HK1131708B - Method and apparatus for downloading ancillary program data to a dvr - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for downloading ancillary program data to a DVR. An embodiment allows multimedia device users to select programs to record or download movie or music over a network, such as the Internet, from a content provider. The system automatically downloads and stores ancillary program data that is directly related to, and associated with, a program that has been selected for recording or content requested for download. When a user selects a program to view the user is offered the opportunity to browse ancillary program data associated with the program and view an ancillary program data. The service can charge the content provider or an advertiser for each time their ancillary program data is viewed by a user. The ancillary programming is deleted when the associated recorded program is deleted.

Description

Method and apparatus for downloading ancillary program data to a DVR

Cross-reference to related applications; priority

In accordance with 35u.s.c. § 119(e), the present application claims priority from united states provisional application No. 60/855,890 filed 2006, 10, 31, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to downloading ancillary broadcast program data to a digital video recorder and utilizing the ancillary broadcast program data.

Background

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) have become widely popular with consumers; rapidly replacing VCRs has become a major consumer choice for viewing broadcast programs via cable, satellite and terrestrial signals.

Like a VCR, a conventional DVR is a single-use system that specifically records broadcast television program content. The user tells the DVR what programs to record, and the DVR records the programs on its local hard disk at the specified times. During recording, DVRs convert electronic signals of broadcast program content into digital information, such as an MPEG digital stream, and store the digital information on a hard disk or directly store a pre-digitized signal on a hard disk.

During the playback phase, the user selects a program stored on the hard disk. The DVR retrieves the program from the hard disk and converts the digital information of the program into an analog or digital playback signal. The connected television set or monitor displays the program content of the signal on its screen. Most DVRs allow a user to perform operations on a program such as play, fast-forward, pause, and rewind during playback.

However, much like a VCR, a DVR can play back recorded programs without other viewing options for a particular program. In another aspect, DVDs allow the viewer to view additional scenes or different angles of scenes. DVRs lack the ability to provide these types of features because DVRs typically receive broadcast signals from terrestrial antennas, satellites, and cables. These signal sources do not provide any type of ancillary program data in their signals.

Drawings

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements; wherein:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a service provider utilizing multiple devices for communication over a network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram that illustrates a general overview of the components of a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a screenshot of a user interface displaying a listing of recorded programs of an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating types of auxiliary program data that can be downloaded through a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.

Detailed Description

A method and apparatus for downloading secondary program data to a DVR is described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

In the following discussion, reference is made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

Specific embodiments are described herein according to the following summary:

1.0 general overview

2.0 structural and functional description

2.1 advanced DVR architecture

2.2 auxiliary data transfer and display

3.0 execution mechanisms-hardware overview

4.0 extensions and alternatives

1.0 general overview

Embodiments of the present invention allow a user of a multimedia device to select a program for recording using an Electronic Program Guide (EPG). The user selects a program from the EPG and the multimedia device schedules the recording of the program. The multimedia device also allows a user to subscribe to movies or music from a content provider. The multimedia device then downloads the movie or music from the content provider over a network such as the internet.

When the recording or downloading is completed, the multimedia device adds the recorded program or downloaded movie or music to a list of recorded material from which the user can select and play. The user interacts with the screen by using a remote control or other remote input device.

The multimedia device knows the material that the user is about to record or has recorded or downloaded onto the multimedia device. One embodiment automatically downloads and stores auxiliary program data and the auxiliary program data is directly related or associated with the program that has been selected for recording or the content requested for downloading. Alternatively, an embodiment can automatically download and store auxiliary program data, and the auxiliary program data is directly related or associated with the program that has been recorded or the content that has been downloaded. The auxiliary program data can be downloaded and stored in the background while the multimedia device is performing other operations.

In one embodiment, when a user selects a program for viewing, the user has an opportunity to browse ancillary program data associated with the program and view the ancillary program data. After the user views the auxiliary program data, the user is returned to the auxiliary program data list. If there is auxiliary program data that can be viewed while the user is watching a program or listening to music, the multimedia device can display an icon overlaid on the program, the icon indicating that the user can view the auxiliary program data using his remote control. Such functionality works when the ancillary program data contains candidate scenes that increase viewing enjoyment or enrich the viewing experience, different viewing perspectives of the scenes, director's commentary, music videos, and the like.

The auxiliary program data list delivered by the service may be based on value agreed upon by a third party paying for the service, for example, to pay for a promotion. The multimedia device is able to report to the service which ancillary program data the user viewed. The service can charge a fee to a content provider or an advertising publisher each time the content provider's or advertising publisher's ancillary program data is viewed by a user.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary program is deleted when the associated recorded program is deleted. In one embodiment, if the user tunes to a live television channel and watches a broadcast television program, the download of the auxiliary program data or link begins immediately. If the user changes channels, the download is paused and the ancillary program data for that program is automatically deleted. Similarly, if the program ends and another program begins, the old auxiliary program data is discarded and a new list of auxiliary program data is obtained from the service.

In another aspect, the invention includes a computer device and a computer readable medium configured to perform the foregoing steps.

2.0 structural and functional description

DVRs have changed the way viewers watch broadcast television programs. Advertisers find that more and more viewers are skipping commercials using the skip and fast forward functions provided by DVRs. The viewer can skip commercials in a program recorded by the DVR. Other DVRs provide a real-time rolling cache of television programs. The cache may store more than 30 minutes of the program for the viewer to begin watching the program many minutes after the program begins. This gives the viewer enough buffering to view the program and skip the commercial segments rather than having to view the program in real time.

The day that an advertiser attempts to target a shotgun style advertising to viewers based on the program being broadcast will soon be a fraction of a total. The advertisement publisher can no longer be sure that the viewer will watch the commercial.

Moreover, film producers have found that the DVD phase of their films is the most beneficial part of the life span of the film. Global DVD sales result in longer term and higher revenue sources than cinema shows. Because of the importance of the DVD phase, the movie producer adds many ancillary features (e.g., additional scenes, director's commentary, etc.) and undecorated versions to the DVD that provide the audience with a richer viewing experience and more information than a cinema show.

Broadcasters (broadcasters) take hold of the digital age and have started playing DVD versions of movies that provide unpopulated scenes that are added specifically for DVDs. However, more can be done to enhance the user's viewing experience of the broadcast program. There is a large amount of auxiliary information associated with a particular program that the transmission means provides to the user's DVR. This would require somehow informing the transmission means that the user is recording the particular program. Optionally, the DVR has intelligence that is capable of associating the user's desire to record that particular program with the available auxiliary information. Current DVRs do not have the intelligence or ability to make such decisions, nor the ability to receive multimedia content in any way other than through terrestrial, cable, or satellite connections.

Embodiments of the present invention allow DVRs to receive ancillary program information over a network connection, such as the internet, in addition to through a terrestrial, cable, or satellite connection. Further, in program recording and real-time user program viewing, such a system would evaluate user scheduled recordings to pre-fetch ancillary program information and/or to synchronize acquisition of ancillary program information as the program recording and user views the program in real-time. An embodiment also allows the DVR to provide targeted, targeted advertisements to advertising publishers and also enables the transmission means to enrich the viewer experience by enabling viewers to access DVD-assisted features previously inaccessible to the viewers.

2.1 advanced DVR architecture

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary system of the present invention. The system includes DVR102, which DVR102 is communicatively coupled to network 105 through any communication interface, such as an ethernet interface or a wireless communication port. The function of a DVR is described as represented by U.S. patent No. 6,233,389, owned by the applicant and incorporated herein by reference. The system also includes a service provider 104, a content provider 106, a personal computer 108, and a portable device 110.

Personal computer 108 may be a personal computing device such as a desktop or laptop computer and is also connected to network 105 through any communication interface, including wireless. The portable device 110 may be any handheld computing device, mobile phone, portable media player, or any other portable device capable of playing multimedia content and is also connected to the network 105 through any communication interface, including wireless. Each of DVR102, personal computer 108, and portable device 110 communicate with service provider 104 over network 105. In another embodiment, each of DVR102, personal computer 108, and portable device 110 communicate with content provider 110 through network 105.

Network 105 may be implemented by any medium or mechanism for providing data exchange between devices in the communication system. Examples of network 105 include, but are not limited to, a network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), the internet, one or more terrestrial, satellite, or wireless links, etc. Alternatively or additionally, any number of devices connected to the network 105 may also be directly connected to each other through a communication link.

In one embodiment, content provider 106 provides broadcast programming content to DVR102 via cable, satellite, terrestrial communication, or other transmission means. The broadcast program content may include any multimedia content such as audio, image or video content. In another embodiment, content provider 106 provides multimedia content, such as any downloadable content, to DVR102, personal computer 108, or portable device 110 through network 105.

In one embodiment, DVR102, personal computer 108, or portable device 110 may be capable of obtaining program content, multimedia content, or ancillary program data from website 107.

In one embodiment, DVR102 communicates with service provider 104, which service provider 104 provides program guide data, graphical resources (e.g., fonts, pictures, etc.), service information, software, advertisements, event identification data, or other forms of data that enable DVR102 to run independently of service provider 104 to meet user interests. In another embodiment, personal computer 108 or portable device 110 can communicate with service provider 104 and receive the same type of data. In another embodiment, DVR102, personal computer 108, and portable device 110 may be capable of communicating with each other to forward content, metadata, or any other data over network 105 or any local network.

In another embodiment, the content provider 106 may provide content data or any metadata, including promotional data, icons, network data, auxiliary content data, and other information to the service provider 104. Service provider 104 may then interpret the metadata and provide the content data metadata to DVR102, personal computer 108, or portable device 110.

Referring to fig. 1B, in an embodiment of the invention, DVR102 generally includes a number of components, represented as signal converter 154, where signal converter 154 is an essential component for digitizing an analog television signal and converting the analog television signal into a digital data stream or receiving a digital data stream. DVR102 receives broadcast signals from an antenna, a cable television system, a satellite receiver, etc., through input 152A. Input 152A may include multiple tuning modules that allow for the simultaneous reception and recording of multiple signals.

The recording module 160 records the incoming data stream by storing the digital data stream in at least one storage device, represented as memory 164, the memory 164 being designed to store portions of the digital data stream. The memory 164 may be any type of storage device, such as a hard disk, solid state disk, non-volatile memory, or the like. The signal converter 154 takes the data stream portion, converts the data stream to an analog signal, and then modulates the signal onto an RF carrier through output 152B, where the signal is transmitted to a standard television set through output 152B. The output 152B may optionally send the digital signal to a television or video monitor. For example, DVR102 may send digital signals to a television via a DVI cable using a Digital Video Interface (DVI), or DVR102 may send digital signals to a television via a HDMI cable using a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). The portable DVR or media player can utilize an internal display screen and optionally send digital or analog signals to a television or video monitor through output 152B.

DVR102 also includes a communication interface 162 through which DVR102 communicates with network 105 via an ethernet, wireless network, modem, or other communication standard. Moreover, DVR102 may be integrated into a television system such that the components described above are included in a television or display device capable of performing the functions of DVR102 components.

In another embodiment, DVR102 typically includes a number of components necessary for receiving, recording, storing, transmitting, and playing back digital data signals from a number of devices, such as a PC, DVR, service provider, or content server. DVR102 is capable of transmitting digital data signals to another DVR or PC. DVR102 may encode or decode digital signals into a variety of formats for playback, storage, or transmission through encoder 156A and decoder 156B. DVR102 is also capable of encrypting or decrypting digital data signals using encryptor/decryptor 158 to store, transmit, or play back the digital data signals.

In one embodiment, DVR102 communicates with service provider 103, which provides program guide data, graphical resources such as brand icons and pictures, service information, software programs, advertisements, ancillary program data, and other forms of data that enable DVR102 to operate independently of service provider 104 to perform autonomous recording functions. Communication between DVR102 and service provider 104 utilizes a secure distribution architecture to transfer data between DVR102 and service provider 104 such that service data and user privacy are protected.

2.2 auxiliary data Transmission and display

DVD versions of a program or movie are well marketed, indicating that the consumer likes DVD content and formats. Typically, these versions include a significant amount of ancillary program data, such as: cut scenes, comments, make features, music selection, multiple viewing angles, product advertisements, etc. Sometimes, a DVD even includes game or other program data that can only be read from the DVD using a PC.

The DVR user can select a program to record using an Electronic Program Guide (EPG). The user selects a program from the EPG and DVR102 schedules the recording of the program. DVR102 periodically receives updates to the EPG from service provider 104. DVR102 tracks a listing of programs scheduled to be recorded and, if there is a change in the time of availability of a program on the EPG, DVR102 adjusts the recording schedule to accommodate the change in program availability.

DVR102 allows a user to subscribe to movies or music from a content provider. DVR102 receives available movie and music information and content provider information from service provider 104. DVR102 displays a series of user interface screens that allow a user to select movies or music from a particular content provider. DVR102 then downloads movies or music from content provider 106 via network 105. The user may make several download requests and the DVR queues the requests. Since the movie file is quite large, it takes a lot of time to download the movie file from the content provider 106. The DVR can make several downloads at a time, depending on the bandwidth of the network connection and the download speed from the content provider 106 or multiple content providers. DVRs are able to speed up the download by using techniques that allow files to be downloaded from several different content providers. The DVR combines the file portions received from multiple content sources into a final movie file.

Referring to fig. 2, in both cases when recording or downloading is complete, DVR102 adds the recorded program or downloaded movie or music to recorded material list 200, from which 201 the user can select and play the material. The user interacts with the screen using a remote control or other remote input device. The list may be divided into two user interface screens, one listing recorded programs stored on storage device 164 and the other listing downloaded movies or music stored on storage device 164.

When a DVR user requests to record a program or download a movie or music, the following two actions are performed: first, the recording is added to a queue of recordings to be performed at a future time based on program guide data indicating a start time and a channel of a program, or a download request is added to a queue of downloading content from a content provider; second, a preference is recorded that indicates that the user may have some preference for similar programs or program data. These preferences may be used to automatically record programs that may be of interest to the user at a later time.

DVR102 has the advantage over other set-top box schemes that the DVR knows what programs the user is about to record or has recorded or has downloaded onto the DVR. One embodiment automatically downloads and stores auxiliary program data and the auxiliary program data is directly related or associated with the program selected for recording or the content requested for download. Alternatively, one embodiment can automatically download and store auxiliary program data, and the auxiliary program data is directly related or associated with already recorded programs or already downloaded content.

For example, the user may select the program "West Wing" to record on the DVR. What the user does not see is that the DVR contacts service provider 104 and provides, for example, the following information: user preferences, program titles scheduled to be recorded, and other information. The amount of information may be as small as the title of the program to be recorded. Service provider 104 returns a subscription list of auxiliary program data related to the program to be recorded to DVR 102. One embodiment allows a user to specify the type of ancillary program data that the user would like to download, e.g., director's commentary, candidate scenes, music videos, etc. DVR102 then limits its download of the ancillary program data to the download of the ancillary program data that the user has requested.

Referring to fig. 3, the ancillary program data may include cut scenes 305, a "feature" clip 305, a music video 301, executable software 303, advertisements 302, additional scenes 307, multiple scene angle content 307, director commentary 304, any particular feature that the DVR may give to the user, games, etc. The auxiliary program data can be downloaded to memory 164 in the background while DVR102 is performing other operations.

In one embodiment, when a user selects a program to view from a list of programs similar to that shown on screen 200, the user can browse ancillary program data related to the program and view the ancillary program data, possibly using the same user interface as all other viewing options to produce a consistent viewing experience. After the user views the auxiliary program data, the user returns to the auxiliary program data list. DVR102 may display an icon overlaid on the program if there is ancillary program data that can be viewed while the user is viewing the program or listening to music, the icon indicating that the user can utilize the remote control to view the ancillary program data. Such functionality works when the ancillary program data contains candidate scenes that increase viewing enjoyment or enrich the viewing experience, different viewing perspectives of the scenes, director's commentary, music videos, and the like.

After the user has viewed the selected secondary program data, DVR102 will return the user to a position in the program where the user selected the secondary program data. The user does not lose the user's position in the program material. Alternatively, if the user selects a candidate scene or a different scene angle, DVR102 will continue from where the replaced scene normally ends after the candidate scene or different scene angle is played, thus giving the user a seamless viewing experience. The user will not know that he is watching the candidate scene or a different scene angle away from the normal program material.

As described in U.S. patent application No. 09/665,921, owned by the applicant and incorporated herein by reference, the ancillary program data can be tagged with information to enable various enhanced features, such as scheduling future recordings, video-to-video, video-to-display windows, product purchases, and the like. The tag instructs DVR102 to display a particular reminder or schedule the recording of a particular program, etc. The user can interact with the DVR using a remote control.

When a recorded program is selected for viewing, the screen displayed to the viewer may be formatted similar to a top level DVD menu, with the selection of auxiliary program data highlighted. Alternatively, the "top level" menu may be dynamically composed by the execution of auxiliary program data, which is actually executable software and may be downloaded through the auxiliary program data. This allows DVR102 to provide a DVD experience for any program material, whether from, for example, Showtime or HBO without commercials, or from a typical broadcast channel. If the user purchases a DVD version of a program or, alternatively, a truncated version of a DVD menu, the user can experience the same type of menu experience that the user desires. DVR102 is capable of downloading all of the content (e.g., menus, additional content, previews, etc.) of the original DVD from the content provider. This also enables the content provider to change the menu structure from the original DVD to a menu structure that the optional content provider expects the user experience. The menu system may have a DVD version and a DVR version.

DVR102 may record metadata associated with the secondary program as additional user preferences that DVR102 will use to generate weights for the secondary program data similar to the weights for recording the recommended programs. Further description is provided in U.S. patent application No. 09/422,121, owned by the applicant and incorporated herein by reference. DVR102 is then able to download ancillary program data for the program based on weights calculated from metadata that anticipates what ancillary program data the user will want to see.

The auxiliary program data list transmitted by the service provider 104 may be customized in several ways: based on a preference for the type of ancillary program data as delivered by the DVR, or based on a value agreed upon by a third party to pay for service 104, such as a paid offer. Subscription of listings is important because the speed at which the ancillary program data is downloaded, the time before the program is viewed, or the available space to store the ancillary program data is limited. Such a subscription ensures that the most relevant ancillary program data is downloaded first. Further, DVR102 is capable of reporting to service 104 which secondary program data the user watched. The service 104 can charge a fee to a content provider or publisher of commercials each time the user views the content provider's or publisher's ancillary program information.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary program is deleted when the associated recorded program is deleted. The user optionally requests that various ancillary program data be stored in a manner similar to how the program that the user originally recorded is stored in memory 164. DVR102 will store the secondary program data whenever specified by the user (e.g., two weeks, until deleted by the user, etc.). Similarly, ancillary program data may be automatically deleted to make space available for other programs.

The downloaded auxiliary program data may instead be some form of link, such as a URL, to the auxiliary program data. The program data is only downloaded if said auxiliary program data is selected by the user. The download of the auxiliary program data may be queued in the background or may simply be obtained from the source pointed to by the URL. Examples of immediate access are playback of audio samples, such as a theme song of a recorded program, displaying a digital picture of a product collection, or accessing a service running on a remote server.

The term "download" is used in an expanded manner in this specification. For example, the auxiliary program data can be broadcast in an analog or digital channel in a predetermined arrangement.

In one embodiment, a tag is embedded in the recorded program and relates to the auxiliary program data. If the program data has been downloaded (or is immediately available via a link), the user has an opportunity to view the program data, otherwise no reminder information is given. As the user watches the program, DVR102 dynamically retrieves the tags and performs a check on the downloaded program data.

In one embodiment, if the user tunes to a live television channel and watches a broadcast program, downloading of the auxiliary program data or links begins immediately. In the case of a user "surfing" a channel, there may be a delay in DVR102 before any download is initiated. The tags embedded in the program being viewed may relate to auxiliary program data and may be provided to the user if the auxiliary program data is available to DVR 102. If the channel is changed by the user, the download is paused and any ancillary program data for the program is automatically deleted. Similarly, if the program ends and another program begins, the old auxiliary program data is discarded and a new list of auxiliary program data is obtained from service 104.

As described above, when a simultaneous download (e.g., from a content provider) of DVR102 having multiple tuners or programs occurs, the download of auxiliary program data for the various programs will occur on the tuners and/or in the download in parallel.

In one embodiment, the ancillary program data comprises executable software (or a link to executable software) for a further device, such as a PC. The user's selection of program data causes a download to the PC or triggers the PC's web browser to go to a linked address. DVR102 can instruct PC 108 to begin downloading. Embodiments of the present invention also allow DVR102 to perform the downloading of secondary program data and then transfer the program data to PC 108 or portable device 110.

In one embodiment, the secondary program data comprises actions performed by DVR 102. For example, the ancillary program data may cause an instant message to be sent to an entity or person. In another embodiment of the present invention, the secondary program data opens up to voice over IP (VoIP) for another user, service agent or other voice service.

3.0 implementation mechanisms-hardware overview

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system 400 upon which an embodiment of the invention may execute. Computer system 400 includes a bus 402 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 404 coupled with bus 402 for processing information. Computer system 400 also includes a main memory 406, such as a random access memory ("RAM") or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 402 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 404. Main memory 406 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 404. Computer system 400 also includes a read only memory ("ROM") 408 or other static storage device coupled to bus 402 for storing static information and instructions for processor 404. A storage device 410, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 402 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 400 may be coupled via bus 402 to a display 412, such as a cathode ray tube ("CRT"), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 414, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 402 for communicating information and command selections to processor 404. Another type of user input device is cursor control 416, such as a mouse, a trackball, a stylus, or cursor direction keys (cursor direction keys) for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 404 and for controlling cursor movement on display 412. The input device typically has degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.

The present invention relates to the use of a computer system 400 for electronic commerce and brokerage. According to an embodiment of the invention, an electronic commerce and brokerage system is provided by computer system 400 in response to processor 404 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 406. Such instructions may be read into main memory 406 from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 410. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 406 causes processor 404 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 404 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 410. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 406. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 402. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infrared data transmissions.

Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other type of magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards (punchcard), paper tape (papertape), any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge (cartridge), a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 404 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can download the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 400 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on bus 402. Bus 402 carries the data to main memory 406, from which main memory 406 processor 404 can retrieve and execute the instructions. The instructions received by main memory 406 may optionally be stored on storage device 410 either before or after execution by processor 404.

Computer system 400 also includes a communication interface 418 coupled to bus 402. Communication interface 418 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 420, network link 420 connects to a local network 422. For example, communication interface 418 may be an integrated services digital network ("ISDN") card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 418 may be a local area network ("LAN") card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be used. In any such implementation, communication interface 418 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 420 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 420 may provide a connection through local network 422 to a host computer 424 or to digital equipment operated by an Internet service provider ("ISP") 426. ISP 426 in turn provides data communication services through the world wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet" 428. Local network 422 and internet 428 both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals at network link 420 and through communication interface 418, which carry the digital data to and from computer system 400, are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information.

Computer system 400 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link 420 and communication interface 418. In the Internet example, a server 430 might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet 428, ISP 426, local network 422 and communication interface 418. According to the present invention, one such downloaded application provides for controlling document access using the centralized management principles described herein.

The received code may be executed by processor 404 as it is received, and/or stored in storage device 410, or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, computer system 400 may obtain application program code in the form of a carrier wave.

4.0 extensions and alternatives

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (18)

1. A method for distributing ancillary program data to a multimedia device, comprising:

receiving a request from a user to record or download specified content on a multimedia device;

in response to receiving a request from a user, evaluating the requested specified content and requesting auxiliary program data information related to the requested specified content from a service;

receiving at the multimedia device auxiliary program data information from the service;

automatically downloading auxiliary program data from a source listed in the auxiliary program data information to a storage device on the multimedia device in response to receiving the auxiliary program data information;

recording or downloading the specified content to the storage device;

displaying a selectable auxiliary program data list to the user when the user selects the stored specified content for viewing;

wherein the auxiliary program data comprises: cut scenes, "feature" clips, make features, music videos, executable software, advertisements, additional scenes, multiple scene angle content, director's commentary, games, or links to auxiliary content; and is

The auxiliary program data selected by the user is displayed.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

and returning the user to a selectable auxiliary program data list after the auxiliary program data selected by the user is played.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

allowing the user to select candidate scenes or scenes from different angles from the auxiliary program data while the user is viewing the selected stored specified content.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the user specifies a type of ancillary program that the user desires to download, and wherein the downloading step limits ancillary program data to the user-specified type.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

recording whether the user has watched specific auxiliary program data;

reporting to a service that the user has viewed ancillary program data; and

wherein the service charges the publisher or content provider a fee for each time ancillary program data of the publisher or content provider is viewed by a user.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the ancillary program data information has an entry listed in a specified subscription form, and wherein an advertiser or content provider pays for the service to subscribe to ancillary program data in the specified subscription form.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

deleting the auxiliary program data when the stored specified content is deleted from the storage device.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein the stored specified content includes a tag indicating a source of ancillary program data; and downloading auxiliary content information from the source.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying an icon to the user while the user is viewing the stored specified content, the stored specified content indicating that the user is able to view ancillary program data that increases the viewing enjoyment of program material.

10. An apparatus for distributing ancillary program data to multimedia devices, comprising:

means for receiving a request from a user to record or download specified content on a multimedia device;

means for evaluating the requested specified content in response to receiving a user request and requesting auxiliary program data information related to the requested specified content from a service;

means for receiving auxiliary program data information from the service on the multimedia device;

means for automatically downloading, on the multimedia device, auxiliary program data to storage from a source listed in the auxiliary program data information in response to receiving the auxiliary program data information;

means for recording or downloading the specified content to the storage device;

means for displaying a selectable auxiliary program data list to the user when the user selects the stored specified content for viewing;

wherein the auxiliary program data comprises: cut scenes, "feature" clips, make features, music videos, executable software, advertisements, additional scenes, multi-scene angle content, director's commentary, games, or links to auxiliary content; and

and a module for displaying the auxiliary program data selected by the user.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

means for returning the user to the selectable auxiliary program data list after displaying the user-selected auxiliary program data.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

means for allowing the user to select a candidate scene or a scene from a different angle from the ancillary program data while the user is viewing the selected stored specified content.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the user specifies a type of ancillary program data that the user desires to download, and wherein the download module limits ancillary program data to the user-specified type.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

means for recording whether a user has viewed a particular ancillary program;

means for reporting to a service that the user has viewed auxiliary program data; and

wherein the service charges the publisher or content provider a fee for each time the subscriber views ancillary program data of the publisher or content provider.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the auxiliary program data information has an entry listed in a specified subscription form, and wherein an advertiser or content provider pays a service fee for the service to subscribe to the auxiliary program data in the specified subscription form.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

means for deleting the ancillary program data when the stored specified content is deleted from the storage device.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

wherein the stored specified content includes a tag indicating a source of ancillary program data; and means for downloading auxiliary content information from the source.

18. A method for distributing ancillary program data to a multimedia device, comprising:

identifying a program viewed by a user;

responsive to the identification of the program, evaluating the requested specified content and requesting auxiliary program data information associated with the program from a service;

receiving at the multimedia device ancillary program data information from the service;

in response to receiving auxiliary program data information, automatically downloading auxiliary program data at the multimedia device from a source listed in the auxiliary program data information to a storage device;

indicating to the user that auxiliary program data is available for the program;

wherein the auxiliary program data comprises: cut scenes, "feature" clips, make features, music videos, executable software, advertisements, additional scenes, multi-scene angle content, director's commentary, games, or links to auxiliary content;

displaying the auxiliary program data selected by the user; and

deleting the auxiliary program data when the user starts to watch other programs.