US7228556B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Distributed, interactive television program guide; system and method
Assignee: Adeia Media Solutions Inc
•
Filing: 2000-12-20
•
Granted: 2007-06-05
•
Expires: 2020-12-20
Abstract
Abstract In an interactive network-based personal video recording system, a user interface is provided that allows viewers to search a database of program guide information according to program title, indexed program attributes such as actor and director, and key workd. Viewer interaction is by way of a remote control unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Brian Beach
- 👤 Alan Waterman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 20:44
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/40; H04N21/47; H04N21/482; H04N21/4828; H04N21/20; H04N21/27; H04N21/274; H04N21/2747; H04N21/41; H04N21/414; H04N21/4147; H04N21/422; H04N21/42204; H04N21/43; H04N21/433; H04N21/4334; H04N21/434; H04N21/4345; H04N21/45; H04N21/458; H04N21/4586; H04N21/466; H04N21/4668; H04N21/475; H04N21/4755; H04N21/4821; H04N21/4826; H04N21/80; H04N21/83; H04N21/84; H04N21/8405; H04N5/00; H04N5/76; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/173; H04N5/78; H04N5/782; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99933; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99943
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A system for searching a distributed, interactive television program guide database, said system comprising: a client, wherein said client is in periodic communication with a server, and wherein said client downloads current program information from said server; a program guide database resident on said client, wherein said program information is imported into said database; means for creating an index based on said program information containing unique keys and associated program identifiers for said database; an interactive viewer interface for picking programs to record on said client displayed on a display means in communication with said client; means for interacting with said viewer interface by a viewer; wherein said viewer interface incorporates a prefix matching feature that displays items in said database having prefixes that match the viewer's alphanumeric input as said viewer enters the alphanumeric input; and means for searching said database by comparing said unique keys in said index to viewer alphanumeric input according to at least one of: program title; indexed program attributes; and key words.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A system for searching a distributed, interactive television program guide database, said system comprising: a client, wherein said client is in periodic communication with a server, and wherein said client downloads current program information from said server; a program guide database resident on said client, wherein said program information is imported into said database; means for creating an index based on said program information containing unique keys and associated program identifiers for said database; an interactive viewer interface for picking programs to record on said client displayed on a display means in communication with said client; means for interacting with said viewer interface by a viewer; wherein said viewer interface incorporates a prefix matching feature that displays items in said database having prefixes that match the viewer's alphanumeric input as said viewer enters the alphanumeric input; and means for searching said database by comparing said unique keys in said index to viewer alphanumeric input according to at least one of: program title; indexed program attributes; and key words.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said system is an interactive, network-based video recording system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said viewer interface displays a database search screen having interface elements for navigation, entering search values and displaying search results.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 3 , wherein said means for interacting with said interface comprises a remote control unit, said remote control unit communicating with said client by means of a data signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 4 , wherein said data signal is embedded in a carrier signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said means for searching said database comprises a screen for optionally selecting a program category.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
104 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said means for searching said database further comprises a screen for entering a program title and displaying a list of program titles, said screen for entering a program title and displaying a list of program titles comprising: a virtual alphanumeric keypad for entering alphanumeric characters to spell said program title; a text box for displaying said entered alphanumeric characters; and a scrollable list of program titles, wherein said prefix matching feature causes said list of program titles to automatically scroll to titles in said list having prefixes that match a character string displayed in said text box.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein the viewer enters alphanumeric characters by activating controls on a remote control that correspond to virtual controls on said virtual alphanumeric keypad.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
107 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said means for searching said database further comprises: a screen for searching according to Director or Actor name; and wherein said screen for searching according to Director or Actor name comprises: a virtual alphanumeric keypad for entering alphanumeric characters to spell a Director or Actor name; a text box for displaying said entered alphanumeric characters; and a scrollable list of Director or Actor names, wherein said prefix matching feature causes said list of Director or Actor names to automatically scroll to Director or Actor names in said list having prefixes that match a character string displayed in said text box.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 9 , further comprising: a screen following said Director or Actor name screen for optionally selecting a program category.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the viewer enters characters by activating controls on a remote control that correspond to virtual controls on said virtual alphanumeric keypad.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said means for searching said database comprises a screen for optionally selecting a program category.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
91 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said means for searching said database further comprises a screen for entering a key word, said screen for entering a key word comprising: a virtual alphanumeric keypad for entering alphanumeric characters to spell said key word; a text box for displaying said entered alphanumeric characters; and a scrollable list of key words, wherein said prefix matching feature causes said list of key words to automatically scroll to key words in said list having prefixes that match a character string displayed in said text box.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the viewer enters characters by activating controls on a remote control that correspond to virtual controls on said virtual alphanumeric keypad.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said indexed attributes include any of: Actor name; Director name; Host name; Guest star name; Choreographer; Year of release; Category; and Language.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said program guide database comprises an object-oriented database application, said database application including at least: a ‘Series’ object; and a ‘Program’ object.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein said ‘Series’ object includes a series ‘Title’ field.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein said program guide database further comprises a ‘Title’ index, said ‘Title’ index being built from entries in said ‘Series’ title field.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 18 , wherein said means for searching said database comprises a search engine for searching said ‘Title’ index.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein said ‘Program’ object includes fields for: Title; Episode title; Description; Actors Hosts; Guest stars; and Directors.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 20 , wherein said database further comprises an ‘Actor’ index, said ‘Actor’ index being built from entries in said ‘Actors,’‘Hosts,’ and ‘Guest stars’ fields.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 21 , wherein said database further comprises a ‘Director’ index, said Director’ index being built from entries in said ‘Director’ field.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 22 , wherein said means for searching said database comprises a search engine for searching said ‘Actor’ and said ‘Director’ indices.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 20 , wherein said database further comprises a ‘Title word’ index, said ‘Title word’ index being built from said ‘Title’ fields and said ‘Episode title’ fields.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said database further comprises a ‘Key word’ index, said ‘Key word’ index being built from words in said ‘Description’ field, said ‘Actors’ field, said ‘Hosts’ field and said ‘Guest stars’ field.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein said means for searching said database comprises a search engine for searching said ‘Title word’ index and said ‘Key word’ index.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of searching a distributed, interactive television program guide database, comprising: importing program information into a program guide database resident on a client; wherein said client is in periodic communication with a server, and wherein said client downloads current program information from said server; creating an index based on said program information containing unique keys and associated program identifiers for said database; interacting with a viewer via an interactive viewer interface for picking programs to record on said client displayed on a display means in communication with said client; wherein said viewer interface incorporates a prefix matching feature that displays items in said database having prefixes that match the viewer's alphanumeric input as said viewer enters the alphanumeric input; and searching said database by comparing said unique keys in said index to viewer alphanumeric input according to at least one of: program title; indexed program attributes; and key words.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of searching a distributed, interactive television program guide database, comprising: importing program information into a program guide database resident on a client; wherein said client is in periodic communication with a server, and wherein said client downloads current program information from said server; creating an index based on said program information containing unique keys and associated program identifiers for said database; interacting with a viewer via an interactive viewer interface for picking programs to record on said client displayed on a display means in communication with said client; wherein said viewer interface incorporates a prefix matching feature that displays items in said database having prefixes that match the viewer's alphanumeric input as said viewer enters the alphanumeric input; and searching said database by comparing said unique keys in said index to viewer alphanumeric input according to at least one of: program title; indexed program attributes; and key words.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said method is incorporated in an interactive, network-based video recording system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said viewer interface displays a database search screen having interface elements for navigation, entering search values and displaying search results.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein a remote control unit is used to interface with said interactive viewer interface, said remote control unit communicating with said client by means of a data signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein said data signal is embedded in a carrier signal.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
94 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said searching step further comprises: optionally, selecting a program category in a first screen; and entering a program title in a second screen, said second screen comprising: a virtual alphanumeric keypad for entering alphanumeric characters to spell said program title; a text box for displaying said entered alphanumeric characters; and a scrollable list of program titles, wherein said prefix matching feature causes said list of program titles to automatically scroll to titles in said list having prefixes that match a character string displayed in said text box.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein the viewer enters characters by activating controls on a remote control that correspond to virtual controls on said virtual alphanumeric keypad.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
112 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said searching step further comprises: displaying a screen for searching according to Director or Actor name; and wherein said displaying a screen for searching according to Director or Actor name step further comprises: displaying a virtual alphanumeric keypad for entering alphanumeric characters to spell a Director or Actor name; displaying a text box for displaying said entered alphanumeric characters; and displaying a scrollable list of Director or Actor names, wherein said prefix matching feature causes said list of Director or Actor names to automatically scroll to Director or Actor names in said list having prefixes that match a character string displayed in said text box.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 34 , further comprising: displaying a screen following said Director or Actor name screen for optionally selecting a program category.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the viewer enters characters by activating controls on a remote control that correspond to virtual controls on said virtual alphanumeric keypad.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said searching step comprises displaying a screen for optionally selecting a program category.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein said searching step further comprises: displaying a screen for entering a key word, said screen displaying step comprising: a virtual alphanumeric keypad for entering alphanumeric characters to spell said key word; a text box for displaying said entered characters; and a scrollable list of key words, wherein said prefix matching feature causes said list of key words to automatically scroll to key words in said list having prefixes that match a character string displayed in said text box.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 38 , wherein the viewer enters characters by activating controls on a remote control that correspond to virtual controls on said virtual alphanumeric keypad.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said indexed attributes include any of: Actor name; Director name; Host name; Guest star name; Choreographer; Year of release; Category; and Language.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said program guide database comprises an object-oriented database application, said database application including at least: a ‘Series’ object; and a ‘Program’ object.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 41 , wherein said ‘Series’ object includes a series ‘Title’ field.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein said program guide database further comprises a ‘Title’ index, said ‘Title’ index being built from said series ‘Title’ field.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 43 , wherein said searching step comprises a search engine for searching said ‘Title’ index.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 41 , wherein said ‘Program’ object includes fields for: Title; Episode title; Description; Actors Hosts; Guest stars; and Directors.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 45 , wherein said database further comprises an ‘Actor’ index, said ‘Actor’ index being built from said ‘Actors,’ ‘Hosts’, and ‘Guest stars’ fields.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein said database further comprises a ‘Director’ index, said ‘Director’ index being built from entries in said ‘Director’ field.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein said searching step comprises a search engine for searching said ‘Actor’ and said ‘Director’ indices.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 45 , wherein said database further comprises a ‘Title word’ index, said ‘Title word’ index being built from entries in said ‘Title’ fields and said ‘Episode title’ fields.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 49 , wherein said database further comprises a ‘Key word’ index, said ‘Key word’ index being built from said words in said ‘Description’ field, said ‘Actors’ field, said ‘Hosts’ field and said ‘Guest stars’ field.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said searching step comprises a search engine for searching said ‘Title word’ index and said ‘Key word’ index.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2010-06-04 | 2010-12-04 | 2011-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-06-04 | 2014-12-04 | 2015-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-06-04 | 2018-12-04 | 2019-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |