Method and apparatus for rapid access of program guide information
US7100184B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/4821
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for rapidly accessing program guide information is described. The method includes displaying program guide information on a grid showing a channel axis and a time axis, with each program positioned at a location in the grid representing a channel of transmission and a corresponding time of transmission. The method includes the steps of: (a) displaying the program guide information; (b) placing a time selection field on the display; (c) highlighting and activating the time selection field; (d) determining a time index in response to the activating step; (e) calculating a new time of transmission for display based on the time index; and (f) displaying the program guide information at the new time of transmission. The time selection field includes a page field, a day field and a date field. The page field is adapted to provide a six-hour time index, the day field is adapted to provide a 24-hour time index, and the date field is adapted to provide a seven-day time index. The method includes activating the time selection field to index forward in time and backwards in time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.