Method and apparatus for using delay time during switching events to display previously stored information elements
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- periodically downloading from a server selected data sets according to user profile information, the selected data sets representing information elements for display to a user during switching events;
displaying a first one of the information elements in response to initiation of a first switching event, the first switching event being characterized by unavailability of information from the server for display; and
discontinuing the display of the first one of the information elements and displaying the data stream information from the server when it becomes available for such display, unless the user has initiated an interactive transaction session with a remote host by selecting an interactive element associated with the first one of the information elements in which case displaying the data stream information from the server is delayed until termination of the interactive transaction session or expiration of a predetermined period of inactivity by the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
During the several seconds of delay time that it takes for a digital set top box (“STB”) that is connected to a television or other display device to switch channels and display the next target program, other information or data can be displayed to a viewer of the television. This other data (“zap page”) can include, for example, advertising, information about the next/target program, a window showing a segment of the next/target program that is transmitted over the next/target channel, personal information associated with the viewer (e.g., notification that one or more electronic mail messages have arrived, stock prices of securities in the viewer'"'"'s portfolio, etc.) and potentially based on the viewer'"'"'s profile (e.g., recipes for cooking enthusiasts, news clips from preferred sources, advertisements of particular interest, etc.), and/or local and regional information (e.g., weather forecasts, etc.). The zap page also can include interactive elements that enable one-way and two-way transactions with the viewer. The zap page is pre-rendered and stored within the digital STB so that when the viewer requests a switch in channels, the zap page is displayed substantially immediately. The zap page is displayed until the channel switch has been completed and the next/target program is displayed. However, if the viewer engages in an interactive session, the display of the next/target channel is suspended until the viewer disengages the interactive session.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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periodically downloading from a server selected data sets according to user profile information, the selected data sets representing information elements for display to a user during switching events; displaying a first one of the information elements in response to initiation of a first switching event, the first switching event being characterized by unavailability of information from the server for display; and discontinuing the display of the first one of the information elements and displaying the data stream information from the server when it becomes available for such display, unless the user has initiated an interactive transaction session with a remote host by selecting an interactive element associated with the first one of the information elements in which case displaying the data stream information from the server is delayed until termination of the interactive transaction session or expiration of a predetermined period of inactivity by the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system, comprising:
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a server configured to provide a data stream transmission; and a digital set top box configured to (i) periodically download from the server selected data sets according to user profile information, the selected data sets being included within the data stream and representing information elements for display to a user during switching events;
(ii) display a first one of the information elements in response to initiation of a first switching event, the first switching event being characterized by unavailability of information from the server for display; and
(iii) discontinue the display of the first one of the information elements and displaying the data stream information from the server when it becomes available for such display, unless the user has initiated an interactive transaction session with a remote host by selecting an interactive element associated with the first one of the information elements in which case displaying the data stream information from the server is delayed until termination of the interactive transaction session or expiration of a predetermined period of inactivity by the user. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification