U.S. patent application number 16/266869 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-06 for method and apparatus for content replacement in live production.
The applicant listed for this patent is GVBB HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.. Invention is credited to Alex Holtz, Benjamin McCallister.
Application Number | 20190174184 16/266869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40809880 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190174184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCallister; Benjamin ; et
al. |
June 6, 2019 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT REPLACEMENT IN LIVE PRODUCTION
Abstract
The insertion of an advertisement or other new content into a
time slot between content segments advantageously occurs by
selecting the new segment to fill its associated slot as closely as
possible. Play out of a successive content segment occurs for
distribution over at least one of a first set of channels and at
least one second channel until the occurrence of the time slot
whereupon the new content segment undergoes play out for
distribution over the at least one second channel. If the new
content segment has a duration longer than the time slot, the
length of at least one content segment gets reduced to provide
substantially seamless play out.
Inventors: |
McCallister; Benjamin;
(Jacksonville, FL) ; Holtz; Alex; (Jacksonville,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GVBB HOLDINGS S.A.R.L. |
Luxembourg |
|
LU |
|
|
Family ID: |
40809880 |
Appl. No.: |
16/266869 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12736197 |
Sep 17, 2010 |
10200749 |
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PCT/US2009/002201 |
Apr 8, 2009 |
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16266869 |
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61123673 |
Apr 10, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/23424 20130101;
H04N 21/234309 20130101; H04N 21/242 20130101; H04N 21/44016
20130101; H04N 21/234363 20130101; H04N 21/812 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/44 20060101
H04N021/44; H04N 21/81 20060101 H04N021/81; H04N 21/242 20060101
H04N021/242; H04N 21/234 20060101 H04N021/234; H04N 21/2343
20060101 H04N021/2343 |
Claims
1. A system for seamlessly inserting an advertisement in an open
time slot within a plurality of media content segments to be
distributed non-linearly across a network of Internet websites, the
system comprising: a content encoding configuration manager
configured to encode a plurality of media content segments
including audio and video media encoded in a transmission encoded
format not capable of being distributed across a network of
Internet websites into a non-linear transmission encoded format,
such that the encoded plurality of media content segments are
configured to be distributed non-linearly in an Internet data
stream across a network of Internet websites; an open time slot
identifier configured to identify an open time slot within the
Internet data stream including the encoded plurality of media
content segments; an advertisement segment encoder configured to
encode an advertisement segment into the non-linear transmission
encoded format, such that the advertisement segment is configured
to be non-linearly transmitted over the network of Internet
websites; a seamless advertisement segment inserter configured to
seamlessly insert the encoded advertisement segment in the Internet
data stream at the identified open time slot without replacing a
portion of the encoded plurality of media content segments in the
Internet data stream, such that both the encoded plurality of media
content segments and the inserted and encoded advertisement segment
in the Internet data stream are configured to be non-linearly
distributed across the network of Internet websites; and a content
distribution server configured to transmit the Internet data
stream, including both the encoded plurality of media content
segments and the inserted and encoded advertisement segment, across
the network of Internet websites to at least one content consuming
device for displaying the Internet data stream thereon with no
perceivable space between the advertisement segment and the encoded
plurality of media content segments.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the advertisement segment encoder
is further configured to encode an advertisement segment, which is
different than the encoded advertisement segment in the Internet
data stream, into the linear transmission encoded format, such that
the advertisement segment is configured to be linearly transmitted
over a network of broadcast channels, and wherein the seamless
advertisement segment inserter is further configured to seamlessly
insert the encoded advertisement segment, which is different than
the encoded advertisement segment in the Internet data stream, in a
broadcast stream that includes the encoded plurality of media
content segments without replacing a portion of the encoded
plurality of media content segments in the broadcast stream, such
that both the encoded plurality of media content segments and the
inserted and encoded advertisement segment in the broadcast stream
are configured to be linearly distributed across the network of
broadcast channels.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the content
distribution server is further configured to transmit the plurality
of content segments in the linear transmission encoded format for
transmission over of the network of broadcast channels that include
at least one of a terrestrial television broadcast channel, a cable
channel, and a satellite channel.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the seamless advertisement
segment inserter is further configured to seamlessly insert the
encoded advertisement segment in the Internet data stream by
reducing a length of the encoded advertisement segment when the
encoded advertisement segment has a duration time that is longer
than a duration time of the identified open time slot.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the seamless advertisement
segment inserter is further configured to seamlessly insert the
encoded advertisement segment in the Internet data stream by first
padding a length of the encoded advertisement segment when the
encoded advertisement segment has a duration time that is shorter
than a duration time of the identified open time slot.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the advertisement segment encoder
is further configured to encode the advertisement segment in an
uncompressed format for distribution in the Internet data stream
across the network of Internet websites.
7. A system for seamlessly inserting an alternative content segment
in an open time slot within a plurality of media audio and video
content segments to be distributed non-linearly across a network of
Internet websites, the system comprising: a database configured to
store a plurality of alternative content segments that each have a
respective duration time; a media content encoder configured to
encode a plurality of media content segments into a non-linear
transmission encoded format, such that the plurality of encoded
media content segments are configured to be distributed
non-linearly in an Internet data stream across a network of
Internet websites; an alternative content segment encoder
configured to encode at least one of the plurality of alternative
content segments into the non-linear transmission encoded format,
such that the at least one alternative content segment is
configured to be non-linearly transmitted over the network of
Internet websites; an alternative content insertion controller
configured to identify an open time slot within the Internet data
stream between a respective pair of the plurality of encoded media
content segments, and to seamlessly insert the encoded at least one
alternative content segment in the Internet data stream at the
identified open time slot without replacing a portion of the
plurality of encoded media content segments in the Internet data
stream, such that both the plurality of encoded media content
segments and the inserted and encoded alternative content segment
are configured to be non-linearly distributed in the Internet data
stream across the network of Internet websites; and a content
distribution server configured to transmit the Internet data stream
that includes both the plurality of encoded media content segments
and the inserted and encoded alternative content segment across the
network of Internet websites to at least one content consuming
device to display the Internet data stream thereon with no
perceivable space between the alternative content segment and the
plurality of encoded media content segments.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the media content
encoder is further configured to encode the plurality of media
content segments into a linear transmission encoded format so as to
configured the plurality of media content segments to be
distributed linearly across a network of broadcast channels in a
broadcast data stream.
9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the media content
encoder is further configured to encode the plurality of media
content segments so as to reconfigure the plurality of media
content segments from a transmission encoded format not capable of
being distributed across a network of Internet websites into the
non-linear transmission encoded format to configure the plurality
of encoded media content segments to be distributed non-linearly in
the Internet data stream across the network of Internet
websites.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the alternative content
insertion controller is further configured to encode an alternative
content segment of the plurality of alternative content segments
that is different than the encoded alternative content segment in
the Internet data stream, into the linear transmission encoded
format, such that the alternative content segment is configured to
be linearly transmitted over the network of broadcast channels, and
seamlessly insert the encoded alternative content segment, which is
different than the encoded alternative content segment in the
Internet data stream, in a broadcast stream that includes the
encoded plurality of media content segments without replacing a
portion of the encoded plurality of media content segments in the
broadcast stream, such that both the encoded plurality of media
content segments and the inserted and encoded alternative content
segment in the broadcast stream are configured to be linearly
distributed across the network of broadcast channels.
11. The system according to claim 8, wherein the network of
broadcast channels include at least one of a terrestrial television
broadcast channel, a cable channel and a satellite channel.
12. The system of claim 7, wherein the alternative content
insertion controller is further configured to seamlessly insert the
encoded alternative content segment in the Internet data stream by
reducing a length of the encoded alternative content segment when
the respective duration time of the encoded alternative content
segment is longer than a duration time of the identified open time
slot.
13. The system of claim 7, wherein the alternative content
insertion controller is further configured to seamlessly insert the
encoded alternative content segment in the Internet data stream by
first padding a length of the encoded alternative content segment
when the respective duration time of the encoded alternative
content segment is shorter than a duration time of the identified
open time slot.
14. The system of claim 7, wherein the alternative content
insertion controller is further configured to encode the
alternative content segment in an uncompressed format for
distribution in the Internet data stream across the network of
Internet websites.
15. The system of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the
plurality of alternative content segments are Internet
advertisements, respectively.
16. A system for seamlessly inserting an alternative content
segment in an open time slot within a plurality of media content
segments to be distributed non-linearly across a network of
Internet websites, the system comprising: a content encoding
configuration manager configured to encode a plurality of media
content segments, which are encoded in a transmission encoded
format not capable of being distributed across a network of
Internet websites, into a non-linear transmission encoded format to
configure the plurality of media content segments to be distributed
in an Internet data stream non-linearly across a network of
Internet websites; an open time slot identifier configured to
identify an open time slot within the Internet data stream between
a pair of the plurality of media content segments; and a seamless
alternative content segment inserter configured to seamlessly
insert an encoded alternative content segment in the Internet data
stream at the identified open time slot within the encoded
plurality of media content segments, such that the Internet data
stream is configured to be non-linearly distributed across the
network of Internet websites.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising an alternative
content segment encoder configured to encode the alternative
content segment into the non-linear transmission encoded format,
such that the alternative content segment is configured to be
non-linearly transmitted over the network of Internet websites.
18. The system of claim 18, further comprising a content
distribution server configured to transmit the Internet data
stream, including both the encoded plurality of media content
segments and the inserted and encoded alternative content segment,
across the network of Internet websites to at least one content
consuming device for displaying the Internet data stream thereon
with no perceivable space between the alternative content segment
and the plurality of media content segments.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the alternative content segment
is an Internet advertisement.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the alternative content segment
encoder is further configured to encode an advertisement, which is
different than the Internet advertisement in the Internet data
stream, into the transmission encoded format, such that the encoded
advertisement is configured to be linearly transmitted over the
network of broadcast channels.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the seamless advertisement
segment inserter is further configured to seamlessly insert the
encoded advertisement in a broadcast stream that includes the
plurality of media content segments without replacing a portion of
the plurality of encoded media content segments in the broadcast
stream, such that both the plurality of media content segments and
the inserted and encoded advertisement in the broadcast stream are
configured to be linearly distributed across the network of
broadcast channels.
22. The system according to claim 19, wherein the content encoding
configuration manager is further configured to encode the plurality
of content segments into the transmission encoded format for
transmission over of the network of broadcast channels that include
at least one of a terrestrial television broadcast channel, a cable
channel and a satellite channel.
23. The system of claim 16, wherein the seamless advertisement
segment inserter is further configured to seamlessly insert the
encoded alternative content segment in the Internet data stream by
reducing a length of the encoded alternative content segment when
the encoded alternative content segment has a duration time that is
longer than a duration time of the identified open time slot.
24. The system of claim 16, wherein the seamless advertisement
segment inserter is further configured to seamlessly insert the
encoded alternative content segment in the Internet data stream by
first padding a length of the encoded alternative content segment
when the encoded alternative content segment has a duration time
that is shorter than a duration time of the identified open time
slot.
25. The system of claim 17, wherein the alternative content segment
encoder is further configured to encode the alternative content
segment in an uncompressed format for distribution in the Internet
data stream across the network of Internet websites.
26. The system of claim 18, wherein the alternative content segment
is an Internet advertisement.
27. A system for inserting a content segment in an open time slot
of a plurality of content segments to be distributed across a
network of Internet websites, the system comprising: a content
encoding configuration manager configured to encode a linear
content segment into a non-linear transmission format so as to
re-configure the content segment to be distributed in an Internet
data stream non-linearly across a network of Internet websites; an
open time slot identifier configured to identify the open time slot
in the Internet data stream between a pair of media content
segments; and a content segment inserter configured to insert the
encoded content segment in the Internet data stream at an open time
slot of the Internet data stream such that the Internet data stream
with the inserted and encoded content segment is configured to be
non-linearly distributed across the network of Internet
websites.
28. The system of claim 27, further comprising a content
distribution server configured to transmit the Internet data stream
with the inserted and encoded content segment across the network of
Internet websites to at least one content consuming device for
displaying the Internet data stream thereon.
29. The system of claim 27, wherein the encoded content segment is
an Internet advertisement.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein the content encoding
configuration manager is further configured to encode an
advertisement, which is different than the Internet advertisement
in the Internet data stream, into a linear transmission format,
such that the encoded advertisement is configured to be linearly
transmitted over a network of broadcast channels, and wherein the
content segment inserter is further configured to seamlessly insert
the encoded advertisement in a broadcast stream that includes a
plurality of media content segments without replacing a portion of
the plurality of media content segments in the broadcast stream,
such that both the plurality of media content segments and the
inserted and encoded advertisement in the broadcast stream are
configured to be linearly distributed across the network of
broadcast channels.
31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the network of
broadcast channels include at least one of a terrestrial television
broadcast channel, a cable channel and a satellite channel.
32. The system of claim 27, wherein the content segment inserter is
further configured to seamlessly insert the encoded content segment
in the Internet data stream by reducing a length of the encoded
content segment when the encoded content segment has a duration
time that is longer than a duration time of the open time slot.
33. The system of claim 27, wherein the content segment inserter is
further configured to seamlessly insert the encoded content segment
in the Internet data stream by padding a length of the encoded
content segment when the encoded content segment has a duration
time that is shorter than a duration time of the open time
slot.
34. The system of claim 27, wherein the content encoding
configuration manager is further configured to encode the content
segment in an uncompressed format for distribution in the Internet
data stream across the network of Internet websites.
35. A system for inserting a content segment in an open time slot
of a plurality of content segments to be distributed across a
network of Internet websites, the system comprising: a content
segment encoder configured to encode a linear content segment into
a non-linear transmission format and re-configure the content
segment so as to be distributed in an Internet data stream
non-linearly across a network of Internet websites; and a content
segment inserter configured to insert the encoded content segment
in an Internet data stream at an open time slot of the Internet
data stream such that the Internet data stream with the inserted
and encoded content segment is configured to be non-linearly
distributed across the network of Internet websites.
36. The system of claim 35, further comprising an open time slot
identifier configured to identify the open time slot of the
Internet data stream between a pair of media content segments so as
to allow the content segment inserter to insert the encoded content
segment in the Internet data stream at the identified open time
slot of the Internet data stream such that the Internet data stream
with the inserted and encoded content segment is configured to be
non-linearly distributed across the network of Internet
websites.
37. The system of claim 36, further comprising a content
distribution server configured to transmit the Internet data stream
with the inserted and encoded content seament across the network of
Internet websites to at least one content consuming device for
displaying the Internet data stream thereon.
38. The system of claim 35, wherein the encoded content segment is
an Internet advertisement.
39. The system of claim 38, wherein the content encoding
configuration manager is further configured to encode an
advertisement, which is different than the Internet advertisement
in the Internet data stream, into a linear transmission format,
such that the encoded advertisement is configured to be linearly
transmitted over a network of broadcast channels, and wherein the
content segment inserter is further configured to seamlessly insert
the encoded advertisement in a broadcast stream that includes a
plurality of media content segments without replacing a portion of
the plurality of media content segments in the broadcast stream,
such that both the plurality of media content segments and the
inserted and encoded advertisement in the broadcast stream are
configured to be linearly distributed across the network of
broadcast channels.
40. The system according to claim 39, wherein the network of
broadcast channels include at least one of a terrestrial television
broadcast channel, a cable channel and a satellite channel.
41. The system of claim 35, wherein the content segment inserter is
further configured to seamlessly insert the encoded content segment
in the Internet data stream by reducing a length of the encoded
content segment when the encoded content segment has a duration
time that is longer than a duration time of the open time slot.
42. The system of claim 35, wherein the content segment inserter is
further configured to seamlessly insert the encoded content segment
in the Internet data stream by padding a length of the encoded
content segment when the encoded content segment has a duration
time that is shorter than a duration time of the open time
slot.
43. The system of claim 35, wherein the content encoding
configuration manager is further configured to encode the content
segment in an uncompressed format for distribution in the Internet
data stream across the network of Internet websites.
44. A system for inserting a content segment in an open time slot
of a plurality of content segments to be distributed across a
network of Internet websites, the system comprising: means for
encoding a linear content segment into a non-linear transmission
format so as to re-configure the content segment to be distributed
in an Internet data stream non-linearly across a network of
Internet websites; means for identifying the open time slot in the
Internet data stream between a pair of media content segments; and
means for inserting the encoded content segment in the Internet
data stream at an open time slot of the Internet data stream such
that the Internet data stream with the inserted and encoded content
segment is configured to be non-linearly distributed across the
network of Internet websites.
45. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for
transmitting the Internet data stream with the inserted and encoded
content segment across the network of Internet websites to at least
one content consuming device for displaying the Internet data
stream thereon.
46. The system of claim 44, wherein the encoded content segment is
an Internet advertisement.
47. The system of claim 46, further comprising: means for encoding
an advertisement, which is different than the Internet
advertisement in the Internet data stream, into a linear
transmission format, such that the encoded advertisement is
configured to be linearly transmitted over a network of broadcast
channels; and means for seamlessly inserting the encoded
advertisement in a broadcast stream that includes a plurality of
media content segments without replacing a portion of the plurality
of media content segments in the broadcast stream, such that both
the plurality of media content segments and the inserted and
encoded advertisement in the broadcast stream are configured to be
linearly distributed across the network of broadcast channels.
48. The system according to claim 47, wherein the network of
broadcast channels include at least one of a terrestrial television
broadcast channel, a cable channel and a satellite channel.
49. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for seamlessly
inserting the encoded content segment in the Internet data stream
by reducing a length of the encoded content segment when the
encoded content segment has a duration time that is longer than a
duration time of the open time slot.
50. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for seamlessly
insert the encoded content segment in the Internet data stream by
padding a length of the encoded content segment when the encoded
content segment has a duration time that is shorter than a duration
time of the open time slot.
51. The system of claim 44, further comprising means for encoding
the content segment in an uncompressed format for distribution in
the Internet data stream across the network of Internet
websites.
52. A system for inserting a content segment in an open time slot
of a plurality of content segments to be distributed across a
network of Internet websites, the system comprising: means for
encoding a linear content segment into a non-linear transmission
format and re-configure the content segment so as to be distributed
in an Internet data stream non-linearly across a network of
Internet websites; and means for inserting the encoded content
segment in an Internet data stream at an open time slot of the
Internet data stream such that the Internet data stream with the
inserted and encoded content segment is configured to be
non-linearly distributed across the network of Internet
websites.
53. The system of claim 52, further means for identifying the open
time slot of the Internet data stream between a pair of media
content segments so as to allow the content segment inserter to
insert the encoded content segment in the Internet data stream at
the identified open time slot of the Internet data stream such that
the Internet data stream with the inserted and encoded content
segment is configured to be non-linearly distributed across the
network of Internet websites.
54. The system of claim 53, further comprising means for
transmitting the Internet data stream with the inserted and encoded
content segment across the network of Internet websites to at least
one content consuming device for displaying the Internet data
stream thereon.
55. The system of claim 52, wherein the encoded content segment is
an Internet advertisement.
56. The system of claim 55, further comprising: means for encoding
an advertisement, which is different than the Internet
advertisement in the Internet data stream, into a linear
transmission format, such that the encoded advertisement is
configured to be linearly transmitted over a network of broadcast
channels; and means for seamlessly inserting the encoded
advertisement in a broadcast stream that includes a plurality of
media content segments without replacing a portion of the plurality
of media content segments in the broadcast stream, such that both
the plurality of media content segments and the inserted and
encoded advertisement in the broadcast stream are configured to be
linearly distributed across the network of broadcast channels.
57. The system according to claim 56, wherein the network of
broadcast channels include at least one of a terrestrial television
broadcast channel, a cable channel and a satellite channel.
58. The system of claim 55, further comprising means for seamlessly
inserting the encoded content segment in the Internet data stream
by reducing a length of the encoded content segment when the
encoded content segment has a duration time that is longer than a
duration time of the open time slot.
59. The system of claim 55, further comprising means for seamlessly
inserting the encoded content segment in the Internet data stream
by padding a length of the encoded content segment when the encoded
content segment has a duration time that is shorter than a duration
time of the open time slot.
60. The system of claim 55, further comprising means for encoding
the content segment in an uncompressed format for distribution in
the Internet data stream across the network of Internet websites.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/123,673 filed 10
Apr. 2008, the teachings of which are incorporated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates a technique for altering content in
live production.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In many instances, television broadcasters undertake live
production of a program. such as live production of a news program,
for over-the-air broadcasting. Television stations undertaking such
live production often insert advertisements and/or public service
announcements (hereinafter collectively referred to as
"advertisements") between the content segments. The advent of
alternative modes of distribution, such as satellite and cable,
afford the opportunity to distribute programs over a much greater
geographic area than the reach of traditional over-the-air
television broadcast signals. Indeed, the growing popularity and
virtually unlimited reach of the Internet as a mode for
distribution of television programs affords ever greater
opportunities than are available by cable or satellite
distribution.
[0004] The opportunity to distribute content over a much wider area
than previously available gives rise the ability to tailor
advertisements for different communities. For example an
advertisement for a restaurant or other local establishment will
likely not interest distant television viewers. Moreover, the
ability to insert different advertisements in a given "time slot"
in different geographic areas maximizes revenue because the program
producer can sell the same time slot multiple times.
[0005] The ability to manipulate previously recorded television
content generally poses few difficulties, especially with the
advent of sophisticated non-linear editing technology that has
become widely available. However, the ability to manipulate content
during live production remains problematic. While replacing
existing content during live production with content of the same
length can occur with little difficulty, problems arise when the
replacement content has a different length. Replacement content of
a shorter length generally gets padded with filler content, which
can alienate a viewer.
[0006] Presently, no good method exists for decreasing the overall
duration of a live production. For example, imagine that a content
segment contains two stories that cannot under live transmission to
a web site for what ever reason. The content subscriber viewing
such content from the web site would endure minutes of dead air
(during the live stream). Attempting to switch to alternate content
might not prove feasible if the content is not readily
available.
[0007] Thus, a need exists for inserting new content into a live
stream which overcomes the aforementioned difficulties.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present principles, there is provided a method for inserting a new
content segment into a time slot between successive content
segments played out during live production. The method commences by
initially selecting a new content segment for insertion into the
time slot whereupon the content segments undergo encoding. Play out
of a successive content segment occurs for distribution over at
least one of a first set of channels and at least one second
channel until the occurrence of the time slot whereupon the new
content segment undergoes play out for distribution over the at
least one second channel. If the new content segment has a duration
longer than the time slot, the length of at least one content
segment gets reduced to provide substantially seamless play
out.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a block schematic diagram of a system for
practicing the content insertion method of the present principles;
and
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts in flow chart form the steps of a process
executed by the system of FIG. 1 ready advertisements and/or new
content for insertion into a time slot; and
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts in flow chart form the steps executed by the
system 1 to insert the advertisements and new content readied
during the process of FIG. 2 into a time slot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a block schematic diagram of a live show
production system 10 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment
of the present principles for inserting new content segment (e.g.,
an advertisement) into a time slot in a stream between successive
content segments during live production of a show, typically
although not necessarily a television news program. Live production
of a show typically has the following phases:
[0013] 1. Pre-production;
[0014] 2. Production;
[0015] 3. Post-Production; and
[0016] 4. Publication
To facilitate understanding of the live show production system 10,
the elements of the system will be described with respect to their
roles in connection with (1) pre-production; (2) production; (3)
Post-production; and (4) publication. Steps 2 and 4 can interact
both with advertising traffic and billing activities.
Pre-Production
[0017] The pre-production phase of live content production for a
show such as a television new program usually entails the gathering
of content segments (e.g., news stories) and associated metadata.
To facilitate pre-production of a live show, the live show
production system 10 includes at least one and preferably a
plurality of data entry and display apparatus, each enabling an
operator to enter data and receive displayed information with
respect to at least the following activities:
[0018] (1) Web production and editing;
[0019] (2) Newsroom production; and
[0020] (3) Digital news production and asset management.
An operator could make use of a single data entry and display
apparatus to enter data and receive information with respect to all
three activities (as well as other functions). In practice,
different operators often handle (1) web production and editing;
(2) newsroom production; and (3) digital news production and asset
management, via a corresponding one of data entry and display
apparatus 12.sub.1, 12.sub.2 and 12.sub.3, respectively. Each of
the data entry and display apparatus 12.sub.E, 12.sub.2 and
12.sub.3 typically takes the form of a conventional video display
terminal having an associated keyboard. Alternatively, the data
entry and display apparatus 12.sub.1, 12.sub.2 and 12.sub.3 could
take different forms, such as desk top or lap top computers,
Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) or the like. To the extent that
that one or more of (1) web production and editing; (2) newsroom
production, and (3) digital news production and asset management
activities, requires more than one operator, the live show
production system 10 could include additional data entry and
display apparatus associated with that activity.
[0021] The data entry and display apparatus 12.sub.1-12.sub.3 each
link to a new room computer system (NRCS) 14. The NRCS 14 typically
includes one or more processors (not shown) and one or more servers
(not shown), as well as other devices, all operating under one or
more control programs that serve to automate various activities
associated with news gathering. For example, the NRCS 14 typically
manages and tracks story assignments as among various individuals
such as reporters, camera operators and the like. Additionally, the
NRCS 14 serves as the point of entry (e.g., the ingest point) for
news stories, transcripts and metadata to drive both the automated
broadcast system 22 and the encoder 24. Further, the NRCS 14
affords news room personnel, including reporters and editors, the
ability to perform at least some editing operations, including the
addition of graphics triggered by the automated broadcast system 22
or by the workflow manager 34, thereby allowing such personnel to
create content segments stored by the NRCS 14.
[0022] As discussed earlier, a live show typically includes one or
more advertisements for play out between content segments. Most
television stations employ one or more systems, best exemplified by
the traffic management system 16, for managing the scheduling of
advertisements in terms of the time at which they appear as well as
billing of the costs to the parties who contracted for the play-out
of such advertisements. Typically, a television station will charge
different amounts for advertisements depending on the program in
which such advertisements appear. Thus, programs that have many
viewers typically command higher advertising rates than less
popular programs. By the same token, programs that appear during
certain times also can command higher advertising rates than
programs that appear during other times. Further, certain segments
of the newscast, i.e., weather, top stories, sports, might draw
higher revenue than other portions of the newscast.
[0023] The traffic management system 16 enjoys a link to a browser
18, typically taking the form of a video display terminal or a
personal computer and associated display for providing reports as
well as for providing an interface between the traffic system and
other elements (described hereinafter) within the system 10. The
browser 18 also links to a firewall 19 to enable users with
appropriate permission to remotely access the traffic and billing
information.
Production
[0024] The production phase of live show production generally
entails the creation and subsequent execution of a script to
assemble and play out a succession of content segments. As an
example, production of a live television news program typically
entails the play out of previously recorded content segments
interspersed with live shots and accompanying audio of on-air
talent, live shots of reporters in the field, and or live network
feeds. To facilitate the "production" phase, the system 10 includes
a broadcast production system 22 that provides either via a
standard manual workflow or an automated work flow, such provided
in the Ignite Automated. Production System available from Thomson
Grass Valley. Jacksonville, Fla. The broadcast production system 22
receives content segments from the NRCS 14 which pass typically via
the Media Object Server Protocol. The automated broadcast
production system 22 typically comprises the combination of one or
more computers and associated peripherals such as storage devices,
as well one or more broadcast production devices (not shown), such
as cameras, video switchers, audio mixers, to name but a few, all
under the control of such computer(s). The automated broadcast
production system 22 controls the creation and assembly of content
segments into a script for automated rundown (e.g., execution of
that script) to create a television program for distribution (i.e.,
publication). To facilitate the live show "production" phase, the
live show production system 10 of FIG. 1 also includes a first
encoder 24 capable of encoding live audio visual content generated
by the automated broadcast system 16 using a particular coding
format, such as Windows.RTM. Media Video (WMV), to facilitate the
transmission of such content to a first firewall 26 for subsequent
distribution to subscribers across the Internet or one or more
other networks, such as LANs and WANs. The transcoding system 28
transcodes the encoded content from the encoder 24 into other
formats such as MPEG 2, H.264 and Apple.RTM. Quick Time, to name
but a few, to facilitate the transmission of content encoded in
such formats to the firewall 26 for subsequent distribution via one
or more channels, such as terrestrial over-the-air broadcast and/or
distribution over satellite and or cable television systems. The
transcoding system 28 also has the ability to specify pre-roll or
post-roll content which will be stitched directly into the output
file. The Pre-roll or Post-Roll content can either be
advertisements or promotional clips which have been stored in the
workflow manager 34.
[0025] The live show production system 10 of FIG. 1 can include a
second encoder 30 for encoding advertisements and alternative
source material in uncompressed form into a given format, such as
the Windows.RTM. Media Video format for distribution to the fire
wall 26 for subsequent distribution over the Internet. Additional
transcoders (not shown) can be added to the transcoding system to
allow asynchronous processing of multiple transcodes.
Post-Production
[0026] The "post-production" phase of live, show production
typically involves the manipulation of content to perform certain
tasks, such as editing for example. In the illustrated embodiment
of the live show production system 10 of the present principles,
such content manipulation can include the insertion of an
advertisement, or even new content into a time slot between
successive content segments.
[0027] To facilitate the "post-production" phase of live television
program creation, the system 10 of FIG. 1 includes a work flow
manager 34, typically in the form of programmed computer or the
like linked to the data entity and display apparatus 12.sub.1,
12.sub.2 and 12.sub.3 as well as to the encoders 24 and 30 and the
transcoding system 28. The work flow manager 34 performs various
tasks including the management and storage of advertisements, as
well as manipulation of content segments to facilitate insertion of
an advertisements into a given time slot between content segments.
The work flow manager 34 also serves as an interface to digital
news production systems (not shown); content streaming systems (not
shown) and administration systems (not shown). The work flow
manager 34 enjoys a link to a firewall 35 which enables users
having appropriate permissions to gain remote access to information
generated by the work flow manger.
[0028] At least one administration browsing apparatus 36, typically
in the form of a video terminal and associated keyboard, links to
the work flow manager 34 to enable an operator to access the work
flow manager to perform various tasks including controlling content
management and distribution. At least one approval work station 38
also possesses a link to the work flow manager 34 to enable an
operator to review both live and non-linear edited content and
grant approvals for publication.
Publication
[0029] The "publication" phase of live show production typically
entails the distribution of content to viewers. Traditionally,
distribution of a television program produced live entailed
terrestrial transmission over the air or transmission to one or
more satellite or cable systems. As discussed above, the live show
production system 10 advantageously can distribute content over one
or more networks, such as the Internet. To facilitate publication
(i.e., distribution), over the Internet, the system 10 includes the
firewall 19 which, as described previously, serves as a portal to
pass television programs to interested subscribers. As discussed,
the firewalls 26 and 35 enable users with appropriate permissions
to access the live show production system 10 to obtain certain
information related to system operation.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts in flow chart form the general process
executed by the live show production system 10 to ready
advertisements and/or new content for insertion into a time slot
during live production of a show, such as a news program. The
process of FIG. 2 commences upon execution of step 200 during which
show preparation commences. Typically, a user initiates preparation
of a show by entering the appropriate command to the automated
broadcast production system 22 of FIG. 1. As discussed previously,
preparing a show entails the creation and subsequent execution of a
script to assemble and play out a succession of content segments.
Such content segments can originate from the NRCS 14.
[0031] Following step 200 in FIG. 2, step 202 undergoes execution
at which time; the automated broadcast production system 22 of FIG.
1 makes a request to the NRCS 14 of FIG. 1 for list of time slots,
between content segments. The list typically identifies each time
slot as to its occurrence (in terms of time) as well as its
duration. As depicted in FIG. 2, the NRCS 14 provides that
information using the Media Object Server protocol. Knowledge of
the duration of the time slots is important because an
advertisement, when inserted, should fill its associated slot as
closely as possible. In some instances, a sequence of
advertisements will occupy a time slot. Preferably, the
advertisement played out last should possess the ability to be
padded in the event an Over-the-Air time slot lasts longer than
expected. Station advertisements constitute one example of
advertisements that can be padded.
[0032] Following step 202, a check occurs during step 204 to
determine whether any "open slots exist, that is time slots for
which no advertisements have been selected. In practice, time slots
undergo processing one at a time. If no open time slots exist, then
process execution branches to step 206. Otherwise, process
execution branches to step 208 during which each slot gets
processed iteratively. For each slot, the work flow manager 34
generates a new "advertisement play list" based on the duration of
the time slot. Knowing the duration of the time slot enables
selection of an advertisement or a sequence of advertisements for
play out by choosing not-yet-shown advertisements whose duration
will closely fill the available time.
[0033] Following step 208, step 210 undergoes execution at which
time, advertisement files get copied from the work flow manager 34
to the encoder 24 to appear at predefined advertising publishing
point. The advertising files bear sequential identifiers to enable
the encoder 24 to access the advertisements in order.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts in flow chart form the steps of the process
executed to insert advertisements. The process commences upon
execution of step 300 when a user enters an appropriate commend,
typically by way of a computer mouse or the like, to select (i.e.,
actuate) a particular break (i.e., a time slot) appearing on a time
line displayed by the automated broadcast production system 22 of
FIG. 1 during publication (i.e., distribution) of a live television
program over the Internet. The selection of a particular break
triggers the encoder 24 to take account of the time slot destined
to receive the inserted advertisement. Following execution of step
300, step 302 undergoes execution, whereupon the encoder 24 of FIG.
1 switches switch from delivering the Over-the-Air Content to the
"Over-the-Internet" advertisements, that is, the advertisements
copied during step 210 of FIG. 2. The encoder 34 then delivers the
advertising content during step 204. The subscriber should receive
the "Over-the-Internet" advertisements in a seamless manner. To
that end, the encoder 24, if necessary will shorten the length of
one or more content segments if the new content segment (e.g., the
inserted advertisement) has a length greater than the time slot.
The foregoing describes a technique for replacing content during
live production.
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