U.S. patent application number 12/172447 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for method and apparatus for displaying information.
This patent application is currently assigned to DIGITAL NETWORK SHOPPING, LLC. Invention is credited to Maryse Robinson, John G. Thomas.
Application Number | 20080276286 12/172447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22880046 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080276286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson; Maryse ; et
al. |
November 6, 2008 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION
Abstract
Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are methods and
apparatus incorporating, among other things, the concept of using,
in particular but without limitation, traditionally non-commercial
programming as a medium for selling products or services on-line,
and again in particular over the Internet. Using this concept, for
example, an element identified in motion picture programming can be
made identifiable by a viewer of the motion picture programming,
and thereby enabling a viewer to determine the source, location, or
other information referred to by the element. Using this concept,
for example, a viewer viewing a soap opera is able to use a device
to electronically select a element identified in the broadcast. In
turn, information referred to by the content element can be
displayed to the viewer, including purchase information. Using this
particular concept of the invention, traditionally non-commercial
programming can be efficiently used to indirectly advertise goods
or services and offer them for sale on-line.
Inventors: |
Robinson; Maryse; (Victoria,
MN) ; Thomas; John G.; (Victoria, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
DIGITAL NETWORK SHOPPING,
LLC
Victoria
MN
|
Family ID: |
22880046 |
Appl. No.: |
12/172447 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10393608 |
Mar 21, 2003 |
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12172447 |
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PCT/US01/29560 |
Sep 21, 2001 |
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10393608 |
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60234128 |
Sep 21, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/60 ;
375/E7.024 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/435 20130101;
G06Q 30/06 20130101; H04N 21/235 20130101; H04N 21/47815 20130101;
H04N 21/4782 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/60 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/445 20060101
H04N005/445 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2002 |
WO |
02/25556 A1 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: identifying an element in motion picture
programming; storing digital information referred to by the
element, wherein there is no synchronization between the motion
picture programming and the digital information; displaying the
element to a viewer; in response to viewing the element, the viewer
selecting the element; and in response to the viewer selecting the
element, displaying the stored digital information to the
viewer.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital information includes
purchase information referred to by the element.
3. The method of claim 2, including, in response to viewing the
stored digital information, the viewer purchasing a product or
service referred to by the element.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital information is stored
during the editing process of the motion picture programming.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital information is stored
after the motion picture programming is recorded, but before the
delivery of the motion picture programming.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital information is stored
before the motion picture programming is recorded.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the motion picture programming is
stored in a digital format for delivery to the user, and the
digital information is stored as part of the digital motion picture
programming data.
8. A system comprising: a processor coupled to a viewing device,
the processor configured to: (a) store digital information referred
to by an element identified in motion picture programming, wherein
there is no synchronization between the motion picture programming
and the digital information; (b) deliver to the viewing device at
least some of the stored digital information; and (c) deliver the
element to the viewing device; and a computer program operating on
the viewing device to display the element to a viewer and to
deliver at least a portion of the received digital information to
the viewer in response to the viewer selecting the element from the
viewing device.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the digital information includes
purchase information referred to by the element.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the computer program is
configured to, in response to the viewer viewing the stored digital
information, direct the viewer to a location to purchase a product
or service referred to by the element.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to
store the digital information before the motion picture programming
is recorded.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the motion picture programming
is stored in a digital format for delivery to the user, and wherein
the processor is configured to store the digital information as
part of the digital motion picture programming data.
13. A method comprising: identifying an element in motion picture
programming; storing digital information referred to by the
element, wherein there is no direct correlation between the motion
picture programming and the digital information; displaying the
element to a viewer; in response to viewing the element, the viewer
selecting the element; and in response to the viewer selecting the
element, displaying the stored digital information to the
viewer.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the digital information is
referred to by the content element, but different from the content
element.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the digital information
includes purchase information referred to by the element.
16. The method of claim 15, including, in response to viewing the
stored digital information, the viewer purchasing a product or
service referred to by the element.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the digital information is
stored before the motion picture programming is recorded.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the motion picture programming
is stored in a digital format for delivery to the user, and the
digital information is stored as part of the digital motion picture
programming data.
19. A system comprising: a processor coupled to a viewing device,
the processor configured to: (a) store digital information referred
to by an element identified in motion picture programming, wherein
there is no direct correlation between the motion picture
programming and the digital information; (b) deliver to the viewing
device at least some of the stored digital information; and (c)
deliver the element to the viewing device; and a computer program
operating on the viewing device to display the element to a viewer
and to deliver at least a portion of the received digital
information to the viewer in response to the viewer selecting the
element from the viewing device.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the digital information is
referred to by the content element, but different from the content
element.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the digital information
includes purchase information referred to by the element.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the computer program is
configured to, in response to the viewer viewing the stored digital
information, direct the viewer to a location to purchase a product
or service referred to by the element.
23. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor is configured to
store the digital information before the motion picture programming
is recorded.
24. The system of claim 19, wherein the motion picture programming
is stored in a digital format for delivery to the user, and wherein
the processor is configured to store the digital information as
part of the digital motion picture programming data.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of commonly assigned
Robinson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/393,608 filed
Mar. 21, 2003, which is a continuation of PCT/US01/29560 filed Sep.
21, 2001 and published in English as WO 02/25556 A1 on Mar. 28,
2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional application
60/234,128 filed Sep. 21, 2000, which applications and publications
are hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to displaying
information, and in particular to method and apparatus for
displaying information referred to by an element identified in
motion picture programming.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Broadcast television has long existed as a premier medium
for the advertisement and sale of goods and services. The
overwhelming volume of advertising and sales is conducted on
television using advertising spots, typically running between 15
and 60 seconds each, that are broadcast during commercial breaks
from regularly scheduled non-commercial programming or news
programs.
[0004] As used herein, the term "non-commercial programming" means
programming that is predominantly artistic in purpose and content
and does not contain direct appeals to consumers for the purchase
of a product, such as pricing information or information pertaining
to where or how to purchase an item or service for sale.
Non-commercial programming may, however, include "product
placements" such as brand name products or services that appear in
such programming but are not expressly offered for sale.
Non-commercial programming may be, for example and without
limitation, soap operas, made for TV movies, movies made for
release in theaters and later broadcast on TV, sit-coms, TV dramas,
documentaries, and game shows.
[0005] As used herein, the term "commercial programming" means
programming that is predominantly commercial in purpose and
content, such as a television advertisement for a product or
service that may or may indicate where such product or service may
be purchased, or the pricing of such product or service.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] As described further herein below, the present invention, in
various embodiments, provides method, apparatus and software for
the displaying information referred to by an element identified in
motion picture programming.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate example embodiments of the apparatus of
the invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates another example embodiment of the
apparatus of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration
specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The
following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined
only be the appended claims.
Method Embodiments
[0010] As described below in greater detail, the invention
exploits, in various embodiments described below, the concept of
using, in particular but without limitation, traditionally
non-commercial programming as a medium for selling products or
services on-line, and again in particular over the Internet. Using
this concept, for example, items used for props or settings of a
scene in motion picture programming are made electronically
identifiable by a viewer of the programming, and thereby enabling a
viewer to determine the source or location of the goods or setting
or other thing for sale, using an electronic system deployed in
part as a portion of the viewer's television viewing equipment.
[0011] Using this concept, for example, a user viewing a soap opera
is able to use a hand held device to electronically point to a
dress or item of jewelry worn by an actress, and selects the dress
or jewelry. In turn, the user is taken to a web site that offers
the dress for sale. This concept can also be used to find, for
example but without limitation, travel packages to a locale
featured in a motion picture program, or the names of hotels or
lodging near by.
[0012] Using this particular concept of the invention,
traditionally non-commercial programming can be efficiently used to
indirectly advertise goods or services and offer them for sale
on-line.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a method for selling products or services using a
television-viewing medium. The methods provides for 1) producing
motion picture programming with at least one element in at least
one scene of the motion picture programming, 2) recording digital
information about the element, 3) broadcasting the motion picture
programming, 4) receiving the broadcast and displaying the motion
picture programming on a television display, 5) in response to
viewing the motion picture programming on the television display, a
viewer electronically selecting the element shown in the at least
one scene, and 5) using the recorded digital information, linking
the viewer to a web site configured to permit purchase or ordering
of the element on-line.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the method, the programming
is non-commercial programming. According to another example
embodiment, an element is an item worn by a live actor in the
motion picture programming, and for example the item is selected
from the group of: a item of jewelry, a garment or an accessory. In
another embodiment, the element is a hairstyle, hairpiece or
cosmetic worn by a live actor in the motion picture programming. In
yet another embodiment, the element is a prop used in the motion
picture programming, and is selected for example from the group of:
a home furnishing, home decoration, fixture or appliance. In yet
another embodiment, the element is a real world setting, and the
setting is for example is selected from the group of: city
location, rural location, beach location or water location.
[0015] In still another example embodiment, the element is a device
used in the motion picture programming, and the device is selected
from the group of: an automobile, household appliance, tool or
consumer product.
[0016] According to one example embodiment, the information is
recorded during the editing process of the motion picture
programming. For example, during the editing process of a movie,
game show or soap opera. In one approach, the information is
recorded after the motion picture programming is shot but before
the broadcast of the motion picture programming. For instance, in
the editing process, elements are identified in each scene of the
programming, and information about the identified elements
recorded. This may be accomplished, for example, using a software
and/or hardware system that allows an editor to view each scene on
a screen display and using a pointing device identify and element
in a scene, whereupon the system creates recorded data that can be
later used to identify the element when it is selected by a viewer
during a broadcast. The system is, in one example, digital,
providing that scenes are represented in digital data, and edge
detection software operative in the system automatically identifies
the edges of an element.
[0017] Using another approach, the information is recorded prior to
the motion picture programming being shot, for example made
possible if the position of the elements in each scene is known in
advance.
[0018] In still another sample embodiment, the information is
broadcast with the motion picture programming, and may, for
example, be included with an analog television signal carrying the
motion picture programming. Alternatively, the information is
included with a digital television signal carrying the motion
picture programming. The motion picture programming may be, for
example, stored in a digital format for broadcasting, such that the
information is stored as part of the digital motion picture
programming data. In one example embodiment, the information is
stored separately from the motion picture programming.
[0019] According to yet still another example embodiment, the
information is referenced after a viewer selects an item and is
used to identify which element the viewer has chosen. In such an
example embodiment, for instance, the information specifies the
location of the element in a scene of the motion picture
programming.
[0020] In still another example embodiment of the methods of the
invention, the viewer selects a position on the motion picture
programming as it is displayed on the television display, and
information about the position of the element and the time the
element was selected is used to determine the identity of the
element using the information stored concerning the location of the
element in a scene of the motion picture programming.
[0021] In yet another embodiment, a viewer selects an element using
a hand held remote control device. Moreover, in another example
configuration, there is provided a storage device holding viewer
information including credit card numbers, with the storage device
being inserted into the remote control device. The hand held device
may further be configured to store information about any selected
element for later use to purchase the element, for example by
storing information obtained from a set top box concerning the
element, or concerning where the element was located in the motion
picture. According to yet another example embodiment, the set top
box stores information pertaining to selected element for later
retrieval to use in purchasing an element.
[0022] In still another example embodiment signals from the hand
held remote are received at a set top device. The hand held remote
control device can be used with one or more different set top
devices.
[0023] In yet another example embodiment, the method provides for
receiving the broadcast at a set top device and in response to a
viewer's input freezes framing an image currently being displayed
prior to the viewer selecting an element. The freeze-framed image
is retrieved for later display and use to select an element.
[0024] Other embodiments of the invention entail broadcasting
motion picture programming with at least one element in at least
one scene of the motion picture programming, wherein the broadcast
includes the motion picture programming and the signal may in one
example embodiment contain further include non-displayable encoded
information about how to locate a web site containing information
about the element. In one alternative example embodiment, the
encoded information is carried in an analog broadcast signal,
and/or for example, the encoded information is watermarked in the
broadcast signal. Further, the encoded information can in one
embodiment be carried in a digital broadcast signal. Alternatively,
information about the element is not carried in the broadcast
signal but stored in database and referenced later to help identify
an element.
[0025] On the viewer's end, the broadcast of the motion picture
programming is received and is displayed on a television display,
in response to viewing the motion picture programming on the
television display, the viewer electronically selects an element
shown in the at least one scene of the motion picture programming,
and, using pre-recorded digital information either carried with the
signal or retrieved from a database, the viewer is linked to a web
site containing information about the element.
[0026] In still another example embodiment, a web site host uses
the pre-recorded digital information to link a viewer to a web site
containing information about an element shown in at least one scene
of a motion picture programming.
[0027] On the production end, in one example embodiment, motion
picture programming is produced with at least one element in at
least one scene of the motion picture programming. Digital
information about the element sufficient to link a viewer of a
television broadcast of the motion picture programming to a web
site containing information about the element is then recorded.
[0028] According to one particular example embodiment, the x-y
coordinates of the pixel locations corresponding to the position of
elements in the motion picture programming at various different
times, for example successive scenes of the motion picture, are
recorded to create a mapping of elements to their x-y locations in
the scenes. This allows a user viewing the scenes on a television
viewing device to later select a position on a frame of the motion
picture programming and thereby electronically specify the x-y
coordinate location of an element in the frame, which x-y
coordinate location can then be used to determine what the
corresponding element in the scene is by reference to the
prerecorded information. Such prerecorded x-y coordinate
information may, for example, be stored in a web server, indexed
according to scene, or according to frames of a scene or some other
time-based index that can be used to identify a particular instance
in the motion picture. A viewer can then use, for instance, a set
top box device to select an element in a scene being viewed, and in
turn the set top box produces the x-y coordinates of that element
in the scene, and a designation of the instance in time or frame or
other segment that the scene occurred relative to the beginning and
end of the motion picture. This information is used by the web
server to identify the element chosen by the user, similarly to how
user activated "buttons" are mapped and used in graphical user
interface programming.
[0029] According to an example embodiment of the broadcast method,
the motion picture programming is distributed to one or more
over-the-air or satellite or cable broadcast networks, or
distributed to an Internet broadcast narrowcast system, such that
programming may be viewed on a television display device either
through a convention television system, or on the monitor of a
personal computer or workstation that is being used as a television
display device. Accordingly, as used herein, the term "television
display device" refers to any device capable of displaying motion
picture programming, such as a conventional television tube, a flat
panel television display for instance using liquid crystal
technology, or the monitor of a computer system whether tube liquid
crystal based or otherwise.
[0030] According to still another embodiment of the invention, one
or more web servers or computing systems are used to collect
viewing and purchasing data for viewers purchasing goods or
services using the above described method. In one example
embodiment, each viewer using the system is registered
electronically at a web server system, and each time that viewer
selects an element for investigation of a purchase, or actual
purchase, the identity of that viewer, or at least some
demographically information concerning the viewer such as their
geographical location or age or gender, an identification of the
motion picture programming from which the element is selected, and
any actual sales information, is recorded on the server system for
later reference, for example to "mine" information about viewing
habits or purchasing habits of registered viewers.
[0031] According to one example method, each time a viewer selects
an element that they wish to purchase, the viewer is asked to enter
a personal identification number or other password and/or a user
name if such is not pre-known by virtue of pre-stored information
for example in the viewer's remote control device or set top box.
The password can then be used to release credit card or other
credit or debit or cash card or account information that allows the
viewer to complete a purchase transaction electronically.
[0032] According to yet other embodiments of the methods of the
invention, the above-described methods can be implemented in whole
or in part using or in combination with other systems. For
instance, the methods may be implemented in such a way that
broadcast motion picture programming is synchronized with a
web-based application. Using this approach, for instance, the
web-based application would be informed of or in synchrony with
which scenes of the motion picture programming were being broadcast
and viewed by the viewer. Knowing the scene being viewed, and using
a pre-recorded mapping of the location of certain elements in each
scene, or frame of a scene if the element moves position during the
scene, allows that the web server can identify an element selected
by a viewer provided that the user's system, located for instance
and most typically in a user's home, can specify the x-y
coordinates of the element in a scene or at a certain point in the
scene.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the actual motion picture
programming signal is itself encoded with information on the
identity of an element, for example such that the element has an
un-displayed "tag" of data that can be accessed when the element is
selected with a selection device, and then used to facilitate a
purchase of the element. For example, a viewer may select a tagged
element, and the tag information then used to direct the viewer to
a web site offering that element for sale, and, more particularly
in one example embodiment, to a page of the web site that contains
purchasing information for the element. Such tags may be
incorporated, for example, in data formats such as MPEG data
containing the motion picture programming, or other digital data
formats. Alternatively, such data may be encoded into an analog
broadcast signal in the blanking period or watermarked into the
actual displayed content, such that the watermarking can be read by
a set top box unit that is forwarding the signal to the television
viewing device. In the case of tagged elements, one aspect is that
most or all of the information that is required to identify the
element is included with the broadcasted signal. This is in
contrast to requiring reference to an independently maintained
database to identify the element, as for example described above
where the element is identified by mapping a location of the
element to a database defining where elements are found in a motion
picture. Of course, one example embodiment may use both tagging and
independently stored data to accomplish this function.
[0034] As used herein, the term "set top" box or unit or device
shall mean a signal processing apparatus that can be stand alone or
incorporated bodily into a television viewing device or other
electronic apparatus that is used to view motion picture
programming. For example, a set top box may be of the form
typically used by cable or satellite television and Internet access
systems, where signals are delivered from a head end or satellite
system or otherwise delivered to the set top device and thereafter
converted into signals displayable as motion picture programming on
a television viewing device, or displayed as web pages in the case
where Internet access if provided, or both simultaneously.
[0035] According to yet another embodiment, other methods of
identifying the element are possible and the invention is in no way
limited in the respect of how the element is identified in order to
facilitate a sale.
[0036] It shall be understood that while the invention has been
described in various embodiments above as implemented on the
Internet with respect to on-line sales, other networks can be
substituted, such as a private network that does not implicate the
Internet. Such a network may be an "intranet" or "extranet" or
simply a wide area network. Alternatively, a point-to-point system
that is not strictly a network could also be used as the medium to
send purchase requests to processing and distribution center and/or
computer system.
[0037] According to still another embodiment of the invention, the
invention is applied not only to non-commercial motion picture
programming, but also to commercial programming, allowing, for
example but not with limitation, multiple elements for sale to be
featured in a motion picture commercial programming, and allowing a
user to select one or more of the elements to effectuate a sale of
the item.
[0038] According to yet still another example embodiment of the
invention, the viewer is provided with information concerning where
an element may be purchased, or other information such as pricing
information, but not given an opportunity to purchase the element
on-line.
[0039] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, one or
more still images of scenes taken from motion picture programming
is stored in a storage location such as a web server on the
Internet. These still images are, in one example embodiment, taken
from the motion picture programming prior to broadcast, and one or
more elements are identified on the still images in the same manner
as specified above. Upon viewing such programming via a broadcast,
a user is informed with visible instructions forming part of the
displayed programming to visit a web site where such still images
from the broadcast may be viewed and wherein elements of the images
may be selected in order to purchase or otherwise obtain
information on such elements. According to an alternative
embodiment, pressing one or more buttons on the remote control unit
automatically brings a user to the web site where the still images
can be viewed and elements from scenes in the images can be
selected for purchase. In this embodiment, therefore, it is
unnecessary to know where within the programming the viewer has
activated the system to go to the web site, as the viewer can
select the scene of interest from, for example, one or a gallery of
scenes stored at the site. In this embodiment, therefore, no
synchronization or direct correlation between the actual broadcast
and the elements for sale on the web site is necessary. According
to one example embodiment, selecting and "clicking on" a scene in a
program takes the user to the web site that provides access to the
corresponding still images and purchasing information and
infrastructure.
[0040] According to still another example embodiment, the
programming may be distributed not only as a broadcast, but also in
the form of a DVD disc, VHS tape or MP3 or other data storage
format. In such an embodiment, the invention works in a like manner
as described above in such embodiments where synchronization with a
live broadcast is not necessary to the described operation.
Instead, the programming content is delivered to the system via the
recording media or source such as a media server.
[0041] According to still another embodiment, the invention is
adapted to be used for audio programming, wherein a user may select
an audio element of audio programming using a select device such as
a button, in order to obtain information or purchase of an item or
service related to the audio element, in the same manner as is
described in the various embodiments above. For example, a user may
select a "song" that is played in an audiovisual broadcast by
pushing a "audio selection" button or on-screen select element, and
receive information concerning the audio content or the product or
service referred to by the content. In such a manner, a radio
broadcast or music recording or a movie soundtrack may be used as a
basis for sale of a product or service in the same manner as
described above with respect to visual elements in programming
material.
[0042] According to another example embodiment of the methods of
the invention, the invention is adapted for operation to view or
listen to programming on personal digital assistants (PDA's),
cellular telephones handheld/portable televisions, computers and
the like.
[0043] According to one example embodiment, programming may be
obtained from various sources including but not limited to DVD,
VHS, SetTop Memory/Disk, Live TV, Wireless, Movie Theater, Radio,
Web Radio, Web Video, Web Sites, Post-Sale Promotions, Print
Materials, and Dedicated Video Print and Audio Catalogs. Scene
selection and retention may be accomplished a custom set top box,
conventional and commercially available set top boxes, memory
devices, web links, PDA's an digital telephones. Scene review may
be accomplished by visual review of selections, with searching by
product type, show, show type and other familiar categorizations.
Product selection may be obtained by a web set operated to display
goods for a number of different advertisers/companies, or from the
actual advertisers own web site. Also, purchase an item may be
accomplished by use of a central web site or operations center, or
by the actual advertisers, or a hybrid for example implemented in
XML programming language.
Apparatus Embodiments
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown one example
embodiment of the system and apparatus of the invention. Raw motion
picture programming 12 is obtained by a "shooting" process that
uses analog or digital filming technology, such as a video camera
or an emulsion film camera, or a digital camera. The raw
programming 12 is edited and processed using editing equipment 14,
wherein elements 16 in a scene 18 are identified during the editing
process, or after final editing. In this example embodiment,
"product" information 20 about each element, such as identification
information for the element and/or where it can be purchased on the
Internet is then encoded in digital form as part of a digital
representation 21 of the programming material.
[0045] Such digital programming material is then broadcast using a
broadcast system 22, including a head end 24 that transmits the
digital programming material by cable system 26 or satellite system
28, to a viewer's location 29, such as their home. At the viewer's
location, a set top box 30, either stand alone or incorporated into
television system, receives the digital programming material,
typically carried over the air or cable in the form of a modulated
analog carrier. The set top box 30 receives the programming, and
produces a signal or data that produces a display 31 of the
programming material on a television display 32. Set top box 30 is
in one embodiment connected to the Internet by a POTS telephone
line 33, or other Internet connection such as ISDN or DSL, and
includes circuitry responsive to a hand held remote unit 34, which
can be used to direct the set top box to overlay an image of a
pointer 36 on a scene 38 of the programming material, and allowing
a viewer to point to and electronically select an element in a
scene. Remote unit 34 further includes, in one example embodiment,
a keypad, a "purchase" button, and a toggle button to allow a
viewer to toggle between different sets of customer information
(not shown). According to one example embodiment, an indication
that the element has been selected, and indeed is available to be
selected, is also overlaid on the image of the scene, such as by
changing a color or brightness of the element, or otherwise
indicating visually that the element has been selected by the user.
In one example embodiment, the hand held device allows a viewer to
first freeze frame, or capture, an image of the scene, so that
selection of the element is done a still video image, as opposed to
a moving image. Moreover, the still video image may be stored for
later recall, for example at the end of a broadcast, or at least an
index to a point in the broadcast is made such that the user may
later view an image from the scene obtained from a source other
than the original broadcast, such as a recording of the broadcast
made locally at the viewer's location, or a recording kept on a web
server on the Internet or in some other remote database.
[0046] Once an element has been identified, the product information
included in the programming signal is used to link a viewer to a
web site 40 that is supported by a web server 42, in this example
over the Internet 44. In one embodiment, the viewer is taken
directly to a page(s) or other portion(s) 46 of a web site 40,
where the element is offered for sale or otherwise promoted. Web
server 42 or another one or more servers may host the web site.
Upon entering a password into the hand held remote unit 34, the
viewer's account information, held in a storage device located in
the hand held remote unit 34, set top box 30, or in another data
storage location such as on the Internet, is provided to the web
site to effectuate a sale. Page(s) 46 are displayed either on
display 31, or alternately another display device at the viewer's
location.
[0047] In addition, web server 42 collects data concerning which
scenes are freeze framed or which elements are selected by each
viewer using the system, so that information on the viewing and
buying habits of viewers can be assembled. Such viewers may be kept
track of by name and/or address or other identification unique to
them, or more generically by some designation of the location they
are in when using the system, or other information that allows
demographically information to be accumulated.
[0048] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2, product
information concerning an element is kept on the server 42 mapped
according to the x-y location of elements in each scene or frame of
programming, and x-y coordinate data generated by the set top box
30 is sent to the server 42 for it to use in determining the
product information for the element and in turn linking the user to
a web site offering information or sale of that element.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 3 there is illustrated another example
embodiment of the invention. A set top box 30 receives content from
a content source 32. One or more servers 34 are connected to the
set top box 30. In an alternate or combined configuration, content
source is supplied from source 32 to a browser configuration on a
client computer 36. The server(s) 34 provide administrative
functions accessible over the internet from a client computer 38.
Content data is uploaded into the server(s) 34 from a Tag source
40, which shows IDs, Key Frame Screen Captures and Object IDs, and
is also connected to product and server suppliers computer
equipment 42, for completing sales transactions of advertised
items, reporting and administration. Additional functions are
accessible by Advertiser systems 44, such as administrative and
reporting features. Other functions are accessible to market
research subscriber systems 46, such as reports indicating
demographic sales data. In this embodiment, for example, the key
frames are frames from programming selected to be accessed on the
Internet by customers, such as described above with respect to the
methods and apparatus described herein.
[0050] As used herein, the term "storage medium" shall mean without
limitation any media that can be used to store or transport an
analog or digital signal, such as magnetic media, compact disc
media, or copper or optical or other signal transport media that
can sustain a signal in transport.
[0051] Thus, the invention as described above provides, in various
embodiments, methods and apparatus incorporating, among other
things, the concept of using, in particular but without limitation,
traditionally non-commercial programming as a medium for selling
products or services on-line, and again in particular over the
Internet. Using this particular concept of the invention,
traditionally non-commercial programming can be efficiently used to
indirectly advertise goods or services and offer them for sale
on-line.
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