U.S. patent application number 13/623275 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-17 for systems and methods of customized television programming over the internet.
This patent application is currently assigned to AJP ENTERPRISES, LLP. The applicant listed for this patent is AJP Enterprises, LLP. Invention is credited to Christopher John Falson, Alfred J. Pizzurro.
Application Number | 20130019259 13/623275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38823461 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130019259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pizzurro; Alfred J. ; et
al. |
January 17, 2013 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CUSTOMIZED TELEVISION PROGRAMMING OVER THE
INTERNET
Abstract
A production facility receives program content from a plurality
of broadcast feeds over the Internet. In an embodiment, the
production facility comprises server on a computer network, such as
the Internet. The server comprises computer programs configured to
manipulate the audio and video data of the multiple program
contents. At the production facility, the program content can be
manipulated to produce a production. Program manipulation can
comprise at least one of green screen technology, music, graphics,
Foley, sound effects, voice over, advertising, or the like. The
production is broadcast over the computer network to viewers, where
the viewers receive the production. In an embodiment, the
production is customized based on the viewers' input received while
broadcasting. In other words, the production is customized in real
time based at least in part on the interaction of the production
with the viewers. In another embodiment, the viewers can further
manipulate the program content of the production to create a new
production, which can be broadcast over the customized programming
system.
Inventors: |
Pizzurro; Alfred J.; (Laguna
Niguel, CA) ; Falson; Christopher John; (Studio City,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AJP Enterprises, LLP; |
Laguna Niguel |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AJP ENTERPRISES, LLP
Laguna Niguel
CA
|
Family ID: |
38823461 |
Appl. No.: |
13/623275 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11759759 |
Jun 7, 2007 |
8286218 |
|
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13623275 |
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|
60811833 |
Jun 8, 2006 |
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60849207 |
Oct 4, 2006 |
|
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60857269 |
Nov 7, 2006 |
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60888473 |
Feb 6, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/812 20130101;
G11B 27/031 20130101; H04N 21/6175 20130101; H04N 21/2668 20130101;
H04N 21/64322 20130101; H04N 21/47205 20130101; H04N 21/4784
20130101; H04N 21/23412 20130101; H04N 21/2541 20130101; H04N
21/4627 20130101; H04N 21/234318 20130101; H04H 20/38 20130101;
H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N 21/6125 20130101; H04N 21/2743
20130101; H04N 21/8113 20130101; H04N 7/17336 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/23 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/00 20110101
H04N007/00 |
Claims
1. A method of producing interactive television over the Internet
comprising: receiving over the Internet at at least one server at a
production facility a plurality of content from one or more content
providers, the plurality of content comprising video data received
from multiple video cameras positioned at different locations, the
plurality of content further comprising audio data; receiving at
the server over the Internet, from user computers that are remotely
located from the production facility, first viewer input from
multiple first viewers, wherein the multiple first viewers vote on
portions of the video and audio data; combining the portions of the
video and audio data based at least in part on the first viewer
input to create a viewer-customized production; transmitting the
viewer-customized production to at least a second viewer, wherein
advertising is inserted into the viewer-customized production based
on at least in part on interests of the second viewer, and based in
part on interaction of the second viewer with the viewer-customized
production; tracking usage of the portions of the video and audio
data included in the viewer-customized production; tracking which
content providers provided the portions of the video and audio data
used in the viewer-customized production; and compensating the
content providers based at least in part on the usage of the
content.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the content
providers own rights in one or more portions of the audio and video
data.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein compensating the content providers
provides a reward to the content providers.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein compensating the content providers
pays the content providers a share of revenues associated with the
viewer-customized production.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a reward to
the first viewers.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising paying the first
viewers a share of revenues associated with the viewer-customized
production.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein transmitting the viewer-customized
production to the second viewer comprising sharing the
viewer-customized production with at least a friend.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein transmitting the viewer-customized
production to the second viewer comprising sharing the
viewer-customized production with at least one other user of the
production facility.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first viewer input comprises
at least one of a vote, survey results, talent scouting, sharing
the viewer-customized production, recommending, critiquing,
requesting similar programming, responding to advertising, pausing,
rewinding, fast forwarding, blocking, and an Internet Protocol
address of the viewer.
10. The method of claim 1, where the content comprises at least one
of streaming audio, streaming video, and streaming audio/video.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the items included in the
viewer-customized production comprises at least one of: live
interaction of multiple feeds, editing, mixing, keying, adding
sound effects, adding audio digital replacement (ADR), adding
graphics, editing graphics, adding video, editing video, adding
audio, editing audio, adding music, adding subtitles, adding
animation, adding digital and analog special effects, using
computer generated imagery, adding advertisements, creating new
commentary, adding text, creating new soundtrack, color grading,
compositing, digital compositing performing voice over, using
keying technology, and using digital cinema technology.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising manipulating the
viewer-customized production by the second viewer.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the second viewer comprises a
node of a peer-to-peer network.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the content is related to at
least one of interactive auctions, interactive retailers,
interactive supermarket, interactive auto sales, bank and finance
transactions, interactive search engine, interactive gambling,
interactive video gaming, interactive graphics, interactive
construction, interactive mining, interactive transport,
interactive boardroom, interactive court proceedings, interactive
government sessions, interactive human resources, interactive
entertainment, interactive telecommunications, interactive market
research, interactive interior design, interactive hotels,
interactive business to business, interactive communities,
interactive veterinary science, interactive sports, interactive
product development, interactive talent search, interactive
futures, interactive productions, interactive translation,
interactive blue screen, interactive education, and interactive
health.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the viewer-customized production
includes training or product up selling.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/759,759, filed on Jun. 7, 2007 and titled
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CUSTOMIZED TELEVISION PROGRAMMING OVER THE
INTERNET, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/811,833, filed
on Jun. 8, 2006 and titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CUSTOMIZED
TELEVISION PROGRAMMING OVER THE INTERNET; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/849,207, filed on Oct. 4, 2006 and titled
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CUSTOMIZED TELEVISION PROGRAMMING OVER THE
INTERNET; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/857,269, filed on
Nov. 7, 2006 and titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CUSTOMIZED
TELEVISION PROGRAMMING; and U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/888,473, filed on Feb. 6, 2007 and titled INTERACTIVE BROADCAST
PROCESS, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates in general to an interactive
broadcast system and method, and more particularly to manipulating
content received over the Internet to create customized programming
and broadcasting the customized programming over the Internet to
viewers.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Traditional television programming relies on program content
being generated in the broadcast studio or received from a
communications satellite, microwave link, landline, or cable from a
remote mobile production unit. Producers at a single studio
location manipulate the program content to produce television
programs, which are broadcast to the viewing audience. The
television programs are not customized in real time to a particular
audience at the time of the broadcast based on viewer input
received at the time of the broadcast. Further, television programs
are not produced by multiple producers who are geographically
dispersed and/or addressing disparate audiences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The interactive television system allows multiple
broadcasters to share programming with other broadcasters,
producers, directors, or artists for distribution to viewers over a
broadband and/or peer-to-peer networks.
[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, a production facility
receives program content from a plurality of broadcast feeds over
the Internet. In an embodiment, the production facility comprises a
server on a computer network, such as the Internet. The server
comprises computer programs configured to manipulate the audio and
video data of the multiple program contents. At the production
facility, the program content can be manipulated to produce a
production. In an embodiment, the production facility comprises
multiple production facilities. Program manipulation comprises at
least one of live interaction of multiple feeds, green screen
technology, music, graphics, Foley, sound effects, voice over,
advertising, and the like. The production is broadcast over the
computer network to viewers, where the viewers receive the
production. In an embodiment, the production is customized based on
the viewers' input received while broadcasting. In other words, the
production is customized in real time based at least in part on the
interaction of the production with the viewers. In another
embodiment, the viewers can further manipulate the program content
of the production to create a new production, which can be
broadcast over the computer network. In yet another embodiment, a
second producer can further manipulate the program content of the
production to create a new production.
[0008] In an embodiment, a method of producing interactive
television comprises receiving over the Internet a plurality of
programming content, where the plurality of programming content is
received from multiple sources, receiving over the Internet viewer
input, manipulating the programming content based at least in part
on the viewer input to create a customized production, where the
manipulation occurs in real time as the viewer input is received,
and transmitting the customized production over the Internet to at
least one viewer.
[0009] In another embodiment, an interactive television network
comprises a plurality of programming content, where the plurality
of programming content is provided by a plurality of content
providers, a production facility that receives the plurality of
programming content from the Internet, where the production
facility manipulates the programming content to create a
production, and viewer input received over the Internet at the
production facility, where the production is customized based at
least in part on the viewer input substantially at the time the
production facility receives the viewer input.
[0010] In a further embodiment, a computer program for producing
interactive television comprises computer code stored on
computer-readable media configured to receive programming content
from multiple sources over the Internet, computer code stored on
computer-readable media configured to receive viewer input from
viewers over the Internet, computer code stored on
computer-readable media configured to manipulate the programming
content based at least in part of the viewer input to create a
customized production, where the customized production is created
substantially when the viewer input is received, and computer code
stored on computer-readable media configured to transmit the
customized production over the Internet to the viewers.
[0011] In yet a further embodiment, a method of producing
interactive television comprises receiving over the Internet a
plurality of programming content. The plurality of programming
content is received from multiple sources. The method further
comprises receiving over the Internet viewer input, manipulating
the programming content to create a customized production, where
the manipulation occurs in real time, and transmitting the
customized production over the Internet to at least one viewer.
[0012] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects,
advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described
herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such
advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular
embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or
carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or
group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving
other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A general architecture that implements the various features
of the invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided
to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the
scope of the invention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers
are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced
elements.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive television
programming system, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating content providers and
examples of content of the interactive television programming
system, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the production system of the
interactive television programming system, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating viewers of the
interactive television system, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the interactive
television method, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
the interactive television programming system.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
the interactive television programming system.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
the interactive television programming system.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
the interactive television programming system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive television
programming system 100, according to an embodiment of the
invention. The interactive television programming system 100
comprises a plurality of content providers 102, a production system
104, and at least one viewer 106. The content providers 102
transmit a plurality of audio, visual, or audio-visual content to
the production system 104 through a communication medium 108. In an
embodiment, the content comprises streaming media, streaming video,
streaming audio, streaming audio and video, and the like.
[0024] The production system 104 receives the plurality of content
from content providers 102 through the communication medium 108 and
manipulates the content to produce a production. In an embodiment,
the production system 104 can manipulate the content by editing,
adding, deleting, or changing music, commentary, graphics, sound
effects (Foley), advertisements, video, and the like. In another
embodiment, the production system 104 can manipulate the content
using keying technology, holographic technology, and the like.
[0025] The production system 104 transmits or broadcasts the
production through the communication medium 108 to the viewers 106.
In an embodiment, the production system 104 also transmits the
production through the communication medium 108 to the content
providers 102. In an embodiment, the production comprises at least
one of streaming media, streaming video, streaming audio, streaming
audio and video, and the like.
[0026] Focusing now on the communication medium 108, in one
embodiment, the communication medium is the Internet, which is a
global network of computers. In other embodiments, the
communication medium 108 can be any communication system including
by way of example, dedicated communication lines, telephone
networks, wireless data transmission systems, two-way cable
systems, customized computer networks, interactive kiosk networks,
interactive television networks, and the like.
[0027] The viewers 106 receive the production from the production
system 104 through the communication medium 108. In an embodiment,
the viewers send viewer input to the production system 104 and/or
the content providers 102 through the communication medium 108.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the
plurality of content providers 102, where each content provider 102
comprises an audio-visual recorder comprising at least one of a
video recorder 204 and a microphone or other audio source 206. The
content provider 102 further comprises an encoder 208. In another
embodiment, the content provider 102 further comprises pre-recorded
audio-visual elements, such as video, photographs, music, and the
like.
[0029] The content provider 102 captures events 202 using the
audio-visual recorder to create content. Examples of audio-visual
recorders include, but are not limited to digital cameras, cell
phones, personal digital assistants, computers, laptop computers,
microphones, open source software recording systems, web 2.0
software based recording systems, digital workstations, multi-track
recorders, tape machines, and film cameras. To enhance the
recording procedure, producers may use digital converters, sound
and audio cards, preamps, mixing consoles, signal processors, midi
sequencers, speaker systems, turntables, recording, editing and
animation software, and the like.
[0030] The events 202 can be sports, business, entertainment,
education, current events, and the like. For example, the content
provider 102 can record a football game, a high school track meet,
an auction, court proceedings, or the like, along with the
associated audio. Examples of business events include a meeting, a
conference call, a sales seminar, and the like. Other examples of
content comprise a concert, a music school's recital, breaking
news, interviews, a lecture, a teacher teaching a class or
demonstrating a skill, and the like.
[0031] In an embodiment, the encoder 208 receives the output of the
camera/video recorder 204 and the output of the microphone 206 and
encodes the information for transmission through the communication
medium 108 to the production system 104. In an embodiment, the
encoder comprises a 2-way encoder, which permits the content
provider 102 to send and receive content.
[0032] In another embodiment, the encoder 208 comprises a software
based encoder, such as Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 9.0, and the
like. The software based encoder 208 runs on a computer and
connects to the communication medium 108 through the computer.
[0033] In yet another embodiment, the encoder 208 comprises a
hardware based encoder, such as DSP Research Models DS-400xHI,
DS-400xHCI, DB-1004C, and DS-80xxHI, VBrick Systems, Inc. Models
9110-6200, 9110-4200, 9110-4300, 9110-5200, 9110-5300, 9130-4300,
9130-6200, 9170-4200, 9190-4200, and 9190-4300, and the like. The
hardware based encoder 208 connects to a computer and then to the
communication medium 108 through the computer, or connects directly
to the communication medium 108 using the encoder's unique Internet
Protocol address.
[0034] In an embodiment, the content provider 102 further comprises
an Internet Protocol (IP) address that identifies the content
provider 102 for transmitting and receiving the communications
through the communication medium 108. An Internet Protocol address
is a unique address that devices use in order to identify and
communicate with each other on a computer network utilizing the
Internet Protocol standard. Any participating network device, such
as routers, computers, time-servers, printers, Internet fax
machines, telephones, mobile phone, personal digital assistants,
wireless handheld devices, smart phone, and the like comprises a
unique IP address.
[0035] An IP address can also be thought of as the equivalent of a
street address or a phone number for a computer or other network
device on the Internet. Just as each street address and phone
number uniquely identifies a building or telephone, an IP address
can uniquely identify a specific computer or other network device
on a network. In addition, an IP address is associated with user
information.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the production system 104 of
the interactive television programming system 100, according to an
embodiment of the invention. The production system 104 comprises a
processor 302 and memory 304. The processor 302 executing program
logic 306 allows the production system 104 to manipulate the
content received from the content providers 102. In one embodiment,
the processor 302 is a computer, which is equipped with a modem,
DSL interface, or cable interface. In other embodiments, the
processor 302 can be any device that allows the user to interact
with the system 100 such as, by way of example, a computer
workstation, a local area network of individual computers, a kiosk,
a personal digital assistant, an interactive wireless
communications device, an interactive television, a cell phone, or
the like. In an embodiment, the processor 302 is a server on the
Internet.
[0037] The processor 302 may comprise one or more computers. The
computers comprise, by way of example, processors, program logic,
or other substrate configurations representing data and
instructions, which operate as described herein. In other
embodiments, the processors 302 can comprise controller circuitry,
processor circuitry, processors, general-purpose single-chip or
multi-chip microprocessors, digital signal processors, embedded
microprocessors, microcontrollers and the like.
[0038] The memory 304 comprises the program logic 306 and database
308. In one embodiment, the program logic 306 may advantageously be
implemented as one or more modules. The modules may advantageously
be configured to execute on one or more processors. The modules may
comprise, but are not limited to, any of the following: software or
hardware components such as software object-oriented software
components, class components and task components, processes
methods, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments
of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data,
databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables.
[0039] The database 308 comprises data used by processor 302
executing the program logic 306 to manipulate the content to
produce the production. In an embodiment, the database 308
comprises audio, such as music, live or prerecorded, sound effects,
such as automated or automatic dialog replacement (ADR) and Foley,
graphics, advertisements, keying templates, stored audio and video
clips, film stock, synthetic 3-D imagery, animations, backdrops,
digital still photographs, text, and the like.
[0040] The production system 104 manipulates the program content to
produce the program in a variety of ways. In embodiment, a director
using the production system 104 manipulates the program content. In
another embodiment, the content provider 102 comprises the
production system 104. Examples of manipulation include, but are
not limited to, adding sound effects (ADR, Foley), music,
commentary, graphics, subtitles, language translation, animation,
digital and analog special effects, visual special effects,
computer generated imagery (CGI), color grading; editing the
received content; inserting advertisements; compositing; digital
compositing (optical effects); performing voice over, digital
cinema technology; using keying technology; sound design and sound
designers' actions; and the like.
[0041] Types of keying technology include, but are not limited to
luminance keying, external keying, downstream keying, and
chromakeying. Chromakeying, also referred to as green screen
technology or blue screen technology, allows multiple presenters,
such as commentators, actors, journalists, politicians, athletes,
experts in their field, and the like from multiple locations to
stream content together. The green screen technology allows the
director to place digitally each presenter into one digital
setting. To the viewers 106, the presenters appear to be as if they
are interacting on the same set.
[0042] For example, using chromakey technology, the production
system 104 can simulate a panel of commentators within the same set
or room, while in actuality, different content providers 102 in
different locations are each transmitting one of the panel member's
audio and video to the production system 104. In another example,
the production system can add music or sound effects to video
compiled from more than one content provider 102. In another
example, the production system 104 can insert advertisements into
the production. By knowing the viewers' Internet Protocol address,
the advertisements can be tailored to the individual viewers
preferences, based at least in part on the program the viewer 106
selects along with other data compiled on IP addresses through all
embodiments herein. Other examples of the production system's
ability to manipulate the content are provided in the various
embodiments of the interactive television programming system 100
described below.
[0043] In an embodiment, the production system 104 further
comprises the encoder 208, as described above. In an embodiment,
the encoder 208 is a 2-way encoder 208 and the production system
104 sends and receives content and productions through the
communication medium.
[0044] In another embodiment, the production system 104 further
comprises at least one of the camera/video recorder 204 and the
microphone or audio device 206, as described above. In an
embodiment, the production system 104 provides program content.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the viewers 106 of
the interactive television programming system 100, according to an
embodiment of the invention. The viewers 106 receive the production
through the communication medium 108. The viewer 106 comprises an
Internet Protocol address that identifies the viewer on
communications through the communication medium 108. In an
embodiment, the viewers 106 comprise any device capable of
interfacing with the Internet, such as, for example, a computer, a
laptop, a cell phone, a mobile phone, a Blackberry, a personal
digital assistant, digital TV, high definition TV (HD TV), global
positioning system (GPS), which can provide locations of each
viewer or broadcaster in relationship to an event, camera,
production unit, etc., a public broadcasting system in locations
such as theaters, malls, stadiums, and the like, a satellite
receiver, and the like,
[0046] The viewer 106 joins the interactive television programming
system 100 by logging on to a URL (uniform resource locator)
address, according to an embodiment. In another embodiment, the
viewer 106 connects to a peer-to-peer stream. Once the viewer 106
is connected to the system 100, the viewer can be offered multiple
channels or networks of channels of media streaming. In an
embodiment, the channels offer a catalog of live or previously
recorded events. In another embodiment, the viewer 106 can view
more than one event using multiple or split viewing screens. Once
an event is selected, the viewer 106 watches and/or listens to the
broadcast in a media player, such as Windows Media, or QuickTime,
for example. The broadcast process permits the content and
advertising to be modified based at least in part on the viewer's
history, preferences, or interaction during the event.
[0047] The viewer's Internet Protocol address also permits the
viewer 106 to function as a node on a peer-to-peer network 402,
according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG.
4, viewers 106b, 106c interface with the communication medium 108
and do not provide a node in a peer-to-peer network 402. Viewer
106d interfaces with the communication medium 108 and provides a
node on the peer-to-peer network 402d. Network 402d further
interfaces with the plurality of viewers 106e-106h. Further, the
viewer 106a interfaces with the communication medium 108, and
provides a node in the peer-to-peer network 402a. The peer-to-peer
network 402a interfaces with additional viewers 106, which in turn
provide additional nodes on additional peer-to-peer networks, such
as networks 402b, 402c. Thus, a chain of viewers 106 is
created.
[0048] In an embodiment, the viewers are interactive viewers 106,
such that viewer input from the viewers 106 is transmitted to the
production system 104 and/or the content provider 102 through the
communication medium 108. In an embodiment, the viewer 106 provides
viewer input based at least in part on the production. Viewers 106
provide viewer input by voting, participating in a content survey,
talent scouting, sharing the broadcast with friends, recommending
or critiquing, responding to advertising, requesting similar
programming or elements of programming, such as music, a certain
actor, humor, and the like. In the example of a talk show, an
expert on the subject or a viewer can be screened and/or approved
off the air, as in talk radio, and can be inserted into a broadcast
prior to the broadcast being aired. Other examples of viewer input
include, but are not limited to editing content for personal use,
editing content as part of a new broadcast, adding a new voice over
or commentary, inserting text, photos and/or videos to share with
friends, interacting with advertising and or advertisers, clicking
on an advertisement inside the broadcast and/or making a purchase,
recording content for later viewing, becoming part of a live
broadcast, and the like. Because the broadcast process allows
viewer interaction, the viewer 106 plays a role in the broadcast
and/or production process.
[0049] In an embodiment, the viewer 106 transmits the viewer input
to the production system 104. In another embodiment, the viewer 106
transmits the viewer input to the content provider 102. In an
embodiment, the production system 104 manipulates the program based
at least in part on the viewer input. In another embodiment, the
content provider 106 changes the programming content based at least
in part on the viewer input. In an embodiment, the changes occur in
real time or in other words, at substantially the same time the
viewer input is received at the content provider 102 or the
production system 104.
[0050] In another embodiment, the viewer 106 comprises the
production system 104 such that the viewer 106 can create a new
production using the original production or original programming
content. In an embodiment, the new production is broadcast through
the communication medium 108 to another plurality of viewers 106.
In another embodiment, the new production is broadcast over the
peer-to-peer network 402 to another plurality of viewers 106.
[0051] In an embodiment, after selecting a production, the viewer
106 is offered several interactive viewing options. The options can
be embedded in the channel page or as part of the media player. The
options can be operated by selecting icons or key words, key
commands, voice activation, or the like. The options include the
ability to edit or replace visual media, such as video,
photographs, and the like, commentary, music, text, and the like.
The viewer 106 can select new commentary with the option of keeping
the original commentary or replacing the commentary. The
interactive software allows the viewer to manipulate the production
for the creation of a new live broadcast. In another embodiment,
the new production is stored for a delayed broadcast. The viewer
106 can ignore the options and simply watch and/or listen to the
production as it is broadcast.
[0052] The interactive edits can change the original broadcast and
could allow other viewers 106 entry into a broadcast that was
otherwise of no or little interest to them. For example, Viewer A
106 selects Sporting Event X, which is offered with an English
commentary. Viewer A selects "New Commentary". In an embodiment,
this action mutes the original commentary. Using devices, such as a
microphone 206 and a sound card, Viewer A 106 records a new
commentary in another language that is inserted into the
production. Viewer A keeps this commentary private, for personal
use, for example, or offers it to other viewers 106. Instead of the
original English commentary streaming in, the new commentary in
another language streams out. The channel in the interactive
television programming system 100 offering the Sporting Event X
with an English commentary now also offers the Sporting Event X
with the commentary in the new language. Rather than a new
language, the new commentary can be another interpretation of the
event.
[0053] In another embodiment of interactive viewing, the viewer 106
can select "New Video", which allows the insertion of new video,
and/or the deletion of the current video. For example, Viewer A is
an alumnus who edits into the broadcast production "new video" of
old sporting events. In an embodiment, the new video can be seen in
a second media player window, or section of the event broadcast. In
another embodiment, the viewer 106 adds photographs to the
broadcast production. In another example, the viewer 106 adds
visual media to an audio production. In yet another example, the
viewer 106 mutes the existing soundtrack within a production and
adds his favorite songs. All of the above examples of inserting new
content can include multiple interactive viewers 106 from multiple
locations, who share the editing of the production to create new
productions.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an interactive
television process 500, according to an embodiment of the
invention. In block 510, the production system 104 receives
programming content from the plurality of content providers 102
through the communication medium 108, such as the Internet. In an
embodiment, the program content comprises streaming media, such as
streaming audio and/or video files. In block 512, the production
system 104 receives viewer input from at least one viewer 106. In
an embodiment, the production system 104 receives the programming
content prior to receiving the viewer input. In another embodiment,
the programming system 104 receives the viewer input after
receiving the programming content. In an embodiment, viewer input
comprises voting, survey results, talent scouting, viewer
preferences, viewer information associated with the viewer's IP
address, and the like. For example, viewers 106 vote and/or select
the best player, hit, action, play, etc. of a sporting event. These
viewer selections allow the producers and directors of the original
content to highlight these scenes for future broadcasts.
[0055] In block 514, the production system 104 creates a production
by combining and manipulating the program content. In an
embodiment, the processor 302 executes the program 306 to
manipulate the streaming media using keying technology, music,
graphics, advertisements, sound effects, stored video, alternate
commentary, and the like stored in the database 308. In another
embodiment, the processor 302 executes the program 306 to combine,
edit, superimpose, and the like the streaming media. In an
embodiment, the production system 104 manipulates the streaming
media, based at least in part on the viewer input. In an
embodiment, the production is modified at substantially the same
time the viewer input is received. In another embodiment, the
production is modified based at least in part on the viewer input
in real time.
[0056] In block 516, the production system 104 transmits the
production to the viewers 106. In an embodiment, the viewers 106
send viewer input as a result of receiving the production. In
another embodiment, the viewer 106 sends the viewer input to the
production system 104. In another embodiment, the viewer 106 sends
the viewer input to the content providers 102. In this scenario,
the process 500 loops between blocks 510, 512, 514, 516, and the
production can be modified based on the viewer input to create new
productions. In another embodiment, the process 500 loops between
blocks 512, 514, and 516.
[0057] In another embodiment, the viewer 106 functions as the
production system 104, and modifies the original production to
create a new production (block 514). The viewer 106 can transmit
the production to new viewers 106 over the peer-to-peer networks
402 (block 516). The process 500 ends in block 518.
[0058] In an embodiment, the process 500 places no limit on the
number of producers and/or directors involved in a production.
Producers and directors may stream content to meet the standards of
their available bandwidth or the needs of their viewers. In an
example, four producers from different locations stream high
definition video programming to a director who, using keying
technology creates a live interactive product for distribution
directly to multiple viewers and to additional viewers through
peer-to-peer networks. In another example, the four producers
stream broadcast quality video programming to the director. Each
producer feeds a video stream into the encoder 208.
[0059] From the encoder 208, the content is streamed over the
communication medium 108 into the interactive television
programming system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900. The director, also
using an encoder 208 can interact with each producer individually
or as a group. In this example, the director receives the four
video streams to view on four screens. The director edits the
highlights from each producer onto yet another screen. The director
manipulates the four streams using a green screen giving the
appearance that the four productions appear in one location. The
director also adds music, voice over, graphics, additional footage,
advertising, and the like in real time to enhance the final
production. This final production is a mixture of multiple original
feeds and content that is encoded and delivered over the
communication medium 108 as a single stream to the viewers 106.
This single stream is much less bandwidth constrained than the
original multiple stream content.
[0060] The process 500 allows multiple broadcasters and/or
producers to stream media data from multiple locations to create a
product. Each broadcaster is able to stream unedited video and/or
audio to the production system 104. The production system 104
collates the incoming streams in real time to create a
production.
[0061] In an embodiment, viewers 106 become content providers 102.
For example, some viewers 106 can be interactively involved in the
production by adding video and/or audio, such as their opinions or
music to the production. The producers can choose to include the
opinions of the viewers 106 in their live edits or for post event
commentary.
[0062] In an embodiment, the process 500 enables the live broadcast
of an event to include multiple audio and video options for viewers
106. This could include multiple language options, and or multiple
production options such as video edits, audio edits, and the
like.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
an interactive television programming system 600. The interactive
television programming system 600 comprises an audio/visual source
602, an encoder 604, a broadcasting network comprising a server 606
and the communication medium 108, and the plurality of viewers 106.
In an embodiment, the server 606 comprises the production system
104.
[0064] The encoder 604 encodes the audio/visual source 602 and
transmits the encoded audio/visual data over the broadcasting
network to the server 606. The server 606 manipulates the received
audio/visual data to create a production and transmits the
production over the broadcasting network for distribution to the
viewers 106.
[0065] Examples of encoders 604 are software based encoders, such
as Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 9.0, and hardware based
encoders, such as DSP Research Models DS-400xHI, DS-400xHCI,
DB-1004C, DS-80xxHI, VBrick Systems, Inc. Models 9110-6200,
9110-4200, 9110-4300, 9110-5200, 9110-5300, 9130-4300, 9130-6200,
9170-4200, 9190-4200, and 9190-4300, and the like. The software
based encoder runs on a computer and connects to the communication
medium 108 through the computer. The hardware based encoder
connects to a computer and then to the communication medium 108
through the computer, or connects directly to the communication
medium 108 using the encoder's unique Internet Protocol
address.
[0066] In an embodiment, the encoder 604 interfaces with the
communication medium 108 over any adequate connection method 608,
such as, for example, a digital subscriber line (DSL), asymmetric
digital subscriber line, symmetric digital subscriber line,
satellite, wireless, T1, cable, and cell phone, and the like.
[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the server 606
interfaces directly with the main communications bus of a
telecommunications company. Incorporating a tier for the Ethernet
burstable pipe up to infinity permits the interactive broadcast
system 600 to use one access pipe. In an embodiment, the server
606, software, and the like are pre-configured to burst to 100 Mb
Ethernet protocol to avoid time delays and additional costs related
to a transition from one circuit type to the other.
[0068] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
an interactive television programming system 700. In the process
500 associated with the interactive television programming system
700, an author 702 creates an item 704, which is broadcast over an
interactive broadcast network 706. In an embodiment, the
interactive broadcast network 706 comprises the production system
104 and the communication medium 108. The author 702 comprises a
broadcaster 702, a director 702, a journalist 702, and the like.
The item 704 comprises a production 704, a broadcast 704, and the
like.
[0069] The item 704 is received by customers through the
interactive broadcast network 706. The customers comprise
interactive customers 708 and non-interactive customers. The
interactive customers 708 and the non-interactive customers 710
comprise fans 708, 710, executives 708, 710, board members 708,
710, journalists 708, 710, an audience 708, 710, and the like,
respectively. The interactive customers 708 interact with the
author 702 over the interactive broadcast network 706.
[0070] The authors 702 and the customers 708, 710 can use portable
audio-visual recorders such as cell phones, personal digital
assistants, laptop computers, computers, cameras, video recorders,
and the like to record content, and to broadcast, communicate and
interact through the communication medium 108.
[0071] Using satellites, global positioning satellites, wireless
technology, Blue Tooth technology, Internet, cable, broadband
broadcast technology, analog broadcast technology, and the like,
the authors 702 and the customers 708, 710 broadcast items 704 from
locations devoid of hard-wired telephonic communication systems,
such as landlines, and the like.
[0072] The process 500 enables multiple authors 702 and customers
708 to interact live to create programming similar to television
programming. For example, executives, acting as both authors 702
and customers 708, 710, who fly from city to city for board
meetings, can conduct an interactive broadcast 704 from their own
office. While multiple authors 702 and customers 708, 710 are
interacting during a live broadcast, such as the board meeting 704,
two or more interactive customers 710 can choose to separate from
the main broadcast to conduct another interactive broadcast 704,
and then return to the board meeting 704. In an embodiment,
multiple viewing windows on each screen and/or multiple screens
allow the interactive process not to interfere with the `main` live
broadcast.
[0073] In an embodiment, the process enables authors 702 to offer
customers 708, 710 multiple visual and audio options on the same
channel in real time. For example, producers of a sporting event or
broadcasters 702 can offer fans 708, 710 multiple camera streams
and or commentaries. The multiple audio and visual options enable
fans 708, 710 to become directors 702 by selecting the offered
camera and audio streams to create a personalized live production
704 for their viewing. Fans 710 can participate during a live
broadcast by streaming their own commentary to other interested
fans 710, 708. In an embodiment, fans 708, 710 can pause, rewind
and fast-forward the live broadcast 704. Fans can choose to block
certain broadcasters 702.
[0074] In another example, the process 500 permits a live press
conference to include journalists 708 from around the world. Each
would be able to participate and interact in `broadcast` quality
live audio/visual streaming without traveling to the venue. This
eliminates the expense of travel and greatly reduces the often
prohibitive costs of production.
[0075] The process 500 allows the author 702 to communicate to a
larger audience 708, 710 by offering a variety of commentaries and
or multiple languages at the same time as the broadcast 704, or
live, on the same channel.
[0076] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
an interactive television programming system 800. In this example,
a celebrated songwriter or educator 802 conducts a workshop with 10
participant songwriters 804. In an embodiment, the 10 participant
songwriters 804 won the right to interact with the celebrated
songwriter 802 based on their experience and/or because they out
bid other qualified participants. The celebrated songwriter 802 and
the 10 participant songwriters 804 are streaming `broadcast`
quality video from different locations to an interactive broadband
network (IBN) production system 808. In another embodiment, the
celebrated songwriter 802 and the 10 participant songwriters 804
are streaming high definition video. A director 806 manipulates the
streams to create a live broadcast for worldwide viewing to a
non-interactive viewing audience 810. In an embodiment, the
broadcast is also recorded for later viewing, such as on-demand
viewing.
[0077] In an embodiment, the communications between the celebrated
songwriter 802, the participant songwriters 804, the director 806,
the viewers 810, and the production system 808 occur through the
communication medium 108. In other embodiments, at least one
communication path between the celebrated songwriter 802, the
participant songwriters 804, the director 806, the viewers 810, and
the production system 808 occur through the communication medium
108.
[0078] The embodiment 800 enables students in remote areas to enjoy
education from specialized teachers at a more affordable cost than
what is available to them in their locale. For example, a violin
teacher based in Moscow and a student based in Chicago each log
into a designated cyber room at an agreed time. Each using an
encoder, they interact in much the same way as if they were in a
`brick and mortar` room together.
[0079] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
an interactive television programming system 900. A producer 902,
representing goods and services, sets up an interactive viewing
experience for a consumer 904 using a production system 916. In an
embodiment, the production system 916 comprises the digital camera
204, the microphone 206, the encoder 208, the processor 302, the
program 306, and the database 308.
[0080] Consumers 904 viewing the site or channel interact with a
concierge or receptionist 906 for assistance. The concierge 906
introduces the consumer 904 to others in the sales chain, such as
sales representative 908, customer service representatives 910,
product specialists 912, and the like, in the same manner that the
concierge 906 directs the consumer 904 upon entering a showroom or
department store. As well as affecting an immediate sale, the sales
representative 908 can also up sell or engage the services at the
same time of the product specialist 912, and the like. In this
example, the consumer 904 also interacts with a trusted adviser
914. In an embodiment, the trusted advisor 914 comprises an expert
in the product or field. The consumer 904 and trusted adviser 914
can choose to interact privately to discuss the sale.
[0081] In an embodiment, the communications between the producer
902, the consumer 904, the concierge 906, the sales representative
908, the customer service representative 910, the product
specialist 912, the trusted advisor 914, and the production system
916 occur through the communication medium 108. In other
embodiments, at least one communication path between the producer
902, the consumer 904, the concierge 906, the sales representative
908, the customer service representative 910, the product
specialist 912, the trusted advisor 914, and the production system
916 occurs through the communication medium 108.
[0082] The interactive television programming system 900 fosters an
ongoing relationship with the consumer 904, the development of
dedicated product programming, training, up selling, and the like.
Customer interaction also helps develop new programming, which can
be viewed by the next generation of consumers 904. With the
possibility of creating an interactive network, retailers and
manufactures are able to entertain and interact with consumers 904
while enjoying direct sales.
[0083] The following examples illustrate various embodiments and
uses of the interactive television programming system 100, 600,
700, 800, 900.
[0084] In an embodiment, the interactive television programming
system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 can be used for an auction. In this
embodiment, consumers engage the services of different trusted
advisers while a producer offers the expertise and services of one
or more auctioneers. The process 500 allows for live interactive
auctions with a worldwide participating audience. Multiple
participants engage in an interactive broadcast (stream) to buy,
sell, or compete for the right to buy or sell products. An
auctioneer monitors the incoming streams and directs a live
broadcast. The auction can be viewed by people from around the
world who are not participating in the auction. The live broadcast
of the auction to the non-participating audience creates a type of
reality TV phenomenon that entices more potential buyers and
sellers to the site or channel. This creates more advertising
opportunities.
[0085] In another embodiment, a financial transaction could take
place between two or more viewers (buyers and sellers) during an
interactive event. In one example, a viewer could respond to an
advertisement inside a broadcast event. This action could open up a
second viewing window allowing `real-time` interaction between
buyer and seller. The negotiation and transferring of funds could
be conducted in a private and secure interactive environment
utilizing such transaction methods as credit, debit and check
cards, PayPal, electronic checking, and electronic fund transfers
and the like. In another example, a viewer could interact with a
bank teller to deposit and withdraw monies.
[0086] In another embodiment, the process 500 creates an
interactive sales system. Buyers no longer have to rely on a photo
of a product, but can view a product demonstration. For example, a
seller of a vintage guitar can play the guitar or focus the camera
on any feature of interest to the buyer. The system supports
multi-languages so that buyers and sellers from around the world
can interact with the benefit of simultaneous language translation.
Sellers are able to up-sell related products and services to
buyers.
[0087] In another example, a retailer could set up a unique channel
or network of channels that would appeal to potential clients and
customers which offer interactive viewing experiences on various
product lines. In the same way that a visitor to a major shopping
center calls for the assistance of a salesperson, the interactive
television programming system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 solves that
problem for online shoppers. For example, a live cyber salesperson
can direct the online customer to any product, site, store, or
department or help complete a sale. As the customer and salesperson
interact in high quality audio/visual streaming, a faster and more
enjoyable shopping experience occurs. A cyber sales team is able to
interact with multiple customers in audio/visual real time.
[0088] The customer is also able to interact with multiple customer
service or sales agents at the same time, using multiple windows,
for example, in pursuit of better service. The process enables
customer service, company information, and sales on the Internet to
be more personal.
[0089] For example, a business sets up a plurality of monitors in a
reception area. As a customer enters, the receptionist on the first
monitor welcomes the customer and provides any pertinent
information. The customer asks to talk to the manager. The
receptionist contacts the manager. The manager either comes to the
reception area or enters into an interactive discussion via a
second monitor. The process also enables manufacturers to
demonstrate new product development and interact with multiple
sales teams around the world.
[0090] In another example, a manufacturer of a new guitar amplifier
is able to demonstrate the complexities of the product in real time
to vendors around the world. For example, an interactive vendor
from Zurich would be able to broadcast an audio stream of a guitar
part that he is playing live into the guitar amplifier in Los
Angeles and listen to the product in real time. This saves both the
manufacturer and vendor the cost of travel and shipping sample
units.
[0091] In another embodiment, an online music warehouse channel
comprises broadcast quality video and audio media content featuring
musical instrument demonstrations. Retailers can select from a
variety of media content streams to showcase instruments to their
customers. The customers can view and or listen to different and/or
competing models and/or make a purchase. Multiple customers can
also interact with live professional musicians showcasing the
products of interest.
[0092] Another embodiment enables a business to employ a
receptionist based in a separate location and via interactive
broadcasting the receptionist communicates with multiple customers
in real time from around the world. A receptionist is able to
represent many clients or businesses in high quality audio/visual
media interaction. The process 500 allows a receptionist or
salesperson based in India, for example, to greet and inform
customers from all over the world.
[0093] The process 500 encourages the development of television
type broadcasts for business to business communities. For example,
a Product Sponsor has a relationship with 1,000's of Financial
Advisors. Each Financial Adviser has a list of 300 to 500 clients.
The Product Sponsor can schedule a live broadcast event to include
several Top Financial Advisors (in their specialty) and Celebrity
Expert Guests who are recognized as experts on the subject (and/or
product type). The Product Sponsor can also invite all of the
Financial Advisors who in turn can invite their clients. Each
participator can broadcast and interact from their own location
while the clients of the Financial Advisors can be viewing (and or
interacting with) the broadcast from their home or office. The
broadcast may also be open to the public for general viewing. The
Product Sponsor or company providing this service can act as
director (or moderator) and can utilize green screen technology to
create a type of TV experience. This could allow each participant
to appear as if in the same room or TV set. This process could be
of particular interest and benefit to the Financial Advisor who can
be seen (by his viewing client base) discussing financial and
investing strategies with other Financial Advisors, the Sponsor,
and Celebrity Expert Guests. A client could interact with his/her
Financial Advisor to ask a question, who in turn could follow this
up directly with the Celebrity Expert Guest. This could lift the
profile of the Financial Advisor amongst his/her client base. This
`private`, target market live broadcast can also provide unique
opportunities to Product Sponsors to allow them to explain the
benefits of the product to thousands of Financial Advisors and
hundreds of thousands of potential investors simultaneously. The
process can continue as the recorded content can be viewed again
(any time) by the clients or new clients. The content can also be
edited repeatedly by the Financial Advisors to create new content
and new broadcasts targeted to their clients. These actions promote
the Sponsor's product repeatedly to potential investors.
[0094] The interactive television system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900
can be used to create news and current affairs programming by
allowing correspondents (amateur or professional) from around the
world to gather news stories and up load the content. An example of
this is a news story about a plane crash. One witness up loads
several photographs, and another witness provides a different piece
of video evidence. Another member creates a podcast describing the
event, while another edits the three elements together, adding
music, graphics, and advertisements from the content library. The
new production is then broadcast across the interactive network.
Other broadcasters can also use elements of this production in a
new production about the incident. In an embodiment, the content
owners share in the revenues garnered from advertising inserted in
the productions.
[0095] In another embodiment, events broadcast to and from night
clubs or other similar venues can use the process 500. Fans from
one club can interact with fans from another. Promoters can view
voters' response and demographic interest for the purposes of
booking artists into venues. The interaction of fans can create new
methods of advertising within the Internet market place. Fans can
be offered incentives to participate in continued or perpetual
market research. Customers can also be given the rights to view
live entertainment venues, such as clubs, theaters, and the
like.
[0096] In an embodiment, venues, such as clubs, theaters, malls,
hotels, and the like use the interactive television system 100,
600, 700, 800, 900 to include live interactive events. By staging
an interactive broadcast, a hotel, for example, is able to draw
upon the customer bases associated with such events as sports, book
signings, literature readings, business conferences, etc. The
venues develop a unique marketing approach for live interactive
broadcasting within industries and markets that draw customers into
their establishments.
[0097] For example, a niche producer, or broadcaster can create a
partnership with a hotel to develop a live interactive broadcasting
service. The hotel sets up a room, such as a banquet room, for
example, as a TV production set. This would allow presenters, such
as local teachers, authors, artists, public speakers, politicians,
and the like to have their own platform for broadcasting. The
producer and the hotel are able to provide a setting, production
expertise, and worldwide broadcasting capabilities that would
otherwise be unavailable to the presenter. The presenters draw
their fan base or customers and related business to the hotel. The
ability to broadcast live events to a niche market greatly enhances
the business of hotels and other event centers.
[0098] In another embodiment, the process 500 encourages members to
invest in the future success of a product, a company, an artist, or
another member. The members' interest and financial investment
enable the development of the new product. This embodiment can
encourage members to create and develop a new label, company, and
the like. For example, a member likes the sound of a band, which is
broadcasting over the interactive television system 100, 600, 700,
800, 900 and believes that the band has a future. The member
invests money into an account. When the account has the desired
amount for production, the band creates a product. This process
helps new artists develop their craft with the possibility of
creating a product. The fan involvement demonstrates the
marketability of the new artist. Major product developers would
then have more confidence in promoting the artist. The presale of
product (and/or investment) could also provide the fan with a
percentage of future earnings of the product and/or the
`artist`.
[0099] The process 500 can develop talent and skills within the
membership or viewing and interacting community. In another
embodiment, professionals skilled in their chosen craft or master
craftsmen broadcast demonstrations to viewers interested in the
mentoring programs of master craftsmen.
[0100] For example, a young man wanting to be a sports commentator
enrolls in an interactive lessons program for sports and media
broadcasters, hosted by various celebrity commentators. The system
100, 600, 700, 800, 900 allows multiple participants to interact
with the celebrity commentator. In an embodiment, each interactive
student pays an agreed amount or bid to be included in the lesson.
Once the student passes this stage, he could continue to study or
earn the right to be a commentator in low-level sporting events,
such as high school football, for example. The process allows
gifted or hard working novice students to progress through the
sports casting system. In an embodiment, other members vote or post
comments about the student performances. In another embodiment,
talent scouts viewing the student performances through the
interactive television systems 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 draft the
students into new production situations. This process would apply
to many other broadcast related occupations such as editors,
musicians, writers, directors, movie producers, authors, actors,
etc, and/or other occupations such as doctors, teachers, fitness
trainers, chefs, etc. The efforts of the talent scout and/or the
viewer voting may lead to the student being offered a contract or a
position in a professional production company.
[0101] This method of distance learning allows gifted master
craftsmen from all over the world to be involved in the mentoring
program. The live lessons can also be edited into other lessons and
or other digital content that could be included in other
broadcasts.
[0102] In yet another example, the tutoring and mentoring of
students can be part of a high school or college program to develop
a production and broadcasting department within the student body.
The initial stages of talent development can also mean that the
student/school pays or bids to be part of the tutoring program,
while the production and broadcasting of content could lead to
revenue streams.
[0103] A teacher can monitor the progress of multiple students in
real time. For example, a teacher based in Los Angeles can conduct
an interactive class with multiple students from around the world.
The students interact with each other as if they were in the same
classroom. The interaction of each student enhances the learning
experience of other students. The live broadcast can also be
available to non-interactive customers.
[0104] For example, a Yoga instructor interacts with 50 students,
monitoring the progress of each, and highlighting the activity of
one student to demonstrate a position to the others. When a student
asks a question, the instructor is able to `cut` to the student's
stream so that the production item now features the student asking
the question. The students are able to participate in an exercise
class in real time with other students of similar ability from the
comfort of their home.
[0105] In another example, the process 500 enables the broadcast of
a live discussion between Bill Clinton and 25 United Nations
Delegates to discuss world hunger. Each participant has the ability
to broadcast and receive a media stream and interact with each
other. In this instance, Mr. Clinton acts as the moderator and
chooses the broadcasts of each delegate to create a montage or
production on the subject. While the interaction is limited to the
invited guests, the live broadcast would be open to any interested
viewer or customer.
[0106] In another embodiment, the interactive television system
100, 600, 700, 800, 900 can be used to produce interactive talk
shows and blogging commentary. The moderator monitors incoming
streams to choose the most entertaining and/or provocative
opinions. Customers wanting to participate, stream their
audio/visual opinions to the moderator and the moderator produces a
live item. For example, during a TV or radio type of talk show
broadcast it is common for an audience member to stir up interest
and or controversy by his comments and interaction with the host.
This development of new talent, such as the fan celebrity creates
opportunities for other content, which builds around these new
`hosts`.
[0107] In another embodiment, the interactive television system
100, 600, 700, 800, 900 can be used to produce interactive radio
talk shows and blogging commentary. The moderator monitors incoming
streams to choose from a number of viewers and to whom to place on
the call. It is similar to a talk radio show that has hundreds of
callers trying to call in to the show and ask questions of the host
or another guest. In this embodiment, the caller is both an audio
and video caller. The host can select one or multiple video callers
to add to the live production and to interact live with the host or
the guest. These multiple video participants add live content to
the talk show.
[0108] In another embodiment, the interactive television system
100, 600, 700, 800, 900 can be used to allow all embodiments
herein. Examples of the embodiments include, but are not limited to
interactive auctions, interactive retailers, interactive
supermarket, interactive auto sales, bank and finance transactions,
interactive search engine, interactive gambling, interactive video
gaming, interactive graphics, interactive construction, interactive
mining, interactive transport, interactive boardroom, interactive
court proceedings, interactive government sessions, interactive
human resources, interactive entertainment, interactive
telecommunications, interactive market research, interactive
interior design, interactive hotels, interactive business to
business, interactive communities, interactive veterinary science,
interactive sports, interactive product development, interactive
talent search, interactive futures, interactive productions,
interactive translation, interactive blue screen, interactive
health, and the like.
[0109] In an embodiment, individual participants use the television
system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 to become their own broadcaster and
create their own personal family channel. By embedding the encoder
208 in a set top box such as a TIVO or cable box, the encoder 208
receives the output of the camera/video recorder 204 and the output
of the microphone 206 and encodes the information for transmission
through the communication medium 108 to the production system 104.
The production system 104 receives similar live content created by
other family members interacting on this unique family channel.
From the convenience of their home in front of their own TV, they
can interact and create live content together, watch family movies
together, or just interact with family members.
[0110] In one embodiment, fans unable to speak to the main host can
chat with the fan celebrity. The originators of the talk show can
regard this as a spin off that caters to a slightly different
audience. The continuation of this process may lead to a
multi-channel talk show, with multiple hosts, many of whom were
discovered through the interactive broadcast process.
[0111] In another embodiment, a news or celebrity commentator
encourages fans to interact with multiple broadcast responses. In
some cases, these comments can arouse as much or more interest than
the original commentator. This creates opportunities to expand the
broadcast and develop customer interest in the channel.
[0112] In another embodiment, advertisers target member
broadcasting. Members, who either create broadcasting in response
to content, such as movies, news, sporting events, and the like, or
by using the production tools and content pool to create new
content for their unique broadcast, can be targeted by advertisers
for advertising placement. For example, a member's commentary on
current affairs stirs interest from other members that results in a
new fan base. Though the commentary is in response to other
broadcasts, the new broadcast is unique and advertisers place
advertising in various forms directly into the new content.
[0113] A member or a group of members can create more customer
interest in a particular broadcast than the originator. These
members can be viewed as `scouts`. For example, a customer,
watching a live football game, deletes the commentary, adds a new
commentary, and then shares this new product with friends. In
another example, the same football game, which offers a commentary
in one language, is edited by multiple customers, each replacing
the original commentary with his language so that the game can be
enjoyed by a much wider audience. In yet another example, one
customer can add other video content, such as highlights of other
matches, for example, to the original content, which creates a new
program. For example, a fan in Los Angeles is watching a live
football game featuring his favorite team. The Los Angeles fan adds
his commentary to the live broadcast and shares the new product
with his friends or the friends could be commentators and share the
experience of a live game together, each in a different location.
This niche interactive broadcast could be private or public.
[0114] In another example, using green screen technology, multiple
sports commentators from multiple locations can be placed behind
the same desk in a TV set to appear as if they are together for the
production.
[0115] In another example, utilizing holographic technology,
multiple producers from multiple locations can interact to create a
realistic live event in one setting. A violinist from Moscow, a
cellist from New York, and a pianist from London could play the
same piece of music simultaneously and broadcast the holographic
images and high definition audio through the interactive broadcast
system. Viewers from around the world could `project` the images
and sound into the room of their choice to create a unique viewing
experience.
[0116] Another example of the process 500 could enable producers
and or viewers communicating in one language to interact in real
time with producers and/or viewers communicating in other languages
utilizing such technologies such as voice recognition, voice
translation, text to voice synthesis, and the like.
[0117] In another example, utilizing such technologies as
simultaneous language translation, a person from Canton can share
life stories with a person from Peru while simultaneously
communicating with another person from Zurich. In another example,
a French speaking customer can engage the services of a Cantonese
salesperson and conduct a transaction. A `cyber` receptionist could
be empowered to serve customers from around the world no matter the
language of origin. A broadcaster could stream content in one
language while customers listen to the content in their own
language.
[0118] In another embodiment, a local bank could expand its
business practice by interacting with customers beyond its
immediate locale. The process could allow smaller financial
institutions to offer services appealing to a global market and
engage in activities such as international investment,
international loans, currency exchange, and the like. A local bank
could also offer the services of live interactive financial
officers who, unlike automated banking systems, can up sell the
products and services of the bank to the customers.
[0119] In another embodiment, an online store offers the services
of a `real person` to assist visitors in their search and/or
research. The search aide, an expert in a field of study or
business, helps the customer(s) to navigate the site, develop the
search, discover related topics, goods, and services, and/or make a
purchase. Both the customer and the search aide communicate and
interact using audio and video streams, which can be recorded by
either participant.
[0120] In another embodiment, commercial vehicles can be equipped
to interact with other vehicles, transport control centers, and the
like around the world. This process comprises satellite, GPS,
analog, digital, and broadband communications. In one example, a
flight crew on board a commercial jet aircraft faced with a
passenger related medical emergency requests the assistance of a
doctor based in a city hospital. Equipped with portable audio and
visual broadcasting devices, a flight steward broadcasts and
interacts with the doctor who in turn broadcasts medical advice and
assistance to the aircraft.
[0121] In another embodiment, comprising such technologies as
surround sound, green screen, holographic, and 3D imaging, multiple
participants broadcasting from multiple locations can be placed
inside a board room and around a table to emulate the experience of
a life-like corporate meeting without all of the participants being
in the same location.
[0122] In another embodiment, individuals or groups of individuals
from multiple locations can create a shared broadcast that emulates
the experience of sharing quality time together. A young family
living in Boise could invite their relatives living in Queens to
share a meal time together. Using green screen technology the two
families could appear to be sitting around the same table in the
same room. The individual family members could talk, laugh, and
catch up on old times with several conversations going on at the
same time. Utilizing holographic, surround sound, and/or 3D
technologies, the life-like images of the relatives in Queens could
be `transported` into the living room of the young family in
Boise.
[0123] In another embodiment, a customer uses the interactive
process 500 as a multi-channel communications system. The process
could allow the customer to receive and/or broadcast on man.sub.y
channels or streams, interact with multiple broadcasters, such as
friends, family, advertisers, and the like on a split screen or
multiple screens, preview or block incoming streams or calls, and
or record incoming streams for later viewing and/or new content
distribution.
[0124] In another example, two opposing alumni watching the same
live event could each create a unique product that is made
available to their respective alumni audience. The new broadcast is
not limited by the original content. Each alumnus inserts a new
commentary, private jokes, other related game highlights, anything
that may be of interest to this niche viewing audience, and the
like. Unique advertising sponsoring the alumni event could also be
inserted to target the audience.
[0125] In another embodiment, multiple producers and broadcasters
can preview multiple low-resolution media files corresponding to
high-resolution video and audio streams from within a multi-window
menu during a live event. Upon selecting a low-resolution file, the
corresponding high-resolution stream can be edited into a new live
broadcast. In one example, each race car involved an Indianapolis
500 event is installed with a camera and a microphone. The media
packages are streamed from each car into a content menu for
producer preview prior to broadcast. Sponsors, outside producers,
and fans can select their favorite driver `cam` or the parts of the
track that are of most interest to them to create their own
production which can be then streamed out as a new broadcast.
[0126] In another example, a fan club of the Princeton quarterback
produces a show by selecting the cameras focused on the quarterback
and his movements on and off the field. The special broadcast is
available to the fan club, either on the same channel as the
original broadcast or another dedicated channel.
[0127] In yet another example, alumni, or fraternities broadcast
their own unique audio commentary. Though the official game
commentary is offered as part of the original broadcast, the Los
Angeles branch of the Princeton alumni organization broadcasts a
more animated or satirical commentary while the New York branch of
the Harvard alumni organization broadcasts a commentary featuring
past Harvard players. Each commentary is available to customers
viewing the live broadcast.
[0128] In a further example, alumni originally from Beijing and
Paris broadcast commentaries in their native language. While
watching the game live, they broadcast their unique spin on the
events and the commentary is included as an option in the menu of
the item's broadcast. Customers could choose to watch the game and
listen to commentary in French or Mandarin.
[0129] The process associated with the interactive television
system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 can enable industries such as
sports, fashion, art, film making, screen writing, food and
cooking, acting, music, and the like to use an international fan
base in the search and discovery of talent. For example, a band is
searching for a new singer. The band schedules a live event with a
time for each interested singer who then broadcasts a high quality
stream of his performance. Fans can vote, offer opinions, and
compare the talent to other artists. Fans can also enter the search
by streaming a live performance of their singing. The process could
allow the artists receiving the highest votes to be included in a
highlight reel sponsored by the interactive television programming
system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900. This production can be entered into
the interactive television programming system 100, 600, 700, 800,
900 for continued fan involvement and could continue with each
winner or multiple winners moving on towards a record contract.
[0130] Multiple live real-time audio/visual streams enable
musicians, engineers, singers, actors, directors, and the like to
participate in a live production while broadcasting from different
locations. Multiple actors from multiple locations broadcast their
individual performance to one destination to create a broadcast
production as if they were in the same place. Multiple musicians
from multiple locations broadcast their unique performance in real
time to record a piece of music, just as if they are in the same
studio. Using keying technologies and/or holographic technologies,
the final product looks and sounds as if they are performing in the
same location.
[0131] In another example, during a live performance, a band
streams multiple channels of audio to a sound engineer in one
location while sending multiple video streams to a director in
another location. Both sets of media streams are edited and mixed
live and sent out as one live production. A producer from yet
another location inserts other production elements into the live
event such as advertising, commentary, background stories,
interviews, fan interaction, and the like.
[0132] In another example, unmixed audio tracks of a new song are
made available as content by a recording artist to a select group
of fans who have won the right to create a mix. Each new mix is
broadcast through the artist's channel allowing other fans to vote
on the best mix.
[0133] In another example, a film director offers uncut footage of
a new film while a film composer offers a library of music content
to a select group of students. Each student edits together film and
music elements to create a new film. Critics, students, fans, and
industry leaders can comment and/or vote on each new work.
[0134] The process 500 can also embed advertising into each
broadcast based on the content subject matter, the popularity of a
producer, the internet protocol address of the viewer, and the
like.
[0135] In another embodiment, artists submit their items to the
interactive television system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900, where the
items are stored in the database. A producer searches the database
for suitable items and creates a production. Advertising is
inserted into the production. In an embodiment, advertising
revenues are paid based at least in part on the viewer input. In
another embodiment, the use of each item is tracked and the
corresponding artist is paid a share of the advertising revenues
based at least in part on the item usage.
[0136] The process 500 involves the archiving of multi-visual
(media data) productions previously broadcast within the
interactive television programming system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900.
In an embodiment, the archived media is available for parents,
coaches, scouts, etc. for promotional, personal, or business use.
The media can be edited to create a product. The process 500 helps
coaches and scouts evaluate the skills of high school athletes and
allows athletes to display their talents. The process 500
encourages sponsors, and the like to discover and grant
scholarships to underprivileged athletes. It also is an aid to
parents, enabling them to build a multi-media profile on their
child's progress. The process 500 further comprises teaching
parents and athletes how to produce a multi-media highlight reel
for promotional or personal use by using the interactive television
programming system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900.
[0137] In another embodiment, the interactive process 500 expands
the gaming experience for participants involved in online gaming.
Players or customers connect to the interactive television
programming system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900 from different venues,
such as clubs, hotels, offices, homes or the like to participate in
the gaming process. The interactive process 500 engages players and
non-interactive viewers in a reality TV type of broadcast. This
allows niche broadcasters to reach their target audience without
the high costs of cable or satellite broadcasting.
[0138] In another embodiment, the interactive process 500 expands
the gaming experience for participants involved in interactive
video games. Players broadcast their game performance while viewing
and interacting with the other players. Players interact, access
each other's computers, and broadcast. Team players in different
locations are able to communicate and interact with each other
privately, before, during, or after the event.
[0139] Non-players are also able to interact or create niche
broadcasts of existing live or other game performances. Viewing
audience members are also encouraged to participate by broadcasting
commentary and or sound tracks. Musical artists add a live sound
track to create a unique experience for the garners and viewers,
just like a film score.
[0140] In yet another embodiment, interactive court proceedings
with attorneys, clients, witnesses, a jury, suspects, and a judge
are broadcast. The participants interact without being in the same
location. The judge moderates the broadcast so that each
participant views the current speaker or other reactions from the
participants. The broadcast content from each participating
broadcast could be recorded for referral.
[0141] In a further embodiment, the process 500 facilitates
interactive human resource activities. For example, an interview
with a perspective employee can include multiple interviewers
interacting from different locations. The employer can perform an
online check of the applicant during the interview.
[0142] In another example, a band seeking a bass player auditions
many interested musicians, each based in a different location. The
interactive stream allows both the band and the musician to see and
hear each other in real time, allowing a natural flow of
information. Fans of the band could interact and vote for the
musician of choice. The fan interaction gives the band a targeted
market place response and helps them make a business decision.
[0143] In a further embodiment, the process 500 facilitates
interactive market research. For example, manufacturers test
products and/or services with focus groups made up of individuals
who are able to participate in a private broadcast production by
streaming audio/visual responses. The market research is
interactive with producers being able to view and measure the
audio/visual responses, such as body language, and the like of each
participant. The market research broadcast can be streamed to a
wider audience for those who share an interest in the product or
service. The broadcast, live or prerecorded, can be sold as a
product to other complimentary and interested industries.
[0144] Entertainment industries, such as film, television, music,
and the like can test pilot concepts to target consumers around the
world simultaneously using the interactive television programming
system 100, 600, 700, 800, 900. The consumers broadcast and
interact not only with the producers of such products but also with
each other to form dedicated focus groups or fan clubs. This is a
very inexpensive form of market research for the entertainment
industry and a productive way to gather product support. For
example, an independent film festival or production company can
broadcast segments of films to an interactive audience for the
purposes of discussing each film's merit and possible release. In
another example, a record label can broadcast selected
performances, live or prerecorded, to interactive music fans, which
in turn vote and discuss each recording artist's merit. The record
label, based on the viewer input, awards the winning artist a
contract. Other exemplary industries that can benefit from
interactive market research comprise automotive, sporting goods,
health products, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and the like.
[0145] In an embodiment, the process 500 provides interior design
functions. Painters, designers, architects, visual artists, and the
like broadcast images into homes, offices, restaurants, and the
like around the world. Using common items, such as walls,
furniture, and ceilings, broadcasters stream art beyond the screen
and into daily life.
[0146] For example, a simple room with white walls takes on the
character of a library, or a garden simply by creating an illusion,
using visual and audio data streams. A coffee shop in Austin
becomes a cafe in Paris with the wall and ceiling having the three
dimensional effect of people sitting at tables, moving traffic,
noises, and the like. The broadcast imagery creates some of the
aesthetics of a European sidewalk cafe in an otherwise tepid
environment.
[0147] In another example, a downtown apartment surrounded by
traffic noise and chaos is filled with images of green pastures and
a running brook with audio to match the environment. Instead of
painting or wallpapering, white walls become the artists' canvas or
the filmmakers' screen displaying projected scenes of life, colors,
and waterfalls.
[0148] In another embodiment, advertisers bid for product placement
into homes and places of business. The walls, tables, ceiling of
restaurants, and malls provide advertising space much like the
billboards along the freeway. Advertisers buy space on store walls
and ceilings to show their product. In an embodiment, the streamed
images are projected using holographic technologies.
[0149] Another embodiment comprises content production templates.
In one example, a high school with a limited budget and limited
`production` expertise uses pre-qualified music cues, voice overs,
graphics, advertisements, and the like to enhance the broadcast of
a live sporting event. With a camera, a microphone, an encoder, and
a laptop the sporting event can be captured and by methods, such as
`drag and drop`, professional production templates are inserted
into the live broadcast in real time.
[0150] In another embodiment, a medical practitioner or physician
in one location examines multiple patients from multiple locations.
While the medical practitioner and patient(s) interact during the
consultation broadcast, each patients' vital information can also
be streamed to the physician and digitally recorded for later
study. Utilizing automated production technologies, a physician can
`zoom in` and take a snap shot of any part of the patient's anatomy
for further examination. On the basis of this examination, a
physician may suggest a follow-up examination by a specialist,
direct the patient to more specialized health care, write a
prescription, and/or direct the patient to an online pharmacy. The
patient can also record the event and keep a digital record of the
consultation and diagnosis. In one example, a doctor in India sets
up an online practice to serve patients in the United States
without health insurance. The Indian doctor's medical practice is
broadened while providing a service to patients unable to afford
the high costs of regular health care. In another example, a doctor
working in a remote location utilizes the expertise of specialist
medical practitioners working in John Hopkins to examine a patient
in yet another location.
[0151] In another embodiment, content elements from similar events
are recommended to producers and broadcasters. In one example,
several high school football games are being broadcast live
simultaneously. Scores, statistics, match highlights, featured
commentary, photographs of celebrity attendees, and the like from
each event are made available to the other event broadcasters.
During a break in play, or during the halftime or final game
summaries, the additional outside content can be inserted into the
live event broadcast.
[0152] In another embodiment, a recording artist streams a live
concert to a select group of fans and or promoters. Each fan or
promoter is from a different location and each has won the right to
gather an audience in their home, local pub, or club to view the
live performance. The fans may pay a fee or bid for the viewing
rights and/or the event could be subsidized by advertisers based on
fan involvement. In another example, the selected fans or promoters
have won the right to redistribute the event to their own fan,
friend, and/or customer base.
[0153] In another embodiment, an outside content provider provides
additional audio and/or video content to a producer of a live or
other broadcast event. In one example, a production crew in Long
Beach uses three video cameras to capture and broadcast a live
cycling event. A sponsor of the event interviews riders and fans,
and streams the media packages to the event broadcast channel. The
producers of the event edit into the live broadcast any of the
sponsor's video that is of interest to them.
[0154] In another embodiment, a winter sports event comprising down
hill ski racing is video taped by fans, friends, relatives, and
local news reporters. Each content creator can upload video into an
event library. Other content libraries comprising music, graphics,
Foley, and the like allow viewers to create professional content
broadcasts of the winter sports event.
[0155] In another example, viewers interested in the New York
marathon can video the race from their apartment or office windows,
and stream the live media up onto the dedicated broadcast channel.
These video elements are then edited into different broadcasts
about the marathon. The original content providers may receive a
percentage of revenues based on a pro rata usage of content.
[0156] In another embodiment, a track meet involving multiple
simultaneous events offers multiple video streams for convenient
viewing. In one example, a viewer may be a fan of three events that
are being held at the same time. The viewer could select an event
to watch in live mode and select a later button to hold the other
events for viewing at another time.
[0157] Another embodiment comprises a chess tournament involving
multiple players from multiple locations. In one example, each
player is from a different location and participates in the contest
by broadcasting and receiving live audio and video data. Fans from
around the world can view, comment, and/or offer advice on one or
many matches simultaneously. In another example, one elite chess
player competes against multiple players simultaneously in either
the same match or many individual matches.
[0158] In another embodiment, skateboarders from around the world
upload video clips of their tricks and falls. Viewers, producers,
and advertisers use the content to create new production
broadcasts. Viewers also vote, recommend, and pass on content to
friends and the like. Skateboarders and/or content creators
receiving the most votes or notoriety may benefit from product
manufacturer and/or advertiser endorsements.
[0159] In another embodiment, an ocean yacht race comprises GPS,
satellite, and broadband technologies. While a producer on each
yacht streams video and GPS information via satellite to a
production center, the content is streamed via broadband to a
broadcast channel for general viewing. The content is also made
available for other producers and news agencies for new content
production.
[0160] In another embodiment, comprising holographic and surround
sound technologies, a live performance of a band in a stadium in
London is viewed by millions of viewers around the world. In one
example, the live performance is seen in another arena in Los
Angeles with holographic images of the band on the main stage and
the original audio mix heard through the surround sound system. In
another example, viewers watch the band perform in their living
room. In another example, clubs around the world sell tickets for a
holographic reproduction of the concert. The process 500 allows one
performance in one location to be viewed by multiple customers in
multiple locations simultaneously. The process 500 also allows the
band to expand the earning potential of a singular live performance
by charging a fee for each viewer or holographic reproduction.
[0161] In another embodiment comprising the search for talent,
singers, musicians, comedians, actors, and the like from around the
world submit video content auditions. Viewers can vote, pass the
content on to friends, use the content to create new broadcasts,
and the like. The artists receiving the most votes or notoriety are
invited to participate in live talent broadcasts where they will be
judged by viewers and expert celebrities in their chosen art form.
Winners can receive recording, management, employment, artist
contracts, and the like.
[0162] In another embodiment singers and bands from around the
world, submit videos performances of national anthems. Viewers can
vote, pass the content on to friends, use the content to create new
broadcasts and the like. Singers and bands receiving the most votes
may be invited to perform a national anthem at a live major
sporting event. Fans, who may not be interested in sports, can
watch a live sporting event broadcast featuring the winning singer
or band.
[0163] In another embodiment, a radio talk show produces a
television talk show comprising broadcast video, web cam, and green
screen technologies. Listeners interact with the talk show host via
web cams. The low-resolution video stream is edited into the
broadcast quality video production and via a green screen, the
listeners are placed inside the set of the talk show.
[0164] In another embodiment, production content comprised of live
performances of bands and artists in garages, bars, clubs,
theaters, and the like are edited into other live events such as
sporting events, county fairs, political rallies, charity events
and the like. The use of green screen technology allows the
original live band performance to appear as if it is part of the
new event content.
[0165] In another embodiment, a viewer interacts with a broadcast
by pausing, rewinding, and/or fast forwarding a live media stream
within a media player. In one example a father watching his son's
live school football game is interrupted by a phone call. The
father pauses the live broadcast and takes the phone call. Once the
call is over he presses play on the media player and continues
watching the game. At any time, he can fast forward to catch up to
the actual live events or rewind to view other parts of the
game.
[0166] In another embodiment, a viewer blocks specific programming
comprising of advertising and content. In one example, a parent
creates a preference list to block any broadcast that contains
violence. The blocking preferences can be turned on or off on the
receiving device and can be activated during a live broadcast.
[0167] In another embodiment, multiple viewers become commentators
in a live sporting event. In one example the commentators
comprising of former coaches, athletes, sports administrators and
the like are watching a live sporting event and interacting with
each other during the broadcast. In another example, the former
coaches are watching old highlight reels and sharing thoughts,
stories, anecdotes and commentary about the events. In both
examples, the actions of the commentators create new content.
[0168] In other embodiments, the process 500 is used for
interactive auctions, interactive retailers, interactive
supermarket, interactive auto sales, bank and finance transactions,
interactive search engine, interactive gambling, interactive video
gaming, interactive graphics, interactive construction, interactive
mining, interactive transport, interactive boardroom, interactive
court proceedings, interactive government sessions, interactive
human resources, interactive entertainment, interactive
telecommunications, interactive market research, interactive
interior design, interactive hotels, interactive business to
business, interactive communities, interactive veterinary science,
interactive sports, interactive product development, interactive
talent search, interactive futures, interactive productions,
interactive translation, interactive blue screen, interactive
health, and the like.
[0169] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been
described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example
only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions.
Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be
embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various
omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods
and systems described herein may be made without departing from the
spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their
equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as
would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
* * * * *