Method and System to Provide Interactivity Using an Interactive Channel Bug

• US 20140130085A1
• Filed: 01/13/2014
• Published: 05/08/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TiVo Corporation (Adeia Inc.)
• Original Assignee: TVWorks LLC (Comcast Corporation)
• Inventors: Sahota, Ranjit, Carney, John
• Granted Patent: US 9,888,292 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/32
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/1285 by fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/1295 actuated by fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/478 Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/488 Data services, e.g. news ticker systems specially adapted for using meteorological information in broadcast systems H04H60/71

Abstract

A method and system are disclosed to provide interactivity using an interactive channel bug. The interactive channel bug (e.g., an “interactive broadcast channel branding logo”) allows a television user to access a variety of interactive services. The interactive broadcast channel branding logo may be configured to launch a functionality determined by a broadcaster. This functionality may change over time. The form of the interactive broadcast channel branding logo may also change over time in which the availability of new interactive services is indicated.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving a content item;

receiving a first graphical object configured to function as a content identifier and to facilitate interactivity;

inserting the first graphical object into the content item;

transmitting the content item with the first graphical object; and

causing launch of interactive features associated with the first graphical object when triggered through an internet protocol (IP) pathway.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

with the first graphical object, causing launch of a functionality determined by at least one of a content transmitter or network operator.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

changing a form of the first graphical object to indicate availability of interactive services.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

indicating the availability of interactive services associated with a purchase of at least one of products or services when the first graphical object changes the form.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

with the first graphical object, causing launch of a menu of services chosen from the group consisting of;

news, weather, and sports.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving the first graphical object as an animated graphical object that indicates interactivity associated with a current program.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

processing commands to cause launch of the first graphical object.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

facilitating playing a game show with the first graphical object.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

inserting the first graphical object into the content item at one or more trigger points within the content item.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving the first graphical object comprises receiving the first graphical object further configured to start flashing to indicate that interactivity is associated with the first graphical object.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

facilitating an on-line poll with the first graphical object.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

indicating interactivity associated with a commercial with the first graphical object.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

replacing a second graphical object within the content item with the first graphical object to indicate the interactivity associated with the commercial.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving the first graphical object to facilitate interactivity comprises receiving the first graphical object to facilitate the interactivity without using a dedicated channel for interactive services.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the content item with the first graphical object comprises transmitting the content item with the first graphical object to a user.

16. A method comprising:

receiving a content item;

receiving a first graphical object configured to function as a content identifier and to facilitate interactivity;

inserting the first graphical object into the content item;

transmitting the content item with the first graphical object; and

receiving a selection of interactive features associated with the first graphical object when triggered through an internet protocol (IP) pathway.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

causing launch of the interactive features associated with the first graphical object.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the causing launch of the interactive features comprises causing launch of product purchases and product information services.

19. A method comprising:

inserting a first graphical object configured to function as a content identifier and to facilitate interactivity into a content item;

transmitting the content item with the first graphical object; and

causing launch of interactive features associated with the first graphical object when triggered through an internet protocol (IP) pathway.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the causing launch of the interactive features comprises causing launch of product purchases and product information services.