MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to man-machine interfaces, and in particular, relates to a man-machine interface for one or more audio and/or visual content types.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

The present application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application S/N 60/839,368 of De Saint Marc, et al., filed 22 August 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following digital technologies, by way of example only, are generally available for the domestic consumer:

Satellite TV, cable TV, terrestrial (TNT) TV and Internet (IP, ADSL);

High definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) display devices;

Non-portable audiovisual devices including DVD recorders, personal video recorders (PVR) or digital video recorders (DVR), and media centers, multimedia HDD, and personal desk top computers (for example with Windows, MAC);

Mobile audiovisual devices including camcorders (mini-DV, DVD, HDD), video players/recorders such as PVR2GO, MP3 players/recorders such as iPOD, digital cameras, mobile telephones, multimedia HDD, and portable computers (for example with Windows, MAC); and Digital storage support including flash cards (for example: SD,

Compact, Memory Stick), USB keys, and portable mini disks on a network or for non-portable devices.

Different digital devices generally have different technological environments with different potentially conflicting operating models. The operating model is either typically based on: the device function, for example, but not limited to, Digital TV Decoder (satellite, cable, TNT), DVD player/recorder, Hard Disk Recorder, IP Decoder, PC); or manipulated medias, for example, but not limited to, TV Channel, video (such as DVD, SVCD, CDI), photograph (such as jpeg, bmp), and audio (such as mp3, wav, PCM, CD). By way of introduction, man-machine interfaces for digital devices generally include a remote control and/or a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the screen.

Most existing solutions generally focus on grouping the functionalities of the various divergent devices into a single interface (either remote control or GUI).

Remote control oriented solutions for multiple devices generally combine multiple remote controls into a single universal remote control with numerous keys or panels for actuating the various functions leading to a long learning curve and difficultly of use. GUI oriented solutions are generally based on solutions in the computer and Internet worlds, without conveying the simplicity of the audiovisual devices to the general public.

The following products are also believed to represent the state of the art: Front Row from Apple;

Sony Play -Station 3; Sky TV "search and scan" feature; Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005; Panasonic Interactive Wall PC; X-Box Media Player - XBMP;

Windows Vista Media Center; Free Player (Roy Player); Free Player (Easybox); and TVedia. The following references are also believed to represent the state of the art:

US Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/736,242 of JoIy, et al. filed 14 November 2005 entitled Advanced Xspace Search;

US Patent 5,367,316 to Ikezaki; US Patent 6, 127,941 to Van Ryzin;

US Patent 6,323,911 to Schein, et al.;

US Patent 6,542,169 to Marshall, et al.;

US Patent 6,563,515 to Reynolds, et al.;

US Published Patent Application 2002/0124071 of Proehl, et al.; US Published Patent Application 2003/0095156 of Klein, et al,;

US Published Patent Application 2006/0279541 of Kim, et al.;

US Published Patent Application 2007/0011702 of Vaysman;

PCT Published Patent Application WO 2006/081577 of Matrix TV;

PCT Published Patent Application WO 2007/054687 of NDS Limited;

A presentation from Bernard Caron of Centre de recherche sur les communications Canada found on the World Wide Web at: www.polymtl.ca/MMI2006/conferences.html#caron; and

Hitachi TV Interfaces, reference on the World Wide Web at hhil.hitachi.co.jp/products/tvinterfaces.html.

The disclosures of all references mentioned above and throughout the present specification, as well as the disclosures of all references mentioned in those references, are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved man-machine interface (MMI) system.

The system of the present invention, in preferred embodiments thereof includes a low cost, intuitive and unified man-machine interface for audio and/or visual digital devices (non-portable or mobile) having different technological environments- and/or different media-types .

The man-machine interface (MMI) preferably combines a remote control and a GUI in order to manage many different digital devices and/or media types in parallel.

The MMI preferably provides a generic paradigm for managing both file based media and live/recorded streamed media, metadata and home networking for the different device/media types.

The remote control preferably includes a reduced number of keys, preferably only 7 main keys without any functional restrictions. Additional keys may be included, but the 7 main keys are capable of performing all the media management functions. The GUI preferably includes 4 navigation entities including: a menu, a surf-bar with an extension such as a details-bar; a tool-bar; and a controller. New content types may preferably be added without having to modify the underlying paradigm of the MMI.

The MMI is preferably configured so that the functions of the MMI are logically divided in accordance with brain functioning: the right side of brain is for intuitive functions such as acting directly and the left side of the brain is for reflective functions such as asking a question. Additionally, one or more of the functions of the GUI or the keys of ^■ the remote control are preferably configurable by the user and/or the network operator and/or the consumer electronics manufacturer, for example, but not limited to, dynamic remapping of the remote control keys. The GUI is also

preferably extendable via software configuration (for example, but not limited to, ISO paradigm).

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a man-machine interface system for use with a display device and an audio output device to enable a user to manage content, the system including a plurality of operationally connected modules including a menu module to generate a menu screen for display on the display device, the menu screen including a choice of a plurality of content types, and receive a selection command, from the user, selecting one of the content types, and a surf-bar module to generate a surf-bar screen for the one content type for display on the display device, wherein the surf-bar screen includes a main view region and a surf-bar, the surf-bar includes a plurality of scrollable elements, the scrollable elements are associated with a plurality of currently playable content items for the one content type, the surf-bar has a spatially fixed focus window such that surfing among the scrollable elements, by the user, causes the scrollable elements to scroll in and out of the focus window, when the scrollable elements cease scrolling, one of the scrollable elements is located in the focus window, the one scrollable element being associated with one of the content items being a focused content item, a size of the main view region is at least a majority of the surf-bar screen, and the main view region includes a visual representation associated with one of the content items.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the surf-bar module is operative such that while the scrollable elements are scrolling, the visual representation remains associated with the same one content item.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one scrollable element, which is located in the focus window when the scrollable elements cease scrolling, includes more detailed information than the other scrollable elements.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one content type is TV programs and the currently playable content items are TV programs.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the TV programs are grouped by a plurality of TV channels, such that each of the currently playable content items is associated with a different one of the TV channels.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one content type is video recordings and the currently playable content items are video recordings.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the surf-bar module is operative such that when the scrollable elements cease scrolling, a preview of the focused content item is played in the main view region. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one content type is VOD programs and the currently playable content items are VOD programs.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the surf-bar module is operative such that when the scrollable elements cease scrolling, a trailer of one the focused content item is played in the main view region.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the visual representation is a video.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one content type is radio programs and the currently playable content items are radio programs.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one content type is photographs and the currently playable content items are photograph albums.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the surf-bar module is operative such that, when the scrollable elements cease scrolling, a pell-mell of the focused content item is displayed in the main view region. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one content type is music and the currently playable content items are music playlists.

Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the surf-bar module is operative such that, when the scrollable elements cease scrolling, a medley of one of the focused content item is outputted to the audio output device.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the content types include streaming-media and digital filed- based media. Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a width and length of the main view region are full-screen size and the surf-bar is superimposed over the main view region.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the menu module is operative such that each of the content types displayed on the menu screen includes a different pictorial representation.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention each of the scrollable elements includes a pictorial representation associated with a corresponding one of the currently playable content items. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the surf-bar module is operative such that when the user selects to play the focused content item, the surf-bar is removed and a full-screen display of the focused content item is displayed.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the surf-bar module is operative such that when the user selects to play

the focused content item, audio of the focused content item is outputted to the audio output device.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the modules also include a details-bar module to show, upon request by the user, more information about the focused content item.

There is also provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a man-machine interface method for use with a display device and an audio output device to enable a user to manage content, the method including generating a menu screen for display on the display device, the menu screen including a choice of a plurality of content types, and receiving a selection command, from the user, selecting one of the content types, and generating a surf-bar screen for the one content type for display on the display device, wherein the surf-bar screen includes a main view region and a surf-bar, the surf-bar includes a plurality of scrollable elements, the scrollable elements are associated with a plurality of currently playable content items for the one content type, the surf-bar has a spatially fixed focus window such that surfing among the scrollable elements, by the user, causes the scrollable elements to scroll in and out of the focus window, when the scrollable elements cease scrolling, one of the scrollable elements is located in the focus window, the one scrollable element being associated with one of the content items being a focused content item, a size of the main view region is at least a majority of the surf-bar screen, and the main view region includes a visual representation associated with one of the content items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view of a man- machine interface system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view of a plurality of modules of the system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing the division of the system of Fig. 1 according to brain functioning;

Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of a first alternative preferred remote control for use with the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of a second alternative preferred remote control for use with the system of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a sample menu screen for use in the system of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, the menu screen of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a sample sub-menu screen of the menu screen of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a surf-bar screen of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, the surf-bar screen of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a sample TV surf-bar screen of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a sample photograph album surf-bar screen of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a schematic view of a sample music playlist surf-bar screen of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 14 is a schematic view of a details-bar screen of the system of Fig. 1; Fig. 15 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, the details-bar screen of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a sample TV details-bar screen of the system of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 17 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, a view only screen of the system of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 18 is a schematic view of a sample TV controller screen of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 19 is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, a controller screen of the system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 20 is a schematic view of a key remapping for a search and set mode of the system of Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 21 is a schematic view of a tool bar screen of the system of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view of a man-machine interface system 10 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The man-machine interface system 10 preferably includes a remote control 12 and a graphic user interface (GUI) 14. The remote control 12 and the graphic user interface 14 typically allow a user to manage content, as will be described in more detail below.

The graphic user interface 14 typically includes a plurality of screens through which the user selects and controls content. The screens generally include a menu screen 18, a surf-bar screen 20, a tool-bar screen 22 and a controller screen 24. A details-bar screen 26 (first shown in Fig. 10) is typically accessed via the surf-bar screen 20, as will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 10. Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view of a plurality of modules of the system 10 of Fig. 1.

The graphic user interface 14 is typically implemented in a rendering device 16, for example, but not limited to, a set-top box which is associated with a display device 28 and an audio output device 30. The display device 28 and audio output device 30 are typically implemented in a single device, for example, but not limited to, a television set with speaker(s). However, it will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the display device 28 and audio output device 30 may be implemented in any suitable device or devices.

The remote control 12 is preferably operative to generate a plurality of remote control commands 32 for receipt by the rendering device 16. The relevant remote control commands 32 are typically forwarded to the graphic user interface 14.

The graphic user interface 14 preferably includes a plurality of operationally connected modules including a management module 34, a menu

module 36, a surf-bar module 38, a details-bar module 40, a tool-bar module 42 and a controller module 44.

The management module 34 is preferably operative to receive the relevant remote control commands 32 and instruct the other modules of the graphic user interface 14 in accordance with the relevant remote control commands 32. The management module 34 is also typically operative to manage navigation in, and from, a main view screen 46, described in more detail with reference to Fig. 17. The main view screen 46 is a general screen which includes a full-screen display of a content item without any GUI overlays. The menu module 36 is preferably operative to generate the menu screen 18 (Fig. 1) and manage navigation in, and from, the menu screen 18.

The surf-bar module 38 is preferably operative to generate the surf- bar screen 20 (Fig. 1) and manage navigation in, and from, the surf-bar screen 20.

The details-bar module 40 is preferably operative to generate the details-bar screen 26 (Fig. 10) and manage navigation in, and from, the details-bar screen 26.

The tool-bar module 42 is preferably operative to generate the toolbar screen 22 (Fig. 1) and manage navigation in, and from, the tool-bar screen 22.

The controller module 44 is preferably operative to generate the controller screen 24 (Fig. 1) and manage navigation in, and from, the controller screen 24.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing the division of the system 10 of Fig. 1 according to brain functioning. By way of introduction, MMI and ergonomic design work is typically based on studying human classification. The main criteria of human classification are professional and social categorization (PSC) and age. For the area of managing digital devices/content, it has been observed that the same person might pass from one mode to another, during the same practical session, without changing age or PSC.

There are typically four classical user modes, namely, "user-guided known-objective", "full-user-control known-objective", "no precise objective" and "first use" or "beginner". The man-machine interface system 10 is preferably operative to take into account the above user modes based on predefined factors or dynamically identified factors. The man-machine interface system 10 is preferably based on the correct combination of the identified user modes. For example, search functionality may be launched by remote control keystrokes without user guided screen menu(s) thereby satisfying the "full-user-control known objective" mode. Alternatively, search functionality may be launched using user guided screen menu(s) thereby satisfying user guided modes. Therefore, the man-machine interface system 10 generally assumes the user mode depending on the way the user decides to access the functionality. Help messages are optionally available to help the user if necessary.

As described above, the functions of the man-machine interface system 10 are preferably logically divided according to brain functioning, namely an intuitive mode such as acting directly (a right side 48 of the brain) and a reflective mode such as asking a question (a left side 50 of the brain). The right side 48 of the brain typically manages concrete matters and is in direct contact with the surrounding world, for example, but not limited to, coming, going, behaving, and doing. The left side 50 of the brain typically manages everything to do with the abstract, including logically processing a situation, for example, but not limited to, thinking, talking, and memorizing.

Distributing functions according to the left 50 and right 48 sides of the brain typically leads to a simple, easy to use MMI. Therefore, the functions of the man-machine interface system 10 are preferably divided into two groups, namely: "surf and play" associated with the intuitive mode (the right side 48 of the brain); and "search and set" associated with the logical mode (left side 50 of the brain).

The remote control 12 (Figs. 1 and 2) is a concrete element which is intuitively oriented, preferably having very few keys 54. Generally, most of the

keys 56 are allocated to "surf & play" functionality with a single key 62, the start key, being allocated to "search and set".

Reference is again made to Fig. 1.

The remote control 12 preferably includes a P- and a P+ key (keys 64), a surf key 66, a menu key 68, a play key 70, an exit key 72 and the start key 62.

The graphic user interface 14 is an abstract element visualized on the screen of the display device 28 (Fig. 2), generally corresponding more naturally to the reflective "search and set" mode. The graphic user interface 14 also typically responds to complementary "surf & play" needs, wherein the collaboration between the remote control 12 and the GUI 14 becomes very important. Nevertheless, the GUI 14 is preferably operative to remain completely intuitive.

The GUI 14 typically has several graphical tools, each of the tools corresponding to a well identified need and adapted to "surf & play" or "search & set".

The "surf and play" GUI screens are now briefly described below.

The menu screen 18 is typically a "top menu" preferably operative to display, and enable selection of, the type of content to play, for example, but not limited to, TV and radio live channels, video, video-on-demand (VOD) programs, photographs, and music. It will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that content types may be grouped in any suitable grouping, for example, but not limited to, grouping different media types (e.g.: live (such as grouping live radio and TV channels together), recorded, streaming-media, digital filed-based media, video, stills, audio only, video only) and/or source devices (such as DVD player, camera, VOD server, mobile telephone, projector, TV broadcast, radio broadcast). The menu screen 18 is preferably arranged as a carousel 60. However, it will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the menu screen 18 can be arranged in any other suitable format for example, but not limited to, a horizontal or vertical bar. Similarly, the other screens of the present invention may be

arranged in any suitable arrangement, for example, but not limited to, horizontal, vertical or carousel format. The menu screen 18 is activated from the main view screen 46 (Fig. 17) by pressing the menu key 68. The menu screen 18 is described in more detail with reference to Figs. 6-8. The surf-bar screen 20 is preferably operative to display, and enable selection of, the available content items. Information associated with each content item is preferably displayed, for example, but not limited to one or more of the following: title, type, channel, video number, album number, VOD number, playlist number, and logo or illustration. The surf-bar screen 20 is typically activated from the main view screen 46 by pressing the surf key 66. The surf-bar screen 20 is described in more detail with reference to Figs. 9-13.

The controller screen 24 is preferably operative to control the current contents, for example, but not limited to, to pilot, play with trick modes, chaptering, languages, subtitles, formats, zooming, photographs, slide show, select music, tracks. The controller screen 24 is typically activated by pressing the play key 70 from the main view screen 46 (Fig. 17). The controller screen 24 is described in more detail with reference to Figs. 18 and 19.

A "start menu" (shown in Fig. 20), typically activated by pressing the start key 62 from any screen, is preferably operative to provide an entry point to the functions corresponding to the reflective mode of the "search and set" functions, for example, but not limited to, search, configuration and set-up, information (dashboard) and messaging services. The tool-bar screen 22 is the "search and set" GUI screen which is preferably operative to display, and enable selection of, all relevant information and actions according to the contextual or global situation. The tool-bar screen 22 is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 21.

In the main view screen 46 (Fig. 17), the P- and P+ keys 64 generally enable the user to move among the content (for example, but not limited to, changing TV or radio channels, displaying a previous or next photograph in the same photograph album, jumping to a previous or next chapter in the same video or VOD item, or jumping to a previous or next track in the same music playlist).

The exit key 72 generally exits from any screen to the main view screen 46 (Fig. 17).

While using the graphic user interface 14, the "surf and play" keys

64, 66, 68, 70, 72 generally follow intuitive roles. The P- and P+ keys 64, the surf key 66 and the menu key 68 preferably point in four directions and typically act as navigational keys. The play key 70 is typically for validation or playing and the exit key 72 for exiting.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a schematic plan view of a first alternative preferred remote control 74 for use with the system 10 of Fig. 1. The remote control 74 is substantially the same as the remote control 12 of Fig. 1, except for the following differences. As well as the 6 keys 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 of the "surf and play" mode and the start key 62 of the "search and set" mode, the remote control 74 preferably includes one or more sound (and/or mute) control keys 76 and four colored keys 78 (red, green, yellow and blue) for International compatibility typically used, by default, for multi-user management.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a schematic plan view of a second alternative preferred remote control 80 for use with the system 10 of Fig. 1.

The remote control 80 is substantially the same as the remote control 74 of Fig. 4, except for the following differences. The remote control 80 typically includes separate "channel" control keys 82 and a number pad 84.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a schematic view of a sample menu screen 86 for use in the system 10 of Fig. 1. The menu screen 86 is an example of the menu screen 18. The menu module 36 (Fig. 2) is preferably operative to generate the menu screen 86 for displaying on the display device 28 (Fig. 2).

The menu generally includes the carousel 60 having a choice of available content types 88. The content types 88 typically include a plurality of TV programs 94, radio programs 96, recorded videos 98, VOD programs 100, photograph albums 102, music playlists 104 and any suitable content type, for

example, but not limited to, media stored in an external device, such as, a mobile telephone 106.

The menu module 36 (Fig. 2) is preferably operative such that each of the content types 88 displayed on the menu screen includes a different pictorial representation. Each pictorial representation typically describes the content type without using alphanumeric characters, as shown in Fig. 6.

Content type selection is typically performed by scrolling the content types 88 around the carousel 60 until the desired content type 88 is in focus in the carousel 60. A focused item 90 is generally centered at the front of the carousel 60. When scrolling stops, information 92 is preferably displayed on the menu screen 86, for example, but not limited to, what kind of content items (e.g. TV channels) and how many content items (e.g.: how many TV channels).

Content type selection is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 6. Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, the menu screen 86 of Fig. 6.

When the rendering device 16 is in stand-by mode, the display device 28 (Fig. 2) is typically blank 112. Pressing the start key 62 on the remote control 12 (Fig. 1) generally causes the menu screen 86 to be displayed on the display device 28.

The menu screen 86 preferably displays a summary of the content types 88 for selection. A desired content type 88 is typically selected using the P-

(left arrow) and P+ (right arrow) keys 64 and the play key 70, by way of example only. The desired content type 88 is generally brought into focus using the left and right arrow keys 64.

Fig. 7 shows a menu screen 108 and a menu screen 110, resulting from scrolling the content types 88 left and right using the left and right arrow keys 64, respectively.

Subsets of the content types 88 may optionally be selected using the up key 66 and the down keys 68. Subsets of the content types 88 may be organized, for example only, by genre (e.g.: sports, movies), or by usage (e.g.: alphabetical, top-ten, preferred, last, new). Fig. 7 shows a sample sub-menu screen 114, which is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 8.

The focused item 90 is generally selected using the play key 70 sending a selection command to the rendering device 16 (Fig. 2). The menu module 36 (Fig. 2) is preferably operative to receive the selection command, from the user, selecting the desired content type 88. The surf-bar screen 20 is then typically displayed for the selected content type 88.

Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is a schematic view of the sample sub-menu screen 114 of the menu screen 86 of Fig. 6.

The sub-menu screen 114 preferably includes a plurality of content types 116, being sub-categories of the focused item 90 (TV programs) of the menu screen 86 of Fig. 6. The content types 116 include, by way of example only, western films 118, dramas 120, science fiction 122, science 124, musicals 126 and travel 128.

Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a schematic view of the surf-bar screen 20 of the system 10 of Fig. 1. The surf-bar module 38 (Fig. 2) is preferably operative to generate the surf-bar screen 20 for one of the content types 88 (Fig. 6) for display on the display device 28 (Fig. 2).

When the surf-bar screen 20 is accessed from the menu screen 18, the surf-bar screen 20 is preferably generated for the content type 88 selected in the menu screen 18. When the surf-bar screen 20 is accessed from the main view screen 46 (Fig. 17), the surf-bar screen 20 is preferably generated for the content type 88 currently being played in the main view screen 46.

The surf-bar screen 20 preferably includes a main view region 130 and a surf-bar 132. The surf-bar 132 preferably includes a plurality of selectable scrollable elements 134. The scrollable elements 134 are generally associated with

a plurality of currently playable content items for the selected/current content type 88. Each scrollable element 134 is typically uniquely associated with one content item. For example, when the content type 88 is TV programs, the currently playable content items associated with the scrollable elements 134 in the surf-bar 132 are TV programs. TV programs are typically grouped by a plurality of TV channels, such that each of the currently playable content items is associated with a different one of the TV channels. Radio programs are generally similarly grouped by radio channel. Table 1 summarizes the preferred association of content type 88 with currently playable content items.

Table 1: Association of the content type and the currently playable content items in the surf-bar 132.

Associated Content Item

Content type 88 in the surf-bar 132 TV programs A TV program of a TV channel

Video recordings (typically A video recording including personal video recordings)

VOD programs A VOD program Radio programs A radio program of a radio channel Photographs A photograph-album including a plurality of photographs

Music A music playlist including a plurality of tracks

The surf-bar 132 preferably has a spatially fixed focus window 138 such that surfing among the scrollable elements 134, by the user, causes the scrollable elements 134 to scroll in and out of the focus window 138. The surf-bar 132 is typically a continuous loop display, such that, when the end of the available content items is reached, the beginning of the available content items is displayed. The user generally actuates the scrolling using the left and right arrow keys 64.

The term "scrolling", in all grammatical forms, as used in the specification and claims, is defined as the scrollable elements 134 moving along the surf-bar 132 until the scrollable elements "cease scrolling". The term "cease scrolling", in all grammatical forms, as used in the specification and claims, is defined as, when the scrollable elements 134 are stationary for at least a certain period of time, for example, but not limited to, at least 0.5 seconds.

When the scrollable elements cease scrolling, a scrollable element 140 (one of the scrollable elements 134), is typically located in the focus window 138. The scrollable element 140 is generally associated with one of the content items 136, referred to as a focused content item.

The information shown in each element 134 of the surf-bar 132 generally depends on the content type 88 (Fig. 6). By way of example only: for live TV and radio, the surf-bar elements 134 typically display: a channel number, a logo, a genre of the program, a time into the current program and a progress-bar (see example surf-bar screen of Fig. 11); for video recording and VOD items, the scrollable elements 134 typically display a logo, the video number, title, duration and a progress-bar (if applicable); and for photographs and music, the scrollable elements 134 typically display a logo, the album/playlist number, the number of photographs/tracks, the duration of the slideshow/playlist and a progress-bar (if applicable) (see example surf-bar screens of Figs. 12-13).

When the scrollable elements 134 are scrolling, information included in the scrollable elements 134 is generally simplified to improve scrolling performance. Preferably, when the scrollable elements cease scrolling, the scrollable element 140 located in the focus window 138 includes more detailed information than the other scrollable elements 134.

The surf-bar 132 is typically a horizontal bar at the bottom of the surf-bar screen 20. However, it will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the position of the focus, arrows, status and other graphical objects could be positioned at any suitable location and have any suitable form. The size of the main view region 130 is preferably at least a majority of the surf-bar screen 20. Typically, the width and length of the main

view region 130 are full-screen size and the surf-bar 132 is superimposed over the main view region 130 (shown in Figs. 11-13).

The main view region preferably includes a visual representation (typically a video or slide-show or stills) associated with one of the content items for the selected/current content-type. Associated audio is also typically outputted to the audio output device 30 (Fig. 2).

For non-visual content-types such as radio and music, suitable visual representations (video, slideshow or stills) are generally displayed in the main view region 130. Suitable visual representations may be obtained from an external source, for example, but not limited to, from automatic feeding of Internet searched material using metadata provided with the radio programs or music. A suitable system for automatically feeding associated content is described in PCT Published Patent Application WO 2007/054687 of NDS Limited.

When the surf-bar screen 20 is accessed from the main view screen 46 (Fig. 17), the visual representation displayed in the main view region 130 (and associated audio) is preferably the content item currently being played in the main view screen 46, for example, but not limited to, a current TV program, a current video, a current VOD item, a current radio program, a slideshow of a current photograph album or a current music playlist. When the surf-bar screen 20 is accessed from the menu screen 18 at start-up after system stand-by, the visual representation (and associated audio) is typically a first or random content item from the list of available content items for the selected content-type, for example, but not limited to, a TV program of a random TV channel, a video preview (random extraction), trailer of first focused VOD item, a radio program of the first focused radio station, a pell-mell of the first focused photograph album, or a medley of the first focused music playlist.

The surf-bar module ¹ 38 is preferably operative, such that while the scrollable elements 134 are scrolling, the visual representation remains associated with the same content item. Once the scrollable elements 134 cease scrolling, different actions, described in more detail below, are typically performed by the surf-bar module 38 (Fig. 2) depending on the content type of the surf-bar 132.

Once scrolling ceases for TV programs and radio programs, the visual representation displayed in the main view region 130 generally remains associated with the same content item (TV/radio program) as before scrolling ceased. When the play key 70 is pressed, the surf-bar 132 is preferably removed and the content item associated with the scrollable element 140 in the focus window 138 is preferably displayed in full-screen format and associated audio is typically outputted to the audio output device 30 (Fig. 2).

When the surf-bar 132 is generated for video content, once the scrollable elements 134 cease scrolling, a preview of the focused content item (video) is typically played in the main view region 130. After the end of the preview, for example, but not limited to, after 30 seconds, the surf-bar 132 is generally removed and the video of the focused content item preferably begins automatically in full-screen format and associated audio is typically outputted to the audio output device 30 (Fig. 2). When the surf-bar 132 is for VOD content, once the scrollable elements 134 cease scrolling, a trailer of the focused content (VOD) item is generally played in the main view region 130. After the end of the trailer, the surf- bar 132 is preferably removed and a purchase screen (not shown) for the focused content item is typically displayed. When the surf-bar 132 is for photographs, once the scrollable elements 134 cease scrolling, a pell-mell of photographs of the focused content item (photograph album) is preferably displayed in the main view region 130. After a certain delay (for example, but not limited to, after 10 seconds), the surf- bar 132 is generally removed and a slide-show of the focused content item typically begins automatically in full-screen format with associated audio optionally being outputted to the audio output device 30 (Fig. 2).

When the surf-bar 132 is for music, once the scrollable elements

134 cease scrolling, a medley (10 tracks, 30 seconds total, by way of example only) of the focused content item is preferably outputted to the audio output device with associated video being shown in the main view region 130. When the medley

stops, the surf-bar 132 is generally removed and the focused playlist is typically played with associated visual content being displayed in full-screen format.

For all the above content-types, when the user presses the play key 70 (Fig. 1) the preview, trailer, pell-mell or medley (as applicable) is preferably by -passed or interrupted, the surf-bar 132 is generally removed and the focused content item is typically played in full-screen format. However, for the VOD item, a purchase screen is generally presented to the user prior to viewing the VOD item.

Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, the surf-bar screen 20 of Fig. 9.

Content selection among the currently playable content items is typically performed by scrolling the scrollable elements 134 using the left and right arrow keys 64. The scrollable element 140 in the focus window 138 is generally selected for playing by pressing the play key 70. Fig. 10 shows a surf- bar screen 142 and a surf-bar screen 144, resulting from scrolling the scrollable elements 134 left and right using the left and right arrow keys 64, respectively.

After the play key 70 is pressed, the surf-bar module 38 (Fig. 2) is preferably operative to remove the surf-bar 132 and play the focused content item in a full-screen display in the main view screen 46. Optionally, after the play key 70 is pressed, the controller screen 24 is displayed instead of the main view screen 46.

Additionally, after the play key 70 is pressed, audio of the focused content item is typically outputted to the audio output device 30 (Fig. 2). Pressing the exit key 72 generally removes the surf-bar 132 and returns to the main view screen 46 showing the content item which was playing in the main view region 130 of the surf-bar screen 20.

Pressing the menu key 68 displays the menu screen 18.

Pressing the up key 66 typically activates the details-bar screen 26 showing more information for the content item which is focused in the surf-bar

screen 20. The details-bar screen 26 is described in more detail with reference to Figs. 14-16.

Reference is now made to Fig. 11 , which is a schematic view of a sample TV surf-bar screen 146 of the system 10 of Fig. 1. Each of the scrollable elements 134 typically includes a pictorial representation 148 (or logo) associated with a corresponding currently playable content item 150. The surf-bar 132 is preferably superimposed over the main view region 130 which has a width and length of the full-screen display.

Reference is now briefly made to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a sample photograph album surf-bar screen 152 of the system 10 of Fig. 1.

Reference is now briefly made to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic view of a sample music playlist surf-bar screen 154 of the system 10 of Fig. 1.

Reference is now made to Fig. 14, which is a schematic view of the details-bar screen 26 of the system 10 of Fig. 1. The details-bar module 40 (Fig. 2) is preferably operative to show, upon request by the user, more information about the content item in focus in the surf-bar screen 20 (Fig. 9).

The details-bar screen 26 preferably includes a plurality of scrollable elements (detail items) 156 which scroll relative to a focus window 158. The scrollable elements 156 are preferably located in a details-bar 160. Scrolling among the scrollable elements 156, and therefore the different types of details, is generally performed using the left and right arrow keys 64. For example, in the TV details bar the left and right arrow keys can be used to move among details including: photographs of a gallery; credits; synopsis; details of trailers; reviews; details of next showing(s); and details of next event(s), by way of example only.

The scrollable elements 156 preferably scroll around a loop in a similar fashion to the scrollable elements 134 of the surf-bar screen 20 (Fig. 9).

The details-bar 160 is generally superimposed over the main view region 130.

The details of the details-bar 160 typically depend on the content- type 88 (Fig. 6) and include, by way of example only, synopsis, photograph gallery, credits, forthcoming hours, next program, trailer, list of photographs, EXIF info. The details may be provided via broadcast from a broadcaster or fetched from an external source via the Internet, for example, but not limited to, via an automatic feed. A suitable system for automatically feeding associated content is described in PCT Published Patent Application WO 2007/054687 of NDS Limited.

For TV, radio, video, VOD content-types the details generally include synopsis, photograph-gallery, credits, next event, next hours, and next showing.

For photographs, the details generally include a list of the photographs in the selected album, for example, but not limited to, to select slideshow start position, to browse the photographs, to view Exchangeable Image File (EXIF) information.

For music playlists, the details generally include information about playlist and tracks as well as special information for example via an automatic feeding mechanism.

The details-bar 160 preferably also enables actions to be performed, or to obtain more information, by pressing the up key 66 on the remote control 12 (Fig. 1), by way of example only. Each scrollable element 156 of the detail bar 160 is typically associated with one action or an option of obtaining more information on the selected detail. Actions may include for example, but not limited to, record, delete, setting a reminder for an alert for a future program, rate a TV program (from a detail item showing the average ratings of other viewers), subscribe (to a channel not previously subscribed to), buy a program (for pay-per- view programs), and set as preferred. Typically, each content type is associated with a default action which is assigned by default to all the scrollable elements 156 (detail items) in the detail-bar 160 if another action is not assigned to a particular scrollable element 156 (detail item). By way of example only, in the TV detail bar

the following list shows the detail item followed by the associated action performed by pressing the up key 66:

Gallery - record current event (default); Credits - record current event (default); Synopsis - record current event (default);

Trailer - watch the trailer; Review - record current event (default); Next showing - record the next showing; and Next event - record the next event. If a new action is not associated with any of the scrollable elements 156 and the new action is not the default action, then a new item is preferably inserted into the details-bar 160 displaying an explanation of the new action. Pressing the up key 66 from the new item typically enables performance of the new action. An example of a new action is "Send a message to a friend to invite him to surf on this program now".

The details-bar 160 is typically a horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen. However, it will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the position of the focus, arrows, status and other graphical objects could be positioned at any suitable location and have any suitable form. Reference is now made to Fig. 15, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, the details-bar screen 26 of Fig. 14. As described above with reference to Fig. 14, pressing the left and right arrow keys 64 preferably scrolls among the detail items (see a details-screen 164 and a details-screen 166) and the up key 66 typically performs an action or shows more details depending on the detail item (see a details-screen 168).

Pressing the down key 68 generally returns to the surf-bar screen 20.

Pressing the play key 70 typically removes the details-bar 160 and plays the content item which was focused in the surf-bar screen 20 in full-screen format in the main view screen 46 or optionally in the controller screen 24.

Pressing the exit key 72 preferably removes the details-bar 160 and returns to the main view screen 46 without changing the content item being played.

Reference is now made to Fig. 16, which is a schematic view of a sample TV details-bar screen 170 of the system 10 of Fig. 1. The action related to pressing the up key 66 is preferably shown in the bottom-left part of the details- bar 160, for example, a "record" action 162.

Reference is now made to Fig. 17, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, the main-view screen 46 of the system 10 of Fig. 1.

In "view" mode, the graphic user interface 14 is not displayed. In "view" mode, the P- and P+ keys 64 generally enable the user to move among the content, illustrated by a main-view screen 172 and a main-view screen 174 (for example, but not limited to, changing TV or radio channels, displaying a previous or next photograph in the same photograph album, jumping to a previous or next chapter in the same video or VOD item, or jumping to a previous or next track in the same music playlist)

From the main view screen 46 the following screens are preferably activated as follows. Pressing the surf key 66 activates the surf-bar screen 20. Pressing the menu key 68 activates the menu screen 18. Pressing the play key 70 activates the controller screen 24. Pressing the start key 62 allows access to the tool-bar screen 22, described in more detail with reference to Fig. 20. Pressing a number on the number pad 84 of the remote control 80 (Fig. 5) selects a particular content item for playing without using the P- and P+ keys 64 (see a main-view screen 176).

Reference is now made to Fig. 18, which is a schematic view of a sample TV controller screen 178 of the system 10 of Fig. 1.

The TV controller screen 178 preferably includes a main-view region 180 and a controller 182. The main-view region 180 typically plays the same content as shown in the main view screen 46. .

The controller 182 is preferably operative to control content according to the content-type 88 (Fig. 6), including by way of example only, speed, tricks modes, chapters, language, subtitles, video formats, next/previous track or photograph, zoom in/out, slide show and select music.

The controller 182 typically includes a controller menu 192 for selecting controller functions and changing the values of the functions, described in more detail with reference to Fig. 19.

The controller 182 preferably includes a progress indicator 184 indicating a total duration 186 of a content item and a "time so far" 188 for the same content item.

The controller 182 preferably also includes a play indicator 190 showing whether the content item is "playing", "paused", on "fast forwarded" or on "rewind".

As described above, the control functions of the controller 182 typically depend on the content type 88 (Fig. 6). TV programs, video, VOD content types typically include the following control functions: slow motion; fast motion; chapters; record; language; subtitles; and formats. Radio typically includes the following control functions: jump; and chapters. Photographs typically include the following control functions: zoom in/out; speed; photographs; slide show; and select music. Music typically includes control of the tracks.

The controller 182 is typically a plurality of generally circular items at the top-left of the screen. However, it will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the shape, position, arrows and other graphical objects could be positioned at any suitable location and have any suitable form.

Reference is now made to Fig. 19, which is a partly pictorial, partly block diagram view showing navigation in, and from, the controller screen 24 of the system of Fig. 1.

The play indicator 190 of the controller screen 24 indicates "playing". The controller menu 192 of the controller screen 24 is focused on the "zoom" function. The value of the zoom function is 100%.

Pressing the left and right arrow keys 64 changes the value of the "zoom" function, zooming down (to 60%) and up (to 140%), shown in a controller screen 194 and a controller screen 196, respectively.

Pressing the up key 66 and the down key 68 changes the function focused in the controller menu 192. For example, a controller screen 198 and a controller screen 200, showing a change in the function focused in the controller menu 192 to music and speed, respectively.

Pressing the play key 70 preferably activates play or pause alternately. A controller screen 202 shows the play indicator 190 indicating that the content is "paused".

Pressing the exit key 72 typically exits from the controller screen 24 to the main view screen 46.

Reference is now made to Fig. 20, is a schematic view of a key remapping 204 for the "search and set mode" of the system 10 of Fig. 1.

After pressing the start key 62 on the remote control 12 (Fig. 1), a start menu 206 is preferably shown. The start menu 206 typically shows the key remapping 204 of the remote control 12 for accessing the "search and set" mode.

The "search and set" functionality typically includes, by way of example only: wake-up and shutdown; search; settings; dashboard (information providing services such as weather forecast, info traffic, stocks exchange information, time and tome zone information and news); messenger providing communication services such as video/voice mail, video calls and income call notification handling; and user profile features by pressing one of the colored keys after the start key 62 (Fig. 1) to allow different users to customize the system with personal preferences.

It should be noted that the functions associated with the remote control keys are preferably context sensitive. For example, the functions of the

remote control keys in the "search and set" mode are different to the functions of the remote control keys in the "surf and play" mode or the "view" mode.

Additionally, within a mode, the function of the keys typically changes depending on the context. By way of example only, in the "surf and play" mode, the function of one or more of the navigational keys changes when moving from the surf bar 20 to the details bar 26 (Fig. 10).

As the start key 62 (Fig. 1) is the entry point to the reflective mode, it is appropriate to use the mental pause that the user allows him or herself to show the key remapping 204 of the remote control 12 for the "search and set" mode. Once the user has learned the key remapping 204 for the "search and set" mode, the key remapping screen (the start menu 206) can be by-passed by the user pressing the start key 62 (Fig. 1) quickly followed by an appropriate one of the other navigational keys 64, 66, 68. The key strokes for bypassing the start menu 206 and accessing the "search and set" functions are generally as follows: the start key 62 (Fig. 1) and then the left arrow key 64 for the set-up feature; the start key 62 then the right arrow key 64 for the search feature; the start key 62 then the up key 66 for the dashboard feature; the start key 62 then the down key 68 for the messenger feature; and the start key then one of the colored keys 78 for a user profile feature. Additionally, the man-machine interface system 10 preferably allows the user to assign any suitable functionality of the man-machine interface system 10, or other audiovisual device/content functions to other suitable key combinations, for example, but not limited to, assigning sound control functions to the key-strokes of pressing one of the sound (and/or mute) control keys 76 (Fig. 4) followed by any other suitable keys of the remote control 74 (Fig. 4).

Reference is now made to Fig. 21, which is a schematic view of the tool-bar screen 22 of the system 10 of Fig. 1.

The tool-bar screen 22 typically includes a tool-bar 210 which is superimposed over a main view region 208. The "search and set" functionality is preferably performed via the tool-bar 210 which may be launched by remote control keystrokes (once the

keystrokes have been learned) without using the start menu 206, as described above with reference to Fig. 20.

Navigation in the tool-bar 210 is typically based on a hierarchical tree structure using the up key 66 and the down key 68 to move between a plurality of items 212 in one level, and the left arrow key 64 to move back to a higher level, and the right arrow key 64 to reach the sublevel of the selected item. The exit key 72 generally closes the tool-bar 210 and returns to the main view screen 46.

Pressing the play key 70 generally performs the following actions depending on the currently selected items in the tool-bar 210. For a content search with multiple results, pressing the play key 70 typically results in the display of a list of the results in the surf-bar 132 of the surf-bar screen 20 (Fig. 9). For a content search with a single result, pressing the play key 70 typically results in the playing of the content item in the main view screen 46 (Fig. 17). For some content items, pressing the play key 70 results in an acknowledgment screen or dialog box being displayed for performance of a direct action, for example, but not limited to, for booking a content item.

The tool-bar 210 is typically a vertical bar on the left of the screen. However, it will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the position of the focus, arrows, status and other graphical objects could be positioned at any suitable location and have any suitable form.

It is appreciated that software components of the present invention may, if desired, be implemented in ROM (read only memory) form. The software components may, generally, be implemented in hardware, if desired, using conventional techniques.

It will be appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. It will also be appreciated by- persons skilled in the art that the present invention is

not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims which follow.