WO2002071754A1

WO2002071754A1 - Messaging via a third party in an interactive video system

Info

Publication number: WO2002071754A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/026808
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernard D. Decker; Scott R. Schaefer
Original assignee: Digeo, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-03-02
Filing date: 2001-08-28
Publication date: 2002-09-12

Abstract

A method for electronically messaging a user of an interactive video casting system (100). The method comprises receiving an electronic message from a third party (124) and determining if the electronic message should be provided to the user based upon a user profile. If the electonic message should be provided to the user, the electronic message is provided via display (154) to the user as part of an interactive video casting transmission to the user.

Description

MESSAGING VIA A THIRD PARTY IN AN INTERACTIVE VIDEO SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 09/798,583, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ALERTS VIA AN INTERACTIVE VIDEO CASTING SYSTEM, filed March 2, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to electronic messaging over a data communication network, and more particularly but not exclusively, relates to providing electronic messages to viewers of an interactive video casting network having connectivity to the data communication network. BACKGROUND

Television is ubiquitous in societies the world over. For over fifty years, television has served to entertain, inform, and educate people. It is not uncommon for people to spend five or more hours watching television each day. Often, viewers become extremely engrossed with the programming to such an extent that communications devices, such as pagers, cell phones, personal computer (PC)-based instant messaging, email, and the like, are completely ignored. For example, a viewer may inadvertently ignore phone calls or pages while watching a sporting event. Even if the viewer is purposefully trying to avoid a telephone call, the television is a convenient excuse (e.g., "Sorry I didn't return your page, I was too wrapped up watching the Seattle Mariners!").

Nevertheless, there are many occasions where it is imperative to contact the viewer, such as for emergencies or to check in on family members. Therefore, improved techniques to communicate with television viewers are needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

Figures 1-3 show examples of interactive video casting systems that can implement an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an example of an electronic message that can be sent using the interactive video casting systems of Figures 1-3 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a portion of an embodiment of a user profile that is usable to determine when electronic messages are sent to a user.

Figure 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of an electronic message that has been expanded to provide detailed information to a user.

Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of events during an electronic message via the interactive video casting systems of Figures 1-3 according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of a method and system to provide electronic messaging via interactive video casting are described herein. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as the description of system components in Figures 1-3, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

An embodiment of the invention provides electronic messaging directly to a television via an interactive video casting network through either the video casting network itself or wireless network or public switched telephone network (PSTN) or other network. Thus, an electronic message may be generated and presented to the viewer (also referred to herein as a "user") through a set top box. The set top box is connected to the interactive video casting network, wireless network, or PSTN or other network.

In one embodiment, the electronic message is delivered based on user configurable profile data. For example, while a viewer or user is watching a professional football game, the viewer may choose to either be interrupted with incoming electronic messaging (if any) or place a "do not disturb" instruction to the set top box. The user may configure the user's profile so that electronic messages originating from certain sources (e.g., spouse or child) are always accepted, or only during certain times, or only when the user is watching certain types of channels of programming. For example, the user may not want to be interrupted during the watching of a movie or a sporting event.

In one embodiment, the viewing of a full message associated with the electronic message can be initiated and completed via a user input device. In other words, when an electronic message arrives, merely an electronic message icon may be displayed to the user. The user would then have to actively request viewing of the entire electronic message. Further, the terms "electronic message" and "full message" as used herein are not limited to text messages, but encompasses any type of electronic media, such as audio, video, or other streaming media. Thus, the electronic message may be a streaming video from a video enabled cell phone, pager, or personal digital assistant (PDA). Alternatively or in addition, as detailed below, an embodiment of the invention allows an information alert to be sent by the interactive video casting system to a cellular telephone, pager, or other wireless device. For example, the information alert may be an alert to the user that the television is being used to view material inappropriate for children. In this scenario, if the user desires, an electronic message may be sent back via cellular telephone, PDA, or pager (if a two-way pager is used, for instance) to the person viewing the television set to cease viewing of the inappropriate program.

Still alternatively, or in addition, as detailed below, the viewer may respond to the sender of the electronic message. Further, in an embodiment, the viewer can save the electronic messages in, for example, the hard drive of the set top box. Still further, the sender of the electronic message may be initiating the electronic message through his or her set top box on the same or different interactive video casting system. Thus, an ongoing exchange (or chatting) between two users of the interactive video casting system may take place through the exchange of electronic messages.

In an embodiment, the user can configure a profile that the interactive television system can use to determine which electronic messages, if any, the user wishes to see. In other words, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the user can fully determine through a multitude of parameters how and when electronic messages are received. For example, the user may only want the electronic messages during a certain time, or during viewing of certain channels, or only electronic messages from certain individuals. Further, in an embodiment, the electronic message is a visual (such as an icon or scrolling "message waiting") and/or audio cue that is presented to the user. The user can activate (instructing the display of detailed information) the electronic message by "clicking" on the icon, or alternatively, simply depressing a "read electronic message" button on a remote control device.

Additionally, the electronic message feature may be selectively offered to users on a subscription basis. Thus, another means of revenue generation may be available to the interactive video casting provider. Alternatively, the electronic message may be free of charge to the user, and instead be sponsored by an advertiser that would insert an advertisement with each electronic message.

In one embodiment, even if the user is not currently viewing television, certain classes of electronic messages (configurable by the user) may be forwarded by the interactive television system by means of automated voice message to a cellular telephone carried by the user. Alternatively, the interactive television system may forward the electronic message to a pager carried by the user.

Figure 1 shows an example arrangement of an interactive video casting system 100 that can implement an embodiment of the invention. A production company 104 produces programming content for transmission to viewers. The transmission is sent via satellite transmission transceiver 112 over an uplink channel to a satellite 102. The satellite 102 then transmits the programming content over a downlink channel to a local studio 106. The local studio 106 can insert additional programming (e.g., regional programming) and/or advertisements as needed into the programming content. The content with the insertions is then transmitted from the local studio 106 via a satellite transmission transceiver 114 to a cable service provider 108. In an embodiment, the television program may be downloaded to a receiving station, such as a head-end (H/E) or other broadcast center of the cable service provider 108, rather than or in addition to the local studio 106. A reverse channel from the cable service provider 108 to the local studio 106 is provided so that the local studio 106 can insert additional programming content and feed the television signal back to the cable service provider 108. The cable service provider 108 then delivers the television signal over a cable network 134 to cable subscribers.

The cable network 134 is provided by the cable service provider 108 to distribute the programming content to cable subscribers. A set top box (STB) 152, located on the premises of a cable television subscriber, receives the programming content or television signal, and delivers the television signal to the subscriber's television set 154. Alternatively or in addition, the television signal can be broadcast over a wireless medium and received by a traditional aerial antenna or by a satellite dish, and then delivered to the set top box 152. Alternatively or additionally, features and functionality of the set top box 152 may be integrated into a type of advanced television or other display device.

Additionally, the set top box 152 includes a modem 201 that is connected to a communications network, such as PSTN 132 or a wireless network. The wireless network may be a cellular network or a paging network or the like. In any event, modem 201 is adapted for receiving signals from the PSTN 132 or a wireless network so as to receive electronic messages transmitted by the PSTN 132 or wireless network. The PSTN 132 or wireless network is accessible by third parties that wish to transmit electronic messages to the user of the set top box 152.

Moreover, embodiments of the invention can use other types of broadcast media, including but not limited to, digital cable systems, satellite, very- high-data-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL), web casts, and the like. The features provided by the television set 154 can also be provisioned, in one embodiment, by a personal computer (PC) suitably configured with an adapter to convert television signals into a digitized format, and then to deliver the television signals to the video portion of the computer for display. It is noted that the invention is not limited to any one configuration of display hardware, as embodiments of the invention will work equally well using alternative reception and display arrangements.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a connection to a communication network is provided for the cable subscriber. In one embodiment, the connection can be made via a cable modem 156 over a bidirectional communication link 155 to a cable modem termination system within the cable provider's 108 equipment. The connection continues to a data communication network, such as the Internet, by way of a PSTN 132. The PSTN network 132 is provided herein as an example, and it is understood that other types of networks may be used for connectivity to the Internet. A cable modem arrangement can be used because of its high bandwidth capability. In situations where some cable companies are not equipped to provide cable modem service to their customers, various other arrangements can be made. For example, a conventional modem connection can be used to access the Internet over a telephone line. As another example, Internet access can be gained over a DSL connection or an integrated services digital network (ISDN) connection using a telephone line. Wireless systems are also available for providing Internet access. In one embodiment, downstream data transmission can occur via cable or satellite, and upstream data transmission can occur via a telephone line or wireless network.

It is noted that the Internet is chosen as an example of a data communication network because it is a well-established network, and connectivity to the Internet is easily made. However, it is noted that a global communication network, such as the Internet, is not required to practice other embodiments of the invention. A locally provided and maintained communication network may be used in an embodiment. It is also noted that devices with access to the Internet are also able to communicate with other devices having communication connectivity with the Internet, including servers at head-ends and set top boxes 152 in one embodiment.

Continuing with Figure 1, the set top box 152 can include a transceiver 157, such as an infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) transceiver, that can exchange signals with a remote control unit 158 or other user input device. The set top box 152 can be a component that is separate from the television set 154 as shown in Figure 1, or its features can be built into circuitry of the television set 154 (e.g., an interactive television set). The set top box 152 enables a viewer to select a television program to view and then delivers the television program to the television set 154. A storage unit 162 can also be coupled to or be a part of the set top box 152. The storage unit 162 can comprise a machine-readable storage medium such as a cache, buffer, memory, diskette, compact disk, tape, or the like and their associated hardware, in one embodiment. In another embodiment the storage unit 162 can include a video cassette recorder (VCR). In another embodiment, the storage unit can include a hard disk such as a digital or personal video recorder (DVR or PVR). As noted above, the local studio 106 can insert additional programming into the received transmission, for example, to provide cable content that includes locally provided channels. The programming is then distributed to customers over the cable network 134. In addition to local program insertion, the local studio 106 can insert advertising content. Product supplemental information relating to the advertising for participating merchants 122 can also be inserted, as well as supplemental information that corresponds to an information alert. Product supplemental information can include information relating to the goods or services being advertised in the commercial. In addition to goods and services, other information services can be made available to the viewer, which in one embodiment can be obtained via the merchant's 122 web site 124 on the Internet. Triggers, such as Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) triggers, which are related to the web site 124 and/or to its contents, can be continuously updated as the television broadcast is being received. Additionally, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the ATVEF triggers can be inserted into the broadcast signal of one or more television channels, and thus used to initiate the display of an information alert icon or other visual indication to a user.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a participating merchant list 153 may be maintained. As the name implies, this list permits participating merchants 122 to provide their product supplemental information to the viewer. The participating merchant list 153 may be provided to and stored in the set top box 152. Alternately or additionally, the participating merchant list 153 may be stored at a head-end or other system of the cable service provider 108, or at a third party system. In this embodiment, the participating merchant list 153 may operate as a "white" list, which allows transmission of triggers from authorized merchants and filters out other triggers. In another embodiment, a "blocked" or "black" list may be maintained at the set top box 152 or elsewhere. Such a blocked list filters out undesirable triggers and may be created and/or maintained by the cable service provider 108. Alternately or additionally, such a blocked list may be edited by an end user. In one embodiment, the list 153 can also be used alternatively or in addition to stored user preferences to block triggers associated with parties other than merchants.

Various techniques for carrying the electronic message can be used. For example, triggering, announcement, or resource information can be included and sent using the ATVEF standard, in a manner known by those skilled in the art. For instance, a uniform resource locator (URL) address can be embedded in the broadcast stream, with the URL pointing to a location where the supplemental information corresponding to the electronic message can be obtained. Other standards that may be used include triggering mechanisms from Wink and WorldGate. Another technique is to embed code or a script in the stream that runs on the client (e.g., at the set top box 152) to provide the electronic message. In an embodiment, a third party can contact the video casting system and either manually or electronically request that an electronic message be inserted into the programming using the ATVEF trigger. The video casting system would then insert the electronic message.

As noted above, the triggers, resources, or announcements can be inserted by the originating broadcaster 104, a local broadcaster 106, or by the cable service provider 108. Figure 2 shows another example of an interactive video casting system 200 and illustrates another point of insertion of the product supplemental information. Here, a merchant 222, operating a web site 224, is located such that commercial insertion is made prior to the uplink transmission to the satellite 102. In one embodiment of the invention, triggers for electronic messages can be inserted at a "master control" location of the cable service provider 108. This master control location can be at a head-end or at some other suitable location of the cable network 134 where there is access to the various television signals for each television channel.

As noted above, Internet access is not necessary to practice the invention. A locally provided network may be within the scope of the invention as claimed. The cable provider 108 can supply the foregoing features, for example, by providing a web site or "walled garden" that is accessed by its subscribers. In such a case, the cable provider 108 serves as an intermediary and submits the purchases to the actual merchants 122 or 222. For example in one embodiment and in the absence of a contract to the contrary, the cable service provider's 108 "walled garden" allows only its subscribers to receive electronic messages from the cable service provider 108 and not from some other cable service provider connected to the Internet, and vice versa.

Figure 3 shows another example of an interactive video casting system 300 for distributing Internet content in addition to television content. The system 300 can be similar to or combined with the systems 100 and 200 shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 300 can be integrated with a cable television distribution system. The system 300 includes an Internet 302, a plurality of content sources 304, a plurality of distribution centers (depicted as the head-ends or H/Es 306), and a plurality of client terminals 308 (depicted as set top boxes). In addition, a content source 304 is depicted as receiving data from data feeds 312, advertisement servers 314, image sources 316, and streaming video sources 318.

The plurality of content sources 304 is coupled to the Internet 302. For example, a content source 304 may comprise a web site portal such as AOL.com, or an information web site such as CNN.com, or other types of sources. Each content source 304 may have various data feeds 312, servers 314, and sources 316/318 coupled to it.

For example, information or stock quote feeds 312 may be fed into the content source 304. Servers 314 may provide advertisements for insertion into multimedia content delivered by the content source 304. Sources 316/318 may provide images 316, streaming video 318, and other content to the content source 304. Various other feeds, servers and sources may also be coupled to the content source 304 of Figure 3, or coupled to the production company 104, cable network 134, web sites 124 and 224, or to other components of the systems shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The Internet 302 comprises a network of networks and is well known in the art. Communications over the Internet 302 can be accomplished using standard protocols such as transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), file transfer protocol (FTP), or other protocols. The Internet 302 is coupled to the plurality of distribution centers 306, and each distribution center 306 is in turn coupled to a plurality of client terminals 308, which may comprise a set top box, a PC, an interactive television set, or another type of communication device or display device.

In alternative or in addition to the Internet 302 being used to distribute multimedia content from the content sources 304 to distribution centers 306, communications channels or networks 320 apart from the Internet 302 may couple one or more content sources 304 to one or more distribution centers 306. One example of such an alternate path for communications is illustrated by a first dashed line 320 in Figure 3. Alternately or additionally, peering connections may exist between distribution centers 306. One example of such peering is illustrated by a second dashed line 322 in Figure 3. Other configurations are also possible and are included within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, triggers may be inserted in the television signals transmitted from each distribution center 306. As examples, the triggers may be inserted at a master control location in each distribution center 306, at a master control location that controls several distribution centers 306, or inserted at one distribution center 306 and propagated to the other distribution centers via the dashed lines 320 and 322.

Caches 310 may be provided at (or coupled to) the distribution centers 306. Such caches 310 may be used to increase the performance in the delivery of multimedia content to the client terminals 308. For example, larger files for video and other high bandwidth content may be stored in such caches 310, which may be closer to the client terminals 308 than to the content sources 304. In addition, reliability and guaranteed bandwidth may be provided because the Internet 302 is not in-between such caches 310 and the client terminals 308. The caches 310 may also be used in one embodiment to store user profile information with regards to electronic messaging, so that the stored user profile information can be used to identify the appropriate electronic messages to send to the user.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, different or multiple portals may be used to access the information provided through the interactive video casting systems of Figures 1-3, based on the type of client terminal being used by the end user. That is, for example, a television portal may be provided for an end user that uses the television set 154 to access the information. A PC portal may be provided for an end user that uses a PC to access the information. Portals can be provided for end users that use cellular telephones, PDAs, audio devices, and the like to access the interactive video casting systems of Figures 1-3. Thus, the electronic messages of an embodiment of the present invention may be sent to any of these portals, in addition to the more common television portal.

Such portals may be provided in several possible ways. In one embodiment, the client terminal (e.g., the end user's display device or audio device) can be suitably configured with an adapter that includes hardware and software. The adapter converts the television signals, the Internet or web page content, or other information provided from the interactive video casting system into a digitized format or other format that is compatible with the operational features of the client terminal.

In another embodiment, the cable provider 108 can deliver signals having different formats to the various client terminals, with the client terminals not necessarily having special adapters. Therefore, as an example, the cable provider 108 or other party can generate/deliver information (e.g., television programming, web page content, and the like) having a format that is compatible for end users that receive the information via the television set 154. The cable provider 108 or other party can also generate/deliver the same information (e.g., simultaneously with the television portal on the same communication link, separately on a different communication link, on-demand independent of the television portal, and the like) using a format that is compatible with end users that receive the information via PCs, PDAs, cellular telephones, and the like. Thus, the term "interactive video casting system" is used to describe generally a system that can deliver video information over any network and any network-compatible device by broadcasting, multicasting, or unicasting. An "interactive television system" is one type of or one means of access to an "interactive video casting system."

Figure 4 illustrates an example of an electronic message that can be sent to users using the interactive video casting systems of Figures 1-3 according to embodiments of the invention. In Figure 4, a television program 402 is displayed on the television set 154 for viewing by a user. The program 402 may be any program that is being viewed by the user. Thus, the program 402 may be a movie, commercial, music video, sporting event, situation comedy show, special interest show, home shopping show, or other types of programming. Further, the present invention will be described where the portal device comprises a television or PC, in accordance with one embodiment, the portal device may be a pager or a cellular telephone or other device. In such a case, the electronic message is forwarded using an automated call to a cellular telephone designated by the user or an automated page sent to a pager designated by the user.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the program 402 comprises a television program, such as a basketball game, from a sporting event channel. The sporting event channel may be compared with a user profile to determine whether or not to produce an electronic message 404 for display on the television set 154 if one is received from a third party. Only if the electronic message 404 is desired by the user (as evidenced by the user profile), will it be displayed in one embodiment.

In an embodiment, the electronic message 404 is provided a part of a television signal (via a trigger, for instance) that is received by the set top box 152. In such an embodiment, the set top box 152 can be configured by the manufacturer to receive and process such triggers and information alerts, without the need for the user to separately download or install an application or other software/hardware to do so.

In one embodiment, the comparison with the user profile may be executed by a processor located in the set top box 152, remote control unit 158, in another device coupled to the television set 154, in a head-end 306, in one or more servers in the systems shown in Figures 1-3, or in any suitable combination of these locations or other locations. The user profile can dictate whether or not the electronic message 404 will be shown to the user.

For example, turning to Figure 5, each user will have a user profile 502 that, among other information, contains a schedule upon which electronic messages will be accepted. This mapping can be used by the interactive television systems of Figures 1-3 to determine when electronic messages 404 will be provided to the user. In the example shown in Figure 5, the user has configured his profile 502 to always allow electronic messages except between 12:00 AM - 7:59 AM Mon-Fri. In this manner, the user has complete control of when electronic messages will be allowed. In other systems, the interactive television system may limit or expand the amount of choice and freedom the user has in this regard. For example, using caller ID, sender ID, or similar technology, the user may determine that electronic messages from certain third parties are always allowed or always blocked.

As another example, the user profile 502 may be configured to send different types of electronic messages to different devices, such as to a cellular telephone or to a pager. As yet other examples, the electronic message 404 can be provided to notify the user that the user's bid in an auction has been accepted, that the user's photographs are available for pick-up, that a particular merchandise is now on sale, or other activity that is more associated with commerce conducted with the merchants 122 or 222. Thus, the various permutations for user control (or lack of control) may be varied almost infinitely by users, including completely declining the electronic message service (e.g., not "opting in" to the service).

Other parts of the user profile 502 may include, but are not limited to, personal interests, income level, gender, age, purchase history, or previous program viewing history of the user. Some of these user profile elements may be selected by the user when the user establishes or modifies their user profile 502 as part of their interactive television account, according to one embodiment. Such an account may be established when subscribing to the cable service provider 108, purchasing items from the web site 124 of the merchant 122, or in other ways. This user profile information may then be used to transmit "pseudo-electronic messages" to the user (e.g., "Alert - Seattle Mariner World Series baseball tickets on sale starting now!"). These alerts are not strictly speaking personal electronic messages, but rather a combination of information and marketing — however they are "personal" in the sense that they can be targeted towards to the user if certain user profile information is considered.

Other user profile information can be accumulated as the user participates in or uses the interactive video casting system of Figures 1-3. For example, if the user purchases many items related to golfing, the user profile may be updated to note the user's interest in golf items. If the user watches several golf related programs, the user profile may be updated to note the user's interest in the sport of golf. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, several techniques can be used to gather information for the user profile. For example, cookies may be used to gather user profile data, pay-per-view information or other user-viewing information can be logged that tracks the user's viewing habits, merchants 122 or other entities can exchange customer information, and the like.

Continuing with Figure 4, once the user sees the electronic message 404, the user may then press a button 172 on the remote control unit 158 to result in the display of additional information corresponding to the electronic message 404. Alternatively or in addition, the user may press a designated button on a cellular telephone or pager to begin streaming (or other transmission) of the electronic message 404 or of the actual audiovisual program (in the case of a beginning of television program alert), if the user had specified that he wished to be provided with the electronic message 404 via these devices.

In one embodiment, the electronic message is sent by the third party to the cable network 134. For example, the third party may dial into a predetermined telephone number maintained by the cable network 134. The cable network 134 would then prompt the third party to identify the particular user the electronic message is intended for. This may be a name, a unique identifying number, or even the user's conventional telephone number. The cable network 134 then prompts the third party for the electronic message, which is then delivered to the user. The electronic message can be in the form of a voicemail or text message or video message, as illustrative examples.

Alternatively or in addition, the electronic message can be formulated by the third party using a website maintained on the Internet by the cable network 134. A similar process takes place wherein the third party identifies the user to be contacted and the third party can send the electronic message to the user. The website may be accessed by a PC, cell phone, pager, PDA, or any other web enabled device. Further, the sender may also be a user of the interactive video casting network. In such a situation, the sender can formulate the electronic message and transmit the electronic message to the viewer directly through the interactive video casting system. In such a manner, an ongoing chat between users of the interactive video casting system may take place through the exchange of electronic messages. The chatting may be particularly advantageous if both parties are watching the same video broadcast and wish to comment to each other regarding the program.

Other variations upon this technique may also be used. For example, instant messaging (TM) software, commonly used on the Internet may be used in this context. Thus, TM software may be loaded onto the third party's device and the set top box 152 and electronic messages may be exchanged in this manner.

Still alternatively or in addition, the third party may call directly into the set top box 152 by means of modem 201 assuming the third party has the user's telephone number. The third party can then transmit the electronic message 404 directly to the set top box 152 thereby bypassing the cable network 134. For instance, the set top box 152 may be connected to a PSTN telephone line or wireless network using modem 201 such that a third party can directly transmit an electronic message to the user.

As a further illustration of an application of the present invention, the user can choose to be notified when a program is scheduled that exceeds a rating that the user believes is acceptable for his children, or is being viewed without his presence (such as if the user forgot to set a parental control feature on the set top box 152 and the user's children are watching the program while the user is out of the house). The set top box 152 and/or a component of the interactive television system may notify the user of this situation via an information alert, including notifying the user that the parental control feature is disabled. In response to the alert, the user may then choose to send an electronic message to the person viewing the program (e.g., "Turn off the television. I will be coming home shortly to discipline you!").

Moving next to Figure 6, in the case of viewing the television set 154 or PC, after the button 172 has been depressed, the electronic message can then "expand" and automatically provide the full message 502 to the user. The full message 502 may be audio only, text only, visual only, or combinations thereof. Once the user is finished with the full message 502, the user may then close the full message 502 insert by moving a cursor to a close button 504 or by simply through use of the remote control unit 158.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the full message 502 can be presented to the user based on a number of techniques. In one embodiment, clicking on the electronic message 404 results in the automatic tuning of the set top box 152 to a television message channel where the full message 502 can be presented. If presented visually such as via a video transmission or as displayed text/graphics, the full message 502 can take up the entire display screen of the television set 154, overlay a portion of the display screen, or it may be in a picture-in-picture arrangement with the television program 402.

In another embodiment, clicking on the electronic message 404 results in the automatic launching of a web browser by the set top box 152 and linking to an Internet web site, so that the full message 502 can be obtained and displayed in a hypertext markup language (HTML) web page, for example, on the television set 154. Thus, the full message 502 (and or the information alert 404 itself) can appear in a "pop-up" window.

In another embodiment, clicking on the electronic message 404 results in the scrolling of a "ticker" having the textual full message 502. This ticker can be located at the bottom of the display screen of the television set 154 or at other suitable locations on the display screen.

Still alternatively or in addition, the electronic message 404 may not have an associated full message 502. In such a situation, the electronic message 404 may contain the entire message that need be communicated by the third party.

In accordance with one embodiment, in certain situations, the program 402 may be automatically paused while the full message 502 is being displayed. This can typically occur if the program 402 is a video-on-demand type program. In one embodiment, the electronic message 404 and/or the full message 502 themselves can be paused or stored for later viewing, such as if the viewer wishes to finish the program 402 without interruption or if the viewer wishes to defer viewing of the full message 502 during a commercial.

Alternatively or in addition, the user may ignore the electronic message 404 and after a predetermined amount of time, the electronic message 404 icon may disappear. The interactive television system (e.g., the set top box 152, a head-end component, a server, or other unit in the interactive video casting systems of Figures 1-3) may be programmed to delete the electronic message icon if the user does not act. Additionally as describe above, by pressing the button 172 on the remote control unit 158 or other user input device, the user can send a command to store the electronic message 404 and/or full message 502 for later viewing. A storage unit for electronic messages 404 can be located in the set top box 152, remote control unit 158, in another device coupled to the television set 154, in a head-end 306, in one or more servers in the systems shown in Figures 1- 3, or in any suitable combination of these locations or other locations.

Still alternatively, or in addition, the viewer may respond to the sender of the electronic message. For example, the set top box may be configured to capture sender ID information, e.g., the email address of the sender, the pager address of the sender, the cell phone number of the sender, etc. . . . Indeed, the user profile may be configured to only accept incoming electronic messages from a sender that supplies return sender ID information. With the sender ID information, the viewer may then conveniently choose to reply to the sender directly through the set top box and interactive video casting system. For example, the viewer may generate a text message, audio message, or video message that is transmitted back to the sender of the electronic message. Further, as part of the sender ID, information relating to the type of sending device may be included. In such a manner, the type of reply message may be tailored to the receiving device of the sender. For example, a pager may not be enabled to receive a streaming video message and therefore the reply message should consist of a text message, or even a simple acknowledgement. Thus, the original electronic message to the viewer may be: "I am coming home in one hour. Please get the kids ready to go to dinner." The reply message may simply be: "OK".

Further, in one embodiment, the viewer can save the electronic messages in, for example, the hard drive of the set top box. This may be useful for archiving purposes. The electronic messages may be stored at a multitude of locations within the interactive video casting system.

Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of events to initiate and complete an action related to the electronic message 404 according to an embodiment of the invention. The elements of the flow diagram can be implemented, in whole or in part, by machine-readable instructions, software, code, and the like that is stored in one or more machine-readable storage media. The machine-readable storage media can be located in the set top box 152, remote control unit 158, in another device coupled to the television set 154, in a head-end 306, in one or more servers in the systems shown in Figures 1-3, or in any suitable combination of these locations or other locations.

Beginning at a block 702, the user logs into the interactive video casting system. A system component, such as software in a server, head-end 306, set top box 152, and the like identifies the user and accesses the user's profile 502 (or creates the user profile 502). The user's profile 502 can be stored in the set top box 152, remote control unit 158, in another device coupled to the television set 154, in the head-end 306, in one or more servers in the systems shown in Figures 1-3, or in any suitable combination of these locations or other locations. In one embodiment, an identifier may be located with the user's interactive device(s). For example, the identifier's form may include an identifier, code number, hardware, software, or the like, that is hard-coded into or otherwise located in the set top box 152, remote control unit 158, in another device coupled to the television set 154, or in any suitable combination of these locations or other locations. By accessing the interactive video casting system, the user's identity may be determined without any input from the user. This access when the user's identity is determined may include when the user watches an interactive video casting transmission or accesses a web page via the interactive video casting system. This may involve, in one embodiment, automatic transmission of the identifier to a head-end or server, or by polling the set top box 152 for its identifier, and then performing a database lookup to match the obtained identifier with stored profiles.

In another embodiment, the user can supply a username or personal identification number (PIN), made up of alphanumeric characters, to be identified by the interactive video casting system. In a household containing more than one person, a person watching interactive video casting may enter their PIN so that promotion correlation can by tailored to their interests. For example, a housewife has logged into the interactive video casting system with her unique username. Information alerts will then be displayed in accordance with her user profile. Later, the housewife's son arrives home from school. As he begins to watch interactive video casting on the same portal the housewife was using, he enters his username into the interactive video casting system. This way, the interactive video casting system can display electronic messages correlated to his user profile.

At a block 704, the set top box 152 monitors the cable network 134 or modem 201 for incoming electronic messages 404 directed to this particular user. When an electronic message 404 is received by the set top box 152, the electronic message 404 (in the form of a visual indicator) is displayed as part of the program at a block 706.

The electronic message 404 is displayed until the user decides to accept or decline the electronic message 404, as shown at a decision block 708. If the user elects to accept the electronic message, then the full message 502 in the electronic message 404 is displayed or otherwise presented at a block 710. The user may initiate the procedure at the decision block 708, for example, by pressing the button 174 on the remote control unit 158, which results in the transmission of a command to the set top box 158 to communicate with the interactive television system to deliver the detailed information 502, in the case where the electronic message is through the cable network 134. Such a communication may be with a server, a head-end, a storage unit such as the cache 310, or with another location in the interactive television systems of Figures 1-3 where the full message 502 may be obtained.

The full message 502 may also be stored at the blocks 708 or 710 for future viewing. After the user has reviewed the full message 502, the visual icon is removed from the program at a block 712. At this point, the process starts again at the block 702 as new electronic messages 404 arrive that satisfy the user- configured requirements stored in the user profile 502.

As mentioned above, triggers (such as ATVEF triggers) can be used in one embodiment of the invention to provide the electronic message 404 and/or the detailed information 502. As is known in the art, ATVEF triggers are inserted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of a television signal and can include links to content, such as graphics, text, or other stored data. Thus, one embodiment of the invention inserts triggers into the VBI of a television signal. The trigger itself may include the electronic message 404 so that it is automatically rendered with the television program, or the trigger may point to a location (such as a server) where the image of the electronic message 404 can be retrieved for display on the television set 154.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, triggers are inserted in all of the television signals provided to the set top box 152. This insertion may be performed at a master control location at a head-end, for instance, where the triggers are inserted "on the fly" into each television signal, automatically via trigger-inserter hardware and software, or with the aid of human operators. Using the list 153 and/or the user profile 502, the individual television signals can then be "filtered" as appropriate so that only electronic messages corresponding to the user's preferences are eventually transmitted to the set top box 152.

In another embodiment, the list 153 and/or the user profile 502 can be used to determine which triggers to insert into which television signals. With this embodiment, therefore, the "filtering" occurs prior to trigger insertion so that all television signals need not have triggers inserted into them.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

In accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention, the method and system to provide electronic messages are integrated by software across multiple portals of the interactive video casting system. The multiple portals may include, for example, all or some of the following: an interactive television portal; a computer portal; a personal digital assistant portal; and a cellular phone portal. In this manner, the user can be viewing television programs (or listening to audio programs) with different devices, yet still be able to receive electronic messages that are compatible with the particular device used by the user and that can be received across different channels (e.g., the user's device does not need to be tuned to a particular channel to receive information alerts specific to that channel).

Moreover, alternatively or in addition to a cable distribution system, a satellite television (TV) delivery system may be implemented. A satellite TV delivery system may comprise a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system. A DBS system may comprise a small 18-inch satellite dish (which is an antenna for receiving a satellite broadcast signal); a digital integrated receiver/decoder (IRD), which separates each channel, and decompresses and translates the digital signal so a television can show it; and a remote control. Programming for a DBS system may be distributed, for example, by multiple high-power satellites in geosynchronous orbit, each with multiple transponders. Compression (e.g., MPEG) is used to increase the amount of programming that can be transmitted in the available bandwidth.

A digital broadcast center may be used to gather programming content, ensure its digital quality, and transmit the signal up to the satellites. Programming may come to the broadcast center from content providers (TBS, HBO, CNN, ESPN, etc.) via satellite, fiber optic cable and/or special digital tape. Satellite-delivered programming is typically immediately digitized, encrypted and uplinked to the orbiting satellites. The satellites retransmit the signal back down to every earth-station— or, in other words, every compatible DBS system receiver dish at customers' homes and businesses. In one embodiment, therefore, the communication network comprises this satellite communication link to the subscriber earth-stations.

Some programs may be recorded on digital videotape in the broadcast center to be broadcast later. Before any recorded programs are viewed by customers, technicians may use post-production equipment to view and analyze each tape to ensure audio and video quality. Tapes may then be loaded into a robotic tape handling systems, and playback may be triggered by a computerized signal sent from a broadcast automation system. Back-up videotape playback equipment may ensure uninterrupted transmission at all times.

These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising: receiving an electronic message containing a full message from a third party; determining if said electronic message should be provided to a user based upon a user profile; if said electronic message should be provided to said user, providing the electronic message as part of an interactive video casting transmission to said user; and processing a command sent from a user input device in response to the provided electronic message to present a full message related to the electronic message.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein said electronic message is capable of being presented only if in accordance with a set of rules in said user profile.

3. The method of Claim 1 wherein said electronic message is originated by said third party through a cellular telephone, a pager, or a personal digital assistant.

4. The method of Claim 1 wherein said electronic message is received directly by a set top box associated with said user, said set top box in communication with said third party through a wireless network or the public switched telephone network.

5. The method of Claim 1 wherein said electronic message is received by a cable network that provides said interactive video casting transmission.

6. The method of Claim 1, further comprising removing said electronic message from said interactive video casting transmission after a period of time.

7. The method of Claim 1, further comprising subsequent to processing the command sent from the user input device, storing in a storage unit said full message corresponding to said electronic message.

8. The method of Claim 1 wherein said electronic message is embedded into the interactive video casting transmission independent upon a particular channel that is being viewed by said user.

9. The method of Claim 1, further comprising allowing said user to modify said user profile to delineate the circumstances of which type of electronic message should be received, including allowing the user to decline electronic messages.

10. The method of Claim 1 wherein the interactive video casting transmission comprises an interactive television transmission.

11. The method of Claim 1 wherein said electronic messages are only transmitted to said user if said user is a subscriber to an electronic message service.

12. The method of Claim 1, further comprising pausing said interactive video casting transmission if said detailed information is being displayed.

13. The method of Claim 1 wherein, in response to said command sent from said user input device, said detailed information is presented via one of linking to a web page, tuning to a channel, or scrolling of said detailed information.

14. The method of Claim 1 wherein said full message is presented concurrently as said electronic message.

15. The method of Claim 1 wherein said electronic message is capable of being provided without use of a user-installed application in a unit that receives the interactive video casting transmission.

16. An article of manufacture, comprising: a machine-readable medium having stored thereon machine-readable instructions to: determine if an electronic message, containing a full message and received from a third party, should be provided to a user based upon a user profile; if said electronic message should be provided to said user, provide the same electronic message as part of an interactive video casting transmission to said user; and process a command sent from a user input device in response to the displayed electronic message to present detailed information related to the electronic message.

17. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to present said electronic message only if in accordance with a set of rules in said user profile.

18. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to receive said electronic message from said third party through a cellular telephone, a pager, or a personal digital assistant.

19. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to receive said electronic message from said third party directly to a set top box associated with said user, said set top box in communication with said third party through a wireless network or the public switched telephone network.

20. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to receive said electronic message via a cable network that provides said interactive video casting transmission.

21. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon instructions to remove said electronic message from said interactive video casting transmission after a period of time.

22. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to, subsequent to processing the command sent from the user input device, store in a storage unit said full message corresponding to said electronic message.

23. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to embed said electronic message into the interactive video casting transmission independent upon a particular channel that is being viewed by said user.

24. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to, subsequent to processing the command sent from the user input device, cause one of a linking to a web page that presents the full message, tune to a channel presents the detailed information, or scroll the full message.

25. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon instructions to allow said user to modify said user profile to delineate circumstances of which type of electronic message should be received.

26. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to provide the electronic message without first requiring user-installation of an application in a unit that receives the interactive video casting transmission.

27. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to transmit said electronic messages to said user only if said user is a subscriber to an electronic message service.

28. The article of Claim 16 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to pause said interactive video casting transmission if said detailed information is being displayed.

29. A system, comprising: an interactive video casting network coupleable to a communication network to provide a program as part of an interactive video display transmission; and a server coupleable to the interactive video casting network, the server including: a storage unit having a user profile stored therein; a processor communicatively coupled to the storage unit, the processor capable to compare said user profile to an electronic message received from a third party and to selectively control insertion of the electronic message into the program; and a communication interface communicatively coupled to the processor to provide the program having the electronic message to a client terminal.

30. The system of Claim 29 wherein the interactive video casting network comprises an interactive television network.

31. The system of Claim 29 wherein said processor inserts said electronic message if in accordance with a set of rules in said user profile.

32. The system of Claim 29 wherein said system is accessible by said third party to submit said electronic message to said user.

33. The system of Claim 29 wherein said processor is capable of removing said electronic message from said interactive video casting transmission after a period of time.

34. The system of Claim 29, further comprising a user input device that interfaces with said client terminal to allow a user to modify said user profile to delineate the circumstances of which type of electronic message should be received.

35. A method, comprising: receiving an electronic message containing a full message from a third party; determining if said electronic message should be provided to a user based upon a user profile; and if said electronic message should be provided to said user, providing the electronic message as part of an interactive video casting transmission to said user.

36. The method of Claim 35 wherein said electronic message is capable of being presented only if in accordance with a set of rules in said user profile.

37. The method of Claim 35 wherein said electronic message is originated by said third party through a cellular telephone, a pager, or a personal digital assistant.

38. The method of Claim 35 wherein said electronic message is received directly by a set top box associated with said user, said set top box in communication with said third party through a wireless network or the public switched telephone network.

39. The method of Claim 35 wherein said electronic message is received by a cable network that provides said interactive video casting transmission.

40. The method of Claim 35, further comprising allowing said user to modify said user profile to delineate the circumstances of which type of electronic message should be received, including allowing the user to decline electronic messages.

41. The method of Claim 35 wherein said electronic messages are only transmitted to said user if said user is a subscriber to an electronic message service.

42. The method of Claim 35, further comprising pausing said interactive video casting transmission if said detailed information is being displayed.

43. The method of Claim 35 wherein, in response to said command sent from said user input device, said detailed information is presented via one of linking to a web page, tuning to a channel, or scrolling of said detailed information.

44. The method of Claim 35, further comprising allowing the third party to respond to a response to the message provided to the user.

45. A system, comprising: a means for receiving an electronic message containing a full message from a third party; a means for determining if said electronic message should be provided to a user based upon a user profile; if said electronic message should be provided to said user, a means for providing the electronic message as part of an interactive video casting transmission to said user; and a means for processing a command sent from a user input device in response to the provided electronic message to present a full message related to the electronic message.