US 20100153997Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0153997 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: Jun. 17, 2010
`
`Baumgartner et al.
`
`(54)
`
`INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEM WITH
`TEMPLATES FOR MANAGING
`VENDOR-SPECIFIC VIDEO-ON-DEMANI)
`CONTENT
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04N 5/445
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Joseph P. Baumgartner, Tulsa, OK
`(US); Todd A. Walker, Bixby, OK
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`ROPES & GRAY LLP
`PATENT DOCKETING 39/361, 1211 AVENUE OF
`THE AMERICAS
`NEW YORK, NY 10036-8704 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES,
`INC., Tulsa, OK (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/623,541
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 23, 2009
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation of application No. 10/762,833, filed on
`Jan. 21, 2004, now abandoned.
`
`(52) U.S.Cl. .......................................................... 725/39
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An interactive television system is provided in which a user
`can use an interactive television application to access and
`request media-on-demand programming from one or more
`specific vendors. The interactive television application may
`display vendor—specific interface screens that allow the user
`to access and request content from a particular vendor. The
`application may generate a vendor-specific interface screen
`by incorporating vendor—specific interface elements into an
`interface template. The template may include vendor-invari-
`ant interface elements and attributes for the incorporated ele-
`ments. The generated vendor—specific interface screen may
`then be displayed on the user equipment. The system may
`also include a remote server to provide vendor- specific inter-
`face elements and templates to the application, and memory
`on the user cquipmcnt thrc thcsc clcmcnts and templates
`may be stored.
`
`120
`
`
`TV GUIDE MAIN MENU
`
`IR?)
`
`137
`
`136{
`
`Q SEARCH FOR PROGRAMS
`124
`
`MY FAVORITES
`
`LISTINGS BY TIME
`
`
`
`
`1 N2
`
`123
`
`128
`
`130
`
`
`
`
`
`126
`
`32
`
`
`
`
`TV GUIDE PICKS
`
`SEARCH
`
`125
`
`127
`
`BY CHANNEL
`
`121
`VIDEO ON DEMAND
`
`MY RECORDINGS
`
`PAY PER VIEW
`
`129
`
`
`
`
`
`SCHEDULED RECORDINGS
`
`HOME SHOPPING
`
`131
`
`133
`
`
`
`
`
`BANKINGI
`
`INTERNET
`iTV SERVICES
`
`
`SETUP
`
`137
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 1
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 1
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
`|PR2020-01280
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 1 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`36
`
`SERVER
`
`PROGRAMMING
`SOURCES
`
`TELEVISION
`DISTRIBUTION
`FACILITY
`
`SERVER
`
`27- u
`
`-
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`NETWORK
`
`USER
`EQUIPMENT
`
`V
`
`46
`
`48
`
`USER
`USER
`
`
`TELEVISION
`COMPUTER
`
`
`EQUIPMENT
`EQUIPMENT
`
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`FIG. 1
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 2
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 2
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 2 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`
`
`20
`
`\
`
`58
`
`
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`
`RECORDING DEVICE
`(E.G., PERSONAL
`VIDEO RECORDER)
`
`60
`
`62
`
`
`
`
`
`TELEVISION
`
`FIG. 2
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 3
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 3
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 3 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`RECORDING DEVICE
`(E.G.. PERSONAL
`VIDEO RECORDER)
`
`
`
`TELEVISION
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`66
`
`
` 68
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 4
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 4
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 4 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 5
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 5
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 5 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`UNH
`
`
`KEYBOARD
`
` 100
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MONWOR
`
`102
`
`FIG. 5
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 6
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 6
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 6 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`5
`112 g
`
`; {
`
`“406
`
`
`5
`STORAGE
`
`i
`(E.G.. RAM, ROM, HARD DISK,
`:
`REMOVABLE DISC, ETC.)
`
`108
`
`
`
`
` DISPLAY
`
`USER INPUT
`INTERFACE
`
`I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I l I I I I I I I I I I I I l l I I.
`
`SPEAKERS
`
`
`
`114
`
`115
`
`FIG. 6
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 7
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 7
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 7 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`120
`
`MSO
`LOGO
`
`TV GUIDE MAIN MENU
`
`137
`
`135{ Q SEARCH FORPROGRAMS
`
`1 24
`
`MY FAVORITES
`
`LISTINGS BY TIME
`
`TV GUIDE PICKS
`
`SEARCH
`
`BY CHANNEL
`
`121
`VIDEO ON DEMAND
`
`125
`
`127
`
`129
`
`31
`
`133
`
`I 1
`
`37
`
`iTV SERVICES
`
`MY RECORDINGS
`
`PAY PER VIEW
`
`SCHEDULED RECORDINGS
`
`HOME SHOPPING
`
`SETUP
`
`BANKING
`
`INTERNET
`
`FIG. 7
`
`137
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 8
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 8
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
`|PR2020-01280
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 8 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`139
`
`35%?)
`
`133
`
`NBA BASKETBALL
`11:30AM~1:00 PM THUR
`14
`
`CHICAGOB_U(|3LS@DETROITPISTONS
`
`
`__URSDAYS_2.00
`
`22 ESPN_{NBABASKETBALL
`
`
`
`__TNN MIAMI__CE
`
`TOGETHER.
`
`25 KOKI
`
`SIMPSONS
`
`X-FILES
`
`29 NICK
`
`[DOUBLE MCGUFFIN GANG
`
`143
`
`E
`
`F
`
`.5KTUL W_RIENDS
`
`66 KFOG
`
`KING OF THE..
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 9
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 9
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 9 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`154
`
`VlDEO FOR CHANNEL 2
`
`'ROADKILL" (RERUN)
`VIDEO FOR CHANNEL 2
`
`MAD ABOUT YOU
`8.00 - 8.30 PM
`"YOKO SAID" (RERUN)
`
`A
`2
`KJVRH
`
`ER
`.
`.
`800-830PM
`
`155
`
`170 M50 LOGO
`
`160
`164
`
`158
`
`168
`
`162
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 10
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 10
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 10 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`171
`
`NBA BASKETBALL
`
`11:30 AM - 1:00 PM THURSDAY
`22 ESPN
`
`DETROIT PISTONS AT CHICAGO BULLS, NBA
`
`(2002) BASKETBALL. 90 MINUTES, CC. STEREO
`
`SEASON OPENER. THE BULLS WON BOTH
`
`GAMES AGAINST DETROIT LAST SEASON
`
`BY AN AVERAGE MARGIN 0F 5 POINTS.
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 11
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 11
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 11 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`MAD ABOUT YOU
`
`8:00 - 3:30 PM TUE
`
`13 KJRH
`
`WOULD YOU LIKE TO SETA REMINDER?
`
`[190
`
`
`
`PROGRAM
`DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 12
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 12
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 12
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 12 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`VIDEO FOR CHANNEL3
`
`REMINDER LIST
`
`198
`
`200
`
`A
`
`HIDE REMINDER
`
`ON THE RIVERIA
`PRESS OK TO WATCH
`
`v
`
`7:00-3:30 PM
`
`196
`
`FIG. 13
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 13
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 13
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 13 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`202
`
`
`
`
`VIDEO ON DEMAND
`
`
`
`212
`
`210
`
`212
`
`
`
`MSO
`
`L060
`
`204
`206
`
`AD
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`206
`
`212
`
`III III
`
`MOVIES A—Z
`
`SITCOMS
`
`TV DRAMA
`
`STAND-UP
`
`GAME SHOWS
`
`SOAP OPERAS
`
`KIDS
`
`A—Z LISTINGS
`
`Emil
`
`FIG. 14
`
`
`
`
`
`212
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 14
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 14
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 14 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`214
`
`
`
` WYiPDEODW
`
`
`
`
`VIDEO ON DEMAND
`
`MOVIES... \216
`
`ACTION
`
`218
`
`
`
`
`IM-I-I-
`
`
`
`IMIIIII
`
`“ www-III
`
`
`
`EEEEEEE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 15
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 15
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 15
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 15 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`222
`
`VIDEO ON DEMAND
`
`MOVIES
`
`ACTION .
`
`.
`
`.
`
`\224
`
`TITLE
`
`
`
`TITLE
`
`TITLE
`
`TITLE
`
`IE
`
`FIG. 16
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 16
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 16
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 16 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`232
`
`Al. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
`
`180 MINUTES
`
`$3.99+FEESITAXES
`
`GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS SCREEN
`
`FRANCIS O'CONNOR, SAM ROBARDS.
`
`THE AMBITIOUS AND METAPHYSICAL
`
`FAIRY TALE IS A FUTURISTIC
`
`"PINOCCHIO" STARRING HALEY JOEL
`
`OSMENT AS A ROBOT CHILD.
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 17
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 17
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 17 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`239
`
`M. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
`
`180 MINUTES
`
`$3.99 + FEES/TAXES
`
`FRANCIS O'CONNOR, SAM ROBARDS.
`
`THE AMBITIOUS AND METAPHYSICAL
`
`FAIRY TALE IS A FUTURISTIC
`
`GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS SCREEN
`
`"PINOCCHIO" STARRING HALEY JOEL
`
`OSMENT AS A ROBOT CHILD,
`
`FIG. 17b
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 18
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 18
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 18 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`246
`
`VIDEO OF SELECTED
`
`VOD PROGRAM
`
`FIG. 18
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 19
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 19
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 19 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`250
`
`M80
`LOGO
`
`SCHEDULED RECORDINGS
`
`252
`
`NBA BASKETBALL: CHICAGO@DETROIT
`
`EIUERS'FISMPM
`
`
`
`WORLD CUP SOCCER
`
`WHATABOUT BOB
`
`251
`
`251
`
`FRI. 1014 9:30 PM
`55 WLIW
`
`FRI, 1014 11:45PM
`23m.
`
`
`
`FRIENDS—_ECURRING)”—50%?”8 PM
`
`HAPPY_ILMORE—EE.TJ3IB8 PM
`
`
`
`—_RRO—_IIJETl-II/;la11PM
`
`FIG. 193
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 20
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 20
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 20 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`253
`
`EDIT SCHEDULED RECORDING
`
`WIS/2002
`
`NETWORK ' ’
`
`NBA BASKETBALL
`
`TO BE RECORDED 0N:
`
`DATE
`TIME
`CHANNEL
`PARENTAL LOCK
`DEVICE
`
`255
`
`256
`
`FIG. 19b
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 21
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 21
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 21 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`260
`
`MSO
`LOGO
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ACE VENTURA
`
`262
`
`RECORDINGS
`
`AD
`
`I LOVE LUCY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`251
`
`
`
`
`
`_ITTLESTAR
`
`_PORTSCENTER
`
`”-I IUTE—1 E] I.-
`
`FIG. 203
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 22
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 22
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 22 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`I LOVE LUCY
`
`RECORDED 0N:
`
`-
`
`DATE
`TIME
`CHANNEL
`PARENTAL LOCK
`DEVICE
`
`55 wux
`
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`LUCY AND RICKY GO FOR HONEYMOON, RERUN
`
`266
`
`267
`
`268
`
`269
`
`FIG. 20b
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 23
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 23
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 23 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`270
`
`VIDEO OF
`
`SELECTED VIDEO RECORDER
`
`ITEM
`
`FIG. 21
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 24
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 24
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 24 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`272
`
`33%?)
`
`MADABOUT YOU
`8:00-8:30 PM TUE
`13KJRH
`
`TV /
`
`273
`
`_
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECORD THIS PROGRAM?
`
`276.275 -277 274
`
`PROGRAM
`
`FIG. 22
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 25
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 25
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 25 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`PARENTAL CONTROL SETUP
`
`TITLE
`
`4
`
`TV RATING
`
`MOVIE RATING
`
`CHANNEL
`
`TIME BLOCK
`
`ADULT TITLES
`
`<I
`
`IIIEQIII
`
`
`
`
`FIG.23a
`
`PARENTAL CONTROLS
`TIME BLOCK SETUP
`
`BLOCKALL PROGRAMS
`
`FROM
`
`T0
`
`ON
`
`<1
`
`q
`
`<1
`
`11:00AM D/Zga
`
`11:30AM
`
`|></29°
`
`ALLDAYS
`
`I> 4/292
`
`USE CURSORS TO TOGGLE
`PRESS OK TO ACCEPT
`
`FIG. 23b
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 26
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 26
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 26 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`294
`
`
`
`HBO video-on-demand...
`
`Now playing on
`
`314
`
`LOGO
`
`7:04 PM
`
`312
`
`
`VIDEO ON DEMAND
`
`HBO
`
`296
`
`
`
`I 304
`
`
`SHOWTIME
`9
`ENCORE
`N 0°
`
`
`
`
`ADI
`
`Am
`
`
`
`~
`
`anew
`VENDOR1
`
`300
`VENDORZ
`302
`@EEI-III
`
`306
`
`308
`
`310
`
`
`
`
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 27
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 27
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 27 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`316
`
`332
`
`LOGO
`
`7:03 PM
`
`D1
`
`A
`
`AD2
`
`Now playing on
`Starz video-on-demand...
`
`MAIN MENU
`
`336
`
`’
`
`326
`
`328
`
`330
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 28
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 28
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 28 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`338
`
`MgflkSTARz
`
`ON DEMAND
`34
`2
`
`Romance...
`
`Now playing in
`Starz on demand
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 29
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 29
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 29 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`386
`
`404fiSTARZ
`
`ON DEMAND
`
`Award-Mnning Comedies
`Now Playing on
`Star: on Demand...
`
`422
`
`426 ‘
`
`MOVIES A - Z
`
`CRITICS' PICKS
`
`I
`
`—I
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 30
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 30
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 30 0f 31
`
`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`430
`
`FEATURED MOVIE
`COMEDY\ 440
`
`438
`
`ACTION \442
`
`DRAMA\444
`
`466
`
`446
`
`448
`
`ROMANCE
`
`FAMILY
`
`MYSTERY
`
`450
`
`B G O C
`
`452
`
`454
`
`456
`
`458
`
`460
`
`462
`
`FIG. 28
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 31
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 31
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2010 Sheet 31 0f 31
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`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`VENDOR PROVIDES VENDOR-SPECIFIC
`INTERFACE ELEMENTS T0 INTERACTIVE
`TELEVISION SYSTEM (E.G., BY MAIL, FAX, EMAIL,
`
`500
`
`NETWORK, INTERNET. DELIVERY, ETC.)
`51°
`PRECONFIGURED KEY. ETC.)
`
`PROVIDE ONE OR MORE INTERFACE TEMPLATES
`TO APPLICATION (E.G.. REMOTE SERVER.
`MEMORY STORAGE, ETC.)
`
`PROVIDE USER WITH OPPORTUNITY TO DIRECT
`APPLICATION TO DISPLAY VENDOR-SPECIFIC
`INTERFACE SCREEN (E.G., SELECTION OF
`OPTION, NAVIGATIONAL ICON. OR
`
`520
`
`USER DIRECTS APPLICATION
`TO DISPLAY VENDOR-SPECIFIC
`INTERFACE SCREEN
`
`DETERMINE APPROPRIATE INTERFACE
`TEMPLATE AND VENDOR-SPECIFIC INTERFACE
`ELEMENTS BASED ON USER'S DIRECTION IN
`ORDER TO GENERATEVENDOR-SPECIFIC
`
`INTERFACE SCREEN.
`ELEMENTS AS NECESSARY.
`
`PROVIDE VENDOR-SPECIFIC INTERFACE SCREEN
`TO APPLICATION (E.G., REMOTE SERVER,
`MEMORY STORAGE, ETC.)
`
`GENERATE AND DISPLAY VENDOR-SPECIFIC
`INTERFACE SCREEN BY INCORPORATING
`VENDOR-SPECIFIC INTERFACE ELEMENTS INTO
`INTERFACE TEMPLATE. CONFORM INTERFACE
`ELEMENTS OR SUBSTITUTE WITH DEFAULT
`
`530
`
`54°
`
`550
`
`FIG. 29
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 32
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 32
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`Jun. 17, 2010
`
`INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEM WITH
`TEMPLATES FOR lVIANAGING
`VENDOR-SPECIFIC VIDEO-ON-DEMAND
`CONTENT
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] This invention relates to television systems, and
`more particularly, to an interactive television program guide
`application that provides templates for managing video-on-
`dernand content.
`
`Interactive television systems are known to provide
`[0002]
`interactive television program guide applications. An inter-
`active television program guide application may be config-
`ured to provide a number of interactive features such as tele—
`vision program listings, video-on—demand services, web-
`browsing services, games, home shopping, and other
`interactive features, to the user.
`[0003]
`In a typical interactive television system, the inter-
`active television program guide application is implemented
`on a set—top box. The user interacts with the interactive tele—
`vision program guide application, for example, to access
`video-on-demand progrannning and associated content,
`using a remote control.
`the user accesses an
`[0004]
`In a computer environment,
`online interactive television program guide application to
`obtain desired information such as information associated
`with video-on-clemand programming.
`[0005] Given the potentially large number of available
`video-on-demand programs and video-on-demand service
`providers, it is difficult to organize these programs in such a
`manner that a user will easily locate a video—on—demand pro—
`gram of interest. It may be desirable to allow each video-on-
`demand provider with a customizable video-on-demand dis-
`play screen. However, in traditional interactive television
`program guides there is generally no mechanism for imple-
`menting a given vendor’s branding motif Without manually
`making changes to the guide.
`[0006]
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to
`allow a video-on-demand vendor to brand or sponsor the
`video—on—demand content that is made available through an
`interactive television program guide application. For
`example, it may be desirable to allow a vendor (e. g., HBO) to
`have a particular video—on—demand screen (e.g., an HBO
`video-on-demand listings screen) Within the interactive tele-
`vision program guide application that is branded using that
`vendor’s motif on the video—on—demand display (e.g., the
`HBO logo and color scheme, ctc.).
`
`
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the present invention, an inter-
`[0007]
`active television program guide application is provided that
`allows a video-on-demand vendor to brand or sponsor the
`video-on—demand content that is made available through the
`interactive television program guide application.
`[0008] An interactive television program guide application
`may be used to display listings of available video-on—demand
`(VOD) content offerings. For example, a list of video-on-
`dernand movies or other programs may be provided on a VOD
`listings screen. (TheVOD screen may be made up of multiple
`pages or portions that are accessed by paging or scrolling if
`desired.) A user may access theVOT) listings screen by select-
`ing an on—screen menu option on a suitable program guide
`
`menu, by pressing a dedicated button on a remote control, or
`by using other suitable user interface arrangements.
`[0009] The video-on-demand listings screen may be asso-
`ciated with a particular vendor (e.g., HBO, Showtime, Starz,
`etc). This vendor may ownrights in the content being offered,
`may act as an aggregator or an intermediary in selecting and
`collecting suitable content, or may otherwise be commer-
`cially and artistically associated with the selection and spon-
`soring of the video-on—demand content Whose listings are
`displayed on the VOD listing screen.
`[0010] The video-on-demand vendor is typically distinct
`from the operator ofthe cable system, satellite system, broad-
`cast system, or other television distribution facility from
`which users obtain their services. Such operators (typically
`referred to as multiple system operators or MSOs) have their
`own opportunity to brand and select content. Because of the
`brand name recognition of the vendors and because of other
`services provided by the vendors, the MSOs may allow the
`vendors to individually brand one or more VOD listings
`screens that are displayed in the interactive television pro-
`gram guide application.
`[0011] The MSOs are typically the customers ofthe service
`provider who provides the interactive television program
`guide (“the program guide provider”). The program guide
`provider develops and maintains the interactive television
`program guide software, databases, and systems used in oper-
`ating the interactive television program guide application.
`The interactive television program guide application may be
`implemented on a set-top box, a satellite receiver, a computer,
`or any other suitable user equipment in the homes ofthe users
`(subscribers) who are associated with the M805.
`[0012]
`In order to accommodate many different MSOs,
`each ofwhich may wish to provide their users with a different
`set of vendor—branded VOD interfaces, the interactive televi—
`sion program guide application has VOD interface templates.
`These templates may allow the interactive television program
`guide application to be easily customized for each MSO and
`each vendor without extensive recoding or revision of the
`underlying program guide application. The VOD interface
`templates allow the program guide provider to sell a generic
`program guide platform to many different MSOs. The pro—
`gram guide provider (or the MSO or a third party) may use the
`templates to customize the VOD listings screens it needs for
`each MSO. For example, the template allows one MSO to
`offer the program guide application to its subscribers in a
`form in which the guide has an HBO-brandedVOD interface
`and for a different MSO to offer the program guide to its
`subscribers in a form in which the guide has a Starz—brandcd
`VOD interface. Other MSOs may require that the program
`guide have no special vendor branding for the VOD listings,
`whereas other MSOs may require that the program guide
`support vendor branding from multiple vendors.
`[0013] A video—on—demand listings screen motifthat is spe—
`cific to a particular vendor may have a number of distinct
`elements. For example, the vendor may specify that a particu-
`lar background graphic be used for the vendor—branded VOD
`listings screen. The vendor may also specify that a particular
`color scheme be used for the screen or that the vendor’s logo
`be included. Other items (e.g., background sound, video con-
`tent, etc.) may also be specified by the vendor.
`[0014]
`Some screen elements may not be vendor specific,
`such that some embodiments of the present invention include
`an interface template with at least some vendor-invariant
`interface elements. For example, while some option buttons
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 33
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 33
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`'PR2020-01280
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`Jun. 17, 2010
`
`may be vendor specific, certain option buttons may always be
`available on the video—on—demand listings screen, regardless
`of which vendor is branding the screen. These options and
`other unchanging graphical elements may only be modified
`by the program guide provider (e.g., by recoding the soft—
`ware). Therefore,
`in certain embodiments of the present
`invention, the vendor-specific interface screen may incorpo-
`rate both vendor— specific and vendor—invariant interface ele—
`ments.
`
`[0015] The vendor—branding video—on—demand listings
`screen template arrangement may accommodate both custom
`graphics and display elements (e.g., a custom background,
`color scheme, and logo) and fixed (uncustomizable) elements
`(e.g.. standard selectable buttons).
`[0016]
`If desired, the template function may be used in
`other interactive television applications that support video-
`on-dernand content or other suitable content ordering
`screens. For example, vendor- specific display screens may be
`provided by an interactive shopping application, an interac-
`tive Internet application, an interactive game application, or
`any other suitable interactive television application that allow
`the user to access and request video—on—demand content (or
`other suitable content) provided by and/or branded by a par-
`ticular vendor. The vendor-specific screens may include ven-
`dor— specific interface elements that make the screen identifi—
`able and characteristic of the particular vendor. The
`interactive television application may generate the vendor-
`specific display screens by incorporating the vendor—specific
`interface elements into an interface template. The interface
`template may also include invariant elements (e.g., standard
`buttons) that may appear on all such interface screens. The
`invariant elements are generally not vendor—specific.
`[0017] The system may also include a remote server that
`may provide the vendor-specific interface elements and/or the
`interface templates to the application. The user equipment on
`which the application is implemented may include memory to
`store or cache vendor—specific interface elements and/or inter—
`face templates. The application, when retrieving the interface
`templates or vendor-specific interface elements, may access
`the stored elements or templates instead of re—requesting the
`same elements or templates from the remote server.
`[0018] Further features ofthe invention, its nature and vari—
`ous advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying
`drawings and the following detailed description of the pre-
`ferred embodiments.
`
`
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive
`[0019]
`television system in accordance with various embodiments of
`the present invention.
`[0020]
`FIG. 2 is a diagram of illustrative user television
`equipment in accordance with various embodiments of the
`present invention.
`[0021]
`FIG. 3 is a diagram of additional illustrative user
`television equipment in accordance with various embodi-
`ments of the present invention.
`[0022]
`FIG. 4 is a diagram of an illustrative remote control
`in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 5 is a diagram of illustrative user computer
`[0023]
`equipment in accordance with various embodiments of the
`present invention.
`
`FIG. 6 is a generalized diagram of illustrative user
`[0024]
`equipment in accordance with various embodiments of the
`present invention.
`[0025]
`FIG. 7 shows an illustrative menu screen in accor—
`dance with various embodiments of the present invention.
`[0026]
`FIG. 8 shows an illustrative program guide screen in
`accordance with various embodiments of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 9 is an illustrative display screen showing how
`[0027]
`a flip banner that contains program listings information for
`the current channel may be displayed as an overlay over video
`of the current chamrel in accordance with various embodi—
`ments of the present invention.
`[0028]
`FIG. 10 is an illustrative display screen showing
`how a browse banner that contains program listings informa-
`tion for a channel that may differ from the current channel
`may be displayed as an overlay over video of the current
`channel
`in accordance with various embodiments of the
`present invention,
`[0029]
`FIG. 11 shows an illustrative program guide screen
`in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 12 is an illustrative display screen showing
`[0030]
`how an interactive television application may provide a user
`with an opportunity to set a program reminder in accordance
`with various embodiments of the present invention.
`[0031]
`FIG. 13 is an illustrative display screen showing
`how a reminder may be provided for a user in accordance with
`various embodiments of the present invention.
`[0032]
`FIG. 14 is a display screen showing an illustrative
`video-on—demand menu that may be used to select a category
`of video-on—demand content in accordance with various
`embodiments of the present invention.
`[0033]
`FIG. 15 is a display screen showing an illustrative
`video—on—demand menu screen that may be used to locate a
`desired type of movie in accordance with various embodi-
`ments of the present invention.
`[0034]
`FIG. 16 shows an illustrative title menu that may be
`used to select a video-on-demand title of interest in accor-
`dance with various embodiments of the present invention.
`[0035]
`FIGS. 17a and 1717 are illustrative video-on-demanc
`information screens that may be used to access video-on-
`demand content in accordance with various embodiments o
`the present invention.
`[0036]
`FIG. 18 is an illustrative display screen showing
`how video-on—demand playback controls may be displayec
`while video-on-demand content is being displayed for the
`user in accordance with various embodiments of the presen
`invention.
`
`FIGS. 19a and 1917 are illustrative display screens
`[0037]
`showing how a user’s scheduled recordings may be presentec
`and selected in an interactive list in accordance with various
`embodiments of the present invention.
`[0038]
`FIGS. 20a and 20!) are illustrative display screens
`showing how a user’s recordings may be presented anc
`selected from an interactive list in accordance with various
`embodiments of the present invention.
`[0039]
`FIG. 21 is an illustrative display screen showing
`how video for a recording selected from the list of FIG. 18
`may be displayed for the user in accordance with various
`embodiments of the present invention.
`[0040]
`FIG. 22 is an illustrative display screen showing
`how the user may be provided with options that allow the user
`
`
`
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 34
`DISH Ex. 1004, p. 34
`DISH v. BBiTV
` DISH v. BBiTV
`|PR2020-01280
` IPR2020-01280
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`AT&T EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`US 2010/0153997 A1
`
`Jun. 17, 2010
`
`to schedule a recording of a desired program in accordance
`with various embodiments of the present invention.
`[0041]
`FIG. 23:: is air illustrative display screen showing
`how a user may set parental controls for a given program in
`accordance with various embodiments of the present inven-
`tion.
`FIG. 23b is an illustrative display screen showing
`[0042]
`how a user may block content by creating a time-based paren-
`tal control setting in accordance with various embodiments of
`the present invention.
`[0043]
`FIG. 24 is an illustrative display screen that may be
`used to select a specific vendor for video-on-demand content
`in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 25 is an illustrative program guide display
`[0044]
`screen with video—on—demand vendor—specific options in
`accordance with various embodiments of the present inven-
`tion.
`FIG. 26 is an illustrative vendor—specific interface
`[0045]
`screen that may be used to select a category of video-on-
`demand content in accordance with various embodiments of
`the present invention.
`[0046]
`FIG. 27 is an illustrative vendor-specific interface
`screen that may be used to select a category or title of video-
`on—demand content in accordance with various embodiments
`of the present invention.
`[0047]
`FIG. 28 is an illustrative interface template that may
`be used to generate a vendor—specific interface screen in
`accordance with various embodiments of the present inven-
`tion.
`FIG. 29 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved
`[0048]
`in using an interactive television system to generate and dis-
`play a vendor-specific interface screen for providing video-
`on—demand content in accordance with various embodiments
`of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0049] An illustrative interactive television system 10 in
`accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.
`Content such as television programming and other media,
`such as digital music, may be provided from programming
`sources 12 to television distribution facilities such as televi-
`sion distribution facility 14 using communications path 16.
`Programming sources 12 may be any suitable sources of
`television and music programing, such as television and
`music production studios, etc.
`[0050] Television distribution facility 14 may be a cable
`system headend, a satellite television distribution facility, a
`television broadcast facility, or any other suitable facility for
`distributing television and music programming to users.
`There are typically numerous television distribution facilities
`14 in system 10, but only one is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid
`overcornplicating the drawings.
`[0051] Communications path 16 may be a satellite path, a
`fiber-optic path, a cable path, or any other suitable Wired or
`wir