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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a video device for the automated selective
retrieval of non-sequentially-stored video segments of a video program,
from a single video program source, responsive to a viewer's
preestablished video content preferences, and the transmission of the
selected segments as a seamless video program.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventional memory storage devices, as for example, laser disc players and
computer hard disks, when accessing or transferring data randomly located
on the device's memory storage unit, the read/write functions of the
device must wait for the proper positioning of the read/write head from
one location to another location. This operation usually referred to as
the average access time and measured in microseconds is one of the primary
determinants of a random access device's performance capabilities.
In full motion picture applications a device's capabilities are also
critical in terms of transfer rates and storage capacity. A typical motion
picture runs at 30 frames per second. In digital terms, reasonable quality
video, such as may be obtained from a VCR tape, requires approximately 1.5
megabytes per second, or a total of 10,800 megabytes for a two hour film.
While the application of compression technologies reduces the storage
requirements, this is offset by the greater requirements of high
definition television (HDTV).
As a result of the storage capacity, transfer rates, and average access
times, laser optical technology has proven its costs effectiveness in full
motion picture applications. State of the art laser video disc systems,
such as for example Pioneer's VDR-V1000, incorporates separate optical
heads for recording and erasing, and provides an average access time of
0.3 seconds. While in most applications a 0.3 seconds average access time
can be accommodated, this proves not be the case when a continuous
seamless retrieval of random frame sequences from a single video source is
required. A 0.3 average access time translates into a gap of 0.3 seconds
(approximately 9 frames) each time a non-sequential frame needs to be
retrieved. Where the viewing of a motion picture requires a significant
number of such random accesses, the repeated gaps represent a significant
failing.
Various data and video read and read/write architectures, such as those
comprising: i) a single head; ii) multiple heads, in which each head
operates on a different source surface; iii) multiple heads operating in
one surface, in which each set of heads moves over the surface as a single
unit; and iv) multiple heads, in which each head's movement over the
shared surface and function is independent of the operation of the other
heads; provide different average access time and transfer rate
capabilities.
For example, the patent to Takemura et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,070,
discloses a tracking method for an optical disc in which two laser spots
irradiate two adjoining slants of a V-shape groove. Since the laser spots
movement over the disc surface are in unison, the shortcomings of access
time gaps are not resolved.
With respect to the objects of the present invention, the shortcomings of
the prior art known to the applicant are not limited to the hardware
architecture. From the outset, film production has and continues to be
directed at the eventual production of a unique linear sequence of frames.
In the creation of motion picture, producers and artists often surrender
the exercise of creative expression to the inherent constraints of an
unique linear sequence of frames, generally accepted norms, marketing
objectives, and the censoring influence of the Motion Picture Association
of America, Inc. rating system. In general, the resulting compromise
inevitably provides for scenes, content, or artistic expression, which
either exceeds or fails to satisfy individual viewer preferences. Too
often, gains made in the exercise of creative expression result in the
loss of potential audience. To that extent, recently a number of films are
issued in an U.S. version, and a more explicit European version.
Viewers that are attracted by the general subject matter of a motion
picture, and, on the basis of the MPAA's motion picture rating system,
elect to view the motion picture are subjected to material in the program
they would not have selected for their own viewing. In a 1989 poll
conducted by the Associated Press, 82% of the respondents felt that movies
contained too much violence, 80% found too much profanity, and 72%
complained of too much nudity.
A number of editing systems in the prior art have attempted to address
these issues. For example, the patent to Von Kohorn, U.S. Pat. No.
4,520,404, discloses a remote recording and editing system, whose
functions include the activation or deactivation of a television receiver
and a recording apparatus by the transmission of control or editing
command signals, generated from a central station where an operator
monitors a broadcast transmission. Similarly, the patent to Chard, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,605,964, discloses a television controller that utilizes coding
for identifying and automatically deleting undesirable sound and visual
events broadcast with a program. The patent to Olivo, Jr., U.S. Pat. No.
4,888,796, discloses a screening device capable of automatically disabling
the TV or video receiving device in response to the receiver's recognition
of a non-interfering material content signal co-transmitted with the
program signals. However, even the aggregation of Von Kohorn, Chard, and
Olivo, fails to suggest a video software/hardware architecture wherein the
disabling of segments of the program material does not produce dead
segments.
The patent to Vogel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,160, addresses the resulting dead
segments in the transmission by providing a facility for displaying
alternative material during the dead segments. The alternative material
selected during censorship periods can originate from a remote source, for
example, another television broadcast, or locally, for example, from a
video disc or tape player. However, Vogel and the prior art known to the
applicant, do not provide a system that creates, from a single source, an
automatically edited, seamlessly continuous program in which edited out
segments are replaced with other parts of the same program responsive to a
viewer's preestablished video content preferences.
The patent to Bohrman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,482, discloses and is titled
"Interactive Video Control System for Displaying User-Selectable Clips".
In Bohrman, it is the viewer that, with precise knowledge of the contents
of the video segments of a program, interactively creates an arrangement
of the viewer selected segments. In other words the segments are not
automatically selected and arranged responsive to a viewer's
preestablished content preferences. Additionally, Bohrman fails to address
the problems associated with the laser disc player's average access times.
A number of other interactive systems in the prior art provide viewers the
means to participate, and thereby affect, the program's story lines or
plot. The patent to Best, U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,026, discloses a video
entertainment system where human viewers conduct simulated voice
conversations with screen actors or cartoon characters in a branching
story game shown on a television screen. As opposed to passive systems,
the essence of interactive video systems is a viewer's participation. In
interactive systems, at frequent points, the system's continued operation
is dependent on the viewer's response.
In electronic games, of which Sega's CD ROM System for Genesis is an
example, the access time of approximately one second results in noticeable
pauses in the action, the effect of which is also mitigated by the
interactive nature of the software. As a result of their interactivity,
these systems can accept significantly slow random access times.
Further, as electronic games have been principally directed at children, or
contain primitive subject matter, they have not dealt with issues raised
by the more complex adult forms of expression inherent in contemporary
motion picture films. While electronic games provide setup editing
capabilities (selection of: level of difficulty, character, weapons,
etc.), they do not provide censoring editing capabilities. This is clearly
evidenced in the discussion, marketing, and development of video games
dealing with material generally deemed not suitable for children. Given
the random access capability of CD-based systems, it is surprising that
when dealing with adult subject matter, the inherent limitations of
conventional films and the MPAA's rating system have been adopted by
forthcoming CD based video games.
Thus the prior art known to the applicant has failed to show an integrated
software and hardware architecture that provides for the automated
selective retrieval of non-sequentially stored video segments of a
program, from a single program source, responsive to a viewer's
preestablished viewing preferences, and the transmission of the selected
segments as a seamless video program.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the various
features of the present invention which are directed to a seamless
transmission of non-sequential video segments. For purposes of the present
invention, various terms or nomenclature used in the art are defined as
follows:
The term "viewer" as used herein is meant to include and be interchangeable
with the words "player" (when referring to a person), subscriber, and
"user". That is, the term "viewer" ought to be understood in the general
sense of a person passively viewing a video, interactively playing a video
game, retrieving video from a video provider, and/or actively using
multi-media.
The terms "video" and "video program" are interchangeable and refer to any
video image regardless of the source, motion, or technology implemented. A
"video" comprises images found in full motion picture programs and films,
in interactive electronic games, and in video produced by multi-media
systems. Unless otherwise qualified to mean a computer software program,
the term "program" is interchangeable and may be replaced with the word
"video". While a particular feature may be detailed with respect to a
specified viewing, gaming, or computing application, it is intended herein
to apply the teachings of the present invention broadly and harmoniously
across the different classes of applications that generate a video output.
The terms "variable content program" and "variable content game" refer to a
specific video program characterized by a greater variety of possible
logical content sequences that result from the additional segments
provided for that purpose. The term "content" referring principally to the
form of expression rather than the story-line. Where initially produced as
a variable content program, the video utilizes parallel, transitional, and
overlapping segments to provide viewing of a program's
story-line/interactive action at different levels of forms of expression.
The term "video content preferences" refers to a viewer's preferences as to
the "content" of a video. "Video content preferences", specifically and
principally, although not exclusively, refers to a viewer's preestablished
and clearly defined preferences as to the manner or form (e.g.
explicitness) in which a story/game is presented, and the absence of
undesirable matter (e.g. profanity) in the story/game. In the broadest
sense the term "video content preferences" further includes "video
programming preferences", which refers exclusively to a viewer's
preferences as to specific programs/games (e.g Sega's "Sherlock Holmes
Consulting Detective"), types of programs/games (e.g. interactive video
detective games), or broad subject matter (e.g. mysteries). In contrast to
the prior art "video-on-demand" systems which are responsive to a viewer's
"video programming preferences"; a more inclusive "content-on-demand"
system as per the teachings of the present invention is responsive to a
viewer's "video content preferences".
The term "seamless" is intended in the sense that the transmission of
sequential and non-sequential frames is undiscernible to the eye, and not
in the sense of the natural video seams that result in the intended
changes from one scene to another, from one camera angle to the other, or
from one gaming sequence to the other. In a seamless transmission of a
variable content motion picture a constant video frame transmission rate
is maintained, whether the frames are sequential or non-sequential.
The terms "B-ISDN", specifically referring to a broadband integrated
services digital network, and "fiber optic", specifically referring to a
network comprising fiber optic cable, refer to any "communications" means,
private or public, capable of transmitting video from a remote video
source to a viewer. In the broadest sense these terms further comprise
satellite communications.
Where not clearly and unambiguously inconsistent with the context, these
and other terms defined herein are to be understood in the broadest
possible sense that is consistent with the definitions.
Accordingly, in view of the shortcomings of the prior art, it is an object
of the present invention to provide a device comprising integrated random
access video technologies and video software architectures that furnishes
a viewer the automated selective retrieval of non-sequentially stored,
parallel, transitional, and overlapping video segments from a single
variable content program source, responsive to the viewer's preestablished
video content preferences, and transmits the selected segments as a
logical, seamless, and continuous video program.
It is another object of the invention to provide an interactive video game
system comprising interactive video game software, variable content game,
and a program segment map defining segments of the variable content game,
furnishing a player of the interactive video game the automatic and
logical selection of video segments responsive to the application of the
player's video content preferences to the program segment map, and
responsive to the logic of the interactive video game software.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that
furnishes a previewer of a variable content program the capability for
efficiently previewing automatically selected segments from the program,
responsive to a viewer's preestablished preferences, to permit the
previewer to indicate the inclusion of the selected segments in the
program to be viewed by the viewer.
It is yet another object of the present invention that a viewer's video
content preferences be stored in a portable memory device.
It is yet another object of the present invention to integrate fiber optic
communications capabilities and read/write laser disc player capabilities
within a single device to facilitate the downloading of a motion picture
program from a source remote to the device.
It is yet other objects of the present invention to provide a variety of
reading architectures that produce a seamless reading of sequential and
non-sequential segments of a variable content program from a single video
source.
Briefly these and other objects of the invention are accomplished by means
of the random access video technologies detailed herein in combination
with the teachings herein of a variable content program.
Unlike traditional film media that permits a program format with only a
single sequence of frames, random access video technologies make possible
a variable content program format that is characterized by a variety of
possible logical sequences of video frames. In a variable content program
the artist and program producer are challenged to create greater variety
in the form of expression, and utilize parallel, transitional, and
overlapping segments to provide viewing of a program at that level of
expression, content, detail, and length, that is consistent with a variety
of viewer preferences.
In contrast to interactive motion pictures, and full motion video games, in
a variable content program it is principally the form of expression that
is the object of alternate frame sequences, rather than the story-line. In
a variable content program, each of the significant scenes and actions can
be implicitly expressed, as found for example in a "PG" rated film,
explicitly expressed, as found for example in an "R" rated film, and
graphically expressed, as found for example in an "NC-17" rated film. As a
result, unlike motion pictures which are packaged as a single sequence of
frames, the U.S. version, the European version, the edited-for-TV version,
the "XXX" version, and the version addressing each viewer's particular
tastes and preferences, reside harmoniously within a single variable
content motion picture.
The present invention details a number of random access video technologies
that permit the retrieval, in a logical order, of the non-sequential
segments that comprise a variable content program without altering the
transmission of the required frames per second. An embodiment of a video
system as per the present invention, permits the automatic transmission of
the selected segments from a variable content program as a seamless
continuous and harmonious video program responsive to a viewer's
preestablished video content preferences. In a second embodiment, segments
from an interactive video game are selected responsive to the logic of the
interactive video game software and the player's video content
preferences.
In a laser disc video system, random access video technologies principally
comprising: multiple independently simultaneously controlled reading
units, video buffer, and media architecture, permit, in one embodiment,
during the read operation of one of the reading units of the video
information contained in a program source, the repositioning of a second
one of the reading units to the next required non-sequential position in
the program source. The resulting synchronization effectively eliminating
the gaps that would result from a single reading unit's average access
time. That is, pauses, gaps, dead frames, and fill-ins, are eliminated in
the playing of non-sequential video segment stored in a single program
source.
To achieve the automated selection of only those segments consistent with a
viewer's preestablished viewing preferences, each program segment in a
variable content program is defined by and is associated with a content
descriptive structure that provides specific and detailed information as
to each segment's subject matter, level of detail, and form of expression.
The segments definitions of a program further comprises a first and last
frame identifier, and beginning frame identifiers of the next logical
segments. The segments definitions are organized into a program segment
map.
A random access device as per the present invention provides each viewer
the opportunity to preestablish both any number of generalized,
personalized video content preferences, and program/event specific content
preferences, identifying the viewing preferences in each of a number of
content categories. By analyzing a viewer's preestablished video content
preferences as they relate to a program's segment map, the random access
device gains the information to automatically exclude segments of the
variable content program containing material which the viewer does not
wish to view, and to transmit as a logical seamless transparently
harmonious and continuous program only those sequential or non-sequential
scenes or segments of the program whose content and form of expression are
consistent with the viewer's preestablished video content preferences. The
playing of a variable content program does not require that the viewer
preview the contents of the segments of the program, and does not require
viewer intervention during the viewing of the program.
Thus, the present invention while challenging the video program producer to
fully exercise the freedom of expression, provides for the automated,
seamless transmission of non-sequential video segments containing that
level of artistic expression that is consistent with a viewer's
preestablished video content preferences. The present invention,
effectively harmonizing what are regarded in the popular press as
conflicting objectives, provides an unparalleled opportunity for "freedom
of expression and freedom from expression" (C).
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention,
are more easily recited and are apparent in the context of the detailed
description of the invention, accompanying drawings, and appended claims,
that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a flow chart summarizing the steps of producing a variable
content program as per the present invention;
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, are illustrations of video segment descriptive
structures as per the present invention;
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, are diagrams of three versions of a video segment and
corresponding descriptive structures, each segment a variation of the
other as per the present invention;
FIG. 3D is a diagram representation of a variable content program showing
the non-sequential arrangement of segments as per the present invention;
FIG. 3E is a diagram representation of a variable content program reading
stream and transmission stream as per the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a sample video content preference selection screen as per the
present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a random access video technology device
comprising fiber optic communications and variable content laser disc
capabilities as per the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic detail of a laser disc module's multiple reading
units architecture as per the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram a video program provider and subscriber
network architecture as per the present invention;
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, are flow charts summarizing the process of playing a
variable content program as per the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a flow chart summarizing the process of previewing flagged
segments as per the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The steps in the production of a variable content program are summarized
with respect to the simplified flow chart of FIG. 1. Each scene or
fragment of a scene on a video script is reviewed 130 according to an
appropriate segment descriptive structure, as for example detailed with
respect to FIGS. 2A-D. A screenwriter now has the freedom to expand the
scenes by adding parallel, overlapping, and transitional segments, to
cover a wider descriptive range 140 without the concern for the
limitations inherent in first generation program formats. A successful
filming 150 of this variable content architecture is a function of the
skill of director(s), actors, animators, programmers, etc. to provide for
parallel and transitional segments with the required transparent harmony.
In contrast to the editing of first generation motion pictures that require
producing a unique linear sequence of segments, editing of this program
format requires a parallel, non-sequential, logical arrangement of
segments 160. A segment assigned a category descriptor may be congruent in
one or more frames with a segment assigned a different category
descriptor. Where necessary, a video segment is associated with more than
one audio segment, and corresponding separate voice and video category
descriptors are provided. The editing of a variable content program is
significantly distinguished from the editing of an interactive motion
picture is that in the latter the editing is concerned with a branching
story-line, while editing in the former is principally concerned with
optional forms of expression of the same story-line.
The complexity of a variable content program/game is only limited by the
requirements, desires, skill, and hardware/software available to the
program editor. To that extent, it is intended that the editing functions,
in particular, be assisted by integrated computerized editing resources.
With respect to the computer assisted editing, the teachings of the
patents to Bohrman, previously cited, and to Kroon et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,449,198, are by reference incorporated herein. It should be appreciated
that the art of program editing under this new format is intended to
significantly transfer censorship, and time-constrained editing decision
making from the producer/editor to the viewer.
As each segment is defined, the beginning frame and end frame in each of
the relevant segments is identified, the segment content is assigned a
category descriptor, and logical entry and exit references are assigned
170. The resulting segment definition is mapped 180 and the required user
interface produced. The program segment map, any user interface routines
particular to the program, and player control codes, if required, are
provided with the information comprising the programs video and sound.
FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate examples of generalized descriptive
structures that are utilized to review the | | |
