Ann L Canfield

US Patent:

58446206, Dec 1, 1998

Filed:

Nov 29, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/564015

Inventors:

Misti Coleman - San Diego CA
Ann Marie Canfield - San Diego CA
Mark K. Eyer - San Diego CA
Zicheng Guo - San Diego CA

Assignee:

General Instrument Corporation - Horsham PA

International Classification:

H04N 700

US Classification:

348461

Abstract:

An interactive on-screen visual interface guides a user through a menu of individual events available via an information network while allowing continuity of viewing of the current channel. The invention is especially applicable to the provision of an interactive program guide (IPG) for events such as television programs, movies, concerts, sporting events, interactive services, and the like which are available over a digital broadcast satellite (DBS) system or a cable television (CATV) network. A user can easily switch back and forth between a partial screen guide and a full-screen guide by a command entered, for example, on a hand-held remote control. The guide can be switched back to a non-display status. The guide's graphics can also be blended with video being viewed. The primary viewing channel can be resized to allow the user to view all of the primary channel while also accessing the guide.