Query-based electronic program guide
US8051450B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/434
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic program guide (EPG) organizes and presents programming information to the viewer and allows for creation of queries to facilitate both simple and complex searches of the programming information. The EPG is configured to automatically identify programs that a viewer is likely to prefer. The EPG collects viewing preferences of a viewer and, using these preferences; automatically develops queries for identifying programs that the viewer is likely to watch. The EPG also enables multiple viewers to merge their individual queries into one composite query or to run queries in background to periodically check for programs and notify the viewer when a program is identified. Queries are saved in an EPG database in a hierarchic structure with directories and sub-directories to make it easy for a viewer for organizing and retrieval. Also the EPG creates queries for a channel, network name or program using a 10-key keypad. The EPG is configured to interpret the data as representing all possible choices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.