Patent ID: 12223528

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning the Internet, HTML (including HTML5), HTTP, HTTPS, SWF, XML, PHP, ADOBE FLASH, FLV, and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

It is noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions described herein may be performed by a processor such as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic data processor, a computer, or the like, in accordance with code, such as program code, software, integrated circuits, and/or the like that are coded to perform such functions. Furthermore, it is considered that the design, development, and implementation details of all such code would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art based upon a review of the present description of the invention.

Referring toFIG.1of the drawings, the reference numeral100generally designates an interactive content distribution system embodying features of the present invention. The system100includes an enterprise nucleus102configured as a hub for controlling all operations of the systems100, discussed in further detail below. Coupled to the enterprise nucleus102are one or more syndicated e-commerce applications104, a content management system (“CMS”)106, advertising networks108, and an e-commerce platform110.

The syndicated e-commerce applications104coupled to the enterprise nucleus102include e-commerce applications105in which the end-users are not registered with the e-commerce platform110and e-commerce applications107in which the end-users are registered with the e-commerce platform110. The syndicated e-commerce applications105and107include, by way of example but not limitation, mobile device applications for mobile devices (e.g., IPHONE, smartphones running the Android operating system, portable gaming platforms such as NINTENDO DS), social media applications (e.g., FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, GOOGLE BUZZ), syndicated media player applications, syndicated store applications, applications written for game consoles (e.g., X-BOX, PLAYSTATION, NINTENDO, WII), Internet protocol television (“IPTV”), and any device and/or platform that would allow insertion of syndicated e-commerce applications and conduct the syndicated e-commerce process discussed below. Each of the unregistered e-commerce applications105are preferably coupled, either directly (e.g., cable, satellite, fiber optic) or via a communication network (e.g., the Internet, VPN, cellular communications network)114, to a secure data decryption server (“SDDS”)116, which SDDS is in turn coupled to the e-commerce platform110, described in further detail below. Each of the registered e-commerce applications107are preferably coupled, either directly or via a communication network (e.g., the Internet, cellular communications network)116, to the enterprise nucleus102.

The CMS106includes an encoding server120coupled to the enterprise nucleus102and to a third party content distribution network (“CDN”)121. The CDN121is preferably coupled to one or more edge servers122, such as provided by Akamai, which provide an interface, via a communication network (e.g., the Internet)124, between the CDN124and one or more content providers (not shown). Content provided by the CMS106includes, by way of example but not limitation, motion pictures, motion picture trailers, video, and audio.

The advertisement (“ad”) networks108include a third-party advertisement server126(e.g., Ad-Tech) coupled to the enterprise nucleus102, and one or more ad networks128(e.g., ADMOB, TREMOR MEDIA, and LC?). The ad networks108provide, by way of example but not limitation, products lists showing which products are associated or correlated with at least one item associated with or displayed in certain media, and other product information, such as pricing, availability, and the like.

The e-commerce platform110includes an enterprise e-commerce system138coupled to the enterprise nucleus102. One or more payment gateways140(e.g., PAYPAL), accounting systems142, and fulfillment centers144are coupled to the enterprise e-commerce system138. One or more warehouse management systems146are connected to each fulfillment center144. The enterprise e-commerce system138is further preferably coupled to the SDDS116for receiving registration application data from the e-commerce application105.

FIG.2exemplifies a player frame200embodying features of the invention. The frame200preferably includes a header202and footer204, as well as a number of sub-frames206sandwiched between the header and footer. The sub-frames206may be configured for displaying account information, categories, products, featured products, featured offer, a shopping cart, total charges, and additional links (e.g., About Us, Shipping, Returns, Privacy & Security, Conditions of Use, Contact Info, Gift Voucher FAQ).

FIG.3exemplifies an alternate embodiment of player frame with video content, advertisements, and an e-commerce component overlaid on the player frame, along with viral tools.

FIG.4exemplifies a player base frame400having an main frame402, subframe404configured for a video production (not part of the base frame), and a subframe406configured for an e-commerce application (not part of the base frame). The player base frame400also includes embed code (not shown), such as HTML code, for retrieving media content from the CMS106, ad content and a product list from the ad networks108, and an e-commerce component of the player from the enterprise nucleus102, as discussed in further detail below.

The player base frame400, with the embed code for retrieving media content, ad content, and an e-commerce component, may be virally copied and propagated from one web page to any number of other web pages on the Internet.

FIG.5andFIG.6exemplify a player500built on the player base frame ofFIG.4. as it would be displayed, for example, on a computer monitor (not shown). The player500preferably includes media content (e.g., video, motion picture, audio)502presented within the subframe404(using, e.g., FLASH encoding) and a syndicated e-commerce component in the subframe504. The e-commerce component is configured to be an interface between a user and the e-commerce platform110and the SDDS116(discussed below with respect to steps714-738ofFIG.7), and is preferably built on custom encoding, and preferably includes a product list504(FIG.5) and a media play list506(FIG.6) integrated therein for use by a user. The product list504preferably displays products508that correspond to products being used in the media production502, which products which may be selected for purchase through the interactive ecommerce component in the subframe504. The media play list506preferably displays a number of media from which a user may select to view or listen to in the media production502.

FIG.7depicts a flow chart700exemplifying one preferred embodiment for using the invention. In step702, a user engages an e-commerce application104, and in step704, a user requests (e.g., via the media play list506) media content (e.g., video, audio, game) with which to be presented. The e-commerce application104then generates a request for same along with associated products and product offers, and transmits the request to the enterprise nucleus102which forwards same to the CMS server106and ad server108. In step706, the CMS server106retrieves the requested media content and the ad server108retrieves ad content (i.e., products and product offers) associated with the media content. In step708, the requested media content along with associated ad content is transmitted to the e-commerce application104, and in step710, same is received by the e-commerce application. In step712, the media content is presented for display to the user via the media production window502, and associated ad content is presented in the sub-frame406.

While viewing the media content, if a user/viewer should see an item or product that the user/viewer would find desirable to have, then in step714, the user/viewer may engage the e-commerce component504to place an order for the product. In step716, a determination is made whether the user is registered with the e-commerce platform to order the product. If it is determined at step716that the user is registered, then execution proceeds to step717in which the e-commerce application104generates a message comprising the user's registration data and purchase order and forwards same to the e-commerce platform110. If it is determined at step716that the user is not registered, then execution proceeds to step718in which the user is prompted to provide information to become registered to purchase the product. In step720, the user's registration application data is encrypted and transmitted to a secure data decryption server (SDDS), and in step722, the encrypted data is decrypted and forwarded to the e-commerce platform110.

At step724, the e-commerce platform receives the registration data and checks to determine whether the user has an existing account. In step726, if the user has an existing account, then execution proceeds to step730; otherwise, execution proceeds to step728. At step728, the registration application data is processed and an account is setup in the name of the user, and execution proceeds to step730. At step730, payment for the product to be purchased is processed, and at step732, a determination is made whether to post or deny the transaction. If the transaction is denied, a report of same is transmitted to the e-commerce application104. If the transaction is posted, then in step734the fulfillment center144in conjunction with the warehouse management system146is instructed to fill the order and a report of same is transmitted to the e-commerce application104.

In step736, the e-commerce application104receives the report that the transaction was either denied or posted and presents same to the user, and the transaction is terminated at step738. At step740, the user resumes viewing or listening to the media content.

It is understood that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example,FIG.8shows a system800in which the third party ad server130may be coupled directly to the third party CDN;FIG.9shows a system900in which the third party ad server130may be coupled directly to the CMS edge servers122; andFIG.10shows a system1000in which the third party ad server130may be coupled in any combination of ways depicted byFIGS.1,8, and9, and in particular, directly to the enterprise nucleus102and CMS edge servers122.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning the Internet, HTTP, XML, PHP, FLV, and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

It is noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions described herein may be performed by a processor such as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic data processor, a computer, or the like, in accordance with code, such as program code, software, integrated circuits, and/or the like that are coded to perform such functions. Furthermore, it is considered that the design, development, and implementation details of all such code would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art based upon a review of the present description of the invention.

Referring toFIG.11of the drawings, the reference numeral100generally designates an interactive product placement system embodying features of the present invention.

The system100includes a video server104and an ad (i.e., “advertisement”) server106coupled together via a communication information network effective for video streaming, such as the Internet,110. An interactive video editor102is coupled via the Internet110to the video server104and ad server106for creating immersive interactive advertisements in conjunction with video productions displayed by the video server. An interactive video player108is coupled via the Internet110to the video server104and ad server106for displaying video productions from the video server104and ads from the ad server106in accordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG.13exemplifies an application of the interactive video editor102for enabling non-technical ad representatives to create an immersive interactive advertising experience for users. The editor102defines the properties, interactive elements, visuals, and motion of the ad element stored in metadata and XML, format and packaged with the ad file. The editor102is a rich media application comprising tools, a user interface, and backend connections to the ad server106. The following lists, by way of example and not limitation, some preferred features of the editor102:File: OpenSave: Save an iteration of video project file.Export: Export in all applicable compiled final production ready formats.Properties: Set campaign name, lifespan and essential metadata ad formats.Assign Path: Create guideline to animate overlay object end to end over.Set Key: Assign animation key frame.

Four Comer Pin: Pin vector points to set start and end frames over underlying video production. Comer Pin effect distorts an image by repositioning each of its four comers. Use it to stretch, shrink, skew, or twist an image or to simulate perspective or movement that pivots from the edge of a layer

The interactive video editor102also enables layers to be added to the video production. More specifically, an overlay element allows users to see an underlying video preview. The first layer on the bottom forms a base layer, and anything layered on top of that at least partially obscures the layers underneath it.

Still further, the interactive video editor102includes a tool kit, comprising the following:Pen: freeform drawing tool used to define shapeShape: Set of predefined shapes to use as interactive elementPaint: Brush tool allowing more freeform element creationErase: Remove excess erase tool allows you to remove portions of shapes or lines with precision. You can change the size and shape of the eraser as well as the portions of any shape you want to erase by adjusting the options

FIG.14exemplifies an application of the interactive video player108configured with the capabilities to read, display, and interact with code supplied by the corresponding application of the interactive video editor102. The player108is a rich media application comprising tools, a user interface, and backend connections to the ad server106.

As shown inFIG.14, the video player108advertises a card in an overlay as it moves along a motion path. Also shown are an ad icon/logo for the card in a Timeline under the video display, and under the ad icon/logo, a calling cue point corresponding to a respective icon/logo above it. Optionally, under the calling cue points are episodes of the video production being watched. While the timeline is shown positioned beneath the video production, it may be positioned along the top, left, or right margins of the video production.

FIG.12is a flow chart exemplifying steps in the operation of the invention. In step202operation begins, and in step204a request is generated by the video player108(per input from a user) for a video production and transmitted to the video server104. In step206, the video server104receives the request for a video production and, in step208, the video server104locates the video production and transmits it to the video player108. In step212, the video player108begins playing the video production until a cue point is triggered in step214. Upon triggering the cue point, execution proceeds to step216wherein the video player generates and transmits to the ad server106a request via HTTP POST requests for an ad, and includes with the request a cue point name and video ID into which the ad will be placed. The following exemplifies a request generated at step216:

FLVPlayback.addEventlistener(Video.CuePoint, function( ) {Var request = newURLRequest(“filename.php?func=advertisment&movie_id=“+movie_id+”&cue_point=” + this.cuePointName);}

In step218, the ad server106receives the ad request and, in step220, the ad server106locates the requested ad and transmits the ad to the video player108. The ad requests are made form the player application via HTTP POST requests. The response from the ad server or other database will be a small XML, that gives the path of the ad, length, and any other information that's related to the ad. The player reacts to events signaled by the cue points request and will execute actions defined inside the event trigger instructing the player with the ad parameters, e.g., kind of ad file requested, the action to take, e.g., pause, lifespan, effect, specifics coordinates of the over-laid ad, and the like, as well as any other custom defined configurations.

The following exemplifies simple cue point metadata, which is generated by the video editor102and stored with the advertisement:

TIMECUE POINT NAMEACTIONDURATIONURL PATH1:54.02soda_canFade In1Osec.http://yoururl.com/ad2:02.06pizza_boxMotion Path1Osec.http://yoururl.com/ad9:02.04sneakersGlow5sec.http://yoururl.com/ad

In step222, the video player receives the ad with an interactive link which a user/viewer may select and click on to obtain further information about the product being advertised, and optionally purchase same. The ad is then displayed as either or both an ad with the link as an overlay on the video production in step224, or in step226as a calling cue point for the ad and link in an icon or logo in a timeline below the video production. In step224, the ad is displayed for the duration indicated in the cue point data, as exemplified above. The icon or logo in the timeline of step226may remain in the timeline as long as space permits, that is, until space is needed for a icon or logo of a subsequent icon or logo.

In step228, a determination is made whether the video production is complete. If the video production is not complete, execution returns to step212; otherwise, execution is terminated as step230.

FIGS.15and16provide additional visual examples of interactive overlay and timeline ads, in which the video player108seeks cue points set in the video content triggering an ad event requesting either a timeline advertisement or an embedded live overlay advertisement. More specifically,FIG.15exemplifies how timeline information and advertisement offers directly correspond to cue points inside specific video content assets.FIG.6exemplifies how cue points trigger pre-defined advertising events stored and indexed with metadata in the ad server or other database. An example of the event may include the extraction of a single video frame or a series of frames of a video production, which in turn becomes the interactive advertisement that is laid over the video production to create a seamless interactive clickable video ad. As shown inFIG.16, the product being advertised is highlight via rotoscoping, and additional information may be obtained about by clicking on the product.

By the use of the present invention, an improved method is provided for advertising products by interactively placing them either in a timeline or embedding them in a live overlay on a video production.

It is understood that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, the compositing of elements otherwise non-existing into the finished advertising product or filming green screen products and services into the production to later composite via the video editing application. Means for interconnecting components of the system may be achieved other than via the Internet, such as via fiber optic or cable network or satellite. The video stream may be supplied by alternative means incorporating, for example, DVD technology.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.