Systems, methods and apparatus for providing sequences of media segments and corresponding interactive data on a channel in a media distribution system

Systems, methods and apparatus for producing, distributing and presenting media presentations include identifying, providing and generating a sequence of media segments from a plurality of media presentations, optionally in combination with associated interactive services, so as to define a media channel.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed aspects relate generally to the operation of media distribution systems, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for providing and presenting a sequence of media segments, along with interactive data, on a channel in a media distribution system.

Typically, media distribution systems have access to more media than they have available channels and/or bandwidth on which to distribute that media. This conundrum forces media programmers to select some media for distribution, while foregoing distribution of other media. Such distribution of media often leaves customers of the media distribution system less than satisfied, especially if the media in which they are most interested ends up being the media that the media programmers have decided not to distribute.

For example, a media content retailer, such as a cable television service provider and/or a wireless device media service provider, may provide a subscriber with a basic service package having a limited number of channels of distributed media. In order to provide an array of programming options, the content retailer may limit the types of programming offered in the basic service package. For example, given the limited number of channels in the basic service package, the retailer may only offer one channel that delivers live sporting events. The content retailer may have access to a multitude of live sporting events at any one time, however, and the decision to distribute a selected one of these events necessarily alienates those subscribers interested in the other, non-distributed events. Thus, a good portion of the subscribers to the basic programming package may be less than fully satisfied with their user experience.

Continuing with the sporting event example, some media programmers have attempted to address the problem of the supply of events being greater than the available distribution outlets by providing “highlights” of one or more sporting events. Typically “highlights” are unsatisfactory to many subscribers because: (1) the highlights are presented well after the conclusion of the sporting event, when many subscribers already know the outcome, thereby reducing the drama associated with the highlight; and (2) the highlights are generally game-deciding and/or game-ending plays, causing the subscriber to miss the many mini-dramas that unfold throughout a sporting event. Thus, game-deciding highlights, which are presented well after the outcome of an event is known, are not satisfying to many subscribers.

Other unsuccessful attempted solutions to the limited distribution problem include, continuing with the sporting event example, changing torn a first event to a second event, for example, to catch the end of the second event. Again, such complete changing of distributed events alienates subscribers who were following the first event, while dissatisfying subscribers interested in the second event who end up wondering what was missed up to the point of the change over.

In some related aspects, typical media distribution systems provide content targeted for a predetermined demographic of the entire population of users/subscribers. As such, some users/subscribers are likely to be less than satisfied with the content selected by the retailer for delivery.

Additionally, in other related aspects, with the exception of a user changing a channel or subscribing to a given channel or package, typical media distribution systems only provide a one-way service of delivering media content. As such, a user/subscriber has little or no input in determining the media content presented by the content retailer.

Thus, apparatus and methods are desired to provide improved access to multiple media services in a limited media distribution environment.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method of distributing a media channel comprises receiving a sequence of selected media segments from at least two of a plurality of media presentations. The method further includes receiving at least one interactive service associated with each of the selected media segments. Also, the method includes generating a channel comprising a base service and an auxiliary service, wherein the base service comprises the sequence of selected media segments from at least two of the plurality of media presentations, and wherein the auxiliary service comprises the at least one interactive service associated with each of the selected media segments. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the channel. In one related aspect, at least one processor is configured to perform the above-stated actions. In another related aspect, a machine-readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for performing the above-stated actions.

In another aspect, a media distribution system comprises means for receiving a sequence of selected media segments from at least two of a plurality of media presentations. The system further comprises means for receiving at least one interactive service associated with each of the selected media segments. Also, the system comprises means for generating a channel comprising a base service and an auxiliary service, wherein the base service comprises the sequence of selected media segments from at least two of the plurality of media presentations, and wherein the auxiliary service comprises the at least one interactive service associated with each of the selected media segments. Additionally, the system comprises means for transmitting the channel.

In yet another aspect, a method of distributing content comprises transmitting content on a channel to a wireless device, wherein the content comprises a first segment of a first media presentation and an associated interactive service. The method also includes identifying a second segment in a second media presentation, wherein the second media presentation occurring substantially simultaneous to the first media presentation. Additionally, the method includes switching the content on the channel from the first segment to the second segment. In one related aspect, at least one processor is configured to perform the above-stated actions. In another related aspect, a machine-readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for performing the above-stated actions.

In still another aspect, a media distribution system comprises means for transmitting content on a channel to a wireless device, the content comprising a first segment of a first media presentation and an associated interactive service. The system further comprises means for identifying a second segment in a second media presentation, the second media presentation occurring substantially simultaneous to the first media presentation. Additionally, the system comprises means for switching the content on the channel from the first segment to the second segment.

In yet a further aspect, a media distribution device comprises a communications module operable to receive a sequence of selected media segments from at least two of a plurality of media presentations, wherein the communications module is further operable to receive at least one interactive service associated with the plurality of media presentations. The device further comprises a manager module operable to define a channel comprising a base service and an auxiliary service, wherein the base service comprises the sequence of selected media segments, and wherein the auxiliary service comprises at least one interactive service associated with each of the at least two of the plurality of media presentations in the sequence of selected media segments. Additionally, the device comprises a distribution manager module comprising a distribution mechanism operable to transmit the channel.

In another aspect, a method of presenting media comprises receiving, at a wireless device, a sequence of selected media segments from at least two of a plurality of media presentations. The method includes receiving, at the wireless device, at least one interactive service respectively associated with each of the at least two of the plurality of media presentations. Additionally, the method includes generating, at the wireless device, a presentation of a channel comprising the sequence of selected media segments and the at least one interactive service respectively associated with each of the at least two of the plurality of media presentations corresponding to the selected media segments. In one related aspect, at least one processor is configured to perform the above-stated actions. In another related aspect, a machine-readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for performing the above-stated actions.

In yet another aspect, a wireless device comprises means for receiving a sequence of selected media segments from at least two of a plurality of media presentations. Also, the device comprises means for receiving at least one interactive service respectively associated with each of the at least two of the plurality of media presentations. Additionally, the device comprises means for generating a presentation of a channel comprising the sequence of selected media segments and the at least one interactive service respectively associated with each of the at least two of the plurality of media presentations corresponding to the selected media segments.

In other aspects, a wireless device comprises a processor, a communications module, an output mechanism and a memory. The communications module is operable to receive a sequence of selected media segments from at least two of a plurality of media presentations. The communications module is further operable to receive at least one interactive service respectively associated with each of the at least two of the plurality of media presentations. Additionally, the memory is in communication with the processor, the output mechanism and the communications module. The memory comprises a media manager module executable by the processor to generate a presentation of a channel on the output mechanism, the channel comprising the sequence of selected media segments and at least one interactive service respectively associated with each of the at least two of the plurality of media presentations corresponding to the selected media segments.

In still further aspects, a method of producing media content comprises receiving a plurality of media presentations occurring in real-time, identifying a sequence of selected media segments from at least two of the plurality of media presentations, providing substantially in real-time commentary corresponding to at least one of the selected media segments, and transmitting substantially in real-time the identification of the sequence of media segments and the associated commentary so as to define a base service of a predetermined media channel. In one related aspect, at least one processor is configured to perform the above-stated actions. In another related aspect, a machine-readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for performing the above-stated actions.

In another aspect, a media production system comprises means for receiving a plurality of media presentations occurring in real-time, means for identifying a sequence of selected media segments from at least two of the plurality of media presentations, means for providing substantially in real-time commentary corresponding to the selected media segments, and means for transmitting substantially in real-time the identification of the sequence of media segments and the associated commentary so as to define a base service of a predetermined media channel.

In further aspects, a media production system comprises at least one monitoring mechanism operable to track at least one of a plurality of media presentations occurring in real-time and further operable to identify at least one media segment having a moment of interest. The system further comprises a supervisor mechanism operable to identify a sequence of selected media segments identified by the at least one monitoring mechanism, wherein the sequence of selected media segments are associated with at least two of the plurality of media presentations, wherein the supervisor mechanism is further operable to add commentary audio data to at least one of the selected media segments. Additionally, the system comprises a communications module operable to transmit substantially in real-time the identified sequence of selected media segments and the associated commentary audio data so as to define a base service of a predetermined media channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes one or more aspects of a content delivery system. The system is especially well suited for use in wireless network environments, but may be used in any type of network environment, including but not limited to one or any combination of a communication network, a public network such as the Internet, a private network such as a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network, a wide area network, a long haul network, and any other type of data or communication network.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, in some aspects, a system10of media distribution includes apparatus and methods for obtaining, managing and delivering a montage channel38comprising a sequence11of at least two media segments13,15to a wireless device20. For example, the sequence11of at least two media segments13,15may be selected portions of a corresponding at least two of a plurality of media presentations14. Further, in some optional aspects, system10may provide for delivery to wireless device20of at least one of a plurality of interactive services16in combination with the sequence11of media segments13,15. For example, at least one of the plurality of interactive services16may comprise a service related to a respective one of the plurality of media presentations14.

System10may further include media distribution system (MDS)18, which is operable to receive the sequence11of at least two media segments13,15and the at least one of the plurality of interactive services16. For example, in some aspects, MDS18may receive the plurality of media presentations14from one or more event content providers22. Through a monitoring mechanism26, a production center28may track each of the plurality of presentations14and generate a source decision30that indicates to a switch mechanism82which one of the plurality of media presentations14to use as a base service32for montage channel38. MDS18then distributes montage channel38to at least one wireless device20.

In some aspects, for example, the plurality of media presentations14may be real-time, simultaneously-occurring events, and production center28may sequentially issue numerous source decisions30that switch base service32between the plurality of media presentations14. As a result, base service32and montage channel38may comprise the sequence11of at least two media segments13,15selected from portions of the plurality of media presentations14.

Further, in some optional aspects, production center28may add commentator audio data34to base service32. For example, commentator audio data34may comprise a “lead-in” audio segment and/or a “closing” audio segment, respectively which may be associated with a transition into and/or a transition out of a given media segment. For example, a “lead-in” may introduce a scenario associated with a media segment about to be presented, while a “closing” may summarize a scenario associated with the presented media segment. In some aspects, commentator audio data34may override native audio data associated with the given media presentation.

Additionally, in some aspects, base service32may be combined with one or more auxiliary services36to define montage channel38. For example, in some aspects, auxiliary services36may include the one of the plurality of interactive services16corresponding to the one of the plurality of media presentations14being used as base service32. As such, auxiliary services36may comprises a sequence of the plurality of interactive services16corresponding to the sequence of at least two media segments13,15selected from the plurality of media presentations14. In other aspects, auxiliary service36may include any combination of the plurality of interactive services16. Thus, in some aspects, montage channel38comprises the sequence11of at least two media segments13,15, as directed by production center28, in combination with the corresponding interactive services16(e.g. auxiliary services36) and/or commentator audio data34.

Further, system10and/or media distribution system18may include a distribution mechanism40, such as a signal generator, operable to receive and forward montage channel38either directly to wireless device20and/or to wireless device20via a wireless network42. For example, wireless network42may include a broadcast base station (BBS)44operable to transmit montage channel38over an air interface to wireless device20.

In some aspects, wireless device20may include a media manager module46operable to receive montage channel38and render a view48of the respective media segment13,15and, optionally, auxiliary service36, on a user interface50. Alternatively, or in addition, media manager module46may be operable to generate an output, such as audio or vibration, corresponding to the received content of montage channel38on an output mechanism52on wireless device20. View48may include at least one of an image portion54, corresponding to base service32, and an interactive portion56, corresponding to auxiliary services36. In some aspects, the configuration of view48, and in particular the configuration of interactive portion56, may vary depending on one or more user defined preferences58. For example, auxiliary services36associated with montage channel38may include retailer-defined ones of the plurality of interactive services16, however, a user of wireless device20may input user defined preferences58to cause presentation of only selected ones of the plurality of interactive services, e.g. those services of most interest to the user. In this case, for example, media manager module46may effectively filter auxiliary services36, based on user defined preferences58, and only include select interactive services in interactive portion56.

For example, referring specifically toFIG. 2, image portion54of view48of montage channel38may include a dynamic image portion60, which corresponds to a given video portion of segment13,15of the selected one of the plurality of media presentations14that forms base service32at any given time. Further, image portion54may optionally include a static image portion62, such as a graphic and/or text corresponding to at least one of montage channel38, the selected one of the plurality of presentations14, and the given one of the sequence11of media segments13,15. For example, static image portion62may include the name of the montage channel and/or the media presentation, and/or an associated description of the content on the channel and/or in the presentation.

Additionally, for example, interactive portion56of view48may include one or more of the plurality of interactive services16(FIG. 1) associated with one or any combination of the selected media presentation14(FIG. 1), the given montage channel38(FIG. 1), and a given user defined preference58(FIG. 1). For example, in some aspects, interactive portion56includes auxiliary services36, which may comprise a predetermined set of the plurality of interactive services16(FIG. 1) specified for a given montage channel38and/or for a given user defined preference58. Further, in some aspects, each of the auxiliary services36may be represented by a service reference64. For example, service reference64may include a name corresponding to the given service, and may further include a link to information provided by the service. In some aspects, for example, service reference64may include, but is not limited to, universal resource locator (URL) information, universal resource identifier (URI) information, an Internet Protocol address, a datacast service, a text file, a graphics file, an audio file, and a video file, an alert such as to identify that some form of user activity service is available, and a link or reference to any additional information.

In one non-limiting example, such as in the case of a baseball game presented as dynamic image portion60, interactive portion56may include references to information relating to the game being presented, such as: a “scoreboard” option that displays the score of the game in the presented media segment and/or the scores of all other ongoing games; a “box score” option which displays a box score and/or descriptive summary of in the presented media segment and/or all other ongoing games, and such box scores may also be obtained through additional interactive links after entering the “scoreboard” option; a “roster” option which displays the roster for one or both teams involved in the presented media segment; a “schedule” option which displays the schedule of one or both teams in the presented media segment; a “team statistics” option which displays performance statistics relating to the team/player's in the presented media segment; a “depth chart” option which displays a current depth chart for one or both of the teams in the presented media segment; a “transactions” option which displays player transactions for one or both of the teams in the presented media segment; and an “injuries” option which displays information relating to injuries of players on one or both of the teams in the media segment. It should be understood that many other interactive services may be provided, as may be determined by one or more of the content provider, the content retailer, a user preference, and the given media segment being presented on the channel.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, for example, upon selection by a user of wireless device20, such as by using a navigation key65to highlight66a desired service reference64and hitting an “enter” or “ok” key67, interactive service information69is retrieved and presented on at least a portion of user interface50. For example, the retrieved interactive service information69may be presented in the interactive portion56of view48, although the presentation of this information may be configured in any manner by a user of wireless device and/or an operator of the present system. Further, the retrieved interactive service information69may include one or more service references64to retrieve further additional information.

Further, for example, view48may include one or more virtual function buttons68,70that may be highlighted and selected to activate additional functionality. In one non-limiting example, one mode of the view48includes “Back” button68that returns view48or some portion of the view to a previous configuration. In another non limiting example, one mode of the view48includes “Options” button70, which may cause generation of a menu of selectable options. For example, some selectable options may include: a set up a menu to select and/or change the content, orientation, arrangement, and/or size of the various portions of view48; a user preference menu in order to enter user-defined preferences58; a media program guide menu in order to display a media program guide of presentations available at various times and on various channels; a secondary audio source selection menu to override the audio associated with the given montage channel38with audio from another source; an alternate video source selection menu to display on the user interface50different media (effectively changing the channel); and an exit option to and the viewing of the given channel. Further, the selectable options may be based on functionality provided by one or more of the plurality of interactive services16. Also, it should be noted that the number and the available of functionality associated with virtual function buttons68,70may vary from one channel to the next, from one presentation to the next, and/or from one configuration or mode of view48to the next. Additionally, the one more virtual function buttons68,70may have any type of functionality, which may vary depending on the given application.

Referring back toFIG. 1, event content provider22may be any entity that provides substantially real-time or live media content, and/or recorded media content, to media distribution system18. For example, event content provider22may be, but is not limited to, one or any combination of a broadcast television media source, a cellular network media source, a multicast network media source, a podcasting source, and any source of any type of media content. As noted above, in some aspects, the majority of the plurality of the media presentations14comprise, but are not limited to, substantially real-time or live events. In other aspects, the plurality of media presentations14may comprise recorded media, and/or some combination of substantially live and recorded media. Additionally, each one of the plurality of media presentations14may include a single, integral media segment or a plurality of interconnected media segments.

Interactive content provider24may be any entity that provides interactive content or services. Each of the plurality of interactive services16may include a least one, or some combination, of: a text-based service; a graphic-based service; an audio-based service; and, a video-based service. For example, interactive services16may include at datacast services, web browsing services, news wire services, etc. further, as discussed above, interactive services16may include secondary audio sources and/or alternative video sources, such as a unicast. For example, a user of wireless device20may desire to view montage channel38while listening to a secondary audio source associated with an event different from the event being presented by montage channel38. In another example, such as in a case when one of the live events presented by montage channel38is available on a unicast, a user of wireless device20may be captivated by one of the plurality of media presentations14presented on montage channel38, and may then select an alternate video source option, for example an option corresponding to a unicast, in order to view the entirety of the desired media presentation.

Media distribution system (MDS)18comprises any combination of wired and wireless networks, and associated computer devices and servers, which operates to distribute content for delivery to users and/or subscribers. MDS18may comprise an optimized broadcast network designed and optimized to deliver high-quality content to selected devices over a plurality of optimized communication channels. For example, such a network may include the MediaFLO™ System available from Qualcomm, Inc. of San Diego, Calif. Further, for example, MDS18may comprise one or more memories71that store the previously mentioned media, data and records, along with the logic and executable instructions to enable the functionality of MDS18. Additionally, MDS18may include one or any combination of a broadcast system, a multicast system, a unicast system and a datacast system. Further, MDS18may be some combination of networks, such as a combination of the aforementioned high quality MediaFLO™ network and a lower quality on-demand video network, such as may be available from a telecommunications network service provider.

Additionally, it should be noted that the sequence11of media segments13,15that represent montage channel38may be but one component of a media message72transmitted by media distribution system18. For example, media message72may include a plurality of channels which each may be associated with one or more packages and/or tiers of media offerings available to a given wireless device20from one or more content retailers. Further, for example, media message72may include additional data and records that enable wireless device20to construct a media presentation guide.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 4, production center28may comprise any system and/or apparatus for monitoring each of the plurality of presentations14and identifying given media segments13,15, optionally to combine with commentator audio data34, to form base service32. In some aspects, for example, one or more monitoring mechanisms26, such as a human production assistant and/or an automated monitoring device, monitor each of the plurality of presentations14, in some aspects via a display76, and identify a moment of interest. Each moment of interest may be represented by a respective media segment, such as segments13and15. Each monitoring mechanism26may be in communication78with a supervisor mechanism80, such as a human production supervisor or an automated supervisor mechanism, which is operable to add and/or generate commentator audio data34. Further, supervisor mechanism80is operable to generate source decision30, which may comprise a signal to activate switching module82to change inputs into base service32, thereby defining a portion of montage channel38. It should be noted that switching module82may be any mechanical and/or electrical switching mechanism at any location upstream of a media signal feed83into base service32. For example, switching module82may be located at MDS18or may be located at production center28. Alternatively, source decision30may comprise a definition of base service32which defines each media segment, such as13and15, selected from at least two of the plurality of media presentations14. In some related aspects, source decision30may further define at least one of a plurality of interactive services16associated with each selected media segment.

In some aspects, each monitoring mechanism26may include and/or operate a computer device34to mark a beginning point and an end point within a given presentation in order to define the respective media segment, such as segments13and15. Further, in some aspects, while each of the plurality of media presentations14may comprise live, streaming media, each of the at least two media segments13,15may be recorded, for example at content provider and/or at production center28, and input into base service32after a slight delay. In this scenario, for example, because of the slight delay, the view48of montage channel38on wireless device20may likewise be slightly delayed, and thus view48may be a near real-time or substantially real-time presentation of the live event. For example, with respect to delivery of media content, in some aspects time delays ranging from about greater than 0 seconds to about 10 seconds are common, for example due to electric signal path delays and/or to allow for profanity censoring, etc., but the delivered media content may still be considered to be “live” or “real-time” content.

Further, in some aspects, production center28may include a production module73stored in a memory75and operable by a processor77to carry out all or some portion of the functionality described herein. For example, production module73may include hardware, software, executable instructions and data to carry out the functionality of one or more monitoring mechanisms26and/or one or more supervisor mechanisms80. Further, production center28may include a communications module79operable to enable communications between production center28and external entities, and between the components of production center28. For example, communications module79may be operable to receive each of the plurality of presentations14and forward them to a respective monitoring mechanism26. Similarly, communications module79may be operable to forward monitoring communications78, which identify media segments, to supervisor mechanism80. Further, communications module79may be operable to forward source decision30, along with media segments13,15and/or commentator audio data34, to switching module82. Additionally, in some aspects, memory75may store all or some portion of the at least two media segments13,15.

Referring toFIG. 5, montage channel38comprises the sequence11of at least two media segments13,15distributed over time. Further, in some aspects, montage channel38may further comprise the corresponding set of interactive services16that comprise auxiliary services36and/or the corresponding commentator audio data34. Further, the sequence11of at least two media segments13,15may be selected from portions, such as moments of interest, of at least two of the plurality of media presentations14(FIG. 1). In some aspects, for example, sequence11may comprise a plurality of substantially live segments one after another. In other aspects, for example, sequence11may comprise a plurality of substantially live segments interspersed with a plurality of recorded segments. Although illustrated as being consecutive and/or connected, it should be noted that the at least two media segments13,15may be spaced apart over time.

Additionally, for example, in some aspects, each of the at least two media segments13,15may include native image data86and native audio data88associated with the media presentation from which the respective segment is derived. Further, image data86and audio data88respectively are represented in image portion54of view48(FIGS. 1 and 2) and in audio generated by output mechanism52. Also, in some aspects, at least a portion of the plurality of interactive services16may be represented in interactive portion56of view48(FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, montage channel38may include a selected interactive service corresponding to a respective media segment, such as first interactive service81corresponding to first media segment13, second interactive service83corresponding to second media segment15, and nth interactive service85corresponding to nth media segment17, where n is any positive integer. Alternatively or in addition, montage channel38may include one or more of the plurality of interactive services16, where the selected one or more interactive services are based on user-defined preferences58(FIG. 1). Additionally, as noted above, in some aspects commentator audio data34may override the native audio data88of the given media segment13,15. For example, commentator audio data34comprising a “lead-in” may occur in a first time period90adjacent to and/or overlapping with a beginning of a second time period92corresponding to a length of a respective media segment13,15. Similarly, commentator audio data34comprising a “closing” may occur in a third time period94adjacent to and/or overlapping with an ending of second time period92. It should be noted, however, that commentator audio data34may begin and end at any given time relative to a corresponding media segment.

Referring toFIG. 6, in one aspect, wireless device20may include input mechanism100for generating inputs into wireless device, and output mechanism52for generating information for consumption by the user of the wireless device. For example, input mechanism100may include a mechanism such as a key or keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen display, voice recognition module, etc. Further, for example, output mechanism52may include user interface50, which may be a display, an audio speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, etc.

Further, wireless device20has computer platform102that can transmit data across wireless network42, and that can receive and execute software applications and display data transmitted from MDS18or another computer device connected to wireless network42. Computer platform102includes a memory104, which may comprise volatile and nonvolatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM) and/or random-access memory (RAM), electronically programmable ROM (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash cards or flash memory cells, magnetic media, optical media, tape, soft and/or hard disk, and any memory common to computer platforms. Further, memory104may include one or more of any secondary or tertiary storage device.

Further, computer platform102also includes a processor106, which may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other chipset, logic circuit, or other data processing device. Processor106such as ASIC may execute air application programming interface (API) layer108that interfaces with any resident programs, such as a media manager module46, in memory104of the wireless device. API108is a runtime environment executing on the respective wireless device. One such runtime environment is Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless® (BREW®) software developed by Qualcomm, Inc., of San Diego, Calif. Other runtime environments may be utilized that, for example, operate to control the execution of applications on wireless computing devices.

Processor106includes various processing subsystems110embodied in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, that enable the functionality of wireless device20and the operability of the wireless device on wireless access network42. For example, processing subsystems110allow for initiating and maintaining communications, exchanging data, and executing multimedia presentations. In one aspect, such as in a cellular telephone, processor106may include one or a combination of processing subsystems110, such as: sound, non-volatile memory, file system, transmit, receive, searcher, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, main control, remote procedure, handset, power management, diagnostic, digital signal processor, vocoder, messaging, call manager, Bluetooth® system, Bluetooth® location-position (LPOS), position determination, position engine, user interface, sleep, data services, security, authentication, universal subscriber identity module (USIM), subscriber identity module (SIM), voice services, graphics, universal serial bus (USB), multimedia such as Movie Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard files, etc. For the disclosed aspects, processing subsystems110of processing engine108may include any subsystem components that interact with applications executing on computer platform102. For example, processing subsystems110may include any subsystem components which receive data reads and data writes from API108on behalf of media manager module46.

Computer platform102may further include a communications module112embodied in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, that enables communications among the various components of the wireless device20, as well as between wireless device20and wireless access network42. For example, communications module112may include a transceiver module for wireless communications with MDS18and/or wireless access network42.

Media manager module46operates to manage media subscription, media receipts, and media playing/viewing activities on wireless device20. Media manager module46may include any hardware, software, firmware and/or other set of executable instructions operable to manage the media-related activities on wireless device20. Further, media manager module46and/or memory104store media message72and its associated content information and the content for viewing/playing on user interface50. In one aspect, media manager module46includes media management logic114that provides the capability to receive, store, provide access to and play/display media-related information on wireless device20. For example, media management logic114operates to parse media message72and display view48of montage channel38on user interface50and/or generate any corresponding audio data. Similarly, in some aspects, media management logic114may operate to manage subscriptions to media packages with content retailers/providers, and to store the associated subscription information116. For example, subscription information116may be any information, such as a content retailer identification, a package identification, encryption keys, etc., stored on device20relating to subscriptions to, or activations on, wireless networks and/or subscriptions to multimedia packages. Further, media management logic114operates to manage the acquisition and storage, including memory management functions, associated with a non real-time presentation, for example based on the respective contact window, as well as managing the playing/displaying of the content. Additionally, media management logic114operates with communications module112to receive and play real-time presentations and datacast presentations.

For example, in one non-limiting aspect, device20may subscribe to or be activated on wireless access network42(FIG. 1). Typically, an activation of device20onto network42enables the device to receive communications and/or multimedia services from at least one content retailer/provider. Further, this activation allows device20to receive a multicast including media message72(FIG. 1), even if the device is not subscribed to any packages. Because of being multicast, in one aspect, media message72includes all of the media content and information records defined by all of the content retailers. Further, in this case, media message72may include all of the content for a given schedule of programming, e.g. all of the base services and base service presentations and all of the auxiliary services and auxiliary presentations. In this example, upon receiving media message72, media manager module46is operable to filter out all records and/or content not relevant to the device based on the content retailer associated with the device, and/or further based on the packages subscribed to by the device. In this manner, media manager module46may construct a retailer-specific, customized version of a media program guide, and/or a subscription menu, and further optimizes review of media message72by only addressing records and/or content relevant to the device.

Referring toFIG. 6, in some aspects, media distribution system (MDS)18may comprise one or any combination of any type of hardware, software, firmware, server, personal computer, mini computer, mainframe computer, and generally any special purpose and/or general purpose computing device. Further, there can be separate servers or computer devices and/or networks associated with MDS18that work in concert to receive, manipulate and provide data in usable formats to parties, and/or to provide a separate layer of control in the data flow between devices and networks and MDS18.

MDS18may comprise a computer platform101comprising one or a plurality of resident and/or distributed computer platforms that can receive and transmit data, receive and execute software applications and generate and/or display data and/or content such as media presentations14, base service32and/or auxiliary services36. For example, computer platform101may be embodied in hardware, firmware, software, data, executable instructions and combinations thereof.

Computer platform101may be associated with an input mechanism103for generating inputs into MDS18, and output mechanism105for generating information for consumption by a local and/or remote operator of MDS22. For example, input mechanism112may include a mechanism such as a key or keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen display, voice recognition module, etc. Further, for example, output mechanism105may be a display, an audio speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, etc. Additionally, input mechanism103may be a remote device, such as a remote computer, dumb terminal and/or workstation, which has access to MDS18. In some aspects, for example, input mechanism103and/or output mechanism105may be utilized by one or more operators to manage one or more of: the receipt media presentations from content providers; the establishment, maintenance and deletion of channels, tiers and packages associated with one or more content retailers and/or billing and customer service providers; the establishment, maintenance and deletion of subscription and billing information; and the distribution of content, such as montage channel38, through media flows.

Further, computer platform101may include one or more data repositories and/or memories107, which may comprise volatile and nonvolatile memory such as read-only and/or random-access memory (RAM and ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, flash cards, or any memory common to computer platforms. Further, memory107may include one or more flash memory cells, or may be any secondary or tertiary storage device, such as magnetic media, optical media, tape, or soft or hard disk, including removable memory mechanisms. In several aspects, for example, memory107includes the one or more content servers.

Further, computer platform101also includes a processor109, which may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other chipset, logic circuit, or other data processing device for carrying out executable instructions.

Computer platform101may further include a communications module111embodied in one or more of hardware, firmware, software, data executable instructions and combinations thereof, that enables wired and wireless communications among the various components of MDS18, and between MDS18and wireless device20. For example, communications module111may include a transceiver module for wireless communications with wireless device20.

Further, computer platform101may include one or more subscription/billing manager modules113which operate to manage all of the media content subscription and billing functions associated with MDS18. For example, subscription/billing manager module113may be embodied in one or more of hardware, processors, software, firmware, data and/or other set of executable instructions. Further, in some aspects, subscription/billing manager module113includes subscription/billing management logic115that provides MDS18with the capability to receive, store and manipulate subscription and billing information117, such as for each user or subscriber. For example, subscription/billing information117may include subscriber/device-user identity, address and payment-related information, corresponding wireless device identifier information, subscriber account information, package, tier, and channel information, etc. Further, subscription/billing management logic115may be operable to receive, process and transmit subscription related information, such as subscription requests, the corresponding approvals or denials, and the management of digital rights based on an approved subscription request for a channel, tier or package of content.

Additionally, computer platform101may include one or more distribution manager modules119which operate to manage all of the media content distribution functions associated with MDS18. For example, distribution manager module119may be embodied in one or more of hardware, processors, software, firmware, data and/or other set of executable instructions. Further, in some aspects, distribution manager module119includes distribution management logic121that provides MDS18with the capability to receive, store and manipulate distribution information123and control the distribution of content. For example, distribution information123may include information and/or relative associations between information such as one or a combination of flows, flow regions, networks, content, channels, services, tiers, packages, content providers, content retailers, etc. Further, distribution management logic121may be operable to receive and process content, such as the plurality of media presentations14, and content-related information, such as the plurality of interactive services16, as well as content retailer-specific information, such as customization information, auxiliary services, auxiliary presentations, channel information, tier information and package information. Additionally, distribution management logic121may be operable to initiate the transmission of montage channel38to wireless device20via distribution mechanism40. For example, in some aspects, distribution mechanism40may include a multicast mechanism. For example, a multicast mechanism may comprise all or some portion of a multicast system such as a Forward Link Only (FLO) network, including the MediaFLO™ System available from Qualcomm, Inc. of San Diego, Calif.

Additionally, computer platform101may include one or more content/channel manager modules125which operate to manage operations relating to the received media presentations, interactive services, commentator audio data, source decisions, etc. and the channels/services distributed by MDS18. For example, content/channel manager module125may be embodied in one or more of hardware, processors, software, firmware, data and/or other set of executable instructions. Further, in some aspects, content/channel manager module125includes content/channel management logic127that provides MDS18with the capability to receive, optionally store and manipulate the plurality of media presentations14that define base service38based on source decision30, the commentator audio data34optionally included with base service38, the plurality of interactive services16that define auxiliary services36and any other information relating to montage channel38and/or any other channels distributed via MDS18.

In some aspects, for example, content/channel management logic127is operable to generate one or more of a plurality of content and channel/service menus129suitable for interfacing with a user of MDS18to carry-out various content and channel/service management functions, such as channel/service definitions, defining montage channel38, associating base services32with auxiliary services36etc.

Further, referring back toFIG. 1, wireless network42may comprise any communications network operable, at least in part, for enabling wireless communications between a respective wireless device20and any other device connected to wireless network42. Further, wireless network42may include all network components, and all connected devices that form the network. For example, wireless network42may include at least one, or any combination, of: a cellular telephone network; a multicast network such as a Forward Link Only (FLO) network; a digital video broadcasting (DVB) network, such as DVB-S for satellite, DVB-C for cable, DVB-T for terrestrial television, DVB-H for terrestrial television for handhelds; a terrestrial telephone network; a satellite telephone network; an infrared network such as an Infrared Data Association (“IrDA”)-based network; a short-range wireless network; a Bluetooth® technology network; a ZigBee® protocol network; an ultra wide band (“UWB”) protocol network; a home radio frequency (“HomeRF”) network; a shared wireless access protocol (“SWAP”) network; a wideband network, such as a wireless Ethernet compatibility alliance (“WECA”) network, a wireless fidelity alliance (“Wi-Fi Alliance”) network, and any 802.xx network, where “xx” comprises a positive integer representing a give version or protocol; a public switched telephone network; a public heterogeneous communications network, such as the Internet; a private communications network; and land mobile radio network. Suitable examples of telephone networks include at least one, or any combination, of analog and digital networks/technologies, such as: code division multiple access (“CDMA”), wideband code division multiple access (“WCDMA”), universal mobile telecommunications system (“UMTS”), advanced mobile phone service (“AMPS”), time division multiple access (“TDMA”), frequency division multiple access (“FDMA”), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (“OFDMA”), global system for mobile communications (“GSM”), single carrier (“IX”) radio transmission technology (“RTT”), evolution data only (“EV-DO”) technology, general packet radio service (“GPRS”), enhanced data GSM environment (“EDGE”), high speed downlink data packet access (“HSPDA”), analog and digital satellite systems, and any other technologies/protocols that may be used in at least one of a wireless communications network and a data communications network.

In operation, referring toFIG. 7, some aspects of a method of directing the production of content to distribute include receiving a plurality of media presentations (Block120). For example, in some aspects, production center28receives and monitors plurality of media presentations14generated by one or more content providers22. These media presentations may be real-time/live presentations, recorded presentations, and/or some combination of both. Further, for example, content providers22may be any entity capable of generating live and/or recorded media content.

Further, the method may include selecting/defining one from the plurality of media presentations for transmission (Block122). This action may be desired when more content is available than outputs on which to distribute the content. For example, in some aspects, one or more monitoring mechanisms26tracking the plurality of media presentations14may identify a least a portion of a given presentation for transmission across the network. For example, the selected portion of the presentation, e.g. one of the at least two media segments13,15, may be any part of presentation14. In some aspects, the selected media segment may be identified as being desirable to transmit to subscribers because the selected media segment includes a moment of interest. For example, the moment of interest may be a dramatic situation occurring in the presentation. In another example, such as in a sporting event, the moment of interest may be a non-game-deciding or non-outcome-determinative portion of the presentation in some aspects, while in other aspects the moment of interest may be a game-deciding or outcome-determinative portion of the presentation. For example, a non-game-deciding moment of interest may be based on a statistical performance characteristic associated with the given media segment, such as a batting average of a given baseball player against the pitcher who is pitching to him. It should be noted, however, that any statistical performance characteristic associated with a given event may be the subject of any given moment of interest. Further, in some aspects, one or more monitoring mechanisms26, such as production assistants, may identify a plurality of media segments13,15to a supervisor mechanism80, such as a production supervisor, who may then select among them in order to make a source decision30, which determines which media segment is transmitted, and/or who may make a number of sequential source decisions—switching between the various media segments in order to generate a base service32comprising a sequence11of at least two media segments13,15from a plurality of presentations14. In any case, in some aspects at least the beginning, and optionally the end, of a given media segment may be identified and defined, whereas in other aspects the entire segment may be identified and stored as a clip for later transmission.

Optionally, the method may include providing commentary audio data relating to the selected media presentation (Block124). For example, in some aspects, supervisor mechanism80and/or some other entity associated with production center28may generate commentator audio data34to provide a lead-in and/or closing to respectively transition into and/or out of the given media segment. In some aspects, for example, commentator audio data34overrides, or is presented in place of, native audio data88associated with the selected media segment13,15. In some aspects, commentator audio data34is transmitted as it is generated, while in other aspects the commentator audio data is recorded and stored as a clip.

Further, the method may include transmitting the selection/definition of the media presentation, and/or the commentary, to a media distribution system so as to define a base service for a montage channel (Block126). For example, in some aspects, transmitting the selected presentation/media segment may be effected by transmitting a source decision30to media distribution system18, thereby designating a given presentation/media segment as the input to the base service being transmitted by the media distribution system. In this aspect, commentary audio data34may also be transmitted by production center28to media distribution system18, and referenced to a given media presentation and/or source decision30. In other aspects, the selected media presentation and/or commentary may be recorded and then transmitted to the media distribution system.

The method may then continue to operate by returning to Block122and running through the actions described above with regard to Blocks122,124and126.

Similarly, in some aspects, a method of distributing a media channel may comprise receiving a plurality of media presentations (Block140). For example, in some aspects, media distribution system18may receive the plurality of media presentations14from one more content providers22. The media presentations14and content providers22may be the same or similar to those discussed above with regard to Block120.

The method may further include receiving a definition of interactive services associated with each of the plurality of media presentations (Block142). For example, in some aspects, media distribution system18may receive auxiliary services36, which comprise one or more of the plurality of interactive services16, from one or more interactive content providers24. The plurality of interactive services16may be references, such as identifiers or addresses, to sources of additional information or data associated with one or more of the plurality of media presentations14. In other aspects, media distribution system18may receive content from the respective interactive service. For example, in some aspects, plurality of interactive services16may include universal resource location information, universal resource identification information, text files, graphic files, audio files, video files, datacast presentation, newswire services, and any other source of information. Further, in some aspects, one or more of the plurality of interactive services16may correspond to one or more of the plurality of media presentations14, for example, by providing additional information relating to the given media presentation.

Further, the method may include receiving base service selection/definition and/or associated commentary (Block144). For example, in some aspects, media distribution system18receives source decision30and/or selected media segment13,15and/or commentator audio data34from production center28, as described above with regard to Block126.

Additionally, the method may include transmitting the base service, and/or commentary and/or auxiliary service as a predetermined channel (Block146). For example, in some aspects, media distribution system18transmits montage channel38which comprises base service32and/or auxiliary services36. The transmission may comprise a one-to-one transmission, such as a unicast, and/or a one-to-many transmission, such as a broadcast and/or a multicast. The transmission of montage channel38may be in the form of a media message72transmitted across wireless network42. As noted above, base service32may comprise a sequence11of at least two media segments13,15created by production center28through switching between the plurality of media presentations14. Further, in some aspects, selected ones of the plurality of interactive services16associated with auxiliary services36may be matched to the respective media segment in the sequence11of media segments13,15.

In other aspects, a method of presenting distributed media may optionally include subscribing to a predetermined media channel (Block150). For example, in some aspects, wireless device20may subscribe to a predetermined media channel, or to a media package comprising a plurality of channels of media offered by a content retailer. The predetermined channel, for example, may comprise montage channel38distributed by media distribution system18.

Optionally, the method may include receiving user preferences relating to the output of media on the wireless device (Block152). For example, in some aspects, wireless device20receives user-defined preferences58that define one or more output configurations of a given channel on the wireless device. These output configurations or modes may include user-defined preferences58relating to audio generated by output mechanism52, and/of user-defined preferences58relating to a view48and an arrangement and/or content of an image portion54and an interactive portion56of the view.

Further, the method may include receiving a media transmission, including the predetermined channel (Block154). For example, in some aspects, wireless device20receives media message72from media distribution system18, where media message72includes montage channel38subscribed to by wireless device20.

Additionally, the method may include filtering the media transmission based on a subscription and/or based on user preferences (Blocks156and158). It should be noted that either of these filtering actions may be optional. For example, in some aspects, wireless device20receives media message72, which may comprise a multicast message. In some aspects, a multicast message may include all possible content that can be subscribed to by a device, whereas the device is only authorized to access content to which the device is subscribed. For example, in some aspects, wireless device20include subscription information116that identifies subscribed content and/or channels, and media manager module46of wireless device20filters media message72based on subscription information116in order to determine accessible media content.

The method may further include presenting the base service, and/or commentary and/or interactive/auxiliary services as the predetermined channel on the user interface (Block160). For example, in some aspects, media manager module46on wireless device20generates the accessible media from media message72on the output mechanism52. In the case of montage channel38, media manager module46generates view48and corresponding audio associated with the sequence11of at least two media segments13,15and commentary34, while further generating the corresponding interactive portion56from the selected plurality of interactive services16, e.g. auxiliary services36, associated with montage channel38and/or the given media segment13,15on montage channel38

Optionally, the method may further include receiving a user request in response to an interactive/auxiliary service (Block162). For example, in some aspects, a user of wireless device20may enter an input into input mechanism100in response to one of the plurality of interactive services16presented on interactive portion56and/or in the Options menu70. For example, the user request may comprise a request for additional information relating to the given media segment13,15presented on image portion54.

Further, the method may include retrieving and presenting additional information in response to the user request (Block164). For example, in some aspects, media manager module46may retrieve content stored within media message72as identified by the given auxiliary service36and/or interactive service16. In other aspects, the given the auxiliary service36and/or interactive service16may include reference or link to a source of the additional information, with a link or source may be associated with a network device across a wireless network. In such a case, media manager module46is operable to exchange communications across a wireless network to retrieve the additional information from the given or source. In some aspects, the additional information may be retrieved from media distribution system18, while in other aspects additional information may be retrieved from other networked devices. The retrieved information may be presented, for example, in interactive portion56of view48, or in any other manner as may be configured.

Thus, the described aspects provide a montage channel comprising a sequence of at least two media segments. In some aspects, montage channel may further combine the media segments with interactive services that provide additional information, for example, which may be associated with the current one of the media segments being presented. Further, the montage channel may include commentary audio data, for example, that provides a transition into and/or out of a given media segment, or that provides commentary at any point within the given media segment. For example, montage channel may be advantageously provided in a scenario where a predetermined number of inputs of media content are available, but where a number of outputs available for distributing the media content are less than the predetermined number of media inputs.

In one non-limiting example, a given number of sporting events may be available to media distribution system for transmission to subscribers. The media distribution system, however, may have less than the given number of channels available or allocatable, based on a decision of a content retailer, on which to transmit the sporting events. For example, in a situation where more than one of the sporting events occurs at the same time and only one channel is available or allocated for carrying the sporting events, a production center may monitor the concurrent sporting events and switch between them in order to generate a montage channel comprising a sequence of media segments from selected portions of the plurality of sporting events. On a wireless device operable to receive the montage channel, the user experiences the sequence of media segments in an image portion of an output mechanism. Further, in some aspects, the user may experience the sequence of media segments in the image portion while also experiencing interactive services corresponding to the image on an interactive portion of the output mechanism.

It should be understood, however, that distributing sporting events is one of a plurality of possible scenarios, and any other type of event and/or presentation and/or media may be distributed through montage channel38.

While the foregoing disclosure illustrates selected aspects, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the described aspects as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect, unless stated otherwise.