Method and apparatus for browsing using multiple coordinated device sets

Abstract

Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

1 - 244 . (canceled) 
     
     
         245 . A method of providing a program guide, comprising:
 monitoring a television program on a first device set; and   presenting a program guide on a second independent device set,   wherein the program guide is informed of an identity of the program on the first device set regardless of whether program changes are controlled from the second device set.   
     
     
         246 . The method of  claim 245 , wherein the second device set is a general-purpose computer product that is sold in a form configured for purposes unrelated to television viewing. 
     
     
         247 . A method for providing a session, comprising:
 determining an identity corresponding to a television program viewed by a viewer on a first device set;   selecting, from a plurality of enhancements, an enhancement corresponding to said program, wherein said plurality of enhancements corresponds to multiple programs and multiple independent television channels; and   providing the selected enhancement for viewing by said viewer on a second device set.   
     
     
         248 . The method of  claim 247 , wherein said identity is obtained from said first device set. 
     
     
         249 . The method of  claim 247 , wherein said identity is inferred using context information. 
     
     
         250 . The method of  claim 249 , wherein said context information includes personal profile information about said viewer. 
     
     
         251 . The method of  claim 249 , wherein inference is based upon at least one of automated learning, observed user behavior, and feedback on the accuracy of previous inferences of context. 
     
     
         252 . The method of  claim 251 , wherein the observed user behavior relates to use of a television program guide. 
     
     
         253 . The method of  claim 249 , further comprising presenting to said viewer a list of inferred programs ranked by inferred likelihood. 
     
     
         254 . The method of  claim 249 , further comprising presenting to said viewer a list of multiple enhancements corresponding to multiple inferred programs ranked by inferred likelihood. 
     
     
         255 - 265 . (canceled) 
     
     
         266 . A method of operating a video-on-demand service, comprising:
 receiving video-on-demand program orders, wherein one or more of said orders is received via open internet; and   distributing requested video-on-demand programs to televisions, wherein said distribution is via a path that is not an open internet path.   
     
     
         267 . The method of  claim 266 , further comprising:
 collecting program viewing state information relating to each of one or more viewers of video-on-demand programs; and   providing, to an independent entity, said program viewing state information,   wherein said entity offers program guide services responsive to said viewing state information.   
     
     
         268 . The method of  claim 266 , wherein said orders are received from a device other than a television. 
     
     
         269 . The method of  claim 266 , wherein one or more of said orders is received via a website. 
     
     
         270 . The method of  claim 269 , wherein said website is operated independently of said video-on-demand service. 
     
     
         271 . The method of  claim 269 , wherein said website receives a fee for a placed video-on-demand program order. 
     
     
         272 - 276 . (canceled) 
     
     
         277 . The method of  claim 266 , wherein orders received via open internet can originate from any internet node, subject to a predetermined level of identification and authentication. 
     
     
         278 - 284 . (canceled)