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When an interactive option 408 becomes available, an icon 404 corresponding to the interactive option 408 is retrieved 906 from the repository 402. In addition, a language assistant 414 retrieves a corresponding description 422 from a language module 416 corresponding to the preferred language of the user. Thereafter, the icon 404 is superimposed 908, in one embodiment, over currently-displayed programming 409 or other displayed content. Next, the description 422 is presented 910, in one embodiment, by displaying the description 422 in close proximity to the icon 404. Additionally, an audible message 602, 604, 606 may be presented to the user via conventional voice synthesis techniques. |
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As noted previously, a user may switch between a map view 804 and an icon view 802 of the icon 404 and description 422 by pressing an appropriate button, such as a “View” button 806. In certain configurations, the icon 404 and/or description 422 may be visually emphasized to attract the userʼs attention. Various types of visual emphasis are contemplated, such as highlighting, animation, scaling, etc. |
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A determination 912 is then made as to whether the user has selected the available interactive option 408 using the remote control 106, e.g. was the correct button pressed. If so, an audible confirmation is generated 914 to alert the user to the fact that the correct button was pressed. The interactive option 408 is then activated 916 using conventional techniques. |
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Based upon the foregoing, the present invention offers numerous advantages not available in conventional interactive television systems. In response to an interactive option becoming available, an instructional user interface icon is displayed to assist a user in identifying and/or locating a corresponding button on the remote control. In addition, a description accompanies the icon when the user speaks a language other than the default language of the remote control. The description provides meaning for the icon and may generate interest for activating the interactive option. Each icon shares a common visual characteristic with a corresponding button, such as shape, color, text markings, graphical markings, size, relative position, and the like. Accordingly, the user is not required to read a translated printed manual or an on-line help screen to make use of an interactive option. |
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While specific embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. |
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Claim 1.A method for assisting a speaker of a first language in operating a remote control device designed for a speaker of a second language, the method comprising: |
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storing an icon for each of a plurality of interactive options periodically available within an interactive television system, each interactive option corresponding to a button on the remote control device, each icon sharing a common visual characteristic with a button on the remote control device; |
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storing with each icon a description, in the first language, of a corresponding interactive option; |
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displaying an icon on a display device associated with the interactive television system in response to a corresponding interactive option becoming available; and |
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presenting with the icon the description of the interactive option in the first language. |
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Claim 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the remote control device includes text markings in the second language, and wherein the description comprises a translation of the text markings into the first language. |
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Claim 3.The method of claim 1, wherein presenting comprises: |
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displaying the description on the display device. |
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Claim 4.The method of claim 3, further comprising |
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visually emphasizing the description on the display device. |
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Claim 5.The method of claim 4, wherein the description is visually emphasized using a technique selected from the group consisting of highlighting, animation, and scaling. |
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Claim 6.The method of claim 1, wherein presenting comprises: |
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displaying the description on the display device in proximity to the icon. |
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Claim 7.The method of claim 6, wherein the description is displayed in a location selected from the group consisting of above the icon, below the icon, to the left of the icon, and to the right of the icon. |
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Claim 8.The method of claim 6, wherein the description is displayed on the icon. |
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