Personalized video entertainment system

Abstract

One or more content sequences are created from a store of video content, which could simply be broadcast content which has been captured and stored at a server within a network. The content sequences are generated according to the viewer's specified, or demonstrated, viewing preferences. The viewer preferences are captured form entry by the user themselves, or by observation of their viewing habits. Multiple ‘users’ per household and multiple content sequences per viewer are possible. A content sequences is then streamed to the viewer, and looks to him/her just like a TV channel: when one program ends, another starts automatically. It is also possible for a viewer to select an item within the content sequence using an interactive program controller.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A program controller for controlling access of a video terminal to a video server, comprising:
 an interactive user interface for selecting a preferred video content item from a preferred content sequence and controlling delivery of said preferred video content item on said video terminal; and   an interface to said video terminal for enabling transmission and reception of commands and preference messages between said video terminal and said program controller.   
   
   
       12 . The program controller of  claim 11 , wherein said interactive user interface comprises:
 an alphanumeric keypad for generating and transmitting alphanumeric messages to said video server;   a plurality of basic functions control buttons for controlling operational parameters of said video terminal; and   a first set of content selection buttons for selecting a preferred video content item and controlling delivery of said preferred video content item.   
   
   
       13 . The program controller of  claim 12 , wherein said first set comprises:
 sequence type selection means for electing a personal content sequence from a plurality of content sequences available at said video server; and   item selection means for electing said preferred video content item from said personal content sequence.   
   
   
       14 . The program controller of  claim 13 , wherein said sequence type selection means comprises a sequence type control button for triggering display of a content sequence list with said plurality of content sequences, and for enabling browsing of said content sequence list for enabling selection of said personal content sequence. 
   
   
       15 . The program controller of  claim 14 , wherein said sequence type selection means further comprises a profile selector, for enabling selection of said selected content sequence form a plurality of content sequences available for said video terminal. 
   
   
       16 . The program controller of  claim 14 , wherein said item selection means comprises an item control button for triggering display of all content items in said personal content sequence, browsing said personal content sequence and selecting said preferred video content item. 
   
   
       17 . The program controller of  claim 14 , wherein said sequence type selection means further comprises a synopsis view button for enabling display of information describing a selected video content item. 
   
   
       18 . The program controller of  claim 14 , wherein said sequence type selection means further comprises a preview button for enabling display of a preview for a selected video content item. 
   
   
       19 . The program controller of  claim 12 , wherein said interactive user interface further comprises a second set of viewer preference buttons for providing said video server with user preferences messages about said preferred video content item. 
   
   
       20 . The program controller of  claim 19 , wherein said second set comprises:
 preference stating means for transmitting to said video server a direct vote on personal appreciation regarding said preferred video content item;   one or more comments buttons for transmitting to said video server answers to questions regarding personal characterization of said preferred video content item.   
   
   
       21 . The program controller of  claim 20 , wherein said preference stating means comprises an approval and a disapproval button. 
   
   
       22 . The program controller of  claim 20 , wherein said preference stating means comprises a favorite button. 
   
   
       23 . The program controller of  claim 11 , wherein said interactive user interface further comprises a view mode button for enabling said video terminal to request and select said preferred video content item directly from a content storage at said video server, whether said video content item was included in said video content sequence or not. 
   
   
       24 . The program controller of  claim 11 , wherein said interactive user interface further comprises a set of profile buttons for enabling selection of a content sequence out of a plurality of content sequences assigned to said video terminal. 
   
   
       25 . The program controller of  claim 11 , wherein, when said video terminal is a TV set, said interactive user interface is implemented as a TV remote controller, and said video interface is implemented as a set-top device. 
   
   
       26 . The program controller of  claim 11 , wherein, when said video terminal is a computer monitor, said interactive user interface is implemented as a keyboard. 
   
   
       27 - 51 . (canceled)