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TW492252B - Method and apparatus for providing an interactive program guide with headend processing - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for providing an interactive program guide with headend processing Download PDF

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Publication number
TW492252B
TW492252B TW089124292A TW89124292A TW492252B TW 492252 B TW492252 B TW 492252B TW 089124292 A TW089124292 A TW 089124292A TW 89124292 A TW89124292 A TW 89124292A TW 492252 B TW492252 B TW 492252B
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Taiwan
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information
patent application
database
scope
request
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TW089124292A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
Ted R Michaud
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Gen Instrument Corp
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/68—Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information
    • H04H60/72—Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information using electronic programme guides [EPG]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/262—Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists
    • H04N21/26283—Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists for associating distribution time parameters to content, e.g. to generate electronic program guide data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/435—Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/64—Addressing
    • H04N21/6408—Unicasting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/83—Generation or processing of protective or descriptive data associated with content; Content structuring
    • H04N21/84—Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/165—Centralised control of user terminal ; Registering at central
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/16—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution of identical information repeatedly
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/28—Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
    • H04H20/33—Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information by plural channels
    • H04H20/34—Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information by plural channels using an out-of-band subcarrier signal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/30—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the use of a return channel, e.g. for collecting users' opinions, for returning broadcast space/time information or for requesting data
    • H04H2201/37—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the use of a return channel, e.g. for collecting users' opinions, for returning broadcast space/time information or for requesting data via a different channel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/40—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised in that additional data relating to the broadcast data are available via a different channel than the broadcast channel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/70—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised in that receivers can be addressed

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A method and apparatus of providing an electronic guide to television programming provides a headend database and processor which segments and categorizes programming information which is then broadcast in a hierarchy over an out-of-band channel. Individual subscriber's set-top terminals access and display the guide information direct from the headend server in response to input from the subscriber. Alternatively, individual set-top terminals submit requests for particular guide information which are filled by the server serially over the out-of-band channel.

Description

492252 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 —____B7 __五、發明説明（彳) 發明領域： 本發明係有關配送電視節目資訊之領域。更具體而言 ’本發明係有關一種用來提供互動式節目指南之方法及裝 置，其中係由一服務供應商集中地處理節目資訊’並將節 目資訊直接下載到收視者的螢幕，因而收視者所在處不需 要有大量及昂貴的記憶體。 發明背景： 由於現代文化中電視驚人的普及性，所以都會區中電 視台的數目以及有線電視網路的頻道數目及衛星系統支援 都齊一地增加。其結果就是特定收視者可能感興趣的節目 數目非常多且還不斷地增加。爲了要將可收視的節目通知 收視者，目前已開發出了若干種的裝置。 在傳統上，於雜誌或地方報紙上刊載的節目指南已是 一種確定可收視節目的標準方式。然而，當可收視節目的 數量增加時，報紙更爲篩選所刊載的節目表。以他種形式 出版的節目指南可能嘗試列出所有可收視的節目。然而， 此時的節目指南的內容太多，而對想要迅速決定可收視的 節目或者想要找出某一特定類型的節目的所有節目表之收 視者就不再有用了。此外，由於無法更新所刊登的節目表 ，所以無法反映最新的節目改變及增添。 爲了解決刊載的節目表之固有問題，現在已開發出電 子式節目指南。這些系統涉及將一電子式節目指南儲存在 收視者的電視機內的電子記憶體中、或連接到收視者電視 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS Γα4規格（210X297公釐]~ΓΤΙ (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再本頁) .裝· 訂 -辦| 492252 Α7 Β7 五、發明説明（2 ) 機的一機上終端機內的電子記憶體中。使用者然後可存取 該節目指南，以便在電視螢幕上顯示。 (請先閲讀背面之注意事項再本頁) 例如，授予Yabe的美國專利4，2 8 8，8 0 9及授 予Hutt等人的美國專利4，〇 5 2，7 1 9 (本發明特此 引用該二專利以供參照）說明了此種系統，其中係於傳入 視頻信號的空白圖場期間傳送文數字的節目資訊。係由一 識別碼識別該貧訊’並將該資訊儲存在與一'收視者的電視 相關聯之一記憶體中，因而可叫出該資訊，以便在電視螢 幕上顯示。該記憶體是一隨機存取記憶體（Random Access Memory ;簡稱R A Μ )，且係經由在傳入信號的空白圖場 期間傳輸新的資訊，而持續地更新該節目資訊。 同樣地，授予D 〇 u m i t等人的美國專利 4，2 0 3 ，1 3 0 (本發明特此引用該二專利以供參照 )說明了向有線電視收視戶顯示節目表及其他資料。該節 目資訊係包含在經由纜線而傳送的電視信號中，且係將該 節目資訊儲存在與收視者電視相關聯的記憶體中，因而可 擷取並顯示該節目資訊。該顯示利用全部的電視螢幕。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 授予Reiter等人的美國專利4，751 ，578 (本 發明特此引用該二專利以供參照）揭示了一種用來提供節 目資訊的類似系統。然而，Reiter等人的專利所揭示之顯 示可利用完整的螢幕，也可以是所接收電視節目上的一疊 層或視窗。節目資訊係儲存在一本機R A Μ中，且係由經 由一電話鏈路而提供的電視信號中之編碼資訊或記錄在石玆 卡或軟碟上的資訊更新該節目資訊。 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) Α4規格（210X297公釐）~--- 492252 五、發明説明（3 6 ，1 2 1 (本發明 一種類似的電子式節 資訊儲存在收視者所 式節目資訊預約設定 錄影，而收視者無須 於利用收視者所在處 可收視的頻道及節目 的記憶體來儲存相關 加收視者所擁有的電 提供電子式電視節目 新該電子式電視節目 組織該電子式電視節 訊並不限於收視者的 請 先 閲 讀 背 之 注 意 項492252 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 —____ B7 __ V. Description of Invention (彳) Field of Invention: The present invention relates to the field of distributing television program information. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing an interactive program guide, in which a service provider centrally processes program information, and downloads the program information directly to the screen of the viewer, thus the viewer You don't need a lot of expensive memory where you are. Background of the Invention: Due to the amazing popularity of television in modern culture, the number of television stations in metropolitan areas, the number of channels of cable television networks, and satellite system support have increased uniformly. As a result, the number of programs that may be of interest to a particular viewer is very large and continues to increase. In order to notify viewers of a viewable program, several devices have been developed. Traditionally, program guides, published in magazines or local newspapers, have been a standard way to determine what programs are available for viewing. However, as the number of programs available for viewing increased, newspapers screened the list of programs on which they were published. Program guides published in other formats may attempt to list all available programs. However, the content of the program guide at this time is too much, and it is no longer useful to viewers who want to quickly decide which programs to view or who want to find all the program listings of a particular type of program. In addition, since the published program list cannot be updated, it cannot reflect the latest program changes and additions. In order to solve the problems inherent in published program listings, electronic program guides have now been developed. These systems involve storing an electronic program guide in the electronic memory of the viewer ’s television or connecting to the viewer ’s television. The paper size is applicable to the Chinese national standard (CNS Γα4 specification (210X297 mm) ~ ΓΤΙ (please first (Please read the notes on the back, and then this page). Binding · Order-to-do | 492252 Α7 Β7 V. Description of the Invention (2) The electronic memory in the terminal of the machine. The user can then access the program guide, (Please read the notes on the back before this page) For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,2,88,8 0 to Yabe and U.S. Patent No. 4,05,2 to Hutt et al. 19 (the present invention hereby refers to these two patents for reference) describes such a system, in which text program information is transmitted during a blank field of an incoming video signal. The poor information is identified by an identification code 'and This information is stored in a memory associated with a 'viewer's television, so the information can be called up for display on the television screen. The memory is a Random Access Memory (Random Access Memory; Jane RA M), and the program information is continuously updated by transmitting new information during the blank field of the incoming signal. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,203,130 issued to Doumit et al. (The present invention hereby refers to these two patents for reference) describes the display of the program table and other materials to cable TV viewers. The program information is included in the television signal transmitted via the cable, and the program information is stored in In the memory associated with the viewer ’s television, the program information can be retrieved and displayed. The display utilizes all television screens. The Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs printed a US patent 4,751 issued to Reiter et al. 578 (the two patents are hereby incorporated by reference to the present invention) discloses a similar system for providing program information. However, the display disclosed in the patent of Reiter et al. May utilize a full screen or may be on a received television program. A stack or window. Program information is stored in a local RA, and is coded information from a television signal provided over a telephone link. Or the information recorded on the Shizka or floppy disk to update the program information. This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) ~ 492252 V. Description of the invention (3 6, 1 2 1 (A similar electronic festival information of the present invention is stored in the program information reservation setting recording of the viewers' type, and the viewers do not need to use the memory of the channels and programs available to the viewers to store the information owned by the viewers. The electronic TV program provided by the new electronic TV program organizes the electronic TV newsletter is not limited to viewers, please read the note of the back first

頁 授予Young的美國專利4 , 7〇 特此引用該專利以供參照）亦揭示了 目指南。Young的系統將電子式節目 在處的一記憶體中，且可利用該電子 一連接的錄影機，以便將所列出節目 傳送及重新輸入該節目資訊到錄影機^ 所有這些先前系統的一個問題在 的記憶體來儲存電子式節目指南。當 數目不斷增加時，必須提供愈來愈多 聯的電子式節目指南。此種方式將增 子節目設備的成本及體積。 因此，本門技術中需要一種用來 資訊之方法及系統，其中可持續地更 資訊，且可在收視者的要求下搜尋並 目資訊’且其中該電子式電視節目資 記憶體單元及處理硬體。 發明槪述： 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 本發明之一目的在於滿足上述的需求及其他的需求。 本發明之一目的尤其在於提供一種用來提供電子式電視節 目資訊之方法及系統，其中可持續地更新該電子式電視節 目資訊，且可在收視者的要求下搜尋並組織該電子式電視 節目資訊，且其中該電子式電視節目資訊並不限於收視者 的記憶體單元及處理硬體。 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（210X 297公釐）-6 492252 A7 B7 五、發明説明（4 ) (請先閲讀背面之注意事項再本頁} 下文中的說明述及了本發明的其他目的、優點、及創 新的特徵，熟悉本門技術者在閱讀了這些素材或實施了本 發明之後，將可了解本發明這些目的、優點、及特徵。可 利用最後的申請專利範圍述及的裝置達到本發明該等目的 及優點。 爲了達到這些目的，可將本發明實施爲且描述爲一種 用來傳播電子式節目指南資訊之系統，該系統包含：由〜 網路服務供應商維護的一電子式節目資訊資料庫：以及〜 頭端處理器，該頭端處理器存取該資料庫，分類並編輯來 自該資料庫之資訊，並將該資訊傳送到一用來在一電視機 上顯示資訊的機上終端機。 在此種方式下，每一機上終端機不需要下載及儲存〜 份資料庫的拷貝，以供本機使用。因此，該機上終端機最 好是不將來自資料庫的所有資訊儲存在記憶體中。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 在一實施例中，該機上終端機包含一傳送器，用以將 對該資料庫中符合預定準則的資訊之要求傳送到該頭端處 理器。該頭端處理器接收該要求，自該資料庫的資訊中匯 編出對該要求的一回應，並將該回應廣播到機上終端機， 而該回應之目的地是提出該要求的機上終端機。 該目的地將提出該要求的機上終端機與也被該回應廣 播到的其他機上終端機區分出來。發出該要求的機上終端 機然後可識別該回應，並顯示符合該要求準則的節目指南 資訊，例如下三個小時的體育節目事件。 在替代實施例中，頭端處理器可根據種類而將該資料 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（210X297公釐）-7 - 492252 A7 B7 五、發明説明（5 ) 庫中之資訊分類，並以一種階層方式編排該等種類。該頭 ^ _理器然後將階層式經過種類分類的資訊以頻帶外頻道 中的資料流之方式傳送到各機上終端機。該等資料流包含 一目錄信號，用以將階層式經過種類分類的資訊之一目錄 胃供給該等機上終端機。該等機上終端機然後回應用來指 示戶斤需資訊的使用者輸入，而利用該目錄信號自該等資料 流提取資訊。 本發明亦包含一種用來傳播電子式節目指南資訊之方 法’其方式爲將節目資訊傳送到收視戶的機上終端機，以 便在一電視機上直接顯示，且係由一頭端處理器執行該傳 送’該頭端處理器分類並編輯來自由一網路服務供應商維 護的電子式節目資訊資料庫之資訊。 本發明之方法亦包含下列步驟：由一個機上終端機將 對該資料庫中符合預定準則的資訊之要求傳送到該頭端處 理器。該傳送最好是在該要求中包含提出該要求的機上終 端機之目的地。 於回應時，該頭端處理器執行下列步驟：接收該要求 ·_自該資料庫中匯編出其中包含符合該預定準則的資訊的 對該要求之一回應：以及將該回應廣播到機上終端機，而 該回應之目的地是提出該要求的機上終端機。 提出該要求的機上終端機然後執行下列步驟：藉由識 別該目的地而識別該回應：提取該回應：以及在一電視螢 幕上顯示該回應。 在替代實施例中，本發明之方法可根據種類而以該頭 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（210 X 297公釐）-8 - 請 先 閲 讀 背 之 注 意 事 項 頁 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 492252 A7 B7 五、發明説明（6 ) (請先閲讀背面之注意事項再本頁) 端處理器將資料庫中之資訊分類，而提供節目資訊’並以 一種階層方式編排該等種類：將該階層式經過種類分類的 資訊以頻帶外頻道中的資料流之方式傳送：以及將一目錄 信號提供給該等資料流，該目錄信號將階層式經過種類分 類的資訊之一目錄提供給該等機上終端機。在該實施例中 ，該等機上終端機然後回應用來指示所需資訊的使用者輸 入，而利用該目錄信號執行自該等資料流提取資訊的步驟 〇 附圖簡述= 各附圖係用來解說本發明，且爲本發明的一部分。該 等圖示連同下文中之說明展示並解說了本發明的原理。 圖1不出根據本發明的一*系統。 圖2是本發明第一實施例的處理步驟之流程圖。 圖3是本發明第二實施例的處理步驟之流程圖。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 機上終端機 電視機 頭端處理器 節目資訊資料庫 元件對照表 1〇1 1 0 2 10 3 10 4 較佳實施例之詳細說明： 現在將參照各圖示而說明本發明。 本紙張尺度適用中酬家標準（CNS) M規格（210x297公菱）~7^ 492252 A7 ___B7 五、發明説明（7 ) (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再本頁) 如圖1所示，根據本發明的一系統之基本組件是一電 視機（1 0 2 )，該電視機（1 0 2 )係連接到一機上終 端機（1 0 1 )。我們當了解，可在不影響到本發明的原 理下，於製造時將該機上終端機的功能整合到電視機（ 1 0 2 )中。 圖示實例中的機上終端機（1 0 1 )係經由一有線電 視網路而連接到一有線電視服務供應商。更具體而言，機 上終端機（1 0 1 )係連接到由該服務供應商維護的一中 央頭端處理器（1 0 3 )。該處理器（1 0 3 )存取一節 目資訊資料庫（1 0 4 )，且係以最新的電視節目資訊持 續地更新該資料庫（1 0 4 )。 我們當了解，該服務供應商網路的所有收視戶將有個 別的電視機及機上終端機。所有該等機上終端機都將連接 到頭端處理器（1 0 3 )。雖然係利用一有線電視網路來 解說，但是我們當了解，亦可在一衛星或傳統的廣播電視 網路上實施本發明。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 本發明利用較高頻寬的電視網路（尤其是有線電視網 路）而在一廣播電視環境中提供一互動電子式節目指南。 根據本發明的原理，係將節目資訊的電子資料庫（1 〇 4 )儲存在一頭端設施中，亦即儲存在服務供應商或有線電 視公司中，而不是儲存在每一收視戶當地的電視機（ 1〇2 )中。 頭端處理器（1 0 3 )處理頭端資料庫（1 0 4 )中 之資訊，並編輯該資訊，且將該資訊經由電視網路而傳送 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（21〇〆297公釐）~- 1〇 - 492252 A7 B7 五、發明説明（8 ) 到收視戶的電視機（1 0 2 )，以供顯示。因此，不需驾 傳送整個資料庫（1 0 4 )並將該資料庫（1 〇 4 )儲存 在每一收視戶當地的機上終端機（1 〇 1 )中。 頭端處理器（1 0 3 )可以各種形式並根據各種需求 而提供節目資訊。例如，處理器（1 〇 3 )可在一廣播循 環播放台中提供節目貧訊，而該廣播循環播放台持續播放 可收視節目表，而使用者可在該節目指南上指示一選擇， 而以互動方式切換到任何節目表上的節目。 因此，接收該資訊的一機上終端機（1 〇 1 )或電視 只需要最小的處理及記憶體能力。此外，一中央伺服器係 作爲頭端處理器（1 0 3 )，因而易於更新或修正節目資 訊資料庫（1 0 4 )。因此，強化了該資料庫的完整性。 在替代實施例中，如圖2所示，在本發明的原理下， 該頭端處理器可提供一階層式資料流，每一資料流匹配收 視戶可存取的一特定種類之節目資訊。首先在步驟（ 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 2 0 1 )中編輯該節目資訊資料庫。然後在步驟（2 0 2 )中根據節目種類而將該資料庫分類。節目的種類可包括 諸如下四個小時的所有可收視節目、今日將在電視上播放 的所有體育節目、今晚將播放的所有冒險類電影。 節目資訊資料庫（1 0 4 )包含諸如每一可收視節目 的節目名稱、廣播時間、及頻道。資料的分類或區隔之重 要之處在於：此種分類或區隔決定了資料庫（1 〇 4 )的 最小分割程度。伺服器操作人員產生適當的資料庫區隔規 則’引便引導伺服器的作業。操作人員亦將分類的種類及 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（210X297公釐）~- 11 - 492252 A7 B7 五、發明説明（9 ) 階層，而支援資料庫的分類。 頭端處理器（1 0 3 )然後將在步驟（2 0 2 )中於 一段指定的時間中產生每一特定種類中的可收視節目之各 別節目表。然後在步驟（2 0 3 )中將這些分類的節目表 編排到分類階層中，例如冒險類電影及浪漫類電影笨分類 到一個“電影”的單一階層分類中。 網路業者然後將指示該伺服器將資料庫的元件分成多 種資料流，以便在網路上廣播。使用諸如機上終端機（ 1 〇 1 )等的個人設備之收視戶然後可直接自頭端處理器 (1 〇 3 )取得其中包含該收視戶需要的節目資訊之資料 流。 頭端處理器（1 0 3 )將亦包含一目錄信號成分，該 目錄信號成分將在機上終端機（1 0 1 )於步驟（2 0 4 )中存取階層式廣播資料流中的資料庫成分時支援機上終 端機（1 0 1 )。在本發明的原理下，可在步驟（2 0 5 )中利用一頻帶外通訊頻道將該目錄資訊廣播到所有的機 上終端機。由於能夠將具有目錄資訊的短期資料庫檔案包 含在廣播資料流中，所以提供了一種更有彈性的應用環境 。該伺服器及網路業者亦可提供一存取控制系統，該存取 控制系統容許對資料庫中將要售予收視戶的各種部分進行 存取。 在該實例中，機上終端機（1 0 1 )包含必要的硬體 及軟體，用以在步驟（2 0 6 )中接收用來描述資料庫區 隔及階層細節的目錄資訊，並在步驟（2 0 7 )中利用該 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（210 X 297公釐）-12- ---------1¾衣II (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再本頁) 訂 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 492252 A7 ______B7 ______ 五、發明説明（1〇 ) (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再_馬本頁) 目錄資訊來瀏覽一收視戶所指示的資料流中之階層式資料 庫區段。機上終端機（1 0 1 )然後在步驟（2 0 8 )中 向該收視戶顯示所選擇的節目資訊。 在圖3所示的本發明之另一實施例中，一互動式資料 要求系統取代了持續地將節目資訊分類成一種類階層以供 廣播之方式。在該實施例中，收視戶在步驟（3 0 1 )中 自一可用分類準則（亦即節目種類及時段）淸單中選擇所 需的指南資訊。機上終端機（1 〇 1 )包含一傳送器，用 以在步驟（3 0 2 )中將該要求經由電視網路而傳送到頭 端處理器（1 〇 3 )之伺服器。 頭端處理器（1 0 3 )然後在步驟（3 0 3 )中接收 該要求，並在步驟（3 0 4 )、 （ 3 0 5 )中分類並編輯 收視戶要求的資訊。連同提出要求的收視戶的機上終端機 (1 0 1 )可識別之一代碼而提供對該要求的回應。然後 在步驟（3 0 6 )中經由頻帶外節目指南資訊頻道而廣播 該回應。接收到該回應時，即滿足了該要求。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 在傳送了對資訊的要求之後，提出要求的收視戶之機 上終端機（1 0 1 )在步驟（3 0 7 )中監視頻帶外資訊 頻道，並在步驟（3 0 8 )中自經由該頻帶外資訊頻道傳 送的資料中識別出對其要求的回應。機上終端機（1 0 1 )然後擷取該回應，以便向該收視戶顯示。在此種方式下 ，收視戶可個別地要求可能比前文所述的階層式系統下所 能提供者變化更多且更詳細的所需搜尋。 前文中所呈現的說明只是用來例示及解說本發明。該 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（210X297公釐）~^13- 492252 A7 ____ B7 五、發明説明（11 ) 說明之用意並非具有耗盡性，也並非將本發明限制在所揭 示的任何刻板形式中。參閱了前文的揭示事項之後，將可 作出許多的修改及變化。 選擇且說明了該較佳實施例，以便能以最佳的方式解 說本發明的原理及其實際應用◦前文中說明之目的在於使 熟悉本門技術的其他人士能以最佳的方式將本發明用於各 種實施例，並在適於所考慮特定用途的情形下進行各種修 改。本發明之範圍將只受下列的申請專利範圍之界定。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（21〇Χ297公釐）-14 -(U.S. Patent No. 4,70 to Young, which is hereby incorporated by reference) also discloses a heading. Young's system stores electronic programs in a memory and can use the electronic-connected recorder to transmit and re-enter the listed programs to the recorder ^ A problem with all these previous systems The electronic program guide is stored in the memory. As the number increases, more and more electronic program guides must be provided. This approach will increase the cost and size of the subprogramming equipment. Therefore, in this technology, a method and system for information are needed, in which information can be continuously updated, and information can be searched and viewed at the request of the viewer ', and wherein the electronic television program information memory unit and processing hardware body. Description of the invention: Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs One of the objects of the present invention is to meet the above needs and other needs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for providing electronic television program information, in which the electronic television program information can be continuously updated, and the electronic television program can be searched and organized at the request of viewers. Information, and the electronic television program information is not limited to the memory unit and processing hardware of the viewer. This paper size applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X 297 mm) -6 492252 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (4) (Please read the precautions on the back before this page} The following description refers to this paper Other objects, advantages, and innovative features of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand these objects, advantages, and features of the invention after reading these materials or implementing the invention. The scope of the final patent application can be used to describe The device achieves the objects and advantages of the present invention. In order to achieve these objects, the present invention can be implemented and described as a system for disseminating electronic program guide information, the system includes: maintained by ~ network service provider An electronic program information database: and a head-end processor, which accesses the database, classifies and edits information from the database, and transmits the information to a television An on-board terminal displaying information on it. In this way, each on-board terminal does not need to download and store ~ a copy of the database for the local machine to use. Therefore, the on-board terminal preferably does not store all the information from the database in the memory. It is printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economy. In one embodiment, the on-board terminal includes a transmitter, Is used to transmit a request for information in the database that meets predetermined criteria to the headend processor. The headend processor receives the request, compiles a response to the request from the database information, and The response is broadcast to the onboard terminal, and the destination of the response is the onboard terminal that made the request. The destination will include the onboard terminal that made the request and other onboard terminals that were also broadcast to the response. Differentiate. The onboard terminal that issued the request can then identify the response and display program guide information that meets the requirements criteria, such as the next three hours of a sports program event. In an alternative embodiment, the headend processor can This data is based on the type of the paper and the Chinese national standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) -7-492252 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (5) Information classification in the library, The categories are arranged in a hierarchical manner. The header then transmits the hierarchically classified information to the on-board terminals as a data stream in an out-of-band channel. These data streams include a directory Signal, which is used to provide a catalogue of hierarchically classified information to these on-board terminals. The on-board terminals then respond to user input indicating that the user needs information, and use the directory signal to These data streams extract information. The present invention also includes a method for disseminating electronic program guide information. The method is to transmit the program information to the on-board terminal of the viewer for direct display on a television, and A head-end processor performs the transmission. The head-end processor classifies and edits information from an electronic program information database maintained by a network service provider. The method of the present invention also includes the following steps: an on-board terminal transmits a request for information in the database that meets predetermined criteria to the headend processor. The transmission preferably includes the destination of the on-board terminal making the request in the request. In response, the head-end processor performs the following steps: receiving the request__ compiling from the database a response to one of the requests containing information that meets the predetermined criteria, and broadcasting the response to the onboard terminal And the destination of the response is the onboard terminal making the request. The on-board terminal making the request then performs the following steps: identifying the response by identifying the destination: extracting the response: and displaying the response on a television screen. In an alternative embodiment, the method of the present invention can apply the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) at the size of the paper according to the type of the head.-Please read the caution page of the Ministry of Economy first Printed by the Consumer Affairs Cooperative of the Property Bureau 492252 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (6) (Please read the precautions on the back before this page) The end processor classifies the information in the database and provides program information 'and uses a hierarchical approach Orchestration of these categories: transmitting the hierarchically classified information as a data stream in an out-of-band channel: and providing a directory signal to the data streams that catalogs the hierarchically classified information A directory is provided to these onboard terminals. In this embodiment, the onboard terminals then respond to user input indicating the required information, and use the directory signal to perform the steps of extracting information from the data streams. Brief description of the drawings = Each drawing is It is used to explain the present invention and is a part of the present invention. These drawings, together with the description below, illustrate and illustrate the principles of the invention. Figure 1 shows a system according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of processing steps in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of processing steps in the second embodiment of the present invention. Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Consumer Cooperatives, Printed Terminals, Televisions, Headend Processors, Program Information Database Components, Comparison Table 1010 1 0 2 10 3 10 4 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments: Reference will now be made to the drawings The present invention is illustrated. This paper size applies CNS M standard (210x297 male diamond) ~ 7 ^ 492252 A7 ___B7 V. Description of the invention (7) (Please read the precautions on the back before this page) As shown in Figure 1, according to The basic component of a system of the present invention is a television (102), which is connected to an on-board terminal (101). We understand that, without affecting the principle of the present invention, the functions of the terminal on the machine can be integrated into the television (1 0 2) during manufacture. The on-board terminal (101) in the illustrated example is connected to a cable television service provider via a cable television network. More specifically, the on-board terminal (101) is connected to a central head-end processor (103) maintained by the service provider. The processor (103) accesses a section information database (104) and continuously updates the database (104) with the latest television program information. We should understand that all viewers of the service provider's network will have separate televisions and onboard terminals. All such onboard terminals will be connected to the headend processor (103). Although it is explained using a cable television network, it should be understood that the present invention can also be implemented on a satellite or a conventional broadcast television network. Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs The present invention utilizes a higher-bandwidth television network (especially a cable television network) to provide an interactive electronic program guide in a broadcast television environment. According to the principle of the present invention, an electronic database (104) of program information is stored in a head-end facility, that is, stored in a service provider or a cable company, rather than stored in the local television of each viewer. Machine (102). The head-end processor (103) processes the information in the head-end database (104), edits the information, and transmits the information via the TV network. This paper standard applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification. (21〇〆297mm) ~-10-492252 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (8) To the TV set of the viewer (1 0 2) for display. Therefore, there is no need to transmit the entire database (104) and store the database (104) in the local onboard terminal (101) of each viewer. The head-end processor (103) can provide program information in various forms and according to various needs. For example, the processor (103) may provide program poor information in a broadcast loop player station, and the broadcast loop player station continuously plays the watchable program table, and the user may indicate a choice on the program guide to interact with The mode switches to any program on the program list. Therefore, an on-board terminal (101) or a television that receives the information requires minimal processing and memory capabilities. In addition, a central server is used as the head-end processor (103), so it is easy to update or modify the program information database (104). As a result, the integrity of the database is strengthened. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, under the principle of the present invention, the head-end processor can provide a hierarchical data stream, and each data stream matches a specific type of program information accessible to viewers. First edit the program information database in the step (printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, 2001). Then in step (202), the database is classified according to the program type. The genre of programs can include, for example, all available programs for the next four hours, all sports programs to be shown on television today, and all adventure movies tonight. The program information database (104) contains, for example, the program name, broadcast time, and channel of each viewable program. The importance of classification or segmentation of data is that this classification or segmentation determines the minimum degree of segmentation of the database (104). The server operator generates appropriate database segmentation rules' to guide the operation of the server. The operator will also apply the type of classification and the paper size to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210X297 mm) ~-11-492252 A7 B7 V. Description of invention (9) Hierarchy and support the classification of the database. The head-end processor (103) will then generate, in step (202), a separate program listing of each viewable program in a particular category for a specified period of time. Then in step (203), the classified program schedules are organized into classification hierarchies, for example, adventure movies and romantic movies are classified into a single hierarchical classification of "movies". The network operator will then instruct the server to divide the components of the database into multiple data streams for broadcast on the network. A viewer using a personal device such as an on-board terminal (101) can then directly obtain a data stream containing the program information required by the viewer from the headend processor (103). The head-end processor (103) will also contain a directory signal component, which will access the data in the hierarchical broadcast data stream in the on-board terminal (101) in step (204). Supports in-flight terminals (1 0 1) for library components. Under the principle of the present invention, an out-of-band communication channel can be used to broadcast the directory information to all on-board terminals in step (205). Since the short-term database file with directory information can be included in the broadcast data stream, it provides a more flexible application environment. The server and network operator can also provide an access control system that allows access to various parts of the database to be sold to viewers. In this example, the onboard terminal (1 0 1) contains the necessary hardware and software to receive the catalog information used to describe the database segmentation and hierarchical details in step (2 06), and in step (2 0 7) Use this paper size to apply Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) -12- --------- 1¾ clothing II (Please read the precautions on the back first (Next page) Order printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 492252 A7 ______B7 ______ V. Invention Description (1〇) (Please read the precautions on the back first, then _ this page) Catalog information to view the instructions of a viewer Hierarchical database section in the stream of. The on-board terminal (1 0 1) then displays the selected program information to the viewer in step (208). In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, an interactive data request system replaces the way of continuously classifying program information into a class hierarchy for broadcasting. In this embodiment, the viewer selects the required guide information from a list of available classification criteria (ie, program types and time periods) in step (301). The onboard terminal (101) includes a transmitter for transmitting the request to the server of the headend processor (103) via the television network in step (302). The head-end processor (103) then receives the request in step (303), and sorts and edits the information requested by the viewer in steps (304) and (305). Together with the requesting viewer's onboard terminal (1001), a code can be identified to provide a response to the request. The response is then broadcast via the out-of-band program guide information channel in step (306). When the response is received, the requirement is met. Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs after transmitting the request for information, the on-board terminal (1 0 1) of the viewer who made the request monitors the out-of-band information channel in step (307) and In step (308), a response to the request is identified from the data transmitted through the out-of-band information channel. The on-board terminal (1 0 1) then captures the response for display to the viewer. In this way, the viewer can individually request the required search which may be more varied and detailed than the providers available under the hierarchical system described above. The description presented above is only used to illustrate and explain the present invention. This paper size is applicable to Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) ~ ^ 13- 492252 A7 ____ B7 V. Description of the invention (11) The intention of the description is not exhaustive, nor does it limit the invention to all Revealed in any stereotype. After reading the disclosures above, many modifications and changes will be made. This preferred embodiment has been selected and explained in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application. The purpose of the foregoing description is to enable others skilled in the art to use the invention in the best way. It is used in various embodiments and various modifications are made where appropriate for the particular use under consideration. The scope of the present invention will be limited only by the scope of the following patent applications. Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs This paper is sized to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (21〇 × 297 mm) -14-

Claims (1)

492252 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 Α8 Β8 C8 D8 六、申請專利範圍 1 · 一種用來傳播電子式節目指南資訊之系統，包含 由一網路服務供應商維護的一電子式節目資訊資料庫 :以及 一頭端處理器，該頭端處理器存取該資料庫，分類並 編輯來自該資料庫之資訊，並將該資訊傳送到一用來在一 電視上顯不該資訊的機上終端機。 2 ·如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，其中該機上終端 機包含一傳送器，用以將對該資料庫中符合預定準則的資 訊之要求傳送到該頭端處理器。 3 .如申請專利範圍第2項之系統，其中該頭端處理 器接收該要求，自該資料庫的該資訊中匯編出對該要求的 一回應，並將該回應廣播到目的地爲提出該要求的機上終 端機之該機上終端機，而該目的地將該機上終端機與也被 該回應廣播到的其他機上終端機區分出來。 4 ·如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，其中該頭端處理 器係根據種類而將該資料庫中之該資訊分類，並將該等種 類編排在一階層中。 5 ·如申請專利範圍第4項之系統’其中該頭端處理 器將該階層式經過種類分類的資訊以一頻帶外頻道中的資 料流之方式傳送到各機上終端機。 6 ·如申請專利範圍第5項之系統，其中該等資料流 包含一目錄信號，用以將該階層式經過種類分類的資訊之 一目錄提供給該等機上終端機。 b氏張尺度適用中國國家標準（cns)a4規格（210 χ 297公μ --------訂---------線 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 492252 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A8 B8 C8 D8 六、申請專利範圍 7 ·如申請專利範圍第6項之系統，其中該等機上終 端機回應用來指示所需資訊的使用者輸入，而利用該目錄 信號自該等資料流提取資訊。 8 ·如申請專利範圍第1項之系統，其中該機上終端 機並不將來自該資料庫的所有資訊儲存在記憶體中。 9 · 一種用來傳播電子式節目指南資訊之方法，其方 式爲將節目資訊傳送到收視戶的機上終端機，以便在一電 視機上直接顯示，且係由一頭端處理器執行該傳送，該頭 端處理器已分類並編輯來自由一網路服務供應商維護的一 電子式節目資訊資料庫之資訊。 1 0 ·如申請專利範圍第9項之方法，進一步包含下 列步驟： 由一該機上終端機將對該資料庫中符合預定準則的資 訊之一要求傳送到該頭端處理器。 1 1 .如申請專利範圍第1 〇項之方法，進一步包含 下列步驟： 在該要求中包含提出該要求的該機上終端機之一目的 地。 1 2 .如申請專利範圍第1 0項之方法，進一步包含 下列步驟： 由該頭端處理器接收該要求： 自該資料庫中匯編出其中包含符合該預定準則的資訊 的對該要求之一回應：以及 將該回應廣播到一目的地爲提出該要求的機上終端機 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） -16- --------------------訂·--------線 ^111 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 492252 A8 B8 _g 六、申請專利範圍 之該機上終端機。 1 3 ·如申請專利範圍第1 2項之方法’進一步包含 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 下列步驟： 由提出該要求的該機上終端機藉由辨識該目的地而識 別該回應： 提取該回應：以及 在一電視螢幕上顯示該回應。 1 4 ·如申請專利範圍第9項之方法，進一步包含下 列步驟： 由該頭端處理器根據種類將該資料庫中之該資訊分類 :以及 將該等分類編排在一階層中。 1 5 ·如申請專利範圍第1 4項之方法，進一步包含 下列步驟： 將該階層式經過種類分類的資訊以一頻帶外頻道中的 資料流之方式傳送。 1 6 ·如申請專利範圍第1 5項之方法’進一步包含 下列步驟： 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印制取 將一目錄信號提供給該等資料流，而該目錄信號將該 階層式經過種類分類的資訊之一目錄提供給該等機上終端 機。 1 7 ·如申請專利範圍第1 6項之方法，進一步包含 下列步驟： 由該等機上終端機回應用來指示所需資訊的使用者輸 -17- 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 492252 Γ A8 B8 C8 D8 六、申請專利範圍 入，而利用該目錄信號自該等資料流提取資訊 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印制衣 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐）492252 Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Α8 Β8 C8 D8 6. Scope of Patent Application 1 · A system for disseminating electronic program guide information, including an electronic program information material maintained by an Internet service provider Library: and a head-end processor, the head-end processor accesses the database, classifies and edits information from the database, and transmits the information to an on-board terminal for displaying the information on a television machine. 2. The system according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the on-board terminal includes a transmitter for transmitting a request for information in the database that meets predetermined criteria to the head-end processor. 3. If the system of claim 2 is applied, the head-end processor receives the request, compiles a response to the request from the information in the database, and broadcasts the response to the destination for the request. The requested on-board terminal is the on-board terminal, and the destination distinguishes the on-board terminal from other on-board terminals that are also broadcast to the response. 4. The system of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the headend processor classifies the information in the database according to the category, and arranges the categories into a hierarchy. 5. The system according to item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the head-end processor transmits the hierarchically classified information to the on-board terminals as a data stream in an out-of-band channel. 6. If the system of item 5 of the patent application, the data streams include a directory signal to provide a directory of the hierarchically classified information to the onboard terminals. The B's scale is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (cns) a4 specifications (210 χ 297 male μ -------- order --------- line (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) ) 492252 Printed by A8, B8, C8, D8, Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 6. Application for Patent Scope 7 • If the system of Patent Application No. 6 is used, these onboard terminals respond to users who indicate the required information Input, and use the directory signal to extract information from these data streams. 8 · If the system of the first scope of the patent application, the on-board terminal does not store all the information from the database in memory. 9 · A method for disseminating electronic program guide information by transmitting program information to an on-board terminal of a viewer for direct display on a television, and the transmission is performed by a head-end processor. The head-end processor has classified and edited the information from an electronic program information database maintained by an Internet service provider. 1 0 · If the method of the scope of patent application No. 9 further includes the following steps: The in-flight terminal transmits a request for one of the information in the database that meets the predetermined criteria to the head-end processor. 1 1. If the method of the scope of patent application No. 10, further includes the following steps: Include in the request One of the destinations of the terminal on the aircraft that made the request. 1. The method of item 10 in the scope of patent application, further comprising the following steps: The request is received by the head-end processor: compiled from the database It includes a response to one of the requirements that includes information that meets the predetermined criteria: and broadcasts the response to an onboard terminal that addresses the request. The paper size applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297). Mm) -16- -------------------- Order · -------- line ^ 111 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this (Page) 492252 A8 B8 _g VI. The on-board terminal of the scope of patent application. 1 3 · If the method of patent scope No. 12 is further included (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) The following steps: The on-board terminal making the request is identified by Identify the destination and identify the response: Extract the response: and display the response on a TV screen. 1 4 · If the method of the scope of patent application No. 9 further includes the following steps: The head-end processor will The information classification in the database: and the classification of these classifications in a hierarchy. 1 5 · The method of item 14 in the patent application scope further includes the following steps: The hierarchically classified information is classified into a hierarchy. The data is transmitted as an out-of-band channel. 16 · The method according to item 15 of the scope of patent application further includes the following steps: The consumer cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs prints and provides a directory signal to these data streams, and the directory signal passes the hierarchical process A catalogue of category-specific information is provided to these onboard terminals. 1 7 · If the method of applying for the item No. 16 of the patent application scope, further includes the following steps: The user of the onboard terminal responds to instruct the user to input the required information. -17- This paper standard applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) 492252 Γ A8 B8 C8 D8 6. Apply for patent coverage, and use this directory signal to extract information from these data streams (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Wisdom of the Ministry of Economic Affairs The paper size of the printed clothing paper of the Consumer Cooperative of the Property Bureau applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm)
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