Interactive program guide system providing an application program interface for non-program guide applications
US8973056B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N5/60
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide application and non-program-guide applications are at least partially implemented on user television equipment. A program guide program application interface is provided that is used to maintain a consistent user interface between the program guide application and the non-program-guide applications. The user may select certain non-program-guide applications as favorites and may set parental controls for certain non-program-guide applications. While the non-program-guide application operates, the program guide may check for events that require immediate attention. When such an event is detected, operation of the non-program-guide application may be suspended and the user may be asked whether the detected event should take place or whether operation of the non-program-guide application should be resumed. The program application interface may perform authentication and access rights determination functions. Reminders may be set for the content of non-program-guide applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.