WO2005091717A2 - Procede et systeme pour detecter une consommation de contenu de support et pour generer et gerer des points attribues aux lecteurs frequents - Google Patents

Procede et systeme pour detecter une consommation de contenu de support et pour generer et gerer des points attribues aux lecteurs frequents Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005091717A2
WO2005091717A2 PCT/IL2005/000343 IL2005000343W WO2005091717A2 WO 2005091717 A2 WO2005091717 A2 WO 2005091717A2 IL 2005000343 W IL2005000343 W IL 2005000343W WO 2005091717 A2 WO2005091717 A2 WO 2005091717A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
challenge
response
viewer
viewers
subscriber
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2005/000343
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2005091717A3 (fr
Inventor
Benny Radom
Ori Zaltzman
Original Assignee
Looptv
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 Looptv filed Critical Looptv
Publication of WO2005091717A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005091717A2/fr
Publication of WO2005091717A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005091717A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04H60/29—Arrangements for monitoring broadcast services or broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/33—Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
    • 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
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42684—Client identification by a unique number or address, e.g. serial number, MAC address, socket ID
    • 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
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, 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
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4758—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for providing answers, e.g. voting
    • 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
    • H04N21/4784—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application receiving rewards

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a system for attracting content consumer audience members to view and participate in interactive and non-interactive media delivery, and, more particularly, to techniques for generating and accrediting frequent viewer reward points, accumulating and managing the reward points, and redeeming the points by offering an exchange of goods and services (benefits) for points.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present invention further offer a method and a system for ensuring the effectiveness of commercial and noncommercial advertising, especially in the digital realm of broadcasting, where many opportunities entice the viewer or enable the viewer to skip and pass over the ads and other supplements. Recent developments in the digital world offer a wide range of communication networks for distributing media content.
  • the worldwide web, cellular and global wireless networks, local fiber optic networks, electricity networks, satellite and digital terrestrial are just a few examples of means for broadcasting, carrying or delivering data and content to end consumers.
  • the diversity continues with an ever-growing variety of devices for receiving and using media content: PNRs (Personal Nideo Recorder), PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), portable computers, cellular phones and watches, game consoles, portable players, etc.
  • PNRs Personal Nideo Recorder
  • PDAs Personal Digital Assistant
  • portable computers Portable computers
  • cellular phones and watches game consoles, portable players, etc.
  • the different means of consuming content are also evolving rapidly: downloadable content, content- on-demand, Pay-Per-Use/Play/Niew content, pre-recorded and personalized content, push content and many others. All of these may radically change the existing value chain of commercial broadcasting and pose a great challenge for content suppliers around the globe.
  • TV media delivers entertainment content and advertising content to its audience (e.g., over the air or by cable transmission).
  • Media revenue may derive from viewers and/or from advertisers that advertise products and services through the media. It is in the interest of the media content providers to attract as many viewers as possible, to measure the number of viewers on a minute-by-minute basis, and to manage one or more databases of loyal viewers.
  • the database of loyal viewers may be used to attract advertisers and to increase advertising fees.
  • the advertising fees generally increase as the number of the viewers absorbing the ads increases, particularly if the viewers belong to a demographic group to which the ad appeals.
  • Nielson e.g., responsible for television's Nielson ratings
  • the boxes assist in analyzing what the consumer is watching on television and what the viewer's demographic data is, and in collecting and eventually forwarding this data to interested parties.
  • Nielson's method is limited to a certain sample. Changing or increasing the sample is complicated and costly.
  • US Patent Number 6,530,082 to Del Sesto, et al. discloses a system and method for providing the analysis of program viewership by automatically executing interactive applications that generate responses describing the viewers' behavior.
  • such methods are automated methods and do not indicate the awareness of the viewer to the program that is currently displayed on his TV set.
  • US patent application publication No. 20030195807 to Maggio, Frank S. et al. discloses a system and a method for querying the viewer about a selected portion of the advertising/program content of at least one of the advertisements/programs.
  • An offer of a reward is presented to the viewer as an incentive for each viewer to review the advertisements and to submit the response to the query.
  • Respective responses to the query are collected through an electronic response or via a printed response from each of the viewers responding to the offer.
  • each response that includes a correct reply to the query serves to verify that the responding recipient has been exposed to at least the selected portion of the advertising content.
  • This method suffers from the limitation that each query session is an individual transaction. Thus, the method does not develop "frequent viewer" behavior. The viewer has no incentive to continue observing the same station. Moreover, the system does not detect, filter or eliminate the possibility that a person who observes the program and responds to the questionnaire will not transfer the answers to his friends.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present invention solve the above-described needs by providing a method and a system for generating and accrediting "Frequent Viewer” Bonus Points (FVBP) to frequent viewers.
  • the system manages a "bank” of FVBPs and grants (accredits) the viewers FVBPs for responding to a challenge that is displayed on the viewer TV set or on their receiving screen or apparatus.
  • the system may offer a menu-like catalogue (fixed or updated) comprises of a collection of offers, goods and services (benefits) that may be exchanged (redeemed) for FVBPs. Different items may have different values.
  • the value of the goods may vary and be in the range of a few cents to thousands of dollars. Therefore, different goods may have different value in FVBPs.
  • FVBPs Accumulating FVBPs is attractive in that the more FVBPs that are collected or earned, the more the benefit to the holder. Therefore, users are motivated to increase their FVBP accounts by being loyal to certain content: channels/programs/ads and responding to the challenges. However, the desire to increase the number of accumulated FVBPs may lead to efforts to "cheat the system". This fraud may have a dangerous affect on the bank of FVBPs because the number of FVBPs may be unlimited, and FVBP may reflect monetary, commercial or other value.
  • One aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to transfer and present a challenge to one or more viewers.
  • the challenge may be associated with a TV broadcast as part of the event that the challenge intends to measure viewer demographics.
  • An event can be a program, an ad, participating in an interactive event (e.g., purchasing goods or services via the TV), etc.
  • event can be a program, an ad, participating in an interactive event (e.g., purchasing goods or services via the TV), etc.
  • the words “event”, “program”, “media content”, “channel”, “ads”, “movie”, and “promotion” are used interchangeably.
  • the description and the claims of the present invention may use the term 'program' as a representative term for any of the above group.
  • the challenge is processed, and the result of the processing (the challenge output) is displayed on the TV screen or other device.
  • the viewers may respond to the challenge.
  • Responding to the challenge may be performed by touching a pointing device on the display screen over the position of the desired response, or by using traditional selection and acceptance keystrokes, such as the "arrow" keys to select a response and the "enter” key or "OK” key to accept the selection.
  • the term 'keystroke' represents entering of data or instructional information by the user. It can be carried out by tapping a key in a keypad or a keyboard or a remote control, by pointing a soft key that is displayed on the user's display, or via a voice command.
  • the response is transmitted to the service provider.
  • Transmitting the response to the service provider may be done via the return channel of the TV, common Internet Protocol (IP) connection, or via a cellular data connection in cellular communication.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • a valid response accredits the viewer a certain number of FVBPs. If the viewer is a subscriber of the service, then the new FVBPs are added to the subscriber's FVBPs account in an FVBP bank. In this application the verb "grant" and "accredit" may be used interchangeably.
  • the new FVBPs may be kept for the viewer in a temporary account for a certain period of time.
  • the temporary account may be associated with the viewer by certain identification information.
  • the identification information may be the viewer's name, phone number, receiver identification (ID) number, serial number, etc.
  • the FVBPs could be transferred to the viewer's new or permanent FVBS account. If the viewer did not redeem the FVBPs and has not subscribed to the service, the FVBPs may be abandoned.
  • Other exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be used in non-interactive TV broadcasting.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be used in analog TV or digital TV.
  • a viewer of non-interactive TV may respond to a challenge by calling a certain phone number and responding by using the telephone keypad and DTMF signals.
  • the viewer may respond by sending Short Message Service (SMS), email, fax, mail, etc.
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • Transferring the media with the challenge to the user's devices may be done over cellular network, IP network or by broadcasting over cable TV, satellite, etc.
  • the present invention is not limited to the method of transferring the media with the challenge to the user's devices. In this application the words “broadcasting", “delivery”, “transmitted” and “transferring” may be used interchangeably.
  • a viewer may prevent the displaying of
  • an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may process the received challenge, at the subscriber's receiver, and display the result of the processing on the TV screen or other display in such a way that it will not be easily processed by artificial means.
  • processing the challenge at the receiver's end may be based on private properties that are associated with the particular receiver. For example, the ID number of the receiver, the ID number of the smart card, etc.
  • the broadcasting of the challenge may include a plurality of options. A receiver may select an option that fits its private property and display it to the viewer. Therefore, different viewers may respond to different challenges simultaneously, and communicating the response between peers will be meaningless.
  • challenges may be presented to different viewers at the same time or correlating to the same content.
  • “knowledge sharing” can be prevented.
  • Several users may try to use the same response produced by one user to a certain challenge.
  • challenges may be generated in the user end device and/or a challenge may be selected randomly from a set of predetermined options. Challenge selection or generation may take into account the unique ID or other properties of the end user device.
  • the challenge may comprise a visual representation of alphanumeric symbols that can be recognized by a human eye but are very difficult to decipher by automatic or inhuman means.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also support various and different accreditation models.
  • a content provider may set group of various rules for accrediting users. For example- A provider of a daily program may promise viewers (or a certain number of viewers) a certain prize, should they respond to a minimum number of challenges presented to them during the program in the upcoming days. Or an advertiser that may ask viewers to try and "catch" as many advertisement spots of a certain company as possible, during the next two hours by responding to the challenges presented along side the ads.
  • a server at the service provider premises may receive the responses and may verify that the response is valid.
  • a valid response is a response that matches the viewer, the private properties of his receiver, and the time limitation, if it exists, in which the response was given. If the response matches the limitations, then the appropriate number of FVBPs is granted to the subscriber's account.
  • Different numbers of FVBPs may be granted for different challenges.
  • the number of FVBPs may be dependent on the program, the ad, and the hour in which the challenge is displayed. In some challenges, the number of granted FVBPs may be depended on the quickness of the response to the challenge. For example, a counter, which counts down, may be displayed with the challenge indicating the amount of FVBPs that will be granted at the moment of responding to the challenge.
  • Other embodiments of the present invention may reduce the level of security of the service. For example, the association between the challenge and the receiver may be eliminated. Therefore, all the viewers may face the same challenge. Such an embodiment of the present invention may be used in an analog TV or digital TV, which is not interactive. Therefore, checking the response in the server may be done by verifying the time and the content of the response, and, if both of them are true, the response is validated and FVBPs may be granted to the viewer's account.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram with relevant elements of a rewarding system that uses an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram with relevant elements of a communication module in interactive user equipment that uses an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 a illustrates a simplified block diagram with relevant elements of an agent module in the user equipment that uses an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3b illustrates exemplary letters with modulation that may be used by an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in order to display a challenge.
  • FIG. 4a & 4b is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for subscribing process; and
  • FIGS. 5a & 5b is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for handling a response.
  • FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for purchasing process.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram with the relevant elements of a rewarding system 100 that uses an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for collecting a response from a viewer, verifying the validity of the response, granting FVBPs and managing a bank of FVBPs.
  • the rewarding system 100 may comprise: a service provider premises (SPP) 120, a plurality of user equipment or user devices llOa-c, communication channels 142 and 144 between the SPP 120 and the plurality of user equipment llOa-c, external network 150 and connection 152 between the external networks 150 and the SPP 120.
  • SPP service provider premises
  • the external network may be a packet-based network and/or circuit switched networks.
  • the network may be ISDN and/or ATM and/or PSTN, and/or cellular and/or IP, etc.
  • the present invention is not limited to the type of the communication protocol and to type of the physical embodiment of external network 150.
  • An exemplary user equipment llOa-c may comprise a display 112, an input device 114, and a communication module 116.
  • User equipment llOa-c may have audio capabilities (not shown in the drawings) to communicate with the user, in addition to the display.
  • User equipment 110a-c may be a single device with internal modules or may be a system comprising separated devices.
  • the display 112 is the TV screen
  • the communication module 116 may be a digital TV receiver such as a set- top box
  • the input device 114 may be the remote control.
  • the communication between the remote control 114 and the set-top box or receiver 116 is wireless communication.
  • a common wireless method may use Infra Red (IR) medium, Bluetooth or other RF protocol.
  • the input device 114 may be a keypad of a telephone or a cellular phone that is used for communicating the response to the challenge to the SPP 120.
  • Other types of user equipment llOa-c may also be used.
  • the user equipment may be a single device having internal modules.
  • the display 112 may be a video display of the cellular phone, the input device 114 is the dialing keypad, and the communication module 116 is the internal circuitry of the cellular phone.
  • the user equipment llOa-c can be a laptop computer, a PDA such as a handheld computer, a palm computer, an Internet appliance or other device having the communications, processing and display capabilities for performing the present invention. These devices may use a display 112 that is a flat panel graphical display.
  • the input device 114 may be a writing pen or a touch screen display, etc. In some embodiments the input device 114 may be a common QWERTY keyboard.
  • the terms 'input device', 'keyboard', and 'keypad' are used interchangeably throughout this description. Henceforth, the description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will use the term 'keypad' as a representative term for any of the above devices or similar devices. More information about the operation of the user equipment llOa-c is
  • Communication channels 142 and 144 may carry data among other types of communication transportation, depending on the type of system 100. Usually the data transportation over 142 and 144 is based on the IP protocol. Communication channels 142 and 144, which may be combined or separated, may each take the form of plane communications, such as, but not limited to, telephone lines, coaxial cable, cable TV or fiber-optic cable, or may be wireless communication, such as, but not limited to, cellular communication, satellite TV, etc. [0033] Along their path of communication, channels 142 and 144 may change forms and may use any combination of the above mentioned types of communication.
  • the discloser of the present application refers to communication channel 144 that carries the data from the service provider 120 to the user equipment llOa-c as the source channel.
  • Communication channel 142 is referred to as the back channel or the return channel.
  • back channel may be used interchangeably throughout the description.
  • return channel may be used interchangeably throughout the description.
  • digital TV and “interactive TV” may also be used interchangeably throughout the description.
  • both channels 142 and 144 and the TV broadcasting signals may be transferred by a single cable coupled to a cable modem.
  • the television broadcasts and an Internet data connection 144 may be provided by a satellite communication, while the back channel 142 may be provided by another communication channel such as a telephone connection, cellular, SMS, IP connection, etc.
  • the back channel 142 may be implemented by common telephone connection, cellular, SMS etc.
  • the connection may be via external network 150 and connection 152.
  • Service Provider Premises (SPP) 120 may be a media provider such as, but not limited to, TV station, TV operator (cable and/or satellite), TV network, an Internet service provider, a cellular service provider, etc.
  • SPP 120 may only provide a bank of FVBPs services, which offers the services of granting, banking and managing the trade with FVBPs. Such an SPP 120 may serve media companies and/or advertising companies etc. If SPP 120 is just a bank of FVBPs, it may not communicate directly with the end user equipments llOa-c. The communication with the end user will be done through the media companies via the external network 150.
  • An exemplary SPP 120 may comprise the following relevant elements: a receiver (RX) 122, a transmitter (TX) 126, a response module (RM) 124, a viewer database 132, a banlc of FVBPs (BOF) 136, a goods and services (benefits) database (GSDB) 138, a management module (MM) 134 and a challenge module (CM) 128.
  • RX receiver
  • TX transmitter
  • RM response module
  • GSDB goods and services
  • MM management module
  • CM challenge module
  • Each element may be one or more servers sharing the same application and load or a software application that is installed in a server with one or more other applications. All the elements, in SPP 120, may be connected over a computer network such as but not limited to Local Area Network (LAN). The implementation of those elements depends on the volume of transportation via the SPP 120.
  • LAN Local Area Network
  • the response module (RM) 124, viewer database (VDB) 132, banlc of FVBPs (BOF) 136, management module (MM) 134 and a challenge module (CM) 128 may be applications that share one server.
  • This server may deliver the functionality of a FVBPs banlc.
  • the receiver (RX) 122 and the transmitter (TX) 126 may be eliminated.
  • Transmitter 126 may include a multiplexer (MUX), for example an MPEG multiplexer.
  • MUX may receive common media information (i.e. audio and video) in the other entry the challenge is received.
  • the MUX combines them into a stream that includes the media and the challenge.
  • the challenge may be text, graphic, audio/video or interactive application.
  • the transmitter 126 may be a satellite transmitter or a cable transmitter, depending on the communication network that is used.
  • the TX 126 may transmit the common cellular communication with text messages, graphic and video.
  • TX 126 may include a graphical and character generator.
  • the generator may receive the challenge from CM 128, convert it into video signal and mix the video signal with the media before broadcasting it to the audience.
  • RX 122 is used to receive the back channel 142 carrying the response, to the challenge, from the users llOa-c.
  • the RX 122 may be an Internet access module that is connected to the Internet via a common connection. Other embodiment may use modem to modem communication.
  • RX 122 may be a cable modem that is adapted to accept Internet Protocol data communication.
  • the RX 122 may receive common cellular communication with text messages (SMS) and graphics.
  • SMS text messages
  • TX 126 may be the common means that are used for receiving and transmitting IP based communication between one or more users llOa-c and the IP operator.
  • an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may use encryption in the communication over connection 142 between user equipment llOa-c and SPP 120.
  • the encryption algorithm may be a standard algorithm such as but not limited to 3DES, RC4, etc.
  • 3DES is a mode of the DES encryption algorithm that encrypts data three times.
  • Three 64-bit keys are used, instead of one, for an overall key length of 192 bits (the first encryption is encrypted with second key, and the resulting cipher text is again encrypted with a third key).
  • RC4 is one of a series of symmetric encryption algorithms developed by RSA Security.
  • RC4 is a variable key-size stream cipher with byte-oriented operations. The algorithm is based on the use of a random permutation. Other embodiment may use proprietary algorithm.
  • an exemplary RX 122 may have an IVR (interactive voice response) module that communicates with a viewer.
  • the viewer may call a certain telephone number in order to respond to a challenge.
  • the IVR module may instruct the viewer to deliver the response as well as identification information of the user himself.
  • the viewer may use the keypad of the phone, generating DTMF signals, in order to respond to the IVR.
  • RX 122 processes the received signals according to the type of return channel 142; it may remove overhead information in which the response is embedded. The overhead information depends on the type of return channel 142. In case of non-interactive response, RX 122 may decode the DTMF signals or SMS, cellular data, etc. The decoded digital response is transferred to RM 124 via a buffer.
  • the buffer may be a part of receiver 122 or RM 124.
  • the buffer may be a FIFO (First In First Out) or any other type of buffer.
  • Response module (RM) 124 gets the response from RX 122 via the buffer.
  • RM 124 may retrieve, from VDB 132, authentication information that is associated with the client. Based on the retrieved information RM 124 may verify that the response matches the authentication information and the challenge to which the response is associated with. In some cases additional limitation may be checked. For example, the timing in which the response was given, if it matches the requirements. If the response successfully passes the verification, then the appropriate number of FVBPs is granted and added to the client's account in BOF 136. The information on the account number is also retrieved from VDB 132.
  • a report may be sent to the client with the results. The report may be sent electronically via connection 152 and external network 150 or by printed material, or it may be retrieved by the user when it is needed. The report may be sent periodically or per event or any combination of those.
  • an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may save the response and the appropriate FVBPs in a temporary section of VDB 132.
  • Different types of identification information may be used to mark the entry in the VDB 132 of the new responder. For example, if the viewer responded via an interactive means, such as interactive TV, then the ID number of the end user equipment may be used. In other embodiments of the present invention, the identification information may be the telephone number, or any number or name that is entered by the user in response to an instruction, an IVR instruction or a visual instruction.
  • the new responder is requested to subscribe to the service by delivering the appropriate forms including the identification information that was used in the first event.
  • the subscribing party may be limited to a certain period of time from the first event. At the end of this period the information in the temporary section may be deleted.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may use authentication process in order to eliminate frauds.
  • An exemplary method may send a group of more than one question for a challenge and a group of answers that includes at least one correct answer to each one of the questions and may include additional wrong answers.
  • the user equipment llOa-c which has a software agent of the service, and the RM 124 may be configured as follows: each one of the user equipments llOa-c that receives the challenge will select a single question and displays the selected question with the group of answers. Different algorithms may be used for selecting a question.
  • each question in the group may have an ID number.
  • the question that its ID number matches the end of the ID number of user equipment llOa-c may be selected by this user equipment llOa-c and will be displayed with the group of answers.
  • the ID number of the question may have any number of digits.
  • the number of digits may be used also for controlling the distribution of the challenge or the size of the sample. For example, if three digits are used, then the number of optional different ID numbers of user's equipment is 999 options. In case that three questions are in the group (each one is associated with different ID number), then the sample will be 3 out of the 999, which is equal to 0.3% of the current audience.
  • a challenge may be used.
  • a group of the following question (as illustrated in Table 1) and their ID number will be broadcast, with a group of answers (as illustrated in Table 2).
  • the correct answer for each question is written in the parenthesis (in Table 1), the information on the correct answers will not be broadcasted and are added just for improving the explanation.
  • Only user equipments llOa-c, which has a software agent of the service, and that their ID number is ended with the same digits (i.e. '133'; '452' and '953') will participate in this challenge.
  • the rest of the audience will not be aware of the challenge; the challenge will not be displayed on their display.
  • the question that will be displayed on a user equipment llOa-c will be the one that its question ID (the first column in Table 1) is the same as the last digits of the ID number of the user equipment llOa-c. For example, the question: "What is the color of Bill's shirt?” will be displayed on the equipment that its ID number terminates with ' 133'.
  • Table 1 An exemplary group of questions
  • an exemplary RM 124 may receive the ID number of the user equipment llOa-c that had sent the response with the answer number (the first column in Table 2). The RM 124 may run the following verification: If the ID number ended with ' 133', then the correct answer is answer number '5'; if the ID number ended with '452', then the correct answer is answer number '3'; if the ID number ended with '953', then the correct answer is answer number T. The rest of the answers are faulty.
  • the ID numbers of the questions, the user FVBPs account and the ID number of the user equipment may be encrypted in order to increase the security of the system.
  • An encryption algorithm may be a standard algorithm such as, but not limited to 3DES, RC4, etc. Other embodiment may use proprietary algorithms.
  • the above exemplary algorithm may be used to control the size of the sample, as well as to change the participants in the sample. Moreover, it may reduce the risk that damage will occur if a viewer tries to share his answer with his friends. His answer may not match the ID number of his friends' equipment or they may not have been selected to participate in the current sample.
  • VDB Viewer Database
  • VDB 132 may include demographic information about the subscribers of the FVBPs bank services. VDB 132 may include a temporary section.
  • the temporary section may be used for saving information and FVBPs that belong to viewers that responded to the challenge but, have not yet subscribed to the service.
  • a subscriber may register in advance for the service. The registration may be done electronically or via printed form.
  • the information on each subscriber may include demographic information, family information, hobbies, important dates, consuming habits, billing information, password, etc. Part of the information may be kept in a private section of VDB 132. After registration, a viewer may get a FVBPs account number (FBAN). Later, the new subscriber may be requested to send via his user equipment his FVBPs account number.
  • FBAN FVBPs account number
  • the user equipment llOa-c may add automatically, without the awareness of the client, also the ID number of the user equipment llOa-c.
  • the association of these two numbers is kept in the appropriate entry in the VDB 132 and may be used later on by RM 124 in order to associate future responses to the appropriate viewers and their FBAN.
  • the information from database 132 may be retrieved by management module 134; BOF module 136; RM 124 and CM 128.
  • the user receives a password.
  • the password may be used when the user interacts with the service provider.
  • the password may be used if a user equipment llOa-c serves two or more individuals. Each individual may have a different account and password.
  • the password may also be used when a user applies for report or exchanging FVBPs with goods or services.
  • Embodiments of the present invention may use different exemplary methods in order to authenticate the user of non-interactive equipment.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may request a user of non-interactive equipment, always to respond to a challenge via a specific telephone line. During subscribing, the viewer is requested to define the telephone number of this line.
  • the association of two elements of data, the subscriber ID and the telephone number may be used for verifying that the telephone number, which is sent automatically, and the ID of the responder are matched to an entry in the VDB 132.
  • VDB 132 may be updated each time a user is responding to one of the challenges.
  • the RM 124 may update the entry of the viewer with information regarding the program in which the viewer responds to the challenge. This information may be used later on in order to deliver statistical information on the audience of the relevant show to the customers of the service (the advertisers, producers of TV shows, etc.).
  • An entry of a subscriber in VDB 132 may comprise a profile of the subscriber. The profile may include information on his favorite programs; type of programs (i.e. sport, action, news, etc.) the distribution of his viewing hours, favorite benefits, etc.
  • VDB 132 may have additional sections.
  • VDB 132 may have a subject section.
  • the subject section may contain information on different ads, TV program, etc.
  • Each entry may include information on the number of viewers who view the subject, when they view it, average age, income, etc.
  • This information may be retrieved by the management Module 134 in order to prepare and deliver reports.
  • the reports may be done according to different criteria. Exemplary criteria may be age, show time, sex, income etc.
  • the reports may be delivered to the customers of the service via printed material or electronically via connection 152 and external network 150.
  • the discloser of exemplary embodiments of the present invention refers customer of the service to advertiser companies, producers of programs, etc.
  • Other sections may be the temporary section that is used to hold information of responders that are not subscribers.
  • the information in this section is deleted after a certain period of time.
  • the period of time may depend on the challenge and may be changed from challenge to challenge or the period may be configured to a period.
  • Exemplary periods may be from few days to few weeks.
  • BOF 136 may be a database that comprises a plurality of accounts. Each account may be dedicated to a subscriber. Each account may have a FVBPs account number (FBAN). The information in each account may comprise the number of FVBPs that are possessed by the viewer or the list of the transactions in the account. A credit transaction is received when a RM 124 determines that a valid response has been received from the owner of the account. A debit transaction is done when the owner of the account converts FVBPs to goods and/or services. Other embodiments may use additional types of transactions, for example transferring of FVBPs
  • Another embodiment may allow users to buy FVBPs using real money (i.e. US dollars).
  • Other examples may allow the subscriber to loan FVBPs under the appropriate conditions or security, etc.
  • GSDB may comprise information on the goods and services (benefits) that are available to the users.
  • Each entry in the GSDB 138 may be associated with a type of goods/services.
  • the information on each type of goods/services may include photos, value in FVBPs and in real money, description, order information, payment instructions, links to the supplier of the goods/services, links to the appropriate subscriber's profile, links to relevant TV programs, etc.
  • the link to a subscriber's profile may be used in order to create a personalized catalog. For example, a subscriber that likes sports programs may be offered a catalog with goods that are associated with sports. Other subscribers that prefer musical programs may get a catalog with CDs, tickets to concerts, etc.
  • the links to program may be used in order to generate a catalog that will be broadcast during certain programs and offers goods/services, which are relevant to the current program.
  • the personalize catalog may improve the utilization of the FVBPs and may increase the willingness to get more FVBPs.
  • BOF 136 may also include information of the commitments or the payments that were done by the customers of the service (Advertisers, producers, etc.) in order to support the value of the FVBPs that have been issued.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may use various methods to prevent bankruptcy or overdrawing of the service.
  • a few examples include: limiting the aggregation of FVBPs for a certain period of time; limiting the amount of goods that can be extracted; limiting the goods to a winner, such as the first to order or some other way to narrow the domain of winners; balancing the BOF by adjusting the value of the goods in FVBPs from time to time according to the total of FVBPs that have been delivered to the subscribers and the total value of the available goods; limiting the value, in FVBPs, of each challenge and the size of the sample to which the challenge will be broadcast (which may be a function of the willingness of the customer of the service to pay for this feedback), etc.
  • the BOF 136 is managed by MM 134. More information on the BOF 136 is disclosed below in conjunction with FIG. 4b and 5a.
  • Purchasing some of the goods/services may require a combination of real money and FVBPs.
  • the FVBPs may cover portion of the price.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may deliver more than one type of FVBPs.
  • the type of the FVBPs may depend on the challenge, the user, the response, etc. Each type has different lifetime. The lifetime may be displayed with the challenge.
  • Challenge module (CM) 128 is the module that generates the challenges.
  • the module may have a bank of challenges that have been prepared in advance and were stored in CM 128.
  • a challenge may be a group of questions and possible answers.
  • Other challenges may be embedded in a software program (challenge-program) that may be transmitted to the appropriate user equipment llOa-c.
  • the challenge-program may be installed and wait to be triggered by a command that will be transferred. In other cases, the challenge-program may start its task at a predefined time.
  • An exemplary challenge-program may display certain graphical shapes and colors on the display of the user equipment. The viewers may be requested to follow the sequence of the challenge.
  • An exemplary challenge-program may have two or
  • CM 128 may generate challenges that are mixed with the broadcast media.
  • a challenge may be one or more questions with or without variety of possible answers.
  • the text message is converted to video and is mixed with the video of the broadcasting.
  • the operation of CM 128 is controlled by MM 134 that defines, among other things, the selected challenges and the size of the sample to which the challenge will be exposed.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may enable the option that a sample will be selected according to the profile of the subscriber.
  • the selection may be done by downloading personalized information regarding the subscriber.
  • the personalized information may be stored by the agent and may be used upon receiving a command that is transmitted with the broadcasting of the media. From time to time, for example, when a set top box of a subscriber establishes a connection with SPP 120, MM 134 may send update information to the set top box.
  • the update information may include updated profiles of the subscriber, updated catalogs, reports on the subscriber's account etc.
  • This personalized information may be used later on during viewing the broadcasting.
  • An exemplary challenge may include an instruction that defines the profile of the subscriber to which the challenge will be displayed.
  • Another usage of personalized information may be used when an instruction to display a catalog of available goods/services is broadcasted. Then each agent may display the appropriate updated catalog that has been received and stored during the connection with SPP 120 prior to the relevant broadcasting. More information on those features is disclosed below in conjunction with FIGs. 2, 3 and 6.
  • MM 134 manages and controls the operation of the service. In addition MM 134 may generate reports to the subscriber (viewers) and/or to the customers of the service (advertiser, producers etc.). MM 134 may define the size of the sample and the selected ID number. It may manage a historical table of previous challenges and their samples in order to improve the definition of the current sample.
  • MM 134 may control the interaction with the subscribers. It may manage the subscribing process, opening an account in BOF 136 and opening an entry in the VDB 132. The interaction with the subscribers and the customers may be done via external network 150 and connection 152. More information on the MM 134 is disclosed below in conjunction with FIGs. 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b.
  • MM 134 may create one or more catalogs of benefits that are available to the subscribers of the service.
  • Each catalog may define a certain group of products and services.
  • Each group may be associated with a certain profile of a subscriber, a certain type of programs, etc.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram with the relevant elements of a communication module (COM) 116, in an interactive end user equipment llOa-c (FIG. 1), that may be used in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in order to receive, process, display the challenge to the viewer as well as to deliver the response of the viewer to the service provider.
  • COM 116 may comprise a receiver 210, a transmitter 220, a display interface 230, a processor 240, an input device interface (e.g. keypad) 250 and a memory 260.
  • Memory 260 may be volatile memory, non-volatile memory or any combination of either of these.
  • the internal elements of COM 116 may communicate over bus 245.
  • Bus 245 may be a TDM bus, ATM bus, IP based bus, etc.
  • COM 116 may have audio capabilities (not shown in the drawings), such as an audio decoder and encoder to communicate with the user.
  • COM 116 may be a set-top box or other means of processing and transmitting communications of digital TV.
  • display 112 (FIG. 1) may be a TV set and the input device 114 (FIG. 1) may be the remote controller of the set-top box 116.
  • Receiver 210 may be a tuner that is tuned to receive broadcast signal, to remove a carrier signal, and to decode the data/audio/video signals. The decoded data/audio/video streams are transferred to the digital processor 240. Processor 240 may manipulate the signals (add text, graphics, animation, etc.) and send the manipulated signals via the display interface 230 to the TV 112 (FIG. 1).
  • Digital processor 240 may execute a type of software program, an agent of SPP 120 that can access the SPP 120 via a transmitter 220. More information about the software agent is disclosed below in conjunction with FIG. 3.
  • Transmitter 220 may be a cable modem or a common telephone modem, etc..
  • the user interacts with the set-top box via remote controller 114.
  • remote controller 114 (FIG. 1) communicates with the set-top box 116 via infrared (IR) transmissions. Therefore, the input device interface 250 is an infrared receiver for receiving the IR transmissions from the remote control unit 114 (FIG. 1).
  • the input device interface 250 may also be used for interfacing with a QWERTY keyboard and/or a pointing device such as a mouse.
  • the user's equipment may be a cellular phone with video communication capabilities, a handheld computer having a cellular modem, or a similar device.
  • Receiver 210 and transmitter 220 may be the TX/RX of the cellular phone.
  • Input device interface 250 and display interface 230 are provided for coupling input keys 114 (FIG. 1) and a video display 112, respectively, with processor 240.
  • Memory 260 provides storage for the software applications that can be executed by processor 240, as well as storage for temporary data and the current challenge that may be used as well as the responses to previous challenges that have not been transmitted, yet, to the SPP 120 (FIG. 1).
  • memory 260 may also store a communication software program, such as a chat application, instant messaging, etc.; and a software program (the agent) and one or more challenges that may be displayed to the viewer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • memory 260 may store personalized information, such as but not limited to, the profile of the subscriber, personalized catalogs (i.e. catalogs that matches the preference of the subscriber), catalogs that match certain type of programs, etc.
  • non-interactive user equipment llOa-c COM module 116 is the common TV tuner without any modifications. It can be analog or digital TV tuner.
  • non-interactive TV SPP 120 may process the challenge and convert it to video signals that may be mixed with the media before broadcasting it to the user equipment llOa-c.
  • the challenge which is embedded in the media, will be processed in a common tuner and will be displayed on the TV screen as media.
  • FIG. 3 a illustrates a block diagram of an agent module in interactive user equipment that uses an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Agent module 300 may be a software program that is stored in memory 260 (FIG. 2). The agent may be invoked and run by processor 240 (FIG. 2) when a challenge is received from SPP 120 (FIG. 1).
  • An exemplary embodiment of an agent module 300 may comprise a challenge processing module (CPM) 310; a display module (DM) 320; a response processing module (RPM) 330; agent database (AD) 340; responses buffer (RB) 350 and a repeater 360.
  • processor 240 may invoice the agent module 300.
  • the challenge may be processed and analyzed by CPM 310.
  • a decision may be made by CPM 310 whether to display the processed challenge (the challenge output) or not. The decision may be based on the ID numbers that are associated with the challenge, and the identification number of the user equipment that may be stored in AD 340.
  • Some of the challenges may be associated with a certain type of profile of subscribers. Those challenges may carry the profile identification.
  • CPM 310 may determine whether the profile of its subscriber matches the required profile. If the profiles match, the challenge is displayed. There are some cases that the challenge may be display without any limitations and independently on the user ID. [0078] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention CPM 310 may control the number of times that a challenge may be presented to a user. In some cases, the challenge may include a note indicating the number of times that this challenge can be displayed to a user. Another note may include information whether to display the challenge to a user that already responded to this challenge in a previous broadcasting, etc.
  • CPM 310 may select the option that matches the ID number of the user equipment. Then the selected challenge may be transferred to display module 320 for being display to the user. If the challenge is independent of the ID number of the user equipment, the challenge may be transferred directly to the DM 320. In parallel of transferring the challenge to DM 320, CPM 310 may inform the RPM 330 about relevant parameters of the challenge that may be required for processing the response. Exemplary parameters may be the time interval for getting the response, the correct response to the challenge, ID number of the user equipment, etc. [0080] DM 320 may process the challenge before displaying the challenge output on the screen of the interactive equipment.
  • DM 320 may add modulation to the challenge in order to reduce the success of artificial equipments to respond to the challenge.
  • An exemplary modulation may add graphical shapes to the alphabetic letters in order to generate unknown and undetectable fonts. Exemplary letters with modulation are illustrated in FIG. 3b. For example the shape 380a and 380b demonstrate the letter 'A' and 'B', respectively. These shapes are unique in comparison to common letters. Shape 380c illustrates the letter 'C in a background of lines. An artificial intelligent system may face difficulties in analyzing these letters, which are embedded in those shapes.
  • An exemplary DM 320 may comprise a graphical generator with a link to a look up table (LUT) that may comprise a plurality of shapes that are associated with each one of the letters in the alphabet.
  • the LUT may be stored in AD 340.
  • DM 320 may randomly replace letters in the challenge with one of its associated shapes.
  • the information in the LUT may be changed/updated from time to time by SPP 120 (FIG. 1).
  • SPP 120 FIG. 1
  • DM 320 may not have the nodulation capabilities.
  • the data of the challenge output from DM 320 is transferred to display interface 230 (FIG. 2) for further processing before being displayed on the display of the user equipment 112 (FIG. 1).
  • RPM 330 may receive the response via input device interface 250 (FIG. 2).
  • the response may be the number that represents the choice of the viewer for the correct response to the challenge.
  • the correct response may be a string of characters/numbers in a certain sequence according to the challenge.
  • the response may be a short message, for example in a subscribing challenge, etc.
  • RPM 330 may add a time stamp to the response.
  • the time stamp may represent the time at which the response has been given.
  • An indication that a response has been received may be set by RPM 330. This indication may be used in order to prevent more than one response to a challenge.
  • RPM 330 may verify the validity of the answer. The validity may be determined by checking (a) if the answer is true or false (in cases that the correct response has been transmitted with the challenge from SPP 120, FIG. la or lb) if responding to the challenge was done in the correct time, etc. In some challenges, RPM 330 may create a short report to be displayed to the viewer indicating whether the response to the challenge has been accepted or denied. At the end of processing the response, RPM 330 may store the processed response, with the time stamp, the ID number of the challenge and the ID number of the user equipment in RB 350. [0084] AD 340 may control the agent database section in memory 260 (FIG.l).
  • AD 340 may store information that is used for processing the challenges and the responses. For example, AD 340 may store the ID number of the user equipment, the LUT that is used in order to modulate the displayed alphabets, personalized profile of the subscriber, personal catalogs, etc. In addition, AD 340 may store one or more future challenges that may be invoiced later upon receiving an appropriate trigger from SPP 120 (FIG. 1). Some of the challenges may be personalized challenges. The personalized challenges may be sent to the appropriate user equipment prior to the timing of the challenge. [0085] RB 350 is a buffer that is used to store the processed responses until a command for transmitting them to SPP 120 is received. RB 350 may be implemented as a section of memory 260 (FIG. 2).
  • repeater 360 may retrieve the responses one after the other from RB 350, process each response according to the type of the return channel 144 and transfer the response via transmitter 220 (FIG. 2) to SPP 120 (FIG. 1). After transmitting the responses repeater 360 may release the RB 350.
  • FIGs. 4a and 4b illustrate a flowchart with relevant steps for performing an exemplary method 400a and 400b in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which may be used for subscribing to the frequent viewer bonus services.
  • Method 400a may be used during interaction with a potential subscriber, while method 400b may accomplish the subscribing process by opening an account at SPP 120 (FIG. 1) for the new subscriber.
  • Subscribing process may be initiated 410, from time to time, by MM 134 (FIG. 1), which may instruct CM 128 (FIG. 1) to transmit 412 a subscribing challenge.
  • the subscribing challenge may be displayed over the screen with other promotions or in between programs.
  • the subscribing challenge may describe the service and its advantages and may prompt the viewer to select and press one of the optional keys.
  • Exemplary optional keys may be a subscribing key (e.g. '5'); more information key, (e.g. '7'); exit (e.g. '3'), etc.
  • the subscribing challenge may offer a telephone number to which a viewer may call instead of using the optional keys.
  • the subscribing challenge may include a software program.
  • the application program may be used by processor 240 (FIG. 2) in order to perform the required steps for communicating with a potential subscriber.
  • Processor 240 may manage the subscribing process on-line while communicating with SPP 120 (FIG.
  • the subscribing information may be stored and then later communicated to SPP 120.
  • the subscribing challenge may be mixed with the video as it is disclosed above in conjunction with TX 126 and CM 128.
  • a phone may be used by non- interactive user.
  • the received subscribing challenge may be processed 414 differently by different types of user equipment. If the user equipment is non-interactive, then the challenge may be displayed as long as the challenge is broadcasted and the viewer may respond to the challenge by phone, SMS, etc.
  • a subscribing application that may be embedded in the subscribing challenge may be used by processor 240 (FIG. 2) for performing the next steps. Then method 400 may proceed to step 420.
  • step 420 a decision is made whether the viewer has already subscribed to the service. If the viewer is a subscriber, then method 400 may be terminated 424 without displaying the subscribing challenge to the viewer. If the viewer 420 is not a subscriber, then the challenge is displayed 422 and method 400 may wait to receive a response from the viewer. The waiting period may be in the range of few minutes. The response is given via input device 114 (FIG. 1) having been transferred via input device interface 250 (fig. 2) to processor 240.
  • a decision 430 is made as to whether a response has been received. If no response has been received or the response was '3' 432 indicating that the viewer is not interesting, processor 240 (FIG.2) may proceed to step 424 and terminate the task. [0089] If the response 436 was '7', indicating that the viewer is willing to receive more information about the service, then processor 240, which processes 439 the request, verifies if additional information was transmitted with the challenge and was stored in memory 260 (FIG. 2). If additional information was stored (“yes"), the additional information is retrieved and then displayed 422 and method 400 waits for the next response.
  • an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may return to step 422 informing the viewer that there is no additional information and requesting his response.
  • Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may send a request to SPP 120 (FIG. 1) requesting additional information.
  • the request may be sent on line or may be stored in memory 260 and later may be sent.
  • the viewer may be informed 422 when the additional information will be ready to be retrieved.
  • processor 240 may start a loop from step 440 to step 448.
  • Each cycle in the loop is dedicated to an information segment. Following are few examples of information segments: name and address, chosen password, payment information, favorite programs, hobbies, etc.
  • the information segment is displayed 442
  • the user may respond via his input device 114 (FIG. 1)
  • the response is received 444
  • the response is processed and stored 446 in memory 260 (FIG. 2)
  • a decision regarding additional information segments is made 448.
  • Process 446 may include validation of the response by verifying the existence of all the necerney fields in each segment, etc.
  • the confirmation message may inform the new subscriber of his password, user name, may give the subscriber information about the service, and may indicate that the subscribing bonus was given to the subscriber. In some cases, the message may include additional steps that the new subscriber has to do in order to confirm the registration, for example to call a certain number.
  • the subscribing information may be transferred to SPP 120 (FIG. 1) during the next communication session between the user equipment 110 (FIG.
  • the next session 400b may be initiated by the user equipment 110 during and/or at the end of the subscribing challenge or at any other time. Or the session 400b may be initiated by SPP 120.
  • a user without interactive equipment may call a certain number. The number may be displayed as part of the subscribing challenge.
  • An IVR system may respond to the call using vocal instructions instead of audio/visual and may run a similar loop as disclosed above. At the end of the process, the new subscriber may be instructed to use the same phone line for responding to future challenges.
  • the responses of the user may be sent via SMS or via an integrated application of the cellular.
  • FIG. 4b illustrates a flowchart with relevant steps for performing an exemplary method 400b in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which may be used for opening an account at SPP 120 (FIG.l). Method 400b may be initiated 460 each time a subscribing form is received.
  • Other embodiments may accumulate a plurality of subscribing forms and at a certain intervals of time, or when the accumulated forms reaches a certain amount, then initiating the opening account task 460.
  • an operator may be needed for entering the form manually.
  • VDB 132 For each new subscriber, an entry in VDB 132 (FIG. 1) is allocated 462. Authentication parameters may be retrieved from the subscribing form and are stored in the new entry.
  • the authentication parameters may include parameters such as, but not limited to, subscriber name; subscriber chosen password; ID number of his user equipment (for interactive subscriber) or the phone number from which he will respond to future challenges (for non-interactive subscriber); etc.
  • personal information may also be retrieved and stored in the new entry. The personal information may include billing information, age, sex, favorite programs, etc.
  • the links from the new entry to other sections of the VDB 132 (FIG. 1) may be issued and stored in the new entry and in the other sections.
  • the other sections in the database may be a section that is dedicated to subjects such as, but not limited to, sports, news, movies, etc. Then a link may be initiated between an entry of a subscriber that likes sports and the sports section of the VDB.
  • the sports section may be associated with sports channels, sports programs, sports events and sports goods/services.
  • a new FVBPs account is created, at BOF 136 (FIG. 1) for the new subscriber and a link between the new account and the new entry in the VDB 132 is defined and stored in both locations.
  • VDB 132 is searched 466 for finding a temporary account that may be associated with the new subscriber. The search may be based on one of the authentication parameters of the new subscriber, which are stored in his entry in the VDB 132. If a temporary account is found 470, then the information that is stored in the temporary account is transferred 472 to the new entry in VDB; the FVBPs are transferred from the temporary account to the new account; and the temporary account is released.
  • method 400b may proceed directly to step 474 and grant subscribing FVBPs to the new subscriber and may create a subscribing report.
  • the subscribing repot may be sent or retrieved to/by the subscriber.
  • the report may include welcome message authentication parameters, account number and the number of FVBPs that have been granted to the new subscriber and the number of FVBPs that were added from his temporary account.
  • FIGs. 5a and 5b illustrate a flowchart with relevant steps for performing an exemplary method 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which may be used for processing a received response.
  • Processing task 500 may be initiated 510 from time to time by MM 134 (FIG. 1), which may instruct RM 124 (FIG. 1) to get the next response from a buffer that stores the received new responses 512.
  • the buffer may be a part of receiver 122 or RM 124 (FIG. 1).
  • the buffer may be a FIFO (First In First Out) or any other type of buffer.
  • Task 500 may run in a loop, from step 512 to step 570, until handling the last response in the buffer, then the process may be terminated.
  • the retrieved response is checked for validity 514. First, validity parameters may be searched and retrieved from the response.
  • the validity parameters may include parameters such as, but not limited to: ID number of the user equipment that has sent the response; a password; a user name; information on the challenge itself, such as the challenge number, date, responding time, etc; the content of the response (i.e. the selection of viewer).
  • Checking the validity of the response may be based on the types of the challenges, as is disclosed above in the previous paragraphs. For some challenges, the time interval between the time of displaying the challenge and the time of responding is compared to the time limit of the challenge.
  • the ID number of the responder' s user equipment is used to define the relevant challenge that was displayed to the responder and comparing his response to the correct answer of the relevant challenge, etc. Other embodiments may use other methods to verify the validity of the response.
  • a validity flag may be set if the response is valid.
  • an entry, in VDB, that matches the parameters of the response is searched.
  • the search may be based on one or more parameters depending on the functionality of the user equipment. For interactive equipment, the ID number of the user equipment may be used for searching the appropriate entry in VDB 132 (FIG. 1). For non-interactive equipment, the phone number that was used for responding, or the user name and/or the password may be used for searching. Other embodiments may use other parameters in order to search the appropriate entry. [00102] If an entry is not found 518, then method 500 may jump to step 550, point A in
  • FIG. 5b If an entry that matches the responder is found 518, then the validity flag may be checked 520. If the response is not valid (i.e., the validity flag is not set) 520, a report on the invalid response is prepared 534. Other embodiments of the present invention (not shown in the drawings) may save invalid responses in VDB as well as the valid responses. Other embodiments (not shown) may ignore invalid response without saving it or sending a report on the event.
  • VDB 132 (FIG. 1) and the relevant account is increased with the appropriate number of FVBPs. Then, the existence of linlcs to other sections in VDB is checked 530.
  • the links may be associated with the challenge or with the entry of the responder in the VDB. If there are links to other sections, some of those sections may likewise be updated 532.
  • the sections that may be updated are sections to which the response may be relevant. For example, if the relevant challenge was given in a certain program or ad, the section that relevant to the TV program or ad may be updated.
  • the responder' s profile may be updated also. For example, the favorite section of the responder' s profile may be update with the relevant program, etc. If there are no linlcs to other sections 530, then method 500 may proceed to step 534.
  • a report is updated with information on the valid response and the additional FVBPs.
  • the report may be sent automatically to the responder or may be stored and may be sent later or may be retrieved by the responder when the report is needed.
  • step 570 a decision is made as to whether the response is the last response in the buffer. If the response is the last response, the method 500 terminates 572. If the response is not the last response, the method 500 returns to step 512 and picks the next response. [00106] Returning now to step 518, if an entry is not found, then method 500 may proceed to step 550 in FIG. 5b and a decision is made whether the response can be saved in the temporary section. The decision may be based on the ID parameters and on the validity of the response as determined at step 514. If the found ID parameters may enable the retrieving of the data from the temporary entry, when needed, and the validity flag is set then the response may be saved and the method 500 proceeds to step 552.
  • Exemplary ID parameters may be the ID number of the user equipment that has sent the response; a password; a user name; the telephone number from which the response was given, etc.
  • method 500 may proceed to step 570 in FIG. 5a.
  • a temporary entry is issued.
  • the ID parameters of the responder may be used as an index to the entry.
  • the response and the FVBPs are saved in the temporary entry.
  • Information on the expiration date of the entry may be saved and be used for releasing the entry when the expiration date will arrive.
  • a decision is made as to whether a report may be issued to the responder.
  • a report may be issued if one of the ID parameters that have been found in step 514 can be used as a mailing address. For example, if the ID number of the user equipment has been found, then a report may be sent to the user equipment. If a report cannot be sent, then the method 500 proceeds to step 570. If a report can be issued, then a report is prepared on the event 562. The report may be embedded in an invitation to join the rewarding service and a subscribing form may be added to the invitation. Then method 500 may continue to step 570.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart with relevant steps for performing an exemplary method 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which may be used for
  • Exemplary method 600 may be used by a subscriber that has interactive equipment. Exemplary method 600 may run off-line under the control of processor 240 (FIG. 2). Processor 240 may use information, such as but not limited to personalized catalogs, status of the relevant account, etc. This information may be downloaded, earlier to the purchasing event, to memory 250 (FIG. 2) from SPP 120 (FIG. 1). In some cases, the purchasing process may be done on-line under the control of the MM 134 (FIG. 1) and processor 240. In other cases, the purchasing process may start off-line with information that exists in the user equipment 110 (FIG. 1).
  • a user may initiate 610 the purchasing task 600 by selecting an interactive channel, which is dedicated to the frequent viewer service.
  • Other embodiments of the present invention may display a purchasing button as a part of a displayed challenge. The subscriber may select the purchasing button in order to initiate 610 the process.
  • a purchasing ad is displayed inviting a subscriber to push the purchasing button.
  • the purchasing ad may describe a special deal, which may be personalized.
  • the personalized ad may be loaded off line, during the off peak hours, and may be stored at the user equipment.
  • SPP 120 (FIG. 1) may broadcast a trigger for displaying a personalized ad. When the trigger is received, the personalized ad may be retrieved and displayed.
  • a decision is made 612 as to which type of catalog to offer to the subscriber.
  • the decision may be based on the TV program during which the purchasing task was initiated. For example, if the initiation was during a sports program, then a catalog that relates to the program, the players, etc. may be displayed. If the program was a music program then a catalog of CDs may be displayed, etc. These catalogs may include
  • An embodiment of the present invention may display catalogs of goods according to the current status of the subscriber's account.
  • the value of the goods/services may be less than the number of FVBPs that the subscriber has accumulated.
  • the cost of the presented goods/services may be higher then the current FVBPs, which are owned by the user. In such a case the user may pay the difference in dollars.
  • the decision 612 on the type of the catalog may be made off-line by processor 240 (FIG. 2). In these cases, a variety of catalogs are transmitted off-line, prior to the current event, and then stored in the memory 260 (FIG. 2) of the user equipment. In other cases, the decision may be made by SPP 120 (FIG. 1), which broadcasts on-line, a selection of one or more catalogs. At the end of step 612, a selection of a few types of catalogs may be displayed.
  • a displayed page may include information on one or more options to be selected by the viewer; short descriptions on each option and one or more selection buttons requesting more information, etc.
  • the displayed page may also include images, sounds, video clip, etc.
  • Exemplary section buttons may be navigation buttons, execute buttons, check out buttons, and exit.
  • the navigation buttons may include cursor control (i.e. up/down, left/right, etc.) or selecting of next/previous page.
  • step 620 method 600 may wait for the next response. If a response has been received 620, then the response type is analyzed. If the response is one of the navigation keys 630, then the request is executed internally or may be sent to SPP 120. For example, if the response requests the previous page, then responding may be done internally and the previous page may be displayed immediately 632. If the response is for the next page, which may not exist in the memory of the user equipment, then a request may be send to SPP 120 and a message reporting a delay may be displayed to the viewer. Then method 600 may return to step 620 waiting for the next response. Other navigation keys may be roll up or roll down, along the different optional goods or services. Responding to those requests may be done internally.
  • method 600 may execute the selected option 642.
  • the execute button indicates that the subscriber is willing to purchase certain goods or services, which are marked by the cursor on the display.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may log the request in a purchasing list and may display the next page in the catalog.
  • An update balance of the subscriber's FVBPs account may be displayed also.
  • the method 600 may then return to step 620 waiting for the next response.
  • If the response was "check out" 650 then an order is initiated. A list of the goods/services that have been selected during this purchasing session are displayed 652 with their associated costs. The total amount of FVBPs that are needed for the entire order may be displayed with the balance of the subscriber's account.
  • the shipping address for the goods may be displayed also.
  • Several options may be offered to the subscriber at this point. For example, approving the order; modifying the order; or canceling the order.
  • the method 600 then may proceed to step 654 waiting for a response from the user.
  • step 654 If the subscriber's response at step 654 is a selection of the canceling option, then method 600 proceeds to step 662. If the subscriber's selection at step 654 is to modify the summarizing message, then the modification is processed 658 and stored and a modified message is displayed. Then method 600 may return to step 620 waiting for the next response. In some cases, method 600 may return to step 654 and not 620. If the subscriber's response at step 654 is to approve the order, then the appropriate entry in VDB 132 (FIG. 1) and the appropriate FVBPs account may be updated 656 with the information of the transaction. An order may be generated to the appropriate suppliers, based on information that is stored in GSDB 138. The
  • GSDB 138 (FIG. 1) may be updated also.
  • a terminated message may be displayed to the subscriber.
  • the terminate message may provide a "thank you” message to the subscriber for the deal and may inform him about expected shipping dates. Then the purchasing task may be terminated 664.
  • an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may display catalogs of benefits in a dedicated TV channel. In some cases, few benefits may be displayed in between programs or ads. Each product may have a product ID number. When a subscriber is willing to fulfill his FVBPs and convert them into goods/services he may call a certain phone number, which is displayed with the goods. An operator or an IVR system may respond to the call and collect necessary authentication information from the subscriber as well as the product ID of the selected goods/services.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention may use a web site for handing a plurality of catalogs; some of the catalogs may be personalized catalogs.
  • the web site may be part of SPP 120 (FIG. 1). It may use GSDB 138 (FIG. 1) and may be loaded with personalized catalogs.
  • the URL or the web site may be broadcast from time to time and be displayed to the viewers inviting them to fulfill their FVBPs and to convert the points into goods/services.
  • the interaction between a subscriber and the web site may be interactive and may use a method such as but not limited to method 600.
  • the words "unit” and "module” are used interchangeably.
  • a unit or a module may be modular or have modular aspects allowing it to be easily removed and replaced with another similar unit or module.
  • Each unit or module may be any one of, or any combination of, software, hardware, and/or firmware.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Social Psychology (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

Des questions-tests sont envoyées aux lecteurs et intégrées à un contenu de support. Les questions-tests demandent aux lecteurs une réaction à un contenu de support et des réponses aux questions-tests. Des avantages sont offerts aux consommateurs du contenu de supports. Les réactions sont évaluées, et des points bonus sont attribués aux lecteurs sur la base du contenu et de la rapidité des réactions. L'invention peut être intégrée à un système de contenu de supports ou fonctionner en collaboration avec ce dernier. Les points bonus sont accumulés et maintenus sur un compte qui est associé à un abonné. L'abonné peut se voir offrir un catalogue d'avantages qui peuvent être obtenus (au moins en partie) grâce aux points bonus accumulés. Le contenu des supports est élargi par l'inclusion de questions-tests, et les lecteurs sont récompensés pour avoir visualisé le contenu afin de recevoir les questions-tests puis de répondre aux questions-tests.
PCT/IL2005/000343 2004-03-29 2005-03-28 Procede et systeme pour detecter une consommation de contenu de support et pour generer et gerer des points attribues aux lecteurs frequents WO2005091717A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US55741404P 2004-03-29 2004-03-29
US60/557,414 2004-03-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005091717A2 true WO2005091717A2 (fr) 2005-10-06
WO2005091717A3 WO2005091717A3 (fr) 2006-08-31

Family

ID=35056608

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2005/000343 WO2005091717A2 (fr) 2004-03-29 2005-03-28 Procede et systeme pour detecter une consommation de contenu de support et pour generer et gerer des points attribues aux lecteurs frequents

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2005091717A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013077940A1 (fr) * 2011-11-21 2013-05-30 General Instrument Corporation Offre de tâches à des utilisateurs sur la base de leurs compétences et de leur activité courante
EP2759128A1 (fr) * 2011-09-22 2014-07-30 Thomson Licensing Procédé de fourniture de services interactifs
US11532007B2 (en) * 2018-08-16 2022-12-20 Frank S. Maggio Systems and methods for implementing user-responsive reactive advertising via voice interactive input/output devices

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020133817A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Markel Steven O. Affinity marketing for interactive media systems
US20040049786A1 (en) * 1997-06-06 2004-03-11 Nds Limited User interaction feedback system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040049786A1 (en) * 1997-06-06 2004-03-11 Nds Limited User interaction feedback system
US20020133817A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Markel Steven O. Affinity marketing for interactive media systems

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2759128A1 (fr) * 2011-09-22 2014-07-30 Thomson Licensing Procédé de fourniture de services interactifs
EP2759128A4 (fr) * 2011-09-22 2015-01-28 Thomson Licensing Procédé de fourniture de services interactifs
US10477256B2 (en) 2011-09-22 2019-11-12 Interdigital Madison Patent Holdings Method for providing interactive services
WO2013077940A1 (fr) * 2011-11-21 2013-05-30 General Instrument Corporation Offre de tâches à des utilisateurs sur la base de leurs compétences et de leur activité courante
US11532007B2 (en) * 2018-08-16 2022-12-20 Frank S. Maggio Systems and methods for implementing user-responsive reactive advertising via voice interactive input/output devices
US11853924B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2023-12-26 Frank S. Maggio Systems and methods for implementing user-responsive reactive advertising via voice interactive input/output devices

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005091717A3 (fr) 2006-08-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8972281B2 (en) Media marketing system and method
US20060129458A1 (en) Method and system for interacting with on-demand video content
US8577346B2 (en) Systems, methods, and apparatus for receiving promotion information by a mobile device
US8577345B2 (en) Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing promotion information to a mobile device
US20060282319A1 (en) Method and system for substituting media content
US20060253330A1 (en) Method and system for automatically substituting media content
US8364524B2 (en) Using participation television to facilitate advertising
US20050283401A1 (en) Method and system for targeting incentives
US20130268335A1 (en) Media Based Coupon Distribution System
US20050138560A1 (en) Method and apparatus for broadcasting live personal performances over the internet
US20050060232A1 (en) Method and system for interacting with a writing
US20070100699A1 (en) Interactive System and Methods to Obtain Media Product Ratings
CA2718377A1 (fr) Appareil et procede destines a produire une publicite ciblee
JP2009522876A (ja) 通信システムにおいて広告を行うシステム及び方法
JP2004503152A (ja) ワイヤレスネットワークを経てテレビの好みを特徴付けるシステム及び方法
WO2002010965A1 (fr) Procédé et système informatisé pour augmenter l'efficacité de la publicité
US8498897B2 (en) Method and system for providing rewards for responses to broadcast programming
WO2002063426A9 (fr) Systeme de gestion de suite de plate-forme de service
US20110321107A1 (en) System and Method for Interactive Use of Cable Television Devices and Other Devices
CN109246448A (zh) 离线版权内容分销系统和方法
US20060080717A1 (en) Method and apparatus for providing credits through digital television interactive applications
US20140229254A1 (en) Method of Target Advertising
US20020004748A1 (en) Information providing system, information providing method, and record medium having recorded information providing program
US20120244949A1 (en) Interactivity Platform for Multimedia Transmission, Broadcast TV, Cable, Radio, and Live Events
WO2005091717A2 (fr) Procede et systeme pour detecter une consommation de contenu de support et pour generer et gerer des points attribues aux lecteurs frequents

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SM SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: DE

32PN Ep: public notification in the ep bulletin as address of the adressee cannot be established

Free format text: NOTING OF LOSS OF RIGHTS PURSUANT TO RULE 69(1) EPC

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 05718916

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 05718916

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 5718916

Country of ref document: EP