WO1998028916A1 - Interactivity with audiovisual programming - Google Patents
Interactivity with audiovisual programming Download PDFInfo
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- WO1998028916A1 WO1998028916A1 PCT/US1997/023751 US9723751W WO9828916A1 WO 1998028916 A1 WO1998028916 A1 WO 1998028916A1 US 9723751 W US9723751 W US 9723751W WO 9828916 A1 WO9828916 A1 WO 9828916A1
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- linear programming
- overlay
- interface data
- coupled
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
- H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
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- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/4302—Content synchronisation processes, e.g. decoder synchronisation
- H04N21/4307—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
- H04N21/43074—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen of additional data with content streams on the same device, e.g. of EPG data or interactive icon with a TV program
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- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
- H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
- H04N21/4314—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for fitting data in a restricted space on the screen, e.g. EPG data in a rectangular grid
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- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
- H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
- H04N21/4316—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
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- H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
- H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
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- H04N21/4722—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content
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- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client
- H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
- H04N21/6156—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network
- H04N21/6175—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via Internet
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- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
- H04N21/8126—Monomedia components thereof involving additional data, e.g. news, sports, stocks, weather forecasts
- H04N21/8133—Monomedia components thereof involving additional data, e.g. news, sports, stocks, weather forecasts specifically related to the content, e.g. biography of the actors in a movie, detailed information about an article seen in a video program
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- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/85—Assembly of content; Generation of multimedia applications
- H04N21/858—Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object, by creating a hotspot
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
- H04N5/445—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards for displaying additional information
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
- H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
- H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
- H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
- H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
- H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S707/00—Data processing: database and file management or data structures
- Y10S707/99941—Database schema or data structure
- Y10S707/99944—Object-oriented database structure
- Y10S707/99945—Object-oriented database structure processing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of interactive audiovisual systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for linking real-time data with audiovisual content to enable a user to make selections, manipulate data, and to execute functions by interacting with the audiovisual content being shown at the time.
- a user may decide to use the telephone or an online service to perform such functions based upon programming viewed on television. For example, a user may view a music video on television and then decide to use an automated telephone service or the
- Such systems allow the user, utilizing a remote control device in conjunction with a set-top box coupled to a cable television, satellite direct broadcast or other communication system, to select a desired movie or program to be viewed, request services and perform other functions such as those that may be performed today using telephones and computer networks.
- Such systems generally require the user to access such functions by using channels separate from channels on which programming is shown and/or by using menus to access such functions.
- a cursor system is used to allow the user to perform functions using a remote control.
- the present invention provides a method for enabling functions only at specified times based upon the content of audiovisual programming being shown to the user at the time. Furthermore, the functions enabled can be made to depend upon the content of the present audiovisual programming, so that the functions can be tailored to specific moments or events in an audiovisual presentation.
- the present invention presents the user with the ability to interact with the programming by selecting items appearing in the programming shown on the screen with a cursor, by making selections when prompted verbally by an on-screen host, or by other means. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be used for a variety of purposes, some of which are described in detail herein.
- the present invention provides a method and apparatus for enabling a user of an interactive audiovisual system to perform functions in real time based upon the content of audiovisual programming being shown to the user at the time ("overlay functions").
- the present invention provides a method and apparatus for linking real-time data with audiovisual content to enable a user to make selections, manipulate data, and to execute functions interactively through an audiovisual display unit based upon audiovisual content being displayed at the current time.
- audiovisual content is presented in synchronization with selected overlay functions so that the user has the ability to interact with the audiovisual content by performing said overlay functions associated with selected events that occur in the programming ("actionable events").
- a method and apparatus are provided to make overlay functions available to the user through the audiovisual display during the actionable events that occur in programming being viewed by the user.
- a user interface for each overlay function that may be performed which user interface may or may not be visible to the user, is overlaid on and synchronized with the programming being shown. Interaction with selections may be made using any of several known methods such as a screen menu or a cursor controlled by a remote control device. For example, while viewing a movie starring a famous celebrity, the set of overlay functions may include the ability to retrieve in an overlay window a list of recent movies starring the celebrity by selecting the celebrity's name during the opening credits of the movie, or whenever the celebrity appears on the audiovisual display.
- a visible cue may exist to indicate that a function may be performed, such as a visible graphical outline appearing on the audiovisual display around an item that may be selected.
- a user may be able to retrieve a team roster by selecting the name of a team when shown, or the career statistics of a player by selecting that player.
- a user while viewing a television program which reviews current movies, a user would have the ability to access an Internet World Wide Web site for a given movie by making a selection while that movie is being reviewed.
- the present invention may be used to implement an audiovisual program guide that allows a user to select programming being shown at the time by giving the user the ability to select one of several areas on the user's television screen, with each of the several areas displaying a different program that is available to the user at the time.
- overlay function set a set of overlay functions (“overlay function set”) is associated with each program to be shown to users.
- the overlay functions could include a variety of retrievable information and interactive functions that will be available to the user while the user is viewing the program.
- Each program may have unique overlay function sets since the overlay functions made available are based upon the unique content of each program. For each actionable event in a program, the operator will determine the overlay function set that will be made available to the user, and the characteristics of the interface that will both present the availability of the overlay functions to the user and allow the user to access the overlay functions.
- Overlay function sets and interface data for a plurality of programs are stored in memory.
- the overlay function sets and interface data for the program are synchronized with the program and loaded into the set-top box.
- the processor in the set-top box reads the overlay function set and interface data and then both implements the interface and enables the overlay functions in real time and in synchronization with the associated actionable event in the programming.
- the set-top box implements the relevant overlay functions selected by the user.
- the set-top box may communicate with the source provider as necessary to implement certain overlay functions selected by the user.
- Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a head end of an interactive television system utilizing the teachings of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of a remote user location of an interactive audiovisual system utilizing the teachings of the present invention.
- Figure 3 shows one possible implementation of synchronization data.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the detailed process performed by the processing unit in the head end of an interactive audiovisual system in one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 5 is a flowchart of the detailed process performed by the processing unit in the set-top box in one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 6 illustrates the basic protocol fields that facilitate the synchronization of overlay function sets and interface data with actionable events.
- the operations described herein are machine operations performed automatically or in conjunction with a human operator.
- Useful machines for performing the operations of the present inventions include general purpose digital computers, digitally controlled displays, or other similar devices such as set-top box control systems, video on demand servers and the like.
- the present invention relates to method steps for operating an interactive audiovisual system and processing electrical or other physical signals to generate other desired physical signals.
- the present invention also relates to apparatus for performing these operations.
- This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes or it may comprise general purpose computers selectively activated or reconfigured by computer programs stored in the computers.
- the method steps presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus.
- various general purpose machines may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove more convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required steps.
- a head-end is coupled to a wire or wireless, analog or digital, communication medium such as cable, satellite, microwave, terrestrial wave or optical fiber, which is in turn coupled to a plurality of users.
- a set-top box is coupled to the communication medium for receiving programming and data from the head end.
- a satellite signal could be used to transmit programming and data from the head end to the set-top box
- a wire telephony system may be used to send data from the set-top box back to the head end.
- the set-top box is also coupled to a television or other audiovisual display unit to enable the presentation of programming and data sent from the head end.
- the set-top box may include a processing unit coupled to a memory and other electronic modules such as decoders, decompressors and audiovisual generators. Computer programming and data files are stored within the memory and accessible by the processing unit.
- the processing unit generates and displays a graphical user interface on the user's audiovisual display unit, and controls any interactive communication between the user and the head end.
- the user's system will include a user input device, such as a remote control device, for use in conjunction with the set-top box to enable the user to make selections, change channels and settings, and perform other functions.
- Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a head end of an interactive television system utilizing the teachings of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of a remote user location of an interactive audiovisual system utilizing the teachings of the present invention.
- sequential code data which sequential code data may correspond to the elapsed time of each said program during its presentation.
- SMPTE time code and the Sony RC time code are well-known in the art as forms of sequential code data.
- any actionable event in a program can be uniquely identified by the beginning and ending sequential codes during which the event occurs. It is to be noted that data other than time may be used to index the program sequentially, such as, for example, the number of digital bytes read, the number of film frames elapsed, or some other non-time-based means for counting.
- the program may be viewed by a human operator, before the program is to be transmitted to users, so that the operator may determine and record the sequential codes for the actionable events.
- the overlay functions that will be made available to the user and the interface through which the availability of the overlay functions will be presented to the user and through which the user will access the overlay functions can be created for the program. Instructions to be used by the set-top box to allow the user to select overlay functions will be included as part of the interface data.
- user input can be determined by defining a screen area of the user's audiovisual display unit which may be actively selected by a user, and implementing the corresponding overlay function if the user selects the defined screen area using a cursor or some other means for indicating the selection of a certain screen area.
- the two-dimensional (X, Y) screen coordinates defining a selectable area of the screen may be sent to the set-top box as part of the interface data.
- the interface data defining a selectable screen area might include the two-dimensional coordinates of a single point on the screen and the radius of a circle centered at the single point.
- the set- top box may be programmed to generate the areas defined by the interface data.
- the interface data may also include visual indicators, or overlays, which will appear over the program shown to the viewer during the actionable event to indicate where the selectable screen areas are located.
- a certain object appearing on the screen may be highlighted in a certain transparent color to indicate to the user that the object may be selected with a cursor to perform an overlay function while the object is highlighted.
- the interface data may include a graphical, animated or live-action icon that will appear at a certain area on the screen while the actionable event is occurring. In this example, the location of the icon would coincide with a selectable screen area so that the user may implement an associated overlay function by selecting the icon.
- the interface data may be used to implement an audiovisual program guide that allows a user to select programming being shown at the time.
- the user's screen may separated into two or more screen areas, with each of the areas displaying a different program, or an icon or other representation of a different program, that is available to the user at the time.
- the interface data may include the two-dimensional (X,Y) coordinates of each screen area, as well as a visual indicator, or overlay, which will appear over the selectable screen area coinciding with the position of the user's cursor at the time.
- the visual indicator would appear over the new selectable screen area, which may then be selected by the user with the cursor to access the programming represented in that selectable screen area.
- the user might perform a function by pressing a special button on a remote control device when a text message generated by the set-top box appears at the bottom of the screen.
- the interface data could include the text message to be displayed, or the interface data may include instructions to the set-top box to generate the text message.
- the interface need not include a graphical overlay to indicate an actionable event. Users may be prompted by other means to perform overlay functions during actionable events. For example, a program may include a speaking host (who may or may not appear on screen) that tells the user which overlay functions may be performed at the time as well as how the user may perform the functions. Alternatively, the interface data may include audio data which is to be heard by the user when overlay functions are enabled.
- the interface data and overlay function set for a given actionable event may be uniquely associated with the actionable event by using the same sequential code data to identify the actionable event, the related overlay function set and the related interface data. This may be accomplished by assigning the sequential code data for the actionable event to the related interface data and overlay function set.
- the interface data and overlay function set can be retrieved from memory at the proper time and synchronized with the related actionable event by comparing the sequential code data assigned to the interface data and overlay function set with the current sequential code data during the presentation of the program to the user. Accordingly, it is understood that for each sequentially coded program, synchronization data is created by a human operator which data contains the sequential code data for the actionable events in the programming and the location in memory of interface data and overlay function set to be retrieved and presented to the user when the sequential code data for each actionable event is encountered.
- the synchronization data may take the form of a look-up table.
- Figure 3 shows one way in which synchronization data to be accessed by the processing unit (12) may be structured.
- the synchronization data is depicted as a table of addresses of the calls for the overlay function set and interface data associated with each actionable event in a program.
- additional attributes may be included in the synchronization data shown in Figure 3, such as a subset of user set-top box addresses for which a given actionable event will or will not be actionable. For example, if a certain group of users are not authorized to select overlay functions for a given event, the synchronization data may contain the set-top box addresses for those unauthorized users so that the processing unit can be instructed not to send the overlay function set and interface data for the actionable event to the unauthorized users.
- the first embodiment of the present invention uses sequentially coded programming received at the head end (2) by various means including transmission via satellite (4) from a remote location, or such sequentially coded programming may be stored in signal storage (6) at the head end. It is to be understood that sequentially coded programming may be stored in a variety of formats, including but not limited to MPEG format, DVD, videotape, or other formats.
- a switcher (8) is provided which switches between the programming sources depending upon which is desired to be transmitted to the user. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the switcher may take many forms.
- the switcher transmits the sequentially coded program to a signal combiner (10). It is understood that the signal combiner is well-known in the art and may be a multiplexer, a line inserter or other component.
- the sequentially coded program is also transmitted to a processing unit (12), which may include components such as random access memory, processors, co-processors, and interface drivers.
- a processing unit (12), which may include components such as random access memory, processors, co-processors, and interface drivers.
- Figure 4 illustrates the detailed process performed by the processing unit
- the processing unit (12) retrieves the synchronization data for the program from memory (14).
- the synchronization data is predetermined and may be stored in memory (14) by a human operator or downloaded to memory automatically from the source of the sequentially coded program with which the synchronization data is associated, prior to the transmission of the program.
- the processing unit (12) reads the sequential code data associated with the sequentially coded program.
- the processing unit (12) references the sequential code data to the synchronization data.
- the processing unit (12) determines whether an overlay function set and interface data exist for the current sequential code data (i.e. , whether there is an actionable event occurring in the programming).
- the processing unit (12) retrieves the interface data from memory (16) and the overlay function set from memory (18). If an overlay function set and interface data do not exist for the sequential code data being read, the processing unit prepares itself to read the next sequential code data.
- the overlay function set and interface data is predetermined and may be stored in memories (16 and 18) by a human operator or downloaded to memory automatically from the source of the sequentially coded program with which the synchronization data is associated, prior to the transmission of the program.
- the processing unit (12) sends the overlay function set and interface data to the signal combiner (10), which combines the overlay function set and interface data with the sequentially coded program so that the combined signal output by the signal combiner (10) contains the interface data and the overlay function set synchronized with the actionable event identified by the sequential code data read by the processing unit (12).
- the signal combiner (10) sends the combined signal to the head end transmission equipment (22) for transmission to one or more remote user locations (as shown in Figure 2) via communication medium (30). It is understood that head end transmission equipment may take various forms and is well-known in the art.
- the synchronization of the interface data and the overlay function set with the associated actionable event occurs in the head end (2).
- such synchronization may occur at a remote location from which the synchronized interface data, overlay function set and program may be transmitted to the head end (2) or a plurality of head ends for ultimate transmission to users as further described herein.
- Figures 6, 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate basic protocol fields, to be employed in a transport layer, that may be used to facilitate the synchronization process.
- the signal combiner structures the combined signal as shown in Figure 6.
- the sequential code data for a given actionable event may be sent first, followed by the overlay function set for the actionable event, followed by the interface data for the actionable event.
- the sequential code data for the actionable event may consist of the start and end codes for the actionable event.
- the overlay function set may consist of the calls to be made by processing units to implement each available overlay function.
- the interface data may consists of screen indicator attributes such as polygon shape, location, format, style and transitions.
- the apparatus of the remote user location is shown in detail in Figure 2.
- the combined signal containing the program, overlay function set and interface data is received at a receiving unit, which may be a set-top box (34) as shown in Figure 2, by a network interface (36) which sends the combined signal to a decoder (38) which separates the program from the overlay function set and interface data sent from the head end (2).
- the decoder sends the program to a signal combiner (50) which sends the program to the audiovisual display unit (52) for presentation to the user. Simultaneously, the decoder sends the synchronized interface data and overlay function set to a processing unit (40).
- Figure 5 illustrates the detailed process performed by the processing unit (40) in the present embodiment.
- the processing unit (40) receives the interface data and overlay function set.
- the processing unit (40) reads and formats the interface data.
- the processing unit (40) implements the user interface in accordance with the instructions contained within the interface data, including sending visual, audible, textual, and other material to the signal combiner (50) for presentation to the user in synchronization with the actionable event being sent to the audiovisual display unit (52).
- the processing unit (40) simultaneously reads the overlay function set and enables overlay functions in synchronization with the actionable event being sent to the audiovisual display unit (52) so that the user is able to implement the various overlay functions.
- the user may implement those functions by making selections using a remote control device (48) which transmits input signals to a control interface (46) coupled to the processing unit (40).
- the processing unit (40) determines whether the user has selected an overlay function.
- the processing unit (40) causes the selected overlay function to be performed.
- One or more of the overlay functions selected by the user may be performed in the set-top box (34) by the processing unit (40), which may include components such as interface drivers, processors, and co-processors and may include random access memory (42) capable of running applications that may be accessible as part of the overlay functions available to the user. Such applications may be pre-loaded in the set-top box or downloaded from the head end as needed.
- one or more of the overlay functions selected by the user may be performed at the head end (2) or other remote location.
- Signals received from the user at the control interface (46) by the processing unit (40) may be sent through the network interface (36) via communication medium (32) to a transaction processor (24) located at the head end (2), which causes the implementation of the overlay functions.
- communication medium (32) and communication medium (30) may be the same medium or they me be different.
- communication medium (30) may be a satellite signal, while communication medium (32) may be electrical wire, or alternatively, a two-way optical fiber may be used as the sole communication medium between the head end (2) and a plurality of remote user locations.
- the transaction processor may be coupled to Internet servers (28), databases (26), computer networks and other components to facilitate the implementation of the various overlay functions selected by users. For example, if an overlay function allows the user to connect to a world-wide web site containing information related to an actionable event in the programming being presented, the transaction processor may be connected to an Internet server to allow the user to access the world-wide web site. As another example, if an overlay function allows the user to request to be reminded when a future program is about to begin, the transaction processor may be connected to a computer system set up to store unique user addresses and program reminder information to be sent to such addresses.
- the processing unit (40) determines whether the current actionable event has ended. If the actionable event has not ended, the processing unit (40) continues to determine whether the user has selected an overlay function. If the actionable event has ended, the processing unit (40) resets and awaits the next actionable event.
- the processing unit (12) may determine from data received prior to receiving the sequentially coded program whether overlay function sets and interface data are available for the program (i.e.. whether there are one or more actionable events occurring in the programming). If overlay function sets and interface data are available, the processing unit ( 12) retrieves them from memory (16 and 18) and sends them to the set -top box (34) at some time prior to the transmission of the program to the set-top box (34).
- the processing unit ( 12) also retrieves synchronization data from memory ( 14) which, as further described below, will allow the set- top box (34) to synchronize overlay function sets and interface data with actionable events based upon sequential code data. It is to be understood that the synchronization data, overlay function sets and interface data may be stored with the associated program (in signal storage (6) or in storage at the location from which satellite transmitted programs are transmitted) and transmitted immediately prior to the transmission of the program to the switcher (8) and subsequently to the processing unit ( 12) and on to the set-top box (34).
- the synchronization data, overlay function set and interface data, and the sequentially coded program are received at the set-top box (34) by network interface (36) coupled to decoder (38).
- the decoder (38) sends the synchronization data, interface data and overlay function data to a processing unit (40) which stores them in memory (44).
- the processing unit (40) performs the same process detailed in Figure 4 as described with respect to the first embodiment, whereby the processing unit (40) is programmed to read the sequential code data associated with the program and reference it to the synchronization data stored in memory (44) to determine whether overlay function sets and interface data exist for the sequential code data read by the processing unit (40) (i.e., whether there are actionable events occurring in the programming).
- the processing unit retrieves the overlay function sets and interface data from memory (44).
- the processing unit (40) reads the interface data and implements the user interface in accordance with the instructions contained within the interface data, including sending visual, audible, textual, and other material to the signal combiner (50) for presentation to the user in synchronization with the actionable event being sent to the audiovisual display unit (52).
- the processing unit (40) also reads the overlay function set and enables overlay functions in synchronization with the actionable event being sent to the audiovisual display unit (52) so that the user is able to implement the various overlay functions.
- a program and related interface data and overlay function sets may be stored in transportable media such that actionable events in the programming are synchronized with associated interface data and overlay function sets prior to presentation to a user.
- the synchronization process described in the first embodiment and shown in Figure 1 as occurring in the head end (2) may be performed as described, except that the combined signal which is output by the signal combiner (10) may be stored in storage (20) for later transmission from the head end (2) as already described for the first embodiment, or for transfer to copies of transportable media, such as videotape, compact disc, DVD or other formats.
- the combined signal which is output by the signal combiner ( 10) may be transmitted to the remote user location, as described in the first embodiment, and then stored in transportable media by an appropriate recording/playback device (54) coupled to decoder (38) through external device interface (56).
- an appropriate recording/playback device (54) coupled to decoder (38) through external device interface (56).
- the combined signal is transmitted through external device interface (56) to decoder (38) and is processed as described in the first embodiment presented herein.
- the transmission of the program would originate in the user's home or other remote location from the recording/playback device (54), it would still be possible for one or more of the overlay functions selected by the user to be performed at the head end (2) or other remote location instead of in the set-top box (34).
- Signals received from the user at the control interface (46) by the processing unit may be sent through the network interface (36) via communication medium (32) to a transaction processor (24) located at the head end (2) or other remote location, which would implement the overlay functions.
- actionable events for a program may be selected, and interface data and overlay function sets may be created or selected for those actionable events and made available to users, during the transmission of the program.
- a human operator using a general purpose computer located at a head end location (2) may select overlay functions and create an interface, or select a pre-existing interface, for a given event that the operator wishes to make actionable for users.
- the operator instructs the processing unit (12) in the head end to immediately send the overlay function set and interface data to the signal combiner (10) to be synchronized with the event being transmitted to users at the time.
- the program it is not necessary for the program to be sequentially coded in advance of transmission since the operator determines when the overlay function sets and interface data should be sent to users.
- the program, the interface data and the overlay function sets are handled in the same fashion as the first embodiment described herein, whereby the overlay function sets and interface data are processed by the processing unit (40) and presented to users immediately.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
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CA002278496A CA2278496C (en) | 1996-12-23 | 1997-12-22 | Interactivity with audiovisual programming |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1528809A1 (en) | 2005-05-04 |
CA2278496C (en) | 2005-06-21 |
CA2278496A1 (en) | 1998-07-02 |
JP4346688B2 (en) | 2009-10-21 |
EP0945018B1 (en) | 2004-11-10 |
CA2499285C (en) | 2007-09-25 |
EP0945018A1 (en) | 1999-09-29 |
DE69731549D1 (en) | 2004-12-16 |
EP1528809B1 (en) | 2014-09-17 |
CA2499285A1 (en) | 1998-07-02 |
US5931908A (en) | 1999-08-03 |
DE69731549T2 (en) | 2005-10-27 |
AU5715398A (en) | 1998-07-17 |
AU739891B2 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
JP2001507533A (en) | 2001-06-05 |
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