摘要:
The present invention involves a system, apparatus, and method for providing private in-band data to digital set-top boxes (12) in a broadcast environment. In one example, a digital set-top box (12) conforming to the present invention includes one or more programmatic identifiers, such as a manufactures identification, a product identification, and software application identifications. On a channel and at a time, the set-top box receives a broadcast transmission of in-band update data, such as profile data or software code, with matching identifiers. Upon receipt of the broadcast transmission having matching identifiers, the in-band update data is stored in a memory (28) of the set-top box (12) or the appropriate application is modified.
摘要:
A method and system for providing on-line game (60) competition are provided. Players (402) select their favorite teams, join with the other fans of the team (50), and compete against players on the opposites team. Teams compete against each other in matches, where matches are based on schedules of real-life events, such as sports schedules or entertainment schedules. Players (402) are grouped with other players associated with their favorite teams, and matches are organized. Varios trivia questions (100) may be presented, and players have a predetermined period to answer the questions. Points may be awarded based on a player's success in competition and the overall teams success in the matches. Further, prizes are awarded based on points received by a player.
摘要:
A method and system for reinserting local content commercials in a digital video format into a customized event data stream. Local content commercials may be inserted at an on-site facility, a national network, a headend, or a local affiliate. Local content commercials may be inserted into the overall data stream, or into one of a plurality of program signals comprising the data stream. Further, markers or software instructions may be inserted into the data stream or program signals instructing a headend, set top box, or personal video recorder to retrieve a stored local content commercial and insert the commercial into the data stream.
摘要:
A system and method for providing and redeeming electronic paperless coupons. Electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention are typically generated by a content or online services provider and retrieved by a consumer. In one embodiment, the electronic coupon may be embedded (404) in a video or audio program (406) received and enjoyed by the consumer, while in another embodiment, the coupon may be transmitted via a separate signal. A variety of devices, including televisions, set-top boxes, personal computers (PCs), and so forth may be used to request, receive, and/or redeem electronic coupons. Electronic coupons may be transmitted across a packet switched network, the Internet, an intranet, a local area lines, a cellular network, a combination circuit switched and packet switched network, and/or any other type of network capable of transmitting information.
摘要:
A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet (20). A computer-based system (16, 114) receives a video program and uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs are interpreted by the system (12) to direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages (98). The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen (18). The actual retrieved Web pages can be time stamped and displayed, on another portion of the display screen (18), when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. The computer-based system can receive the URLs embedded in the video program (86) or directly through an Internet connection (94), at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance.
摘要:
A web page staging area enables the construction of web pages hidden from the view of the user. Once a web page has been constructed, it is displayed to the user in response to timer event information or upon receipt of a particular command instructing that it be displayed. Use of the staging area provides the user with a more television-like experience in viewing content from the Internet or other source in that the user need not view a web page as it is being constructed on a display device. Use of timer event information for displaying the constructed web page permits synchronization of the web page with associated programming.
摘要:
A file specifying a "donut" of dynamic, hierarchical, shared user-profile information is maintained. The donut contains a user-profile, or acts as a key to a data repository containing such a user-profile, and the donut specifies user-profile information such as user characteristics, viewing preferences, hobbies, and spending habits. The donut may be stored in a network server or in a user's machine which is connectible to the network. The donut is accessed by browser programs, associated web server programs, and other applications for use in routing content to the user associated with the donut. The donut implements a dynamic store of user profile-data which may be exchanged between the user and the server. This enables, for example, advertising to be tailored to the user based on the users responses to specific questions and/or on the user profile.
摘要:
An interactive television system is able to provide an interactive television program having a plurality of video signals related in time and content. The video signals are in a digital format. At a receiving station, a first video signal is selected for display. The system is able to provide a seamless transition when the viewer switches from the display of the first video signal, to the display of a second video signal. Live or pre-recorded programs are stored on an optical disc together with control codes so that on reading the video signals from the optical disc, seamless switching between video signals from the disc, or between video signals from the disc and received from other sources, is enabled. The optical disc may be played by the viewer at his receiving station, or may be played at a central location and the video signals transmitted to receiving stations.
摘要:
The present invention relates to an interactive digital system (1) enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of options, including multiple video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphic segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program.
摘要:
A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet (20). A computer-based system (16, 114) receives a video program and uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs are interpreted by the system (12) to direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages (98). The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen (18). The actual retrieved Web pages can be time stamped and displayed, on another portion of the display screen (18), when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. The computer-based system can receive the URLs directly through an Internet connection (94), at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance.