Patent ID: 8225348
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving a media stream from a content provider; associating moderator controls with the media stream to create an interactive media session, wherein the interactive media session enables multiple users to interact with one another with respect to the media stream, wherein the moderator controls enable a moderator to define an automatic action to be performed in response to a specified condition that occurs within media content of the media stream received during the interactive media session, wherein the automatic action includes one of playing pre-recorded audio content and incorporating additional media content into the media stream, wherein the pre-recorded audio content and the additional media content are each determined based on a category associated with subject matter of the media content, and wherein the moderator controls enable the moderator to facilitate the interaction of the multiple users; and sending display data to display devices of the multiple users, wherein the display data is based on moderator control input received via the moderator controls, interactive input received from the multiple users, and the received media stream; wherein the automatic action includes triggering an action for user avatars associated with one or more of the multiple users; wherein, when the subject matter of the media content is a sporting event, the specified condition is a score change detected within the media content and a game change flag is inserted into the media stream to indicate a game change, wherein the user avatars are configured to jump up and down in response to the game change flag being detected within the media content; wherein, when the subject matter of the media content is one of a movie and a television program, the specified condition is one of a tone change and a mood change detected within the media content, wherein a mood flag is inserted into the media stream to indicate a mood change, and wherein the user avatars are configured to shake in response to the mood flag being detected within the media content.