U.S. patent application number 16/452262 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-24 for system and method for distributing promotion messages to a communication terminal.
The applicant listed for this patent is Provenance Asset Group LLC. Invention is credited to Akseli Anttila, Toni Kopra, Mikko Makipaa.
Application Number | 20190327529 16/452262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29798169 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190327529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anttila; Akseli ; et
al. |
October 24, 2019 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING PROMOTION MESSAGES TO A
COMMUNICATION TERMINAL
Abstract
This invention relates to a system and a method for distributing
an invitation to one or more communication terminals connected in a
wireless communications network. The system and method enables a
user of a communication terminal to invite other users of
communication terminals to a shared media experience, such as
watching a television transmission at the same time, while the
users may be at different locations.
Inventors: |
Anttila; Akseli; (Helsinki,
FI) ; Makipaa; Mikko; (Helsinki, FI) ; Kopra;
Toni; (Vantaa, FI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Provenance Asset Group LLC |
Pittsford |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
29798169 |
Appl. No.: |
16/452262 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10518686 |
Dec 17, 2004 |
10375446 |
|
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PCT/IB02/02516 |
Jul 1, 2002 |
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16452262 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4882 20130101;
H04N 21/4788 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04M 1/72547
20130101; H04L 12/1895 20130101; H04M 1/72566 20130101; H04N 21/254
20130101; H04W 4/06 20130101; H04N 21/47214 20130101; H04N 21/41407
20130101; H04M 3/4878 20130101; G06Q 30/0251 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/4788 20060101
H04N021/4788; H04W 4/06 20060101 H04W004/06; H04N 21/488 20060101
H04N021/488; H04N 21/472 20060101 H04N021/472; H04N 21/414 20060101
H04N021/414; G06Q 30/02 20060101 G06Q030/02; H04N 7/173 20060101
H04N007/173; H04M 3/487 20060101 H04M003/487; H04M 1/725 20060101
H04M001/725; H04N 21/254 20060101 H04N021/254 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least on
memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and
the computer program code configured to, with the at least one
processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:
receive, from a promotion server through a first communication
network, a promotion message including an invitation to be reminded
prior to a start of an event scheduled to start at a defined start
time; enable a user of said apparatus to perform general calendar
operations; output playback of said promotion message; store
promotion message information of the promotion message; determine
to transmit said promotion message to one or more other
communication terminals to invite the one or more communication
terminals regarding the event; cause transmission of an acceptance
message for said invitation from the one or more other
communication terminals to said promotion server; receive a
reminder signal for said event based on the defined start time
included in said promotion message; receive a notification of a
launch of a shared application on the promotion server; and output
playback of said reminder signal.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said promotion
message information comprises at least one of promotion message
identity, one or more communication terminal identities, event
data, or group application data.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus is
further caused to store a promotion message identity and
information comprising transmitter identity and associated
messaging contact information, recipient identity and associated
messaging contact information, media event information, and group
application data that is configured to initialize and activate a
reminder application in response to receiving said reminder signal
on said apparatus.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising audio and
visual output components configured to communication the promotion
message to the user of the apparatus.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
further caused to utilize an electronic program guide containing
information on media events, and provide a reject signal when said
apparatus is busy.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus
comprises at least one of a mobile phone, cellular phone, personal
office assistant, or a personal computer.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the promotion
message comprises at least one of a text, a series of texts, a
picture, a series of pictures, a video sequence, a series of video
sequences, an audio track or a series of audio tracks.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
communication network comprises at least one of a wired or wireless
telecommunication network, local area network, metropolitan area
network, wide area network, or inter-network such as the Internet,
or a dedicated communication line.
9. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least
one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory
and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one
processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following,
receive a promotion message from one or more other apparatus, the
promotion message including an invitation to be reminded prior to a
start of an event scheduled to start at a defined start time based
on said promotion message request, wherein the invitation
originates from a promotion server to the one or more other
apparatus; cause transmission to the promotion server via the one
or more other apparatus of an acceptance signal for said invitation
based on information in at least one of a calendar or a list of
scheduled events residing in the apparatus; receive a reminder
signal from the promotion server via the one or more other
apparatus based on said defined start time included in the
promotion message; receive a notification of a launch of a shared
application on the promotion server; and output playback of said
reminder signal.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said promotion
message information comprises at least one of promotion message
identity, one or more communication terminal identities, event
data, or group application data.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is
further caused to store a promotion message identity and
information comprising transmitter identity and associated
messaging contact information, recipient identity and associated
messaging contact information, media event information, and group
application data that is configured to initialize and activate a
reminder application in response to receiving said reminder signal
on said apparatus.
12. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising audio
and visual output components configured to communication the
promotion message to a user of the apparatus.
13. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus is
further caused to utilize an electronic program guide containing
information on media events, and provide a reject signal when said
apparatus is busy.
14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus
comprises at least one of a mobile phone, cellular phone, personal
office assistant, or a personal computer.
15. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the promotion
message comprises at least one of a text, a series of texts, a
picture, a series of pictures, a video sequence, a series of video
sequences, an audio track or a series of audio tracks.
16. A method, comprising: receiving, by a communication terminal, a
promotion message from a promotion server, the promotion message
including an invitation to be reminded prior to a start of an event
scheduled to start at a defined start time; determining to transmit
said promotion message to one or more other communication terminals
to invite the one or more communication terminals; causing
transmission to the promotion server of an acceptance signal for
said invitation based on information in at least one or a calendar
or a list of scheduled events residing in said communication
terminal, wherein the acceptance signal originates from the one or
more communication terminals; receiving, by said communication
terminal, a reminder signal from said promotion server based on
said defined start time included in said promotion message;
receiving, by said communication terminal, a notification of a
launch of a shared application on the promotion server; and
outputting playback of said reminder signal by said communication
terminal.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the acceptance signal
comprises a promotion message identity and an identity of the
communication terminal in response to the promotion message from
the promotion server.
18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the invitation
further comprises a communication channel for attending the
event.
19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the communication
terminal comprises at least one of a mobile phone, cellular phone,
personal office assistant, or a personal computer.
20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the transmission of
the acceptance signal to the promotion server is via the one or
more other communication terminals.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of and claims
priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/518,686 filed on Dec. 17,
2004, which is a 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 371 application of and claims
priority to International Patent Application No. PCT/IB02/02516
filed on Jul. 1, 2002, and each referenced application is
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to a system and a method for
distributing an invitation to one or more communication terminals
connected in a wireless communications network. The invention, in
particular, relates to invitations related to various types of
media events.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Communication terminals, such as mobile or cellular phones,
personal office assistants or personal computers, used in a
wireless communication network are generally used for voice
communication between two or more interconnected communication
terminals. Lately, communication terminals have evolved to perform,
in addition to voice communication, generation and transmission of
text messages such as Short Message Services (SMS) as well as
multimedia messages such as Multimedia Message Services (MMS)
comprising a video, picture or audio sequence and other type
messaging, like operator logo to change view of the display of the
communication terminal. Furthermore, the communication terminals
have evolved to include personal office assistant features such as
calendar, address book, and even email functions.
[0004] European patent application no. EP 1,109,415 discloses a
messaging exchanging handling concept for communication terminals
in a wireless communication network, in which an initiating
communication terminal invites one or more other communication
terminals to participate in a text message exchange session. The
receiver of the invitation responds to a received text message by
inputting a text message for replying the received text message.
Then the responding communication terminal automatically adds the
inputted reply to the received text message, whereby the aggregated
text message includes the message exchange session history, and the
aggregated text message is transmitted to other communication
terminals as part of the message exchange session.
[0005] In an increasing growing market for short and multimedia
message services demands for a high quality message products is
substantiated since some wireless communication network operators
have observed that approximately 10 percent of the network traffic
is messages. This specific network traffic is expected to further
grow in the near future.
[0006] As the capabilities of communication terminals increase so
does the users' demands for fully exploiting the potential of their
specific communication device.
[0007] The present technology falls short of providing a
satisfactory sharing feature allowing a plurality of users of
communication terminals the possibility to share for example a
media event together, since the users in some instances need to
stay at different physical locations during a transmission of an
event.
SUMMARY
[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore the
provision of a communication system enabling a user of a
communication terminal to invite another user of a communication
terminal to a shared media experience, such as watching a
television transmission at the same time, while the users may be at
different locations.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of instant messaging for a larger group of users of communication
terminals.
[0010] In addition, a particular object of the present invention is
the provision of platform for companies to promote their products,
such as media properties or events, to a group of users of
communication terminals.
[0011] An advantage of the present invention is the provision of a
system and method for reminding a user of a communication terminal
of a media event, which the user wishes to attend.
[0012] A further advantage of the present invention is the
provision of a platform for launching of group applications on
communication terminals when a media experience starts.
[0013] A feature of the present invention is the provision of a
promotion messaging module incorporated in a communication terminal
for automatically launching a group application.
[0014] The above objects, the above advantages and the above
feature together with numerous other objects, advantages and
features which will become evident from below detailed description
is accomplished according to a first aspect of the present
invention by a system for communicating a promotion message to one
or more communication terminals, which promotion message is
associated with an event having a start time, and said system
comprising.
[0015] (a) an event manager for providing said event to one or more
receivers from said start time and for generating a promotion
message request;
[0016] (b) a promotion server for communicating said promotion
message to said one or more communication terminals through a first
communication network in response to receiving said promotion
message request from said event manager through a connection
interconnecting said event manager and said promotion server;
and
[0017] said one or more communication terminals being operable to
respond to said promotion message by communicating an acceptance
signal through said first communication network to said promotion
server, said promotion server comprising a register for associating
an accepting communication terminal of said one or more
communication terminals with said promotion message on reception of
said acceptance signal from said accepting communication terminal
and said promotion server being operable to communicate a reminder
signal for said event to said accepting communication terminal
through said first communication network.
[0018] The system provides a unique way to simultaneously remind
users of one or more communication terminal about an event which
promotion their previously have received and accepted to be
reminded of.
[0019] The term "one or more" should in this context be construed
as a, an, at least one, at least a single.
[0020] The one or more receivers according to the first aspect of
the present invention may comprise a television, a radio, a set-top
box, a receiver module for a computer, a multimedia terminal, a
mobile or cellular phone, a personal office assistant, a personal
computer, or any combination thereof. The receivers communicate the
event to any number of users which may have been reminded of the
event through firstly a promotion message and secondly a reminder
signal received on a communication terminal.
[0021] The promotion message request according to the first aspect
of the present invention may comprise information such as the start
time, end time of the event, duration of the event, event identity,
event type, event presentation platform, promotion message, list of
the receivers and the one or more communication terminals, or any
combination thereof. In fact, the promotion server may operate on
information to identify the event on a location such as a
television channel as well as to identify the show time of the
event on said location.
[0022] The promotion server may further contain e.g. schedule of
the events then being informed through electronic program guide
application. Even the schedule of events may be incorporated to the
calendar of the communication terminal so that schedule of events
is integrated as part of calendar events. Then the schedule of
events shall include respective headers or identifiers to find the
place where schedule of events should be incorporated.
Corresponding handler in terminal is needed, too.
[0023] The event presentation platform according to the first
aspect of the present invention may comprise a television, a radio,
a set-top box, a receiver module for a computer, a multimedia
terminal, a mobile or cellular phone, a personal office assistant,
a personal computer, or any combination thereof connected a media
communication network, and a network broadcaster. The wide variety
of event presentation platforms for presenting the event is limited
only by types of media networks transmitting the event and which
presentation platforms operate on the specific type of network. The
media communication network may comprise a cable television
network, a satellite television network, a radio frequency
television network, a telephone network, a powerline network, a
radio network or any combination thereof.
[0024] The first communication network and/or the connection
according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise
a wired or wireless telecommunication network, local area network,
metropolitan area network, wide area network, or inter-network such
as the Internet, a dedicated communication line, or any combination
thereof. Basically, the system may be implemented in accordance
with any communication guidelines or standards thus providing a
very versatile communication system. In fact, a combination of the
above mention network types constituting the first communication
network and/or the connection may be implemented by utilizing a
Bluetooth application.
[0025] The promotion server according to the first aspect of the
present invention may comprise a storage device for storing the
register, the reminder, the promotion message, and a processor for
processing communication with the one or more communication
terminals, for processing the promotion message request from the
event manager, and for updating content of the storage device. The
register may comprise information such as promotion message
identity; one or more communication terminal identities; event data
such as event title, event type, event presentation platform, event
identity and/or event actions; time data such as the start time,
end time of the event, duration of the event; group application
data such as a group identity comprising one or more communication
terminal identities and/or group actions to be performed; or any
combination thereof.
[0026] The one or more communication terminals according to the
first aspect of the present invention may be operable to forward
the promotion message from the one or more communication terminals
to further communication terminals connected in the first
communication network. When the system operates in a peer-to-peer
mode, the communication terminals ensure that a promotion message
is forwarded as a tree structure progression. Hence, the promotion
message may be multiplied and communicated to a huge number of
communication terminals in the first communication network.
[0027] An accepting communication terminal of the above mentioned
further communication terminals may be operable to respond to the
promotion message by communicating an acceptance signal through the
first communication network to the promotion server and the
promotion server is operable to associate the accepting
communication terminal of the further communication terminals with
the promotion message on reception of the acceptance signal from
the accepting communication terminal and the promotion server being
operable to communicate a reminder signal to the accepting
communication terminal through the first communication network. In
the client-server mode of the system, each accepting communication
terminal returns the acceptance signal to the promotion server.
[0028] Alternatively, an accepting communication terminal of the
further communication terminals may be operable to respond to the
promotion message by communicating an acceptance signal through the
first communication network to the one or more communication
terminals and the one or more communication terminal comprises a
local register for associating an accepting communication terminal
of the further communication terminals with the promotion message
on reception of the acceptance signal from the accepting
communication terminal and the one or more communication terminals
is operable to communicate a reminder signal to the accepting
communication terminal through the first communication network. In
the peer-to-peer mode of the system, each accepting communication
terminal returns the acceptance signal to the communication
terminal, who transmitted the promotion message to the accepting
communication terminal.
[0029] The one or more communication terminals according to the
first aspect of the present invention may be operable to start a
predetermined application when receiving said reminder signal. The
predetermined application is stored on the one or more
communication terminal or alternatively at the promotion server.
When the reminder signal is received either from the promotion
server or the one or more communication terminal, who transmitted
the promotion message to the accepting communication terminal the
application is initiated and started on the accepting communication
terminal. The application may comprise any text, series of texts,
picture, series of pictures, video, sequences of videos, audio
track or series of audio tracks or any combination thereof. The
application may be group dependent, that is, particular groups of
the one or more communication terminals may have certain rituals or
rules pertaining to the event.
[0030] The above objects and the above advantage together with
numerous other objects, advantages and features which will become
evident from below detailed description is accomplished according
to a second aspect of the present invention by a method for
communicating a promotion message to one or more communication
terminals, which promotion message is associated with an event
having a start time, and said method comprising:
[0031] (a) initiating said promotion message by means of an event
manager forwarding a promotion message request to a promotion
server;
[0032] (b) transmitting said promotion message to said one or more
communication terminals by means of a promotion server connected to
said one or more communication terminals through a first
communication network;
[0033] (c) receiving said promotion message from said promotion
server by means of said one or more communication terminals;
[0034] (d) accepting said promotion message by transmitting an
acceptance signal to said promotion server by means of said one or
more communication terminals;
[0035] (e) receiving said acceptance signal from an accepting
communication terminal of said one or more communication terminals
by means of said promotion server;
[0036] (f) associating said accepting communication terminal with
said promotion message on reception of said acceptance signal from
said accepting communication terminal by means of a register of
said promotion server; and
[0037] (g) transmitting a reminder signal for said event to said
accepting communication terminal through said first communication
network by means of said promotion server.
[0038] The method according to the second aspect of the present
invention may further comprise forwarding the promotion message to
further communication terminals connected to the first
communication network by means of the one or more communication
terminals.
[0039] The method according to the second aspect of the present
invention may further comprise:
[0040] (h) accepting the promotion message by transmitting an
acceptance signal to the one or more communication terminal by
means of the further communication terminals;
[0041] (i) receiving the acceptance signal from an accepting
communication terminal of the further communication terminals by
means of the one or more communication terminals;
[0042] (j) associating the accepting communication terminal with
the promotion message on reception of the acceptance signal from
the accepting communication terminal by means of a local register
of the one or more communication terminal; and
[0043] (k) transmitting a reminder signal for the event to the
accepting communication terminal through the first communication
network by means of the one or more communication terminal.
[0044] The method according to the second aspect of the present
invention may further incorporate features of the system according
to the first aspect of the present invention.
[0045] The above objects and the above advantage together with
numerous other objects, advantages and features which will become
evident from below detailed description is accomplished according
to a third aspect of the present invention by a communication
terminal for communicating in a first communication network and for
receiving a promotion message and a reminder signal from a
promotion server, and comprising a messaging module for
transmitting and receiving messages through said first
communication network; a calendar module for enabling a user of
said communication terminal to perform general calendar operations;
a media playback module for outputting said promotion message; a
storage module for storing promotion message information, and a
promotion messaging module for receiving and transmitting said
promotion message.
[0046] The communication terminal according to the third aspect of
the present invention provides an excellent tool for correlating
events to be provided in a first forum to events to be provided in
a second forum.
[0047] The promotion message information according to the third
aspect of the present invention may comprise promotion message
identity; one or more communication terminal identities; event data
such as event title, event type, event presentation platform, event
identity and/or event actions; time data such as the start time,
end time of the event, duration of the event; group application
data such as a group identity comprising one or more communication
terminal identities and/or applications to be performed; or any
combination thereof. As mentioned above with reference to the first
aspect of the present invention the application is a predetermined
action to be performed by the communication terminal when receiving
the reminder signal.
[0048] The communication terminal according to the third aspect of
the present invention may further comprise a display and
loudspeaker for communicating the promotion message to a user of
the communication terminal. The display and the loudspeaker are
utilized by the communication terminal to run promotion messages
and general messages such as multimedia message services and short
message services as well as for providing a user interface for the
user to operate through a menu system.
[0049] The storage module according to the third aspect of the
present invention may be operable for storing a promotion message
identity and information comprising transmitter identity and
associated messaging contact information, recipient identity and
associated messaging contact information, media event information
such as identity code, name or title, start time and end time, and
group application data, which data may be operable for initializing
and starting an application in response to receiving the reminder
signal on the communication terminal.
[0050] The communication terminal according to the third aspect of
the present invention may further comprise an application utilizing
an electronic program guide containing information on media events
so that the application in cooperation with the calendar provides a
reject signal when said communication terminal is busy. In
accepting a message, the communication terminal may either accept
or reject based on the communication terminal's events in the
calendar. For example, if the event is marked as BUSY, only reject
messages and no acceptance message are sent. That is, if in the
communication terminal busy is marked at the defined time of the
promotion message, the communication terminal may automatically
send busy message. Further, if the promotion server receives e.g. a
certain number of reject messages, or the people requested to join
are busy, the promotion server reschedules the event.
[0051] The communication terminal according to the third aspect of
the present invention may further incorporate features of the
system according to the first aspect of the present invention and
incorporate features of the method according to the second aspect
of the present invention.
[0052] The event according to all the aspects of the present
invention may comprise media events such as television
transmissions of movies, sports games or shows; or radio
transmissions of music, talk shows or theatrical plays; or events
such as premiers of theatre plays or of movies in a cinema;
exhibitions of various kinds e.g. art, industry or products;
seminars; or conferences; or any combination thereof.
[0053] The communication terminal according to all aspects of the
present invention may comprise terminals such as mobile or cellular
phones, personal digital assistants, personal computers or any
combination thereof.
[0054] The promotion message may according to all aspects of the
present invention comprise a text, a series of texts, a picture, a
series of pictures, a video sequence, a series of video sequences,
an audio track, a series of audio tracks, or any combinations
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] The above, as well as additional objects, features and
advantages of the present invention, will be better understood
through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with
reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[0056] FIG. 1 shows a system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0057] FIG. 2 shows a system according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a device according to a third embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0059] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of method according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] In the following description of the various embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural
and functional modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0061] A communication system according to the first embodiment of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 as designated in its
entirety by reference numeral 10. The communication system 10
comprises an event manager 12 such as a television network operator
or a concert, theatre, cinema or sports games organizer, as well as
an exhibition promoter. The event manager 12 provides a promotion
server 16 with a promotion message request through a communication
channel 18 inviting recipients to attend an event.
[0062] The event may be various types of media events such as
television transmissions of movies, sports games or shows; radio
transmissions of music, talk shows or theatrical plays; premiers of
theatre plays; movies in a cinema; exhibitions of various kinds
e.g. art, industry or products; seminars; or conferences
[0063] The event manager 12 in a first particular embodiment of the
present invention communicates with one or more media receivers in
a media network 20, which receivers may be a television, a radio, a
set-top box, receiver module for a computer or in fact a
communication terminal.
[0064] The media network 20 may be a television, radio or computer
network, or any combination thereof, for communicating media
streams such as television transmitted movies, sports games,
theatre plays, concerts, or shows to one or more receiver in the
media network 20. The communication of media streams is shown in
FIG. 1 as arrow 22.
[0065] The promotion server 16 distributes a promotion message 14
associated with promotion message request through a communication
channel 24 in a wireless communication network 26 to any number of
predefined communication terminals. For simplicity shown in FIG. 1
as a single communication terminal 28.
[0066] The promotion message 14 may contain a text, a series of
texts, a picture, a series of pictures, a video sequence, a series
of video sequences, an audio track, a series of audio tracks, or
any combinations thereof.
[0067] The communication terminal 28 receives the promotion message
14 transferred from the promotion server 16 and the user of the
communication terminal 28 may run the promotion message 14 on a
display 30 and/or a loudspeaker 32 of the communication terminal
28. If the user of the communication terminal 28 finds the
promotion message 14 interesting the user returns an acceptance
signal 34 through the wireless communication network 26 back to the
promotion server 16.
[0068] The user of the communication terminal 28 may forward the
promotion message 14 through a communication channel 36 in the
wireless communication network 26 to other users of communication
terminals, shown in FIG. 1 for simplicity as a single communication
terminal 38, which other users, in case they find the promotion
message 14 interesting send an acceptance signal 40 through the
wireless communication network 26 to the promotion server 16.
[0069] The acceptance signals 34 and 40 contain information
regarding promotion message identity (i.e. identity of the
promotion message 14 associating to a certain event manager 12),
recipient identity (i.e. identity of communication terminal 28 or
38).
[0070] When received by the promotion server 16 the information
contained in the acceptance signals 34 and 40 are associated in a
database 42 of the promotion server 16 with property data (i.e.
actions to be taken by the promotion server 16 when a user accepts
an invitation in the promotion message 14), time data (e.g. time of
when the actions are to be taken by the promotion server 16) and
group application data (e.g. group of users who have invited one
another).
[0071] The promotion server 16 utilizes the information in the
database 42 for transmitting over the wireless communication
network 26 reminders 44 and 46 to the communication terminals 28
and 38 respectively, when the media event starts. Thus the users of
the communication terminals 28 and 38, and any other communication
terminals, who have transmitted an acceptance signal to the
promotion server 16, receive a reminder so as to watch the media
event either together or in parallel. In the particular embodiment
of the present invention, the users have to switch on their
receivers.
[0072] A communication system according to the second embodiment of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 as designated in its
entirety by reference numeral 60.
[0073] As described with reference to FIG. 1 the communication
system 60 comprises an event manager 62 providing a promotion
server 66 with a promotion message request inviting recipients to
attend an event through a communication channel 68.
[0074] The promotion message request causes the promotion server to
generate a promotion message 64. As before the promotion message 64
may contain a text, a picture, a series of pictures, a video
sequence, a series of video sequences, an audio track, a series of
audio tracks or any combinations thereof. In an advanced embodiment
of the present invention, the text may contain comments from the
participants accepting the promotion. The comments may be shown as
a message to others joining the event or they can be sent
separately as to encourage others to join to the event.
[0075] The event manager 62 in a second particular embodiment of
the present invention communicates with one or more media receivers
in a media network 70, which receivers may be a television, a
radio, a set-top box, receiver module for a computer or in fact a
communication terminal.
[0076] The media network 70 may be a television, radio or computer
network, or any combination thereof, for communicating media
streams such as television transmitted movies, sports games,
theatre plays, concerts, or shows to one or more receiver in the
media network 70. The communication of media streams is shown in
FIG. 2 as arrow 72.
[0077] The promotion server 66 distributes the promotion message 64
through a communication channel 74 in a wireless communication
network 76 to any number of predefined communication terminals. For
simplicity shown in FIG. 2 as a single communication terminal 78.
The communication terminal 78 receives the promotion message 64
transferred from the promotion server 66 and the user of the
communication terminal 78 may run the promotion message 64 on a
display 80 and/or a loudspeaker 82 of the communication terminal
78. If the user of the communication terminal 78 finds the
promotion message 64 interesting the user returns an acceptance
signal 84 through the wireless communication network 76 back to the
promotion server 66.
[0078] The promotion message 64 transferred from the promotion
server 66 to the communication terminal 78 may comprise an
instruction set which notifies accepting communication terminals of
the launch of a shared application, which could be run from the
promotion server 66. Hence, the communication system 60 allows for
a group of communication terminals to share a customary application
run by the promotion server 66.
[0079] The user of the communication terminal 78 may forward the
promotion message 64 through a communication channel 86 in the
wireless communication network 76 to other users of communication
terminals, shown in FIG. 2 for simplicity as a single communication
terminal 88, which other users, in case they find the promotion
message 64 interesting send an acceptance signal 90 through the
wireless communication network 76 to the communication terminal
78.
[0080] The acceptance signals 84 and 90 contain information
regarding promotion message identity (i.e. identity of promotion
message 64), recipient identity (i.e. identity of communication
terminal 78 or 88).
[0081] When received by the promotion server 66 the information
contained in the acceptance signal 84 is associated in a database
92 of the promotion server 66 with property data (i.e. actions to
be taken by the promotion server 66 when a user accepts an
invitation in the promotion message 64), and time data (i.e. time
of when the actions to be taken by the promotion server 66 is to
taken).
[0082] The communication terminals 78 and 88 further comprise local
databases 96 and 98, respectively, utilized for associating
promotion message identity and information comprising transmitter
identity (promotion server 66 or inviting communication terminal)
and messaging contact information (or a pointer to a participating
communication terminal's memory holding this information),
recipient identity and messaging contact information (or a pointer
to a participating communication terminal's memory holding this
information), media event information such as identity code, name
or title, start time and end time, and group application data,
which data initializes and starts the reminder application on each
communication terminal.
[0083] The communication terminals 78 and 88 may for example
contain a schedule of the events being informed through electronic
program guide (EPG) application. Even the schedule of events may be
incorporated to the calendar of the communication terminal so that
the schedule of events is integrated as part of calendar events. In
this case, the schedule of events shall include respective headers
or identifiers to find the place where the schedule of events
should be incorporated. Corresponding handling software and/or
hardware in the communication terminal is needed, too.
[0084] By means of constructing an electronic program guide (EPG)
application in his/her communication terminal for sending promotion
messages to other users of communication terminals the existing EPG
could be changed or added by embedding information about group
event. Then the EPG may include information about a "real" program
as well as a promotion message. Thus, a single user interface is
provided. In addition, information changed or added by the user of
the communication terminal about a group event can be included. The
user may then store interesting program lists in a more integrated
manner as a single application or at least the user has a program
guide in at least lesser applications. Calendar events, as
described above, can be used in association with EPG. The calendar
time event may be linked to the EPG through time as an identifier.
The EPG may show the promotion message in a separate "channel"
information block so that for example channel 1, channel 2, channel
3 can be shown as usual in addition to promotion message
information.
[0085] The promotion server 66 utilizes the information in the
database 92 for transmitting over the wireless communication
network 76 a reminder 94 to the communication terminal 78 when the
media event starts. The reception of the reminder 94 causes the
communication terminal 78 to forward reminders 100, 102 and 104 to
communication terminals to whom the communication terminal 78 has
forwarded the promotion message 64. Similarly, the communication
terminal 88 when receiving the reminder 100 from the communication
terminal 78 forwards reminders 106, 108 and 110 to communication
terminals to whom the communication terminal 88 has forwarded the
promotion message 64. The reminder may be forwarded to
communication terminals who have accepted the promotion message or,
alternatively, the reminder is forwarded to the communication
terminals disregarding acceptance but only displaying on the
communication terminals in case of acceptance thus enabling the
users to decline a promotion message and to forward it. Hence, the
transmission tree/chain is formed but not broken by individual
declining communication terminals.
[0086] In accepting a message, the communication terminal may
either accept or reject based on events in the calendar or list of
programs, such as an EPG, in the communication terminal. For
example, if an event is marked as BUSY, only reject messages and no
acceptance message are transmitted. That is, if busy is marked at
the defined time of the promotion message, the communication
terminal automatically sends a busy message. Further, if the
promotion server receives e.g. a certain number of reject messages,
or the people requested to join are busy, the promotion server
reschedules the event.
[0087] Thus, the users of the communication terminals 78 and 88,
and any other communication terminals, who have transmitted an
acceptance signal to the inviting communication terminal, receive a
reminder so as to watch the media event either together or in
parallel.
[0088] The communication system 60, contrary to the communication
system 10 operating as a server client structure, utilizes a tree
structure for relaying reminders through the communication system
60. The databases 96 and 98 of the communication terminals 78 and
88, respectively, comprise information regarding who has
transmitted a promotion message and to whom the communication
terminals 78 and 88 have forwarded the promotion message to.
[0089] In a further embodiment of the present invention enables
when the group is already enjoying the group event, that the
current group members can send additional promotional messages
based on the event. Thus, new corners may be invited during the
event as instant invitation.
[0090] The transmission of the reminder from the promotion servers
16 and 66 to a communication terminal may be triggered by the event
manager 12, 62 on external trigger events such as an event start
message received from a broadcaster system or may be triggered by
the time data stored in the database 42, 92 for a particular media
event associated with the promotion message 14, 64.
[0091] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the
communication terminals 28, 38, 78 or 88 further store an alert in
respective local calendars included in the communication terminals
28, 38, 78 or 88 respectively. Before storing, the acceptance of
time may be asked.
[0092] In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention
the event managers 12 and 62 forward a promotion message encoded in
a broadcast signal together with an ordinary broadcast to the media
networks 20 and 70. The receivers in the media networks 20 and 70
decode the promotion message and transmit the promotion message to
the communication terminals 28, 78 through local communication
channels 21 and 71, such as Bluetooth, IF or serial cable.
[0093] A communication terminal according to a third embodiment of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 as designated in its
entirety by reference numeral 120. The communication terminal 120
comprises a messaging module 122 for transmitting and receiving any
types of messages through a wireless communication network; a
calendar module 124 for enabling a user of the communication
terminal 120 to perform general calendar operations, such as
storing or retrieving any form for time related data e.g. alerts,
meetings or special days; a media playback module 126 for
outputting the promotion message either by display or loudspeaker
or a combination thereof; a storage module 128 for storing
information relating to group members of a promotion message, and a
promotion messaging module 130 for receiving and transmitting a
promotion message as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0094] The calendar module 124 may include or be separate from an
electronic program guide (EPG) application. The EPG may be
collected mainly from the service information (SI) like in the
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) system. Then the EPG may be
embedded with the information received from the promotion message
or the user of the communication terminal may incorporate group
events to the EPG. Further, in one embodiment of the present
invention group event happenings may already be included in SI
information so that users who have sent "YES" answers may join to
enjoy to the program so that the number of participants is over the
predefined threshold. Thus in this embodiment the promotion message
is added to the SI information based on a sent acceptance message.
When sending an answering message the identity of the program is
taken from the SI information and the communication terminal
identity from the communication terminal.
[0095] The promotion message may thus be created through the EPG
and forwarded to an EPG application on a communication terminal via
digital video broadcasting terrestrial (DVB-1) or radio data system
(RDS). Further, the data created by the EPG may be transferred to a
communication terminal through a general packet radio services
(GPRS) whenever the user of the communication terminal so
requests.
[0096] The communication terminal enables a user to send promotion
messages by utilizing program ID codes stored in the EPG. The user
may send the program ID code directly to other users of
communication terminals, which upon acceptance and storage of said
program ID code triggers acceptance of the program description and
associated data.
[0097] An application user for a group communication during a
specific program may be delivered over the air (OTA) with DVB-T,
RDS or in fact in the EPG.
[0098] The promotion messaging module 130 utilizes the messaging
module for forwarding a promotion message to another communication
terminal in a wireless communication network. The procedures
applied in this transmission are described with reference to FIGS.
1 and 2 and will be further described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0099] If the communication terminal 120 operates in the
communication system 60 according to the second embodiment of the
present invention the storage module is utilized for storing a
promotion message identity and information comprising transmitter
identity and messaging contact information (or a pointer to the
communication terminal's 120 storage module 128 holding this
information), recipient identity and messaging contact information
(or a pointer to the communication terminal's 120 storage module
128 holding this information), media event information such as
identity code, name or title, start time and end time, and group
application data, which data initializes and starts the reminder
application on each communication terminal and even activates
operationally the receiver of the communication terminal.
[0100] Furthermore, the communication terminal 120 utilizes the
calendar module 124 for storing local alerts pertaining the media
event promoted by the promotion message.
[0101] FIG. 4 shows a method according to a third embodiment of the
present invention designated in its entirety by reference numeral
150. The method 150 may be implemented in soft and/or hardware in
the event manager 12, 62, the promotion server 16, 66 and/or the
communica-tion terminals 28, 38, 78, 88 and/or 120.
[0102] The method 150 starts in step 152 and progresses following
the establishment of the fundamental requirements of a
communication system such as communication format and network
members' identities to the initiating of a promotion message 154.
The initiation of a promotion message comprises the generation of a
promotion message associated with a particular media event. The
generation may be accomplished by an event manager per se or by a
promotion message producer or a combination of thereof. The
promotion message is during the initiating of the promotion message
154 forwarded from the event manager to the promotion server, where
the promotion message is prepared for transmission to a predefined
number of communication terminals connected in a wireless
communication network, or to a randomly selected number of
communication terminals connected in the wireless communication
network, in this embodiment the promotion message may be
incorporated as part of SI information in a DVB-T system, so that
user may have this information as part of for example an EPG from
which the user will get the information of possible selectable
program alternatives to view. The communication terminals may be
listed at the promotion server as subscribers for all or certain
types of promotion messages or as non-subscribers to promotion
messages from that particular promotion server.
[0103] Further, the initiating of a promotion message comprises
registering particulars for the event relating to the promotion
message. That is, particulars such as the time and date for the
event, the duration of the event, the location of the event (e.g.
channel), and the type of the event.
[0104] Transmitting a promotion message 156 is initiated by the
promotion server by forwarding the promotion message to selected
communication terminals or through broadcasting to the
communication terminals in e.g. DVB-T communication. The promotion
server utilizes the above referenced lists for selecting the
appropriate communication terminals and utilizes the wireless
communication network and network formats for ensuring that the
selected communication terminals receive a readable copy of the
promotion message.
[0105] Receiving a promotion message 158 is accomplished by the
selected communication terminals and the communication terminals
may run the promotion message on the communication terminal by
utilizing a display or a loudspeaker or a combination thereof.
[0106] The promotion message comprises an invitation to be reminded
prior to the start of the event associated with the promotion
message and the receiving communication terminals are presented
with a question whether they accept 160 the invitation or not.
[0107] If the communication terminal accepts the invitation of the
promotion message, the method 150 initiates transmitting an
acceptance signal 162. The acceptance signal causes the method 150
into associating acceptance signal and promotion message 164 for
the accepting communication terminal to be registered in a database
together with information regarding promotion message identity and
information regarding transmitter identity and messaging contact
information (or a pointer to the communication terminal's memory
holding this information), recipient identity and messaging contact
information (or a pointer to the communication terminal's memory
holding this information), media event information such as identity
code, name or title, start time and end time, and group application
data, which data initializes and starts the reminder application on
each communication terminal.
[0108] The method 150 further provides the communication terminals
with the possibility to forward the promotion message, by answering
"Yes" during forward 166, to further communication terminals in the
wireless network. In case a particular communication terminal
desires to forward the promotion message to another communication
terminal in the wireless communication network the method returns
to transmitting of a promotion message 156. If the communication
terminal already has received the promotion message, the
communication terminal will reject the forwarded promotion message
or, alternatively, the promotion server avoids to transmit to
communication terminals, who already have received a copy of the
promotion message.
[0109] If the receiving communication terminal answers "No" during
accept 160 the method 150 is jumped to forward 166.
[0110] If the receiving communication terminals answer "No" during
forward 166, the method 150 enters a final mode of transmitting a
reminder 168. The reminder may be transmitted by the promotion
server or by the communication terminal who has forwarded the
promotion message to the receiving communication terminal. The
first reminder structure utilizes a client server method and the
second reminder structure utilizes a hierarchal method where a
forwarding communication terminal is obliged to forward a reminder
to the communication terminals accepting the promotion message
forwarded by the forwarding communication terminal.
[0111] When the reminder has reached all the accepting
communication terminals the method 150 enter its final step end
170, during which the promotion server returns to other promotion
message and associated reminders to be transmitted to communication
terminals in the wireless communication network.
Example
[0112] First Contact
[0113] User Abel receives a promotion message from the promotion
server. The promotion message invites Abel to see TV show that
starts the same evening at 8.15 on channel 1.
[0114] Abel watches the included slideshow and audio track and
finds the TV show to be promising. He decides to accept the
promotion message. A reminder is stored for 8.15.
[0115] Abel decides to invite some friends to enjoy the show
together through the mobile terminals.
Abel Invites his Friend Bert
[0116] Abel attaches a short text note to the promotion message and
sends it to his friend Bert.
Bert Receives the Invitation
[0117] Bert receives the invitation from Abel. He watches the
included slideshow and audio track and finds the program to be
interesting. He decides to accept the promotion message. A reminder
is stored for 8.15.
[0118] Bert Invites Cecil and David
[0119] Bert attaches a short text note to the promotion message,
replacing the note from Abel.
[0120] Bert sends the promotion message to his friends Cecil and
David.
Cecil is not Interested
[0121] Cecil receives the promotion message, watches it and does
not find the program interesting. He discards the promotion
message.
David Receives the Promotion Message
[0122] David receives the promotion message from Bert. He watches
the included slideshow and audio track and finds the program to be
interesting. He decides to accept the promotion message. A reminder
is stored for 8.15.
The Group
[0123] The group of users consists now of Abel, Bert and David. Any
cyclical forwarding of the promotion message (such as David
inviting Abel) can be disregarded by the receiving communication
terminal and a suitable notification sent to the inviting party.
Such cyclical relationships can be deduced from the unique
promotion message identity assigned to each tree of promotion
messages Despite the program the group is watching they may also
have access to chat, instant message services, during the program
so that they can interactively communicate to each other.
Regardless of the nature of the broadcast program, the group
application may be e.g. chat or Net meeting.
[0124] Maybe also different groups can join to the same group
event. This may allow the group application to be a game, and the
different groups compete against each other. Examples include quiz
games, fighting games or sports games such as football.
* * * * *