000
`0.1000
`0.1000
`10.1000
`11.1000
`10.1000
`0.0000
`11.3001
`10.0001
`*'
`372002
`
`386.-'46
`
`“‘ cited by 1:xa1'11i11e1'
`
`U,s,pATENT DOCUMENTS
`5.058.733 A
`1171991 Bennett
`.
`57151-739 A
`9”993 Y0“? ----- H
`5.187.589 A
`271993 Konoctal.
`5.195.134 A
`371993 1110110 ...... ..
`5.210.511 A
`571993 Yeeelal.
`513337934 A
`5""9"3 5”“**’a
`R553“~5“° E
`91993 F’a"a‘a"
`A
`............. ..
`5.285.284 A
`271994 Takashimzletal.
`5.295.931 A
`371994 Na ................. ..
`5-333-334 *5
`M99“ Kawasaki
`5.353.121 A
`1071994 Youngctal.
`5.410.343 A
`471995 Coddingtonctal.
`5.410.344 A
`471995 17749545151.
`5.415.508 A
`571995 Sakumaetal.
`5.459.522 A
`1071995 Pint
`51475-515 A
`1351995 Li"
`5.479.255 A
`1271995 Younger a1.
`5.479.258 A
`1271995 Youngetal.
`5.483.278 A
`171995 Strubbe 51771.
`5.485.197 A
`171995 1-Ioarty
`574351259 A
`“1995 W°°
`5'-593-732 A
`‘”1996 B°“°’“1‘*'3’°‘a'‘
`5'5‘-5'5" A
`91995 5‘T1‘-‘“Y"“"“"‘
`5.528.281 A
`571995 53745375181.
`5.532.754 A
`771995 Y-aungeta].
`5.534.911 A
`771995 Levitan ....... ..
`5153170141 A
`7.71995
`15050100050]
`5.539.822 A
`771995 Len
`5.541.738 A
`771995 -.\7Ianko\7il7_:
`5.550.575 A
`871995 Kloslcr1na.n ..
`5.559.548 A
`971995 Davisctal.
`5.559.549 A
`971995 Hendricks ct .11.
`5.558.272 A
`1071995 Levine
`5.581.800 A 1'
`1271995 Fardeau et :1].
`5.585.838 A
`1271995 Lawieretal.
`5.585.858 A
`12.-‘"1996 Ha.1'pe1' eta].
`5.589.892 A
`1271995 Kneeel 41.
`5.592.571 A
`171997 1751574 ............ ..
`5.500.354 A
`271997 Hendrickseral.
`5.512.729 A *
`371997 0111551711.
`...... ,.
`5.519.274 A
`471997 Roopetal.
`. ...... ,.
`5.529.733 A
`571997 ‘{0u1m.r1cta].
`5.631.995 A
`571997 Weisaensteincr eta].
`5.532.007 A
`571997 Freeman
`5.557.414 A
`871997 Len elal.
`5.584.525 A
`1171997 Klostennan ..
`5.594.33l
`1'3
`12351997 3330 ........... ..
`5.599.107 A
`12.-"1997 Lalwiereial.
`.
`5.724.091 A
`371998 Freeman 51711.
`5.727.050 A
`371998 Young
`5.758.257 A
`571998 Hcrzct 41.
`5.790.198 A
`871998 Roopetal.
`5.790.202 A
`871998 Ku1mne1'etal.
`5.801.787 A
`971998 Schein et 51.
`.
`5.805.753 A
`971998 Lawler etal.
`..
`5.808.508 A
`971998 ‘1’-zmngctal.
`5.809.204 A
`9.-1998 Young eta]. ..
`5.812.123 A
`971998 Roweetal.
`5.812.205 A
`971998 Milnesetal.
`5.812.937 A
`971998 '1‘a1ca1:1sneta1.
`5.819.155 A
`1071998 13e1m5n1 ..... ..
`5.828.945 A
`1071998 Kloslerman ..
`5.838.314 A
`1171998 Neale! al.
`5 850 218 A
`1271998 Lajoicctal.
`7
`-
`5.886.732 A
`371999 l~Iumplerna.n
`5.940.572 A
`871999 Balaban ctal.
`
`..
`
`..
`
`.
`
`.
`
`
`
`725745
`725754
`3487478
`
`385783
`385783
`725751
`725737
`-‘ 3‘‘3’'‘“5°
`
`725747
`725745
`H 725.-116
`3807211
`.. 358.-335
`725745
`725740
`725.750
`385748
`.45572.01
`725754
`.. 3487485
`725743
`.. 3827251
`72579
`725722
`.. 3487451
`725753
`38671
`705759
`. 385735
`725.-'48
`359547.12
`725758
`.. 7257138
`.. 3487734
`.. 7257115
`725748
`.. 3487553
`725743
`385783
`725752
`385783
`725743
`.. 3487450
`455755
`.. 725714
`455742
`.. 72578
`725.-'45
`
`2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheetl of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`
`
`112w
`
`MAIN FACILITY
`
`DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
`(1 04
`
`
`SERVER 105
`SERVER 116
`
`122
`
`
`
`
`
`
`\_
`
`USER
`EQUIPMENT
`
`USER
`
`EQUIPMENT
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 2 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`
`
`
`NETWORK
`
`NODE /202
`
`SERVER
`
`
`
`DISTRIBUTION 210
`FACILITY
`
`NETWORK
`
`2_04
`
`NODE /202
`E
`
`SERVER
`
`
`USER
`USER
`USER
`USER
`EQUIPMENT
`EQUIPMENT
`EQUIPMENT
`EQUIPMENT
`
`
`
`‘K
`Tr
`'\
`J!
`\ /"
`/‘
`
`
`
`
`
`\_
`
`FIG. 2
`
`4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 3 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`_ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ . — _ _ . _
`
`CASSETTE
`
`'WDEO
`
`RECORDER
`
`FIG. 3
`
`
`
`CONTROL
`
`_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -1 PERSONAL
`
`
`
`RECORDER
`
`
`5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 4 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`FIG. 4
`
`6
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 5 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`504
`
`(502
`
`INTERACTIVE
`
`TELEVISION
`
`FIRMWARE
`
`PROGRAM GUIDE
`
`FIG. 5
`
`7
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 6 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`MONITOR
`
`COMMUNICATION
`CHANNELS FOR PVR
`DEVICE
`
`DETECT PVR DEVICE
`
`DETERMINE TYPE
`OF PVR DEVICE
`
`SELECT PVR APIS
`
`WITH WHICH T0
`COMMUNICATE WITH
`THE PVR DEVICE
`
`FIG. 6
`
`8
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 7 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`00
`
`3/‘ 702
`PVR DEVICE IS
`COUPLED WITH
`PVR-COMPLIANT
`
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`f/ 706
`
`
`IDENTIFIES ITSELF
`To PVR-COMPLIANT
`SYSTEM
`
`SYSTEM RE°E“"E5
`'”°'°AT'°N FROM
`USER IDENTIFYING
`PVR DEVICE TYPE
`
`
`
`
`PVR-COMPLIANT
`SYSTEM DETERMINES
`
`WHICH PVR APIS USE
`
`TO COMMUNICATE WITH
`SPECIFIED PVR DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`
`
` PVR APIS
`COMMUNICATE WITH
`PVR DEVICE
`
`FIG. 7
`
`9
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 8 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`HARDWARE 808
`INTERFACE
`
`‘_____C
`
`802
`
`304
`
`°'R°”'TRY
`
`30% MEMORY
`
`SOFTWARE 310
`DRIVERS
`
`
`812
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`/8'14
`
`
`
`816 ANS
`
`DISK
`
`
`STORAGE 18
`
`FIG. 8
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 9 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`PVR
`
`EXTENSIONS
`
`PVR SIDECAR
`
`PVR DEVICE
`
`FIG. 9
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 10 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`PVR
`EXTENSIONS
`
`R DEVICE
`
`PV
`
`FIG. 10
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 11 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`PVR
`
`EXTENSIONS
`
`FIG. 11
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 12 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`/1200
`
`PVR
`EXTENSIONS
`
`PVR APIS
`
`PVR SIDECAR
`
`FIG. 12
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 13 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`/1300
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`
`
`
`
`
`,9o2
`
`(904
`
`PVR
`
`EXTENSIONS
`
`
` PVR SIDECARK 904
`/" 802
`
`
`PVR DEVICE
`
`FIG. 13
`
`15
`
`
`
`\
`
`
`
`/
`
`\#1212~/
`
`
`15
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 14 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`/1400
`
`/ Q04
`
`,14o1
`
`K
`
`1/410
`“
`
`1410
`W
`
`PVR SIDECAR
`, 904
`
`{-802
`
`(906
`
`902
`
`{
`
`212
`
`PVR
`EXTENSIONS
`
`PVR
`DEVICE
`
`,
`
`I
`
`\ 1
`
`FIG. 14
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 15 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`,15os
`
`
`
`SOFWNARE
`
`SUPPORT
`
`
`REMOTE
`CONTROL
`
`FIG. 15
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 15 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`PVR SERVER
`
`FIG. 16
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 17 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`1700
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`K 904
`
`I PVRAPIS
`
`PVR SERVER
`
`902
`
`F
`
`PVR
`
`EXTENSIONS
`
`FIG. 17
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 13 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`EXTENSIONS
`
`PVR SERVER
`
`FIG. 18
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 19 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`{,1 900
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`PVR
`EXTENSIONS
`
`PVR APIS
`
`FIG. 19
`
`21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`m
`
`P.
`
`M2
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`nmm<o.so_._m
`D.m._m<o_Amoona
`
`m:,m=fi_m_Em_>n_<
`
`
`
`m._m<o._<:o_o
`
`m»zm_amm_.Em>a<
`
`smozaxoomm
`
`am4:om:ow
`
`wL.n38.
`
`22
`
`wwom
`
`88p
`
`
`
`mmo:KG“.1030=._so_._m>._.”~>x20.5920»
`
`
`
`
`
`on.9”.
`
`22
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 21 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`E9E
`
`
`macs.mo".£030
`
`:>>O_._w>._."~>x20_._._w_zop
`
`
`
`\JNCN
`
`_I
`
`000..
`
`85
`
`\
`
`?s_n_3&_.I
`
`.35
`
`:om<mm
`
`mm_.:<m_n_<..._OmnE_m
`
`No_.NIx‘
`
`mmmsbqmmoEm
`
`ozm_E.>5.m_>m
`
`
`
`xo<mms.:_:_<U
`
`._.<_._mzpz_._.<U
`
`
`
`mmmpzaouzmm_mo._o
`
`nz<mn<omm
`
`m._m<o
`
`hzm_2mm_Em_>n_<
`
`2»zm_zm_m_Em_>n<
`
`23
`
`23
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 22 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`Hcomm\
`
`comm-..
`
`En.LnEN
`
`
`
`n=._._.mmO....8m._mm
`
`
`
`n_:Emoz_9.._oomm_>_<M_OOm_n_
`
`
`
`.moz_Em_mmoz<_._oopAVmmmma
`
`
`
`
`
`mmoumm.n._5=._.mmtam
`
`n_z<mn_<omm
`
`m_._m<o
`
`»zm_2mw_Em>o<
`
`.rzm_s_m_m_.Em>n_<
`
`24
`
`
`
`mm.E<m_s_:.mmutam
`
`NN.0_n_
`
`M105.mo".xo_._o:>>OIw>._.
`
`
`"N~rX20._._._0_zO._.
`
`24
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 23 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`DISPLAY PROGRAM LISTINGS
`
`2
`./ 302
`
`2304
`USER SELECTS PROGRAM FROM LISTINGS» /
`
`
`
`PROVIDE SELECTABLE
`RECORD OPTIONS
`
`2306
`
`
`T
`
`2308
`USER INITIATES RECORDING\_/
`BY SELECTING PROGRAM
`AND RECORD OPTIONS
`
`PROVIDE USER OPPORTUNITY
`TO SELECT QUALITY
`
`USER
`DETERMINES ONE-TIME
`OR SERIES RECORDING
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DID USER
`SELECT ONE-TIME
`RECORDING OR SERIES
`RECORDING?
`2318~\
`
`
`ONIE-TIME
`-J:
`PROVIDE USER OPPORTUNITY
`TO SELECT BUFFERS
`
`PROVIDE USER
`OPPORTUNITY
`TO SELECT
`OTHER OPTIONS
`
`
`
`
`
`—I—
`USER RETURNS TO PROGRAM LISTINGS.
`\\“2322
`;I_
`DISPLAY PROGRAM LISTINGS WITH
`RECORD ICON NEXT TO PROGRAMS
`SCHEDULED TO BE RECORDED
`
`2324
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RECORD PROGRAM AS
`DETERMINED BY PROGRAM
`RECORDING SETUP
`
`
`
`25
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 24 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`2402
`I
`USER INITIATES RECORDING SETUPJ
`
`2404
`
`
`
`
`PROVIDE USER
`OPPORTUNITY TO
`
`ALLOCATE BEGINNING
`AND ENDING BUFFERS
`BY SELECTING TIME
`VALUES
`
`
`
`
`
`DESIGNATE STORAGE 2405
`SPACE T0
`-
`ACCOMMODATE
`BEGINNING BUFFER,
`ENDING BUFFER AND
`PROGRAM LENGTH
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`,-24Io
`
`DETERMINE
`'-
`
`RECORDING TIMES
`BEGINNING
`
`
`ACCORDING TO
`BUFFER
`
`
`-2414
`
`{'
`ENDING
`BUFFER
`
`
`
`
`
`BEGIN
`RECORDING
`PROGRAM AT
`LENGTH OF TIME
`SELECTED
`PRIOR TO
`PROGRAIWS
`START TIME
`
`241%
`
`'
`
`STOP
`RECORDING
`PROGRAM AT
`LENGTH OF TIME
`SELECTED
`AFTER
`PROGRAM ENDS
`
` BUFFERS
`
`FIG. 24
`
`26
`
`26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 25 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`\comm
`
`.__.
`
`\.
`
`\88
`
`:30»
`
`
`
`
`
` E®mwrmmmpzmomEon_mn_om;._..Ea®0322&2.E3wmat
`
`_.zms__mm_Em_>n_<
`
`
`
`wozE~_oom_mnm._:nm_._um4vwmm
`
`s_n__.9~rM
`
`
`
`m._m<o._<:o_n_
`
`.__._zEQmzoma__z_mm_.F
`
`
`
`
`
` 23.7Ammo:momv._U_._0:>>O_._m>._._N>X20E923E®Sam£3.90:
`
`mm.9".
`
`
`
`<~.n§uE.
`
`27
`
`»zm_..._mw_Em>o<
`
`27
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 26 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`2600
`
`2602
`USER ACCESSES SCHEDULED RECORDINGSNJ
`
`
`
`SCHEDULED
`
` PROVIDE
`USER WITH
`
`
`2604
`
`RECORDINGS
`
`
`
`
`
`2606
`USER SELECTS SCHEDULED RECORDINGJ
`
`
`
`PROVIDE USER
`
`
`2608
`WITH DETAILED
`
`
`
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
`
`FOR SELECTED
`
`SCHEDULED
`
`RECORDING
`
`
`
`
`PROVIDE USER
`2610
`OPPORTUNITY TO EDIT
`
`
`AND SAVE RECORDING
`
`
`
`OPTION FOR PROGRAM
`
`FIG. 26
`
`28
`
`28
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`m.A
`
`0
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`\.
`
`
`
`SR80...2992W
`
`7.\1E.WBW950...mmta.>.:2w.63u>o.__
`
`namazes".0a.=.._o__sMmsQCmzomemo“.m_<Q®mfimm_.:.:._
`
`mm:=Eoumm_4wohm.
`
`
`
` mo<n_m2.50..mmmkzmumhmomw
`
`ER1/
`
`
`
`m._m<o._<.:w_a
`
`»zm_2mm_Em>n<
`
`»zm__2mm_Em>o<
`
`29
`
`
`
`
`
`o..os:ot_o__o=_so._m.2...Si._oEm_._£
`
`hm.0_n_
`
`otax’
`
`29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 23 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`mama
`
`\
`
`
`
`zmmmom><._n_w_D
`
`mm.0_n_
`
`E
`
`5ENw>_._:._o_z><nm=EmHm$m82
`
`
`
`
`
`:._m__..m_w_Em>n_<
`
`30
`
`30
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 29 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`900
`
`I
`USER ACCESSES RECORDED PROGRAMSCE902
`
` DISPLAY
`RECORDED
`PROGRAMS
`
`?9°4
`
`
`
`
`
`2908 —~__|
`
`2912
`
`
`U353
`ECIDES TO EDIT O '
`VIEW SELECTED
`PROGRAMS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PRov|[)E USER
`DISPLAY SELECTED
`OPPORTUNITY TO
`PROGRAM FOR
`EDIT RECORDED
`VIEWING
`PROGRAM LIST
`
`
`
`
`
`2915
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY FLIP BAR
`CONTAINING
`
`PLAYBACK CONTROL
`FEATURES
`
`
`
`
`
`PROVIDE USER
`OPPORTUNITY TO
`CONTROL PLAYBACK
`OF RECORDING
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 29
`
`2913
`
`31
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 30 of 30
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`Eon
`
`88
`
`.\.
`
`
`
`
`
`\1...5...m_n__:
`
`
`
`zmmmow><.Em_n_
`
`zobss0»ME
`
`moon.
`
`on.O_..._
`
`32
`
`32
`
`
`
`

`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`1
`PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDER SYSTEMS
`AND METIIODS
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`Al-‘PI .IC!t'I‘I()NS
`
`This application claims tl1c benefit of U.S. provisional
`patent application No. 602978.079. filed Mar. 22. 2001. US.
`provisional patent application No. 60984.95 1 . iiled Apr. 19,
`2001. and US. provisional patent application No. 601290.
`714. filed May 14. 2001. all ofwhich arehereby incorporated
`by reference herein in their entireties.
`
`If)
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to personal video recorder
`(PVR) systems and, more particularly, to PVR systems that
`include user television equipment having an interactive tele-
`vision program guide (IPG) with PVR extensions imple-
`mented thereon.
`Products have recently been developed that allow users to
`manage their viewing experiences and record media with
`increased flexibility. PVRs. such as those provided by TiV’oT'-"1
`and Replay'I'\r"”". record programs on hard-disk drives con-
`figured for multi-media storage. Users may schedule pro-
`grams to be recorded and may play back the recorded pro-
`granis at a later time. These products also record what users
`are watching in real—tin1e. allowing users to pause real—time
`programs when. for example. the user must leave the room.
`The product may continue recording and storing the program
`being broadcast while the displayed program is paused. Users
`may resume their viewing where they left off. and may fast
`forward through commercials until they reach the point at
`which the program is currently being provided.
`Interactive television applications. such as Il-’('rs, are now
`widely available to the general public. IPGs may be used to
`provide interactive television services. Interactive television
`services include services for allowing a user to tune to a
`program. set parental locks. record a progran1_. set reminders.
`etc.
`
`IPGS may allow users to record programs on digital or
`analog storage devices (e.g.. videocassettes.
`l1ard disks.
`floppy discs, flash memory. recordable compact discs (CD5).
`and recordable digital versatile discs (DVDSJ). Programs may
`also be recorded on a program guide server. Internet server. or
`other server. The program guide server may be located at, for
`example. the cable system lteadend. The program guide may
`be an on-line program guide. which may be implemented
`using a web server on the Internet.
`However. in most cases. the IPGS that facilitate television
`viewing remain separate from the applications that offer PVR
`functionality. For example. l’VRs may include lPGs that are
`separate from the lI’(is provided by other user equipment
`[eg.. a set-top box) and may require input devices and graphic
`interfaces separate from those used with existing lPGs. Sub-
`sequently, users often experience difficulty integrating exist-
`ing IPGs with video recording applications.
`It would therefore be desirable to provide an interactive
`television system having PVR functionality in which the user
`may use an IPG seamlessly with i’VR'lunctioi1ality.
`
`SUMMARY OF TIII-3 INVIENTION
`
`it is an object of the present
`In view of the foregoing.
`invention to provide an interactive television system having
`PVR functionality in which the user may use an IPG seam-
`lessly with PVR functionality.
`
`3o
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`
`This and other objects of the present invention are accom-
`plished by providing a PVR-compliant media recording sys-
`tem with an architecture that may include. for example. a
`PVR device. PVR application programming interfaces
`(APIs)_. PVR extensions, storage devices, and any additional
`hardware or software. orcumbination thcreo f. for the purpose
`ofintegrating l-’V'R functionality to an ll-‘G.
`The high-level hardware architecture may involve a PVR-
`compliant device and PVR equipment having a PVR device.
`The PVR-compliant device may include an IPG that provides
`a user with the ability to record television programming. The
`user may control the IPG functionality by sending a com-
`mand to the PVR-compliant device. A signal corresponding
`to the command may be generated by the I-’VR-colnpliant
`device and may be comnitmicated to and executed by the PVR
`device.
`
`The PVR-compliant device may include software and
`hardware configured to implement an IPG. PVR extensions.
`and PVR .APIs. The PVR device may be coupled to the l-‘VR-
`compliant device. and the PVR APIs may be configured to
`facilitate communications between the PVR device and the
`
`PVR-compliant device. The PVR device may include soft-
`ware and hardware configured to implement an IPG. PVR
`extensions. and PVR APIS.
`The PVR-compliant device may include hardware inter-
`laces and software interfaces that may provide an IPG with
`PVR features. The PVR extensions and PVR APIS may be
`configured to provide a seamless integration of IPVR func-
`tionality with the IPG. For example. PVR-compliant applica-
`tions may interface with existing lPGs implemented in other
`hardware. such as a set-top box. to perform the PVR func-
`tions.
`
`When coupled to a PVR device. the l-‘VR-compliant device
`may detect the PVR device being coupled, detennine the type
`of PVR device being used based on information received
`from the PVR device, and establish conununications with the
`PVR device based on the information received. This may be
`accomplished using intelligent PVRAPIs implemented in the
`PVR-compliant device.
`In a similar manner. the PVR device may detect the PVR-
`eompliant device being coupled. determine the type of PVR-
`compliant device being used based on information received
`fro111 the PVR-compliant device. and establish communica-
`tions with the PVR-compliant device based on the informa-
`tion ncceived. ‘This may be accomplished using PVR APIs
`implemented in the PVR device.
`A ful I-port of tl1e IPG may be implemented in both the PVR
`equipment and the set-top box. A full-port of the IPG is a full
`implementation of the IPG application that includes of all
`features and functions associated with the IPG. In this dual-
`platform arrangement. where the {PG is implemented in both
`the PVR equipment and the set-top box. the integrated IPG
`may be used to provide PVR features and functionality when
`PVR equipment is being used. The dual-platform arrange-
`ment also allows either the PVR equipment or the set-top box
`to be used independently as a stand-alone system. Other
`configurations for integrating PVR features and functions
`may also be used.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The objects and advantages of the invention will be appar-
`ent upon consideration of the following detailed description.
`taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
`in
`which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.
`and in which:
`
`33
`
`33
`
`

`
`3
`
`4
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive television
`system in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive television
`system having network nodes in accordance with the present
`invention:
`
`FIG. 3 is a diagram ofillnstrative user television equipment
`in accordance with the present invention:
`FIG. 4 is a diagram of an illustrative remote control ir1
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. Sis a diagram of an illustrative PVR-conipliant device
`that may be used in accordance with the present invention;
`FIGS. 6-7 are [low-charts of illustrative steps involved in
`establisllirig eolltrnnnicatiotls betweert I-‘V/R equipnlerit and a
`PVR—cornpIiant device in accordance with the present inven-
`tion:
`FIG. 8 is a diagram ofan illustrative arrangement of soft-
`ware and hardware on a PVR device in accordance with the
`
`present invention:
`FIGS. 9-14 are diagrams of illustrative arrangements for
`inlplemenlirig a PVR device using a PVR Sidecar in accor-
`dance with the present invention;
`FIG. 15 is a more detailed diagram of the illustrative
`arrangement of the diagrams of FIGS. 9-14 in accordance
`with the presem invention;
`FIGS. 16-18 are diagrams of illustrative arrangements for
`implementing a PVR device using a PVR server in accor-
`dance with the present invention:
`FIG. 19 is a diagram of an illustrative arrangement for
`implementing a PVR device using an integrated set—top box ir1
`accordance with the present invention:
`FIGS. 20-22 show illustrative display screens for recording
`programs in accordance with the present invention:
`FIGS. 23-24 are flow-charts of illustrative steps involved in
`recording programs using a PVR system in accordance with
`the present invention:
`FIG. 25 shows an illustrative display screen for accessing
`scheduled recordings in accordance with the present inven-
`tion;
`FIG. 26 is a flow-chart of illustrative steps involved in
`accessing scheduled recordings in accordance with the
`present invention:
`FIGS. 27-28 show illustrative display screens for accessing
`and viewing recorded programs in accordance with the
`present inver1tion:_
`FIG. 29 is a flow-char1 of illustrative steps involved in
`accessing and viewing recorded programs using a PVR sys-
`tem in accordance with the present invention: and
`FIG. 30 shows an illustrative recording reminder display
`screen in accordance with the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`An illustrative interactive television system in accordance
`with the principles of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.
`Illustrative interactive television system 100 may include
`main facility 102. distribution facility 110. and user equip-
`ment 122. Illustrative interactive television system 100 may
`include multiple main facilities 102. Only one main facility
`102. however. is illustrated in FIG. 1 to avoid over-compli-
`eating the drawing.
`Main facility 102 may include server 104 for storing and
`distributing IPG information from program guide database
`106. Program guide database 106 may store program guide
`information such as television program listings information,
`service listings infomiation, program—related information,
`V01) program informaliort. pay-per-view ordering informa-
`tion, promotional information, or any other suitable program
`
`It)
`
`3o
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`guide inforrnation. Main facility 102 may distribute the pro-
`gram guide information to distribution facility 110 via com-
`munications path 108.
`Cornmunications path 108 may be any suitable communi-
`cations path. such as a satellite link. a cable link. a fiber-optic
`link. a microwave link, a telephone network link. a11 Internet
`link_. or a combination thereof. lfit is desired to transmit video
`signals (e.g._. television programs} over communications path
`108 in addition to data signals, a relatively high bandwidth
`link such as a satellite link may be preferable to a relatively
`low bandwidth link such as a telephone line. Only one distri-
`bution facility 110 is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid over—cornpli-
`eating the drawing. Multiple distribution facilities may be
`involved ir1 implementing interactive services.
`The program guide information or content transmitted by
`main facility 102 to distribution facility lll} may include
`television program listings data (such as program times.
`channels. titles. descriptions. program type, genre. actors] or
`any other suitable data.
`The promotional information tnuismitted by main facility
`102 to distribution facility 110 may include various promo-
`tional banners. promotional ads. promotional slogans. pro-
`motional advertisements, or any other suitable promotional
`material.
`
`Distribution facility 11!} may be a television distribution
`facility for broadcast television. a cable system headcnd. a
`satellite distribution facility. or any other suitable distribution
`facility for distributing signals to viewers. Distribution facil-
`ity 110 may distribute program guide information. program-
`ming content. or any other suitable content or information to
`user equipment 122 via communications paths 114. Distribu-
`tion facility lltl may include server 112 for storing such
`content and information. Server 1.12 may be uscxi for distrib-
`uting television programming. music. or any other suitable
`type of media in response. for example, to requests for such
`content and information. Server 112 may include a local
`database 116 for storing various information and content
`(e.g.. program guide information} or for storing recorded
`programs remotely. Storing recorded programs remotely on a
`server at the distribution facility may be an alternative to a
`storage media in the user’s borne. Client-server based inter-
`active television systems with remote server recording are
`illustratively described, for example,
`in Ellis, et al. US.
`patent application Ser. No. 091332.244. filed Jun. 11. 1999.
`which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
`entirety. Additional techniques for storing programs and pro-
`gram in formation are illustratively described. for example, in
`I-lassell, et al. US. patent application
`No. 09r‘lS7.256,
`filed Sep. 17. 1998 which is hereby incorporated by reference
`herein in its entirety. In addition, server 112 may be capable of
`providing other interactive services such as near video-on-
`demand and video-on-demand. Server 112 may include one
`or more computers.
`If desired, some or all of the information distributed to
`distribution facility 110 may be provided using information
`sources other than main facility 102. For example. distribu-
`tion facility 110 may receive information from wide area
`network 1 18 (eg. the Internet) via communications path "120.
`Cormntinicatioris path 120 may be a ‘fl link, a digital sub-
`scribcr line (DSL) link. a cable modem link. an analog
`modem link. or any other suitable link.
`If desired, data may be provided to user equipment 122
`using facilities other than main facility 102 and distribution
`facility 110. For example. user equipment 122 may receive
`data directly from wide area network 118 via communica-
`tions path 62. Commtrnications path 62 may be a Tl link. a
`DSL link. a cable modem lir1k_. an analog modem link. radio
`
`34
`
`34
`
`

`
`5
`
`6
`
`US 8,156,528 B2
`
`frequencies such as a paging system. or any other suitable
`link. In another example, a separate facility such as a satellite
`broadcasting system (not shown) may transmit data to user
`equipment 122. which may receive data via a satellite receiv-
`ing system (not shown).
`Communications path 114 may be any suitable type o flink
`that allows distribution facility 110 to distribute program
`guide infomiation, television prograrruning, or any other suit-
`able infomiation. data, or media to userequipmeut 122. There
`may be more than one communications path 114 that couples
`each user equipment 122 to distribution facility 110. For
`example, if distribution lacility 110 is a cable headend_. user
`equipment 122 may receive information via a cable link and
`may transmit information to distribution facility 11[l via a
`digital serial link. a dial-up modem connection. or any other
`suitable link. Each of communication paths 114 may be uni-
`directional or bi-directional.
`
`User equipment 122 may be configured to send or receive
`e-mails via communication path 122 or communications path
`120. User equipment 114 may receive e—mails that were sent
`by distribution facility 110 or by some other facility.
`An interactive television application. in accordance with
`the embodiments described herein, may be implemented in
`user equipment 122 to provide interactive services to a user.
`Interactive services may enable a user to interact with televi-
`sion applications. for example. by setting particular channels
`as favorites. by changing channels. by ordering pay—per—view
`(PPV) movies. by selecting programs to be recorded. by
`playing recorded programs. etc. An interactive television
`application may be an IPG application. or an interactive per-
`sonal video recorder application that may be used to provide
`interactive services to users.
`
`User equipment 122 may be based on a television platform.
`a computer platform, or both. For example, user equipment
`122 may include user television equipment (eg, a television
`set. a PVR. and a set—top box). user computerequipment {eg..
`a desktop computer, a laptop computer. a handheld comput-
`ing device such as a personal digital assistant or any other
`small personal computing device. etc.). or any other suitable
`user equipment for implementing an IPG. User computer
`equipment may include a computer based receiver having
`integrated set—top box circuitry or a personal computer tele-
`vision (PCr‘TV]. If desired. user television equipment may
`include computer equipment for receiving e-mails.
`As shown in FIG. 2. the capabilities of