U.S. patent application number 10/988375 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for live concert/event video system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to SFX Entertainment, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael D. Abrams.
Application Number | 20060104600 10/988375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36386388 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060104600 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abrams; Michael D. |
May 18, 2006 |
Live concert/event video system and method
Abstract
One aspect of the invention is a method of providing video to
attendees of a live concert. Video of different views of the live
concert is captured. A plurality of video streams are provided to
attendees of the live concert while the live concert is occurring.
The plurality of digital video streams enable an attendee of the
live concert to select which of the plurality of digital video
streams to view using a portable digital device associated with
that attendee such that the attendee may choose from among the
different views of the live concert.
Inventors: |
Abrams; Michael D.; (Beverly
Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
2001 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 600
DALLAS
TX
75201-2980
US
|
Assignee: |
SFX Entertainment, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36386388 |
Appl. No.: |
10/988375 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
386/223 ;
348/E5.048; 386/230 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 7/181 20130101;
H04N 21/21805 20130101; H04N 21/41407 20130101; H04N 21/8153
20130101; H04L 65/4092 20130101; H04N 5/247 20130101; H04N 5/76
20130101; H04N 21/2408 20130101; H04N 21/2187 20130101; H04N
21/25891 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/046 ;
386/117 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/76 20060101
H04N005/76; H04N 5/225 20060101 H04N005/225 |
Claims
1. A live concert video system, comprising: a plurality of video
cameras collectively operable to capture different views of a live
concert and wherein each of the plurality of video cameras provides
a video signal; a streaming server operable to provide a plurality
of digital video streams to attendees of the live concert while the
live concert is occurring, wherein ones of the plurality of digital
video streams are responsive to ones of the video signals provided
by the plurality of video cameras; and wherein the plurality of
digital video streams provided by the streaming server enable an
attendee of the live concert to select which of the plurality of
digital video streams to view using a portable digital device
associated with that attendee such that the attendee may choose
from among the different views of the live concert.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the streaming server is further
operable to provide a digital video stream comprising pre-recorded
content.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of
digital video streams is synchronized with a digital audio stream
that can be heard using the portable digital device.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of
digital video streams is not associated with an audio signal.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: computer software
associated with the system and operable to capture statistics
concerning which of the plurality of digital video streams were
selected by a particular attendee during a particular time period
of the concert.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of
digital video streams is provided by the streaming server to the
portable digital device using a point to point connection.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of
digital video streams is provided by the streaming server to the
portable digital device using a point to multipoint connection.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the streaming server provides the
plurality of digital video streams through a communications network
to the portable digital device.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable digital device is a
wireless device that receives one of the plurality of digital
streams through a wireless communications link.
10. A method of providing video to attendees of a live concert,
comprising: capturing video of different views of a live concert;
providing a plurality of digital video streams to attendees of the
live concert while the live concert is occurring, wherein the
plurality of digital video streams enable an attendee of the live
concert to select which of the plurality of digital video streams
to view using a portable digital device associated with that
attendee such that the attendee may choose from among the different
views of the live concert.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining whether
a particular portable digital device has authority to receive the
plurality of digital video streams for viewing; preventing the
particular portable digital device from receiving at least one of
the plurality of digital video streams if it is determined that the
portable digital device does not have authority.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining whether
a particular attendee of the live concert has authority to view the
plurality of digital video streams; preventing the particular
attendee from viewing at least one of the plurality of digital
video streams if it is determined that the particular attendee does
not have authority to do so.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the portable digital device is
a phone and authority is determined using an identification code
associated with the phone.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein authority is determined partly
in response to the input of an identification code associated with
a ticket to the live concert.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: providing at least
one digital video stream to attendees of the concert comprising
pre-recorded content.
16. The method of claim 10, further comprising:. providing a
digital video stream of at least a portion of the live concert to
attendees of the live concert after the live concert has
concluded.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one attendee of the
live concert is allowed to grant another person access to the
stream or recording of at least a portion of the live concert.
18. The method of claim 10, further comprising: providing a
plurality of digital video streams to nonattendees of the live
concert while the live concert is occurring, wherein the plurality
of digital video streams enable a nonattendee of the live concert
to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view
using a portable digital device associated with that nonattendee
such that the nonattendee may choose from among the different views
of the live concert.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of digital video
streams are provided to nonattendees of the live concert using at
least one wireless communication link.
20. The method of claim 10, wherein the portable digital device
comprises a wireless telephone.
21. The method of claim 10, wherein the portable digital device
comprises a computer.
22. The method of claim 10, further comprising: capturing
statistics concerning which of the plurality of digital video
streams were selected by a particular attendee during a particular
time period.
23. A portable digital device, comprising: a display screen; a
computer readable storage medium; computer software stored on the
computer readable storage medium and running on the portable
digital device, the computer software causing live concert video to
be output to the display screen during a live concert in response
to a choice input by the user of the portable digital device,
wherein the choice input represents a selection of one of a
plurality of different views of the live concert each captured by a
different video camera.
24. The device of claim 23, further comprising: a wireless
communications link operable to receive the live concert video.
25. The device of claim 22, wherein the computer software is
further operable to determine whether the portable digital device
has authority to output the live concert video and to prevent
output of the live concert video if it is determined that the
portable digital device does not have authority.
26. The device of claim 22, wherein the computer software is
further operable to determine whether a particular attendee of the
live concert has authority to view the live concert video based
upon input to the portable digital device provided by the
particular attendee; and prevent output of the live concert video
if it is determined that the particular attendee does not have
authority.
27. The device of claim 25, wherein the portable digital device
comprise a phone and authority is determined using an
identification code associated with the phone.
28. The device of claim 25, wherein authority is determined partly
in response to the input of an identification code associated with
a ticket to the live concert.
29. The device of claim 26, wherein authority is determined partly
in response to the input of an identification code associated with
a ticket to the live concert.
30. The device of claim 25, wherein the determination of authority
involves communication with another device other than the portable
digital device through a communication network.
31. The device of claim 22, wherein the computer software is
further operable to control access to, and allow the viewing on the
display screen of, a cache or recording of at least a portion of
the live concert after the live concert has concluded.
32. The device of claim 22, wherein the computer software is
further operable to prevent viewing of the live concert video if
the portable digital device is not located within a particular
geographic area.
33. The device of claim 22, wherein the portable digital device
comprises a wireless telephone.
34. The device of claim 22, wherein the portable digital device
comprises a computer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to concerts or other live
events and more particularly to a video system and method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] At some live events including, for example concerts, video
of the live event is presented on a screen to participants. This
video often allows attendees of the live event to get a better view
of the event as it is occurring than they would otherwise have. For
example, if the attendee is far away from the stage where the live
event is occurring, the video picture may provide a closer view
than the attendee has from his or her seating location.
Unfortunately, however, the choice of what content is displayed on
the screen at such an event rests with the operator of the screen
or persons controlling the event rather than with the viewer of the
event.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One aspect of the invention is a method of providing video
to attendees of a live concert. Video of different views of the
live concert is captured. A plurality of video streams are provided
to attendees of the live concert while the live concert is
occurring. The plurality of digital video streams enable an
attendee of the live concert to select which of the plurality of
digital video streams to view using a portable digital device
associated with that attendee such that the attendee may choose
from among the different views of the live concert. The invention
could be used for any live event.
[0004] The invention has several important technical advantages.
Embodiments of the invention may have none, one, some, or all of
these advantages without departing from the scope of the invention.
The invention allows an attendee at a live event with a poor
seating location to obtain a better view of the event. The
invention may enrich the viewing experience of an attendee at a
live event. By giving the attendee control over the particular
video images that he or she views at a live event, the attendee may
come away with a more favorable view of the event than if the
attendee is merely presented with video chosen by the party putting
on the event. The invention may also enhance the reputation of a
party performing at the live event by enhancing an attendee's
overall experience at the event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a general purpose
computer that may be used in accordance with the present
invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an example architecture of a system that
may be used to provide video of a live event in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of operating a portable digital
device to obtain video of a live event in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The preferred embodiment of the present invention and its
advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 3 of
the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding
parts of the various drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a general purpose computer 10 that may be
used in connection with one or more of the pieces of software
employed by the present invention. General purpose computer 10 may
be adapted to execute any of the well-known OS2, Unix, Mac-OS,
Linux, and Windows operating systems or other operating systems.
General purpose computer 10 comprises processor 12, random access
memory (RAM) 14, read-only memory (ROM) 16, mouse 18, keyboard 20
and input/output devices such as printer 24, disk drives 22,
display 26 and communications link 28. The present invention may
include programs that may be stored in RAM 14, ROM 16, removable
storage, PRAM, NV-RAM, or disk drives 22 and may be executed by
processor 12. Communications link 28 may be connected to a computer
network but could be connected to a telephone line, an antenna, a
gateway, a wireless local area or wide area network, or any other
type of communication link. Disk drives 22 may include a variety of
types of storage media such as, for example, floppy disk drives,
hard disk drives, DVD-ROM drives, RAM disks, compact flash card,
memory stick, CD ROM/RAM/RW or DVD ROM/RAM/RW drives or magnetic
tape drives. Although this embodiment employs a plurality of disk
drives 22, a single disk drive 22 could be used without departing
from the scope of the invention. FIG. 1 provides one example of a
computer that may be used with the invention. The invention could
be used with computers other than general purpose computers as well
as general purpose computers without conventional operating
systems.
[0011] The invention includes logic contained with a medium. In
this example, the logic comprises computer software executable on a
general purpose computer. The media may include one or more storage
devices associated with general purpose computer 10. The invention
may be implemented with computer software, computer hardware, or a
combination of software and hardware. The logic may also be
embedded within any other medium without departing from the scope
of the invention.
[0012] The invention may employ multiple general purpose computers
10 networked together in a computer network. Most commonly, general
purpose computers 10 may be networked through the Internet, and/or
in a client server network. The invention may also be used with a
combination of separate computer networks each linked together by a
private, virtual private, or public network.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an architecture of one
system comprising an embodiment of the present invention. The
system comprises cameras 50, encoders 52, video mixing board 54,
main encoder 56, venue server 58, venue display 60, streaming
server 62, application server 64, application distribution server
66, SMS/MMS gateway 68, SMTP server 70, event marketing system 72,
ticketing system 74, review workstation 75, publishing workstation
77, video distribution system 59, and wireless devices 76. The
function of each of these devices in the context of the invention
will be discussed in more detail below. It should be noted that
various embodiments of the invention will have more or less
components without departing from the scope of the invention. The
functions of the various devices illustrated in FIG. 2 may be
combined such that the functions of multiple devices are performed
by a single device. Alternatively, in other embodiments, functions
performed by a single device in the system illustrated in FIG. 2
will be performed by multiple and/or redundant devices in
alternative embodiments.
[0014] Among other functions that will discussed more fully herein,
the system illustrated in FIG. 2 allows an attendee of a live event
(or another person able to receive the required signals) to select
one of a plurality of video streams of the live event. Each video
stream may comprise a video signal received from a different camera
which is creating video of the event from a different viewpoint.
Thus, the invention allows the user to view the event from various
perspectives and to select which perspective the viewer wishes to
view the event from at a particular time period. The term video
signal is meant to refer broadly to any analog or digital video
representation. It is not limited to any particular type of video
signal.
[0015] The invention can be used at various types of live events.
Examples of live events at which the invention may be used include
concerts, sporting events, speeches, plays, operas, dance shows,
and the circus. However, the invention is not limited to use for
these types of live events and could be used with any type of live
event.
[0016] Below, the functions of the various components of the system
illustrated in FIG. 2 are described in more detail. In addition to
the ability of the system to provide user-selected video of a live
event as it is occurring, the system in FIG. 2 may also provide
various other features which will also be described below.
[0017] The invention may be particularly useful at live concerts or
live sporting events. In these types of events, attendees often
scramble to buy tickets for the "best" locations from which to view
the event. The invention may allow more attendees at such events to
obtain "better" views of the event by viewing various videos of the
event taken from "better" locations than the location from which
the attendee's tickets allow him or her to view the event. This may
increase the number of "good" tickets and may allow charging of a
higher ticket price.
[0018] The system of FIG. 2 includes a plurality of cameras 50.
Cameras 50 may be placed at various locations around a venue
hosting a live event so as to provide multiple viewpoints from
which an attendee can view video of the live event. Cameras 50 may
provide far away views, medium views and/or close up views. Cameras
50 may be operated by a videographer, by remote control, or may
capture video without a human controlling them. Cameras 50 may
capture video in digital or analog form without departing from the
scope of the invention. If video is captured in analog form, it may
be converted to digital form inside cameras 50, in encoder 52, or
using other hardware (not explicitly shown). Any number of cameras
50 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
The cameras 50 may also, optionally, have the capability to take
still photos of the live event as it is occurring. The still photos
may be provided either to venue display 60 or to wireless devices
76 (or other devices) on a periodic basis (e.g. every ten seconds)
or on a random basis. If cameras 50 do not have the built-in
capability to take still photos, then a full frame (for example,
comprised of one or two frames of interlaced video or one frame of
progressive video) of video may be used to provide such a snapshot
feature.
[0019] Simply because video is "captured" by cameras 50 does not
mean that the captured video is recorded such that a copy of the
live event is created. As further described below, in some
embodiments, the captured video may be streamed to end users
without recording the video. In such embodiments, video may only be
captured for a period of time long enough to rebroadcast the video
in accordance with the invention.
[0020] Encoders 52 may be used to translate an analog video signal
into a digital video signal. Encoders 52 may also be used to
translate a digital video signal in one particular format into a
digital video signal of a different digital video format for supply
to streaming server 62. In this embodiment, encoders 52 comprise a
combination of hardware and computer software running on a general
purpose computer 10. Encoders 52 could be, however, dedicated
hardware or software running on a general purpose computer 10
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0021] In this embodiment, there is one encoder 52 for each camera
50. Each encoder 52 receives a video signal from camera 50 and
encodes one or more signals for supply to streaming server 62. In
alternative embodiments, each encoder 52 may serve multiple cameras
50. In such embodiments, encoder 52 may have multiple processes
running to perform encoding for the multiple cameras 50 connected
to the encoder 52. In some embodiments, encoder 52 may have
multiple processors performing encoding for multiple cameras 50 or
a single camera 50.
[0022] Many live event venues have a venue display 60. A venue
display typically comprises one more large screen(s) where
attendees of the event can view textual information about the
event, still photos about the event, graphical information about
the event, and/or video of the live event. In some instances,
prerecorded video will also be displayed on venue display 60. As
with other elements of the system illustrated in FIG. 2, venue
display 60 may be omitted without departing from the scope of the
invention. In addition, a venue may have multiple displays 60.
[0023] In this embodiment, venue display 60 allows video of a live
event to be displayed to attendees of the live event. The outputs
of cameras 50 are supplied to video mixing board 54. The operator
of video mixing board 54 may select one or more video signals from
one or more cameras 50 to be output at any particular time to venue
display 60. The output signal from video mixing board 54 is
provided to video distribution system 59, which may then display
the video on video display 60. In some venues, the output of video
mixing board 54 may be provided directly to venue display 60. In
other embodiments, particularly where a venue has multiple screens
upon which to display content, video distribution system may be
used to provide video to multiple screens. Video distribution
system may be omitted without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0024] Venue server 58 may also provide signals to video display
60. Sometimes, the video from mixing board 54 is displayed while
other times the output of venue server 58 is displayed (as
controlled by a venue video operator or perhaps as controlled using
venue server 58 in some embodiments). In addition, the output of
video mixing board 54 may be supplied to main encoder 56. Main
encoder 56 is similar or identical to encoders 52. Main encoder 56
is illustrated separately in this embodiment as main encoder 56 may
be used to encode the video signal that is sent to venue display 60
so that the users of wireless devices 76 may also choose to view
the same video being displayed on venue display 60. Where streaming
server 62 holds an ephemeral cache of the output of main encoder 56
for delayed playback, this video stream cache may later be used
after the live event is over to replay all or a portion of the live
event to the operators of wireless devices 76 (or other devices) In
some embodiments, streaming server 62 (or other devices) may record
the video, audio, or audio/video streams for later use. Such
recordings may also be used to replay all or a portion of the live
event to the operators of wireless devices 76 (or other
devices).
[0025] In some embodiments, encoders 52 and main encoder 56 may
also receive an output from the main sound board of the venue (not
explicitly shown). Thus, encoders 52 and main encoder 56 may also
encode audio signals that may be synchronized with the video
signals received and encoded by encoders 52 and main encoder 56. As
was the case with the video signals, the audio signals may be
analog or digital signals without departing from the scope of the
invention. Any video signals or audio signals may be digitally
encoded in any acceptable digital format without departing from the
scope of the invention. In some embodiments, cameras 50 may create
audio signals.
[0026] Streaming server 62 may be used to stream digital video to
wireless devices 76 (or other devices). Streaming server 62 may be
located in a venue (or elsewhere) and may have wireless networking
hardware built into it to provide the streaming of video in a
wireless manner to wireless devices 76. Alternatively, streaming
server 62 may be connected to a wireless network or a network that
includes both wired and wireless links. Ultimately, video streamed
by streaming server 62 may be provided to wireless devices 76 in a
wireless fashion (or other devices in a wired or wireless fashion).
Streaming server 62 may provide video from one or more cameras 50
and/or from video mixing board 54 in a digital stream to wireless
devices 76 in a real-time or near real-time fashion. Alternatively,
the video could be streamed on a time delayed basis.
[0027] While in this embodiment, streaming server 62 is shown as
providing streamed video to wireless devices 76 using wireless
communication, wireless communication is optional. In some
embodiments, streaming server 62 may provide streamed digital video
through a wired communications network or otherwise provide video
over a wired communications link to devices capable of receiving
the streamed digital video and outputting that digital video to a
display.
[0028] In this embodiment, streaming server 62 provides multiple
digital video streams of video signals received from encoders 52
and main encoder 56 while the live event is occurring. Depending
upon the embodiment, streaming server 62 may simply provide the
video in a streamed fashion without recording it. Alternatively,
streaming server 62 may record some or all of the video streams it
receives so as to allow future and repeated playback of those video
streams.
[0029] Streaming server 62 may provide digital video streams to
wireless devices 76 or other devices (not explicitly shown) using
point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, peer-to-peer,
multipoint-to-multipoint communications, or any combination
thereof. All of these forms of communicating between streaming
server 62 and wireless devices 76 (or other devices) are
contemplated by the scope of the invention.
[0030] As noted above in connection with the description of
encoders 52 and main encoder 56, the digital video streamed by
streaming server 62 may or may not include audio signals. In some
cases the digital video signal will include an encoded audio
signal. In other embodiments, a digital audio signal may be
synchronized with the streamed digital video signal.
[0031] In some embodiments, encoders 52 and main encoder 56 will
provide the audio signal to streaming server 62. In other
embodiments, separate audio encoders (not explicitly shown) will
provide the audio in digital form to streaming server 62. In other
embodiments, the hardware and/or software for encoders 52 and main
encoder 56 may be incorporated within streaming server 62 to
perform encoding of video, audio, and/or a combination of video and
audio.
[0032] In some embodiments, streaming server 62 may have the
capability to determine the particular video stream chosen by a
particular wireless device 76 during a particular time period. In
such an embodiment, streaming server 62 may capture statistics and
store them in streaming server 62 and/or provide them to
application server 64 concerning the viewing habits of the
operators of particular wireless devices 76. For example, streaming
server 62 may capture statistics on which video signal provided by
a camera 50 is the most popular camera angle for viewing during a
particular point in time during a live event. Thus, streaming
server 62 may record the camera angle choices of operators of
wireless devices 76 (or other devices). Those choices may later be
synchronized by application server 64 with selected demographic
information concerning the owner of a wireless device 76. In other
embodiments, the application server 64 may record such statistics
where the application server 64 interacts with wireless devices 76
(or other devices) to allow selection of a camera angle. The
streaming server 62 may also capture other statistics typically
captured by streaming servers.
[0033] These statistics may allow the operator of a live event, the
performers at a live event, or others to target marketing of
recordings of the live event to different demographic groups based
upon aggregate preferences of particular demographic groups for a
particular camera angle or media stream.
[0034] In some embodiments, streaming server 62 may have security
controls built-in such that streaming server 62 controls the
wireless devices 76 that are capable of receiving the output of
streaming server 62. If wireless devices 76 include a GPS receiver
that indicates the geographic position of the wireless device 76,
then streaming server 62 or application server 64 may provide
constraints as to the GPS coordinates of particular wireless
devices 76 that are authorized to receive a video stream of the
live event. Software and/or hardware in wireless devices 76 may
prevent video streams outside the range of authorized GPS
coordinates from viewing particular video streams.
[0035] Application server 64 (and/or streaming server 62) may also
control which wireless devices 76 are capable of receiving video
streams by requiring the operator of a wireless device 76 to input
a code (such as, for example, a numeric code) from a ticket to the
live event into the wireless device 76 in order to obtain
authorization to receive streamed video for that live event. As
another example, owners of wireless devices 76 may subscribe to
services that allow them to obtain streamed video for various live
events. Application server 64 (and/or streaming server 62) may
retain identification numbers of such wireless devices 76. Using
such identification numbers, application server 64, a wireless
device 76, and/or the combination may provide security control such
that only wireless devices 76 that have subscribed to a particular
service are allowed to receive video of the live event from
streaming server 62. (Similar control could be used for other
devices besides wireless devices 76.)
[0036] Alternatively, in another embodiment, an owner of a wireless
device 76 (or other user thereof) may purchase a code to input into
wireless device 76 to allow wireless device 76 to receive streamed
video for a particular live event. This code could be purchased at
the time tickets for the live event were purchased or otherwise
obtained. Alternatively, this code could be obtained at the live
event venue.
[0037] In some embodiments, only attendees of the live event will
be permitted to receive streamed video from streaming server 62. In
other embodiments, wireless devices 76 (or other devices) remote
from the venue of the live event will be permitted to receive
streamed video of the live event from streaming server 62. In such
embodiments, attendees of the live event, and/or remote viewers may
be permitted to receive either live video, delayed video, or
recorded video of the live event (and/or audio live, delayed, or
recorded) depending upon the desires of the operator of the venue
where the live event is occurring, the promoters of the live event,
the operator of the service, and/or the performers of the live
event.
[0038] The system may also include application server 64. In this
embodiment, application server 64 comprises software running on a
general purpose computer such as a general purpose computer 10. In
other embodiments, application server 64 may be a special purpose
device. While FIG. 2 illustrates application server 64 as being
separate from streaming server 62, venue server 58, and application
distribution server 66, all of these servers could be combined in a
single physical computer, a computer with multiple processors, or
run on a collection of computers without departing from the scope
of the invention. Similarly, other systems, gateways, and servers
illustrated in FIG. 2 could be combined with the functions of
application server 64 without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0039] Application server 64 controls various functions for the
system illustrated in FIG. 2. Application server 64 controls the
registration of wireless devices 76 (or other devices) to allow
such devices to receive video, audio, and/or audio-video from
streaming server 62. In this embodiment, application server 64
gathers identification information about each wireless device 76
being registered as well as demographic information about the
operator of wireless device 76. Such demographic information may
include but is not limited to the name, address, telephone number,
work address, work telephone number, electronic mail address, age,
occupation, sex, and/or income of the operator of a wireless device
76. Other demographic information may be collected or some of the
listed demographic information omitted without departing from the
scope of the invention. This information may be gathered at one
time or over multiple sessions on the wireless device, on another
device (eg: an internet-connected PC), or on any combination of
devices. Application server 64 may also gather information about
the wireless device 76. Where wireless device 76 includes a
wireless telephone capability, application server 64 may obtain the
telephone number of the wireless device 76 during the registration
process and/or may obtain some other identification code or number
associated with a particular wireless device 76.
[0040] As noted above, the system of the invention can be used to
stream video, audio, and/or audio-video signals. When the terms
"video signal," "video stream," etc. are used in the claims, those
terms are meant to broadly refer to any type of signal that
includes video content including without limitation video without
audio, video interleaved with audio, video synchronized with an
audio signal, etc. Any of the video, audio, or audio-video signals
herein could have data interleaved with them as well without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0041] Application server 64 may also maintain records concerning
the wireless devices 76, and/or persons who have authority to
receive video from streaming server 62 for a particular live event.
In this embodiment, application server 64 stores data concerning
each event in a database. Where tickets are sold for the live
event, application server 64 may maintain a list of valid codes
which are printed on the ticket. These codes may then be used to
control access to video, audio, and/or audio-video from streaming
server 62. Where a ticket is reported stolen or lost, application
server 64 may be able to determine that the code associated with
the stolen or lost ticket is invalid, thus preventing streaming
server 62 from providing video to a person using that ticket code
with a wireless device 76 in an attempt to receive the streamed
video. In other embodiments, no such security will be provided.
Additional security may be provided by application server 64 by
monitoring access attempts and disabling access to streaming server
62 and/or application server 64 temporarily or permanently if
repeated unauthorized attempts to access the system are
detected.
[0042] In some embodiments, application server 64 will maintain a
list of telephone numbers or other identification numbers for
wireless devices 76 (or other devices) such that it can instruct
streaming server 62 to allow or disallow a particular wireless
device 76 from receiving video, audio, and/or audio-video from
streaming server 62 for the particular live event. In other
embodiments, application server 64 may maintain data concerning
special access codes which are valid for a particular live event.
In such an embodiment, application server 64 may interact with
streaming server 62 to only allow those wireless devices 76
providing a valid authentication code to receive video, audio,
and/or audio-video of the live event from streaming server 62.
[0043] In the case of an owner of a wireless device 76 (or other
device) who has subscribed to receive video, audio, and/or
audio-video from the service for a variety of live events,
application server 64 may use the telephone number and/or other
identification number, security certificate, or key for the
wireless device 76 and/or user-specific authentication credentials
(such as a user name and password or token or key) to control
access to video from streaming server 62.
[0044] In some embodiments, an application server 64, a streaming
server 62, and an application distribution server 66 may be used to
serve multiple venues for multiple live events. In other
embodiments, some or all of these servers could be provided one per
venue or one per multiple venues. Any suitable communications link
may be used to link any of the various components of the system
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0045] Application server 64 may also maintain data about
particular events such as the timing of the event, the location of
the event, the time zone of the event, and the performers at the
event as well as the rights associated with the streams originating
from the event, including but not limited to: duration of
availability, maximum numbers of views/plays per member, maximum
number of plays per stream, viral marketing "send to a friend"
permission, maximum number of "send to a friend"s per member, and
maximum number of "send to a friend"s per stream, permission to
"send to a friend" who was not at the event or only to send the
stream to other people who where at the event (who would be
required to authenticate same using methods described elsewhere).
Application server 64 may maintain a database associated with each
person and/or wireless device 76 (or other device) which has
registered with application server 64 to receive streamed video
from streaming server 62. As noted above, this database may include
demographic information about the user, information about the
user's wireless device 76, as well as information concerning which
events a particular user has attended or purchased the ability to
receive live video for a period. Each member may also have
particular preferences concerning the way in which information is
provided to and from its wireless device 76 or other device, and
application server 64 may retain these preferences as well.
[0046] Application server 64 may include in its database
information sufficient to track usage of copyrightable content so
that any required royalties (if any) may be paid for any copyright
usage associated with the use of the system illustrated in FIG. 2.
Application server 64 may also include data concerning the video
and/or audio information being provided by streaming server 62.
[0047] As noted above, application server 64 may also obtain
statistical information concerning the use of the system by various
users of wireless devices 76 (or other devices). Application server
64 may track each session between wireless device 76 and
application server 64 and/or streaming server 62 to determine what
each user did while interacting with the system illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0048] Application server 64 may also manage the security of the
system by controlling the access of wireless devices 76 (or other
devices) to video and/or audio output by streaming server 62 using
any of the methods described herein. Authentication by wireless
device 76 will be described more particularly below in connection
with a description of wireless device 76.
[0049] As noted above, application server 64 may maintain various
statistics concerning various access patterns by users of wireless
devices 76. Application server 64 may also maintain statistics
concerning what occurred for a particular live event. Application
server 64 may produce various reports containing these statistics
to be used for better enhancing live events in the future. These
reports may also be used to track usage patterns of particular
users and/or demographic groups and/or target messages to these
users.
[0050] The system illustrated in FIG. 2 may allow attendees at a
live event to use a wireless device 76 (or another device) to send
text messages, pictures, and/or video clips to be displayed on
venue display 60. In order to prevent undesirable messages (e.g.
obscene. messages or images) from appearing on venue display 60,
messages from a wireless device 76 are sent to application server
64, in this embodiment through SMS/MMS gateway 68. The messages are
received by application server 64. In one embodiment, application
server 64 contains a list of words to be automatically deleted from
messages intended to be displayed on venue display 60. This feature
is optional and could be omitted without departing from the scope
of the invention. After bad words have been deleted from the
message in such an embodiment, the message is provided to
publishing workstation 77 where a human moderator may choose to
allow or disallow the content from being displayed on venue display
60 and/or may edit the content. In some embodiments, the messages
may also be sent to a review workstation 75 for review an
advertiser or any other person associated with the live event. The
review workstation 75 may allow another person to approve or
disapprove of content for display on venue display 60 (or in some
cases for streaming during or after the conclusion of the live
event). After review has taken place using one or both of
publishing workstation 77 and/or review workstation 75, the content
may be sent to application server 64 for display on venue display
60 using venue server 58. Venue server 58 may provide a video
signal containing the attendee content for display. A human or
automated process may control whether content provided to venue
server 58 gets displayed on venue display 60.
[0051] The SMS/MMS gateway 68 may be software running on a general
purpose computer such as general purpose computer 10. The functions
of SMS/MMS gateway 68 may be provided by any combination of
hardware and/or software without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0052] A similar service may be provided by application server 64
to wireless devices 76 (or other devices) for digital still images,
video, audio, and/or audio-video taken using a wireless device 76
(or other device). Thus, the system illustrated in FIG. 2 also
allows attendees of a live event to share still images, video,
audio, and/or audio-video clips that the attendees themselves
produced with other attendees of the concert. These pictures,
video, audio, and/or audio-video clips may be provided by the
wireless device 76 (or other device) through SMS/MMS gateway 68 or
in the case of audio via the voice network (user calls a phone
number and leaves a voicemail message which is picked up and
processed by the application server) to application server 64.
Application server 64 may then provide the images, video, audio,
and/or audio-video clips to the publishing workstation 77 and
optionally to the review workstation(s) 75 once published where a
human moderator(s) may choose to allow the same to be displayed or
not to be displayed on venue display 60. (or played on the venue
p.a. system in the case of audio clips). Any clips or messages that
are approved by the moderator are then sent by the application
server to the venue server 58 for display or playback. The SMS/MMS
gateway may be software running on a general purpose computer such
as general purpose computer 10. The functions of SMS/MMS gateway
may be provided by any combination of hardware and/or software
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0053] Application server 64 may also maintain a list of lost or
stolen telephones or other wireless devices 76 where a user has
reported their telephone or other wireless device 76 lost or
stolen. This list may allow application server 64 to deny streaming
server 62 from providing live video, audio, and/or still images of
the live event to the lost or stolen wireless device 76.
Alternatively, this information may allow application server 64 to
control wireless device 76 such that the video or other visual
content may not be displayed by the particular wireless device 76
and any audio information received is prevented from being output
to a speaker of wireless device 76.
[0054] As has been discussed herein, venue display 60 may allow
live video of the live event to be displayed during the live event.
In addition, venue display 60 may allow prerecorded content to be
displayed prior to an event, during intermissions, and/or after the
event. Venue display 60 may also be used to display text messages,
pictures, video and/or images provided by attendees of the live
event to application server 64. Finally, venue display 60 may be
used to provide announcements by the operator of the venue using
venue server 58.
[0055] In this embodiment, application server 64 may send
electronic mail messages to a wireless device 76 (or other device)
using SMTP server 70. Such e-mails may be used to send advertising,
reminders, and/or surveys to wireless devices 76 (or other
devices). Wireless devices 76 may provide e-mail responses to
surveys back to application server 64. The SMTP server 70 may be
software running on a general purpose computer such as general
purpose computer 10. The functions of SMTP server 70 may be
provided by any combination of hardware and/or software without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0056] In this embodiment, application server 64 may send text
and/or multimedia messages to a wireless device 76 (or other
device) using the SMS/MMS gateway 10 or SMTP server 70. Such
messages or e-mails may be used to send advertising, reminders,
and/or surveys to wireless devices 76 (or other devices). Wireless
devices 76 may provide responses to surveys or other messages back
to application server 64. The SMTP server 70 may be software
running on a general purpose computer such as general purpose
computer 10. The functions of SMTP server 70 may be provided by any
combination of hardware and/or software without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0057] Event marketing system 72, in this embodiment comprises a
website and/or database that provides information about upcoming
live events. Event marketing system 72 may also advertise the live
video and/or audio services provided by the system illustrated in
FIG. 2. In some embodiments, event marketing system 72 may also
facilitate registration of a wireless device 76 user, or other
device with application server 64. Event marketing system 72 may
also provide information about events to application server 64 for
storage in a database associated with application server 64. In
this embodiment, event marketing system 72 comprises a website
running on a general purpose computer, such as general purpose
computer 10. Event marketing system 72 could be any combination of
hardware and software without departing from the scope of the
invention. Event marketing system 72 could be the same system as
the ticketing system 74 without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0058] Ticketing system 74 may be a general purpose computer such
as general purpose computer 10 (or a plurality of computers).
Ticketing system 74 may be any combination of hardware and/or
software without departing from the scope of the invention. In this
embodiment, ticketing system 74 may provide information about valid
ticket codes to application server 64 as tickets are purchased or
in batch files before, during, or after purchases. Thus,
application server 64 may maintain a database of valid codes for a
particular live event as reported by ticketing system 74. In some
embodiments, valid ticket codes may be linked by the application
server 64 to a telephone number, a person's name, a person's
address, a person's e-mail address, or other identification data
associated with a person. In other embodiments, the ticket code
may. be linked to an identification code associated with a wireless
device 76 (or other device) by the application server 64
[0059] The system illustrated in FIG. 2 also comprises application
distribution server 66. In this embodiment, application
distribution server 66 comprises a software application running on
a general purpose computer such as a general purpose computer 10.
Application distribution server 66 may be any combination of
hardware and/or software without departing from the scope of the
invention. In this embodiment, application distribution server 66
stores the latest version of software for a wireless device 76 (or
another device) to facilitate communication with application server
64 to receive audio, video, and/or audio/video streams from
streaming server 62. As noted above, still photos may also be
provided and received by wireless devices 76 using software
provided by application distribution server 66 in some embodiments.
Application distribution server 66 may allow a wireless device 76
with an older version of the software application to update to the
current version.
[0060] Although not explicitly illustrated, application server 64
may also interface with point of sale displays in retail locations
to provide audio/video/image streams from the streaming server 62,
provide information about upcoming events, promotions for the
service, and/or any other information maintained by application
server 64.
[0061] The system of FIG. 2 also includes a plurality of wireless
devices 76. As noted above, the system could include a plurality of
other devices which are connected to streaming server 62 using a
wired connection rather than a wireless connection. A combination
of wired and wireless devices and connection may also be used. In
this embodiment, wireless devices 76 may be portable or unportable.
In some embodiments, the wireless devices 76 will be handheld
devices. Wireless devices 76 may be, for example, personal
computers such as general purpose computer 10. For example, a
laptop computer with a wireless link could serve as a wireless
device 76. In other embodiments, wireless device 76 will be a
personal digital assistant. In other embodiments, wireless device
76 will be a wireless telephone. In other embodiments, a touch
screen wired system might be connected to the system in place of,
or in addition to wireless device(s) 76. The system of the
invention may include a mixture of such devices and a mixture of
wired and wireless devices without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0062] Wireless devices 76 may comprise computer software to allow
the playback of streamed digital video, audio, and/or audio/video.
Such software may allow the processing of audio signals combined
with the video signals (and/or streamed separately but synchronized
to the video signals) and/or audio signals without video signals
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0063] Wireless devices 76 can be made operable to receive video,
images, audio, and/or audio-video from streaming server 62 using a
software application running on a wireless device 76. The software
application may be obtained from application distribution server
66, preloaded on the device, or installed on the device by any
other means in this embodiment. The software application used to
interface a wireless device 76 to application server 64 may or may
not include software for playing back streamed video on a display
associated with wireless device 76. In some embodiments, a separate
piece of software on wireless device 76 may be used to process the
streamed video. In one embodiment, software used to playback the
video stream from streaming server 62 may be the Windows Media
Player. Alternative embodiments, including but not limited to an
MPEG 4 video player may be used. However, any choice of software
capable of receiving streamed digital video, images, audio, and/or
audio-video and outputting it to a display associated with wireless
device 76 may be used without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0064] In some embodiments, the software application on wireless
device 76 to interface with application server 64 will allow
registration of the wireless device 76 with application server 64
to enable wireless device 76 to receive service. In alternative
embodiments, registration may be conducted though event marketing
system 72, ticketing system 74 and/or the Internet and/or any
combination.
[0065] In some embodiments, a software application running on
wireless device 76 opens a session with application server 64 by
authenticating the wireless device 76 with application server 64 in
one of the manners discussed above. After authentication, the
software application and wireless device 76 may present a series of
options to the user of wireless device 76. One option may be to
select a video stream (camera angle) for a live event. A menu of
possible choices may be provided by application server 64 to the
wireless device 76. After the user of wireless device 76 selects
one of the options, then the wireless device 76 may receive video
from a particular camera 50 through streaming server 62. In some
embodiments, the user may have additional options to select
periodic still pictures provided by one or more of the cameras 50.
This option may also be provided through a menu. The video
selection options may also allow the user to view the signal
displayed on venue display 60. The specific order of steps, or the
inclusion or exclusion of specific steps may be changed without
departing from the scope of the invention. At some live events, the
system may store various prerecorded content on streaming server
62. Examples of prerecorded content may include commentary about
the performer at the live event, interviews with the performer,
and/or still pictures of the performer. The user may have the
option of selecting this prerecorded content using wireless device
76 as well.
[0066] At various events (such as sporting events), the user of
wireless device 76 may also have the option to select a replay of
the last play from one or more camera angles. In such an
embodiment, the available options would be presented to the user of
wireless device 76 using a menu. The user could then enter his or
her selection so as to view the replay of the previous play. In
some embodiments, replays of multiple plays may be available to a
wireless device 76.
[0067] As noted above, wireless device 76 may establish a session
with application server 64 through authentication. In some
embodiments, application server 64, streaming server 62, and/or any
other server may provide an authentication key to wireless device
76 to allow decoding of video, audio, and/or audio-video streams or
files received from streaming server 62. In other embodiments, the
authentication process will allow wireless device 76 to receive a
video stream sent directly to the particular wireless device 76. In
other embodiments, the authentication process will allow a received
video stream to be output to the display of wireless device 76. In
other embodiments, a certification or token may be provided to
wireless device 76 to allow wireless device 76 to request
transmission of the stream from streaming server 76. Any type of
authentication may be used without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0068] During each of these actions, application server 64
communicates with wireless device 76 to facilitate interaction
between a wireless device 76 and the remainder of the system of
FIG. 2. In other embodiments, application server 64 could simply
provide authentication information to wireless device 76 without
tracking the operation of wireless device 76 for the remainder of
the live event.
[0069] In some embodiments, the software application running on
wireless device 76 may allow the passing of text messages,
pictures, and/or video and/or audio clips created using wireless
device 76 for possible display (or broadcast in the case of audio)
on venue display 60. Such content may be provided through
application server 64 to publishing workstation 75 where an
operator decides what content to display on venue display 60.
[0070] In some embodiments, software and wireless device 76 may
allow the operator of a wireless device 76 to play a game (e.g. a
trivia game) with other people at the live event. This game may be
played using information displayed on venue display 60.
[0071] In some embodiments, software available on wireless device
76 may interact with application server 64 to provide an event
calendar of upcoming events where the video streaming service may
be available to a wireless device 76. Optionally, the event
calendar may be interactive allowing an operator of a wireless
device 76 to sign up for live video service at a future event
and/or purchase tickets.
[0072] As noted above, wireless devices 76 may optionally be
equipped to receive audio streamed from streaming server 62 either
as part of a video signal, as a separate signal, or as a separate
signal synchronized to a video signal provided by streaming server
62. Software on wireless device 76 may provide the user the option
of viewing a streamed video signal from streaming server 62 with or
without an audio signal.
[0073] In some embodiments, the system will allow the owner of a
wireless device 76 to view some or all of a live event after the
live event has concluded. In such embodiments, streaming server 62
or another device may cache or record some or all of the live event
as it is occurring. Wireless device 76 may interact with
application server 64 to cause streaming server 62 to provide
content from past live events to a particular wireless device 76.
In some embodiments, the number of times that a wireless device 76
can review the same content may be limited. In other embodiments, a
time limit after the conclusion of the live event may be provided
such that after the time period has expired the operator of
wireless device 76 may no longer view some or all of the content
from the live event. In addition, the total number of times
particular content can be viewed may be limited on a content,
event, or other basis. Software on wireless device 76, application
server 64, and/or streaming server 62 may also interact to control
the ability of wireless device 76 to record content or export
content received from streaming server 62. Thus, the system
illustrated in FIG. 2 may allow protection of copyrights of
performers at live events.
[0074] In some embodiments, software and wireless device 76 may
also interact with application server 64 to share content from a
particular live event with a friend. In such an embodiment,
wireless device 76 may provide information to application server 64
about a friend with whom the operator of wireless device 76 desires
to share content. Application server 64 may then provide such
content to the friend using streaming server 62 to provide the
content to the friend's wireless device 76 (or other device).
Application server 64 may control the number of friends to which a
particular wireless device can share content and/or limit the
number of times certain content may be viewed by friends of the
operator of a wireless device 76. In addition, the time period
during which a friend may be allowed to view content provided by
streaming server 62 may be controlled using application server
64.
[0075] In addition, the total number of times particular content
can be provided to or viewed by friends in aggregate may be limited
on content, event, or other basis.
[0076] In some embodiments, a software application received from
application distribution server 66 and running on a wireless device
76 may also provide a help feature to provide instructions as to
how to use various features of the system and/or contact the
operator of the system with questions, feedback or other
unidirectional or bidirectional communication.
[0077] In some embodiments application server 64 and streaming
server 62 in conjunction with various wireless devices 76 may limit
the ability of a wireless or wired device outside the venue in
which the live event is occurring from receiving video and/or audio
provided by streaming server 62. In other embodiments, the system
illustrated in FIG. 2 may allow wireless devices 76 (or other
devices, wired or wireless) remote from the venue in which the live
event is occurring to receive video and/or audio or other content
from streaming server 62 while the event is occurring. In such
embodiments, remote wireless devices 76 (or other devices) could
receive the content on a near real-time basis, or on a delayed
basis.
[0078] In operation, a plurality of cameras 50 capture video during
a live event and provide video signals to encoders 52 and to video
mixing board 54. Video mixing board 54, in turn, provides a video
signal to main encoder 56. Video signals from encoders 52 and main
encoder 56 are provided to streaming server 62 and meta data
describing the encoded media may be provided to application server
64. At various times during the event, video from one or more of
the cameras 50 may be provided to an optional venue display 60
under control of venue server 58. In some embodiments information
and content may be provided by application server 54 to publishing
workstation(s) 77 and/or review workstation(s) 75 prior to being
made available to members.
[0079] During the event, one or more wireless devices 76 (or other
devices) may receive video, audio, audio/video, and or still
pictures streamed from streaming server 62. In some embodiments,
wireless devices 76 may be authenticated using application server
64 to allow the wireless device 76 either to receive, decode,
and/or display content received from streaming server 62. The
invention may allow attendees at a live event to select from one of
a plurality of camera views to view on a wireless device 76 and/or
another device capable of receiving a video signal.
[0080] Application server 64 may communicate with wireless devices
76 in various manners such as through application distribution
server 66, SMS/MMS gateway 68, and/or SMTP server 70 as described
above and/or via TCP/IP or other network protocol in an n-tiered
client/server configuration.
[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart describing the operation of
an example wireless device 76 in accordance with the present
invention. In step 90, the wireless device 76 and/or the user
operating wireless device 76 is authenticated using application
server 64. Application server 64 then communicates sufficient
information to wireless device 76 (e.g. to a client software
application) and/or streaming server 62 to allow the particular
wireless device 76 to receive content from streaming server 62.
[0082] In step 92, a menu choice is provided to the user. FIG. 3
illustrates many menu choices. Other menu choices may be provided
or some of the menu choices illustrated in FIG. 3 omitted without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0083] If a replay option is selected then in step 94 various
options for replay are displayed on wireless device 76 and input is
received from the user as to which replay option to select. Replay
options may include the camera angle, line cut, and/or the
particular play to receive a replay of if the event is a sporting
event. In step 96, the selected option is executed, the relevant
content received from streaming server 62 and also displayed on a
display of wireless device 76.
[0084] If the live option was chosen in step 92 then options for
live viewing are displayed in step 98 and input is received from
the user as to the display option preferred. Display options may
include various camera angles as provided by one or more of the
plurality of cameras 50, the option to receive video and/or still
photos, the option to receive audio along with, or without, the
video, a combination of the foregoing, and/or any other relevant
option. In step 100, the selected option may be executed such that
video (or still photos) are displayed on the display or audio is
played from the device's speaker or headset or external speaker(s).
After a particular selection has been made, some input may be
required in step 112 to cause the menu choices to be displayed and
a new choice to be made once again in step 92 or the user may be
able to switch to another choice by selecting that choice using an
input device, such as by pressing numbers on a telephone's keypad,
thus interrupting the current view and causing the application to
switch views.
[0085] If the user chooses the events option in step 92 then an
event calendar is displayed in step 102. Optionally, if the
particular embodiment allows signing up for a service, purchasing
tickets, and/or any other options associated with a future event,
then after the event calendar is displayed in step 102 these
options would be presented to the user.
[0086] In step 92, if the user chose to change his or her
preferences, then a menu of preferences would be displayed in step
104. Also in step 104, the user could enter his or her preferences
and those preferences would then be adjusted in step 106. The
adjustment of preferences may include providing information to
application server 64 that are used as default preferences during
future interactions between a wireless device 76 (e.g. through a
client application) and application server 64.
[0087] If in step 92 a content to screen option was selected, then
user content is received in step 108. As noted above, such content
may include text, still photos, video, audio, and/or audio-video
clips created using wireless device 76. In step 110, the relevant
content is sent to application server 64 using, for example,
SMS/MMS gateway 68. Application server 64 may then send the content
to publishing workstation 77 for display under control of the venue
display operator on venue display 60 or to the streaming server 62
for display on other wireless devices 76.
[0088] In some embodiments, user content may be sent to application
server 64 by other means. For example, the user may capture or
create the content and then send the content to the application
server 64 using a destination address such as a short code or email
address.
[0089] Although the present inventions have been described in
detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions
and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the
sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
[0090] To aid the Patent Office, and any readers of any patent
issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended
hereto, Applicant wishes to note that he does not intend any of the
appended claims to invoke 6 of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112 as it exists on
the date of filing hereof unless "means for" or "step for" are used
in the particular claim.
* * * * *