U.S. patent application number 15/925745 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alexander I. Poltorak. Invention is credited to Alexander I. Poltorak.
Application Number | 20180288469 15/925745 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32594583 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180288469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poltorak; Alexander I. |
October 4, 2018 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH
MEDIA CONTENT
Abstract
An apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction
with media content, including a receiver, wherein the receiver
receives at least one of a transmission of media content and a
broadcast of media content, wherein the media content includes at
least one of broadcast media content and entertainment media
content, and further wherein the receiver receives information
regarding the media content, a processor for processing at least
one of the received media content and the received information
regarding the media content, a display device for visually
displaying the information regarding the media content, and/or a
speaker device for audibly announcing the information regarding the
media content.
Inventors: |
Poltorak; Alexander I.;
(Monsey, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Poltorak; Alexander I. |
Monsey |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
32594583 |
Appl. No.: |
15/925745 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15494424 |
Apr 21, 2017 |
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15925745 |
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15208587 |
Jul 12, 2016 |
9668016 |
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15494424 |
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14795886 |
Jul 9, 2015 |
9426504 |
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15208587 |
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14338347 |
Jul 22, 2014 |
9113232 |
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14795886 |
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13470332 |
May 13, 2012 |
8826352 |
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14338347 |
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10328789 |
Dec 24, 2002 |
8225359 |
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13470332 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/107 20130101;
H04N 21/435 20130101; H04N 5/445 20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101;
G11B 2220/2562 20130101; G11B 2220/2545 20130101; G11B 27/105
20130101; H04N 21/2353 20130101; H04N 21/845 20130101; H04N 21/4622
20130101; H04N 21/812 20130101; H04N 5/60 20130101; G11B 2220/90
20130101; H04N 21/8113 20130101; G11B 27/11 20130101; H04H 20/28
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/435 20110101
H04N021/435; H04N 21/845 20110101 H04N021/845; G11B 27/10 20060101
G11B027/10; H04N 21/81 20110101 H04N021/81; H04N 21/84 20110101
H04N021/84; G11B 27/11 20060101 G11B027/11; H04H 20/28 20080101
H04H020/28; H04N 5/445 20110101 H04N005/445; H04N 21/235 20110101
H04N021/235 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for providing information in conjunction with media
content, the apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive
a transmission of media content and information regarding the media
content, wherein the information regarding the media content is
transmitted as a header file of the media content; a processor
configured to process the media content and the information
regarding the media content; a remote control device comprising a
first display device, the remote control device being integrated
with the first display device, the remote control device being
configured to display on the first display device the information
regarding the media content received by the receiver; and
media-playing device equipment configured to play the media content
to a user of the apparatus; wherein the information regarding the
media content comprises a plot synopsis of the media content a
synopsis of transpired events in the media content, a start time of
the media content, an end time of the media content, and a lapsed
time of the media content.
2. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the transmission is
selected from the group consisting of a radio broadcast, a
television broadcast, and a webcast.
3. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: the media content
comprises broadcast media content; and the remote control device is
configured to display on the first display device the lapsed time
of said media content as a percentage of total duration of the
media content.
4. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the information regarding
the media content further comprises information descriptive of
production of the media content.
5. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the information regarding
the media content further comprises a unique identification number
associated with the media content.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information regarding the
media content further comprises good/service information regarding
a good or a service, wherein the good/service information is
provided to the user simultaneously with playing of the media
content by the media-playing device equipment.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said media-playing equipment
device is comprised in a wearable device.
8. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein; the receiver is configured
to receive the transmission of the media content over at least one
network selected from the group consisting of: a radio frequency
communication network, a television communication network, a cable
television communication network, a satellite communication
network, a satellite radio communication network, a satellite
television communication network, an optical communication network,
a closed-circuit communication network, a radio telecommunication
network, a cellular telecommunication network, a satellite
telecommunication network, a wide area network (WAN), a local area
network (LAN), the internet, an Intranet, and an extranet.
9. The apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising: an input device
configured to allow the user to input into the apparatus at least
one of data and a command.
10. The apparatus as in claim 9, wherein the remote control device
comprises the input device.
11. The apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising: a second
display device configured to display visually video information
contained in the media content.
12. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured
to receive the transmission in at least one form selected from the
group consisting of a web transmission, a radio transmission, and a
television transmission.
13. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the apparatus further
comprises: a memory storage device configured store the information
regarding the media content; and wherein the apparatus is
configured to display the information regarding the media content
on the first display device.
14. The apparatus as in claim 13, wherein the apparatus further
comprises: a memory storage device configured to store the
information regarding the media content; and wherein the apparatus
is configured to display the information regarding the media
content on the first display device during the media-playing device
equipment playing of the media content.
15. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the processor is
configured to process the information regarding the media content
in at least one manner selected from the group consisting of
continuously and at pre-determined time intervals.
16. A method for providing information in conjunction with media
content, the method comprising: receiving a transmission of media
content at a media-playing device; receiving information regarding
the media content wherein a header file of the media content
comprises the information regarding the media content, the header
file is transmitted together with media content, and the header
file is received at the media-playing device; processing the media
content and the information regarding the media content, at the
media-playing device; displaying the information regarding the
media content received in the header file of the media content, the
step of displaying the information regarding the media content
being performed on a display device of a remote control device of
the media-playing device; providing the media content to a user
through the media-playing device simultaneously with displaying the
information regarding the media content; and audibly announcing to
the user the information regarding the media content through an
audio device of the media-playing device; wherein the information
regarding the media content comprises a synopsis of transpired
events in the media content, a start time of the media content, an
end time of the media content, and a lapsed time of the media
content.
17. The method as in claim 16, wherein the media content is
comprised in at least one of a radio broadcast, a television
broadcast, and a webcast.
18. The method as in claim 16, wherein the information regarding
the media content further includes descriptive information
describing the media content.
19. The method as in claim 16, wherein the media content is
comprised in broadcast, and the step of displaying the information
regarding the media content comprises rendering on the display
device of the remote control device lapsed time of the media
content as a percentage of total duration of the media content.
20. The method as in claim 16, wherein the media content is
comprised in at least one of a radio transmission, a television
transmission, and an internet transmission.
21. The method as in claim 16, wherein the information regarding
the media content further includes a unique identification number
that is associated with the media content.
22. The method as in claim 16, wherein the information regarding
the media content further includes information regarding at least
one of a good and a service, and wherein the apparatus is
configured to provide the information regarding said at least one
of a good and a service to the user simultaneously with playing of
the media content.
23. The method as in claim 16, wherein the information regarding
the media content further includes information regarding at least
one of a good and a service, and wherein the apparatus is
configured to provide the information regarding said at least one
of a good and a service to the user after playing of the media
content.
24. The method as in claim 16, wherein the media-playing device is
a watch.
25. The method as in claim 16, wherein the steps of receiving the
transmission of the media content and receiving the information
regarding the media content are performed over at least one network
selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency (RF)
communication network, a cable television communication network, a
cellular communication network, a satellite communication network,
an optical communication network, a closed-circuit communication
network, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area
network (LAN).
26. The method as in claim 16, further comprising: receiving at
least one of input information and a command through the remote
control device.
27. The method as in claim 16, wherein the step of providing the
media content comprises: rendering video information contained in
the media content.
28. The method as in claim 16, wherein the step of receiving the
transmission of the media content is comprises receiving the media
content in a compressed audio format.
29. The method as in claim 16, further comprising: the step of
processing the information regarding the media content is performed
continuously or at pre-determined time intervals.
30. An apparatus for receiving media content in conjunction with
information regarding the media content, the apparatus comprising:
a receiver configured to receive the media content and the
information regarding the media content, the information regarding
the media content comprising a synopsis of transpired events in the
media content, the information regarding the media content being
received by the receiver in a header file that is at least one of
encoded into main body of the media content and encoded in a
carrier signal; a memory device, wherein the memory device stores
the media content and the information regarding the media content
received by the receiver; and means for audibly announcing to a
user of the apparatus the synopsis of transpired events in the
media content received by the receiver, during display of the media
content to the user.
31. A method for receiving information in conjunction with content,
the method comprising: receiving media content; receiving
information regarding the media content in a header file of the
media content, wherein the information regarding the media content
comprises a synopsis of transpired events in the media content, a
start time of the media content, an end time of the media content,
and a lapsed time of the media content; and audibly announcing to a
user the synopsis of transpired events in the media content, the
start time of the media content, the end time of the media content,
and the lapsed time of the media content, the step of audibly
announcing being performed during display of the media content.
32. An apparatus for providing information in conjunction with
content, the apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive
a transmission of media content and information regarding the media
content, wherein the information regarding the media content
comprises a synopsis of transpired events in the media content, a
start time of the media content, an end time of the media content,
and a lapsed time of the media content, and wherein the information
regarding the media content is received by the receiver in a header
of the media content; a display device for visually displaying the
media content; and means for audibly announcing to a user of the
apparatus during display of the media content on the display device
the synopsis of transpired events in the media content, the start
time of the media content, the end time of the media content, and
the lapsed time of the media content received by the receiver.
33. The apparatus as in claim 32, further comprising: a processor
configured to process at least one of the media content and the
information regarding the media content.
34. The apparatus as in claim 32, further comprising a memory
device configured to store at least one of the media content and
the information regarding the media content.
35. An apparatus for providing information in conjunction with
content, the apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive
a transmission of media content and information regarding the media
content, wherein the information regarding the media content is
received by the receiver in a header of the media content, and
wherein the information regarding the media content comprises a
synopsis of transpired events in the media content, a start time of
the media content, an end time of the media content, and a lapsed
time of the media content; a processor configured to process at
least one of the media content and the information regarding the
media content; and an audio device for audibly announcing, during
display of the media content, the synopsis of transpired events in
the media content, the start time of the media content, the end
time of the media content, and the lapsed time of the media
content.
36. The apparatus as in claim 35, further comprising: a memory
device configured to store at least one of the media content and
the information regarding the media content.
37. The apparatus as in claim 35, wherein the audio device
comprises an earphone.
38. A method for providing information in conjunction with content,
the method comprising: receiving a transmission of media content;
receiving information regarding the media content in a header of
the transmission of the media content, wherein the information
regarding the media content comprises a synopsis of transpired
events in the media content, a start time of the media content, an
end time of the media content, and a lapsed time of the media
content; providing the media content to a user; and audibly
announcing to the user the synopsis of transpired events in the
media content, the start time of the media content, the end time of
the media content, and the lapsed time of the media content
received in the header, the step of audibly announcing being
performed during the step of providing the media content.
39. A method as in claim 38, further comprising: processing at
least one of the media content and the information regarding the
media content.
40. A method as in claim 38, further comprising: storing in a
memory device at least one of the media content and the information
regarding the media content.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method
for providing information in conjunction with media content and, in
particular, to an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with broadcast media content, entertainment media
content, and/or media content which can be stored on, and/or played
from, a storage and/or playing medium.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Millions of individuals listen to radio stations and/or
television stations each day. Individuals utilize radios in order
to listen to music, radio programs, radio news programs, and/or
radio talk shows, etc. Individuals utilize television in order to
watch television programs, television shows, television news
programs, television talk shows, movies, and/or music videos,
etc.
[0003] As many individuals can attest, oftentimes a song may be
playing which the listener desires to know more about. For example,
a listener can be listening to a song, find it enjoyable, and
desire to know the name of the song, the performer who is
performing the song, or any other information (i.e. the name of the
album on which the song may be featured or found, etc.) so that he
or she may purchase a copy of same. Similarly, an individual
listening to a radio show or radio talk show may want to know more
information regarding the show's subject matter or the show's
performers or participants so that he or she may obtain a copy of
same or seek to listen to the respective show at a later time.
[0004] While information regarding any of the respective songs,
radio shows, and/or radio programs, can be introduced prior to, or
announced subsequent to, the broadcast of the respective songs,
radio shows, and/or radio programs, the information is typically
not provided during the course of the broadcast and, as a result,
an individual who misses the respective introduction or
announcement may never receive the desired information.
Particularly during broadcast of a piece of classical music, which,
at times, may be quite long, a listener may struggle to recall the
name of a familiar piece and the composer thereof or be curious to
learn the composer, performer(s) and the name of currently playing
piece of music that caught the listener's attention.
[0005] In a similar manner, there are many instances in which an
individual may be watching a television show or program and,
finding same to be enjoyable, desire to obtain more information
about same. For example, an individual watching a television talk
show may want to learn the name of the show, the subject matter or
description of the show, the performers or participants involved in
the show, or any other information, which can enable the individual
to obtain a copy of the show or program, or learn more about same
in order to watch the program at a later time. An individual may
also wish to know, without having to resort to a printed TV Guide,
which may not be at hand, or having to switch channels to an online
TV Guide, when the TV program, show or movie started and when it
will finish or how much of it has been missed, in order to be able
to decide whether or not to watch this TV program, show or movie.
An individual may also wish to know a brief synopsis of the
transpired events in order to be able to understand the story line
and enjoy the rest of the movie.
[0006] It is again noted that, while information regarding any of
the respective television programs, movies or shows can be
introduced prior to, or announced subsequent to, the broadcast of
the respective program, movie or show, the information is typically
not provided during the course of the broadcast and, as a result,
an individual who misses the respective introduction or
announcement may never receive the desired information.
[0007] In today's information age, individuals are use to, and have
come to expect, if not demand, to have information available to
them instantaneously. Yet, in spite of this, no system or apparatus
is currently available which can provide radio broadcasts or
television broadcasts along with information regarding the content
of the respective broadcast.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method
for providing information in conjunction with media content, which
overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art. The present invention
pertains to an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with media content and, in particular, to an apparatus
and method for providing information in conjunction with broadcast
media content, entertainment media content, and/or media content
which can be stored on, and/or played from, a storage and/or
playing medium.
[0009] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
providing information regarding the content of a radio broadcast
television broadcast, webcast, media broadcast of any kind or type,
and/or information regarding media content which can be stored on a
conventional storage medium. The present invention can also be
utilized in order to provide information regarding, relating to,
and/or descriptive of, radio programs, music, songs, television
programs, television shows, movies, webcast, and/or audio or video
information, of any kind.
[0010] The present invention can be utilized in order to provide
information relating to, or regarding, live or pre-recorded
broadcasts or transmissions of radio programs, songs, television
programs, television shows, movies, webcast, and/or audio or video
information of any kind. The present invention can also be utilized
in order to provide information relating to, or regarding, radio
programs, music, songs, television programs, television shows,
movies, webcast, and/or audio or video information, which can be
stored on any type or kind of storage medium.
[0011] The information which can be provided by the present
invention can include any one or more of the name or title of the
media content, the respective author(s), performer(s), musician(s),
singer(s), actor(s), director(s), producer(s), writer(s),
composer(s), involved in, and/or featured in, the respective media
content, a description of the media content, the year produced,
and/or any cost or price information regarding same. The
information can also include the beginning and end time as well as
the duration of the broadcast, such duration expressed in absolute
units of time and/or as a percentage of the total length of the
broadcast. The information can also include a brief synopsis of the
transpired events and/or the story line. The information can also
include a unique identification number which can be assigned to
and/or which can be associated with each particular selection of
media content.
[0012] The information, which can be provided by the present
invention, can also include information regarding goods or services
which information can be provided to a user along with, and/or in
addition to, the other herein-described information regarding the
media content. The information regarding goods or services can
include marketing information, sales information, promotional
information, advertisement information, and/or any other
information for facilitating a sale of a respective good or service
and/or for promoting a respective good or service.
[0013] The present invention can provide information regarding
media content, such as, for example, a piece of music, a song, a
television show, a movie, a radio program, etc., by displaying the
information to a respective listener or viewer.
[0014] The apparatus of the present invention can include a
broadcasting system, which can broadcast any of the various types
or kinds of media content described herein. Any number of
broadcasting systems can be utilized in conjunction with the
apparatus of the present invention.
[0015] The apparatus of the present invention can also include a
media-playing device which can receive broadcasts from any of the
broadcasting systems utilized in conjunction with the present
invention. The media-playing device can be any one of more of a
radio, a television, a VCR, a tape player, a CD player, a DVD
player a computer, a cellular telephone, an Internet appliance, a
personal digital assistant, a wireless media-playing device or any
other device, for receiving and/or for playing broadcasts,
webcasts, or transmissions of media content. Any number of
media-playing devices can be utilized in conjunction with the
apparatus of the present invention.
[0016] The apparatus of the present invention can operate and/or
can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any suitable
communication network or system which can include any one or more
of a radio frequency (RF) communication network or system, a
satellite network or system, a telecommunications network or
system, a television communication network or system, a cable
television communication network or system, a satellite television
network or system, a closed-circuit communication network or
system, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a wide-area network
(WAN), a local area network (LAN), the World Wide Web, a wireless
communication network, a cellular telecommunication network, a
wireless Internet communication network, a wireless World Wide Web
communication network and/or any other communications network
capable of transmitting media content.
[0017] The apparatus of the present invention can also operate
and/or can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any
other suitable communication network or system.
[0018] The broadcasting system can include broadcasting equipment
needed or desired for facilitating the functionally of the
respective media broadcasting system. The broadcasting system can
also include a central processing computer and or central
processing unit (CPU) for controlling the operation of the
broadcasting system, and a memory device for storing any of the
information described herein as being provided with the respective
media content as well as any other information for facilitating the
operation of the apparatus as described herein. The memory device
can also be utilized in order to store media content.
[0019] The media-playing device can include media-playing
equipment, which can be utilized to receive and/or to play any of
the media content described herein. The media-playing device can
also include a central processing computer and or central
processing unit (CPU) for controlling the operation of the
media-playing device. The media-playing device can also include an
input device, which can include a remote control device, for
inputting information and/or commands into the media-playing
device. The media-playing device can also include a display device
for displaying any of the information described-herein as being
provided by the present invention.
[0020] A remote control device associated with a media-playing
device can also include a display device for displaying requested
any of the information described-herein as being provided by the
present invention.
[0021] The present invention can be utilized in order to provide
information relating to media content, which media content can
include any one or more of audio information, video information,
and/or audio and video information. The information can be provided
along with the media content, which is being broadcast to a
media-playing device. The information can also be provided along
with media content which is being played from a storage medium
located at, or in, the respective media-playing device.
[0022] The apparatus of the present invention can be utilized in
order to provide broadcasts of music, songs, television shows,
television programs, movies, and/or any other audio information,
video information, and/or audio and video information. Any of the
information, which can be provided by the present invention, can be
encoded into the respective media content. The information can also
be provided as a header file to the media content. The information
can also be encoded into, multiplexed with, mixed with, and/or
transmitted in conjunction with, the media content.
[0023] The information can also be encoded with, multiplexed with,
mixed with, and/or stored in conjunction with, media content which
is stored on a storage medium such as a compact disc, a digital
video disc or digital versatileversatile disc (DVD), a tape,
digital TV recorder, an MP3 storage device, programmable memory, a
hard disk, and/or any other storage medium.
[0024] The broadcasting system can broadcast or transmit media
content along with the herein-described information regarding the
media content. The media-playing device can receive and process the
media content as well as the information, which pertains to the
media content.
[0025] The media-playing device can play the media content. The
media-playing device can also process and display the information
pertaining to the media content for viewing by a respective
listener or viewer. The media-playing device can also store the
information pertaining to the media content in an appropriate
buffer or storage location.
[0026] The present invention can be utilized in order to provide a
listener with any one or more of the name of a song, the
performer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of the song, the
producer(s) of the song, the album on which the song appears, the
price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in which the song
can be found, an identification number pertaining to the song,
and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding
the song, in conjunction with a broadcast or a transmission of the
media content.
[0027] The present invention can also be utilized in order to
provide a viewer with any one or more of the name of a show, the
performer(s) in the show, the actor(s) appearing in the show, the
produce(s) or directors(s) of the show, the price of a video copy
of the show, an identification number pertaining to the show,
beginning and end time as well as the duration of the broadcast, a
brief synopsis of the transpired events and/or of the story line,
and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding
the show, in conjunction with a broadcast or a transmission of the
media content.
[0028] The present invention can also be utilized in order to
display information regarding media content which is being played
on a media-playing device from a storage medium such as a compact
disc (CD), a digital video disc or digital versatileversatile disc
(DVD), a video cassette, a laser disc, a tape, digital TV recorder,
MP3 device, hard disk, programmable memory, memory card, media
card, or other recording and/or storage medium.
[0029] The present invention can also be utilized in order to
provide a listener with any one or more of the name of a song, the
performer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of the song, the
producer(s) of the song, the album on which the song appears, the
price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in which the song
can be found, an identification number pertaining to the song,
and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding
the song, in conjunction with media content which is played on, or
from, a media-playing device.
[0030] The present invention can also be utilized in order to
provide a viewer with any one or more of the name of a show, the
performer(s) in the show, the actor(s) appearing in the show, the
producer(s) or director(s) of the show, the price of a video copy
of the show, beginning and end time as well as the duration of the
broadcast, a brief synopsis of the transpired events and/or of the
story line, an identification number pertaining to the show, and/or
any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the show,
in conjunction with media content which is played on, or from, a
media-playing device.
[0031] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with media content.
[0032] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
broadcast media content.
[0033] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with media content, which is stored on a storage
medium.
[0034] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction
with a radio broadcast, a television broadcast, webcast and/or a
media broadcast, of any kind or type.
[0035] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
radio programs, songs, television programs, television shows,
movies, and/or audio or video information, of any kind.
[0036] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with live broadcasts of media content and/or broadcasts
of pre-recorded media content.
[0037] If is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information which can include
any one or more of a name or title of the media content, a
respective performer(s), singer(s), actor(s), director(s),
producer(s), writer(s), composer(s), conductor(s), involved in,
and/or featured in, the respective media content, a description of
the media content, the year produced, and/or any cost or price
information regarding same.
[0038] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information which can include
any one or more of a show's or a movie's beginning and end time as
well as the duration of the broadcast, a brief synopsis of the
transpired events and/or of the story line.
[0039] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
media content which can be utilized on, or over, any one or more of
a radio frequency (RF) communication network or system, a
television communication network or system, a cable television
communication network or system, satellite communication network or
system, a telecommunications network or system, and/or a
closed-circuit communication network or system.
[0040] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with media content which can be utilized on, or over,
any one or more of the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, the
World Wide Web, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network
(LAN), a cellular communication network or system, a wireless
communication network, a wireless Internet communication network,
and/or a wireless World Wide Web communication network.
[0041] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction
with media content which is being broadcast to a media-playing
device.
[0042] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
media content which is being played from a storage medium located
at, or in, the respective media-playing device.
[0043] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with media content wherein the information is any one
or more of, encoded into, multiplexed with, mixed with, and/or
transmitted in conjunction with, the media content.
[0044] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction
with media content wherein the information is provided as a header
file to the media content.
[0045] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
media content wherein the information is any one or more of,
encoded into, multiplexed with, mixed with, and/or transmitted in
conjunction with, the stored media content.
[0046] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with media content wherein the information is provided
as a header file to the stored media content.
[0047] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction
with media content which can broadcast or transmit the information
along with the media content.
[0048] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
media content, which can be received and processed at a
media-playing device.
[0049] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with media content, which can display the information
to a respective listener or viewer.
[0050] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction
with media content, which can display the information to a
respective listener or viewer at, or in conjunction with, a
media-playing device.
[0051] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction
with media content, which can display the information to a
respective listener or viewer at, or in conjunction with a remote
control and/or input device associated with a media-playing
device.
[0052] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
media content which can store the information at, or in conjunction
with, a media-playing device.
[0053] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with media content which can be utilized in order to
provide a listener with any one or more of the name of a song, the
performer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of the song, the
producer(s) of the song, the album on which the song appears, the
price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in which the song
can be found, an identification number pertaining to the song,
and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding
the song.
[0054] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction
with media content which con be utilized in order to provide a
viewer with any one or more of the name of a show and/or movie, the
performer(s) in the show and/or movie, the actor(s) appearing in
the show and/or movie, the producer(s) or director(s) of the show
and/or movie, the beginning time of the show and/or movie, the end
time of the show and/or movie, and/or duration of the show and/or
movie, a brief synopsis of the transpired events of the show and/or
movie and/or of the story line, the price of a video copy of the
show, an identification number pertaining to the show, and/or any
other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the show.
[0055] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
media content which can also provide information regarding goods
and services along with, and/or in addition to, the information
regarding the media content.
[0056] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the
Description of the Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with
the Drawings, which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] In the Drawings:
[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention, in block diagram form;
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates the broadcasting system of FIG. 1, in
block diagram form;
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates the media-playing device of FIG. 1, in
block diagram form;
[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus of the present invention, in flow diagram
form;
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus of the present invention, in flow diagram
form;
[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates still another preferred embodiment method
for utilizing the apparatus of the present invention, in flow
diagram form; and
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment method
for utilizing the apparatus of the present invention, in flow
diagram form.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method
for providing information in conjunction with media content and, in
particular, to an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with broadcast media content, entertainment media
content, and/or media content which can be stored on, and played
from, a storage and/or media medium.
[0066] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
providing information regarding the content of a radio broadcast, a
television broadcast, a webcast, and/or a media broadcast of any
kind or type, and/or information regarding media content which can
be stored on a conventional storage medium. The information
provided can include any information, descriptive matter, and/or
other subject matter, regarding the media content.
[0067] In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
apparatus and method can be utilized in order to provide
information regarding, relating to, and/or descriptive of radio
programs, songs, music, television programs, television shows,
movies, radio and/or television advertisement of goods or services,
and/or audio or video information of any kind. The respective radio
programs, songs, music, television programs, television shows,
movies, radio and/or television advertisement of goods or services,
and/or audio or video information of any kind, can be broadcast
from a broadcasting system or broadcasting station.
[0068] The respective radio programs, songs, music, television
programs, television shows, movies, radio and/or television
advertisement of goods or services, and/or audio or video
information of any kind, can be broadcast as a live broadcast of
media content or as a broadcast of pre-recorded or taped materials
or media content.
[0069] In another preferred embodiment, the information can be
provided along with, and/or in conjunction with, the respective
stored radio programs, songs, music, television programs,
television shows, movies, radio and/or television advertisement of
goods or services, and/or audio or video information, on a storage
medium which can include, but which is not limited to, a video
cassette, VHS tape, Betacam tape, any kind of video tape, a film, a
digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), a compact disc
(CD), a laser disc, a tape, a record, a computer hard disk, digital
TV recorder, an MP3 player, PCMCIA memory card, flash media card, a
digital memory device, any other electronic and/or magnetic storage
media, and/or any other type of storage media.
[0070] The respective radio programs, songs, music, television
programs, television shows, movies, radio and/or television
advertisement of goods or services, and/or audio or video
information, which can he stored on the respective storage medium
can be broadcast from a respective radio broadcaster, television
broadcaster, and/or other media broadcaster, and/or can be utilized
on a user's media-playing device. The media-playing device can be,
or can include, any one or more or a radio, a television, a
personal computer, a portable computer, a compact disc (CD) player,
a video disc (DVD) player, a laser disc player, a video cassette
recorder (VCR), a video cassette player, a tape player, a tape
recorder, a record player, an MP3 player, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, cellular telephone, a
wireless device, any analog media-playing device, any digital
media-playing device, and/or any other suitable media-playing
device.
[0071] The information which can be provided along with, and/or in
conjunction with, the respective radio programs, songs, music,
television programs, television shows, movies, radio and/or
television advertisement of goods or services, and/or audio or
video information, (hereinafter referred to as "media content") can
include the name or title of the media content, the respective
performer(s), singer(s), musicians, actor(s), director(s),
producer(s), writer(s), composer(s), conductors, involved in,
and/or featured in, the respective media content (i.e. a song
performer, a music composer, a movie actor, a producer, etc.), a
description of the media content (i.e. song lyrics description,
description of advertised and/or featured goods and/or services,
movie theme, brief synopsis of the transpired events and/or movie
story line, etc.), the year produced, the year performed, the year
recorded, and any cost or price information regarding same (i.e.
song album price, movie video price, advertised and/or featured
goods price, etc.). The information can also include a beginning
time, an end time, a lapsed time expressed in absolute units and/or
as a percentage of the total duration, duration of the media
broadcast and/or playback. The information can also include a
unique identification number which can be assigned to, and/or which
can be associated with, each particular selection of media
content.
[0072] The unique identification number can be utilized in order to
identify a particular selection of media content, song, program,
movie, etc., for any appropriate reason such as for broadcast
planning, media content sales, etc. The information can also
include any other data and/or information, which can be related to
the media content.
[0073] The information, which can be provided by the present
invention, can also include information regarding goods or services
which information can be provided to a user along with, and/or in
addition to, the other herein-described information regarding the
media content. The information regarding goods or services can
include marketing information, sales information, promotional
information, advertisement information, and/or any other
information for facilitating a sale of a respective good or service
and/or for promoting a respective good or service.
[0074] As defined herein, the term "media-playing device", or the
plural of same, refers to televisions, analog television sets,
digital television sets, HDTV receivers, radios, radio receivers,
analog radios, digital radios, stereos, tape players, record
players, movie projectors, video projectors, compact disc (CD)
players, digital video disc (DVO) players or digital versatile disc
players, laser disc players, tape players, computes, MP3 players,
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), cellular phones, wireless
devices, Internet appliances, multimedia devices, and/or any other
suitable devices or systems which can be utilized in order to
receive and present broadcasts of the media content described
herein (i.e. radio broadcasts, television program broadcasts,
webcast, etc.). The media-playing device can also be any other
suitable device, which can play or present media content from a
stored medium (i.e. video cassette recorders/players, etc.).
[0075] As defined herein, the terms "broadcaster", "media
provider", or the plurals of same, refer to any broadcasters, radio
broadcasters, television broadcasters, Internet webcasters, media
broadcasters of any type, media content providers, and/or any
providers or broadcasters of any of the media content described
herein.
[0076] The apparatus and method of the present invention can
provide information regarding media content, such as for example, a
song, a music performance, a television show, a movie, a radio
program, an advertisement of goods and/or services, etc., by
displaying the information to an individual listener, viewer, or
receiver of the respective media content. For example, information
regarding a song, which is being broadcast by a radio station, can
be provided on a suitable display device located on an individual's
radio, stereo, computer screen, information display, and/or remote
control device. The information can include any one or more of the
name of the song, the album, if any, on which the song is featured,
the artist or performer performing the song, the producer of the
song, the composer of the song, the theme of the song or the song's
lyrics, the year produced, and/or the price of a single recording
and/or the price of an album(s) featuring the song.
[0077] In the case of a television show, program, or movie, the
information can include any one or more of the name of the show,
program, or movie, the actor(s) featured in the show, program, or
movie, the producer(s) or director(s) of the show, program, or
movie, the writer(s) or composer(s) of the show, program, or movie,
the theme of the show, program, or movie, the year produced, a
brief synopsis of the story line and/or of the transpired events
(from the start of the movie until the current moment and/or until
the time when the viewer request such information), the start time,
the end time, the duration expressed in the absolute time units or
as a percentage of the total duration of the movie, program, or
show, and/or the price of a recording or tape of the show, program,
or movie.
[0078] In the case of any other media content, the information can
include any of the above-described information and/or any other
information, which may be relevant and/or pertinent to the media
content.
[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention,
which is designated generally by the reference numeral 100. With
reference to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 includes a broadcasting
system 10 which can broadcast any of the media content described
herein. Any number of broadcasting systems 10 can be utilized in
conjunction with the apparatus 100 of the present invention. Each
broadcasting system 10 can be associated with one or more of a
radio broadcaster, a television broadcaster, a webcaster, a media
broadcaster, a multimedia broadcaster, a radio station, a
television station, an Internet server, or other media
provider.
[0080] With reference once again in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 also
includes a media-playing device 20 which can receive broadcasts
from any of the broadcasting systems 10 described herein. The
broadcasts can include any of the herein-described media content.
The media-playing device 20 can be associated with one or more
individuals or users of the apparatus 100.
[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the media-playing-device can be
any one or more of a radio, a television, a computer, a network
terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an internet
appliance, a cellular telephone, a watch, or media receiver, for
receiving broadcasts. In another preferred embodiment, the
media-playing device 20 can be any one or more of a compact disc
player (CD), a video disc player (DVD), a laser disc player, a
video cassette recorder (VCR), a video cassette player, a personal
video recorder, a tape player, an MP3 player, and/or any other
suitable media-playing device for playing media content from a
storage medium. Any number of media-playing devices 20 can be
utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100.
[0082] The apparatus 100 can operate and/or can be utilized on,
over, and/or in conjunction with, any suitable communication
network or system which can include any one or more of a radio
frequency (RF) communication network or system, a cable radio
communication network or system, a digital radio communication
network or system, a satellite radio communication network or
system, a television communication network or system, a cable
television communication network or system, a digital television
communication network or system, a high-definition television
(HDTV) communication network or system, a satellite television
communication network or system, a telecommunications network or
system, a cellular telecommunications network or system, a radio
telecommunications network or system, a wireless telecommunications
network or system, an optical telecommunications network or system,
a closed-circuit communication network or system, the Internet, an
intranet, an extranet, the World Wide Web, a local area network
(LAN) a wide area network (WAN), a wireless communication network,
a wireless Internet communication network, and/or a wireless World
Wide Web communication network. The apparatus 100 can also operate
and/or can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any
other suitable communication network or system.
[0083] FIG. 2 illustrates the broadcasting system 10 of FIG. 1, in
block diagram form. With reference to FIG. 2, the broadcasting
system 10 includes broadcasting equipment 10A, which can include
any and all of the components and/or system components commonly
found in traditional broadcasting systems. In the case of a radio
broadcasting system, the broadcasting equipment 10A can include any
and/or all of the components commonly found in, and/or associated
with, a conventional radio broadcasting system. Similarly, in the
case of a television broadcasting system, the broadcasting
equipment 10A can include any and/or all of the components commonly
found in, and/or associated with, a conventional television
broadcasting system. In the case of media broadcasting system of
any kind or type, the broadcasting equipment 10A can include any
and/or all of the components needed and/or desired for facilitating
the functionally of the respective media broadcasting system.
[0084] With reference to FIG. 2, the broadcasting system 10 can
also include a central processing computer and/or central
processing unit (CPU) 10B and associated memory device 10C. The
central processing computer and/or central processing unit (CPU)
10B can include a processor(s), a random access memory (RAM)
device(s), read only memory (ROM) device(s), a magnetic memory
storage (hard disk) device(s), an input device(s), a display
device(s), an output devices(s), and/or any other components or
devices, including peripheral devices, for performing any of the
functionality described herein. The central processing computer
and/or central processing unit (CPU) 10B can be linked to, or
connected to, the broadcasting equipment 10A. The memory device 10C
can also be linked to, and/or connected to, the central processing
computer and/or central processing unit (CPU) 10B.
[0085] The memory device 10C can contain any of the information
described herein as being provided with the respective media
content. For example, the memory device 10C can contain, for any
given song, any one or more of the name of the song, the album, if
any, on which the song is featured, the artist or performer
performing the song, the producer of the song, the composer of the
song, the theme of the song or the song's lyrics, the year
produced, and/or the price of a single recording and/or the
price(s) of an album(s) featuring the song.
[0086] In the case of a television show, program, or movie, the
memory device 10C can contain any one or more of the name of the
show, program, or movie, the actor(s) featured in the show,
program, or movie, the producer(s) or director(s) of the show,
program, or movie, the writer(s) or composer(s) of the show,
program, or movie, the theme of the show, program, or movie, the
synopses of the story line and/or the transpired events, the year
produced, start time, end time, lapsed time, and/or the price of a
recording or copy of the show, program, or movie.
[0087] The memory device 10C can also contain media content, which
is available for broadcast to any of the herein-described
media-playing devices 20.
[0088] The media content can be provided with any of the
herein-described information which can be provided in a header
field, which can be encoded into the main body of the media content
and/or which can be encoded in a carrier signal. In the case of a
live broadcast from a stored medium, the information can be
broadcast along with the media content from the media storage
device. The central processing computer and/or central processing
unit (CPU) can encode the pertinent information into the media
content of a live broadcast and/or into the live broadcast of media
content, which is being broadcast from a stored medium.
[0089] FIG. 3 illustrates the media-playing device 20 of FIG. 1, in
block diagram form. The media-playing device 20 can include
media-playing device equipment 20A, which can include any and/or
all of the components and systems of the respective media-playing
device 20. The media-playing device equipment 20A can also include
a reading device for reading information from a storage medium,
such as, but not limited to, a compact disc (CD), a digital video
disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), a laser disc, a tape, a video
cassette tape, a personal video recorder, an MP3 storage device,
and/or any other storage medium or device described herein.
[0090] The media-playing device can also include a central
processing computer 20B. The central processing computer 20B can
include a processor(s), a random access memory (RAM) device(s),
read only memory (ROM) device(s), a magnetic memory storage (hard
disk) device(s), an input device(s), a display device(s), an output
device(s), and/or any other components or devices, including
peripheral devices, for performing any of the functionality
described herein. The central processing computer 20B and/or
central processing unit (CPU) can be utilized in order to process
the information pertaining to the media content and/or to control
the display of same. The central processing computer and/or central
processing unit (CPU) 20B is linked with and/or connected to the
media-playing equipment 20A.
[0091] With reference to FIG. 3, the media-playing device 20 can
also include an input device 20C, which can include a remote
control device, for inputting information and/or commands into the
media-playing device 20. The remote control device can be utilized
in order to provide remote control over the operation of the
media-playing device 20 and/or the central processing computer
and/or central processing unit (CPU) 20B. The media-playing device
20 can also include a display device 20D for displaying any of the
information described-herein as being provided by the apparatus
100.
[0092] The display device 20D can be a separate display device
dedicated to the display of the information provided by the
apparatus 100 of the present invention. The display device 20D can
also be integrated with the respective display screen or control
panel of the respective media-playing device 20. The display device
20D can also be located on the remote control device 20B in
addition to, and/or instead of, being located at, or on, the
media-playing device 20. The display device 20D can also be located
on the dashboard control display of a car radio and/or other
vehicle media playing device 20.
[0093] As noted above, the apparatus 100 can be utilized in order
to provide information relating to media content, such as, for
example, audio information, video information, and/or audio and
video information. In a preferred embodiment, the information can
be provided along with media content, which is being broadcast to a
media-playing device.
[0094] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the
embodiment of FIG. 4, the apparatus 100 can be utilized in order to
provide broadcasts of audio information, such as a radio broadcast
or other transmitted broadcast of music, songs, advertisement of
goods and/or services and/or other audio information, along with
any of the herein-described information.
[0095] For example, the apparatus 100 can provide a radio broadcast
of a song. In conjunction with the song, the apparatus 100 can
provide any and/or all of the herein-described information
pertaining to, and/or relating to, the song, such as, for example,
information regarding the name of the song, the performer(s) of the
song, the compose(s) of the song, the producer(s) of the song, the
album on which the song appears, the price of a song single, the
price of an album(s) in which the song can be found, an
identification number pertaining to the song, and/or any other
pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the song.
[0096] In the case of other audio information, such as, for
example, news broadcasts, talk radio shows, and/or other audio
content, which can be broadcast over the radio or other broadcast
medium, the information can include any information pertinent to,
and/or relevant to, the broadcast or show. This information can
include news story name, title, description, place or time of
occurrence, talk show subject matter, participants, etc.
[0097] In the case of other audio information, such as, for
example, advertisement of goods and/or services, which can be
broadcast over the radio or other broadcast medium, the information
can include any information pertinent to, and/or relevant to, the
advertisement of goods and/or services. This information can
include brand name, size, color, material, suggested retail price,
discount, purchase price, shipping and handling cost, delivery
time, catalog number, etc.
[0098] Any of the herein described information can be transmitted
along with the audio information, song, music, advertisement, or
broadcast. The herein-described information can be encoded into a
digital recording or digital file of the respective audio
information, song, music, or broadcast media content.
[0099] The information can be encoded and stored at the beginning
of the respective audio file, such as in a header portion of the
audio information, and/or the information can be multiplexed with,
and/or mixed with, the entire, or at least a portion of the, audio
information. The information can be stored along with the audio
information on a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc or digital
versatile disc (DVD), a personal video recorder, a tape, an MP3
device, a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet
appliance, a cellular phone, a watch, a digital memory device, a
magnetic memory device, and/or any other storage medium.
[0100] In another preferred embodiment, the information can be
broadcast along with the audio information by being co-broadcast in
a portion of the signal bandwidth, by a suitable transmitter or
transmission system. The information can also be encoded into,
and/or with, the broadcast signal, and/or with a pulse(s) or train
of pulses containing data representing the herein-described
information.
[0101] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the operation of the
apparatus 100 is described in conjunction with providing the
herein-described information in conjunction with a radio broadcast
of a song or selection of music. While, in the preferred
embodiment, the apparatus 100 is described in conjunction with a
radio broadcast of a song, the apparatus 100 of FIG. 4 can also be
utilized in conjunction with Internet transmissions, broadcasts,
and/or webcasts, MP3 transmissions or broadcasts, digital
transmissions or broadcasts, analog transmissions or broadcasts,
radio frequency transmission or broadcasts, satellite transmissions
or broadcasts, cable transmissions or broadcasts, and/or any other
suitable transmissions or broadcasts.
[0102] With reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the apparatus 100
commences at step 400. At step 401, the broadcasting system 10
broadcasts or transmits the song or selection of music, along with
the herein-described information regarding the song or selection of
music. At step 401, the broadcasting system 10 can broadcast or
transmit the song or selection of music to any number of
media-playing devices 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the
media-playing device 20 can be any one or more of a radio, a radio
receiver, a radio tuner, a mobile radio (i.e. car radio, etc.),
and/or any other device for receiving the radio broadcast or
transmission.
[0103] At step 402, the media-playing device 20 associated with the
individual can receive the broadcast. At step 403, the
media-playing device 20 can process the information received in the
broadcast. At step 403, the central processing computer and/or
central processing unit (CPU) 20B can process the information
pertaining to, and/or regarding, the media content, which can be
transmitted as a header file to the song or selection of music,
which can be transmitted throughout the broadcast of the song or
music selection, and/or which can be transmitted during a portion
of the song or music selection.
[0104] At step 404, the media-playing device 20 can begin playing
the song or selection of music. At step 404, the information
pertaining to, and/or relating to, the song or selection of music
can be stored in a memory location or buffer and can be displayed
on the display device 20D. In the case of information provided in a
header file, the central processing computer 20B can latch or store
the information in a buffer or memory device and, thereafter,
display the information on the display device 20D. In the case of
information which is multiplexed with, mixed with, or transmitted
along with, the broadcast and/or with the media content, the
central processing computer 20B can continuously process the
information, such as at pre-determined time intervals, and latch or
store the information in a buffer or memory device for display.
[0105] At step 404, the information is displayed on any one or more
of the display device 20D, the radio display console, a dashboard
display console of a car radio, and/or a device located on the
radio remote control device 20C. The displayed information can
include any one or more of the name of the song, the performer(s)
of the song, the composer(s) of the song, the producer(s) of the
song, the album on which the song appears, the price of a song
single, the price of an album(s) in which the song can be found, an
identification number pertaining to the song, and/or any other
pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the song.
[0106] The information can be displayed on the display device 20D
which can be a dedicated display device, for displaying the
above-described information, and/or which can be integrated into
the radio control panel display and/or the radio remote control
display. The information can also be audibly announced through the
radio speaker(s) and/or earphones.
[0107] In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual
who is listening to the song with any of the herein-described
information relating to the song.
[0108] The displayed information can also include information
regarding goods or services. The information regarding goods or
services can include marketing information, sales information,
promotional information, advertisement information, product
information, service information, and/or any other information for
facilitating a sale of a respective good or service and/or for
promoting a respective good or service.
[0109] At step 404, the information pertaining to, and/or relating
to, the song or selection of music, as well as any information
regarding goods or services, can be displayed on the display device
20D for the duration of the song or selection of music or can be
displayed for a portion of the song or selection of music. At step
408, the information will cease to be visually displayed and/or
audibly announced upon the conclusion of the song or selection of
music and/or at any other time during the playing of the song of
selection of music. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 100
will cease at step 406, upon the conclusion of the song. The
above-described process can then be repeated for a next song
received from the broadcasting system 10.
[0110] FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the
embodiment of FIG. 5, the apparatus 100 can be utilized in order to
provide broadcasts of video information and/or audio and video
information, such as from a television broadcast or other
transmitted broadcast of television shows, television programs,
movies, performances, music videos, etc., along with any of the
herein-described information. For example, the apparatus 100 can
provide a television broadcast of a television show, television
program, performance, or movie (hereinafter referred to as
"show").
[0111] In conjunction with the show, the apparatus 100 can provide
any and/or all of the herein-described information pertaining to,
and/or relating to, the show, such as, for example, information
regarding the name of the show, the performer(s) in the show, the
actor(s) appearing in the show, the producer(s) or director(s) of
the show, the theme, subject, topic, and/or idea of the show, the
rating of the show, the synopsis of the show story line and/or
lapsed events, show start time, show end time, lapsed time of the
show in absolute unit of time and/or as a percentage of the total
show duration, the price of a video copy of the show, an
identification number pertaining to the show, and/or any other
pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the song.
[0112] In the case of other video information, such a, for example,
a television program, television show, movie, music video,
performance, news broadcast, talk radio show, and/or other video
content, which can be broadcast over the television or other
broadcast medium, the information can include any information
pertinent to, and/or relevant to, the broadcast or show. This
information can include show name, title, description, story line,
actors or performers in the show, producers or directors of the
show, place or time of occurrence, talk show subject matter,
participants, etc.
[0113] Any of the herein described information can be transmitted
along with the video information or media content of the show.
[0114] The information can be encoded and stored at the beginning
of the respective video file, such as in a header portion of the
video information, and/or the information can be multiplexed with,
and/or mixed with, the entire, or at least a portion of the, video
information. The information can be stored along with the video
information on a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc or digital
versatile disc (DVD), a laser disc, a video cassette tape, a
personal video recorder, a removable hard disk, a flash media card,
a streaming video file storage medium, and/or any other storage
medium.
[0115] In another preferred embodiment, the information can be
broadcast along with the video information by being co-broadcast,
in a portion of the signal bandwidth, by a suitable transmitter or
transmission system. The information can also be encoded into,
and/or with, the broadcast signal, and/or can be transmitted as a
series of pulses or pulse trains containing data representing the
herein-described information.
[0116] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the operation of the apparatus
100 is described in conjunction with providing the herein-described
information in conjunction with a television broadcast of a show.
While, in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is described
in conjunction with a television broadcast of a show, the apparatus
100 of FIG. 5 can also be utilized in conjunction with Internet
transmissions, webcasts or broadcasts, streaming video
transmissions or broadcasts, digital transmissions or broadcasts,
analog transmissions or broadcasts, radio frequency transmission or
broadcasts, satellite transmission or broadcasts, cable
transmission of broadcasts, wireless transmission or broadcasts,
and/or via any other suitable transmissions or broadcasts.
[0117] With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the apparatus 100
commences at step 500. At step 501, the broadcasting system 10
broadcasts or transmits the show, along with the herein-described
information regarding the show. At step 501, the broadcasting
system 10 can broadcast or transmit the show to any number of
media-playing devices 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the
media-playing device 20 can be any one or more of a television, a
television receiver, a mobile television (i.e. car television,
etc.), a monitor, a display terminal, a wearable computer display,
a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a watch,
a wireless device, and/or any other device for receiving the
broadcast or transmission.
[0118] At step 502, the media-playing device 20 associated with the
individual can receive the broadcast. At step 503, the
media-playing device 20 can process the information received in the
broadcast. At step 503, the central processing computer and/or
central processing unit (CPU) 20B can process the information
pertaining to, and/or regarding, the media content, which can be
transmitted as a header file to the show, which can be transmitted
throughout the broadcast of the show, and/or which can be
transmitted during a portion of the show.
[0119] At step 504, the media-playing device 20 can begin playing
the show. At step 504, the information pertaining to, and/or
relating to, the show can be stored in a memory location or buffer
and can be displayed on the display device 20D. In the case of
information provided in a header file, the central processing
computer and/or central processing unit (CPU) 20B can latch or
store the information in a buffer, memory device, or storage device
and, thereafter, display the information on the display device 20D.
In the case of information, which is multiplexed with, mixed with,
or transmitted along with, the broadcast and/or with the video
information, the central processing computer 20B can continuously
process the information, such as at pre-determined time intervals,
and latch or store the information in a buffer or memory device for
display.
[0120] At step 504, the information is displayed on any one or more
of the display device 20D, the television screen, the television
display or display console, and/or a display device of the
television remote control device 20C.
[0121] The displayed information can include any one or more of the
name of the show, the performer(s) in the show, the actor(s)
appearing in the show, the producer(s) or director(s) of the show,
the theme of the show, the rating of the show, the synopsis of the
story-line of the show and of the transpired events, the start, end
and/lapsed time of the show, the price of a video copy of the show,
an identification number pertaining to the show, and/or any other
pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the show. The
information can be displayed on the display device 20D which can be
a dedicated display device, for displaying the above-described
information, and/or can be integrated into the television display
screen, the television control panel display, and/or a display
located on the television remote control device 20C. The
information can also be audibly announced through the television
and/or home theatre speakers and/or earphones.
[0122] In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual
who is viewing the show with any of the herein-described
information relating to the show.
[0123] The displayed information can also include information
regarding goods or services. The information regarding goods or
services can include marketing information, sales information,
promotional information, advertisement information, product
information, service information, and/or any other information for
facilitating a sale of a respective good or service and/or for
promoting a respective good or service.
[0124] At step 504, the information pertaining to, and/or relating
to, the show, as well as any information regarding goods or
services, can be displayed on the display device 20D for the
duration of the show or can be displayed for a portion of the show.
At step 505, the information will cease to be visually displayed
and/or audibly announced upon the conclusion of the show and/or at
any other time during the playing of the show. Thereafter, the
operation of the apparatus 100 will cease, at step 506, upon the
conclusion of the show. The above-described process can then be
repeated for a next show received from the broadcasting system
10.
[0125] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be
utilized to display information regarding audio information which
is being played on a media-playing device 20 from a storage medium
such as a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc or digital
versatile disc (DVD), a record, a tape, an MP3 file storage device,
a flash media card, digital memory, computer hard disk, or any
other recording and/or storage medium. In this manner, an
individual can obtain information pertaining to, or regarding, the
media content or audio information from the storage medium. In this
embodiment, the media content or audio information can include a
song, a selection of music, or any other audio information, which
can be stored on the storage medium. Information regarding the
media content or audio information can be visually displayed and/or
audibly announced by the media-playing device 20 as the media
content device 20 plays the media content or audio information.
[0126] FIG. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the
embodiment of FIG. 6, the herein-described information can be
encoded into a digital recording or digital file and stored in
conjunction with the recording of the respective audio information,
song, and/or selection of music. The information can be encoded and
stored at the beginning of the respective audio file, such as in a
header portion of the audio information, and/or the information can
be multiplexed with, and/or mixed with, the entire, or at least a
portion of the, audio information. In any event, the information
can be stored in conjunction with, and/or along with the media
content or audio information, the song, or the selection of music,
on the respective storage medium.
[0127] The embodiment of FIG. 6 will be described herein in
conjunction with providing information regarding a song or a
selection of music, which is stored on a storage medium. The
information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the song can
include, for example, information regarding the name of the song,
the performer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of the song, the
producer(s) of the song, the album on which the song appears, the
price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in which the song
can be found, an identification number pertaining to the song,
and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding
the song.
[0128] With reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the apparatus 100
commences at step 600. At step 601, the individual can load the
storage medium containing the song or selection of music, which
storage medium can be any one or more of a compact disc (CD), a
DVD, a record, a tape, an MP3 file storage medium, a laser disc, a,
flash PC card (PCMCIA), a flash media card, a digital memory
device, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or any other suitable storage
device or medium, into the media-playing device 20 and/or into the
reading device of the media-playing device 20. The media-playing
device 20 can be any one or more of a compact disc (CD) player, a
DVD player, a record player, a tape player, an MP3 player, a laser
disc player, a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a
cellular phone, a watch, a wireless device, a multimedia device, or
any other suitable device.
[0129] At stop 601, the individual can also select the song or
selection of music to be played on the media-playing device 20. At
step 602, the media-playing device 20 can begin playing the song or
selection of music. At step 602, the central processing computer
and/or central processing unit (CPU) 20B can also process the
information pertaining to, and/or regarding, the song or selection
of music, which can be stored as header information, which can be
encoded throughout the song, and/or which can be encoded for a
portion of the song.
[0130] At step 602, the information pertaining to, and/or relating
to, the song or selection of music can be stored in a memory
location or buffer.
[0131] At step 603, the information is visually displayed on any
one or more of the display device 20D, the radio display console,
and/or a display device on the remote control device 20C and/or
audibly announced through the speaker(s) normally associated with
the media-playing device 20 and/or earphones connected thereto. In
the case of information provided in a header, the central
processing computer and or central processing unit (CPU) 20B can
latch or store the information in a buffer or memory device. In the
case of information which is multiplexed with, and/or mixed with,
the recorded audio information, the central processing computer and
or central processing unit (CPU) 20B can continuously process the
information, such as at pre-determined time intervals, and latch or
store the information in a buffer or memory device for visual
display and/or audible announcement.
[0132] The displayed information can include any one or more of the
name of the song, the performer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of
the song, the producer(s) of the song, the album on which the song
appears, the price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in
which the song can be found, an identification number pertaining to
the song, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information
regarding the song. The information can be visually displayed on
the display device 20D, which can be a dedicated display device,
for displaying the above-described information, and/or can be
integrated into the media-playing device 20 and/or the remote
control device 20C of same. The information can also be audibly
announced through the native speaker(s) of the device 20 and/or the
earphones connected thereto.
[0133] In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual
who is listening to the song or selection of music with any of the
herein-described information relating to the song or selection of
music.
[0134] The displayed information can also include information
regarding goods or services. The information regarding goods or
services can include marketing information, sales information,
promotional information, advertisement information, product
information, service information, good's retail price, good's
manufacturer suggested price, purchase price of good or service,
discount of good or service, cost of shipping and handling,
material of a good, color of a good, size of a good, specifications
of a good, details of service and/or any other information for
facilitating a sale of a respective good or service and/or for
promoting a respective good or service.
[0135] At step 603, the information pertaining to, and/or relating
to, the song or selection of music, as well as any information
regarding goods or services, can be visually displayed on the
display device 20D for the duration of the song or selection of
music or can be visually displayed or audibly announced for a
portion of the song or selection of music. Thereafter, the
operation of the apparatus 100 will cease, at step 604, upon the
conclusion of the song. The above-described process can then be
repeated for a next song, which is played on the media-playing
device 20.
[0136] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be
utilized to display information regarding video information, which
is being played on a media-playing device 20 from a storage medium
such as a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc or digital
versatile disc (DVD), a laser disc, a record, a tape, a video
cassette, a flash media card, a flash PC card, a floppy disk, a
hard disk, an audio file, a video file, or any other recording
and/or storage medium. In this manner, an individual can obtain
information pertaining to, or regarding, the media content or video
information from the storage medium. In this embodiment, the video
information can include a movie, a show, a performance, or any
other video information, which can be stored on the storage medium.
In this manner, information regarding the respective video
information can be visually displayed and/or audibly announced by
the media-playing device 20 as the device plays the respective
video information.
[0137] FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the
embodiment of FIG. 7, the herein-described information can be
encoded into a digital recording or digital file and stored in
conjunction with the recording of the respective video information,
movie, show, performance, or any other video information. The
information can be encoded and stored at the beginning of the
respective video file, such as in a header portion of the video
information, the information can be multiplexed with, and/or mixed
with, the entire, or at least a portion of the, video information
and/or encoded in the carrier signal or the portion thereof. In any
event, the information can be stored in conjunction with, and/or
along with the video information, movie, show, performance, or any
other video information.
[0138] The embodiment of FIG. 7 will be described herein in
conjunction with providing information regarding a movie, which is
stored on a storage medium. The information pertaining to, or
regarding, the movie can include the name of the movie, the
performer(s) in the movie, the actor(s) appearing in the movie, the
producer(s) or director(s) of the movie, the theme of the movie,
the ratings of the movie, warnings of possibly objectionable
content, parental guidance warnings, the synopsis of the movie's
story-line and/or transpired events, the start time, the end time,
the lapsed time expressed in absolute units of time and/or as a
percentage of the movie duration, the price of a video copy of the
movie, an identification number pertaining to the movie, and/or any
other pertinent, and/or relevant, information regarding the
movie.
[0139] With reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the apparatus 100
commences at step 700. At step 701, the individual can load the
storage medium containing the movie, which storage medium can be
any one or more of a video cassette tape, a compact disc (CD), a
DVD, a laser disc, a flash PC card, a flesh media card, a floppy
disk a portable hard disk, a video file, or any other suitable
storage device or medium, into the media-playing device 20 and/or
into a reading device of the media-playing device 20. The
media-playing device 20 can be a television and/or any one or more
of a video cassette player, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a
compact disc (CD) player, a DVD player, a laser disc player, a
personal video recorder, a computer, a network terminal, an
Internet appliance, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular
phone, a watch, a wireless device, a multimedia device, and/or any
other device for playing video information.
[0140] At step 701, the individual can also select the movie, which
is to be played, if more than one are available on the storage
medium. At step 702, the media-playing device 20 can begin playing
the movie. At step 702, the central processing computer and or
central processing unit (CPU) 20B can process the information
pertaining to, and/or regarding, the movie, which can be stored as
header information, which can be encoded throughout the movie,
and/or which can be encoded for a portion of the movie and/or which
can be encoded in the carrier signal or the portion thereof.
[0141] At step 702, the information pertaining to, and/or relating
to, the movie can be stored in a memory location or buffer.
[0142] At step 703, the information is visually displayed on any
one or more of the display device 20D, the television display
screen or display console, and/or a display device on the
television remote control device 20C, and/or audibly announced
through the native speaker(s) normally associated with the device
20, external speakers, home theatre, and/or earphones connected
thereto. In the case of information provided in a header, the
central processing computer and or central processing unit (CPU)
20B can latch or store the information in a buffer or memory
device. In the case of information which is multiplexed with,
and/or mixed with, the recorded video information, the central
processing computer and or central processing unit (CPU) 20B can
continuously process the information, such as at pre-determined
time intervals, and latch or store the information in a buffer or
memory device for visual display and/or audible announcement.
[0143] The displayed information can include any one or more of the
name of the movie, the performer(s) in the movie, the actor(s)
appearing in the movie, the producer(s) or director(s) of the
movie, the theme of the movie, the ratings of the movie, warnings
of possibly objectionable content, parental guidance warnings, the
synopsis of the movie's story-line and/or transpired events, the
start time, the end time, the lapsed time expressed in absolute
units of time and/or as a percentage of the movie duration, the
price of a video copy of the movie, an identification number
pertaining to the movie, and/or any other pertinent, and/or
relevant, information regarding the movie.
[0144] In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual
who is viewing the movie with any of the herein-described
information relating to the movie.
[0145] The displayed information can also include information
regarding goods or services. The information regarding goods or
services can include marketing information, sales information,
promotional information, advertisement information, product
information, service information, good's retail price, good's
manufacturer suggested price, purchase price of good or service,
discount of good or service, cost of shipping and handling,
material of a good, color of a good, size of a good, specifications
of a good, details of service, and/or any other information for
facilitating a sale of a respective good or service and/or for
promoting a respective good or service.
[0146] At step 703, the information pertaining to, and/or relating
to, the movie, as well as any information regarding goods or
services, can be visually displayed on the display device 20D for
the duration of the movie or can be visually displayed and/or
audibly announced for a portion of the movie and/or at the viewer's
requested. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 100 will
cease, at step 704, upon the conclusion of the movie. The
above-described process can then be repeated for a next movie,
which is played on the media-playing device 20.
[0147] In view of the above, the present invention provides an
apparatus and method, which can provide, visually display and/or
audibly announce information regarding media content, which is
being played at, or by, a media-playing device. In this manner, an
individual listener or viewer can be provided with any of the
herein-described information regarding, and/or relating to, the
media content.
[0148] White the present invention has been described and
illustrated in various preferred and alternate embodiments, such
descriptions are merely illustrative of the present invention and
are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. In this regard,
the present invention encompasses all modifications, variations,
and/or alternate embodiments, with the scope of the present
invention being limited only by the claims, which follow.
* * * * *