HK1128054B - Television integrated chat and presence systems and methods - Google Patents

Description

Television integrated chat and presence system and method

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application No.11/356, 056 filed on 17.2.2006. The following listed applications are relevant to the present application:

U.S. patent application No. __________, entitled "Systems and Methods for providing supplemental Television Content", attorney docket No. 04-8023;

U.S. patent application No. ___________, entitled "Systems and Methods for shared viewing Via Television", attorney docket No. 04-8025;

U.S. patent application No. ____________, entitled "Systems and Methods for FantasyLeague Service Via Television," attorney docket No. 04-8026;

U.S. patent application No. _______________, entitled "Systems and Methods for providing Personal Channel Via Television", attorney docket No. 04-8029;

U.S. patent application No. _________, entitled "Systems and Methods for providing Shared Folder Via Television", attorney docket No. 04-8030; and

U.S. patent application No. ___________, entitled "Systems and Methods for Voice text in an Interactive Programming Guide (System and method for Voice text in an Interactive program Guide)", and attorney docket number No. 04-8032.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to communication networks with video transmission capabilities. Embodiments described herein relate more particularly to systems and methods for receiving and transmitting enhanced television services over high bandwidth access networks.

Background

Today users and businesses receive television services from a variety of sources. Even with the most basic television set, viewers can receive conventional television broadcasts via an antenna connected to the television set. The problems with conventional broadcast television are well known. In order to receive television signals, the receiving antenna must be within range of the broadcast transmitter, which makes it difficult to receive signals at remote locations. The quality of the broadcast picture may depend on the strength or position of the antenna, resulting in picture blurring and frequent repositioning of the antenna. Furthermore, conventional broadcast television is limited to simple viewing. A television signal is received and a picture is displayed on the viewer's television. Viewers cannot customize television content or communicate with broadcasters other than changing channels.

Cable television and later satellite television were developed to address some of the problems associated with traditional broadcast television. Cable television providers receive television content from various program sources and deliver the content directly to subscribers' homes via cables, such as coaxial cables. In the home, a "set-top box" is typically used to receive the cable signal and provide the signal to the television for display. While cable television does not generally suffer from the picture quality problems of over-the-air broadcast television, the use of amplifiers to carry cable signals over large distances can result in signal attenuation and reliability problems. A typical cable set-top box also provides limited options for customized content because it relies on standard broadcast television content transmissions, typically containing limited processing capabilities and having limited network interaction capabilities (e.g., pay-per-view requests, video-on-demand requests).

Satellite television provides high quality television pictures because its signal is propagated over the air (i.e., a faster and more accurate delivery medium than cable), and it does not rely on the range of the antenna to the content provider. Instead, satellite providers broadcast television content to geostationary satellites that relay the content to satellite antennas at the subscribers' homes. The satellite antenna is typically connected to a satellite receiver that interprets and formats the television content and transmits it to the television for display. Satellite television, however, is not without its limitations. For example, satellite television relies on standard broadcast content transmission, similar to cable television services. Furthermore, satellite receivers rely on low bandwidth conventional "plain old telephone service" (POTS) telephone lines to provide a two-way communication path for requests from the satellite receiver and download of customized content, so the download rate is slow and the available content is limited.

Digital video recorders, which may be used as stand-alone components or integrated into set-top boxes and satellite receivers, enable viewers to record television content. Using the menu displayed on the television, the viewer is able to select programs to record, order pay-per-view content, and set viewing preferences (such as parental controls). However, typical digital video recorders use a low bandwidth POTS telephone line as a bi-directional communication path to a cable, satellite or other service provider, limiting the ability to provide any customized content specifically for a particular user.

Broadcast, cable, and satellite television have steadily improved the quality of television pictures over the years, and some providers have developed the ability to deliver limited enhancements to video broadcast viewing, such as pay-per-view and video-on-demand. Digital video recorders enable viewers to receive content in a limited and delayed manner. However, there is still a need for enhanced television services that are rich, reliable, and truly customized.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a service provider consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are detailed block diagrams of subscribers consistent with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of a network terminal consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the high-level architecture of a television integrated chat and presence system consistent with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow diagrams illustrating exemplary methods of operation of preferred systems consistent with embodiments of the present invention; and

fig. 7 is an exemplary television screen showing an instant message window, buddy list window, and television broadcast window consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Preferred methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide enhanced television services to subscribers using high speed bi-directional connections, such as fiber optic networks. Service providers deliver both general television content, such as broadcast television programs, and content customized for each subscriber. The subscriber communicates with the service provider to perform any number of tasks, including establishing an account, subscribing to customized content, and sharing content with other subscribers.

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

A.Overview of the System

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 consistent with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The service provider 102 collects content (e.g., broadcast video, broadcast audio, audio/video on demand, data content) from a plurality of content providers 104. Such content may include, for example, programs from local broadcast television channels, programs from national broadcast television content providers such as Home Box Office or ESPN, and educational programs such as distance learning broadcasts. Service provider 102 transmits data including audio/video content to subscribers 106 via access network 108. Subscribers 106 may include homes, businesses, hotels, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, access network 108 is comprised primarily of fiber optic cables and connectors, enabling high-speed bi-directional communication between service provider 102 and subscribers 106. The access network 108 may also include other network technologies, such as a wireless network. In one embodiment, service provider 102 and subscriber 106 may also communicate via an alternative network, such as the internet (not shown), that may interconnect service provider 102 and subscriber 106.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a service provider 102 consistent with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Service provider 102 may provide a number of services to subscribers 106. For example, service provider 102 may establish and maintain subscriber accounts, provide regular broadcast television programs, provide video on demand content, allow subscriber feedback, and the like. Service provider 102 may also enable subscriber 106 to obtain enhanced services such as those described below.

Exemplary service provider 102 may include various systems and tools (facilities) for receiving, storing, processing, and transmitting content for provision to subscribers 106. For example, exemplary service provider 102 may include a television content system 202, an enhanced television services system 204, a distribution system 206, a subscriber database 208, a portal 210, and an authentication system 212. The television content system 202 may receive, store, process, and transmit broadcast television content originated by the content provider 104. In one embodiment, service provider 102 may also create television content and use television content system 202 to store and deliver such content. Enhanced television services system 204 may receive, store, process, and transmit data to support enhanced television services and provide a subscriber interface for accessing enhanced television services (as discussed further below).

Distribution system 206 may distribute content and data to subscribers 106, for example, from television content system 202 or enhanced television services system 204. Distribution system 206 may perform broadcast/multicast delivery (e.g., sending the same information to many subscribers at the same time) or unicast delivery (e.g., sending customized content to a single subscriber). Distribution system 206 may also provide an "upstream" communication path from subscriber 106 to, for example, enhanced television services system 204 so that the subscriber may send requests and other information related to obtaining customized content, etc.

Subscriber database 208 may store data about subscribers 106 such as names, addresses, subscriptions to enhanced services, and the like. Web portal 210 may provide an interface for communicating with service provider 102 via an external network, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or a wide area network such as the internet. Authentication system 212 may process authentication and/or authorization information to enhance the security and privacy of providing services to subscribers 106.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that service provider 102 may include more or fewer components than shown in fig. 2, as well as more or combined functionality than that shown in fig. 2. For example, a separate database may be provided to store authentication information for use by authentication system 212. In another example, service provider 102 may include communication and/or conference bridging tools to enable subscriber 106 to access audio/video communication and/or teleconferencing services (e.g., available through enhanced television services). Further, the functions of service provider 102 may be performed by a single system, or by a combination of computers and other devices distributed across multiple locations and connected by various communication links. The operation of the components of service provider 102 is described in more detail below.

Fig. 3(a) and 3(b) show block diagrams of a subscriber 106 consistent with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3(a), subscriber 106 receives a transmission from service provider 102 at network terminal 302 via access network 108. As described above, the access network 108 may be, for example, a Passive Optical Network (PON). Network terminal 302 may receive network transmissions from service provider 102 via any number of intermediate components/techniques. For example, an optical-to-electrical conversion component may be interposed between the network terminal 302 and the service provider 102 to convert optical transmissions to electrical signals (e.g., RF signals, POTS signals, ethernet signals), and other transmission components may also be deployed therebetween.

The network terminal 302 processes data received via the access network 108 and presents it to the output device 304. As such, the network terminal 302 may include a processor, a storage system, a network interface (e.g., to the access network 108), and a device interface, as is well known. Output device 304 may include any number of components having the ability to output audio and/or video, such as a video display, speakers, a television, and so forth. The network terminal 302 is also connected to one or more input devices 306 that allow a user to provide input data, for example, for controlling the network terminal 302 or the output device 304, or to provide data for upstream transmission over the access network 108. Input device 306 may include devices such as a keyboard, pointing device, remote control, touch screen, etc. In some embodiments, the network terminal 302 may be integrated with any or all of the output devices 304 and any or all of the input devices 306 (an example of which is a mobile phone). In some embodiments, subscriber 106 may also communicate with service provider 102 (e.g., via web portal 210) using a separate computing system or communications device such as a telephone (not shown) connected to an external network (e.g., PSTN, Internet, wireless network).

Fig. 3(b) shows a particular embodiment of a typical television service with respect to subscriber 106. As shown in fig. 3(b), the network terminal is a set top box 312 connected to the access network 108 (e.g., via various techniques/components) to communicate with the service provider 102. The set top box 312 is connected to a television 314 that includes tools to display video and generate audio based on signals provided by the set top box 312. A remote control 316 and other input devices (e.g., buttons) are provided and communicatively coupled to television 314 and/or set-top box 312 (e.g., wirelessly) to enable a viewer to control television 314 and/or set-top box 312 and provide data that may be communicated to service provider 102 and/or other subscribers 106 via access network 108.

Subscriber 106 may establish an account with service provider 102 that enables and/or controls the ability to receive enhanced television services. For example, provider 102 may use a subscriber account to store subscriber identification information (such as name and address), to store an indication of which services the subscriber is authorized to receive (such as paid broadcast channels or internet access), and to record (track) and bill for enhanced services (such as viewing personalized content, etc.). The account may also store an identifier of the subscriber's network terminal 302 that facilitates identification of the network terminal on the access network 108 (e.g., a unique identifier of a set top box 312 assigned to the subscriber) to facilitate delivery of enhanced television services to the subscriber. Subscriber 106 may use web portal 210 to access account information, for example, via voice communications (e.g., an interactive voice response system) or data communications (e.g., an interactive web interface on the internet). Alternatively, the subscriber may communicate with service provider 102 over access network 108 using a telephone integrated in set top box 312 or controls available in remote control 316.

Subscriber 106 may include several users and their devices. For example, in a single household, different family members may wish to receive different content or subscribe to different enhanced television services from service provider 102. In one embodiment, subscriber 106 (e.g., a household) may establish an account with service provider 102 and each user (e.g., a family member in the household) is associated with the account and may store information in subscriber database 208. In another embodiment, each user may establish his own account with service provider 102.

Fig. 4 is a detailed block diagram of a preferred network terminal 302, such as set top box 312. Network terminal 302 may include an access network interface 402, a control system 408, a storage system 410, and a device interface 412. Control system 408 may include a processor or other control logic that may be used to execute various instructions and manipulate data stored in storage system 410. The storage system 410 may include various storage devices and controllers, such as well-known semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory), magnetic memory (e.g., magnetic disk), optical memory (e.g., DVD), memory controllers, and/or other memory. The device interface 412 may include various components to interface with external components, such as an output device 304 and an input device 306, as is generally known.

Using access network interface 402, network terminal 302 communicates with service provider 102 over access network 108 to send and receive high-speed communications of television programming, enhanced television services, subscriber account management, and the like. The access network interface 402, depending on implementation, may include various components to allow communication in one or more forms over the access network 108. For example, the access network interface 108 may include an RF interface for receiving RF signals and/or an optical interface for receiving optical signals. The access network interface 402 may further include components for distinguishing and processing various communications carried by the access network 108. For example, access network interface 402 may include components for receiving broadcast television format transmissions (e.g., NTSC, MPEG) and/or packet data format transmissions (e.g., Ethernet, IP). In some embodiments, the access network interface 402 may also be connected to the device interface 412, for example, to provide broadcast television transmissions to the output device 304.

The storage system 410 may include various modules that the control system 408 may execute and implement various features in the preferred embodiment. For example, storage system 410 stores user interface 404 including one or more displays (e.g., interactive program guides) that may be provided on output device 304 to enable subscriber 106 to communicate with network terminal 302, select content to view, access enhanced viewing features, and so forth. The user interface 404 may include various user interfaces to utilize enhanced television services available through the service provider 102 (e.g., downloaded from the service provider 102). Subscriber data 406 may also be stored in storage system 410 to support enhanced television services. For example, the subscriber's viewing preferences or settings may be stored as subscriber data 406. In another example, subscriber data 406 may be stored external to network terminal 302, such as in service provider 102 (e.g., in subscriber database 208) or on a computing system or other device controlled by the subscriber (e.g., a smart card).

The network terminal 302 may include fewer or more components than shown in fig. 4, as is well known, and may be interconnected in various ways using a bus, as is well known.

B.Enhanced television services

The preferred embodiment uses a high bandwidth bidirectional access network 108 to provide enhanced television services. For example, a service provider may provide a variety of enhanced services to subscribers by allowing the subscribers to connect with the service provider via such a high bandwidth bidirectional access network to obtain, configure, and control the delivery of desired television content and related services. The preferred embodiment utilizes a fiber optic access network, although other high bandwidth technologies (e.g., wireless RF, coaxial cable RF) may also be used. Fiber optic connections provide much greater bandwidth for transferring data than conventional connections using radio waves or coaxial cables. For example, fiber optics can easily carry hundreds or even thousands of channels of television content, telephony services, and data services (e.g., internet access). To achieve the additional bandwidth and quality of the fiber optic connection, service providers may provide a wide range of enhanced television services to attract and retain subscribers.

Enhanced television services may include, for example, personalized television channels, synchronized sharing of personal content among subscribers, direct access to additional television content, integrated chat and presence information on television, and interactive entertainment. Subscribers can enjoy these services from their terminals using familiar equipment (e.g., set-top boxes, televisions, remote controls, etc.). In some embodiments, the subscriber may choose to use a computer or other device connected to the internet to further customize or enhance television services.

C.Television integrated chat and presence

One implementation of enhanced television services provided by the preferred system and method is television integrated Instant Messaging (IM) chat and presence capability.

Instant messaging chat allows users to send and receive communications using their televisions. According to a preferred embodiment, a portion of the television screen may be dedicated to sending and receiving instant messages, while the remainder of the screen may display a video transmission. The dedicated portion may be referred to as a window. The user may type and receive communications (e.g., lines of text) displayed in the window.

To facilitate instant messaging (instant messaging), a user may create a list of other users designated as "buddies". The user may exchange instant messages with buddies selected from a list that may be displayed on the user's television screen. The list of names of buddies may include a user identification (e.g., "screen name" or other user ID) and may also include user status information, such as presence status information that allows a user to determine the presence status of another user. Presence status may include, for example, whether other users are online (e.g., watching television), offline (e.g., television off), busy (e.g., watching television but not accepting messages), away, and so forth.

In some embodiments, online or offline may represent whether a user is connected to the system or is active with the system, such as interacting with system controls, watching television, messaging, and so forth. Busy may indicate that the user is connected to the system but not instant messaging is possible. For example, the user may be using a phone or may have closed instant messaging. Away may mean that the user is connected to the system, but far away from the television. Processes may be implemented to detect user presence status and communicate status changes within the messaging system.

The presence information on the buddy list may also include information identifying the video transmission (e.g., television broadcast) the user is watching or other information about the user's television viewing session (session), such as the last program watched, the length of the viewing session, the channel change interval, etc. Such information may be used to communicate with other users. For example, a user may send a message to other users who are watching the same program, or invite other users to watch a program recommended by the user.

An instant message may be sent from the initiating user's network terminal 300, such as set top box 312, through access network 108. Such an instant message may contain the communication of the initiating user as well as the user identification of the destination user. The presence system may use the user identification to determine an appropriate destination set top box to receive the instant message, for example, by mapping the user identification to a unique identifier associated with the user (e.g., a network address of a set top box associated with the user). Upon receiving the instant message, the destination user's set top box 312 may cause the information in the instant message to appear in a designated portion of the television display, such as the bottom portion of the display, while the remainder of the display shows the video transmission that the user is currently receiving.

Table 1 shows exemplary buddy list information:

fig. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the upper level architecture of the integrated IM and chat presence system 500, which is illustrated in the following environment: a system using a set top box 312 as a network terminal 302, a television 314 as an output device 304, and a remote control 316 as an input device 306. Other configurations are possible, as described above. As shown, system 500 includes service provider 102 including television content system 202, subscriber database 208, and authentication system 212. System 500 also includes a presence/IM server 526 and a television presence user agent 524, which may be implemented as part of enhanced television services system 204. System 500 also includes a plurality of users or subscribers 106 each having a set top box 312, a remote control 316, and a television 314. Subscriber 106 is communicatively connected to service provider 102, such as via an access network 108 (e.g., a fiber optic network). System 500 may also include one or more computing devices (PCs) 558, which may be connected to service provider 102 via web portal 210 and a wide area data network such as the Internet.

In the illustrated embodiment, television Presence user agent 524 allows user 106 to communicate with Presence/IM server 526, thus enabling communication between instant messaging users using PC558, other users 106, and other Presence-enabled devices such as telephones, accessible via system 500 (see, for example, U.S. patent application No.10/627,368, entitled "Methods and Systems for Presence-Based telephony communications," filed 7/25 2003, incorporated herein by reference). In another embodiment, presence/IM server 526 may be integrated with other existing IM and presence systems that exist on wired and wireless networks external to system 500 (e.g., via web portal 210 on an external data network). System 500 may monitor the activity of subscriber 106 through subscriber's television presence user agent 524. As shown in fig. 5, user agent 524 may be deployed as software residing on the user's set-top box 312, or may be deployed within service provider 102 (e.g., as a proxy). As described above, a user may compile a list of other users designated as buddies (referred to as a buddy list), which may store presence information associated with such a user, for example, accessible by the user agent 524 of the user. presence/IM server 526 and user agents 524 may track and propagate presence status changes for users that a particular user has on his buddy list and update the buddy list appropriately. Some embodiments may provide the user with the functionality of Presence Availability Management (PAM) and IM systems, including servers for sending and receiving instant voice or text messages, making and receiving telephone calls, and receiving voice alerts and notifications. (see, for example, the aforementioned U.S. patent application No.10/627,368, entitled "Methods and Systems for Presence-based Telephony Communications", filed 25/7/2003.)

System 500 may track each buddy who is online and what channels and programs the buddy is watching. Subscriber 106 may invite an online buddy to watch a particular program using instant messaging. The buddy may then select the message appearing on his television screen to automatically change the channel on his television to the program identified in the instant message. In one embodiment, set top box 312 may store and modify presence status, including television control status of set top box 312, in real time and communicate status information to presence/IM server 526 via notifications without user interaction. Such a configuration may enable presence/IM server 526 to generate a notification indicating a change in status information, including, for example, a "channel change" alert to be sent to other buddies.

In another embodiment, the functionality and/or hardware of set top box 312 may be integrated into television 314. In yet another embodiment, remote control 316 may also be enabled to receive and display instant messages using, for example, an LCD display as an output device.

In another embodiment, presence/IM server 526 is configured to automatically group users who are watching the same program, forming an ad hoc buddy list based on television-related actions. presence/IM server 526 may form other temporary buddy lists based on the user's other television habits, such as frequent viewing times, channels, programs, networks, program types, typical program demographics, location, etc. Subscriber 106 may exchange instant messages with buddies on the temporary list.

Fig. 6A and 6B are a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 600 of operation of the system 500. Initially, service provider 102 receives a connect signal that may be initiated by subscriber 106 (step 602). Subscriber 106 may initiate a connection using remote control 106 or through another means, such as a control on set top box 312. Using the connection signal, service provider 102 determines whether subscriber 106 is a new user (step 606). If so, service provider 102 receives user data entered by subscriber 106 via set top box 312 using remote control 316 or a set top box control (step 610). Service provider 102 then saves the user data from subscriber 106, which may include a username, password, telephone number, etc., in a user profile (step 612). After saving the profile, service provider 102 verifies (step 614) the user data, e.g., against data in subscriber database 208 and/or via authentication system 212. Authentication allows subscriber 106 to gain access to various portions of system 500, such as enhanced television services system 204.

Referring again to step 606, if the user is a created user (step 606), the system 500 will log in using, for example, a username (which may or may not be the same as the user identification used for messaging purposes) and password. Service provider 102 then gives subscriber 106 the option to configure (step 608) his user profile, such as by changing his password or specifying his presence status. Service provider 102 receives the user data (step 610) and proceeds by saving the updated user profile (step 612) and verifying the subscriber with an authentication procedure (step 614). If the subscriber chooses not to update his profile or other information (step 608), the system 500 performs an authentication process (step 614). After service provider 102 authenticates subscriber 106, the presence status of subscriber 106 is updated (step 616). As previously mentioned, the presence status of a user in the preferred embodiment may include an online, offline, busy or away status.

In a preferred embodiment, after the user logs in, the system 500 provides chat and presence capabilities while the user is watching television using the network and the device providing the television signal. While the user is watching television, system 500 monitors the user's activities and status, monitors the activities and status of other system users, interacts with the user through the user's television, and provides presence information and communication links between users.

For example, system 500 monitors the status of the user (e.g., via user agent 524) by determining whether the user has used remote control 316 and/or set top box 312 (e.g., by monitoring whether the idle time has expired) (step 626). Remote control 316 or set top box 312 may be considered idle if they have not been used for a specified period of time. In such embodiments, at or near the expiration of the idle time (e.g., fifteen minutes since the last user action), the user may be prompted to take an action to keep the user's status as "available". For example, a small picture representation that serves as an alert of idle time expiration may be displayed on the television by set top box 312, partially obscuring the view of the current broadcast. Alternatively, a text message containing an alert may be displayed on the television screen indicating that the pending (pending) user status changed to "away" unless an action is taken.

Upon seeing such a notification, the user may choose to maintain or reactivate the "available" state by performing actions including, for example, changing channels, changing volume, or pressing an "I am available" button on remote control 316. If the user takes no action, the user's status may be updated to "away" accordingly (step 528), such as by a notification from the user agent 524 to the presence/IM server 526 indicating the user's status change. In the illustrated implementation, the system 500 may further monitor whether user interaction occurs after the initial idle period before expiration of another idle timer, e.g., a thirty minute timer (step 627). If the second idle time also expires without user action, a notification may be sent to the presence/IM server 526 to update the subscriber's status to offline (step 629). In one embodiment, a motion detector, seat detector, or other detector may be used to detect user behavior or physical presence near the television sufficient to prevent the system 500 from updating the user state based on idle time.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that other sensors and methods may be used to monitor the status of the user, such as an IR sensor built into a television set for detecting the body temperature of the user. For another example, sensors and/or software (e.g., software in a telephone call connection network) may detect that a user is making a call (including a cellular telephone), and the system may change the user's status to busy for the duration of the call. For yet another example, sensors and/or software (e.g., an application running on a network computer) may detect that a user is interacting with a personal computer, and during the interaction, the system may change the user's status to busy. For yet another example, sensors and/or software (e.g., an application running on a computer-controlled device) may detect that a user is interacting with a device, such as a microwave oven or refrigerator, and during the interaction, the system may change the user's status to busy.

The system 500 may also update the presence status of the user based on the status of the television program to which the user is tuned. For example, the system 500 may determine whether a commercial break (i.e., an advertising segment that is not part of the television program) is occurring during the television display of the program (step 621), and if so, may change the presence status of the user to "away" during the commercial break based on the assumption that the user is not attentive to watching the television during the commercial break (step 623). When the commercial break ends, the system 500 may change the status of the subscriber to online, busy, or any status appropriate to the user.

In the illustrated embodiment, a user may interact with system 500 through an on-screen menu displayed on television 314 by set top box 312 (e.g., using user interface 404), including menus for controlling chat and presence features and functions. For example, as represented in FIG. 6A, a menu displayed on television 314 by set top box 312 may have many items related to communication and presence (step 618). The user may select a menu item using a remote control, a television control, or a set-top box control. For example, when the subscriber selects "exit" from the menu (step 620), a notification may be sent from user agent 524 to presence/IM server 526 to update the subscriber's status to offline in database 208 (step 622) and propagate the new status to other relevant subscribers through television presence user agent 524.

As shown, if subscriber 106 selects "get buddy status" (step 630) or selects "send message" (step 648) from the menu, system 500 will display a list of the subscriber's buddies on the subscriber's television (step 632 of fig. 6B). The listings may include information such as their presence status and what channels and programs the buddy is watching. As previously described, table 1 represents exemplary buddy list information, which may be stored in the user agent 524 (or available to the user agent 524).

If the subscriber selects the IM menu item "receive message" (step 636), the system 500 determines if there is a message for that subscriber (step 637). If no message is present, the system 500 will provide an appropriate indication (step 639), such as displaying an icon or text on the television, and continue displaying the menu (step 618). If a message is present, the system 500 will provide an indication by, for example, displaying the message (step 639).

Referring now to fig. 6B, for the "send message" and "get buddy status" processes in the illustrated embodiment, system 500 allows the subscriber to select from the following three options after displaying the buddy list (step 638): 1) return to the previous menu, 2) select from a buddy list, or 3) enter a telephone number. If "return" 642 is selected, system 500 returns subscriber 106 to the menu (step 618 of FIG. 6A). If the "enter phone number" option is selected (step 656), system 500 prompts the user to enter the phone number of the buddy he or she wishes to make a call. When user 106 enters the buddy's telephone number, system 500 may connect user 106 directly to the buddy via a telephone.

If the buddy option is selected (step 655), for example by selecting a name from a list of buddies currently in existence, system 500 may access profile information about the selected buddy and present it to the user. In one embodiment, the phone information about the selected buddy may be present in the profile and may be used by the system to establish a call between buddies, but hidden from the user to protect privacy. After user 106 selects a buddy from the list, system 500 may give user 106 the option to call (step 658) the selected buddy on the phone. Alternatively, if the selected buddy has not enabled the phone feature, or additionally, user 106 may be given the option to message the selected buddy. If the option to call is selected, system 500 may prompt user 106 to enter a preferred phone number to place the call (e.g., the user's cellular phone number) if there is more than one phone number in the buddy's profile. Alternatively or additionally, system 500 may indicate to the selected buddy, for example via a pop-up window on the buddy's television screen, a request that the user wishes to have a telephone conversation. Upon accepting the request, the buddy may be prompted to enter a preferred number (e.g., his home telephone number) to receive the telephone call, and the number may not be presented to the requesting user unless permitted by the buddy. In one embodiment, a similar process may be used to establish a conference call between more than two users.

After specifying the phone number of the buddy, system 500 then connects user 106 and the selected buddy via phone. Thus, in this embodiment, two buddies may protect the privacy of their phone numbers while still participating in a phone conversation. Furthermore, the user does not have to remember or even know the telephone number of another user to make a telephone call. Also, for a temporary buddy group, users may not know each other, or detailed information such as phone numbers of each other.

In one embodiment, the subscriber's telephony services may be provided over the same access network that provides the television services (e.g., a fiber optic network), or integrated with the access network that provides the television services (e.g., a fiber optic network). In this embodiment, the service provider may initiate and route the call to the calling subscriber's telephone, cell phone, etc., or to the calling subscriber's television, which may be configured with a microphone, speaker, etc., to enable telephone communications without the need for a conventional telephone handset.

Referring again to step 658 of fig. 6B, if the subscriber chooses not to use the integrated telephony feature, or if the selected buddy has such functionality disabled, the subscriber may send a message, such as an instant text message, to the selected buddy (step 650, yes). In this case, system 500 presents an interface for composing and sending IM messages (step 652). For example, set top box 312 may open an online chat window on subscriber's television 314. Subscriber 106 may then write an IM message and send the IM message to the buddy selected in step 655, which will appear in the window on the buddy's television. Text may be entered using, for example, a television remote control, a dedicated keypad, or a voice recognition application. In this message, subscriber 106 may invite an online buddy to watch a particular program, and the buddy may use the received IM message to change the channel to that program, for example by using a remotely controlled cursor to select the channel or program in the IM message displayed on the receiving television screen. Alternatively, the subscriber may select a message from a previously propagated list to send to the recipient. After sending the message, system 500 gives subscriber 106 the option to work with the menu or current buddy list (step 646).

Referring again to step 650, if subscriber 106 chooses not to send an instant message, system 500 checks for the received message (step 640). In the illustrated implementation, after reviewing the received message, subscriber 106 has three reply options (step 644). If subscriber 106 chooses not to reply or receive a message (step 644, no), subscriber 106 may return to a menu or current buddy list (step 664). If subscriber 106 chooses to answer by phone call (step 644, call), system 500 initiates a call (step 660), updates the subscriber's status (step 664), and then gives subscriber 106 the option to return to the menu or current buddy list (step 646). If subscriber 106 chooses to reply with a message (step 644, yes), system 500 presents an interface for sending messages as described above (step 652). After sending the message, the subscriber is given the option to return to the menu or continue working with the buddy list (step 646).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the processes shown in fig. 6A and 6B may add, delete, or modify steps. For example, steps associated with making a telephone call to a buddy may be eliminated. For another example, the process of receiving a message (step 636) may be modified so that the process executes it automatically rather than just when prompted by a menu selection.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary television display supporting the preferred IM system. As shown, television screen 700 includes an instant message window 702, a buddy list window 704, and a television broadcast window 706. In one embodiment, the television screen 700 may display the television broadcast window 706 without displaying the instant message window 702 and the buddy list window 704, as the user may activate or deactivate these windows.

In other embodiments, a semi-transparent instant message window 702 and/or buddy list window 704 may be superimposed over the television broadcast 706 so that the user may still see the television broadcast behind these windows. In another embodiment, the instant message window 702 may be implemented with text scrolling at the bottom of the television screen 700, thus allowing the user to view the television broadcast window 706 behind the text. In another embodiment, a communication session may include multiple concurrent users, each user's message possessing identifying attributes including, for example, color, icon, and name.

Another embodiment may include a remote control that can send and receive information (such as text messages) from a set-top box and can display the information on a display (e.g., a two-inch square LCD screen) integrated with the remote control.

Although the implementations used as examples herein utilize instant messaging, other embodiments and implementations within the scope of the present invention may use other forms of messaging such as email, video conferencing, video clips, telephone calls, radio transmissions, etc. sent and/or received via a user's television.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (28)

1. A method of communicating via a television, comprising:

receiving a first video transmission at a network terminal of a first user;

displaying the first video transmission to the first user;

receiving a request to send a communication at the network terminal;

displaying information identifying a second user and a status of the second user to the first user in response to the received request, wherein the information is displayed to the first user concurrently with the first video transmission;

receiving the communication from the first user and a destination for the communication, the destination comprising an identification of the second user;

sending a first message comprising the identification of the second user, the communication, and data identifying the first video transmission; and

detecting a change in a state of the first user, the detecting comprising:

detecting whether the first user has used the network terminal within a specified time period;

detecting whether a commercial break is in progress in the first video transmission displayed to the first user;

prompting the first user to take an action when the first user has not used the network terminal within a specified time period;

changing a state of the first user when the first user has not acted in response to the prompt; and

modifying the first user's availability in receiving messages while the commercial break is in progress.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the information comprises displaying information identifying a second video transmission provided to the second user.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the status of the second user is a presence status.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sending a notification including the state change.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the state change is at least one of a video transmission change and a presence state change.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein detecting the change in the state of the first user comprises:

detecting that the first user receives a third video transmission that is different from the first video transmission.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a notification including a change in status of the second user; and

storing the state change of the second user.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the status of the second user comprises at least one of a video transmission change and a presence status change.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first video transmission is a broadcast television program.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying information identifying a third user and a status of the third user to the first user in response to the received request, the third user being different from the first user and the second user, wherein the destination comprises an identification of the third user, and wherein the first message further comprises an identifier of the third user.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a second message comprising information identifying a third video transmission;

displaying the information identifying the third video transmission with the first video transmission;

receiving a selection of the information identifying the third video transmission;

receiving the third video transmission; and

displaying the third video transmission.

12. A method of communicating via a television, comprising:

transmitting a first video transmission to a first user of a plurality of users and a second video transmission to a second user of the plurality of users;

detecting whether a commercial break is in progress in the first video transmission;

receiving a first notification comprising an indication of a change in status of the first user;

storing the state change of the first user in a record associated with the first user;

communicating a second notification to the second user, the second notification reflecting the state change of the first user,

wherein:

the change in status of the first user includes information identifying the first video transmission and a presence status of the first user indicating availability of the first user in receiving messages,

the presence status of the first user indicates whether the first user has been idle for a particular period of time and whether the first user has acted in response to a prompt when the first user has been idle for a particular period of time, and

the storing includes modifying the first user's availability in receiving messages while the commercial break is in progress.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

receiving a message comprising an identifier of the second user, a communication to the second user, and information identifying the first video transmission; and

transmitting the message to the second user.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the presence status further comprises one of "online", "away", and "offline".

15. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first video transmission and the second video transmission is a broadcast television program.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

determining a subset of the plurality of users according to at least one attribute common to each user of the subset; and

sending the list of the subset of users to each of the users in the subset.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

detecting a change in status of the second user;

storing the state change of the second user in a record associated with the second user; and

communicating a third notification to the first user that includes the change in status of the second user;

wherein detecting the change in status of the second user comprises at least one of:

detecting whether the second user is using a phone;

detecting whether the second user receives a third video transmission different from the second video transmission; and

detecting whether a commercial break is in progress in the second video transmission.

18. A system for communicating via a television, comprising:

means for receiving a first video transmission at a network terminal of a first user;

means for displaying the first video transmission to the first user;

means for receiving a request to send a communication at the network terminal;

means for displaying information identifying a second user and a status of the second user to the first user in response to the received request, wherein the information is displayed to the first user concurrently with the first video transmission;

means for receiving the communication from the first user and a destination for the communication, the destination comprising an identification of the second user;

means for sending a first message comprising the identification of the second user, the communication, and data identifying the first video transmission; and

means for detecting a change in status of the first user, the means for detecting comprising:

means for detecting whether the first user has used the network terminal within a specified time period;

means for detecting whether a commercial break is in progress in the first video transmission displayed to the first user;

means for prompting the first user to act when the first user has not used the network terminal within a specified time period;

means for changing a state of the first user when the first user has not acted in response to the prompt; and

means for modifying the first user's availability in receiving messages while the commercial break is in progress.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the means for displaying the information comprises means for displaying information identifying a second video transmission provided to the second user.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the status of the second user is a presence status.

21. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

means for sending a notification including the change in status.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the state change is at least one of a video transmission change and a presence state change.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the means for detecting the change in the state of the first user comprises:

means for detecting that the first user receives a third video transmission different from the first video transmission.

24. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

means for receiving a notification including a change in status of the second user; and

means for storing the state change of the second user.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the status of the second user comprises at least one of a video transmission change and a presence status change.

26. The system of claim 18, wherein the first video transmission is a broadcast television program.

27. The system of claim 18, further comprising: means for displaying information identifying a third user and a status of the third user to the first user in response to the received request, the third user being different from the first user and the second user, wherein the destination comprises an identification of the third user, and wherein the first message further comprises an identifier of the third user.

28. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

means for receiving a second message comprising information identifying a third video transmission;

means for displaying the information identifying the third video transmission with the first video transmission;

means for receiving a selection of the information identifying the third video transmission;

means for receiving the third video transmission; and

means for displaying the third video transmission.