LIVE CONCERT/EVENT VIDEO SYSTEM AND METHOD

• US 20100188485A1
• Filed: 03/19/2010
• Published: 07/29/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael D. Abrams
• Original Assignee: Michael D. Abrams
• Inventors: Abrams, Michael D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,701,153 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/613 for the control of the source by the destination control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components specially adapted for selective content distribution H04N21/637
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21805 enabling multiple viewpoints, e.g. using a plurality of cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2187 Live feed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2408 Monitoring of the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. client requests monitoring data switching networks utilization H04L43/0876; scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25891 being end-user preferences retrieval of video data in a video database based on user preferences G06F16/739; arrangements for recognizing users' preferences H04H60/46; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41407 embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop constructional details of equipment or arrangements specially adapted for portable computer application G06F1/1626; arrangements specially adapted for mobile receivers in broadcast systems H04H20/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8153 comprising still images, e.g. texture, background image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/90 Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/76 Television signal recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

One aspect of the invention is a method of providing video to attendees of a live concert. Video of different views of the live concert is captured. A plurality of video streams are provided to attendees of the live concert while the live concert is occurring. The plurality of digital video streams enable an attendee of the live concert to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view using a portable digital device associated with that attendee such that the attendee may choose from among the different views of the live concert.

Claims

1. A method of providing still images of a live event, comprising:

creating a plurality of video signals corresponding to a plurality of different views of the live event while the live event is occurring;

extracting at least one frame from each of the plurality of video signals to produce a plurality of still images corresponding to the plurality of different views;

providing the plurality of still images to a plurality of attendees of the live event while the live event is occurring;

wherein each of the plurality of attendees is enabled to select which of the plurality of still images to view while the live event is occurring using a portable digital device associated with each attendee.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the providing of the plurality of still images to the plurality of attendees includes providing each of the plurality of still images one at a time, spaced apart at a fixed, predetermined time interval.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the fixed, predetermined time interval is about ten seconds.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the providing of the plurality of still images to the plurality of attendees includes providing each of the plurality of still images one at a time, spaced apart by a plurality of time intervals, wherein each of the plurality of time intervals is different in length and wherein each length is generally randomly determined.

5. A method of providing still images of a live event, comprising:

creating a plurality of still images of the live event with a plurality of cameras disposed at different locations at the live event, wherein the plurality of still images correspond to a plurality of different views of the live event;

providing the plurality of still images to a plurality of attendees of the live event while the live event is occurring;

wherein each of the plurality of attendees is enabled to select which of the plurality of still images to view while the live event is occurring using a portable digital device associated with each attendee.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the providing of the plurality of still images to the plurality of attendees includes providing each of the plurality of still images one at a time, spaced apart at a fixed, predetermined time interval.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the predetermined time interval is about ten seconds.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein the providing of the plurality of still images to the plurality of attendees includes providing each of the plurality of still images one at a time, spaced apart by a plurality of time intervals, wherein each of the plurality of time intervals is different in length and wherein each length is generally randomly determined.

9. A method of providing video of a live event, comprising:

creating a plurality of video signals corresponding to a plurality of different views of the live event while the live event is occurring;

providing a venue digital video stream to a single venue display configured for simultaneous viewing by a plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring; and

providing the venue digital video stream and a plurality of additional digital video streams to the plurality of attendees of the live event while the live event is occurring,

wherein the venue digital video stream and the plurality of additional video streams correspond to the plurality of video signals, and

wherein each of the plurality of attendees is enabled to select which of the plurality of additional digital video streams and the venue digital video stream to view on a portable digital device while the live event is occurring, wherein the portable digital device is associated with each attendee.

10. A live event system for use with a plurality of portable digital devices associated with a plurality of attendees of a live event located at a venue, the system comprising:

a plurality of video cameras collectively operable to capture different views of the live event, wherein the plurality of video cameras is configured to provide a plurality of video signals;

a server configured to provide a plurality of digital video streams to the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring; and

a venue display disposed at the venue and configured for simultaneous viewing by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring;

wherein the plurality of digital video streams corresponds to the plurality of video signals,

wherein the plurality of digital video streams provided by the server enable the plurality of attendees to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view using the plurality of portable digital devices such that each of the plurality of attendees may choose from among the different views of the live event,

wherein the server is further configured to receive attendee content from the plurality of portable digital devices, wherein the attendee content is one of text messages, still images and video clips,

wherein the attendee content is produced by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring, and

wherein the venue display is further configured to receive at least a first portion of the attendee content from the server and to display the at least the first portion of the attendee content while the live event is occurring.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the server is further configured to provide the plurality of digital video streams to the plurality of attendees on a real-time basis while the live event is occurring.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the server is further configured to provide the plurality of digital video streams to the plurality of attendees on a near real-time basis while the live event is occurring.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the system is for use by an operator,

wherein the server includes a server display that is generally configured for viewing by only the operator, and

wherein the server is further configured:

to display the attendee content on the server display,

to receive an operator command from the operator, and

to prevent the receipt by the venue display of at least a second portion of the attendee content in response to the operator command.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein the attendee content is text messages comprised of a plurality of attendee words, and wherein the server is further configured:

to store a plurality of predetermined words;

to automatically compare the plurality of attendee words with the plurality of predetermined words, and

to automatically prevent the receipt by the venue display of those ones of the plurality of attendee words that correspond to at least one of the plurality of predetermined words.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein the system is for use by an operator and wherein the attendee content is a plurality of original text messages comprised of a plurality of attendee words,

wherein the server includes a server display that is generally configured for viewing by only the operator, and

wherein the server is further configured:

to receive a plurality of operator commands from the operator,

to store a plurality of predetermined words,

to automatically compare the plurality of attendee words with the plurality of predetermined words,

to generate a plurality of edited text messages by automatically removing from the plurality of original text messages those ones of the plurality of attendee words that correspond to at least one of the plurality of predetermined words, and

to display on the server display the plurality of edited text messages while the live event is occurring.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the server is further configured to prevent receipt by the venue display of at least a portion of the plurality of edited text messages in response to at least one of the plurality of operator commands.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein the server is further configured:

to further edit the plurality of edited text messages in response to at least one of the plurality of operator commands thereby generating a plurality of twice-edited text messages, and

to permit receipt by the venue display of the plurality of twice-edited text messages in response to at least another one of the plurality of operator commands.

18. The system of claim 10 wherein the system is for use by an operator and wherein the attendee content is one of still images and video clips,

wherein the server includes a server display that is generally configured for viewing by only the operator, and

wherein the server is further configured:

to receive a plurality of operator commands from the operator,

to edit the attendee content in response to at least one of the plurality of operator commands thereby generating edited attendee content, and

to permit the receipt by the venue display of the edited attendee content in response to at least another one of the plurality of operator commands.

19. A method of providing video, comprising:

capturing a plurality of different views of a live event located at a venue using a plurality of video cameras, wherein the plurality of video cameras provides a plurality of video signals;

providing a plurality of digital video streams to a plurality of attendees of the live event while the live event is occurring, wherein the plurality of digital video streams corresponds to the plurality of video signals,

wherein the plurality of digital video streams enable the plurality of attendees to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view using a plurality of portable digital devices associated with the plurality of attendees such that each of the plurality of attendees may choose from among the different views of the live event;

receiving attendee content from the plurality of portable digital devices, wherein the attendee content is one of text messages, still images and video clips,

wherein the attendee content is produced by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring; and

displaying at least a first portion of the attendee content for simultaneous viewing by the plurality of attendees on a venue display disposed at the venue while the live event is occurring.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

displaying the attendee content to an operator on a local display that is generally configured for viewing by only the operator;

entering a command by the operator after the displaying of at least a second portion of the attendee content on the local display; and

preventing the displaying of the at least second portion of the attendee content on the venue display in response to the entering of the command.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the attendee content is text messages comprised of a plurality of attendee words, the method further comprising:

storing a plurality of predetermined words;

automatically comparing the plurality of attendee words with the plurality of predetermined words; and

automatically preventing the displaying on the venue display of those ones of the plurality of attendee words that correspond to at least one of the plurality of predetermined words.

22. The method of claim 19 wherein the attendee content is a plurality of original text messages comprised of a plurality of attendee words, the method further comprising:

storing a plurality of predetermined words;

automatically comparing the plurality of attendee words with the plurality of predetermined words;

generating a plurality of edited text messages by automatically removing from the plurality of original text messages those ones of the plurality of attendee words that correspond to at least one of the plurality of predetermined words; and

displaying on a local display the plurality of edited text messages while the live event is occurring, wherein the local display is generally configured for viewing only by an operator.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising:

receiving a plurality of operator commands from the operator;

preventing the displaying on the venue display of at least a portion of the plurality of edited text messages in response to at least one of the plurality of operator commands.

24. The method of claim 22 further comprising:

receiving a plurality of operator commands from the operator;

further editing the plurality of edited text messages in response to at least one of the plurality of operator commands thereby generating a plurality of twice-edited text messages, and

permitting the displaying on the venue display of the plurality of twice-edited text messages in response to at least another one of the plurality of operator commands.

25. The method of claim 19 wherein the attendee content is one of still images and video clips, the method further comprising:

displaying the attendee content on a local display that is generally configured for viewing by only an operator;

receiving a plurality of operator commands from the operator,

editing the attendee content in response to at least one of the plurality of operator commands thereby generating edited attendee content,

permitting the displaying by the venue display of the edited attendee content in response to at least another one of the plurality of operator commands.

26. A live event system for use with a plurality of portable digital devices associated with a plurality of attendees of a live event, the system comprising:

a plurality of video cameras collectively operable to capture different views of the live event, wherein the plurality of video cameras is configured to provide a plurality of video signals; and

a server configured to provide a plurality of digital video streams to the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring, wherein the plurality of digital video streams corresponds to the plurality of video signals,

wherein the plurality of digital video streams provided by the server enable the plurality of attendees to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view using the plurality of portable digital devices such that each of the plurality of attendees may choose from among the different views of the live event,

wherein the server is further configured to receive attendee content from the plurality of portable digital devices while the live event is occurring, wherein the attendee content is one of text messages, audio, still images, video clips and audio-video clips,

wherein the attendee content is produced by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring,

wherein the server is further configured to forward the attendee content received from one of the plurality of attendees to another one of the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein the system is further for use by an operator and wherein the live event is located at a venue, the system further comprising:

a venue display disposed at the venue and configured for simultaneous viewing by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring,

wherein the server includes a server display that is generally configured for viewing by only the operator,

wherein the server is further configured;

to display the attendee content on the server display,

to receive a plurality of operator commands from the operator, and

to forward at least some of the attendee content to the venue display in response to at least one of the plurality of operator commands,

wherein the venue display is further configured to display the at least some of the attendee content for simultaneous viewing by the plurality of attendees.

28. The system of claim 26 wherein the live event is located at a venue, the system further comprising:

a venue display disposed at the venue and configured for simultaneous viewing by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring,

wherein at least a portion of the attendee content includes information obtained by viewing the venue display.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein the attendee content and the information obtained by viewing the venue display comprise a game.

30. A method of providing video, comprising:

capturing different views of a live event with a plurality of video cameras, wherein the plurality of video cameras provides a plurality of video signals;

providing by a server a plurality of digital video streams to a plurality of attendees of the live event while the live event is occurring, wherein the plurality of digital video streams corresponds to the plurality of video signals,

wherein the plurality of digital video streams provided by the server enable the plurality of attendees to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view using a plurality of portable digital devices associated with the plurality of attendees such that each of the plurality of attendees may choose from among the different views of the live event;

receiving by the server attendee content from the plurality of portable digital devices while the live event is occurring, wherein the attendee content is one of text messages, audio, still images, video clips and audio-video clips,

wherein the attendee content is produced by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring, and

forwarding by the server a portion of the attendee content received from one of the plurality of attendees to another one of the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring.

31. The method of claim 30 further comprising:

displaying the portion of the attendee content on a local display that is generally configured for viewing by only an operator;

receiving a plurality of operator commands from the operator;

forwarding the portion of the attendee content received from the one of the plurality of attendees to a venue display in response to at least one of the plurality of operator commands; and

displaying the portion of the attendee content on the venue display,

wherein the live event is located at a venue, and wherein the venue display is disposed at the venue and configured for simultaneous viewing by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein the at least a portion of the attendee content includes information obtained by viewing a venue display configured for simultaneous viewing by the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring,

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the at least a portion of the attendee content and the information obtained by viewing the venue display comprise a game.

34. A live event system for use with a plurality of portable digital devices associated with a plurality of attendees of a live event, the system comprising:

a plurality of video cameras collectively operable to capture different views of the live event, wherein the plurality of video cameras is configured to provide a plurality of video signals; and

a server configured to provide a plurality of digital video streams to the plurality of attendees while the live event is occurring, wherein the plurality of digital video streams corresponds to the plurality of video signals,

wherein the plurality of digital video streams provided by the server enable the plurality of attendees to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view using the plurality of portable digital devices such that each of the plurality of attendees may choose from among the different views of the live event,

wherein the server is further configured;

to send server messages to the plurality of portable digital devices while the live event is occurring, and

to receive attendee responses from the plurality of portable digital devices while the live event is occurring, wherein the attendee responses comprise response information provided by the plurality of attendees in response to the server messages.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the server messages comprise one of advertising, reminders and surveys.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the server messages and the attendee responses comprise a game.

37. The system of claim 34 wherein the server messages comprise a calendar of upcoming live events at which another plurality of digital video streams will be made available to another plurality of attendees while the upcoming live events are occurring.

38. The system of claim 37 wherein the attendee responses comprise reservations for admission to at least one of the upcoming live events.

39. The system of claim 37 wherein the attendee responses comprise purchases of tickets by at least a portion of the plurality of attendees, wherein the tickets are for admission to at least one of the upcoming live events.

40. The system of claim 34 wherein the live event and the plurality of attendees are located at a venue, and wherein the server is further configured:

to provide at least one of the plurality of digital video streams to a retail business establishment while the live event is occurring, wherein the retail business establishment is located other than at the venue, and

to provide advertising information to the retail business establishment while the live event is occurring, wherein said advertising information includes information about upcoming live events at which another plurality of digital video streams will be made available to another plurality of attendees while the upcoming live events are occurring.

41. A method of providing video comprising:

capturing different views of a live event with a plurality of video cameras operable to provide a plurality of video signals;

providing a plurality of digital video streams to a plurality of attendees of the live event while the live event is occurring, wherein the plurality of digital video streams corresponds to the plurality of video signals, wherein the providing of the plurality of digital video streams is accomplished by a server,

wherein the plurality of digital video streams enable the plurality of attendees to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view using a plurality of portable digital devices associated with the plurality of attendees such that each of the plurality of attendees may choose from among the different views of the live event;

sending server messages to the plurality of portable digital devices while the live event is occurring, wherein the sending of the server messages is accomplished by the server; and

receiving by the server attendee responses from the plurality of portable digital devices while the live event is occurring, wherein the attendee responses comprise response information provided by the plurality of attendees in response to the server messages.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the server messages comprise one of advertising, reminders and surveys.

43. The method of claim 41 wherein the server messages and the attendee responses comprise a game.

44. The method of claim 41 wherein the server messages comprise a calendar of upcoming live events at which another plurality of digital video streams will be made available to another plurality of attendees while the upcoming live events are occurring.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein the attendee responses comprise reservations for admission to at least one of the upcoming live events.

46. The method of claim 44 wherein the attendee responses comprise purchasing of tickets by at least a portion of the plurality of attendees, wherein the tickets are for admission to at least one of the upcoming live events.

47. The method of claim 41 wherein the live event and the plurality of attendees are located at a venue, the method further comprising:

providing at least one of the plurality of digital video streams to a retail business establishment while the live event is occurring, wherein the retail business establishment is located other than at the venue; and

providing advertising information to the retail business establishment while the live event is occurring, wherein said advertising information includes information about upcoming live events at which another plurality of digital video streams will be made available to another plurality of attendees while the upcoming live events are occurring.

48. A method of providing video of a live event, comprising:

creating a plurality of video signals corresponding to a plurality of different views of the live event while the live event is occurring;

providing a plurality of digital video streams to a plurality of attendees of the live event while the live event is occurring;

wherein the plurality of digital video streams is provided to the plurality of attendees on a real-time basis;

wherein the plurality of digital video streams corresponds to the plurality of video signals;

wherein each of the plurality of attendees is enabled to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view while the live event is occurring using a portable digital device associated with each attendee.

49. A method of providing video of a live event, comprising:

creating a plurality of video signals corresponding to a plurality of different views of the live event while the live event is occurring;

providing a plurality of digital video streams to a plurality of attendees of the live event while the live event is occurring;

wherein the plurality of digital video streams is provided to the plurality of attendees on a near real-time basis;

wherein the plurality of digital video streams corresponds to the plurality of video signals;

wherein each of the plurality of attendees is enabled to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view while the live event is occurring using a portable digital device associated with each attendee.