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United States Patent
6553178
Abecassis
April 22, 2003
Title
Advertisement subsidized video-on-demand system
Abstract
A random access pointcast video delivery system provides the capability for a viewer to select a video advertisement. The video advertisement is automatically customized responsive to the application of the viewer's video content preferences to a video segment map defining a plurality of video segments. The viewer is compensated for the verified apparent viewing of the selected advertisement independently of the purchase of the advertised product or service. Where the advertisement is associated with a credit, the viewing of the advertisement subsidizes the viewer's receipt of other video and communication services. Where a viewing of a video results in a purchase, a deposit in the purchase is automatically escrowed until after the buyer has received satisfactory delivery of the purchase.
Inventors:
Abecassis; Max
(Miami,
FL
)
Appl. No.:
303158
Filed:
September 8, 1994
Current U.S. Class:
386/83
725/101
386/46
Field of Search:
358/342,335,310,311,312 360/33.1,35.1 455/2,3.1,3.2,3.3,4.1,4.2 348/6,7 340/825.31 386/83,46,1,92,95
U.S. Patent Documents
4451701
May 1984
Bending
4605964
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Chard
4729044
March 1988
Kiesel
4872151
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Smith
4930158
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Vogel
4930160
May 1990
Vogel
4995078
February 1991
Monslow et al.
5057932
October 1991
Lang
5060068
October 1991
Lindstrom
5109482
April 1992
Bohrman
5130792
July 1992
Tindell et al.
5133079
July 1992
Ballantyne et al.
5155591
October 1992
Wachob
5172111
December 1992
Olivo, Jr.
5181107
January 1993
Rhoades
5195135
March 1993
Palmer
5216515
June 1993
Steele et al.
5227874
July 1993
Von Kohorn
5245420
September 1993
Harney et al.
5247347
September 1993
Litteral et al.
5313297
May 1994
Fukui et al.
5422468
June 1995
Abecassis
5426281
June 1995
Abecassis
5438356
August 1995
Ushiki et al.
Other References
"Variable Content Video", Max Abecassis, Feb. 2, 1993 U.S. Copyright Office, Registration TXV 555686..~
Primary Examiner:
Chevalier; Robert
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/832,335 filed Feb. 7, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,208,805; and a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/002,998 filed Jan. 11, 1993 now a U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,678, issued Jul. 18, 1995.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A video-on-demand system comprising: storing means for storing a plurality of feature length motion pictures and video advertisements; communicating means for receiving a communication from a viewer; processing means for selecting, responsive to the communication and from the plurality of feature length motion pictures and video advertisements, a feature length motion picture and a video advertisement; retrieving means for retrieving the selected feature length motion picture and video advertisement; transmitting means for transmitting the retrieved feature length motion picture and video advertisement to the viewer; verifying means for interactively verifying an apparent viewing, by the viewer, of at least a portion of the transmitted video advertisement; and subsidizing means for applying a credit for the apparent viewing of the video advertisement against charges for feature length motion pictures provided to the viewer.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication is a request for a specific feature length motion picture, and the video advertisement is for a product shown in the requested feature length motion picture.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication is a request for a specific feature length motion picture; and wherein the credit is augmented by a purchase of a product advertised by the video advertisement.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: purchasing means for processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video advertisement; and escrowing means, responsive to the processing, for escrowing a deposit for the purchase until after a predefined period of time following delivery of the purchase.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: purchasing means for processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video advertisement and utilizing a credit facility preestablished with a provider of the feature length motion pictures.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: purchasing means for processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video advertisement and utilizing a credit facility preestablished with a provider of the feature length motion pictures; and escrowing means, responsive to the processing, for escrowing a deposit for the purchase until after a predefined period of time following a delivery by date for the purchase.
7. A video-on-demand system comprising: storing means for storing a plurality of videos; communicating means for receiving, from a viewer, a request for product information; processing means for selecting, responsive to the request for product information and from the plurality of videos, a video comprising product information; random accessing means for retrieving the selected video; transmitting means for transmitting the retrieved video to the viewer; verifying means for interactively verifying an apparent viewing, by the viewer, of at least a portion of the transmitted video; and subsidizing means for applying a credit for the apparent viewing of the video against charges for feature length motion pictures provided to the viewer.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the request for product information is contemporaneously responsive to a product shown in a feature length motion pictures provided to the viewer.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the credit is augmented by a purchase of a product advertised by the transmitted video.
10. The system of claim 7, further comprising: purchasing means for processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitting of the video; and escrowing means, responsive to the processing, for escrowing a deposit for the purchase until after a predefined period of time following delivery of the purchase.
11. The system of claim 7, further comprising: purchasing means for processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing utilizing a credit facility preestablished with a provider of the feature length motion pictures.
12. The system of claim 7, further comprising: purchasing means for processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video and utilizing a credit facility preestablished with a provider of the feature length motion pictures; and escrowing means, responsive to the processing, for escrowing a deposit for the purchase until after a predefined period of time following a delivery by date for the purchase.
13. A method of providing video-on-demand services, the method comprising the steps of: storing a plurality of feature length motion pictures and videos; receiving a communication from a viewer; selecting, responsive to the communication and from the plurality of feature length motion pictures and videos, a feature length motion picture and a video; retrieving the selected feature length motion picture and video; transmitting the retrieved feature length motion picture and video to the viewer; interactively verifying an apparent viewing, by the viewer, of at least a portion of the transmitted video; and applying a credit for the apparent viewing of the video against charges for feature length motion pictures provided to the viewer.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the credit is augmented by a purchase of a product advertised by the transmitted video.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the credit is independent of a purchase of a product advertised by the transmitted video, and further comprising the step of: processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the credit is independent of a purchase of a product advertised by the transmitted video, and further comprising step of: processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing utilizing a credit facility preestablished with a provider of the feature length motion pictures.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video; and escrowing, responsive to the processing, a deposit for the purchase until after a predefined period of time following delivery of the purchase.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video and utilizing a credit facility preestablished with a provider of the feature length motion pictures; and escrowing, responsive to the processing, a deposit for the purchase until after a predefined period of time following delivery of the purchase.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video; and escrowing, responsive to the processing, a deposit for the purchase until after a predefined period of time following a delivery by date for the purchase.
20. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: processing a purchase by the viewer, the processing being integrated with the transmitted video and utilizing a credit facility preestablished with a provider of the feature length motion pictures; and escrowing, responsive to the processing, a deposit for the purchase until after a predefined period of time following a delivery by date for the purchase.
Description
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document, including each of the drawings, contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent disclosures, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
Detailed herein are systems and methods of automatically customizing a viewer-selected video responsive to the application of the viewer's video content preferences to a segment map of the video.
In the delivery of a viewer-selected video advertisement, a version of the advertisement is transmitted that is responsive to the viewer's preferences for a level of detail and explicitness in a range of content categories. The viewer is compensated for the viewing of the video advertisement.
In instances where the viewing of the video is interrupted by a communication, delivery of the video is automatically placed on hold (paused) in response to the viewer accepting the communication. Upon completion of the communication, the delivery of the video is automatically restarted at the point placed on hold, at some pre-defined amount of time prior to the placing on hold of the video, or at a suitable prior point in the video.
2. Background of the Invention
As the delivery of video programs moves from a broadcast architecture to a pointcast architecture, the digital superhighway promises the delivery of a variety of interactive video services, including interactive video games and information services.
However, with respect to non-interactive entertainment programming, such as motion pictures, video programming concepts remain largely rooted in the primitive traditional linear architectures of celluloid films. Proposed movies-on-demand services, while utilizing a pointcast architecture, largely reflect the broadcast tradition in terms of the video provided.
Traditionally, the strategy of video advertisement has been to utilize programming interruptions to deliver advertisement which a viewer seldom has a desire to receive. Advertising concepts have yet to suggest the realization of the potential that video server based pointcast delivery systems offer in terms of the delivery of a viewer requested automatically customized video advertisement, and compensating the viewer for the apparent viewing of the advertisement.
Similarly, the delivery of communication and video services have traditionally been separate and distinct, the prior art as yet to address the issues relating to the integration of the viewing of a video program with the receipt of a communication.
The patents to Von Kohorn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,404; Chard, U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,964; Kiesel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,044; Olivo Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,796; Vogel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,158; Vogel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,160; Boyd et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,727; and Palmer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,135; the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein, detail a variety of video editing systems. However, none of these references describe a system in which the contents of a video program are automatically customized in response to a viewer's video content preferences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing shortcomings of the prior art, it is evident that the opportunity presents itself for a new class of video services that fully realize the potential of the random access capabilities of video servers and the pointcast architecture of video-on-demand services.
Accordingly, it is an object of the systems and methods herein disclosed to deliver to a viewer an automatically customized version of a single edition of the viewer-selected video responsive to the viewer's content preferences for the level of detail and explicitness in a range of content categories.
It is also an object to compensate the viewer for the viewing of a viewer selected video advertisement.
It is also an object to integrate the delivery of video and communication services.
Briefly these and other objects are accomplished by video production and editing systems and methods that assign segments of a video appropriate content descriptors. A segment's definition comprises a descriptor that provides specific and detailed information as to each segment's subject matter, level of detail, and form of expression. A segment's definition further comprises a first and last frame identifier, and beginning frame identifier of the next logical segments. The segments definitions are organized into a video map.
Thus a variable content video comprises not only video and audio information, but also a video segment map that identifies the location and content of each of the video's segments as well as their potential order.
A content-on-demand video is a variable content video further distinguished from its linear video predecessors in that it also comprises parallel and transitional segments that enhance the seamless continuity among non-sequential segments and provide a greater range of levels of detail and explicitness.
Random access and pointcast technologies are enhanced to provide each viewer the opportunity to preestablish both any number of general content preferences, and video/event specific content preferences, identifying the viewers, preferences in each of a number of content categories.
The playing of a content-on-demand video does not require that the viewer preview the contents of the segments of the video or that the viewer have knowledge of the contents of segments of the video. The viewing of a content-on-demand video does not require viewer intervention during the viewing of the video. A video system as per the present invention automatically customizes, responsive to a viewer's video content preferences, a video selected by a viewer, and transmits the customized version of the video as a continuous video.
Once a video server or Video CD has learned a viewer's content preferences it will thereafter automatically apply those content preferences to the video map of any content-on-demand video the viewer has selected. By applying a viewer's video content preferences as they relate to the video segment map of the selected video, the random access device gains the information to automatically exclude segments of the video containing material which the viewer does not wish to view, and to transmit as a logical seamless and continuous video, only those sequential or non-sequential segments of the video whose content and form of expression are consistent with the viewer's video content preferences. The resulting version of a video that is provided each viewer automatically provides scenes of the video at the desired level of explicitness and detail that the viewer desires.
If a viewer prefers, for example, not to view bloodshed in a motion picture, the video content preferences would indicate this preference. Thus, regardless of the source of the video, the category of the video, the particular video selection method utilized, or the particular video selected, the video system of the present invention will automatically omit transmitting any segment that included bloodshed.
In contrast to interactive motion pictures, and full motion video games, in a content-on-demand video it is primarily the form of expression that is the object of alternate frame sequences, rather than the story-line. In a content-on-demand video, each of the significant scenes and actions can be implicitly expressed, as found for example in a "PG" rated film, explicitly expressed, as found for example in an "R" rated film, and graphically expressed, as found for example in an "NC-17" rated film.
Traditionally, each edition of a film or program, such as a theatrical release, director's cut, European version, has been separately packaged as a unique linear sequence of frames. A content-on-demand video combines in a single nonlinear package all the segments of each of the potential versions of a program.
In a conventional video-on-demand system, every viewer that selects a given program is provided the same version of that program. In a content-on-demand system each viewer is automatically provided a customized version of that program. In a video-on-demand system, if 1,000 viewers select the same program, each viewer will be provided exactly the same program. In a content-on-demand system, if the same 1,000 viewers select the same program, each viewer could be provided a unique version of that program.
Where a single video contains segments in at least twenty different content categories (e.g. bloodshed, violence, nudity, etc.) and can be edited at four levels of explicitness (e.g. none, implied, explicit, and graphic), a content-on-demand system can automatically extract over one trillion unique versions from that single video.
In a content-on-demand video the artist and producer are challenged to create greater variety in the form of expression. Utilizing parallel, transitional, and overlapping segments, a content-on-demand video provides viewing at that level of expression, content, detail, and length, that is consistent with a variety of viewer preferences.
Content-on-demand encourages and challenges directors to exercise fully their creativity, without abdicating to the limitations imposed by the film rating systems, narrowly defined marketing objectives, and artificial time constraints. At the same time, content-on-demand is superior to any technology in automatically ensuring that viewers are not exposed to material they would have preferred not to view, and ensuring that children are not exposed to unsuitable viewing material. Freedom of expression need not be incompatible with freedom from expression.
Censoring technology, such as the "violence chip" that would scramble reception of the incoming picture, making it possible, for example, for parents to block reception of entire programs "deemed" violent is inferior in every respect to the content-on-demand architecture disclosed herein. The violence chip and similar technologies result from a broadcast and linear film architecture rather than a pointcast and variable content architecture. Broadcast technologies are conceptually obsolete in the pointcast era of video-on-demand technology.
Content-on-demand permits a parent or viewer to determine what is objectionable. Only objectionable segments are excluded and replaced with suitable parallel segments. The resulting video retains a seamless continuity.
While content-on-demand nonlinear architecture shares elements with interactive programming and facilitates the inclusion of the sophisticated interactive capabilities disclosed herein, content-on-demand, however, is uniquely distinguished from interactive programming by its "autoactive" design. Content-on-demand's autoactivity provides viewers precisely what they want, in the form that they want it, at the time they want it, without requiring that viewers interact with the video.
Content-on-demand abandons the concept of a video as a prepackaged viewing unit, and adopts the concept of a video as an assortment of individually selectable segments and scenes. Content-on-demand videos are in combination a powerful and rich "videobase" that makes possible a variety of innovative video services that educate, instruct, inform, and entertain.
The content-on-demand architecture applies as well to movies, news, sports, educational programming, and to advertisements. The advertisement embodiments of the teachings of content-on-demand results in advertisements, commercials, and informationals of greater value to the viewer and to the sponsor.
Specifically, with request to advertisements, the thesis is herein advanced that a viewer will request a specific advertisement which is informational in nature, presented in a manner consistent with the viewer's taste level, for a product or service for which the viewer has an interest. The viewing of the viewer requested advertisement may also be advantageously associated with a compensation to the viewer for the viewing of the advertisement.
The compensation for the viewing of the advertisement may take the form of a credit that subsidizes the costs of other video services the viewer obtains. The subsidizing of a video's cost to the viewer by advertisements, is more closely matched to the viewers interest in the subject of the commercial, and to the potential purchase by the viewer of that product or service.
Content-on-demand video services enhancements further provide for the automatic integration of the video and communication services delivered to a viewer. Specifically, during the viewing of a video, when a phone call, audio or audio/video, is received, the delivery of the video is automatically placed on hold (paused) in response to the viewer accepting the call. Upon completion of the call, the delivery of the video is automatically restarted at the point placed on hold, at some pre-defined amount of time prior to the placing on hold of the video, or at a suitable prior point in the video.
Where the video being delivered is a content-on-demand video, the video map identifies the beginning point of the segment in which the pause occurred, thus automatically identifying a suitable prior point in the video to restart the delivery of the video. By automatically replaying the segment in which the pause occurred, the viewer may re-engage the video without the loss of continuity.
Other integration features provide the display of information relating to the incoming call (data and image) on a window, without necessarily pausing the transmission of the video. On a pause of the video, the picture may be replaced with a blank screen, neutral image, or informational data. Where the communication is a video call, the screen image is replaced with that of the incoming call.
Where contact management software is available, the viewer is provided the opportunity to make such notations with respect to the call as may be required prior to the continuation of the delivery of the video.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present inventions, are apparent in the context of the detailed description of the inventions, accompanying drawings, and appended claims, that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, are illustrations of segment descriptive structures;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart summarizing the steps of producing a content-on-demand video;
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, are diagrams of three versions of a video segment and corresponding content codes;
FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating the resulting sequential and non-sequential random-like arrangement of video segments in a content-on-demand video;
FIG. 3E is an illustration of a video editing screen in a nonlinear editing system;
FIG. 3F is an illustration of the utilization of foreground and background audio to provide audio during a video pause;
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, are examples of a viewer content preference selection screen;
FIGS. 4D, 4E, 4F and 4G, is an example of a set of viewer screens utilized in the retrieval of a video;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a video receiver transmitter comprising communications and random access capabilities;
FIG. 6A is a schematic detail of a video disc player's multiple reading units architecture;
FIG. 6B is a diagram representation of a video reading stream and transmission stream;
FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate the rotation of a laser about its axis to retrieve data from different locations of a surface;
FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, are flow charts detailing the steps of playing a content-on-demand video;
FIG. 8 is a flow chart detailing the steps of previewing flagged segments;
FIG. 9 is a diagram of a video and communications integrated network;
FIG. 10A is a flow chart detailing the steps of retrieving a content-on-demand video from a video services provider;
FIGS. 10B and 10C are illustrations of infrared control devices;
FIG. 10D is an illustration of the automatic display of a viewer defined target as the target moves relative to the host image;
FIG. 11A is a flow chart detailing the steps of creating a viewer defined window;
FIG. 11B is a flow chart detailing the steps of crediting or debiting the viewing of a viewer selected video;
FIG. 12A is an illustration of a viewer response request screen;
FIG. 12B is an illustration of a screen notifying the viewer of the crediting of the viewing of an advertisement;
FIG. 12C is a flow chart detailing the steps of escrowing a buyer's deposit for the purchase of merchandise;
FIG. 13 is a flow chart detailing the steps of integrating the delivery of a video with a communications;
FIG. 14A is an illustration of a display screen during the playing of a video while a communication signal is provided; and
FIG. 14B is an illustration of a display screen following viewer acceptance of a communication.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For purposes of the present disclosure, various terms or nomenclature used in the art are defined as follows:
The term "viewer" as used herein is meant to include and be interchangeable with the words "player" (when referring to a person), "subscriber", and "user". That is, the term "viewer" is to be understood in the general sense of a person passively viewing a video, interactively playing a video game, retrieving video from a video provider, and/or actively using multi-media and communication services.
The terms "video", and "video program" are interchangeable and refer to any video image regardless of the source, motion, or technology implemented. A video comprises still characters, graphics, images, motion pictures, films, interactive electronic games, and multi-media productions; full motion pictures and television programming; news, sports, cultural, entertainment, commercial, advertisements, instructional, and educational programming. A video comprises audio.
Unless otherwise qualified to mean a computer software program, the term "program" is interchangeable and may be replaced with the word video. While a particular feature may be detailed with respect to a specified viewing, gaming, or computing application, it is intended herein to apply the teachings herein broadly and harmoniously across the different classes of applications that generate a video.
The terms "variable content video" and "variable content game" refer to a specific video characterized by a non-linear architecture resulting in a variety of possible logical content sequences. A "variable content video" and "content-on-demand video" not only comprises video/sound information, but also comprises a corresponding video map.
A "content-on-demand video" is a "variable content video" that comprises parallel, transitional, and overlapping segments to provide viewing of a program's story-line/interactive action at different levels of forms of expression with a greater seamless continuity among non-sequential segments. Additionally a content-on-demand video may include a user interface, software program routines, and system control codes. The term "segment" refers to a part of the video.
The term "seamless" is intended in the sense that the transmission of sequential and non-sequential frames is undiscernible to the eye, and not in the sense of the natural video seams that result in the intended changes from one scene to another, from one camera angle to the other, or from one gaming sequence to the other.
The term "content" refers principally to the form of expression rather than the story-line. The term "content preferences" refers, specifically and principally, although not exclusively, to a viewer's preferences as to the "content" of a video. Video content preferences refer generally to a viewer's clearly defined preferences for the form of expression, explicitness, and the absence of objectionable segments, rather than the overall subject matter of the video.
In the broadest sense, the term "content preferences" further includes "programming preferences" and "video preferences". Programming preferences and video preferences refer exclusively to a viewer's preferences as to specific videos (e.g Sega's "Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective"), types of videos (e.g. interactive video detective games), broad subject matter of videos (e.g. mysteries), and/or time and date that the viewer desires to view the video. Programming and video preferences are directed at the selection of a specific program and not at defining the contents of a selected video.
The concept of a "video-on-demand system" refers to any pointcast capable video delivery system that provides a viewer-selected video at a viewer-selected time. Video-on-demand comprises for example movies-on-demand, video dialtone, cellular video, and digital satellite systems that are responsive to a viewer's video preferences.
The concept of a "content-on-demand system" refers to a video-on-demand system that is additionally responsive to a viewer's content preferences. A content-on-demand system and the delivery of content-on-demand video services is independent of the specific hardware and network infrastructure employed. A content-on-demand system not only permits a viewer to select a specific program, it also permits the viewer to receive a customized version of the program that is responsive to the viewer's content preferences.
The term "network" herein refers to any private or public, wired and non-wired video transmission infrastructure, such as may be provided by the utilization of one or a hybrid combination of the following: fiber optic, coaxial cable, twisted copper wire, cellular, radio, satellite, and/or other existing and/or forthcoming video transmission technologies. In the broadest sense, a network also comprises the utilization of, for example, the U.S. Postal Service to deliver Video CDs. The term "B-ISDN" herein refers in general to a network, and refers specifically to a broadband integrated services digital, network utilizing fiber optic cable in its primary trunks.
Where not clearly and unambiguously inconsistent with the specific context, these and other terms defined herein are to be understood in the broadest possible sense permitted by these definitions.
Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals, throughout, FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a segment descriptive structure utilized to review the contents of each segment of a video. Generally, a descriptive structure is a matrix of content categories and a corresponding coding scale utilized to assign a content code to a segment of a video. As is detailed below, the descriptive structures are not limited to the coding of possibly objectionable content material.
This particular segment descriptive structure 110 includes a number of content categories 111 that might apply to most films. This particular segment category descriptive structure includes, for example, a category for violence, and other categories of possibly objectionable content. The three digit category coding scheme provides for hundreds of different content categories.
The coding scale 112 mirrors the rating system utilized by the Motion Picture Association of America (General Audiences, Parental Guidance Suggested, Parents Strongly cautioned, Restricted, No Children Under 17 Admitted: G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17 respectively), but provides a more descriptive coding scale 112 for the structure, as shown. Each number 119 in the matrix represents a particular segment coding choice.
Referring now to FIG. 1B, the contents of a segment may be further analyzed with respect to a segment element descriptive structure 120. This structure provides for the coding of a segment with respect to the development of a number of elements
121 such as character, location, and time. This structure also provides for the coding of a segment with respect to the level of detail 122, and the level of expertise 123 that may be required by the segment. These elements are provided at a variety of levels, and a segment may be coded accordingly. The element descriptive structure 120 indicates that, for example, a segment's character development may range from none to extensive.
Referring to FIG. 1C, a separate segment inclusion descriptive structure 130 provides a coding scale to identify the degree of detail in a segment. In this structure 130, the segments may be coded according to the level of inclusion/exclusion
131 appropriate to the segment. The coding indicates if the segment is required for a highlight, summary, condensed, or detailed versions of the video. This descriptive structure is particularly directed to the coding of news videos and other programming where the length of the presentation can have great variation. In a similar manner, an individualized descriptive structure may be configured to address the specific requirements of one or a plurality of categories.
Additionally, or alternatively, a video segment descriptive structure, as shown in FIG. 1D, may be implemented that is not category specific. In this example, the segment generalized descriptive structure 140 incorporates the MPAA's movie rating system, whereby segments are assigned a code 141 (rating) from a coding scale incorporating the MPAA rating symbols. Determination of each segment's coding symbol is similar to the manner in which the MPAA rating system is applied to a motion picture. A number of other available rating systems may be implemented, including the rating system advanced by the Film Advisory Board.
Additionally, segment descriptive structures comprise the technical aspects in the video presentation. The technical aspects include, for example, the type and duration of transition effects utilized between segments, and the incidence of edit cuts and "image changes" within a predefined time period.
Music videos, for example, are characterized by a very high incidence of edit cuts and image changes. A viewer viewing a music video may prefer to define an incidence of image changes that differs in its apparent velocity from that of the tempo of the music. Similarly, the broadcasting of football games by major networks are also distinguished from less "director heavy" broadcasts by the incidence of image changes and camera angles. The transmission of sporting events also lend themselves to automatic customization responsive to a viewer's technical preferences as specified in the video content preferences.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D are examples of an overall framework for segment analysis, the actual segment descriptive structure and complexity utilized may be highly tailored by the producer of a video to reflect the specific content of the video without being limited by the structures which may be found to be commonly utilized in other works. Each video producer is offered the flexibility within the overall architecture of this descriptive system to determine and include only those categories that may be relevant to a particular video, and to add categories as the producer requires. Similarly, the producer is offered some flexibility in determining the labelling of the coding scale.
Meeting the objectives of being able to provide both a standardized set of descriptive structures that will permit the automatic application of a viewer's content preferences to a variety of videos, and provide the producer of the video the flexibility described above, are accomplished by assigning unique category codes to each set of preestablished standardized content categories and by reserving a range of category codes that will be recognized by the system as requiring interactive input by the viewer. For example, category codes ending in 9, codes with a tens digit being a 9, and or codes from 900 to 999 ("producer code") are reserved as independent of the standard categories shown.
Producer codes signal to the system software to elicit the viewer content preferences. Similarly, as the coding scale is relative in structure, different descriptions for any category coding scale might be utilized without affecting the applicability of a preestablished viewer content preference for that category. In instances where a desired coding scale is not accommodated by the standardized structure supplied, the producer need only assign a producer code and build whatever scale he/she may deem desirable. A coding scale may range from a simple "Yes/No" to a sophisticated three dimensional representation.
Additionally, commands may be issued by software associated with the video to inhibit the application of a preestablished viewer content preferences and require the viewer to address the video's specific descriptive structure regardless of the category codes utilized.
In a preferred embodiment, each segment is additionally or alternatively analyzed as to subject matter and assigned the necessary keyword(s) to provide effective keyword retrieval and additional user viewing control capabilities. This will be of significant value in retrieving video segments from a video database ("videobase"), such as may be constructed from a collection of news or educational videos.
Keyword indexing of the segments provides the capability for inhibiting the viewing of undesirable subject matter, or assisting in the retrieval of desirable subject matter where the descriptive structure may not adequately cover a specified category or subject matter. For example, a viewer may not desire viewing scenes of a flag burning. Key word control would inhibit that scene or scenes from being viewed by that particular viewer. Alternatively, a key word search would permit a system user to efficiently retrieve all flag burning segments that may be included in the videobase.
It is noted that keywords are but one example of other descriptors that may be utilized to convey information as to the content of a video's segment.
The steps in the production of a content-on-demand video are summarized with respect to the simplified flow chart 200 of FIG. 2. Each scene, segment, or fragment of a segment on a video script is reviewed 230 according to an appropriate video descriptive structure, as for example detailed with respect to FIGS. 1A-D. A screenwriter now has the freedom to expand the scenes 240 by adding parallel, overlapping, and transitional segments, to cover a wider range of expression without the concern for the limitations inherent in first generation linear programs.
A successful filming 250 of a content-on-demand video is a function of the skill of director(s), actors, animators, programmers, etc. to provide for parallel and transitional segments with the required transparent and seamless harmony.
In contrast to the editing of first generation motion pictures that require producing a unique linear sequence of segments, editing of this content-on-demand video format requires a parallel non-sequential logical arrangement of segments 260.
A segment assigned a content category code may be congruent in one or more frames with a segment assigned a different category code. Where necessary, a video segment is associated with more than one audio segment, and corresponding separate voice and video category codes are provided.
As each segment is defined, the beginning frame and end frame in each of the relevant segments are identified, and the segment is assigned a content category code and/or descriptor(s). A segment's content category code, keywords, and/or descriptor(s) are also referred to herein as a "descriptor". Once a segment is assigned a descriptor, logical entry and exit references are assigned 270. The resulting segment definitions are mapped 280 and the required user interface produced.
The video map, any user interface routines particular to the video, and player control codes, if required, are provided with the information comprising the program's video and sound.
The video mapping of a content-on-demand video is further detailed with respect to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D. FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a conventional motion picture program 301 in which the scenes 302 of the video are arranged as a unique sequential arrangement of frames 304.
In a content-on-demand video, the various scenes or chapters 302 of the video are divided into appropriate segments 303 according to an evaluation of the contents of the scenes or chapters. Each segment 303 is defined by a beginning and ending frame and comprises any number of frames 304. In this example, scene three is divided into four segments, in which segment 3ii 311 begins at frame 4112 and ends at frame 6026. The next segment, 3iii, begins at frame 6027. Segment 3ii, which in a conventional motion picture contributes to an "R" rating for the video, includes frames depicting explicit bloodshed. The content code of segment 3ii is indicated by the numeral 3 in the cell 319 of an appropriate descriptive structure.
Referring now to FIG. 3B, to provide for the option of editing-out the explicit bloodshed in a content-on-demand video, the video segment map includes an additional segment definition 321 beginning at frame 4112 and ending at frame 5205. The end of this segment 321 is linked to a new transitional segment 322 beginning at frame 35205 and ending at 35350, the end of which is linked to frame 6027. In this fashion, frames are omitted and added to provide a continuous transparent edited version of any segment of a scene. This frame sequence 321/322 is associated with a corresponding content code 329 to indicate the absence of bloodshed.
In all other respects the segments 321/322 are equivalent to the original segment 311. That is, it transmits essentially the same information but at a different level of explicitness.
For conventional first generation videos, the editing process operates in a like manner, except that the transitional segment 322 is not available to make the continuous transmission from frame 5205 to 6027 seamless.
To provide for the option to include a graphic level of bloodshed, the video segment map includes an additional segment definition. Referring to FIG. 3C, in this case, only 66 frames of the "first" segment 311 are "ignored", and new segment definitions 331 and 332 are created. Segment definitions 331 and 332 accommodate the graphic bloodshed included in an additional segment 333 beginning at frame 35351 and ending at frame 38975. This frame sequence or segment definition 331/333/332 is associated with an appropriate content code 339 indicating the graphic content of this sequence.
In this manner, parallel and transitional segments provide a descriptive selection mix ranging from a segment combination excluding bloodshed 321/322 to a segment combination including graphic bloodshed 331/333/332, as well as the segment combination including explicit bloodshed 311. As a result, the particular scene of which these segments are a part can be viewed at any of the three content levels for that category.
A scene may include subject matter of more than one category. In such cases, overlapping segments and transitional segments are provided to permit viewing of one subject matter at one content level and viewing of another subject matter at another level.
Referring now to FIG. 3D, the location of the net additional frames that result from the additional segments cause some frames to be non-sequentially placed in a content-on-demand video 341. FIG. 3D is illustrated to diagrammatically emphasize the resulting sequential and non-sequential random-like arrangement of video segments in a content-on-demand video. This is shown for example, in the segment definition 331/333/332 depicting explicit bloodshed and the corresponding non-sequential frame sequence 342.
A video segment map then is the combination of the various segment definitions in a video. In the above example the video map would provide the following information: 4112-5109:35351-38975:5175-6026, 135-4,6027; 4112-6026, 135-3,6027;
4112-5205:35205-35350, 135-1,6027. This map would enable, for example, to automatically retrieve the segment defined by frames 4112-5109, followed by segment defined by frames 353514-38975, and followed by the segment defined by frames 5175-6026 in response to a viewer's preference for a graphic level of violence (135-4).
It is noted that, for simplicity of presentation, in each of the segment definitions above, the next logical segment is the same, namely the segment beginning with frame 6027. As suggested earlier, this need not be the case.
A video having a video frame identified by number 5100 and a video frame identified by number 5200, need not have video frames identified by numbers 5101 to 5199. It is also noted that segment definitions need not be based on frame numbers, any timing or logging format that defines the video material may instead or in addition be utilized. The segment definitions may be dynamic and can be automatically redefined or renumbered as a particular system or platform requires.
The exact physical location of a segment is a function of the hardware and software of the host media. Portability of a video segment map among platforms may be facilitated by a proprietary standard or by commercial tools. To that extent, the teachings of Avid Technology, Inc.'s "OMF Interchange Specification" are incorporated by reference.
A purpose of the video segment map is to provide a relationship among video segments and define the contents of segments. A video segment map is analogous to a street map of a city. It does not provide instructions on how the video segments are to be played. As in a street map, where instructions follow the identification of a destination, in a content-on-demand video the instructions of how the video segments are played result from the application of a viewer's content preferences to the video segment map.
The editing of a content-on-demand video is distinguished from the editing of an interactive motion picture. In an interactive motion picture, the editor is concerned with a branching story-line. In editing a content-on-demand video, the editor is principally concerned with optional forms of expression and levels of explicitness in the story-line regardless of whether the story line is linear or branching, and whether the viewing is interactive or not interactive.
It should be appreciated that the art of video editing under this new format is intended to significantly transfer censorship, and time-constrained editing decision making from the producer and/or editor to the viewer. Thus the video editor is concerned with maximizing the content range of the video produced to permit the creation of a greater number of versions of a video and thus appeal to a wider audience.
The complexity of a content-on-demand program/game is only limited by the requirements, desires, skill, hardware/software, and resources available to the video editor. To that extent, it is intended that the editing functions, in particular, be assisted by integrated computerized editing resources.
A content-on-demand video editing system is in terms of hardware and underlying operating software not significantly different from a number of nonlinear editing systems that are available such as Avid Technology Inc's "Media Composer 8000" and "Film Composer", ImMIX "VideoCube", Data Translation's "Media 100"; and digital audio editing systems such as "Avid's Audio Vision" (tm). The teachings of these systems as well as the teachings of the patents to Kroon et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,198, to Bohrman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,482, and to Westland et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,050, are incorporated by reference herein. A set of U.S. Patents assigned to Avid Technology, Inc., the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein, provide additional specification.
The Media Composer 8000 utilizes a Quadra 950/28MB based high performance personal computer system including: audio converter and co-processor board, video RAM and co-processor board, video slave driver, enhancement board, black burst generator, effects module, compression hardware, SCSI II board, deck control, high capacity magnetic drives, modem, speakers, two 20" color monitors, keyboard, mouse, manual user interface, cables and power strip.
The editing software of these systems is principally directed at facilitating the editing of video material and the creation of special effects. To that extent, the software and user interface is similar to that required in a content-on-demand editing system. However, a content-on-demand editing system is significantly and conceptually distinguished from the prior art by the methods and software routines associated with the production of a video segment map.
In prior art nonlinear editing systems, the editor utilizes the editing system to create a video comprising a linear sequence of frames. That is, in spite of sophisticated video effects, the end product of these advanced nonlinear editing systems is a video of quite conventional linear characteristics. Certain editing systems output an edit decision list or a negative cut list utilized to assemble the negatives of a film in a conventional manner. When the editor produces more than one linear version of a video, each version is complete in itself.
In a content-on-demand editing system the end product of the editing process is a nonlinear videobase comprising a video map that identifies the content and well as the location of segments. The video map is not directed towards producing a single linear version but towards the plurality of versions that the permutation of a plurality of content categories and coding levels makes possible.
It should be appreciated that in the production of a content-on-demand video, the task of the editor is to create a videobase of logically organized video segments. The logical organization being the video map. Thus, in a content-on-demand nonlinear editing system, conventional editing software is enhanced to facilitate the creation of the video map.
FIG. 3E is a representation of an editing screen 351 displayed in a content-on-demand nonlinear editing system. This particular screen identifies the video material 352 available to create the various versions 353 of a segment, and the resulting map 354.
An editor selects a particular scene and segment to edit 355, identifies the video and audio material corresponding to that segment 352, identifies the content category 356 for the segment, and proceeds to edit a segment 357. Normally the editor will begin editing a segment for the most explicit level that the editor desires to produce.
The editing of a particular segment at a given content code is executed in a manner similar to that available in other nonlinear editing systems. In this case, however, the frames are dropped in the applicable predefined or editor defined content code level. In this example, the editor is first producing a segment 357 at a graphic level of violence.
If the editor wishes to produce versions of the segment at different levels of explicitness, the editor may repeat the process above. Alternatively, the editor may copy an edited segment 358, and paste it to a different content code level 359. The editor then may edit out material inconsistent with the coding level, and add parallel and transitional material that may be required.
As the editing is being accomplished, the software composes the map 354, which may be directly accessed and edited by the editor. When completed, the map may be automatically keyed to accommodate the requirements of the particular device to which the video is to be downloaded, for example to a video disc and/or to a video server.
It is noted that an editing system usually comprises more than one monitor, and that windows may be arranged by en user as the user prefers. The screen illustrated in FIG. 3E shows some, but clearly not all of the tools that may be made available.
The following details methods and means of continuing the transmission of the audio component of a video when the transmission of the video component has been paused, speeded up, or slowed down.
Conventionally, when a video is paused, the last image of the video may be continued to be transmitted to the television but the audio is stopped. When video and audio are synchronized in a video, there are no provisions for the continuation of audio transmission when the video segment is paused or frozen.
Similarly, when the speed of the video is altered from its normal transmission speed, if the audio is continued to be transmitted, its transmission is also altered or stopped. The alteration of the audio from a normal speed is seldom of value to the viewer.
In the transmission of content-on-demand videos, whether primarily non-interactive as for example a motion picture, or primarily interactive as for example an advertisement, whether retrieved from a video server or from a Video CD, the viewer is provided complete control over the transmission of the video. That control comprises pausing the video or altering the transmission speed. In such instances, operating routines provide for the continuation of the transmission of an audio element at normal speed.
For purposes of the present disclosure, the audio component of a video is defined to consist of an active element and a passive element. The active or foreground element is that portion of an audio that is frame sensitive, as for example speech or the sound emitted by an explosion. The passive or background element is that portion of an audio that is not frame sensitive, as for example background music or traffic sounds.
The background element of an audio provides the audio than can be continued over a certain period of time and still match the video component. For example, where the video is of birds singing, the viewer may elect to freeze the image, the song of that particular bird and the background sounds are continued. When the video transmission is restored, the video and audio components are re-synchronized and transmitted in a conventional manner. Alternatively, the audio component eventually catches up to the video at a normal transition point where both the video and audio components are re-synchronized and transmitted in a conventional manner.
In instances where the pause of the video is longer than the forward audio stream that applies to the paused video image, the audio retrieval loops back to the audio stream at the beginning or other point of the segment in which the pause occurred, or to the point in which the pause occurred. In a preferred embodiment, the audio editing will provide for the seamless looping of the audio. That is, at some point in the particular audio segment, a seamless linkage is provided to a previous point in the audio segment. The linkage produces a continuous audio loop. To the listener, the audio, while repeating itself, will appear as a continuous stream.
It is noted that the teachings herein apply as well to slow motion video. In that case, the background audio stream is played at normal speed, while the video stream is slowed down. The buffering and multiple read architecture detailed herein provide, for example, the required hardware capability.
Alternatively, or in addition to the retrieval of the audio directly associated with the video, a separately stored plurality of audio segments may be provided. These separate audio segments are specifically intended to provide the audio required by a video segment when paused or the transmission speed is altered.
An active audio element may be provided that is responsive to the specific place where the video was paused. For example, during the viewing of an advertisement for an automobile, the viewer may pause the video when the dashboard instrumentation is shown. At that moment the passive audio element (music) continues to be transmitted, the active audio element (general voice comments) is replaced by a frame specific active audio element (instrumentation voice comments).
In instances where the transmission of the foreground audio element is discontinued, the volume of the background audio element may be augmented to the level that had been provided by the foreground audio element.
The audio requirements herein may be satisfied by a plurality of architectures. The audio elements may be implemented as separate channels, tracks, or audio streams. A video's audio is provided in a manner that permits extracting the various audio elements. The audio elements are further coded to permit satisfying the stereo or surround sound requirements. Different elements from the various audio streams or tracks are combined in realtime to create the desired audio effects. What is suggested here, is that the audio elements that are present, for example, in a performance of a fifty member orchestra, are individually controllable and interactively or non-interactively any combination of those elements may be generated.
The teachings disclosed herein with respect to the seamless transmission of video are applied here to provide a seamless audio transmission of non-sequential audio elements.
Advantageously, the nonlinear editing system detailed herein, optionally provides, as per the teachings herein, the audio associated with the video being edited, while the video is being edited. In this fashion the editor, has the benefit of the tempo of the background music or sound while editing a scene. This will provide for greater integration of audio and video material.
This method is particularly useful in the editing of a music video, where the edited audio stream is the constant to which the video segments are applied.
FIG. 3F is an illustration of the utilization of foreground and background audio to provide audio during a video pause. The top half of the FIG. is a representation of a full motion video stream 371, and four audio streams 372-375 played without interruption. The bottom half of the FIG. is a representation of the same full motion video stream and audio stream played with a video pause.
In this example, the video is that of an automobile race. Four frames, representing segments 361-364 of video stream 371 are shown. AUDIO1372 is sound from the voice of the commentators. AUDIO2373 transports frame specific sounds or foreground audio. AUDIO3374 represents a first background audio stream, in this case the sound from the automobiles engines. AUDIO4375 represents a second background audio stream, in this case the sound from the audience.
In the second segment 362 of the video stream 371, the engine of one of the automobiles explodes. This is illustrated in the representations of both the AUDIO2373 and AUDIO4375 streams.
In the third segment 363, the explosion becomes visually more evident. In the fourth segment 364, the affected automobile is shown breaking apart.
In this example, the viewer elects during the transmission of the third segment 363 to pause or freeze 381 the video stream 371. During the duration of the pause 381 of the video segment, audio is not provided by either the AUDIO1382 or the AUDIO2383 streams. During the pause, AUDIO1 and AUDIO2 are dropped off.
Audio during this pause 381 is provided by the AUDIO3384 and AUDIO4385 streams of the fourth segment 364. As is illustrated, the background audio segments 384-385 are looped to provide sufficient audio during the video pause 381. The volume of the background audio 384-385, now in the foreground is automatically increased to an appropriate level.
Upon the viewer causing the video transmission to resume, the fourth segment 364 is transmitted together with the audio from the re-synchronized audio streams 372-375.
A video delivery system embodying the teachings of the content-on-demand architecture provides each viewer the opportunity to define their video content preferences. A viewer's content preferences identifies each viewer's preferences in a range of video content categories. The design of a viewer's content preferences eliciting routines is responsive to the content descriptive structures. As is detailed below, the content preferences are established or captured prior to a transmission of a video to a viewer's receiver, or immediately in advance of the transmission of a selected video, so that during the transmission of the video, viewer intervention is not required.
FIG. 4A illustrates a viewer's content preferences selection screen 401 specific to the content of a selected video. In this example the viewer is provided the opportunity to establish the level of explicitness in a number of different content categories 402. Depicted by bold boxes 403 is the viewer selected level for each category. The viewer in this case has elected to omit bloodshed 403 in his/her viewing of the video.
In this particular viewer interface, viewers indicate their selections by following the entry requests 404. A variety of means, such as keys on a remote control, are provided for the viewer to indicate the category they wish to access 405 and the viewing level for the category 406.
Also illustrated in FIG. 4A is the labelling of the conventional function keys 407 of the devise in synchronization with the screen display. Once the screen is exited, the function keys provide conventional VCR type control over the playing of the video. Additionally as is suggested by the "Skip" key 408, functions are provided that utilize the video map capabilities.
FIG. 4B illustrates one of a plurality of alternative content selection screens 411. This particular screen would be used to initially establish all the users and their content preferences. As in the previous example, the viewer is provided the opportunity to select the level of explicitness in a number of different content categories 412.
The screen also illustrates other options available to the viewer. For example, the option is provided to assign each viewer 413 or combination of viewers 414 in a household individualized content preferences. Access to the system resources and the establishment of the content preferences are access protected 415. Further, while a viewer may establish a single content preference table to serve, for example, both games and motion picture applications, a viewer may assign a different set of content preference to different categories of videos 416.
In this particular screen design, viewers indicate their selections by the use of a pointing 417 device such as an infrared mouse.
It should be noted that the teachings above are not confined to content-on-demand motion pictures, clearly the teachings are applicable to any video. Specifically, interactive video games utilizing full motion video segments can also benefit from providing the viewer/player of the game the option to preestablish video content preferences in addition to the gaming options which may be included in the video game software. As in a variable content film, in a interactive content-on-demand video game, the video segments shown are consistent with the player's video content preferences.
FIG. 4C illustrates one of a plurality of video specific selection screens. This particular screen 421 is tailored for the retrieval of news programming. In this case, the viewer is provided the opportunity to select the level of detail 422
that the viewer desires in each of a number of news stories.
The requirements specified by this screen may be set by the viewer to be responsive to the viewer's content preferences as defined with the use of, for example, the previous screen. Additionally, the stories themselves may be automatically selected in response to the viewer's preestablished specific news category preferences. In this example the viewer had previously indicated a preference for technology related news 423.
FIGS. 4D, 4E, 4F and 4G, is an example of a set of viewer screens utilized in the retrieval of a video. The set of screens are drawn with an aspect ratio of 1.33 rather than the HDTV aspect ratio of some of the other previously illustrated screens. The screen set is intentionally designed to have a simple and consistent "look and feel".
The functions of the system are accessed by three commands and ten single digit numerals. This permits viewer access by means of current voice recognition technology or the keys available in most remote control devices.
It is intended that in those instances where a remote control device is utilized, the key configuration and labelling will reflect the teachings herein. Nonetheless, the description that follows with respect to FIGS. 4D-4E are in terms of the three function keys and a numeric key pad available in ordinary remote control devices. In this particular embodiment, the Chan+ (channel change up), Chan- (channel change down), SEL (select key), and the numeric keys are utilized.
The screens inform the user which key is required for a particular function. The Chan+ 431 and Chan- 432 keys are utilized to scroll through the available selections 433. When a particular highlighted selection is desired, the SEL key 434 is utilized. The available selection are retrieved from a dynamic relational database.
Numeric keys are assigned various functions. For example, the 0 key 435 is utilized to access a help screen, and the 9 key 436 is utilized to return to a previous screen if available or to exit.
Referring now to FIG. 4D, in instances were viewer control is enabled, that is at least one viewer has controlled access to the video services, the viewer access screen 441 is presented to the viewer. In the viewer access screen 441 as in the other screens, the Chan+ 431 and Chan- 432 keys are utilized to scroll through the available selections 433. In this screen, the selections 433 identify each of the various viewers in a household. If Mom is the viewer, she would cause the highlighting of the Mom label 442 and depress the SEL key 434.
In this example access to the video services associated with Mom is password protected. Therefore, a password entry routine is displayed 443 upon the pressing of the SEL key 434.
While a viewer label is highlighted, the content preference screen may be retrieved by pressing the 8 key 444. If access to that viewer's content preference screen is password protected than the password entry routine 443 is also displayed.
A parent wishing to modify a child's content preferences, would highlight the child label, press the 8 key, upon which the system requires the entry of the parent's password. A child wishing to use the system would highlight the child label and press the SEL key. A password need not be required to access the video services that have been preestablished by the parent for the child.
To add or modify viewer's, the 7 key 445 provides access to the viewer maintenance screen. To personalize the viewer labels, the numeric key pad may be utilized as is practiced in the art to create an alpha character string. Alternatively, a selection listing provides the letters of the alphabet and/or a list of common first names and labels.
FIG. 4E illustrates a viewer's content preferences selection screen 451. In a manner similar to that detailed with respect to FIG. 4D, the viewer is provided the opportunity to select the level of explicitness in a number of different content categories 452.
To select the level of explicitness, the viewer highlights the desired content category 452, and presses the numeric key corresponding to the desired level of explicitness or detail. For example, highlighting the violence label 454 and pressing the 2 key prevents the display of explicit or graphic violence. Depicted by bold boxes 455 is the viewer selected level of explicitness or detail for each category.
FIG. 4F illustrates a category selection screen 461. The listed categories 462 are responsive to the viewer being served. The category selections 462 may be modified by pressing the 6 key 463, which provides access to the category inclusion screen. The category inclusion screen is similar to the category selection screen but list all the available categories indicating which are included and which are excluded. The numeric key pad is utilized to change the category status. Access to the category inclusion screen is also password protected.
It is intended that the teachings herein are integrated with broadcasts video services available to the viewer. This is represented by the 5 key 464 that causes the system to provide broadcast services.
FIG. 4E illustrates a program selection screen 471. The programs selection 472 is responsive to the category previously selected. Where available, the viewer may obtain a promotional clip or summary by highlighting the desired program and pressing the one key 473.
This screen also provides access to the content preferences screen. In this case, the screen is preceded by a password request if not already established, and a request to the viewer to indicate if the content preference changes are program specific or not.
The viewer interface above detailed resides in a viewer's Random Access Video Technologies device ("RAViT"). A RAViT permits the viewer to retrieve content-on-demand videos and other services from media locally accessible or within the RAViT, or from a remote video services provider.
At the outset, it is emphasized that, in certain embodiments, a RAViT may be made available to a viewer that is as simple as a cable converter box capable of retrieving video-on-demand services from a remote video services provider. The RAViT configuration detailed below with respect to FIG. 5 integrates the capabilities of a "cable converter box" and a multimedia personal computer with B-ISDN communications capabilities. It is also noted that a preferred configuration of RAViT comprises all the elements of the nonlinear editing system previously detailed, with the additional advantage of a superior communications interface. As is suggested by, for example, the patent to Lang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,932, incorporated by reference herein, a variety a RAViT configurations are possible.
A fully featured RAViT 500 comprises the following primary modules and sub-systems: i) random access video/data disc module 501; ii) communications module 502; iii) fixed storage sub-system 503; iv) removable storage sub-system 504; v) compact portable storage sub-system 505; vi) external video,/sound input/output support module 506; vii) multi-user modules 507; and viii) multi-services modules 508.
The communications module 502 may be as simple as a modem card or device or as sophisticated as may be required by a direct fiber optic access to a remote video and communication services provider. The communications module may support a plurality and variety of cabling connections such as fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, and twisted pair copper wire, and the cabling required to access a variety of B-ISDN networks. Additionally, the communications module supports a plurality of competing broadcasts and pointcast video delivery systems. In this fashion by merely depressing the appropriate keys in a remote control device a viewer can easily switch between off the air transmissions and online services.
By this method a video services provider can satisfy the requirements of providing access to broadcasts programming without necessarily utilizing system capacity. In such instances RAViT may be connected to a local receiving means. The receiving means may be, for a example, an indoor antenna, an outdoor antenna, or an existing system that may serve as an antenna such as the electrical system.
The fixed memory sub-system 503 refers to any non-volatile memory storage device principally utilized to randomly read/write and store significant quantities of information. An example of a fixed memory storage sub-system is a personal computer's hard disk drive.
The removable memory sub-system 504 refers to any non-volatile memory storage device principally utilized to transport information to and from two similarly equipped devices. Examples of removable memory storage sub-systems are personal computer floppy disk drives, micro disk drives, backup tape drives, and removable hard disks. The random access laser disc module 501 is another example of a removable storage sub-system.
The compact portable storage sub-system 505 and user access media 555 is principally distinguished from a removable storage sub-system 504 by the size of the media and the greater variety of memory storage technologies that are generally implemented. Nonetheless, some of the removable storage media, such as for example a micro disk, are also considered user access media 555. With present technology, user access media is available in dimensions similar to conventional credit cards. Examples of other removable storage media and user access media 555 are: laser read/write cards, in which at least one surface of the card permits a laser to read/write information; electronic cards, in which the information is stored in electronic components; magnetic cards embodying magnetic storage technology, of which a credit card is an example, electronic cartridges commonly utilized in electronic video game systems, smart cards, and PCMCIA cards.
Clearly, a variety of memory devices are available utilizing technologies and combinations of technologies to suit particular performance requirements. The above classifications of the memory devices are directed at bringing attention to functional capabilities of a RAViT rather than to a particular technology. The classifications are not intended to restrict a sub-system to a particular classification, limit the selection of sub-systems which may be implemented, or to limit the function of the particular sub-system implemented.
It is intended that a full featured RAViT additionally "play" other laser readable media, such as for example current laser discs, CDs, CDGs, photo CDs, and interactive videos and games, in a conventional manner. This being diagrammatically shown in FIG. 5 as the five circles inside the representation of the video/data disc unit 501. In this context, it is also noted that the multimedia capabilities in RAViT in combination with its ability to extract video/sound/data from these sources offers the user sophisticated CD-ROM capabilities and interactive full motion video gaming capabilities. As to the latter, RAViT's hardware configuration detailed herein is significantly more capable than interactive CD-based video games, such as for example Sega's CD ROM System for Genesis.
In a preferred embodiment, RAViT is a fully integrated viewing/gaming/computing video system. To that extent and given the other teachings that follow herein, RAViT's laser disc module will operate at the required rotational rate to accommodate differences in software rpm requirements which is analogous to the different available speeds in a record player. The laser disc module as suggested by the illustration accommodates a variety of laser readable formats.
The external video/sound input/output support module 506 supports video/sound/data transmission to the primary video display system comprising, for example, a monitor/television, stereo system, and keyboard/voice recognition-response. Additionally, the input/output module supports video/sound input from local sources such as for example VCR's, video cameras, and videophones. The construction of the external support module follows the conventional practices of consumer electronic products as for example: laser disc players, VCRs, and personal computers.
Multi-user modules 507 principally support separate controlled independent access by other users of RAViT's processing, video, and communications resources. A multi-user operating system such as for example a version of Unix or Windows NT, manage the multi-user environment. The construction of multi-user modules following established networking technologies and responsive to the operating system is implemented.
Multi-services modules 508 provide a host of services, such as for example residential security, and appliance operation management. The operation of the module being principally a software application running under the multi-user operating system implemented. The construction of the particular multi-service module being responsive to the particular application. Example of a primitive multi-service module is a fax/modem pc card.
RAViT further comprises computing elements and video processing elements readily found in multimedia devices and video electronic systems such as, for example and not limited thereto: i) microprocessor 511; ii) memory units 512; iii) video processor 513; and iv) video buffers 514.
The video sound module or board 506 and the video processor 513 comprise compression-decompression technologies to both retrieve and decompress videos and compress and transmit videos. The compression technologies may include hardware, firmware, software, or any combination of these. One or a plurality of existing and forthcoming video compression systems may be implemented such as for example: Motion-JPEG, MPEG 1, MPEG 2, Fractals, and Wavelets.
RAViT's user control interface 531 includes communications to the buttons and keys located on the cabinet of the device, and to the associated control devices 541-542-543. The keys, buttons, and switches, conventionally found in consumer electronic devices and deemed advantageous to the operation of RAViT are implemented. These controls are further augmented by a plurality of function comprising: segment skipping control, magnification controls, content preferences control, segment mapping control, and system menu control. The user control interface 531 additionally supports infrared remote control units 541, as for example infrared numeric control pad, and infrared keyboard; wire connected control units 542, as for example cable connected computer keyboard, mouse, and game controller; and a voice recognition unit 543.
The keyboard, similar to a personal computer implementation, facilitates system setup, keyword retrieval, and system functions requiring the entry of alpha characters. Since a preferred configuration of RAViT comprises significant multimedia capabilities, a keyboard is advantageous. A keyboard connector used to connect a standard AT keyboard or a dedicated keyboard is supplied. Alternatively, an infrared-based keyboard is implemented. Further, given the computing and storage capabilities of RAViT, a voice response sub-system option accommodating minimally the few commands, such as play, stop, mute, sound, skip, required to control the basic operation of the video disc module can additionally be provided.
Implemented in RAViT is a digital system status display subsystem 532, which provides visual feedback and system status information.
RAViT's control programs that manage RAViT's resources, and the retrieval and processing of data and video information, reside in dedicated chips 521. Alternatively, the control programs are stored in mass memory devices 503 from installed software, in removable memory media 504, or in an user access media 555.
In general, parts, sub-assemblies, and components of a RAViT are of conventional characteristics and are freely substituted by like functioning elements and components. For example, and not limitation, while fiber optic-based communications are preferred, copper phone lines and coaxial cable-based communications are considered, albeit less capable, nonetheless, functional equivalents. Additionally, a certain degree of redundancy of components is illustrated in FIG. 5 to schematically show and detail significant functions.
Clearly, redundant components in general, and redundant electronic components in particular, are intended to be eliminated in a preferred embodiment. For example, while a RAViT may include a removable memory sub-system and a compact memory sub-system, one is the functional equivalent of the other and one or the other may be eliminated. In general, where cost effective, components are designed to serve a combination of functions.
Further, the configuration of the RAViT's various modules, components, and sub-systems, are intended to offer flexibility analogous to that found in a personal computer. Specifically with respect to the multi-user capabilities, a RAViT may be configured, for example, with more than one laser disc module, whether inside the primary cabinet or in a mating or sister cabinet.
Responsive to user friendliness, a more advanced wireless plug and play communications and power motherboard and cabinet design is preferred. The motherboard and cabinet permitting the replacement of, for example, the power supply just as easily as a battery is replaced in a portable personal computer. In a preferred embodiment of RAViT, every component and sub-system is added or replaced without resorting to screwdrivers and the need to unplug and plug communications and power cables. Further, the advantages of a multiple cabinet architecture similar to that of a stereo rack system provides the motivation for a multi-cabinet RAViT.
In a video disc player implementation, the entire content-on-demand video (video/sound and video map) is provided in a video disc in a format similar to that required by the video images contained in the disc. Alternatively, the data is provided in the video/data disc in a different format from the particular video format implemented, such as for example where the video utilizes analog/optical technologies, the video map utilizes digital photomagnetic or magnetic technologies.
In a second alternative, the data is separately provided by a removable memory media 504, an user access media 555, or downloaded by means of the communications interface 502.
A RAViT simply configured and comprising a video disc module 501 and a micro floppy disk drive 504 provides editing out benefits to video discs storing, for example, a conventional linear program. In this configuration, the micro floppy disk provides the video map, user interface and other control programs particular to the motion picture. Additionally, the disk may serve to store a viewer's generalized or video specific video content preferences.
The customization of a conventional linear program, while suffering, as does edited-for-television programs, from the lank of transitional, parallel, and overlapping segments, provides a library of full motion pictures to which the teachings herein may be applied.
Upon a playing of a video, the control program causes the reading of the video's identifier from the video source 501, searches the mass memory fixed storage device 503 for a corresponding viewer content preferences, or applicable generic preferences, and upon viewer confirmation applies the stored viewer preferences to the video map.
With respect to control programs, scheduling routines, viewer preferences, video map, and other principally software elements, it is noted that these may be separately or jointly stored in any one of RAViT's various firmware/hardware memory devices. For example, the viewer's content preferences are stored in non-volatile resident memory 515, in the memory of the fixed or removable memory sub-system 503/504, a user's optical read/write access card or electronic memory card 555, or from the respective read/write video/data disc 501. In an interactive video game application, data in general, and game software in particular, for example, may be downloaded to the hard disk, reserving subsequent access of the laser disc for video/sound retrieval.
Generally, RAViT's control programs 521 generate a segment table reflecting the application of the viewer's content preferences to the video's map. The segment table provides the control program's segment scheduling routines the information to cause the automated logical selection of sequential and non-sequential segments of the video responsive to the video map, the viewer's content preferences, and the logic of the gaming software where applicable. The processing of the control programs is principally a function of the system CPU 511 and system RAM 512.
RAViT's video random access retrieval architecture principally comprising the video/data disc module 501, video CPU 513, video buffers 514 and processing capabilities, provides for the retrieval and transmission of selected sequential and non-sequential video segments stored in the video disc.
The video disc player may incorporate constant angular velocity, constant linear velocity, analog, digital, and/or any combination of these and other laser technologies. The teachings of the following are incorporated by reference herein: i) the patent to Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,151, titled: "Compact Disc Player Capable of Playing Plural Selections Recorded on a Compact Disc in a Preselected Sequence"; ii) the patent to Blanton et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,585, detailing a system comprising a video disc player for storing and retrieving video frames, and a control computer for accessing particular sequences of stored frames on the video disc; iii) the patent to Lindstrom, U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,068, detailing a synchronization between laser disc players; iv) the patent to Matsubayashi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,953, titled: Multi-Beam Optical Recording/Reproducing Apparatus for Recording/Reproducing on a Medium Having a Recording Flat Part with a Guide Groove on Each Side"; v) the teachings of Pioneer's Rewritable Videodisc Recorder VDR-V1000; and vi) the teachings of Pinnacle Micro's Sierra 1.3 GB Optical Hard Drive.
RAViT's laser disc module 501 comprises laser disc technology distinguished principally in the cooperative operation, responsive to the instructions of the segment scheduler, of one or more read/write laser units and/or video buffers to produce a continuous transmission of non-sequential video segments. In a laser-based random access multiple read/write architecture, each read/write unit assembly and operation is principally equivalent to corresponding laser-based assemblies found in the prior art, in which a laser beam reads and reproduces memory signals from a disc. The patents to Yokogawa, U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,462; to Rafner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,396; to Carrell, U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,903; and Allebest et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,896, detailing a variety of multiple disk head architectures, are incorporated by reference herein.
Referring now to FIG. 6A, the principal elements of a laser-based random access multiple read/write units architecture as per the present invention are illustrated. FIG. 6A shows a video disc 601 having therein, in a laser readable format, sufficient recording area 611 to store a content-on-demand video.
The recording area 611 of the video disc 601 is shown as substantially concentric tracks lying in a single plane. Alternatively, the recording area comprises a multitude of quasi-concentric tracks forming one or multiple spiral tracks. Additionally, tracks can be provided in one or more planes on each side of the disc, as well as on both sides of the disc.
In a preferred embodiment of reading non-sequential video segments from a single video source, a first reading unit 621 is directed by the segment scheduler to retrieve video information corresponding to the desired frames 4112-5109 of a first, or current, video segment from the video source. Concurrently with the first reading unit 621 reading the information from the first segment, a second reading unit 622 is positioned, according to the video map and the segment scheduler, to read within one revolution of the disc beginning frame information of a next non-sequential segment from the same video source.
In this example, the next non-sequential segment begins at frame 35351. Concurrently with the first reading unit 621 reading the current segment, the second reading unit 622 is caused to read into a video buffer (514FIG. 5) that portion of the next non-sequential segment beginning at frame 35351 necessary to provide a seamless transition from the first reading unit reading of the current segment ending at frame 5109 to the second reading unit reading of the next non-sequential segment beginning at frame 35351. The video buffer, thus containing the segment information necessary to provide a synchronized, seamless transition from the first segment to the second segment without any gaps in the transmission of the retrieved video segments as a continuous video.
Concurrently with the second reading unit 622 reading the next non-sequential segment, now a current segment, the first reading unit 621 is repositioned to begin reading of a next non-sequential segment beginning at frame 5175. By the time the second reading unit 622 completes reading the current segment at frame 38975, the first reading unit 621 has read frame 5175. The process, analogous to a relay race, repeats itself until the last desired segment has been read.
A video source herein is not defined by physical characteristics. Any number of components, devices, or systems; integrated or acting in coordination or combination comprises a video source. For example, an array of drives storing a video comprise a single video source. In such an architecture, the first reading unit may read information from first drive and the second reading unit may read information from a second drive. A drive may have one or a plurality of reading units.
In an interactive video game application, a multiple reading unit architecture is advantageously utilized to additionally provide faster video responses to the user/player's actions. Briefly, while a first reading unit 621 is reading a first video segment, frames 4112-5109, a second reading unit 622 is positioned to read a second segment beginning at frame 35351. The positioning of the second unit 622, is responsive to the option being presented to the player during the reading of the first segment, which may require reading the second segment rather than continuing reading the first segment or reading the next sequential segment. Alternatively, the second reading unit provides overlay images in synchronization with the images retrieved by the first reading unit.
Each reading units's movement over the disc surface is over a designated radial segment such that the movement of each reading unit over the recorded radius of the disc is not impaired by the movement of a different reading unit. In this fashion, the movement of the first reading unit 621 over its radial segment 631 does not intersect the movement of the second reading unit 622 over its radial segment 632.
It is noted that the reading unit's travel need not be limited to the radial segments. A positioning system providing for the positioning of the reading unit at any point over the recording media, provides the reading unit the potential to precisely intercept the beginning of a segment/frame at a precisely defined moment, which is represented in FIG. 6A as the juncture of a radial segment 631 and the beginning of frame 5175. In this fashion, the requirement of reading into a video buffer can be reduced if not eliminated.
FIG. 6A also shows a third reading unit 623. While a simple variable content motion picture application does not require more than two reading units, the third reading unit 623 is illustrated principally to emphasize that a multiple-read architecture is not limited to two reading units 621-622, and is available for more demanding interactive variable content game applications. Further, as illustrated, a reading unit's movements over the recorded surface need not be confined to a particular quadrant, side of the surface, or radius of the surface. In the illustration, the third reading unit's 623 movement over the recorded surface is permitted over the recorded diameter 633 of the surface.
Additionally or alternatively, the information is recorded on the laser disc in a manner that, either through placement or duplication of frames, anticipates the desired and possible position of a reading unit. In this case, even if the movement of the reading units are confined to radial segments, the requirement of a video buffer is for this purpose eliminated. This is represented in FIG. 6A as the various junctures of the radial segments and the beginning of the frames.
Specifically, in this architecture, concurrently with a first reading unit 621 reading a current segment from a single video source, a second reading unit 622 is positioned to be able to intercept and read the beginning of a next non-sequential segment, in this example frame 35351, at that instant that the first reading unit 622 completes reading the current segment at the end of frame 5109. When the first reading unit 621 completes reading frame 5109, the second reading unit begins reading frame 35351, thereby in combination with the first reading unit causing a seamless transition from the reading of the current segment to reading of the next non-sequential segment.
In the next stage, concurrently with the second reading unit 622 reading the beginning of the next non-sequential segment at frame 35351, now a current segment, the first reading unit 621 is repositioned to be able to intercept and read the beginning of a next non-sequential segment, frame 5175 at that instant that the second reading unit completes reading the current segment at frame 38975. The process continues until all the required segments are read.
Still additionally, or alternatively, the rotational speed of the disc platter is set sufficiently high to permit the reading unit to read into buffers sufficient video information to provide the same reading unit sufficient time to reposition and begin reading the next non-sequential segment before the video information in the buffer is exhausted. This would, in certain applications, eliminate the need for multiple reading units.
Specifically, when non-sequential video segments are read from a single video source, a single video source 601 is caused to rotate at a sufficiently high rate 641, in this example 60 frames per second or 3,600 rpm 641, i.e twice the rate of 30
frame per second 642, to permit a reading unit 621 to both read an amount of a current segment (frames 4412-5109) into a video buffer and sufficient for the reading unit 621 to be repositioned to read the beginning of a next non-sequential segment, frame
35351, before the amount of information in the video buffer 514 is exhausted.
Reading frames 4498-5109 provides the reading unit 621 sufficient time to be repositioned to read a next non-sequential segment, frames 35351-38975. Concurrently with the repositioning of the reading unit, the video buffer provides the last read frames 4498-5109 to cause a seamless transition from the reading of the current segment, frames 4112-5109, to the reading of the next non-sequential segment, frames 35351-38975. This process continues until all the required segments are read.
In this architecture, the reading unit reads into the buffer only in advance of a next non-sequential segment, or continually reads into the video buffer as the video information in the buffer is depleted.
A variation of this technique particularly applicable to interactive video game applications is detailed with respect to FIG. 6B. In this example, a read stream comprises alternating frames from a number of different video segments. The number of different video segments results from the attainable effective transfer rates of the system. For example, if the video application requires a transfer rate of 30 frames per second, and video compression techniques, rotational speed, and/or reading capability of the system can achieve an effective transfer rate of 120 frames per second 643 (FIG. 6A), than four different video segments can be read "concurrently" by a single reading unit. In such an architecture, the frame arrangement comprises a reading stream 651 of alternating frames from four separate segments A-D and is read at an effective rate of 120 frames per second. The processing architecture selects the desired segment A, B, C, or D from the read stream 651 to generate a transmission stream 652, at a rate of 30 frames per second, of the desired frames 351A-353A, 351B-353B, 351C-353C, or 351D-353D.
In this fashion a single reading unit can provide instantaneous shifting among a number of different segments. In an interactive video game application, shifting among a number of different video segments can be instantaneously achieved in response to a players interaction with the game's software logic.
To minimize the average seek time of a reading assembly, the laser originating position with respect to the surface is stationary. However, the laser may be rotated about its axis to aim the laser to any point on the surface of a laser readable disc. The surface of the disc is printed to return the laser to the reading assembly as required. That is, while a plurality of angle of returns over the disc surface are established, the required laser angle to the land and pits is maintained. By eliminating the requirement that the laser source travel over the disc surface, a much faster retrieval of non-sequential data is achieved.
FIG. 6C illustrates the rotation of a laser about its axis to retrieve data from different locations of a printed surface. The reading assembly or laser source 661 shown comprises principally a laser diode, prism, focusing coil, and a light-sensing diode. The reading assembly tracking system repositions the spot 671 being irradiated by rotating the laser source 661 about one or more of its axis 662. Thus when changing the irradiation from a first spot 671 to a second spot 672 this architecture does not require that the laser assembly move over the surface of the disc.
For purposes of an initial calibration of the position of the laser source 661 with respect to the disc surface 601, movement of the laser source or media may additionally be provided in one or more directions.
As is illustrated in FIG. 6D, other arrangements of the laser source are possible. For example: i) only a mirror or prism is rotated about the axis; and/or ii) the laser diode and the light sensing diode may be in separate sub-assemblies.
Where the laser diode 681 and the light sensing diode 682 are in separate assemblies, the surface of the disc 680 is printed to focus the return light on the light sensing diode 682. This is analogous to the focusing of light in a telescope. Rotating mirrors and/or prisms 683 may serve as needed to redirect the laser.
To enhance the simulation of each video stream, a windowing technique, such as shown in the previously cited patent to Blanton et al., in which only a portion of each frame is displayed, is applied to each frame in one or more of the video streams to enhance the simulation of movement within a multi-dimensional space and to provide composite images of greater complexity.
These and other variations in the particular number and arrangement of the reading units, video buffer, and frame arrangement configuration that is implemented in a RAViT is a function of the complexity of the video/data, and cost/performance constraints. It is also intended that the teachings of the various configurations shown herein and in the cited art may be combined responsive to the particular application.
Clearly, with technology continuously achieving greater storage capacity in smaller, faster, and more cost effective storage devices, there is no apparent limitation to the complexity of a content-on-demand video that can be commercially executed.
The description above has for simplicity been detailed with respect to a reading unit. It is to be understood that a reading unit herein comprises both reading and writing capabilities operationally independent of the operation of another read/write unit in the system's architecture. Additionally, a read/write unit need not be limited to a particular current technology. Enhancements to the construction of the reading unit itself, such as for example multiple tracking mirrors/beam splitters, are contemplated to produce faster access time and transfer rates. Further, the multiple read/write architecture detailed need not be limited to a laser disc system. In an alternate embodiment, a hard disk drive is modified as per the teachings above detailed to significantly increase transfer rates and lower average access times. Clearly, at present, in a hard disk embodiment the read/write units are magnetic read/write heads.
A random access device's read/buffer architecture, modified as per the teachings herein, is intended to be implemented in a variety of mass memory devices. Embodiments of the read/buffer architecture detailed herein is not intended to be limited to any particular available recording medium and recording formats. The teachings herein are applicable to a number of random access technologies such as, for example, and not limited to, fixed and removable magnetic, optical, or photomagnetic media, and digital or analog recording formats. Any combination of existing or forthcoming media, format, and compression memory technologies may advantageously incorporate the teachings herein detailed.
The steps comprising the method of playing a content-on-demand video disc on a RAViT are detailed with respect to the flow chart of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. Beginning at step 701, the viewer selects the desired video disc. Upon selection of the play function 702, RAViT's software, firmware, and hardware processing capabilities ("processor") issue a command to read the viewer control setup to ascertain if viewer control is enabled 703. If enabled, RAViT's handshaking routines request viewer identification and, if required, a corresponding password 704. If the viewer identification and password are not found acceptable 705, the appropriate error message is transmitted to the television or similar viewing device 706, and RAViT is returned to a state prior to the viewer play request 702.
If viewer identification and password are found acceptable 705, the processor checks for other restrictions to a user access 707. These additional restrictions include: time of day restrictions for the user, and/or accumulated usage during specified time frames. If restrictions are enabled that prevent usage 707, an appropriate error message 709 is transmitted to the television, and RAViT is returned to a state prior to the viewer play request 702. The user-permission capability enables a parent to have complete control over the use of RAViT, and provides for multiple individualized preferences. The patent to Harnum et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,661, incorporated herein by reference, titled "Television Viewing Control Device and Method" details "A device and method for controlling television usage by children and other users."
If viewer control is not enabled 703, or if enabled and verification of the user 705 and verification of restrictions permit usage 707, program setup routines are initiated.
Referring now to FIG. 7B, program setup routines 711 include reading, from the video source, video identification information. Based on the video identification information, which in addition to including a unique identification code also contains qualitative and classification video information, setup routines search to see if a corresponding viewer content preference for the identified video is available 712. Otherwise, the video's content category structures 713 are obtained from the video source to determine if a viewer content preference is established for each of the video's content categories.
Once the viewer's content preferences are established, the processor verifies set up status for editing privileges 714, to determine if the viewer has editing privileges for the class of videos to which the present video belongs and the categories included therein. The processor at this point transmits to the television a request for the viewer to indicate if the existing preferences are to be edited 715. If at step 714 edit privileges are not available for the viewer, the processor initiates normal play routines. If the viewer indicates that no editing privileges are to be exercised 715, normal play routines are initiated as well; otherwise, editing of the viewer content preferences occurs at step 718.
The edited viewer's content preferences are interactively verified 719 until an adequate category preference match, as required by the video and the user is established, or the viewer selects to exit. Exiting at 719 returns RAViT to a state prior to the viewer play request 702.
If a viewer's content preferences for the video are not available 712, or at least one of the categories of the video is not contained in the viewer content preferences 713, then the processor verifies if edit privileges are available for the viewer for the class of videos and the categories 716. If no edit privileges are available, an exit message 717 is transmitted to the television, and RAViT is returned to a state prior to the viewer play request 702. If edit privileges are available
716, then editing of the viewer preferences 718 is initiated.
Editing the viewer preferences 718 is supervised to insure that viewer modifications are consistent with the permissions established for that viewer. Individual viewer permissions are established broadly for any one or more classes of videos or categories, or specifically for any category. Once editing of the preferences is found complete 719, as required by the video category listing, play routines are initiated.
Referring now to FIG. 7C, following the enabling of the play routines 721, the video map is read 722 from the video map storage media or memory. As previously detailed, the video map defines the sequential and non-sequential segments of the selected video. At this point, RAViT's processing capabilities retrieve and apply the viewer's content preferences to the video map 723.
The application of the viewer's content preferences to the video map results in the automated logical selection of sequential and non-sequential segments of the selected video 724 consistent with the viewer's video content preferences and the video map. In other words, any segments with a content coding higher (abstract) than the viewer-selected content preference for the corresponding category would not be included in the video produced for the viewer. The segment selected for viewing having a coding level equal to or lower than the viewer specified content preference for that category is selected and provides the next segment beginning frame information. This will skip over parallel segments of a lower coding than the viewed segment.
Once the segments to be played and their sequence are determined 724, the random access retrieval and transmission capabilities of RAViT automatically retrieve the selected sequential and non-sequential video segments stored in the video storage device, and transmit the video segments as a seamless, continuous video 725.
In a interactive video game, the start and setup routines detailed with respect to FIGS. 7A, and 7B are integrated with a game's setup routines.
It is emphasized that following the initial setup of RAViT with a viewer's content preferences, a subsequent viewing of a content-on-demand video conforming to a standard descriptive structure only requires the pressing of a play key. After the pressing of the play key, RAViT automatically initiates playing of the video without the necessity of any further viewer interaction or instructions. In other words, in a standardized content descriptive architecture, once RAViT initially learns the viewer's content preferences, it does not require any more of the viewer than, for example, a conventional laser disc player.
Similarly, in the playing of an interactive content-on-demand game, once RAViT initially learns the viewer/player content preferences, the gaming interaction proceeds transparently of the video editing functions.
As suggested previously, the capabilities of RAViT are particularly well suited to providing a supervisor (i.e. parent) complete control as to the video material to which a viewer/player (i.e. child) is exposed. As indicated above, RAViT provides: viewer, time of day, amount of viewing controls; and individual preferences for each viewer/player or class of viewers/players. Additionally, supplementary or alternative routines are provided for those instances where: i) segments cannot be rated according to standardized descriptive structures; ii) the utilization of a descriptive structure system is not desired; or iii) a simpler routine provides the desired functionality.
Specifically, routines permits a supervisor to automatically select segments of a video previously identified in a video map as providing material which may not be suitable for a viewer; viewing the selected segments and determining their suitability for viewing by the viewer; automatically generating a segment table responsive to the segment suitability determination and the video map; automatically retrieving segments responsive to said segment table; and automatically transmitting the retrieval segments as a continuous video for said viewer.
Segments not suitable for a viewer may be defined as segments providing content and form of expression which, in a conventional sense, is deserving of a rating other than a MPAA "G" rating.
Alternatively to, or in addition to the editing system based on the application of descriptive structures, a simplified editing system is based on the "flagging" of segments irrespective of the specific nature of the material which may not be suitable for a viewer. Consequently, all segments containing material which may potentially be unsuitable, receives the same flag or code. The flagging of segments provides an efficient method of coding and retrieving the segments and indicating their inclusion/exclusion in a program/game to be viewed/played.
An example of the editing routines that provide for the efficient previewing of flagged segments are summarized with respect to FIG. 8. One of a number of RAViT setup routines present a listing of viewers over which the supervisor has supervisory control. With respect to each viewer and the selected video, the listing indicates if a segment table is already available 801, and if viewer preferences are available 802 or not 803. Additionally the option to designate a new viewer 804 is made available to the supervisor.
If a corresponding table for the desired viewer is available 801 and the supervisor does not wish to make any changes, selecting this option exits the routine, and the operation of RAViT is then permitted as detailed previously. If a corresponding table for the selected v