WO2002019237A9 - Systeme et procede servant a recueillir des profils demographiques d'une pluralite d'abonnes et a produire des messages publicitaires sous forme de banniere a leur intention - Google Patents

Systeme et procede servant a recueillir des profils demographiques d'une pluralite d'abonnes et a produire des messages publicitaires sous forme de banniere a leur intention

Info

Publication number
WO2002019237A9
WO2002019237A9 PCT/US2001/041927 US0141927W WO0219237A9 WO 2002019237 A9 WO2002019237 A9 WO 2002019237A9 US 0141927 W US0141927 W US 0141927W WO 0219237 A9 WO0219237 A9 WO 0219237A9
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
subscriber
web page
entertainment
content
script
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/041927
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002019237A1 (fr
Inventor
Maev Jack I J
Douglas C Infiesto
Ricardo Lopez
Original Assignee
Maev Jack I J
Douglas C Infiesto
Ricardo Lopez
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maev Jack I J, Douglas C Infiesto, Ricardo Lopez filed Critical Maev Jack I J
Priority to AU2001293228A priority Critical patent/AU2001293228A1/en
Publication of WO2002019237A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002019237A1/fr
Publication of WO2002019237A9 publication Critical patent/WO2002019237A9/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/53—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers
    • H04H20/61—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
    • H04H20/63—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast to plural spots in a confined site, e.g. MATV [Master Antenna Television]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/61—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54
    • H04H60/66—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54 for using the result on distributors' side
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25866—Management of end-user data
    • H04N21/25891—Management of end-user data being end-user preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/443—OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4782—Web browsing, e.g. WebTV
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/812—Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/85—Assembly of content; Generation of multimedia applications
    • H04N21/858—Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object, by creating a hotspot
    • H04N21/8586—Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object, by creating a hotspot by using a URL
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/10—Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
    • H04N7/106—Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable for domestic distribution
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/165—Centralised control of user terminal ; Registering at central
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
    • H04H60/46—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for recognising users' preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
    • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
    • H04H60/82—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself the transmission system being the Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the broadcast industry, the evolving arena of interactive television, and the delivery of demographically targeted 20 commercial messages.
  • broadcast industry develops revenue by selling advertising time.
  • broadcasters prescribe the programming that a particular channel will carry.
  • Television viewers, or subscribers tune to various channels until they find a program that suits their taste and interest.
  • Advertising sponsors buy segments of time wherein they proclaim the virtues of their product or service or perhaps convey some other message.
  • the advertisements that 30 they present are called "spots".
  • the television advertising market has traditionally fallen into two camps; on- air broadcast and cable.
  • the on-air broadcast channels evolved in large metropolitan cities throughout the nation.
  • an on-air television station would need to sell advertising spots that they had available on their one channel. This, of course, limited the number of advertisements that could be aired in a given time period. And if the on-air channel was affiliated with a national network, some of the available spots were dedicated to the national television audience. Cable television companies were even more limited.
  • Typical SMATV systems are installed and maintained in limited residential complexes, such as apartment buildings and assisted living centers for the elderly.
  • Other SMATV systems are installed in institutional settings; hospitals and hotels are just two examples of these.
  • the cost associated with installing and maintaining such systems, especially in the institutional setting is prohibitive in light of the relatively small size of the subscriber base and in light of the fact that there is no bandwidth available to carry advertisements that the SMATV operator could sell. These costs can be handsomely offset by the SMATV system operators if only they could sell commercial spots to advertising sponsors. Unfortunately, by the time the entertainment content reaches these third tier distribution mechanisms, the available advertising bandwidth has already been allocated.
  • the SMATV system operators are also best situated to provide advanced entertainment products to their subscribers. Because the subscriber base for a typical SMATV system is smaller that that of a cable television system serving a residential neighborhood, true on-demand video services and interactive television systems can be deployed. These system, though, have a large initial installation cost. Recurring costs for maintenance and entertainment content are also significant. These costs are simply too high to be paid for directly by the consuming subscriber base. Again, advertising revenue would provide SMATV system operators the incentive to promote the introduction of these advanced entertainment services. This, of course, is to everyone's benefit and pleasure.
  • the prior art advertising medium is based on the presentation of video segments to a broadcast audience. This has another very significant disadvantage. The nature of the prior art medium could not support an interactive capture of an interested viewer. There simply did not exist a means to allow any one television viewer to interactively request additional information or to indicate a level of interest in the product.
  • the present invention is a system, method and article of manufacture that provides the capability to present Internet-style banner advertisements on either a standard television receiver or a special display unit. This is an alternative to the standard video oriented advertisements presented to television viewers, or subscribers. Using commercially available components, augmented with custom software scripts, the present invention pushes an Internet-style banner advertisements onto the subscribers screen whenever the channel is changed, or whenever the advertising model requires. Using either a remote control or, in some institutional settings a touch sensitive panel that overlays the display, the television viewer can select the banner add while it is on the screen. This invokes a fully interactive advertising paradigm. Once the banner ad is selected, the TV screen displays a referenced web page that can present graphic content or video clips that further convey the sponsor's message.
  • the present invention can be utilized in a host of venues. Three of these are: 1) traditional cable television systems that service residential homes as a public utility; 2) small, private television systems that service housing units such as apartment complexes; and 3) institutional settings such as hospitals or nursing care facilities. This list of applications for the present invention is meant to be illustrative and not exhaustive.
  • the present invention utilizes commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components for most of its hardware and software elements. These COTS products are augmented with unique and novel use of the hyper text markup language (HTML) to coordinate the presentation of television together with the display of banner ads to the subscriber whenever the subscriber changes channels or on other events deemed significant by the advertising sponsors.
  • COTS commercial-off-the-shelf
  • HTML hyper text markup language
  • Each subscriber to the system must have a reception unit.
  • This subscriber reception unit provides the hardware necessary to selectively view entertainment content while banner advertisements are pushed onto the entertainment screen.
  • the subscriber reception unit comprises a central processing unit that executes a web browser and a micro-server, both of which rely on the foundation of a window oriented operating system.
  • the subscriber reception unit further comprises a network interface and an isochronous-channel receiver.
  • the network interface is an Ethernet device that is augmented with a diplex filter.
  • the diplex filter enables the subscriber reception unit to use the same cable for network communications and for reception of isochronous data streams.
  • the isochronous channel is comprised of a radio frequency (RF) receiver that tunes to an RF channel.
  • the selected RF channel is modulated with a multi-state signal such as quadrature amplitude modulation.
  • the subscriber reception unit receives a digital content stream, by way of the isochronous channel, that is in a compressed form.
  • the digital content stream is encoded in a variant of the MPEG standard.
  • the subscriber reception unit further comprises a display controller.
  • the display controller comprises at least one memory plane dedicated to the presentation of video entertainment.
  • the display controller comprises a dedicated interface that accepts the compressed content stream and a hardware extraction means that reconstitutes the video content.
  • the reconstituted video content is then forwarded to the video memory plane and is ultimately presented to the subscriber.
  • the display controller further comprises at least one memory plane dedicated to the presentation of graphics generated by the CPU.
  • the graphics are generated by the web browser as it paints the content of web pages received from web servers.
  • the web pages are crafted to enable the presentation of banner advertisements as overlays onto the video memory plane. This is done by selectively using IMAGE and REFERENCE commands in a hyper text markup language (HTML) description of the web pages.
  • IMAGE and REFERENCE commands in a hyper text markup language (HTML) description of the web pages.
  • Fully black images referenced by the IMAGE command are used as transparency portals that allow the subscriber to view the video image below the graphics memory plane.
  • Banner advertisements are called by the IMAGE command as well. These are not black and are not transparent. Once painted by the web browser, the banner advertisements are visible as overlays on top of the video image.
  • the subscriber reception unit display controller comprises only one memory plane.
  • the CPU accepts the compressed entertainment content, executes a software algorithm that reconstitutes the video content and combines the video with any CPU generated graphics. The montage is then directed to the single memory plane from which it is then presented to the subscriber.
  • banner advertisements can be presented to subscribers based on their demographics.
  • Subscribers in this sense can be any person or collection of persons that purchase television content from a provider.
  • the term subscriber can mean a household that pays a subscription fee to the local cable television system operator, or in an institutional setting, a subscriber can be a patient that is laying in bed recovering from his ailments.
  • residents in an apartment complex served by a SMATV system are also considered to be subscribers. Again, this list of potential users is for illustration purposes and is not intended to limit to scope of the present invention.
  • the subscriber reception unit can drive either a custom display device, such as a patient display unit in a hospital, or it can drive a normal television receiver.
  • the subscriber reception unit further comprises a patient isolation block that provides a galvanic barrier to preclude excessive current from reaching the patient.
  • the subscriber reception unit further comprises a remote control or touch screen interface. This interface enables the subscriber reception unit to receive indications from the user regarding the activation of "hot-spots".
  • the web browser executing in the subscriber reception unit associates hot-spots with hyper-links created by the HTML REFERENCE command included in web page descriptions.
  • the system further comprises a plurality of patient display units. These comprise a display screen that is used to present video and graphics to the user and a touch screen that can detect screen touches.
  • the screen touches are used as a means of navigating menu pages displayed on the screen.
  • Demographics are accumulated by the system through the use of web page based questionnaires.
  • the questionnaires are used to solicit information about the subscriber. In a hospital setting, the information can relate to the persons' ailment. In a domestic setting, the web page questionnaires would solicit information about income level and buying propensities.
  • a disclaimer is presented before a subscriber is asked to provide the demographic data. The disclaimer notifies and requires the subscriber to acknowledge that the demographic data collected will be used to target advertisements.
  • the web pages used for the questionnaires can be based on active server page technology.
  • the demographics collection is conducted by a web server connected to the plurality of subscriber reception units by means of a computer network.
  • the demographics are collected they are stored in a subscriber data base.
  • the banner ads that are presented to a subscriber are targeted to that subscriber based on the demographic indicators stored in the subscriber database.
  • the system will cause demographic profiles to expire on a periodic basis or based on certain events that may pertain to a particular application. In homes, the demographic profiles can be set to expire monthly, quarterly or on any definable period. In an institutional setting such as a hospital, the demographic profiles expire when the previous patient subscriber is replaced by a new patient.
  • advertising sponsors can purchase advertising spots (i.e. banner space) for specific types of viewers rather than by the type of content carried on the channel (i.e. audience segmentation achieved through the use of specialty channels).
  • advertising sponsors can purchase spots for very specific viewer characteristics. For instance in a hospital, a leading diaper manufacturer may wish to purchase all advertising spots for the maternity care area.
  • the system further comprises a media server that is used to store and disseminate entertainment content on demand and a web server that is used to store web pages.
  • the web server responds to web page requests from the plurality of web browsers executing in the plurality of patient subscription units.
  • the system further comprises a network gateway that enables access to any external network, such as the Internet, by any one of the plurality of subscriber reception units.
  • the system further comprises a local computer network that is used by the patient subscription units to communicate with the web server, the media server and the gateway.
  • the system further comprises an isochronous distribution means, in the preferred embodiment this is an RF distribution system that carriers multi- state modulated data streams from the media server to the plurality of subscriber reception units.
  • Presentation of the banner advertisements is initiated when the subscriber changes viewing channels, when a new movie is started, or when the sponsoring advertisers so desires.
  • a web page hosted by the micro-server, is called.
  • the channel change web page comprises a control script that sends a request to the media server to change channels.
  • the media server changes the content stream to carry the new programming channel.
  • the channel changing web page script further comprises an IMAGE reference that calls a banner advertisement according to the demographic profile for the subscriber.
  • the channel changing script further comprises a delay after which a completely blank (black) transparent web page is loaded to enable unobstructed viewing of the program content. Even if the user changes channels again before the delay expires, a subsequent web page is loaded by the browser. This subsequent web page continues to reference the same banner advertisement. This ensures unavoidable exposure to the banner advertisements irrespective of channel surfing habits.
  • a sponsor can chose to have their banner advertisements presented when an on-demand movie is started.
  • the browser loads a movie start web page.
  • the movie start web page comprises a graphic IMAGE reference to the sponsors banner graphic.
  • the movie start web page further comprises a script that directs a movie start command to the media server, selects the movie content from the isochronous channel and includes a blank (black) transparency image.
  • the movie start web page further comprises a delayed loading of a new web page that comprises an IMAGE reference to a completely black image that allows for unobstructed viewing of the movie.
  • the invention further comprises web pages that comprise banner advertisements that include a reference to a sponsors web site.
  • banner advertisements that include a reference to a sponsors web site.
  • the web browser executing in the subscriber reception unit loads the web page referenced by the graphic image.
  • the reference is accomplished by way of an HTML REF command.
  • the graphic image used for the banner advertisement references an intermediate page that comprises a script that pauses the presentation of entertainment content and a direct call to the sponsors web page.
  • the present invention comprises a method of providing varying levels of entertainment content to subscribers and a means to charge subscription fees based on the level of content selected.
  • the invention comprises a suite of web pages that present a plurality of entertainment packages that the subscriber can purchase.
  • three levels of entertainment can be selected by the subscriber, each with a cumulative increase in programming content.
  • the web browser executing in the subscriber reception unit then calls additional web pages that allow the collection of credit card numbers and telephone numbers.
  • the web server receives either a credit card number or a telephone number.
  • the web server will the authorize the subscribers account by contacting the credit card company or the telephone company to obtain an authorization number. Once the transaction has been approved, the subscribers account is activated. Alternatively, the subscriber can be billed at the end of the subscription period.
  • Receiving the authorization number from a credit card or telephone company is an optional step. In the case of institutional users, the web server can send a transaction to a institutional billing system.
  • Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of a television system made integral to a bed
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram that depicts the components that are used to deliver demographically targeted advertisements
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the subscriber reception unit
  • Fig. 4 is a data flow diagram that depicts the software processes and data flows that are needed to present demographically targeted banner advertisements
  • Fig. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates the three major functional elements in a system according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a pictorial diagram that depicts the manner in which menus are pushed on top of a black screen by the browser;
  • Fig. 7 is a pictorial diagram that depicts the manner in which menus are used to select entertainment content and how banner advertisements are pushed onto the graphics screen by the browser;
  • Fig. 8 is a flow diagram that depicts the processes used by the browser, the micro server, the media server, the web server and the display manager to present menus, select and present entertainment content and push banner advertisements;
  • Fig. 9 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates the method of introducing banner advertisements whenever the user changes channels;
  • Fig. 10 is a flow diagram the presents the process flow needed to present banner advertisements when the user changes channels;
  • Fig. 11 is a flow diagram that depicts the process used by the present invention to register subscribers before allowing the subscriber to have access to entertainment content;
  • Fig. 12 is a flow diagram that continues the depiction of the process of registering subscribers
  • Fig. 13 is a pictorial representation of a welcome page used in the present embodiment in a hospital application
  • Figs. 14 through 16 are pictorial representations of a typical disclaimer.
  • Fig. 17 is a pictorial representation of a typical survey form presented by the system to a patient in a hospital.
  • a hospital is just one example of a SMATV system installed in an institutional setting.
  • the dissertation presented here is not intended to limit the application of the present invention to any given venue.
  • Modern hospitals are constantly challenged by budget constraints. In an effort to cater to the creature comforts of their patients, hospitals generally provide each patient with their own television set. Even this basic amenity puts a financial strain on the hospital to the extent that most hospitals only provide basic broadcast television to their patients. In fact, many hospitals throughout the United States actually impose a daily surcharge on patients that want to watch television.
  • the present invention addresses the need to provide patients with expanded entertainment content options while simultaneously reducing the financial obligation that such expansion would impose on the hospital or other institution. Ordinarily, the costs that result from this type of expansion would include maintenance of the televisions, the cable infrastructure and the new program delivery equipment that would need to be installed in the hospital. This added overhead can not be avoided if expanded entertainment services are to be delivered to each patient or institutional resident.
  • the present invention actually provides dedicated patient displays units (PDUs) at each bedside.
  • PDUs dedicated patient displays units
  • These PDUs give patients access to broadcast television, standard cable television network programming, premium cable channels and video-on-demand entertainment.
  • the cost of the equipment and the cost of the content ultimately presented to the patients is supported by a combination of subscription fees charged to the patients and revenue derived from advertisements presented to patients by sponsoring companies that provide products and/or services.
  • the present invention defines the methodology for charging patients a modest subscription fee for expanded cable services, a somewhat higher fee for premium cable channels, and for allowing patient to purchase videos on a pay-per-view basis.
  • the present invention also allows the patient to pay for access to the Internet. These revenues are augmented by revenues generated through the sale of advertising opportunities in the hospital.
  • the present invention also includes an apparatus that facilitates the presentation of demographically targeted advertisements to patients based on their ailments.
  • the apparatus also provides a means to present Internet styled banner advertisements to patients while they are channel surfing. These capabilities support a revenue stream that pays for the initial installation of patient terminals at each bedside and also provides a recurring revenue stream for maintenance of the equipment and for the acquisition of entertainment content.
  • Fig. 1 shows a traditional hospital bed 5 that includes a special console 10 mounted to one of the two bed rails 15.
  • the console 10 serves as a receptacle for a patient display unit 20.
  • the display apparatus that a patient could use.
  • the patient could just as effectively use a regular television set that is situated opposite the bed, or in any position that suits the patients' comfort.
  • the advantage of a specialized display is the ability to provide a touch screen 25 device that is placed in front of the display screen. This enables the system to sense when the user "touches" web page menu elements.
  • the patient display unit 20 provide three basic functions; 1) it displays video and graphic data to the patient; 2) it includes a touch sensitive panel; and 3) it includes hard actuators that the patient uses to change program channels, adjust volume and manipulate menus that are presented on the video screen.
  • a standard television set could be used. In that case, the television would not have a touch screen for menu operation and navigation.
  • a remote control could be used to select menu items presented on the television screen.
  • Figure 2 illustrates how the patient display unit 20 is merely an element of a complete entertainment system comprising an media server 30, a standard HTTP web server 35, a computer network 40, and a subscriber reception unit 45.
  • the entertainment system can further comprise a radio frequency distribution system for distribution of high bandwidth entertainment content such as digital video.
  • the subscriber reception unit 45 can drive either a patient display unit 20 or it can be configured to drive a conventional television (TV) receiver 50. Where the subscriber uses a conventional television receiver, the preferred control mechanism is a remote control 55 as previously described.
  • TV television
  • each subscriber is presented with digital video content that can be selected from menus.
  • the media server 30 is commanded to direct the requested video content to that subscriber.
  • the media server 30 is capable of delivering a plurality of digital content streams to a plurality of subscribers.
  • the HTTP web server 35 is a conventional server capable of serving up web pages upon demand.
  • the gateway 60 is a conventional network gateway that enables access to external computer networks such as the Internet. Subscriber Reception Unit
  • FIG. 3 presents the preferred embodiment of a subscriber reception unit 45.
  • the subscriber reception unit 45 comprises: high-performance central processing unit 64 (CPU), in this case an AMD K6 operating at 450 MHz; a Socket 7 to PCI bridge chip; and some amount of random access memory.
  • the subscriber reception unit (SRU) 45 further comprises: network interface chip 65, digital television tuner 70; multi-state demodulator 75; and field programmable gate array (FPGA) 80.
  • FPGA field programmable gate array
  • the subscriber reception unit 45 further comprises display controller 85 and sound chip 95. Both of these peripherals are augmented by display memory 90 and sound memory 100, respectively.
  • the present invention relies on a minimum level of capability from the display controller 85 and its associated memory 90.
  • the preferred embodiment of display controller 85 includes separate memory planes for the presentation of video and graphics.
  • the preferred embodiment of display controller 85 will have a separate interface for graphic data (graphic data interface 110) that is generated by software executed by CPU 64, and a separate interface for video (video data interface 115).
  • the preferred embodiment of display controller 85 will include hardware circuitry that decompresses video data arriving at video data interface 115 in some standard compression scheme such as MPEG.
  • one acceptable alternative embodiment would not have a separate video data interface.
  • compressed video data would be processed by a software de-compressor executed by the CPU 64.
  • the CPU 64 would drive the decompressed video into the display controller using the graphic data interface.
  • One additional embodiment would dispense with separate video memory planes for the presentation of video and graphic data.
  • the CPU 64 would create a graphic montage incorporating the decompressed video into any other graphic image rendered by CPU 64.
  • the montage graphic would then be driven into the display controller via the graphic data interface.
  • subscriber reception unit 45 further comprises patient isolation block 105.
  • patient isolation block 105 is to enable a galvanic barrier between the patient display unit 20 and earth ground as required by design safety standards such as IEC 601-1.
  • the FPGA includes circuitry to control an FLASH memory, serial input output (I/O), timers and other miscellaneous functions such as interrupt vectoring for the CPU 64.
  • the SRU 45 is, in essence, a very capable computing element that is available to service the subscriber to which it is assigned.
  • the SRU 45 can be analogized in many respects to a powerful personal computer with multimedia capability.
  • the fundamental notion of television has been totally abandoned by the present invention.
  • the presentation of entertainment content is accomplished under control of software elements executing in the SRU 45, the HTTP server 35 and the media server 30.
  • Fig. 4 presents the various software elements that are executed on the three hardware platforms.
  • the HTTP server 35 executes a common web server application software 140.
  • the web server software 140 responds to requests for web pages that it receives over a first TCP/IP connection 150 from a browser software element 145 that is executing in the SRU 45.
  • the browser can request entertainment content directly from a media server control application 142 by way of a second TCP/IP connection 160.
  • the browser can route a media request through a local micro server 165. To do so, the browser established a third TCP/IP connection 170.
  • the browser uses the third TCP/IP connection 170 to call a selection of intelligent web pages that are hosted by the micro server 165. These web pages cause the micro server 165 to send a tuning command to the digital TV tuner 70 integral to the SRU 45 and to command the multi-state demodulator 75. These actions enable the SRU to select a media stream that arrives on an isochronous channel 175.
  • the micro server 165 creates a fourth TCP/IP connection 180 that it uses to forward the media request from the browser 145.
  • the media server 30 will initiate a stream of digital entertainment content.
  • the digital content stream is funneled to the SRU using an isochronous channel.
  • the media content arrives by way of the isochronous channel 175.
  • the isochronous channel is carried as a portion of a quadrature amplitude modulated signal on an RF television channel.
  • the micro server 165 commands the TV tuner 70 to select the appropriate RF channel that is then demodulated by the multi-state demodulator 75.
  • the digital stream recovered by the multi-state demodulator 75 is then directed to a display controller 85.
  • the display controller 85 accepts the media content and presents it to the user. This is described in more detail below.
  • the SRU 45 is controlled globally by an operating system software element 190.
  • the operating system 190 is used by the web browser 145 to display web pages on the user's screen by means of graphical user interface calls 195. These substance of these calls is greatly simplified here, since these calls are transparent to the integration of a commercial web browser overlaying an operating system.
  • the web browser is Netscape while the operating system is Windows 98. Any web browser and any operating system with the capabilities required for implementation of the present or like embodiment can be used.
  • the operating system uses driver facilities, such as a touch screen driver 200 and a mouse driver 205 to detect user selections of web page elements presented to a user. These web page elements, or hot spots 210 are then communicated to the web browser 145. The web browser can then respond to these user selections by loading other web pages accessible by the first TCP/IP connection 150 from the web server software 140 or web pages hosted on the micro server 165 by using the third TCP/IP connection 170. Alternatively, the web browser 145 can retrieve web pages from any web server that can be accessed either by way of the local computer network 40 or by way of the gateway 60.
  • driver facilities such as a touch screen driver 200 and a mouse driver 205 to detect user selections of web page elements presented to a user. These web page elements, or hot spots 210 are then communicated to the web browser 145. The web browser can then respond to these user selections by loading other web pages accessible by the first TCP/IP connection 150 from the web server software 140 or web pages hosted on the micro server 165 by using the third TCP/
  • the touch screen driver 200 can accepts finger touches on the touch screen or button events from hard-wired switches that the user can actuate. Each of these types of events is forwarded to the mouse driver 205 integral to the operating system. The events then cause the web browser to load special pages. In the case of a button event, such as that associated with volume control, the web browser is directed to a web page hosted on the micro server 165. This web page will then manipulate the sound generation hardware (95 and 100) on the SRU 45.
  • the system described here relies on the web browser's 145 ability to load any web page from any web server, either within the local facility or over the Internet. These features enable the user to access the world wide web or any server connected to the Internet.
  • Fig. 5 depicts the three functional layers that comprise the system from the standpoint of the software elements. These are a user interface layer 240; a controller layer 250; and a content source layer 260.
  • a user interface layer 240 a user interface layer 240; a controller layer 250; and a content source layer 260.
  • the present invention utilizes commercially available off-the shelf technology integrated in a unique manner.
  • the user interface layer 240 provides each user a video display 26 and pointing device, either a mouse, a touch screen 25 or a remote control 55.
  • the user interface layer 240 comprises the equipment, both software and hardware, that a user needs to interact with the system.
  • a user in this context can be either a patient in a hospital, a cable television subscriber in a residential setting, or any other natural person using the system for entertainment or information access purposes.
  • the controller layer 250 can be local or distributed, but must have the underlying architecture to support simultaneous video and graphics display. This requires a display controller 85 that has at least a graphics plane 286 and a video plane 287 servicing the video display 26.
  • the control layer must also have the ability to interpret and act upon user input from a TV remote control or a touch screen. This capability is provided by a web browser 145 and a micro server 165. The web browser 145 and the micro server 165 communicate with each other and with other servers using a TCP/IP protocol stack 270.
  • the pointing device manager 280 receives input from the user through the remote control 55, touch screen 25 or other dedicated buttons that may be integral to the patient display unit 20.
  • This user input is passed to the web browser 145 with additional information like the identifier of the remote control button that was pressed or the location the user touched the touch screen 25. This allows the web browser 145 to determine what the user wants to do based on the button they pressed or location touched on the touch screen 25.
  • the display manager 285 can display both graphic and video content to the user through the video display 26.
  • the display manager 285 allows separate control of graphics and video planes (286 and 287), but combines the output of both before sending them to the video display 26.
  • the web browser 145 sends graphic information to the display manager 285, and the micro server controls video information arriving by way of the isochronous channel 175.
  • the web browser pulls web content from the web server 140 to get graphics for advertising banners or other information.
  • the micro server 165 communicates with the media server 142 for video selections requested by the user.
  • the micro server 165 is also utilized in controlling local video resources such as tuners and volume actuators.
  • the content source layer 260 is comprised of a plurality of content servers. There is at least a single web server application 140 and a single media server control application 142 that source web pages or streaming content, respectively.
  • the content source layer 260 provides the video and internet information the web browser 145 needs to satisfy user requests.
  • the media server 142 contains digital video selections that can be requested by the user. There can be many media servers 142 in the system. The number of media servers 142 is based on the amount of movie selections that system operators, such as cable TV companies or hospitals want to offer the users. Though not shown in this diagram, the media server can provide streaming video derived from live broadcasts.
  • Fig. 5 depicts the general architecture of the system that will provide the specified capability. It overlooks many hardware and network details that are necessary for implementation, but can be provided in a number of acceptable ways. For instance, the interface between the TCP/IP stack and the media server can be local or accessible over a network.
  • the system architecture described herein enables a large number of intelligent interactive features that personalize the traditional television and internet experiences. These features are not all described in this section, but a few key use cases illustrate how the central elements of this architecture can be leveraged to provide personalized advertising, video-on- demand, and Internet browsing.
  • a novel aspect of this system lies in how it combines off-the-shelf Internet technologies with television capabilities. Specifically, the system behaves like an Internet browser through the touch screen 25 and graphics plane 286 and like a television through the video plane 287.
  • the web browser 145 and micro server 165 seamlessly orchestrate the internet and television capabilities to create a more intelligent and interactive viewing environment. Furthermore, utilization of the micro server technology enables these features through popular hyper text mark-up language (HTML) authoring that is ubiquitous and easy to use. Moreover, it supports natural HTML extensions to easily facilitate local resource control, such as changing channels and menu navigation. Through use of the micro server 165, almost any HTML extension can be added to facilitate local resource control and personalized information requests. Even so, the inherent capabilities of HTML contribute significantly to the personalizing features of the present invention.
  • HTML hyper text mark-up language
  • HTML is the layout and interactive script language that underlies all web pages.
  • the HTML language is large and contains a lot of capability that need not be discussed here.
  • HREF is used to enable a hotspot associated with text or graphic images on a web page.
  • the web browser 145 receives input from the pointing device manager 280 it checks to see if a hotspot was selected. If it was, the browser processes the HREF associated with the hotspot.
  • the HREF could be a request for another web page or a command to the micro server 165 or web server 140.
  • IMG is used to display any graphic file at a specific location on the screen.
  • the image can be a button, a picture, or any icon.
  • the image can come from anywhere the browser can request information from. This means that the image can come from a different place than the original web page, as long as it can be accessed by the web browser 145.
  • Fig. 6 shows the images shown on the display screen 26 and abbreviated HTML script associated with activating the screen menu.
  • the display screen 26 displays a blank image (www.microserver.com/blank.gif) that has an associated HREF to the main menu in the micro server165: www.microserver.com/mainmenu.html
  • the blank image 300 is just a black graphic image that simulates the "off' status for the video display 26. Since the blank image is displayed on the entire screen, the web browser 145 executes the HREF wherever the screen is touched. When the user touches the screen 302, the web browser 145 sends a request to the micro server 165 for the main menu page, as indicated in the HTML script 305. The micro server 165 responds by sending the requested page: www.microserver.com/mainmenu.html
  • the browser receives the page and displays it 310. Part of the HTML script for the main menu movie option is also shown 315.
  • the "Movie Menu” option sends a request to the micro server 165 for the movie menu page, when selected: www.microserver.com/moviemenu.html
  • Web pages are used to display the movie menu, provide commands to start the movie, and display the advertising banner.
  • the "HREF” tag can be used to send processing requests to a web server 140 or micro server 165 .
  • an "HREF” tag is used to send a request to the micro server 165 to start playing a movie.
  • the micro server 165 can respond by pushing an appropriate web page to the browser.
  • the web page can consist of advertising, useful messages to the user, or both. Since the web page can contain "IMG" references to anywhere the web browser 140 can access, the advertising can come from the micro server 165 , web server 140, or from the World Wide Web via a gateway (Fig. 2, Ref: 60).
  • Fig. 7 illustrates how the present invention provides advertising when a movie is selected.
  • the movie menu is initially displayed with "hotspots" for each movie selection 320.
  • the associated HREF is processed 325.
  • the micro server 165 responds by sending the associated web page, and processes the start command.
  • the movie #1 web page contains an "IMAGE" reference to an advertising banner.
  • the advertising banner is located on the web server 140 at a specific location for patient #1.
  • the web browser 145 receives the web page from the micro server 165, it automatically makes a request for the advertising image from the web server 140 and displays it when the image arrives.
  • the advertising banner 330 is pushed on top of the video for Movie #1 335.
  • the video image is displayed by way of the video plane 287 managed by the display manager 285.
  • the IMAGE reference in the banner script 340 actually causes the browser 145 to display the banner advertisement.
  • the micro server 165 starts Movie #1 by controlling local hardware in the SRU 45 and requesting that a movie be started by the media server 142.
  • the micro server 165 detects that a movie is playing, it can push a new web page to the browser that has no advertising, a full-screen transparent image, and an HREF to a "Movie Control" menu.
  • the micro server 165 can be easily programmed to delay sending the "Movie #1" page. Like the user scenario shown in Fig. 6, the transparent image 300 will cover the whole screen. Therefore, the "Movie Control" menu will be displayed whenever the screen is touched.
  • the "Movie Control" menu can have HTML that supports changing channels, volume, or for navigating to other menus.
  • the web pages previously described are created rather easily and the HTML author does not need to have a working knowledge of the underlying processing.
  • the simplicity for users and managers of this system is an important attribute created by the present architecture.
  • the utilization of off-the-shelf web components like the web browser 145, the micro server 165, the web server 140 and the media server 142 are largely responsible for creating a friendly environment.
  • Fig. 8 is a flow diagram that details the processing and commands exchanged between the web browser 145, the micro server 165, the display manager 285, the media server 142 and the web server 140.
  • the processing starts with the user movie menu displayed (step 350).
  • the display manager 285 sends the event with the "X,Y" location of the touch event to the browser 145 (step 360).
  • the browser 145 associates the "X,Y” location with the Movie 1 button on the menu and makes the associated HTTP request for the indicated HREF (www.microserver.com/movie1.html) (step 365).
  • the micro server returns the requested web page (moviel .html) (step 370).
  • the micro server 165 returns a web page (moviel .html) that has an "IMG" reference
  • the browser 145 requests the image from the web server 140 (step 410).
  • the web server 140 returns the requested image and the browser 145 displays it.
  • the micro server 165 sends a request for Movie 1 to the media server 142.
  • the media server 142 sends the movie and channel ID back to the micro server 165 (step 385).
  • the micro server 165 commands the display manager 285 to tune to the appropriate channel, in order to view the movie on the display screen 26 via the video plane 287 (step 390).
  • the display manager 285 When the display manager 285 detects that the movie has started, it notifies the micro server 165 that entertainment has started (step 400). The micro server 165 can then delay for a short time or immediately push a "MovieWatch" page to the browser 145 (step 405). The MovieWatch page is displayed by the browser 140 (step 407).
  • the micro server 165 can then delay for a short time or immediately push a "MovieWatch" page to the browser 145 (step 405).
  • the MovieWatch page is displayed by the browser 140 (step 407).
  • MovieWatch page contains a transparent image that allows unobstructed movie viewing while providing an HREF object reference.
  • the pointing device manager 280 within the controller 250 interprets messages coming from the remote control 55 and passes them to the browser 145 for a meaningful response.
  • the browser 145 associates the key identification with the appropriate screen object. If the screen object is an image that has an associated HREF, the browser sends an appropriate HTTP request. Since all of the TV remote control messages come through the display manager, the browser is independent of the specific type of pointing device, and the selection process shown in Figure 8 will work with a TV remote as well as a Touch Screen.
  • Fig. 9 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates the method of introducing banner advertisements whenever the user changes channels.
  • the movie, or television channel is initially playing without any advertising banners 425.
  • This screen has a transparent image that has a "HREF" link to the "Movie Control” menu 430: www.microserver.com ⁇ moviecontrol.htm
  • the transparent image is replaced with a channel surfing image 435.
  • This channel surfing image has hot spots for selecting the next channel and for adjusting the volume of the audio tracks.
  • Other menu items can also be presented such as adjusting color saturation of the display or selecting a secondary audio channel. These variants can be included to accommodate special needs that may arise.
  • the screen still has the same movie control HREF 440.
  • the present invention In response to the user selecting a channel change hot spot, the present invention will cause new programming content to be presented to the user 445. Contemporaneously, or with some appropriate delay, the present invention will then push a banner advertisement to the browser 145. The browser 145 will then present the banner to the user 450.
  • Fig. 10 is a block diagram the presents the process flow needed to present banner advertisements when the user changes channels.
  • the display screen will normally present a movie, or entertainment content from a TV channel (step 500).
  • step 505 When the user touches the touch screen 25 (step 505), the event is sent to the browser through the display manager (step 510).
  • the associated HTTP request is sent to the micro server (step 515).
  • the micro server returns the Movie Control web page (step 520) and the browser displays the page.
  • the Up and Down buttons used for changing channels on the Movie Control Screen have associated HREF requests to the micro server.
  • an HTTP request is sent to the micro server with a command to go to the next or previous movie or TV channel (step 530).
  • the micro server requests the appropriate movie from the media server.
  • the media server will respond with a movie and channel ID (step 535) and the micro server directs the SRU 45 hardware to tune to the appropriate channel ID (step 540). Since the user may choose to view more movies before making a final selection, the Movie Control menu is left on the screen for a short period of time (step 545). If the user does not touch the screen within the allotted time, the micro server sends the appropriate movie page to the browser.
  • the movie page contains a link to the appropriate advertising banner that could be located on the micro server, web server, or World Wide Web (steps 550 and 555). Once the browser receives the banner image, it presents it to the user (step 560). After a short delay, the micro server pushes the original "MovieWatch" page to the Browser (steps 565 and 575).
  • the present invention features two distinct means of injecting banner advertisements into the realm of video presentation.
  • web pages could inject banner advertisements only when the user called up a new web page. This strategy works well for the classic web surfing paradigm, but is of no value to television.
  • the methods taught here provide for the presentation of banner advertising when the user is watching video entertainment such as television or on- demand video.
  • advertising banners are presented to the users screen whenever the channel is changed or whenever an on-demand movie is started. The selected channel is on the viewable screen, and the advertising is presented in the banner area. An advertisement banner will persist regardless of the channel changing habits of viewers.
  • the present invention uses similar embodiments to present advertising banners to the viewer at periodic intervals or time indexes.
  • the micro server 165 can be programmed to push banner advertisements to the browser 145 whenever the advertising model defined by a sponsor requires.
  • the advertising sophistication may rise to a level that values advertisement targeting associated with the type of movie a user is viewing as well as other characteristics.
  • This type of one-to- many-many relationship with regards to viewer-movie-commercial can be supported by this system in a number of ways.
  • the system provider could provide advertising opportunities where the type of movie being watched suggests the present interest or mood of the viewer.
  • the system provider may offer premium advertising spots during new release movies and economy movie spots during classic movies. Though the authoring labor to create web pages supporting this high-level advertisement targeting increases, the system architecture of the present invention supports this feature without alteration.
  • the specific advertising banner page must have a link to a movie control page. Enabling this type of viewer choice is entirely up to the web page designer, and it can easily be prohibited by eliminating links to a movie control page within the advertising banner web page. However, this would constrain viewers in a new way and probably be very frustrating for even casual channel surfers.
  • the advertiser looses exposure when a plain movie control page is displayed. Providing persistent advertising banners that are displayed even while channel surfing requires more web pages and associated labor but provides unavoidable advertising exposure.
  • each banner advertisement that is presented to the user comprises not only the visual image file for the advertisement, but also includes an HREF that references a web page that the sponsor would have the user access if the user so chooses.
  • the present invention presents banner advertisements using the standard web browser facilities as described herein.
  • the browser will request the web page that the sponsor has affiliated with the banner advertisement. In this case, the user will no longer see the entertainment content, but will be presented with the sponsors web page. The user will then migrate from a video viewing session to an Internet browsing session.
  • the browser will maintain the history of web pages presented to the user so that when the user instructs the browser to return to the previous web page, the browser will again present movie content according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • the banner advertisement page could call an intermediate web page that includes scripting to pause the presentation of entertainment content.
  • another intermediate web page would be used to resume presentation of the pay-per-view content.
  • the presentation of banner advertisements can be based on various drivers, one of which is the preferences and spending propensities of the plurality of users using the system, i.e. the demographics of a particular user.
  • the broadcast nature of the medium could not enable the presentation of advertisements to television viewers based on demographics.
  • a method for the collection and maintenance of demographic data for each user becomes a necessity.
  • banner advertisements could be directed based on other demographics such as profession, sporting or hobby interests. In either case, the availability of demographic data will mean that the banner impression can be sold to advertising sponsors for more money.
  • the present invention adopts the notion of having registered viewers.
  • the present invention determines if the subscriber demographics need to be freshened. If so, the user is again requested to fill out the demographic profile questionnaire.
  • the system can accept any periodic cycle for freshening the demographic profile for a user.
  • the system is informed when a new patient arrives.
  • the system automatically collects new demographics on a quarterly basis.
  • Fig. 11 is a flow diagram that depicts the process used by the present invention to register subscribers before allowing the subscriber to have access to entertainment content.
  • the web browser 145 is initially set to call a welcome page (step 580).
  • the welcome page can reside either in the micro server 165 or in the web server 140. In this example, the welcome page is stored in the web server 140.
  • the web server 140 responds to the request by providing a welcome page (step 585).
  • Fig. 13 is a pictorial representation of a welcome page used in the present embodiment in a hospital application.
  • the web browser 145 displays the welcome page to the user (step 590).
  • the user which is also referred to as a subscriber can then select a menu item from the welcome page.
  • the welcome page presents the user with nine choices: " TN; Cable; Premium; Games; Movies; Internet; Help; Health; Video Phone.
  • Fig. 11 shows that once the user has selected the desired entertainment content (step 595), the selection is returned by way of an HREF to the web server 140.
  • the web server uses active server pages that consult a data base of subscribers. The result of this query indicates if the subscriber demographic profile does not exist or has expired (step 600). In the event that the subscriber has not been registered, or the applicable demographic profile has waxed stale, the web server 140 pushes a disclaimer page to the browser 145 (steps 605 and 610). The browser then displays the disclaimer page (step 615). The user can then accept or reject the disclaimer page (step 620).
  • Fig. 12 is a flow diagram that continues the depiction of the process of registering subscribers.
  • the web server 140 again through the application of active server pages, allows the subscriber to view entertainment (step 625 and fork 630). If the subscriber accepts the disclaimer, the web server pushes a questionnaire to the web browser 145 (steps 635 and 640). The web browser 145 will then display the questionnaire to the subscriber (step 645). The web server 140 will wait for a response from the user (step 650). Once the response has been sent, the web server will determine if the questionnaire has been fully completed (step 655). If this is not the case, the web server will push the partially completed form back to the web browser for display to the user. Once a fully completed form is received, the web browser will signal that the subscriber is entitled to a financial reward in exchange for filling out the demographic profile (step 655 and fork 660).
  • Figs. 14 through 16 present a pictorial representation of a typical disclaimer.
  • the disclaimer used in a hospital will advise the patient of their right to privacy and the fact that commercial sponsors are willing to subsidize their entertainment experience during their hospital stay in exchange for filling out a questionnaire regarding their health concerns.
  • the disclaimer further advises the patient that the demographic data will be used to target specific advertisements to them personally.
  • the disclaimer must be tailored to meet any special statutory or other legal requirements associated with other applications.
  • Fig. 17 is a pictorial representation of a typical survey form presented by the system to a patient in a hospital.
  • the present embodiment of the system uses active server pages to form an interactive questionnaire.
  • This form comprises a plurality of queries 665 that, once responded to, form the basis of a patient demographic profile.
  • the web browser 145 displays the interactive questionnaire to the user. Once the user has touched the submit button, the contents of the active server page is conveyed to the web server 140.
  • the web server will then store the collected information in a database.
  • the profiles stored in the data base are then used to direct specific advertising content to a plurality of users (i.e. subscribers).
  • the methodology and apparatus for the collection of demographics described here is applicable not only to the collection of information for hospital patients, it is also applicable in the domestic environment.
  • subscribers are presented a series of demographic query forms on a periodic basis.
  • the home television subscriber can be rewarded for providing the demographic data in much the same fashion as a hospital patient.
  • the home subscriber receives a credit on their subscription account.
  • the subscriber must ascent to the provision that the demographic data collected by the present invention will be used to target advertisements to the subscriber.
  • the registration process may be augmented by requiring the subscriber to pay the SMATV operator a subscription fee for some enhanced programming features. For instance, in the present embodiment, each patient is given an opportunity to select from three entertainment packages. In the present embodiment, each patient is allowed free access to broadcast television.
  • a first entertainment package can be purchased for a modest fee and includes expanded television programming.
  • This expanded television service includes cable television channels such as Discovery, TNN, TNT, and the like.
  • a second entertainment package that the patient in a hospital can purchase includes premium channels in addition to the expanded television service. These include HBO, ShowTime and the like.
  • a final deluxe entertainment package gives the patient access to the Internet, access to several video-on-demand movies and the ability to play select video games.
  • One novel feature of the present invention in addition to the multi-tiered entertainment packages that are made available to the patient, is the means that the system uses to charge the patient for the entertainment packages. In most institutional settings, the subscriber does not have cash to pay for the services. In fact, it would be a logistical challenge to accept cash for the expanded entertainment packages.
  • the present invention allows the patient subscriber to pay for the entertainment packages in one of three ways: 1 ) by entering a credit card number; 2) by billing through the hospital; and 3) by billing through their telephone carrier.
  • the web browser 145 is used to display a credit card entry form.
  • the web server 140 uses active server page technology to accept the credit card, authorize the payment and then allow the patient to access the entertainment. If the patient chooses to do so, they may pay by billing to their home phone number.
  • the web browser 145 uses active server pages to obtain the patients' phone number.
  • the web server communicates with the local telephone company to charge the phone number. As an added security feature, the patients' last name, as obtained from the hospital registration computer, must match the name on the telephone number billing account.
  • the web server 140 must further comprise an interface to the hospitals' billing system. Using this additional interface, the web server 140 may first receives authorization from the hospital billing system. This authorization step is not required, but can be included as a means to reduce bad debt losses that would be incurred if open credit was simply given to a hospital patient.
  • This authorization step is not required, but can be included as a means to reduce bad debt losses that would be incurred if open credit was simply given to a hospital patient.
  • the present invention in the domestic environment is also possible.
  • the small SMATV system operator that is serving a large apartment complex could use the subscription forms to charge apartment dwellers for pay-per-view video-on-demand presentations. In this application, the subscription forms could be simplified so that the subscriber need only indicate acceptance of the charges.
  • apartment dwellers could be required to pay for movies by credit card.
  • the subscriber database could be further comprised of a field that indicates if a subscriber has poor credit. Based on this field, the web server 140 would determine if the subscriber should be required to provide credit- card information or if the SMATV system operator is willing to charge the movie fee to the subscribers' open account.
  • an account database resident in the web server is updated to reflect account authorization. Whenever the subscriber selects entertainment, the account database is consulted to determine if the subscriber can have access to that service. This is accomplishes by using a plurality of welcome pages analogous to that described in Fig. 13. Each of the plurality of welcome pages comprise references to movie start pages, channel changing pages, or other pages that reference the desired content. A binary succession of web pages is provided according to the table below.
  • the web server account database includes a field that indicates what welcome page ought to be presented to a subscriber when that subscriber begins using the system.
  • the welcome page presented to the user will include valid references to other web pages that allow the user to gain entry to the authorized entertainment. If the subscriber selects entertainment that has not been authorized, the web page that is presented to that subscriber will include an reference to a web page that displays a message to the subscriber indicating that additional purchases of entertainment content will be required before that content can be provided.
  • the apology web page further comprises references to a web page that allows the subscriber to accept additional charges and a reference to the subscribers original welcome page so that other validly authorized entertainment can be selected.
  • the present embodiment includes two display memory planes; one is used to present graphics and a second is used to display video content arriving from an external source.
  • only one plane could be used for both video and graphics.
  • the CPU in the SRU would be responsible for overlaying the banner ads on top of a video image and delivering the mosaic to the single graphic memory plane.
  • Payment for services has been described as being accomplished by credit card, subscriber telephone number or through a third party billing system such as a hospital patient billing system.
  • a third party billing system such as a hospital patient billing system.
  • One alternative that the inventors have considered includes a means for collecting cash from the subscriber and then authorizing the patient account using a supervisory terminal.
  • the supervisory terminal would communicate with the web server 140.
  • the supervisory terminal would run a web browser so that the appropriate active server pages could be retrieved from the web server to effect account authorization.

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Abstract

Système permettant de présenter des messages publicitaires sous forme de bannière, soit émis par un sponsor, soit lorsque le téléspectateur change de chaîne (500), et également de recueillir des profils démographiques de la population d'abonnés (550). Ces messages publicitaires sont sélectionnés dans une base de messages correspondant à une catégorie publicitaire en fonction du profil démographique. Quand le téléspectateur sélectionne un message publicitaire sous forme de bannière, soit au moyen d'un écran tactile (505), soit d'une commande à distance, un explorateur Web extrait la page Web de référence et éclipse l'émission vidéo sous-jacente présentée sur l'écran (560). Un récepteur d'abonné constitue la base intelligente et matérielle permettant à l'explorateur Web de contrôler la réception du contenu vidéo et le recouvrement des pages Web graphiques. Un micro-serveur logeant dans ce récepteur, permet de commander à distance le matériel, y compris la chaîne, le volume, la couleur vidéo et le contraste, par l'intermédiaire d'un format HTML de pages Web personnalisées pour ce système (520).
PCT/US2001/041927 2000-08-29 2001-08-28 Systeme et procede servant a recueillir des profils demographiques d'une pluralite d'abonnes et a produire des messages publicitaires sous forme de banniere a leur intention WO2002019237A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001293228A AU2001293228A1 (en) 2000-08-29 2001-08-28 System and method for collecting demographics from and delivering banner advertisements to a plurality of subscribers

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22857900P 2000-08-29 2000-08-29
US60/228,579 2000-08-29

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WO2002019237A1 WO2002019237A1 (fr) 2002-03-07
WO2002019237A9 true WO2002019237A9 (fr) 2003-05-08

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JP4158105B2 (ja) * 2003-09-25 2008-10-01 ソニー株式会社 車載装置及び車載装置の制御方法
US7613691B2 (en) 2006-06-21 2009-11-03 Microsoft Corporation Dynamic insertion of supplemental video based on metadata
CN104811778A (zh) * 2007-02-08 2015-07-29 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 具有患者特异性补充医疗内容的患者娱乐系统
WO2009024929A1 (fr) 2007-08-22 2009-02-26 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Système et procédé pour afficher des informations sélectionnées à une personne effectuant des exercices
US8438592B2 (en) * 2009-12-22 2013-05-07 Qualcomm Incorporated Dynamic live content promoter for digital broadcast TV
CN105100909A (zh) * 2014-05-05 2015-11-25 四达时代通讯网络技术有限公司 一种基于智能终端的补间交互型广告置入方法及装置

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US6002393A (en) * 1995-08-22 1999-12-14 Hite; Kenneth C. System and method for delivering targeted advertisements to consumers using direct commands
US6005602A (en) * 1995-08-31 1999-12-21 Microsoft Corporation Message delivery method for interactive televideo system
EP0852880A1 (fr) * 1995-09-29 1998-07-15 Boston Technology Inc. Architecture multimedia pour publicite interactive
US5907321A (en) * 1996-03-27 1999-05-25 Spot Com, Inc. Method for transmitting and displaying an interchannel interval image in a cable system
US5900905A (en) * 1996-06-05 1999-05-04 Microsoft Corporation System and method for linking video, services and applications in an interactive television system
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US6029045A (en) * 1997-12-09 2000-02-22 Cogent Technology, Inc. System and method for inserting local content into programming content
US6282713B1 (en) * 1998-12-21 2001-08-28 Sony Corporation Method and apparatus for providing on-demand electronic advertising

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WO2002019237A1 (fr) 2002-03-07

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