BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. The Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing viewers with an enhanced programming experience. More specifically, the present invention relates to giving a viewer an enhanced programming experience while remotely preparing the enhanced programming in accordance with the selections of the viewer.  
           [0003]    2. The Prior State of the Art  
           [0004]    For numerous years, homes, offices, and other buildings have accessed television programming through airwave broadcasts, cable providers, satellite transmission, and other communication channels. Televisions provide viewers with a varied assortment of entertainment, news, and educational programming. From the first broadcasts to current television programming, viewers gather a wealth of knowledge, while being entertained. With advances in communication technology and computer systems in recent years, television broadcast viewers no longer are limited to merely watching a television screen. Instead, television broadcast viewers may watch programming on a computer monitor or display, while performing a variety of other tasks, such as word processing, surfing the Internet, playing games, and the like.  
           [0005]    Of particular interest, in recent years there has been an explosion with the availability of enhanced programming experiences associated with traditional television broadcast programming. Such enhanced programming experiences allow viewers to interact with or “feel” that they have become part of the television broadcast. For example, the enhanced programming may allow a viewer to “play-along” with participants in a game show by simultaneously answering questions and simulating accumulating points, money, prizes, and the like. Additionally, the current enhanced programming experiences allow viewers to obtain a more thorough understanding of a particular television broadcast. This may be achieved by connecting with a web site that has information relevant to the television broadcast, such as, for example, connecting to a sports related web site to obtain a baseball player&#39;s statistics.  
           [0006]    Numerous attempts have been made to provide such enhanced programming or interactivity in a straightforward and efficient manner. From the inception of enhanced programming, manufacturers and providers have attempted to develop hardware, such as set-top boxes, and associated software to give a television broadcast viewer an interactive experience, whether the experience eliminates the television broadcast or combines enhanced programming with the television broadcast. The capabilities of each set-top box may vary from complex to unsophisticated set-top boxes. The more complex set-top boxes render Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) documents, storing large quantities of enhanced programming data and files, and providing the viewer with an enhanced programming experience. The less complicated set-top boxes (“low-end” set-top boxes) may only be capable of providing the viewer with the number of the television channel currently watched with no enhanced programming content.  
           [0007]    With reference to FIG. 1, depicted is a schematic representation of an existing system for providing viewers with an enhanced programming experience using complex advanced receivers or set-top boxes. As shown, a system  10  includes a cable or satellite provider head end  12 . The head end  12  represents the cable or satellite provider&#39;s hardware and/or software components or modules that receive broadcast programming. For example, head end  12  receives broadcast programming, as represented by the video-in line, and delivers the broadcast programming to an advanced receiver  14 , such as an advanced set-top box. The advanced receiver  14  demodulates the signal received from head end  12  and delivers a demodulated signal to a display device  16  that displays the broadcast programming to a viewer.  
           [0008]    Additionally, head end  12 , through a proxy server  22 , is capable of retrieving enhanced programming content from a web server  20  via a network  18 . The enhanced programming content can be retrieved and delivered to advanced receiver module  14  before the enhanced programming content is to be displayed to the viewer or can be retrieved by proxy server  22  upon receiving a request from advanced receiver module  14  for such enhanced programming content.  
           [0009]    In either case above, advanced receiver module  14  is capable of identifying the availability of enhanced programming content and notifying the viewer of such availability. One manner by which advanced receiver module  14  identifies the availability of enhanced programming content is to track metadata included within the broadcast programming that indicates when enhanced programming content is to be viewed.  
           [0010]    While these techniques of providing enhanced programming content to viewers have been used successfully with relatively sophisticated set-top boxes, there are millions of existing, low-end set-top boxes that are not compatible with conventional methods for displaying enhanced programming content. Moreover, because of cost constraints, many more low-end set-top boxes are manufactured each year. Viewers using such low-end set-top boxes have been unable to view enhanced programming content without replacing their set-top boxes, which can be prohibitively expensive for many viewers.  
           [0011]    In light of the above, it would be desirable to have a system that allows low-end set-top boxes and receivers to provide a viewer with an enhanced programming experience, thereby limiting the need for the viewer to purchase more complex and expensive set-top boxes and receivers.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    In one embodiment of the present invention, systems and methods are provided that give a viewer an enhanced programming experience with a receiver that is otherwise incapable of providing the viewer with an enhanced programming experience. In general, the methods of the invention can be characterized as a server or head end approach to providing enhanced programming content, whereby the enhanced programming content is processed or created at a server or head end and then transmitted to the remote set-top box. In this manner, low-end set-top boxes can receive enhanced programming content without being required to individually retrieve and process the enhanced programming content and integrate the enhanced programming content with the conventional television content.  
           [0013]    As disclosed previously, typical existing set-top boxes and receivers may have various configurations ranging from those that access information on the Internet or some other wide area network (WAN) to those of low-end set-top boxes, which only deliver programming to the viewer, with little other information or data. To overcome the limitations associated with the low-end set-top boxes and receivers that otherwise only deliver programming to the viewer, systems and methods for providing an enhanced programming experience via a low-end set-top box or receiver are disclosed herein. Further, although the present invention is illustratively described with respect to low-end or less sophisticated set-top boxes and receivers, the broad principles of the invention are applicable for other types of set-top boxes and receivers. For example, high-end or complex set-top boxes can utilize the methods and functions of the present invention to deliver an enhanced programming experience.  
           [0014]    One of the modules implemented according to the invention is an entertainment module. The entertainment module is configured to display programming to a viewer and to optionally display enhanced programming content to the viewer. For instance, the entertainment module incorporates a receiver or set-top box with a display unit or device that displays the programming or enhanced programming content to the viewer.  
           [0015]    The enhanced programming experience is achieved by including enhanced programming control signals, such as Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) control signals, within the programming that is accessed and used to identify (i) the availability of enhanced programming content deliverable to the viewer; (ii) where the enhanced programming content is stored; (iii) when the enhanced programming content is to be delivered to a delivery module; and/or (iv) what enhanced programming content is to be delivered.  
           [0016]    Typically, more complex and sophisticated set-top boxes and receivers access and perform the above analysis of the control signals. The present invention provides substantially the same enhanced programming experience that has been available via such complex and sophisticated set-top boxes and receivers through a simple and unsophisticated set-top box or receiver.  
           [0017]    Another module implemented according to the invention is an enhancement module, which is located at a head end or server that is remote from the entertainment module. The enhancement module is configured to identify the occurrence of the enhanced programming control signals and to respond thereto by creating or retrieving the enhanced programming content. The enhancement module, which typically has greater computing resources than a set-top box associated with the entertainment module, generates a sequence of images using, for example, an MPEG format, that represents the enhanced programming content that can be delivered to the entertainment module.  
           [0018]    The viewer can provide input to the entertainment module to request initiation of transmission of the enhanced programming content from the remote enhancement module to the local entertainment module. Because the enhancement module has already generated the enhanced programming content, the receiver or set-top box of the entertainment module can display the enhanced programming content without being required to retrieve or process the enhanced programming content as has been required of set-top boxes using conventional enhanced programming processes.  
           [0019]    In this manner, enhanced programming techniques according to the present invention identify enhanced programming content associated with programming that is to be delivered to an entertainment module, prepare such enhanced programming content remotely from the entertainment module into a form that the entertainment module may present to the viewer, and upon receiving input from the viewer, delivers the enhanced programming content to the entertainment module.  
           [0020]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims. Further, such features of the present invention may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art system for delivering enhanced programming content to an entertainment module that includes an advanced receiver and a display device;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system that provides a suitable operating environment for the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of one embodiment of an entertainment module of FIG. 2;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed representation of a head end of the exemplary system of FIG. 2;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5 is an illustrative flow diagram representing one embodiment of the flow of data in the system of FIGS.  2 - 4 ;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 6 illustrates a more detailed representation of another embodiment of a head end of the exemplary system of FIG. 2;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed representation of yet another embodiment of a head end of the exemplary system of FIG. 2;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of a rendering pool of the head end illustrated in FIG. 7; and  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 9 is an illustrative flow diagram representing one embodiment of the flow of data in the system of FIGS. 7 and 8.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]    The present invention extends to both systems and methods for providing an enhanced programming experience through receivers or set-top boxes that typically are otherwise incapable of giving a viewer such an enhanced programming experience. Alternatively, such an enhanced programming experience can be provided using the principles of the present invention with receivers or set-top boxes that are capable of giving a viewer the enhanced programming experience. Further, the present invention provides various systems and methods for creating a visual representation of enhanced programming content that is deliverable to a receiver or set-top box without the receiver or set-top box having to retrieve, interpret, or render the images before displaying the same to the viewer. Additionally, the present invention substantially negates the need for the set-top box or receiver to access the source of the enhanced programming content, such as via the Internet or some other wide area network; while providing a visual representation of the enhanced programming content that gives the viewer an enhanced programming experience.  
         [0032]    The embodiments of the present invention comprises one or more special purpose or general purpose computers including computer hardware, as discussed in detail below. Receivers and set-top boxes that enhance the capabilities of conventional televisions represent an example of a special purpose computer. The embodiments may further comprise multiple computers linked in a networked environment.  
         [0033]    Referring now to FIG. 2, depicted is a schematic representation of one exemplary system of the present invention. As shown, a system  100  includes a cable or satellite provider head end  106  that communicates with web servers  102   a - 102   n  via a network  104 , such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, a wireless network, or the like. The head end  106  receives broadcast programming from a program module  110  and delivers the same to one or more entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  The program module  110  delivers network, cable, or satellite, or other such programming to head end  106  for delivery to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  For example, program module  110  may be a signal source with associated hardware and/or software modules and components. Illustratively, program module  110  may be a multi-channel signal source that delivers multiple signals via satellite, cable terrestrial antennae, and the like, and many such program modules can be used to deliver television programming to head end  106 .  
         [0034]    In addition to receiving programming from program module  110 , head end  106  receives signals from entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  that indicate that the viewer has requested enhanced programming content. For example, when an entertainment module  108   a  identifies the availability of enhanced programming content and a viewer utilizing an input device requests such enhanced programming content, head end  106  retrieves the requested enhanced programming content, such as from storage or from web servers  102   a - 102   n.  Additionally, head end  106  renders the enhanced programming content and delivers the rendered enhanced programming content to the particular entertainment module requesting the enhanced programming content, such that the entertainment module can display the enhanced programming content without being required to retrieve or process the enhanced programming content as has been required of set-top boxes using conventional enhanced programming techniques.  
         [0035]    In another embodiment of the present invention, head end  106  tracks the availability of enhanced programming content associated with the programming delivered to entertainment module  108   a - 108   n.  The head end  106  maintains a table or list of the available enhanced programming content for each program received from program module  110 . When a viewer through entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  makes a general request for any available enhanced programming content associated with the displayed programming, head end  106  searches the table or list of the available enhanced programming content to identify which enhanced programming, if any, is available for display to a viewer utilizing entertainment module  108   a - 108   n.  Thereafter, head end  106  retrieves the enhanced programming content either from storage or from the enhanced programming content source, i.e., one or more of web servers  102   a - 102   n,  and renders the enhanced programming content. Subsequently, head end  106  delivers the rendered enhanced programming content to the requesting entertainment module  108   a - 108   n.    
         [0036]    Referring now to FIG. 3, depicted is a schematic representation of one exemplary entertainment module  108 . It is noted that any of a wide variety of set-top boxes other than that illustrated in FIG. 3 can be used with the invention. Indeed, relatively low-end set top boxes, such as those that have relatively small computing resources or that lack some elements of entertainment module  108 , can significantly benefit from the invention, since such low-end set-top boxes have previously been incapable of displaying enhanced programming content.  
         [0037]    Generally, entertainment module  108  includes a special purpose or general-purpose computer or special purpose processing device including various computer hardware and/or software known by one skilled in the art for receiving signals from a broadcast programming source or some other source for enhancing the capabilities of conventional televisions. Entertainment module  108  can include a cable television box, a digital video broadcasting system (“DVB”), some other type of digital satellite system receiver (“DSS”), or another type of set-top box with Internet capabilities.  
         [0038]    As illustrated, entertainment module  108  can include a receiver module  140 , a display device  142 , an audio system  144 , and a signal recorder  146 . Generally, receiver module  140  includes a central processing unit  148  that uses computer-executable instructions implemented in software and/or hardwired logic circuitry to perform various functions. These computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, cause receiver module  140  and/or entertainment module  108  to perform a certain function or group of functions. Generally, program modules can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.  
         [0039]    Processing unit  148  can be coupled via a system bus  152 , which interconnects various other system components of receiver module  140  and/or entertainment module  108 . Processing unit  148  executes software designed to implement features of receiver module  140  and/or entertainment module  108  including the features of the present invention. Processing unit  148  can contain circuitry used to implement certain functions of receiver module  140  and/or entertainment module  108 . Instructions, data, and other software used to operate processing unit  148  can be stored in a system memory  154 , such as read-only memory (“ROM”)  156  and/or in random-access memory (“RAM”)  158 . Optionally, receiver module  140  can include any mass storage device  160 , which is coupled to a mass storage interface  162 , as illustrated in dotted lines. ROM  156 , RAM  158  and mass storage device  160  are communicatively coupled to processing unit  148  so as to be readable by processing unit  148  and so that data may be written from processing unit  148  to RAM  158  and possibly mass storage device  160 .  
         [0040]    Optional mass storage device  160  can be a magnetic hard disk  164  or any other magnetic, optical, or other mass memory device that is capable of storing data. Any desired computer-readable instructions or data, including application programs and other program modules can be stored in mass storage device  160 . Mass storage device  160  is one structure capable of performing the function of a computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. In addition, Mass storage device  160  may be used to store and retrieve received media content, such as a media stream or other data delivered to receiver module  140  and/or entertainment module  108 . This computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.  
         [0041]    By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise physical storage media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to receiver module  140  and/or entertainment module  108  or some remote computer, the receiver module  140 , entertainment module  108  and remote computer, such as but not limited to head end  106 , properly view the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, such a connection is also properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.  
         [0042]    As illustrated, receiver module  140  communicates with display device  142 , such as a television display, a flat panel display, a projection display, a computer monitor, or any other device capable of displaying viewable image data, through a video output  170  and variety of different communication line connections known to one skilled in the art in light of the teaching contained herein. Additionally, receiver module  140  can communicate with audio system  144 , such as one or more speakers for emitting sound data through an audio output  172  and/or a signal recorder  146 , such as a video cassette recorder (“VCR”), capable of receiving video and/or audio data through video output  170  and audio output  172  and recording the data on a storage medium.  
         [0043]    The receiver module  140   a  can include a signal input  174 , which receives programming from head end  106 . The head end  106  delivers single or multiple channels of programming and enhanced programming content to signal input  174  via one or more different communication line connections, known to one skilled in the art, such as but not limited to electromagnetic radiation connection, such as wireless, UHF, VHF, microwave transmission, or the like, cable connection, or optic connection. The signal input  174 , alone or in combination with processing unit  148  can search the programming to identify metadata that defines the availability of enhanced programming content associated with the programming. Alternatively, signal input  174  is incapable of identifying the metadata carried within programming deliverable to entertainment module  108 .  
         [0044]    The metadata, in one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, is included in the in-band, i.e., vertical blanking interval, the horizontal blanking interval, the overscan region, or the like. In another configuration, the metadata is included in the out-of-band portion of the programming. In one embodiment, the metadata includes control signals developed, created, or otherwise promulgated by the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum, which are referred to herein as ATVEF control signals.  
         [0045]    Illustratively, the metadata, such as ATVEF control signals, includes one or more announcements, triggers, packages, and the like as understood and known by one skilled in the art. For example, an announcement identifies the availability of an enhanced programming content, a trigger initiates delivery of the enhanced programming content, and a package stores or identifies the location or source of the enhanced programming content. Although reference is made to ATVEF control signals as the metadata, one skilled in the art can identify various other formats of metadata that are capable of defining the availability of enhanced programming content.  
         [0046]    According to another aspect of receiver module  140 , signal input  174  can include one or more tuners  178  capable of tuning to the programming or enhanced programming content deliverable by head end  106 . Additionally, signal input  174  can include one or more signal decoders  176  optionally configured to (i) decipher the audio and/or video data representative of the programming and/or enhanced programming content received from head end  106 , (ii) convert the data from an analog format to digital format, and vice versa, and (iii) decompress the programming and/or enhanced programming content received from head end  106 .  
         [0047]    To facilitate communication between head end  106  and entertainment module  108 , signal input  174  can include a modem  180  that translates the signals from head end  106  into locally readable/executable Internet content, including but not limited to: HTML, XML, Streaming Media formats and other common “Web” encoding methods that enable receiver module  140  to display Web pages including text, graphics and other static media/data and streaming media or other continuous media from remote sources. In such a case, head end  106  can have the form of a remote computer, which forms part of the Internet or some other wide area network or local area network. In other embodiments of the present invention, signal input  174  can include modem  180  but is incapable of translating the signals from head end  106  into locally readable/executable Internet content.  
         [0048]    As illustrated, receiver module  140  includes various input/output interfaces  182  that enable a user, consumer electronic devices, signal sources, or other suitable electronic devices to deliver and receive data or information therebetween. For instance, illustrative input/output interfaces include but are not limited to serial port interface, parallel port interface, infra-red interfaces, wireless interfaces, a universal serial bus (USB), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), or the like. Further, input/output interface  182  is communicatively coupled to an input device  184  over an input link  186  to enable control of entertainment module  108 . The input device  184 , in one embodiment, generates electronic instructions over input link  186  in response to preprogrammed data or in response to a viewer pressing buttons on input device  184 . Input device  184  may also control Web browser software within receiver module  140  as when receiver module  140  acts as an Internet terminal that has been adapted to perform various operations.  
         [0049]    Referring now to FIG. 4, depicted is a more detailed schematic representation of a portion of system  100 . As illustrated, head end  106  communicates with one or more entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  The head end  106  delivers enhanced programming content and programming to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  and receives signals or data indicative of a request by a viewer utilizing entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  to participate in an enhanced programming experience, i.e., watch and/or interact with enhanced programming content. These signals include all or a portion of the copy of the metadata delivered to entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  by head end  106 . For example, the signal includes a uniform resource locator (URL) for the available enhanced programming content, whether or not the URL leads control module  120  to web servers  102   a - 102   n  (FIG. 2) or data module  121 . This URL can be included as part of the metadata delivered to entertainment module  108   a - 108   n.    
         [0050]    In another configuration, the signal includes an identifier defining the particular programming being viewed through entertainment module  108   a - 108   n.  By comparing this program identifier against a stored table or list of available enhanced programming content, head end  106  identifies the enhanced programming content, if any, which is associated with the currently viewed programming. Alternatively, the signal includes other metadata delivered to entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  that indicates the specific enhanced programming content or generally available enhanced programming content accessible by head end  106 .  
         [0051]    In the exemplary representation of head end  106  depicted in FIG. 4, head end  106  includes a control module  120 , an access channel module  122 , and a multiplexing module  124 . Control module  120  is a control center and processing unit for head end  106 . Control module  120 , therefore, manages access to the services and resources of head end  106  by entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  Illustratively, when an entertainment module connects to head end  106 , control module  120  accesses a data module  121  and the data stored therein to: (i) verify that each entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  is correctly connected to head end  106 ; (ii) authenticate requests delivered from entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  for enhanced programming content and/or programming; (iii) store data or information about each entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  and the viewers utilizing the same; and (iv) verify access rights of each entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  and the viewers utilizing the same to access available services, pay-per-view, or the like.  
         [0052]    Data module  121  can be a database that stores information or data about each entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  and/or the viewers utilizing the same. Further, data module  121  can store enhanced programming content that is retrieved by control module  120 .  
         [0053]    In addition to the above, control module  120  delivers requests to one or more web servers  102   a - 102   n  (FIG. 2) for enhanced programming content. Subsequently, control module  120  can retrieve the same and deliver the enhanced programming content to access channel module  122  and/or optionally store the enhanced programming content in data module  121 .  
         [0054]    Communicating with control module  120  is access channel module  122 , which receives requests for enhanced programming content from entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  and delivers these requests to control module  120  to enable control module  120  to retrieve the requested enhanced programming content. Additionally, access channel module  122  interprets and renders the retrieved enhanced programming content before delivering the rendered enhanced programming content to multiplexing module  124  for delivery to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.    
         [0055]    To achieve the above, in one embodiment of the present invention, access channel module  122  includes a session control module  130 . Session control module  130  interprets the signals or requests for enhanced programming content made by entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  Upon identifying that an entertainment module, such as entertainment module  108   a,  has requested enhanced programming content, session control module  130  generates a terminal server sessions  132  for the entertainment module that has issued the request. The terminal server sessions  132   a - 132   n,  each being associated with an entertainment module  108   a - 108   n,  initiate the delivery of requests to control module  120  to retrieve the requested enhanced programming content. For instance, each terminal server session  132   a - 132   n  can access or call software programs or applications that make the request for the enhanced programming content.  
         [0056]    Upon receiving the requested enhanced programming content, each terminal server session  132   a - 132   n  accesses a rendering module  134  that renders the enhanced programming content and optionally stores the rendered enhanced programming content in access channel module  122  and/or data module  121 . Specifically, rendering module  134  prepares a sequence of MPEG images or frames of the available enhanced programming content to be delivered with the programming received from program module  110  (FIG. 2). In this manner, access channel module  122  provides the viewer of entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  with an enhanced programming experience without entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  and/or receiver module  140   a - 140   n  having the capability of otherwise rendering enhanced programming content.  
         [0057]    In one configuration, rendering module  134  captures a defined number of images or frames of the available enhanced programming content that can be delivered to entertainment module  108   a - 108   n.  In one embodiment, to achieve the creation of a sequence of captured images or frames of the enhanced programming content, rendering module  134  utilizes Microsoft® TV Simulator, Microsoft® TV Browser, or other similar applications. One skilled in the art can identify various other applications capable of capturing images or frames of enhanced programming content.  
         [0058]    The captured images or frames are delivered to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  upon an MPEG stream tunable by each entertainment module  108   a - 108   n.  In one embodiment, the MPEG stream of captured images or frames is displayed instead of the programming delivered to entertainment module  108   a - 108   n,  i.e., receiver module  140  tunes to the MPEG stream carrying the captured images or frames upon the viewer selecting to participate in an enhanced programming experience. In other embodiments, such as when each entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  includes two tuners, each entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  tunes to both the programming and the MPEG stream carrying the captured images or frames.  
         [0059]    According to one embodiment, rendering module  134  accesses the enhanced programming content and captures approximately fifteen frames per second of enhanced programming content instead of the typical thirty frames per second. By so doing, rendering module  134  reduces the number of frames of enhanced programming content deliverable to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  and eliminates the need for rendering of the enhanced programming content by entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  Therefore, the manufacturing and purchase costs of such entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  are reduced.  
         [0060]    Although reference is made to capturing fifteen frames per second, it can be appreciated that various numbers of frames can be captured and subsequently delivered to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  For instance, rendering module  134  can capture a greater or lesser number of frames per second than described above. By varying the number of frames captured, rendering module  134  can vary the quality of enhanced programming experience that a viewer receives. The larger the number of frames captured, the better the quality of the enhanced programming experience.  
         [0061]    Although reference is made to a separate rendering module  134 , rendering module  134  can be incorporated within session control module  130  or some other module of access channel module  122  or head end  106 .  
         [0062]    Access channel module  120 , through terminal server sessions  132   a - 132   n,  delivers the rendered enhanced programming content to multiplexing module  124  continuously, periodically, or sporadically. The multiplexing module  124  combines the programming from program module  110  and the rendered enhanced programming content into an MPEG and/or data stream specific to the entertainment module requesting the enhanced programming content. Alternatively, multiplexing module  124  can combine the rendered enhanced programming content with audio programming, video programming, data, or the like.  
         [0063]    One skilled in the art can identify various manners to combine rendered enhanced programming content with audio and/or video into signals or streams deliverable to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  For example, such enhanced programming content can be stored in the out-of-band or in-band portions of the stream carrying the programming to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  In still another configuration, multiplexing module  124  combines one or more video channels, one or more audio channels, one or more data channels, and the rendered enhanced programming content through some other mechanism or method known by one skilled in the art.  
         [0064]    Referring now to FIG. 5, depicted is a flow diagram illustrating one method of the present invention. As described, an entertainment module receives programming, as represented by block  140 . The entertainment module receives the programming that is received by the head end from the program module. The programming includes metadata that describes what enhanced programming content, if any, is associated with the programming. Stated another way, the programming includes metadata that defines what enhanced programming experience the viewer can view in place of or in addition to the conventional television programming.  
         [0065]    Upon receiving the programming, the entertainment module, and more specifically the receiver module, identifies the availability of enhanced programming content, as represented by block  142 . This can be achieved by processor  148  and/or signal input  174  (FIG. 3) searching the in-band and/or out-of-band portions of the programming for metadata. When such metadata is detected, processor  148  and/or signal input  174  retrieves the data contained therein and notifies the viewer of the availability of an enhanced programming experience, as represented by block  144 . The notification includes presenting a selectable icon to the viewer simultaneously with the programming upon the display device. Alternatively, the input device  184  can include a light that becomes illuminated when enhanced programming content is available for the currently viewed programming. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that various manners are known by which a viewer can be notified of the availability of enhanced programming content.  
         [0066]    Once the viewer has been notified of the availability of enhanced programming content, the viewer can select to watch or participate in the enhanced programming content, as represented by decision block  146 . The viewer can select the enhanced programming content by pressing one or more buttons on input device  184  that initiate the delivery of the enhanced programming content. For instance, through pressing one or more buttons the viewer can select a displayed icon.  
         [0067]    Following selecting to watch or participate in the enhanced programming content, i.e., decision block  146  in the affirmative, the entertainment module delivers a request for the enhanced programming content to the head end, as represented by block  148 . This request can include any or all portions of the metadata received by the entertainment module with the programming. For instance, the request includes an identifier defining the enhanced programming content to be retrieved. In another configuration, the request includes an identifier defining the programming viewed using the entertainment module. In still another configuration, the request includes a URL defining where the data associated with the enhanced programming content is stored, whether the URL defines a location local to or remote from the head end. Alternatively, the request can define a particular package referenced within ATVEF compliant metadata. Various other parameters or data can be delivered as a request to the entertainment module.  
         [0068]    Once the request is received, the head end identifies what particular enhanced programming content has been requested, as represented by block  150 . The head end can analyze the request to select the identifier of the enhanced programming content or the URL where enhanced programming content data is stored, or the like. Further, when the identifier references the programming, the head end, and more specifically the access channel module, can search a table or list of the programming deliverable to the entertainment module. This table or list is linked or cross-referenced to the table or list of available enhanced programming content. Consequently, by identifying the programming being viewed the access channel module identifies the available enhanced programming content.  
         [0069]    Upon identifying the particular enhanced programming content requested or associated with the programming, the head end determines whether the enhanced programming content is stored at the head end, as represented by decision block  152 . This can be achieved, in one configuration, as the head end compares the identifier or URL included in the request against a list or table of the available enhanced programming content. In the event that the enhanced programming content is stored at the head end, the head end accesses the enhanced programming content, as represented by block  154 . Otherwise, such as when decision block  152  is in the negative, a terminal server session initiated by the access channel module requests the control module to request the enhanced programming content from the remote source, i.e., web servers, as represented by block  156 . Consequently, the control module delivers a request to the remote sources and receives the enhanced programming content, as represented by block  158 .  
         [0070]    Following retrieval of the enhanced programming content, the head end renders the enhanced programming content, as represented by block  160 . In one embodiment, the rendering module renders only fifteen frames per second of the enhanced programming content rather than rendering all frames of the enhanced programming content. In other embodiments of the present invention, the rendering module renders a lesser or greater number of frames than the fifteen frames per second discussed herein.  
         [0071]    Once the enhanced programming content is rendered, the access channel module delivers the rendered enhanced programming content to the entertainment module, as represented by block  162 . For instance, the multiplexing module inserts the captured images or frames onto an MPEG or data stream deliverable to the entertainment module. In this manner, the entertainment module is able to display the enhanced programming experience to the viewer, as represented by block  164 . More specifically, the entertainment module displays only the enhanced programming content, such as when the entertainment module includes only a single tuner, or can display the enhanced programming content and the programming when the entertainment module includes two or more tuners.  
         [0072]    In one embodiment, the rendered enhanced programming content delivered and displayable by the entertainment module uses a number of frames or images less than the programming displayed to the viewer, i.e., less than approximately thirty frames per second. Although the number of frames is lower, the viewer is able to watch and/or view the enhanced programming experience with little adverse effects to the quality of the enhanced programming experience provided by advanced, complex, and expensive set-top boxes or receivers. In other embodiments of the present invention, the rendered enhanced programming content includes substantially the same number of frames as the programming delivered to and displayed by the entertainment module. Referring now to FIG. 6, depicted is an alternate embodiment of the head end of the present invention. Like modules, elements, or features of head end  106  are indicated with like reference numerals. The illustrative configuration of the present invention depicted in FIG. 6 will be described with respect to use of entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  that are incapable of identifying the availability of enhanced programming content associated with received programming. To enable these types of entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  to receive the enhanced programming content, a head end  200  tracks the availability of enhanced programming content, notifies entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  of the availability of enhanced programming content, and subsequently delivers rendered enhanced programming content to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.    
         [0073]    As illustrated, head end  200  includes a control module  120 , an access channel module  202 , and a multiplexing module  124 . Access channel module  202  tracks the availability of enhanced programming content, requests the enhanced programming content, and stores the requested enhanced programming. Consequently, access channel module  202  includes a tracking module  204 , a session control module  206 , and a rendering module  134 .  
         [0074]    Tracking module  204  analyzes the programming delivered to multiplexing module  124  to identify and track the delivery of metadata to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n.  The metadata defines the availability of enhanced programming content accessible by the viewer of the programming at entertainment module  108   a - 108   n.  Upon identifying the inclusion of metadata within the programming, whether in the in-band or out-of-band portion of the programming, tracking module  204  delivers data indicative of programming and the metadata identified or tracked by tracking module to session control module  206 .  
         [0075]    Session control module  206  prepares a notice of availability of enhanced programming content to be delivered to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  that are viewing the associated programming This notice is included in the in-band or out-of-band portion of the programming delivered to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n  and displayed to the viewer. Alternatively, the data indicative of the notice can result in a visual, audible, and/or tactile notification of enhanced programming content availability to the viewer. For instance, in one embodiment, input device  184  (FIG. 3) can include a liquid crystal diode (LCD) that becomes illuminated when enhanced programming content is available. Various other manners are known to identify the availability of enhanced programming content.  
         [0076]    When the viewer selects to watch or participate in the enhanced programming content, entertainment module  108   a - 108   n  delivers data indicative of such an action to head end  200 . For instance, the data can be included in a back channel signal delivered to head end  200 . This data is analyzed by session control module  206 , resulting in the beginning of one or more terminal server sessions  132   a - 132   n.  Each terminal server session  132   a - 132   n  initiates a request for the desired enhanced programming content from control module  120 . Control module  120  analyzes data module  121  to determine if the enhanced programming content is stored therein. When a copy of the enhanced programming content is stored in data module  121 , control module  120  retrieves the same and delivers to rendering module  134 . Thereafter, rendering module  134  renders the enhanced programming content and terminal server sessions  132   a - 132   n  initiate delivery of the rendered enhanced programming content to multiplexing module  124 , as discussed previously with respect to head end  106 . It can be understood that when rendered versions of previously retrieved enhanced programming content are stored in data module  121 , terminal server sessions  132   a - 132  causes control module  120  to deliver the stored rendered enhanced programming content directly to multiplexing module  124 .  
         [0077]    When the enhanced programming content is not stored in data module  121 , terminal server session  132   a - 132   n  requests control module  120  to retrieve the enhanced programming content from web servers  102   a - 102   n  (FIG. 2). Once control module  120  retrieves the enhanced programming content, rendering module  134  renders the enhanced programming content and the rendered enhanced programming content is delivered to multiplexing module  124  for delivery to entertainment modules  108   a - 108   n,  as described previously with respect to head end  106 .  
         [0078]    Referring now to FIG. 7, depicted is another embodiment of the head end of the present invention. The head end  220  of this embodiment includes an access channel module  222  having a session control module  224 , a tracking module  226 , and a rendering pool  228 . This embodiment will be discussed with reference to tracking the availability of enhanced programming content by access channel module  222  and subsequently retrieving rendered enhanced programming content for delivery to one or more entertainment modules.  
         [0079]    As shown, session control module  224  communicates with both tracking module  226  and rendering pool  228 . Tracking module  226  is configured to analyze the programming delivered to multiplexing module  124  to identify and track the delivery of metadata to the entertainment modules. Additionally, tracking module  226  delivers data indicative of programming and the metadata identified or tracked by tracking module  226  to session control module  224  and rendering pool  228 .  
         [0080]    The rendering pool  228  in one embodiment, represents a server pool or server farm of multiple servers that are tuned or responsible for tracking and controlling the availability of enhanced programming content on each channel of programming delivered by programming module  110  (FIG. 2). Stated another way, rendering pool  228 , optionally in combination with tracking module  226 , tracks programming delivered to the entertainment modules by programming module  110 . Rendering pool  228 , therefore, includes one or more dedicated servers separately tuned to a particular programming channel or non-dedicated servers capable of tuning to any channel viewable by an individual using entertainment module. When a server identifies the availability of enhanced programming content, either by tracking module  226  or session control module  224  notifying the server of such an event or by the server determining that enhanced programming content is available, the server tunes or otherwise accesses the enhanced programming content, renders the enhanced programming content, and optionally stores the same. The servers within rendering pool  228  can request such enhanced programming content from web servers  102   a - 102   n  (FIG. 2) through a combination of session control module  224  and control module  120 , solely through control module  120 , or directly from rendering pool  228  to the web servers.  
         [0081]    In addition, rendering pool  228  creates one or more visual representations of the enhanced programming content, i.e., captures a sequence of MPEG images or frames of the enhanced programming content associated with specific programming created by programming module  220 . This is the case, regardless of whether the enhanced programming content includes web pages, other data or information alone, or a combination of such web pages, data or other information, the programming, or the like.  
         [0082]    In one embodiment, to achieve the creation of a plurality of MPEG images or frames of the enhanced programming content, rendering pool  228  utilizes Microsoft® TV Simulator, Microsoft® TV Browser, or other similar application installed upon one or more servers. Such applications, and others known to one skilled in the art, capture images or frames of the enhanced programming content.  
         [0083]    Referring now to FIG. 8, one illustrative configuration of rendering pool  228  is depicted. As shown, rendering pool  228  includes a plurality of server modules  230   a - 230   n.  Each server module  230   a - 230   n  includes a tracking module  232   a - 232   n  that has a similar configuration to tracking module  226  described previously. Consequently, one skilled in the art can appreciate that, in some configurations, tracking module  226  may be eliminated from access channel module  220  and server modules  230   a - 230   n  substituted therefor.  
         [0084]    Communicating with each tracking module  232   a - 232   n  or directly with tracking module  226  is a rendering module  234   a - 234   n.  Each rendering module  234   a - 234   n  is optionally dedicated to request and/or receive enhanced programming content for a particular programming channel delivered to multiplexing module  124 . For example, rendering module  234   a  is capable of requesting and rendering enhanced programming content associated with programming to be displayed on channel  4  of an entertainment module, while another rendering module  234   b  may be configured to receive and render enhanced programming content associated with channel  5 .  
         [0085]    In another configuration, each rendering module  234   a - 234   n  requests and renders enhanced programming content for any programming deliverable to multiplexing module  124 . Therefore, each server module  230   a - 230   n  renders any enhanced programming content for any program received from program module  110  (FIG. 2). Generally, each rendering module  234   a - 234   n  includes the functionality of rendering module  134  described above and optionally includes a tuner card or other appropriate hardware and/or software that receives and decodes enhanced programming content.  
         [0086]    In addition to tracking modules  232   a - 232   n  and rendering modules  234   a - 234   n,  each server module  230   a - 230   n  optionally includes storage modules  236   a - 236   n.  Storage modules  236   a - 236   n  store the enhanced programming content rendered by rendering modules  234   a - 234   n.  In this manner, a store of rendered enhanced programming content is created. The access channel module  220  (FIG. 7) can use this store of enhanced programming content to limit the need to retrieve enhanced programming content directly from web servers  102   a - 102   n  (FIG. 2) upon access channel module  220  receiving a request for enhanced programming content. To facilitate access to the stored enhanced programming content, each server module  230   a - 230   n  is optionally in communication one with another via a local area network  238 .  
         [0087]    Illustratively, when an entertainment module requests enhanced programming content, session control module  224  initiates a terminal server session  229   a - 229   n  that requests rendered enhanced programming content from rendering pool  228 . When each server module  230   a - 230   n  is dedicated to a different channel of programming, session control module  224 , through terminal server session  229   a - 229   n,  requests enhanced programming content from the specific server module  230   a - 230   n  rendering the enhanced programming content for the particular programming channel. The server module  230   a - 230   n  retrieves rendered enhanced programming content from storage module  236   a - 236  or data module  121 . Alternatively, server module  230   a - 230   n  delivers a request to control module  120  for the enhanced programming content, which results in server module  230   a - 230   n  rendering the enhanced programming content upon receiving the same.  
         [0088]    In this manner, each server module  230   a - 230   n  obtains rendered enhanced programming content retrieved from the particular source, such as a web server  102   a - 102   n  (FIG. 2), without the need to duplicate efforts and directly contact the actual source of the enhanced programming content.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 9 includes a schematic representation of the flow of data and selections made by one illustrative system of the present invention. Head end  220 , in one embodiment, continually or substantially continually analyzes the programming delivered to multiplexing module  124 , a represented by block  300 . More specifically, tracking module  226  analyzes the audio, video, and data signals contained within the programming awaiting the inclusion of metadata indicating the availability of enhanced programming content. When tracking module  226  identifies the metadata, as represented by decision block  302 , tracking module  226  retrieves the programming and the metadata for the particular programming channel upon which the metadata was identified, as represented by block  304 . For example, tracking module  226  may identify metadata on the programming for channel  4 . Optionally, rendering pool  228  may assist tracking module  226  to retrieve the programming and the metadata.  
         [0090]    Once the programming and metadata are retrieved, rendering pool  228  accesses the enhanced programming content associated with the programming, as represented by block  308 . Subsequently, rendering pool  228  generates a number of frames or images representative of the enhanced programming content that may be displayed in a sequential order to provide the enhanced programming experience for the viewer.  
         [0091]    Rendering pool  228  continues to retrieve and store the enhanced programming content until a viewer selects to begin an enhanced programming experience, as represented by decision block  310 . Upon selecting an enhanced programming experience, such as an interactive experience, a control signal is delivered from the entertainment module to head end  220 . Such a control signal contains an identifier for the particular the entertainment module requesting the enhanced programming experience and information regarding the particular channel being viewed, i.e., the channel identification number, such as channel  4  in this illustrative example.  
         [0092]    Subsequently, session control module  224 , through the activated terminal server session, prepares the enhanced programming content for delivery to the entertainment module, as represented by block  312 . For example, in one embodiment, the programming is substantially completely substituted by the enhanced programming content requested by the viewer. In this case, the enhanced programming content is delivered to the multiplexing module for delivery to the entertainment module along a different data channel or stream from that upon which the programming was delivered to the entertainment module, as represented by block  314 . For example, the enhanced programming content, containing a number of captured frames of the enhanced programming content, is delivered along a different channel and the entertainment module is requested to tune to such other channel by the inclusion of a channel identifier in the transmission of the enhanced programming content.  
         [0093]    Alternatively, when the entertainment module includes two tuners, the enhanced programming may be combined with the programming to provide the viewer with an enhanced programming experience that provides the programming and the enhanced programming content simultaneously with the programming. For example, the MPEG images created by each server module  230   a - 230   n  are delivered to the entertainment module with the other enhanced programming data. In such a configuration, the data delivered to the entertainment module includes coordinate information defining the location on the display device where either the enhanced programming content or the programming is to be placed. Optionally, the enhanced programming content includes a channel identifier that the entertainment module uses to display the programming, within a video box, to the viewer within a video box. In this case, the entertainment module tunes the internal tuner of the receiver module to the particular channel and subsequently delivers the programming to the viewer. In another optional configuration, coordinate data and data regarding a streaming media video feed are delivered to the entertainment module with the appropriate other enhanced programming content, as represented by blocks  312  and  314 .  
         [0094]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
A method for providing enhanced programming to an entertainment module where the display of the enhanced programming is prepared remotely from the entertainment module. The method includes a step for analyzing a programming transmission stream deliverable to an entertainment module, remotely from the entertainment module, to identify whether the transmission stream includes at least one enhanced programming control signal. In the event that the transmission stream includes at least one enhanced programming control signal, a step for preparing, remotely from the entertainment module, a visual representation of the enhanced programming based upon the at least one enhanced programming control signal. Following preparing the enhanced programming by the preparing step, a step for delivering the visual representation of the enhanced programming to the entertainment module.