Set top terminal having a program pause feature

• US 7,395,546 B1
• Filed: 03/09/2000
• Issued: 07/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cox Communications Incorporated (Cox Enterprises Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Sedna Patent Services LLC
• Inventors: Asmussen, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lonsberry; Hunter B.
• Application Number:
  US09/521,614
• Time in Patent Office: 3,036 Days
• Field of Search: 725/32, 725/80, 725/105, 725/34, 379/142.05
• US Class Current: 725/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/576 associated with a pictorial or graphical representation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4333 Processing operations in response to a pause request
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4788 communicating with other users, e.g. chatting arrangements for providing for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms, to substation in data switching networks H04L12/1813; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4882 for displaying messages, e.g. warnings, reminders arrangements for providing short real-time information to substation in data switching networks H04L12/1895
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/76 Television signal recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/775 between a recording apparatus and a television receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/7755 the recorder being connected to, or coupled with, the antenna of the television receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/781 on disks or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/783 Adaptations for reproducing at a rate different from the recording rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/907 using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories H04N5/91 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/088 the inserted signal being digital

Abstract

A system for automatically pausing a video program in response to detection of the occurrence of a communications event or triggering event. In response to an incoming phone call, message, web page, or other communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of it. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user'"'"'s access to the communications event, in order to pause the video program.

Claims

1. A method for automatically pausing a live video program in response to an occurrence of an event, comprising:

receiving an input from a user, the input identifying at least one predetermined originator of an incoming request for communications;

receiving a live video program and outputting the live video program for presentation on a display device;

detecting an occurrence of the incoming request for communications during the video program, the incoming request comprises an e-mail, wherein the e-mail is detected via an e-mail communications software;

pausing the outputting of the live video program immediately upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that an originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators;

buffering the live video program upon detecting the occurrence of the request for communications and determining that the originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one redetermined originators; and

outputting a signal for displaying an indication of the occurrence of the incoming request for communications, wherein the outputting the signal step includes outputting the signal for displaying an identity of a sender associated with the e-mail.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the outputting the signal step includes outputting the signal for displaying a message associated with the e-mail.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the outputting the signal step includes outputting the signal for displaying a graphic associated with the e-mail.

4. The method of claim 1, further including:

receiving a play signal to restart the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the play signal, the buffered live video program for presentation on the display device starting at an approximate location where the live video program was paused.

5. The method of claim 4, further including:

receiving a fast forward signal to increase a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the fast forward signal, the buffered live video program at an increased rate for presentation of an increased rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

6. The method of claim 4, further including:

receiving a rewind signal to reverse a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the rewind signal, the buffered live video program at a reversed rate for presentation of a reversed rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

7. The method of claim 4, further including:

receiving a slow motion signal to decrease a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the slow motion signal, the buffered live video program at an decreased rate for presentation of a decreased rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

8. The method of claim 1, further including:

receiving a frame forward signal to display a next frame of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the frame forward signal, a next frame of the buffered live video program for presentation of the next frame on the display device.

9. The method of claim 1, further including:

receiving a frame back signal to display a previous frame of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the frame back signal, a previous frame of the buffered live video program for presentation of the previous frame on the display device.

10. The method of claim 4, further including:

receiving a jump signal to display the live video program from a current point of transmission; and

transmitting, in response to the jump signal, the live video program for presentation of the live video program from the current point of transmission on the display device.

11. A method for automatically pausing a live video program in response to an occurrence of an event, comprising:

receiving an input from a user, the input identifying at least one predetermined originator of an incoming request for communications;

receiving a live video program and outputting the live video program for presentation on a display device;

detecting an occurrence of the incoming request for communications during the video program, the incoming request comprises an e-mail, wherein the e-mail is detected via an e-mail communications software;

pausing the outputting of the live video program immediately upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that an originator of the incoming request for communication comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators;

buffering the live video program upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that the originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators; and

outputting a signal for displaying an indication of the occurrence of the incoming request for communications, wherein the receiving step includes receiving information to associate an identity of a sender with the e-mail.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the receiving information step includes receiving textual information or graphical information.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein:

the detecting step includes detecting occurrence of an incoming e-mail associated with the identity of the sender; and

the outputting step includes outputting the signal for displaying the information associated with the identity of the sender.

14. An apparatus for automatically pausing a live video program in response to an occurrence of an event, comprising:

a first receive module for receiving an input from a user, the input identifying at least one predetermined originator of an incoming request for communications;

a second receive module for receiving the live video program and outputting the live video program for presentation on a display device;

a detection module for detecting an occurrence of the incoming request for communications during the live video program, the request coming from other than a viewer of the live video program and the request comprises an e-mail, wherein the e-mail is detected via an e-mail communications software;

a pause module for pausing the outputting of the live video program immediately upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that an originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators;

a buffer module for initiating, upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that the originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators, buffering of the live video program; and

an output module for outputting a signal for displaying an indication of the occurrence of the incoming request for communications, wherein the output module includes a module for outputting the signal for displaying an identity of a sender associated with the e-mail.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the output module includes a module for outputting the signal for displaying a message associated with the e-mail.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the output module includes a module for outputting the signal for displaying a graphic associated with the e-mail.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, further including:

a module for receiving a play signal to restart the buffered live video program; and

a module for transmitting, in response to the play signal, the buffered live video program for presentation on the display device starting at an approximate location where the live video program was paused.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further including:

a module for receiving a fast forward signal to increase a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

a module for transmitting, in response to the fast forward signal, the buffered live video program at an increased rate for presentation of an increased rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, further including:

a module for receiving a rewind signal to reverse a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

a module for transmitting, in response to the rewind signal, the buffered live video program at a reversed rate for presentation of a reversed rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, further including:

a module for receiving a slow motion signal to decrease a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

a module for transmitting, in response to the slow motion signal, the buffered live video program at an decreased rate for presentation of a decreased rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

21. The apparatus of claim 14, further including:

a module for receiving a frame forward signal to display a next frame of the buffered live video program; and

a module for transmitting, in response to the frame forward signal, a next frame of the buffered live video program for presentation of the next frame on the display device.

22. The apparatus of claim 14, further including:

a module for receiving a frame back signal to display a previous frame of the buffered live video program; and

a module for transmitting, in response to the frame back signal, a previous frame of the buffered live video program for presentation of the previous frame on the display device.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, further including:

a module for receiving a jump signal to display the live video program from a current point of transmission; and

a module for transmitting, in response to the jump signal, the live video program for presentation of the live video program from the current point of transmission on the display device.

24. An apparatus for automatically pausing a live video program in response to an occurrence of an event, comprising:

a first receive module for receiving an input from a user, the input identifying at least one predetermined originator of an incoming request for communications;

a second receive module for receiving the live video program and outputting the live video program for presentation on a display device;

a detection module for detecting an occurrence of the incoming request for communications during the live video program, the request coming from other than a viewer of the live video program and the request comprises an e-mail, wherein the e-mail is detected via an e-mail communications software;

a pause module for pausing the outputting of the live video program immediately upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that an originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators;

a buffer module for initiating, upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that the originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators, buffering of the live video program; and

an output module for outputting a signal for displaying an indication of the occurrence of the incoming request for communications, wherein the first receive module includes a module for receiving information to associate an identity of a sender with the e-mail.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the module for receiving information includes a module for receiving textual information or graphical information.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein:

the detection module includes a module for detecting occurrence of an incoming e-mail associated with the identity of the sender; and

the output module includes a module for outputting the signal for displaying the information associated with the identity of the sender.

27. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method for automatically pausing a live video program in response to an occurrence of an event, the method including;

receiving an input from a user, the input identifying at least one predetermined originator of an incoming request for communications;

receiving the live video program and outputting the live video program for presentation on a display device;

detecting an occurrence of the incoming request for communications during the video program, the request coming from other than a viewer of the live video program and the request comprises an e-mail, wherein the e-mail is detected via an e-mail communications software;

pausing the outputting of the live video program immediately upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that an originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators; and

buffering the live video program upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that the originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators; and

outputting a signal for displaying an indication of the occurrence of the incoming request for communications, wherein the outputting the signal step includes outputting the signal for displaying an identity of a sender associated with the e-mail.

28. The computer program product of claim 27 wherein the outputting the signal step includes outputting the signal for displaying a message associated with the e-mail.

29. The computer program product of claim 27 wherein the outputting the signal step includes outputting the signal for displaying a graphic associated with the e-mail.

30. The computer program product of claim 27, further including:

receiving a play signal to restart the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the play signal, the buffered live video program for presentation on the display device starting at an approximate location where the live video program was paused.

31. The computer program product of claim 30, further including:

receiving a fast forward signal to increase a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the fast forward signal, the buffered live video program at an increased rate for presentation of an increased rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

32. The computer program product of claim 30, further including:

receiving a rewind signal to reverse a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the rewind signal, the buffered live video program at a reversed rate for presentation of a reversed rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

33. The computer program product of claim 30, further including:

receiving a slow motion signal to decrease a rate of transmission of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the slow motion signal, the buffered live video program at an decreased rate for presentation of a decreased rate of display of the buffered live video program on the display device.

34. The computer program product of claim 27, further including:

receiving a frame forward signal to display a next frame of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the frame forward signal, a next frame of the buffered live video program for presentation of the next frame on the display device.

35. The computer program product of claim 27, further including:

receiving a frame back signal to display a previous frame of the buffered live video program; and

transmitting, in response to the frame back signal, a previous frame of the buffered live video program for presentation of the previous frame on the display device.

36. The computer program product of claim 30, further including:

receiving a jump signal to display the live video program from a current point of transmission; and

transmitting, in response to the jump signal, the live video program for presentation of the live video program from the current point of transmission on the display device.

37. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method for automatically pausing a live video program in response to an occurrence of an event, the method including;

receiving an input from a user, the input identifying at least one predetermined originator of an incoming request for communications;

receiving the live video program and outputting the live video program for presentation on a display device;

detecting an occurrence of the incoming request for communications during the video program, the request coming from other than a viewer of the live video program and the request comprises an e-mail, wherein the e-mail is detected via an e-mail communications software;

pausing the outputting of the live video program immediately upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that an originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators; and

buffering the live video program upon detecting the occurrence of the incoming request for communications and determining that the originator of the incoming request for communications comprises any of the at least one predetermined originators; and

outputting a signal for displaying an indication of the occurrence of the incoming request for communications, wherein the receiving step includes receiving information to associate an identity of a sender with the e-mail.

38. The computer program product of claim 37 wherein the receiving information step includes receiving textual information or graphical information.

39. The computer program product of claim 37 wherein:

the detecting step includes detecting occurrence of an incoming e-mail associated with the identity of the sender; and

the outputting step includes outputting the signal for displaying the information associated with the identity of the sender.