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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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A remote control 106 is provided, in one configuration, for convenient remote operation of the STB 102 and the television 104. The remote control 106 may use infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or other wireless technologies to transmit control signals to the STB 102 and the television 104. Other remote control devices are also contemplated, such as a wired or wireless mouse (not shown). |
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Additionally, a keyboard 108 (either wireless or wired) is provided, in one embodiment, to allow the customer to rapidly enter text information into the STB 102. Such text information may be used for e-mail or instant messaging, e.g. text-based chat. In various embodiments, the keyboard 108 may use infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or other wireless technologies to transmit keystrokes to the STB 102. |
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In one embodiment, each STB 102 is coupled to the network 101 via a head-end 110 or other distribution center. In the context of a cable network, a head-end 110 is generally a centrally-located facility where television programs are received from a local cable TV (CATV) satellite downlink or other source and packaged together for transmission to customer homes. In one configuration, a head-end 110 also functions as a Central Office (CO) in the telephone industry, routing video streams and other data to and from the various STBs 102 serviced thereby. Head-ends 110 may be coupled directly to one another or through the network 101. In some cases, head-ends 110 may be connected via a separate network, one particular example of which is the Internet 112. |
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The network 101 is preferably coupled to one or more television programming sources 114, which provide television programming for distribution to the STBs 102. In one configuration, television programs are distributed in an encoded format, such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group). Various MPEG standards are known, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG-7, and the like. Thus, the term “MPEG,” as used herein, contemplates all MPEG standards. Moreover, other video encoding/compression standards exist other than MPEG, such as JPEG, JPEG-LS, H.261, and H.263. Accordingly, the invention should not be construed as being limited only to MPEG. |
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The network 101 is also preferably coupled to the Internet 112 to provide access thereto by the STBs 102. The Internet 112 is a “network of networks” and is well known to those skilled in the art. Communication over the Internet 112 is accomplished using standard protocols, such as TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol) and the like. |
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In one embodiment, the Internet 112 is coupled to one or more content sources 116. A content source 116 provides access to various forms of content, such as web pages, streaming media, databases, commercial transactions, and the like. For example, a content source 116 may include a commercial e-commerce site, such as Amazon.com®. The content sources 116 may be accessed, for example, using a web browser integrated with an STB 102. Of course, content sources 116 may also be coupled directly to the network 101. |
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The system 100 is preferably capable of providing a variety of interactive options to a user. In one embodiment, an interactive option is a feature of the system 100 that allows a user to interact with a content source 116 while watching programming received from a programming source 114, accessing another content source 116, or the like. |
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For example, one interactive option may allow a user to participate in an opinion poll while watching a presidential debate. Another interactive option may allow a user to purchase an item being currently advertised or displayed. Still another interactive option may allow a user to check his or her e-mail in response to a notification that a new e-mail message has arrived. Yet another interactive option may allow a user to establish a two-way communication channel with a technical support person or a sales representative. The possible interactive options available using the system 100 are endless. |
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Interactive options may be implemented using various techniques, protocols, and standards. For example, one technique, established by the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF), relies on embedding “triggers” into a television broadcast. Triggers allow content developers, broadcasters, or cable operators to insert real-time prompts and user-selectable links into the video stream. Among other information, a trigger may contain a network address, such as a Universal Resource Locator (URL), that defines the location of content for the interactive option. |
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