Method and apparatus for displaying time and program status in an electronic program guide
US6243142A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/47
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for displaying graphic images to indicate a status of programs in an electronic program guide are provided. A multiple channel broadcasting system generates an electronic program guide including graphic images to indicate a status of the programs in the electronic program guide. The status includes whether a user has selected pay-per-view broadcasts for purchase, whether a broadcast system timer has been set to tune to a particular channel program at a designated time, whether a channel program has been set for recording, and whether a program is designated as a favorite program. The broadcast system displays the graphic images or icons within an electronic program guide in areas delineating particular programs that a user has selected for purchase so that the user can view the status of the programs while viewing the electronic program guide. A method and apparatus for displaying a graphical representation of time in relation to programming times are also provided. A time bar is displayed with the electronic program guide that identifies times of programming on the channels in the broadcasting system. A graphical representation of time is generated and displ…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.