Watermarking and electronic program guides

• US 20030028882A1
• Filed: 06/13/2002
• Published: 02/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Original Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Inventors: Rodriguez, Tony F., Davis, Bruce L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,032,909 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/44
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0021 Image watermarking

Abstract

Electronic program guide (EPG) information is updated based on watermark data conveyed with video. Such systems permit EPGs to be updated automatically to reflect changes to program scheduling caused by sporting events running long, late breaking news, etc. In one arrangement, a system identifies incoming programming by reference to watermark data, and conforms the EPG presentation to match the incoming programming. The electronic program guide paradigm can also be applied to indexing online messaging forums that are related to video programs, and access to such forums can be provided through use of watermark data.

Claims

1. In a method of presenting video program schedule information in an electronic program guide (EPG) that is displayed on a display device, an improvement wherein the presentation of said information is changed in accordance with in-band video watermark information.

2. The method of claim 1 that includes:

detecting an in-band video watermark transmitted with a video program;

by reference to said detected watermark, determining whether scheduling of said video program is different than previously expected; and

if so, changing the presentation of an EPG program entry corresponding to said video program.

3. The method of claim 2 that includes extending a time slot associated with said program.

4. The method of claim 3 that includes extending said time slot to the current time.

5. The method of claim 3 that includes extending said time slot to the next thirty minute boundary.

6. The method of claim 2 that includes changing a time slot associated with said program.

7. The method of claim 2 that includes changing the presentation of an EPG program entry corresponding to at least one video program other than the video program in which said watermark was detected.

8. The method of claim 2 that includes changing a format of said program entry to visually highlight to the user that the program schedule is different than earlier expected.

9. The method of claim 2 in which changing of the presentation is effected centrally, by changing EPG information sent to plural user premises from a central facility.

10. The method of claim 2 in which changing of the presentation is effected locally, by a processor at a user premises altering presentation of EPG information earlier sent from a remote provider.

11. The method of claim 2 that includes changing said presentation by changing EPG data stored in a memory.

12. The method of claim 1 in which the presentation is changed by altering visible appearance of an EPG program entry to indicate a modification or uncertainty relative to an earlier schedule.

14. The method of claim 1 in which the presentation is changed by changing the time with which a program-in-process is associated in the EPG.

13. The method of claim I in which the in-band watermark information is transmitted with a video program, and serves to identify said program.

15. In a method of presenting video program schedule information in an electronic program guide (EPG) that is displayed to users on a display device, an improvement wherein the presentation of said information depends, at least in part, in accordance with in-band video watermark information.

16. An apparatus comprising:

a memory in which electronic program guide data is stored;

a watermark detector for monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; and

a processor for altering the stored electronic program guide data based on program identification by the watermark detector.

17. A method comprising:

detecting in-band video watermark data transmitted with a video program; and

by reference to said detected watermark data, presenting to a viewer a listing of online message forums related to the program.