(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0262542 A1
`DeWeese et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 24, 2005
`
`US 2005O262542A1
`
`(54) TELEVISION CHAT SYSTEM
`(75) Inventors: Toby DeWeese, Tulsa, OK (US);
`Pamela L. McKissick, Tulsa, OK (US);
`Michael D. Ellis, Boulder, CO (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`FISH & NEAVE IP GROUP
`ROPES & GRAY LLP
`1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS FL C3
`NEW YORK, NY 10020-1105 (US)
`(73) Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/918,753
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Aug. 12, 2004
`O
`O
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 09/356,270, filed on
`Jul 16, 1999.
`s
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/099,301, filed on Aug.
`26, 1998.
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ......................... H04N 7/173; H04N 7/173;
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................... 725/106; 725/135; 715/758
`
`(57)
`
`A television chat System is provided that allows television
`Viewers to engage in real-time communications in chat
`roups with other television viewers while watching televi
`group
`f the television ch
`g telev
`SO. Users Ot ete evision chat System may engage in
`real-time communications with other users who are cur
`rently watching the same television program or channel.
`The System allows real-time communications in a chat group
`to be transmitted between users at user television equipment
`devices via a television distribution facility. The television
`chat System of the present invention permits users to join
`chat groups related to television programs, channels, or
`categories of programs that the user may be interested in.
`Real-time communications may be textual messages, audio
`communications, or Video communications.
`The television chat System may also allow users to Send chat
`requests to ask other users to enter a chat group. The System
`also permits users to establish chat groups that television
`viewers are permitted to join. The television chat System
`may be based on an interactive television program guide or
`Set-top box application implemented on a Set-top box.
`
`12
`
`
`
`14
`
`PROGRAM GUIDE
`DATABASE
`
`
`
`
`
`TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION
`FACILITY 22
`
`CHATEOUPMENT
`
`
`
`
`
`USER TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`VIDEOCASSETTE N
`RECORDER /
`
`
`
`TELEVISION
`
`USER
`INTERFACE
`
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 1 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`10
`
`
`
`18
`PROGRAM GUIDE -?
`DATABASE
`
`TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION
`FACILITY
`22
`CHATEOUPMENT
`
`
`
`USER TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT .
`.
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`MEMORY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VIDEOCASSETTE N
`RECORDER /
`
`USER
`INTERFACE
`
`
`
`TELEVISION
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 2 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`OOOOOOOOOO
`OOOOOOOOOO
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 3 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`50
`
`MESSAGE
`
`62
`
`52
`
`ABCDEFGHIJ
`KLM)(No PaRST-5
`
`SPACE BAR
`
`IFT
`51
`
`56
`
`PRESSENTER KEY TO SELECT
`
`FIG. 1 C
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 4 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`75
`CHOOSE MESSAGE ORWORD
`
`MESSAGE 1
`
`WORD 1
`
`
`
`76
`
`MESSAGE 2
`
`MESSAGE 3
`
`70
`
`WORD 2
`
`WORD 3
`
`72
`
`MORE
`MORE
`WoRDs Y
`MESSAGESY
`PRESS OK TO SELECT
`
`FIG. 1D
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet S of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`84
`
`84
`
`USER TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`USER TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`88
`
`CHAT
`SERVER
`
`86
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`g
`
`82
`80
`
`TELEVISION
`DISTRIBUTION
`FACLITY
`
`CHAT SERVER
`
`TELEVISION
`DISTRIBUTION
`FACILITY
`CHAT SERVER
`
`82
`
`
`
`
`
`92
`
`90
`
`24
`
`24
`
`
`
`USER
`20 N TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`
`
`
`
`USER
`TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`20
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 6 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`91
`
`SERVER
`
`105
`
`93
`TELEVISION
`DISTRIBUTION
`FACILITY
`
`103
`
`NEIGHBORHOOD
`NODE
`
`95
`
`NEIGHBORHOOD
`NODE
`
`96
`
`99
`
`99
`
`101
`
`101
`
`USER
`TELEVISION
`EQUPMENT
`97
`
`
`
`USER
`TELEVISION .
`EQUIPMENT
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. .
`
`USER
`TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`USER
`TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 7 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`100
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TELEVISION
`CHANNEL CHAT
`FACLITY
`CHAT SERVER
`
`102
`
`
`
`TELEVISION
`| DISTRIBUTION
`FACILITY
`
`
`
`
`
`TELEVISION | 104
`DISTRIBUTION
`FACILITY
`
`110
`
`112
`
`112
`
`USER
`TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`USER
`TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`-
`
`USER
`TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`USER
`TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 8 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`ENTER USER PROFILE:
`NAME
`RICHARD
`122
`PROGRAMs PAELINE
`126
`CHANNEs ABW
`FAVORITE
`132
`CATEGORIES
`MOVIES
`OF PROGRAMS
`
`NICKNAME
`
`133
`DUKE
`
`120
`
`21
`USERD
`
`138
`
`124
`MORE V
`130
`MORE IV
`136
`
`14
`O
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 9 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`SELECT AUSER
`
`152
`
`154
`ADDA
`USER
`
`156
`
`CANCEL
`
`BILL
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 10 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`160
`ENTER USER INFORMATION
`
`BIRTHDATE
`MM DD YY
`161-12 1660-165
`ADDRESS 728. 349
`728.349
`166
`163
`168
`FAVORITE PROGRAMS ROSEANNE
`
`162
`
`164
`
`FAVORITE CHANNELS
`FAVORITE CATEGORIES
`OF PROGRAMS
`
`DONE
`179
`
`CHANNEL2.
`170
`
`SITCOMS
`172
`ADD TO
`SUBGROUP
`
`MORE
`174
`
`176
`
`178
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 11 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`180
`
`ADDRESS BOOK
`
`MARY SMITH
`
`JONES FAMILY
`SEINFELDFAN CLUB
`MEMBERS OF HIKING CLUB
`FRIENDS WHO WATCH NEWSAT 6
`MOVIE LOVERS
`DALLAS COWBOYS CHAT
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 12 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`190
`
`PROVIDE USER WITH OPPORTUNITY TO
`ENTERIDENTITY DATA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`USERENTERS IDENTITY DATA
`
`
`
`CREATE DENTITY DATASTRUCTURE
`
`192
`
`
`
`APPEND DATASTRUCTURE TO THE
`APPROPRIATE GROUP
`
`194
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 13 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`205
`
`200
`
`203
`
`ADVERTISEMENT ??
`
`PROGRAM /20
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CHAT TOPIC-1 204
`206 JOE: THIS SHOWIS REALLY FUNNY-1208.
`SALLY: IT SURE IS -/- 210
`ERIC: CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE AT WWShOW.COm
`USER INPUT: / 212
`
`
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 14 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`220
`
`
`
`TELEVISION
`DISTRIBUTION FACLITY
`CHAT SERVER
`
`USER TELEVISION
`EQUIPMENT
`
`
`
`
`
`226
`
`SET-TOP BOX
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MICROPHONE
`
`SPEAKER
`
`232
`
`234
`
`FIG 10
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 15 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`VIDEO CHAT
`TOPIC: THE STATE'S
`PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 16
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 16 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`25
`
`SET - TOP BOX
`
`252
`
`
`
`
`
`TELEVISION
`
`254
`
`VIDEO CAMERA
`
`256
`
`FIG. 12
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 17
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 17 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`270
`
`PROGRAM -
`
`WOULD YOULIKE TOJOIN A CHAT GROUP?
`
`FOR ALL OF YOUR
`ATHLETC ENDEAVORS NIKE SHOES
`
`272
`
`274
`
`FIG. 13
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 18 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`280
`CHOOSE A CHAT GROUP
`
`SOAP OPERA
`CHAT GROUP
`
`CHANNEL 3 NE
`CHAT GROUP
`GROUP
`
`282
`
`284
`
`DAYS OF OUR
`LIVES CHAT
`GROUP
`
`SEARCH FOR
`MORE CHAT
`GROUPS
`
`292
`
`286
`
`EXIT
`
`SETA CHAT
`REMINDER
`281
`
`FIG. 14
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 19
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 19 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`311
`
`300
`
`MORE DOCTORS
`RECOMMEND
`TYLENOL
`
`6 O'CLOCK
`NEWS
`
`310
`
`PRESS NUMBER
`
`CHAT GROUP OPTIONS:
`302 N(1) MONICALEWINSKY:
`(2)
`2) THE SENATE TRIAL OF BILL CLINTON
`3
`(3) THE FIGHTING IN KOSOVO
`(4)
`4
`POLITICALTURMOLN RUSSIA
`(5) EXIT
`5
`
`308
`314
`
`312
`
`FIG. 15A
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 20
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 20 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`TIME
`SLOT
`
`8:00 P.M.
`506
`
`502
`ALLY McBEAL
`FELICITY
`
`ALLY CHAT
`FELICITY CHAT
`
`NEWSAT
`
`NEWS CHAT
`
`DATE LINE
`
`DATE LINE CHAT
`
`BASKETBALL
`
`SPORTS CHAT
`
`FIG. 15B
`
`SETA
`CHAT
`REMINDER
`
`JOIN CHAT
`GROUP
`
`RECORD
`CHAT
`SESSION 501
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 21
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 21 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`NEWS
`PROGRAM
`
`CLINTON'S IMPEACHMENT
`
`BILL THINK THE PRESIDENT
`SHOULD BEACOUITTED.
`BOB: THINK CLINTON
`SHOULD BEREMOVED
`FROM OFFICE.
`
`LEWINSKY'S TESTIMONY
`
`CONNE: MONICAS
`STATEMENTS SEEM SINCERE.
`ROBIN: AGREE DON'T THINK
`CLINTONTOLD HER TOLE.
`
`317
`
`318
`
`FIG. 16
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 22
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 22 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`320
`
`CHANNEL 4
`
`321
`NEWMONICALEWINSKY SEGMENT 1.
`
`PRESS CHAT ON YOURREMOTE CONTROL
`TOENTER THE MONICALEWINSKY
`CHAT GROUP.
`
`FIG. 17
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 23
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 23 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`340
`
`PROVIDE THE USER WITH AN
`OPPORTUNITY TO INDICATE A DESIRE
`TOJOIN A CHAT GROUP
`
`USER INDICATES A
`DESIRE TO JONA
`CHAT GROUP
`JOIN THE USER TO THE CHAT GROUP
`AND SUPPORT THE CHAT GROUP BY
`DISTRIBUTING REAL-TIME
`COMMUNICATIONS TO THE USERS IN
`THE CHAT GROUP
`
`342
`
`FIG. 18A
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 24
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 24 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`344
`
`PROVIDE THE USER WITH AN
`OPPORTUNTY TO INDICATE A DESIRE
`TOJOIN A CHAT GROUP
`
`USER INDICATES A
`DESIRE TO JONA
`CHAT GROUP
`JOIN THE USER TO THE CHAT GROUP
`AND SUPPORT THE CHAT GROUP BY
`DISTRIBUTING REAL-TIME
`COMMUNICATIONS ONLY BETWEEN
`USERS IN THE CHAT GROUP WHO ARE
`ATUSER TELEVISIONEOUIPMENT
`DEVICES
`
`346
`
`FIG. 18B
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 25
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 25 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`348
`PROVIDE USER WHO SWATCHINGA
`PARTICULAR TELEVISION PROGRAM
`WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A CHAT
`GROUP RELATED TO THE PROGRAM
`USER INDICATES A
`DESIRE TOJOINA
`CHAT GROUP
`JOIN THE USER TO THE CHAT GROUP
`AND SUPPORT THE CHAT GROUP BY
`DISTRIBUTING REAL-TIME
`COMMUNICATIONS ONLY TO USERS IN
`THE CHAT GROUP WHO ARE WATCHING
`THE TELEVISION PROGRAM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`350
`
`FIG. 18C
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 26
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 26 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`360
`SEND ACHAT REQUEST TO:
`
`OTHER USERS CURRENTLY WATCHING PROGRAM 362
`
`OTHER USERS INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAM
`
`364
`
`OTHER USERS INTERESTED IN THE CHANNEL
`
`366
`
`OTHER USERS INTERESTED IN THE CATEGORY
`OF PROGRAMS
`CHOOSENAMES FROMADDRESS BOOK
`WEEKLY PROGRAM CHAT PARTICIPANTS
`
`368
`
`370
`372
`
`FIG. 19
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 27
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 27 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`384
`
`386
`
`
`
`388
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`380
`CURRENT CHAT REQUESTS RELATED TO
`
`ROSEANNE
`
`382
`
`1 JOIN THE OFFICIAL ROSEANNE SHOW CHAT
`GROUP
`
`2. JOIN THE COMEDY PROGRAMS CHAT GROUP
`
`3. JOIN THE ROSEANNEARNOLD FAN CLUB
`CHAT GROUP
`
`
`
`BLOCK CHAT
`BLOCKALL
`RECQUESTS FROM
`CHAT
`REQUESTS N381
`383
`
`ALLOW CHAT
`REQUESTS ONLY
`FROM
`
`FIG. 20
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 28
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 28 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`400
`
`PROGRAM
`
`YOU HAVE RECEIVED
`A REQUEST TOJOIN
`GUDING LIGHT FANS
`CHAT GROUP
`
`FROM: MARY SMITH
`
`402
`
`404
`
`406
`
`JOIN CHAT
`GROUP
`TUNE TO
`CHANNEL
`
`CANCEL
`
`408
`
`410
`
`FIG. 21
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 29
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 29 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`420
`PROVIDE USER WITH AN OPPORTUNITY
`TO SETUP A CHAT GROUP WITH OTHER
`USERS
`USERENTERS
`CHAT SETUP
`NFORMATION
`DISTRIBUTE CHAT REQUEST TO THE
`OTHER USERS
`
`424
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`426
`SUPPORTING CHAT GROUP WITH USER
`AND THE OTHER USERS WHO HAVE
`OECDED TO JOIN THE CHAT GROUP BY
`DISTRIBUTING REAL-TIME
`COMMUNICATIONS FROM EACH USER IN
`THE CHAT GROUP TO THE OTHER USERS
`N THE CHAT GROUP
`
`FIG. 22
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 30
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 30 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`430
`
`PROVIDE USER WITH AN OPPORTUNITY
`TO INDICATE A DESIRE TO ESTABLISHA
`CHAT GROUP WITH OTHER USERS OR
`TOJOIN AN EXISTING CHAT GROUP
`
`
`
`USER INDICATES A DESIRE TO
`ESTABLISHACHAT GROUP OR TO
`JOIN AN EXISTING CHAT GROUP
`
`ESTABLISH CHAT GROUP WITH USER
`AND THE OTHER USERS WHO HAVE
`DECIDED TO JOIN
`
`434
`
`FIG. 23
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 31
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 31 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`440
`
`DISPLAYA CHAT REQUEST REQUESTING
`USER TOJOIN A CHAT GROUP
`
`PROVIDE USER WITH AN OPPORTUNITY
`TO INDICATE A DESRETOON THE
`CHAT GROUP
`
`442
`
`USER DECIDESTOJOIN
`THE CHAT GROUP
`
`JOINUSER TO THE CHAT GROUP
`
`446
`
`
`
`PROVIDE USER WITH AN OPPORTUNITY
`TO TUNE TO THE TELEVISION PROGRAM
`WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THE CHAT
`
`448
`
`FIG. 24
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 32
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 32 of 32
`
`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`
`
`480
`
`(3): HALL
`JO: H HAPPY
`JEN: HOW SEV
`N
`491
`
`> HOWISEV
`
`123456789
`BACKSPACEN 486
`498
`shift - as 3D
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 33
`
`

`

`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`Nov. 24, 2005
`
`TELEVISION CHAT SYSTEM
`0001) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi
`sional application Ser. No. 60/099,301 filed Aug. 26, 1998.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 This invention relates to television chat systems,
`and more particularly, to techniques for Supporting chat
`communications in a television environment that may
`include an interactive television program guide.
`0003) A popular aspect of the Internet relates to on-line
`chat Services. A user of Such a Service may join a chat group
`to discuss any of a variety of topics. The participants in a
`chat are linked to each other over the Internet. The partici
`pants in a chat may view the comments of other participants
`in real time as the other participants type in their comments
`using their computers.
`0004 Television programs are often discussed in chat
`groups. However, there is generally no way in which a user
`of a traditional chat Service may easily view a television
`program while participating in a chat about that program. A
`user might locate a television in the same room as the user's
`personal computer, but Such an arrangement would be
`awkward to view. Moreover, many households locate their
`televisions in the living room, but are reluctant to locate their
`computers in the living room.
`0005 Although personal computers may be provided
`with tuner cards that allow television signals to be displayed
`on the computer monitor, many television viewers would
`prefer to view television on a traditional television. Televi
`Sions generally offer greater viewing areas than computer
`monitors, So that users need not sit nearly as close to a
`television Screen as they would a computer monitor. Tele
`Visions are also typically located in rooms within the home
`that are more Suitable for watching television than where
`computers are typically located.
`0006 A system that attempts to integrate aspects of the
`Internet with the television viewing experience is available
`from WebTV Networks, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif. The WebTV
`System permits television viewers to access the Internet
`through a WebTV Plus Receiver connected to their televi
`Sion sets. The WebTV Plus Receiver enables users to Surf the
`World Wide Web on their television by connecting their
`televisions to the web-based WebTV Network through a
`standard phone line. The WebTV System permits users to
`View television program listings and web sites related to
`television programs that appear in the program listings.
`0007. The WebTV system also provides TV Crossover
`LinkS that allow users to acceSS web sites that are related to
`television programs. The WebTV Plus Receiver detects data
`Such as web links (i.e., universal resource locators (URLs))
`that is embedded in the video broadcast and notifies users
`with a TV Crossover Link watermark on their television
`screens. The TV Crossover Links permit users to link to web
`Sites through the Internet related to the television program
`that the user is watching. The user can view the web site and
`the television program simultaneously through the WebPIP
`picture-in-picture function. If the web site Supports chat
`features, the user might then engage in an on-line chat
`through the Internet while watching a television program.
`There is nothing in the WebTV system, however, that
`ensures that participants in this type of web-based chat are
`
`watching the same television programs as the user. The chat
`may therefore be considerably less focused than it would be
`if all the chat participants were actively viewing the same
`television program.
`0008. During certain television programs, the MTV tele
`Vision channel displays a Scrolling chat message overlay on
`top of the current MTV television program. Users can link
`to the chat that is being displayed over the Internet. How
`ever, only those users whose television Sets are located in the
`Same room as their personal computerS may participate in
`the chat. Moreover, all viewers of the television program
`must watch the chat, even if they are not interested in
`participating. The System can only accommodate one chat
`group, So if more than a few viewers wish to chat, it may be
`difficult or impossible to follow a particular chat thread of
`interest.
`0009 Interactive television program guides implemented
`on Set-top boxes allow users to view television program
`listings on their televisions. Such program guides allow
`users to View television program listings in different display
`formats and to perform various other functions. For
`example, a user may instruct the program guide to display a
`channel-ordered grid of current program listings. The user
`may also use the program guide to Search for programs in a
`desired programming category Such as Sports, movies, news,
`or the like. If desired, the program guide may be used to
`order pay-per-view programming. Interactive program
`guides have not, however, been capable of providing chat
`related features.
`0010 Thus, previously known systems have generally
`not provided television viewers with the opportunity to
`engage in real-time chat communications with other televi
`sion viewers without relying solely on the Internet. Previ
`ously known Systems also have not provided television
`Viewers with the opportunity to engage in chat groups
`consisting exclusively of other viewers of a television pro
`gram or channel. Previously known interactive television
`program guides have not Supported chat features.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0011. It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`television chat System that does not rely Solely on the
`Internet to form chat connections and that permits users who
`are watching a television program or channel to engage in
`real-time chat communications with each other.
`0012. It is also an object of the present invention to
`provide an interactive television program guide System that
`Supports chat.
`0013 These and other objects of the invention are accom
`plished in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention by providing a television chat System that allows
`television viewers to engage in real-time communications in
`chat groups with other television viewers while watching
`television. Users of the television chat System may engage
`in real-time communications with other users who are
`currently watching the same television program or channel.
`0014. The system allows real-time communications in a
`chat group to be transmitted between users at user television
`equipment devices via a Server. For example, a cable System
`headend containing a Server may transmit Such communi
`cations over coaxial cables that also carry television signals
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 34
`
`

`

`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`Nov. 24, 2005
`
`or other Such communications paths. The System therefore
`may eliminate the need for additional communications paths
`Separate from the paths that carry television signal broadcast
`channels for the transmission of chat communications.
`0.015 The television chat system of the present invention
`permits users to join chat groups related to television pro
`grams, channels, or categories of programs that the user may
`be interested in. Real-time communications may be textual
`messages, audio communications, or Video communica
`tions.
`0016. The television chat system may also allow users to
`Send chat requests to ask other users to enter a chat group
`related to a television program or channel. A chat request
`may be displayed automatically upon a recipient's television
`Screen or may be accessed at the recipient's request. The
`System also permits users to establish chat groups that
`television viewers are permitted to join.
`0.017. The television chat system may be based on an
`interactive television program guide implemented on the
`Set-top box. If desired, the System may be implemented on
`other Suitable user television equipment Such as a Satellite
`receiver, an advanced television receiver (e.g. a high defi
`nition television or HDTV receiver), a television into which
`Set-top box circuitry is integrated or the like.
`0.018
`Further features of the invention, its nature and
`various advantages will be more apparent from the accom
`panying drawings and the following detailed description of
`the preferred embodiments.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0.019
`FIG. 1A is a diagram of a television chat system in
`accordance with the present invention.
`0020 FIG. 1B is a diagram of user television equipment
`having a user interface based on a wireleSS keyboard in
`accordance with the present invention.
`0021
`FIG. 1C is a diagram of a television screen key
`board user interface in accordance with the present inven
`tion.
`0022 FIG. 1D is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen containing a list of Standard messages or words in
`accordance with the present invention.
`0023 FIG. 2A is a system diagram showing how mul
`tiple television distribution facilities may be connected via a
`communications network in accordance with the present
`invention.
`0024 FIG. 2B is a system diagram showing how mul
`tiple user television equipment devices may be connected to
`a television distribution facility and a separate Server via
`neighborhood networks in accordance with the present
`invention.
`0.025
`FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system configuration in
`which multiple television distribution facilities are con
`nected via a television channel chat facility in accordance
`with the present invention.
`0.026
`FIG. 4 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen for entering household user profile information in
`accordance with the present invention.
`
`0027 FIG. 5 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen that allows a user to Select a user profile in accor
`dance with the present invention.
`0028 FIG. 6 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen for entering non-household user information in accor
`dance with the present invention.
`0029 FIG. 7 is a depiction of an illustrative program
`guide address book for non-household users in accordance
`with the present invention.
`0030 FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the steps involved
`in creating user identities in accordance with the present
`invention.
`0031 FIG. 9 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen containing video for a television program and a chat
`group display region related to the program in accordance
`with the present invention.
`0032 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an illustrative system for
`the transmission of real-time audio chat communications to
`user television equipment in accordance with the present
`invention.
`0033 FIG. 11 is an illustrative television display screen
`displaying video images of the participants in a chat group
`in accordance with the present invention:
`0034 FIG. 12 is a diagram of an illustrative system for
`the transmission of Video chat images in accordance with the
`present invention.
`0035 FIG. 13 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen that allows a user to join a chat group in accordance
`with the present invention.
`0036 FIG. 14 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen that allows a user to choose a chat group option in
`accordance with the present invention.
`0037 FIG. 15A is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen for allowing a user to choose a chat group option
`related to the current television program in accordance with
`the present invention.
`0038 FIG. 15B is a depiction of an illustrative interac
`tive television program guide display Screen for allowing a
`user to Select a Scheduled chat group from a list to join,
`record, or Set a reminder for in accordance with the present
`invention.
`0039 FIG. 16 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen containing multiple chat groups along with a televi
`Sion program in accordance with the present invention.
`0040 FIG. 17 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen for allowing a user to enter a chat group related to a
`current television program in accordance with the present
`invention.
`0041 FIG. 18A is a flow chart showing the steps
`involved in an approach for providing a user with an
`opportunity to join a chat group in accordance with the
`present invention.
`0042 FIG. 18B is a flow chart showing the steps
`involved in an approach for providing a user with an
`opportunity to join a chat group between users at other user
`television equipment devices in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`Petitioner
`Ex. 1005 - Page 35
`
`

`

`US 2005/0262542 A1
`
`Nov. 24, 2005
`
`0043 FIG. 18C is a flow chart showing the steps
`involved in an approach for providing a user who is watch
`ing a television program with an opportunity to join a chat
`group only between users who are watching the television
`program in accordance with the present invention.
`0044 FIG. 19 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen that allows a user to Send a chat request to other users
`in accordance with the present invention.
`004.5 FIG. 20 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen for displaying chat requests in accordance with the
`present invention.
`0.046
`FIG. 21 is a depiction of an illustrative display
`Screen for displaying a chat request and permitting a user to
`join the chat group and/or tune to the related channel in
`accordance with the present invention.
`0047 FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing steps involved in
`an approach for distributing a chat request and Supporting a
`chat group with the user and other users in accordance with
`the present invention.
`0.048
`FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing steps involved in
`an approach for establishing a chat group with the user and
`other users in accordance with the present invention.
`0049 FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing steps involved in
`an approach for joining the user to a chat group in response
`to a chat request in accordance with the present invention.
`0050 FIG. 25 is a diagram of an illustrative two-way
`interactive display remote control device for Sending and
`receiving chat messages in a chat group and chat requests in
`accordance with the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`0051. An illustrative television chat system 10 in accor
`dance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A. Main
`facility 12 may contain a program guide database 14 for
`Storing program guide information Such as television pro
`gram guide listings data, pay-per-view ordering information,
`etc. Database 14 allows system 10 to support an interactive
`television program guide if desired. Although the television
`chat features of the present invention may be provided using
`a television chat System without a program guide, certain
`aspects of the invention will be described primarily in the
`context of an interactive television program guide System
`configuration for Specificity and clarity. Information from
`database 14 may be transmitted to television distribution
`facility 16 via communications link 18. Link 18 may be a
`Satellite link, a telephone network link, a fiber optic link, a
`cable link, a microwave link, a combination of Such links, or
`any other Suitable communications path.
`0.052 Television distribution facility 16 is a facility for
`distributing television Signals to users, Such as a cable
`System headend, a broadcast distribution facility, or a Sat
`ellite television distribution facility. Only one television
`distribution facility 16 is shown in FIG. 1A to avoid over
`complicating the drawings. In general, however, main facil
`ity 12 distributes information to multiple television distri
`bution facilities.
`0053. The program guide information transmitted by
`main facility 12 to television distribution facility 16 includes
`
`television program listings data Such as program times,
`channels, titles, descriptions, etc. The information transmit
`ted from main facility 12 may also include information on
`the chat groups that are available for particular television
`programs or channels.
`0054 If desired, some of the program guide data and
`other information may be provided using data Sources at
`facilities other than main facility 12. For example, data
`relating to available program-specific chat groups may be
`provided by a television channel chat facility or other
`facility that is separate from main facility 12 and television
`distribution facility 16.
`0055 Television distribution facility 16 distributes pro
`gram guide data and other information to the user television
`equipment 20 of multiple users via communications paths
`24. Communication paths 24 preferably have sufficient
`bandwidth to allow television distribution facility 16 to
`distribute Scheduled television programming, pay program
`ming, real-time communications, chat requests and other
`Video and audio information to user television equipment 20
`in addition to non-Video program guide information and
`communications. The real-time communications Supported
`by communication paths 24 may be text-based or, if more
`bandwidth is available, may be audio or Video communica
`tions.
`0056 Multiple television and audio channels (analog,
`digital, or both analog and digital) may be provided to
`set-top boxes 26 via communications paths 24. If each path
`24 includes a number of traditional analog television chan
`nels, one or more of these channels may be used to Support
`a number of digital channels. The bandwidth of each analog
`channel that is used to Support digital channels may Support
`ten or more of Such digital channels. Two-way digital
`channels require more bandwidth than one-way digital chan
`nels. Such two-way digital channels may Support two-way
`real-time communications between Set-top boxes 26 and the
`television distribution facility 16. If two-way between user
`television 20 along a Second communications path Such as a
`satellite link.
`0057) Each television distribution facility 16 may distrib
`ute real-time communications and chat requests at least
`between the user television equipment devices that are
`associated with that facility. A television distribution facility
`may establish a forum for real-time communications called
`television chat groups using chat equipment 22 Such as a
`chat server. A television chat group (Sometimes referred to
`herein as simply a chat group) is an electronic forum in
`which a group of users are engaged in a real-time discussion
`through their user television equipment. Real-time commu
`nications Such as chat messages are Sent back and forth
`between the participants of the chat group.
`0.058
`Television distribution facility 16 preferably has a
`Server or other Suitable computing equipment or audio or
`Video equipment (herein collectively referred to as chat
`equipment 22) for Supporting real-time communications and
`the transmission of chat requests between users. For clarity,
`certain aspects of the invention are simply described as
`being implemented using a chat Server. If desired, however,
`these features may also typically be implemented using chat
`equipment Such as equipment based on audio