U.S. patent application number 15/211165 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-19 for video production system with social media content item modification feature.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC. Invention is credited to Hank J. Hundemer.
Application Number | 20170019694 15/211165 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57775229 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170019694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hundemer; Hank J. |
January 19, 2017 |
VIDEO PRODUCTION SYSTEM WITH SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT ITEM MODIFICATION
FEATURE
Abstract
In one aspect, an example method includes (i) selecting, by a
computing system, a social media (SM) content item; (ii)
identifying, by the computing system, an element of the selected SM
content item based on the element being associated with a
particular characteristic; (iii) modifying, by the computing
system, the selected SM content item by modifying the identified
element of the selected SM content item; and (iv) generating, by
the computing system, video content that includes the modified SM
content item.
Inventors: |
Hundemer; Hank J.;
(Bellevue, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57775229 |
Appl. No.: |
15/211165 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62242593 |
Oct 16, 2015 |
|
|
|
62194171 |
Jul 17, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04842 20130101;
G06F 40/186 20200101; H04L 67/306 20130101; H04N 21/25841 20130101;
H04N 21/6175 20130101; H04N 21/234 20130101; H04N 21/47214
20130101; H04N 21/23418 20130101; G11B 27/031 20130101; H04N
21/4334 20130101; H04N 21/8126 20130101; H04N 21/6125 20130101;
H04L 51/32 20130101; H04L 65/602 20130101; H04L 67/10 20130101;
G06F 3/0481 20130101; H04L 67/18 20130101; H04N 21/25875 20130101;
H04N 21/235 20130101; H04N 21/8133 20130101; H04L 65/4076 20130101;
H04N 21/2665 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N 21/854 20130101;
H04L 65/604 20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101; H04L 65/607 20130101;
H04N 21/262 20130101; H04L 67/02 20130101; H04N 21/23424 20130101;
G06F 3/0486 20130101; H04N 21/458 20130101; G11B 27/00 20130101;
H04N 21/435 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101; H04L 51/10 20130101;
H04L 67/42 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/234 20060101
H04N021/234; H04N 21/2665 20060101 H04N021/2665 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: selecting, by a computing system, a social
media (SM) content item; identifying, by the computing system, an
element of the selected SM content item based on the element being
associated with a particular characteristic; modifying, by the
computing system, the selected SM content item by modifying the
identified element of the selected SM content item; and generating,
by the computing system, video content that includes the modified
SM content item.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the element is a text element or
an image element.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the element is a first element,
the method further comprising: accessing, by the computing system,
a set of elements, wherein the first element being associated with
the particular characteristic comprises the first element having a
threshold extent of similarity with a second element of the
accessed set of elements.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the element being associated with
the particular characteristic comprises the element being stored in
a predefined type of field.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the element being associated with
the particular characteristic comprises the element having a
predefined characteristic.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the identified element
comprises removing the identified element from the selected SM
content item.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the identified element
comprises redacting the identified element of the selected SM
content item.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the identified element
comprises replacing the identified element of the selected SM
content item with a replacement element.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein generating video content that
includes the modified SM content item comprises executing a digital
video-effect (DVE), wherein the computing system is a first
computing system, the method further comprising: transmitting, by
the first computing system, to a second computing system, the
generated video content for presentation of the generated video
content on the second computing system.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
program instructions that upon execution by a processor, cause
performance of a set of acts comprising: selecting, by a computing
system, a social media (SM) content item; identifying, by the
computing system, an element of the selected SM content item based
on the element being associated with a particular characteristic;
modifying, by the computing system, the selected SM content item by
modifying the identified element of the selected SM content item;
and generating, by the computing system, video content that
includes the modified SM content item.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the element is a text element or an image element.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the element is a first element, the set of acts further
comprising: accessing, by the computing system, a set of elements,
wherein the first element being associated with the particular
characteristic comprises the first element having a threshold
extent of similarity with a second element of the accessed set of
elements.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the element being associated with the particular
characteristic comprises the element being stored in a predefined
type of field.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the element being associated with the particular
characteristic comprises the element having a predefined
characteristic.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein modifying the identified element comprises removing the
identified element from the selected SM content item.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein modifying the identified element comprises redacting the
identified element of the selected SM content item.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein modifying the identified element comprises replacing the
identified element of the selected SM content item with a
replacement element.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein generating video content that includes the modified SM
content item comprises executing a digital video-effect (DVE),
wherein the computing system is a first computing system, the set
of acts further comprising: transmitting, by the first computing
system, to a second computing system, the generated video content
for presentation of the generated video content on the second
computing system.
19. A computing system configured for performing a set of acts
comprising: selecting, by the computing system, a social media (SM)
content item; identifying, by the computing system, an element of
the selected SM content item based on the element being associated
with a particular characteristic; modifying, by the computing
system, the selected SM content item by modifying the identified
element of the selected SM content item; and generating, by the
computing system, video content that includes the modified SM
content item.
20. The computing system of claim 19, wherein the element is a text
element or an image element.
Description
RELATED DISCLOSURES
[0001] This disclosure claims priority to (i) U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/194,171, titled "Video Production System
with Social Media Features," filed on Jul. 17, 2015, and (ii) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/242,593, titled "Video
Production System with Content-Related Features," filed on Oct. 16,
2015, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
USAGE AND TERMINOLOGY
[0002] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified and/or unless
the particular context clearly dictates otherwise, the terms "a" or
"an" mean at least one, and the term "the" means the at least
one.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, an example method is disclosed. The method
includes (i) selecting, by a computing system, a social media (SM)
content item; (ii) identifying, by the computing system, an element
of the selected SM content item based on the element being
associated with a particular characteristic; (iii) modifying, by
the computing system, the selected SM content item by modifying the
identified element of the selected SM content item; and (iv)
generating, by the computing system, video content that includes
the modified SM content item.
[0004] In another aspect, an example non-transitory
computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium
has stored thereon program instructions that upon execution by a
processor, cause performance of a set of acts including (i)
selecting, by a computing system, a social media (SM) content item;
(ii) identifying, by the computing system, an element of the
selected SM content item based on the element being associated with
a particular characteristic; (iii) modifying, by the computing
system, the selected SM content item by modifying the identified
element of the selected SM content item; and (iv) generating, by
the computing system, video content that includes the modified SM
content item.
[0005] In another aspect, an example computing system is disclosed.
The computing system is configured for performing a set of acts
including (i) selecting, by the computing system, a social media
(SM) content item; (ii) identifying, by the computing system, an
element of the selected SM content item based on the element being
associated with a particular characteristic; (iii) modifying, by
the computing system, the selected SM content item by modifying the
identified element of the selected SM content item; and (iv)
generating, by the computing system, video content that includes
the modified SM content item.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example computing
device.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example video
system.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an example video
production system.
[0009] FIG. 4A is a simplified diagram of an example frame of video
content, without content overlaid thereon.
[0010] FIG. 4B is a simplified diagram of an example frame of video
content, with content overlaid thereon.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an example program
schedule.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
I. Overview
[0013] A video-production system (VPS) can generate video content
that can serve as or be part of a video program (e.g., a news
program). The VPS can then transmit the video content to a
video-broadcast system (VBS), which in turn can transmit the video
content to an end-user device for presentation of the video content
to an end-user.
[0014] The VPS can include various components to facilitate
generating video content. For example, the VPS can include a video
source, a digital video-effect (DVE) system, a scheduling system,
and a sequencing system. The video source can generate video
content, and can transmit the video content to the DVE system. The
DVE system can use the video content and a DVE template to execute
a DVE, which can cause the DVE system to generate new video content
that is a modified version of the received video content. For
example, the generated video content can include the received video
content with local weather content overlaid thereon.
[0015] The scheduling system can create a program schedule, perhaps
based on input received from a user (e.g., a producer or technical
director) via a user interface. The sequencing system can process
records in the program schedule, and based on the processed
records, can control one or more components of the VPS, such as the
video source and the DVE system, to facilitate generating video
content.
[0016] In one example, the VPS can also include a SM system and a
character generator. The SM system can obtain a SM content item,
and the character generator can then use the SM content item to
generate video content that includes the SM content item. Further,
the character generator can transmit the video content to the DVE
system. The DVE system can receive the video content and can
execute a DVE, which causes the DVE system to generate video
content that includes the received video content and thus, that
also includes the SM content item. The generated video content can
serve as or be part of a video program. Thus, in this way, the VPS
can integrate a SM content item into a video program.
[0017] In some instances though, it can be desirable for the VPS to
modify a SM content item before integrating it into a video
program. In one example, the SM system can modify a SM content item
by identifying a first element of the SM content item based on the
first element being associated with a particular characteristic,
and then modifying the selected SM content item by modifying the
identified first element of the selected SM content item.
[0018] The first element of the SM content item can take various
forms. In one example, the first element can be a text element,
such as text published by a publisher in connection with the SM
content item. As noted above, the SM system can identify a first
element of the selected SM content item based on the first element
being associated with a particular characteristic. In one example,
the SM system can access a set of elements and the first element
being associated with the particular characteristic can mean the
first element having a threshold extent of similarity with a second
element of the accessed set of elements.
[0019] To illustrate an example of this, consider a scenario where
the elements at issue are words. In this scenario, the SM system
can identify a first word of the SM content item based on the first
word having a threshold extent of similarity with a second word of
an accessed set of words. In one example, the accessed set of words
can include potentially vulgar or offensive words, and thus it may
not be desirable to integrate such words into a video program.
[0020] The threshold extent of similarity can vary depending on a
desired tolerance level. For instance, the SM system can identify
the first word based on the first word being identical to the
second word. Alternatively, the SM system can identify the first
word based on the first word and the second word being sufficiently
similar despite the words not being identical. This can help the SM
system identify a first word that is a slight misspelling or other
variation of a second word, for instance.
[0021] As noted above, the SM system can modify the selected SM
content item by modifying the identified first element of the
selected SM content item. The SM system can modify the identified
first element in various ways. For example, the SM system can
modify the identified element by removing the identified element
from the selected SM content item. To illustrate this, in the case
where the identified element is text or an image, the SM system can
remove the text or image from the SM content item.
[0022] The VPS can then generate video content that includes the
modified SM content item, which can serve as or be part of a video
program. Thus, in this way, the VPS can integrate a modified SM
content item into a video program. Notably, the SM system can
identify an element of a SM content item and can modify the
identified element in many various other ways as described
throughout this disclosure.
II. Example Architecture
[0023] A. Computing Device
[0024] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example computing
device 100. The computing device can be configured to perform
and/or can perform one or more acts and/or functions, such as those
described in this disclosure. The computing device 100 can include
various components, such as a processor 102, a data storage unit
104, a communication interface 106, and/or a user interface 108.
Each of these components can be connected to each other via a
connection mechanism 110.
[0025] In this disclosure, the term "connection mechanism" means a
mechanism that facilitates communication between two or more
components, devices, systems, or other entities. A connection
mechanism can be a relatively simple mechanism, such as a cable or
system bus, or a relatively complex mechanism, such as a
packet-based communication network (e.g., the Internet). In some
instances, a connection mechanism can include a non-tangible medium
(e.g., in the case where the connection is wireless).
[0026] The processor 102 can include a general-purpose processor
(e.g., a microprocessor) and/or a special-purpose processor (e.g.,
a digital signal processor (DSP)). The processor 102 can execute
program instructions contained in the data storage unit 104 as
discussed below.
[0027] The data storage unit 104 can include one or more volatile,
non-volatile, removable, and/or non-removable storage components,
such as magnetic, optical, and/or flash storage, and/or can be
integrated in whole or in part with the processor 102. Further, the
data storage unit 104 can take the form of a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon program
instructions (e.g., compiled or non-compiled program logic and/or
machine code) that, upon execution by the processor 102, cause the
computing device 100 to perform one or more acts and/or functions,
such as those described in this disclosure. These program
instructions can define and/or be part of a discrete software
application. In some instances, the computing device 100 can
execute program instructions in response to receiving an input,
such as from the communication interface 106 and/or the user
interface 108. The data storage unit 104 can also store other types
of data, such as those types described in this disclosure.
[0028] The communication interface 106 can allow the computing
device 100 to connect with and/or communicate with another other
entity according to one or more protocols. In one example, the
communication interface 106 can be a wired interface, such as an
Ethernet interface or a high-definition serial-digital-interface
(HD-SDI). In another example, the communication interface 106 can
be a wireless interface, such as a cellular or WI-FI interface. In
this disclosure, a connection can be a direct connection or an
indirect connection, the latter being a connection that passes
through and/or traverses one or more entities, such as a router,
switcher, or other network device. Likewise, in this disclosure, a
transmission can be a direct transmission or an indirect
transmission.
[0029] The user interface 108 can include hardware and/or software
components that facilitate interaction between the computing device
100 and a user of the computing device 100, if applicable. As such,
the user interface 108 can include input components such as a
keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive panel, a microphone,
and/or a camera, and/or output components such as a display device
(which, for example, can be combined with a touch-sensitive panel),
a sound speaker, and/or a haptic feedback system.
[0030] The computing device 100 can take various forms, such as a
workstation terminal, a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, a
mobile phone, a set-top box, and/or a television.
[0031] B. Video System
[0032] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example video
system 200.
[0033] The video system 200 can perform various acts and/or
functions related to video content, and can be implemented as a
computing system. In this disclosure, the term "computing system"
means a system that includes at least one computing device. In some
instances, a computing system can include one or more other
computing systems.
[0034] The video system 200 can include various components, such as
a VPS 202, a VBS 204, and an end-user device 206, each of which can
be implemented as a computing system. The video system 200 can also
include a connection mechanism 208, which connects the VPS 202 with
the VBS 204; and a connection mechanism 210, which connects the VBS
204 with the end-user device 206.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an example VPS 202.
The VPS 202 can include various components, such as a video source
302, a SM system 306, a character generator 308, a DVE system 310,
a scheduling system 312, and a sequencing system 314, each of which
can be implemented as a computing system. The VPS 202 can also
include a connection mechanism 316, which connects the video source
302 with the sequencing system 314; a connection mechanism 318,
which connects the video source 302 with the DVE system 310; a
connection mechanism 322, which connects the SM system 306 with the
sequencing system 314; a connection mechanism 324, which connects
the SM system 306 with the character generator 308; a connection
mechanism 326, which connects the character generator 308 with the
sequencing system 314; a connection mechanism 328, which connects
the character generator 308 with the DVE system 310; a connection
mechanism 330, which connects the DVE system 310 with the
sequencing system 314; and a connection mechanism 332, which
connects the scheduling system 312 with the sequencing system
314.
[0036] The video source 302 can take various forms, such as a video
server, a video camera, a satellite receiver, a character
generator, or a DVE system. An example video server is the K2
server provided by Grass Valley of San Francisco, Calif.
[0037] The character generator 308 can take various forms. An
example character generator is the VIZ TRIO provided by Viz Rt of
Bergen, Norway. Another example character generator is CASPAR CG
developed and distributed by the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation
(SVT).
[0038] The DVE system 310 can take various forms, such as a
production switcher. An example production switcher is the VISION
OCTANE production switcher provided by Ross Video Ltd. of Iroquois,
Ontario in Canada.
[0039] The scheduling system 312 can take various forms. An example
scheduling system is WO TRAFFIC provided by WideOrbit, Inc. of San
Francisco, Calif. Another example scheduling system is OSI-TRAFFIC
provided by Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Fla.
[0040] The sequencing system 314 can take various forms. A
sequencing system is sometimes referred to in the industry as a
"production automation system."
[0041] Referring back to FIG. 2, the VBS 204 can include various
components, such as a terrestrial antenna or a satellite
transmitter, each of which can be implemented as a computing
system.
[0042] Each of the video-based entities described in this
disclosure can include or be integrated with a corresponding
audio-based entity. Also, the video content described in this
disclosure can include or be integrated with corresponding audio
content.
III. Example Operations
[0043] The video system 200 and/or components thereof can perform
various acts and/or functions. These features and related features
will now be described.
[0044] The video system 200 can perform various acts and/or
functions related to video content. For example, the video system
200 can receive, generate, output, and/or transmit video content
that can serve as or be part of a video program (e.g., a news
program). In this disclosure, the act of receiving, generating,
outputting, and/or transmitting video content can occur in various
ways and/or according to various standards. For example, the act of
receiving, outputting, and/or transmitting video content can
include receiving, outputting, and/or transmitting a video stream
representing the video content, such as over Internet Protocol (IP)
or in accordance with the high-definition serial digital interface
(HD-SDI) standard. Likewise, the act of generating content can
include generating a video stream representing the video content.
Also, the act of receiving, generating, outputting, and/or
transmitting video content can include receiving, generating,
outputting, and/or transmitting an encoded or decoded version of
the video content.
[0045] The VPS 202 can perform various acts and/or functions
related to video content production. For example, the VPS 202 can
generate and/or output video content, and can transmit the video
content to another entity, such as the VBS 204.
[0046] Referring back to FIG. 3, within the VPS 202, the video
source 302 can generate and/or output video content, and can
transmit the video content to another entity, such as the DVE
system 310. In practice, the VPS 202 is likely to include multiple
video sources and corresponding connection mechanisms, each
connecting a respective one of the video sources with the DVE
system 310.
[0047] As noted above, the video source 302 can take the form of a
video server. A video server can record and/or store video content
(e.g., in the form of a file). Further, the video server can
retrieve stored video content and can use the retrieved video
content to generate and/or output a video stream representing the
video content. This is sometimes referred to in the industry as the
video server playing out the video content. The video server 302
can then transmit the video stream, thereby transmitting the video
content, to another entity, such as the DVE system 310.
[0048] The SM system 306 can perform various acts and/or functions
related to SM content. In this disclosure, "SM content" is content
that has been published on a SM platform, which is a computer-based
tool that allows users to create, share, and/or exchange content
(e.g., in the form of text, images, and/or videos) in virtual
communities on a computer-based network such as the Internet.
Examples of SM platforms include TWITTER, YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK,
PERISCOPE, INSTAGRAM, MEERKAT, LINKEDIN, and GOOGLE+.
[0049] SM content has become a prominent and influential source of
news and entertainment content. Indeed, SM platforms are more and
more often a news-breaking source of information. It can thus be
beneficial for video content providers to incorporate SM content
items into a video program.
[0050] However, video content providers can encounter a number of
technological challenges that make it difficult to incorporate SM
content items into a video program. For example, receiving,
modifying, and integrating SM content items into a video program is
generally a time-consuming and labor-intensive process using
conventional computing systems and technology platforms. This can
be particularly problematic in the context of a news program in
which it may be beneficial to quickly receive, modify, and
integrate a SM content item into the news program.
[0051] The VPS 202 can overcome these and other technological
challenges. Among other things, the VPS 202 can provide
technological solutions that allow SM content items to be received,
modified, and integrated into a video program in an efficient and
timely manner. The described technical solutions can also provide
numerous other benefits, which will be apparent from this
disclosure.
[0052] In line with the discussion above, the SM system 306 can
receive a SM content item and can do so in various ways. For
example, the SM system can receive a SM content item by obtaining
it from another entity, such as a SM platform. In one example, the
SM system 306 can obtain a SM content item directly from a SM
platform. In another example, the SM system can obtain a SM content
item from a SM platform via a SM dashboard application (e.g.,
TWEETDECK, CYFE, or HOOTSUITE). In some instances, a SM dashboard
application can provide additional searching and browsing
functionalities (e.g., based on trend analysis or analytics) that
may not be provided by the SM platform itself, and/or can provide
access to multiple SM platforms through a single user
interface.
[0053] A SM content item can include various elements such as (i)
data indicating the SM platform from which the SM content item was
received, (ii) data identifying the publisher of the SM content
item (e.g., an account identifier, such as a username), (iii) a
profile image corresponding to the publisher of the SM content
item, (iv) text published by the publisher in connection with the
SM content item, (v) an image published by the publisher in
connection with the SM content item, (vi) audio content published
by the publisher in connection with the SM content item, (vii)
video content published by the publisher in connection with the SM
content item (viii) a timestamp indicating a time and/or date at
which the SM content item was published on the SM platform, (ix) a
location (e.g., represented by global positioning system (GPS)
coordinates) of the publisher when the SM content item was
published, (x) a location at which an aspect of the SM content item
occurred (e.g., where video content was recorded or where a
photograph was taken), (xi) a timestamp indicating when an aspect
of the SM content item occurred, (xii) a number of other users
associated with the publisher on a SM platform (e.g., a number of
friends or followers), (xiii) an indication of how long the
publisher has been a user of a SM platform, (xiv) a number of times
the SM content item has been shared (e.g., retweeted) by other
users of a SM platform, (xv) a number of posts by the publisher on
a SM platform, and/or (xvi) any other data that can be integrated
into a video program.
[0054] The SM system can also store, select, and/or retrieve a SM
content item, perhaps based on input received from a user (e.g., a
producer or technical director) via a user interface. As such, the
SM system 306 can store an obtained SM content item in a data
storage unit (e.g., a data storage unit of the SM system 306), and
can then receive the SM content item by selecting and retrieving it
from the data storage unit.
[0055] In some instances, the SM system 306 can select and modify a
SM content item. The SM system 306 can select a SM content item in
various ways. For example, the SM system 306 can select a SM
content item responsive to the SM system 306 performing an action
in connection with the SM content item (e.g., responsive to the SM
content system 306 receiving or storing the SM content item). In
another example, the SM system 306 can select a SM content item
based on the SM content item being associated with a particular
characteristic (e.g., based on the SM content item being scheduled
to be integrated into a video program). In another example, the SM
system 306 can, periodically or based on a schedule, select a SM
content item for routine processing. As yet another example, the SM
system 306 can select a SM content item based on input received
from a user via a user interface.
[0056] The SM system 306 can then modify the selected SM content
item by identifying a first element of the selected SM content item
based on the first element being associated with a particular
characteristic, and then modifying the selected SM content item by
modifying the identified first element of the selected SM content
item.
[0057] The first element of the SM content item can take various
forms as described above. In one example, the first element can be
a text element, such as text published by a publisher in connection
with the SM content item, or a username of the publisher. In
another example, the first element can be an image element, such as
an image published by a publisher in connection with the SM content
item, or a profile image of the publisher.
[0058] As noted above, the SM system 306 can identify a first
element of the selected SM content item based on the first element
being associated with a particular characteristic. In one example,
the SM system 306 can access a set of elements and the first
element being associated with the particular characteristic can
mean the first element having a threshold extent of similarity with
a second element of the accessed set of elements.
[0059] To illustrate an example of this, consider a scenario where
the elements at issue are words. In this scenario, the SM system
306 can identify a first word of the SM content item based on the
first word having a threshold extent of similarity with a second
word of an accessed set of words. In one example, the accessed set
of words can include potentially vulgar or offensive words, and
thus it may not be desirable to integrate such words into a video
program.
[0060] The threshold extent of similarity can vary depending on a
desired tolerance level. For instance, the SM system 306 can
identify the first word based on the first word being identical to
the second word. Alternatively, the SM system 306 can identify the
first word based on the first word and the second word being
sufficiently similar despite the words not being identical. This
can help the SM system 306 identify a first word that is a slight
misspelling or other variation of a second word, for instance. For
this purpose, the SM system 306 can directly or indirectly use any
text comparison and scoring techniques now known in the art or
later discovered.
[0061] In one example, the SM system 306 can maintain the list of
words and can update it over time as desired, perhaps based on
input from a user via a user interface or based on input received
from another computing system.
[0062] As noted above, the SM system 306 can access a set of
elements and the first element being associated with the particular
characteristic can mean the first element having a threshold extent
of similarity with a second element of the accessed set of
elements. To illustrate another example of this, consider a
scenario where the elements at issue are images. In this scenario,
the SM system 306 can identify a first image of the SM content item
based on the first image having a threshold extent of similarity
with a second image of an accessed set of images. In one example,
the accessed set of images can include potentially vulgar or
offensive images, and thus it may not be desirable to integrate
such images into a video program.
[0063] The threshold extent of similarity can vary depending on a
desired tolerance level. For instance, the SM system 306 can
identify the first image based on the first image being identical
to the second image. Alternatively, the SM system 306 can identify
the first image based on the first image and the second image being
sufficiently similar despite the images not being identical. This
can help the SM system 306 identify a first image that is a slight
variation of a second image, for instance. For this purpose, the SM
system 306 can directly or indirectly use any image comparison and
scoring techniques, such as those that utilize image-based
fingerprints, now known in the art or later discovered.
[0064] In one example, the SM system 306 can maintain the list of
images and can update it over time as desired, perhaps based on
input from a user via a user interface or based on input received
from another computing system.
[0065] As noted above, the first element being associated with the
particular characteristic can include the first element having a
threshold extent of similarity with a second element of the
accessed set of elements. But in another example, the first element
being associated with the particular characteristic can include the
first element being stored in a predefined type of field.
[0066] To illustrate an example of this, consider a scenario where
the first element at issue is text that is a username of the SM
content item. In this scenario, the SM system 306 can identify the
text based on the text being stored in a username field (e.g., of a
data structure configured to store a SM content item). For privacy
or other reasons, it may be undesirable to integrate such text into
a video program.
[0067] To illustrate another example of this, consider a scenario
where the first element at issue is an image that is a profile
image of the SM content item. In this scenario, the SM system 306
can identify the image based on the image being stored in a profile
image field. Again, for privacy or other reasons, it may be
undesirable to integrate such text into a video program.
[0068] As noted above, the first element being associated with the
particular characteristic can include the first element being
stored in a predefined type of field. But in another example, the
first element being associated with the particular characteristic
can include the element having a predefined characteristic.
[0069] To illustrate an example of this, consider a scenario where
the first element is text that is a telephone number published by a
publisher in connection with the SM content item the SM content
item. In this scenario, the SM system 306 can identify the text
based on the text having a particular format (e.g., XXX-XXX-XXXX).
For privacy or other reasons, it may be undesirable to integrate
such text into a video program.
[0070] To illustrate another example of this, consider a scenario
where the first element is an image published by a publisher in
connection with the SM content item the SM content item. In this
scenario, the SM system 306 can identify the image as being a
vulgar or offensive image, and thus it may not be desirable to
integrate such words into a video program. For this purpose, the SM
system 306 can directly or indirectly use any image analysis
technique now known in the art or later discovered.
[0071] As noted above, the SM system 306 can modify the selected SM
content item by modifying the identified first element of the
selected SM content item. The SM system 306 can modify the
identified first element in various ways. For example, the SM
system 306 can modify the identified element by removing the
identified element from the selected SM content item. To illustrate
this, in the case where the identified element is text or an image,
the SM system 306 can remove the text or image from the SM content
item.
[0072] As another example, the SM system 306 can modify the
identified element by redacting the identified element of the
selected SM content item. To illustrate this, in the case where the
element is text or an image, the SM system 306 can redact the text
or image by superimposing the text "REDACTED" over some or all of
the text or image.
[0073] As another example, the SM system 306 can modify the
identified element by replacing the identified element of the
selected SM content item with a replacement element. For example,
in the case where the element is text or an image, the SM system
306 can replace the text or image with the text "REMOVED."
[0074] Alternatively or additionally, the SM system 306 can modify
the SM content item based on input received from a user via a user
interface.
[0075] The SM system 306 can also transmit a SM content item to
another entity, such as the character generator 308.
[0076] The character generator 308 can use a character generator
template and content to generate and/or output video content that
includes the content. The character generator template specifies
the manner in which the character generator 308 uses the content to
generate and/or output the video content. The character generator
308 can create and/or modify a character generator template,
perhaps based on input received from a user via a user interface.
Further, the character generator 308 can store, select, and/or
retrieve a character generator template, perhaps based on input
received from a user via a user interface. As such, the character
generator 308 can store a character generator template in a data
storage unit (e.g., a data storage unit of the character generator
308), and can then receive the character generator template by
retrieving it from the data storage unit.
[0077] The character generator 308 can also receive content in
various ways. For example, the character generator 308 can receive
content by receiving it from another entity, such as the SM system
306. In another example, the character generator 308 can receive
content by selecting and retrieving it from a data storage unit
(e.g., a data storage unit of the SM system 306).
[0078] The character generator template can specify how the
character generator 308 is to receive content. In one example, the
character generator template can do so by specifying that the
character generator 308 is to receive content on a particular input
of the character generator 308 (e.g., an input that maps to a
particular entity, such as the SM system 306). In another example,
the character generator template can do so by specifying that the
character generator 308 is to receive content by retrieving it from
a particular location of a particular data storage unit (e.g., a
data storage unit of the character generator 308).
[0079] In one example, the character generator 308 can use an
ordered set of content items to generate video content that
includes the content items in the specified order. This type of
generated video content is sometimes referred to in the industry as
a "ticker." The content items can include various types of content,
such as text and/or images. In one example, each of these content
items can be a SM content item. The ordered set of content items
can be stored in various forms, such as in the form of an
Extensible Markup Language (XML) file.
[0080] After the character generator 308 generates and/or outputs
video content, the character generator 308 can transmit the video
content to another entity, such as the DVE system 310, and/or can
store the video content in a data storage unit (e.g., a data
storage unit of the character generator 308).
[0081] As such, in one example, the character generator 308 can
receive a SM content item, can use the SM content item to generate
and/or output video content that includes the SM content item, and
can transmit the video content to the DVE system 310.
[0082] The DVE system 310 can use a DVE template to generate and/or
output video content. This is sometimes referred to in the industry
as the DVE system "executing a DVE." In some instances, the DVE
system 310 can execute multiple DVEs in serial or overlapping
fashion.
[0083] The DVE template specifies the manner in which the DVE
system 310 generates and/or outputs video content. The DVE system
310 can create and/or modify a DVE template, perhaps based on input
received from a user via a user interface. Further, the DVE system
310 can store and/or retrieve a DVE template, perhaps based on
input received from a user via a user interface. As such, the DVE
system 310 can store a DVE system template in a data storage unit
(e.g., a data storage unit of the DVE system 310), and can then
receive the DVE template by selecting and retrieving it from the
data storage unit.
[0084] In some instances, the DVE system 310 can use the DVE
template and content to generate and/or output video content that
includes the content. The DVE system 310 can receive content in
various ways. For example, the DVE system 310 can do so by
receiving it from another entity, such as the video source 302
and/or the character generator 308. In another example, the DVE
system 310 can do so by selecting and retrieving it from a data
storage unit (e.g., a data storage unit of the DVE system 310).
[0085] The DVE template can specify how the DVE system 310 is to
receive content. In one example, the DVE template can do so by
specifying that the DVE system 310 is to receive content on a
particular input of the DVE system 310 (e.g., an input that maps to
a particular entity, such as the video source 302 or the character
generator 308). In another example, the DVE template can do so by
specifying that the DVE system 310 is to receive content by
retrieving it from a particular location of a particular data
storage unit (e.g., a data storage unit of the DVE system 310).
[0086] A DVE template can be configured in various ways, which can
allow the DVE system 310 to execute various types of DVEs. In one
example, a DVE template can specify that the DVE system 310 is to
receive video content from the video source 302 and other content
(e.g., local weather content) from a data storage unit of the DVE
system, and is to overlay the other content on the video content,
thereby generating a modified version of the video content. As
such, in one example, the DVE system 310 can generate video content
by modifying video content.
[0087] FIGS. 4A and 4B help illustrate this concept of overlaying
other content on video content. FIG. 4A is a simplified depiction
of an example frame 400 of video content. Frame 400 includes
content 402, but does not include other content overlaid on content
402. For comparison, FIG. 4B is a simplified depiction of another
example frame 450 of video content. Frame 450 includes content 452
and other content 454 overlaid on content 452.
[0088] In another example, a DVE template can specify that the DVE
system 310 is to receive first video content from the video source
302 and second video content from the character generator 308, and
is to overlay the second video content on the first video content,
thereby generating a modified version of the first video
content.
[0089] In another example, a DVE template can specify that the DVE
system 310 is to receive first video content from the video source
302 and second video content from the character generator 308, and
is to scale-down and re-position the first video content and the
second video content, each in a respective one of two windows
positioned side-by-side. As such, the DVE system 310 can generate
video content by scaling and/or re-positioning video content.
[0090] After the DVE system 310 generates and/or outputs the video
content, the DVE system 310 can transmit the video content to
another entity, such as the VBS 204, or can store the video content
in a data storage unit (e.g., a data storage unit of the DVE system
310).
[0091] As such, in one example, the DVE system 310 can receive
first video content including a SM content item, can use the first
video content to generate and/or output second video content that
includes the SM content item. This is an example way in which the
VPS 202 can integrate a SM content item into a video program.
[0092] The VPS 202 can also integrate a SM content item into a
video program in other ways. For example, in the case where the
video source 302 is a video camera, the SM system 306 can include a
display device that is located within a field of the view of the
video camera while the video camera records video content that
serves as or is made part of the video program. In one example, the
display device can be touch-enabled, which can allow a user (e.g.,
a news anchor) to interact with the SM content item. To facilitate
the user's interaction with the SM content item, the display device
and/or other components of the SM system 306 can be programmed with
instructions that cause particular actions in response to
particular touch commands.
[0093] In one example, the display device can initially display
multiple small tiles, each representing a different SM content
item. In this example, the SM content items can relate to weather
conditions captured in photographs published on SM platforms by
various different publishers. As such, each tile can display a
different photograph. The position and ordering of the small tiles
can be determined by a character generator template and/or a DVE
template. Either template can also include programming instructions
that can allow the commands provided via the touch screen display
to cause predefined actions for the displayed SM content items. For
example, if a meteorologist taps on one of the small items a first
time, the programming instructions can cause the tile to expand to
enlarge the photograph and perhaps display additional elements of,
or information associated with, the SM content item (e.g., a
username, time, location, and/or text published in connection with
the SM content item). Other commands can cause an expanded tile to
return to its initial size and position. As the meteorologist
interacts with the SM content items displayed on the display
device, the video camera can generate video content including these
interactions and thereby integrate the SM content items into the
video program.
[0094] The scheduling system 312 can perform various acts and/or
functions related to the scheduling of video content production.
For example, the scheduling system 312 can create and/or modify a
program schedule of a video program, perhaps based on input
received from a user via a user interface. Further, the scheduling
system 312 can store and/or retrieve a program schedule, perhaps
based on input received from a user via a user interface. As such,
the scheduling system 312 can store a program schedule in a data
storage unit (e.g., a data storage unit of the scheduling system
312), and can then receive the program schedule by selecting and
retrieving it from the data storage unit. The scheduling system 312
can also transmit a program schedule to another entity, such as the
sequencing system 314.
[0095] The sequencing system 314 can process records in the program
schedule. This can cause the sequencing system 314 to control one
or more other components of the VPS 202 to facilitate the VPS 202
generating and/or outputting video content, which can serve as or
be part of a video program. For example, the sequencing system 314
can control the video source 302, the SM system 306, the character
generator 308, and/or the DVE system 310 to perform the various
acts and/or functions described in this disclosure.
[0096] The sequencing system 314 can receive a program schedule in
various ways. For example, the sequencing system 314 can do so by
receiving it from another entity, such as the scheduling system
312. In another example, the character generator 308 can do so by
selecting and retrieving it from a data storage unit (e.g., a data
storage unit of the scheduling system 312).
[0097] A program schedule (sometimes referred to in the industry as
a "rundown") serves as a schedule or outline of a video program and
can include multiple records. A video program can be conceptually
divided into multiple logically-separated portions (sometimes
referred to in the industry as "stories"). As such, each portion of
the video program can be represented by a separate record of the
program schedule. In some cases, each record can also include one
or more sub-records. Each record (including a sub-record) can
include various types of data.
[0098] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of an example program
schedule 500. The program schedule 500 includes ten records
represented as ten ordered rows. Each record corresponds to a
respective portion of a video program, except for one which
corresponds to a commercial break. For each portion, the respective
record specifies at least one data item that corresponds to that
portion of the video program. In particular, each record specifies
at least one of a story title, a video content item identifier, a
duration, and a DVE identifier (which can serve as an instruction
to execute the identified DVE).
[0099] A video content item can consist of logically-related video
content. For example, a video content item can be a commercial. As
another example, a video content item can be a portion of a
television program that is scheduled between two commercial breaks.
This is sometimes referred to in the industry as a "program
segment."
[0100] As shown in FIG. 5, the first record specifies a story title
of STORY A, a video content identifier of VCI ID A, a duration of
00:02:00:00 (in hours::minutes::seconds::frames format), and a DVE
identifier of DVE ID A. As such, upon the sequencing system 314
processing the first record, the sequencing system 314 can cause
the video source 302 to playout a video content item identified by
the identifier VCI ID A for two minutes, and can further cause the
DVE system 310 to execute a DVE identified by the identifier DVE ID
A, which for example, can cause the DVE system 310 to overlay
content on the identified video-content item.
[0101] The program schedule 500 has been greatly simplified for the
purposes of illustrating certain features. In practice, a program
schedule is likely to include significantly more data.
[0102] In some instances, the sequencing system 314 can process a
next record in the program schedule based on a trigger event. In
one example, the trigger event can be the sequencing system 314
completing one or more actions related to a current record in the
program schedule. In another example, the trigger event can be the
sequencing system 314 receiving input from a user via a user
interface.
[0103] Referring back to FIG. 2, the VBS 204 can receive video
content from the VPS 202, which in turn can transmit the video
content to the end-user device 206 for presentation of the video
content to an end user. In practice, the VBS 204 can transmit video
content to a large number of end-user devices for presentation of
the video content to a large number of end users. The VBS 204 can
transmit video content to the end-user device 206 in various ways.
For example, VBS 204 can transmit video content to the end-user
device 206 over-the-air or via a packet-based network such as the
Internet. The end-user device 206 can receive video content from
the VBS 204, and can present the video content to an end user via a
user interface.
[0104] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 600.
At block 602, the method 600 can include selecting, by a computing
system, a SM content item. At block 604, the method 600 can include
identifying, by the computing system, an element of the selected SM
content item based on the element being associated with a
particular characteristic. At block 606, the method 600 can include
modifying, by the computing system, the selected SM content item by
modifying the identified element of the selected SM content item.
At block 608, the method 600 can include generating, by the
computing system, video content that includes the modified SM
content item.
IV. Example Variations
[0105] Although some of the acts and/or functions described in this
disclosure have been described as being performed by a particular
entity, the acts and/or functions can be performed by any entity,
such as those entities described in this disclosure. Further,
although the acts and/or functions have been recited in a
particular order, the acts and/or functions need not be performed
in the order recited. However, in some instances, it can be desired
to perform the acts and/or functions in the order recited. Further,
each of the acts and/or functions can be performed responsive to
one or more of the other acts and/or functions. Also, not all of
the acts and/or functions need to be performed to achieve one or
more of the benefits provided by this disclosure, and therefore not
all of the acts and/or functions are required.
[0106] Although certain variations have been discussed in
connection with one or more example of this disclosure, these
variations can also be applied to all of the other examples of this
disclosure as well.
[0107] Although select examples of this disclosure have been
described, alterations and permutations of these examples will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other changes,
substitutions, and/or alterations are also possible without
departing from the invention in its broader aspects as set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *