AU2010100203A4 - Interactive Television System - Google Patents

Description

1 AUSTRALIA F B RICE & CO Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys Patents Act 1990 Two Way Limited PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Interactive Television System The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- 2 Title Interactive Television System Technical Field 5 This description concerns interactive television and, more particularly, a method for facilitating a business transaction using a television, a receiver and software to implement the method. Background 10 One of the earliest television sets is reportedly to have been invented in the 1930s. While the quality of broadcast video has improved over the years, most television viewers are still using television sets as a one-directional broadcast transmission receiver. Apart from simply switching the channel and adjusting the volume of the television, there is limited interaction between a viewer with the television content. 15 Interactive television is designed to enhance viewers' experience of television content by allowing viewers to respond to the television content and the broadcaster. In a simple form, interactive broadcast services involve using a set-top box or receiver to receive a television program and associated data such that, for example, viewers can 20 participate in real-time polls using their television Summary According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for facilitating a business transaction between a user and a transaction provider using a television, the method 25 being performable by a receiver associated with the television and comprising: Displaying an interactive interface on the television screen to a user. Wherein the interface includes a display of transaction items on one part of the screen and a display of a first live television picture associated with a first television channel on another part of the screen. 30 And wherein a return path connection is established between the receiver and the transaction provider. And wherein the transaction items are selectable for purchase and the first television channel is switchable to a second television channel. And when the first television channel is switched to the second television 35 channel, automatically replacing the first live television picture with a second live television picture associated with the second television channel while maintaining the 3 display of the transaction items on the screen, and maintaining the return path connection between the receiver and the transaction provider. Using the interactive interface, users can browse through and select transaction items 5 offered by a merchant for purchase from the comfort of their own home. The method has application in a variety of business transactions such as wagering, in which case the transaction items are wagering options retrieved from a wagering provider. Users can also switch to a different television channel using the interactive interface, 10 instead of having to close the interface, switch the channel, and then reactivate the interface again. Users can also maintain a return path connection while switching channels, instead of having to disconnect and re-connect each time that a new television channel is selected. Advantageously, usability is improved because a user who is in the process of browsing through or selecting transaction items for purchase 15 can continue to do so while switching between multiple television channels. When the first television channel is switched to the second television channel, transaction items associated with the second television channel may be retrieved. Also, the transaction items displayed on the screen may be automatically updated with the 20 retrieved transaction items. The return path may involve A dial-up modem; or A broadband Internet connection, including wireless broadband. 25 Advantageously, this feature allows users to switch between television channels, and associated transaction items, without exiting the interactive interface and without disconnecting from the transaction provider, regardless of the method of return path connection used by the broadcaster. The interactive interface can also be used for 30 multiple types of business transactions, such as wagering on one channel and shopping on another. The method may further comprise highlighting transaction items that are associated with the displayed live television picture on the screen, or the television channel 35 associated with the displayed live television picture.

4 The transaction items may be wagering options. The method may further comprise, when the first television channel is switched to the second television channel, checking that the user is subscribed to the second television 5 channel before displaying the second television channel. The interactive interface may provide more than one type of betting odds along with the transaction items on the screen. 10 The odds types may be switchable by the user between the different odds types. The method may further comprise, when a first odds type is switched to a second odds type, retrieving and displaying betting odds associated with the second odds type. 15 The first odds type may be switchable to the second odds type by pressing a designated button on a remote control unit associated with the receiver. The first odds type may be tote odds and the second odds type fixed odds. 20 The transaction items may be retrieved from a content server in communication with the server, and updatable in real time. The transaction items may be associated with a geographic identifier of the receiver. 25 In a second aspect, there is provided software to implement the method according to the first aspect. In a third aspect, there is provided a receiver for facilitating a business transaction using a television, the receiver being operable to: 30 Display an interactive interface on the television screen. Wherein the interface includes a display of transaction items on one part of the screen and a display of a first live television picture associated with a first television channel on another part of the screen. And wherein a return path connection is established between the receiver and 35 the transaction provider.

5 And wherein the transaction items are selectable for purchase and the first television channel is switchable to a second television channel. And when the first television channel is switched to the second television channel, automatically replace the first live television picture with a second live 5 television picture associated with the second television channel while maintaining the display of the transaction items on the screen, and maintaining the return path connection between the receiver and the transaction provider. The receiver may be operable to: 10 Display an interactive interface on the television screen. Wherein the interface includes a display of more than one wagering option, involving more than one type of betting odds, on one part of the screen and a display of a first live television picture associated with a first television channel on another part of the screen. 15 And wherein the odds type is switchable between the different odds types. And wherein when a first odds type is switched to a second odds type, retrieving and displaying betting odds associated with the second odds type. Brief Description of the Drawings 20 Examples of the method and system, in the context of wagering, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. I is a schematic diagram of a first example of an interactive television system. Fig. 2 is a screenshot of an interactive interface. 25 Fig. 3 is a screenshot of an interface providing a list of races. Fig. 4 is a screenshot of an interface providing a list of runners. Fig. 5 is a screenshot of a screen providing form information. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a second example of the interactive television system, where a return path is established via the Internet. 30 Fig. 7 is a screenshot of a "Choose Your Bet" screen. Fig. 8 is a screenshot of a bet placement receipt. Fig. 9 is a screenshot of a "Latest Results" screen. Fig. 10 is a screenshot of a "Your Account" screen. Fig. 11 is a screenshot of an "Account Deposit" screen.

6 Best Modes Referring first to Fig. 1, the interactive television system 100 for facilitating wagering transactions using a television comprises a content server 110, an application streamer 5 122, a broadcast streamer 124, and broadcast and transmission equipment 126 which are in communication with a plurality of receivers 130 over a broadcast network 128. Each receiver or set-top box 130 is associated with a television and a subscriber 132 in the broadcast network 128. Each receiver 130 is also associated with a geographic 10 identifier in the form of a post code, landline telephone number or GPS signal accessible by, or stored on, the receiver 130. This geographic identifier affects the information retrieved by the receiver and the transaction processing engine which the receiver connects to. 15 The data flows among these system components will now be explained with references to the numbered arrows 'I' to '7' in Fig. 1. Data Flow 1: Content Server Pulls Race and Wagering Information from Merchant The merchant 140 provides the content server 110 with sales information feeds. 20 Content engine 144, which may be located at the merchant's premise, provides race and wagering information such as meeting information, race details, runner details, odds and results. Transaction items or betting options are determined from the race and wagering information collected. Form information or guide on races and runners is provided by content engine 142. 25 The information feeds may be retrieved by means of a polling mechanism, where the content server 110 periodically requests information from the content engine 144 via a dedicated data link or a virtual private network (VPN) between them. The content engine 144, on request, responds with the up-to-date information. The requests are 30 made continuously throughout the day using two modules: Feed Manager 112 and Deployer 114. Feed Manager 112 is responsible for requesting all race and wagering information from the merchant at every predetermined interval. The information received is then processed and stored in a MySQL database associated with the content server 110. 35 7 Using the polling mechanism, the content server 110 also periodically sources form information from a Daily Form Service (DFS) FTP server at content engine 142. Specifically, the content server 110 requests files from the DFS FTP server at a designated time as part of a daily procedure. The form information is then processed 5 and matched with the associated races and runners retrieved from content engine 142 and then stored in the database. Alternatively, the information feeds may be retrieved by means of a push mechanism, where the content engines 142 and 144 automatically send data to the content server 10 110. Instead of having to periodically poll for updates, this data push service provides information feeds to the content server 110 when updates are available. The information feeds retrieved, and therefore the third party content engines that are accessed, are based on the geographical location of the races. For example, the New 15 South Wales and Victorian race and wagering information are provided as two separate information feeds. The feed method is usually merchant-dependent but is typically an eXtensive Markup Language (XML)-based web service or data format delivered using HTTP as the transport protocol. The information feeds are also in XML format. 20 When new information is entered into the database associated with the content server 110, the Deployer 114 is automatically notified of the changes for delivery to the application streamer 122. Data Flow 2: Content Server to Application Streamer 25 The application streamer 122, broadcast streamer 124 and broadcast and transmission equipment 126 are usually located at the premise of a broadcaster 120 which operates a broadcast network 128. The Deployer 114 at the content server 110 is responsible for sending the up-to-date 30 sales information to the application streamer 122 via a dedicated data link between them. The Deployer 114 retrieves the data stored in the database by the Feed Manager 112, compresses the data into a format suitable for the set top box or receiver 130 application, and then delivers it to the application streamer 122. At this stage, the data is formatted into MPEG-2 in compatible with the format of a live television stream 35 transmitted by the broadcaster.

8 Data Flow 3: Application Streamer to Broadcast Streamer The application streamer 122 and broadcast streamer 124 are components of an OpenTV Streamer which allows content producers to provide interactive content on a television. The application streamer 122 is software written by a third party to control 5 the generation, contents and state of the data playing on the broadcast streamer 124. Once the application streamer 122 receives the up-to-date information feeds from the Deployer 114 at the content server 110, the information feeds are cached and uploaded onto the broadcast streamer 124. An interactive application associated with the 10 information feeds is also uploaded onto the broadcast streamer 124 for broadcast transmission to the qualifying subscribers 132. Data Flow 4: Broadcast Streamer to Broadcast Network The role of the broadcast streamer 124, which is also known as an "Open Streamer", is 15 to control the multiplexing of the MPEG-2 data streams received from one or more application streamer 122. The interactive application and the information feeds are then delivered to the broadcast and transmission equipment 126 for broadcast on the broadcast network 128. The broadcast may be delivered using any suitable television platform, such as using cable, satellite or an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) 20 platform. Data Flow 5: Broadcast Network to Receiver The broadcast network 128 delivers the interactive application and information feeds to the receiver 130 in addition to a live television stream based on the receiver's 130 25 geographic identifier. Upon activation of a button on a Remote Control Unit (RCU) 134 associated with a receiver 130, the interactive application is automatically downloaded to the receiver 130 to facilitate business transactions, i.e. wagering, with the merchant 140 via an interactive interface 160. The receiver 130 may be physically separated from the television set as shown in Fig. 1, or be a built-in digital tuner. 30 Referring now to Fig. 2, the retrieved application, when run by the receiver 130, displays an interactive interface 160 on television screen, which includes the display of the following: A page title 162 to inform the user of what page they are currently viewing. 35 A first information area 164 with various menu items such as meeting times, horse names and bet options (i.e. transaction items) for selection by the user.

9 A navigation bar 166 to inform the user on how to select the menu items in the first information area 164. A second information area 168 which provides details of a selected menu item in the first information area such as a venue, track condition, weather and availability 5 of bets of a selected meeting. A main menu 170 to show main functions accessible by the user using designated buttons on the RCU, such as retrieving of a help menu, account information and latest results. A next-to-go menu 172 to show a list of the next several races to run, including 10 information on the type of race, race number and the amount of time left until scheduled start time in minutes. A connection status area 174 to indicate communications connection status with the merchant's servers 140 where a "Not Connected" status indicates that the subscriber is not logged in and cannot purchase a transaction item (i.e. place a bet) until they are 15 "Connected". A scaled down version of a live television picture 176 associated with a television channel on another part of the television screen along with the interactive interface 160. A channel switching facility 200 to allow channel switching using the 20 interactive interface 160. Displaying the live television picture 176 on the screen allows a subscriber 132 to browse through and select various transaction items for purchase (i.e. placing a bet) while watching the picture. To switch between a first 202, second 204 or third 206 25 channel with the interactive interface 160, the subscriber has to press a designated button, such as the "Channel +/-" button, on the RCU 134. The selected channel is highlighted on the interactive interface 160. Upon detecting a signal from the RCU to switch channel, the existing live television picture 176 is replaced with the picture associated with the selected channel. 30 Allowing the television channel to be switched from within, and while using, the interactive interface 160 improves usability. Specifically, this avoids the need for closing the interface, switching the television channel in the conventional way using the RCU and then reactivating the interface again. This feature also keeps user informed of 35 which race is on which channels. In the example given in Fig. 2, there are three tabs 10 202, 204, 206 below the live television picture 176 that are each labelled and associated with a television channel. While only three channels are shown, it will be appreciated that the interactive interface 5 160 can facilitate channel switching between as many channels as required. Also, transaction items or wagering options related to the live television picture on display, or the associated television channel, may be highlighted on the screen. For example, if the user is watching a first racing channel, wagering options that are associated with races to be shown on the channel will be highlighted. 10 There is also an option to retrieve and display new transaction items on the television screen when the channel is switched. The new transaction items are associated with a television channel. This allows the interactive application to be used for multiple types of business transactions. For example, wagering options are displayed on the 15 interactive interface 160 if the user launches the application from a racing channel. However, when the channel is switched to a shopping channel from within the application, new shopping items will be retrieved and displayed for purchase. An aspect ratio module of the interactive application automatically controls the aspect 20 ratio of the live television picture based on the type of the television and a viewing mode of the interactive application. For example, if the television has a screen ratio of 4:3 and the television stream is of 16:9, only a middle section of the 16:9 stream is scaled down to 4:3. The user is able to switch between a quarter mode (Fig. 2) and a full screen mode at any time. 25 First time users are presented with a getting started message screen which provides instructions on how to use the interactive application to place a bet. A flag in the flash memory of the receiver 130 is set to record that the subscriber 132 has used the service before. The flag may be reset when the receiver is reinitialised. 30 The "Today's Gallop" screen in Fig. 2 provides a list of venues for horse racing. As shown in the navigation menu 166, the user 132 can use designated buttons on the RCU to access information about a meeting venue (e.g. location, track condition and weather forecast in second information area 168) and to view a particular race at the venue. By 35 continually pressing the right or left arrow key on their RCU, the subscriber can scroll 1 between the Today's Gallop, Greyhounds and Harness Meeting Lists, and other options such as today's sports bets. Once a venue is selected using the RCU, a list of races scheduled for the venue will be 5 provided to the subscriber. For example in Fig. 3, a list of races at "MR Hamilton" is displayed on the first information area 164. For a selected race such as "Scott Petroleum Cl Hcp", a betting status is provided on the second information area 168 and in the example shown, the status is still 'Open' which means that bets are still being accepted for that race. Once the race is completed, the final placings for that race will 10 be displayed. The "Runners List" screen in Fig. 4 provides information on a selected race meeting including current odds, betting pools and betting status which are obtained from the information feeds retrieved from the merchant 140. The user 132 can quickly scroll 15 through the races for that venue using the left or right arrow keys on the RCU. More information on a runner can be retrieved by scrolling up or down to highlight the relevant runner. For a selected runner, the name, jockey, trainer, form (placings in the last four races) and results of the runner is displayed in the second information area 168. 20 The values of win ("Win"), place ("Plc") and trifecta ("Tri") pools for that state are also provided. A win bet is won if the runner that finishes first is picked. A place bet is won if the runner that finishes first, second or third is picked. A trifecta bet is won if the runners that first, second and third are picked, in the correct finishing order. 25 Odds and betting pool information on the "Runners List" screen are updated automatically. Specifically, the Deployer 114 at the content server 110 will be notified of the updates and pass those updated information to the application streamer 122 for broadcast transmission to the receiver 130. The interactive application 160 at the 30 receiver 130 then automatically refreshes interactive interface 160 as soon as updates are received. The interactive interface 160 further includes the display of a betting odds switching facility 190 to allow switching between different odd types. In the example shown in 35 Fig. 4, a subscriber 132 can compare tote odds 192 with fixed odds 194 that are 12 displayed side by side. Unlike fixed odds, tote odds are calculated based on the total amounts in the pool bet and dynamically updated. The subscriber 132 can press the "0" button on their RCU to switch from tote odds to 5 fixed odds and vice versa. Upon detecting a signal from the RCU to switch odds, the interactive application 160 retrieves the odds from the information feeds and displays the retrieved odds on the television. Advantageously, this application improves usability and allows a better comparison of the different kinds of odds offered, and also allows the user to place both tote and fixed odds bets via a single application. 10 The form information of a particular runner can be retrieved using the "Select" button on the RCU, shown as the "Show Form" functionality on the navigation menu 166 in Fig. 4. Referring now to Fig. 5, the form information includes a summary of career performances such as prize money and details of the most recent starts and a comment 15 on whether the runner is recommended. Data Flow 6: Return Path from the Receiver to the Merchant When a user 132 wishes to select a transaction item for purchase (i.e. placing a bet by pressing a designated button on the RCU) or access account information, a return path 20 needs to be established between the receiver 130 and a transaction processing engine 146 associated with the merchant which authorises the transaction item to be purchased and funds to be deducted from the user account. The transaction processing engine 146 is selected by the content server 110 to authorise 25 the transaction item to be purchased based on the geographic identifier of the receiver. Therefore, transaction requests by subscribers 132 in one geographic area will be automatically sent to a transaction processing engine 146 associated with that area. Referring to Fig. I again, the return path may be implemented by way of a dial-up 30 connection with a Point of Presence (POP) network 150. The return path provides a network path from the qualifying subscribers' receiver 130 to the merchant's transaction processing or betting and account engine 146 via the POP Network 150. The POP Network 150 is connected to the content server 110 which is in communication with a plurality of transaction processing engines 146 each associated with a merchant 140 via 35 a dedicated data link between them.

13 Alternatively, the return path may be implemented using any other suitable wide area network, such as the Internet 155 in Fig. 6. The wide area network may also be wireless. 5 Once the connection is established, the connection status 174 in Fig. 2 changes from "Not Connected" to "Connected". When a user changes channels it is important that the return path is maintained. This ensures the user is able to switch between channels without interrupting any transactions that might be in progress. For example in the case of a wagering application, it is important that a user is able to maintain a log-in session 10 with the betting engine while switching channels. Also, when a user changes channels, the new channel will not be displayed before a check has been conducted to ensure the user has subscribed to the new channel. This check can be conducted by the application interacting with the applicable conditional 15 access system operated by the broadcaster 120. This may be effected in a number of different ways; for instance a message may be displayed prompting the user to subscribe, or the new channel may be displayed for a short period before being scrambled, or not at all. 20 Where there is more than one user in one household, the users can switch between their accounts without disconnecting the return path from the merchant's transaction processing engine 146. Once a new user logs in, the interactive application will automatically log out the original user and log in the new one. 25 The subscriber 132 may be required to login to their account and be authenticated by an authentication server 152 associated with the merchant 140 before a transaction is processed. Data Flow 7: Betting and Account Holder Activity 30 Once a subscriber is authenticated and a return path to the merchant 140 is established, betting or account holder activity may be carried out via the interactive interface 160. The "Choose Your Bet" screen in Fig. 7 provides the subscriber 132 with a complete list of transaction items in the form of betting options available for a selected race, "Werribee 8". A number of betting options such as Win, Place, Trifecta, Quinella and 35 Parlay Formula are available for selection.

14 For a selected betting option, the subscriber 132 can proceed to select their transaction item or option by highlighting one or more runners that they wish to bet on and then entering the amount of bet. Once one or more transaction items are selected for purchase, the user will be presented with a bet confirmation screen listing the race, 5 runner's number, bet type, bet amount and total cost associated with the transaction items. Upon confirmation by the subscriber, the interactive application at the receiver 130 will proceed to generate a transaction request which is then encoded and encrypted before 10 submitted to the merchant's transaction processing engine 146 by a transaction server via a secure channel. While the transaction server has been shown to be the same as the content server 1 10 in this case, it will be appreciated that the transaction server may be separate from the content server 110. 15 A suitable cryptographic protocol such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Security Layer (TSL) may be used. Creation and use of SSL or TSL sessions are handled by a module of the interactive application. The merchant's transaction processing engine 146 then receives the encrypted 20 transaction request and decrypts the request for further processing. If the transaction request is authorised and the subscriber 132 has sufficient funds in a user account, a response will be generated and forwarded to the receiver 130 via the POP network 150. The amount of bet placed is also deducted from the user's account. The response and details of the transaction are displayed on a "Bet Receipt" screen to notify the 25 subscriber 132 of the authorised transaction request; see Fig. 8. The latest results can be also viewed at any time by pressing a designated button on the RCU to bring up a "Latest Results" screen. Referring now to in Fig. 9, the winners of a race (Shepparton Race 11) are shown along with the dividends payable for each bet 30 type based on the results of that race; see second information area 168. Users can access their account information at any time by pressing a designated button on the RCU to bring up the "Your Account" screen in Fig. 10. The "Account Balance" menu item allows users to view their account number, balance and available funds. 35 The "Account Summary" screen provides a record of past transactions with the merchant and details of these transactions while the "Account Summary (Parimutuel)" 15 and "Account Summary (Fixed Odds)" screens provide detailed account summary of parimutuel and fixed odds transactions respectively. Users can also deposit funds to their account at any time using the "Account Deposit" 5 screen in Fig. 11. The user needs to be logged in to access the account information and make a deposit via a credit card. In another embodiment, the interactive application may be in communication with financial institutions to facilitate fund deposit using a debit card or via telegraphic transfer. 10 Further, the interactive application may allow a subscriber to search for a particular race or runner, and store their favourites in a memory unit associated with the receiver 130. This functionality allows subscribers to keep track of the progress of, for example, their favourite runner throughout a racing season. 15 The interface 160 will display an error message if an error is detected, such as when the selected pool or race is closed; an invalid password or account number is supplied; the amount of bet exceeds the amount in the account; a selected race is abandoned; the amount of bet is under a minimum amount or over a maximum amount; the account is frozen, security blocked, closed or inhibited; the customer is younger than a minimum 20 age; the credit card information is invalid or registered by another user or the system is busy. The interactive interface may further allow a user to impose a time restriction on when a bet can be placed. The qualifying subscriber 132 may disconnect the return path between the receiver and 25 the POP Network 150 at any time after a purchase is made. The interactive application can also be configured to disconnect itself automatically after a timeout period lapses. Functional Modules The interactive application comprises a number of modules to facilitate the commerce 30 transactions discussed. The modules are divided into the following Application Programming Interface (API) groups: API common modules control the aspect ratio of the television stream; handle the display of MPEG stills, video and audio; handle the creation and use of HTTP and SSL sessions; parse XML data and create XML format data. 35 API user interface modules handle entry of digits, alphabets and financial amount and provide text gadgets for one-line, preformatted or non-formatted text.

16 API page modules render specific screens of the interactive interface on the television; such as those shown in Figs. 2 to 10. API data modules collect and process the information feeds on dividends, form, meetings, messaging, odds, pools, races, results, runners and tips. 5 API return path modules establish a connection with the transaction processing engine 146 and handle all transaction requests from the user and responses from the engine 146. And, Other miscellaneous API modules handle other functions such as messaging, initialisation and timer. 10 Although the system has been described with reference to a wagering system, it should be appreciated that it could be exemplified in many other forms and in combination with other features not mentioned above. 15 For instance, the system can be used for share trading. In this case, the television stream is live updates on the stock market, the transaction items are shares or derivatives, the sales information comprises sales and purchase prices and the commentaries are market reports and expert's analysis. 20 The system also has application in facilitating transactions of consumer goods and services. For example, upon viewing an advertisement on a transaction item on television, a user can press a designated button on the RCU to initiate the interactive application for buying that particular item. In this case, the interactive application presents the user with a list of broadcasted advertisements and allows the user to 25 purchase the good or service associated with the advertisement. The user may select to replay the advertisement or continue viewing the existing television stream in a scaled down version. As used in this description, the term "module" is intended to refer to a computer-related 30 entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software or software in execution. For example, a module may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program and/or a computer. It will be understood that, for example, both an application running on a server and the server can be a computing module. One or more modules 35 may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be reside on a single computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

17 It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions throughout the description utilizing terms such as "receiving", "processing", "retrieving", "selecting", "calculating", "determining", "displaying", "replacing", 5 "generating" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that processes and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display 10 devices. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, words using singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. It should be understood that the techniques described herein might be implemented using a variety of technologies. For example, the methods described herein may be 15 implemented by a series of computer executable instructions residing on a suitable computer readable medium. Suitable computer readable media may include volatile (e.g. RAM) and/or non-volatile (e.g. ROM, disk) memory, carrier waves and transmission media (e.g. copper wire, coaxial cable, fibre optic media). Exemplary carrier waves may take the form of electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals 20 conveying digital data steams along a local network or a publically accessible network such as the Internet. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments 25 without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (5)

1. A method for facilitating a business transaction between a user and a transaction provider using a television, the method being performable by a receiver associated with 5 the television and comprising: displaying an interactive interface on the television screen to a user, wherein the interface includes a display of transaction items on one part of the screen and a display of a first live television picture associated with a first television channel on another part of the screen; 10 and wherein a return path connection is established between the receiver and the transaction provider; and wherein the transaction items are selectable for purchase and the first television channel is switchable to a second television channel; and when the first television channel is switched to the second television 15 channel, automatically replacing the first live television picture with a second live television picture associated with the second television channel while maintaining the display of the transaction items on the screen, and maintaining the return path connection between the receiver and the transaction provider. 20

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the return path is: a. a dial-up modem; or b. a broadband Internet connection, including wireless broadband.

3. The method of claim I or 2, wherein the transaction items are wagering options. 25

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising, when the first television channel is switched to the second television channel, checking that the user is subscribed to the second television channel before displaying the second television channel. 30

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the interactive interface further provides more than one type of betting odds along with the transaction items on the screen.