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WO2001074078A1 - Audio source control techniques - Google Patents

Audio source control techniques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001074078A1
WO2001074078A1 PCT/US2001/009556 US0109556W WO0174078A1 WO 2001074078 A1 WO2001074078 A1 WO 2001074078A1 US 0109556 W US0109556 W US 0109556W WO 0174078 A1 WO0174078 A1 WO 0174078A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
audio
content information
audio source
sources
source
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/009556
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony F. Istvan
Original Assignee
Digeo Broadband, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digeo Broadband, Inc. filed Critical Digeo Broadband, Inc.
Priority to AU2001250979A priority Critical patent/AU2001250979A1/en
Publication of WO2001074078A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001074078A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L29/00—Semiconductor devices specially adapted for rectifying, amplifying, oscillating or switching and having potential barriers; Capacitors or resistors having potential barriers, e.g. a PN-junction depletion layer or carrier concentration layer; Details of semiconductor bodies or of electrodes thereof ; Multistep manufacturing processes therefor
    • H01L29/66—Types of semiconductor device ; Multistep manufacturing processes therefor
    • H01L29/66007—Multistep manufacturing processes
    • H01L29/66075—Multistep manufacturing processes of devices having semiconductor bodies comprising group 14 or group 13/15 materials
    • H01L29/66227—Multistep manufacturing processes of devices having semiconductor bodies comprising group 14 or group 13/15 materials the devices being controllable only by the electric current supplied or the electric potential applied, to an electrode which does not carry the current to be rectified, amplified or switched, e.g. three-terminal devices
    • H01L29/66409—Unipolar field-effect transistors
    • H01L29/66477—Unipolar field-effect transistors with an insulated gate, i.e. MISFET
    • H01L29/6684—Unipolar field-effect transistors with an insulated gate, i.e. MISFET with a ferroelectric gate insulator
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • H04N21/4316—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/439—Processing of audio elementary streams
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/443—OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
    • H04N21/4438—Window management, e.g. event handling following interaction with the user interface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4627—Rights management associated to the content
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4751—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user accounts, e.g. accounts for children
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4782—Web browsing, e.g. WebTV
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/8106—Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
    • H04N5/60—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards for the sound signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L29/00—Semiconductor devices specially adapted for rectifying, amplifying, oscillating or switching and having potential barriers; Capacitors or resistors having potential barriers, e.g. a PN-junction depletion layer or carrier concentration layer; Details of semiconductor bodies or of electrodes thereof ; Multistep manufacturing processes therefor
    • H01L29/40—Electrodes ; Multistep manufacturing processes therefor
    • H01L29/401—Multistep manufacturing processes
    • H01L29/4011—Multistep manufacturing processes for data storage electrodes
    • H01L29/40111—Multistep manufacturing processes for data storage electrodes the electrodes comprising a layer which is used for its ferroelectric properties

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems providing Web content and television content information to users, and more particularly to techniques for controlling the sources of audio signals output to a user.
  • CONTROLLING AUDIO FUNCTIONS IN A WEB BROWSER discloses browser software implemented in a set-top box which allows a user to download audio files from Web sites and generate sound through a speaker of a television set based on the audio files.
  • the browser also enables playback of background music during Web browsing based on audio files downloaded from one or more servers or audio files stored in memory in the set-top box.
  • An audio panel may also be displayed when an audio file from a Web site is downloaded and played to form a user interface which allows the user to play, stop, pause, rewind, or fast-forward the audio file.
  • This browser software however has limited capabilities as it does not allow a user to readily switch between the various audio sources embedded in television or Web content. The functionality provided by the browser is only applicable to a particular audio file downloaded from the web.
  • the present invention discusses techniques for controlling the sources of audio signals output to a user. According to an embodiment, the present invention, provides techniques for outputting audio information associated with Web content information and television content information in a system for viewing Web content information and television content.
  • the present invention receives Web content information and television content information, where the Web and television content information may include a plurality of audio sources.
  • the present invention selects an audio source from the plurality of audio sources and transmits audio signals associated with the audio source to an audio output device.
  • the audio source may be selected using several different techniques.
  • the present invention may generate an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources included in the Web and television content.
  • the embodiment of the present invention may then determine the current audio source whose signals are output via the audio output device, and upon receiving the signal from the control device, select an audio source which follows the current audio source in the ordered list of audio sources.
  • the present invention may cycle through the plurality of audio sources.
  • a user may specifically select an audio source from the plurality of audio sources whose signals are to be output via the audio output device.
  • the present invention provides a system for viewing Web content information and television content information.
  • the system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a set-top box configured to receive Web content information and television content information via a first communication link, where the Web and television content information includes a plurality of audio sources.
  • the system further comprises an audio output device coupled to the set-top box and a control device configured to transmit signals to the set-top box via a second communication link.
  • the set-top box is configured to receive a signal from the control device, to determine an audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the signal, and to transmit audio signals associated with the audio source to the audio output device.
  • the audio output device is configured to output the audio signals associated with the first audio source.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a system for distributing Internet content and television content according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 depicts a client system for presenting Web and television information to a user according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 depicts an exemplary set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary control device according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 5 depicts a simplified flowchart showing processing performed by the client system according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 6 depicts a simplified flowchart showing processing performed by a set-top box for cycling through a list of available audio sources according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 7 depicts a simplified flowchart showing processing performed by a set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram depicting a system 100 for distributing
  • system 100 is integrated with a cable TV distribution system.
  • cable television distribution systems may include cable headends and are well known in the art.
  • system 100 includes a communication network 102, a plurality of content sources 104, a plurality of distribution centers (depicted as headends or H/E) 106, and a plurality of client systems (depicted as CSs) 108.
  • Communication network 102 provides a mechanism for distributing multimedia content from content sources 104 to distribution centers 106.
  • Communication network 102 may itself be comprised of many networks, interconnected computer systems and communication links.
  • communication network 102 is the Internet
  • communication network 102 may be any suitable computer network.
  • communication network 102 is the Internet. Communications over Internet 102 are accomplished using standard protocols such as TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) and other protocols.
  • System 100 depicted in Fig. 1 is merely illustrative of an embodiment incorporating the present invention and does not limit the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.
  • content sources 104 may be coupled to Internet 102.
  • content sources 104 may be coupled to a plurality of data feeds, servers, and information sources which in turn provide content information to content sources 104.
  • a content source 104 may received content information from data feeds 112, advertisement servers 114, image sources 116, streaming multimedia sources 118, including streaming audio and streaming video sources, and other like sources of content information.
  • news or stock quote feeds 112 may be fed into content source 104
  • servers 114 may provide advertisements for insertion into multimedia content delivered by content source 104
  • sources 116/118 may provide images 116, streaming video 118, and other content to content source 104.
  • Various other feeds, servers and sources may also be coupled to content source 104.
  • Examples of content sources 104 include web site portals such as Go2Net.com, or news web sites such as CNN.com, and the like.
  • Communication links 120 may include may be hardwire links, optical links, satellite or other wireless communication links, wave propagation links, or any other mechanisms for communication of multimedia content information.
  • Distributions centers 106 may be coupled to Internet 102, and to content sources 120 via communication links 120. Each distribution center 106 may also be coupled to a plurality of client systems 108. A distribution center is configured to receive content information from content sources 104 and Internet 102, and to forward the content information to client systems 108. The content information forwarded to client systems 108 may include both Web content information and television content information. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 1, distribution centers 106 comprise cable headends (H/Es).
  • H/Es cable headends
  • Client systems 108 receive multimedia content, including Web content and television content, from distribution centers 106 and output the content to a user.
  • One or more client systems may be coupled to a distribution center 106.
  • Fig. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of a client system 108 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • client system 108 comprises a processing unit 130 coupled to an output device 132 via communication link 142, and a control device 138 coupled to processing unit 130 via a communication link 140.
  • Output device 132 is configured to output multimedia content information to the user of client system 108.
  • Examples, of an output device include a television, a computer, or other like device.
  • output device 132 is a broadband Internet-enabled television system.
  • Output device 132 may include an audio output device 134 for outputting audio information to the user and a display device 136 for outputting video, image, and text information to the user.
  • Display device 136 may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat-panel device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projection device, or any other device suitable for outputting visual information, including streaming video, images, and text, to the user.
  • CTR cathode ray tube
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • projection device or any other device suitable for outputting visual information, including streaming video, images, and text, to the user.
  • Audio output device 134 may be a speaker, and other like devices suitable for outputting audio information embedded in the Web content and television content received from distribution center 106.
  • Fig. 2 depicts an output device in which display device 136 and audio output device 134 are integrated into one unit, in alternate embodiments of the present invention the display device may be embodied in a separate unit from the audio output device.
  • Control device 138 may be used by the user to control the functionality of client system 108.
  • Control device 138 communicates with processing unit 130 via communication link 140 which is generally an infrared (TR) communication link.
  • communication link 140 may also be a hardwire link, an optical link, or any other means for communicating information from control device 138 to processing unit 130.
  • Control device 138 may be embodied as a television remote control device, a keyboard, a mouse, or any other device which allows a user to input information to client system 108. According to the teachings of the present invention, control device 138 provides a mechanism, for example, a button, which allows the user to change or specify the source of audio signals which are output to the user via audio output device 134.
  • the source of the audio signals, or the "audio source” is generally embedded in the multimedia content, including Web and television content, which is received by processing unit 130 from distribution center 106.
  • Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary control device 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Control device 150 may be used to control the functionality of client system 108.
  • control device 150 has the general appearance of a common, hand-held remote comprising a plurality of buttons to control the functions of client system 108.
  • control device 150 comprises an "audio source" button 152 which allows the user to specify/change the source of audio signals which are output to the user.
  • audio source button 152 e.g. when the user clicks on button 152
  • a signal may be communicated to processing unit 130 via communication link 140 instructing the processing unit to select an audio source whose audio signals are to be output to the user via output device 132.
  • processing unit 130 is generally a set-top box (hereinafter processing unit 130 will be referred to as set-top box 130) which includes hardware and software to receive multimedia content information, including Web content and television content, from distribution centers 106 and to output the multimedia content to the user via output device 132.
  • Set-top box 130 also performs functions allowing the user to control the manner in which the multimedia content is downloaded to client system 108 and presented to the user.
  • set-top box 130 includes components and modules which allow the user to change or specify audio sources whose audio signals are output to the user via output device 132.
  • Set-top box 130 is coupled to output device 132 via communication link 142.
  • Communication link 142 may include a video channel for communicating video information from set-top box 130 to output device 132 and an audio channel for communicating audio information from set-top box 130 to output device 132.
  • Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary set-top box 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Set-top box 130 typically includes at least one processor 162 which communicates with a number of peripheral devices via a bus subsystem 160.
  • peripheral devices may include a storage subsystem 164, comprising a memory subsystem 166 and a file storage subsystem 172, a video subsystem 178, an audio subsystem 176, a distribution center interface subsystem 174, and a control device interface subsystem 180.
  • Distribution interface subsystem 174 provides an interface for receiving multimedia content information from distribution center 106. The multimedia content is then processed and forwarded to display device 136 and/or to audio output device 134 for output to the user.
  • Control device interface subsystem 180 detects signals received from control device 138 and provides instructions/information encapsulated in the signals to processor 162 for further processing.
  • Audio subsystem 176 is responsible for processing audio content received from distribution center 106, and transmitting the processed audio signals to audio output device 134 for output to the user.
  • video subsystem 178 is responsible for processing video content received from distribution center 106, and transmitting the processed video signals to display device 136 for output to the user.
  • Storage subsystem 164 stores the basic programming modules and data constructs that provide the functionality of the various systems embodying the present invention. For example, databases and modules implementing the functionality of the audio source button may be stored in storage subsystem 164. These software modules are generally executed by processor 162. Storage subsystem 164 may comprise memory subsystem 166 and file storage subsystem 172.
  • Memory subsystem 166 typically includes a number of memories including a main random access memory (RAM) 170 for storage of instructions and data during program execution and a read only memory (ROM) 168 in which fixed instructions are stored.
  • File storage subsystem 172 provides persistent (non- volatile) storage for program and data files, and may include a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive along with associated removable media, a Compact Digital Read Only Memory (CD- ROM) drive, an optical drive, or removable media cartridges.
  • CD- ROM Compact Digital Read Only Memory
  • the databases and modules implementing the functionality of the present invention may also be stored by file storage subsystem 172.
  • Bus subsystem 160 provides a mechanism for letting the various components and subsystems of set-top box 130 communicate with each other as intended. Although bus subsystem 160 is shown schematically as a single bus, alternate embodiments of the bus subsystem may utilize multiple buses. Further, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the various components of set-top box 130 may be directly coupled to processor 162.
  • set-top box 130 depicted in Fig. 3 is intended only as a specific example for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Many other configurations of processing unit 130 are possible having more or less components than the processing unit 130 depicted in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 5 depicts a simplified flowchart 190 depicting processing performed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a control for example, button 152 depicted in Fig. 4, is provided on control device 138 for changing the source of audio signals played by audio output device 134.
  • audio source button 152 situated on control device 138 depicted in Fig. 4 the user can change the source of the audio signals communicated to audio output device 134.
  • audio sources may be embedded in the Web content and television content received by set-top box 130 from distribution center 106.
  • audio sources embedded in the Web content may include Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) linking to audio clips. Audio clips may also be associated with web pages received from distribution center 106.
  • URLs Uniform Resource Locators
  • an audio source may be any object, element, or content embedded in the Web content or television content received from distribution center 106 which has audio information associated with it.
  • Processing depicted in Fig. 5 is initiated when set-top box 130 receives a signal from control device 138 indicating that the user has selected (or clicked) the control, for example, audio source button 152, on control device 138 which controls the source of audio signals played by audio output device 134 (step 192).
  • the control will be referred to as the audio source button.
  • signals from control device 138 are received by control device interface 180 via communication link 140.
  • the instructions/information contained in the signal is then made available to processor 162 for further processing.
  • Software modules executed by processor 162 then determine an audio source, from the Web content and television content, whose signals are to be communicated to audio output device 134 for output to the user (step 194).
  • the audio signals from the audio source determined in step 194 are then transmitted to audio output device 134 for output to the user (step 196).
  • Fig. 6 depicts a simplified flowchart 200 showing processing performed by set-top box 130 for cycling through a list of available audio sources according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • set-top box 130 upon receiving a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "audio source button signal") from control device 138 indicating that the user has selected audio source button 152, set-top box 130 determines all the audio sources embedded in the Web content and/or the television content received from distribution center 106 (step 202).
  • the audio sources may be organized in an ordered list, to allow set-top box 130 to more easily select the next audio source to be output to the user.
  • Set-top box 130 determines the audio source whose signals are presently being played by audio output device 134, or alternatively, if no audio signal is currently being played, set-top box 130 determines the audio source which was last played (step 204).
  • Set-top box 130 determines the "next" audio source, from the ordered list of audio sources determined in step 201, whose audio signals are to be communicated to audio output device 134 to be output to the user (step 206). Audio signals associated with the "next" audio source are then transmitted to audio output device 134 for output to the user (step 208).
  • audio signals associated with a "next" audio source are communicated to audio output device 134 to be output to the user.
  • the present invention allows the user to cycle through all the available audio sources by repeatedly clicking on audio source button 152.
  • the present invention may allow the user to specifically select an audio source whose audio signals are to be output to the user via audio output device 134.
  • Fig. 7 depicts a simplified flowchart 220 showing processing performed by set-top box 130 according to this embodiment of the present invention.
  • set-top box 130 upon receiving the audio source button signal, set-top box 130 determines all the audio sources embedded in the Web content and/or the television content received from distribution center 106 (step 220).
  • Set-top box 130 then generates a user interface which displays the available audio sources to the user (step 222).
  • the user interface is generally presented to the user via display device 136.
  • Various types of user interfaces may be provided allowing the user to select a particular audio source.
  • the user may then use the various buttons located on remote control device 138 to select a particular audio source whose signals are to be output via audio output device 134 (step 224).
  • set-top box 130 Upon receiving the user's selection, set-top box 130 then transmits audio signals associated with the user-selected audio source to audio output device 134 for output to the user (step 226).
  • the user may specifically indicate an audio source whose signals are to be output.
  • the present invention allows the user to control the audio signals which are output to the user via audio output device 134. It should be apparent that various other techniques, in addition to those described in Figs. 6 and 7, may be used by the present invention to determine an audio source to be played back to the user.

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  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
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  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A system for viewing Web content information and television content information, where the Web and television content information may include a plurality of audio sources. Upon receiving a signal (192) from a control device, such as a TV remote control device, selects an audio source from the plurality of audio sources (194) and transmits audio signals associated with the audio source to an audio output device (196).

Description

AUDIO SOURCE CONTROLTECHNIQUES
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes:
(1) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/193,046, entitled "USER
INTERFACE FOR INTERACTIVE TELEVISION WITH BROADBAND
CONNECTIVITY TO THE INTERNET," filed March 29, 2000; and (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/ , , (Attorney Docket
No. 20492-000500US) entitled "AUDIO SOURCE CONTROL TECHNIQUES" filed
August 3, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to systems providing Web content and television content information to users, and more particularly to techniques for controlling the sources of audio signals output to a user.
Televisions and Internet technologies are beginning to converge. For example, the Internet is gaining television like qualities , such as the capability to play videos and music, and to broadcast live video feeds, and televisions are becoming more interactive like the Internet. In particular, access to the World Wide Web via Internet- enabled television systems is progressing and becoming more popular. Such television systems allow users to access both Web content information and television content information from a single system. Since a majority of the Web and television content information comprises of multimedia content, these Internet-enabled televisions also provide controls to manipulate audio and video information contained in the multimedia content. However, conventional devices and television systems do not provide for user- friendly ways to access audio information contained in the Web content and the television content. U.S. Patent No. 6,005,563, entitled "USER INTERFACE FOR
CONTROLLING AUDIO FUNCTIONS IN A WEB BROWSER," discloses browser software implemented in a set-top box which allows a user to download audio files from Web sites and generate sound through a speaker of a television set based on the audio files. The browser also enables playback of background music during Web browsing based on audio files downloaded from one or more servers or audio files stored in memory in the set-top box. An audio panel may also be displayed when an audio file from a Web site is downloaded and played to form a user interface which allows the user to play, stop, pause, rewind, or fast-forward the audio file. This browser software however has limited capabilities as it does not allow a user to readily switch between the various audio sources embedded in television or Web content. The functionality provided by the browser is only applicable to a particular audio file downloaded from the web.
Accordingly, techniques in Internet-enabled systems which allow users to have better control over audio information contained in the Web or television content are desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention discusses techniques for controlling the sources of audio signals output to a user. According to an embodiment, the present invention, provides techniques for outputting audio information associated with Web content information and television content information in a system for viewing Web content information and television content.
According to an embodiment, the present invention receives Web content information and television content information, where the Web and television content information may include a plurality of audio sources. Upon receiving a signal from a control device, such as a TV remote control device, the present invention selects an audio source from the plurality of audio sources and transmits audio signals associated with the audio source to an audio output device. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the audio source may be selected using several different techniques. According to a first technique, the present invention may generate an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources included in the Web and television content. The embodiment of the present invention may then determine the current audio source whose signals are output via the audio output device, and upon receiving the signal from the control device, select an audio source which follows the current audio source in the ordered list of audio sources. According to another embodiment, the present invention may cycle through the plurality of audio sources. According to yet another embodiment, a user may specifically select an audio source from the plurality of audio sources whose signals are to be output via the audio output device.
According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for viewing Web content information and television content information. The system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a set-top box configured to receive Web content information and television content information via a first communication link, where the Web and television content information includes a plurality of audio sources. The system further comprises an audio output device coupled to the set-top box and a control device configured to transmit signals to the set-top box via a second communication link. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the set-top box is configured to receive a signal from the control device, to determine an audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the signal, and to transmit audio signals associated with the audio source to the audio output device. The audio output device is configured to output the audio signals associated with the first audio source.
Further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 depicts a system for distributing Internet content and television content according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 depicts a client system for presenting Web and television information to a user according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 depicts an exemplary set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 depicts a simplified flowchart showing processing performed by the client system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 depicts a simplified flowchart showing processing performed by a set-top box for cycling through a list of available audio sources according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 depicts a simplified flowchart showing processing performed by a set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 is a simplified diagram depicting a system 100 for distributing
Internet content, in addition to television content, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, system 100 is integrated with a cable TV distribution system. Such cable television distribution systems may include cable headends and are well known in the art. As shown in Fig. 1, system 100 includes a communication network 102, a plurality of content sources 104, a plurality of distribution centers (depicted as headends or H/E) 106, and a plurality of client systems (depicted as CSs) 108. Communication network 102 provides a mechanism for distributing multimedia content from content sources 104 to distribution centers 106. Communication network 102 may itself be comprised of many networks, interconnected computer systems and communication links. While in one embodiment, communication network 102 is the Internet, in other embodiments, communication network 102 may be any suitable computer network. For purposes of describing the present invention, it will be assumed that communication network 102 is the Internet. Communications over Internet 102 are accomplished using standard protocols such as TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) and other protocols. System 100 depicted in Fig. 1 is merely illustrative of an embodiment incorporating the present invention and does not limit the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown in Fig. 1, content sources 104 may be coupled to Internet 102.
Additionally, content sources 104 may be coupled to a plurality of data feeds, servers, and information sources which in turn provide content information to content sources 104. For example, a content source 104 may received content information from data feeds 112, advertisement servers 114, image sources 116, streaming multimedia sources 118, including streaming audio and streaming video sources, and other like sources of content information. For example, news or stock quote feeds 112 may be fed into content source 104, servers 114 may provide advertisements for insertion into multimedia content delivered by content source 104, and sources 116/118 may provide images 116, streaming video 118, and other content to content source 104. Various other feeds, servers and sources may also be coupled to content source 104. Examples of content sources 104 include web site portals such as Go2Net.com, or news web sites such as CNN.com, and the like.
Content sources 104 may also be coupled directly to distribution centers 106 via communication links or communication networks 120. Communication links 120 may include may be hardwire links, optical links, satellite or other wireless communication links, wave propagation links, or any other mechanisms for communication of multimedia content information.
Distributions centers 106 may be coupled to Internet 102, and to content sources 120 via communication links 120. Each distribution center 106 may also be coupled to a plurality of client systems 108. A distribution center is configured to receive content information from content sources 104 and Internet 102, and to forward the content information to client systems 108. The content information forwarded to client systems 108 may include both Web content information and television content information. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 1, distribution centers 106 comprise cable headends (H/Es).
Client systems 108 receive multimedia content, including Web content and television content, from distribution centers 106 and output the content to a user. One or more client systems may be coupled to a distribution center 106. Fig. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of a client system 108 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, client system 108 comprises a processing unit 130 coupled to an output device 132 via communication link 142, and a control device 138 coupled to processing unit 130 via a communication link 140.
Output device 132 is configured to output multimedia content information to the user of client system 108. Examples, of an output device include a television, a computer, or other like device. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, output device 132 is a broadband Internet-enabled television system. Output device 132 may include an audio output device 134 for outputting audio information to the user and a display device 136 for outputting video, image, and text information to the user. Display device 136 may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat-panel device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projection device, or any other device suitable for outputting visual information, including streaming video, images, and text, to the user. Audio output device 134 may be a speaker, and other like devices suitable for outputting audio information embedded in the Web content and television content received from distribution center 106. Although, Fig. 2 depicts an output device in which display device 136 and audio output device 134 are integrated into one unit, in alternate embodiments of the present invention the display device may be embodied in a separate unit from the audio output device. Control device 138 may be used by the user to control the functionality of client system 108. Control device 138 communicates with processing unit 130 via communication link 140 which is generally an infrared (TR) communication link. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, communication link 140 may also be a hardwire link, an optical link, or any other means for communicating information from control device 138 to processing unit 130. Control device 138 may be embodied as a television remote control device, a keyboard, a mouse, or any other device which allows a user to input information to client system 108. According to the teachings of the present invention, control device 138 provides a mechanism, for example, a button, which allows the user to change or specify the source of audio signals which are output to the user via audio output device 134. The source of the audio signals, or the "audio source" is generally embedded in the multimedia content, including Web and television content, which is received by processing unit 130 from distribution center 106. Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary control device 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Control device 150 may be used to control the functionality of client system 108. As shown, control device 150 has the general appearance of a common, hand-held remote comprising a plurality of buttons to control the functions of client system 108. In particular, according to the teachings of the present invention, control device 150 comprises an "audio source" button 152 which allows the user to specify/change the source of audio signals which are output to the user. For example, when the user selects button 152 (e.g. when the user clicks on button 152), a signal may be communicated to processing unit 130 via communication link 140 instructing the processing unit to select an audio source whose audio signals are to be output to the user via output device 132.
Referring back to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention, processing unit 130 is generally a set-top box (hereinafter processing unit 130 will be referred to as set-top box 130) which includes hardware and software to receive multimedia content information, including Web content and television content, from distribution centers 106 and to output the multimedia content to the user via output device 132. Set-top box 130 also performs functions allowing the user to control the manner in which the multimedia content is downloaded to client system 108 and presented to the user. According to the teachings of the present invention, set-top box 130 includes components and modules which allow the user to change or specify audio sources whose audio signals are output to the user via output device 132. Set-top box 130 is coupled to output device 132 via communication link 142. Communication link 142 may include a video channel for communicating video information from set-top box 130 to output device 132 and an audio channel for communicating audio information from set-top box 130 to output device 132.
Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary set-top box 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Set-top box 130 typically includes at least one processor 162 which communicates with a number of peripheral devices via a bus subsystem 160. These peripheral devices may include a storage subsystem 164, comprising a memory subsystem 166 and a file storage subsystem 172, a video subsystem 178, an audio subsystem 176, a distribution center interface subsystem 174, and a control device interface subsystem 180.
Distribution interface subsystem 174 provides an interface for receiving multimedia content information from distribution center 106. The multimedia content is then processed and forwarded to display device 136 and/or to audio output device 134 for output to the user. Control device interface subsystem 180 detects signals received from control device 138 and provides instructions/information encapsulated in the signals to processor 162 for further processing.
Audio subsystem 176 is responsible for processing audio content received from distribution center 106, and transmitting the processed audio signals to audio output device 134 for output to the user. Likewise, video subsystem 178 is responsible for processing video content received from distribution center 106, and transmitting the processed video signals to display device 136 for output to the user.
Storage subsystem 164 stores the basic programming modules and data constructs that provide the functionality of the various systems embodying the present invention. For example, databases and modules implementing the functionality of the audio source button may be stored in storage subsystem 164. These software modules are generally executed by processor 162. Storage subsystem 164 may comprise memory subsystem 166 and file storage subsystem 172.
Memory subsystem 166 typically includes a number of memories including a main random access memory (RAM) 170 for storage of instructions and data during program execution and a read only memory (ROM) 168 in which fixed instructions are stored. File storage subsystem 172 provides persistent (non- volatile) storage for program and data files, and may include a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive along with associated removable media, a Compact Digital Read Only Memory (CD- ROM) drive, an optical drive, or removable media cartridges. The databases and modules implementing the functionality of the present invention may also be stored by file storage subsystem 172.
Bus subsystem 160 provides a mechanism for letting the various components and subsystems of set-top box 130 communicate with each other as intended. Although bus subsystem 160 is shown schematically as a single bus, alternate embodiments of the bus subsystem may utilize multiple buses. Further, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the various components of set-top box 130 may be directly coupled to processor 162.
Due to the ever-changing nature of processing units 130, the description of set-top box 130 depicted in Fig. 3 is intended only as a specific example for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Many other configurations of processing unit 130 are possible having more or less components than the processing unit 130 depicted in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 depicts a simplified flowchart 190 depicting processing performed according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the present invention, a control, for example, button 152 depicted in Fig. 4, is provided on control device 138 for changing the source of audio signals played by audio output device 134. For example, by clicking on audio source button 152 situated on control device 138 depicted in Fig. 4, the user can change the source of the audio signals communicated to audio output device 134. As previously stated, several audio sources may be embedded in the Web content and television content received by set-top box 130 from distribution center 106. For example, audio sources embedded in the Web content may include Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) linking to audio clips. Audio clips may also be associated with web pages received from distribution center 106. Further, applications such as "chat" may also provide sources of audio information. Further, television content may have its own audio source. In general, an audio source may be any object, element, or content embedded in the Web content or television content received from distribution center 106 which has audio information associated with it. Processing depicted in Fig. 5 is initiated when set-top box 130 receives a signal from control device 138 indicating that the user has selected (or clicked) the control, for example, audio source button 152, on control device 138 which controls the source of audio signals played by audio output device 134 (step 192). For purposes of this application, the control will be referred to as the audio source button. As discussed above, signals from control device 138 are received by control device interface 180 via communication link 140. The instructions/information contained in the signal is then made available to processor 162 for further processing. Software modules executed by processor 162 then determine an audio source, from the Web content and television content, whose signals are to be communicated to audio output device 134 for output to the user (step 194). The audio signals from the audio source determined in step 194 are then transmitted to audio output device 134 for output to the user (step 196).
Several different techniques may be used by the present invention to determine the audio source in step 194. According to one technique, the present invention may cycle through the available audio sources when the user clicks on audio source button 152. Fig. 6 depicts a simplified flowchart 200 showing processing performed by set-top box 130 for cycling through a list of available audio sources according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, upon receiving a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "audio source button signal") from control device 138 indicating that the user has selected audio source button 152, set-top box 130 determines all the audio sources embedded in the Web content and/or the television content received from distribution center 106 (step 202). The audio sources may be organized in an ordered list, to allow set-top box 130 to more easily select the next audio source to be output to the user. Set-top box 130 then determines the audio source whose signals are presently being played by audio output device 134, or alternatively, if no audio signal is currently being played, set-top box 130 determines the audio source which was last played (step 204). Set-top box 130 then determines the "next" audio source, from the ordered list of audio sources determined in step 201, whose audio signals are to be communicated to audio output device 134 to be output to the user (step 206). Audio signals associated with the "next" audio source are then transmitted to audio output device 134 for output to the user (step 208). According to the embodiment of the present invention depicted in Fig. 6, every time a user clicks or selects audio source button 152, audio signals associated with a "next" audio source are communicated to audio output device 134 to be output to the user. In this manner, the present invention allows the user to cycle through all the available audio sources by repeatedly clicking on audio source button 152.
According to a more elaborate technique, the present invention may allow the user to specifically select an audio source whose audio signals are to be output to the user via audio output device 134. Fig. 7 depicts a simplified flowchart 220 showing processing performed by set-top box 130 according to this embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 7, upon receiving the audio source button signal, set-top box 130 determines all the audio sources embedded in the Web content and/or the television content received from distribution center 106 (step 220). Set-top box 130 then generates a user interface which displays the available audio sources to the user (step 222). The user interface is generally presented to the user via display device 136. Various types of user interfaces may be provided allowing the user to select a particular audio source. The user may then use the various buttons located on remote control device 138 to select a particular audio source whose signals are to be output via audio output device 134 (step 224). Upon receiving the user's selection, set-top box 130 then transmits audio signals associated with the user-selected audio source to audio output device 134 for output to the user (step 226). In this manner, according to the embodiment of the present invention depicted in Fig. 7, the user may specifically indicate an audio source whose signals are to be output.
As described above, the present invention allows the user to control the audio signals which are output to the user via audio output device 134. It should be apparent that various other techniques, in addition to those described in Figs. 6 and 7, may be used by the present invention to determine an audio source to be played back to the user.
Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described, various modifications, alterations, alternative constructions, and equivalents are also encompassed within the scope of the invention. The described invention is not restricted to operation within certain specific data processing environments, but is free to operate within a plurality of data processing environments. Additionally, although the present invention has been described using a particular series of transactions and steps, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described series of transactions and steps. Further, while the present invention has been described using a particular combination of hardware and software, it should be recognized that other combinations of hardware and software are also within the scope of the present invention. The present invention may be implemented only in hardware or only in software or using combinations thereof.
The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that additions, subtractions, deletions, and other modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED TS:
1. In a system for viewing Web content information and television content information, a method of outputting audio information associated with the Web content information and the television content information, the method comprising: receiving Web content information and television content information, the Web and television content information including a plurality of audio sources; receiving a first signal from a control device; in response to the first signal, determining a first audio source from the plurality of audio sources; transmitting audio signals associated with the first audio source to an audio output device; and outputting the audio signals associated with the first audio source via the audio output device.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the first signal from the control device comprises: selecting a button on the control device; generating the first signal in response to selecting the button; and receiving the first signal from the control device via a first communication link.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first communication link is a wireless link.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein determining the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources comprises: determining the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; generating an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources; determining a current audio source, wherein audio signals associated with the current audio source are being output via the audio output device; and determining the first audio source from the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources, the first audio source following the current audio source in the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein determining the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources comprises: determining the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; generating an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources; determining a previous audio source, wherein audio signals associated with the previous audio source were last output via the audio output device; and determining the first audio source from the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources, the first audio source following the previous audio source in the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources .
6. The method of claim 1 wherein determining the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources comprises: determining the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; generating a user interface displaying the plurality of audio sources; displaying the user interface; and receiving a signal indicating selection of the first audio source from the user interface displaying the plurality of audio sources.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving a second signal from the control device; in response to the second signal, determining a second audio source from the plurality of audio sources; transmitting audio signals associated with the second audio source to the audio output device; and outputting the audio signals associated with the second audio source via the audio output device.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the first audio source is embedded in the Web content information and the second audio source is embedded in the television content information.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the first audio source is embedded in the television content information and the second audio source is embedded in the Web content information.
10. In a system for viewing Web content information and television content information comprising a set-top box coupled to an audio output device via a first communication link and coupled to a control device via a second communication link, a set-top box implemented method for outputting audio signals comprising: receiving Web content information and television content information, the Web and television content information including a plurality of audio sources; receiving a first signal from the control device; determining a first audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the first signal; and transmitting audio signals associated with the first audio source to the audio output device.
11. A system for viewing Web content information and television content information, the system comprising: a set-top box configured to receive Web content information and television content information via a first communication link, the Web and television content information including a plurality of audio sources; an audio output device coupled to the set-top box; and a control device configured to transmit signals to the set-top box via a second communication link; wherein the set-top box is configured to: receive a first signal from the control device; to determine a first audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the first signal; and to transmit audio signals associated with the first audio source to the audio output device; and wherein the audio output device is configured to output the audio signals associated with the first audio source.
12. The system of claim 11: wherein the control device provides a button, wherein selection of the button generates the first signal; and wherein the set-top box is configured to receive the first signal from the control device via the second communication link.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the first communication link is a cable link.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the second communication link is a wireless link.
15. The system of claim 11 wherein to determine the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources, the set-top box is configured to: determine the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; generate an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources; determine a current audio source, wherein audio signals associated with the current audio source are being output via the audio output device; and determine the first audio source from the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources, the first audio source following the current audio source in the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources.
16. The system of claim 11 wherein to determine the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources, the set-top box is configured to: determine the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; generate an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources; determine a previous audio source, wherein audio signals associated with the previous audio source were last output via the audio output device; and determine the first audio source from the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources, the first audio source following the previous audio source in the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources.
17. The system of claim 11 further comprising a display device coupled to the set-top box: wherein to determine the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources, the set-top box is configured to: determine the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; and generate a user interface displaying the plurality of audio sources; wherein the display device is configured to display the user interface; and wherein the first audio source is configured to receive a signal indicating selection of the first audio source from the user interface displaying the plurality of audio sources.
18. The system of claim 11 : wherein the set-top box is further configured to: receive a second signal from the control device; determine a second audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the second signal; and transmit audio signals associated with the second audio source to the audio output device; and wherein the audio output device is further configured to output the audio signals associated with the second audio source.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the first audio source is embedded in the Web content information and the second audio source is embedded in the television content information.
20. The system of claim 18 wherein the first audio source is embedded in the television content information and the second audio source is embedded in the Web content information.
21. In a system for viewing Web content information and television content information comprising a set-top box coupled to an audio output device via a first communication link and to a control device via a second communication link, the set-top box configured to: receive Web content mformation and television content information, the Web and television content information including a plurality of audio sources; receive a first signal from the control device via the second communication link; determine a first audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the first signal; and transmit audio signals associated with the first audio source to the audio output device via the first communication link.
22. The set-top box of claim 21 wherein to determine the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the first signal, the set-top box is configured to: determine the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; generate an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources; determine a current audio source, wherein audio signals associated with the current audio source are being output via the audio output device; and determine the first audio source from the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources, the first audio source following the current audio source in the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources.
23. The set-top box of claim 21 wherein to determine the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the first signal, the set-top box is configured to: determine the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content infonriation and television content information; generate an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources; determine a previous audio source, wherein audio signals associated with the previous audio source were last output via the audio output device; and determine the first audio source from the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources, the first audio source following the previous audio source in the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources.
24. The set-top box of claim 21 wherein to determine the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the first signal, the set-top box is configured to: determine the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; and generate a user interface displaying the plurality of audio sources; and receive a signal indicating selection of the first audio source from the user interface displaying the plurality of audio sources.
25. The set-top box of claim 21 further configured to: receive a second signal from the control device via the second communication link; determine a second audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the second signal; and transmit audio signals associated with the second audio source to the audio output device via the first communication link.
26. The set-top box of claim 25 wherein the first audio source is embedded in the Web content information and the second audio source is embedded in the television content information.
27. The set-top box of claim 25 wherein the first audio source is embedded in the television content information and the second audio source is embedded in the Web content information.
28. A computer program product embodied in a computer-readable storage medium, the code comprising: code for receiving Web content information and television content information, the Web and television content information including a plurality of audio sources; code for receiving a first signal from a control device; code for determining a first audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the first signal; and code for transmitting audio signals associated with the first audio source to an audio output device.
29. The computer-program product of claim 28 wherein the code for determining the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources comprises: code for determining the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; code for generating an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources; code for determining a current audio source, wherein audio signals associated with the current audio source are being output via the audio output device; and code for determining the first audio source from the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources, the first audio source following the current audio source in the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources .
30. The computer-program product of claim 28 wherein the code for determining the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources comprises: code for deteπnining the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; code for generating an ordered list of the plurality of audio sources; code for determining a previous audio source, wherein audio signals associated with the previous audio source were last output via the audio output device; and code for determining the first audio source from the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources, the first audio source following the previous audio source in the ordered list of the plurality of audio sources.
31. The computer-program product of claim 28 wherein the code for determining the first audio source from the plurality of audio sources comprises: code for determining the plurality of audio sources included in the Web content information and television content information; code for generating a user interface displaying the plurality of audio sources; and code for receiving a signal indicating selection of the first audio source from the user interface displaying the plurality of audio sources.
32. The computer-program product of claim 28 further comprising: code for receiving a second signal from the control device; code for determining a second audio source from the plurality of audio sources in response to the second signal; and code for transmitting audio signals associated with the second audio source to the audio output device.
33. The computer-program product of claim 32 wherein the first audio source is embedded in the Web content information and the second audio source is embedded in the television content information.
34. The computer-program product of claim 32 wherein the first audio source is embedded in the television content information and the second audio source is embedded in the Web content information.
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