(12) United States Patent
`Schumacher et al.
`
`USOO6757907B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,757,907 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jun. 29, 2004
`
`(54) DISPLAY SELECTION IN A VIDEO-ON-
`DEMAND SYSTEM
`
`(75) Inventors: James Schumacher, Oakland, CA
`(US); Mike O’Brien, Pacifica, CA
`(US); Jay Cee Straley, San Carlos, CA
`(US)
`O
`O
`(73) Assignee: Sprint Communications Company,
`L.P., Overland Park, KS (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`6/2000 Olds et al. .................. 455/428
`6,078,810 A
`6,105,060 A * 8/2000 Rothblatt .......
`... 709/219
`6,157,809 A * 12/2000 Kambayashi
`... 725/91
`6, 191806 B1 : 22001 Mayer .........................
`725/1
`6,205,485 B1 : 3/2001 Kikinis - - -
`- - - 709/231
`6.219,355 B1 : 4/2001 Brodigan
`... 370/486
`6,285,660 B1
`9/2001 Ronen ...........
`... 370/259
`6,314,573 B1
`11/2001 Gordon et al. ................ 725/61
`6,392.664 B1 * 5/2002 White et al. ..........
`... 345/717
`6.421,728 B1 * 7/2002 Mohammed et al. ....... 709/227
`6,430.603 B2 * 8/2002 Hunter ................
`... 709/207
`6,480,753 B1 * 11/2002 Calder et al. ................. 700/83
`6,484,318 B1
`11/2002 Shioda et al. ............... 725/110
`6,542,500 B1 * 4/2003 Gerszberg et al. .......... 370/354
`6,577.414 B1 * 6/2003 Feldman et al. ......
`... 725/129
`6,604.240 B2
`8/2003 Ellis et al. .................... 725/45
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner John Miller
`Assistant Examiner Annan Q. Shang
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/501,055
`(22) Filed:
`Feb. 9, 2000
`(51) Int. Cl. ........................... H04N 7/173; H04N 8/16
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................. 725/87; 725/91; 725/93;
`725/109; 725/110; 725/116; 725/118; 348/460;
`348/552; 348/734 A video-on-demand System transferS a control Screen Signal
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 725/109, 110,
`to a Second communication System and receives a viewer
`725/121, 122, 106, 108, 133, 141, 58, 86-104,
`control Signal from the Second communication System. The
`1-8, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118; 348/460,
`Video-on-demand System transferS Video Signals to either a
`552, 734
`first communication System or the Second communication
`System based on the viewer control Signal. The Second
`communication system uses less bandwidth to transfer the
`Video Signals than the first communications system, The
`control Screen could be a web page that includes: 1) a video
`display menu with a Selection of displays and bandwidths to
`display the Video signals, 2) a video content menu with a
`Video preview selection, and/or 3) a video display control
`menu comprising play, pause, rewind, fast forward, and Stop.
`The Video-on-demand System implements the control Screen
`menu Selections.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,488,412 A * 1/1996 Majeti et al. ............... 725/111
`5,574,779 A * 11/1996 Ely et al.........
`... 379/221.09
`5,594,490 A * 1/1997 Dawson et al. ............... 725/67
`5,761,602 A * 6/1998 Wagner et al...
`... 725/34
`5,928,327 A * 7/1999 Wang et al. ...
`... 725/88
`5,930,250 A * 7/1999 Klok et al. ................. 370/352
`5,969,714. A * 10/1999 Butcher ...................... 345/719
`6,012,090 A * 1/2000 Chung et al. ............... 709/219
`6,041,356 A
`3/2000 Mohammed ................ 709/227
`
`53 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`WE)-CN-OENAMs
`SYSTEM00
`
`rRST
`MTERFACE
`0.
`
`PROCESSING SCCN
`SYSTEM
`INTERFACE
`03
`O2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIRST
`cMUNCATCNS
`SYSTEM
`11
`
`FRSE
`DISPLAY
`2
`
`WECCONTENT
`MENU23
`- CONTENTE
`cott;2
`- CNENT 33
`
`... CONTENTiN
`
`SECX)n
`RANCAT&MS
`SYSTE
`2
`
`SCQN
`ISPLAY
`12
`
`WESPLAY
`MEM232
`- SPLAY22
`ANOWITH $1
`BAMoWTH 2.
`
`- SPLAY 22
`BANYTH
`BANYAH2
`FULL WIEW
`
`cCNTROLSCREEN238
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 29, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 0f 7
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`DZ<EmQ-Z0-0mo_>
`
`
`
`corEwhm>m
`
`0200mm
`OZ_mmm00m_n_
`
`Hmmi
`
`m0<ummhz_
`
`Ewkw>m
`
`m0<mmm_._.2_
`
`Nov
`
`nor
`
`_.o_.
`
`0200mm
`
`wZO_._.<O_ZDS=200
`
`Emkw>m
`
`N:
`
`ngn.
`
`wZOF<U_ZDS_S_OO
`
`Ewkm>m
`
`E...
`
`DZOUmm
`
`><._aw_o
`
`NNF
`
`meI
`
`>63me
`
`FNr
`
`_‘.OE
`
`Charter EX. 1001, Page 2
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 2
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 29, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 0f 7
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`
`
`NNr><.Em_o
`
`
`
`omNzmwmomJOKHZOU
`
`N.OE
`
`Own=>
`
`NaIFD.>>QZ<m0EuI._.n=>>oz<mO
`
`rNNElam—O-
`
`.33“.ONaI._b_>>oz<m0SnIFQE>QZ<mONNN><I_n_w_0-
`EMS
`
`
`
`><._n_w_0Omn:>
`
`mum:sz
`
`a._.Zw._.200
`
`ExhszZOU-
`
`NuHZMPZOO-
`
`muthPZOO-
`
`2%hzmhzOO-
`
`5
`
`
`
`memO>>m=>mmm
`
`Charter EX. 1001, Page 3
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 29, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`0€Z NEERHOS TO}}_LNOO
`
`»
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`2n.HJ
`
`40
`
`4teehS
`
`9,757,6SU
`
`1B
`
`m.MnflJ|2m2
`
`NNw><._n_w_D
`
`
`
`0mmZwmmOm401F200
`
`7AMSm:zms.49.:on>5n_m_o89>
`
`
`9,395589>fillrv«mam;
`
`
`n55mm3<m_AA“E><._a2mmx“02363302
`
`
`7a0v0E
`
`N“022.32%mgfi>”ommemmsz.
`
`Charter EX. 1001, Page 5
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 29, 2004
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`
`
`(N
`N
`who
`X-
`s
`L
`U2
`
`Co
`(Y
`CN
`f
`Y
`O
`u)
`-
`
`H
`2.
`O
`O
`
`s
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 29, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`| Z9
`
`NOISIAETEL
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 29, 2004
`
`Sheet 7 0f 7
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`5.25.200
`
`
`
`
`ZO_m_>m..m:.QZ<Em0-20-0m0_>mwmgomm
` r.NNo
`OMQS
`
`
`
`>>m=>mmn_mwm>>Omm
`
`
`
`mmomoZO_w_>m4wk
`
`
`
`>>m=>wmmOwn=>
`
`w0<1mw>>
`
`2700..
`
`
`Own=>02_Dz_>>mm
`I!m0<n_mw>>
`
` hzwhzoo
`
`
`
`HZMHZOOOmD_>
`
`n.07.
`
`
`
`><._n_m_ommwgomm
`
`
`
`#29200Omn=>
`
`Charter EX. 1001, Page 8
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 8
`
`
`

`

`1
`DISPLAY SELECTION IN A WIDEO-ON
`DEMAND SYSTEM
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`Not applicable
`
`FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
`DEVELOPMENT
`
`Not applicable
`
`MICROFICHEAPPENDIX
`Not applicable
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The invention is related to the field of video systems, and
`in particular, to a Video-on-demand System that provides a
`Viewer with a Selection of displays for viewing video.
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`Video-on-demand Systems are currently being designed
`and implemented. The Video-on-demand System offers an
`individual viewer various Selections from a Video content
`library for viewing on-demand. Some examples of Video
`content include movies, television shows, documentaries,
`news, and Sports. The Video-on-demand System receives a
`request from the viewer to view a particular Selection from
`the Video content library. In response to the request, the
`Video-on-demand System transferS the Selected Video con
`tent over a communication System to the viewer's display.
`Thus, the Video-on-demand System allows a viewer to
`immediately view Selected Video content.
`Video-on-demand Systems use a television Set-top box for
`remote control. Using the Set-top box, the viewer may view
`a video content menu on the television and order Video
`content for display on the television. Unfortunately, the
`Set-top box is a Special component that is closely coupled to
`the television. The set-top box does not have a video display
`and is not mobile. The set-top box does not offer a selection
`of displays or bandwidths.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The invention solves the above problems with a video
`on-demand System that uses a Second communications SyS
`tem and display. The Second communications System could
`be the web, and the second display could a web browser
`running on a portable computer. Advantageously, the viewer
`can preview Video content on their portable computer using
`a cheap web connection before Selecting Video content for
`television viewing. The portable computer has many other
`uses and eliminates the cost of a Special television Set-top
`box.
`The Video-on-demand System transferS a control Screen
`Signal to a Second communication System and receives a
`Viewer control Signal from the Second communication SyS
`tem. The Video-on-demand System transferS Video signals to
`either a first communication System or the Second commu
`60
`nication System based on the viewer control Signal. The
`Second communication System uses leSS bandwidth to trans
`fer the Video signals than the first communications System.
`The control Screen could be a web page that includes: 1) a
`Video display menu with a Selection of displays and band
`widths to display the Video signals, 2) a video content menu
`with a video preview Selection, and/or 3) a video display
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`2
`control menu comprising play, pause, rewind, fast forward,
`and Stop. The Video-on-demand System implements the
`control Screen menu Selections.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The same reference number represents the same element
`on all drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates the configuration
`and operating environment for a Video-on-demand System in
`an example of the invention.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates a control Screen
`on a display in an example of the invention.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates a control screen
`on a display in an example of the invention.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates a control Screen
`on a display in an example of the invention.
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a control screen
`on a display in an example of the invention.
`FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates the configuration
`of a web-based System in an example of the invention.
`FIG. 7 is a message Sequence chart that illustrates the
`operation of a web-based System in an example of the
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`System Configuration-FIG. 1
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates a video-on
`demand System 100 and its operating environment in an
`example of the invention. The video-on-demand system 100
`comprises a first communication interface 101 and a second
`communication interface 102 that are each coupled to a
`processing System 103. The first communication interface
`101 is coupled to a first communication system 111. The first
`communication System 111 is coupled to a first display 121.
`The Second communication interface 102 is coupled to a
`Second communication System 112. The Second communi
`cation System 112 is coupled to a Second display 122. The
`Second communication System 112 uses leSS bandwidth to
`transfer video than the first communication system 111.
`Some examples of the first communication System 111
`include optical fiber Systems, wire cable Systems, and wire
`leSS link Systems. One example of the Second communica
`tion system 112 is the Internet, and in particular, the World
`Wide Web (web). One example of the first display 121 is a
`television. One example of the Second display 122 is a
`portable personal computer with a browser.
`The video-on-demand system 100 could comprise a con
`ventional computer platform that is configured with Software
`and conventional communication interfaces. The Software
`directs the computer platform to operate as follows. The
`processing System 103 transferS a control Screen Signal to
`the Second communication interface 102. The Second com
`munication interface 102 transferS the control Screen Signal
`to the Second communication System 112. The Second com
`munication System 112 transferS the control Screen signal to
`the second display 122. The second display 122 displays the
`control Screen. In Some examples of the invention, the
`control Screen is a web page.
`In response to viewer input to the control Screen, the
`Second display 122 transferS a corresponding viewer control
`Signal to the Second communication System 112. The Second
`communication System 112 transferS the viewer control
`Signal to the Second communications interface 102. The
`Second communication interface 102 transferS the control
`Signal to the processing System 103.
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 9
`
`

`

`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`3
`The processing System 103 transferS Video Signals to
`either the first communication interface or the Second com
`munication interface in response to the viewer control
`signal. If the first communication interface 101 is used, then
`the first communication interface 101 transfers the video
`signals to the first communication system 111. The first
`communication System 111 transferS the Video signals to the
`first display 121. The first display 121 displays the video. If
`the Second communication interface 102 is used, then the
`Second communication interface 102 transfers the video
`Signals to the Second communication System 112. The Sec
`ond communication System 112 transferS the Video signals to
`the second display 122. The second display 122 displays the
`video.
`
`15
`
`4
`The second communications interface 102 transfers the
`Video display menu Selection Signal to the processing System
`103. The video preview selection signal and the video
`display menu Selection signal could be integrated together.
`The processing system 103 processes the video preview
`Selection signal to responsively transfer a preview of the
`Selected Video content as Video signals. The processing
`System 103 processes the Video display menu Selection
`Signal to responsively Select either the first communications
`interface 101 or the second communications interface 102 to
`transfer the Video signals. The Selected communication
`interface then transferS the Video Signals to the correspond
`ing display over the corresponding communication System.
`The corresponding display displays the Selected Video pre
`View in response to the Video signals. For example, if the
`viewer selects a preview of video content #2 on the display
`122, then the video-on-demand system 100 transfers the
`preview of the video content #2 to the display 122 over the
`communication System 112.
`When the viewer selects an order for video content, the
`display 122 transferS a Video content menu Selection Signal
`to the Second communications System 112 indicating the
`Selected Video content. The Second communications System
`112 transfers the Video content menu Selection Signal to the
`Second communications interface 102. The Second commu
`nications interface 102 transfers the video content menu
`Selection signal to the processing System 103.
`When the viewer selects video display characteristics, the
`display 122 transferS a Video display menu Selection Signal
`to the Second communications System 112 indicating the
`Selected Video display characteristics. The Second commu
`nications System 112 transferS the Video display menu
`Selection Signal to the Second communication interface 102.
`The second communications interface 102 transfers the
`Video display menu Selection Signal to the processing System
`103. The video content menu selection signal and the video
`display menu Selection signal could be integrated together.
`The processing System 103 processes the video content
`menu Selection signal to responsively transfer the Selected
`Video content as Video Signals. The processing System 103
`processes the Video display menu Selection signal to respon
`sively select either the first communications interface 101 or
`the second communications interface 102 to transfer the
`Video Signals. The Selected communication interface then
`transferS the Video signals to the corresponding display over
`the corresponding communication System. The correspond
`ing display displays the Selected Video content in response to
`the Video signals. For example, if the Viewer Selects an order
`for video content #2 using the display 121, then the video
`on-demand system 100 transfers the video content #2 to the
`display 121 over the communication system 111.
`FIG. 3 is block diagram that illustrates the control screen
`230 on the display 122 in an example of the invention. In this
`example, the display 121 is currently displaying Selected
`video content. The control screen 230 includes the video
`display menu 232 and a video display control menu 340. The
`video display control menu 340 comprises selections for
`go-to-beginning, rewind, play, fast forward, go-to-end,
`pause, and stop.
`When the viewer selects one of these video display
`controls, the display 122 transferS a video display control
`menu Selection signal to the Second communications System
`112 indicating the Selected Video display control. The Second
`communications System 112 transferS the Video display
`control menu Selection signal to the Second communications
`interface 102. The second communications interface 102
`
`The Control Screen-FIGS. 2-5
`FIGS. 2-5 depict various versions of the control screen
`230 that is generated by the video-on-demand system 100.
`In particular, the processing System 103 generates and
`transferS corresponding control Screen Signals to the Second
`communications interface 102, and the Second communica
`tions interface 102 transferS the control Screen signals over
`the Second communications System 112 to the display 122.
`The display 122 displays the control screen 230 to the
`Viewer in response to the control Screen Signals.
`The viewer chooses menu Selections using the display
`122, and the display 122 transferS corresponding menu
`selection signals to video-on-demand system 100. In
`particular, the display 122 transferS the menu Selection
`Signals over the Second communications System 112 to the
`Second communications interface 102, and the Second com
`munications interface 102 transferS the menu Selection Sig
`nals to the processing System 103. The processing System
`103 controls the video-on-demand system 100 in response to
`the menu Selection signals.
`FIG. 2 is block diagram that illustrates a control Screen
`230 on the display 122 in an example of the invention. The
`control Screen 230 includes a video content menu 231 and a
`video display menu 232. The video content menu 231
`comprises various menu Selections Such as movies,
`documentaries, Sports, news, educational material, and
`games. These menu Selection are denoted by content #1,
`content #2, content #3 ... content iN on FIG. 2. The video
`content menu 231 also comprises a preview Selection and an
`order selection. The preview selection allows the viewer to
`preview the selected video content. The order selection
`allows the viewer to view the selected video content in its
`entirety. The Video display menu 232 comprises various
`display characteristics, Such as display 221 and display 222,
`with various bandwidths for each display. The full view
`Selection in the menu 232 causes the display 122 to use more
`of the control Screen to display the Video.
`When the viewer selects a preview of video content, the
`display 122 transferS a video preview Selection signal to the
`Second communications System 112 indicating the Selected
`Video preview. The Second communications System 112
`transferS the Video preview Selection Signal to the Second
`communications interface 102. The Second communications
`interface 102 transfers the video preview selection signal to
`the processing system 103.
`When the viewer selects video display characteristics, the
`display 122 transfers a video display menu Selection Signal
`to the Second communications System 112 indicating the
`Selected Video display characteristics. The Second commu
`65
`nications System 112 transferS the Video display menu
`Selection Signal to the Second communication interface 102.
`
`60
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 10
`
`

`

`S
`transferS the Video display control menu Selection signal to
`the processing system 103. The processing system 103
`processes the video display control menu Selection signal to
`responsively implement the display control with respect to
`the Video signals. For example, if the Viewer Selects fast
`forward using the display 122, then the Video-on-demand
`system 100 fast forwards the video content being transferred
`to the display 121 over the communication system 111.
`FIG. 4 is block diagram that illustrates the control screen
`230 on the display 122 in an example of the invention. In this
`example, the display 122 is currently displaying a Selected
`video preview on a viewer 450. The viewer 450 could also
`be used to display Selected Video content in addition to
`previews. The control screen 230 also includes the video
`display menu 232 and the video display control menu 340.
`For example, if the viewer Selects fast forward using the
`display 121, then the video-on-demand system 100 fast
`forwards the video preview on the viewer 450.
`FIG. 5 is block diagram that illustrates the control screen
`230 on the display 122 in an example of the invention. In this
`example, the display 122 is currently displaying Selected
`video content on the viewer 450, and “full Screen' has been
`selected from video display control menu 340. In response
`to the full Screen menu Selection, a larger portion of the
`control screen 230 is used for the viewer 450 to display the
`video content. If the viewer selects "menus' on the control
`screen 230, then the display reverts to the control screen of
`FIG. 4. The full screen menu selection operates in a similar
`fashion for video previews.
`Web-based System Configuration and Operation
`FIGS. 6-7
`FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates the configuration
`of a web-based system in an example of the invention. The
`video-on-demand system 100 is coupled to a video distri
`bution system 611 and to the web 612. The video distribu
`tion system 611 is coupled to a television 621. The web 612
`is coupled to a browser 622 running on a portable computer
`623. The video-on-demand system 100 communicates with
`the television 621 over the video distribution system 61i and
`with the browser 622 over the web 612. The elements 611,
`612, 621, and 622/623 respectively correspond to the ele
`ments 111, 112, 121, and 122 of FIG. 1
`FIG. 7 is a message Sequence chart that illustrates the
`operation of the web-based System in an example of the
`invention. For clarity, the video distribution system 611 and
`the web 612 are omitted from FIG. 7. The browser 622
`logs-in to the system 100, and in response, the system 100
`returns a web page to the browser 622. This web page is
`similar to FIG. 2.
`The browser 622 then transfers menu selections to the
`system 100 for the browser 622 to display a selected video
`preview using MPEG I. In response, the system 100 trans
`fers the selected MPEGI video preview to the browser 622
`for display. This display is similar to either FIG. 4 or 5
`depending on the full Screen Selection.
`After the video preview, the browser 622 transfers menu
`selections to the system 100 for the television 621 to display
`selected video content using MPEG II. In response, the
`system 100 transfers the selected MPEG II video content to
`the television 621. The system 100 also transfers a web page
`to the browser 622. This web page is similar to FIG. 3.
`As the television 621 displays the selected video content,
`the browser 622 transfers a rewind instruction to the system
`100. In response, the system 100 transfers rewinding video
`content to the television 621. The browser 622 then transfers
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`6
`a play instruction to the System 100. In response, the System
`100 transfers the rewound video content to the television
`621.
`As the television 621 displays the selected video content,
`the browser 622 transfers menu selections to the system 100
`for the browser 622 to display the selected video content
`using MPEG I. In response, the system 100 transfers the
`Selected MPEG I video content to the browser 622 for
`display. This display is similar to either FIG. 4 or 5 depend
`ing on the full Screen Selection. It should be appreciated that
`the video-on-demand system 100 allows the viewer to select
`the desired display and bandwidth for selected video pre
`views and content. The viewer can Switch between different
`displayS, bandwidths, and VideoS as desired.
`There are numerous variations that are included in various
`examples of the invention. Both displays could be used
`simultaneously to view the same or different video. The
`display 122 could omit the viewer 450 and simply provide
`VCR type control over the display 121. The displays could
`be remote from one another or be mobile. For example, the
`display 122 could be a handheld computer with a browser
`and a wireleSS communication interface to the web.
`The above-described processing System includes instruc
`tions that are Stored on Storage media. The instructions can
`be read and executed by a processor. Some examples of
`instructions are Software, program code, and firmware.
`Some examples of Storage media are memory devices, tape,
`disks, integrated circuits, and Servers. The instructions are
`operational when executed by the processor to direct the
`processor to operate in accord with the invention. The term
`“processor refers to a Single processing device or a group
`of inter-operational processing devices. Some examples of
`processors are integrated circuits, computers, and logic
`circuitry. Those skilled in the art are familiar with
`instructions, processors, and Storage media.
`Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations of the
`above-described embodiments that fall within the scope of
`the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the
`Specific examples and illustrations discussed above, but only
`by the following claims and their equivalents.
`We claim:
`1. A video-on demand System comprising:
`a first communication interface configured to transfer first
`Video signals to a first communication System using a
`first bandwidth;
`a Second communication interface configured to transfer
`a control Screen Signal and Second video signals to a
`Second communication System using a Second band
`width that is less than the first bandwidth; and
`a processing System configured to transfer the control
`Screen Signal to the Second communication interface,
`receive a viewer control Signal from the Second com
`munication interface, and transfer the first Video signals
`to the first communication interface if the first com
`munication System is indicated by the viewer control
`Signal or transfer the Second Video signals to the Second
`communication interface if the Second communication
`System is indicated by the viewer control Signal.
`2. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`control Screen includes video display menu.
`3. The video-on-demand system of claim 2 wherein
`Second communications interface is configured to receive a
`Video display menu Selection signal from the Second com
`munications System, and the processing System is configured
`to process the Video display menu Selection signal to respon
`Sively Select the first communications interface or the Second
`communications interface to transfer the Video signals.
`
`Charter Ex. 1001, Page 11
`
`

`

`7
`4. The video-on-demand system of claim 3 wherein the
`Video display menu Selection signal includes a Selection of
`displays to display the Video Signals.
`5. The video-on-demand system of claim 3 wherein the
`Video display menu Selection signal includes a Selection of
`bandwidths to transfer the video signals.
`6. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`control Screen includes a video content menu.
`7. The video-on-demand system of claim 6 wherein the
`Video content menu includes a Video preview Selection.
`8. The video-on-demand system of claim 7 wherein
`Second communications interface is configured to receive a
`Video preview Selection signal from the Second communi
`cations System, and the processing System is configured to
`process the Video preview Selection signal to responsively
`transfer a Selected Video preview as the Video signals.
`9. The video-on-demand system of claim 8 wherein the
`control Screen includes a viewer that is configured to display
`the Selected Video previews.
`10. The video-on-demand system of claim 6 wherein
`Second communications interface is configured to receive a
`Video content menu Selection Signal from the Second com
`munications System, and the processing System is configured
`to process the Video content menu Selection Signal to respon
`Sively transfer Selected Video content as the video Signals.
`11. The video-on-demand system of claim 10 wherein the
`control Screen includes a viewer configured to display the
`Selected Video content.
`12. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`control Screen includes a Video display control menu com
`prising play, pause, rewind, fast forward, and Stop.
`13. The video-on-demand System of claim 12 wherein
`Second communications interface is configured to receive a
`Video display control menu Selection Signal from the Second
`communications System, and the processing System is con
`figured to process the Video display control menu Selection
`Signal to implement a Selected Video display control.
`14. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`control Screen includes a Video display control comprising
`full Screen view.
`15. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`first communication interface is configured to interface with
`optical fiber.
`16. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`first communication interface is configured to interface with
`wire cable.
`17. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`first communication interface is configured to interface with
`wireleSS linkS.
`18. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`Second communication interface is configured to interface
`with an internet.
`19. The video-on-demand system of claim 1 wherein the
`Second communication interface is configured to interface
`with a world-wide web.
`20. The video-on-demand system of claim 19 wherein the
`control Screen comprises a web page.
`21. A method of operating a Video-on-demand System, the
`method comprising:
`transferring a control Screen Signal indicating a control
`Screen to a Second communication System;
`receiving a viewer control Signal from the Second com
`munication System; and
`transferring first video signals to a first communication
`System using a first bandwidth if the first communica
`tion System is indicated by the viewer control Signal or
`transferring Second Video signals to the Second com
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,757,907 B1
`
`5
`
`15
`
`25
`
`8
`munication System using a Second bandwidth if the
`Second communication System is indicated by the
`viewer control signal wherein the Second bandwidth is
`less than the first bandwidth.
`22. The method of claim 21 wherein the control Screen
`includes a Video display menu.
`23. The method of claim 22 wherein receiving the viewer
`control Signal comprises receiving a Video display menu
`Selection signal and transferring the Video content signals
`comprises processing the Video display menu Selection
`Signal to responsively Select the first communications inter
`face or the Second communications interface to transfer the
`Video signals.
`24. The method of claim 23 wherein the video display
`menu Selection Signal includes a Selection of displays to
`display the Video signals.
`25. The method of claim 23 wherein the video display
`menu Selection Signal includes a Selection of bandwidths to
`transfer the Video signals.
`26. The method of claim 21 wherein the control Screen
`includes a Video content menu.
`27. The method of claim 26 wherein the video content
`menu includes a video preview Selection.
`28. The method of claim 27 wherein receiving the viewer
`control Signal comprises receiving a video preview Selection
`Signal and transferring the Video signals comprises proceSS
`ing the Video preview Selection signal to responsively trans
`fer a Selected Video preview as the Video Signals.
`29. The method of claim 27 wherein receiving the viewer
`control Signal comprises receiving a Video content Selection
`Signal and transferring the Video signals comprises proceSS
`ing the video content selection signal to responsively trans
`fer Selected Video content as the Video signals.
`30. The method of claim 21 wherein the control Screen
`includes a Video display control menu comprising play,
`pause, rewind, fast forward, and Stop.
`31. The method of claim 30 wherein receiving the viewer
`control Signal comprises receiving a Video display control
`menu Selection signal and transferring the Video signals
`comprises processing the Video display control menu Selec
`tion Signal to responsively implement a Selected Video
`display control.
`32. The method of claim 21 wherein the control Screen
`includes a Video display control comprising full Screen view.
`33. The method of claim 21 wherein transferring the video
`Signals comprises interfacing with optical fiber.
`34. The method of claim 21 wherein transferring the vid