JP2002530018A - Program guide with interactive information display screen - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An interactive television program guide having an interactive information display screen is provided. By selecting an item, an interactive information display screen can be accessed. The interactive information display screen may include detailed information about the selected item or package, and may include user-selectable options. The user-selectable option may be a program guide function configured to be used in a specific context for the selected program. The user-selectable options displayed depend on which program guide features are available to be used in a particular context for the selected item, and depend on the information associated with the selected item.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an interactive television program guide system, and more specifically, to an interactive television program guide system having an interactive information display screen.

[0002] Cable, satellite, and broadcast television systems provide many television channels. Television viewers traditionally look at printed television program schedules,
Obtain programming information. More recently, electronic television program guides have been developed that allow television program information to be displayed on a viewer's television.

[0003] Interactive television program guides ("program guides") typically provide program guide functionality to assist viewers in television operation. Some program guide systems include a program guide function that displays an information display screen for a particular program. The information display screen provided by such a program guide system is usually limited by the content and amount of information provided. For example, a typical information screen may include a description of a selected program, may not include information about a channel or network for the program, and may not include information about a program package associated with the program. In addition, program guide functions related to setting parental control, setting reminders, selecting programs to record, ordering programs, etc., are not available on information display screens that include channel, network, or package information.

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a program guide having an interactive information display screen.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a program guide having an interactive information display screen that provides detailed information of a program or service and has a plurality of user selectable functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing a program guide having an interactive information display screen. The interactive information display screen may include detailed descriptions of programs, channels, networks, program packages, etc. and user selectable options.

[0007] Users can group programs, channels, networks, or programs (eg, purchaseable packages, program series, mini-series, sports series, etc.).
The interactive information display screen can be accessed by selecting a programming related item such as. Other types of television content supported by the program guide may also be selectable items, if desired. If an item is selected (e.g., by pressing the "information" key on the remote control for more information), the program guide may have interactive information that may have a detailed description of the selected item and user selectable options A display screen may be displayed. The options in the interactive information display screen are available for the selected item and the program guide functions (eg, recording, parental lock, profile, e) that are performed on a particular connection to the selected item.
Email, purchase, etc.). The options available on the interactive information display screen may depend on which of the different items has been selected in accessing the interactive information display screen, and may further depend on the information associated with the selected item.

[0008] The interactive information display screen may include a video, a still image, an advertisement, or a status indicator. The video, still image, or advertisement may have selectable access to additional program guide display screens.

[0009] The interactive information display screen is preferably accessible from any program guide display screen. Interactive information display screen accessed by selecting an item User selectable options include parental control options, preference profile options, purchase options, viewing options, channel tuning options, recording options, other channel / time options, e Email options, web page options, new options, related network / channel options, program grouping component options, data service options, application options, favorite options, end options, local service options, previous one options, reminder options, and Includes package options.

[0010] Depending on display size limitations, the program guide may allow a user to scroll through options or information to display additional information or options that are not being displayed.

[0011] When displaying the interactive information display screen, the program guide may determine which user-selectable options are displayed for the selected item. The determination depends on the selected item (eg, whether a program, network, channel, or other item has been selected) and information associated with the selected item (eg, which program, which channel, which network, etc.). Etc.). The program guide may rename the option based on the selected item and based on information associated with the selected item.

The detailed information includes a program title, a program description, a cast, a director, an award, criticism, a rating, a length, a channel number, a channel call number, an affiliate network, a channel broadcast time, a channel logo, a category, a channel name, and the like. Information.

[0013] Further features, properties, and various advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An exemplary interactive television program guide system 50 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. The main equipment 52 includes program guide information (eg, TV program list item data, program related information, channel list item data, channel related information, network list item data, network related information, package list item data, package related information, pay-per-view order). Information, television program advertising information, program guide Internet related information, etc.).

Main facility 52 preferably includes an information processing processor that processes information distribution tasks. Information from database 54 may be transmitted in parallel to multiple television distribution facilities, such as television distribution facility 56, via a communication link, such as communication link 58. Communication link 58 may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, an Internet link, a fiber optic link, a combination of such links, or other suitable communication path. Communication link 58 may pass through one or more facilities used to distribute television programs or other facilities. Text, graphics, and video data may be transmitted on link 58. If it is desired to transmit the video signal over the communication link 58, a relatively high bandwidth link, such as a satellite link, may be preferable when compared to a relatively low bandwidth link.

The television distribution facility 56 is a facility that distributes television signals to viewers, such as a cable system headend, a broadcast distribution facility, or a satellite television distribution facility.

The program guide information transmitted by the main facility 52 to the television distribution facility 56 includes television program list item data such as program time, channel, title, description, and the like. The transmitted program guide information includes price information for individual programs and subscribed channels, time windows for program and channel orders, and paid program data such as telephone numbers to place orders that cannot be ordered immediately. In addition, the transmitted program guide information includes movie reviews, ratings, affiliate networks, related services, program directors, casts, channel calling characters, channel full names, broadcast times, service descriptions, logos, package titles, package components, and web links. ,
Includes detailed descriptions of program guide television content such as email information, chat information, video notices, product information, still graphics, video, advertisements, etc. TV distribution equipment 5
6 may include devices that access and communicate on the Internet.

The television distribution facility 56 can distribute the program guide information received from the main facility 52 to the user television equipment 61 via the communication path 60. User television equipment 61 may be any suitable equipment that provides a television with sufficient processing power to implement an interactive television program guide. If desired, the user television equipment 61 may have e
It may have sufficient processing power to implement other applications such as mail or chat applications.

Communication path 60 may be a cable link, fiber optic link, satellite link, broadcast link, other suitable link, or a combination of such links. Any suitable communication scheme may be used to transmit data on path 60. Such communication systems include in-band transmission, out-of-band transmission, digital transmission, analog transmission, cable transmission, satellite transmission, wireless transmission, multi-channel multipoint distribution service (MM).
DS) transmission and the like.

Communication path 60 is preferably low-band sufficient to allow television distribution facility 56 to distribute television programs, program listings data, advertisements, and other information to user television equipment 61. Have a width. Multiple television and audio channels (analog, digital, or both analog and digital) may be provided to user television equipment 61 via communication path 60. If desired, some data may be distributed to user television equipment 61 by one or more distribution facilities separate from the television distribution facility, using a communication path that is partially or completely separate from communication path 60. Can be done.

The data distribution technique used to distribute data on path 60 may depend on the type of information being distributed. For example, text and graphics may be delivered using an out-of-band modulator on an out-of-band channel or on a vertical blanking interval line of an analog video signal. Video information is also delivered in this manner, but more video information is more efficiently delivered using one or more digital channels on path 60. Also, texts and graphics are distributed using such digital channels.

Each user television equipment device 61 has a receiver, which is typically a set-top box, such as a set-top box 62. Also, the receiver may be a state-of-the-art television receiver, a personal computer television (PC / TV), or a personal computer having a television capability (for example, a television tuner card, in which a circuit section similar to the set-top box circuit section is incorporated). And other suitable television equipment. By way of example, the present invention is described in the context of user television equipment 61 using a set-top box.

Each set-top box 62 preferably includes a processor that processes tasks associated with implementing a program guide application on the set-top box 62. Each set-top box 62 may preferably be connected to a video cassette recorder 66 or other recording device, such as a digital recording device, to record selected television programs. For purposes of illustration, the present invention is described in the context of a video cassette recorder 66. Video cassette recorder 66 typically comprises
Connected to television 68 or other display device. For purposes of illustration, the present invention is described in the context of television 68. To record a program, set-top box 62 tunes to a particular channel and instructs video cassette recorder 66 to start and stop recording at the appropriate times (eg, infrared transmitter 7).
A control signal is sent to the video cassette recorder 66 (using 0).

While using the interactive television program guide implemented in set-top box 62,
Television program listings, advertisements, program information, and other information may be displayed on television 68. The user can use one or more remote controls or any other suitable user input interface such as a wireless keyboard, mouse, trackball, dedicated key set, voice recognition system, personal digital assistant, display remote control The device may be used to control set-top box 62, video cassette recorder 66, and television 68. The remote control can be a display remote control. If a display remote control is used, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen on the display screen of the display remote control. The display remote control may include a touchpad to receive user input. For example, the user may select by touching a particular active option on the display screen of the remote control. A program guide system having a display remote control is described in US Provisional Application No. 60 / 138,868. This application, 19
Filed June 11, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For clarity, the present invention is described primarily in the context of a program guide system where the user interface device is a remote control. A typical remote control 72 includes an arrow key for controlling the position of a highlight area on the program guide display screen, and an OK, ENTER, or ACCEPT key (hereinafter, “
(Referred to as an "OK" key). Also, the remote control may have other remote control keys such as an information "INFO" key, a record key, a channel up or down key, a volume control key, a numeric key.

Certain program guide functions, such as pay program purchases, product or service purchases, and data collection functions, may require user television equipment 61 to transmit data to television distribution facility 56 over communication path 60. If desired, such data can be
It may be transmitted over a telephone line or other separate communication path. When such a function is provided using a facility separate from the television distribution facility 56, a part of the communication relating to the user television equipment 61 is directly performed with the separate facility (not shown).

Set-top box 62 has sufficient processing power to support applications such as email, chat, data services, and video games. User television equipment 61 may include equipment that records portions of a video or extracts images from a video.

If desired, an exemplary interactive television program guide may be implemented using a data delay structure. In such a structure, television distribution facility 56 may function as a data delay site, and user television equipment 61 may be a data destination site. For example, when the television distribution facility 56 receives information from the main facility 52, the television distribution facility 56 distributes the information to the user television equipment 61 continuously or periodically. In the data delay structure, the program guide may be implemented on the user television equipment 61 using a database (eg, database 64) of the user television equipment 61 that stores the program guide information. In addition, the television distribution facility 56 has the specific information (
For example, the set-top box may be periodically polled for paid program billing information or information about programs purchased and viewed using locally generated recognition techniques.

An interactive television program guide system may be implemented using a client-server structure or using a combination of data delay and client-server structure. An exemplary interactive television program guide system 80 based on a client-server structure is shown in FIG. Like the system 50 of FIG. 1, the program guide 80 may include a main facility 52 having a program guide database 54. Since the system of FIG. 2 uses a client-server configuration, the program guide is partially implemented on the server and partially implemented on the client. The server may be a server, such as server 82. The server 82 may be at the television distribution facility 84 or at any other suitable location. The client may be located on user television equipment 61 (eg, set-top box 88). In the television distribution facility 84, the program guide information is
It may be stored and maintained in a database 86. Database 86 may be accessed by clients (eg, set-top box 88) as needed. For example, set-top box 88 may send a message to server 82 requesting a particular video clip for the program guide.

An exemplary interactive television program guide system 90 that uses a combination of client-server and data delay structures is shown in FIG. In such a combined structure, the program guide is partially implemented on a server and partially implemented on a client. The television distribution facility 94 continuously (or periodically) relays a part of the program guide information to the user television equipment 99. User television equipment 99 may include a database 96 that stores program guide information. Television distribution facility 94 may include a server 91 and a database 93 that store some of the information received from main facility 52. The program guide data stored in the database 93 is, if necessary,
It can be delivered to user television equipment 99. Also, if desired, an interactive television program guide system, such as system 90, may be implemented in a more server-based configuration.

The server 91 of the television distribution facility 94 uses a database 93 to store program guide information as well as graphics, displays, or other software related to generating a program guide display on the user television equipment 99. User television equipment 99 may receive input from a user requesting access to a particular user television equipment function, operation, or data. Television distribution facility 94 may execute the necessary instructions to implement the desired functions supporting the desired operations or to provide access to the data. Alternatively, television distribution facility 94 may operate in conjunction with user television equipment 99 to implement desired functions to support the desired operation or to execute the necessary instructions to facilitate access to the desired data. . An example of a program guide system with on-demand data supply capabilities is provided in Ellis et al., US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 330,519. This application, 19
Filed June 11, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. An example of a program guide system having a continuous data stream and client-server data supply capability is described in Hassell et al., US Patent Application Serial No. 09/332.
, 625. This application was filed on June 11, 1999, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

For clarity, the present invention is often described primarily in the context of a program guide implemented primarily on user television equipment, and not in the context of a program guide implemented using a server-based structure. Is done.

As shown in FIG. 4 a, the program guide of the present invention has an exemplary program guide display screen 1.
00, 104, 106, 686, and 688, and the exemplary interactive information display screen 102 may be displayed. Display screen 100 includes program listings and corresponding channel identifiers in a grid format. Display screen 104 includes a list of packages and corresponding network identifiers. The display screen 106 shows program categories or genres such as sports, comedy, movies, news,
As well as a list of corresponding programs. Screen 108 may include video of the program.
Screen 108 may be a program guide display screen provided by a program guide, or may include a television program provided by user television equipment when the guide runs in the background. The program guide may display program listings or may include channels (eg, an overlay containing a list of music channels in program guide display screen 686), networks, packages, program groupings (eg, program guide display screen 288). Other program guide display screens identifying the program grouping list of the program guide may be displayed. The display screen may be partial or full screen, and the information displayed there may be categorized. Further exemplary interactive information display screens are shown in FIGS. 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e.

The user may select program related items from the program guide display screens, such as display screens 100, 104, 106, 108 (if screen 108 is displayed by the program guide), 686, and 688. Here, the program-related item is a program list item, a channel, a network, or a program grouping (for example, package,
Program series, mini series, sports series, etc.). As defined herein, a program-related item (also simply referred to as an item) may be any other category of television content provided through a program guide. Also, television programs not provided by the guide may be program-related items in that this program is selected by the user in the program guide. Each item is a specific program,
Channels, networks, etc. may be identified or related. Each particular item is a detailed description of the particular item (eg, program title, rating, channel identifier, related email address, related web page address, program description,
Affiliate network information, program grouping components, related chat sessions,
Actors, directors, showtimes, other showtimes or channels, etc.). The information is provided as part of the program listing data supplied to the user television equipment. The information may be in a format suitable for the display and may be in a format suitable for processing to determine characteristics of a particular item.

The items include, for example, pressing the INFO key with the highlight area set to the program list item, pressing the INFO key with the highlight area set to the channel grid cell, and while watching the program. Pressing the INFO key, matching the highlighted area to the program guide display screen for identifying the music channel, and pressing the INFO key, matching the highlighted area to the program grouping list item on the favorite program grouping display screen, The selection can be made by pressing a key, adjusting the highlighted area to the network identification on the network list item display screen, and pressing the INFO key. The item may be selected from any suitable program guide display screen including a selectable portion. Further, program items may be selected by selecting a screen containing a television program.

The program guide may differ depending on the item selected (eg, program listings, channels, networks, program groupings, or whether the program was selected to access the interactive information display screen). An interactive information display screen may be displayed. Options in the interactive information display screen are available for the selected item, and in particular, a program guide function that may be performed on the selected item (e.g.,
Recording, viewing restrictions, profile, email, purchase, etc.). The options available in the interactive information display screen may depend on which of the different items has been selected to access the interactive information display screen, and further depends on the information associated with the selected item. . For example, an interactive information display screen displayed when a program list item is selected (for example, screen 102 in FIG. 4A) is displayed when a channel is selected. Of the two-way information display screen).

When the user selects an item, the program guide displays the interactive information display screen 1 of FIG.
02 may be displayed. The interactive information display screen 102
It may include a detailed description portion 110 and may include a set of user-selectable options 112. Also, the interactive information display screen 102 may include other information such as graphic images, videos, advertisements, status indicators, and graphic animations.

The content of interactive information display screen 102 may depend on whether a program, channel, network, program grouping, or other item has been selected. For example, the detailed information portion 110 may include text that provides information appropriate for displaying the program, which may include program content related information such as synopsis, actors, ratings, reviews, directors, channel numbers, other broadcasts, program categories, etc. May include several lines. User selectable options 112 may include options that depend on what type of item was selected, and information related to the selected item.

Depending on the amount of information displayed, the user may be offered the opportunity to scroll to the detailed description portion 110. The user scrolls through the information (by pressing the up or down arrow keys or other appropriate navigation keys on the remote control).
For example, it may be possible to scroll up or down). Detailed description portion 110 indicates that the user may scroll to view more information.
It may include one or more arrows, such as arrow 105. The detailed description portion 110 may provide sufficient information to allow the user to perform (eg, use or invoke) the user selectable option 112 upon obtaining the information.

Scrolling may provide user selectable options 112 depending on the number of user selectable options available for the selected item. The user may be able to scroll to available but not yet displayed options by pressing the left or right arrow keys or other suitable navigation keys on the remote control. User selectable options 112 may include arrows, such as arrow 103, indicating that the user may scroll to additional options.

The options available in the area of the screen 102 provided for the user-selectable options 112 may depend on the nature of the selected item and the information associated with the item. The particular options provided may be those that need to perform certain program guide functions available for the selected item. The program guide user may select an option by adjusting the highlight area to the desired option and using the arrow keys and pressing the OK key.

Exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen, such as the interactive information display screen 102 of FIG. 4a, are shown in FIG. At step 114, the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to select an item for further information. The program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to select an item to receive further information from any program guide display screen that includes an identifier for the item, or from any screen that includes a video for the item. Opportunities to select items may be provided to the user from various program guide display screens, such as a program listings display screen, a favorite program display screen, and a genre display screen. The interactive information display screen for the selected item may provide the user with an opportunity to select another item that may be related to the selected item. Also, an opportunity to select an item (e.g., a program item) may be provided to the user from a screen containing video about the program.

At step 116, in response to the selection of the item, the program guide displays screen 10 of FIG.
2 may be displayed. The interactive information display screen may include detailed information about the item. There may be various user selectable options. The user selectable option may be an option that performs a program guide function that is specifically available for the selected item. In addition to depending on whether a program (program listings or program video), channel, network, program grouping, or other item is selected, the options include which items (eg,
Which program, which channel, which network, which program grouping, etc.) may have been selected. For example, options for programs currently being broadcast may be different from options for programs being broadcast tomorrow. Options and option availability are described below.

User enabled options for the interactive information display screen may include reminder options. For example, as shown in FIG. 6a, the interactive information display screen 120 displays four other options: a parental control option 124, a preference profile option 126, a recording option 128, and a channel tuning option 13.
0), and includes a reminder option 122. The interactive information display screen 120 displays the program list item display screen 11 by selecting a desired program list item.
8 can be accessed. As described above, a user may select a program listing by, for example, aligning the highlight area with a listing, such as the listing of a Seinfeld episode (as shown), and pressing the INFO key. The program guide may, in response, display an interactive information display screen 120 including a detailed description of the selected Seinfeld episode and user selectable options 122, 124, 126, 128, and 130.

The reminder option 122 changes the highlighted area to the reminder option 122.
Can be selected by pressing the OK key on the remote control. If the reminder option 122 is selected, the program guide may include a detailed description of the same Seinfeld episode and may include a reminder control 136 that activates or inactivates a reminder to view the selected Seinfeld episode. An information display screen 134 may be included. The reminder control 136 also allows a user to set, delete, or change a series reminder. A program guide system with series reminder capability is described in co-pending US Patent Application Ser. No. 09 / 330,79 to Knudsen et al.
No. 2. This application was filed on June 11, 1999, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. If desired, interactive information display screens 120 and 134 may include one or more advertisements, such as advertisement 132. The reminder option may be made available if the selected item is a program, and more specifically, if the selected item is a program listing of a program that has not yet started broadcasting. Whether a reminder option is available or not available depends on whether the selected item is a program listing, depending on the nature of the selected item the option that the system makes available It is an example of doing.

Exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having a reminder option, such as the interactive information display screen 120 of FIG. 6a, are shown in FIG. 6b. Step 292
At, after the user selects an item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen containing further information. Displaying the interactive information display screen at step 292 may include displaying a reminder option at step 300. For example, if the program guide determines that the selected item is a program listing or listing of a program grouping, such as a series, a reminder option may be displayed. At step 302, after the user has selected the reminder option, and after this selection has been detected at step 300, the program guide sets, deletes, or changes the reminder to view the selected item for further information. May provide the user with an opportunity to do so.

The interactive information display screen may include viewing options. For example, as shown in FIG. 7a, the interactive information display screen 138 shows three other options: a parental control option 146, a preference profile option 148, and a recording option 150.
Together with a viewing option 140. Interactive information display screen 138 may be accessed from program listings display screen 142 by selecting a desired program listing. As described above, the user may select (as shown) Seinfel.
d. highlight the region to a list item, such as the episode list item,
By pressing the FO key, a program can be selected. If a program listing is selected, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 138 containing a detailed description of the program, the selected Seinfeld episode, along with user-selectable options 140, 146, 148, and 150. . For example, the viewing option 140 may be selected by aligning the highlight area with the viewing option 140 and pressing a remote control key (eg, an OK key). The program guide may, in response, tune to the channel that airs the episode of the selected Seinfeld and display the current program video 154 for that channel. Viewing options 140 are available for the selected program to be aired (immediately), immediately before being aired, or on-demand (eg, using video-on-demand or near-video-on-demand). In some cases, it may be a displayed option. For digital music programs, an option similar to the viewing option, called the "listen" option, is provided in the program guide. If desired, interactive information display screen 138 may include advertisement 152. Exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having viewing options, such as the interactive information display screen 138 of FIG. 7a, are shown in FIG. 7b. At step 292, after the user selects an item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. A step of displaying an interactive information display screen, step 29
2 may include displaying the viewing options at step 296. Step 296 includes:
It may include detecting whether a program, channel, or network item has been selected, and may include renaming an optional display name. A viewing option is provided if the program guide determines that a channel, network, or program has been selected for further information that is being broadcast, is about to be broadcast, or is available on demand. Can be displayed. If the selected item is a digital music program, the program guide efficiently “renames” the option from “view” to “play”, as shown in FIG. 7c. At step 316, after the user selects a viewing option from the interactive information display screen, the program guide may tune to the channel that broadcasts the selected program and the video of the selected program may be displayed. If the selected program is a digital music program, the program guide tunes to the appropriate music channel and plays the music program (eg, FIG. 7c).
See). By the user selecting a channel or network,
When accessing the interactive information display screen, selecting a viewing option from the interactive information display screen tunes the program guide to the selected channel or network, as shown in FIG. 7d.

The interactive information display screen may include a channel tuning option. For example, as shown in FIG. 8a, the interactive information display screen 156 shows the other eight
, Parental control option 168, package option 170, preference profile option 172, and other channel / time options 174 and 17
Along with 6), a channel tuning option 158 may be included. The program guide displays an interactive information display screen 156 when the user presses a key, such as an information (INFO) key, to select a program listing, such as a Seinfeld program listing, from the program listings display 160. obtain. Bidirectional information display screen 15
6 are user selectable options 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 1
Includes a detailed description of selected Seinfeld episodes along with 72, 174 and 176. If the user selects the channel tuning option 158, the program guide may tune to the channel on which the episode of the selected Seinfeld will be broadcast, and the video 178 currently being broadcast on that channel
Can be displayed. Channel tuning option 158 may be an option that is displayed if the selected item is a future program.

Options that are not available are typically not displayed. For example, viewing options are not available for programs that will be broadcast in the future. If desired, user-selectable options that are not available can be displayed but are displayed differently. For example, as shown in FIG. 8a, the viewing option 164 may include the selected Sein
Since the episode of the field is not yet available for viewing, it may be displayed in low intensity or otherwise visually distinguished from other options.

Exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having a channel tuning option, such as the interactive information display screen 156 shown in FIG. 8a, are shown in FIG. 8b. At step 292, after the user selects an item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying an interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying a channel tuning option in step 304. Step 3
04 may include detecting whether a programming channel or network has been selected. The program guide may display a channel tuning option if the program guide determines that the selected item is a program, channel or network. At step 324, after the user selects a channel tuning option, the program guide may tune to the channel for the selected program, tune to the selected channel, or channel for the selected network. May be tuned to.

The interactive information display screen may include a parental control option. For example, as shown in FIG. 9a, the interactive information display screen 180 shows the other six options (purchase option 186, reminder option 188, package option 190, profile option 192, recording option 196, and other channel / time options). 194), a parental control option 182 may be included. In operation, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 180 if the user selects Hell's Apocalypse from the program listings display screen 184 for further information (eg, by pressing an information (INFO) key). . Bidirectional information display screen 18
0 is a user selectable option 182, 186, 188, 190, 192, 1
Along with 94 and 196, a detailed description of the selected program (Hell's Apocalypse) may be included (eg, the description includes information about the synopsis, rating, director, awards, reviews, showtimes, etc.).

When the user selects the viewing restriction lock option 182, the program guide
The user may be provided with an opportunity to enter a personal identification code (eg, using a PIN overlay 185). If the user enters a valid code, an interactive information display screen 198 may be displayed that includes a detailed description of the same hell apocalypse and includes a viewing control 200 that provides the user with an opportunity to set viewing restrictions. If desired, the viewing controls can be displayed in an overlay, as described below.

Exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having a parental control option, such as the interactive information display screen 180 of FIG. 9a, are shown in FIG. 9b. At step 292, after the user selects an item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying an interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying a parental lock option (step 298). The parental control lock option is also called a parental control option or a parental control option. A parental lock option may be displayed if the program guide detects that an item has been selected for further information. Step 298 may include providing the user with an opportunity to enter a PIN. If the user selects the parental lock option, the program guide may provide the user with the opportunity to set or cancel parental controls at step 318. For example, a program guide may provide a user with an opportunity to restrict a selected program from being viewed by a person who cannot provide a password. The program guide may provide an opportunity to restrict the program based on attributes of the selected program (e.g., the guide allows the user to restrict based on the rating of the selected program).
If the selected item is a channel, network, or program grouping, the user may be provided with an opportunity to limit or remove the selected channel, network, or program grouping (e.g., FIG. 18a).

The interactive information display screen may include a purchase option. For example, as shown in FIG. 10a, the interactive information display screen 202 displays the other six options (the reminder option 208, the parental lock option 210, and the package option 212).
, Profile option 214, and other channel / time options 21
6 and 218), may include a purchase option 204. In operation,
The program guide may display interactive information display screen 202 as the user requests more information about the selected program listing (eg, by pressing an information key, etc.). For example, the user may press the information key after highlighting "Hell Revelation" in the program listings display screen 206. Interactive information display screen 202, along with user-selectable options 204, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218, provides a detailed description (e.g., synopsis, rating, Information on directors, awards, critiques, showtimes, etc.). When the user selects the purchase option 204, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 220. Screen 220 may include a detailed description of Hell's Apocalypse similar to screen 202 (eg, entering a code to complete a purchase or entering an authorization code to watch a program, etc.). A purchase option 222 may be included to provide the user with an opportunity to purchase a view.

FIG. 10 b illustrates a purchase option (eg, the interactive information display screen 202 of FIG. 10 a).
7) illustrates an exemplary process for providing an interactive information display screen having the above-mentioned information display screen. Step 292
In, after the user selects an item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying an interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying a purchase option (step 306). The program guide may determine whether the purchase option is appropriate for the selected item (step 306).
a). For example, if the selected item is a purchaseable program, network, channel, or program grouping,
Incorrect display of purchase options. After the user selects a purchase option,
At step 326, the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to purchase the selected item (or cancel the purchase of the selected item). For example, a program guide
Instructions regarding the telephone order may be provided to the user (see, for example, FIG. 19a).
. Upon purchase, an impulse pay-per-view confirmation, video-on-demand confirmation, or telephone order may be made.

The interactive information display screen may include another channel / time option. For example, as shown in FIG. 11a, the interactive information display screen 224 may include another channel / time option 226, along with four other options (reminder option, channel tuning option, parental control option, and recording option). In operation, the program guide displays the program list item display screen 2
After selecting a program listing (eg, a program listing for “ER”) from 28 as further information, an interactive information display screen 224 may be displayed. Interactive information display screen 224 provides a detailed description of the selected "ER" episode (e.g., synopsis, rating, director, Awards, reviews, showtimes, etc.). If the user selects another channel / time option 226,
The program guide may display an information display screen 240 that displays "E
. R. Along with a detailed description 237 of the episode of "E.R.
") Includes selectable lists of other channels / time (230, 232, 234 and 236). The highlighted area indicates each item (230, 23) in the list.
2, 234 and 236). In response, detailed description 23
7 provides a detailed description of the episode of "ER" in which the dynamically changing, highlighted area in the list is located. If the list for other channels / time cannot be displayed due to size constraints, displaying an arrow 231 allows the user to scroll the list horizontally, making available but not yet displayed items. Can be displayed (see, for example, FIG. 20a). If desired, the program guide may display other channel / time options for certain other viewings of the selected item (see, eg, FIG. 10a). If the user selects one of the other channel / time options (eg, option 234, etc.), an interactive information display screen 227 may be displayed. The interactive information display screen 227 may include a detailed description of the selected channel / time of the program, along with other selected channels / times, and a set of user-selectable options for performing a program guide function. Each option in the interactive information display screen allows a user to access the interactive information display screen for another item and may be considered a hyperlink.

FIG. 11b illustrates an exemplary process in providing an interactive information display screen having other channel / time options (eg, interactive information display screen 224 of FIG. 11a). After the user selects the item, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Step 29 which is a step of displaying an interactive information display screen
2 may include displaying other channel / time options (step 308). Other channel / time options may typically be available if the selected item is a program. At step 308a, the program guide may determine whether other channel / time options are available for the selected program. For example, other channel / time options may indicate that the program has
If you do not have timed broadcasts, they may not be available. After the user selects another channel / time option, at step 328, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen regarding other channels / time broadcasts of the selected program.
Step 328 may include providing the user with an opportunity to select from a list of other channels / times of the selected item.

The interactive information display screen may include a preference profile option. For example, as shown in FIG. 12a, the interactive information display screen 244 is displayed with five other options (reminder option 250, channel tuning option 252, parental control option 254, recording option 256, and other channel / time options 258). , A preference profile option 246. In operation, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 244 when a user selects a program listing (eg, “ER”) in an attempt to obtain more information from the program listings display 248. . The interactive information display screen 244, along with user-selectable options 246, 250, 252, 254, 256 and 258, provides a detailed description of the selected episode of "ER" (e.g., synopsis, rating, director, Awards, reviews, showtimes, etc.). When the user selects the preferences profile option 246, the program guide displays the interactive information display screen 26.
0, the interactive information display screen 260 includes a similar detailed description for the "ER" selection list item, and a user-selectable option 262 to add attributes of the selected program to the user profile. Can be displayed. If desired, a user-selectable option to add the attributes of the selected program to the user profile may be displayed as an overlay. For the program guide preference profile function, see 199
Co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 0, filed March 3, 08, by Ellis et al.
No. 9 / 034,934. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 12 b illustrates an exemplary process in providing an interactive information display screen having a preference profile option (eg, the interactive information display screen 244 of FIG. 12 a).
After the user selects the item, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying an interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying a preference profile option (step 310). The preference profile option may be available when the program guide determines that the selected item is a program listing, program, channel or network. At step 330, if the user selects a preference profile option, the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to add information to the user profile. For example, a program guide may allow a user to add an attribute (eg, genre) of a selected program listing (or program) as a preference to a user profile. For example, for a network or channel,
A program guide may allow a user to add information indicating preferences regarding likes or dislikes of a network or channel.

The interactive information display screen may include program grouping options for grouping programs based on packages, program series, mini series, and sports series. For example, as shown in FIG. 13a, the interactive information display screen 264 includes a program grouping option named package option 266, along with three other options (reminder option 270, purchase option 272, and parental control option 274). obtain. In operation, if the user selects Truman Show from the program listings display screen 268, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 264. When the user selects the package option 266, an interactive information display screen 276 may be displayed that includes a detailed description of the package including the Truman Show. If desired, a list of packages containing the Truman Show may be displayed as part of the package. The interactive information display screen 276 displays, in addition to the detailed description, user-selectable options 277, 278, 279 that may be performed in association with the package (or packages) described in the detailed description 282. And 280.

As shown in FIG. 13b, the interactive information display screen 424 shows the other six options (profile option 430, viewing option 432, program listings option 434, add to favorites option 436, purchase option 438, and viewing restrictions. Lock option 440) and program grouping option 42
6 may be included. In operation, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 424 when the user selects channel 5 from the program listings display screen 428. When the user selects the program grouping option 426, the program guide
An interactive information display screen 442 may be displayed. The interactive information display screen 442 may include a grouping list of programs that include the previously selected channel as a component. After the user selects a program grouping from the list, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen appropriate for the selected program grouping. If desired, the list of program groupings may be (eg, horizontally)
Scrollable.

FIG. 13c illustrates an exemplary process for providing an interactive information display screen having a package option (eg, the interactive information display screen 264 of FIG. 13a or the interactive information display screen 424 of FIG. 13b). At step 292, after the user selects the item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying an interactive information display screen, step 292, displays program grouping options (eg, options for accessing information about a program series, mini-series, sports series, or a package containing a selected item). Step 312 may be included. The program guide may determine whether the program, channel or network has been selected, and whether the selected program, channel or network is part of a program grouping (312a). At step 332, after the user selects the program grouping option, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen regarding the program grouping, including the previously selected program, network or channel. A program guide system for providing television packages is described in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 944,153, filed Oct. 6, 1997, to Knudsen et al. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] The interactive information display screen may include a recording option. For example, as shown in FIG. 14a, the interactive information display screen 224 includes five other options (reminder option 230, channel tuning option 232, parental control option 234, preference profile option 236, and other channel / time options 238). Along with a recording option 226. In operation, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 224 when a user selects a program list item from the program list item display screen 228 (eg, a program list item for the program “ER”). Interactive information display screen 224 may include a detailed description of the selected "ER" episode, along with user-selectable options 226, 230, 232, 234, 236 and 238. When the user selects the recording option 226, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 240. Interactive information display screen 240 may include an overlay for performing a program guide recording function associated with the selected program. Interactive information display screen 240 may continually include a detailed description of the selected "ER" episode and user-selectable options. If desired, the recording options can be displayed as part of the display screen.

FIG. 14B illustrates a recording option (eg, the interactive information display screen 224 of FIG. 14A).
4 illustrates an exemplary step in providing an interactive information display screen having ()). At step 292, after the user selects the item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying the interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying a recording option (step 302). The recording option may be available when the program guide determines that the user has accessed the interactive information display screen (by selecting an item that is a program, program listing, or program grouping). . In step 322, after the user selects the recording option, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to perform a recording function of the program guide system (eg, create, delete, or modify a recording) associated with the selected program. I can do it. If desired, the program guide system may create a recording of the selected program when the user selects the recording option. The recording may be a series recording. A program guide system capable of recording a series is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 330,792 filed Jun. 11, 1999 by Knudsen et al. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

For example, a program guide may instruct a video cassette recorder to record a selected program. The user may also be provided with an opportunity to set, delete or modify recordings on a television distribution facility (eg, television distribution facility 84 of FIG. 2) or other suitably located server. The television distribution facility may include a remote media server that performs a recording operation. For a program guide system having a recording function, 199
U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/33, filed June 11, 99, by Ellis et al.
No. 2,244. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.
The selected item can also be recorded on a local digital storage device or server. For a program guide system with local digital storage,
U.S. Patent Application No. 09 filed Sep. 17, 1998 to Hassel et al.
/ 157,256. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

The interactive information display screen may include the relevant channel / network options. For example, as shown in FIG. 15a, the interactive information display screen 702 may include an associated network option 704 and an associated channel option 706, along with two other user-selectable options. In operation, if the user selects a program listing from the program listings display screen 700 (eg, a listing for program 5), the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 702.
Interactive information display screen 702 may include a detailed description of the selected program (Program 5), along with user-selectable options. The interactive information display screen 702 may include a graphic image 701, which is described further below. When the user selects the relevant network option 704, the program guide displays the interactive information display screen 7.
10 may be displayed. The interactive information display screen 710 may include a detailed description of the television network associated with the selected program (Program 5) and user-selectable options for performing program guide functions associated with that network. When the user selects the relevant channel option 706, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 712. The interactive information display screen 712 displays the selected program (
It may include a detailed description of the television channel associated with the program 5) and user-selectable options for performing the program guide functions associated with that channel.
For convenience, associated network option 704 and associated channel option 7
06 are described and displayed collectively.

FIG. 15 b shows the relevant network / channel options (eg, FIG.
7A shows an exemplary step in providing an interactive information display screen having the interactive information display screen 702) of FIG. At step 292, after the user selects the item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Step 292, the step of displaying the interactive information display screen, includes the associated network / channel options (Step 28).
Step 4) may be displayed. The relevant network / channel option may be available if the selected item is a program. Step 28
At 6a, after the user selects the relevant network option, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen for that network. Step 286b
At, after the user selects the relevant channel option, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen for that channel. The channel may be a television channel that carries the selected program (eg, program 5 in FIG. 15a). The network may be a television network associated with the selected program or with a channel that carries the selected program.

The interactive information display screen may include associated network options, current program options, or future program options. For example, as shown in FIG.
The interactive information display screen 550 displays the associated network options 552, current program options 554 and future program options 556, and other users.
It may include selectable options. The interactive information display screen 550 may include a video portion 558, which is described further below. In operation, the program guide
If the user selects an item (eg, a channel or network (as shown)) from the program guide display screen, an interactive information display screen 550 may be displayed. If the selected item is a network, interactive information display screen 550 may include an associated channel option instead of an associated network option. When the user selects the relevant network option 552, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 560. The interactive information display screen 560 displays a previously selected channel (for example, a channel related to a network).
May include a detailed description of the television network associated with the user, along with user-selectable options for performing program guide functions associated with the network. If the user selects the current program option 554, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 562. The interactive information display screen 562 provides a detailed description of the current program on the channel (or the network if a previous network was selected) and a user-selection to perform a program guide function associated with the current program. Possible options. If the user selects the upcoming program option 556, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 564. The interactive information display screen 562 provides a detailed description of upcoming programs on the channel (or network if a previous network was selected) and user-selectable to perform program guide functions associated with upcoming programs. And options.

FIG. 16 b illustrates an example process for providing an interactive information display screen having an associated network option, current program option, or future program option (eg, interactive information display screen 550 of FIG. 16 a). Is shown. At step 292, after the user selects the item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying the interactive information display screen, step 292, includes displaying the relevant network options (step 566), displaying the current program options (step 568), or displaying future program options (step 568). Step 57
0). The program guide may determine that the associated network option is available by determining that the selected item is a channel. The program guide may determine that a current or future program option is available by determining that the selected item is a channel or network. If the user selects the relevant network option, at step 572, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen regarding the network associated with the previously selected channel. When the user selects the current program option, at step 574, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen for the current program on the previously selected channel or network. If the user selects the upcoming program option, at step 576, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen for upcoming programs on the previously selected channel or network. For convenience, related network options, current program options, and future program options are described together. The display of these options can be done together, separately or in combination.

The interactive information display screen may include Internet related options (eg, web page options, chat options or email options, etc.), which are described further below. For example, as shown in FIG. 17a, interactive information display screen 580 may include a web page option 582, a chat option 584, and three other user-selectable options. In operation, when a user selects an item (eg, a program or program listings), the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 580. Interactive information display screen 580
May include a detailed description of the selected item, along with user-selectable options. When the user selects web page option 582, the program guide will:
An interactive information display screen 588 may be displayed. Interactive information display screen 588 may include, in whole or in part, a screen display 590 relating to a web page associated with the selected item. The program guide may launch an associated application for viewing the web page, and provide the application with the address of the associated web page to allow the web page associated with the program to be displayed. If desired, before launching the web page viewing application, the program guide may display a list of web pages 581 associated with the selected item and provide the user with an opportunity to select a web page from the list. User has chat option 5
Upon selecting 84, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 592. Interactive information display screen 592 may include a partial or full display of screen display 594 for a chat session associated with the selected program. The program guide may launch a chat session application and provide the application with information about a program-related chat session to be joined or initiated.
The program guide may schedule a reminder to provide the user with an opportunity to participate in a chat session associated with the selected item.

FIG. 17b illustrates an exemplary process for providing an interactive information display screen having a web page option or chat option (eg, the interactive information display screen 580 of FIG. 17a). After the user selects the item, at step 292,
The program guide may display an interactive information display screen. The step 292 of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying web page options (step 60).
0) and displaying chat options (step 602). Displaying the web page option includes determining whether the web page option is available for the user's selection (eg, determining whether the selected program has an associated web page address, etc.). May be included. Displaying the chat option may include determining whether a chat option is available (eg, determining whether a chat session application is present on the set-top box, etc.).

When the user selects the web page option, at step 606, the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to view the web page associated with the selected item. This may include providing the user with an opportunity to select from a list of web pages associated with the selected item. Website display
This can be done by launching a web browser and instructing the web browser to search for web pages related to the program. The web page address searched is
It may be provided as part of the program listings data provided to the user television equipment.

When the user selects the chat option, in step 608, the program guide participates in the chat session (eg, displays, joins, starts, schedules reminders for the chat session, or any other associated with the chat session). (Eg, take action). Data related to the chat may be provided to the program guide as part of the program listings data provided to the user television equipment.

For convenience, the web page option and the chat option will be described together. The display of these options can be done together, separately or in combination. Web page and chat options may be available when a user selects a channel, network, program grouping, program or program listing to access the interactive information display screen. For chat related systems, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 356,270 to DeWeese et al.
And U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 346,134. In this specification,
The entire application is incorporated by reference.

[0074] The interactive information display screen may include a status indicator. For example, FIG.
As shown in a, the interactive information display screen 344 may include a parental lock status indicator 350. The program guide may display an interactive information display screen 338 when the user selects package # 2 from package list item display screen 342. The interactive information display screen 338 may include a detailed description of Package # 2 and four user-selectable options including a parental lock option 340. When the user selects the parental lock option 340, the user may be provided with an opportunity to enter a personal identification code (PIN). When a valid PIN is entered, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 344 containing the same detailed description and options for package # 2 as displayed on interactive information display screen 338. In addition, interactive information display screen 344 may include a status indicator 350 for a parental lock option. Status indicator 350 may indicate to the user that package # 2 is locked. Status indicator 350 may be part of the information displayed within the detailed description portion of the interactive information display screen. Status information for other program guide functions (eg, purchases, reminders, recording functions, etc.) may also include status indicators.

FIG. 18b illustrates an exemplary process in providing an interactive information display screen having a status indicator (eg, the interactive information display screen 344 of FIG. 18a). At step 292, after the user selects the item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying the interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying a status indicator (step 341). The program guide may determine a status for a particular program guide function associated with the selected program, network, channel or package. For example, the program guide may determine whether the selected program has been purchased or locked. The status indicator may be incorporated in the detailed description portion of the interactive information display screen.

The interactive information display screen may include additional options as overlays.
For example, as shown in FIG. 19a, the interactive information display screen 364 may include an overlay 366 for channel purchase. In operation, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 352 when the user selects channel # 4 from the channel list item display screen 356. The interactive information display screen 352 displays the
4 detailed description and 4 users including purchase channel # 4 option 354
And selectable options. User purchases channel # 4 option 35
Upon selecting 4, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 364 that includes a detailed description of similar channel # 4 and similar user-selectable options.
In addition, interactive information display screen 364 may include an overlay 366 that provides further options for purchasing channel # 4. For example, overlay 366 may present the user with an opportunity to watch instructions for purchasing channel # 4 over the phone. While overlay 366 is displayed, user-selectable options (controlling parental lock, preference profile, purchase channel # 4, other user-selectable options) may be disabled. The overlay (eg, overlay 366, etc.) may also provide other options if other features (eg, preference profiles, parental locks, reminders, etc.) are selected.

FIG. 19b illustrates an exemplary step in providing an interactive information display screen having an overlay (eg, the interactive information display screen 364 of FIG. 19a). After the user selects the item, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying the interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying user-selectable options (eg, purchase options, preference profile options, recording options, etc.). At step 357, after the user selects an option, the program guide may display an overlay that provides further options for performing the selected option. Display of the overlay may be performed in a timely manner. For example, if the user selects a channel tuning option, displaying the overlay is inappropriate because there are usually no more options available to implement the channel tuning option.

As described above, the interactive information display screen allows the user to use scrolling to access user-selectable options that are available but not yet displayed due to display size constraints. Can make it possible. For example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. a, an interactive information display screen 368 shows an arrow 371 indicating that the user can scroll (eg, horizontally) to additional user-selectable options.
May be included. The highlight area may be initially located on preference profile option 370. By pressing the right arrow key (or other suitable directional navigation key) on the remote control five times, the user accesses the highlight area,
A highlight area can be displayed and the highlight area can be placed on available but not yet displayed viewing options 382. Viewing options 38
Scrolling to two, other options can be pushed out of the display screen. Arrow 373 may indicate that options pushed from the screen are also accessible by scrolling. If desired, the user-selectable options may be a continuous loop.

FIG. 20 b shows a scrollable user-selectable option (eg, FIG. 20).
a) showing an interactive information display screen having the interactive information display screen 368 a). After the user selects the item, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Step 292, the step of displaying an interactive information display screen, includes a user-selectable option (eg, a purchase option,
(Preference profile options, recording options, etc.).
The program guide may determine whether there is enough display space to display a particular user-selectable option. After the program guide determines in step 381 that there is not enough space, the program guide may provide an arrow indicator (e.g., to allow the user to scroll through options that are not yet displayed). ) May provide the user with an opportunity to navigate to options that are available but not yet displayed.

The interactive information display screen may include program listings options. For example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1a, the interactive information display screen 384 includes the other six options (restricted viewing lock option 390, profile option 392, viewing option 384, add to favorites option 396, package option 398, and purchase option 400). A program listings option 386 may be included. In operation, if the user selects channel 11 from the channel list item display screen 388, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 384.
The interactive information display screen 384 provides a detailed description of the selected channel (channel 11) and user-selectable options 384, 386, 390, 392,
394, 396, 398 and 400. When the user selects the program listings option 386, a display screen 402 containing listings for programs on channel 11 may be displayed.

FIG. 21b illustrates an exemplary process for providing an interactive information display screen having a program listings option (eg, interactive information display screen 368 of FIG. 21a).
At step 292, after the user selects the item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying an exemplary interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying program listings options (step 492). After the user selects the program listings option, the program guide may display program listings for the selected item (step 512). The program listings option may be displayed if the program guide determines that the selected item is a channel, network or program grouping.

The interactive information display screen may include an exit option. For example, as shown in FIG. 22a, the interactive information display screen 614 may include an end option 616 and three other options (associated channel options, parental control options, and profile options). Interactive information display screen 614 may also include a detailed description of the selected item. Selection of the end option 616 may be made, for example, by placing a highlight area on the end option 616 and pressing a remote control key (eg, an OK key). In response, the program guide may return the user to television viewing.

FIG. 22b illustrates an end option (eg, the interactive information display screen 614 of FIG. 22a).
7) illustrates an exemplary process for providing an interactive information display screen having the above-mentioned information display screen. Step 292
, An interactive information display screen may be displayed. Displaying the interactive information display screen, step 292, may include providing an exit option (step 622). If the user selects the exit option, at step 624, the program guide may return the user to television viewing. The display of the quit option need not be accessible to the user. For example, certain remote control keys may be used to select an exit option.

The interactive information display screen may include a previous option. For example, as shown in FIG. 22a, the interactive information display screen 618 shows the previous option 620 and the other 4
Three options (current program options, future program options, associated network options and end options). The selection of the immediately preceding option 620 can be performed, for example, by arranging the highlight display area on the immediately preceding option 620 and pressing a remote control key (for example, an OK key). After the previous option 620 is selected, the program guide returns the user to the previous program guide display screen.

FIG. 22B shows the previous option (for example, the interactive information display screen 61 in FIG. 22A).
8) shows an exemplary step in providing an interactive information display screen having the following information display screen. Step 29
At 2, an interactive information display screen may be displayed. Displaying the interactive information display screen, step 292, may include providing a previous option (step 626). Before displaying the previous option, the program guide may determine whether the previous option is available (e.g., determine whether the previously displayed screen is a program guide display screen). . After the user selects the previous option, at step 628, the program guide may return the user to the previous program guide display screen. The previous option is always available, if desired, to return the user to the previous screen (for example, to return to the TV viewing state, to the previous screen if there is any previous program guide display screen, etc.). Can be The display of the previous option may not be accessible to the user. For example, a predetermined remote control key may be used to select the previous option.

As described above, the interactive information display screen allows the user to use scrolling to access detailed description information that is available but not yet displayed due to display size restrictions. May be possible. For example, as shown in FIG.
The interactive information display screen 630 may include an arrow 632 indicating that a user can scroll to additional information (e.g., vertically). By pressing the remote control arrow keys (or other suitable directional navigation keys), the user may access additional information regarding the selected item. When scrolling to view more information, some of the displayed information may be pushed out of the display screen. Arrow 634 may indicate that information extruded from the screen is also accessible by scrolling. If the information includes a status indicator (see, eg, FIG. 18a), the status indicator may include:
It may be scrolled with the information or placed at a fixed position on the display screen.

FIG. 23b illustrates an exemplary step in providing an interactive information display screen having detailed scrollable descriptive information (eg, the interactive information display screen 630 of FIG. 23a). After the user selects the item, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying an interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying a detailed description of the selected item.
The program guide may determine whether sufficient display space is available to display certain detailed descriptive information. After the program guide determines in step 636 that there is insufficient space, the program guide may provide (eg, provide an arrow indicator,
Provides the user with an opportunity to navigate to available or not yet displayed detailed description information (by allowing the user to scroll through available or not yet displayed detailed description information) I can do it.

[0088] The interactive information display screen may include favorite channel options. For example, as shown in FIG. 24a, the interactive information display screen 522 includes a favorite channel option 524 and six other options (a parental lock option 528, a parental view option 530, a profile option 532, a program list item option 534, a service Package option 536 and purchase option 538). In operation, the user operates the program list item display screen 52.
Upon selecting channel 4 from 6, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 522. An interactive information display screen 522 displays a detailed description of channel 4 and user-selectable options 524, 528, 530, 532, 534, 536.
And 538. If the user selects the favorite channel option 524, the program guide may add the selected channel to the list of favorite channels and display an interactive information display screen 540. Interactive information display screen 54
0 may include a detailed description for the same selected channel and user-selectable options (eg, reminder options, profile options, purchase options, etc.). The detailed description may include a status indicator 529 indicating that channel 4 is a favorite channel. The user selectable option on the interactive information display screen 540 includes a delete from favorites option 542.
May be included.

FIG. 24b illustrates an exemplary step in providing an interactive information display screen having a favorite option (eg, interactive information display screen 522 of FIG. 24a). At step 292, after the user selects the item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Step 292, which is a step of displaying an interactive information display screen, includes:
Displaying a favorite option (step 494) may be included. The Favorites option may be available if the program guide determines that the selected item is the selected channel or network when accessing the interactive information display screen. After the user selects a favorite channel option from the interactive information display screen, at step 514, the program guide
You can add channels to your favorite channel list or remove channels from your favorite channel list.

The interactive information display screen for a network list item may include a local channel option. For example, as shown in FIG.
44 may include a local channel option 426, along with three other options (a parental lock option 450, a preference profile option 452, and a purchase option 454). In operation, if the user selects network F from program listings display screen 448, the program guide may display interactive information display screen 444. Interactive information display screen 444 includes a detailed description of network F and user-selectable options 446, 450, 452, and 45.
4 may be included. Local channel option 446 may include a display area for identifying a local channel associated with the selected network F. When the user selects the local channel option 446, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 456. The bidirectional information display screen 456 displays the channel X
And a user-selectable option.

FIG. 25b illustrates an exemplary step in providing an interactive information display screen having a local channel option (eg, the interactive information display screen 444 of FIG. 25a). After the user selects the item, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Step 2 which is a step of displaying an interactive information display screen
92 may include displaying local channel options (step 498). The local channel option may be available only if the program guide
This is when it is determined that the selected item is a network. After the user selects the local channel option, at step 518, the program guide
An interactive information display screen for a local channel associated with the selected network may be displayed.

[0092] The interactive information display screen may include program grouping component options. Program grouping can be performed on a package, program series, mini-series, sports series, etc. basis. For example, as shown in FIG. 26a, interactive information display screen 460 may include a package component option 462 and four other options (preference profile option 466, parental lock option 468, and purchase option 470). In operation, when a user selects a package for information, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 460. The interactive information display screen 460 may include a detailed description of the selected package, package 2, and user-selectable options 462, 466, 468, 470, and 472. Package component option 462 may include a display area that provides text to identify the program (eg, “Packaged Program A”), Program A, which is a component of Package 2. If the user selects package component option 462, the program guide will display a detailed description of Program A and the user-
Interactive information display screen 4 that may include selectable options (eg, reminder options, recording options, profile options, package options, etc.)
74 may be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 26b, the interactive information display screen 463 may include a program grouping component option 465, along with four other options. In operation, if the user selects further information regarding program grouping, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 463. The interactive information display screen 463 may list the selected program grouping component, program grouping 3 and user-selectable options. Program grouping component option 465
May include a display area that provides text (eg, “information about program grouping component A”). The user selects the program grouping component option 46
Upon selecting 5, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 467 for component A of program grouping 3. If desired, interactive information display screen 463 may include a scrollable list of program grouping components that can be selected when accessing the interactive information display screen for the listed program grouping components; User-selectable options for selected program groupings (
For example, purchases, viewing restrictions, etc.) (see, eg, FIG. 26d).

FIG. 26c illustrates an example of providing an interactive information display screen having a program grouping component option (eg, the interactive information display screen 460 of FIG. 26a or the interactive information display screen 463 of FIG. 26b). This shows a typical process. After the user selects the item, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying the interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying the program grouping component options (step 500). The program grouping component option may be available if the program guide determines that the selected item is a program grouping (eg, mini-series, sports series, package, etc.). At step 520, after the user selects the program grouping component option, the program guide displays the package component (
For example, an interactive information display screen regarding a program that is part of a package may be displayed. If desired, step 520 may include displaying a list of components and providing a user with an opportunity to select a component from the list and access an interactive information display screen for the selected component. .

FIG. 27 shows a graphic image (eg, the interactive information display screen 702 of FIG. 15A).
7) illustrates an exemplary process for providing an interactive information display screen having the above-mentioned information display screen. Step 292
In, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. At step 638, the program guide may display one or more graphic images. The graphic image may be associated with the selected item. The graphic image may be selectable in accessing information related to the graphic image.

FIG. 27 illustrates exemplary steps in providing an interactive information display screen having a video display (eg, the interactive information display screen 550 of FIG. 16a). At step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. At step 640, the program guide may display the video. The video may be a video clip, a broadcast video, and the like. The video clip may be associated with the selected item (eg,
A video clip can be a video preview of a program). A video clip may be selectable when accessing information associated with the video clip. A desired video clip may be provided using a server located at the television distribution facility. A system for providing video clips is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,523,796. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference. The broadcast video is associated with the selected item (eg, if the selected item is a currently broadcasted program, network, or channel, and a reduced image video, channel, or network of the program can be displayed). I can do it. The broadcast video may be irrelevant to the selected item if the selected item is, for example, a broadcast video of a compressed display image from a channel that the user was watching before using the program guide.

FIG. 27 illustrates exemplary steps in providing an interactive information display screen with an advertisement (eg, interactive information display screen 120 of FIG. 6a or interactive information display screen 138 of FIG. 7a). At step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen that may include an advertisement. At step 642, the program guide may display an advertisement that may be relevant or unrelated to the selected item. For example, when displaying irrelevant advertisements, the program guide may display the advertisements in a predetermined order that cycles through the advertisements. Related advertisements may include advertisements having only one attribute common to the selected item. An advertisement may be selectable when more information related to the advertisement is accessed. For example, a selectable advertisement may display options for purchasing a related product. The option to purchase the associated product may include sending the order (either directly from the user or via a television distribution facility) to a receptionist. A system for ordering products from a program guide is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 034,939, filed Mar. 4, 1998, to Knudson et al. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference. For a program guide system capable of ordering products, see U.S. Patent Application No.
It is also described in 8 / 428,809. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] The interactive information display screen may include Internet related options (eg, email options, etc.). For example, as shown in FIG. 28a, the interactive information display screen 644 may include an email option 646 and two other user-selectable options. When the user selects the email option 646, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 648. Interactive information display screen 648
May include a display 650 for creating an email and sending the email to an address associated with the selected item. This address may be automatically inserted into display 650. If desired, if the e-mail option is selected, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 652 that displays the selected item, image, video clip, item, or item. An indication 654 may be included for sending a recording of the program guide data to an email address provided by the user.
The program guide may also display an interactive information display screen 656, which may include a display 658. The display 658 may display the selected item (eg, text, a recording of the selected item, authentication to view the selected item, an image associated with the selected item, a video clip associated with the selected item, a selection (E.g., merchandise associated with the selected item, program guide data for the selected item, etc.).

FIG. 28b shows an e-mail option (for example, the interactive information display screen 6 in FIG. 28a).
44, etc.) are shown in providing an interactive information display screen having the following steps: After the user selects an item, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying an interactive information display screen, step 292, may include displaying an email option (step 660). The process of displaying email options is
Determining whether an email option is available (eg, determining whether the selected program has an associated email address, etc.). An email option may be available if the selected item is a program, program listing, channel, network or program grouping. At step 662, after the user selects the email option, the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to send an email. Step 662 includes selecting a selected item (eg, text, recording, viewing authorization, image, video clip,
Displaying an option to send an email containing information that may be relevant to the product, program guide data, etc.). Step 662 includes an email application for creating and sending an email (eg, an email associated with the selected item).
Launching an application that displays a draft e-mail with an e-mail address). Data relating to the email may be provided to the program guide as part of the program listings data provided to the user television equipment. E-mail related program guide features are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 356,245 to McKissick et al., filed concurrently herewith. The entirety of this application and the aforementioned application Ser. No. 09 / 346,134 are incorporated herein by reference. Email options can be used to provide feedback about a particular program.

[0100] The interactive information display screen may include a data service option or an application option. For example, as shown in FIG.
4 may include data service options 666, application options 668, and other suitable user-selectable options. When the user selects the data service option 666, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 670, which displays data from the data service associated with the selected item. A partial or full screen display 672 may be included. When the user selects the application option 668, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen 674, which may include, in part or in whole, a screen display 676 displaying the application associated with the selected item.

FIG. 29b illustrates exemplary steps in providing an interactive information display screen having a data service option (eg, the interactive information display screen 664 of FIG. 29a).
After the user selects the information item, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying the interactive information display screen may include displaying a data service option (operation 678). Displaying a data service option may include determining whether a data service associated with the selected item is available. After the user selects the data service option, at step 692, the program guide may display data associated with the selected item (eg, a real-time stock ticker). For data service applications, Kn, filed January 12, 1999,
No. 09 / 229,047 to Udson et al. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 29b illustrates exemplary steps in providing an interactive information display screen having application options (eg, the interactive information display screen 664 of FIG. 29a). In step 292, displaying the interactive information display screen may include displaying application options (step 680). Displaying application options may include determining whether an application associated with the selected item is available. After the user selects an application option, the program guide launches the application associated with the selected item and, at step 682, may display the running application (eg, a video game display, etc.). For simplicity, the data service options and application options are described together. The display of these options can be done together or separately on the interactive information display screen. A program guide system with application capabilities unrelated to the program guide is described in the aforementioned application Ser. No. 09 / 346,134.

[0103] The interactive information display screen may include video options. For example, as shown in FIG. 30a, the interactive information display screen 802 may include a video option 804, other user-selectable options, and a detailed description of the selected item. Interactive information display screen 802 may be displayed when the user selects program 4 for more information from program guide display screen 800. When the user selects the video option 804, the program guide displays a screen display 806 in the interactive information display 802.
May be partially or wholly displayed. The video may be a video related to the selected item (Program 5) or a part of the selected item. If desired
When the video option 804 is selected, the program guide may download a video clip associated with the selected item (Program 5). Downloads can occur in background processing.

FIG. 30b illustrates a video option (eg, the interactive information display screen 802 of FIG. 30a).
7) illustrates an exemplary process for providing an interactive information display screen having the above-mentioned information display screen. After the user selects an item for information, at step 292, the program guide may display an interactive information display screen. Displaying the interactive information display screen may include displaying video options (operation 808). Displaying a video option may include determining 808a whether a video option is available. The video option may be available if the selected item is a program (or program listing), channel, network or program grouping. After the user selects the video option, at step 810, the program guide provides a video clip (eg, displays a video clip associated with the item, displays a portion of the selected item, Download related video clips, etc.).

The display of options, such as the options described above, can be performed on the interactive information display screen in an appropriate combination for the selected item. For simplicity, the appropriateness of the display of each option is described in the description of each option.

The remote control can be a shortcut key. For example, the remote control may have a record key, a lock key, a favorite key, etc. If desired, pressing one of these shortcut keys while tuning to a program or highlighting a program listing will cause the program, program listing, Information display screens related to channels, networks or program groupings may be displayed,
The option associated with that shortcut key is automatically selected (for example,
Automatically select recording options, lock options, favorite options, etc.). If desired, pressing a shortcut key when the interactive information display screen is displayed allows the user to take no further action to select an option (eg, highlighting the options available to the user). Available options may be selected (e.g., recording options, parental control options, favorite options, etc. are selected) without having to press the data entry key for the option to select the option.

Although the principles of the invention have been described primarily in the context of program guides and program-related items, the invention is not so limited. If desired
These items may be items unrelated to the program, and the interactive application displaying these items may be applications unrelated to the program guide. For example, the interactive application may be a home shopping application, the item may be a product listing item, and when the user selects a desired item, additional information about the item may be displayed in the interactive home shopping information display screen. The screen includes selectable options related to various home shopping features (eg, web related features, home shopping chat features, etc.).

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary data delay structure for a program guide system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a client / server structure for a program guide system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a combined client / server and data delay structure for a program guide system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4a is an illustration of an exemplary program guide display screen and an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an interactive information display function is selected, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4b is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an interactive information display screen for a program according to the present invention.

FIG. 4c is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an interactive information display screen for a pay-per-view channel according to the present invention.

FIG. 4d is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an interactive information display screen for a channel according to the present invention.

FIG. 4e is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an interactive information display screen for a program according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing a program guide interactive information display function according to the present invention.

FIG. 6a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item for information is selected, and an example where a reminder option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an interactive information display screen that can be provided.

FIG. 6b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having a reminder option according to the present invention.

FIG. 7a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected for information, and a viewing option selected according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary display screen that may be provided.

FIG. 7b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having viewing options, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7c is a diagram of an exemplary display screen for a music channel listing, and an exemplary interactive information display that may be provided when an item is selected, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7d illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when a channel is selected for information, and a viewing option is selected, according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary display screen that may be provided.

FIG. 8a is an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and provided when a channel tuning option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram of a display screen that can be displayed.

FIG. 8b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having a channel tuning option according to the present invention.

FIG. 9a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and provides when a parent option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be performed.

FIG. 9b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having a parental option according to the present invention.

FIG. 10a provides an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and a purchase option is selected according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary interactive information display screen that can be obtained.

FIG. 10b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having a purchase option according to the present invention.

FIG. 11a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and other channel / time options according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided in some cases.

FIG. 11b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having other channel / time options according to the present invention.

FIG. 12a is an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and where a profile option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary interactive information display screen that can be obtained.

FIG. 12b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an interactive information display screen having a profile option according to the present invention.

FIG. 13a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and when a program grouping option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided.

FIG. 13b illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and when a program grouping option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided.

FIG. 13c is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having program grouping options according to the present invention.

FIG. 14a provides an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and a recording option is selected according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary interactive information display screen that can be obtained.

FIG. 14b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having a recording option, according to the present invention.

FIG. 15a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and an associated network / channel option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided to a user.

FIG. 15b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having an associated network / channel option in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16a is an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and associated network options, current program options, or FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when a next program option is selected.

FIG. 16b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having an associated network option, a current program option, or a next program option, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and a web page or chat option according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided in some cases.

FIG. 17b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having a web page option or a chat option according to the present invention.

FIG. 18a is an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and exemplary interactive information with status indicators, in accordance with the present invention. It is a figure of a display screen.

FIG. 18b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having a status indicator in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 19a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and may be provided when an option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen having an overlay.

FIG. 19b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen with an overlay according to the present invention.

FIG. 20a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen with scrollable options that may be provided when an item is selected, and options scrolled according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided in some cases.

FIG. 20b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having scrollable options in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 21a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and a case where a program listings option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary display screen for program listings that may be provided.

FIG. 21b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having a program listings option in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 22a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen with an exit option, and an exemplary interactive information display screen with a previous option, in accordance with the present invention. It is.

FIG. 22b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having an exit or previous option according to the present invention.

FIG. 23a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen having scrollable information that may be provided when an item is selected, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when information is scrolled.

FIG. 23b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having scrollable information in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 24a is an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and provided when a favorite channel option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be performed.

FIG. 24b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having a favorite option according to the present invention.

FIG. 25a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and provided when a local channel option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be performed.

FIG. 25b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having a local channel option in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 26a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and a program grouping component option according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided in some cases.

FIG. 26b illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and a program grouping component option according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided in some cases.

FIG. 26c is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having a program grouping component option according to the present invention.

FIG. 26d is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen with a graphic image, video display, or advertisement, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 28a illustrates exemplary interactive information display screens that may be provided when an item is selected, and exemplary interactive information that may be provided when an email option is selected, in accordance with the present invention. It is a figure of a display screen.

FIG. 28b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having an email option according to the present invention.

FIG. 29a illustrates an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and a data service or application option according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided in some cases.

FIG. 29b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having a data service option or an application option according to the present invention.

FIG. 30a provides an exemplary program guide display screen, an exemplary interactive information display screen that may be provided when an item is selected, and a video option is selected according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary interactive information display screen that can be obtained.

FIG. 30b is a flowchart of exemplary steps involved in providing an exemplary interactive information display screen having video options, in accordance with the present invention.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/445 H04N 5/445 Z 7/173 630 7/173 630 640 640A (31) Priority claim number 60 / 110,491 (32) Priority date December 1, 1998 (1998.12.1) (33) Country of priority claim United States (US) (31) Priority claim number 09 / 356,268 (32) Priority Date July 16, 1999 (July 16, 1999) (33) Priority country United States (US) (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR) , GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD) , TG), AP (GH GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT , AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW , MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventors Ellis, Michael D. United States Colorado 80304, Boulder, Kingwood Place 1300 (72) Inventor Herrington, W. Benjamin United States Oklahoma 74107, Tulsa, W. 20 T.H.Street 725 (72) Williamson, Steven Sea. United States Oklahoma 74012, Broken Arrow, S.E. Elder Avenue 2720 (72) Inventors Hardy, Suzanne Dee. United States Colorado 80231, Denver, Number 210, East Colorado Ave 9810 F-term (reference) 5C025 AA23 BA25 BA30 CA09 CB10 DA08 DA10 5C064 BA01 BA07 BB07 BC10 BC23 BC25 BD02 BD08 5E501 AA02 AA20 AB06 AB08 AB16 AB19 AC09 AC02 BA05 CB05 CB09 CB10 CB15 CC02 DA02 DA14 EA02 EB05 FA13 FA14 FB32 FB44

Claims (358)

[Claims] 1. A method of using an interactive television program guide having a plurality of program guide functions, wherein a user can view a plurality of program related items, and each program related to the program related items. Displaying information related to the related item; displaying at least one of the programming related items to the user; and enabling the user to select the programming related item to access the related information. Determining which of the program guide features are available for use in connection with the selected programming related item; Displaying an interactive information display screen including a selectable program guide option and including the relevant information in the selected item to use the available program guide function. A method comprising the door. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the programming related item is a television program, the method comprising: displaying the television program to the user; selecting the television program for the user; and displaying information related to the television program. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: allowing access to: 3. The program listing-related item is a program list item, the method comprising: displaying the program list item to the user; selecting the program list item for the user; Enabling access to information associated with the method. 4. The program listing-related item is a program list item, the method comprises: displaying a plurality of the program list items to the user; and selecting one of the program list items for the user. And allowing information associated with the program listings to be accessed. 5. The step of determining includes determining a number of available program guide functions based on information associated with the selected programming related item.
The method of claim 1. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen includes determining a name of the option based on information associated with the selected programming related item. Method. 7. Displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a plurality of sub-options associated with the selected program guide option.
The method of claim 1. 8. Displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying an overlay including a plurality of sub-options on the interactive information display screen for using the selected program guide option. Item 1. The method according to Item 1. 9. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of scrolling through the options if at least one of the options is available but not yet displayed due to display size limitations. The method of claim 1, comprising: 10. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying an advertisement on the interactive information display screen. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein displaying the advertisement comprises providing the user with an opportunity to select the advertisement. 12. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a method of scrolling to information associated with the selected programming related item that is available but not yet displayed. The method described in. 13. The interactive information display screen of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a video clip associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. Method. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying an image associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. . 15. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a status associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. . 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the status indicates whether a reminder has been set for the selected programming related item. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the status indicates whether a recording is scheduled to be recorded in the selected programming related item. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the status indicates whether the selected programming related item has been purchased. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the status indicates whether the selected programming related item is on a favorite list. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the status indicates whether the selected programming related item is restricted. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein said enabling comprises allowing said user to select a list item. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein said enabling comprises enabling the user to select a program being displayed. 23. The method of claim 1, wherein said enabling comprises enabling the user to select an information option from another interactive information display screen. 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected programming related item is a television program. 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected programming related item is a channel. 26. The selected program related item is a network.
The method of claim 1. 27. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected programming related item is a package. 28. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected programming related item is a program grouping. 29. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises providing an exit option to return to television viewing. 30. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises providing a previous option to return to a previous program guide display screen accessed by the user. 31. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying options associated with a program guide reminder function on the interactive information display screen. 32. The selected program related item is a program, and the step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a reminder option for setting a reminder for the program on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying. 33. The selected programming related item is a program, and displaying the interactive information display screen provides a user-selectable reminder option for deleting a reminder for the program. The method of claim 1, comprising: 34. The selected programming related item is a program, and displaying the interactive information display screen provides a user-selectable reminder option for modifying a reminder for the program. The method of claim 1, comprising: 35. The selected program related item is a program grouping, and the step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a user-selectable reminder for setting a series reminder for the program grouping. The method of claim 1, comprising providing an option. 36. The selected program related item is a program grouping, and the step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a user-selectable reminder for modifying a series reminder for the program grouping. The method of claim 1, comprising providing an option. 37. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying options associated with a program guide parental control feature on the interactive information display screen. 38. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a parental control option on the interactive information display screen. 39. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, the step of displaying a parental control option on the interactive information display screen, and the step of requiring a code input when the parental control option is selected. The method of claim 1, comprising: 40. The method of claim 39, wherein displaying the parental control option on the interactive information display screen comprises selecting parental control based on attributes of the selected programming related item. the method of. 41. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes an option to allow the user to select parental control for the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: 42. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes an option for enabling the user to remove parental control for the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying. 43. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes an option to allow the user to change the parental control for the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: 44. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected program-related item comprises a group consisting of a program and a channel, the user is restricted from viewing the selected program-related item. Displaying an option on the interactive information display screen to allow the user to set a password.
The method described in. 45. The interactive information display screen of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying options associated with purchase of the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The described method. 46. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a purchase option for enabling the user to purchase the selected programming related item impulsely. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying on a screen. 47. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a purchase option to allow the user to purchase the selected programming related item over the telephone. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: 48. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a purchase option for enabling the user to purchase the selected programming related item on demand. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying on a screen.
The method described in. 49. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a purchase option on the interactive information display screen when the selected programming related item is a program. 2. The method according to 1. 50. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a purchase option on the interactive information display screen when the selected programming related item is a channel. 2. The method according to 1. 51. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a purchase option on the interactive information display screen when the selected programming related item is a package. 2. The method according to 1. 52. Displaying the interactive information display screen comprises: displaying a purchase option on the interactive information display screen; and allowing the user to input a purchase code required to complete the purchase. The method of claim 1, comprising: 53. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a purchase option for enabling the user to cancel a purchase request for the selected programming related item. Including the step of displaying on the screen,
The method of claim 1. 54. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying an add to favorites option on the interactive information display screen. 55. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying, on the interactive information display screen, an option for setting the program-related item as a channel as a favorite channel. 2. The method according to 1. 56. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying, on the interactive information display screen, an option for removing the programming related item that is a channel as a favorite channel. 2. The method according to 1. 57. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying options associated with a user preference profile on the interactive information display screen. 58. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a preference profile option that provides an opportunity to operate a preference profile setting item based on attributes of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying on a display screen. 59. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a preference profile option on the interactive information display screen that provides an opportunity to set preference profile settings. The described method. 60. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a preference profile option on the interactive information display screen that provides an opportunity to remove a preference profile setting. The described method. 61. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a preference profile option on the interactive information display screen that provides an opportunity to change preference profile settings. The described method. 62. Displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying options related to a user preference profile on the interactive information display screen when the programming related item is a program. The method of claim 1. 63. Displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying options related to a user preference profile on the interactive information display screen when the programming related item is a channel. The method of claim 1. 64. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming related item is a program, an option related to another show of the selected programming related item. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying on the interactive information display screen. 65. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected programming related item is a program, relates to a specific other show of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1 including displaying options on the interactive information display screen. 66. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, when the selected programming related item is a program, relates to a specific other show of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying options on the interactive information display screen; and displaying an interactive information display screen for the particular other show. 67. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected programming related item is a program, relates to a specific other show of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying options on the interactive information display screen, and displaying an information display screen containing a list of other shows as individual options. 68. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected programming related item is a program, relates to a specific other show of the selected programming related item. Displaying an option on the interactive information display screen; displaying an information display screen containing the list of other shows as individual options; other options available to the user but not yet displayed. Allowing the user to navigate to the show. 69. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, when the selected programming related item is a program, relates to a specific other show of the selected programming related item. Displaying options on the interactive information display screen; and displaying an information display screen having a list of the other shows as individual options and having information about the highlighted program of the other shows. The method of claim 1, comprising the steps of: 70. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, when the selected programming related item is a program, relates to a specific other show of the selected programming related item. Displaying options on the interactive information display screen; displaying an information display screen having a list of the other shows as individual options; and interactively displaying selected ones of the other shows. Displaying the display screen. 71. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming related item is a program, all other programs having the same title as the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1 including displaying options associated with a program show on the interactive information display screen. 72. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming-related item is a program, displaying all interactive shows for the same selected programming-related item. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying relevant options on the interactive information display screen. 73. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected programming related item is a program grouping, the other of the selected programming related item is a part of the selected programming related item. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying options associated with all program shows on the interactive information display screen. 74. The interactive information display screen of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying options associated with recording of the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. the method of. 75. If the step of displaying the interactive information display screen is selected, a recording option for causing the video cassette recorder to record the selected program-related item is displayed on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying. 76. When the step of displaying the interactive information display screen is selected, a recording option for causing a video recording device of a television distribution facility to record the selected program scheduling related item is provided. 2. The method according to claim 1, comprising displaying on an information display screen. 77. If the step of displaying the interactive information display screen is selected, a recording option for causing the local digital storage device to record the selected programming related item is displayed on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: 78. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, when the selected program related item is a program, includes a recording option for recording the selected program related item. Including a step of displaying on the interactive information display screen,
The method of claim 1. 79. A recording option for recording the selected program-related item if the selected program-related item is a program grouping. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: displaying on the interactive information display screen. 80. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying the interactive information display screen with an option to schedule a recording to record the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1. 81. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes an option for deleting the selected programming related item scheduled to be recorded among the selected programming related items, The method of claim 1, comprising displaying the interactive information display screen. 82. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes an option for modifying the selected programming related item scheduled to be recorded among the selected programming related items. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying on an interactive information display screen. 83. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected program-related item is a program currently being broadcast, recording the selected program-related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying options on the interactive information display screen. 84. Displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying options related to program grouping of the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method described in. 85. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying a program grouping option on the interactive information display screen if the selected programming related item is part of a program series. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of: 86. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying a program grouping option on the interactive information display screen if the selected programming related item is part of a mini-series. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of: 87. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying a program grouping option on the interactive information display screen if the selected programming related item is part of a sports series. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of: 88. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen displays a program grouping option on the interactive information display screen if the selected programming related item is part of a package. The method of claim 1, comprising a step. 89. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, when the selected program-related item is a program, performs both of the program grouping related to the selected program-related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a program grouping option for accessing the interactive information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 90. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, when the selected program-related item is a channel, performs both of the program grouping related to the selected program-related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a program grouping option for accessing the interactive information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 91. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a program grouping option for accessing an interactive information display screen for a program grouping including the selected programming related item. The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying the orientation information on a display screen. 92. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a program grouping option for displaying a list of program groupings including the selected programming related items on the interactive information display screen. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying.
The method described in. 93. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes a program grouping option for accessing an interactive information display screen for a package including the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying on a display screen. 94. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen displays a program grouping option for displaying a list of packages including the selected programming related items on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising a step. 95. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes accessing information on components of the selected programming related item if the selected programming related item is a program grouping. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a program grouping component option to perform on the interactive information display screen. 96. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected programming related item is a package, the interactive information about the program component of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a program grouping component option for displaying a display screen on the interactive information display screen. 97. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected programming related item is a package, the interactive information about the channel component of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a program grouping component option for displaying a display screen on the interactive information display screen. 98. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming related item is a program series, interactively displaying a program component of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a program grouping component option for displaying an information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 99. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming related item is a mini-series, interactively displaying a program component of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a program grouping component option for displaying an information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 100. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen comprises, if the selected programming related item is a sports series, interactively displaying a program component of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a program grouping component option for displaying an information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 101. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying an email option on the interactive information display screen. 102. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen displays an e-mail option for transmitting an e-mail to an address associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of: 103. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes transmitting e-recorded copy of at least a portion of the selected programming related item.
The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a mail option on the interactive information display screen. 104. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes displaying an e-mail option for transmitting an authentication on the interactive information display screen to view the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of: 105. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying an e-mail option for transmitting an image from the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1. 106. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying an e-mail option for transmitting a video clip associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising: 107. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying an e-mail option for transmitting a product related to the selected programming related item.
The method of claim 1, comprising displaying on the interactive information display screen. 108. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen displays an e-mail option for transmitting program guide information related to the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising a step. 109. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a feedback option on the interactive information display screen. 110. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen comprises the step of displaying a data service option for accessing a data service associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising: 111. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen displays an option on the interactive information display screen for selecting to execute an application associated with the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising a step. 112. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a chat option on the interactive information display screen. 113. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a chat option for joining a chat session associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising: 114. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a chat option for starting a chat session associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising: 115. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen displays a chat option on the interactive information display screen for scheduling a reminder for a chat session associated with the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of: 116. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying an Internet option for accessing a web page associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising: 117. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen displays an Internet option for displaying a list of web pages associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein
The method described in. 118. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the interactive information display screen comprises displaying a video option for displaying a video clip on the interactive information display screen. 119. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a video option for displaying a video clip associated with the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising: 120. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a video option for downloading a video clip associated with the selected programming related item to a local storage device on the interactive information display screen. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying. 121. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a video option for displaying a portion of the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. Item 1. The method according to Item 1. 122. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected program-related item is a program, interactively displaying a channel indicating the selected program-related item. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying an associated channel option for displaying an information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 123. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected program-related item is a program, interactively displaying a network indicating the selected program-related item. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying relevant network options for displaying an information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 124. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, when the selected programming related item is a channel, the current program indicated on the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a current program option for displaying an interactive information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 125. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected programming related item is a network, the current program indicated on the selected programming related item The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a current program option for displaying an interactive information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 126. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming related item is a channel, both of the programs to be displayed on the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a next program option for displaying an interactive information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 127. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming related item is a network, both of the programs to be displayed on the selected programming related item. And displaying a next program option for displaying the interactive information display screen on the interactive information display screen.
The method described in. 128. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming related item is a network, a channel associated with a local affiliated station of the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a local channel option for displaying an interactive information display screen on the interactive information display screen. 129. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, if the selected programming related item is a channel, the scheduled program to be shown on the selected programming related item 2. The method of claim 1 including displaying a program listings option for displaying a list of programs on the interactive information display screen. 130. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen, wherein if the selected programming related item is a network, the scheduled program to be displayed on the selected programming related item 2. The method of claim 1 including displaying a program listings option for displaying a list of programs on the interactive information display screen. 131. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes the step of displaying a channel tuning option on the interactive information display screen if the selected programming related item is a channel. The method of claim 1. 132. The method of claim 131, wherein displaying the channel tuning option comprises renaming the channel tuning option if the selected programming related item is a music channel. Method. 133. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen includes, if the selected programming related item is a program, a viewing option for viewing the selected programming related item. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying on the interactive information display screen. 134. The step of displaying the interactive information display screen is for tuning to a channel indicating the selected programming related item if the selected programming related item is the next program. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying the channel tuning options of the interactive information display screen. 135. A method for providing an interactive information display screen to a television system, the method comprising selecting one of a plurality of programming related items and providing a user with an opportunity to access information related to the item. And including the information related to the selected item and different from the selected information,
Displaying an interactive information display screen that includes a user-selectable hyperlink to another information display screen that has information about programming related items associated with the selected information. 136. Providing various functions; determining which functions are available to be used in connection with the selected programming related item; 135. The method of claim 135, further comprising: providing the determined feature to the selected programming related item of. 137. The system of claim 135 further comprising providing a reminder option selectable from the interactive information display screen for using a program guide reminder function in connection with the selected programming related item. The method described in. 138. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a viewing option selectable from the interactive information display screen for use in connection with the selected programming related item. 139. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a play listen option selectable from the interactive information display screen for using a play function in connection with the selected programming related item. The described method. 140. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a channel tuning option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a channel tuning function in connection with the selected programming related item.
The method described in. 141. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a parental control option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a parental control function in association with the selected programming related item. The method described in. 142. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a purchase option selectable from the interactive information display screen for using a purchase function in connection with the selected programming related item. the method of. 143. Other channel / time options selectable from the interactive information display screen are provided for using other channel / time functions of the program guide in connection with the selected programming related item. 135. The method of claim 135, further comprising the step of: 144. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a preference profile option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a preference profile function in connection with the selected programming related item. The method described in. 145. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a recording option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a recording function in connection with the selected programming related item. the method of. 146. The method further includes providing a package hyperlink selectable from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for the package including the selected programming related item. 135. The method of claim 135. 147. The method further includes providing a network hyperlink selectable from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for a network associated with the selected programming related item. Claim 1
35. The method according to 35. 148. The system further includes providing a channel hyperlink selectable from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for a channel associated with the selected programming related item. 135.
The method described in. 149. A step of determining whether the selected programming related item is a channel; selecting from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for a current program on the channel. 134. The method of claim 135, further comprising: providing a possible current program hyperlink. 150. A step of determining whether the selected programming related item is a channel, selecting from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for a next program on the channel. 135. The method of claim 135, further comprising: providing a possible next program hyperlink. 151. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a web page option selectable from the interactive information display screen to display a web page associated with the selected programming related item. The described method. 152. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a chat session option selectable from the interactive information display screen to display a chat session associated with the selected programming related item. The described method. 153. An e-mail selectable from the interactive information display screen to write an e-mail message to an address associated with the selected programming related item.
135. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a mail option. 154. The method of claim 135, further comprising displaying a status indicator in the interactive information display screen to provide status information about the selected programming related item. 155. The method of claim 135, further comprising: providing an option to the selected programming related item; and displaying the option in the interactive information display screen. 156. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing an option to the selected programming related item; displaying some of the options; and scrolling to display the other options. 135. The method of claim 135. 157. The method of claim 157, further comprising providing a program listings option selectable from the interactive information display screen for using a program listings feature in connection with the selected programming related item. 135. The method according to item 135. 158. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing an exit option selectable from the interactive information display screen to exit the interactive information display screen. 159. To return to a previous screen accessed by the user,
135. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a previous option selectable from the interactive information display screen. 160. The method of claim 135, further comprising scrolling the information regarding the selected programming related item. 161. The method of claim 135, further comprising providing a favorite addition option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a favorite function in connection with the selected programming related item. The described method. 162. The method further comprising providing a program hyperlink selectable from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for a program associated with the selected programming related item. 135. The method of claim 135, wherein 163. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes a graphic image. 164. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes a graphic image associated with the selected programming related item. 165. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes the graphic image selectable to access an interactive display screen for the graphic image. 166. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes a video. 167. The method of claim 135, wherein the interactive display screen includes a broadcast video associated with the selected programming related item. 168. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes a broadcast video associated with a video previously viewed by a user. 169. The interactive display screen according to claim 1, wherein the interactive display screen includes a video clip.
35. The method according to 35. 170. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes a video clip associated with the selected programming related item. 171. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes a video clip that provides a preview of the selected programming related item. 172. The information display screen includes a video clip selectable to access an interactive information display screen for a video clip.
35. The method according to 35. 173. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes an advertisement. 174. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes an advertisement associated with the selected programming related item. 175. The method of claim 135, wherein the information display screen includes the advertisement selectable to access an interactive information display screen for the advertisement. 176. A method for using an interactive television program guide system, comprising: displaying an information display screen including a description of a television channel; and channel tuning to view a program being broadcast on the channel. Displaying options on the information display screen. 177. A method for using the interactive television program guide system, comprising: displaying an information display screen having a description of a television channel; and displaying a parental control option on the information display screen. how to. 178. A method for using an interactive television program guide system, comprising: displaying an information display screen having a description of a television channel; and displaying a purchase option on the information display screen. ,Method. 179. A method for using an interactive television program guide system, comprising the steps of: displaying an information display screen having a description of a television network; and providing a program listing entry to provide program listings to the network. And displaying the information on the information display screen. 180. A method for using an interactive television program guide system, comprising: displaying an information display screen having a description of a television channel; and adding a favorite option to the favorite list to add the channel to a favorites list. Displaying on a display screen. 181. A method for using an interactive television program guide system, comprising: displaying an information display screen having a description of a television network; and providing detailed information about a package that includes the network as a component. Displaying a program grouping option on the information display screen. 182. A method for using an interactive television program guide system, comprising: displaying an information display screen having a description of a television network; and providing detailed information about a local network subscriber of the network. Displaying the local channel options on the information display screen. 183. A method for using an interactive television program guide system, the method comprising: displaying an information display screen having a description of television program grouping on a user television device; and Displaying program grouping component options on the information display screen to provide detailed information. 184. An interactive television program guide system having many program guide functions, wherein a user can view many program related items, and information of each program related item related to the program related items is displayed. Wherein the interactive television program guide is at least partially implemented with user television equipment, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display at least one of the programming related items to the user; Which program guide function is configured to allow a user to select the programming related item and access the related information, and which program guide function is used to be performed in relation to the selected programming related item. To perform the available program guide function in connection with the selected programming related item, further comprising: Include-option available program guide options, including the relevant information of the item selected, including user television equipment configured to display interactive information display screen, the interactive television program guide system. 185. The programming related item is a television program, the user television equipment displays the television program to the user, and the user selects the television program to associate with the television program. 184. The system of claim 184, further configured to allow access to information to be performed. 186. The program scheduling related item is a program list item, and the user television device displays the program list item to the user, and the user selects the program list item to execute the program list item. 187. The system of claim 184, further configured to allow access to information associated with the list item. 187. The program scheduling related item is a program list item, and the user television equipment displays a plurality of program list items to the user at the same time, and the user displays one of the program list items. 189. The system of claim 184, further configured to allow selection to access information associated with the program listings. 188. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to determine a number of the available program guide functions based on information associated with the selected programming related item. . 189. The user television equipment is configured to determine a name of the option based on information associated with the selected programming related item.
189. The system of claim 184. 190. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display a plurality of sub-options associated with the selected program guide option. 191. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an overlay including a plurality of sub-options for performing the selected program guide option. 192. At least one of the options is available,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to scroll through the options if not already displayed due to display size restrictions. 193. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display an advertisement on the interactive information display screen. 194. The system of claim 193, wherein the user television equipment is configured to provide the user with an opportunity to select the advertisement. 195. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to scroll related information of the selected programming related item that is available but not yet displayed. 196. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display an associated video clip of the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. 197. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display an associated image of the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. 198. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display a status of the selected programming related item. 199. The system of claim 198, wherein the status indicates whether a reminder has been set for the selected programming related item. 200. The system of claim 198, wherein the status indicates whether a recording has been reserved for the selected programming related item. 201. The system of claim 198, wherein the status indicates whether the selected programming related item has been purchased. 202. The system of claim 198, wherein the status indicates whether the selected programming related item is on a favorites list. 203. The system of claim 198, wherein the status indicates whether the selected programming related item is restricted. 204. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to allow the user to select a list item. 205. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to allow the user to select a displayed program. 206. The user television equipment is configured to allow the user to select information options from another interactive information display screen.
System. 207. The selected programming related item is a television program.
189. The system of claim 184. 208. The selected programming related item is a channel.
189. The system of claim 184. 209. The system of claim 184, wherein the selected programming related item is a network. 210. The selected programming related item is a package.
189. The system of claim 184. 211. The system of claim 184, wherein the selected programming related item is a program grouping. 212. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to provide an exit option to return to watching television. 213. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to provide a last option to return to a previous program guide display screen accessed by the user. 214. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display options related to a program guide reminder function on the interactive information display screen. 215. The selected programming related item is a program, and the user television equipment is configured to display a reminder option for setting a reminder of the program on the interactive information display screen. 184. The system of claim 184. 216. The program of claim 184, wherein the programming related item is a program, and the user television equipment is configured to provide a user selectable reminder option for deleting a reminder of the program. The described system. 217. The program of claim 184, wherein the programming related item is a program and the user television equipment is configured to provide a user selectable reminder option for modifying a reminder of the program. The described system. 218. The programming related item is a program grouping, and the user television equipment is configured to provide a user selectable reminder option for setting a series reminder for the program grouping. 184. The system of claim 184. 219. The programming related item is a program grouping, and the user television equipment provides a user selectable reminder option for the user television equipment to modify a series reminder of the program grouping. 187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to: 220. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display options related to a program guide viewing restriction feature on the interactive information display screen. 221. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display a parental control option on the interactive information display screen. 222. The user television equipment is configured to display a parental control option on the interactive information display screen, and is configured to request a code input when the parental control option is selected. 189. The system of claim 184. 223. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
223. The system of claim 222, wherein the system is configured to display parental control options including selected parental control based on attributes of the selected programming related item. 224. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an option that allows the user to select parental control for the selected programming related item. 225. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an option that allows the user to remove parental control for the selected programming related item. 226. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an option that allows the user to change a parental level of the selected programming related item. 227. The user television equipment further comprising, when the selected program-related item is caused by a group consisting of a program and a channel, the interactive program display screen displays the user-selected program-related item. 185. The system of claim 184, configured to display an option that allows setting of parental control for the user. 228. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display options associated with a purchase of the selected programming related item. 229. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a purchase option that allows the user to impulsively purchase the selected programming related item. 230. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a purchase option that allows the user to make the selected programming related item available for purchase over the phone. 231. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a purchase option that allows the user to purchase the selected programming related item on demand. 232. The method of claim 184, wherein if the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment is configured to display a purchase option on the interactive information display screen. system. 233. The user television equipment of claim 184, wherein if the selected programming related item is a channel, the user television equipment is configured to display a purchase option on the interactive information display screen. system. 234. The user television equipment of claim 184, wherein if the selected programming related item is a package, the user television equipment is configured to display a purchase option on the interactive information display screen. system. 235. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen as follows:
189. The system of claim 184, configured to display a purchase option, and configured to allow the user to enter a purchase code required to complete the purchase. 236. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a purchase option that allows the user to cancel a purchase request for the selected programming related item. 237. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
187. The system of claim 184, configured to display an add-favorite option. 238. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an option such that the programming related item that is a channel can be set as a favorite channel. 239. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an option such that the programming related item that is a channel can be removed as a favorite channel. 240. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
185. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display options associated with a user preference profile. 241. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a preference profile option that provides an opportunity to control preference profile settings based on attributes of the selected programming related item. 242. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a preference profile option that provides an opportunity to set preference profile settings. 243. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, configured to display a preference profile option that provides an opportunity to remove a preference profile setting. 244. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display preference profile options that provide an opportunity to change preference profile settings. 245. The system of claim 184, wherein if the programming related item is a program, the user television equipment is configured to display options related to a user preference profile on the interactive information display screen. The described system. 246. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein if the programming related item is a channel, the user television equipment is configured to display options related to a user preference profile on the interactive information display screen. The described system. 247. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen an option related to another broadcast of the selected programming related item. 19. The display of claim 18, configured to display.
5. The system according to 4. 248. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen a display associated with the other specific broadcast of the selected programming related item. 187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display options. 249. If the programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen options related to other specific broadcasts of the programming related item. 189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured and configured to display the other specific broadcast interactive information display screen. 250. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen a display associated with the other specific broadcast of the selected programming related item. 189. The system of claim 184, configured to display options, and configured to display an information display screen that includes other broadcast lists as individual options. 251. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen an option related to another broadcast of the selected programming related item. Configured to display an information display screen including the other broadcast list as an individual option,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to allow the user to navigate to other broadcasts that are available but not yet displayed. 252. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen an option related to another broadcast of the selected programming related item. 184. The information display screen of claim 184, wherein the information display screen is configured to display, with the other broadcast listing as an individual option, and configured to display information regarding the highlighted one of the other broadcasts. The described system. 253. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen an option related to another broadcast of the selected programming related item. Displaying the information display screen with the other broadcast list as an individual option, displaying the interactive information display screen for the selected one of the other broadcasts. 184. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to: 254. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays another program having the same title as the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. 185. The system of claim 184, configured to display options related to all. 255. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen all other program broadcasts of the same selected programming related item. 185. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an option to perform. 256. If the selected programming related item is a program grouping, the user television equipment displays another program that is a part of the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. 189. The system of claim 184, configured to display options related to all broadcasts. 257. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display options related to recording of the selected programming related item. 258. The user television device is configured to display a recording option on the interactive information display screen, and when the recording option is selected, the video cassette recorder displays the selected program related item. 189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system records. 259. The user television equipment is configured to display a recording option on the interactive information display screen, and when the recording option is selected, the video recording device is selected in the television distribution facility by the selected program. 189. The system of claim 184, wherein the composition related items are recorded. 260. The user television equipment is configured to display a recording option on the interactive information display screen, and when the recording option is selected, a local digital storage device is selected. Recording,
189. The system of claim 184. 261. If the selected programming related item is a program, the user television device displays a recording option for recording the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. 187. The system of claim 184, configured. 262. If the selected programming related item is a program grouping, the user television device displays a recording option for recording the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. 187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to: 263. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen,
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display options for recording the selected programming related item. 264. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an option to delete a recording schedule for the selected programming related item. 265. The user television device, wherein the interactive information display screen includes:
189. The system of claim 184, configured to display an option to change a recording schedule for the selected programming related item. 266. If the selected programming related item is a program that is currently being broadcast, the user television device records the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen. 187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display options. 267. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, configured to display options related to program grouping of the selected programming related item. 268. If the selected programming related item is part of a program series, the user television equipment is configured to display a program grouping option on the interactive information display screen. 189. The system of claim 184. 269. The user television equipment is configured to display program grouping options on the interactive information display screen if the selected programming related item is part of a mini-series. 189. The system of claim 184. 270. If the selected programming related item is part of a sports series, the user television equipment is configured to display a program grouping option on the interactive information display screen. 189. The system of claim 184. 271. The user television equipment is configured to display a program grouping option on the interactive information display screen if the selected programming related item is part of a package. Clause 184. The system according to clause 184. 272. If the selected program-related item is a program, the user television device displays on the interactive information display screen a program grouping-related interactive program related to the selected program-related item. 183. The system of claim 184, configured to display a program grouping option for accessing an information display screen. 273. If the selected programming related item is a channel, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen a bidirectional program grouping related to the selected programming related item. 183. The system of claim 184, configured to display a program grouping option for accessing an information display screen. 274. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a program grouping option for accessing a program grouping interactive information display screen including the selected programming related item. 275. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display program grouping options for displaying a program grouping list including the selected programming related items. 276. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
19. The program grouping option for accessing an interactive information display screen of a package containing the selected programming related item is configured.
5. The system according to 4. 277. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a program grouping option for displaying a package list including the selected programming related items. 278. If the selected programming related item is a program grouping, the user television device accesses information of a component of the selected programming related item to the interactive information display screen. 185. The system of claim 184, configured to display program grouping component options for performing the program grouping. 279. If the selected programming related item is a package, the user television device displays on the interactive information display screen interactive information of the program component of the selected programming related item. 187. The system of claim 184, configured to display program grouping component options for displaying a screen. 280. If the selected programming related item is a package, the user television device displays on the interactive information display screen interactive information of a channel component of the selected programming related item. 187. The system of claim 184, configured to display program grouping component options for displaying a screen. 281. If the selected programming related item is a program series, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen the interactive information of the program component of the selected programming related item. 189. The system of claim 184, configured to display program grouping component options for displaying a display screen. 282. If the selected programming related item is a mini-series, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen the interactive information of the program component of the selected programming related item. 189. The system of claim 184, configured to display program grouping component options for displaying a display screen. 283. If the selected programming related item is a sports series, the user television equipment displays on the interactive information display screen the interactive information of the program component of the selected programming related item. 189. The system of claim 184, configured to display program grouping component options for displaying a display screen. 284. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an email option. 285. The user television device, wherein the interactive information display screen includes:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an email option for sending an email to an address associated with the selected programming related item. 286. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an email option for sending a recorded copy of at least a portion of the selected programming related item. 287. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an email option for sending an authorization to view the selected programming related item. 288. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an email option for sending an image from the selected programming related item. 289. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an email option for sending a video clip associated with the selected programming related item. 290. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an email option for sending an item associated with the selected programming related item. 291. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an email option for sending program guide information related to the selected programming related item. 292. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, configured to display a feedback option. 293. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a data service option for accessing a data service associated with the selected programming related item. 294. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an option to select an execution of an application associated with the selected programming related item. 295. The system of claim 184, wherein the user television equipment is configured to display chat options on the interactive information display screen. 296. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a chat option for joining a chat session associated with the selected programming related item. 297. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a chat option for initiating a chat session associated with the selected programming related item. 298. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
184. A chat option for scheduling a reminder of a chat session associated with the selected programming related item is configured to be displayed.
System. 299. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an Internet option for accessing a web page associated with the selected programming related item. 300. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an Internet option for displaying a list of web pages associated with the selected programming related item. 301. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a video option for displaying a video clip. 302. The user television device displays on the interactive information display screen:
187. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a video option for displaying a video clip associated with the selected programming related item. 303. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a video option for downloading a video clip associated with the selected programming related item to local storage. 304. The user television device displays the interactive information display screen,
189. The system of claim 184, configured to display a video option for displaying a portion of the selected programming related item. 305. If the selected program related item is a program, the user television device displays interactive information on a channel indicating the selected program related item on the interactive information display screen. 189. The system of claim 184, configured to display an associated channel option for displaying a display screen. 306. The user television device, when the selected program related item is a program, displays the interactive program on the interactive information display screen with respect to a network indicating the selected program related item. 183. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display an associated network option for displaying a display screen. 307. If the selected program-related item is a channel, the user television device displays the current program indicated in the selected program-related item on the interactive information display screen. 189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a current program option for displaying an interactive display screen of the program. 308. If the selected program related item is a network, the user television equipment displays the current program indicated in the selected program related item on the interactive information display screen. 189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a current program option for displaying an interactive display screen of the program. 309. If the selected program-related item is a channel, the user television device displays both the program scheduled to be displayed in the selected program-related item on the interactive information display screen. 189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a next program option for displaying a directional display screen. 310. When the selected program-related item is a network, the user television device displays both the program scheduled to be displayed in the selected program-related item on the interactive information display screen. 189. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a next program option for displaying a directional display screen. 311. The user television device, when the selected program-related item is a network, displays the interactive information display screen on the interactive-related information display screen with respect to the channel related to the local relation of the selected program-related item. 184. The system is configured to display a local channel option for displaying a display screen.
System. [312] If the selected program-related item is a channel, the user television device displays a program reservation list to be displayed in the selected program-related item on the interactive information display screen. 187. The system of claim 184, configured to display program listings options for display. 313. The user television device displays, on the interactive information display screen, a program reservation list scheduled to be displayed in the selected programming related item when the selected programming related item is a network. 187. The system of claim 184, configured to display program listings options for display. 314. The user television equipment of claim 184, wherein if the selected programming related item is a channel, the user television equipment is configured to display a channel tuning option on the interactive information display screen. System. 315. The system of claim 314, wherein the user television equipment is configured to rename the channel tuning option if the selected programming related item is a music channel. 316. The user television device displays a viewing option for viewing the selected programming related item on the interactive information display screen when the selected programming related item is a program. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is configured to:
5. The system according to 4. 317. The user television device, when the selected program-related item is the next program, tunes to the channel indicating the selected program-related item on the interactive information display screen. 185. The system of claim 184, wherein the system is configured to display a channel tuning option. 318. A television system, wherein the interactive television application is at least partially implemented by a user television device, the user television device selecting one of a plurality of programming related items, A program configured to provide a user with an opportunity to access relevant information about the item, including the information related to the selected item, and being different from the selected item, but related to the selected item. A system comprising user television equipment further configured to display an interactive information display screen including a user-selectable hyperlink to another information display screen having information regarding an organization-related item. 319. The information display screen, wherein the user television equipment provides various functions, determines which functions are available to be used in connection with the selected programming related item, 318. The system of claim 318, further configured to provide the determined functionality to the selected programming related item in a program. 320. The user television device further provides a reminder option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a program guide reminder function in connection with the selected programming related item. Composed,
318. The system of claim 318. 321. The user television equipment further configured to provide selectable viewing options from the interactive information display screen for use in connection with the selected programming related item. 318. The system according to clause 318. 322. The user television equipment is further configured to provide a playback option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a playback function in connection with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318. 323. The user television device further provides a channel tuning option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a channel tuning function in association with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, wherein the system is configured. 324. The user television equipment further comprising a parental control option selectable from the interactive information display screen for using a parental control function in connection with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, wherein the system is configured. 325. The user television equipment is further configured to provide a purchase option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a purchase function in connection with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318. 326. Other channels selectable from the interactive information display screen for the user television equipment to use other channel / time functions of a program guide in connection with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, further configured to provide a / time option. 327. The user television equipment further comprising: a preference profile option selectable from the interactive information display screen for using a preference profile function in connection with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, wherein the system is configured. 328. The user television equipment is further configured to provide a recording option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a recording function in connection with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318. 329. The user television device provides a package hyperlink selectable from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for a package including the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, further configured to: 330. The user television device provides a network hyperlink selectable from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for a network related to the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, further configured to: 331. The user television device provides a channel hyperlink selectable from the interactive information display screen to display an interactive information display screen for a channel related to the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, further configured to: 332. The interactive television program, wherein the user television equipment determines whether the selected programming related item is a channel, and displays the interactive information display screen for a current program on the channel. 32. The system is further configured to provide a current program hyperlink selectable from an information display screen.
9. The system according to 8. 333. The user television equipment determines whether the selected program-related item is a channel, and displays the interactive information display screen for the next program on the channel. 32. Further configured to provide a next program hyperlink selectable from the information display screen.
9. The system according to 8. 334. The user television device is further configured to provide a web page option selectable from the interactive information display screen to display a web page associated with the selected programming related item. Claim 3
19. The system according to 18. 335. The user television equipment further configured to provide a chat session option selectable from the interactive information display screen to display a chat session associated with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, wherein 336. The user television device provides an e-mail option selectable from the interactive information display screen to write an e-mail message to an address associated with the selected programming related item. Further configured,
318. The system of claim 318. 337. The user television equipment is further configured to display a status indicator within the interactive information display screen to provide status information regarding the selected programming related item. 318. The system according to 318. 338. The user television equipment of claim 318, further configured to provide an option for the selected programming related item and to display the option within the interactive information display screen. System. 339. The user television equipment is further configured to provide options for the selected programming related item, display some of the options, and scroll to display other options. 318. The system of claim 318. 340. The user television equipment provides a program listings option selectable from the interactive information display screen for using a program guide program listings function in connection with the selected programming related items. 318. The system of claim 318, further configured to: 341. The user television equipment of claim 318, further configured to provide an exit option selectable from the interactive information display screen to exit the interactive information display screen. System. 342. The user television equipment further configured to provide a previous option selectable from the interactive information display screen to return to a previous screen accessed by the user. 318. The system according to 318. 343. The user television equipment further configured to scroll the information regarding the selected programming related item.
System. 344 The user television equipment is further configured to provide a favorite addition option selectable from the interactive information display screen to use a favorite function in connection with the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, wherein 345. The user television device displays a program hyperlink selectable from the interactive information display screen in order to display an interactive information display screen for a program related to the selected programming related item. 318. The system of claim 318, further configured to provide. 346. The system of claim 318, wherein the information display screen includes a graphic image. 347. The system of clause 318, wherein the information display screen includes a graphic image associated with the selected programming related item. 348. The information display screen includes the fixed image selectable to access an information display screen for a graphic image.
318. The system of claim 318. 349. The system of claim 318, wherein the information display screen includes a video. 350. The system of claim 318, wherein the information display screen includes a broadcast video associated with the selected programming related item. 351. The system of claim 318, wherein the information display screen includes a broadcast video associated with a video previously viewed by a user. 352. The information display screen includes a video clip.
9. The system according to 8. 353. The system of clause 318, wherein the information display screen includes a video clip associated with the selected programming related item. 354. The system of claim 318, wherein the information display screen includes a video clip for providing a preview of the selected programming related item. 355. The information display screen includes a video clip selectable to access an interactive information display screen for the video clip.
19. The system according to 18. 356. The system of claim 318, wherein said information display screen includes an advertisement. 357. The system of clause 318, wherein the information display screen includes an advertisement associated with the selected programming related item. 358. The system of clause 318, wherein the information display screen includes the advertisement selectable to access an interactive information display screen for the advertisement.