Set top terminal for cable television delivery systems

A viewer interface for a television program delivery system is described. The innovation relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs. Specifically, the interface involves hardware and software used in conjunction with a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to television program access. The device is particularly useful in a program delivery system with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The invention relates to television entertainment systems for providing 
television programming to consumer homes. More particularly, the invention 
relates to a set top terminal for use with a program delivery system with 
menu selection of programs. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Advances in television entertainment have been primarily driven by 
breakthroughs in technology. In 1939, advances on Vladmir Zworykin's 
picture tube provided the stimulus for NBC to begin its first regular 
broadcasts. In 1975, advances in satellite technology provided consumers 
with increased programming to homes. 
Many of these technology breakthroughs have produced inconvenient systems 
for consumers. One example is the ubiquitous three remote control home, 
having a separate and unique remote control for the TV, cable box and VCR. 
More recently, technology has provided cable users in certain parts of the 
country with 100 channels of programming. This increased program capacity 
is beyond the ability of many consumers to use effectively. No method of 
managing the program choices has been provided to consumers. 
Consumers are demanding that future advances in television entertainment, 
particularly programs and program choices, be presented to the consumer in 
a user friendly manner. Consumer preferences, instead of technological 
breakthroughs, will drive the television entertainment market for at least 
the next 20 years. As computer vendors have experienced a switch from 
marketing new technology in computer hardware to marketing better 
useability, interfaces and service, the television entertainment industry 
will also experience a switch from new technology driving the market to 
consumer useability driving the market. 
Consumers want products incorporating new technology that are useful, and 
will no longer purchase new technology for the sake of novelty or status. 
Technological advances in sophisticated hardware are beginning to surpass 
the capability of the average consumer to use the new technology. Careful 
engineering must be done to make entertainment products incorporating new 
technology useful and desired by consumers. 
In order for new television entertainment products to be successful, the 
products must satisfy consumer demands. TV consumers wish to go from 
limited viewing choices to a variety of choices, from no control of 
programming to complete control. Consumers wish to advance from cumbersome 
and inconvenient television to easy and convenient television and keep 
costs down. Consumers do not wish to pay for one hundred channels when due 
to lack of programming information, they seldom, if ever, watch 
programming on many of these channels. 
The concepts of interactive television, high definition television and 300 
channel cable systems in consumer homes will not sell if they are not 
packaged, delivered and presented in a useable fashion to consumers. The 
problem is that TV programming is not being delivered and presented to 
consumers in a user friendly manner. 
Consumers are already being bombarded with programming options, numerous 
"free" cable channels, subscription cable channels and pay-per-view 
choices. Any further increase in TV entertainment choices, without a user 
friendly presentation and approach, will likely bewilder viewers with a 
mind-numbing array of choices. 
The TV industry has traditionally marketed and sold its programs to 
consumers in bulk, such as continuous feed broadcast and long-term 
subscriptions to movie channels. The TV industry has been unable to sell 
its programming in large quantities on a per unit basis, such as the 
ordering of one program. Consumers prefer a unit sales approach because it 
keeps costs down and allows the consumer to be more selective in their 
viewing. 
In addition, viewership fragmentation, which has already begun, will 
increase. Programming not presented in a user friendly manner will suffer 
with a decrease in viewership and revenue. 
What is needed is a system which can deliver and present television 
programming through a user friendly interface which allows the consumer to 
easily select from among the many program choices. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides a user friendly 
interface for subscribers to access television programs. 
What is needed is a set top converter that allows users to easily navigate 
through hundreds of programming choices using on-screen menus. 
What is needed is a set top converter that allow subscribers to select a 
program from among hundreds of choices without a television viewing guide. 
What is needed is a method that allows efficient access to hundreds of 
television programming options. 
What is needed is hardware that provides an upgrade capability allowing the 
use of existing set top converter technology in advanced program delivery 
systems. 
What is needed is technology that upgrades the functionality of existing 
set top converters. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides an upstream 
communications capability between the set top converter and cable headend. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides a capability of 
generating menus for display. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides a simple way to select 
a program from a menu. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides pay-per-view type 
program access in the same system as specialty channel and broadcast 
television access. 
What is needed is a set top converter that allows users to subscribe 
on-screen to specialty channels. 
What is needed is a set top converter that monitors subscriber viewing 
choices for statistical purposes. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides on-screen billing 
information to subscribers. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides sophisticated on-screen 
television menus which can incorporate still video or moving video. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides a capability of scaling 
and redirecting video for menus. 
What is needed is a set top converter that provides a capability of using a 
program signal with a split screen video for menus. The present invention 
is addressed to fulfill these needs. 
SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
The present invention is a set top converter box or terminal for a 
television program delivery system. More specifically, the present 
invention is an advanced set top converter box that acts as a terminal in 
the viewer home. The set top terminal is a key component of a digital 
cable television delivery system. The set top terminal provides for menu 
generation and menu selection of television programming. 
The set top terminal is the portion of the program delivery system that 
resides in the home of a subscriber. The set top terminal has input and 
output ports that enable it to communicate with other local and remote 
devices. In the preferred embodiment, the set top terminal has an input 
port that is capable of receiving information from a cable headend. In 
addition, the unit has at least two output ports which provide 
communications from the set top terminal to a television, VCR or other 
electronic component in the viewer home. Also, the set top terminal 
contains a phone jack which can be used for maintenance, trouble shooting, 
reprogramming and additional customer features. The set top terminal may 
contain stereo/audio output terminals and a satellite dish input port. 
Functionally, the set top terminal is the last component in the delivery 
system chain. In the preferred embodiment, the set top terminal receives 
compressed program and control signals from the cable headend (or, in some 
cases, directly from the operations center). After the set top terminal 
receives the individually compressed program and control signals, the 
signals are demultiplexed, decompressed, converted to analog signals (if 
necessary) and either placed in local storage (from which the menu 
template may be created), executed immediately, or sent directly to the 
television screen. 
After processing certain signals received from the cable headend, the set 
top terminal is able to store an array of menu templates for creating 
menus that are displayed on a subscriber's television. Menu templates are 
created and sent to the set top terminal for storage. A microprocessor 
uses the control signals received from the operations center or cable 
headend to generate the menu templates for storage. Each menu template is 
stored in volatile memory in the set top terminal. When the set top 
terminal receives template information it may demultiplex the program 
control signals received from the cable headend into three primary parts: 
video, graphics and text. Each menu template represents a different 
portion of a whole menu, such as a menu background, television logo, 
cursor highlight overlay, or other miscellaneous components needed to 
build a menu. The menu templates may be deleted or altered using control 
signals received from the operations center or cable headend. 
Once the menu templates have been stored in memory, the set top terminal 
can generate the appropriate menus. In the preferred embodiment, the basic 
menu format information is stored in memory located within the set top 
terminal so that the microprocessor may locally access the information 
from the set top terminal instead of from an incoming signal. The 
microprocessor next generates the appropriate menus from the menu 
templates and the other menu information stored in memory. The set top 
terminal then displays specific menus on the subscriber's television 
screen that correspond to the inputs the subscriber selects. If the 
subscriber selects a specific program from a menu, the set top terminal 
determines on which channel the program is being shown, demultiplexes and 
extracts the single channel transmitted from the cable headend. 
In addition to menu information, the set top terminal may also store text 
transmitted from the cable headend or the operations center. The text may 
inform the subscriber about upcoming events, billing and account status, 
new subscriptions, or other relevant information. The text will be stored 
in an appropriate memory location depending on the frequency and the 
duration of the use of the textual message. The set top terminal can also 
support on-line data base services, interactive multi-media services, 
access to digital radio channels, and other services. 
In the simplest embodiment, available converter boxes such as those 
manufactured by General Instruments or Scientific Atlanta, may be modified 
and upgraded to perform the functions of a set top terminal. The preferred 
upgrade is a circuit card with a microprocessor which is electronically 
connected to the converter box. 
It is an object of the invention to provide a user friendly interface for 
subscribers to access television programs. 
It is an object of the invention to allow users to easily navigate through 
hundreds of programming choices using on-screen menus. 
It is an object of this invention to allow subscribers to select a program 
from among hundreds of choices without a television viewing guide. 
It is an object of this invention to efficiently access hundreds of 
television programming options. 
It is an object of this invention to provide an upgrade capability allowing 
the use of existing set top converter technology in an advanced program 
delivery system. 
It is an object of this invention to upgrade the functionality of existing 
set top converters. 
It is an object of this invention to provide an upstream communications 
capability between the set top converter and cable headend. 
It is an object of this invention to provide a set top terminal capable of 
generating menus for display. 
It is an object of this invention to provide a way to select a program from 
a menu with the push of one button. 
It is an object of this invention to provide pay-per-view type program 
access in the same system as specialty channel and broadcast television 
access. 
It is an object of this invention to allow users to subscribe on-screen to 
specialty channels. 
It is an object of this invention to monitor subscriber viewing choices for 
statistical purposes. 
It is an object of this invention to provide on-screen billing information 
to subscribers. 
It is an object of this invention to provide sophisticated on-screen 
television menus which can incorporate still video or moving video. 
It is an object of this invention to provide a set top terminal capable of 
scaling and redirecting video for menus. 
It is an object of this invention to provide a set top terminal capable of 
using a program signal with a split screen video for menus. 
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become obvious 
to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description, the 
attached drawings and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
A. Television Program Delivery System Description 
1. Introduction 
FIG. 1 shows the present invention as part of an expanded cable television 
program delivery system 200 that dramatically increases programming 
capacity using compressed transmission of television program signals. 
Developments in digital bandwidth compression technology now allow much 
greater throughput of television program signals over existing or slightly 
modified transmission media. The program delivery system 200 shown 
provides subscribers with a user friendly interface to operate and exploit 
a six-fold or more increase in current program delivery capability. 
Subscribers are able to access an expanded television program package and 
view selected programs through a menu-driven access scheme that allows 
each subscriber to select individual programs by sequencing a series of 
menus. The menus are sequenced by the subscriber using simple 
alpha-numeric and iconic character access or moving a cursor or highlight 
bar on the TV screen to access desired programs by simply pressing a 
single button, rather than recalling from memory and pressing the actual 
two or more digit numeric number assigned to a selection. Thus, with the 
press of a single button, the subscriber can advance from one menu to the 
next. In this fashion, the subscriber can sequence the menus and select a 
program from any given menu. The programs are grouped by category so that 
similar program offerings are found on the same menu. 
2. Major System Components 
In its most basic form, the system uses a program delivery system 200 in 
conjunction with a conventional concatenated cable television system 210. 
The program delivery system 200 generally includes (i) at least one 
operations center 202, where program packaging and control information are 
created and then assembled in the form of digital data, (ii) a digital 
compression system, where the digital data is compressed, 
combined/multiplexed, encoded, and mapped into digital signals for 
satellite transmission to the cable headend 208, and (iii) a set of 
in-home decompressors. The program delivery system 200 transports the 
digital signals to the cable headend 208 where the signals are transmitted 
through a concatenated cable television system 210. Within the cable 
headend 208, the received signals may be decoded, demultiplexed, managed 
by a local central distribution and switching mechanism, combined and then 
transmitted to the set top terminal 220 located in each subscriber's home 
over the cable system 210. Although concatenated cable systems 210 are the 
most prevalent transmission media to the home, telephone lines, cellular 
networks, fiberoptics, Personal Communication Networks and similar 
technology for transmitting to the home can be used interchangeably with 
this program delivery system 200. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the delivery system 200 has a reception region 
207 with an in-home decompression capability. This capability is performed 
by a decompressor housed within a set top terminal 220 in each 
subscriber's home. The decompressor remains transparent from the 
subscriber's point of view and allows any of the compressed signals to be 
demultiplexed and individually extracted from the composite data stream 
and then individually decompressed upon selection by the subscriber. The 
decompressed video signals are converted into analog signals for 
television display. Such analog signals include NTSC formatted signals for 
use by a standard television. Control signals are likewise extracted and 
decompressed and then either executed immediately or placed in local 
storage such as a RAM. Multiple sets of decompression hardware may be used 
to decompress video and control signals. The set top terminal 220 may then 
overlay or combine different signals to form the desired display on the 
subscriber's television. Graphics on video or picture-on-picture are 
examples of such a display. 
Although a single digital compression standard (e.g., MPEG) may be used for 
both the program delivery system 200 and the concatenated cable system 
210, the compression technique used may differ between the two systems. 
When the compression standards differ between the two media, the signals 
received by the cable headend 208 must be decompressed before transmission 
from the headend 208 to the set top terminals 220. Subsequently, the cable 
headend 208 must recompress and transmit the signals to the set top 
terminal 220, which would then decompress the signals using a specific 
decompression algorithm. 
The video signals and program control signals received by the set top 
terminal 220 correspond to specific television programs and menu 
selections that each subscriber may access through a subscriber interface. 
As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the subscriber interface is a device with 
buttons located on the set top terminal 220 or on a portable remote 
control 900. In the preferred system embodiment, the subscriber interface 
is a combined alpha-character, numeric and iconic remote control device 
900, which provides direct or menu-driven program access. The preferred 
subscriber interface also contains cursor movement and go buttons as well 
as alpha, numeric and iconic buttons. This subscriber interface and menu 
arrangement enables the subscriber to sequence through menus by choosing 
from among several menu options that are displayed on the television 
screen. In addition, a user may bypass several menu screens and 
immediately choose a program by selecting the appropriate alpha-character, 
numeric or iconic combinations on the subscriber interface. In the 
preferred embodiment, the set top terminal 220 generates the menus that 
are displayed on the television by creating arrays of particular menu 
templates, and the set top terminal 220 displays a specific menu or 
submenu option for each available video signal. 
3. Operations Center and Digital Compression System 
The operations center 202 performs two primary services, packaging 
television programs and generating the program control information signal. 
At the operations center 202, television programs are received from 
external program sources in both analog and digital form. FIG. 2 shows an 
embodiment of the operations center receiving signals from various 
external sources 212. Examples of the external program sources are 
sporting events, children's programs, specialty channels, news or any 
other program source that can provide audio or visual signals. Once the 
programs are received from the external program sources, the operations 
center 202 digitizes (and preferably compresses) any program signals 
received in analog form. The operations center 202 may also maintain an 
internal storage of programs. The internally stored programs may be in 
analog or digital form and stored on permanent or volatile memory sources, 
including magnetic tape or RAM. Subsequent to receiving programming, the 
operations center 202 packages the programs into the groups and categories 
which provide the optimal marketing of the programs to subscribers. For 
example, the operations center 202 may package the same programs into 
different categories and menus for weekday, prime-time viewing and 
Saturday afternoon viewing. Also, the operations center 202 packages the 
television programs in a manner that enables both the various menus to 
easily represent the programs and the subscribers to easily access the 
programs through the menus. 
The packaging of the digital signals is typically performed at the 
operations center 202 by computer assisted packaging equipment (CAP). The 
CAP system normally includes at least one computer monitor, keyboard, 
mouse, and standard video editing equipment. A programmer packages the 
signals by entering certain information into the CAP. This information 
includes the date, time slot, and program category of the various 
programs. The programmer and the CAP utilize demographic data and ratings 
in performing the packaging tasks. After the programmer selects the 
various programs from a pool of available programs and inputs the 
requisite information, the programmer, with assistance from the CAP, can 
select the price and allocate transponder space for the various programs. 
After the process is complete, the CAP displays draft menus or program 
schedules that correspond to the entries of the programmer. The CAP may 
also graphically display allocation of transponder space. The programmer 
may edit the menus and transponder allocation several times until 
satisfied with the programming schedule. During the editing, the 
programmer may direct the exact location of any program name on a menu 
with simple commands to the CAP. 
The packaging process also accounts for any groupings by satellite 
transponder which are necessary. The operations center 202 may send 
different groups of programs to different cable headends 208 and/or set 
top terminals 220 (FIG. 1). One way the operations center 202 may 
accomplish this task is to send different program packages to each 
transponder. Each transponder, or set of transponders, then relays a 
specific program package to specific cable headends 208 and/or set top 
terminals 220. The allocation of transponder space is an important task 
performed by the operations center 202. 
The operations center 202 may also "insert" directions for filling local 
available program time in the packaged signal to enable local cable and 
television companies to fill the program time with local advertising 
and/or local programming. Consequently, the local cable headends 208 are 
not constrained to show only programs transmitted from the operations 
center 202. New set top converters will incorporate both digital and 
analog channels. Therefore, the cable headend 208 may combine analog 
signals with the digital signals prior to transmitting the program signals 
to the set top terminals 220. 
After the CAP packages the programs, it creates a program control 
information signal to be delivered with the program package to the cable 
headend 208 and/or set top terminal 220. The program control information 
signal contains a description of the contents of the program package, 
commands to be sent to the cable headend 208 and/or set top terminal 220, 
and other information relevant to the signal transmission. 
In addition to packaging the signal, the operations center 202 employs 
digital compression techniques to increase existing satellite transponder 
capacity by at least a 4:1 ratio, resulting in a four-fold increase in 
program delivery capability. A number of digital compression algorithms 
currently exist which can achieve the resultant increase in capacity and 
improved signal quality desired for the system. The algorithms generally 
use one or more of three basic digital compression techniques: (1) 
within-frame (intraframe) compression, (2) frame-to-frame (interframe) 
compression, and (3) within carrier compression. Specifically, in the 
preferred embodiment, the MPEG 2 compression method is used. After digital 
compression, the signals are combined (multiplexed) and encoded. The 
combined signal is subsequently transmitted to various uplink sites 204. 
There may be a single uplink site 204 or multiple uplink sites (represented 
by 204', shown in phantom in FIG. 1) for each operation center 202. The 
uplink sites 204 may either be located in the same geographical place or 
may be located remotely from the operations center 202. Once the composite 
signal is transmitted to the uplink sites 204, the signal may be 
multiplexed with other signals, modulated, upconverted and amplified for 
transmission over satellite. Multiple cable headends 208 may receive such 
transmissions. 
In addition to multiple uplinks, the delivery system 200 may also contain 
multiple operations centers. The preferred method for using multiple 
operations centers is to designate one of the operations centers as a 
master operations center and to designate the remaining operations centers 
as slave operations centers. In this configuration, the master operations 
center coordinates various functions among the slave operations centers 
such as synchronization of simultaneous transmissions and distributes the 
operations workload efficiently. 
4. Cable Headend 
After the operations center 202 has compressed and encoded the program 
signals and transmitted the signals to the satellite, the cable headend 
208 receives and further processes the signals before they are relayed to 
each set top terminal 220. Each cable headend site is generally equipped 
with multiple satellite receiver dishes. Each dish is capable of handling 
multiple transponder signals from a single satellite and sometimes from 
multiple satellites. 
As an intermediary between the set top terminals 220 and the operations 
center 202 (or other remote site), the cable headend 208 performs two 
primary functions. First, the cable headend 208 acts as a distribution 
center, or signal processor, by relaying the program signal to the set top 
terminal 220 in each subscriber's home. In addition, the cable headend 208 
acts as a network controller 214 by receiving information from each set 
top terminal 220 and passing such information on to an information 
gathering site such as the operations center 202. 
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where the cable headend 208 and the subscriber's 
home are linked by certain communications media 216. In this particular 
embodiment, analog signals, digitally compressed signals, other digital 
signals and up-stream/interactivity signals are sent and received over the 
media 216. The cable headend 208 provides such signaling capabilities in 
its dual roles as a signal processor 209 and network controller 214. 
As a signal processor 209, the cable headend 208 prepares the program 
signals that are received by the cable headend 208 for transmission to 
each set top terminal 220. In the preferred system, the signal processor 
209 re-routes or demultiplexes and recombines the signals and digital 
information received from the operations center 202 and allocates 
different portions of the signal to different frequency ranges. Cable 
headends 208 which offer different subscribers different program offerings 
may allocate the program signals from the operations center 202 in various 
manners to accommodate different viewers. The signal processor 209 may 
also incorporate local programming and/or local advertisements into the 
program signal and forward the revised signal to the set top terminals 
220. To accommodate this local programming availability, the signal 
processor 209 must combine the local signal in digital or analog form with 
the operations center program signals. If the local cable system uses a 
compression standard that is different than the one used by the operations 
center 202, the signal processor 209 must also decompress and recompress 
incoming signals so they may be properly formatted for transmission to the 
set top terminals 220. This process becomes less important as standards 
develop (i.e., MPEG 2). In addition, the signal processor 209 performs any 
necessary signal decryption and/or encryption. 
As a network controller 214, the cable headend 208 performs the system 
control functions for the system. The primary function of the network 
controller 214 is to manage the configuration of the set top terminals 220 
and process signals received from the set top terminals 220 (as shown in 
FIG. 1). In the preferred embodiment, the network controller 214 monitors, 
among other things, automatic poll-back responses from the set top 
terminals 220 remotely located at each subscriber's home. The polling and 
automatic report-back cycle occurs frequently enough to allow the network 
controller 214 to maintain accurate account and billing information as 
well as monitor authorized channel access. In the simplest embodiment, 
information to be sent to the network controller 214 will be stored in RAM 
within each subscriber's set top terminal 220 and will be retrieved only 
upon polling by the network controller 214. Retrieval may, for example, 
occur on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The network controller 214 
allows the system to maintain complete information on all programs watched 
using a particular set top terminal 220. 
The network controller 214 is also able to respond to the immediate needs 
of a set top terminal 220 by modifying a program control information 
signal received from the operations center 202. Therefore, the network 
controller 214 enables the delivery system to adapt to the specific 
requirements of individual set top terminals 220 when the requirements 
cannot be provided to the operations center 202 in advance. In other 
words, the network controller 214 is able to perform "on the fly 
programming" changes. With this capability, the network controller 214 can 
handle sophisticated local programming needs such as, for example, 
interactive television services, split screen video, and selection of 
different foreign languages for the same video. In addition, the network 
controller 214 controls and monitors all compressors and decompressors in 
the system. 
The delivery system 200 and digital compression of the preferred embodiment 
provides a one-way path from the operations center 202 to the cable 
headend 208. Status and billing information is sent from the set top 
terminal 220 to the network controller 214 at the cable headend 208 and 
not directly to the operations center 202. Thus, referring to FIG. 3 
program monitoring and selection control will take place only at the cable 
headend 208 by the local cable company and its decentralized network 
controllers 214 (i.e., decentralized relative to the operations center 
202, which is central to the program delivery system 200). The local cable 
company will in turn be in communication with the operations center 202 or 
a regional control center (not shown) which accumulates return data from 
the set top terminal 220 for statistical or billing purposes. In 
alternative system embodiments, the operations center 202 and the 
statistical and billing sites are collocated. Further, telephone lines 
with modems are used to transfer information from the set top terminal 220 
to the statistical and billing sites. 
5. Set Top Terminal 
The set top terminal 220 is the portion of the delivery system 200 that 
resides in the home of a subscriber. The set top terminal 220 (shows in 
FIGS. 6a and 6b) is usually located above or below the subscriber's 
television, but it may be placed anywhere in or near the subscriber's home 
as long as it is within the range of the subscriber's remote control 
device 900 (FIG. 3). In some aspects, the set top terminal 220 may 
resemble converter boxes already used by many cable systems. For instance, 
each set top terminal 220 may include a variety of error detection, 
decryption, and coding techniques such as anti-taping encoding. However, 
it will become apparent from the discussion below that the set top 
terminal 220 is able to perform many functions that an ordinary converter 
box cannot perform. 
The set top terminal 220 has a plurality of input and output ports to 
enable it to communicate with other local and remote devices. The set top 
terminal 220 has an input port that receives information from the cable 
headend 208. In addition, the unit has at least two output ports which 
provide communications from the set top terminal 220 to a television and a 
VCR. Certain menu selections may cause the set top terminal 220 to send 
control signals directly to the VCR to automatically program or operate 
the VCR. Also, the set top terminal 220 contains a phone jack which can be 
used for maintenance, trouble shooting, reprogramming and additional 
customer features. The set top terminal 220 may also contain stereo/audio 
output terminals and a satellite dish input port. 
Functionally, the set top terminal 220 is the last component in the 
delivery system chain. The set top terminal 220 receives compressed 
program and control signals from the cable headend 208 (or, in some cases, 
directly from the operations center 202). After the set top terminal 220 
receives the individually compressed program and control signals, the 
signals are demultiplexed, decompressed, converted to analog signals (if 
necessary) and either placed in local storage (from which the menu 
template may be created), executed immediately, or sent directly to the 
television screen. 
Referring to FIGS. 27a, 27b and 27c, after processing certain signals 
received from the cable headend 208, the set top terminal 220 is able to 
store menu templates for creating menus that are displayed on a 
subscriber's television by using an array of menu templates. Before a menu 
can be constructed, menu templates must be created and sent to the set top 
terminal 220 for storage. A microprocessor uses the control signals 
received from the operations center 202 or cable headend 208 to generate 
the menu templates for storage. Each menu template may be stored in 
volatile memory in the set top terminal 220. When the set top terminal 
receives template information it demultiplexes the program control signals 
received from the cable headend 208 into four primary parts: video, 
graphics, program logic and text. Each menu template represents a 
different portion of a whole menu, such as a menu background, television 
logo, cursor highlight overlay, or other miscellaneous components needed 
to build a menu. The menu templates may be deleted or altered using 
control signals received from the operations center 202 or cable headend 
208. 
Once the menu templates have been stored in memory, the set top terminal 
220 can generate the appropriate menus. In the preferred embodiment, the 
basic menu format information is stored in memory located within the set 
top terminal 220 so that the microprocessor may locally access the 
information from the set top terminal instead of from an incoming signal. 
The microprocessor next generates the appropriate menus from the menu 
templates and the other menu information stored in memory. The set top 
terminal 220 then displays specific menus on the subscriber's television 
screen that correspond to the inputs the subscriber selects. 
If the subscriber selects a specific program from a menu, the set top 
terminal 220 determines on which channel the program is being shown, 
demultiplexes and extracts the single channel transmitted from the cable 
headend 208. The set top terminal 220 then decompresses the channel and, 
if necessary, converts the program signal to an analog NTSC signal to 
enable the subscriber to view the selected program. The set top terminal 
220 can be equipped to decompress more than one program signal, but this 
would unnecessarily add to the cost of the unit since a subscriber will 
generally only view one program at a time. However, two or three 
decompressors may be desirable to provide picture-on-picture capability, 
control signal decompression, enhanced channel switching or like features. 
In addition to menu information, the set top terminal 220 may also store 
text transmitted from the cable headend 208 or the operations center 202. 
The text may inform the subscriber about upcoming events, billing and 
account status, new subscriptions, or other relevant information. The text 
will be stored in an appropriate memory location depending on the 
frequency and the duration of the use of the textual message. 
Also, optional upgrades are available to enhance the performance of a 
subscriber's set top terminal 220. These upgrades may consist of a 
cartridge or computer card (not shown) that is inserted into an expansion 
slot in the set top terminal 220 or may consist of a feature offered by 
the cable headend 208 or operations center 202 to which the user may 
subscribe. Available upgrades may include on line data base services, 
interactive multi-media services, access to digital radio channels, and 
other services. 
In the simplest embodiment, available converter boxes such as those 
manufactured by General Instruments or Scientific Atlanta, may be modified 
and upgraded to perform the functions of a set top terminal 220. The 
preferred upgrade is a circuit card with a microprocessor which is 
electronically connected to or inserted into the converter box. 
6. Remote Control Device 
The primary conduit for communication between the subscriber and the set 
top terminal 220 is through the subscriber interface, preferably a remote 
control device 900. Through this interface, the subscriber may select 
desired programming through the system's menu-driven scheme or by directly 
accessing a specific channel by entering the actual channel number. Using 
the interface, the subscriber can navigate through a series of informative 
program selection menus. By using menu-driven, iconic or alpha-character 
access, the subscriber can access desired programs by simply pressing a 
single button rather than recalling from memory and pressing the actual 
channel number to make a selection. The subscriber can access regular 
broadcast and basic cable television stations by using either the numeric 
keys on the remote control 900 (pressing the corresponding channel 
number), or one of the menu icon selection options. 
In addition to enabling the subscriber to easily interact with the cable 
system 200, the physical characteristics of the subscriber interface 900 
should also add to the user friendliness of the system. The remote control 
900 should easily fit in the palm of the user's hand. The buttons of the 
preferred remote control 900 contain pictorial symbols that are easily 
identifiable by the subscriber. Also, buttons that perform similar 
functions may be color coordinated and consist of distinguishing textures 
to increase the user friendliness of the system. 
7. Menu-Driven Program Selection 
The menu-driven scheme provides the subscriber with one-step access to all 
major menus, ranging from hit movies to sport specials to specialty 
programs. From any of the major menus, the subscriber can in turn access 
submenus and minor menus by cursor or alpha-character access (as shown in 
FIGS. 8-10). 
There are two different types of menus utilized by the preferred 
embodiment, the Program Selection menus and the During Program menus. The 
first series of menus, Program Selection menus, consists of an 
Introductory, a Home, Major menus, and Submenus. The second series of 
menus, During Program menus, consists of two primary types, Hidden menus 
and the Program Overlay menus. 
Immediately after the subscriber turns on the set top terminal 220, the 
Introductory menu welcomes the subscriber to the system. The Introductory 
menu may display important announcements from the local cable franchise, 
advertisements from the cable provider, or other types of messages. In 
addition, the Introductory menu can inform the subscriber if the cable 
headend 208 has sent a personal message to the subscriber's particular set 
top terminal 220. 
After the Introductory menu has been displayed the subscriber may advance 
to the next level of menus, namely the Home menu. In the preferred 
embodiment, after a certain period of time, the cable system will advance 
the subscriber by default to the Home menu. From the Home menu, the 
subscriber is able to access all of the programming options. The 
subscriber may either select a program directly by entering the 
appropriate channel number from the remote control 900, or the subscriber 
may sequence through incremental levels of menu options starting from the 
Home menu. The Home menu lists categories that correspond to the first 
level of menus called Major menus, 
If the subscriber chooses to sequence through subsequent menus, the 
subscriber will be forwarded to the Major menu that corresponds to the 
chosen category from the Home menu. The Major menus further refine a 
subscriber's search and help guide the subscriber to the selection of his 
choice. 
From the Major menus, the subscriber may access several submenus. From each 
submenu, the subscriber may access other submenus until the subscriber 
finds a desired television program. Similar to the Major menu, each 
successive level of Submenus further refines the subscriber's search. The 
system also enables the subscriber to skip certain menus or submenus and 
directly access a specific menu or television program by entering the 
appropriate commands on the remote control 900. 
The During program menus (including Hidden Menus and Program Overlay Menus) 
are displayed by the set top terminal 220 only after the subscriber has 
selected a television program. In order to avoid disturbing the 
subscriber, the set top terminal 220 does not display the Hidden Menus 
until the subscriber selects the appropriate option to display a Hidden 
Menu. The Hidden Menus contain options that are relevant to the program 
selected by the viewer. For example, a Hidden Menu may contain options 
that enable a subscriber to enter an interactive mode or escape from the 
selected program. 
Program Overlay Menus are similar to Hidden Menus because they occur during 
a program and are related to the program being viewed. However, the 
Program Overlay Menus are displayed concurrently with the program selected 
by the subscriber. Most Program Overlay Menus are small enough on the 
screen to allow the subscriber to continue viewing the selected program 
comfortably. 
B. Set Top Terminal Description 
1. Overview 
Preferably, the signal reaches the subscriber's home in a compressed format 
(e.g., MPEG) and is decompressed prior to viewing. Included in the 
delivered program signal is information which enables equipment at the 
subscriber's home to display menus for choosing particular programs. 
Depending on the particular embodiment, the television program signal may 
arrive at the subscriber's home through one or more coaxial cables, fiber 
cables, twisted pairs, cellular telephone connections, satellite or 
personal communications network (PCN). 
FIG. 3 shows the set top terminal 220 receiving the signals from the cable 
headend 208 and manipulating them for the subscriber. The set top terminal 
220 is equipped with local computer memory and the capability of 
interpreting the digitally compressed signal to produce menus for the 
subscriber. The remote control 900 communicates the subscriber's 
selections to the set top terminal 220. The subscriber's selections are 
generally based upon menus or other prompts displayed on the television 
screen. 
2. Program Control Information Signal 
The program control information signal is generated by the operations 
center 202 and provides the network controller 214 with data on the 
scheduling and description of programs. In an alternate configuration, 
this data is sent directly to the set top terminal 220 for display to the 
subscriber. In the preferred embodiment, the program control information 
signal is stored and modified by the network controller 214 and sent to 
the set top terminal 220 in the form of a set top terminal control 
information stream (STTCIS). The set top terminal 220 integrates either 
the program control information signal or the STTCIS with data stored in 
the memory of the set top terminal 220 to generate on-screen menus that 
assist the subscriber in choosing the programs for display. 
Throughout this description the term "program control information" is being 
used to indicate control information coming from the cable headend 208 to 
the set top terminal 220, whether it is sent directly from the operations 
center 202, processed by the network controller 214 and then forwarded to 
the set top box (STTCIS), or transmitted over telephone lines. 
The types of information that can be sent using the program control signal 
include: number of program categories, names of program categories, the 
channels assigned to a specific category (such as specialty channels), 
names of channels, names of programs on each channel, program start times, 
length of programs, description of programs, menu assignment for each 
program, pricing, whether there is a sample video clip for advertisement 
for the program, and any other program, menu or product information. 
In this simple embodiment, the program control information, including these 
menu codes, is sent continuously from the operations center 202 to the 
network controller 214, and ultimately to the set top terminal 220. For 
example, four hours worth of programming information can be sent via the 
program control information signal continuously as shown in Table A. 
TABLE A 
______________________________________ 
*Program 
*Program name 
length *Menu code 
*Description 
*Video 
______________________________________ 
12 PM 
1 Cheers .5 E24 C N 
2 Terminator 
2.0 A33 Tx S 
3 PrimeTime 1.0 D14 N N 
4 Football .5 B24 S N 
Special 
. 
. 
12:30 PM 
1 Simpsons .5 E14 & C13 
C S 
4 Football 3.0 B13 S N 
Game 
. 
. 
. 
______________________________________ 
Table A shows the basic programming information that may be sent by the set 
top terminal 220. The program descriptions shown are coded abbreviations. 
For example, C for comedy, N for news, S for sports, A for cartoons, and 
TX for text. If there is a textual description for a program, such as a 
movie, the description may be given following that program's coded 
description or may be communicated following the four hours' worth of 
programming information. As is shown in the coded listing, program 
descriptions for programs greater than a half hour in length need not be 
repeated (each half hour). The video description code informs the set top 
terminal 220 of whether there is still or live video available to 
advertise the program. 
For example, a sporting program may be assigned a code of 
B35-010194-1600-3.25-Michigan St. vs. USC. The letter B would assign the 
program to category B, sports. The second alpha-numeric character number 3 
would assign the program to the third menu of the sports category. The 
third character of the code, number 5, assigns the program to the fifth 
program slot on the third menu. The next six characters, Jan. 1, 1994, 
represent the date. The following four characters, 1600 represent the 
start time which is followed by the length of the program and the program 
name. This entry represents a sports show, a college football game, which 
will be aired at 4:00PM on New Years day 1994. 
In the 12:30 Channel 1 entry of Table A, two menu codes are shown. By 
allowing two menu codes, programs that may fit under two different 
category descriptions may be shown in both menus to the subscriber. With 
this minimal amount of information being communicated to the set top 
terminal 220 on a regular basis, the terminal is able to determine the 
proper menu location for each program and the proper time and channel to 
activate for the subscriber after his menu selection. 
Table B shows an example Events Table that may be downloaded to a set top 
terminal 220 using an Event Data file which contains information about 
events and pricing. As shown in Table B, the three columns of the Events 
Table identify the field number, the field itself and the type of 
information downloaded in the Event Data file. The first column contains 
the field numbers 1 through 11. The middle column contains the 
corresponding field parameters, including the event type, event ID, global 
channel ID, price, start time, end time, start date, end date, P- icon, 
name and description. The third column contains corresponding field type 
information. Field type information typically consists of an unsigned 
integer; hours, minutes and seconds; months, day and year; and ASCII 
character identifier. 
TABLE B 
______________________________________ 
Field # Field Type 
______________________________________ 
1 Event Type Unsigned Int 
1 = YCTV 
2 = Pay-Per-View 
3 = Reg. TV 
2 Event ID Unsigned Int 
3 Global Channel ID 
Unsigned Int 
4 Price (in Cents) 
Unsigned Int 
5 Start Time HH:MM:SS 
6 End Time HH:MM:SS 
7 Start Date MM/DD/YY 
8 End Date MM/DD/YY 
9 P-Icon ASCIIZ 
10 Name ASCIIZ 
11 Description ASCIIZ 
______________________________________ 
Table C shows an example Event Data file. In particular, Table C shows two 
data streams corresponding to two event types. The first data stream 
identifies an event in the first field. The second field designates the 
event ID, which is in this example. The third field includes the global 
channel ID number two. The fourth field indicates the cost of 50 cents for 
this event. The fifth and sixth fields indicate the respective start and 
end times of 3:00 AM to 3:00 PM, respectively. The seventh and eighth 
fields show the corresponding start and end dates, designated as Aug. 25, 
1993 and Aug. 27, 1993, respectively. Field nine indicates the P-icon set 
to a graphics file. Finally, fields ten and eleven indicate the name and 
description of the event selected, which in this case is Sesame Street.TM. 
and Barney.TM.. The second data stream in the Event Data example shown in 
Table C includes analogous information for Terminator IV.TM., which is 
designated in field one as a pay-per-view event. 
TABLE C 
______________________________________ 
Event Data Example 
______________________________________ 
1`1234`2`50`03:00:00`15:00:00`08/25/93`08/27/93`pbs.pcx`Sesame Street & 
Barney's Sesame Street and Barney Abstract 
2`1234`2`50`20:00:00`22:00:00`08/25/93`08/25/93`t4.pcx`Terminator 4`Ter- 
minator 4 Abstract 
______________________________________ 
The program control information signal (and STTCIS) can be formatted in a 
variety of ways and the on-screen menus can be produced in many different 
ways. For instance, if the program control information signal carries no 
menu format information, the menu format for creating the menus can be 
fixed in ROM at the set top terminal. This method allows the program 
control information signal to carry less information but has the least 
flexibility since the menu formats can not be changed without physically 
swapping the ROM. 
In order to limit the amount of bandwidth needed to transmit the program 
control information signal, various compression techniques employed for 
non-video may be used such as block coding, contour coding, blob encoding, 
and run-length encoding. Further, the program control information signal 
may contain data divided into text and graphics, or video, text and 
graphics and then recombined at the set top terminal 220 using a text 
generator, graphics decompressor, and video decompressor as necessary. 
Preferably the menu driven program selection system, allows the subscriber 
to choose a program by touring through a series of menus utilizing the 
remote control 900 for cursor movement. The final choice in the series of 
menus will identify one particular channel and one time for activation of 
that channel. With a channel and activation time, the set top terminal 220 
can display the selected program on the television for the viewer. To 
achieve this goal, a simple embodiment assigns an intelligent 
alpha-numeric code to each program. This alpha-numeric code identifies the 
category of the program, the menu in which the program should be 
displayed, its transmission time(s), and the position on the menu that the 
program should be displayed. 
In the preferred embodiment, the menu format information is stored at the 
set top terminal 220 in temporary memory either in a RAM, FLASH ROM, 
EEPROM or EPROM. This configuration provides the desired flexibility in 
the menu format while still limiting the amount of information needed to 
be communicated via the program control information signal. New menu 
format information can be sent via the program control information signal 
to the set top terminals 220 each time there is a change to a menu. 
3. Polling 
In addition to the menu format information that is stored in graphics 
memory 628, the set top terminal 220 also stores data, tracking programs 
that have been selected for viewing. By gathering this data, the set top 
terminal 220 can maintain an accurate record of all programs 
accessed/watched by storing the data in EEPROM or RAM. Subsequently, this 
data can be transmitted to the cable headend 208, where it can be used in 
carrying out network control and monitoring functions. Such data 
transmissions between the set top terminal 220 and cable headend 208 can 
be accomplished, for example, through upstream transmission over the cable 
network or over telephone lines through the use of telephone modems. Where 
upstream transmission over the cable network is used, set top terminals 
220 can complete any data transmissions on a scheduled or as-needed basis. 
Program access information identifying each program watched by the viewer 
is stored at each set top terminal 220 until the terminal 220 is polled by 
the network controller 214 for information retrieval. This information can 
be accomplished by using a polling request message format 920 as shown in 
FIG. 4a. This frame format 920 consists of six fields, namely: (1) a 
leading flag 922 at the beginning of the message, (2) an address field 
924, (3) a subscriber region designation 926, (4) a set top terminal 
identifier 928 that includes a polling command/response (or P/F) bit 930, 
(5) an information field 932, and (6) a trailing flag 934 at the end of 
the message. 
The eight-bit flag sequence 922 that appears at the beginning and end of a 
frame is used to establish and maintain synchronization. Such a sequence 
typically consists of a "01111110" bit-stream. The address field 924 
designates a 4-bit address for a given set top terminal 220. The 
subscriber region designation 926 is a 4-bit field that indicates the 
geographical region in which the subscriber's set top terminal is housed. 
The set top terminal identifier 928 is a 16-bit field that uniquely 
identifies each set top terminal with a 15-bit designation followed by an 
appended P/F bit 930. Although field size is provided by this example, a 
variety of sizes can be used with the present invention. 
The P/F bit 930 is used to command a polling response from the set top 
terminal 220 addressed, as described below. The frame format 920 also 
provides a variable-length information field 932 for other data 
transmissions, such as information on system updates. The frame format 920 
ends with an 8-bit flag (or trailing flag 934) that is identical in format 
to the leading flag 922, as set forth above. Other frame formats will be 
apparent to one skilled in the art and can be easily adapted for use with 
the system. 
Using any such polling request message format, the network controller 214 
(FIG. 3) interrogates each set top terminal 220. The set top terminals 220 
are identified by a unique address and set top terminal identifier. It is 
preferred that the set top terminal 220 transmits information and messages 
to the network controller 214 only when given permission by the network 
controller 214. 
Where, for example, specialty programs have been accessed since the 
previous poll, the set top terminal 220 is given permission to transmit a 
polling response 920 in the form of a status report that includes any such 
access information. These status reports generally include information 
that allows the network controller 214 to track a subscriber's program 
access history. 
FIG. 4b shows an example of frame format 920' for the status reports 
received from the set top terminals 220 during the polling cycle. This 
frame format is identical to the polling request message format 920 and is 
similarly numbered. 
The information field 932 remains variable in length so that the status of 
an indeterminate number of programs, e.g., programs 1-N indicated 
generally at 929, accessed can be included in the frame. After a polling 
response 920' by a given set top terminal 220, the control message length 
increases in proportion to the number of programs accessed. 
During transmission, the P/F bit 930 is used to carry out the polling 
function. In particular, the P/F bit 930 is set to a "1" position to 
command a polling response from the set top terminal 220 whose address is 
identified in the frame. The response will include the number of programs 
accessed and their corresponding event identification numbers as shown at 
929 in FIG. 4b. In cases where the set top terminal 220 has not accessed 
any programs since the previous polling cycle, the set top terminal 220 
responds with the P/F bit 930 set to "1" and the programs access block 
denoting zero programs accessed. 
In between polling cycles, the program control information continues to 
supply the set top terminals with menu information. In the simplest 
embodiment, the menus remain fixed and only the text changes. Thus, the 
program control information signal can be limited to primarily text and a 
text generator can be employed in the set top terminal 220. This simple 
embodiment keeps the cost of the set top terminal 220 low and limits the 
bandwidth necessary for the program control information. Another simple 
embodiment uses a separate channel full-time (large bandwidth) just for 
the menu information. 
4. Sending Promotional Video 
As will be described later, live video signals may be used in windows of 
certain menus. These video signals can be transmitted using the program 
control information signal or can be taken off channels being transmitted 
simultaneously with the menu display. If the video signal is taken off a 
channel, less information needs to be transmitted using the program 
control information signal. While using this technique requires that 
separate decompression hardware be used for the program control 
information and the channel carrying the video, this embodiment allows for 
the greatest flexibility in the system and is preferred. A separate 
decompressor also assists in assuring that the switch from menus to 
television programming is smooth and without any significant time delay. 
Video for menus, promos or demos may be sent to the set top terminal 220 
in several formats, including: (1) on a dedicated channel, (2) on a 
regular program channel and scaled to size, and (3) along with the program 
control information signal. However, in the preferred embodiment, a number 
of short promos or demo video are sent using a split screen technique on a 
dedicated channel as described later. 
5. Set Top Terminal 
FIG. 5a shows a basic block diagram of the hardware components of a digital 
compression set top terminal 220. The set top terminal 220 has a decryptor 
600, tuner 603, digital demodulator 606, and demultiplexers 609, 616 as 
well as audio equipment 612, 614. Also shown in FIG. 5a is a remote 
control interface 626 for receiving and processing signals from a remote 
control unit 900. A modem 627 is provided for allowing communication 
between a microprocessor 602 and the cable headend 208 (but not shown in 
FIG. 5a). An NTSC encoder 625 provides an NTSC video output. 
The microprocessor 602 is capable of executing program instructions stored 
in memory. These instructions allow a user to access various menus by 
making selections on the remote control 900. The various program 
instructions for accessing menus and performing other functions are 
described below. 
The manner in which the video is decompressed and the menus are generated 
from the program control signal varies depending on the specific 
embodiment of the invention. However, at a minimum, one video decompressor 
618 capable of decompressing one video signal will be used. Basic menu 
format information may be stored in a graphics memory 628 comprising ROM, 
non-volatile RAM, EPROM, and/or EEPROM 620. If compressed graphics are 
used, a second decompressor 622 is used to generate menus. In one 
embodiment (not shown), a separate decompressor is used to process the 
program control information signal and a video combiner incorporates video 
and menu graphic information. The program control information signal may 
be sent with three primary parts, compressed video for menu display (or 
video location information), compressed graphics, and text. After the 
program signal is demultiplexed into its component parts, a video 
decompressor 618, a graphic decompressor 622, a text generator (shown in 
FIG. 5b at 623) and a video combiner 624 are used to assist in creating 
the menus. 
FIG. 5b shows a basic block diagram of an alternative digital compression 
set top terminal 220'. The same components shown in FIG. 5a are repeated 
in FIG. 5b, and given the same reference numbers (e.g., tuner 603, modem 
617, NTSC encoder 625, etc.). FIG. 5b also shows the addition of an 
expansion card interface 617 to allow additional features to be included 
on an expansion card (not shown) insertable into the expansion card 
interface 617. Error correction circuitry 607 is also shown receiving the 
demodulated signal, prior to demultiplexing the signal. Memory 610 
associated with the microprocessor 602, the demultiplexer 609, the 
decryptor 600, and the video decompressor 618 is shown in FIG. 5b. 
The elements of an upgrade module 500, (connected to a basic decompression 
box 520) are shown (in the dotted box) in FIG. 5b. The circuitry in the 
upgrade module 500 includes a video, graphics and text demultiplexer 510, 
a text, graphics, and (video plane) video combiner 515, a graphic 
decompressor 525 and a graphics memory 530. The graphics stored in memory 
530 is preferably run-length compressed. However, other methods of 
compressing graphics known by those skilled in the art may be used with 
the present invention. 
The generated menus and video are combined in the video combiner 515 and 
output to an anti-taping encoder 619. Any method of anti-taping encoding 
known by those skilled in the art may be used with the present invention. 
FIGS. 6a and 6b show front and back views respectively for the preferred 
embodiment of the set top terminal 220. The front panel of the set top 
terminal 220 includes an infrared sensor 630 and a series of LED displays 
640. These LED displays 640 may indicate with an icon or a letter (e.g., 
A-K) the major menu currently selected by the set top terminal 220 or the 
channels selected directly by a user, or menu channel selections (e.g., 
from 1 to 50). This visual display will remain lit while the subscriber is 
watching (or listening to) programming within a major menu. 
LEDs 640 are preferably provided to indicate a decompression error, a 
processing error, or other error. Text messages may be displayed on LEDs. 
During the normal functioning of the set top terminal 220, the LED display 
640 can be customized by the user to display the time, the program 
channel, VCR activation or other pertinent information. Further displays 
may include current channel, time, volume level, sleep time, parental lock 
(security), account balance, use of a hardware upgrade, second channel 
being recorded by VCR, use of the Level D music hardware upgrade in a 
separate room, and any other displays useful to a subscriber to indicate 
the current status of the set top terminal 220. 
The LEDs 640 may also provide an indication of the digital audio channel 
currently tuned. With this display feature, subscribers may use the 
digital audio feature without activating the television screen. The signal 
source and output selected (e.g., a subscriber's separate audio system, a 
VCR, etc.) may be displayed. Although LEDs are preferred, the set top 
terminal 220 may also use a CRT, LCDs, or other display technology. 
The set top terminal 220 includes a flapped opening 635 on its front that 
allows the insertion of a magnetic cartridge (or similar portable storage 
device, including optical disk, ROM, EPROM, etc., not shown). This opening 
635 allows the set top terminal 220 to be upgraded or reprogrammed locally 
with the use of the applicable magnetic or optical storage device. 
On the top or cover of the set top terminal 220 are pushbutton controls 
645. Preferably these pushbutton controls 645 duplicate the two-part 
alpha-iconic remote control 900. Any function that can be performed on the 
remote 900 may also be performed at the set top terminal 220 using the 
duplicative pushbutton controls 645. 
FIG. 6b shows the back of the set top terminal 220 which includes the 
input/output ports of the terminal 220. The input/output ports include a 
pair of output terminals 650, a pair of input terminals 652, a pair of 
stereo/audio output terminals 654, a satellite dish input port 656, a 
telephone jack 658 and an RS422 port 660. One of the output terminals 650 
is for a television and the other is for a VCR. The set top terminal 220 
is equipped to handle incoming signals on one or two cables using the 
input terminal 652. The phone jack 658 and RS-232 or RS-422 port 660 are 
provided for maintenance, trouble shooting, reprogramming and additional 
customer features. In alternate embodiments, the telephone jack 658 may be 
used as the primary mode of communication between the cable headend 208 
and the set top terminal 220. This connection is possible through local 
telephone, cellular telephone or personal communications networks (PCN). 
The basic programming of each set top terminal 220 will be located on ROM 
within the set top terminal 220. Random access memory, the magnetic 
cartridge capability, and the extension card slot 635 allow upgrades and 
changes to be easily made to the set top terminal 220. 
In the preferred embodiment, the set top terminal 220 includes a hardware 
upgrade port 662 as shown in FIG. 6b, in addition to expansion card slots 
665. Each expansion slot 665 is covered by the metal plate cover 664. The 
hardware upgrade port 662 accommodates a four-wire (or more) connection 
for: (1) error corrected, decrypted data output of the set top terminal 
220, (2) a control interface, (3) decompressed video output of set top 
terminal 220, and (4) video input port. In the preferred embodiment, 
multiple wires are used to perform each of the four functions. Typically, 
the four sets of wires are combined in a single cable with a single 
multipin connector. 
In the preferred embodiment, multipin connections may be used for multiwire 
cable. The multipin connection 662 may range from DB9 to DB25. A variety 
of small computer system interface (SCSI) ports may also be provided. 
Alternatively, four or more ports may be provided instead of the single 
port 662 depicted. Port 662 may also be used to attach various hardware 
upgrades to a set top terminal 220. 
The preferred embodiment has five hardware upgrades available for use with 
a set top terminal 220, including: (1) Level A interactive unit, (2) a 
Level B interactive unit, (3) Level C interactive unit with compact disc 
capability, (4) Level D digital radio tuner for separate room use, and (5) 
Level E information download unit. Each of these upgrades can be connected 
to the set top terminal 220 unit through the upgrade port 662. 
The memory in the set top terminal is used to store the graphical and 
textual components of menus. Specifically, background, logo, menu display, 
and cursor graphical files are stored, as well as long term, intermediate, 
and short term text. 
Existing set top converter boxes such as those made by Scientific Atlanta 
or General Instruments are presently unequipped to handle the menu 
selection system of the present invention. Thus, hardware modifications 
are necessary in order to use the menu selection system with existing set 
top converter technology. 
6. The Turbo Card 
FIG. 7 shows a Turbo Card addition to the set top converter. The Turbo Card 
700 upgrade provides the additional functionality needed to utilize the 
menu system of the present invention with existing set top converter 
technology. The primary functions the Turbo Card 700 adds to the set top 
converter are interpreting of program control information signals, 
generating of menus, sequencing through menus, and, ultimately, the 
ability of the viewer to select a channel through the menu system without 
entering any channel identifying information. The Turbo Card 700 also 
provides, using the connections shown in FIG. 3, a method for a remote 
location, such as the cable headend 208, to receive information on 
programs watched and control the operation of the set top converter box 
221 and Turbo Card 700. The programs watched information and control 
commands may be passed from the cable headend 208 to the Turbo Card 700 
using telephone lines 718. 
The primary components of the Turbo Card 700 are a PC chip CPU 702, a VGA 
graphic controller 704, a video combiner 706, logic circuitry 708, NTSC 
encoder 710, a receiver 712, demodulator 714, and a dialer 716. Preferably 
these components are located on a single circuit card. 
The Turbo Card 700 has two connections coming from outside the viewer home: 
(1) a telephone connection 718, preferably with an RJ11C jack for 
communicating with the cable headend 208, and (2) a standard coaxial cable 
input 720. In addition to the two connections from outside the viewer 
home, the Turbo Card 700 must be electronically connected to the set top 
converter box 221. Preferably this connection is made with a ribbon cable 
connection with forty or more pins (not shown). 
The information that is passed between the set top converter box 221 and 
the Turbo Card 700 includes data and infrared commands. Preferably video 
input and output to the set top converter 221 is through 75 ohm coax 
cable. In the preferred embodiment, the infrared commands of the remote 
control 900 are passed through (undisturbed from) the set top converter 
and to the Turbo Card 700. After interpretation and modification by the 
Turbo Card 700, the infrared commands are then returned to the set top 
converter 221 through the ribbon cable. Video signals are received by the 
Turbo Card 700 from the set top converter 221, manipulated by the Turbo 
Card 700, and returned to the set top converter 221 in NTSC format by the 
NTSC encoder 710. The Turbo Card 700 may also generate graphics which are 
passed to the set top converter 221 via the NTSC encoder 710. 
The Turbo Card 700 utilizes the capability of the set top converter 221 as 
much as possible to avoid duplication of components. For example, the 
Turbo Card 700 uses the set top converter's tuner thus avoiding the cost 
of an additional tuner. 
The PC Chip CPU 702 is used for controlling the components of the Turbo 
Card 700. The PC chip 702 is also used to perform database management, 
billing and data logging functions. An example of a PC Chip CPU 702 which 
can be used is the IC PC/Chip F8680E, manufactured by Chips & Technologies 
Corporation, located at 3050 Zanker Road, San Jose, Calif. 95134, (408) 
434-0600. The PC chip CPU 702 is a single chip implementation of an IBM PC 
XT equivalent architecture. All peripherals may be interfaced to the PC 
chip CPU 702 through an industry standard architecture (ISA) bus. The 
memory on the card may be an EPROM or other similar device. Typically a 
4-megabyte EPROM containing BIOS programs is used in this embodiment. Two 
BIOS programs, the PC chip BIOS and the VGA controller BIOS, are the 
primary contents of the EPROM. This EPROM also contains the equivalent of 
a C: hard drive. This hard drive is similar to those found on a PC which 
provides the means to "boot" the DOS Operating System. The card also 
includes a 1 megabyte DRAM, which may be expanded to 4 megabytes. Most of 
this memory is used as a RAM drive after the Turbo Card 700 boots up. 
A video combiner 706 is used to combine RGB video created by the Graphics 
Controller 704 with video from the set top converter 221. An example of a 
video combiner 706 which can be used in the present invention is an IC 
GENLOCK Signal Processor GSP500, manufactured by Integrated Circuit 
Systems, Inc., located at 2626 Van Buren Avenue, P.O. Box 968, Valley 
Forge, Pa. 19482, (215) 666-1900. 
The NTSC encoder 710 is used to convert RGB and sync signals into an NTSC 
format signal that can be used by a standard television 722. In an 
alternative embodiment, the synch signal is eliminated. An example of a 
component that can be used for the NTSC Encoder 710 is Encoder Card, model 
number BA7230LS, manufactured by Rohm Corporation, located at 3034 Owen 
Drive, Jackson Business Park, Antioch, Tenn. 37013, (615) 641-2020. The 
Turbo Card hardware may be implemented on a board built into the set top 
converter box 221 or, alternatively, using plug-in slots. The embodiment 
shown uses a Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) dialer 716 to initiate 
telephone transmissions. An example of a DTMF dialer 716 which may be used 
with the present invention is an IC DTMF Transceiver CM8888, manufactured 
by California Micro Devices (CMD), located at 2000 W. 14th Street, Tempe, 
Ariz. 85287, (602) 921-4541. Such an interface uses DTMF tones, or pulse 
dialing, to make a telephone connection. The same DTMF tones used to 
initiate the call, communicates data from the PC chip CPU 702 upstream to 
the network controller 214 or operations center. Such upstream data may 
include purchase, logging and viewing information. The embodiment shown in 
FIG. 7 may be modified to transmit information upstream to the cable 
headend 208 through the coaxial cable 720, thereby eliminating the need 
for telephone lines. 
Functionally, using the connection shown in FIG. 3, the Turbo Card 700 
operates by receiving the program control information signal from the 
cable headend 208 through the coaxial cable 720. The program control 
information signal is used by the PC chip CPU 702 after being processed 
through an RF receiver 712, a quadrature phase shift keyed (QPSK) 
demodulator 714, and an HDLC serial receiver 722. This receiver 712 
demodulates any data transmissions at a fixed frequency of 108 MHz. 
Typically, the card receives and demodulates 108 MHz FSK carrier signals, 
having a data rate of 56 kilobits. In the preferred embodiment, a 1.5 
megabyte QPSK encoded signal is used. 
Once such signals are received, the contents of the signals are stored in 
the card's databases. Each signal's content is commonly structured in 
Synchronous Data Line Control (SDLC) format. Other formats, such as HDLC, 
may also be used. The HDLC/SDLC receiver 722 processes the demodulated 
signal from the 108 MHz FSK or QPSK receiver demodulator 714, which 
provides a clock and data synchronously into the HDLC/SDLC receiver during 
such processing. The HDLC/SDLC receiver 722 presents the data stream (or 
packets) to the PC chip CPU 702 for storage. The stored data packets form 
the basis for the data base files and other information, which have been 
downloaded from the cable headend 208 to the Turbo Card 700. 
The VGA controller 704 is used to generate new graphics. An example of a 
VGA graphic controller 704 which can be used with the present invention is 
a VGA Controller ET4000-144 manufactured by Tseng Labs. The VGA graphic 
controller 704 is an industry standard VGA controller chip and makes use 
of an additional 512 kbits of dynamic memory (e.g., a VRAM), from which 
one complete drawing page of 256 color pixels (640.times.480 resolution) 
may be formed. The VGA controller 704 receives its dot clock from the GSP 
500 combiner 706. The GSP 500 combiner 706 receives a sync signal from any 
incoming NTSC video signals provided by the set top converter 221. 
Typically, the GSP 500 combiner 706 strips sync information from each NTSC 
video signal and uses it to generate each dot clock used by the VGA 
controller 704. In this way, the GSP 500 combiner 706 synchronizes the VGA 
controller 704 to the incoming NTSC-formatted cable TV signal. Such 
synchronization allows VGA graphics to be displayed on the users's 
television 722 alone or in conjunction with NTSC video. 
In the preferred embodiment, the logic block is enhanced to make use of the 
sync signal extracted from the separate portion of the set top converter 
221. This enhancement allows the VGA controller 704 to be injection-locked 
directly with the sync signal using some additional circuitry. In this 
embodiment, the GSP 500 combiner 706 phase locks the VGA controller's dot 
clock to the NTSC video clock to accomplish the synchronization described 
above. 
The logic circuitry of the Turbo Card 700 receives the data, infrared 
commands, and synchronization from the set top converter 221. When the 
Turbo Card has finished processing and modifying the IR command it returns 
the command to the set top converter 221 for further processing. When 
appropriate, the VGA graphics controller 704 generates menu screen 
graphics which are combined with video by the video combiner. The menu, 
with video, is now in RGB format and is encoded into standard NTSC format 
by the NTSC encoder 710. 
The RGB to NTSC encoder 710 accommodates the overlay of graphics and video. 
This encoder 710 makes use of two input signals: (1) a NTSC video signal 
and (2) an analog RGB signal. The RGB signal comes from the VGA controller 
704. On a pixel-by-pixel basis, the encoder 710 can choose between sending 
its output to the TV screen in either NTSC or RGB signal format. This 
allows graphics to be displayed on the screen alone or in conjunction with 
NTSC video on a pixel-by-pixel basis. 
The Turbo Card's logic is customized to interface the PC chip CPU 702 to 
either the General Instruments CFT 2000 or the Scientific Atlanta 8600 
converter. The logic includes the ability to scan the keypads (not shown) 
that are present in the set top converters 221 for keystroke entry and 
also the ability to receive infrared commands from the set top converter's 
remote control. Any keystroke entries and commands generate a signal that 
is sent to the PC chip CPU 702 for processing by the application software. 
Likewise, the Turbo Card 700 has the ability to simulate a serial infrared 
command and send it to other set top converter components. This allows the 
PC chip CPU 702, along with its software, to control the set top converter 
221. 
Menu selections made by the viewer on the remote control 900 are received 
by the IR equipment of the converter 221 and passed through to the Turbo 
Card 700. The Turbo Card software interprets the IR signal and determines 
the program (or menu) the viewer has selected. The program selection 
information is sent by the Turbo Card software to the set top converter 
221 by modifying the IR command. The modified IR command contains the 
channel information needed by the set top converter 221. 
7. Menu Organization and Sequence 
FIG. 8 shows the basic organization of the program menu system. Although 
the term "menus" has been used above, the menus could also be seen as 
defining zones or categories of programming. The first series of menus, 
Introductory menu 1000, Home menu 1010, Major Menus 1020, and Submenus 
1050 execute subscriber program selection inputs. The During program menus 
1300 provide a subscriber with additional features or options after a 
program has been selected and shown. There are two primary types of During 
program menus 1200, Hidden Menus and Program Overlay Menus. The menu 
sequence and each menu structure has been particularly program designed 
using the "eye-off-the-remote" design concept (e.g., the cursor movement 
and "go" buttons 970, 975). Since the subscriber never needs to take his 
eye off the television screen, the cable operator is likely to have the 
subscriber's complete attention. 
The introductory menu screen 1000 automatically appears upon power-up and 
initialization of the set top terminal 220. The introductory menu screen 
1000 provides important announcements or messages. In addition, the menu 
1000 can be used to inform the subscriber that a personal or group message 
is available for viewing. The subscriber may then access the personal or 
group message with an appropriate key entry while viewing the introductory 
menu 1000. Since the introductory menu 1000 must be viewed by each 
subscriber, it also provides an opportunity for the cable provider to run 
advertisements. 
Following the introductory menu screen 1000 the subscriber will normally be 
advanced to the home menu screen 1010. The home menu 1010 is the basic 
menu from which the subscriber will make the first level of viewing 
decisions (and to which the subscriber may later return). From the home 
menu 1010, the subscriber is able to access all television programming 
options. Some programming options may be accessed through cursor movement 
on the screen, others directly by a button selection on the remote control 
900, or both, on-screen selection and remote control 900 direct access. 
In the normal progression through the menu screens, the subscriber will be 
forwarded to a major menu screen 1020 that correlates to his direct remote 
control 900 selection or selection from the home menu screen 1010. The 
selections on the home menu 1010 are for large categories of programming 
options and therefore the major menu 1020 allows the subscriber to further 
refine a search for a desirable television program. 
Following the major menu 1020 the subscriber will navigate through one or 
more submenu screens 1050 from which the subscriber will choose one 
particular program for viewing. For most programming selections the user 
will proceed from the home menu 1010 to a major menu 1020 and then to one 
or more submenus 1050. However, for certain programming options or 
functions of the set top terminal 220 the user may skip one or more menus 
in the sequence. For example, in the preferred embodiment the subscriber 
may directly access a major menu 1020 by pressing a single icon button. In 
an alternative embodiment, the introductory menu 1000 will provide the 
user with the capability of directly accessing information on the 
subscriber's cable television account without proceeding through a series 
of menus. 
The series of menus shown in FIG. 8 is the standard format, a variety of 
alternative sequences are possible. An introductory screen upon power up 
that contains important messages, followed by a home menu 1010 with major 
programming categories is the basis upon which many alternative 
embodiments of the menu driven selection process can be built. 
Skipping a sequence or level of the menu structure is possible and perhaps 
desired in certain instances. In simple alternate embodiments it is 
possible to combine the home menu 1010 and introductory menu 1000 into one 
menu that performs both functions. It will be apparent to one skilled in 
the art that specific functions of the Home menu 1010 and Introductory 
menu 1000 may be exchanged or shared in a number of ways. It is also 
possible to allow a user to skip directly from the introductory menu 1000 
to a submenu 1050. This can be accomplished most easily with a separate 
direct access remote control 900 button. Generally, a subscriber will 
access a television program through execution of a submenu 1050. 
The During Program Menus 1300 (shown in FIG. 9a as Hidden Menus 1380 and 
Program Overlay Menus 1390) are enacted by the set top terminal 220 only 
after the subscriber has selected a television program. These menus 
provide the subscriber with additional functionality and/or additional 
information while viewing a selected program. 
FIG. 9a shows the preferred embodiment for subscriber selection of 
television programming. FIG. 9b shows additional major menu 1020 
categories, 1043, 1044, 1046, 1048, which may be used with the invention. 
Both FIGS. 9a and 9b show that the introductory menu 1000 followed by the 
home menu 1010 is the preferred sequence of on-screen displays. As shown 
in FIG. 9a, the home menu 1010 provides a choice of at least ten major 
menus 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034, 1036, 1038, 1040. Upon 
selection of a major menu 1020 category from the home menu 1010, the 
program proceeds to a major menu 1020 offering further viewer selections. 
Each major menu 1020 is customized to target the expected viewership. 
Depending on the number of available program choices the major menus 1020 
either breakdown the major category into sub-categories or provide the 
subscriber with access to further information on a particular program. 
For example, referring to FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c, the major menu for 
children's programing 1024 provides a list of subcategories 1052 from 
which the subscriber selects. Upon selection of a subcategory, a submenu 
represented generally at block 1050, listing program choices within that 
sub-category is shown to the subscriber. Upon selection of a particular 
programming choice within the first submenu 1050, the subscriber may be 
provided with a second submenu 1054 describing the program that the 
subscriber has selected. From this menu, the subscriber may confirm his 
program choice and receive a confirmation submenu 1056 from the set top 
terminal 220 software. 
To avoid disturbing a subscriber during viewing of a program, hidden menus 
1380 are used. The Hidden Menus 1380 are not shown to the subscriber but 
instead "reside" at the set top terminal 220 microprocessor. The Hidden 
Menus 1380 do not affect the selected program audio. The microprocessor 
awaits a button entry before executing or displaying any Hidden Menu 
options. The Hidden Menus 1380 provide the subscriber with additional 
functions such as entering an interactive mode or escaping from a selected 
program. 
Program Overlay Menus 1390 (similar to Hidden Menus 1380) are used during a 
program. However, the Program Overlay Menus 1390 are overlayed onto 
portions of the television screen and not hidden. The Program Overlay 
Menus 1390 allow the subscriber to continue to watch the selected 
television program with audio but place additional information on portions 
of the television screen. Most overlays cover small portions of the screen 
allowing the subscriber to continue to comfortably view his program 
selection. Other Overlays which are by their nature more important than 
the program being viewed will overlay onto greater portions of the screen. 
In the preferred embodiment, some Program Overlay Menus 1390 reduce or 
scale down the entire program's video screen and redirect the video to a 
portion of the screen. 
With continued reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b, since the system utilizes 
digital signals in compressed format, High Definition Television 
programming 1032 can also be accommodated through the menu system. In 
addition, since the set top terminal 220 has two way communication with 
the cable headend 208, interactive television programming is possible, 
with return signals generated by the set top terminal 220. Similarly, the 
system can support "movies on demand" 1042, 1048 (FIG. 9a) where a 
subscriber communicates through the set top terminal 220 with an automated 
facility to order movies stored at the facility, and may confirm the order 
(as indicated at block 1060). These features, HDTV, interactive television 
and "movies on demand" are further described in patent application Ser. 
No. 08/160,194, entitled ADVANCED SET TOP TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION 
DELIVERY SYSTEMS, filed Dec. 2, 1993, by the same assignee. 
Using this on-screen and "eye-off-the-remote" menu approach to program 
selection, there is nearly an unlimited number of menus that can be shown 
to the subscriber. The memory capability of the set top terminal 220 and 
the quantity of information that is sent via the program control 
information signal are the only limits on the number of menus and amount 
of information that can be displayed to the subscriber. The approach of 
using a series of menus in a simple tree sequence is both easy for the 
subscriber to use and simply implemented by the set top terminal 220 and 
remote control device 900 with cursor movement. A user interface software 
programmer will find many obvious variations from the preferred embodiment 
shown. 
8. Menu Sequencing Software 
FIG. 10 is a chart showing a preferred embodiment of program routines for 
sequencing menus. Upon powerup of the set top terminal 220, a start up 
routine 890 is performed. Any error checking is thereafter performed 891, 
and an introductory menu subroutine 892 is performed. This subroutine 
displays the introductory menu and the microprocessor 602 thereafter 
awaits for an input 893. 
At the home menu portion 897 of the sequence of routines, a subscriber may 
select one of the major menus, thus starting the sequence of displays 
represented by routine block 898. Alternatively, a subscriber may go 
directly to a major menu by depressing a menu select button on the remote 
900 and the microprocessor will go to the selected menus subroutine 896. 
Once a subscriber has selected a major menu, the appropriate subroutines 
are executed by the microprocessor (shown in block 898). After each 
display, the microprocessor 602 awaits for a selection by the subscriber 
(shown as block 899). 
After displaying the major menu 1020 and receiving a selection by the user, 
a particular submenu 1050 for a subcategory is displayed, as shown in FIG. 
8. Again, the microprocessor 602 waits for an input from the subscriber. 
Following the input, a routine to display a program listing submenu is 
executed. After receiving another selection, the microprocessor 602 
performs the next routine for displaying a program description submenu. 
Thereafter, if a particular selection requires a confirmation menu, that 
subroutine is executed and the appropriate menu displayed. The selected 
video is then decompressed and displayed on the television screen. If 
there are any display overlay menus or hidden menus, the proper subroutine 
is executed by the microprocessor 602 and these menus are displayed. 
With continued reference to FIG. 10, at any time during the selection of 
menus in major menu block 898, the subscriber may also depress another 
major menu button to move into a second column of routines (represented by 
major menu 2, major menu 3, etc. columns). Thus, a subscriber may move 
from major menu to major menu. Additionally, a subscriber may depress a 
home menu button on remote 900 to return to the home menu 897 at any time. 
The various subroutines executed by the microprocessor 602 allow a 
subscriber to navigate through the various menus of the present invention. 
A subscriber may sequence back through menus or return to the home menu 
897 with one-touch of the home menu button on the remote control 900. All 
of these functions help to add to the system's user friendliness. 
FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c, diagram an alternative approach to the sequencing 
of menus. This approach involves separate sequencing logic for (1) menu 
system entry, (2) PPV (pay per view) navigation and selection and (3) menu 
and PPV navigation and selection. 
FIG. 11a diagrams the sequence for system entry. Upon entry into the 
system, an introduction screen 1100 is displayed. The introductory screen 
is removed by pressing any key on the remote 900 or, alternatively, on the 
set top terminal key pad 645. The introductory screen 1100 also has a 
timer so that, after a specific period of time, the screen 1100 will be 
removed regardless of whether any key has been pressed by the subscriber. 
A home menu 1104 displaying program categories follows the introductory 
menu. This screen displays a set of program categories that may be 
individually selected using a cursor highlight bar (as represented at 
decision block 1108). The subscriber has the ability to move from one 
category to the next by using the channel-next and channel-previous keys. 
In addition, the viewer or subscriber has the choice of selecting a 
category or exiting from the menu system. Upon selection of a particular 
program category, a major menu (similar to major menus 1020 shown in FIGS. 
9a and 9b) will be displayed. From this major menu the viewer can make a 
category selection. Such a selection may involve non-PPV networks 1110 
(e.g., NBC, CBS, ESPN.TM. etc.), PPV programs or PPV programs 1112. 
If the subscriber selects a non-PPV network 1110, a network submenu 1114 
will be displayed. This submenu 1114 includes a grid or matrix of non-PPV 
network logos. The subscriber has the ability to move from logo to logo 
using the channel-next and channel-previous keys (as shown at decision 
block 1116). The subscriber also has the option of exiting to the previous 
network submenu 1114 or returning to the home menu. Should a specific 
network be selected, the subscriber's set top terminal will be tuned 1118 
to that particular network. The network's identifier or logo flashes on 
the screen to provide feedback to the subscriber on the selection. From 
the network submenu 1114, the subscriber has the ability to channel surf 
through the network channels system using the channel-up and channel-down 
keys 1120. At any time during this process, the subscriber may exit 1122 
back to the network submenu 1114. 
In addition to selecting specific networks from a particular major menu, 
the subscriber also has the option of choosing a PPV program 1112. Should 
the subscriber select a PPV program category from the major menu, a list 
of PPV program titles will be displayed as a submenu 1122. From this 
submenu 1122 the subscriber can select a specific PPV program title 1124. 
The menu sequencing logic will vary depending on which is selected (as 
shown at block 1126). 
FIG. 11b diagrams the menu sequence logic for a PPV program selection. As 
shown in FIG. 11b, once a PPV program title has been selected (at block 
1126) the menu system determines whether the title has been previously 
purchased 1128. If the event has not been previously purchased, a payment 
screen 1130 will be displayed. A description of the event will be provided 
to the subscriber along with the next start time, the cost of the event 
and the amount of free viewer time for previewing. The subscriber has the 
option of purchasing the event. If the subscriber chooses not to purchase 
the event, the PPV program title list will be redisplayed. 
Once a PPV program has been purchased or a previously paid program has been 
selected, a "thank you banner" 1132 will be displayed. This banner 1132 
provides the name of the program selected and the amount of preview time 
left before the program is actually logged as a paid event. This "thank 
you banner" 1132 has a timer associated with it which automatically 
removes the banner after a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds). 
Alternatively, the subscriber can immediately remove the banner 1132 by 
pressing any key. Once the "thank you banner" 1132 is removed, the system 
checks whether interstitial material is playing at the time of the PPV 
event selection (as at block 1134). If a program is in progress, the 
system will remove any "time to event banner" and the set top terminal 220 
will be tuned to the program's channel (View Program 1145). In addition, 
the system determines whether there is a link to a barker channel 1136 (or 
event field item) when the interstitial material is present. 
If a barker channel link exists for the event, the set top terminal will be 
tuned to the barker channel (block 1138). Subsequently, a banner will be 
displayed which indicates the program's name and time remaining until it 
starts. At the start time of the program, the set top terminal 220 will be 
tuned to that program's channel 1145. If, on the other hand, no barker 
channel link has been specified, the set top terminal 220 will be tuned to 
the program's channel 1140 and display the interstitial with time to next 
show banner 1140. 
During this process, the subscriber has the option of exiting 1142 the 
program at any time by pressing the cancel key. During the program, the 
system will constantly check for the end of the program 1144. Where the 
program remains in progress, the set top terminal 220 will remain tuned to 
the program's channel 1145 and all banners will be removed. The system 
will continue to view the program, looping through the interstitial and 
barker channel link loops, until the program is ended or exited. Once the 
program ends or the subscriber exits the program, exit remarks and a final 
"thank you banner" will be displayed 1146. 
FIG. 11c diagrams the alternate sequence for the selection of a PPV 
program, beginning at decision block 1126. Once a PPV program title has 
been selected, the menu system determines whether the program has been 
previously purchased 1150, as in the PPV selection process described 
above. The system again displays a "thank you banner" 1152 upon purchase 
1151 or previous payment and determines whether interstitial material is 
presently being viewed 1154. If interstitial material (e.g., promotionals) 
is present on the program channel, a banner showing the next show time is 
generated and placed on the television screen 1160. When the program is in 
progress, the system removes any "time to event banner" 1156 and the set 
top terminal 220 will be tuned to the appropriate program channel. Another 
banner will be displayed which indicates the program's name and time 
remaining to start and the program is viewed 1158. 
The system software will stay in a loop until access to the program ends 
1162 or when the subscriber exits the program 1164. Again, the system 
constantly checks for the end of the program or the end of access. The 
subscriber also has the option of exiting the program at any time by 
pressing the cancel key. Upon end of access or exiting of the program exit 
remarks and a final "thank you banner" 1166 will be displayed. 
9. Turbo Card Software 
FIG. 12a provides a detailed overview of the Turbo Card software flow 1600, 
which implements a menu sequence (with the main program flow depicted as 
single, solid continuous lines and routine calls depicted as single dashed 
lines). As shown in FIG. 12a, the Turbo Card software makes use of seven 
software routines. These routines include: (1) enter cable TV mode 1602, 
(2) menu system 1604, (3) electronic program guide 1606, (4) preview 1608, 
(5) YCTV 1610, (6) utility loop 1612, and (7) file manager 1614. FIGS. 12b 
through 12g diagram each of these software routines in further detail. 
FIG. 12b details the initialization and normal operating mode of the Turbo 
Card software 1600. The figure shows the flow of the software before the 
subscriber selects any functions or menu options. The first block 1616 of 
the figure indicates the start of the program, which is subsequently 
followed by the portion of the routine that unmaps the remote control 900 
hand-held keys 1618. This unmapping step disables any previously entered 
keystrokes on the remote control 900. The software then enters the cable 
TV mode 1620 followed by the keystroke loop 1617. The key input subroutine 
1622 in the keystroke loop 1617 spins until a keystroke is entered (as 
shown at block 1622). 
Following an entered keystroke, the keystroke loop checks whether a menu 
keystroke has been entered (decision block 1624). If a menu keystroke has 
been entered, the keystroke loop 1617 is exited. The system tunes to a 
barker channel 1626, remaps the hand-held keys to the new selection (at 
1628) and loads the old menu as the current menu (at 1630). Subsequently, 
the file manager software described below is initiated through software 
flow entry point G, FIG. 12c. 
If an alpha/numeric or digit key is entered instead of a menu key, the 
keystroke loop 1617 continues with a digit key entry sequence 1632. This 
sequence sends the key selected to the set top 1634, which effectively 
places the routine in the key input spin 1622 again. Where only the first 
digit has been entered (as at block 1636), a digit timer will be initiated 
(block 1638) and the routine returns to the key input spin 1622. If, 
however, both digits have been entered the digit timer is cleared 1640 and 
the digit timer will experience a time out 1642. Subsequently, the channel 
number selected will be assembled by the software (as at block 1644) and 
then compared with those channels available for selection to determine the 
validity of the channel number (block 1646). Where a valid channel number 
has been selected, the routine sends the channel to the set top terminal 
220 (as at block 1648), returning the keystroke loop routine 1617 to the 
key input spin 1622 until another keystroke is entered. Conversely, if the 
channel number is invalid, the set top terminal software will return to 
the loop without sending the channel to the converter box 220 itself. 
FIG. 12c depicts the general menu drawing routine 1604 (of FIG. 12a) that 
is used throughout the execution of the graphical user interface. The 
routine 1604 begins by initiating the draw current menu subroutine (block 
1650). A keystroke loop 1651 and key input spin is used (block 1652) until 
a key input is entered. Upon selection of a menu key 1654, the keystroke 
loop 1615 loads the top level menu 1656 as the current menu and loops 
around to the draw current menu subroutine (block 1650). Where a menu key 
is not chosen, the keystroke loop 1651 determines whether the cursor up 
key has been selected (decision block 1658). 
If, instead, the channel or cursor up key has been selected the keystroke 
loop 1651 moves the cursor up selection 1660 and returns to the key input 
spin 1652. Where, however, a channel up or cursor up key has not been 
selected, the keystroke loop 1651 checks whether the channel down key has 
been selected (block 1662). If the channel down key has been selected, the 
routine moves the cursor down the screen 1664 and returns to the key input 
spin 1652. Where, however, the channel down key has not been selected, the 
routine determines 1666 whether another key has been entered by the 
subscriber. If no other key has been entered, the routine returns to the 
key input spin 1652. If, on the other hand, a keystroke has been entered, 
the current menu will be saved as an old menu (block 1668) and the routine 
will compute a new current menu type 1670. 
As shown in FIG. 12a routine 1604 sequentially determines whether this 
current menu type is either an electronic program guide type 1672, preview 
type 1674 or event type menu screen 1676. If the electronic program guide 
type has been selected, the routine initiates the draw electronic program 
guide (EPG) screen routine shown in FIG. 12d. If the preview type menu has 
been selected, the routine initiates the preview screen routine shown in 
FIG. 12e. If the event type menu screen has been selected, the buy screen 
software shown in FIG. 12f is initiated. If none of these menu type 
screens have been selected the routine 1604 returns to the draw current 
menu subroutine 1650. 
FIG. 12d diagrams the electronic program guide software flow 1606. The 
routine 1604 begins with the draw electronic program guide screen 
subroutine 1680. The routine 1606 executes the key input spin 1682 waiting 
for a subscriber keystroke entry. Once a keystroke is entered, the routine 
1606 enters a keystroke loop 1683, which has a flow similar to the 
keystroke loop 1651 described above and shown in FIGS. 12c and 12d, 
respectively. 
Unlike the keystroke loop 1651 described above, however, this loop also 
checks whether the volume down key has been selected 1696. If the volume 
down key has been selected, the cursor is moved to the left on the screen 
1698 and the routine re-enters the key input spin 1682. When, however, the 
volume up key has been entered 1700 the routine moves the cursor to the 
right on the screen 1702 and returns to the key input spin 1682. If the 
cursor up, down, left, or right keys have not been selected, the system 
software determines whether another keystroke instead has been entered 
1704. Where another keystroke has, in fact, been entered, the software 
assembles the channel number 1706 and checks whether the channel number 
selected is a valid entry 1708. 
Upon selection of a key, the routine next enters a digit key entry sequence 
1711, which has a flow similar to the digit key entry sequence 1625 
described above. Subsequently, the routine returns to the normal operating 
mode shown in FIG. 12b, existing through software flow entry point B. 
FIG. 12e diagrams the preview screen software flow 1608. This routine 
initially computes the current preview screen 1724 in those cases where a 
preview type menu screen has been selected during the general menu drawing 
routine flow 1650 of FIG. 12c. The routine next begins to draw the screen 
1726 and enters the key input loop 1728, waiting for keystroke entry by 
the subscriber. This loop continually checks whether the screen is still 
current, as represented by decision block 1730. 
Once a key is entered 1732, the routine enters a keystroke loop 1731, which 
is similar to the keystroke loops 1651 and 1683, described above. If the 
subscriber has selected a specific key 1744, the routine exists the 
keystroke loop 1731 and enters the general menu drawing routine 1650 shown 
in FIG. 12c. The routine 1650 is entered through software flow entry point 
"I". 
FIG. 12f diagrams the flow of the software for generating a buy screen 
1610. This routine 1610 is initiated after an event type program selection 
from the routine 1610 shown in FIG. 12c. In order to generate a buy 
screen, this routine initially scans a buy table for authorization 1750 
and then determines whether or not the event selected by the subscriber 
has been already purchased 1752. If the event has been already purchased, 
a "join the event screen" 1754 will be displayed by the routine and the 
routine will enter the key input loop 1756. 
Once a key has been entered 1758, the routine determines whether or not the 
event corresponding to the key is available 1760. If the event is 
unavailable, the routine returns to the general menu drawing routine shown 
1650 in FIG. 12c, entering that routine 1650 at the circle designated by 
the letter "H" in that routine. Where, however, the event is available, 
the software looks up the channel number 1762 and sends that specific 
channel number to the set top terminal 220, as represented at block 1674. 
The routine subsequently enters the normal operating mode routine shown in 
FIG. 12b, beginning between block 1616 and 1618. 
Where the event chosen, on the other hand, has not already been purchased, 
as at block 1752, the routine generates a buy screen for display 1766. The 
routine subsequently enters a keystroke entry loop 1769, which is similar 
to the keystroke loops 1651, 1683 and 1731, described above. This loop 
1769 is exited upon entry of an alpha/numeric or digit key as at block 
1782. The routine 1610 subsequently determines whether a menu type has 
been selected 1784. 
Where a menu type has been selected, the routine enters the general menu 
drawing routine 1650 shown in FIG. 12c through software flow entry point 
"H". Where a menu type has not been selected 1784, however, the routine 
determines whether an event has been purchased 1786. If an event has been 
purchased, a thank you screen is displayed 1788 and the software re-enters 
the key input loop routine 1756, awaiting a determination of whether the 
event is available for program selection. 
FIG. 12g diagrams the utility loop software (shown generally at 1612 in 
FIG. 12a). This software 1612 is a continuously executed subroutine that 
monitors the changing of channels to determine whether a subscriber has 
remained on a channel for more than 30 seconds (as represented at decision 
block 1800). When the subscriber remains on the channel for more than 30 
seconds, a time out is effected and the routine opens a log entry 1802. 
The routine subsequently notes that the subscriber has remained on the 
channel for more than 30 seconds and closes the log entry 1804. The 
routine then sets the first occurrence 1806. 
When the subscriber has not remained on the channel for more than 30 
seconds, this routine 1612 determines whether the channel change is a 
second occurrence 1808. In those instances where such a channel change is 
deemed a second occurrence, the log entry is opened 1810 and the 
occurrence is noted. If, however, the channel change is not a second 
occurrence, the routine 1612 determines whether there is time to send any 
log or buy data back to the cable headend 208 (represented at block 1812). 
Where such time exists, the routine forms a tone array of log data and 
unreported purchases 1814 and subsequently calls the cable headend 208 (as 
at block 1816). If the time to send log or buy data back to the cable 
headend 208 is insufficient, the routine calls the cable headend 208 
(depicted at block 1818) and initiates the file manager routine 1614 
discussed below with reference to FIG. 12h. 
Once the cable headend 208 has been called, the routine 1612 determines 
whether the transfer has been successful 1820. If the transfer is 
unsuccessful, the file manager routine 1612 is called (at block 1818), 
otherwise, the log is erased and events marked are reported back to the 
cable headend 208 (as shown at block 1822). Upon completion of this 
process, the routine calls the file manager routine 1614 described below, 
and determines whether a new database is available 1824. 
If a new data base is available the routine enters the normal operating 
mode (diagramed in FIG. 12b beginning at 1616), otherwise, the routine 
1612 determines whether a key has been entered 1826, either through 
infrared command or through key pad entry. If a key has been entered, the 
routine reads the key 1828 before exiting this routine 1612. If no key has 
been entered, the routine 1612 is exited. 
FIG. 12h diagrams the software routine for the file manager 1614. This 
software is transparent to the subscriber, runs in background, and makes 
use of files downloaded from the headend 208. These files typically 
consist of polling requests that command the set top terminal 220 to 
report purchase information to the headend 208. 
During the download process, the routine 1614 determines whether the DMA 
receive is complete 1830. If the DMA receive is incomplete, the routine 
1614 is exited, otherwise, the routine checks for packet errors 1832. If 
an error in the SDLC packet is detected, the routine 1614 is also exited. 
Where no error has been detected the routine 1614 assembles each packet in 
the file 1834. 
Subsequently, the routine 1614 determines whether the file is complete 
1836. If the file is incomplete the routine 1614 is exited. If complete, 
the file name is checked to determine whether it is the Files.Dat file 
1838. If it is not the Files.Dat file, the routine determines whether the 
received file has already been received 1840. If previously received, the 
routine 1614 is exited. If the file has not been received, a new list of 
data base files will be created 1842 by the routine 1614. Where the 
routine finds a match for the Files.Dat file, the routine determines 
whether this file is a new Files.Dat file 1844. If this file is not new, 
the routine 1614 is exited. If, however, this file is new, the routine 
1614 creates a new list of database fries (again represented at block 
1842). 
The routine 1614 subsequently determines whether all files have been 
received 1846. If all files have been received, a new database is made 
available 1850 and the routine 1614 is exited. If, on the other hand, all 
files have not been received, the routine 1614 is nonetheless exited. 
10. Detailed Description of Menu Screens 
FIGS. 13 through 26 show examples of specific menus and sequences of menus 
which may be used with the present invention. FIG. 13 shows an example of 
an introductory menu screen 1000 that is displayed on a subscriber's 
television 222. This menu screen 1000 offers the subscriber three options. 
The subscriber may choose regular cable television (channels 2 through 40 
1180), programs on demand 1182 (e.g., movies), or a subscriber's account 
review 1184. Other basic program options are possible on the introductory 
menu screen 1000. For example, a system "help" feature (not depicted) can 
be offered on the introductory menu 1000. 
In the upper left-hand corner of the menu 1000, there is a small window 
1186 that may be customized to the subscriber. A subscriber will be given 
the option of showing the current time in this window. In the upper 
right-hand corner a second customized window 1188 is available in which a 
subscriber may show the day and date. These windows may be easily 
customized for subscribers to show military time, European date, phase of 
the moon, quote of the day, or other informational messages. These windows 
may be customized by subscribers using on-screen menu displays following 
the introductory menu 1000. 
In the preferred embodiment, the subscriber is given the capability of 
accessing base channels such as regular broadcast TV and standard cable 
channels and account (billing information) directly from the introductory 
menu 1000 (e.g., by entering the channel number). Further, in the 
preferred embodiment, the subscriber may directly access a major menu 1020 
and bypass the home menu screen 1010. If the subscriber is familiar with 
the programming choices available on the major menus 1020 (FIG. 14), an 
icon button or a lettered key (alpha key) of the remote control 900 may be 
selected to directly access the desired major menu 1020. If any key entry 
other than those expected by the set top terminal 220 software program is 
made, the home menu 1010 is placed on the television screen. In addition, 
after a period of time if no selections are made from the introductory 
menu 1000, the program defaults to the home menu screen 1010. 
FIG. 14 is an example of a home menu screen 1010 that may be used. This 
sample home menu 1010 employs multiple window techniques to make the menu 
user friendly and offers a significant number of choices. It is preferred 
that a channel line up 1190 and the major menu 1020 categories both appear 
on the home menu 1010 icons for selection by the subscriber. Various 
levels of subscription programing may be used, including a "Basic" cable 
package and a "Basic Plus" package. Each of the choices of subscription 
programming preferably is assigned a different color. This increases the 
user friendliness of the present invention. 
Typically, the left half of the screen is used to list the channel number 
and network abbreviation of the most popularly watched networks as shown 
at 1190. The right half of the screen offers access to a variety of major 
menus 1020 listed by category names as shown at 1020. 
A number of major menus 1020 may be utilized in conjunction with the home 
menu. By pressing the alpha-numeric or icon key of the remote 900 
corresponding to the category of programs the subscriber desires, the 
appropriate major menu 1020 is accessed. In addition, the subscriber may 
employ an on-screen cursor to select any option shown in the menu. 
FIG. 14 also shows how additional major menus 1020 can be displayed on the 
home menu screen 1010. When there is no longer room available for 
additional major menu 1020 choices on the home screen, the subscriber may 
access a second screen of the home menu 1010. For example, in FIG. 14, if 
additional major menus 1020 "J-Z" 1191 existed, the subscriber would 
access those menus by highlighting and selecting the J-Z menu option (or 
press the J-Z key on the remote 900). After selecting J-Z, the second or 
extended home menu screen 1010 would appear on a subscriber's television. 
This menu would then list options J-Z separately by name. Theoretically, 
the home menu 1010 may have many extended home menu screens. However, any 
more than a few extended home menu screens would confuse the average 
subscriber. 
The home menu 1010 may be modified to include additional features at the 
bottom of the television screen. For example, one option 1192 would allow 
a subscriber to access program selections that are available on broadcast 
television. Clearly, numerous variations are available for the home menu 
1010. 
FIG. 15 shows an alternate embodiment 1193 of the home menu 1010 (or the 
menu which would normally follow the introductory menu 1000) which can 
simply be the standard cable channel line-up. Offering the standard cable 
line-up on a separate menu may make selection easier for viewers with 
small television screens. 
FIGS. 16 is an example of a major menu 1020 for the movies categories 
depicted as 1042 and 1048 in FIGS. 9a and 9b, respectively. The hit movies 
category 1048 is a list of recently released movies which have been found 
to be popular among movie goers. This movie list is changed once or twice 
a week to keep in line with new movie releases. Again, multi-window and 
customized window techniques for example option instructions 1194 are 
utilized to make the menu as user friendly as possible. 
In the preferred embodiment of the hit movies menu 1048, the hit movies 
menu icon 1196, along with the hit movies category letter A, are 
displayed. The current date and time are displayed at the top of the 
screen 1197 over a menu background. Ten movie selections, with their 
ratings 1199, are displayed in the center of the screen 1198, each in a 
box which may be highlighted when selected. In the lower part of the 
screen 1194, a logo window 1200 is available as well as other option 
choices, Movie Library and Return to Cable TV. If the subscriber desires 
further information on any particular movie, the subscriber may select a 
movie using the cursor movement buttons and press the "go" button. 
In alternate embodiments (not shown), the "return to Cable TV" option may 
be changed to "return to the Home menu" 1010 (or return to other viewing 
choices). In addition, the left upper corner window displays current time 
and the right upper corner window displays a message, but the windows in 
the upper corners remain in substantially the same location from menu to 
menu. Also, the name of the menu and category generally will be at the top 
and center of the menu screen. To make the menus aesthetically pleasing, 
generally the instructions are given across the center of the screen and 
choices are provided in large legible type. Additionally, at the bottom of 
most menu screens, the subscriber is given the option of returning to 
regular TV or returning to the home menu 1010. 
It is important in creating user friendly interfaces that the menus are 
consistent and follow a pattern. This consistency or pattern between the 
different menus provides a level of comfort to the subscriber when 
encountering new menus. 
Other major menus may be directed to the types of subscription services 
available (e.g., basic service, basic plus, economy package, and ala carte 
and premium channels). Such menus may also provide promotional or 
advertising information, for example, the cost for the particular 
subscription service. These menus are grouped by using similar colors or 
shades of colors. For example, the basic subscription service is a light 
pink color. As the subscription services increase in terms of the number 
of channels available, the color shading may increase intensity 
correspondingly. Therefore, the premium subscription service (ala carte 
service) would have a dark red color, contrasting with the light pink 
color of the basic subscription service. 
In FIG. 17, the movie description submenu 1058 for the movie titled 
Terminator Four is shown, signifying that the subscriber may choose this 
program option from the hit movie major menu 1042. FIGS. 17-19 show 
submenus which would follow the selection of Terminator Four from the hit 
movie major menu 1058. In FIG. 17, the sash 1197 across the top of the 
screen remains constant from major menu 1020 to program description 
submenu 1058. For the comfort of the subscriber, the left upper window in 
an alternative embodiment can remain the same and show the current time. 
The upper right-hand corner contains a message stating the next start time 
for the movie selected. 
In order to allow subscribers to view hit movies at their convenience, 
multiple start times for the same movie are provided. In order to provide 
the multiple start time service, the same movie must be shown on multiple 
channels at staggered start times. For example, if Terminator Four is a 
two-hour length movie it can be shown continuously on eight different 
channels, with each showing delayed fifteen minutes after the previous 
showing. This allows the subscriber to begin viewing the movie within a 
fifteen minute time interval. Since the subscriber is not required to find 
the channel which has the correct start time, the subscriber is unaware 
that the movie is being shown on eight different channels. In fact, with 
the use of the submenus, a subscriber is able to nearly effortlessly 
choose the correct channel and correct activation time for viewing the 
desired movie. The channel selection is invisible to the subscriber. 
The set top terminal 220 is able to automatically determine which channel 
will next begin to show the selected movie using any number of techniques. 
For example, the set top terminal 220 has an internal clock representing 
the current time. The set top terminal 220 could compare the current time 
with the start times for the movie on the various channels. Alternatively, 
a signal could be sent with the movie on all channels. This signal will 
set, or reset, a counter to indicate that a particular channel will next 
begin the movie. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other 
methods to determine the next available start time and channel for the 
selected movie are available. 
The FIG. 17 movie description submenu 1058 retains the title in a window 
1204 generally at the top center of the screen. A multiple window 
technique is used in the middle of this menu to display a description of 
the movie and one or more video frames 1208 that assist the subscriber in 
selecting the movie. The video window 1208 provided by the menu may 
include a still picture, a short but repetitive video cut, or a portion of 
the movie that is currently showing on any one of the channels carrying 
the movie at the time of the submenu's display. 
Just below the video window 1208, the submenu provides the cost of viewing 
the movie and the movie length in hours and minutes 1212. An additional 
strip window 1214 is provided, below the video and description windows 
1208, 1212, informing the subscriber of the movie's release date. 
Moving towards the bottom of the menu, the subscriber is given at least 
four options: (1) the ability to order the movie 1216, (2) preview the 
movie, (3) to return to the hit movie menu 1218, and (4) to press "go" and 
return to regular TV 1220. 
FIG. 18 shows the next submenu 1060 in the hit movie menu sequence stemming 
from the selection of Terminator Four. This particular submenu 1060 shows 
confirmation 1224 of the subscriber's hit movie order of Terminator Four. 
The menu display retains the sash across both the top and bottom of the 
screen. An alternate form of the menu 1060 maintains the current time in 
the left upper window, the title in the top center window, and the next 
movie start time in the upper right-hand window. 
In the center of the submenu screen 1060 is a video window 1228 which may 
be used for still or moving video. As indicated at 1230, the submenu 
provides the subscriber with two on-screen options, return to regular TV 
or join the movie Terminator Four already in progress. In an alternative 
embodiment of this submenu 1060, the user is given the ability to return 
directly to the home menu screen 1010 (FIG. 14). 
When the movie's start time is approaching, the set top terminal 220 will 
automatically bring the viewer to the correct channel carrying the movie 
Terminator Four. However, FIG. 19 depicts a notification submenu 1061 
informing the user that a program selection is about to begin (e.g., 
counting down until start time). Using this submenu 1061, the set top 
terminal 220 warns the subscriber prior to switching from the channel 
being viewed to a prior selected program channel. This notification 
submenu 1061 is provided to the subscriber approximately one or more 
minutes before the set top terminal 220 changes the viewing channel. 
The notification submenu 1061 also allows the subscriber to cancel the 
movie order. In FIG. 19, the subscriber is notified in the center af the 
screen, generally at 1234, that the subscriber may be canceled within the 
first five minutes. Alternatively, the subscriber may press escape to 
cancel his order without charge. The notification submenu 1061 then 
informs the subscriber of the start time generally at the upper right 
portion 1236 of the screen. 
An alternative notification submenu (not shown) would use a simple 
three-window menu. A strip window at the top of the screen would notify a 
subscriber of the movie selected and the amount of time before the movie 
will begin. A center window would display a scene from the movie, and at 
the bottom of the screen, the submenu would carry another strip menu which 
informs the user how to escape from the program selection without charge. 
Using a notification submenu allows a subscriber to view other programs 
prior to the movie start time. The subscriber is amply notified of the 
start time of the program and is effortlessly moved to the correct channel 
to view the selected program. This notification-type submenu represented 
in FIG. 19 may be used to move a subscriber from the current channel to 
any preselected channel for viewing a program which has been ordered at an 
earlier time. In the preferred embodiment, the amount of time provided by 
the notification submenu 1061 and similar submenus may be customized by 
the subscriber to a preferred length. If a subscriber cancels or escapes, 
the set top terminal 220 will return to the channel currently being 
viewed. 
As shown in FIG. 20a, in the preferred embodiment, the subscriber is given 
a During Program Menu 1300, specifically, an escape overlay menu 1392 to 
inform the subscriber when the five minutes of movie escape time has 
expired. Once the time has expired, the subscriber will be billed for the 
movie selection. 
FIG. 20b shows another overlay menu 1240 (part of the group of During 
Program Menus 1300) warning that the subscriber is escaping a program 
after being charged for the order of that program. The warning overlay 
menu 1240 of FIG. 20b follows in sequence and is prompted by a hidden menu 
1393 (shown in FIG. 9a) which constantly monitors for subscriber input 
during viewing of the program. The hit movie hidden menu (not shown) 
specifically waits for certain key entries by the subscriber. In 
particular, the hit movie hidden menu awaits for a key stroke such as 
escape, cancel or an icon selection. If the escape button is depressed 
during the viewing of a hit movie the overlay menus of FIG. 20a and FIG. 
20b will be shown. A strip menu 1242 in the lower sash 1244 of FIG. 20b 
allows the subscriber to resume full screen viewing of the hit movie. 
FIG. 20b is a representative example of overlay menus 1390 (FIG. 9a). 
Typically, such menus 1390 have a dark lower background sash 1244 and a 
light colored informational sash 1246. The upper portion 1248 of the 
screen continues to display the video of the program selected. 
FIG. 20c depicts a representative reentry to ordered selection submenu 1250 
for the hit movie category. The reentry to ordered selection submenus 1250 
appear whenever a subscriber selects a programming option (program, event, 
or subscription channel), that the subscriber has already ordered. This 
menu has a program title window 1252 with a text title entry and a 
description of the order that has already been placed for the program (or 
channel). In the preferred embodiment, the submenus 1250 which allow 
reentry to ordered selection provide the subscriber with the added option 
of joining the program within any fifteen minute interval. This special 
feature of the preferred embodiment allows a subscriber who has viewed 
one-half of a particular program to rejoin the program at the half-way 
point. In this manner, the program delivery system mimics a VCR tape 
recording of the program. For example, if a subscriber had rented a 
videotape of the movie Terminator 4 and had watched thirty minutes of the 
movie, he would have left his videotape in the thirty minute position. 
With the menu 1250 of FIG. 20c, a subscriber to the system who has watched 
thirty minutes of Terminator 4 may reenter the movie at the thirty-one to 
forty-five minute interval. The nine blocks 1254 of fifteen minutes of the 
menu display are representative of the choices available for a two-hour 
hit movie. Other variations are possible depending on the length of the 
movie and the timing intervals desired. 
FIG. 21 shows the major menu for the movie library category 1048 (shown in 
FIG. 9b). The movie library category provides subscriber access to a large 
number of movies. Using several transmission channels, each movie in the 
library is shown at least once during a one-month period. Using the movie 
library, a subscriber may access information on a particular movie and 
ascertain the various start times for that movie. 
The movie library major menu 1058 shown in FIG. 21 is an extended menu 
having many follow-on extensions to the major menu screen shown. The 
extended menus continue to show lists of movies in alphabetical order. In 
an alternative embodiment, the movie library is broken down into 
subcategories (not shown) of various types of movies. For instance, movie 
categories such as murder-mystery, documentaries, westerns, and science 
fiction would appear on the movie library major menu 1058. By selecting 
one of these movie library subcategories the subscriber would be moved 
onto a particular submenu for that movie library subcategory. Each submenu 
(not shown) would list movie titles whose contents fall within the 
particular subcategory. 
With reference to FIG. 21b, following a selection of a movie title, the 
subscriber is displayed a movie description submenu 1058. In order to 
maintain a similar pattern throughout the menus, such movie description 
submenus 1058 are designed similarly to FIG. 18 (which depict movie 
description submenus for the hit movie menu 1042) and may include other 
information such as title numbers. Using the submenu 1058 the subscriber 
may order the movie described 1260, return to the movie library major menu 
1262, or return to regular TV 1264. 
The series of FIGS. 22a-22d depict a typical menu sequence including a 
major menu 1043 (FIG. 22a), a subcategory submenu 1052 (FIG. 22b), a 
program description submenu 1054 (FIG. 22c), and a confirmation submenu 
1056 (FIG. 22d). This simple progression of menus is represented generally 
and repeats itself through the menu tree of FIGS. 9a and 9b. 
In the preferred embodiment, FIGS. 22a-22d are a series of menus which are 
categorized in the Documentary and News Major category. FIG. 22a, the 
Documentary and News major menu 1043 shows, at central region 1266, twelve 
different subcategories of services available to the subscriber. After 
selecting a subcategory from this major menu 1043, the set top terminal 
220 moves the subscriber to a submenu describing programs that are 
available in the selected subcategory. For example, FIG. 22b is a submenu 
1052 for subcategory Discovery Channel.TM. choice 1268, and shows six 
programming choices 1270 available for this subcategory. In an alternate 
embodiment, this submenu can display any number of program choices. By 
choosing one of the programming choices on this Discovery Channel.TM. 
choice submenu 1152, the subscriber may obtain more information about the 
particular program. In FIG. 22b, the subscriber has highlighted and 
selected the program War Birds 1274 for further description. 
FIG. 22c is a program description submenu 1054 which describes an available 
program, War Birds. FIG. 22c uses the upper right-hand corner window 1276 
to inform the subscriber of the next start time available for the 
particular program War Birds. In packaging the special selection of 
programs, the programmer at his option may show an identical program on 
several channels in order to permit the subscriber greater flexibility in 
start times. FIG. 22c shows the use of a strip menu 1278 across the lower 
half of the screen displaying a message and the price of the program. 
Similar to other submenus, the subscriber may order the program, return to 
the major menu 1043, or return to regular TV simply by selecting the 
choices on the lower part 1278 of his screen. FIG. 22c depicts the 
subscriber ordering the program War Birds. 
FIG. 22d is a confirmation submenu 1056 generally similar to confirmation 
submenus in other major menu categories. It confirms the subscriber's 
order of the program War Birds. This confirmation submenu retains the 
video window 1276 from the prior submenus and also displays the program 
running time. An alternative submenu may show a strip window (not shown) 
on the lower part of the screen displaying an "800" number and advertising 
the Discovery.TM. catalog. Similar windows may be used throughout submenus 
to assist in advertising for particular programs, channels, or groups of 
programs. Many variations of the confirmation submenu 1056 are possible, 
including allowing the user to join the selected program already in 
progress or return to regular TV. In addition, by depressing the escape 
button, the subscriber may cancel his order of War Birds from this screen. 
FIG. 22c is an example of an overlay menu 1392 presented when a subscriber 
is exiting from a program selection in which he may rejoin at a later 
time. This exiting ordered program overlay menu (as shown at 1392 in FIG. 
9a) is appropriate whenever a subscriber may return to a program or 
channel without additional charges. Since many of the program selections 
are authorized for viewing on a two-day, weekly, or monthly basis, the 
exiting ordered program overlay 1392 is useful in a number of situations. 
This overlay menu 1392 follows a similar format as other overlay menus 1390 
having a darker colored lower sash and lighter colored second sash with 
text information. The sashes are overlayed on the program video currently 
being watched by the subscriber. 
Additionally, an exiting ordered program overlay menu 1392 may be provided 
for one-time viewing program selections to which a viewer cannot return. 
These exiting ordered program overlay menus 1392 would thank the viewer 
for ordering the particular program or channel and entice the viewer to 
order a similar program from the same network. For example, an exiting 
program overlay menu 1392 for a live sports event such as boxing, would 
thank the viewer and remind him that the network carries regularly 
scheduled boxing events on a weekly basis. 
FIGS. 23 and 24 relate to the ordering of specialty channels through the 
menu driven system. FIG. 23 is a major menu 1044 that lists fifteen 
specialty channels 1280 that are available for subscription and viewing. 
In this particular major menu 1044, the lower half of the screen 1282, 
which is utilized to provide the various programming choices, is divided 
into three vertical sections allowing room for fifteen choices. This major 
menu category 1044 is different from the others in that individual 
programs are not ordered but instead channels are subscribed to on a 
monthly or yearly basis. To use this submenu, a subscriber need only 
select and press "go" on the channel of his choice. 
After the subscriber selects a channel, as shown in FIG. 22c, a channel 
description submenu 1054 replaces the major menu on the subscriber's 
television screen. This description submenu 1054 has windows that are 
similar to other description submenus used throughout the menu driven 
system. In the description submenus 1054, the upper right-hand corner is 
used to display the subscription cost for the channel and the upper 
left-hand comer is used to display the method in which the subscription 
price will be billed to the subscriber. In this specific scenario, the 
current time has little bearing on the subscriber's decision to order the 
displayed channel and therefore is not shown on the television screen. 
Another submenu 1056 (FIG. 22d), similar to confirmation menus discussed 
earlier, confirms the subscriber's order and thanks the subscriber for 
ordering the specialty channel. If the subscriber is already paying for 
the selected channel, instead of confirming the order, the subscriber is 
provided with the divided menu 1056 of FIG. 22d, informing the subscriber 
of a current subscription to the Science Fiction channel. In the screen of 
FIG. 22d, the subscriber is allowed to join the channel in progress. After 
an ample period of time for the subscriber to read the screen submenu, the 
submenu 1056 is removed from the television screen and the subscriber has 
a complete view of the programming in progress. 
FIG. 25 shows a major menu for magazine channels 1030. This major menu 
falls under the letter F, Major Menu, and has an icon 1288 showing three 
magazines. The magazine channel major menu has a menu display block 1290 
with 15 options, three columns, each with five selection options. Magazine 
channels are specialty channels targeted to a particular audience. In the 
preferred embodiment, each of the magazine channels has a monthly 
subscription. FIG. 25 shows the science fiction magazine highlighted. 
Upon selection of the science fiction magazine, a channel description 
submenu similar to a program description menu (shown in FIG. 26) is 
displayed. This type of submenu has a network logo in the upper left hand 
part of the screen generated from the logo graphics file 820 (FIG. 27a). 
The name of the channel is prominently displayed across the top. In the 
preferred embodiment, the text for a channel or network name is stored in 
long-term text storage. The text description of the channel on the right 
part of the screen may also be stored in long-term text storage. A video 
window and a video description window is provided. 
If the subscriber orders a science-fiction channel, the subscriber will 
receive a confirmation menu 1056 somewhat similar to the menu shown in 
FIG. 22d. This is a representative confirmation menu for subscribing to 
any network channel. A lower sash of approximately equal width to an upper 
sash of the background menu is displayed in a color preferably different 
than that of the upper sash. Within the confirmation sash, a network logo 
and a standard text description thanking the subscriber will be placed on 
the screen. At any time during this menu screen, the subscriber may cancel 
his subscription to the channel by pressing cancel on his remote 900. 
In the preferred embodiment of the confirmation submenu, the area of the 
screen below the two sashes is filled with video from the channel being 
subscribed instead of text. 
A reentry to an ordered subscription may be accomplished through another 
submenu 1055. Typically, a light colored second sash may be provided at 
the top of the screen with the network logo and text informing the 
subscriber that he has already ordered this particular channel. The 
reentry submenus 1055 generally allow a subscriber to immediately join 
programming in process. The current program on the channel chosen is shown 
in most of the remaining portion of the screen. Typically, a special title 
sash is included as an overlay in the lower portion of the screen. This 
sash identifies the current program being shown on the channel with a text 
description. The set top terminal 220 may derive this text description 
from either the STTCIS, the VBI, or other digital signals. 
Referring to FIG. 26, another similar series of menus may be displayed in 
selecting the documentary news program from the CBS library, called 60 
Minutes. Although this is a regularly scheduled weekly program, it may be 
viewed by subscribers to the present invention at nonscheduled times. A 
major menu 1028 for documentary and news programs, as shown in FIG. 22a, 
is initially displayed. 
FIG. 26 shows a subcategory submenu 1050 for Documentary and News 
displaying five options. This subcategory menu 1050 shows specific 
programs which are available. The cursor highlight overlay is at the top 
of the screen in its default position. From this cursor position, the 
subscriber may order the program 60 Minutes. 
Another program description submenu 1292 displays the network logo, program 
title, program description, video window, video description window, and 
the next program start time. In the preferred embodiment, the next program 
start time is displayed beneath the current time. The program title and 
program description text may be stored in the intermediary text storage. 
In the preferred embodiment, the video description window would display 
running time and price of program. If the subscriber orders the program 
from the program description menu, he is sequenced to a confirmation menu 
1056, shown in FIG. 22d), which, as usual, thanks the subscriber for 
ordering the program. In alternate embodiments, the confirmation text is a 
standard text being generated from long-term text storage. Confirmation 
submenus may be designed to show the user more video and less menu 
graphics and text. 
11. Creation of Menus 
a. Menu Storage 
In the preferred embodiment, the basic building blocks or templates of the 
on-screen menu displays will be stored in graphics memory consisting of 
nonvolatile RAM, ROM, EPROM, or preferably, EEPROM, shown as 620 in FIG. 
27a. Referring back to FIG. 5a, with the information from this graphics 
memory 620, the microprocessor 602, graphics decompressor 622, text 
generator (if necessary), and video combiner 624 will build a menu screen. 
The memory files of the graphics memory or EEPROM 620 are preferably 
categorized into three categories, background graphics 800, logo graphics 
820, and menu and display graphics 850. 
The background graphics file 800 stores menu backgrounds such as: universal 
main menu backgrounds 804, universal submenu backgrounds 808, promo 
backgrounds 812 and custom menu formats 816. The logo graphics file 820 
stores any necessary logos such as: Your Choice TV logos 824, Network logo 
files 828, cable system logo files 832, studio logo files 836, and graphic 
elements file 840. A menu display and cursor graphics file 850 stores menu 
display blocks 854 and cursor highlight overlays 858, as well as any other 
miscellaneous files needed to build the menus. 
Using this method of storing menus, the menus can be changed by 
reprogramming the graphics memory 620 of the set top terminal 220. Picture 
files are sent using the program control information signal. These picture 
files contain the graphic information stored in the graphics memory. To 
revise the entire design of displayed menus, the network controller 214 or 
operations center 202 instructs the EEPROM 620 to be erased and 
reprogrammed with new menu templates (new picture files). To change one 
menu format or logo, the network controller 214 or operations center 202 
instructs just the one location in memory to be erased and rewritten (one 
picture file). Obviously, this menu reprogramming can be done locally at 
the set top terminal 220. Reprogramming is described in detail in 
co-pending patent application, Ser. No. 08/160,281, entitled, 
REPROGRAMMABLE TERMINAL FOR SUGGESTING PROGRAMS OFFERED ON A TELEVISION 
PROGRAM DELIVERY SYSTEM, filed Dec. 2, 1993, by the same assignee and 
incorporated herein by reference. 
With continued reference to FIG. 27a each identified memory subfile is 
further divided into various memory blocks. For example, the background 
graphics file 800 contains the universal main menu backgrounds 804 which 
include memory units UM1 860, UM2 862 and UM3 863. Similarly, the logo 
graphics file 820 and menu display and curser graphics file 850 further 
contain within subfile individual memory blocks (for example, studio logo 
file 836 has memory block SL1 864; menu display blocks 854 has memory menu 
display block MD1 861). 
FIG. 27b shows the hierarchical storage of text transmitted from the cable 
headend 208 as STTSCIS. Although text may be continuously transmitted with 
the video signals to set top terminals 220, text may also be transmitted 
intermittently. In such a case, the text is stored in the set top terminal 
220. Preferably, the text is transmitted and stored in a compressed format 
using known techniques. Additionally, the text is preferably stored in 
graphic memory 620 within set top terminal 220. 
Depending upon the use of the text, it will be stored in one of three 
portions of memory. Information sent with the text will either direct the 
text to a particular portion of memory, or include information as to the 
priority of text. The microprocessor 602 may then direct the text to the 
appropriate memory location for storage. 
If the text is to be used frequently and over a long period of time, a long 
term storage 875 will be used. If the text will be used for a shorter 
period of time (for example, a month), the text will be directed to an 
intermediate storage area 877. If the text is to be used almost 
immediately, or for a short period of time (for example, within a few 
days) the text is directed to a short term storage area 879. The 
microprocessor 602 locates the appropriate text required for a particular 
menu (see generally Table 1) and retrieves it from the appropriate portion 
of memory 620. The text is output from the graphics memory 620 to the text 
generator 623. Text generated from the text generator 623 is thereafter 
directed to text/graphics video combiner 624. 
FIG. 27c shows the steps performed by the microprocessor 602 for creating a 
menu based upon a series of overlay screens. These instructions are stored 
in memory within the set top terminal 220 in a screens data file. The 
screens data file instructs the microprocessor on the location of each 
graphics file on the screen. An example screens data file is shown in 
Table 1. As shown in Table 1, the screens data file specifies menu data 
positioning in terms of, for example, x and y pixel positions, height and 
width, color codes and fonts. Alternatively, instructions or routines may 
be transmitted from the operations center 202 to be stored in memory 
within the individual set top terminals 220. 
TABLE 1 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
.about.The following data lines are for the main menu 
.about. Screen Type Template File 
Description 
.about. 
SCREEN '@MAIN 'main menu.pcx 
'Main Menu 
.about. 
.about. 
Justify 
X Y Ht Wd FColor 
BColor 
Font 
STR POS 
'Left '165 
'85 
'30 
'300 
'27 '55 FUTUR14.GFT 
STRING 'MAIN MENU 
.about. 
.about. Justify X Y Hght Wdt 
PCX POS 'LEFT '190 '75 '200 '200 
PCX example.pcs 
.about. 
.about. 
Justify 
X Y Ht 
Wd FColor 
BColor 
Font X Y Ht 
Wd 
ITEM POS 
'Left 
'120 
'100 
'20 
'400 
'15 '25 FUTUR12.GFT 
'110 
'90 
'30 
'420 
ITEM '@YCTV' YOUR CHOICE TV 
.about. 
.about. 
Justify 
X Y Ht 
Wd FColor 
BColor 
Font X Y Ht 
Wd 
ITEM POS 
'Left 
'120 
'200 
'20 
'400 
'15 '25 FUTUR12.GFT 
'110 
'190 
'30 
'420 
ITEM '@PPV'PAY-PER-VIEW HIT MOVIES 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Initially, as shown at block 878, the microprocessor 602 instructs the 
tuner 603 to select a channel. The channel is decompressed, and error 
corrected and decrypted, if necessary. If the video is to be reduced in 
size, so as to be placed within a video window 1556 (described herein 
later), or is a split screen video window which must be enlarged, the 
video is scaled to the appropriate size. Additionally, the video may be 
required to be redirected to a portion of the television screen. This is 
done by creating a series of offsets for each pixel location of the video. 
Graphics must also be used to create a menu in most instances. As is shown 
in block 882, the microprocessor 602 must fetch a background file, fetch a 
logo file and fetch a menu display and cursor (file in most instances). 
Each of these files must be decompressed 883. Following decompression, the 
file is combined 886. 
Similarly, the microprocessor 602 fetches text (as shown in block 884). 
Depending upon the memory location of the text, the microprocessor 602 
will fetch the text from long-term, intermediate-term, or short-term 
storage, 875, 877, 879, respectively, as described above. (Alternatively, 
text may be stored in the screens data file.) Based upon this memory 
retrieval, the text is generated and combined 886. At the combine step 
886, the video (if any) is combined with as many screens of decompressed 
graphics as necessary, along with any text. The image or portions of each 
image are stored until all overlays are received. Thereafter, the entire 
image is sent, under the direction of another routine, to be displayed on 
the television screen (as represented by display block 888). 
b. Menu Graphics 
FIGS. 28a through 28g and FIGS. 29a through 29g, demonstrate how menus are 
generated by the set top terminal 220. FIGS. 28a through 28g display the 
building of a major menu screen for the category hit movies. FIG. 28a 
shows the background graphics for the hit movie major menu. The background 
graphics 1500 comprise an upper sash 1502 across the top of the screen and 
a lower sash 1504 across the bottom of the screen. The background graphics 
are generated from the background graphics file 800 in the memory files of 
the graphics memory (preferably EEPROM) 620. In particular, the hit movie 
major menu background graphics are located in the universal main menu 
backgrounds subfile 804 of the background graphics file 800. This 
universal major menu background graphic 1500 is consistently used in 
nearly all the major menus. FIG. 28b shows the logo graphics for the hit 
movie major menu. The logo graphics 1508 for this major menu consist of an 
icon window 1510, a cable company logo 1512 in the lower left-hand portion 
of the screen, a channel company logo 1514 in the upper right-hand part of 
the screen and two "go" buttons 1516. The icon graphics 1510 are 
consistently shown in each of the major menus. The cable company logo 1512 
is consistently shown in the lower left-hand part of the screen in nearly 
every major menu. These logo graphics 1508 are created from the logo 
graphics file 820 (FIG. 29a) in the EEPROM 620. In particular, the cable 
company logo 1512 in the lower left-hand corner of the screen is located 
in The Your Choice TV logos 824 part of the logo graphics file. The 
network logo 1514 in the upper right-hand corner of the screen is 
generated from the network logo file 828 of the logo graphics file 820. 
The "go" buttons 1516 are generated from the graphic elements file 840 of 
the logo graphics file 820. 
FIG. 28c shows the addition of menu displays 1520 to the hit movie major 
menu. In particular, FIG. 28c shows a ten block main menu display 1520 and 
a strip menu 1522 in the lower part of the screen. The ten display blocks 
1520 of FIG. 28c are generated from the menu display block's subfile 854 
of the menu display and cursor graphics file 850 (shown in FIG. 27a. The 
strip menu 1522 located on the lower part of the screen is also generated 
from the menu display block's subfile 854. 
FIG. 28d shows the addition of a cursor highlight overlay 1526 to the hit 
movie major menu. The cursor highlight overlay 1526 is generated from the 
cursor highlight overlay's submenu 858 of the menu display and cursor 
graphics file 850 shown in FIG. 27a. In the preferred embodiment, the 
cursor highlight overlay 1526 is shown by default to be in the upper 
left-hand menu display block of each major menu. This cursor highlight 
overlay 1526 can be moved on the screen by the subscriber. 
FIG. 28e shows the text 1530 generated for the hit movies major menu. In 
the preferred embodiment, the text 1530 is generated separately by a text 
generator in the set top terminal unit 220. The text "HIT MOVIES from" 
1531 consistently appears on each hit movies' major menu. This text may be 
stored in long term storage. Other text such as that which appears at the 
lower center part of the screen "PRESS HERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV" 1532 
also appears many times throughout the menu sequence. Text which changes 
on a regular basis, such as the movie titles (or other program 
selections), will be transmitted to the set top terminal 220. In this 
manner, the cable headend 208 may change the program selections available 
on any major menu 1020 by modifying the program control information signal 
sent by the operations center 202 and transmitting the change via the 
STTCIS. 
In alternative embodiments, portions of the text, particularly those 
portions which remain constant, may be incorporated into the screens data 
file or the graphics files and stored in either the background graphics 
file 800 or the logo graphics file 820. 
FIG. 28f shows the addition of day 1534, date 1536 and time 1538 
information 1540 to the hit movies major menu. This information may be 
obtained in a variety of ways. The day, date, and time information 1540 
may be sent from the operations center 202, the cable headend (signal 
processor or network controller 214), the uplink site 204, or generated by 
the set top terminal unit 220 internally. Each manner of generating the 
day, date, and time information 1540 has advantages and disadvantages 
which may change given the particular embodiment and costs. In a preferred 
embodiment, the day, date, and time 1540 are generated at a central 
location such as the operations center and are adjusted for regional 
changes in time at the cable headend 208. 
FIG. 28g shows the results of the information in FIGS. 28a to 28f being 
integrated in the video combiner 624 and then displayed on the television 
screen 222. The subscriber in viewing the hit movie major menu 1040 is 
unaware of the fact that the menu comprises several distinct parts. 
FIGS. 29a through 29g show the creation and display of a program 
description submenu for a hit movie. Similar to the major menu, the 
submenu is created in parts and combined before being sent to the 
television screen. FIG. 29a shows the background graphics 1550 for the 
program description submenu. In the preferred embodiment, the upper sash 
1552 and lower sash 1554 of the background graphics 1550 are stored 
together in one location on the EEPROM 620. The video window 1556 and 
half-strip window 1558 are also co-located in storage on the EEPROM 620. 
The half-strip window 1558 beneath the video window serves 1556 as a means 
for describing the videos shown in the video window 1556. Both sets of 
graphic information 1550, the sashes 1552, 1554 and video window 1556 with 
description 1558, are located in the universal submenu backgrounds subfile 
808 of the background graphics file 800. Both sets of backgrounds appear 
in many menus and are used many times during a sequence of menus. 
FIG. 29b shows the additional logo graphics information 1508 needed to 
create the program description submenu. In the preferred embodiment and 
with reference back to FIGS. 27a and 27b, the "go" logo 1516 can be stored 
once in memory 620 and directed to the correct portion of the screen in 
which it is needed for a particular menu. Similar to FIG. 28b, the 
information needed to create the "your choice" logo 1512 and "go" buttons 
1516 is stored in the logo graphics file 820. 
FIG. 29c shows the addition of menu display information 1520 for the 
program description submenu. Similar to FIG. 28e, the information needed 
for FIG. 29c menu display blocks is stored in the menu display blocks' 
subfile 854 of the menu display and cursor graphics 850. In this 
particular submenu, there are three menu display blocks of rectangular 
shape. 
FIG. 29d shows the addition of cursor highlight overlay graphics 1526 for 
the program description graphics. This information is obtained from the 
cursor highlight overlay submenu, one of the overlay graphics. For most 
major menus 1020 and submenus 1050, only one cursor highlight overlay 1526 
will appear on the screen at a given time. More cursor highlight overlays 
1526 will appear on a screen when the subscriber is presented with more 
than one question. The number of cursor highlight overlays 1526 will 
generally correspond with the number of questions being presented to the 
subscriber on the menu. The cursor highlight overlay 1526 is generally 
assigned a default position on each menu screen and is moved by the 
subscriber using the remote control 900. 
FIG. 29e shows the text generation 1530 necessary for the program 
description submenu for a hit movie. As in FIG. 28e, some of the text for 
the program description submenu is consistently on each program 
description submenu, such as "PRESS HERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV." This 
textual information may be stored locally and processed through the text 
generator 621 before being sent to the video combiner 624. 
c. Use Of Promotional Video 
FIG. 29f shows the addition of video 1560 to the video window 1556. In an 
alternative embodiment, the video shown in the program description submenu 
is a still picture. The still picture may be stored in a compressed format 
(such as JPEG) at the set top terminal 220. These video stills 1560 that 
are used on program description submenus as well as other menus, may be 
transmitted by the operations center 202 through the program control 
information signal from time to time. 
In the preferred embodiment, the video window 1556 shows a moving video 
picture. For the hit movies category, the moving video picture may be 
obtained directly from a current feed of the described movie. For example, 
the movie video shown may be taken directly off of a channel which is 
currently showing the movie Terminator. The set top terminal 220 would 
decompress the channel with the movie Terminator and then manipulate the 
video signal to place it in the video window 1556. This manipulation of 
the video signal includes scaling down the size of the video screen and 
redirecting the video to a portion of the menu screen which is within the 
video window of the menu. Another method of getting the moving video 
(Terminator video chip) to the video window portion of the submenu, is to 
obtain the video from a split screen channel described later. 
FIG. 29g shows the final product resulting from the combining of FIGS. 29a 
through 29f. The video combiner 624 integrates each of these portions of 
information into a single menu screen 1058. 
With reference also to FIGS. 5a and 27b, the video combiner 624 which 
displays the menus on the television screen obtains information primarily 
from three locations, the graphics generator 622, the text generator 621, 
and the video decompressor 618 (with other video manipulation equipment, 
if necessary). The graphics generator 622 primarily obtains information 
from the graphic memory unit 620 but may receive information in the 
STTCIS. The text generator 621 primarily receives its information from a 
separate memory for text. However, in certain embodiments the text 
information may be stored in the graphics memory 620 or may be taken 
directly off the STTCIS. The video signal which is sent to the video 
combiner 624 may come directly from one or more video decompressors or 
ancillary video manipulation equipment. 
One of the methods for video clips or promotional video to be sent to the 
set top terminal 220 is through the use of split screen video techniques. 
Using a split screen technique, any number of different video clips may be 
sent (e.g., 2, 4, 6, or 8 video clips) on a single channel. FIG. 30 shows 
the throughput of a single channel using a split screen video technique to 
divide the channel into four parts. In this manner, four different video 
clips may be simultaneously sent on a single channel. Program description 
submenus can acquire one of the video clips shown on the split channel at 
any given time. Generally, this requires the set top terminal 220 to 
decompress the entire channel, acquire one-fourth of the video 
information, scale the video (if necessary), and redirect the video (if 
necessary). Using this split screen technique 1602, numerous video clips 
may be sent over a limited number of channels. For example, forty eight 
different video clips may be sent simultaneously on a single channel using 
split screen video techniques. In this embodiment, the video signal may 
need to be scaled upwardly to enlarge the picture for viewing in a video 
window or on a full screen. Redirecting by pixel offset may be used to 
place the video in the video window. 
The terminal uses known scaling and positioning techniques similar to those 
currently used in consumer electronics to produce picture-in-picture. 
Additional circuitry may be required in the set top terminal 220 to 
perform adequate scaling and repositioning. 
In an alternative embodiment, which avoids the need for redirecting video 
into the portion of the screen which houses the video window 1556, masking 
and menu graphics not needed. This masking technique allows the split 
screen are used to cover the portions of the channel video that are video 
to remain in the same portion of the screen that it is transmitted by the 
operations center. The masking then is adjusted to cover the undesired 
portions of the screen. These masks would be stored in the background 
graphics file 800 similarly to other background files for menus. The 
advantage of the system is the cost savings in not needing to redirect 
video. The disadvantage of the system is that the video window on a 
description submenu, for example, would not remain in the same location 
from menu to menu. This inconsistency in video window location detracts 
from the aesthetically pleasing aspects of the menu layouts. 
If the masking technique is used in conjunction with the split screen video 
shown in FIG. 30, each submenu has approximately one-quarter screen of 
video and three-quarter screen of graphic and text information. For 
example, a submenu or promo menu for a basketball game would mask all but 
the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Following masking, other 
background graphics 1550, logo graphics 1508, menu display 1520, cursor 
graphics 1526, and text information 1530 would be overlayed over the 
three-quarter mask as described earlier. In a similar manner, a submenu or 
promo menu for a hockey game would also have a three-quarter mask. This 
three-quarter mask would mask all but the lower right-hand corner of the 
screen. Again, the remaining menu graphics, logos and textual information 
would overlay the three-quarter mask. As can be appreciated from this 
example, four different three-quarter masks are stored in the background 
graphics file 800 for use in the four possible video window positions. 
The split screen video technique may also be used for promoting television 
programming. Since a great number of short video clips may be sent 
continuously, full or partial screen promotionals (or informationals) may 
be provided to the subscriber. With this large quantity of promotional 
video, subscribers may be given the opportunity to "graze" through new 
movie or television programming selections. The subscriber would simply 
graze from promotional video to promotional video until finding (and 
ordering) the desired television program. 
The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration 
only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will 
recognize that numerous variations are possible within the spirit and 
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.