Method for video enabled electronic commerce

• US 20060282387A1
• Filed: 08/21/2006
• Published: 12/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Planet Electric Incorporated
• Inventors: Ahmad, Subutai, France, G. Scott
• Granted Patent: US 7,760,182 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/50
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/00 Commerce
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0643 Graphical representation of items or shoppers

Abstract

A method is provided for conducting commerce over a network via vision-enabled content. First, content is encoded to convert it into vision-enabled content. Payment is received for vision-enabling the content. Also, a program to decode the vision-enabled content is provided. Finally, the vision-enabled content is sent to a user over a network. The program decodes the vision-enabled content and receives an image of the user. The vision-enabled content may include advertising content, entertainment content, and educational or instructional content. In one embodiment, the program combines the image of the user with the vision-enabled content. In another embodiment, the program utilizes the image of the user to control the vision-enabled content.

Claims

1. A method of providing vision-enabled content over a network, comprising:

encoding content for conversion into vision-enabled content;

providing a program to decode the vision-enabled content; and

sending the vision-enabled content to a user over a network, wherein the program decodes the vision-enabled content and receives an image of the user and combines the image of the user with the vision-enabled content, and wherein the vision-enabled content includes at least one of interactive education content and multiplayer game content.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the encoding of the content is performed via tools, payment being received in exchange for use of the tools.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an upgrade for the program, payment being received in exchange for the upgrade.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving payment based on an amount of users receiving the vision-enabled content.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving payment based on a quantity of vision-enabled content sent.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising recognizing an identity of the user and selecting vision-enabled content based on the identity of the user, the selected vision-enabled content being sent to the user.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving payment for encoding the content.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating the user with a group and selecting vision-enabled content based on the association of the user with the group, the selected vision-enabled content being sent to the user.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising collecting statistical data.

10. A system for providing vision-enabled content, comprising:

an encoder configured to encode content for conversion into vision-enabled content; and

a decoder configured to decode the vision-enabled content;

wherein the decoder decodes the vision-enabled content and receives an image of the user and combines the image of the user with the vision-enabled content, and wherein the vision-enabled content includes at least one of interactive education content and multiplayer game content.

11. A method of identifying a gesture, comprising:

receiving a person image of a user;

performing body part recognition on the person image; and

interpreting the movement of one or more body parts of the user as one or more gestures.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising using the gesture to control a device.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the device is a television.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the gesture is used to control navigation of a web page.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the gesture is used to control a virtual button.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein the gesture is used to control a cursor.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein the gesture is used to control vision-enabled content.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the vision-enabled content includes at least one of advertising content, entertainment content, and education content.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising collecting statistical data.

20. A system for identifying a gesture, including:

a processor; and

a memory coupled with the processor, wherein the memory is configured to provide the processor with instructions which when executed cause the processor to;

receive a person image of a user;

perform body part recognition on the person image; and

interpret the movement of one or more body parts of the user as one or more gestures.