U.S. patent application number 10/123618 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-16 for method and apparatus for internet-based interactive programming.
Invention is credited to Shusman, Chad W..
Application Number | 20030196206 10/123618 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28790768 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030196206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shusman, Chad W. |
October 16, 2003 |
Method and apparatus for internet-based interactive programming
Abstract
A method and system for the creation of interactive programming
incorporating viewer interactions. An interactive program includes
moderator content generated by the moderator and edited participant
commentary, such as interactive messages, and is served by a
moderator server. Moderators create and manage interactive programs
using a Web site. Viewers register to be participants in
interactive programs using the Web site as well. The interactive
programs can be distributed as electronic documents written in a
markup language such as HTML or XML over a communications network
such as the Internet. The interactive programs can also be
converted to conventional interactive television content for
distribution over an interactive television network. The
interactive programs can also be distributed over a virtual private
network for use as a collaboration tool by an enterprise such as a
business concern. The interactive programs require few processing
resources so the interactive programs can be embedded within other
Web processes such as electronic commerce and television commerce
transactions.
Inventors: |
Shusman, Chad W.; (West
Conshohocken, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
350 WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD
SUITE 500
PASADENA
CA
91105
US
|
Family ID: |
28790768 |
Appl. No.: |
10/123618 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/91 ;
348/E7.071; 725/114; 725/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4622 20130101;
H04N 21/4788 20130101; H04N 21/4786 20130101; H04N 21/4828
20130101; H04N 21/25891 20130101; H04N 21/4758 20130101; H04N 21/84
20130101; H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N 7/14 20130101; H04N 7/17318
20130101; H04N 21/8545 20130101; H04N 21/8126 20130101; H04N 7/15
20130101; H04N 21/6125 20130101; H04N 21/854 20130101; H04N 21/435
20130101; H04N 21/433 20130101; H04N 21/235 20130101; G06Q 30/02
20130101; H04N 7/157 20130101; H04N 21/26258 20130101; H04N 21/475
20130101; H04N 21/26603 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/91 ; 725/98;
725/114 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/173 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for creating and transmitting an interactive program
over a communications network, comprising: operably coupling a
moderator server to the communications network; operably coupling a
moderator client to the moderator server via the communications
network; operably coupling a plurality of viewer clients to the
moderator server via the communications network; receiving
participant comment signals by the moderator server via the
communications network from the plurality of viewer clients;
transmitting by the moderator server via the communications network
to the moderator client the participant comment signals; receiving
edited participant comment signals and moderator signals by the
moderator server via the communications network from the moderator
client; generating interactive program signals by the moderator
server using the edited participant comment signals and the
moderator signals; and transmitting by the moderator server via the
communications network to the plurality of viewer clients the
interactive program signals.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein generating interactive program
signals further includes: receiving content signals by the
moderator server from a content server; and generating by the
moderator server the interactive program signals using the content
signals, edited participant comment signals, and the moderator
signals.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving content
signals by the moderator server from a content server; and
transmitting by the moderator server via the communications network
to the viewer clients the content signals.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the communications network is a
virtual private network.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the participant comment signals
further include an interactive program rating signal.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the moderator signals further
include a viewer exclusion signal corresponding to a specific
viewer client from the plurality of viewer clients and generating
by the moderator server the interactive program signals further
includes using the viewer exclusion signal to exclude participant
comments received from the specific viewer client.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the moderator signals further
include a viewer invitation signal corresponding to a specific
viewer client from the plurality of viewer clients, and generating
by the moderator server the interactive program signals further
includes using the viewer invitation signal.
8. A method for creating and transmitting interactive programming
content over a wide area network, comprising: operably coupling a
moderator server to the wide area network; operably coupling a
content server to the moderator server; operably coupling a
moderator Web browser to the moderator server via the wide area
network; operably coupling a plurality of viewer Web browsers to
the moderator server via the wide area network; receiving by the
moderator server from the content server a first set of content
signals; receiving by the moderator server via the wide area
network from the moderator Web browser a first set of moderator
comments; generating by the moderator server a first interactive
electronic document using the first set of content signals and the
first set of moderator comments; transmitting by the moderator
server via the wide area network to the plurality of viewer Web
browsers the first interactive electronic document; receiving by
the moderator server via the wide area network from the plurality
of viewer Web browsers a plurality of viewer interactive messages
responsive to the first interactive electronic document;
transmitting by the moderator server via the wide area network to
the moderator Web browser the plurality of viewer interactive
messages; receiving by the moderator server via the wide area
network from the moderator Web browser edited viewer interactive
messages and a second set of moderator comments; receiving by the
moderator server from the content server a second set of content
signals; generating by the moderator server a second interactive
electronic document using the edited viewer interactive messages
and the second set of moderator comments; and transmitting by the
moderator server via the wide area network to a plurality of viewer
Web browsers the second interactive electronic document.
9. A method for participating in an interactive program over a
communications network, comprising: operably coupling a viewer
client to a moderator server via the communications network;
transmitting participant comment signals by the viewer client via
the communications network to the moderator server; and receiving
by the viewer client via the communications network from the
moderator server viewer interactive program signals, the viewer
interactive program signals generated by the moderator server using
edited participant comment signals and moderator signals, the
edited participant comment signals and moderator signals received
by the moderator server from a moderator client via the
communications network.
10. A method for creating and transmitting an interactive program
over a communications network, comprising: operably coupling a
moderator client to a moderator server via the communications
network; receiving by the moderator client via the communications
network from the moderator server participant comment signals, the
participant comment signals transmitted by a plurality of viewer
clients to the moderator server via the communications network;
generating by the moderator client moderator comment signals and
edited participant comment signals using the participant comment
signals; transmitting by the moderator client to the moderator
server via the communications network the moderator signals and the
edited participant comment signals; and receiving by the moderator
client from the moderator server via the communications network
moderator interactive program signals, the moderator interactive
program signals generated by the moderator server using the edited
participant comment signals and the moderator signals.
11. A data processing system adapted for creating and transmitting
an interactive program to a plurality of viewer clients using a
moderator client, the plurality of viewer clients and the moderator
client operably coupled to the data processing system by a
communications network, the data processing system comprising: a
processor; and a memory operably coupled to the processor and
having program instructions stored therein, the processor being
operable to execute the program instructions, the program
instructions including: receiving participant comment signals from
the plurality of viewer clients via the communications network;
transmitting the participant comment signals to the moderator
client via the communications network; receiving edited participant
comment signals and moderator signals from the moderator client via
the communications network; generating interactive program signals
using the edited participant comment signals and the moderator
signals; and transmitting the interactive program signals to the
plurality of viewer clients via the communications network.
12. The data processing system of claim 11, wherein the program
instructions for generating the interactive program signals further
include: receiving content signals from a content server; and
generating the interactive program signals using the content
signals, edited participant comment signals, and the moderator
signals.
13. The data processing system of claim 11, the program
instructions further including: receiving content signals from a
content server; and transmitting the content signals via the
communications network to the viewer clients.
14. The data processing system of claim 11 wherein the
communications network is a virtual private network.
15. The data processing system of claim 11 wherein the participant
comment signals further include an interactive program rating
signal.
16. The data processing system of claim 11 wherein the moderator
signals further include a viewer exclusion signal corresponding to
a specific viewer client from the plurality of viewer clients and
the program instructions for generating the interactive program
signals further include using the viewer exclusion signal to
exclude participant comments received from the specific viewer
client.
17. The data processing system of claim 11 wherein the moderator
signals further include a viewer invitation signal corresponding to
a specific viewer client from the plurality of viewer clients, and
the program instructions for generating the interactive program
signals further include using the viewer invitation signal.
18. A moderator server for creating and transmitting an interactive
program to a plurality of viewer Web browsers using a moderator Web
browser, the plurality of viewer Web browsers and the moderator Web
browser operably coupled to the moderator server via a wide area
network, the moderator server comprising: a processor; and a memory
operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions
stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program
instructions, the program instructions including: receiving by the
moderator server from the content server a first set of content
signals; receiving by the moderator server via the wide area
network from the moderator Web browser a first set of moderator
comments; generating by the moderator server a first interactive
electronic document using the first set of content signals and the
first set of moderator comments; transmitting by the moderator
server via the wide area network to the plurality of viewer Web
browsers the first interactive electronic document; receiving by
the moderator server via the wide area network from the plurality
of viewer Web browsers a plurality of viewer interactive messages
responsive to the first interactive electronic document;
transmitting by the moderator server via the wide area network to
the moderator Web browser the plurality of viewer interactive
messages; receiving by the moderator server via the wide area
network from the moderator Web browser edited viewer interactive
messages and a second set of moderator comments; receiving by the
moderator server from the content server a second set of content
signals; generating by the moderator server a second interactive
electronic document using the edited viewer interactive messages
and the second set of moderator comments; and transmitting by the
moderator server via the wide area network to a plurality of viewer
Web browsers the second interactive electronic document.
19. A data processing system adapted for participating in an
interactive program over a communications network, the data
processing system comprising: a processor; and a memory operably
coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored
therein, the processor being operable to execute the program
instructions, the program instructions including: transmitting
participant comment signals via the communications network to a
moderator server; and receiving viewer interactive program signals
via the communications network from the moderator server, the
viewer interactive program signals generated by the moderator
server using edited participant comment signals and moderator
signals, the edited participant comment signals and moderator
signals received by the moderator server from a moderator client
via the communications network.
20. A data processing system adapted for creating and transmitting
an interactive program to a plurality of viewer clients via a
communications network, the data processing system comprising: a
processor; and a memory operably coupled to the processor and
having program instructions stored therein, the processor being
operable to execute the program instructions, the program
instructions including: receiving participant comment signals via
the communications network from a moderator server, the participant
comment signals transmitted by a plurality of viewer clients to the
moderator server via the communications network; generating
moderator comment signals and edited participant comment signals
using the participant comment signals; transmitting the moderator
signals and the edited participant comment signals to the moderator
server via the communications network; and receiving moderator
interactive program signals from the moderator server via the
communications network, the moderator interactive program signals
generated by the moderator server using the edited participant
comment signals and the moderator signals.
21. A computer-readable medium embodying program instructions for
execution by a computer, the program instructions adapting a
computer for creating and transmitting an interactive program to a
plurality of viewer clients using a moderator client, the plurality
of viewer clients and the moderator client operably coupled to the
computer by a communications network, the program instructions
comprising: receiving participant comment signals from the
plurality of viewer clients via the communications network;
transmitting the participant comment signals to the moderator
client via the communications network; receiving edited participant
comment signals and moderator signals from the moderator client via
the communications network; generating interactive program signals
using the edited participant comment signals and the moderator
signals; and transmitting the interactive program signals to the
plurality of viewer clients via the communications network.
22. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the program
instructions for generating the interactive program signals further
include: receiving content signals from a content server; and
generating the interactive program signals using the content
signals, edited participant comment signals, and the moderator
signals.
23. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, the program
instructions further comprising: receiving content signals from a
content server; and transmitting the content signals via the
communications network to the viewer clients.
24. The computer-readable medium of claim 21 wherein the
communications network is a virtual private network.
25. The computer-readable medium of claim 21 wherein the
participant comment signals further include an interactive program
rating signal.
26. The computer-readable medium of claim 21 wherein the moderator
signals further include a viewer exclusion signal corresponding to
a specific viewer client from the plurality of viewer clients and
the program instructions for generating the interactive program
signals further include using the viewer exclusion signal to
exclude participant comments received from the specific viewer
client.
27. The computer-readable medium of claim 21 wherein the moderator
signals further include a viewer invitation signal corresponding to
a specific viewer client from the plurality of viewer clients and
the program instructions for generating the interactive program
signals further include using the viewer invitation signal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention pertains generally to the field of
interactive programming and more specifically to creating
interactive programming including participants' interactions.
[0002] Television has traditionally been a serial process where a
television program having a series of images and sounds are
broadcast to a viewer in an audience with limited opportunity for
the viewer to participate in the television program. The evolution
to a more interactive form of television, or television where the
viewer is allowed to participate, was slow given the lack of
bidirectional communication channels between the viewer and the
television program broadcaster. When bidirectional communication
channels were created, they tended be of insufficient bandwidth for
communication of complex viewer interactions with the television
program.
[0003] Development of a nearly ubiquitous communications network,
namely the Internet, has greatly expanded the use of interactive
television. However, viewer participation has so far been limited
to choosing television content, responding to advertising messages,
and answering viewer questionnaires or polls. This is primarily
because most interactive television programming follows a
conventional television paradigm wherein the television programming
is wrapped in advertisements; and the only responses needed from an
audience are to watch linear pre-recorded programs and to buy
advertised items or services. Little has been done to fully involve
the audience in a rich participatory experience where the audience
has as much control and influence over the content of an
interactive program as the originator of the interactive program.
This is in contrast to the expectations of some viewers who want a
richer and more satisfying participatory experience within the
context of an interactive program.
[0004] Some interactive television formats also have a disadvantage
in that, although they may use the Internet as a bidirectional
communication channel, the interactive television format is
dependent upon set-top-boxes and middleware that a viewer either
purchases or leases from a broadcaster such as a cable operator.
While these devices may have a variety of functional features, they
may require an additional expenditure that a viewer or a Multiple
Systems Operator (MSO) may not want to incur, especially if the
viewer already has an Internet-enabled device such as a home
computer. This makes most existing interactive television
programming "heavy" in the sense that specialized hardware is
needed to take advantage of the interactive content embedded in an
interactive programming signal. Additionally, the combination of a
required set-top-box and specialized interactive television formats
make interactive programming distributed over an interactive
television network difficult to integrate with conventional Web
content such as Web pages available from a Web site.
[0005] Therefore, a need exists for a light-weight interactive
programming system allowing for rich viewer participation which is
easily integrated with existing Web content. The present invention
meets such need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, an interactive program
includes moderator content generated by the moderator and edited
participant commentary that is served by a moderator server.
Moderators create and manage interactive programs using a Web site.
Viewers register to be participants in interactive programs using
the Web site as well. The interactive programs can be distributed
as electronic documents written in a markup language such as HTML
or XML over the Internet. The interactive programs can also be
converted to conventional interactive television content for
distribution over an interactive television network. The
interactive programs can also be distributed over a Virtual Private
Network (VPN) for use as a secure collaboration tool by an
enterprise such as a business concern. The interactive programs
require few processing resources so the interactive programs can be
embedded within other Web processes such as electronic commerce
(eCommerce) or television commerce (t-Commerce) transactions.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for
creating and transmitting an interactive program over a
communications network. A moderator server is operably coupled to
the communications network. A moderator client and a plurality of
viewer clients are operably coupled to the moderator server via the
communications network. In operation, participant comment signals
are received by the moderator server via the communications network
from the plurality of viewer clients and transmitted by the
moderator server via the communications network to the moderator
client. The moderator server then receives from the moderator
client edited participant comment signals and moderator signals and
generates interactive program signals using the edited participant
comment signals and the moderator signals. The interactive program
signals are then transmitted by the moderator server via the
communications network to the plurality of viewer clients.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a data processing system
is adapted for creating and transmitting an interactive program to
a plurality of viewer clients as described above. In addition, the
data processing system receives content signals from a content
server and generates the interactive program signals using the
content signals, edited participant comment signals, and the
moderator signals.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the data processing
system receives content signals from a content server and transmits
the content signals via the communications network to the viewer
clients while incorporating the content signals into the
interactive program.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the communications
network is a virtual private network thus enabling private and
secure transmission of an interactive program throughout an
enterprise.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the participant comment
signals further include an interactive program rating signal
indicating a level of audience satisfaction with the interactive
program.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the moderator signals
further include a participant exclusion signal corresponding to a
specific viewer client from the plurality of viewer clients. The
participant exclusion signal is used to exclude participant
comments received from the specific viewer client thus preventing
specified viewers from participating in the interactive
program.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a system for creating an
interactive program incorporating participant interactions in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a deployment diagram of a system for creating an
interactive program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the operations within a
system for creating an interactive program in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a screen capture of a moderator's interface used
to control generation of an interactive program in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a screen capture of a viewer's interface used to
view and interact with an interactive program in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting a process for receiving viewer
reactions to an interactive program and calculating an audience
approval system rating for the interactive program in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting the ways in which a moderator
may interact with a system for creating an interactive program in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a use case diagram depicting ways in which a
viewer may interact with a system for creating an interactive
program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a Web site diagram of an interactive program
creation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a screen capture of an edit profile viewer
interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a screen capture of a hub viewer interface in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a screen capture of a program guide viewer
interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a screen capture of an interactive program
archive viewer interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a screen capture of a moderator interface for an
interactive program authoring tool in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a screen capture of a moderator interface for an
interactive program reporting tool in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a screen capture of a moderator interface for a
participant interaction report generated in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a screen capture of a moderator interface for an
advertising report generated in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a database entity relation diagram for a
moderator database in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for a
non-moderator based interactive program associated with a broadcast
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for a
broadcast program guide in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for an
interactive program incorporating Web content in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for an
interactive program incorporating Web content in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for a
facility to manage a viewer's personal favorite interactive
programs in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for a
facility to suggest programs to a viewer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a deployment diagram of a process for conversion
and delivery of interactive programs via an interactive television
network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a hardware architecture diagram of a computing
device suitable for use as a moderator server host in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a collaboration diagram depicting an interactive
programming generation process in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 28 is a screen capture of an interactive program home
viewer interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 29 is a screen capture of an interactive program system
log-in interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 30 is a process flow diagram of an interactive program
generation process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 31 is a process flow diagram of an interactive program
report generation process in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 32 is a process flow diagram of a viewer notification
process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 33 is a deployment diagram of a locally hosted
moderator server in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0047] FIG. 34 is a participant question filtering moderator
interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 35 is an illustration of the operation of a participant
question filtering facility in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 36 is a process flow diagram of a participant question
filter process in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0050] FIG. 37 is a deployment diagram for a telephony system for
delivery of an interactive program in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 38 is a sequence diagram for a telephony process as
used by a telephony system for delivery of an interactive program
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0052] FIG. 39 is a screen capture of an interactive program
authoring wizard in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0053] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a system for creating an
interactive program incorporating participant interactions in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A
moderator 100 hosts an interactive program, such as a broadcast
program with a talk show format, that is transmitted to an audience
having a plurality of viewers 102. The interactive program takes
place on a virtual stage 104 where the moderator generates
interactive programming for transmission to the viewers. The
moderator transmits the interactive program 106 to the viewers. The
viewers may passively watch the interactive program or may become
active participants by generating their own comments 108 that are
transmitted back to the moderator. The moderator edits or filters
the participant comments and retransmits the edited participant
comments as part of the interactive program. The viewers may
communicate with each other during the interactive program by
exchanging audience interactive messages 110 between
themselves.
[0054] The moderator controls the content of the interactive
program in a variety of ways. The moderator introduces the initial
topic or content for audience interaction. For example, the
moderator may introduce a topical event such as a news story and
then ask for participant comments. The moderator may also use
previously prepared content such as a non-interactive program that
is transmitted to the audience in order to elicit audience member
responses and engage viewers. The moderator can invite virtual
guests 112 from the audience onto the virtual stage. While on the
virtual stage, the virtual guests exchange interactive messages
directly with the moderator rather than with other audience members
or participants. The moderator may also exclude a participant or
viewer from the audience. Additionally, the moderator may generate
additional interactive programming for use by the audience such as
polls so that the audience can participate in the interactive
program by selecting responses to a question from a list of
answers. The results of the participant responses are aggregated
for inclusion in the interactive program.
[0055] In one system for creating an interactive program
incorporating participant interactions in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive
programs are talk shows hosted by independent moderators and
delivered to an audience via the Internet. This system allows a
moderator to be recognized as an expert or respected voice in a
particular field while building a community of viewer participants
interested in that particular field. The system allows the
moderator to create a controlled and moderated environment where
the moderator directs the flow of information and has complete
control over the medium. The system is cost-effective because no
special hardware or training is needed to operate the system. The
system features a customizable Web-based interface for moderators
and viewers to use in creating customized collaborative interactive
programs.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a deployment diagram of a system for creating an
interactive program incorporating participant interactions in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A
moderator 100 transmits an interactive program to a plurality of
viewers, as exemplified by viewers 200a and 200b, via a
communications network 202 such as the Internet. The moderator uses
a moderator client 204 to transmit moderator signals over
communications link 206 and communications link 208 to a moderator
server 210. The moderator server uses the moderator signals to
generate an interactive program that is transmitted over
communication link 208 and communications links 212a and 212b to a
plurality of viewer clients as exemplified by viewer clients 214a
and 214b. The viewers become participants by responding to the
interactive program by generating and transmitting to the moderator
server a plurality of participant comment signals using the viewer
clients. The participant comment signals encode the participants'
commentary about the interactive program. The moderator server
receives the participant comment signals and retransmits them to
the moderator client where the moderator edits the participant
comment signals. The moderator generates new moderator signals that
are transmitted to the moderator server along with the edited
participant comment signals. The moderator server uses the
moderator signals and the edited user comment signals to generate
additional interactive program signals that are transmitted to the
viewers' clients. The process of receiving participant comment
signals, editing the user comment signals, and generating new
interactive program signals is repetitively performed in order to
generate an interactive program incorporating viewer
interactions.
[0057] In a system for creating an interactive program
incorporating viewer interactions in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the moderator server is
operably coupled to content server 216 via a communications link
218. The content server hosts a content source 220 including
content suitable for broadcast by the moderator server. Such
content may include past broadcast programs that the moderator is
using as a topic for further discussion within the audience. The
moderator instructs the moderator server to request and receive
content signals from the content server and the moderator server
generates an interactive program including the content signals. In
this way, non-interactive content may be enhanced with an
interactive component thus leveraging non-interactive content by
creating an interactive program using content without an
interactive component. In another embodiment of enhanced content,
the content is synchronized with the interactive component and the
content is transmitted to the viewer client from a server other
than the moderator server in program synchronous fashion.
[0058] In a system for creating an interactive program
incorporating viewer interactions in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the moderator server hosts
software facilities for the moderator to use in generating an
interactive program. The moderator server is operably coupled to a
moderator database 230 including moderator information describing
the type of interactive program the moderator produces and the
moderator's interactive program broadcast schedule. The moderator
information may be used to automatically generate a dynamic
programming guide thus helping viewers find the moderator's
interactive program. In addition, the moderator server records
viewer interaction data describing the amount, timing, and type of
viewer interactions with the moderator's produced interactive
programming. The moderator may access the viewer interaction data
to generate reports regarding the moderator's interactive
programming.
[0059] In a system for creating an interactive program
incorporating viewer interactions in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the moderator server hosts a
viewer database 232 including viewer profile information. Viewer
profile information includes information about viewer preferences
and viewer notification requests. The viewer preferences are used
by the moderator server to suggest interactive programming
generated by a moderator which may match the viewer's stated
preferences. The viewer notification requests are used by the
moderator server to generate viewer notifications that are
transmitted to a viewer in order to notify a viewer when a specific
interactive program is about to be broadcast.
[0060] In one embodiment of a viewer notification generation
process in accordance with the present invention, the privacy of
the viewer is protected by not allowing the moderator access to
viewer profiles. For example, the moderator may initiate a
notification process but the moderator is never allowed to see to
which viewers the notifications are sent. In addition, any
viewership reports generated on behalf of a moderator use aggregate
data for the viewers so that the viewers' identifications are not
associated with the individual viewership reports.
[0061] In a system for creating an interactive program
incorporating viewer interactions in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the audience and moderator
comment on a broadcast program over which the moderator has minimal
control. In this embodiment, a broadcaster 222 transmits a
broadcast media signal 224 received by a viewer's broadcast media
receiver 226 and a moderator's broadcast media receiver 228. In
this embodiment, the moderator and the audience watch the broadcast
program and exchange commentary about the broadcast program over
the communications network as described above. In this way,
non-interactive programming can be supplemented with an interactive
component. Exemplary broadcast programs include broadcasts of
real-time events, such as sporting events or breaking news stories,
and pre-recorded programming such entertainment programs or
documentaries.
[0062] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of a process within a system
for creating an interactive program incorporating viewer
interactions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. A moderator server 210 receives participant
comments 300a and 300b from a plurality of viewer clients as
exemplified by viewer clients 212a and 212b. The moderator server
transmits the participant comments, 300a and 300b, to a moderator
client 204. A moderator uses the moderator client to edit (302) the
participant comments and generate (304) moderator comments. The
edited participant comments and the moderator comments 306 are
transmitted to the moderator server. The moderator server uses the
moderator comments and the edited participant comments to generate
(308) viewer interactive programming, 310a and 310b, that is
transmitted to the plurality of viewer clients and moderator
interactive programming 312 that is transmitted to the moderator
client. The process is repeated indefinitely to generate an
interactive program with the plurality of viewer's interacting with
the viewer interactive programming and the moderator using the
moderator interactive programming to moderate the generation
process.
[0063] In one embodiment of a system for creating an interactive
program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the interactive programming generated by the moderator
server is stored in a moderator database for archival purposes. The
interactive programming can be indexed and cataloged for generation
of an archive listing describing the archived interactive
programming. A viewer can then request archived interactive
programming for viewing at a later time for "on-demand"
viewing.
[0064] In one embodiment of a system for creating an interactive
program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a viewer can initiate the creation of an archive for an
interactive program. As the interactive program is produced and
transmitted to the viewer, the interactive program signals are
stored for the viewer's own use. For example, a viewer can initiate
the creation of an archive for a short period of time so that the
viewer can leave the interactive program and rejoin the interactive
program and be able to view the portions of the interactive program
that the viewer missed. As another example, the viewer can create a
personal archive of past interactive programs in a manner similar
to a personal video recorder.
[0065] In another system for creating an interactive program in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the communications network is the Internet and the viewer clients
and moderator client are Web browsers. The moderator server
receives moderator and participant comment signals in the form of
POST requests and generates the interactive program as an
interactive electronic document written in a document markup
language such as Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) or extensible
Markup Language (XML) that is transmitted to the viewer clients.
The viewer clients parse the electronic document and generate
viewer displays using the instructions in the electronic document.
The viewers respond to the viewer displays by entering text and
selecting elements from the viewer displays. These viewer
interactions are transmitted to the moderator server by the
viewer's clients in subsequent POST messages. The moderator
receives a different set of interactive moderator electronic
documents that implement a moderator user interface enabling the
moderator to control the operations of the moderator server.
[0066] In one system for creating an interactive program in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the system is deployed using the Microsoft.RTM. TV platform which
is a standards-based, client and server software middleware system
for deploying interactive programming. The platform includes a
client software application hosted by a set-top-box and a server
software application operably coupled by a communications network.
The client software application includes a Web browser that can be
used much like a conventional Web browser and an application
programming interface for building native applications that are
hosted by the set-top-box. The server includes several management
functions including t-commerce and client management
applications.
[0067] In another system for creating an interactive program in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the interactive programming generated by the moderator server
further includes "click-through" style banner ads for selection by
a viewer. If a viewer selects a click-through banner ad, the
viewer's interaction with the banner ad is recorded in a moderator
database in order to generate click-through activity related to the
interactive programming. The banner ads may come either from the
moderator server or an ad server not affiliated with the moderator
server.
[0068] FIG. 37 is a deployment diagram for a telephony system for
delivery of an interactive program in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. A previously described moderator server
210 is operably coupled via a communications network 202 to
previously described viewer client 214a. A viewer 200a, views an
interactive program by accessing the moderator server using the
viewer client. To participate, the viewer uses a telephone device
3700 to connect to a telephony agent 3702 operably coupled to the
moderator server via the communications network. In operation, the
viewer uses the telephone to dial up the telephony agent. The
telephony agent receives audio signals and converts the audio
signals to text signals that are transmitted to the moderator
server via the communications network. In turn, the moderator
server re-routes the textual component signals of an interactive
program to the telephony agent. The telephony agent receives the
textual component signals and converts the textual component
signals into audio signals for transmission to the viewer via the
telephone.
[0069] In another interactive program creation system in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, a viewer downloads and
installs a custom client plug-in that allows a viewer a built-in
microphone on the viewer client. Using a control panel,
participants direct their questions or comments to either the
virtual stage or the audience interactive message area. The spoken
words are digitized by the viewer client, analyzed, translated into
text form, and transmitted via the communications link to the
moderator server. The question or comment then appears in the
interactive program. The plug-in allows viewers to participate in
an interactive program in a traditional, voice-based way if they
choose to.
[0070] In another interactive program creation system in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, the spoken words are
not translated to text. Instead, the digitized voice is transmitted
directly over the communications link to the moderator server such
as in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) transmissions.
[0071] FIG. 38 is sequence diagram for a telephony process as used
by a telephony system for delivery of an interactive program in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A viewer
uses a telephone device 3700 to send participant voice signals to a
telephony agent 3702. The telephony agent converts 3802 the
participant voice signals to text in a speech-to-text conversion
process. The textual participant comments 3804 are transmitted to
the moderator server. The textual participant comments are used to
generate 3806 viewer interactive programming signals 3808 in a
to-be-described process. The moderator server transmits the viewer
interactive programming signals to the viewer client and transmits
a second set of viewer interactive programming signals 3810 to the
telephony agent. The telephony agent converts 3812 the textual
portions of the viewer interactive programming to signals for an
audio version of the viewer interactive programming 3814 in a text
to speech conversion process. In this way, a viewer can participate
in an interactive program using a telephone device for the
generation of viewer interaction signals.
[0072] In another telephony process as used by a telephony system
for delivery of an interactive program in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, the video components of the
interactive program are dispensed with and the participant
interacts with the textual components of the interactive program
using the telephone device. In this way, an interactive program can
be created by a moderator with only textual or audio and textual
components that is accessible to a participant using only a
telephone device.
[0073] FIG. 27 is a collaboration diagram depicting an interactive
programming generation process in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. A moderator server 210
includes a virtual stage content engine 2702 and an audience
content engine 2704. These content engines generate content, such
as the content for a chat room, and transmit the content to an
interactive program generator 2706 included in the moderator
server. The virtual stage content engine receives previously
described moderator comments and edited participant comments 306
from the previously described moderator client. The virtual stage
content engine uses the moderator's comments and edited participant
comments to generate moderator content for a to-be-described stage
section or area in an interactive program. The audience content
engine receives previously described participant comments, 300a and
300b, from the previously described viewer clients, 212a and 212b,
edited participant comments and moderator comments 306 from the
moderator client, and uses the participant comments, edited
participant comments, and moderator comments to generate audience
content for a to-be-described audience section or area in an
interactive program.
[0074] The interactive program generator receives the moderator
content and the audience content and uses the content to generate
enhanced interactive programming. The interactive programming
includes viewer interactive programming 310a and 310b that is
transmitted to the viewer clients for display and use of the
viewers. The interactive programming further includes moderator
interactive programming 312 transmitted to the moderator for
viewing and use by the moderator. The cycle of receiving
participant, moderator and edited participant comments and using
the comments to generate interactive programming for transmission
to the moderator and viewer is repeated indefinitely to create a
continuous interactive program.
[0075] In an interactive program creation system in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, content 2708 from
a previously described content server 216 is received by the
interactive program generator and the content is included in the
generated interactive programming. In an interactive program
creation system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, a virtual guest client 2710 transmits
virtual guest comments 2712 to the virtual stage content engine for
inclusion in the virtual stage content generated by the virtual
content engine.
[0076] In an interactive program creation system in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
moderator, participant, and guest interactive messages are chat
messages and the virtual stage and audience content engines are
chat engines. The text-based output from the chat engines is used
by the interactive program generator generate interactive
programming including electronic documents, such as transcripts,
composed in a document markup language such as HTML or XML.
[0077] FIG. 30 is a process flow diagram of an interactive program
generation process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. A moderator server receives (3000) moderator
commentary and edited participant commentary 3001 from a moderator.
The moderator server receives (3002) participant commentary 3003
from viewers in an audience. The moderator server uses the
participant commentary, the moderator commentary, and the edited
participant commentary to generate (3004) viewer interactive
programming 3006 for transmission to viewers in the audience. The
moderator server uses the moderator commentary and the edited
participant commentary to generate (3008) moderator interactive
programming 3010 for transmission to the moderator. The moderator
then transmits (3012) the moderator interactive programming to the
moderator and the viewer interactive programming to the viewers in
an audience. The process is repeated (3014) continuously to
generate an interactive program.
[0078] FIG. 4 is a screen capture of a moderator interface used to
control generation of an interactive program in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A moderator's
interface 400 includes a trademark field 402 for display of a
moderator server operator's trademark, in this screen capture,
talkshow.com.sup.SM is a service mark of Lakeview Capital Trust, a
Pennsylvania Trust. The moderator interface has a moderator
identification field 404 for the display of the moderator's
identification and an interactive program identifier field 406 for
identification of the interactive program being produced by the
moderator.
[0079] In one embodiment of a moderator server in accordance with
the present invention, the moderator server is operated in an
application service provider (ASP) mode. In this mode, the
moderator server is used to create a "private label" interactive
program creation system. In this mode, the moderator server
provides services that an operator can embed into another system
such that a viewer perceives the interactive program creation
system as being owned by individual operators. In some instances an
indica of source, such as a "powered by" notice, is included in the
interactive program creation system.
[0080] The moderator's interface is broken up into several
operational sections. A "stage interaction" section 410 displays
the moderator's direct interaction with a virtual guest on a
virtual stage. The stage interaction section includes a plurality
of fields for display of virtual guests' previous questions as
exemplified by previous question field 412. For each answered
virtual guest question, a moderator response field, as exemplified
by moderator response field 414, displays the moderator's response
to the virtual guest's previous question. The stage interaction
section further includes a current question field 416 for display
of a virtual guest's current question. A moderator uses a moderator
text entry section 418 to enter responses to the current virtual
guest question.
[0081] An audience interaction section 420 displays audience
comments. The audience interaction comments are comments made by
participants to other participants in the audience.
[0082] A moderator uses a status section 423 to monitor the
progress of the interactive program. The moderator invites audience
members to the virtual stage to be virtual guests using an "invite
to stage" selector 426. The moderator can select a viewer to invite
on to the virtual stage by using a pull down menu of viewer names
and selecting a viewer to invite. Once a viewer is invited to the
virtual stage, the viewer's interactive messages are displayed in
the stage interaction section and not in the audience interaction
section. The moderator can also exclude a participant by selecting
a participant from a "kick user out" pull down menu 428. Once
excluded, the moderator server removes the excluded participant's
comment signals from the plurality of participant comment signals
edited by the moderator and used by the moderator server to
generate the interactive program. In this way, the moderator
exercises direct control over the participants participating in the
interactive program.
[0083] In another interactive program creation system, the
participant's exchange video clips and files directly with each
other in a peer-to-peer relationship. In this mode, the moderator
server is not directly involved in the message exchanges occurring
between audience members interacting with each other.
[0084] The status section further includes an audience approval
system indicator 430 for indicating to the moderator how the
audience feels about the progress of the show. Viewer responses are
aggregated in a to-be-described process and displayed to the
moderator as a colored indicator and as a numerical value. A
moderator uses the audience member counter field 432 and pull down
menu to determine the number and identification of the viewers
receiving the transmitted interactive program. The status section
further includes an elapsed time field 433 for display of the
elapsed time of the interactive program.
[0085] An audience question section 434 displays an audience
question 436 that the moderator may answer by selecting an answer
question button 438 or delete by selecting a delete question button
440. The moderator can get a new audience question by selecting the
update button 442.
[0086] A polls section 444 includes a poll question display field
446 for display of a current poll question and a poll results
display field 448 for display of viewer's responses to the poll.
The moderator selects a new poll button 450 to enter a new poll
question whenever the moderator feels that a new poll should be
created.
[0087] FIG. 34 is a participant question filtering moderator
interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A participant question filtering interface 3400 includes
a keyword entry field 3402 for entry of keywords that the moderator
would like to have included by viewers in questions sent to the
moderator. Questions with the entered keywords will be given a
higher relevance, and thus priority, than questions without the
keywords. The participant question filtering interface further
includes an "exclude" entry field 3404 for words which the
moderator does not want to see in questions, such as expletives or
vulgarities. Any participant question having an excluded word will
be deleted from a participant question queue managed by the
moderator. The participant question filtering interface further
includes a facility for setting a relevance threshold 3406. A
moderator uses the relevance threshold setting facility to
establish a threshold relevance value that a question should have
before the question will be added to the question queue.
[0088] FIG. 35 is an illustration of the operation of a participant
question filtering facility in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. A participant question 3500 is
processed in a participant question filter 3502 and assigned a
relevance value 3504. A moderator uses the relevance value to
determine which participant questions the moderator would like to
answer. If a participant question 3506 has an excluded word, then
the relevance of the participant question is assigned a value 3508
of 0 and deleted 3510 from a participant question queue. In one
embodiment of a participant question filter in accordance with the
present invention, the participant question is deleted if the
participant question's relevance value does not exceed the
threshold relevance value set by the moderator. A moderator uses
the participant question filtering facility in order to process
large numbers of participant questions without becoming overwhelmed
and to filter out offensive participant questions. This allows the
moderator to automatically moderate an interactive program having a
large number of participants, thus facilitating scalability from
few participants to many participants.
[0089] FIG. 36 is a process flow diagram of a participant question
filter process in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The filter process receives (3600) a participant
question 3601. The filter process attempts to match (3602) words in
the participant question with the moderator's excluded words 3603.
If it is determined (3604) that an excluded word is in the
question, the relevance of the participant question is set (3606)
to a value below the moderator's previously described threshold
relevance value 3607.
[0090] If no excluded words are found in the participant question,
the filter process determines (3608) the relevance of the
participant question by matching the moderator's keywords 3609 to
the words in the participant question. If it is determined (3610)
that the relevance of the participant question exceeds the
threshold relevance value, then the participant question is added
(3612) to a participant question queue 3614.
[0091] In an embodiment of a filtering process in accordance with
the present invention, keywords and excluded words are matched to
the participant question using approximate string matching
techniques in order to determine the relevance value of a
participant question including misspelled keywords or excluded
words.
[0092] FIG. 5 is a screen capture of a viewer interface used to
view and interact with an interactive program in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The viewer interface
500 includes an interactive program identifier field 502 for
display of the name of the interactive program being viewed by the
viewer. A content display section 504 is included for display of a
content portion of the interactive program. The content of an
interactive program may be text-based, audio-based, or video-based
in any combination dependent on the capabilities and desires of the
moderator. An audience interactive message section 506 is included
for display of audience interactive messages that the audience is
exchanging amongst themselves. An interactive message entry field
508 is used by the viewer to enter interactive messages for display
in the audience interactive message section and to interact with
the moderator when the moderator invites the viewer onto the
virtual stage.
[0093] A poll section 510 displays a poll question 511 asked by the
moderator of the viewers. The poll section includes a plurality of
response buttons, exemplified by response buttons 512 and 514,
selectable by the viewer to indicate the viewer's response to the
poll. The viewer selects an answer to the poll question by
selecting one of the response buttons and then selects the "Vote!"
button 516 to register the viewer's poll answer with the moderator
server. The viewer interface further includes sections for banner
advertising 518 and for placement of a trademark or service mark
520 to identify the operator of the moderator server. By allowing
banner adds, the moderator server allows a moderator to collect
revenue from t-commerce interactions with the moderator's hosted
interactive program.
[0094] In another embodiment of an interactive program creation
system in accordance with the present invention, a poll is created
using a plurality of participant questions for selection by
participants. The participant question from the plurality of
participant questions receiving the most participant selections is
selected for submission to the moderator.
[0095] Referring again to FIG. 4, a current audience approval
system rating field 430 is provided for the display of viewer's
rating of an interactive program. Referring now to FIG. 6, a
diagram depicting a process for receiving viewer reactions to the
interactive program and calculating an audience approval system
rating for an interactive program in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is shown. A moderator 100
generates an interactive program and transmits the interactive
program to an audience 102 as previously described. The audience
includes a plurality of viewers, as exemplified by viewers 600, 602
and 603. Each viewer may have a different opinion of the quality of
the interactive program; therefore, each viewer is provided with an
individual audience approval system button as exemplified by
audience approval system buttons 606, 608, and 610. Each viewer
selects an audience approval system rating button corresponding to
the viewer's subjective rating of the interactive program. The
selection of an audience approval system button transmits a
corresponding audience approval system signal to the moderator
server (not shown) thus creating a plurality of audience approval
system signals for evaluation by the moderator server. The
moderator server receives the plurality of audience approval system
signals and uses them to generate a single audience approval system
rating signal and transmits the audience approval system rating
signal for display on the moderator's interface (not shown).
[0096] In an audience approval system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an audience approval
system signal can take on three states, 612, 614, and 616, with
each state representing a viewer's subjective opinion of the
interactive program. In this embodiment, the three states are
mapped to the corresponding numeric values of "100", "50", and "0",
with "100" representing a viewer's complete satisfaction with the
interactive program, "50" representing the viewer's partial
satisfaction with the interactive program, and "0" representing the
viewer's complete dissatisfaction with the interactive program.
Each of the plurality of audience approval system signals are
mapped to one of these numeric values. These numeric values are
used to generate an arithmetic mean representing the audience
approval system rating of the interactive program. In the
illustrated example of FIG. 6, viewer 600 rates the interactive
program at "100", viewer 602 rates the interactive program at "50",
and viewer 604 rates the interactive program at "100". These values
are used by the moderator server to generate (618) an arithmetic
mean 624 of the plurality of mapped viewer's audience approval
system signals. The arithmetic mean is presented to the moderator
as the audience approval system rating of the moderator's
interactive program. In one audience approval system in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the audience
approval system rating is mapped to a color, with the numeric value
of "100" being represented in green, the numeric value of "50"
being represented in yellow, and the numeric value of "0" being
represented in red.
[0097] FIG. 7 is a use case diagram depicting ways in which a
moderator may interact with a system for creating an interactive
program incorporating viewer interactions in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A moderator 100
accesses the system in order to create (702) an interactive
program. In one system for creating an interactive program
incorporating viewer interactions in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the moderator creates a talk
show that is a periodically broadcast interactive program. Creation
of an interactive program may include selecting a theme for the
talk show, establishing a broadcast time, and creating a brief
description of the talk show. This interactive program information
is stored in a moderator database 230 (FIG. 2). The moderator
database is used by a moderator server 210 (FIG. 2) to generate a
to-be-described programming guide.
[0098] The moderator also accesses the interactive program creation
system to host (704) an interactive program. While the moderator is
hosting an interactive program, the system provides facilities 706
for audience management allowing the moderator to restrict access
to an interactive program. As previously described, the system
provides facilities for the moderator to block interactive messages
from viewers in the audience. The system also provides a facility
708 for posting polls during the interactive program. This allows a
moderator to pose questions to the audience in order to receive and
aggregate viewer's opinions about various subjects during an
interactive program as previously described. The system further
includes facilities 710 for answering questions presented by
viewers to the moderator. As previously described, a moderator can
receive questions from viewers and determine whether or not to
answer them. Additionally, the system provides an invitation
facility 712 for inviting viewers to participate in the interactive
program as a virtual guest as previously described.
[0099] The moderator may also access the interactive program
creation system to perform (714) administrative tasks associated
with moderating a periodically presented interactive program. The
interactive program creation system provides facilities 718 for
sending scheduling reminders to viewers about upcoming interactive
programs. Such scheduling reminders may be transmitted to a viewer
by email, to a viewer's personal pager, to a viewer's wireless
phone, or to a viewer's personal digital assistant. The interactive
program creation system also includes facilities 720 for a
moderator to review metrics collected by the system on a
moderator's interactive program.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a use case diagram depicting ways in which a
viewer may interact with a system for creating an interactive
program incorporating viewer interactions in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A user accesses the
interactive program creation system in order to search for (802)
interactive programs. The interactive program creation system
includes facilities 804 for searching the interactive program
creation system for interactive programs on particular topics that
the viewer may be interested in. The interactive program creation
system also includes browsing facilities 806 allowing the viewer to
examine an interactive program creation system directory of
interactive programs in a hierarchal manner.
[0101] The viewer may also access the interactive program creation
system to view 816 and become part of an interactive program. The
interactive program creation system includes facilities 817
allowing a viewer to interact with embedded advertising. The
interactive program creation system also includes facilities 818
allowing a moderator to poll viewers during an interactive program
as previously described. The interactive program creation system
also includes facilities 820 allowing a viewer to ask questions of
the moderator and virtual guests as previously described. The
interactive program creation system also includes facilities 822
allowing a viewer to rate an interactive program as previously
described.
[0102] The viewer may also access the interactive program creation
system to personalize (808) the viewer's experience with the
interactive program creation system. The interactive program
creation system includes facilities 810 for submitting suggestions
by the interactive program creation system of interactive programs
the viewer may be interested in based on viewer preferences as
included in a viewer profile and previously viewed interactive
programs. The interactive program creation system further includes
facilities 812 for creation of a list of favorite interactive
programs used by moderators to send scheduling reminders to the
viewer about upcoming interactive programs as previously described.
The interactive program creation system also includes facilities
814 allowing a viewer to create and edit a viewer profile including
topics of interest to the viewer. In one embodiment of an
interactive program creation system in accordance with the present
invention, viewer profiles are stored in data files on the viewer
client. In another embodiment of an interactive program creation
system in accordance with the present invention, viewer profiles
are stored on a central server and downloaded as XML documents to
the viewer client as needed.
[0103] FIG. 9 is a Web site diagram of an interactive program
creation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. As previously described, in one interactive
program creation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, a moderator server hosts a Web site for
accessing interactive programs by both moderators and viewers. A
user, such as a moderator or viewer, accesses the Web site via a
log-in page 900.
[0104] FIG. 29 is a screen capture of an interactive program
creation system log-in interface in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. A user selects a register
button 2900 to register as either a viewer or a moderator. If the
user is registering as a viewer, the user obtains a viewer
identifier and a viewer password. If the user is registering as a
moderator, the user obtains a moderator identifier and a moderator
password. The identifiers and passwords are used by the user to
access the interactive program creation system on future visits and
can be stored in "cookies" on the client the user is using to
access the interactive program creation system.
[0105] A user selects a log-in button 2902 to access the
interactive program creation system as a viewer or selects a
moderator log-in button 2904 to access the interactive program
creation system as a moderator. The interactive program creation
system log-in interface further includes an upcoming program guide
section 2906 for display of interactive programs that are scheduled
to be produced by their moderators in the next 24 hours. The
listings in the upcoming program guide section include a previously
described "mic" viewer rating 2908 and a category link 2910 to a
viewer interface where a viewer can find more interactive programs
similar to the listed interactive program.
[0106] Referring again to FIG. 9, if the user logs in as a viewer,
the viewer is directed to a viewer home page 902. From the viewer
home page, the viewer may access a registration process 904. Once
registered, the viewer can access an edit profile process 906.
[0107] FIG. 10 is a screen capture of an edit profile viewer
interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The edit profile viewer interface is used by a viewer to
edit the viewer's personal information stored in the viewer's
profile. The edit profile viewer interface includes a viewer
identification field 1000 for display of the viewer's
identification and a password entry field for entry of the viewer's
password. In operation, a user enters a new password into the
password entry field and selects a "Submit and Continue" button
1003 to change the viewer's password. The viewer's identification
and password are associated together in the user database 232 (FIG.
9) for use by the viewer as the viewer accesses different
facilities of the interactive program creation system.
[0108] The edit profile viewer interface further includes personal
information entry fields, such as a first name entry field 1004 and
a last name entry field 1006. Alternatively, the viewer may enter
an anonymous viewer name rather than the viewer's real name in
order to hide the viewer's identity. In operation, a viewer enters
their personal information and selects the "Submit and Continue"
button to store the viewer's personal information in the viewer's
database. The personal information is used by the interactive
program creation system to personalize the viewer's experience
while using the interactive program creation system.
[0109] The edit profile viewer interface further includes a viewer
profile entry field 1008. In operation, the viewer enters the
viewer's interests into the viewer profile entry field. The entered
viewer profile is stored in the viewer database for use by the
interactive program creation system to make suggestions of
interactive programs that the viewer may want to participate in. To
make suggestions, the viewer profile is queried and key terms are
identified. For example, the illustrated viewer profile 1010
includes the key terms "sports", "movies", and "music". The
interactive program creation system compares these key terms to key
terms included in the moderator database 230 (FIG. 9) by moderators
who have created interactive program profiles. If a match is found,
the interactive program creation system suggests the matching
interactive program to the viewer.
[0110] In an embodiment of an interactive program creation system
in accordance with the present invention, interactive programs are
suggested to the viewer in a "pay-for-placement" mode. For example,
if a plurality of interactive programs match the viewer's profile,
the first interactive program suggested to the viewer is the
interactive program whose moderator has paid the interactive
program creation system's operator the most for being placed
first.
[0111] The edit profile viewer interface further includes a viewer
email address entry field 1012, viewer city 1016, viewer state
1018, viewer zipcode 1020, and viewer country 1022 entry fields. In
operation, the viewer enters their email and address location and
selects the "Submit and Continue" button to store the viewer
address information in the viewer database. Moderators using the
interactive program creation system can use the viewer address
information to notify a viewer when the moderator's interactive
program is to be broadcast. Additionally, the viewer may optionally
select a "Include in Directory" button 1022 in order to exclude the
viewer's address information from view by the moderators.
[0112] The edit profile viewer interface further includes an
interactive program search entry field 1024. A viewer uses the
search entry field to enter a search term used to search the
moderator database for interactive programs with terms matching the
search term. The edit profile viewer interface further includes a
category or hub selection field 1026. A viewer may select an
individual category, such as "News" 1027 to be taken to a hub
process for accessing interactive programs related to the selected
category.
[0113] The edit profile viewer interface further includes an
advertising section for display of "click-through" style banner
ads. A user selects one of the banner ads to be transferred to an
advertiser's or retailer's Web site. The edit profile viewer
interface further includes a feature section 1030 for display of
links to featured hubs. By selecting a featured hub link, a viewer
can quickly access a hub process for accessing interactive programs
related to the selected feature category.
[0114] FIG. 11 is a screen capture of a hub viewer interface in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The screen capture is of an exemplary "News" 1100 hub. Other hubs
may be created for other subjects such as "home improvement" and
the like. The hub includes links for accessing by the viewer,
interactive programs whose themes are national news 1102, world
news 1104, business news 1106, sports news 1108, weather news 1110,
and entertainment news 1112. In operation, a viewer selects one of
the links to access a specialized program guide including links to
interactive programs with a theme corresponding to the link
title.
[0115] Referring again to FIG. 9, a viewer may access an
interactive program electronic program guide process 908. A viewer
uses the program guide process to add upcoming interactive programs
to a viewer's interactive program list that is stored in the viewer
database 232.
[0116] FIG. 12 is a screen capture of a program guide viewer
interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The program guide includes a plurality of listings for
interactive programs available for viewing 1200. Each of the
listings include a title and brief description field 1201, a
current subject field 1202, a time field 1204, and a listing
selection button 1206. In operation, a viewer reads the listing
title and brief description to determine if the viewer wants to
participate in the interactive program. The viewer reads the time
field to determine when the next interactive program will be
available, and reads the current subject field to determine what
the next subject to be discussed during the interactive program
will be. The viewer then selects the listing selection button and
the "Add Selected to My Talk Shows" button 1208 to add the listing
to a viewer's list of interactive programs that the viewer wants to
participate in. The list is maintained in the viewer's database 232
(FIG. 9).
[0117] The program guide viewer interface further includes an
interactive program rating 1210 display. The interactive program
rating is a viewer rating determined from viewer responses to the
interactive program. In a program guide in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the viewer rating is
expressed in terms of "mics" (short for microphone). The greater
the number of mics, the higher the viewer rating of the interactive
program. For example, the maximum number of mics an interactive
program may receive is five mics for a popular program. A minimally
popular interactive program may only receive only one mic.
[0118] The program guide viewer interface further includes a link
to an interactive program suggestion 1210 process. As previously
described, the interactive program creation system uses a viewer's
profile stored in the viewer database and interactive program
descriptions stored in the moderator database to suggest
interactive programs that the viewer may be interested in.
[0119] In another program guide viewer interface in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, the viewer may also access
archived programs in an "on-demand" mode. In an on-demand mode, the
program guide includes previously broadcast and archived
interactive programs.
[0120] Referring again to FIG. 9, a viewer may access the
previously described search facilities 910 of the interactive
program creation system from the program guide. Additionally, the
program guide provides a link to an immediate program guide 912 for
listing interactive programs that are scheduled to be broadcast
within the next day. A viewer may also access a browsing facility
914. Using the browsing facility, a viewer can view a hierarchal
list of interactive programs from which the viewer can select an
interactive program to participate in.
[0121] The viewer may access a specific interactive program's home
page 916 in a variety of ways, such as: selecting a link to an
interactive program from the previously described search facility
910; immediate program guide 912; browsing facility 920; and
suggestion facility 918. Additionally, included in a moderator
database 230 is a schedule of upcoming interactive program
broadcasts. The schedule of upcoming interactive program broadcasts
may be accessed by the viewer using an upcoming interactive program
facility 920. From an interactive program's home page, a viewer may
join a previously described actual interactive program 922. Each
interactive program is hosted by a previously described moderator
server 210.
[0122] FIG. 28 is a screen capture of an interactive program home
viewer interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. An interactive program home viewer interface is
generated by a moderator server using information entered by a
moderator and stored in the moderator database. The interactive
program home viewer interface includes an identifier field 2800 for
display of an interactive program's identifier. An interactive
program description field is used to display a brief description of
the interactive program as described by the moderator.
[0123] The interactive program home viewer interface further
includes a schedule section 2804 where the schedule of upcoming
transmissions of the interactive program are listed. An upcoming
listing 2805 includes a reminder button 2806. In operation, a
viewer selects the reminder button for a listing and an entry is
made by the interactive program creation system to the previously
described viewer profile. The entry is used to transmit
notifications to the viewer when the interactive program is about
to be transmitted.
[0124] The interactive program home viewer interface further
includes a preference addition button 2808 that the viewer selects
to have the interactive program added to the previously described
viewer's list of interactive program preferences. A contact button
2810 is provided for use by a viewer in sending an email message to
a moderator. A search button 2812 is provided for the viewer to
search for additional interactive programs that are related
thematically to the interactive program represented in the
interactive program home viewer interface.
[0125] The interactive program creation system further includes a
facility 926 for retrieving archived previously broadcast
interactive programs for viewing. A viewer uses the archive
facility to view transcripts and enhanced content of interactive
programs that the viewer may have missed or wants to view again. In
one facility for retrieving archived interactive programs for
viewing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the archived interactive programs can be viewed on an
"on-demand" or "pay-for-view" basis.
[0126] In another facility for retrieving interactive programs for
viewing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the archived interactive programs may be accessed for
presentation in conjunction with other content such as in a
syndication mode. For example, an archived interactive program
whose theme was discussion about a particular product can be linked
to an advertisement for that product on a separate Website. As
another example, an interactive program with a topical theme may be
syndicated by a live news Website.
[0127] FIG. 13 is a screen capture of an interactive program
archive viewer interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. An archive viewer interface includes a
plurality of archive listings of previously broadcast and archived
interactive programs 1300 with each archive listing 1301 including
a title field 1302, a subject field 1304, and a date field 1306. In
operation, a viewer reviews the plurality of archive listings and
selects the archive listing corresponding to an archived
interactive program the viewer wants to view. After selecting the
archive listing of the archived interactive program, the viewer
views a replay of the archived interactive program corresponding to
the archive listing. In an interactive program archive viewer
interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, archived listings are organized by themes, such as the
illustrated "The Gardening Center" 1308 that is an archive with a
gardening theme. In other interactive program archive viewer
interfaces in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, an entity, such as a corporation, sponsors the
archive as a form of advertising. For example, a brokerage may
sponsor an archive with a financial theme or a hardware retailer
may sponsor an archive with a "do-it-yourself" theme.
[0128] Referring again to FIG. 9, the interactive program creation
system further includes facilities 924 for a moderator to create an
interactive program. A moderator uses the facility to create an
interactive program by entering information about the interactive
program and the information is stored in the moderator database
230.
[0129] FIG. 14 is a screen capture of a moderator interface for an
interactive program authoring tool in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The interactive program
creation moderator interface includes an interactive program
identifier display field 1400 for displaying the interactive
program's name. A moderator uses an interactive program identifier
entry field 1402 to enter the name of the interactive program. The
interactive program creation moderator interface further includes a
description entry field 1404 for entry by the moderator of a brief
description of the interactive program and a category/genre
selection menu 1408 for selection by the moderator of a category
under which the interactive program will be placed. The interactive
program creation moderator interface further includes a host name
entry field 1406 for entry of the moderator's name. The interactive
program creation moderator interface further includes a broadcast
scheduling selection menu 1410, day selection buttons 1412, and a
time selection menu 1414 for selection of the broadcast time of the
interactive program. In operation, a moderator enters in an
interactive program name, interactive program description, and host
name. The moderator selects a category, a broadcast schedule, the
days of the week the interactive program will be broadcast, the
time the interactive program will be broadcast, and selects a
"Submit and Continue" button 1418 to store the entered and selected
interactive broadcast information in the moderator database 230
(FIG. 9). The moderator can also select an "Include in Program
Guide" button 1416 to include the interactive program information
in the previously described program guide.
[0130] FIG. 39 is a screen capture of an interactive program
authoring wizard in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Within the interactive program authorizing tool
is a "wizard" which allows a host/moderator to easily set up a new
interactive program. A "wizard" is a software tool that guides a
user through the configuration of a software application. A wizard
typically includes a set of selectable configuration templates for
use by a user and a dialog that guides the user through the
configuration process. The interactive program authoring wizard can
operate as a stand-alone application and may be used through a Web
browser. The interactive program authoring wizard features
beginner, intermediate, and expert levels and offers the ease of
use of other mass market authoring tools making it easy for
potential moderators to get started hosting their own interactive
programs. During a setup process, the moderator selects from
several preset genres allowing the moderator to quickly set the
look and feel of their interactive programs. For example, these
presets may include formats for defining interactive programs such
as a news and perspective program, sports program, business
program, human interest program, do-it-yourself program, etc. The
interactive program authoring tool 3900 has a "genre/theme" link
3902 selectable by the moderator to bring up a list of themes 3904
that the moderator selects from. By selecting a theme, the
moderator selects a configuration for the interactive program
establishing backgrounds, layouts, and interactive areas for an
interactive program. The moderator selects a theme and the selects
a "submit and continue" button 3906 to configure the interactive
program using a themed interactive program template.
[0131] The interactive program creation moderator interface further
includes a link to a broadcast schedule editing facility 1418. A
moderator uses this link to access a more detailed interactive
program scheduling entry facility. The interactive program creation
moderator interface further includes a link to an add co-hosts
facility 1420. A moderator uses this link to access a facility for
adding a co-host or additional, but subordinate moderator, such as
a side-kick, panel of experts, or special guest to the interactive
program.
[0132] The interactive program creation moderator interface further
includes a link to a themes facility 1422. A moderator uses this
link to access a facility for assigning the interactive program to
a thematic category for easier classification of interactive
programs for browsing by a viewer.
[0133] The interactive program creation moderator interface further
includes a link to a send reminders facility 1420. A moderator uses
this link to access a facility for transmitting reminders to
viewers. The interactive program creation system uses the
previously described viewer's lists of interactive programs to send
notifications to each of the viewers who have added the moderator's
interactive program to their list of interactive programs.
Reminders may be sent by various communication links such as email,
voice mail, and pager as agreed to by the viewer.
[0134] FIG. 32 is a process flow diagram of a viewer notification
process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A moderator server receives (3200) an interactive
program identifier from a moderator for which the moderator would
like to transmit reminders to viewers. The moderator server reads
(3201) viewer preferences from previously described viewer profiles
3202. Included in a viewer's profile is a list of interactive
programs for which the viewer wants to be reminded of upcoming
transmissions. If the moderator server determines (3204) that a
viewer wants to receive notifications for the identified
interactive program, the moderator server generates (3206) a viewer
notification 3208 and transmits the viewer notification to the
viewer. The moderator server then determines (3210) if all viewers
have been processed. If not, the moderator server continues
searching for viewers wishing to receive notifications. The
moderator server continues processing until all viewers wishing to
receive notifications of the transmission of the interactive
program have been notified.
[0135] In one viewer notification process in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a viewer
notification is transmitted as an email message to the viewer. The
viewer may retrieve the email message by any suitable device or
client such as a personal digital assistant, personal computer,
etc. In another viewer notification process in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the viewer
notification is in the form of an audio reminder transmitted to a
viewer's voice mail system or directly to a viewer's telephone. In
another viewer notification process in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the viewer notification is in
the form of an instant message that is transmitted to a viewer if
the viewer is currently on a system that is accessible to the
moderator server.
[0136] Referring again to FIG. 14, the interactive program creation
moderator interface further includes a link to a traffic report
facility 1426. A moderator uses this link to access a facility for
generating reports describing the user interactions with an
interactive program broadcast by the moderator.
[0137] FIG. 15 is a screen capture of a moderator interface for an
interactive program reporting tool in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. In general, a moderator uses
an interactive program reporting tool to specify reports generated
using data recorded about viewer interaction with an interactive
program broadcast and stored in the moderator database as
previously described. Additionally, the interactive program
reporting tool is used by a moderator to generate a report
regarding viewer access of archived interactive programs so that
the moderator can determine the popularity of old content that was
previously broadcast. The moderator can specify reports to analyze
the data in a variety of ways using a variety of data mining
techniques to yield customizable, comprehensive, and flexible
reports. Additionally, viewer identifications associated with the
viewer interaction data can be combined with the previously
described viewer profile data to generate reports on the
demographics and geographic locations of the viewers participating
in an interactive program. In this mode, a viewer's privacy may be
protected by aggregating the viewer data or stripping viewer
identifiers from any data viewable by a moderator. The reporting
tool moderator interface includes a select group report menu 1500
for selecting a specific set of reports to view.
[0138] The reporting tool moderator interface further includes
entry fields for selection of types and formats of viewer
interaction reports. Each of these sections is typified by a
selection button 1504 and a format selection pull-down menu 1506. A
moderator selects a selection button to include the specific type
of report in a viewer interaction report and uses the format
pull-down menu to select the format of the specific report. The
types of reports the moderator can include in a viewer interaction
report include a peak usage report 1504. A peak usage report is a
report indicating the peak usage of the interactive program by the
viewers.
[0139] A moderator can select a total traffic report 1508. A total
traffic report is a report depicting the total number of viewers
and viewer interactions with the interactive program over the
broadcast time of the interactive program.
[0140] A moderator can select a breakdown by user report 1512. A
breakdown by user report is reported depicting the interactions of
single viewers.
[0141] A moderator can select a breakdown by demographic report
1516. A breakdown by demographic report is a report depicting
viewer interactions by viewers fitting certain demographic
descriptions.
[0142] A moderator can select a breakdown by geography report 1520.
A breakdown by geography report is a report depicting where viewers
participating in an interactive program are physically located.
[0143] A moderator can select a visitor path report 1524. A visitor
path report is a report depicting where viewer's are located on a
network.
[0144] A moderator can select a referral report 1528. A referral
report is a report depicting from which locations viewers have been
referred from such as an external Web site, etc.
[0145] A moderator can select a polling data report 1534. A polling
data report is a report depicting the results of polls taken by a
moderator during an interactive program.
[0146] A moderator can select a "clicks by a viewer" report 1538. A
clicks by a viewer report is a report depicting how many selections
viewers make during an interactive program.
[0147] A moderator can select a feature utilization report 1542. A
feature utilization report is a report depicting how many different
features viewers are using during an interactive program.
[0148] A moderator can select a chat or interactive messaging
report 1538. A chat or interactive messaging report is a report
depicting how many interactive messages are being sent between the
audience members during an interactive program.
[0149] FIG. 16 is a screen capture of a moderator interface for a
viewer interaction report generated in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The report moderator interface
includes a report selection pull down menu 1600 for immediately
viewing sections of the report without having to scroll through
each of the reports.
[0150] Graph 1610 is a graph of click-through activity versus time
for an interactive program. During an interactive program,
individual instances of viewers selecting advertising banners is
recorded in the previously described moderator database associated
with the time of the selection of the advertising banner. An
interactive program creation system can use the recorded
advertising selection events and their associated times to generate
the click-through activity versus time graph.
[0151] Graph 1612 is a geographically based graph depicting the
geographic location of viewers participating in an interactive
program. The viewers participating in an interactive program are
recorded in the previously described moderator database. Each
recorded viewer's geographic location can be determined from the
previously described viewer's profile or by mapping the viewer's IP
address to a specific geographic location. An interactive program
creation system can use the recorded viewer identifications and
viewer geographic locations to generate a graphic illustrating the
geographic locations of the viewers.
[0152] The viewer interactivity reports are used by a moderator to
determine the effectiveness of an interactive program. For example,
the moderator can use the demographic charts to determine if the
interactive program is reaching an audience with the demographic
profile desired by the moderator. As a further example, the
moderator can determine the effectiveness of various portions of an
interactive program by analyzing participant interaction with the
interactive program over time. Spikes in interactive message
transmissions from the participants may indicate portions of the
interactive program that the participants find most engaging.
[0153] FIG. 17 is a screen capture of a moderator interface for an
advertising report generated in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. A revenue generation graphic
1702 illustrates the relative amounts of revenue generated from the
viewers participating in an interactive program. As the viewers
participate in the interactive programs, the viewers' interactions
with links and advertising banners included in the interactive
program are recorded in the moderator database as previously
described. An interactive program creation system can use the
recorded viewer interactions to generate a graphic showing the
relative contributions to total revenue by each of several possible
viewer interaction modes. For example, in the illustrated graph,
comparisons are made for selection of links 1704, selection of
embedded ads 1706, selection of banner ads 1708, and selection of
other types of ads 1710 and 1712, as a percentage of total
revenue.
[0154] An advertising geographical graphic 1716 indicates the
geographic viewer locations of viewers participating with the
interactive program. As the viewers participate in the interactive
programs, the viewers' interactions with links and advertising
banners included in the interactive program are recorded in the
moderator database as previously described. Additionally, a viewer
identification for each viewer interaction is stored in the
moderator database. Each viewer's geographic location can be
determined from the previously described viewer's profile or by
mapping the viewer's IP address to a specific geographic location.
An interactive program creation system can use the recorded viewer
interactions and viewer identifications to generate a graphic
illustrating the geographic locations of advertising revenue
generation. An interactive program creation system can use viewer
interaction data, viewer identification data, and viewer profile
data to generate a revenue by age graphic 1718 or a revenue by
demographic description graphic 1720.
[0155] FIG. 31 is a process flow diagram of an interactive program
report generation process in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. A moderator server determines
(3100) a set of viewer demographics for an interactive program's
viewing audience by using the interactive program's history 3102
along with a set of viewer profiles 3104. For each viewer that
participated in the interactive program when the interactive
program was transmitted, the moderator server extracts the
individual viewer's stored viewer profile. The moderator server
aggregates the individual viewer profiles to generate viewer
demographics 3106 for the interactive program transmission. The
moderator server generates (3108) a graphical representation 3110
of the viewer demographics, for example a bar graph, and adds 3112
the graphical representation to a report 3114. The moderator server
determines (3116) if all requested graphics have been generated. If
not, the moderator selects the next graphic to generate and repeats
the process thereby adding a new graphic to the report. Once all of
the graphics have been added to the report, the moderator server
transmits (3118) the report to the moderator requesting the
report.
[0156] FIG. 18 is a database entity relation diagram for a
moderator database in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. The database entity relation diagram is an
expression of meta data describing how the data in the viewer and
moderator databases are related. The moderator database includes
information used to organize interactive programs created and
administered by moderators and histories of interactive programs
including viewer interactions with the interactive programs.
Interactive programs are organized within categories as previously
described. Category information is used to create hubs of viewer
interactions. A super category 1800 is associated with many
categories 1802 but each category is only associated with one super
category. A category or hub is associated with many interactive
message rooms 1804 which is in turn associated with many
interactive message lines. A viewer profile is associated with many
interactive message lines. In operation, a plurality of viewers
select a category and enter an interactive message room associated
with the category. Viewer submissions within an interactive message
room are used to generate individual interactive message lines that
are viewed by the viewers as they exchange interactive
messages.
[0157] A category is associated with a plurality of polls 1810 with
each poll being associated with a plurality of poll responses 1812.
A viewer profile is associated with a plurality of poll responses.
In operation, viewers respond to a poll associated with a specific
category and the viewers' responses are recorded in the moderator
database for future analysis.
[0158] A category is associated with a plurality of interactive
programs 1814 and each interactive program is associated with a
plurality of interactive program broadcasts or instances. Each
interactive program broadcast is associated with a plurality of
reminders 1818 with each reminder being associated with a single
user profile. In operation, a moderator determines an interactive
programming schedule of interactive program broadcasts and
generates reminders that are transmitted to viewers who have
expressed an interest in being reminded of the interactive
program's broadcasts.
[0159] A category is associated with a plurality of message boards
1820 with each message board being associated with a plurality of
message board threads 1822. Each message board thread is associated
with a plurality of message board messages 1824 with each message
board message being associated with a single viewer profile. A
viewer profile may be associated with a plurality of message board
messages. In operation, viewers leave messages grouped into message
board threads on message boards maintained by moderators. The
messages may be for the moderators or may be for other viewers.
[0160] Keywords 1826 are stored in the moderator database so that
viewers can search for categories 1802 and links 1832 associated
with the categories. Additionally, all user inputs can be indexed
and tagged to become interactive triggers that are linked to
interactive programs served by the moderator server. Category
keywords 1828 are associated with a plurality of categories. In
operation, a viewer enters a category keyword into a previously
described search facility and a set of categories for use by the
viewer are generated that are associated with the category keyword.
Link keywords 1830 associated with links to off-site resources are
also stored in the moderator database. In operation, a viewer
enters a link keyword in the previously described search facility
and a set of links associated with the link keyword is generated
for use by the viewer.
[0161] Viewer profiles are associated with a plurality of viewer
histories 1834. In operation, a viewer history is recorded of a
viewer's interactions when accessing an interactive program
creation system while not actually participating in an interactive
program.
[0162] FIG. 19 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for a
non-moderator based interactive program associated with a broadcast
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. As previously described, an interactive program can
include broadcast content from a source not associated with the
interactive program, such as a broadcast from a commercial
broadcaster. In this case, an interactive program includes
participant commentary but may not include moderator commentary.
The viewer interface for a non-moderated interactive program
includes a broadcast content section 1900 for display of
non-interactive broadcast content. The viewer interface for a
non-moderated interactive program further includes a viewer
interactive message section 1902 for display of viewer interactive
messages transmitted to a moderator server (not shown). The viewer
interface for a non-moderated interactive program includes a viewer
interactive message entry field for entry of viewer interactive
messages. In operation, a viewer views the non-interactive
broadcast content, enters interactive messages into the interactive
message entry field and selects the "enter" button 1906 to submit
the interactive message to the moderator server. The viewer's
entered interactive message is then combined with other viewers'
interactive messages to generate an interactive message display
that is shown in the interactive message display section.
[0163] In an interactive program creation system in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast program is
synchronized to the interactive program using synchronization
signals included in the interactive program signals. In this way,
an interactive program may be synchronized with an external
broadcast.
[0164] FIG. 20 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for a
broadcast program guide in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. The broadcast program guide viewer
interface includes a date selection/display field 2000 and a time
selection/display field 2002. A viewer uses the date
selection/display field and time selection/display field to select
and display a date and time for which the viewer wants to view
scheduled broadcasts. Scheduled broadcasts for the selected date
and time are shown in a listings section 2003. The listings section
includes a broadcast channel column for display of the broadcast
channel of a particular program, and a program information column
2005 for display of information about a scheduled program.
[0165] A current broadcast content section 2006 includes a display
of broadcast content that is currently being broadcast on a
selected broadcast channel. Information about the broadcast content
is shown in a broadcast content information section 2007 formatted
as a televised programming guide. The broadcast information
includes a broadcast channel, a title, a broadcast time, and a
description, if available, of the broadcast content. If a
microphone indicator 2008 is shown next to a listing of a scheduled
broadcast 2010, this indicates that the scheduled broadcast is
available as an interactive program including broadcast content as
previously described. In operation, a viewer can select an
interactive program that is currently being broadcast and view the
broadcast content in the current broadcast content section. A
viewer selects a "switch to full screen" button 2012 to participate
in a currently broadcast interactive program corresponding to the
currently broadcast content displayed in the current broadcast
content section.
[0166] FIG. 21 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for an
interactive program incorporating Web content in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A viewer initiates
participation with an interactive program displayed in an
interactive program reduced screen viewer interface 2100. The
reduced screen viewer interface includes a link 2101 to a Web page
2102 that includes additional information about the interactive
program's theme. For example, the link may be to an eCommerce Web
site where a viewer may purchase a book that is currently being
discussed by a moderator and viewers participating in the
interactive program. The reduced screen viewer interface includes a
stage interaction section 2104 for display of interactive messages
exchanged between a moderator and a virtual guest or invited viewer
as previously described. The reduced screen viewer interface
further includes an audience interactive message display section
2106 for display of interactive messages exchanged between viewers
as previously described. The reduced screen viewer interface
further includes an interactive message entry field 2108. In
operation, a viewer enters an interactive message into the
interactive message entry field and selects the "Enter" button 2110
to transmit the interactive message to a moderator server (not
shown) for inclusion in the stage or audience interaction display
section.
[0167] The reduced screen viewer interface further includes
interactive program rating buttons 2112 for viewer rating of an
interactive program as previously described. In operation, a viewer
selects one of the interactive program rating buttons to indicate
the viewer's satisfaction with the interactive program. Viewer
ratings from a plurality of viewers are aggregated together and
displayed to the moderator as previously described.
[0168] A moderator uses a reduced screen viewer interface to create
a contextual commerce application using an interactive program. The
moderator uses the interactive program to build a community from an
audience attracted to the subject matter of the interactive
program, such as a product line or a series of books. The moderator
then links the reduced screen viewer interface to a location where
a viewer can make a purchase of a product or item related to the
subject matter of an interactive program. In addition, archived
interactive programs can be accessed in an "on-demand" mode to be
linked to an e-commerce Website in order to have a continually
available sales tool such as an "infomercial" or testimonial for a
product or item.
[0169] FIG. 22 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for an
interactive program incorporating Web content in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A viewer
initiates interaction with a previously described reduced screen
viewer interface 2204 for an interactive program by selecting a
link 2202 included in a Web page 2200. For example, a seller
offering items on an auction site may be a moderator for an
interactive program in order to discuss the offered items with
participating viewers. In this case, the seller includes a link to
an interactive program for which the seller serves as a
moderator.
[0170] FIG. 23 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for a
facility to manage a viewer's personal favorite interactive
programs in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The personal favorite viewer interface includes a
listings display section 2300 for display of one or more listings
2301. Each listing includes a viewer rating field 2302 for display
of previously described viewer ratings of an interactive program
displayed in the listing. The listing further includes a name field
2304 for display of an interactive program's name, a next broadcast
field 2306 for display of the interactive program's next broadcast,
a reminder button 2308, and a delete button. In operation, a viewer
selects the reminder button to receive previously described
reminders from a listed interactive program's moderator and selects
an "update settings" button to transmit the reminder request to a
moderator server (not shown). To delete an interactive program from
the viewer's personal favorite list, the viewer selects the delete
button and selects the update settings button to delete a listed
interactive program to delete the listed interactive program.
[0171] FIG. 24 is a screen capture of a viewer interface for a
facility to suggest programs to a viewer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The suggested
program viewer interface includes a suggested interactive program
listing section 2400. A suggested interactive program listing
includes a field for display of a previously described viewer
rating 2404, a field for display of an interactive program's name
and brief description 2406, a next broadcast field 2408 for display
of an interactive program's next display time, and an "add" button
for adding a listed interactive program to the viewer's list of
favorite interactive programs. In operation, a viewer selects the
add button for a listed interactive program and selects an "Add
Selected to My Interactive Programs" button 2412 to add a listed
interactive program to the viewer's previously described favorite
interactive program.
[0172] FIG. 25 is a deployment diagram of a process for conversion
and deliverly of interactive programs via an interactive television
network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A moderator server 210 receives participant comments and
moderator content from an audience and a moderator and generates
interactive program for transmission over the Internet 202 to a
viewer client 212 as previously described.
[0173] The same interactive program can be transmitted over a
conventional interactive television (iTV) network as well. The
moderator server transmits the interactive program to an iTV server
2500 and the iTV server generates iTV content 2500 from the
interactive program. The iTV content is transmitted via
communications network 2502 to an iTV signal processor. The iTV
signal processor receives the iTV content and uses the iTV content
to generate iTV signals for transmission to an iTV enabled
television 2508 for viewing by a viewer. In this mode, triggers are
generated from the interactive program signals and the viewer uses
the triggers to participate in the interactive program, such as
through the use of tags associated with the triggers included in
the iTV signals' Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI), and the viewer's
comments are transmitted via a back channel 2510 to the moderator
server. In this way, a viewer can use either an iTV enabled
television or a viewer client to participate in an interactive
program as previously described.
[0174] FIG. 33 is a deployment diagram of a locally hosted
moderator server in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. A moderator server 210 implementing the
previously described interactive program creation facilities is
hosted by a local host 3300. The local host may also host the
previously described moderator client 204. In this embodiment, the
locally hosted moderator server is operably coupled to a plurality
of previously described viewer clients, as exemplified by viewer
clients 214a and 214a, via previously described communications
network 202. The moderator server is further coupled to an
interactive program server 3302 via the communications network. The
interactive program server is operably coupled to the previously
described moderator database 230 and viewer database 232.
[0175] In operation, the locally hosted moderator server is used by
a moderator to create an interactive program for transmission to
the viewer clients and moderator client as previously described. In
this embodiment, viewer information is stored in the viewer
database, moderator information is stored in the moderator database
and the moderator server and the viewer clients access the
information via the interactive program server. The local host may
be any type of programmable device capable of bidirectional
communication with other devices over a communications network. For
example, the local host can be a game console, or a personal
computer, or a set-top-box, etc.
[0176] FIG. 26 is a hardware architecture diagram of a data
processing system suitable for use as a moderator server host in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A
microprocessor 2600, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2610, a memory cache 2620, and a bus interface 2630, is operatively
coupled via a system bus 2635 to a main memory 2640 and an I/O
control unit 2645. The I/O interface control unit is operatively
coupled via an I/O local bus 2650 to a disk storage controller
2695, and a network communications controller 2680. A
communications device 2696 is operatively coupled to the network
communications controller and is adapted to allow software objects
hosted by the general purpose computer to communicate via a network
with other software objects.
[0177] The disk storage controller is operatively coupled to a disk
storage device 2655. Computer program instructions 2697
implementing a previously described moderator server are stored on
the disk storage device until the microprocessor retrieves the
computer program instructions and stores them in the main memory.
The microprocessor then executes the computer program instructions
stored in the main memory to implement the moderator server.
[0178] Although this invention has been described in certain
specific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations
would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to
be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than
as specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments of the
invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, the scope of the invention to be determined by any
claims supportable by this application and the claims'
equivalents.
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