Interactive video system - Patent Review 5914712

What is claimed is:

1. A method for distributing video programs to a group of subscribers comprising:

creating digital video programs by converting and compressing said video programs;

determining a preferred program type based on a previous selection made by said group of subscribers, wherein at least one of said video programs is of said preferred program type;

selecting at least one of said digital video programs based at least in part on said determined preferred program type;

distributing said selected digital video programs to a remote site;

broadcasting identification information for at least one of said selected digital video programs to said group of subscribers;

receiving a subscriber selection from a selecting subscriber, said selecting subscriber being a member of said group of subscribers, said subscriber selection identifying a subscriber-selected digital video program; and

broadcasting a broadcast program to said group of subscribers, said broadcast program including said subscriber-selected digital video program and at least one other program segment, wherein said subscriber-selected digital video program is broadcasted in an order based in part on a time when said subscriber selection is received, and wherein a content of said at least one other program segment is based in part on at least one previous selection made by said group of subscribers.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said selected digital video program is broadcasted in said order based on at least one other parameter, wherein said at least one other parameter is based on at least one of (1) types of previously-included subscriber-selected digital video programs, (2) length of time of each one of a plurality of subscriber-selected digital video programs currently in said continuous program, (3) a monetary amount paid for selecting said subscriber-selected digital video program, (4) number of subscribers selecting said subscriber-selected digital video program, and (5) at least one demographic measure of said group of subscribers.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining said preferred program type comprises analyzing an historical record of preferences of said group of subscribers.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said content is selected by analyzing an historical record of preferences of said group of subscribers.

5. A method for distributing video programs to a group of subscribers comprising:

determining a preferred program type based on a previous selection made by said group of subscribers, wherein at least one of said video programs is of said preferred program type;

converting and compressing said video programs to generate digital video programs;

distributing said digital video programs to a remote site;

broadcasting identification information for at least one of said digital video programs to said group of subscribers;

receiving a subscriber selection from a selecting subscriber, said selecting subscriber being a member of said group of subscribers, said subscriber selection identifying a selected digital video program; and

broadcasting a broadcast program through an Internet to said group of subscribers, said broadcast program including said selected digital video program and at least one other program segment, wherein said selected digital video program is broadcasted in an order based in part on a relative order of receiving said subscriber selection, and wherein a content of said at least one other program segment is based in part on at least one previous selection made by said group of subscribers.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said selected digital video program is broadcasted in said order based on at least one other parameter, wherein said at least one other parameter is based on at least one of (1) types of previously-included selected digital video programs, (2) length of time of each one of a plurality of selected digital video programs currently in said continuous program, (3) a monetary amount paid for selecting said selected digital video program, (4) number of subscribers selecting said selected digital video program, and (5) at least one demographic measure of said group of subscribers.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said content is selected by analyzing an historical record of preferences of said group of subscribers.

8. A method for distributing video programs to a group of subscribers comprising:

determining a preferred program type based on a previous selection made by said group of subscribers, wherein at least one of said video programs is of said preferred program type;

converting and compressing said video programs to generate digital video programs;

distributing said digital video programs to a remote site;

broadcasting identification information for at least one of said digital video programs to said group of subscribers;

receiving a subscriber selection through an Internet from a selecting subscriber, said selecting subscriber being a member of said group of subscribers, said subscriber selection identifying a selected digital video program; and

broadcasting a broadcast program to said group of subscribers, said broadcast program including said selected digital video program and at least one other program segment, wherein said selected digital video program is broadcasted in an order based in part on a relative order of receiving said subscriber selection, and wherein a content of said at least one other program segment is based in part on at least one previous selection made by said group of subscribers.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said selected digital video program is broadcasted in said order based on at least one other parameter wherein said at least one other parameter is based on at least one of (1) types of previously-included selected digital video programs, (2) length of time of each one of a plurality of selected digital video programs currently in said continuous program, (3) a monetary amount paid for selecting said selected digital video program, (4) number of subscribers selecting said selected digital video program, and (5) at least one demographic measure of said group of subscribers.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said content is selected by analyzing an historical record of preferences of said group of subscribers.

11. A method for distributing video programs to a group of subscribers comprising:

converting and compressing said video programs to generate digital video programs;

distributing said digital video programs to a remote site;

broadcasting identification information through the Internet for at least one of said digital video programs to said group of subscribers;

receiving a subscriber selection from a selecting subscriber, said selecting subscriber being a member of said group of subscribers, said subscriber selection identifying a selected digital video program; and

broadcasting a broadcast program to said group of subscribers, said broadcast program including said selected digital video program and at least one other program segment, wherein said selected digital video program is broadcasted in an order based in part on a relative order of receiving said subscriber selection, and wherein a content of said at least one other program segment based in part on at least one previous selection made by said group of subscribers.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said selected digital video program is broadcasted in said order based on at least one other parameter, wherein said at least one other parameter is based on at least one of (1) types of previously-included selected digital video programs, (2) length of time of each one of a plurality of selected digital video programs currently in said continuous program, (3) a monetary amount paid for selecting said selected digital video program, (4) number of subscribers selecting said selected digital video program, and (5) at least one demographic measure of said group of subscribers.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said content is selected by analyzing an historical record of preferences of said group of subscribers.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method of displaying subscriber selected video information on a television. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of operating a system wherein remotely selected video information is broadcast to all television receivers in a predefined group. Subscribers can view the selected video information by tuning to a predetermined channel. The selection occurs using a telephone or a remote control at the viewer's location. The information is retrieved from its storage location, and then the video selection is broadcast to all the television receivers of subscribers within the predefined group.

One type of video system allows a subscriber to view selected video information on cable television. These systems are often referred to as pay-per-view video systems. For example, a subscriber may be provided with a switch or controller by which the subscriber can choose to view free television, listen to music, or view pay television. Other systems allow for the insertion of advertisements into video programming. These systems are identified as Digital Video Ad Inserters and they are provided commercially by, for example, TEXSCAN and STARNET.

Other systems allow a subscriber or viewer to select and view video information that will be broadcast to all subscribers or viewers on one common channel using only a conventional television receiver and a telephone having a touch tone keypad. These systems allow for remote diagnosis, operation, and control. Such remote capabilities enable, for example, the receipt of a dedication forwarded from a central or host station to be displayed on a broadcast from a particular remote system location. In addition, these systems can utilize an audio track from one source and video information from another source, placing them both on the outgoing line for display on each viewer's television receiver.

Thus, a subscriber can select video information to be broadcast to all subscribers/viewers on one common channel using only a conventional touch tone keypad or telephone including such a keypad. These systems are set forth in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,089,885, 5,019,900 and 4,761,684. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,089,885, 5,019,900 and 4,761,684, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, respond to the need for an effective and cost-efficient group-oriented interactive video system. These patents provide methods and apparatus for operating a cable television system wherein a subscriber can select video information to be displayed on a common channel of the televisions of all subscribers. The systems described in these patents have met with substantial success and are pioneering in the field of group-oriented, interactive video systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention responds to the need for a more effective, cost-efficient, group-oriented, interactive video system. In one embodiment, the invention distributes video programming from a central location to remote sites and then broadcasts selected video programs from the remote sites to a predefined group of subscribers. This group of subscribers can then view the digital video programs on their televisions and/or computers. In the present patent application, subscriber refers to any consumer who receives the selected digital video programming. The individual consumer can control which of a plurality of video programs is broadcast to the predefined group of subscribers.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for distributing video programs to a predetermined group of subscribers. The video programs are converted into a digital compressed format and then distributed to a remote site. Identification information for the digital video programs is broadcast to the group of subscribers. Each of these subscribers has the option of selecting one of the identified digital video programs for broadcast. A continuous program which includes the selected digital video programs is broadcast to the group of subscribers. The order of the selected digital video programs within the continuous program is based at least in part on when the subscriber selections are received.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the overall operation of the system in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical subscriber's television display in which the names of the available video selections along with video identification numbers are scrolled across the bottom of the television screen;

FIG. 3 illustrates the overall system structure of a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates the overall system structure for a second embodiment which utilizes a satellite;

FIG. 5 provides a configuration for a central site in a first embodiment;

FIG. 6 provides a configuration within a central site; and

FIG. 7 provides a configuration for a remote site.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an arrangement for distributing selected digital video programs to a predefined group of subscribers. The group of subscribers are usually defined as a group of consumers which receive a common television channel. For example, a group of subscribers in the city of Miami, Fla. may receive channel 2 which provides the selected video programs. The subscribers in this group can select video programs for display on channel 2. In the preferred embodiment, the selecting of video programs is done with either a telephone or other remote control device.

If a telephone is used for selecting, then a touch-tone telephone keypad used in conjunction with, for example, a "1-800" or a "1-900" telephone number is utilized in the preferred arrangement. For example, one "1-900" number associated with one of the predefined subscriber groups is displayed on a common channel to that group. When a subscriber in that subscriber group dials that "1-900" number, the call is automatically routed to a central location. The central location then interacts with the calling subscriber such that the subscriber can use their touch-tone telephone keypad or otherwise select an available video for broadcast to the subscriber group. When a video is selected for broadcast, information indicating that selection is sent to the remote site associated with the selecting subscriber. For example, a cable provider located in Denver may provide selectable videos on channel 4. This channel 4 could be broadcast to any predefined group of subscribers in the Denver area (e.g., to a specific Denver suburb). Subscribers who receive this channel 4 also receive information on how to select available videos. For example, a "1-800" number along with a video identification number may be provided within the broadcast program. When a subscriber calls this "1-800", the subscriber is routed to a central office in, for example, Miami. The calling subscriber can then select a desired video program by providing the office in Miami with the identification number of that desired video. The selection information is then transmitted to the Denver cable provider such that it can be used to provide the selected video program for broadcast on channel 4.

Therefore, the videos which are available for broadcast are listed on the common television channel for each subscriber group. Each available video has an associated identification number to facilitate the automatic ordering of these videos, and this identification number is displayed, for example, in a scroll bar within the current video program. Multiple "1-800" and/or "1-900" numbers can be used for different selection types (e.g., for regular selecting, for the selection of multiple videos at one time, for promotional activities, for ordering video-related products, etc.). In the preferred embodiment, the scroll bar is used to provide the titles of available video programs along with their identification numbers to subscribers. This scroll can provide additional information such as (1) information related to the video which is being broadcast, (2) advertisements of any type, (3) trivial and factual information (preferably related to music), (4) news-type information, and (5) additional information related to the video programs available for selection.

In one embodiment, the automated voice response can utilize the voice of the artist on the identified video. For example, if a subscriber calls and selects a "Rolling Stones" video, the automated answering system can respond with Mick Jaggar's voice, thanking the subscriber for the selection. Moreover, the automated voice response can be available to the subscriber in multiple languages. In the preferred embodiment, different languages are available to the caller when the associated group of subscribers is located in an area which uses multiple languages. For example, the system may provide different phone numbers for different language services. Alternatively, the system's first selection with a touch-tone phone may be a language selection, in which case the rest of the remote selection session takes place in the selected language. Under the latter circumstance, when a subscriber dials a phone number for access to the remote site, the subscriber is immediately given the choice for proceeding in one of multiple available languages.

When a telephone is used for ordering videos, that telephone can be located within or away from the broadcast receiving site (i.e., any remote pay-phone or the like can be used to order videos). When the telephone used for ordering a video is located away from the subscriber's home, the subscriber must provide a credit card number or some other type of account number for payment. For example, a special debit card can be issued for this purpose. If a credit card number is used, the charge for the video program selection is put on the subscriber's credit card.

In some embodiments, a prompt on the telephone automated voice may transfer a subscriber to a merchandising section which allows the subscriber to purchase, for example, video-related products. In this arrangement, before or after a video has been selected, the automated voice response may ask the caller if they are interested in purchasing merchandise. The type of merchandise may or may not be set forth in the initial voice prompt. If the caller indicates, via their touch-tone telephone, an interest in possibly purchasing merchandise, the caller is transferred to a different automated voice which presents the available merchandise, the associated prices, the method of payment, shipping information, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the caller may be transferred to an individual in the central location who can take the merchandise order.

FIG. 1 illustrates the overall operation of the system in one embodiment. In step 20, a continuous video program is broadcast to a group of subscribers from a remote site (e.g., cable television location), as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a typical subscriber's television display 50 in which the names of the available video selections along with video identification numbers are scrolled across the bottom of television screen 50. Scroll 52 may include a "1-800" number or "1-900" number. Alternatively, these telephone numbers may be located within a different field 54 in television display 50. In addition, information related to the current video on television screen 50 can be located in yet another field 56 within television screen 50.

In step 22 of FIG. 1, a subscriber calls a "1-900" number to request that a desired video program be played. In step 24, the telephone call is answered at the system's central location and the subscriber is prompted to input the selection number, such as "234". This subscriber selection is logged at the central location. This log includes various information, such as the subscriber selection time, the selection number for the desired video program, the identification number for the selecting subscriber, etc. At step 26, a billing and accounting review takes place to check the caller's credit history and to bill the caller. In step 28, the selection is transmitted to, for example, the cable television service provider. In step 30, the requested video program is placed in a queue. In step 32, the subscriber's selection number is displayed on scroll 52 within television screen 50, to provide quick feedback to the selecting subscriber. In step 34, the selection moves to the top of the queue and is played on the relevant cable television channel.

A remote control can also be used by a subscriber to select an available video for broadcast. In the preferred embodiment, this remote control is used in conjunction with a two-way cable box (or other set-top box) located in the subscriber's home, or in conjunction with a bi-directional satellite system owned by the subscriber. Again the subscriber enters information in respon