Method and apparatus for generating and displaying a broadcast system program guide
First Claim
1. In a multiple channel broadcasting system in which programs are broadcasted for display on a screen, a method for generating an on-screen guide for a user to select channels to view, comprising the steps of:
- generating a program guide comprising a plurality of still video pictures representing current programming on a plurality of channels, wherein the step of generating a program guide comprises the steps of,tuning sequentially to each one of the plurality of channels,capturing a visually usable video frame from the one of the plurality of channels,decimating the visually usable video frame;
displaying the program guide on a screen;
displaying a system pointer that is manipulated in response to input by the user; and
selecting a channel for viewing using the system pointer manipulated to an area associated with the still video picture of the channel.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating an on-screen guide by which a user may select channels to view in a multiple channel broadcasting system are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a program guide is generated comprising a number of still video pictures that represent current programming on a number of channels. The program guide is generated by the system tuning sequentially to each one of a number of channels. A visually usable video frame is captured from one of the number of channels. The visually usable video frame is then decimated. Each of the steps of tuning, capturing, and decimating are then repeated for each of a selected number of channels. Following generation, the program guide is displayed on a screen or display. A system pointer is displayed on the screen along with the program guide, and the system pointer is manipulated in response to input by the user. A channel is selected for viewing by manipulating the system pointer to an area associated with the still video picture of the corresponding channel.
290 Citations
22 Claims
-
1. In a multiple channel broadcasting system in which programs are broadcasted for display on a screen, a method for generating an on-screen guide for a user to select channels to view, comprising the steps of:
-
generating a program guide comprising a plurality of still video pictures representing current programming on a plurality of channels, wherein the step of generating a program guide comprises the steps of, tuning sequentially to each one of the plurality of channels, capturing a visually usable video frame from the one of the plurality of channels, decimating the visually usable video frame; displaying the program guide on a screen; displaying a system pointer that is manipulated in response to input by the user; and selecting a channel for viewing using the system pointer manipulated to an area associated with the still video picture of the channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A computer system comprising a processor configured to be coupled to a display device, said processor:
-
configured to generate a program guide comprising a plurality of still video pictures representing current programming on a plurality of channels, wherein the processor is configured to generate a program guide by being further configured to, tune sequentially to each one of the plurality of channels, capture a visually usable video frame from the one of the plurality of channels, the visually usable video frame being the Intra frame (I frame) in a Motion Picture Experts Group-2 (MPEG-2) bit stream, filter and decimate the visually usable video frame, and store the decimated visually usable video frame for display; configured to display the program guide on a screen; configured to display a system pointer that is manipulated in response to input by the user; and configured to select a channel for viewing using the system pointer manipulated to an area associated with the still video picture of the channel. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A system for generating an on-screen guide for a user to select channels to view in a multiple channel broadcasting system in which programs are broadcasted for display on a screen, comprising:
-
a program guide comprising a plurality of still video pictures representing current programming on a plurality of channels, wherein the program guide is generated by, tuning sequentially to each one of the plurality of channels, capturing a visually usable video frame from the each one of the plurality of channels, the visually usable video frame being the Intra frame (I frame) in a Motion Picture Experts Group-2 (MPEG-2) bit stream, decimating the visually usable video frame, refreshing the decimated visually usable video frame, storing the decimated visually usable video frame; a screen for display of the program guide; a system pointer that is manipulated in response to input by the user; and a channel selected for viewing using the system pointer manipulated to an area associated with the still video picture of the channel. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
-
-
19. A computer readable medium containing executable instructions which, when executed in a processing system, causes the system to perform the steps for generating an on-screen guide for a user to select channels to view in a multiple channel broadcasting system comprising:
-
generating a program guide comprising a plurality of still video pictures representing current programming on a plurality of channels, wherein the generating a program guide further causes the system to perform the steps of, tuning sequentially to each one of the plurality of channels, capturing a visually usable video frame from the each one of the plurality of channels, the visually usable video frame being the Intra frame (I frame) in a Motion Picture Experts Group-2 (MPEG-2) bit stream, decimating the visually usable video frame; displaying the program guide; displaying a system pointer that is manipulated in response to input by the user; and selecting a channel for viewing using the system pointer manipulated to an area associated with the still video picture of the channel. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
-
Specification