TELEVISION RECEIVER HAVING A USER-EDITABLE TELEPHONE SYSTEM CALLER-ID FEATURE

Abstract: A television receiver includes telephone network interface circuitry which allows the receiver to receive and process Caller-ID signals for display during the ringing period of the telephone set. The television receiver also includes circuitry which allows a list of priority callers to be entered. The incoming Caller-ID codes are compared to the telephone numbers of the priority callers. Upon detection, the Caller-ID information of a priority caller is displayed on screen during television viewing. The telephone numbers of those callers not listed as priority callers are not displayed during the ringing period of the telephone. Both displayed and non-displayed telephone numbers which correspond to unanswered telephone calls are stored in a Caller-ID list for display at the user's convenience. Thus, the user is able to enter data to select beforehand which calling telephone numbers are permitted to interrupt his or her television show by displaying Caller-ID information on the screen.

Description: TELEVISION RECEIVER HAVING A USER-EDITABLE TELEPHONE SYSTEM CALLER-ID FEATURE The subject invention concerns generally concerns the field of television receivers having an interface to a data network, such as a telephone network. The terms "television apparatus" and "television receiver" as used herein include television receivers having a display device (such as, "television sets", and "PC-TV" combination sets), and television receivers not having a display device, such as VCRs, videodisc players, DVD (Digital Video Disc) players, cable converter boxes, satellite receivers, and the like. A "Caller-ID" (caller identification) feature is commonly available on telephone equipment in the United States. This feature displays, during the ringing period, the telephone number of the calling party, on a display unit associated with a user's telephone. In this way, the called party knows who is calling without having to pick up the phone. The called party can then determine if he or she wishes to answer the phone (i.e., take the call). In an extended Caller- ID system, the name of the person calling is also displayed. That is, a name associated with the number of the calling telephone is displayed. In operation, the Caller-ID information is transmitted by the telephone service provider between the first ring signal and second ring signal sent to the called telephone. Caller-ID circuitry in the telephone set receives and decodes the Caller-ID message for display on its display unit (usually an LCD display). It has been proposed, for example in US patent 5,343,516 (Callele, et al.), issued 30 August 1994, and entitled COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATIONS SIGNALING INTERFACE, that a telephone network interface unit be equipped with an infrared transmitter for sending caller-ID signals to a television receiver for display using the on-screen display apparatus of the television receiver, in order to provide a caller-ID feature. Callele, et al. also states that, in the alternative, the closed caption display circuitry could be used to display the caller's name or number data. U.S. patent 5,550,900 (Ensor, et al.), issued 27 August 1996, and entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ROUTING MESSAGES IN A TELEPHONE MESSAGE CENTER, discloses a video display device for displaying Caller-ID information during the ringing period of the telephone. Ensor, et al. also teach that the audio portion of the television program be attenuated to assist the user in hearing the incoming telephone ring signal. Ensor, et al. also discloses the storing, for display at a later time, of a list of Caller-ID messages, and discriminating among received Caller-ID messages to permit forwarding of certain phone calls to particular addressable telephone units in a household telephone system. It is recognized that the use of the on-screen display (OSD) apparatus of a television receiver for displaying Caller-ID information has its advantages. However, it is further recognized that when a television receiver is operating in an entertainment mode (as opposed to a PC-TV mode of operation), it may prove to be extremely annoying to have the continuity of a viewer's television programs interrupted by repeated on-screen display of Caller-ID messages. In accordance with the present invention, a television receiver includes telephone network interface circuitry which allows the receiver to receive and process Caller-ID signals for display during the ringing period of the telephone set. The television receiver also includes circuitry which allows a list of priority callers to be entered. In this way, the incoming Caller-ID codes are compared to the telephone numbers of the priority callers. Upon detection, the Caller-ID information of a priority caller is displayed on screen during television viewing. The telephone numbers of those callers not listed as priority callers are not displayed during the ringing period of the telephone. Both displayed and non-displayed telephone numbers which correspond to unanswered telephone calls are stored in a Caller-ID list for display at the user's convenience. In this way, the user is able to enter data to select beforehand which calling telephone numbers are permitted to interrupt his or her television show by displaying Caller-ID information on the screen. A television receiver having user-editable Caller-ID capability will now be described with reference to the FIGURES, wherein: FIGURE 1 shows a television receiver suitable for use with the invention; FIGURE 2 shows a screen display of a Priority Caller Caller- ID list in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 3 shows a screen display of a received-call Caller-ID list in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 4 shows a screen display of active video with a Caller-ID message superimposed thereon in accordance with the invention; and FIGURE 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a relevant portion of the control program of controller 110 of FIGURE 1. Referring to FIGURE 1, a television receiver includes an RF input terminal 100 which receives radio frequency (RF) signals and applies them to a tuner assembly 102. Tuner assembly 102 selects and amplifies a particular RF signal under control of a tuner controller 104 which provides a tuning voltage via a wire 103, and bandswitching signals via signal lines represented by the broad double-ended arrow 103', to tuner assembly 102. Tuner assembly 102 converts the received RF signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal and provides an IF output signal to video (VIF) and sound (SIF) amplifier and detector unit 130. VIF/SIF amplifier and detector unit 130 amplifies the IF signal applied to its input terminal and detects the video and audio information contained therein. The detected video information is applied as one input of a video processor unit 155. The detected audio signal is applied to an audio processor 135 for processing and amplification before being applied to a speaker assembly 136. Tuner controller 104 generates the tuning voltage and bandswitching signals in response to control signals applied from a system control microcomputer (μC) 110. The terms "microcomputer", controller, and "microprocessor", as used herein, are equivalent. It is also recognized that the control function of microcomputer 110 may be performed by an integrated circuit especially manufactured for that specific purpose (i.e., a "custom chip"), and the term "controller", as used herein, is also intended to include such a device. Microcomputer 110 receives user-initiated commands from an infrared (IR) receiver 122 and from a "local" keyboard 120 mounted on the television receiver itself. IR receiver 122 receives IR transmissions from remote control transmitter 125. Microcomputer 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 112, a program memory (ROM) 114, and stores channel-related data in a random-access memory (RAM) 1 16. RAM 1 16 may be either internal to, or external to, microprocessor 110, and may be of either the volatile or non-volatile type. The term "RAM" is also intended to include electrically-erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 1 17. One skilled in the art will recognize that if volatile memory is utilized, that it may be desirable to use a suitable form of standby power (such as from STANDBY POWER SUPPLY 180) to preserve its contents when the receiver is turned off. Microcomputer 110 also includes a timer 118 for providing timing signals as needed. Microcomputer (or controller) 110 generates a control signal for causing tuner control unit 104 to control tuner 102 to select a particular RF signal, in response to user-entered control signals from local keyboard 120 and from infrared (IR) receiver 122. IR receiver 122 is powered from Standby Power Supply 180 to be able to receive a command to turn-on the receiver. Tuner 102 produces a signal at an intermediate frequency (IF) and applies it to a processing unit 130 comprising a video IF (VIF) amplifying stage, an AFT circuit, a video detector, and a sound IF (SIF) amplifying stage. Processing unit 130 produces a first baseband composite video signal (TV), and a sound carrier signal. The sound carrier signal is applied to an audio signal processor unit 135 which includes an audio detector and may include a stereo decoder. Audio signal processor unit 135 produces a first baseband audio signal and applies it to a speaker unit 136. Second baseband composite video signals and second baseband audio signals may be applied to VIDEO IN and AUDIO IN terminals from an external source. The first and second baseband video signals (TV) are coupled to a video processor unit 155 (having a selection circuit not shown). Electrically-erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 1 17 is coupled to controller 110, and serves as a non-volatile storage element for storing autoprogramming channel data, and user-entered channel data. The processed video signal at the output of video signal processor unit 155, is applied to a Kine Driver Amplifier 156 for amplification and then applied to the guns of a color picture tube assembly 158 for display. The processed video signal at the output of video signal processor unit 155, is also applied to a Sync Separator unit 160 for separation of horizontal and vertical drive signals which are in turn applied to a deflection unit 170. The output signals from deflection unit 170 are applied to deflection coils of picture tube assembly 158 for controlling the deflection of its electron beam. The television receiver may also include closed caption circuitry as follows. A Data Slicer 145 receives closed caption data at a first input from VIF/SIF amplifier and detector unit 130, and at a second input from the VIDEO IN terminal via a Video Switch 137 which selects the proper source of closed-caption data under control of controller 110. Data Slicer 145 supplies closed-caption data to Closed Caption OSD Processor 140 via lines 142 and 143. Data Slicer 145 supplies closed-caption status data (Newdata, Field 1) to controller 110. Under control of controller 110, via control line 141 , Closed Caption OSD Processor 140 generates character signals, and applies them to an input of video signal processor 155, for inclusion in the processed video signal. Alternatively, Closed Caption OSD Processor 140 and Data Slicer 145 may be included in controller 110. As noted above, although either OSD circuitry or closed caption display circuitry may be used to display Caller-ID data, preferably the OSD circuitry is employed, as described below. A Telephone Network Interface Unit 126 is coupled to an external telephone network via Tip (T) and Ring (R) terminals for receiving Caller-ID signals transmitted by the telephone service provider. Telephone Network Interface Unit 126 is also coupled to controller 1 10 for providing decoded Caller-ID signals for display on picture tube 158. Telephone Network Interface Unit 126 and controller 110 are both coupled to a source of standby power (SB) 180 so that Caller-ID signals may be processed even when the television receiver is switched off and incapable of displaying a picture. Telephone Network Interface Unit 126 continually monitors incoming telephone calls for Caller- ID signals transmitted between the first and second rings, and upon detection applies them to controller 1 10. The television receiver 200 of FIGURE 2 is showing a screen display 210 entitled Priority Caller List. Six entry areas of the list are shown 220, five of which contain data entered by a user. The five entries represent telephone numbers and names of various individuals whom the user desires to accord a priority status. When any of those five Caller-ID codes are detected in an incoming call, the OSD is controlled to place a message on the display screen of the television receiver, if the television receiver is switched on (i.e., active, and able to display a picture). Any other Caller-ID code will not cause the display of an on-screen Caller-ID message. A message 230 displayed at the bottom of the screen prompts the user to enter the telephone number and name of any other priority callers desired. The television receiver 300 of FIGURE 3 is showing a screen display 310 entitled Caller-ID List. Six entry areas of the list are shown 320, five of which contain data showing that five unanswered telephone calls were received. The four of the five entries represent telephone numbers and names of various individuals whom the user did not desire to accord a priority status. The fifth (Aunt Martha) is a priority caller, who called when the user was unavailable to answer the call. The Caller-ID list and the Priority Caller List are both caused to be displayed by accessing a caller ID menu, or by pressing a particular key of remote control unit 125. The television receiver 400 of FIGURE 4 is showing a screen display 410 of active video 460 with a Caller-ID message 470 superimposed on the active video. It is herein recognized that the caller ID message could also be displayed in a PIP inset, if desired. Note that the Caller-ID message indicates that an incoming call is being received, and note that the incoming call is from a priority caller (Grandma). In accordance with the subject invention, calls from non-priority callers are not displayed over the active video, so that the viewer is not interrupted by seemingly endless Caller-ID messages. The flowchart of FIGURE 5 shows how the discrimination between priority callers and non-priority callers is accomplished. The routine is entered at step 500 with currently received Caller-ID data. At step 510, controller 110 searches the data stored in memory which represents the priority caller data. A determination of a match is made at step 515. If the currently received data does not match a stored priority caller entry, then the NO path is taken to step 530, at which a determination is made as to whether or not the call has been answered. If not, the currently received Caller-ID data is stored (Step 535) in a portion of memory accessed by controller 1 10 to generate the Caller- ID list display of FIGURE 3. The routine is then exited at step 540. If at step 515, a determination was made that the currently received data did match a priority caller entry, then the YES path is taken to step 520. At step 520, the a check is made to see if the TV is switched on. If not, the NO path is taken to step 530 to see if the call is answered. If the call is answered, then there is no need to store the Caller-ID data and the program is exited at step 540. If the call is not answered, then the program advances to step 535 for Caller-ID data storage, before exiting at step 540. If at step 520, it was found that the TV is switched on, then the YES path is taken to step 525 wherein the currently received Caller-ID data is displayed over the active video. The program then advances to step 530 to see if the call is answered. If the call is answered, then there is no need to store the Caller-ID data and the program is exited at step 540. If the call is not answered, then the program advances to step 535 for Caller-ID data storage, before exiting at step 540.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A television receiver, comprising: television signal processing means ( 102, 130, 155) for receiving and processing television signals; on-screen display means (( 140) for producing signals for displaying a menu on a display means (158); control means (1 10) for controlling said television signal processing means and said on-screen display means; and data entry means ( 120, 122) for receiving data from an external source, wherein data storage means (116, 1 17) coupled to said control means stores data (220) related to Caller-ID information, and said control means permits said on-screen display means to produce an on-screen display of Caller-ID information (470) relating to a currently received telephone call if said data of said data storage means contains data matching said Caller-ID information. 2. The television receiver of claim 1 , wherein said data storage means is user-programmable to contain a list comprising Caller-ID information for a plurality of calling telephone numbers for comparison to incoming Caller-ID information. 3. The television receiver of claim 1 , wherein said data entry means is a remote control signal receiver (122); and said external source of data is a remote control device ( 125) . 4. A television receiver, comprising: television signal processing means ( 102, 130, 155) for receiving and processing television signals; on-screen display means ( 140) for producing signals for displaying a menu on a display means (158); control means (1 10) for controlling said television signal processing means and said on-screen display means; and data entry .means (120, 122) for receiving data input by a user, wherein data storage means coupled to said control means stores data (220) related to priority caller Caller-ID information and Caller-ID list data (320) relating to received unanswered telephone calls, said control means permits said on-screen display means to produce an on-screen display of Caller-ID information (470) relating to a currently received telephone call if said data storage means contains priority caller data matching said currently received Caller-ID information, and said control means stores said currently received Caller-ID information in said data storage means if said data storage means does not contain priority caller data matching said currently received Caller-ID information, and if said telephone call corresponding to said currently received Caller-ID data is unanswered. 5. The television receiver of claim 4, wherein said data storage means is user-programmable to contain a list comprising Caller-ID information for a plurality of calling telephone numbers for comparison to incoming Caller- ID information. 6. The television receiver of claim 4, wherein said data entry means is a remote control signal receiver ( 122); and said external source of data is a remote control device ( 125 ).

Inventors: LAGONI WILLIAM ADAMSON, MCCARTHY DENNIS RONALD, O'BRIEN ROBERT LAWRENCE, LAGONI, WILLIAM, ADAMSON, MCCARTHY, DENNIS, RONALD, O'BRIEN, ROBERT, LAWRENCE
Applicants: THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS, THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS, INC.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: H04M1
IPC codes: H04M1, H04M11, H04N7