U.S. patent application number 15/908787 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for participating in television programs.
The applicant listed for this patent is YOUTOO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. Invention is credited to Mark A. Harwell, Ryland M. Reed, Christopher W. Wyatt.
Application Number | 20180192140 15/908787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47989953 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180192140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wyatt; Christopher W. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
Participating in Television Programs
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs
encoded on a computer storage medium, for enabling viewers to
participate in a television program. In one aspect, a method
includes transmitting a linear television program that includes a
request for viewer responses to be submitted using a user device
and receiving, through a communication network, an electronic
message including a viewer response to the request from a user.
Consideration is received from the user, and the consideration is
associated with the viewer response. Credits are allocated to the
user in response to receiving the viewer response and
consideration. A record of the one or more credits is stored in
association with an identifier of the user, and in response to a
request from the user, credits associated with the identifier of
the user are redeemed in exchange for virtual goods or services
associated with delivery of content over a network.
Inventors: |
Wyatt; Christopher W.;
(Dallas, TX) ; Harwell; Mark A.; (Plano, TX)
; Reed; Ryland M.; (North Richland Hills, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YOUTOO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC |
Irving |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47989953 |
Appl. No.: |
15/908787 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15132189 |
Apr 18, 2016 |
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15908787 |
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13442335 |
Apr 9, 2012 |
9319161 |
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15132189 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4758 20130101;
H04N 21/4882 20130101; H04N 21/47815 20130101; H04N 21/2542
20130101; H04N 21/4784 20130101; H04N 21/25866 20130101; H04H 60/33
20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N 21/2547 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/475 20060101
H04N021/475; H04N 21/488 20060101 H04N021/488; H04N 21/478 20060101
H04N021/478; H04H 60/33 20060101 H04H060/33; H04N 21/4784 20060101
H04N021/4784; H04N 21/2547 20060101 H04N021/2547; H04N 21/258
20060101 H04N021/258; H04N 21/2543 20060101 H04N021/2543; H04N
21/254 20060101 H04N021/254 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: receiving, through a communication network,
a plurality of electronic messages from a plurality of users, with
each electronic message including a viewer response from a
respective user, wherein each of the viewer responses is received
in reply to a request included in content transmitted for viewing
by one or more of the plurality of users; receiving a payment
associated with each of the respective viewer responses, wherein
each viewer response provides information from which a source of
the payment can be determined, and wherein the payment includes, at
least in part, credits stored in association with an identifier of
the respective user; allocating one or more credits to each user in
response to receiving the viewer response from the respective user
and receiving the payment associated with the viewer response;
storing a record of the one or more credits in association with an
identifier of the respective user; redeeming credits associated
with the identifier of the user in exchange for goods or services;
and allocating, to a subset of the plurality of users, monetary
awards, with each of the users in the subset of users selected
based on the viewer response of the respective user.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein redeeming credits associated with
the identifier of the user in exchange for goods or services
includes redeeming credits as payment associated with additional
viewer responses.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the viewer responses comprise a
prediction of an outcome of events occurring in the future with
respect to the time the viewer responses are received.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the outcome of events occurring in
the future with respect to the time the viewer responses are
received is determined by actions of one or more third parties with
respect to the plurality of users.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the request for viewer responses
includes an offer for the monetary award in exchange for a viewer
response that at least satisfies predetermined criteria.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the number of credits allocated to
each user is based upon one or more criteria related to the viewer
response of the respective user.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the payment includes, at least in
part, credits purchased for monetary value, wherein the credits are
associated with the respective user.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the electronic message is
submitted by the user through an application on a user device, with
the application associated with the content transmitted for viewing
by one or more users.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the electronic message is
submitted by the user through a web page displayed on a user
device, with the web page associated with the content transmitted
for viewing by one or more users.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the content is transmitted for
viewing on a user interface of a computing device.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface presents a
display for submission of the viewer response.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the content is transmitted as
part of a television broadcast.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the content is presented upon
request by each respective user.
14. A method comprising: receiving, through a communication
network, a plurality of electronic messages from a plurality of
users, with each electronic message including a viewer response
from a respective user, wherein each of the viewer responses is
received in reply to a request included in content transmitted for
viewing by one or more users; receiving a payment from each
respective user, wherein each viewer response is associated with
the payment from the respective user and each viewer response
provides information from which a source of the payment can be
determined, and wherein the payment includes, at least in part,
credits stored in association with an identifier of the respective
user; allocating one or more credits to each user in response to
receiving the viewer response from the respective user and
receiving the payment associated with the viewer response; storing
a record of the one or more credits in association with an
identifier of the respective user; redeeming credits associated
with the identifier of the user in exchange for goods or services;
and wherein the viewer responses comprise a prediction of an
outcome of events occurring in the future with respect to the time
the viewer responses are received.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the outcome of events occurring
in the future with respect to the time the viewer responses are
received are determined by actions of one or more third parties
with respect to the plurality of users.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein the number of credits allocated
to each user is based upon one or more criteria related to the
viewer response of the respective user.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the content is transmitted for
viewing on a user interface of a computing device and the user
interface presents a display for submission of the viewer
response.
18. A system comprising: one or more servers operable to interact
with a user device and to: transmit data for use in presenting a
user interface on the user device, wherein the user interface is
adapted to receive user input for submitting a response to a
request for viewer responses included in content transmitted for
viewing by one or more users; receive an electronic message,
wherein the electronic message includes a response to the request,
with the response received through the user device; deduct a
payment from an account based on the response received through the
user device and the response provides information from which a
source of the payment can be determined, and wherein the payment
includes, at least in part, credits stored in association with an
identifier of the user; allocate one or more credits to the user in
response to receiving the electronic message; store a record of the
one or more credits in association with a user account; and wherein
the response comprises a prediction of an outcome of events
occurring in the future with respect to the time the response is
received.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the response comprises a
prediction of an outcome of events occurring in the future with
respect to the time the response is received.
20. The system of claim 18 wherein the content is transmitted as
part of a television broadcast.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/132,189 filed Apr. 18, 2016, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/442,335 filed
Apr. 12, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,319,161. The disclosures of the
foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This specification relates to remotely participating in
television programs. For example, viewers watching a television
program from a remote end (e.g., in front of a TV at home, instead
of on-site) may submit information to participate in the television
program and/or interact with other players.
[0003] Network technologies enable various types of remote human
interaction. For example, people may use text messaging or audio or
video content for remote chatting, reporting, conferencing, etc. In
some instances, such communication may have a central host, such as
a virtual chat room, a reality show, etc. Participants may use
phone calls, email, SMS messages, or online audio or video chat to
provide input or feedback to the central host.
[0004] Viewers typically view professionally produced television
programs ("programs") and motion pictures ("movies") using
traditional television services. Programs, such as various types of
game shows, are typically distributed to traditional television
service providers by so-called "television networks," who possess
the legal rights necessary to distribute the programs, and who are
sometimes also involved in producing the programming. Those who
provide transmission services for television, and provide
television service to viewers, may include "carriers" or
Multi-Service Operators ("MSO"), direct-broadcast satellite (DBS)
providers, and/or telecommunication ("Telco") providers.
[0005] Television transmission or distribution systems used by
traditional carriers of television programming include terrestrial
broadcast stations, satellite television, and cable television
systems, as well as telecom delivery network services such as VDSL
and FiOS offered over broadcast telecommunication or data networks,
whose operators provide television services similar to what are
offered by cable and satellite television service providers.
However, standards have been formulated, or are in the process of
being formulated, for using Internet protocols and the public
Internet to distribute television programming using "live"
IP-multicast or IP unicast streams that can be received by anyone
with any type of broadband data connection to the Internet.
SUMMARY
[0006] Implementations of the present disclosure are generally
directed to using virtual currencies to participate in a television
show (game shows, reality show, talk show, or scripted drama show).
The virtual currencies may be created and managed in association
with a television program or video delivery system. Users may earn
or buy points of the virtual currency that can be redeemed for
virtual goods, credit, services, or a combination of different
rewards. For example, users may use actual cash or credit to
purchase points and use the points to submit an entry to a
nationally or locally televised game show or other type of
interactive television program. Users may earn points by winning in
the program (e.g., having the users' entry selected or responding
with a correct answer), promoting the program (e.g., informing
friends about the show via one or more digital communications such
as email or social media), or conducting other activities according
to published rewards guidelines. Users may use an application
downloaded and installed on their electronic mobile devices to
participate. The television show host may have backend security
system monitoring the process and enforcing rules or practices that
prevent unfair advantages based on location, connection speed,
bandwidth, or other factors. Rewards may be redeemed directly
through the application, for example, rewards may include uploading
and broadcasting live or recorded audio and/or video content,
entering a second round of games, converting the points to credits
for spending, or other redemption options.
[0007] In one general aspect, a method for allowing users to
participate in a television show can include transmitting a linear
television program that may include a request for viewer responses
to be submitted using a user device. For example, the viewer
responses can be answers to factual or opinion questions, feedback
on television contestants, control of an object displayed on
television, or others. An electronic message including a viewer
response to the request from a user can be received through a
communication network. A payment associated with the viewer
response can be received from the user. One or more credits can
then be allocated to the user in response to receiving the viewer
response and receiving payment from the user. A record can be
stored for the one or more credits in association with an
identifier of the user. In response to a request from the user,
credits associated with the identifier of the user can be redeemed
in exchange for virtual goods or services associated with delivery
of content over a network.
[0008] These and other embodiments can each optionally include one
or more of the following features. A plurality of electronic
messages are received through a communication network from a
plurality of users, and each electronic message includes a viewer
response to the request from a respective user. Consideration is
received from each of the plurality of users, and the consideration
for each user is associated with the viewer response from the
respective user. One or more credits are allocated to each user in
response to receiving the viewer response from the respective user
and receiving the consideration from the respective user. A record
of the one or more credits is stored in association with an
identifier of the respective user. Credits associated with the
identifier of each respective user are redeemed, in response to
requests from one or more of the plurality of users, in exchange
for virtual goods or services associated with delivery of content
over a network. One or more of the plurality of users is selected
to receive an award having monetary value, and each user is
selected based on the viewer response of the respective user. The
request for viewer responses includes an offer for the award having
monetary value in exchange for a viewer response that at least
satisfies predetermined criteria. The request for viewer responses
includes an offer for the award having monetary value in exchange
for a viewer response that is selected for distribution. One or
more of the plurality of users are selected to receive an award
associated with delivery of content over a network, and each user
is selected based on the viewer response of the respective user.
The number of credits allocated to each user is based upon one or
more criteria related to the viewer response of the respective
user. One or more of the plurality of users are selected to compete
for an award based on viewer responses from the one or more
selected users to requests included in the linear television
programming. The award includes an opportunity to participate in a
linear television program. The consideration includes, at least in
part, credits purchased for monetary value, wherein the credits are
associated with the user; credits stored in association with an
identifier of the user; and/or credits earned through performing
predefined actions. The virtual goods or services associated with
delivery of content over a network include an opportunity to submit
at least one of a video, an audio message, or a textual message to
be included in linear television programming; an opportunity to
submit at least one of a video, an audio message, or a textual
message to be included in content delivered from a web server;
and/or a premium user experience associated with content delivered
from a web server. The electronic message is submitted by the user
through an application on a user device, and the application is
associated with the linear television program. The application is
skinned by a distributor of the linear television program and/or by
a producer of the linear television program. The electronic message
is submitted by the user through a web page displayed on a user
device, and the web page is associated with the linear television
program. Compensation is provided to a local television station
that broadcasts the linear television program to the user.
[0009] In another general aspect, a method for allowing users to
participate in a television show can include receiving, through a
communication network, a plurality of electronic messages each
including a viewer response from a respective user device, wherein
the electronic messages are received in response to a request
included in a linear television program, and deducting payments
from user accounts associated with users of the user devices,
wherein each payment is associated with the viewer response from
the respective user device. One or more credits are allocated to
one or more of the users in response to at least receiving the
viewer response from the respective user device. A record of the
one or more credits is stored in association with an identifier of
the one or more users, wherein the credits are redeemable in
exchange for virtual goods or services.
[0010] These and other embodiments can each optionally include one
or more of the following features. The one or more credits are
allocated to the one or more users based on criteria associated
with the viewer responses. The payments are based on credits
purchased for monetary value. The virtual goods or services include
an opportunity to submit at least one of a video or a textual
message to be included in linear television programming. The
virtual goods or services include an opportunity to submit at least
one of a video or a textual message to be included in content
delivered from a web server.
[0011] In another general aspect, a system for allowing users to
participate in a television show can include a user device and one
or more servers operable to interact with the user device. The one
or more servers may be adapted to transmit data for use in
presenting a user interface on the user device, wherein the user
interface is adapted to receive user input for submitting a
response to a request for viewer responses included in a linear
television program; receive an electronic message, wherein the
electronic message includes a response to the request, with the
response received through the user device; deduct a payment from a
user account associated with a user of the user device; allocate
one or more credits to the user account in response to receiving
the electronic message; and store a record of the one or more
credits in association with the user account.
[0012] These and other embodiments can each optionally include one
or more of the following features. The one or more servers are
further operable to receive a request to redeem the credits
associated with the user account for virtual goods or services
associated with delivery of content over a network. The one or more
servers are further operable to allocate compensation to a
distributor of the linear television program based on the
electronic message.
[0013] In another general aspect, a method for allowing users to
participate in a television show can include transmitting a linear
television program, wherein the linear television program includes
a request for viewer responses to be submitted using a user device;
receiving, through a plurality of communication networks,
electronic messages from a plurality of viewers, with each
electronic message including a viewer response to the request
through a user device from a corresponding viewer; combining data
from the electronic messages to generate aggregate data; and
including a display of the aggregate data in the linear television
program.
[0014] These and other embodiments can each optionally include one
or more of the following features. The aggregate data includes an
average of data included in the plurality of viewer responses. The
request for viewer responses includes a request for feedback
relating to the linear television program. The plurality of
electronic messages are received through a plurality of user
devices remotely located from a studio source of the linear
television program. One or more of the plurality of viewers are
selected to receive an award having monetary value, with each
viewer selected based on the viewer response of the corresponding
viewer. The electronic message is submitted by each of the
plurality of viewers through an application on a corresponding user
device, with the application associated with the linear television
program. The electronic message is submitted by each of the
plurality of viewers through a web page displayed on a
corresponding user device, with the web page associated with the
linear television program.
[0015] Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in
this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more
of the following advantages. Contests that award cash or prizes
with cash value can be associated with linear or broadcast
television programs in which viewers purchase or earn credits or
points that can be applied in connection with submitting a
response. Viewers can be rewarded for participation and/or for
responses that meet predetermined criteria by awarding credits or
points, in addition to having an opportunity to earn cash or prizes
with cash value. In some cases, points can be earned through
activities performed by a user without having to purchase the
points. Credits or points can be used to purchase virtual goods or
services, such as a chance to be in a live studio audience, to be
an in-studio contestant, to submit video or other content for
inclusion on one or more linear television programs and program
formats or on a web page. Viewers can be incentivized to
participate in interactive television programming. Viewers can use
a slider to indicate preference of a contestant in a show. Data
collected from the viewers can be compiled and presented as rich
graphics in real-time on the viewers' television screens,
simultaneously on mobile devices, and/or on web pages via computers
connected to the Internet. Viewers can use other virtual game
controls to manipulate objects on TV using mobile devices, for
example. Objects can be manipulated, for example, based on the
average input from viewers, the majority viewer input, input by
more than some threshold number of participants, or based on some
other technique for selecting input from a plurality of viewers.
Based on the selected input, a more limited number of competitors
can be selected for the next round in a game. Alternatively, the
number of competitors for the next round can be selected in some
other manner (e.g., randomly or based on some other criteria). In
some embodiments, the viewers who are selected as winners for their
participation can be on TV immediately via web cameras or cameras
imbedded in mobile devices. In some embodiments, a number of
selected winners can be invited to a studio for future TV
production. The TV program may be broadcasted and modified by a
local station that applies a skin application for tailoring the
user interfaces on mobile devices with local information, such as
local promotions or local participants in the TV show. Due to
connection speed variation across the nation, the TV program gaming
server may adjust bandwidth and other factors to ensure fair viewer
participation and opportunity.
[0016] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter
described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying
drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and
advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the
description, the drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an example
interactive television system.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of basic components of a
representative example of a television program system
architecture.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an example of a virtual currency flow for an
interactive television system.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a graphical user interface for
a user device operating in an interactive television system.
[0021] FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrations of various examples of
user control applicable to the graphical user interface of FIG.
4.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of participating in television
programs.
[0023] Like reference numbers and designations in the various
drawings indicate like elements.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process for providing feedback
in an interactive television system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to
systems and methods of allowing remote viewers to participate in
television programs. Television programs send out requests for
viewer responses (e.g., by broadcasting audio, video, and/or
text-based requests for viewers to respond to a question or provide
feedback). In some implementations, the requests for viewer
responses can include an offer of cash or prizes having cash value
to be awarded to at least a portion of the viewers based on
predetermined criteria (e.g., answering a question correctly). A
gaming server may simultaneously send digital requests for
participation to mobile devices or to web pages on computers
connected to the Internet. Viewers can submit responses in the form
of a digital text-based message, a digital voice recording, a
digital video recording, by manipulating virtual gaming controls,
or other ways using mobile electronic devices such as a cellular
phone, a smart phone, a computer, or other electronic device that
transmit the response over a communication network. The response
can be associated with payment information included in the response
or identified based on a user identifier included in the response.
Alternatively, the payment information can be identified based on a
payment account associated with a communication session (e.g.,
associated with user login credentials). The payment can be in the
form of virtual credits or points, which can be awarded in exchange
for a monetary payment or earned by complying with predetermined
criteria (e.g., answering questions correctly, viewing online
advertisements, or otherwise accepting third party offers). Payment
may also be sponsored by an advertiser instead of user-paid. The
payment can be exchanged for submitting the response to the
television programs. In exchange for submitting the response, a
viewer may be awarded additional credits or points. In addition,
different amounts of credits or points can be awarded based on
compliance with certain predefined criteria, such as correctly
answering a question, answering within a particular period of time,
and/or providing a response that is selected for inclusion in
television programming. Accumulated credits or points can be
redeemed on virtual goods, services, or other show-related
commodities. For example, viewers can redeem credits or points in
exchange for participating in television programs associated with a
viewer response system, as discussed in more detail below.
[0026] FIG. 1 depicts an example viewer response system 100. The
viewer response system 100 can be provided as a set of
interconnected software and server systems. These software and
systems can be used to submit user-generated, text, voice, data, or
visual content in response to a request included in a television
program or other transmitted programming. For example, various end
users can submit responses from a variety of digital sources for
the purpose of participating in a television program distributed
through one or more content distribution outlets. The
user-generated content can be responses to television program
requests, such as answers to questions in a game show, voting
activities in a reality show, or other responses solicited in a
television program. The programming can be aired or distributed by
various media outlets 102, including, for example, on television
broadcasts 104, Internet television 106, video on demand (VOD),
within various computer-based social networks, and/or within other
online media and applications. The programming can also be
transmitted to a computing device 136, which includes a user
interface 142, a processor 140, and a memory 138. The computing
device 136 may be, for example, a personal computer (a laptop,
desktop, tablet, etc.), a personal digital assistant, a smart
phone, or other computing devices. In general, programming can be
in the form of video (with or without accompanying audio) and can
be represented in files (e.g., video files).
[0027] Generally, programming broadcasts can include the
distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience.
Television broadcasts, for example, can include the distribution of
content using air-wave, satellite, and/or cable technologies.
Internet broadcast may also be used and may facilitate distribution
to a single view or to multiple viewers (e.g., depending on viewing
authorizations and whether the transmission is distributed on
demand or as a one to many broadcasts).
[0028] The viewer response system 100 can include a website 110
that is hosted using one or more computing devices (e.g., server
systems), a client application 124 that is at least partially
executable on a client computing device, and/or a mobile
application 122 that is executable on a mobile computing device.
Components of the viewer response system 100 can be provided as one
or more executable application programs that can be executed using
one or more computing devices, and/or one or more hardware
components (e.g., computing devices and/or computer-readable
memory). In some implementations, the viewer response system 100 is
provided as an application that is installed on a user computing
device 120 to generate digital content, and/or a back-end computing
device, such as a server system that communicates with the user
computing device 120 to provide a thin client application that is
executed in part on the server system and in part on the user
computing device 120 (e.g., using a browser application on the user
computing device 120).
[0029] The viewer response system 100 can also include one or more
content creation and/or content distribution sub-systems. In some
implementations, the sub-systems can include recording, encoding,
and/or storage functionalities, as described with reference to FIG.
1 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/185,471. Such
functionalities can be used to submit video or other content using
a website 110, mobile application 122, or client application 124 on
a computing device 120 as part of a response to a broadcasted
request for viewer responses, as awarded as a prize for submitting
a viewer response, in exchange for points or credits accumulated by
a user of the computing device 120, or as otherwise made available
by the media outlets 102 and/or viewer response system 100.
[0030] To create, edit, and upload responses to requests for viewer
responses, a user can make use of the computing device 120. Example
computing devices 120 can include any type of computing device such
as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a
tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
network appliance, a camera, a smart phone, an enhanced general
packet radio service (EGPRS) mobile phone, or a combination of any
two or more of these data processing devices or other data
processing devices. The computing device 120 can communicate with
the viewer response system 100 over a network. The network can
include a large computer network, such as a local area network
(LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a cellular network, a
satellite, or a combination thereof connecting any number of mobile
computing devices, fixed computing devices, and/or server
systems.
[0031] As described in greater detail below, mobile application
software 122 can be downloaded to and executed on the computing
device 120, which can use the mobile application software 122 to
present a user with a user interface adapted to receive user
feedback or other user response and transmit the user response to
one or more servers associated with media outlets 102 that provide
television broadcasts 104 or Internet broadcasts 106. In some
implementations, a client application 124 can be downloaded to and
executed on the computing device 120 and can be used to submit user
responses. As another alternative, the client application 124 can
be implemented as a thin client application, such that the viewer
response user interface functionality can be accessed through a web
page interface without installing software locally on the computing
device 120. For example, a user can access a web page through
browser software on the computing device 120.
[0032] In operation, the website 110, mobile application 122
software, and/or client application 124 software can provide a
system that enables the user to conveniently submit responses to
broadcast requests for viewer responses. This system can employ the
user interface 130 of the computing device 120 to present graphical
user interface displays appropriate for submitting a requested type
of viewer response. The user interface 130 can also be used to
potentially present other types of graphical user interface
displays transmitted by the view response system 100 and/or the
media outlets 102. In general, the information presented on the
user interface 130, whether provided through a website 110, mobile
application 122, or client application 124, can be coordinated
through the viewer response system 100 with programming broadcast
through the media outlets 102. For example, as programming is
broadcast using one or more of the media outlets 102, triggers can
be communicated from the media outlet(s) to the viewer response
system 100 to cause the website 110, mobile application 122, and/or
client application 124 to present information and/or graphical user
interface displays that allow users of computing devices 120 to
submit responses to requests for viewer responses that are
broadcast from the media outlet(s) 102.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of basic components of a
representative interactive television program system 200. The
system 200 can include users 201, an interactive television server
array 202, a television uplink facility 220, a TV production
facility 230, and a number of transmission and receiving ends.
These components of system 200 can be connected to one or more
communications network(s) 204, such as the Internet, cellular
networks, satellite networks, cable networks, optical networks,
and/or combinations thereof. The users 201 may access the network
204 using various electronic devices, for example, using a smart
phone 291, a tablet PC 293, and/or a laptop computer 295. The
interactive television server array 202 can provide, among other
things, the functionality of the viewer response system 100 as
shown in FIG. 1. The television distribution system 220 generally
includes a program server 222 for scheduling programs on the
network; a traffic server 224 that keeps track of insertion points
for insertion of prerecorded commercials, promotional spots, and
other announcements within each scheduled television program; and a
broadcast server 226 that generates a linear programming feed for
transmission to the carriers 228. The TV production facility 230 is
where television programs are produced, and can include a TV studio
231, a production system 232, and recording equipment 234.
[0034] The production facility 230 can include a physical or a
virtual TV studio 231. For example, the TV studio 231 can be an
actual stage setting where contestants are gathered in the setting
to compete in a television program. The TV studio 231 can also be a
virtual space where contestants participate as a live data stream
(e.g., real-time teleconferencing). The television program can be
produced using the production system 232 and the recording
equipment 234. The production system 232 can render, edit, and
process the data captured using the recording equipment 234, which
may include a number of cameras placed at various positions and
focusing on various contestants. In some embodiments, the recording
equipment 234 can be a remote camera, for example, a webcam of a
remote user 201; and part of the production data can be gathered
from viewers that are physically outside the TV production facility
230 but connected through the network 204. The television program
can be produced and finalized at the production system 232 and sent
to the television uplink facility 220 for broadcasting.
[0035] The television uplink facility 220 can include a network
operations center for a television network and/or an uplink
facility as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/013,775. Generally, the program server 222 maintains a database
that specifies the program, the episode, the date of transmission,
and start and stop times of each. Even when a program is "live," it
is accounted for in the programming grid utilizing the programming
system. The program server 222 also typically includes additional
information on each program, such as its title, describing the
program so that it can be published in program guides, etc. For
example, a network can use the program server 222, located within a
network operations center, for scheduling programs on that network.
Networks that sell advertising will also typically operate or make
use of a traffic server 224 that is part of a network operations
center. The traffic server keeps track of time slots, or so-called
"insertion points," within each scheduled TV program, that have
been set aside for insertion of prerecorded commercials,
promotional spots, and other announcements. The traffic server 224
stores information about each time slot in one or more databases on
one or more servers. The broadcast server 226 is used in connection
with creating or generating a linear programming feed or television
signal that will be transmitted to television carriers, e.g.,
through a satellite distribution network 240 or other network 204.
The broadcast server 226 assembles a program and any insertions
into a continuous linear signal according to a schedule stored by
the program server 222 and the insertion points specified in the
traffic server 224. In some implementations, video or other content
from the interactive television server array 202 can be retrieved
by the television distribution system 220 using, e.g., a file
transfer protocol for inclusion within a specific time slot.
[0036] The programming of a television network--the network's
signal or feed--is typically distributed to viewers via one or more
local broadcast television stations for local broadcast and/or one
or more carriers for transmission on other mediums, such as cable
TV systems, wired or wireless high-speed broadband networks, mobile
data networks, satellite television systems, for substantially
simultaneous viewing by multiple users. A TV program to which a
network has distribution rights could also be delivered "on
demand," meaning at the request of a viewer, in which case program
transmission to that user begins at the request of a user and
continues according to a predefined timeline. Such on-demand
programs generally do not, but could, include predefined time slots
within the timeline of the program for advertising, promotional
announcements, and other uses. However, transmission of such
on-demand programming usually originates from the carrier, such as
at the head end of a cable network, or from a server that streams
the video over the Internet to the user requesting it.
[0037] Typically, a network's signal or feed is transmitted by, or
on behalf of the network, distributed simultaneously to one or more
TV carriers across some or all of a country or continent using a
satellite transmission system. However, other transmission systems,
or combinations of systems, can be used. A television network may
own and operate its own uplink facility (as the television uplink
facility 220), or it may choose to contract with one or more third
party uplink facilities to transmit its signal up to a satellite
240 for distribution to one or more television carriers. These
television carriers receive the satellite signal and transmit it on
their systems to subscribers, who are represented by home 242, but
can include any type of residence, as well as bars, restaurants,
theatres and other commercial establishments. Each subscriber has,
in this example, a set top box 243 or some other gateway or device
that receives and decodes the signal from a local fiber optic cable
or copper loop 228 so that it can be played on a television or
monitor 244. In some instances, the set top box 243 can directly
receive signals from the satellite 240, for example, using a
receiving satellite dish (e.g., through a direct-broadcast
satellite provider).
[0038] Representative examples of television carriers include a
television service offered over a wired, terrestrial system, e.g.,
a cable television system or a cable-like television service
provided over a telecommunication network system, such as the
Verizon FiOS.RTM. or AT&T U-VERSE.RTM. services, and a
satellite television system, such as DirectTV. Other types of
distribution systems could be used for transmitting a network's
feed to subscribers, including IP television services, which use
the Internet protocols and packet-switched networking architectures
to carry the signal to subscribers. The television signal or feed
generated by the broadcast server 226, is, for example, transmitted
to an IP television service provider through a satellite uplink or,
alternately, a private network or other connection.
[0039] Users 201 may watch a television program and participate in
it using different electronic devices. Typically, users 201 watch
television programs on the TV 244, and remotely participate in the
program using applications or websites on the smart phone 291, the
tablet 293, or the computer 295. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, users 201 may watch television programs on the
computer 295, and remotely participate in the program using
applications or websites on the smart phone 291 or the tablet 293,
or users 201 may watch television programs on the smartphone 291
and participate using applications or websites on the tablet 293,
or the computer 295. In some embodiments, users 201 may use the
same electronic device for simultaneously watching and
participating in television programs.
[0040] The TV production facility 230 can communicate with the
television uplink facility 220 and transmit production content
through the uplink facility 220 for broadcasting. The production
content can include programming that requests or is otherwise
adapted for receiving responses from (or participation by) viewers.
The interactive television server array 202 can facilitate
processing and management of the requests and the responses.
[0041] The interactive television server array 202 includes a
plurality of servers that support various functionalities and can
be implemented on any number of computers. In general, the
interactive television server array 202 can support interactions
with user devices 291, 293, and 295 to enable viewers of broadcast
programming to participate in the programming through their
respective user devices. In addition, the interactive television
server array 202 can manage responses, allocate credits, handle
payments made by users for participation in the programming, and
manage contests or awards that involve user responses to requests
for viewer feedback on broadcast programming. To support these
functions, the interactive television server array 202 can include
a user interface subsystem 206, a contest management subsystem 208,
and a television management subsystem 210. The user interface
subsystem 206 can be used to generate and send user interface
components and/or data for displaying user interfaces on user
devices 291, 293, 295 that enable users 201 to submit responses and
other information to the interactive television server array 202.
The contest management subsystem 208 can be used to manage
responses and other submissions received from users 201 through the
user interfaces, including managing contests among multiple
viewers, and to manage deductions and awards of points or other
credits. The television management subsystem 210 can be used to
coordinate information provided by the user interface subsystem 206
to user devices 291, 293, 295 and the use of responses and other
submissions received from users 201 with programs broadcast from or
through the TV production facility 230 and/or the television uplink
facility 220.
[0042] Each of the subsystems in the interactive television server
array 202 can include various servers for supporting the
functionalities of the subsystem. For example, the user interface
subsystem 206 can include a web hosting server 260, an application
download server 262, and a skinning server 264. The web hosting
server 260 can provide one or more web pages through which users
can access services provided by the interactive television server
array 202. For example, the web hosting server 260 can host a
registration web page that allows users to register with the
interactive television server array 202. Registration can involve
setting up a user account for use in managing viewer interactions
with interactive television programming through the interactive
television server array 202. The web hosting server 260 can further
host web pages that present various types of controls and/or
response submission forms, which can be used by viewers of
interactive television programming to submit responses or other
feedback. In some implementations, the web hosting server 260 can
further host a recorder web page that provides users with access to
a thin client application (or web application) that supports video
or audio capture for submission of video or audio (e.g., for
potential inclusion in a linear television program).
[0043] In addition, the application download server 262 can be used
to allow users 201 to download client applications for installation
on user devices such as the smart phone 291, the tablet PC 293, and
the computer 295. Client applications can provide the same or
similar functionality to the web pages hosted by the web hosting
server 260 but through an application installed on the user device.
For example, the client application can include instructions for
presenting various user interfaces that support the various
functionalities and for communicating with the web hosting server
260 or some other server that provides data specific to a
particular interactive television program (e.g., triggers for when
to present a particular feedback interface, identification of a
type of feedback requested, questions and/or multiple choice
answers for the particular program, and other suitable data). Thus,
the application download server 262 and the web hosting server 260
can provide viewers with various types of user interfaces for game
controls, crowd-sourced voting, and the like. For example, the
application download server 262 and/or the web hosting server 260
may allow viewers to use various virtual input devices, such as a
joystick, a slider bar, thumb pads, a buzzer, and other
controls.
[0044] The skinning server 264 can provide web page components that
are associated with local broadcast stations. For example, a
nationally televised or syndicated program may allow a local
television station to include its own branding or other messaging
as well as local advertisements, news, events, warnings, etc. as a
skin that is applied to the web pages or client application user
interfaces associated with a broadcast television program. The skin
can include useful or supplemental information and need not
interfere with the functionality of the user interface being
displayed. In some implementations, multiple different skins can be
applied for different users depending on the location of each
viewer, which can be determined based, for example, on location
information provided by the user device (e.g., using GPS), location
information associated with a user profile, an IP address
associated with the user device, or by detecting signals (e.g.,
audio signals) included in a broadcast television program. This
location information can also be used to provide rewards to the
local television station for its viewers that participate in the
interactive programming. For example, the local television station
can be awarded credits, points, cash, or other actual or virtual
compensation based on participation by its viewers in the
interactive programming. The skinning server 264 (or multiple
skinning servers), in some cases, can be maintained by the local
television station or some third party rather than being associated
with the interactive television server array 202. In addition,
skins can be also applied by the producer of a television show or
by the network on which the show appears. More than one skin can be
applied (e.g., by different parties) for a single user interface
(e.g., nested skins or skins that are applied to different parts of
the user interface). More details about the skinning functionality
are described below in FIG. 4.
[0045] The contest management subsystem 208 can include a response
management server 266, a contest management server 268, a credit
management server 270, a user account database 272, a security
module 274, and a timing adjustment module 276. The response
management server 266 can receive responses from viewers remotely
participating in an interactive television program through their
respective user devices. For example, viewers can watch television
programs that present requests for responses on a conventional TV,
a computer (a desktop, laptop, netbook, or tablet), a smart phone,
or similar electronic devices. The requests may include selecting
from a multiple choice question, answering a true-or-false
question, voting for or against an event or role, bidding in an
auction, answering an entertaining quiz, or submitting a short
video response. The response manager server 266 can sort and save
received responses according to the corresponding television
program, question type, and request categories, and can generate
result reports usable by other server components in the interactive
television server array 202. The response management server 266 can
also store or otherwise associate the responses with a particular
user account defined in the user account database 272. The response
management server 266 can interact with the contest management
server 268 to provide response data for use in a contest.
Furthermore, the response management server 266 can communicate
with the credit management server 270 to increment or decrement
points or credits or to process a payment (as may be required) for
submitting a response.
[0046] The contest management server 268 can manage contest
procedure, for example, accepting viewer responses that comply with
contest rules, in a television program that includes interactive
games, in real-time, near real time, or with a delayed feedback. In
some instances, the contest management server 268 monitors the
number of submissions per viewer (e.g., limiting total number of
submissions from the same IP address), the time period in which any
submission is allowed, the competition process (e.g., elimination,
knock-out, etc.), and other aspects of a contest. The contest
management server 268 may be tailored to a specific game show
program, setting up rules accordingly and operating under the
rules. In some instances, the contest management server 268 can
determine which contestant has the earliest response to a question
or request, recording contestants choices in a game and matching
the choices to a database, counting the number of responses as the
responses within a given quota can all be rewarded, or surveying
viewer opinions for statistical significance. The contest
management server 268 may also interact with the user interface
subsystem 206 to manage the types of user interfaces or user
interface components are presented on user devices. For example,
the contest management server 268 can define a sequence of
different user interfaces to be presented in connection with a
particular contest to allow viewers to submit appropriate responses
to requests included in a linear television program. The contest
management server 268 can also control the timing of when different
user interfaces or user interface components (e.g., game controls)
are presented on the user devices. Such timing can be controlled
through automated processes (e.g., according to a schedule
associated with the corresponding linear television program, or
based on triggers communicated to the contest management server 268
from the TV production facility 230, the television uplink facility
220, or the linear television server 282 of the interactive
television server array 202). In some cases, e.g., for live
television programs, timing may be controlled by a manual process.
For example, when a game show host asks a question, an
administrator of the interactive television system 202 or show
production staff can trigger presentation of a corresponding user
interface on user devices through the user interface subsystem 206.
The contest management server 268 or another server may also allow
administrators or show production staff to create questions or set
the value of question responses in real time. The contest
management server 268 may also identify winners or winning entries
for a particular contest, such that the winning viewer can be
awarded points or credits or allowed to or progress to a next round
in the program.
[0047] The credit management server 270 can include modules for
purchasing credits and managing credit allocations and deductions
based on viewer interactions. For example, viewers remotely
participating in a television game program through a user device
can purchase credits using common payment techniques, such as
credit card, debit card, or micro payment transactions. The
purchased credits can function as a virtual currency that can be
spent on services and commodities in the television program. For
example, viewers may spend one actual dollar on purchasing 100
credit points, which may then be spent on submitting a contest
entry to a television program to be reviewed. The credit management
server 270 can monitor transactions and manage the credit
accumulation and consumption process. In some instances, a
submitted entry may not result in any awards and the credit points
are consumed in the process; while in other cases, the submitted
entry may result in an award of additional credit points that are
added to the user's account. In some implementations, the credits
that are used as a virtual currency for purposes of participating
in the interactive program can be different than credits that are
awarded for responses that satisfy certain predetermined parameters
(e.g., correct answers or responses that are selected for inclusion
in a linear television program), while in other implementations,
both types of credits can be part of the same virtual currency.
[0048] The credit management server 270 can also communicate with
the user account database 272 to apply earned or purchased credits
to a user account or to deduct credits from the user account. The
user account database 272 can store registration, profile, payment,
preference, and other user related information. The user account
database 272 can store data required for viewers to be registered
to participate in television programs, including, for example,
identification information (e.g., name, date of birth, gender,
etc.), contact information (e.g., email, phone number, address,
etc.), and other background information (participation history,
etc.). The user account database 272 may allow users to import
their information from a third party platform, such as a social
networking website. The user account database 272 may also allow
users to setup a link to a payment method, such as a credit card,
with one-time authorization (e.g., authorization at the first time
of setup until expired or cancelled). The user account database 272
can serve as a virtual bank account by recording the purchase and
usage of credit points. Users may access the credit points by
logging into the system; for example, the database 272 enables
users to keep a credit balance and spend the balance (e.g., to
submit responses to the interactive television server array 202)
without re-submitting payment information.
[0049] The security module 274 can monitor all transactions and
activities of the interactive television server array 202, as the
television program may be competitive and involving a large sum of
money. The security module 274 can identify and screen any
submission that violates certain rules in the system. For example,
users may attempt to create virtual credit points without paying,
or earn virtual credit points by manipulating account information.
The security module 274 can prevent such attempts or can provide
other security features that maintain the security of user
information or credits. In other instances, users may attempt to
violate rules of game play, for example, by increasing allowable
number of entries to increase odds, by manipulating submission time
stamp to gain advantage, or other unfair play strategies prohibited
by the system 200. In these instances, the security module 274 can
prevent such operations and temporarily suspend or permanently ban
the accounts involved in the operation.
[0050] The timing adjustment module 276 can be used to accommodate
time differences of viewer responses from different locations. For
example, the television program may be a nationwide or worldwide
game show that encourages viewers from different places to submit
their entries. Due to different connection speeds and variable
local broadcasting, viewers may receive requests in the television
program at different times. The timing adjustment module 276 can
calibrate the time differences and adjust the viewer response time
accordingly to ensure a fair play. For example, viewers who can
view the request due to higher connection speeds and less local
interruption may have a time balance associated with their accounts
such that their response time does not have the time advantage. In
some implementations, the timing adjustment module 276 can randomly
select responses from a batch of responses (e.g., responses
received within a particular time window) to avoid basing contest
decisions on speed of response. Alternatively, response time can be
based on user location or can be measured against some type of
signal that is broadcast on the linear television program and
detected by the user device through the user's local television
244. For example, because the system 200 is designed for a large
number of viewers to participate in television programs, viewer
responses and interaction with the television programs may require
synchronization. In some instances, the application or website
operating on the user devices may include an internal timer that
can be triggered during game play. The internal timer, through
network or satellite connection, can be synchronized with a master
clock on the broadcasting linear television program. In some
instances, an audible queue may be imbedded in the linear
television program to onset certain game elements on the user
devices. For example, to set a starting moment to activate game
controls on the user devices (e.g., allowing the game controls to
connect with the television program, such as enabling a joystick).
Here again, the security module 274 can be used to prevent attempts
to circumvent functions of the timing adjustment module 276.
[0051] The television management subsystem 210 can include a
television content server 278, an administrator server 280, and a
linear television server 282. The television content server 278 can
be used to store content for potential inclusion in linear or
broadcast television programming. For example, users may submit
user-generated videos or other content requested during a
television program, which can be stored by the television content
server 278. User content can be submitted by various mobile
electronic devices or other computing devices, such as described
above in connection with FIG. 1. Video content stored on the
television content server 278, or by another database, can be
reviewed using an administrator server 280. The video content can
also be organized for review using the administrator server 280
according to the intended type of distribution (e.g., web or
television) and program (e.g., such that an administrator can
review only videos submitted for inclusion in a particular
program). The administrator server 280 can also be used to select
videos or other content for inclusion in linear programming and to
assign a particular segment in which a video is included in linear
programming as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/185,477. For example, in some implementations, the administrator
server 280 can communicate with the television distribution system
220 to assign a video to an available time slot or segment in a
linear programming sequence and/or to associate a previously
assigned content name included in the linear programming sequence
(e.g., a content name used as a placeholder for subsequently
generated video) to a video submitted through the interactive
television server array 202. Alternatively, segments for inclusion
in a linear programming schedule can be defined at the linear
television server 282, which can transmit linear television
programming to the television uplink facility 220. The linear
television server 282 can queue programs produced in the TV
production facility 230 and/or content (e.g., videos and/or
responses to requests for viewer feedback) submitted by the users
201.
[0052] Functionalities of the interactive television server array
202 can be segmented in other ways across multiple servers or can
be combined in different ways than described above (e.g., some of
the functions described as being performed by different servers
could be combined in a single server), and the interactive
television server array 202 also include other functionalities. The
servers in the interactive television server array 202 can
communicate with one another through one or more networks (e.g., a
local area network and/or a wide area network). In some
implementations, the system 200 can be implemented within an
environment such as depicted in and described with reference to
FIG. 1 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/013,775. The system
200 can be used, for example, to perform the process depicted in
and described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/013,775.
[0053] FIG. 3 is an example of a virtual currency flow 300. The
virtual currency flow 300 can represent the participation process
of users 201 in interactive television programs supported by the
system 200 shown in FIG. 2. Viewers who are watching a television
program and decide to participate in the program (e.g., in response
to a request or invitation to submit responses, vote, provide
feedback, or participate in gameplay) become users 201 in the
system 200. Upon registration, users can use cash or check 305, or
a credit account 307 (e.g., PayPal.TM., ACH transfer, credit cards,
debit card, etc.) to purchase virtual currency at a conversion
system 310. The conversion system 310 can define a conversion rate
for converting real currency into virtual currency, and, in some
implementations, vice versa. The conversion rate may be related to
a user's status, a temporary promotion, or other factors. A
realized virtual currency 320 can then be assigned to the
corresponding user account 350. The virtual currency 320 (or a
portion thereof) may be spent instantly on content submission 333
for participating in a television program gameplay 340. The content
submission 333 can include text or voice messages, a vote, a
feedback submission, a short video clip, and/or other suitable
content. In some implementations, the gameplay 340 may yield two
possible results for the users: winning, which results in being
awarded additional virtual currency 343; or not winning, in which
case the spent value 341 is consumed. The result of the activity
(e.g., award of virtual currency or deduction of virtual currency)
is saved in the user account 350. In some cases, virtual currency
is deducted for the content submission 333, which corresponds to
the spent value 341, and additional virtual currency 343 is only
awarded if the content submission 333 results in winning or some
other satisfaction of predefined criteria. The additional virtual
currency 343 can be greater than or less than the spent value 341.
The users can use the virtual currency saved in the user account
350 to redeem virtual goods or services 360.
[0054] The gameplay 340 may include various scenarios for users to
earn virtual currency rewards 343. For example, users can receive
rewards 343 for sending correct answers to the gameplay 340. On the
other hand, users can lose the spent value 341 for sending
incorrect answers. If the gameplay 340 involves voting, for
example, choosing the most popular performer in the television
program, users may need to spend the spent value 341 for the voting
right. In some implementations, the gameplay 340 can be an auction
in which users bid on goods or services using the virtual currency
320 or actual currencies 305 or 307. The gameplay 340 may include
surveys or other submissions of opinion or fact content. The
gameplay 340 may also involve submission of user-generated media
content, such as video, audio, text, multimedia content, or any
other suitable content. If the content submission 333 is, for
example, a video response that is selected through the gameplay 340
for inclusion in a television program or web page, the
corresponding user of the selected submission 333 can also be
awarded with additional virtual currency rewards 343.
[0055] The gameplay 340 is not limited to actual games but can
include any viewer response format, such as one or more of the
formats described below. The gameplay 340 can relate to a trivia
response/quiz game in which users submit answers to trivia
questions. Such a game format allows an undefined number of
participants to compete in terms of speed and accuracy. Winners can
be awarded with actual or virtual credit rewards 343. An entry fee
in a specified amount of the virtual currency 320 may be required
to participate or to submit each response. In some embodiments, the
gameplay 340 may relate to a dating game in seeking relationships.
Users may vote on questions to be asked or the winning chances of
players in the television program. In some embodiments, the
gameplay 340 may relate to a game of chance. In some embodiments,
the game play 340 can relate to a game of prediction. For example,
users may submit a video clip following certain topics or
scenarios. A portion of the video clip will be played in the
television program; and other viewers can vote on what happens next
in the video clip (e.g., by completing a multiple choice question).
Other embodiments of the gameplay 340 are possible.
[0056] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a graphical user interface
(GUI) 400 for providing responses from a user device to an
interactive television program. The GUI 400 may be displayed on a
display 430 of a user electronic device 405. The user device 405
can be the smartphone 291, the tablet PC 293, and the computer 295
as shown in FIG. 2. As an example, the display 430 can be a
multi-touch back-lit screen that functions both as an input and an
output device. The display 430 in operation can include components
that are defined by a skin 420 and a message or application 410.
The message or application 410 can include one or more components
provided by the interactive television server array 202 that define
content associated with a television program. The skin 420 can
include one or more components selected by a local television
station or by a third party, as defined by, for example, the
skinning server 264 within the interactive television server array
202.
[0057] FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrations of various examples of
user control applicable to the graphical user interface of FIG. 4.
FIG. 5A includes different one-way communication game controls 510.
For example, a buzzer 511 allows users to respond to a certain
timed event. A "viewermeter" 512 can allow users to indicate their
evaluation of a certain event or player in the television program.
A pair of "viewermeter" 513 can be used to compare and evaluate two
players or groups of players in the television program. Such
control mechanism may be extended to multiple players or groups,
such as the 3-player "viewermeter" 514.
[0058] FIG. 5A also includes different game controls with limited
feedback information. For example, a joystick 515 may allow users
to select options or control game characters in a television
program. A simple puzzle 516 may be presented in the television
program for awarding those who are quickest to solve the puzzle 516
with credit rewards or further participation opportunities. A
multiple choice controller 517 and a true-or-false controller 518
can allow users to answer or vote on certain requests in a
television program; and winners may be judged based on a correct
response. Responses can be received in real-time, near real-time,
or delay. In some implementations, two or more users can be
selected to participate in a head-to-head competition in which the
users control characters displayed in a television program in
real-time. In other implementations, any number of users may
participate in a trivia contest to try to provide correct answers
in real-time or near real-time (e.g., to try to correctly answer
questions faster than an in-studio contestant or within a specified
time period). In other implementations, users can submit responses
that include user-generated content (e.g., videos), which can be
judged as most entertaining or interesting, with the winning
entries being included in a later segment of the same program or in
a subsequent television program.
[0059] FIG. 5B illustrates additional example two-way game
controls. For example, dual or bi-directional thumb pads 521 can
let users to play video games along with other contestants in the
television program. Similarly, a multi-directional or multiple
button controller 523 can be used. In some implementations, if a
user outperforms other competitors, an invitation screen 530 may be
prompted to let the user be instantly on TV, such as using an
electronic device with a connected or built-in camera. The game
controls illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be displayed in the
application area 410 of GUI 400, shown in FIG. 4. Other game
controls can be used.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 of a process for viewer
participation in television programs. The flow diagram 600 can be
used with the participation process illustrated in FIG. 3 and/or
the system 200 shown in FIG. 2. At 610, a linear television program
is transmitted for broadcast. The linear television program can
include a game show, a quiz show, a reality show, or other
television programs. On some shows contestants compete against
other players or another team while other shows involve contestants
playing alone for a particular outcome or a high score. The linear
television program can include a request for viewer responses. For
example, the linear television program can request viewers provide
answers to factual or opinion questions, feedback on television
contestants, control of an object displayed on television, and
other similar requests. Viewers can submit the responses using a
user device, such as a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless
user device, a computer, etc.
[0061] At 615, an electronic message including a viewer response is
received through a communication network. The electronic message
can include a viewer response to the request from a user. The
communication network can be a wireless network, a cellular
network, the internet, and/or other communication networks. The
electronic message can include text, audio, video, or other
electronic format response that can be input on the user device and
sent to servers associated with the television program. In some
implementations, a number of electronic messages from a number of
users can be received. Each electronic message of these users can
include a viewer response to the request.
[0062] At 620, a payment is received (e.g., a payment made by the
user in exchange for the opportunity to participate). The payment
can be associated with the viewer response at 615 or can be
received in advance of the viewer response. They payment can be
submitted as cash or check at a store, or with a digital account,
such as using PayPal.TM., a credit card, ACH transfer, or a debit
card. In some implementations, a payment from each of a number of
users can be received associated with the viewer response from each
user. In addition, in some implementations, instead of a monetary
payment, other consideration can be provided, such as performing a
specified activity (e.g., viewing an advertisement or recommending
participation to other potential viewers). In some implementations
and/or in some situations, payment may not be required to
participate. At 625, a quantity of credits is allocated to each
user in response to receiving the viewer response and the payment
associated with the response. The number of credits can be
determined based, for example, on whether the viewer response
satisfies predefined criteria or is selected for inclusion in a
linear television program. The number of credits can also be
determined, at least in part, by a conversion rate related to user
account information. At 630, the amount of credits allocated to
each user is stored as a record of credits in the user account, in
association with a user identifier. The credits stored or allocated
to each user can be used to submit additional viewer responses, to
participate in other activities in the same or a different linear
television program, or to purchase other virtual goods and
services.
[0063] At 635, based on the electronic messages submitted by the
users, one or more winners may be selected. For example, if the
request in the linear television program is a quiz question, a
quota may be used to select the first batch of users that submitted
the correct answer, or if the request is a series of quiz
questions, the highest scoring set of users may be selected as
winners. Additional credits and/or cash or other awards with a cash
value can be allocated to each winner can be based on one or more
criteria related to the viewer response, for example, based on
correctness, speed of response, uniqueness of response, etc. The
selected winners may receive credit awards at 640 or non-credit
rewards at 645. For example, credit awards can include adding
virtual credits to the user account, which may be used for future
participation in interactive television programming or redemption
for virtual goods or services. Non-credit rewards can include
direct opportunities to submit videos for TV broadcasting, a given
number of times for future electronic message submission, a
pre-announced virtual goods or service, or other types of similar
rewards.
[0064] At 650, compensation may be provided to local television
stations through which viewers who submitted responses viewed the
television programming.
[0065] At 655, credits associated with user identifiers can be
redeemed in exchange for virtual goods or services associated with
delivery of content over a network. For example, a virtual service
can include an opportunity for viewers to participate in a linear
television program, such as in-person attendance or through a
camera device (e.g., live or by submitting a recorded video). In
some instances, the virtual goods or services can include an
opportunity to submit at least one of a video or a textual message
to be included in linear television programming, or in content
delivered from a web server. The virtual goods and services can
also include a premium service, e.g., access to restricted content
of the opportunity to receive content without advertising.
[0066] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process 700 for providing
feedback in an interactive television system. A linear television
program is transmitted at 705. The linear television program can
include a request for viewer responses to be submitted using a user
device. For example, the requested viewer responses can be for
positive and negative feedback or ranking feedback relating to
contestants or activities included in the linear television
program. Various different users (e.g., a significant portion of
the viewing audience) can submit electronic messages that include a
viewer response to the request, which responses can be received at
710. Each viewer response can be submitted using a user device
corresponding to the particular viewing individual, and the
electronic messages can be transmitted through one or more
communication networks (e.g., cellular networks, LANs, WANs, the
Internet, etc.) to a server associated with the interactive
television system. For example, the responses can be received at
the response management server 266 of FIG. 2. The viewer responses
can be submitted, for example, using a "viewermeter" 512, 513, or
514 shown in FIG. 5A, in which different positive and negative
feedback levels can correspond or can be mapped to different
values. Other types of viewer responses (e.g., rankings of
different contestants) can also be used. Viewers can be encouraged
to submit responses by offering awards (e.g., monetary prizes,
other prizes with monetary value, or virtual currency credits) that
can be awarded to viewers randomly or based on some predetermined
criteria. Viewers can also be awarded credits based on complying
with certain criteria.
[0067] Data from the electronic messages is combined to generate
aggregate data at 715. For example, the values received from the
various different users can be averaged or combined in some other
manner to generate the aggregate data. As one example, if feedback
is received on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing strongly
negative feedback and 10 representing strongly positive feedback,
values from the individual viewer responses can be averaged to
generate an aggregate positive or negative rating (e.g., for one or
more contestants in a reality show). The aggregate data can be
calculated based on all received responses or can be calculated
based on a rolling window (e.g., based on the last ten seconds or
sixty seconds of feedback). The latter technique can be used to
more accurately track trends and avoid tendencies for the aggregate
data to approach a median value. Alternatively, data can be
weighted according to age, such that the influence of viewer
feedback is gradually phased out as the viewer feedback ages. The
generation of aggregate data can be performed, for example, by the
contest management server 270 shown in FIG. 2.
[0068] The aggregate data can be displayed in near real time as
part of the linear television program at 720. For example, an inset
graph can be displayed as part of the broadcast program to show the
trend of average feedback for contestants or activities on the
program. The display of aggregate data can be managed by the
television content server 278 or the linear television server shown
in FIG. 2, which can send the aggregate data to the television
uplink facility 220 or the TV production facility 230 to be merged
with the video being broadcast.
[0069] Implementations of the present disclosure and all of the
functional operations provided herein can be realized in digital
electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or
hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification
and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more
of them. Implementations of the invention can be realized as one or
more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of
computer program instructions encoded on a computer readable medium
for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing
apparatus. The computer readable medium can be a machine-readable
storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory
device, a composition of matter affecting a machine-readable
propagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them. The
term "data processing apparatus" encompasses all apparatus,
devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of
example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple
processors or computers. The apparatus can include, in addition to
hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the
computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor
firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an
operating system, or a combination of one or more of them.
[0070] A computer program (also known as a program, software,
software application, script, or code) can be written in any form
of programming language, including compiled or interpreted
languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a
stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other
unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer
program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system.
A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other
programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup
language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in
question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store
one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer
program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on
multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed
across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication
network.
[0071] The processes and logic flows described in this disclosure
can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing
one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on
input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can
also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as,
special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable
gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated
circuit).
[0072] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program
include, by way of example, both general and special purpose
microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of
digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions
and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both.
The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing
instructions and one or more memory devices for storing
instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or
be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or
both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g.,
magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a
computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be
embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio player, a Global
Positioning System (GPS) receiver, to name just a few. Computer
readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions
and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory
devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices,
e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks,
e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical
disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory
can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic
circuitry.
[0073] To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of
the invention can be implemented on a computer having a display
device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal
display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a
keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by
which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of
devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well;
for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of
sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or
tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any
form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.
[0074] Implementations of the present disclosure can be realized in
a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a
data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an
application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a
client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser
through which a user can interact with an implementation of the
present disclosure, or any combination of one or more such back
end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the
system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data
communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of
communication networks include a local area network ("LAN") and a
wide area network ("WAN"), e.g., the Internet.
[0075] The computing system can include clients and servers. A
client and server are generally remote from each other and
typically interact through a communication network. The
relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer
programs running on the respective computers and having a
client-server relationship to each other.
[0076] While this disclosure contains many specifics, these should
not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or
of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features
specific to particular implementations of the disclosure. Certain
features that are described in this disclosure in the context of
separate implementations can also be provided in combination in a
single implementation. Conversely, various features that are
described in the context of a single implementation can also be
provided in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable
sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above
as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as
such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some
cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination
may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a
sub-combination.
[0077] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances,
multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover,
the separation of various system components in the implementations
described above should not be understood as requiring such
separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that
the described program components and systems can generally be
integrated together in a single software product or packaged into
multiple software products.
[0078] Thus, particular implementations of the present disclosure
have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of
the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the
claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve
desirable results. What is claimed is:
* * * * *