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Non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures, in which: |
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for delivering television programs and other forms of content; |
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FIG. 2 is an illustration of an interactive television system including a remote control, a keyboard, a set top box, and a television; |
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FIG. 3 is a physical block diagram of hardware components of a set top box; |
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FIG. 4 is a logical block diagram of a system for assisting a speaker of a first language in operating a remote control device designed for a speaker of a second language; |
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FIG. 5 illustrates an icon with a corresponding description in a user-preferred language; |
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FIG. 6 illustrates a technique for providing a visual and/or audible prompt; |
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FIG. 7 illustrates a map of a remote control being displayed on a display device; |
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FIG. 8 illustrates user-selectable map views and icon views; and |
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FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for assisting a speaker of a first language in operating a remote control device designed for a speaker of a second language. |
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The present invention solves the foregoing problems and disadvantages with a system and method for assisting a speaker of a first language in operating a remote control device designed for a speaker of a second language. In one implementation, an icon representing each of a number of interactive options periodically available within an interactive television system is stored within an icon repository. Each interactive option corresponds to a button on a remote control device, and each icon shares a common visual characteristic with a corresponding button on the remote control device. Examples of shared visual characteristics include shape, color, text markings, graphical markings, as well as a combination of these. |
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In addition, descriptions, in various languages, of the interactive options are stored in language modules. When an interactive option becomes available, a corresponding icon is displayed on a display device for the interactive television system. In addition, the corresponding description, in a user-selected language, is presented. The description may be presented visually (e.g., on the television) or audibly (e.g., using voice synthesis). |
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As used herein, the term “remote control” is not limited to conventional remote controls. Rather, the term contemplates a variety of devices that enable a user to operate an interactive television system. Remote controls may include, for example, webpads, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wired or wireless keyboards, and the like. |
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Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. |
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Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. |
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Throughout the following disclosure, the term “coupled” may be used to refer to components that are either directly connected or are linked by one or more other components. Thus, as used herein, the term “coupled” may be synonymous with “in electrical communication with” or simply “in communication with.” |
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Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a system 100 for delivering television programs and other forms of content to a plurality of customers. In one implementation, the system 100 includes a broadband communication network 101, such as a cable network. However, other networks are contemplated, one particular example of which is a satellite network. |
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In one configuration, the system 100 includes a plurality of set top boxes (STBs) 102 located, for instance, at customer homes. Generally, an STB 102 is a consumer electronics device that serves as a gateway between a customerʼs television 104 and the network 101. In alternative embodiments, an STB 102 may be embodied more generally as a personal computer, a television 104 with integrated STB functionality, or another type of client terminal. |
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An STB 102 receives encoded television signals and other information from the network 101 and decodes the same for display on the television 104 or other display device (such as a computer monitor, flat panel display, or the like). As its name implies, an STB 102 is typically located on top of, or in close proximity to, the television 104. |
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Each STB 102 may be distinguished from other network components by a unique identifier, number, code, or address, examples of which include an IP (Internet Protocol) address or media access control (MAC) address. Thus, video streams and other information may be transmitted from the network 101 to a specific STB 102 by specifying the corresponding address, after which the network 101 routes the transmission to its destination using conventional techniques. |
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