Software based Internet/Television convergence methods and systems for organizing and displaying Internet media content on computers and Television sets

• US 20100017821A1
• Filed: 07/21/2008
• Published: 01/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Andrei A. Leonov, Leonard Bensonoff
• Original Assignee: Andrei A. Leonov, Leonard Bensonoff
• Inventors: Leonov, Andrei A., Bensonoff, Leonard
• Application Number:
  US12/176,702
• Publication Number:
  US 20100017821A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/37
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4113 PC
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/478 Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/485 End-user interface for client configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/812 involving advertisement data advertising per se G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8586 by using a URL processing chained hypermedia data for information retrieval G06F16/94; information retrieval from the Internet by using URLs G06F16/955; URL in broadcast information H04H20/93; Web-based protocols H04L67/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/45 Picture in picture , e.g. displaying simultaneously another television channel in a region of the screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Abstract

Convergence systems described in the prior art typically focus on advancing hardware architecture. Such systems provide limited solutions as consumers are restricted to the use of proprietary networks, incur significant extra costs upgrading their equipment and pay subscription fees. General public demands low cost solutions for the consumption of the Internet media content in a traditional TV watching experience in the living room.

The present invention provides a software-based solution and includes methods, systems, and software codes for a cost effective delivery and organization of multimedia content, informational feeds and interactive advertisements transmitted over the Internet to the user'"'"'s TV and/or entertainment system already present in the user'"'"'s home or office.

This invention will further advance the convergence of the Internet, portable screen-based media devices, land line and mobile telephones, and traditional television communication channels. Media content will freely migrate from infinite number of providers/multi-platform environment per consumers'"'"' demand, anytime and anywhere.

A software program installed on a computer allows users to select from a list of channels obtained from an Internet database. The system accesses the corresponding URL of media content via the Internet. A separate URL is accessed at the same time as the main broadcast with each channel'"'"'s program information which can be displayed on demand. The system sends the output to the user'"'"'s AV system. A computer keyboard or a wireless remote control can be used to navigate channels and perform interactive functions of the user interface. Users can select different geographical areas to access local TV channels and radio stations. All channels have a designated alpha-numeric channel ID. Clickable images, video, captions, scrolling ticker or other content which may represent informational feeds or advertisements can be displayed on the screen at any time based on the information obtained from a remote URL. Statistics and user feedback can be sent to a remote URL.

Claims

1. A method of assembling, activating and operating a software-based convergence system, which includes a client end hardware component configuration;

a client installable and executable media organizing and rendering program;

a server end data base and data processing program for delivering media content originating from a computer network to a client'"'"'s television set.

A method of claim 1, wherein the client end hardware component configuration is performed by the client, using existing consumer electronics technologies, said configuration comprising a client computer or other data processing device, stationary or portable, stand alone or part of a local area network (“

Computer”

), coupled to a data communication network of server computers;

numerous types of monitors (more than one can be used at the same time), such as a computer, TV, A/V entertainment system or any convergence device (“

Monitor”

);

a set of receivers and transmitters, capable of wirelessly connecting appliances; and

a user input device, such as a programmable remote control, keyboard, keypad, etc., wired or wireless (“

Input Device”

), to activate different menus and tools of the user interface (“

UI”

) and execute various functions of the client end software program (“

Software”

).

A method of claim 2 wherein a data communication network of server computers used by the system can be a local network or the Internet.

The method of claim 2 wherein the Input Device wirelessly controls both Computer and Monitor to execute software functions and display UI.

The method of claim 2 wherein the Input Device is used to selectively call, hide and execute all menus, tools, clickable areas and other interactive functions presented by the UI.

The method of claim 2 wherein the Input Device is used to subscribe, unsubscribe, pay bills, order services, make purchases and provide other input and feedback.

A system of claim 1 for processing media content comprising a computer executable software application (“

Software”

) for accessing a remote data base of registered channel listings, retrieving the URL of the media source, rendering the requested media file, playing the media content and for presenting a user interface (UI) associated with the Software on the client'"'"'s computer and/or TV Monitor.

The method of claim 7 wherein the Software creates and displays a particular UI, which allows the user to interact with the system and execute various controls.

The system of claim 8 wherein, the user through the UI can, in addition to typical media player and TV controls, execute the Software specific commands such as search, organize, interact with informational and advertising feeds, and provide feedback.

The system and methods of claim 8 wherein the Software, responding to the user input, presents in the UI channel specific information, which includes without limitations the program name, episode number, short description, and any other content related information the broadcaster may provide;

start and end times, reviews, ratings, and any other pertinent metadata.

The method of claim 7 wherein the Software, responding to the user input, connects to a Web Server to access a data base of registered network multimedia channels, retrieves the channel specific content information, which is presented on the UI, and connects the Computer to the URL of the media source associated with the selected channel, thus implementing global delivery of the channel'"'"'s programming.

The method of claim 7 wherein the Software renders the media content and plays/outputs audio and video signals to client'"'"'s Monitor simultaneously with callable UI, such UI can be displayed selectively in an alpha-blended, solid background, or picture-in-picture mode.

The method of claim 7 wherein the remote server side data base and backend infrastructure is programmed to service various inputs from client side UI and media content providers as well as direct connection to the streaming broadcasts and download services.

The method of claim 13 wherein the remote data base is programmed to provide registration and control panel services to media channel owners.

The method of claim 14 wherein the alphanumeric registration system assigns unique alphanumeric ID to each registered channel, whereas the initial one or more characters assign a channel to a theme-based category and the following unlimited numbers of characters further identify the channel to create a unique alpha-numeric channel ID.

The method of claim 15 wherein the alpha-numeric registration system favors more popular channels in choosing the physical ID.

The system and methods of claim 13 wherein server side software codes are used to provide registration, data processing, advertising, statistics, viewer analytics, reporting and other services to broadcasters.

The method of claim 13 wherein server side software codes are used to collect, process and report users'"'"' input to a remote server;

such statistical data may include any collectable non-private data, which will allow to determine, among other possible parameters, the number of users, viewers, click throughs, analyze users'"'"' channel changing activities, various historical statistics, popularity and rankings of channels, programs, content producers, broadcasters, etc.

The system and methods of claim 13 wherein the Software, responding to the user input or a remote server command, presents user clickable areas in the UI, which may represent advertising, connects the system to the corresponding URL, and presents the requested content in a full screen or PIP mode as selected by the client.

The system and methods of claim 13 wherein the Software, responding to the user input, presents a list of products and services advertised on a particular channel, such list may contain links to products and service providers and offers to place an order.