KR20010024511A - A method and apparatus for displaying an electronic program guide - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for channel surfing using electronic program guide 1301. The multi-channel broadcast system is tuned to the first channel to provide a display of the first program broadcast on the screen. A plurality of channels and an electronic program guide 1301 identifying the programming on the channels are displayed. The first display information packet 1302 containing the description of the first program is displayed in the electronic program guide. The system pointer is manipulated as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with the second program. The display of the first display information packet 1302 is eventually replaced with the display of the second display information packet containing the description of the second program. A method is also provided for providing a status indication of a tuner and a pointer in a multichannel broadcast system.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE}

Since its inception, television broadcast technology has been greatly improved. Today, television signals are broadcast by cable and via radio waves. The number of stations available today has increased to hundreds. In order to select a program to watch, many viewers simply "channel surf" until they find a channel that broadcasts the desired program. Channel surfing refers to the process of using channel "+" or "-" keys to sequentially watch each channel. Although some viewers know the joy of surfing channels between hundreds of stations, most viewers prefer a more direct method of choosing a program to watch.

Some prior art television channel selection guides provide a television channel selection guide that displays a list of channels, generally in numerical order, and the title of a program that is or will be broadcast on the channel. A simplified block diagram of such guidance is shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the viewer or the user of the system can select a channel by entering a channel number or selecting a program. The system responds by removing the displayed announcement and tuning to the selected broadcast station to display the broadcast signal of the broadcast station.

Such a system has many drawbacks. First, the guidance only provides the title of the program. In order to obtain additional information, such as a written description of the program, the user must select the information button that responds by causing a second layer of the menu with the program description. Thus, as the number of broadcast stations increases, the efficiency of viewing programs and program descriptions decreases.

In addition, many viewers prefer to preview the station's actual broadcast program before selecting a station to watch. In prior art systems, the user must select each station to watch and then return back to the channel guide to view the program title on another channel. Other prior art systems may provide a program listing with a transparent background superimposed on the program broadcast, but it is still difficult to watch the program broadcast through the program listing.

Further, in any television system, a user may surf the channel by skipping between channels using the channel "up" or "down" buttons in turn. However, when surfing channels in the prior art system, the user cannot use the channel list and program description information. While some prior art television channel selection guides permit channel surfing, these systems switch channels by moving the selection equipment or pointers to each new channel. This in turn hinders the maximum use of the broadcast system, since the user may want to watch a particular channel while surfing between program technologies of different channels while the system guidance provides program technology.

Another drawback of the prior art television channel selection guide is that while providing the current time on the guided display the guide does not provide a clean representation of the current time with respect to the channel program listing. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to check the total time that has elapsed since the start of a particular program.

In the current generation of broadcast technology, viewers are provided with many options regarding the programs available for broadcast. These options include, but are not limited to, on-demand selection of pay-per-view broadcasts, broadcast selection for automatic recording, and programming of the broadcast system to tune to preselected stations at specified times. It doesn't work. As the number of options increases, so does the need for a user-friendly system interface. Prior art channel selection guides do not provide ready state indication as part of the channel selection guide. In addition, the lack of status display for the system pointer and tuner can lead to many viewer desire complaints as the channel selection guide becomes more interactive and provides more choices for the user.

The present invention relates to the presentation of channels, programs and broadcast information in multi-channel television broadcasting systems.

1 is a schematic diagram of a direct digital satellite system guide display of the prior art;

2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of elements used in a television signal receiver.

4 illustrates a remote controller used to tune a television station in accordance with the description of the present invention.

5 is a simplified block diagram of circuitry used in a remote control device.

FIG. 6 illustrates the type of data used to provide electronic program guidance in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG.

7 illustrates a pointer to data used to generate an electronic program guide according to the description of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a Master Guide provided for viewers to watch programming information that is to be broadcasted and to be broadcast.

9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate one embodiment of the present invention in which broadcast audio and video are displayed behind a main announcement;

10 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating modifying a display with a small window in one embodiment of the invention.

11 illustrates a broadcast display in one embodiment of the present invention.

12 illustrates superimposing a continuously smaller broadcast window outline on a broadcast display in a variant of the broadcast window of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates display of an electronic program guide together with program broadcast on a screen in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating display transformation into a small window and integration of other functions of a broadcast system in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

15 shows a display of an electronic program guide in one embodiment of the invention.

16 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a process for optimizing font size for display space available in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process of optimizing font size and integrating other functions of a broadcasting system in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

18 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating channel surfing in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a process for providing a tuner and pointer status display in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

20 illustrates the display of an electronic program guide in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates the display of an electronic subcategory guide with electronic program guide in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for providing an icon indicating a program status in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 23 illustrates a display of an electronic program guide having a program status icon in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

24 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for providing a current time marker in a time bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

25 shows a display of an electronic program guide having a graphical representation of the current time with respect to the time of channel programming in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a process for providing an on-screen menu with varying transparency levels in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 27 illustrates display of an on-screen menu with varying transparency in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

A method and apparatus are provided for displaying programming information by translating a display of a program broadcast. According to one aspect of the invention, a multi-channel broadcast system is tuned to a channel to provide a display of program broadcasts on a screen. Programming information identifying a channel in the broadcast system is displayed. When displaying the programming information, the display of the program broadcast is transformed into a smaller broadcast window on the screen. The modification involves two steps. One step is to overlap one or more of the series of smaller series of smaller broadcast windows with the display of the broadcast on the screen. Another step is to display the broadcast in the smaller broadcast window. As a result, the programming information is displayed together with the program broadcast on the screen so that no part of the broadcast is covered by the programming information. Thus, the viewer accesses the channel program selection of the programming information and simultaneously watches the selected program without interruption. The programming information includes an electronic program guide, a display information packet, an electronic category guide, and an electronic subcategory guide.

Methods and apparatus are provided for channel surfing while using electronic program guide. According to one aspect of the invention, a multi-channel broadcast system is tuned to a first channel to provide a display of the first program broadcast on a screen. An electronic program guide identifying a number of channels and programming on the channels is displayed. First display information including the description of the first program is displayed together with the electronic program guide. The broadcast system displays a system pointer. The system pointer is manipulated according to an input of an electronic program guide area associated with a second program by a user. The display of the first display information packet is subsequently replaced with the display of a second display information packet containing the description of the second program. The broadcast system is still tuned to the first program while the user is watching the program information for the second program on the second channel.

A method and apparatus are also provided for providing status indications of a tuner and a pointer in a multi-channel broadcast system. According to one aspect of the invention, a multi-channel broadcast system is tuned to a channel to provide a display of program broadcasts on a screen. An electronic program guide is created that identifies a number of channels and programming on those channels. A system pointer is provided that indicates a location in the electronic program guide identifying a channel program in the broadcast system. An indication of the status of the broadcast system tuner and system pointer is provided to the user. The status is indicated by displaying the program block of the program on the electronic program guide that appears to be depressed on the screen when the broadcast system is tuned to the channel program. The status is indicated by displaying a program block of the program on the electronic program guide that appears to be protruding on the screen when the broadcast system is not tuned to the channel program. The status is indicated by displaying a program block of that program that appears to be highlighted when the system pointer points to the channel program. The status is indicated by displaying a program block of that program that appears to be unhighlighted when the system pointer does not point to the channel program.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description and the appended claims.

The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

The broadcast system described in the method and apparatus of the present invention is a direct broadcast satellite system. However, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other broadcast systems with the ability to receive and display multiple broadcast stations may utilize the methods and apparatus of the present invention. Moreover, many details are set forth, such as menus, flow charts, and system configurations, to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention in the following description for purposes of explanation. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. In other instances, well known electrical structures and circuits are shown in block diagram form in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a direct satellite system (DSS). The system has an antenna 3, an integrated receiver / decoder 2 (IRD: Integred Receiver / Decoder), a remote controller 5, and a monitor 4. Data packets are sent by satellite transponders. Each transponder transmits data in a time division manner at a predetermined frequency. The tuner 21 of the decoder is tuned to the frequency of the transponder corresponding to the channel, which channel is designated by the viewer such that a packet of digital data is received at the decoder.

The antenna 3 receives the encoded data signal transmitted from the satellite. The received encoded signal is decoded by an IRD. The antenna 3 has a low noise block down converter 3a (LNB). The LNB 3a converts the frequency of the signal transmitted from the satellite into another frequency. The converted signal is supplied to the IRD 3. The monitor 4 receives a signal from the IRD 3.

3 is a block diagram of the IRD 3. The radio frequency (RF) signal output from the LNB 3a of the antenna 3 is supplied to the tuner 21 of the front end 20. The output of the tuner 21 is supplied to a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) demodulation circuit 22 for demodulation. The output of the QPSK demodulation circuit 22 is supplied to the error correction circuit 23 for error correction. The data is received in encrypted and encoded (ie compressed) form.

A transport IC 24 receives a data stream consisting of data packets from the error correction circuit 23 and sends a portion of the data stream to an appropriate circuit for processing. The digital data stream transmitted from the satellite includes a header to classify various parts of the data in the digital data stream. The transport IC stores the header in a register and uses the header to derive data. Data streams transmitted from satellites include video data, MPEG audio data and Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) data in the form defined by the Moving Picture Experts Group Standard (MPEG). Data identified as video data by the header is transmitted to the MPEG video decoder 25. Data identified as audio data by the header is transmitted to the MPEG audio decoder 26. Similarly, data having a header identifying the data as EPG data is sent to a predetermined area of the data buffer 51 designated to store the EPG.

The conditional access module 33 includes a central processing unit (CPU), read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The conditional access module uses authorization information stored in the memory to determine whether the user is authorized to receive any data, such as audio / video for a pay TV station, for example. Thus, if the conditional access module determines that the user has access rights, a key is provided to the transport IC 24 to decrypt the input data, and the transport decrypts the data using the key provided. In one embodiment, smart cards are used. This card is inserted into the card reader interface 32 for interfacing to the transport IC 24. It is already apparent to those skilled in the art that the conditional access module is not limited to a smart card and can be composed of other types of circuits.

The MPEG video decoder 25 decodes the video signal received from the transport IC. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) 25a coupled to MPEG video decoder 25 is used for storage and buffering of video data during processing by the MPEG video decoder. The decoded digital video signal is supplied to a National Television System Committee (NTSC) type encoder 27 and a luminance signal Y output as an S video signal through a buffer amplifier 28Y or 28C, respectively. And a color signal C. The composite video signal is also output through the buffer amplifier 28V.

The MPEG audio decoder 26 decodes the digital audio signal. DRAM 26a coupled to the MPEG audio decoder 26 is used to buffer data and information while being processed by the MPEG audio decoder 26. The decoded digital audio signal is converted into an analog audio signal by the D / A converter 30. The left audio signal is output through the buffer amplifier 31L, and the right audio signal is output through the buffer amplifier 31R.

The RF modulator 41 mixes the composite signal output from the NTSC encoder 27 and the analog audio signal output from the D / A converter 30. The RF modulator 41 converts the mixed signal into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal.

CPU 29 is a central control mechanism and executes code stored in ROM 37 to perform certain functions of the system. For example, the CPU processes specific data to control the generation of a program list in accordance with the description of the present invention. In addition, the CPU receives and processes user input received from front panel buttons, i.e., switch 40 and photodetector circuit 39, to provide access and user functionality to the systems described herein. In addition, the CPU accesses user settings / preferences for processing the configuration and information of the system. The user settings are stored in non-active memory, such as electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 38. In addition, the CPU maintains a pointer list stored in the static random access memory (SRAM) 36 in the program information and channel information stored in the SRAM 51. Thus, when the user wishes to display the form of the EPG on the screen, the CPU 29 accesses a pointer stored in the SRAM 36 to identify the data buffer (SRAM) 51 identified by the pointer. The transport IC 34 is notified to retrieve data from the transport IC 34. The CPU thus forms a guide or list on the screen and formulates other digital data and formats for transmitting data representing the guide / list to the transport IC 34, and the transport IC 34. Then transfers the data to DRAM 25a of MPEG video decoder 25 for output to the screen.

4 shows an example of a remote controller used by a user to send a command and make a program selection in accordance with the description of the present invention. 5 is a simplified block diagram of the remote controller. The remote controller 400 has an infrared ray generating device 405, an operation button set 410, a CPU 415, a ROM 420, and a RAM 425. The CPU 415 receives a signal transmitted from the operation button 410 through the input port 430. The signal is processed according to a program stored in the ROM 420. The RAM 425 is used as a working space to generate the transmission code. The transmission code is transmitted to the infrared generation device 405 through an output port and converted into an infrared signal. The infrared signal is transmitted to the IRD. The operation button 410 is a direction key for designating a pointer direction such as north, south, east and west, an "EPG" key, a "FAVORITE" key, a "SELECT" key, and a "MENU ( Menu) "key," EXIT "key, 10 numeric keypad and" ENTER "key. A set of operation buttons 410 allows a user to select a program via electronic programming guidance in accordance with the description of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating data stored in a portion of the data buffer (RAM) 51. As mentioned above, the RAM 51 stores EPG data including guide data, channel data, and program data. General information is included in the guide data, for example the current date and time. The transponder list identifies the number of the transponder that transmits the segment. The channel list identifies the channel number of the first channel of the portion of data. The channel data may be a channel number, a channel name (i.e. a broadcaster's call sign), a logo ID (i.e., identification of a channel logo), a data ID that is an identification of a channel number of MPEG video data or MPEG audio data, and a channel for a predetermined time frame A program number identifying a number of a program to be transmitted on, and data related to a channel, such as a first program offset identifying an offset to first channel data from a header in a segment.

The program data may include the program title, the start time of the program, the length of time of the program, a program category such as movies, news, sports, etc., a program subcategory such as drama, horror, children's movie or sports category, baseball, basketball, and soccer. , Program description and movie ratings that provide detailed description of the program.

7 shows how pointers to EPG data are aligned to be displayed in a guide on a user's television screen. As mentioned above, EPG data includes guide data, channel data and program data stored in the data buffer (RAM) of the IRD (as shown in FIG. 3). When the viewer selects a channel, the system's CPU determines the packet containing the channel information and evicts the transponder number from the channel information. The system front end begins tuning to the frequency of the transponder to receive data transmitted from the designated transponder. If the viewer does not select any channel, the last channel is designated.

As mentioned above, the CPU creates a pointer table 736 for the EPG stored in memory. The table 736 is used to change the order of channels or programs according to the information to be provided to the user in the guide. The table 736 includes an entry for an address pointer for the corresponding channel data and an entry for the corresponding program data.

A table for generating display information is stored in the ROM 37. Specific data from the table is read out from the ROM 37 and stored in the DRAM 25a. Preferably the data is stored in compressed form. Thus, when characters are displayed on the screen, the compressed character array is decoded to produce the characters to be displayed. The encoder refers to a dictionary containing a set of words, a frequently used part of a word, and a number corresponding to each word or part of a word. The encoder uses the dictionary to encode each word into each number. The decoder refers to a dictionary, such as an encoder, to perform a decoding function. Once decoded, each character of the decoded word includes a character code corresponding to the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII). Inactive memory (e.g., EEPROM 38) has two tables. The first table contains character bitmaps of various fonts available for each character. The second table identifies the address of the first table from which the character bit map is extracted. The address is determined according to the character code. The bitmap image of the character is sent to DRAM 25a and subsequently accessed to display the character on the screen.

In one embodiment of the invention, channel data is received from a predetermined transponder and the channel number and channel name are stored in the DRAM 25a. Additional channel information, such as a channel logo, is stored in the ROM 36. The ROM 36 preferably includes a table of logo data addresses and logo IDs stored in the ROM 36. Thus, once the logo ID is determined, the address of the logo data is determined, retrieved and stored in the DRAM 25a.

The channel data provides the starting address of the program data for the particular program. The actual location on the screen where the program information is displayed depends on the type of guidance. For example, in a time reference system, the location where the program title is displayed is determined by the start time and the time length stored in the program data.

Using this information downloaded from the satellite transmission, programming and channel selection information is provided to the viewer. In the system and method of one embodiment of the present invention, this information is provided to the user in an innovative manner to allow the viewer to easily determine and select a station or program to watch. For example, FIG. 8 shows an inversion 825 indicating the position of a system pointer operable by a channel call sign 810, a channel number 815 of the system, a channel logo 820 of a selected station, and an arrow direction button. The Master Guide provides information such as program time information 835 as well as program description 830 for the program in which the system pointer is located.

This announcement is overlaid on the channel broadcast 840 where the system pointer is located. Thus, the user is not only provided with television system data showing the television channel, the time of the broadcast program and the description of the program, but also audio and video of one channel on all the same menu levels of the announcement. With the movement of the pointer 845 (in this example, through manipulation of the inverted information), the tuned channel is automatically changed and the user stays in the menu while still partially previewing the actual channel inverted in the guidance. To be. This process is illustrated by Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C. The discussion will now return to the general processing flow for embodiments of the present invention.

It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that additional functions may be added to the modified and removed processes and functions, and that the added functions may be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The system provides innovative and user-friendly access to a lot of information regarding the programming available through the broadcast system. Many of the functions in the present invention are selectable via a remote control device. It is clear that these functions can be selected via other devices such as joysticks or on-screen menus.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating modifying a display with a small window in one embodiment of the invention. The resizing process provides innovative feedback to the user while providing broadcast system time to perform the calculations needed to resize the window. In this embodiment, the broadcast display is transformed into a small window when the user selects to display the electronic program guide. Thus, the broadcast and the electronic program guide are displayed without overlap. It can be readily ascertained that the resizing process of the window can be used to resize the window for various purposes.

Referring to FIG. 10, operation begins at block 1000, where the broadcast system is tuned to a channel to provide a display of program broadcasts. The broadcast window corresponds to the entire display. 11 illustrates a broadcast display 1102 in one embodiment of the present invention. It is readily apparent that the window size does not have to correspond to the entire display from the beginning and may be part of the display. Operation continues at block 1002, where a series of successively smaller broadcast window outlines are superimposed on the program display when it is desirable to transform them into smaller windows. FIG. 12 illustrates superimposing such successively smaller broadcast window contours 1202-1210 onto the broadcast display 1201 upon modification of the broadcast window in one embodiment of the invention. With reference to FIG. 12, the contour 1202 is displayed first, followed by the contours 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210, respectively. Preferably, although it is contemplated that the contour may proceed in one dimension, the contour 1202 is shorter in length and narrower in width than the perimeter 1220 of the screen. Each contour 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210 are each shorter in length and narrower in width than the previous contour.

Referring back to FIG. 10, operation continues at block 1004, where the program display is transformed into a smaller broadcast window. Preferably the size of the broadcast window does not change until the size of the smallest overlapping broadcast window outline is equal to the predetermined smallest broadcast window size. In an alternative embodiment, the size of the broadcast window changes as the size of the contour changes.

Operation continues at block 1006, where programming information in the form of an electronic program guide is displayed with the broadcast on the screen such that no portion of the broadcast is covered by the electronic program guide. In an alternative embodiment, programming information is executed and displayed before the modification of the program broadcast.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display of an electronic program guide 1301 having a program broadcast 1310 on a screen 1320. The electronic program guide 1301 includes a broadcast channel number 1330, a broadcast network identifier 1332, a program title 1334, a program start and end time 1336, a current day of week 1338, and a current date 1340. , And current time 1342. It is readily apparent that other embodiments of the display of electronic program guides that provide various information may be used.

With reference to FIG. 13, a user can also easily view the electronic program guide for programming and programing techniques as well as the broadcast audio and video. The display information packet 1302 including the description of the program broadcast may be displayed together with the electronic program guide 1310. The display information packet 1302 also includes a program title 1350, broadcast network identification 1352, broadcast channel number 1354, program start and end time 1356, and program rating 1358. Optionally, the user may replace the display of the display information packet 1302 with the display of the electronic category guide. The electronic category guide includes a list of programming categories.

After viewing the programming selection on the electronic program guide, the viewer may release the electronic program guide display. The electronic program guide display is also deselected in accordance with channel selection by the user. As soon as the electronic program guide is deselected, the broadcast system transforms the broadcast of the program displayed in the small window by superimposing a series of successively larger broadcast window outlines on the display. In this embodiment, the first larger broadcast window is longer in length and wider in width than the small window in which the program is displayed. Each successive contour is longer in length and wider in width than the previous contour. Following the modification, the video broadcast is displayed again in the area defined by each successively larger broadcast window contour.

14 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process for integrating display modification into a small window and other functions of a broadcast system. Operation begins at block 1402, where a television screen or display indicates the broadcast of the currently selected station. Operation continues at block 1404, where the user can select an electronic program guide for display. The system monitors the status of the buttons on the user's remote control device to determine when the user pressed a particular button. For example, the realization of monitoring, such as polling, interrupt driven events, is well known in the art and will not be discussed further here. If the user does not select the electronic program guide for display, operation continues at block 1402, where the system continues to display broadcast and monitor selections by the user of the electronic program guide function. If the user selects the electronic program guide for display at block 1404, operation continues at block 1406, where a series of consecutive smaller broadcast window outlines is displayed.

Operation continues at block 1408, where the display of the broadcast is transformed into a smaller broadcast window on the display. Operation continues at block 1410, where the electronic program guide is displayed in an area adjacent to the smaller broadcast window. Exemplary electronic program guides were discussed previously with reference to FIG. 13. Operation continues at block 1412, where a display information packet is displayed on the electronic program guide along with the electronic program guide in an area adjacent to the broadcast window. The display information packet contains a description of the currently selected program. Operation continues at block 1414, where the user can select an electronic category guide for display using a button on the remote control. If the user selects the display of the electronic category guide, operation continues at block 1416, where the display of the electronic category guide replaces the display of the display information packet. The electronic category guide includes many programming categories. Thus, the broadcasting system identifies a program on a channel corresponding to each category included in the electronic category guide. The program corresponding to the specific category of the electronic category guide is then inverted on the electronic program guide.

If the user does not select the electronic category guide for display or when the user selects the electronic category guide for display, following the display of the electronic category guide, the operation continues at block 1418 and the user controls the remote control. It is also possible to deselect the display of the electronic program guide by using the buttons on the top. If the user does not deselect the electronic program guide at block 1418, operation continues at block 1410 and the broadcast system continues to display the electronic program guide. If the user deselects the electronic program guide at block 1418, operation continues at block 1420, where a series of consecutive larger broadcast window outlines is displayed. Operation continues at block 1422, where the electronic program guide is removed from the display. If the electronic category announcement was not selected by the user, the display information packet is also removed from the display at block 1422. If the electronic category guide has been selected by the user, the electronic category guide is also removed from the display at block 1422. Operation continues at block 1424 where the display of the broadcast is transformed into a larger window on the display screen.

As mentioned above and referring again to FIG. 13, the user can select a display information packet for display with the electronic program guide. In one embodiment, the display information packet includes a description of the program selected for display. Advantageously, the system automatically changes the size of said text in said display information packet so that all text appears in said window. FIG. 15 illustrates display of an electronic program guide in one embodiment of the present invention displayed with a display information packet 1502 containing more characters than the display information packet 1302 of FIG. In one embodiment of the broadcast system, if the area allocated for the display information packet is fixed in size constantly, the broadcast system is configured to adjust the font size of the characters based on the number of characters displayed for display. The optimization of the font size causes the maximum characters to be displayed in a constant display area.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for optimizing font size for display space available in an embodiment of the present invention. Operation begins at block 1602, where the broadcast system determines the number of characters to be displayed. Operation continues at block 1604, where the broadcast system determines the number of display pixels available for text display. Operation continues at block 1606, where the broadcast system adjusts the character font size to display all characters in the number of available display pixels. Operation continues at block 1608, wherein the broadcast system displays the character in the display information packet.

17 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for integrating font size optimization processing in the display information packet and other functions of a broadcasting system in an embodiment of the present invention. Operation begins at block 1702, where a television screen or display indicates the broadcast of the currently selected station. Operation continues at block 1704, where the user can select a display of electronic program guide. If the user does not select the electronic program guide for display, operation continues at block 1702, where the system continues to display the broadcast. If the user chooses to display the electronic program guide, operation continues at block 1706, where the electronic program guide is displayed. Operation continues at block 1708, where the user selects a display information packet with the electronic program guide.

Upon selecting the display information packet for display, operation continues at block 1710, where the broadcast system determines the number of pixels available for the display information packet. Operation continues at block 1712, where the broadcast system determines the number of characters in the display information packet to be displayed. In one embodiment, the maximum number of characters is 256. Operation continues at block 1714, where the broadcast system determines if the number of characters is less than 180. One embodiment of the present invention uses three font sizes to display characters in the display information packet. If the broadcast system determines at block 1714 that the number of characters is less than 180, the broadcast system selects the largest of the three font sizes. After selecting the largest font size, operation continues at block 1722, where the broadcast system displays the display information packet using the largest font.

If the broadcast system determines that the number of characters at block 1714 is no less than 180, operation continues at block 1716, where the broadcast system determines if the number of characters is greater than 180 and then more than 220 characters. Determine if it is small. If the number of characters is more than 180 and less than 220, the broadcast system selects a medium font size. After selecting a medium font size, operation continues at block 1722 where the broadcast system displays the display information packet using the medium font.

If the broadcast system determines at block 1714 that the number of characters is not more than 180 but less than 220, operation continues at block 1718, where the broadcast system determines whether the number of characters is greater than 220. The operation continues at block 1720, where the broadcast system selects the smallest of the three font sizes. Operation continues at block 1722, where the broadcast system displays the display information using the smallest font size.

Today there are hundreds of accessible television stations, so many viewers surf the channel until they find a channel that broadcasts their favorite program. Channel surfing is the process of using channel plus or minuskey to view each channel in succession. While some viewers enjoy surfing channels between hundreds of stations, some viewers prefer a more direct method of program selection. For this reason, one embodiment of the system according to the present invention employs two modes in which the user can select a watched channel, namely a non-channel surfing mode and a channel surfing mode.

Non-channel surfing mode is described with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C. When the user selects the non-channel surfing mode, the broadcast system is first tuned to channel 233 to provide broadcast of the program on the screen or display 910. The user then selects a display of electronic program guide 912 to identify the channels available on the broadcast system and the programming available on the channels. A display information packet 916 is displayed with the electronic program guide 912 and the display information packet 916 contains the description of the program on which the broadcast system is currently tuned. Further, a system pointer 918 is displayed on the electronic program guide 912. The system pointer 918 is used to select a program for viewing by the user, and can also be manipulated within the area of the electronic program guide 912 by the user. In the non-channel surfing mode, the broadcast system is tuned to the channel indicated by the system pointer 918. Further, the display information packet 916 displays a program description for the program tuned to the broadcast system. Thus, when the user manipulates the system pointer to the other channels 229 and 240 in a non-channel surfing mode, the broadcast system tunes to the channel, and respectively, programs 975 and 930 that are currently broadcast on the channel. Display.

In contrast to the non-channel surfing mode, there is a channel surfing mode according to one embodiment of the invention. 18 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process of channel surfing according to an embodiment of the present invention. At block 1802, the broadcast system is tuned to a first channel and the display is generated to consist of a broadcast window, an electronic program guide, a display information packet, and a system pointer. The first program broadcast is displayed in the broadcast window. Operation continues at block 1804, where a display information packet is displayed for the first program broadcast. This display information packet contains the description of the first program broadcast. In block 1806, the user moves the system pointer to the area of the electronic program guide associated with the second program broadcast. Operation continues at block 1808, where the broadcast system replaces the display information packet of the first program with a display information packet of a second program broadcast. The broadcast system is still tuned to the first program broadcast and continues to display the first program broadcast.

In the channel surfing mode, the user manipulates the system pointer with a program or channel in the electronic program guide that is different from the program or channel currently being broadcast. For this reason, it is more preferred that the broadcast system provides an indication of the status of the broadcast system tuner and the system pointer to the user in the electronic program guide. However, the status indication does not need to operate the channel surfing mode according to the description of the present invention. 19 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for providing a tuner and pointer status display in an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic program guide is generated at block 1902. At block 1904, a system pointer is supplied for the electronic program guide. Operation continues at block 1906, where a status indication of the system tuner and the system pointer is provided.

Each program displayed in the electronic program guide is displayed in a program block or region associated with a specific channel and a specific time slot. The status indication is provided by controlling the appearance of the program block in accordance with the position of the channel and the system pointer on which the system is tuned. In particular, when the broadcast system is tuned to a program, and thus when the broadcast window displays a program of the tuned channel, the corresponding program block appears to be depressed on the screen. Is displayed. The program block of the remaining program shown in the electronic program guide, rather than being broadcast, appears to protrude from the screen. Thus, when the broadcast system is not tuned to a program, the corresponding program block is displayed on the electronic program guide as if protruding from the screen. The status indication of the system pointer has various effects. In particular, when the system point points to one program, the corresponding program block is displayed inverted on the electronic program guide. When the system pointer does not point to one program, the corresponding program block is displayed without being reversed on the electronic program guide.

There are four main combinations of the status indications used by one embodiment of the broadcast system of the present invention. First, the display of the program block appears pressed and inverted on the screen to indicate that the broadcast system is tuned to the corresponding program and that the system pointer is pointing to the corresponding program. Secondly, the display of the program block appears pressed and not inverted on the screen to indicate that the broadcast system is tuned to the corresponding program while the system pointer is pointing to another program. Third, the display of the program block appears to protrude from the screen and inverted to indicate that the system pointer points to the corresponding program while the broadcast system is being tuned to another program. Fourth, the display of the program block appears protruding from the screen and not inverted to indicate that the broadcast system is not tuned to the corresponding program and that the system pointer does not point to the corresponding program.

Figure 13 shows a tuner and pointer status display in one embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast system of FIG. 13 is tuned to a National Geographic Explorer program of the TBS network as indicated by the corresponding program block 1380 pressed against the screen. The system pointer also points to a National Geographic Explorer program as indicated by inversion 1380 of the program block.

20 illustrates a situation in which a broadcasting system is tuned to one channel and the system pointer is pointing to a channel other than the tuned channel. In particular, the broadcast system of FIG. 20 is tuned to a National Geographic Explorer program of the TBS network as indicated by the corresponding program block 2002 being pressed on the screen. The electronic category guide is selected for display other than the display information packet. The system pointer points to the "ALL" category box 2004 in the electronic category guide as indicated by the inversion of the category block 2004.

As shown in FIG. 20, instead of selecting a display information packet for display at block 1806 of FIG. 18, the user may select an electronic category guide 2006 for display with the electronic program guide 2001. . The electronic category guide 2006 includes many programming categories 2010. The broadcast system thus identifies the program of the channel corresponding to each category 2010 included in the electronic category guide 2006. Programs corresponding to a particular category of the electronic category guide 2006 are thus displayed or reversed on the electronic program guide 2001. The system pointer may be manipulated by the user to the electronic category guide 2006, and the system pointer status is displayed. When the system pointer points to a category block, the category block is displayed inverted on the electronic category guide 2006. The system pointer points to the "ALL" category block of the electronic category guide 2006 as indicated by the inversion of the category block 2004.

If a user using the broadcast system remote control generally selects one of the categories from the electronic category guide, the display of the electronic category guide is replaced with the display of the electronic subcategory guide. 21 shows a display of an electronic subcategory guide 2102 with an electronic program guide 2104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The selected category 2106 is displayed together with the electronic subcategory guide 2102 and the electronic program guide 2104. The electronic subcategory guide 2102 includes many subcategories 2108. The broadcast system identifies a program of a channel corresponding to each subcategory included in the electronic subcategory guide 2102. The program corresponding to a specific category of the electronic subcategory guide 2102 is displayed or inverted on the electronic program guide. The state of the system pointer appears and changes as the pointer moves relative to the display. For example, the system pointer can be manipulated by the user into the area of the electronic subcategory guide 2102. When the system pointer points to a subcategory block, the subcategory block is displayed inverted on the electronic category guide. In FIG. 21, the system pointer points to the "ALL" subcategory block 2108 of the electronic subcategory guide 2102 as indicated by the inversion of the subcategory block 2108.

The multi-channel broadcast system of one embodiment of the present invention provides the user with several options regarding the programs available for broadcast. The multi-channel broadcast system allows a user to select pay-per-view broadcasts. In addition, the broadcast system allows the user to select the program for recording. Furthermore, the multi-channel broadcast system allows a user to set a broadcast system timer to automatically tune the broadcast system to a program at a specific time. Moreover, the multi-channel broadcast system allows a user to designate a particular program as a favorite program. Accordingly, the multi-channel broadcasting system of an embodiment of the present invention displays an icon providing the status of the program while watching the electronic program guide to the user.

22 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for providing an icon indicating a program state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Operation begins at block 2202, where the broadcast system is tuned to display a program broadcast. Operation continues at block 2204, where an electronic program guide is generated. An electronic menu may be displayed with the electronic program guide. The electronic menu controls pay purchase, program selection for recording, setting of the broadcast system timer, and selection of favorite programs. At block 2206, a graphical image is generated that represents the program status. Operation continues at block 2208, where the graphical image is displayed in the electronic program guide. The icon or graphic image may serve as an electronic link between the electronic program guide, a corresponding menu of the electronic menu, and a display information packet.

Figure 23 illustrates the above display of an electronic program guide having a program status icon in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The icon 2302 displayed in program block 2304 resembles a dollar sign to indicate that a pay broadcast is selected. The icon 2306 displayed in program block 2308 resembles a videocassette tape to indicate that the broadcast is selected for recording. The icon 2310 displayed in program block 2312 resembles a clock to indicate that the broadcast system timer is set to tune the broadcast system to a program at the time of the corresponding program. The icon may be displayed in the program block to indicate that the program is a favorite program. Icon 2314 is one possible representation of a favorite program icon.

The multi-channel broadcast system of one embodiment of the present invention provides a display of time so that a user can view the programming time and the current time with respect to the program block. 24 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a process for providing a time bar with a current time indication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Operation operates at block 2402, where the television screen or display represents the broadcast of the currently selected station. Operation continues at block 2404, where the user can select a display of electronic program guide. If the user does not select the display of the electronic program guide, operation continues at block 2402, where the broadcast system continues to display the broadcast of the currently selected broadcast station. If the user selects the display of electronic program guide, the operation continues at block 2406, where the electronic program guide is displayed by the broadcast system.

Following the display of the electronic program guide, operation continues at block 2408, where a time bar identifying the programming time on the channel in the broadcast system is displayed. Operation continues at block 2410, where a graphical representation of the current time is generated. Operation continues at block 2412, where the graphical representation of the current time is displayed near the time bar to indicate a current time relative to a programming time of the channel of the broadcast system. According to one embodiment of the invention, the graphical representation of the time is displayed in an inverted triangle form on the time bar. The graphical representation of the time may comprise a digital display of the current time. The graphical representation of the time may also include an icon with the display of the current time.

25 shows a graphical representation of the current time relative to the time of channel programming and a display of electronic program guide according to one embodiment of the present invention. When the user selects the display of electronic program guide, the electronic program guide 2502 is displayed by the broadcast system. Along with the electronic program guide, a time bar 2504 is displayed that identifies the programming 2506 time on the channel of the broadcast system. One embodiment of the invention creates a graphical representation 2508 of the current time. This graphical representation of the current time 2508 is displayed near the time bar 2504 to indicate the current time relative to programming time on the channel of the broadcast system. The graphical representation 2508 of the current time is displayed in an inverted triangle on the time bar and includes a digital display of the current time.

In addition to the electronic program guide discussed herein, one embodiment of the multicast system of the present invention provides an on-screen menu display to allow a user to operate various functions of the system. FIG. 26 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process for providing an on-screen menu having various transparency according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 26, operation begins at block 2602, where an electronic menu display is generated. The menu display includes a number of components, a number of alphanumeric characters, and a number of icons identifying various functions of the broadcast system. Operation continues at block 2604, where different transparency is applied to the various electronic menu components. The various transparency is applied to the component such that the number of opaque components is minimized and the background is very transparent. Operation continues at block 2606, where the electronic menu overlaps the display of the program broadcast. While the opaque component is minimized, the disturbance of the broadcast video by the electronic menu display is minimal. Preferably, the various transparency can be selected by the user.

When the user selects an electronic menu for display, alphanumeric characters and icons are generated that identify various broadcast system functions. The user can select the transparency to be applied to the characters and icons of the electronic menu display. If the user does not select the transparency to be applied to the text and icons of the electronic menu, the multi-channel broadcast system applies the lowest transparency to the electronic menu icon. Furthermore, the commercial multi-channel broadcast system applies the lowest transparency to the verbal description of the broadcast system function. In addition, the multi-channel broadcast system applies the best transparency to the numbers in the electronic menu display.

27 shows a display of an on-screen menu with varying transparency in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic menu display 2702 includes a number of components 2711-2719, a number of alphanumeric characters 2720-2722, and a number of icons 2731-2739 that identify various functions of the broadcast system. do. Various transparency is applied to the various electronic menu components. The various transparency is applied to the component so that the number of opaque components is minimized and the background is very transparent. Following the creation of the electronic menu 2702, the electronic menu 2702 overlaps the program broadcast 2750.

The present invention has been described in conjunction with the above preferred embodiment. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (57)

In a multi-channel broadcast system in which a program is broadcast for display on a screen, a method for generating an on-screen guide to select a channel for a user to watch, Tuning a channel to provide a display of a first program broadcast on the screen, Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a channel and programming in the broadcast system; Transforming the display of the first program broadcast into a smaller broadcast window on the screen, wherein the modifying step adds one or more series of sequentially smaller broadcast window contours to the display of the broadcast on the screen. The modifying step, including overlapping and displaying the broadcast in the smaller broadcast window; Displaying the electronic program guide together with the broadcast on the screen such that no part of the broadcast is covered by the electronic program guide, the method for generating an on-screen guide for the user to select a channel to watch. . 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a display information packet comprising a description of the program is displayed with the electronic program guide. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein an electronic category announcement is displayed with the electronic program announcement. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying a first display information packet comprising the first program technique; Displaying a system pointer, manipulating the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and Replacing the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second display information packet comprising the description of the second program, generating on-screen instructions to select a channel for the user to watch. Way. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: indicating a selection of a channel indicated by the pointer, Tuning the broadcast system to the channel if the channel is different from the first channel, and And removing the electronic program guide and display information packet in accordance with the selection of the channel. The method of claim 4, further comprising a method for generating on-screen instructions in the second mode to select a channel for the user to watch, Tuning a first channel to provide a broadcast of a first program on the screen, Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programming on said channels, Displaying a first display information packet comprising a description of the first program, Displaying the system pointer, Manipulating the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and Tuning the broadcast system to the second program and displaying a second display information packet including a description of the second program, the on-screen guidance to select a channel for the user to watch. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying on the electronic program guide a status indication indicating the status of the broadcast system tuner to the user; And displaying a status indication on the electronic program guide indicating to the user the status of the system pointer, the on-screen guide to select a channel for the user to watch. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein displaying the status indication of the broadcast system tuner comprises: When the broadcast system is tuned to the channel program, displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide to appear depressed on the screen, When the broadcast system is not tuned to the channel program, displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide to appear protruding from the screen, on-screen to select a channel for the user to watch. How to create a guide. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein displaying the status indication of the system pointer comprises: When the pointer indicates the channel program, displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide as highlighted; When the pointer does not indicate the channel program, displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide as not inverted, wherein the on-screen guide is selected for a user to select a channel to watch. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying an electronic category guide; And displaying a system pointer that can be manipulated as the user enters an area of the electronic category guide, wherein the user selects a channel to watch. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the user selects one of the plurality of categories, wherein the selection is Displaying the selected category; Displaying subcategory instructions identifying a plurality of subcategories; Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each subcategory of the plurality of subcategories; Displaying an electronic subcategory guide comprising the step of inverting the program on the program guide identified by the selected subcategory, wherein all programming can be viewed and the subcategory of the selected program is reversed for easy viewing to the user. , A method for generating on-screen instructions for the user to select a channel to watch. A system comprising a processor configured to be connected to a display device, the system comprising: The processor is Control the system to tune to a first channel of a multi-channel broadcast system to provide a first program broadcast on the display device, Control the system to generate an electronic program guide identifying a channel and programming a channel in the broadcast system, Control the system to transform the display of the broadcast of the first program into a smaller broadcast window on the display device, wherein the modification is one or more of a series of successively smaller broadcast window outlines on the display device. Control the system to deform into a smaller broadcast window, which overlaps the display of the broadcast, A processor configured to be coupled to a display device, the processor being configured to control the system to display the electronic program guide with the broadcast on the display device such that no portion of the broadcast is covered by the electronic program guide. system. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor comprises a processor configured to be coupled to a display device, the processor further configured to control the system to generate a display information packet that includes a description of the first program. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor further comprises a processor configured to be connected to a display device, the processor further configured to control the system to generate an electronic category guide including a plurality of programming categories. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is Further configured to control the system to display a first display information packet including a description of the first program, Further configured to control the system to display a system pointer, Further configured to control the system to manipulate the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, And a processor, configured to be coupled to a display device, further configured to control the system to replace the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second information packet including the description of the second program. . 16. The processor of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to generate on-screen guidance in a second mode to select a channel for the user to watch. And control the system to display a first display information packet including a description of the first program, And to control the system to display a system pointer, Control the system to manipulate the system pointer as a user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and A processor configured to be coupled to a display device, configured to control the system to tune the broadcast system to the second program and to display a second display information packet including a description of the second program. The processor of claim 15, wherein the processor is Control the system to display on the electronic program guide a first status indication indicating the status of the broadcast system tuner to the user, A processor configured to be coupled to a display device, the processor further configured to display on the electronic program guide a second status indication indicating the status of the system pointer to the user. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor controls the system to display electronic category guides and the system to display a system pointer that can be manipulated as the user enters an area of the electronic category guides. And a processor configured to be coupled to the display device, the processor being further configured to. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the user selects one of a plurality of categories, wherein the processor is configured to: Display the selected category, Display a subcategory notice identifying multiple subcategories, Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each subcategory of the plurality of subcategories, And invert the program on the program guide identified by the selected subcategory to display an electronic subcategory guide according to the selection, And all programming can be watched and the subcategory of the selected program is inverted for easy viewing to the user. A system for generating on-screen guidance, An electronic program guide configured to operate in a first mode to identify channels and programming in a multi-channel broadcast system and to display on a display device; Broadcasting the first program displayed on the display device, and A controller that transforms the broadcast from a first size to a smaller second size when the electronic program guide is displayed by overlapping one or more of a series of smaller smaller broadcast window contours to the display of the broadcast on the screen. System for generating on-screen instructions. 21. The method of claim 20, comprising a description of the first program. Further comprising a display information packet displayed with the electronic program guide. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the display information packet is optionally replaced by an electronic category guide comprising a plurality of programming categories. 21. The display device of claim 20, further comprising: a display information packet configured to include a description of the first program; And a system pointer configured to be manipulated in response to an input by the user to point to an area associated with a second program in the electronic program guide, wherein the controller is configured to operate the broadcast system according to the manipulation of the pointer. Further configured to allow the user to watch the contents of the area associated with the second program while maintaining tuning to a channel to watch the broadcast of the first program on the screen. system. The electronic category guide of claim 23, further comprising an electronic category guide, wherein the electronic category guide comprises: A number of categories, Identification of a program on a channel corresponding to each category of the plurality of categories, A system for generating an on-screen guide, comprising inversion of the program on the program guide identified by the selected category 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein when the system pointer is manipulated to point to the area associated with the second program, the controller causes the system to tune to the second program and display the second display information packet. The system for generating on-screen instructions further comprising a mode. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: a first status indication displayed on the electronic program guide indicating a status of the broadcast system tuner to the user; And a second status indication displayed on the electronic program guide to indicate to the user the status of the system pointer. 12. A computer readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed in a processing system, cause the system to perform steps for generating on-screen guidance for a user to select a channel in a multi-channel broadcast system. The step is Tuning the channel to provide a display of the first program broadcast on the display; Generating an electronic program guide identifying a channel and a programming in the broadcast system; Transforming the display of the first program broadcast into a smaller broadcast window on the screen, wherein at least one of a series of consecutive smaller broadcast window contours overlaps the display of the broadcast of the screen and the smaller broadcast window Transforming to a smaller broadcast window, further comprising the step of displaying the broadcast; and Displaying the electronic program guide together with the broadcast on the screen such that no portion of the broadcast is covered by the electronic program guide. 28. The method of claim 27, when executed Displaying the system pointer, Manipulating the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and And further comprising instructions for replacing the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second program information packet including a description of the second program. . The method of claim 28, wherein when the command is executed: Displaying a channel selection indicated by the pointer, Tuning the broadcast system to the channel if the channel is different from the first channel, and And executable instructions for removing the electronic program guide and display information packet in accordance with channel selection. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising instructions for generating on-screen instructions in a second mode for the user to watch the channel, when the instructions are executed. Manipulating the system pointer as a user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, Tuning the broadcast system to the second program and displaying the second display information packet comprising a description of the second program. 28. The method of claim 27, when executed Displaying the electronic category instructions; and And further comprising instructions for displaying a system pointer that can be manipulated as the user enters the area of the electronic category guide. 32. The computer program product of claim 31, wherein the instructions for displaying the electronic category guide are executed when executed. Displaying a category guide identifying a plurality of categories; Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each category of the plurality of categories, Inverting the program on the program guide identified by the selected category, wherein all programming can be viewed and the category of the selected program includes an executable instruction that is inverted for easy viewing by the user Computer readable media. 33. The method of claim 32, when executed and in accordance with user selection for one of the plurality of categories. Displaying the selected category; Displaying subcategory instructions identifying a plurality of subcategories; Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each subcategory of the plurality of subcategories; Further comprising instructions for performing the step of inverting the program on the program guide identified by the selected subcategory, wherein all programming can be viewed and the subcategory of the selected program is easily reversed for viewing by the user. And a computer readable medium comprising executable instructions. The method of claim 27, wherein when executed: Supplying a system pointer indicating a location in said electronic program guide, said location identifying a channel program in said broadcast system, and Providing the user with an indication of the state of the broadcast system tuner, wherein the system pointer is Displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide that is pressed on the screen when the broadcast system is tuned to the channel program, Displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide that protrudes from the screen when the broadcast system is not tuned to the channel program, Displaying the channel program as inverted when the pointer points to the channel program, and And providing an indication of the state of the broadcast system tuner, the displaying the channel program as not inverted when the pointer does not point to the channel program. Computer-readable media containing instructions. CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A multi-channel broadcast system for displaying a first window comprising a program broadcast and a second window comprising programming information, the method for removing the programming information from a display. Transforming the broadcast of a program displayed in the first window into a larger window on the display by overlapping one or more series of successively larger video window contours on the screen, Removing the display of the programming information from the display, Displaying the video of a broadcast in the area of the larger video window contour. A system comprising a processor configured to be connected to a display device, the system comprising: The processor is Control the system to tune to a channel in a multi-channel broadcast system to provide a program broadcast on the display device in a first window on the display, Control the system to generate programming information identifying a channel in the broadcast system, And control the system to transform the video of the broadcast of the program on the display device into a smaller broadcast window, wherein the modifying the at least one of a series of successively smaller broadcast window contours on the display device. Configured to control the system, which overlaps, And a processor configured to be coupled to a display device, the processor being configured to control the system to display the programming information with the modified broadcast on the display device. 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the programming information is removed from the display device. Control the system to transform the video of the program broadcast displayed in the smaller broadcast window on the display device into a larger broadcast window by overlapping one or more series of successively larger broadcast window contours with the display device. , Control the system to remove the display of the programming information from the display device, And executable instructions configured to control the system to display the video of the broadcast in the area of the largest broadcast window profile. A multi-channel broadcast system in which a program is broadcast for display on a screen, the method for generating an on-screen guide in a first mode to select a channel for a user to watch, Tuning to a first channel to provide a broadcast of a first program on the screen, Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programming on said channels, Displaying a first display information packet comprising a description of the first program, Displaying the system pointer, Manipulating the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and Replacing the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second display information packet including the description of the second program, thereby providing on-screen guidance in a first mode to select a channel for the user to watch. How to generate. 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising: indicating a selection of a channel indicated by the pointer, Tuning the broadcast system to the channel if the channel is different from the first channel, and Removing the electronic program guide and display information packet in accordance with the selection of the channel, the method for generating on-screen guidance in a first mode to select a channel for the user to watch. 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising a method for generating on-screen instructions in the second mode to select a channel for the user to watch, Tuning to a first channel to provide a broadcast of a first program on the screen, Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programming on said channels, Displaying a first display information packet comprising a description of the first program, Displaying the system pointer, Manipulating the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and Tuning the broadcast system to the second program and displaying a second display information packet containing a description of the second program, wherein the user generates on-screen instructions in a first mode to select a channel to watch. How to. 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising: displaying on the electronic program guide a status indication indicating the status of the broadcast system tuner to the user; And displaying a status indication on the electronic program guide indicating the status of the system pointer to the user on the electronic program guide. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein displaying the status indication of the broadcast system tuner comprises: Displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide so that when the broadcast system is tuned to the channel program, it is pressed against the screen; Displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide to look inverted from the screen when the broadcast system is not tuned to the channel program, on-screen guidance in a first mode to select a channel for the user to watch. Method for generating. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein displaying the status indication of the system pointer comprises: Displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide to be inverted when the pointer indicates the channel program; Displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide so that the pointer is not inverted when the pointer does not point to the channel program. . A multi-channel broadcast system in which a program is broadcast for display on a screen, the method for generating an on-screen guide to select a channel for a user to watch, Tuning to a first channel to provide a broadcast of a first program on the screen, Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programming on said channels, Displaying an electronic category guide, and Displaying a system pointer that can be manipulated as the user enters an area of the electronic category guide. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein displaying the electronic category guide is Displaying a category guide identifying a plurality of categories, Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each category of the plurality of categories, Inverting the program on the program guide identified by the selected category, All programming can be watched and the category of the selected program is inverted to be easily watched by the user. 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising: displaying on the electronic program guide a status indication indicating the status of the broadcast system tuner to the user; Displaying a status indication on the electronic program guide indicating the status of the system pointer to the user, And displaying a status indication on the electronic category guide indicating the status of the system pointer to the user, wherein the status indication is one of a plurality of categories on the electronic category guide when the pointer indicates the category. Is displayed inverted so that the user selects a channel to watch. 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising displaying an electronic subcategory prompt according to user selection for one of the plurality of categories, Displaying the selected category; Displaying subcategory instructions identifying a plurality of subcategories; Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each subcategory of the plurality of subcategories; Inverting the program on the program guide identified by the selected subcategory, Wherein all programming can be watched and the sub-categories of the selected program are inverted for easy viewing by the viewer. A computer system comprising a processor configured to be connected to a display device, the computer system comprising: The processor, Control the system to tune to a first channel to provide a first program broadcast on the screen, Control the system to display a plurality of channels and an electronic program guide identifying programming on the channels, Control the system to display a first display information packet including a description of the first program, Is configured to control the system to display a system pointer, And control the system to manipulate the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and And a processor configured to connect to a display device, the processor being configured to control the system to replace the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second information packet including the description of the second program. 49. The system of claim 48, wherein the processor generates on-screen instructions in a second mode to select a channel for the user to watch. Control the system to tune to a first channel to provide a first program broadcast on the screen, Control the system to display a plurality of channels and an electronic program guide identifying programming on the channels, Control the system to display a first display information packet including a description of the first program, Is configured to control the system to display a system pointer, And control the system to manipulate the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and And a processor configured to connect to a display device, the processor being configured to control the system to replace the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second information packet including the description of the second program. In a computer system, The computer system A display device and a processor coupled to the display device, wherein the processor Control the system to tune to a first channel to provide a first program broadcast on the screen, Control the system to display a plurality of channels and an electronic program guide identifying programming on the channels, Control the system to display an electronic category announcement, and And control the system to display a system pointer that can be manipulated as the user enters an area of the electronic category guide. 51. The display of claim 50, wherein the display of the electronic subcategory guidance is Displaying the selected category; Displaying subcategory instructions identifying a plurality of subcategories; Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each subcategory of the plurality of subcategories; Inverting the program on the program guide identified by the selected subcategory, wherein all programming can be viewed and the subcategory of the selected program is inverted for easy viewing by the user. A system for generating on-screen instructions in a first mode to select a channel for a user to watch, A multichannel broadcast system configured to tune to a first channel to provide a first program broadcast on a screen, An electronic program guide configured to operate in a first mode to identify a plurality of channels and programming on the channels in the broadcast system, A display information packet configured to include the first program technology, A system pointer configured to be manipulated as the user enters an area associated with a second program of the electronic program guide, According to the manipulation of the pointer, the user can view the contents of the area related to the second program while the broadcast system maintains tuning on the first channel while watching the broadcast of the first program on the screen. And a controller configured to cause viewing, the system for generating on-screen instructions in the first mode. 53. The computer program product of claim 52, further comprising: displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide to appear pressed on the screen when the broadcast system is tuned to the channel program, Displaying the channel program on the electronic program guide to protrude from the screen when the broadcast system is not tuned to the channel program, thereby displaying the state of the tuner of the broadcast system to the user. The first status display displayed on the Display the channel program on the electronic program guide as inverted when the pointer points to the channel program, A second status indication displayed on the electronic program guide indicating the state of the system pointer to the user by displaying the channel program in the electronic program guide as not being reversed when the pointer does not point to the channel program And a system for generating on-screen instructions in the first mode. A computer readable medium comprising executable instructions that when executed in a processing system cause the system to perform steps for generating an on-screen announcement in a first mode to select a channel for a user to watch in a multi-channel broadcast system. , Tuning to a first channel to provide a first program broadcast on the screen; Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programming of said channels, Displaying a first display information packet comprising a description of the first program, Displaying the system pointer, Manipulating the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with a second program, and Replacing the display of the first display information packet with a display of a second display information packet comprising a description of the second program. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein generating on-screen instructions in the second mode to select a channel for the user to watch Tuning to the first channel to provide the broadcast of a first program on the screen, Displaying the electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programming on the channels, Identifying the first display information packet including the description of the first program, Displaying the system pointer, Manipulating the system pointer as the user enters an area of the electronic program guide associated with the second program, and Tuning the broadcast system to the second program and displaying the second display information packet containing the description of the second program. A computer readable medium comprising executable instructions that when executed in a processing system cause the system to perform steps for generating an on-screen announcement in a first mode to select a channel for a user to watch in a multi-channel broadcast system. , Tuning to a first channel to provide a first program broadcast on the screen; Displaying an electronic program guide identifying a plurality of channels and programming of said channels, Displaying an electronic category guide, and And displaying a system pointer that can be manipulated as the user enters an area of the electronic category guide. 59. The method of claim 56 wherein the command to display the electronic subcategory guidance is: Displaying the selected category; Displaying subcategory instructions identifying a plurality of subcategories; Identifying a program on a channel corresponding to each subcategory of the plurality of subcategories; Inverting the program on the program guide identified by the selected subcategory, All programming can be viewed and the subcategories of the selected program are inverted for easy viewing by the user.