Matrix code-based user interface

Abstract

A method for presenting a matrix code may include receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying identifying data relating to a remotely accessible program, generating, at a content receiver, a matrix code from the identifying data relating to the remotely accessible program, transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display, and receiving the remotely accessible program in response to a user capture of the matrix code. A method for remotely controlling a set top box and a method for setting a recording time on a set top box are also described. A method of preparing a program guide may include gathering program information, generating matrix codes for each program including program data, and associating the matrix codes with respective programs.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an interface for television programming. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to QR codes presented on a display for scanning, where the codes have audiovisual program information stored therein.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a method for presenting a matrix code for expressing an interest in a remotely accessible program may include receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying identifying data relating to the remotely accessible program. The method may also include generating, at the content receiver, a matrix code from the identifying data relating to the remotely accessible program. The method may also include transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display. The method may further include receiving the remotely accessible program in response to a user capture of the matrix code. The method may be part of a process including scanning the matrix code, communicating with a service provider, and scheduling and downloading the remotely accessible program.

In another embodiment, a method for controlling a set top box may include receiving a communication from a reader having scanned a matrix code generated by the set top box, where the communication may contain program information. The method may further include developing an instruction for a set top box to record a program and transmitting the instruction to the set top box. This method may be part of a process including presenting a matrix code, scanning the matrix code, communicating with a service provider, and recording a program transmitted by the service provider.

In another embodiment, a method of setting a recording time on a set top box may include receiving an instruction to record from a service provider, coordinating the recording time with previously scheduled recordings, and setting the set top box to record.

In still another embodiment, a method of preparing a program guide may include gathering program information, generating matrix codes for each program including program data, and associating the matrix codes with respective programs.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for transmitting audiovisual content and for supporting upstream communication from a user to a television service provider, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating a method for presenting a matrix code for expressing an interest in an on-demand program.

FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating an alternative method for presenting a matrix code for expressing an interest in an on-demand program.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for remotely controlling a set top box.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for setting a recording time on a set top box.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for preparing a program guide.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for receiving and updating a program guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The description that follows includes sample systems and methods that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

Audiovisual programming generally involves transmitting signals carrying audiovisual content to a receiver. Generally, the audiovisual content includes streams of data supporting several viewable programs at any given time. As such, the signals may be processed and the audiovisual content may be selectively displayed on a presentation device by, for example, selecting a particular channel. Although a receiver may not be set to a particular channel, it receives data for several channels. In this manner, service providers may allow users to have flexibility in what they watch without requiring that the user communicate information to the service provider. However, in the case of pay-per-view, video-on-demand, and other types of viewing, it can be beneficial for the user to be able to communicate with the provider. In some cases, for example, a satellite set top box may be connected to a phone line to order pay-per-view movies, shows, or events. In other cases, a set top box may have an Internet connection. In these cases, the phone line or Internet connection may allow the user to communicate upstream to the television service provider and initiate changes to the audiovisual content available to them.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for communicating with a television provider as well as methods associated with modifying and/or scheduling the viewing or storing of audiovisual content. In some embodiments, the system includes a satellite configured to receive transmissions and instructions from a satellite provider. The methods, in some embodiments, involve producing a matrix code, such as a QR code, and associating the matrix code with programming promoting audiovisual content that is remotely accessible. That is, the programming may include an advertisement, the audiovisual content may be a TV show or movie, and the audio visual content may be remotely accessible from a service provider via on-demand programming, for example. A user may scan the code using, for example, a smartphone when viewing the advertisement. The code may include information and instructions for a smartphone to communicate with the satellite service provider to schedule the download of the advertised TV show or movie to the user's set top box for later on-demand viewing. In other embodiments, the code may include information and instructions for their smartphone to communicate with the satellite service provider to unlock or otherwise release controls on a pay-per-view channel, out-of-package channel, or other channel for immediate viewing. In another embodiment, a QR code may be produced and associated with a television program. The QR code may be viewable in an electronic program guide and may be visually associated with the television program. In this embodiment, a user may scan the code when viewing the program guide. The code may include information and instructions for a smartphone, or other reader device, to communicate with the television service provider to, in turn, send an instruction to the user's set top box to schedule a recording of the television program. Other embodiments and variations of those mentioned will be described below.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a sample system 100 for performing the methods described herein is shown. As shown, the system 100 may include a receiver 102 for receiving audiovisual programs and instructions from a service provider. The system 100 may also include a presentation device 104 for displaying the programs. The system 100 may also include a reader 106 for reading information displayed on the presentation device 104, typically in the form of a matrix code 140. The reader may be in communication with a network 108 supported by one or more servers 110 for processing the information captured from presentation device 104.

The receiver 102 may be configured to receive a signal carrying a broadcast television program, a program guide, a menu, a movie or other audiovisual content. The receiver 102 may further be configured for transmitting the content to the presentation device 104 for viewing. As such, the receiver 102 may be in the form of a set top box 116 or a satellite system as shown including a dish 112, cabling 114 leading to the set top box 116, and cabling 118 leading to the presentation device 104, for example. Other examples of a receiver 102 may include an antenna system employing an analog or digital antenna connected by cabling leading either to a television receiver or directly to the presentation device 104. Still other examples may include a cable system including an incoming cable leading directly to a presentation device 104 or to a presentation device via a set top box.

In some embodiments, the receiver 102 may be configured to convert, configure, or otherwise modify the display prior to transmitting it to the presentation device for viewing. The receiver may further be configured for storing and displaying audiovisual content. The receiver may thus be in the form of a computer-type device having one or more processing units 120, one or more inputs 122, one or more outputs 124, and one or more computer readable storage media 126 (which may take the form of, but is not limited to: a magnetic storage medium; optical storage medium; magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory; random access memory; erasable programmable memory; flash memory; non-transitory storage media; and so on).

In some embodiments, these computer-type elements may be incorporated into a set top box 116 for receiving a broadcast, program guide information, audio and video streams, other audiovisual content, or other information. The set top box 116 may receive the information through the one or more inputs 122, process or store the incoming information, and selectively output information to the presentation device 104 for viewing and interaction by a viewer. For example, the viewer may select which television channel they would like to watch, select from time-shifted television programs stored in the storage medium, or select movies from a video-on-demand menu, for example. In another example, the viewer may navigate an electronic program guide or other series of menus, which may be output to the presentation device 104. Instructions executed by the processor 120 may be stored in the storage medium 126 or received through the one or more inputs 122 or both. The set top box 120 may include a remote control 128 for remote interaction with the viewer.

The presentation device 104 may include one or more inputs 130 for receiving information from the receiver and an electronic device 132 for receiving information from the one or more inputs 130 and transmitting the information to a display screen, speaker, or other output 134. The presentation device 104 may be a television, computer monitor, or other device for presenting a viewer with visual and/or audio stimuli.

The reader 106 may be a remote device configured for optically scanning information from the presentation device 104. The reader 106, like the receiver 102 described above, may also be a computer-type device having one or more inputs, a processor, a computer readable storage medium, and one or more outputs. One of the inputs of the reader 106 may include an optical receiver configured for receiving and recording light patterns. The optical receiver may be a digital optical receiver similar to that found in digital cameras and some mobile phones. In some embodiments, the reader 106 may be in the form of a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computing device, a tablet computer, a smartphone and the like. The reader 106 may receive image input, for example, from the optical receiver and the processor may access processing instructions for the image from the computer readable storage medium. That is, in some embodiments, the reader 106 may have decoding software stored in the storage medium for decoding matrix codes. In some embodiments, the software may include an auto run feature when a matrix code is scanned. The processor may process the image produced by the optical receiver and may follow additional instructions produced by the processing of the image.

The reader 106 may have Internet access capability via a wireless telephone network, hardwired connection, WiFi access, or another network connection. In following instructions provided by the storage medium or, for example, from a processed image, the reader 106 may access the Internet or other network 108 and conduct additional activities by interacting with web-based systems 110 or other network connected systems 110.

The network connected systems or servers 110 may include web servers connected to a network (e.g., the Internet) for supporting web sites or other web interfaces. The network connected systems or servers 110 may also include the computers, systems, or servers of a television service provider. For example, the receiver 102 may be configured to receive information via satellite from the server 110 of a respective television service provider. As such, a full-circle system of information transfer may be provided, as shown best in FIG. 1.

Having described a system 100 upon which the current methods may be performed, reference is now made to FIGS. 2-4, which each illustrate a portion of a process for using matrix codes displayed in programming content to express interest in or purchase a remotely accessible program, such as an on-demand program. For example, programming content in the form of an advertisement or television commercial may be embedded in a television program and the advertisement may relate to a movie, for example, that is available via an on-demand service provided by the television service provider. A viewer of the advertisement may scan the matrix code in the advertisement with a smartphone, for example, and the smartphone may communicate via a network to the service provider that the user is interested in the advertised movie via the on-demand system. Accordingly, the television service provider may schedule the movie to be downloaded to the user's set top box. As such, the next time the user accesses the on-demand features of his system, the advertised movie may be available for them to purchase and watch in an on demand manner. The method 200 of FIG. 2A or the method 250 shown in FIG. 2B may perform part of this larger process by generating a matrix code containing information regarding an on-demand program and displaying it in an advertisement. FIGS. 3 and 4 may relate to the responsive processes of scheduling and downloading the video.

Before discussing the operations performed in the method, additional information is provided with regard to the programming content, the matrix codes included therein, and the information in the matrix codes. The programming content may be in the form of commercials embedded in a television program or placed in spaces within a television program that interrupt programming. Other programming content may include banner ads that scroll or otherwise appear at a bottom, top, side, or corner of a screen, for example, during programming or while viewing a program guide, menu, or other display available from a service provider. That is, the program guide, for example, may be designed to stream advertisements while a viewer is reviewing or scrolling through the guide. Other menus, such as time-shifted program menus, on-demand menus, or others may also be designed to stream advertisements while a viewer is viewing the menu. Still other advertisements may include standing or intermittent logos present during programming, on the program guide, menu, or other display. Still other advertisements may include pop up ads appearing to the viewer.

The programming content may include a matrix code, such as a QR code, that is presented to the user for viewing and/or capturing, such as scanning with a reader 106. The matrix code may be visible throughout the advertisement or it may appear for a portion thereof. In some embodiments, a prompt may be incorporated into the advertisement indicating when the matrix code will appear so that a viewer may be ready to scan the code. The prompt may suggest that additional information about the advertised program may be available or the prompt may indicate that scanning the code may make the program available in the user's on-demand menu. In systems where on-demand programs require purchase, the prompt may suggest that scanning the code will make the program available in an on-demand menu for later purchase, while other embodiments may suggest that scanning the code will cause the program to be purchased. In the latter embodiment, controls may be put in place on the user's account for verifying the smartphone or other reader 106 that is scanning the code to prevent third party viewers from purchasing programs and charging the account holder.

An exemplary matrix code 140, as depicted in FIG. 1, is a two-dimensional display (such as a QR code) defining patterns and regions that embody data, similar to a bar code. The matrix code 140 may take the form of alternating black and white elements, such as squares or other geometric shapes. The two-dimensional nature of the display may generally allow for more data to be stored than a typical bar code. While the present disclosure is related to the use of two-dimensional matrix codes 140, other data storing/displaying images or systems may also be used. For example, holographic images allowing for three-dimensional storage of data may be used, as may changing images that allow for recording and/or display of information over time. Each of these and other methods for storing information in a display may be used and are considered to be included in the term “matrix code” 140.

The matrix codes 140 in the present embodiment may store advertisement data and/or identifying data. The advertisement data may relate to the content of the advertised movie or on-demand program, while the identifying data may pertain to, for example, the title of the on-demand program in addition to the account information of the user. The advertisement data may, for example, include a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) allowing the reader 106 to access a corresponding website via the Internet 108. The website may include additional information regarding the on-demand program. For example, the additional information may include movie trailers, additional advertisements, related products, games, coupons, or other information or incentives relating to the advertised on-demand program. Unrelated information or products may also be provided. In other embodiments, the advertisement data may include executable code that, when processed by the reader 106, causes the reader 106 to execute the program and perform an activity. For example, the executable code may run an advertisement on the reader 106 that is the same or different from the advertisement from which the matrix code was scanned or a movie trailer may be played on the reader. In other embodiments, the scanned code may include a link to download related applications such as games, for example. Other types of advertisement data may be included in the matrix code 140 and may be particularly configured to entice viewers of television to scan the codes when viewing advertisements. The enticement may be by way of additional information, applications, convenience, or other benefits flowing to the viewer who scans the matrix code.

The advertisement data may be supplied by the advertiser. For example, a producer of a movie may develop, or have developed, an advertisement for its movie. At the time of developing the advertisement, a matrix code 140 and any associated prompts, highlights, or other features to encourage viewers to scan the matrix code 140 may be included in the advertisement. When a network or other program providing entity assembles programming they may include the advertisement in their programming. Accordingly, the receiver in the system above may receive the advertisement together with the program or other audiovisual content being provided by the broadcasting network. In other embodiments, a television service provider such as a satellite or cable provider may coordinate the inclusion of advertisements in a program or in a program guide or other menu. Without more, the advertisement may run with the program or menu and, if scanned by a viewer, the advertisement data may be decoded and actions may be taken by the reader 106 according to the advertisement data.

In other embodiments, the advertisement data may be pre-supplied to the receiver 102, which in turn may generate a matrix code to be displayed with the advertisement. That is, the receiver 102 may include advertisement data corresponding to a list of known advertisers stored in the computer readable storage medium 126. For example, the receiver 102 may have a URL address stored in a database and associated with a corresponding advertiser. When the receiver 102 receives a signal that includes advertisements for the advertiser, the receiver 102 may overlay the particular advertisement with a matrix code 140. The matrix code 140 may include the stored advertisement data, such as the URL address. Thus, where advertisers have not supplied their own matrix codes 140 with advertisement data, the receiver 102 may be capable of doing so. In still other embodiments, the matrix code 140 with advertisement data may be provided by a television network or a satellite service, cable service, or other television service provider.

As indicated, the matrix code 140 presented on the presentation device 104 may also include identifying data in addition to the advertisement data. The identifying data may include information about the account holder such as an account number and a set top box identifier such as a serial number, access card number, or other box identifying information. The identifying data may also include a movie title or other identifying information about the on-demand movie, program, show, or other audiovisual content. That is, in addition to the title, other identifying information may include the type of content such as movie or television show or series, movie genre, or other category information to assist the on-demand provider with identifying the correct on-demand program. In some cases, the identifying data may also include whether the user has expressed interest in an on-demand program or whether they have authorized the purchase of the program.

The identifying data may also include instructions to be performed by the reader 106 to allow the identifying data to be communicated to the television provider for scheduling and downloading of the on-demand content. For example, the identifying data may include instructions for the receiver to generate an e-mail, text, telephone call, or other transmission to transmit the identifying data to a server 110 having processing instructions stored thereon. Other instructions included in the identifying data may include URL information for the reader 106 to access the Internet and provide the identifying information to a server 110 via a website or other network interface.

The identifying data may be supplied by the receiver 102 and may be stored in the computer readable storage medium 126 thereof. The receiver 102 may be associated with a television service provider such as a satellite or cable provider. Accordingly, the receiver 102 may have information stored therein about the associated account holder and/or its location and may further include information regarding the particular set top box being used, such as a serial number, access card number, or other distinguishing box information. This identifying data may be stored in a computer readable storage medium 126 within the box 116 and be available for including in the matrix code. The identifying data relating to the on-demand program may be taken from the advertisement data by the receiver 102. For example, when an incoming advertisement includes a matrix code with advertisement data, the receiver 102 may read the matrix code and pull the title of the on-demand program from the provided matrix code. In other embodiments, for example, when a television service provider is inserting advertisements into spaces within programs, the service provider may tag particular ads with identifying information allowing the receiver 102 to read and store the information as identifying data for use in a matrix code.

The receiver 102 may generate and insert a matrix code 140 in an advertisement that does not already have a matrix code or the matrix code 140 of an advertisement already having a matrix code 140. When the matrix code 140 is not already provided, the receiver 102 may analyze the incoming stream and read, for example, movie titles associated with commercials and other identifying data from metadata in the stream, data on the storage medium, and the like. The receiver 102 may then generate a matrix code 140 and insert it, together with any prompts or other information, concurrently with the advertisement. This may include providing a banner along the bottom, top, side, or corner of a display during the advertisement that displays the matrix code and, optionally, further instructs the viewer to scan the code with, for example, their smartphone. When the matrix code 140 is already provided in an advertisement, the receiver 102 may modify or replace the matrix code 140 such that it may include the identifying data. This may involve modification of the matrix code 140 such that the advertisement data in the code 140 remains and the identifying data is read from the computer readable storage medium 126 and added to the matrix code 140. The modified matrix code 140 may then be shown in place of the originally provided matrix code 140. In some embodiments, the receiver 102 may read the matrix code 140 and create a new matrix code 140 including the advertisement data provided by the advertisers matrix code 140 and the identifying data provided by the receiver 102. The receiver 102 may then overlay the new matrix code 140 over the advertiser supplied matrix code 140 for display to the viewer. This latter approach may allow a television service provider to exercise more control over the appearance and capability of matrix codes 140 displayed by their service. This may allow for proprietary forms of matrix codes 140 to be used by several television service providers.

In each of the above cases when a matrix code 140 is provided and is modified, or when a matrix code 140 is absent and is produced, the receiver 102 may rely on matrix code software stored therein. The software may include a matrix code development module for developing matrix codes and incorporating data therein. The software may further include a matrix code decoding software for decoding matrix codes already present in a program. The software may also include a matrix code editing module for modifying or editing matrix codes 140 to add or remove data therefrom.

With this background regarding programming content, matrix codes, and the data stored therein, the methods 200 and 250 may be described in more detail. The methods 200 and 250 may be performed by all or a portion of the system 100 of FIG. 1. The method may also be performed by other systems.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the receiver 102 may receive a signal carrying one or more matrix codes associated with an identifier (202). For example, a service provider may pre-assemble a plurality of matrix codes 140 and associate them with identifiers. The matrix codes 140 and identifiers may be stored in a database. The operation depicted in box 202 may involve receiving a data transmission including the data in the database from a service provider. In one embodiment, for example, each of the matrix codes 140 may relate to or contain identifying data of an on-demand movie title and each code may be associated with a particular identifier. The codes 140 may have additional identifying data and may also include advertiser data as described above. Having received the one or more matrix codes 140 associated with an identifier, the receiver 102 may store the codes 140 and identifiers in a computer readable storage medium 126. This process of receiving data including matrix codes 140 and identifiers may occur on an ongoing basis where the stored data is continually updated, or the process may occur periodically, such as overnight for example. Either way, the process may be intended to continually prepare the set top box 116, for example, to receive programming content carrying instructions to retrieve the stored matrix codes 140.

With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the receiver 102 may receive a signal carrying programming content (206), such as a television advertisement, for example. The signal carrying the programming content may include a data stream, a video stream, and an audio stream. In the data stream, or otherwise, the programming content may include instructions for the receiver 102 to retrieve a particular matrix code 140 in addition to instructions on what to do with the matrix code 140. For example, the data stream of the programming content may instruct the receiver 102 to retrieve a particular matrix code 140 by providing a particular identifier to the receiver 102 and instructing the receiver to retrieve the associated matrix code 140. The programming content may further include instructions on how, when, and where to display the matrix code. For example, when the programming content is a 30 second television commercial, the instruction may direct the receiver to display the retrieved matrix code in 20 seconds lasting for 10 seconds thereby presenting the matrix code for the last 10 seconds of the television commercial. In other cases, the instruction may direct the receiver 102 to display the code 140 immediately and throughout the length of the commercial. In still other embodiments, the instructions may direct the receiver 102 to display the code 140 at the beginning and end of the commercial. In addition to temporal instructions, the instruction may also indicate where on the screen to display the matrix code 140 so as to suitably appear within the programming content. In some embodiments, the instruction may include directing the receiver 102 to display a prompt or other pop-up for encouraging or enticing a user to capture the matrix code 140 with a reader 106.

Having received the instruction from the data stream or other portion of the programming content, the receiver 102 may retrieve the designated matrix code (210). Where the instructions include an identifier, for example, the receiver 102 may search the stored matrix codes 140 and identifiers and retrieve the matrix code 140 associated with the identifier matching that provided by the programming content. Having retrieved the matrix code 140, the receiver 102 may then follow the additional instructions provided by the programming content to output the matrix code 140 and/or other content to the presentation device (212). The preloaded matrix codes 140 and identifiers may allow the receiver 102 to react in real time to incoming programming content allowing matrix codes 140 to be included in programming content without delay, interruption, or loss of content. As is described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4 below, the matrix code 140 may be captured by a user and the identifying data from the code 140 may be communicated to a service provider including instructions to download a particular on-demand program, for example, to a user's set top box for the option to purchase the on-demand program.

Turning now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the receiver 102 may receive a signal carrying a programming content (252), such as an advertisement, for example. The received signal, like operation (206) above, may be any programming content signal and may have advertisements, or spaces for advertisements, incorporated therein. For example, the signal may be a television broadcast signal carrying a live program or it may be a signal carrying a program guide or other menu. As such, the signal received by the receiver 102 may include several forms and may be carrying at least one of several types of audiovisual content.

Having received a signal carrying programming content (252), the receiver 102 may temporarily store the content (254) in a computer readable storage medium 126 and may further search the advertisement for a matrix code (256). Depending on whether an initial matrix code is present, the receiver may generate a matrix code 140, or choose not to, by performing differing operations (258). For example, when an initial matrix code is present, the receiver 102 may generate a matrix code 140 by first utilizing a decoding software module stored on the storage medium to decode and read the initial matrix code. The receiver 102 may analyze the read data to determine if the advertisement relates to an on-demand program. This may occur by comparing a program title found in the initial matrix code to a database of on-demand programs available from a television service provider. If the advertisement relates to an on-demand program, the receiver 102 may then rely on an editing software module to generate a matrix code 140 by modifying the initial matrix code to include identifying data (260). Once modified, the advertisement with the modified matrix code 140 may be temporarily stored (264) as a revised advertisement.

In another example, when an initial matrix code is not present, the receiver 102 may process any associated, tagged, or other information defining the nature of the advertisement. That is, without a matrix code in the advertisement, other options may be used to determine the nature of the advertisement and further determine, for example, if it relates to a movie or other program and the title of the program. Such information may be obtained from advertisement metadata, for example. When a program title is identified, the title may be compared to, for example, a database of on-demand programs available from a television service provider. If the advertisement relates to an on-demand program, the receiver may generate a matrix code 140. In this example, the receiver 102 may also provide advertisement data by searching a database associated with receiver 102 or accessed via a network such as the Internet for advertisement data consistent with the advertisement in the broadcast. For example, the receiver 102 may obtain a Web address for a producer of a movie advertised in the advertisement. The receiver 102 may then rely on a matrix code development module to produce a matrix code 140 including both the searched for advertisement data and the identifying data (262). Once the matrix code 140 is compiled, it may be associated with the advertisement and the advertisement may be temporarily stored as a revised advertisement (264). In both of the above cases, the advertisement with the generated matrix code may then be output to the presentation device (266).

Once a program including matrix codes 140 has been output to a presentation device 104, a viewer may scan a matrix code when it is presented on the presentation device 104. The matrix code 140 may have advertisement data and/or identifying data stored therein. The viewer may direct the optical receiver portion of a reader 106 toward the presentation device 104 when the presentation device 104 is displaying a matrix code 140. The viewer may then actuate the optical receiver by, for example, depressing a shutter button. The reader 106 may thus capture an image of the matrix code 140. In some embodiments, the viewer may zoom, focus, or otherwise direct the reader toward the portion of the presentation device displaying the matrix code.

As mentioned above, the reader 106 may include an auto run feature causing the reader 106 to begin the decoding process when a matrix code 140 has been captured. In other cases, the viewer may deliberately select software resident on the reader 106 and direct the software to decode the captured image of the matrix code 140. The software may decode the image thus producing the advertisement data and the identifying data. Depending on the nature of the data, the processor may automatically follow instructions provided by the advertisement and/or identifying data. For example, when the reader 106 has Internet connectivity, the advertisement data may include instructions for the processor to launch a web browser and browse to a particular URL address causing a website with information relating to the advertisement to appear on a display of the reader 106. The viewer may then view the website and interact with the website as desired. The identifying data may include instructions for the processor to compile and send an e-mail, text, or other communication to an on-demand server for requesting the on-demand program advertised. The communication may be received by the on-demand server and the identifying data contained in the communication may be used to schedule and download the advertised on-demand program to the set top box of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a method for scheduling and downloading a requested on-demand program is shown. It is noted that on-demand programming often occurs by storing several programs locally in the computer readable storage medium of a user's set top box. As such, once selected, paid for, or otherwise receiving authorization, the user may have the program streamed from their set top box to their presentation device. The locally stored nature of the data allows the program to be played immediately, without downloading, and avoids buffering and other difficulties with data streaming over wider networks. However, set top boxes may have a limited amount of storage and while a television provider may have access to large numbers of movies and other on-demand programs, they may not be able to make them all available via an on-demand service due to lack of storage space available on users' set top boxes. Accordingly, in some circumstances, television service providers periodically review the on-demand selections available on users' set top boxes and update the available selections. This commonly occurs during overnight hours and involves deleting old selections from the set top box and downloading new ones to the set top box. In this manner, a television service provider may keep the on-demand options available to its users fresh and new while also making a wider range of selections available than the set top box is capable of storing at a given time.

Operations described herein may allow a television service provider to tailor the selections available in a user's on-demand menu by receiving expressions of interest from the user. Accordingly, and turning again to FIG. 3, the server or other system 110 of the television service provider may receive a transmission (302) from the reader 106. The transmission, as suggested by the method 200 and the subsequent discussion regarding the reader 106 scanning the matrix code, may include identifying data regarding a user and an on-demand program the user may be interested in or has chosen to purchase. The server 110 may thus search the on-demand programs stored in a database to locate the associated on-demand program. The server 110 may then schedule a time to send a signal (304) to the user's receiver 102 for storing the program in the user's computer readable storage medium 126 and reflecting the availability of the program in the user's on-demand menu. It is noted that the scheduled time may be immediate or it may be delayed and schedule for overnight hours, for example. Other times may be selected depending on the practices of the television service provider, the expectations of the user, and other factors. The server 110 may also select a channel, frequency, or other band defining mode for sending the signal to the set top box 116. In addition, the server 110 may develop an instruction (306) for the user's set top box 116 to schedule a recording at the corresponding time and on a corresponding channel. Alternatively, to provide the server 110 with flexibility regarding when to send the signal, the instruction to the set top box 116 may be more flexible and may, instead include instructions for the set top box 116 to watch for an incoming signal having the on-demand content and to record the content when the signal is transmitted. Once the instruction is developed, the server 110 may transmit the instruction (308) to the user's receiver 102. The server may then transmit the content (310) to the user for recording by the receiver 102 at the scheduled time or, when the receiver 102 can be flexible as to the time of the transmission, the server 110 may transmit the content when it is convenient, feasible, or efficient. In some embodiments, the transmission of the instruction to schedule a recording (308) and the transmission of the content (310) may occur substantially simultaneously. That is, the instruction to record may be sent (308) and may be immediately followed by the transmission of the content. (310) In still other embodiments, the transmission (310) and the recording (308) may occur in segments.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a user's receiver 102 may receive the instruction (402) from the television service provider's server and the receiver 102 may set itself to record (406) based on the instruction. As indicated, this may include setting the set top box 116 to record a particular channel at a particular time. In some embodiments, the set top box 116 may coordinate the recording (404) by conducting a recording conflict check. That is, the set top box 116 may include a plurality of scheduled recordings based on the user's preferences for television programming. In this embodiment, the set top box 116 may review whether it has other programs scheduled for recording at the time instructed by the server 110. Where conflicts are found, the set top box 116 may communicate via phone line, Internet, or other network connection that this time conflicts with other recordings and the time may thus be adjusted and coordinated to avoid missing a planned recording. In still other embodiments, where a conflict is found, a pop-up may be presented to a user on the presentation device 104 that indicates that a scheduled on-demand download is in conflict with a scheduled recording and the user may choose to cancel the on-demand download or cancel the previously scheduled recording. In still other embodiments, the user may be provided with the option to instruct rescheduling of the on-demand download. In still other embodiments, the prompt to the user on the display device may include presenting a matrix code 140 having the conflict information allowing the user to scan the code 140 for communicating to the service provider. The receiver 102 may then receive a transmission (408) from the server 110 of the television service provider including the on-demand content and the receiver 102 may record (410) or otherwise store the content in the computer readable storage medium 126. The set top box 116 may also update the on-demand menu to reflect the availability of the newly recorded on-demand program.

This overall process including the method for generating a matrix code 200, the method for scheduling and downloading an on-demand program 300, and the method for coordinating and recording the on-demand program 400 may be advantageous for several reasons. For example, the process may allow a television service provider to make on-demand programs available to a user that the provider is substantially certain the user is interested in. Moreover, the provider may further monitor the expressions of interest from their users and may be better equipped to tailor the on-demand selections available to the user beyond programs where a specific expression of interest was provided. That is, where a user expresses an interest in a program by scanning a matrix code in an advertisement for an action film, for example, the provider may weight that user's on-demand selections more toward action films. Other profiling techniques may be used to attempt to tailor users' on-demand menus to their particular interests.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of a method for communicating upstream to modify or change content available to a user is shown. The methods shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be part of a larger process using matrix codes appearing in an electronic programming guide. This process may include a television service provider preparing the program guide, generating matrix codes relating to the programs in the guide, and associating the codes with the programs in the guide as shown in method 500 of FIG. 5. The program guide containing the matrix codes may then be transmitted to a user. In some embodiments, the matrix codes 140 may be provided by a set top box 116 rather than by the television service provider, as shown in FIG. 6. In either case, the matrix codes 140 within the program guide may be scanned by a reader 106 and information stored therein may be transmitted to the service provider by the reader. Methods similar to those described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4 may also be used as part of this larger process to control the content available to a user. In one embodiment, for example, the matrix code produce by method 500 or 600 may include identifying data relating to the program and instructions to record the program on an ongoing basis. The reader 106 may scan the code and communicate the instruction to the service provider. The service provider, similar to the operations shown in FIG. 3, may develop an instruction to record and transmit the instruction to a user's set top box 116. Similar to FIG. 4, the set top box may receive the instruction, conduct any coordination, and record the program.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, a method 500 for preparing a program guide is shown. As shown, a television service provider may receive program data from one or more networks (502). The program data may include program titles, the date and time of the scheduled airing of the program, and any other descriptive information regarding the program. The service provider may compile the several programs and create an electronic program guide (504) reflecting the several channels that may be available to its users and the programs that may be available on each respective channel at particular times.

The service provider may generate a matrix code 140 for each program within the guide (506). The matrix code 140 may be generated with matrix code development software and configured to store several types of information. In this embodiment, the matrix code may include program data such as the name of the television program or other identifier and the date, time, and channel that the television program is scheduled to air. The program data may include descriptive information regarding the program and the particular episode that is scheduled to air. In addition, the program data may include URL links to network web sites offering episode selection, products, or other information relating to the program. Other program data may also be included.

The matrix code 140 generated may also include instructions. For example, the matrix code 140 may be intended to allow a user to schedule recording of the program or series of programs associated with the matrix code 140. In other embodiments, it may be intended for allowing storage of the information about the program for sharing with others. In still other embodiments, the matrix code 140 may be intended to display the information on a reader 106 or execute a program on the reader 106 or access a website. As such, the matrix code 140 may include one or more instructions that instructs the reader 106 on how to proceed having scanned the matrix code 140.

The matrix code 140 having the program data may be associated with its respective television program (508) and arranged in a manner to reflect association therewith. For example, the matrix code may be placed just behind or just in front of the program title in the menu. In other embodiments, the program guide may be configured to reveal additional information about the program when selected by a user with, for example, their remote control. In this embodiment, the matrix code 140 may not appear in the general guide, but may appear when additional information is revealed after selection by the user. In other embodiments, the matrix code 140 may be available in both the general menu and in a more detailed view. The prepared program guide may then be transmitted to the user (510). The transmission may include periodic transmissions allowing the program to be updated with additional programs and information and to reflect changes in programming.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method of displaying the program guide 600 may be provided. In this embodiment, a receiver 102 may receive the program guide (602) from the service provider transmission. In this embodiment, for example, where the program guide includes matrix codes 140 having program data, the receiver may generate a matrix code for each program (604), by updating the already present codes 140 with user information. That is, for example, the receiver 102 may read account information and/or set top box data such as a serial number or access card data from one or more computer readable storage media contained therein. The receiver may include matrix code software for reading, editing, and/or creating matrix codes, and the receiver may modify the matrix code 140 already present in the guide to include information specific to the user. As such, the resulting matrix codes 140 may be associated with particular programs and may include program data, instructions, and user information. This step of updating the matrix codes 140 with the user information may occur each time an updated program guide is transmitted by the service provider (510) and received by the receiver (602). The set top box 116 may then display the guide (608) when instructed to do so by a user. For example, the user may instruct the set top box 116 to display the guide using a remote control or control on the set top box 116.

In other embodiments of the method 600, for example, the service provider may compile the program guide, but may not provide the matrix codes 140. In this embodiment, the receiver 102 may be configured to generate matrix codes (604) by creating them. In this embodiment, the generation of the matrix codes 140 may be more involved than that described above. That is, rather than updating the matrix codes 140 with user information, the present embodiment may include creating matrix codes 140 that include program data, instructions, and user information. In this embodiment, the receiver 102 may receive the program guide (602). The receiver 102 may then read the program guide information from the program guide and develop and store program data. The receiver 102 may have instructions for what a reader 106, for example, should do with the code data stored therein. In addition, as above, the receiver may have account information and/or set top box information also stored therein. Accordingly, having read the program guide information, the receiver 102 may generate a matrix code (604) for each program in the guide including program data, instructions, and user information. The receiver 102 may also associate each matrix code (606) with its respective program and arrange the matrix code 140 visually within the guide to appear associated with the program. Each time an updated program guide is received from the service provider or at some interval thereof, the receiver 102 may generate the matrix codes (604) and associate them with the programs (606) in the guide. As with the above embodiment, the set top box 116 may display the guide (608) when instructed to do so by a user.

In either of the above embodiments, a user may scan a matrix code within the program guide with a reader 106. As with previous embodiments, the reader 106 may store the data and may require action by the user to do something with the read data or the reader 106 may include an auto run feature allowing the code 140 to be automatically decoded, for example. In some embodiments, the data read by the reader 106 may be stored therein and may be viewable on the reader 106. In some embodiments, the stored data, particularly the program data portion thereof, may be sent via text or data message or e-mailed to a friend along with comments about the show. For example, where a user want to notify a friend of an upcoming showing of a program, they may do so by scanning the matrix code 140 from their program guide and communicating the program data to the friend.

In other embodiments, the instruction portion of the data stored in the matrix code 140 may include instructions to access a website, send a text message, or otherwise communicate to the service provider an interest in recording the show in the guide. Where the service provider receives such a transmission, the methods 300 and 400 may be used to schedule the user's set top box 116 to record. However, the aspect of method 300 relating to scheduling the download may be omitted. That is, if the program is present in a program guide, the date, time, and channel of the airing may already be scheduled. As such, the aspect of method 300 regarding developing an instruction and transmitting an instruction to the user may be used. The several operations of method 400 may be used to receive the instruction, coordinate the instruction, set the box 116 to record, and record the showing.

In still other embodiments, the instruction portion of the data stored in the matrix code 140 may be to access a website for example available via the program data. In this embodiment, for example, the reader may access a URL address associated with the program and available in the program data portion of the matrix code 140. The reader 106 may connect to the Internet, navigate to the URL address, and allow the user to interact with the website. The user may, for example, select online episodes to view, watch trailers, or otherwise interact with a website featuring the respective television program.

In still other embodiments, a combination of the above processes for scanning and using the matrix code 140 data may be provided. Likewise, multiple matrix codes 140 may be provided for each program depending on the intended use of the information in the matrix code 140. For example, one matrix code 140 may be used if the user would like to set their set top box 116 to record just the shown episode. Another matrix code 140 may be used if the user would like to set their set top box 116 to record a series. Still a further matrix code 140 may be provided if the user would just like to receive additional information about the program, for example. In other embodiments, the instruction portion of the code data may include instructions to prompt the user with a question of their intention. As such, once scanned with a reader 106, the user may be prompted with a question such as, “Just this episode or entire series?” The user's response to the prompt may be included in the communication to the service provider allowing the service provider to develop a suitable instruction for sending to the user's set top box 116. In still other embodiments, the multiple matrix codes 140 may include data relating to how many episodes to save and for how long to save the episodes. Other common questions regarding recording television programs may be avoided by having matrix codes 140 configured to cause recording in a certain manner. In other embodiments, the user may be able to control the type of matrix codes available for scanning by selecting from setup options available on their set top box 116.

The methods 500 and 600 relating to generating matrix codes for an electronic programming guide may be advantageous for several reasons. For example, the availability of a matrix code 140 in the program guide may make it convenient for a user to set their set top box to record. This may be particularly true where multiple programs are being recorded. Additional advantages associated with allowing for additional information or sharing with friends may also be realized.

It is noted here that while matrix codes in advertisements have been described as being configured for expressing interest in on-demand programming, other uses may also be available. That is, a matrix code in an advertisement for an upcoming television show may allow for scanning thereof, communication to a service provider, and recording of the show or series. Similarly, a matrix code in an advertisement may also be used to express interest in or purchase pay-per-view programs by communicating to the service provider instructions to allow access to a pay-per-view channel where a program may be streamed on a repeating basis. In addition, while matrix codes in the program guide have been described for use with respect to scheduled programming, they may also be used to order or purchase on-demand programming or pay-per-view programming.

In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of operations in the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of operations in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various operations in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The described disclosure may be provided as a computer program product, or software, that may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the present disclosure. A non-transitory machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The non-transitory machine-readable medium may take the form of, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette, video cassette, and so on); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; and so on.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context or particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A method for presenting a matrix code for expressing an interest in a remotely accessible program comprising: receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying matrix code data associated with a matrix code stored to the content receiver and relating to the remotely accessible program;generating, at the content receiver, a modified matrix code from the matrix code stored to the content receiver and the matrix code data associated with the matrix code stored to the content receiver;transmitting the modified matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display, wherein the modified matrix code is displayed as a component of an electronic programming guide that lists multiple television channels and program data for each of the multiple television channels including program titles, program descriptive information, and date and time of scheduled airing of programs, and that provides access to the modified matrix code in addition to matrix codes for other remotely accessible programs; andreceiving the remotely accessible program in response to a user capture of the modified matrix code relating to the remotely accessible program.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the modified matrix code further includes advertisement data.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the advertisement data includes additional information about an advertised program.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the additional information includes a movie trailer.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the additional information includes an Internet link to a movie producer's website.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying data includes a movie title.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying data further includes user information.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying data further includes instructions for communicating the identifying data to a television service provider.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the instructions include executable code for automatically preparing a text message including the identifying data and sending the text message to the provider.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the instructions include a method of preparing an e-mail including the identifying data and sending the e-mail to the provider.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the instructions include a method of accessing an Internet web interface of the provider and entering the identifying data into the interface.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: periodically receiving at the content receiver a signal carrying identifying data relating to programs other than the remotely accessible programs; andgenerating matrix codes each relating to a particular program other than the remotely accessible program for display as a component of the electronic programming guide.