US6181335B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Card for a set top terminal
Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I LLC
•
Filing: 1998-09-21
•
Granted: 2001-01-30
•
Expires: 2018-09-21
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for upgrading a viewer interface for a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs and services. Specifically, the apparatus involves hardware and software used in conjunction with the interface and a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to accessing programs and services. The apparatus is particularly useful in a program delivery system (200) with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.
Inventors
- 👤 John S. Hendricks
- 👤 Alfred E. Bonner
- 👤 Eric C. Berkobin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 10:32
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/40; H04N21/47; H04N21/478; H04N21/4786; H04N21/20; H04N21/23; H04N21/235; H04N21/236; H04N21/23608; H04N21/2362; H04N21/238; H04N21/2381; H04N21/2389; H04N21/25; H04N21/254; H04N21/2543; H04N21/258; H04N21/25866; H04N21/25891; H04N21/41; H04N21/418; H04N21/4181; H04N21/4184; H04N21/422; H04N21/42204; H04N21/43; H04N21/431; H04N21/4312; H04N21/4316; H04N21/434; H04N21/4344; H04N21/4345; H04N21/435; H04N21/438; H04N21/4385; H04N21/442; H04N21/44213; H04N21/44222; H04N21/443; H04N21/45; H04N21/4508; H04N21/4532; H04N21/454; H04N21/462; H04N21/4622; H04N21/472; H04N21/47214; H04N21/475; H04N21/4755; H04N21/4788; H04N21/482; H04N21/60; H04N21/63; H04N21/643; H04N21/64307; H04N21/65; H04N21/654; H04N21/6547; H04N21/80; H04N21/81; H04N21/812; H04N21/8166; H04N21/85; H04N21/858; H04N21/8586; H04N5/00; H04N5/44; H04N5/60; H04N5/602; H04N7/00; H04N7/08; H04N7/087; H04N7/088; H04N7/0884; H04N7/0887; H04N7/10; H04N7/102; H04N7/16; H04N7/162; H04N7/163; H04N7/165; H04N7/173; H04N7/17309; H04N7/17318; H04N7/17336; H04N7/17345; H04N7/17354; H04H; H04H20/00; H04H20/65; H04H20/76; H04H20/77; H04H20/78; H04H20/86; H04H20/95; H04H60/00; H04H60/09; H04H60/14; H04H60/23; H04H60/68; H04H60/72; H04H60/76; H04H60/81; H04H60/93; H04H60/94; H04H60/96; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/57; H04N21/426; H04N5/445; H04N5/45
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 87
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A card for increasing the functionality of a set top converter for use with a program delivery system providing program control information, wherein the card generates menus using the program control information and menu generation instructions, the card comprising: instruction memory means for storing menu generation instructions; menu memory means for storing the program control information; a processor, connected to the instruction memory, for executing the menu generation instructions stored in the instruction memory means; means, connected to the processor and menu memory, for generating menus using the stored program control information and executed menu generation instructions; and means, connected to the menu generation means, for communicating the generated menus to the set top converter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A card for increasing the functionality of a set top converter for use with a program delivery system providing program control information, wherein the card generates menus using the program control information and menu generation instructions, the card comprising: instruction memory means for storing menu generation instructions; menu memory means for storing the program control information; a processor, connected to the instruction memory, for executing the menu generation instructions stored in the instruction memory means; means, connected to the processor and menu memory, for generating menus using the stored program control information and executed menu generation instructions; and means, connected to the menu generation means, for communicating the generated menus to the set top converter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The card of claim 1 , wherein the generated menus contain menu graphics, and wherein the means for generating menus comprises a graphics controller for generating the menu graphics.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
The card of claim 1 , wherein the card receives video from the set top converter and the generated menus contain the video, the card further comprising: a means for receiving the video and transmitting the video to the means for generating menus; and wherein the means for generating menus comprises a video combiner for combining the generated menu with the transmitted video.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The card of claim 1 wherein the processor comprises a PC chip for executing the menu generation instructions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The card of claim 1 wherein the menus are generated with three separate video signals each having a different color, the card further comprising: converter means, connected to the means for generating menus, for converting the three separate video signals into a single video signal to be communicated to the set top converter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The card of claim 1 adapted for data communication with the program delivery system wherein the card further comprises a means for completing the communication with the program delivery system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The card of claim 6 , wherein the communication with the program delivery system occurs by telephone, and the means for completing the data communication comprises a means for dialing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The card of claim 6 , wherein the communication with the program delivery system occurs by cable, and the means for completing the data communication comprises a means for communicating by cable.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The card of claim 8 , wherein the cable is a coaxial cable and the means for communicating by cable comprises a means for transmitting a data signal on a coaxial cable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The card of claim 1 further comprising: a radio frequency receiver means for receiving the program control information for storage.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The card of claim 1 , wherein the program control information signal is received in compressed format, the card further comprising a decompressor for decompressing the program control information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
57 words
The card of claim 1 , wherein the set top converter sends commands to the card, the card further comprising: logic means, connected to the processor, for sending the commands to the processor, the logic means comprises: means for receiving commands from the set top converter; and means, connected to the receiving means, for executing the commands.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The card of claim 12 , wherein the logic means further comprises means for communicating the commands to the set top converter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
The card of claim 13 , wherein the commands from the set top converter are infrared commands which originate from a remote control, and wherein the logic means further comprises means for modifying such that the logic means receives, modifies, and communicates the modified infrared commands to the set top converter.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus for increasing the functionality of a set top converter for use with a program delivery system, comprising: a circuit card, electronically connected to the set top converter, wherein information and data is passed between the circuit card and the set top converter, comprising: a means for generating menus, wherein the menus identify programs and channels; a means for sequencing through menus; and a means for selecting a program or channel through the generated menus in response to a user command.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus for increasing the functionality of a set top converter for use with a program delivery system, comprising: a circuit card, electronically connected to the set top converter, wherein information and data is passed between the circuit card and the set top converter, comprising: a means for generating menus, wherein the menus identify programs and channels; a means for sequencing through menus; and a means for selecting a program or channel through the generated menus in response to a user command.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the circuit card further comprises a means for interpreting a program control information signal, wherein the program control information signal is used by the generating means to generate menus.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for increasing the functionality of a set top converter for use with a program delivery system, comprising: a circuit card, electronically connected to the set top converter, wherein information and data is passed between the set top converter and the circuit card, comprising: a CPU that controls the circuit card and the set top converter; a graphic controller that generates graphics; and a video combiner that combines the graphics generated by the graphic controller with video from the set top converter.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for increasing the functionality of a set top converter for use with a program delivery system, comprising: a circuit card, electronically connected to the set top converter, wherein information and data is passed between the set top converter and the circuit card, comprising: a CPU that controls the circuit card and the set top converter; a graphic controller that generates graphics; and a video combiner that combines the graphics generated by the graphic controller with video from the set top converter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the circuit card is connected to the set top converter with a ribbon cable.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the circuit card is connected to the set top converter using a plug-in slot.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the circuit card is built into the set top converter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the information passed between the circuit card and the set top converter includes infrared commands.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the infrared commands are passed through the set top converter to the circuit card.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the infrared commands are interpreted and modified by the circuit card and returned to the set top converter.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the infrared commands are interpreted to determine the program selected and the modified infrared commands contain channel information needed for the set top converter to tune to the correct channel.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the generated graphics are passed to the set top converter.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the video from the set top converter is manipulated by the circuit card and returned to the set top converter.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the combined graphics and video are sent to the set top converter.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the circuit card increases the functionality of the set top converter by providing the ability for a viewer to select a channel through a menu.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the circuit card further comprises an external connection.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the external connection includes a telephone connection for communicating with a remote location.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the external connection includes a coaxial cable input for communicating with a remote location.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the CPU comprises a memory that stores data and information.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the stored data and information includes a program control information signal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the memory is an EPROM.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the CPU performs database management and data logging functions.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the CPU processes signals received and generated by the circuit card.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the CPU communicates data upstream to a network controller.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the CPU communicates data upstream to an operation center.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the CPU is a PC chip CPU.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the graphics generated by the graphic controller are menu screen graphics.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the graphic controller is a VGA graphic controller.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the graphic controller further comprises a memory.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the memory is a dynamic memory.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein the memory is a VRAM.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the graphic controller receives a dot clock from the video combiner.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the video from the set top converter includes a sync signal and the graphic controller is injection-locked with the sync signal.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the video combiner synchronizes the graphics controller to the video, thereby allowing graphics generated by the graphics controller to be displayed alone or with the video.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 47 , wherein the video has sync information and the video combiner synchronizes the graphic controller by stripping the sync information from the video and using the sync information to generate a dot clock used by the graphics controller.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 47 , wherein the video has a video clock and the graphics controller has a dot clock, and the video combiner synchronizes the graphic controller by phase locking the dot clock to the video clock.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the video is a NTSC video.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the graphics are menu graphics, and the combined video and graphics are in RGB format.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising logic circuitry, wherein the logic circuitry receives information passed from the set top converter.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein the information received by the logic circuitry includes infrared commands.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein the information received by the logic circuitry includes synchronization information.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein the set top converter has a key pad and a remote control and the logic circuitry scans the keypad for keystroke entry and receives infrared commands from the remote control.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 55 , wherein the keystroke entry or the infrared commands cause the logic circuitry to generate a signal that is sent to the CPU for processing.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising an encoder that receives signals from the graphics controller and converts the received signals into signals usable by a television.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , wherein the encoder accommodates the overlay of graphics and video.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , wherein the encoder receives an analog RGB signal from the graphic controller.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , wherein the encoder receives a NTSC video signal.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , wherein the encoder sends output in NTSC signal format, thereby allowing the graphics to be displayed on a television in conjunction with a NTSC video.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 61 , wherein the encoder determines whether to send output in NTSC signal format on a pixel-by-pixel basis, thereby allowing the graphics to be displayed on the television in conjunction with the NTSC video on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , wherein the encoder is an NTSC encoder that converts RGB and sync signals into an NTSC format signal.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising a receiver which receives signals.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 64 , wherein the receiver is a RF receiver.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 64 , wherein the received signals include a program control information signal.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising a demodulator that demodulates received signals.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , wherein the demodulator is a quadrature phase shift keyed demodulator.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , wherein the demodulator demodulates signals at a frequency of 108 MHZ.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , wherein the demodulator receives a program control information signal and demodulates the program control information signal.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , further comprising a serial receiver that further processes the demodulated signal.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , wherein the serial receiver is a synchronous dataline control (SDLC) serial receiver that processes the demodulated signal into SDLC format.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 71 , wherein the serial receiver is a HDLC serial receiver that processes the demodulated signal into HDLC format.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 71 , wherein the serial receiver presents the processed signal to the CPU for storage.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 71 , wherein the demodulated signal is a program control information signal and the serial receiver further processes the program control information signal before presenting the processed program control information signal to the CPU.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising a dialer to initiate telephone transmissions.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 76 , wherein the dialer is a DTMF dialer that uses DTMF tones to make the phone connection.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 77 , wherein the DTMF tones are used to communicate data to a remote location.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 78 , wherein the data is communicated upstream to a network controller.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 78 , wherein the data is communicated upstream to an operations center.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 78 , wherein the data is communicated upstream to a cable headend.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 78 , wherein the data includes purchase, logging, and viewing information.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for increasing the functionality of a set top converter for use with a program delivery system, comprising: a circuit card, electronically connected to a set top converter, wherein information is passed between the set top converter and the circuit card, comprising: a CPU that controls the circuit card and the set top converter; a graphic controller that generates graphics; a video combiner that combines the graphics generated by the graphic controller with video from the set top converter; logic circuitry, wherein the logic circuitry receives information passed from the set top converter; an encoder that converts signals into television usable signals; a receiver which receives signals; a demodulator that demodulates the received signals; a serial receiver that further processes the demodulated signal; a telephone connection for communicating with a cable headend; and a dialer to initiate telephone transmissions over the telephone connection.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for increasing the functionality of a set top converter for use with a program delivery system, comprising: a circuit card, electronically connected to a set top converter, wherein information is passed between the set top converter and the circuit card, comprising: a CPU that controls the circuit card and the set top converter; a graphic controller that generates graphics; a video combiner that combines the graphics generated by the graphic controller with video from the set top converter; logic circuitry, wherein the logic circuitry receives information passed from the set top converter; an encoder that converts signals into television usable signals; a receiver which receives signals; a demodulator that demodulates the received signals; a serial receiver that further processes the demodulated signal; a telephone connection for communicating with a cable headend; and a dialer to initiate telephone transmissions over the telephone connection.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-01-30 | 2004-07-31 | 2005-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-01-30 | 2008-07-31 | 2009-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-01-30 | 2012-07-31 | 2013-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |