WO2010054465A1 - Method and system for enabling video reading sessions - Google Patents

Method and system for enabling video reading sessions Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010054465A1
WO2010054465A1 PCT/CA2009/000169 CA2009000169W WO2010054465A1 WO 2010054465 A1 WO2010054465 A1 WO 2010054465A1 CA 2009000169 W CA2009000169 W CA 2009000169W WO 2010054465 A1 WO2010054465 A1 WO 2010054465A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
participant
data indicative
reading
video
computer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2009/000169
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Catherine A. Hubley
Original Assignee
Max Readtime Limited
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 Max Readtime Limited filed Critical Max Readtime Limited
Publication of WO2010054465A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010054465A1/en

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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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B17/00—Teaching reading
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B5/00—Electrically-operated educational appliances
    • G09B5/08—Electrically-operated educational appliances providing for individual presentation of information to a plurality of student stations
    • G09B5/14—Electrically-operated educational appliances providing for individual presentation of information to a plurality of student stations with provision for individual teacher-student communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02—Details
    • H04L12/16—Arrangements for providing special services to substations
    • H04L12/18—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
    • H04L12/1813—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms
    • H04L12/1827—Network arrangements for conference optimisation or adaptation
    • 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
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/242—Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References]
    • 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
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42203—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS] sound input device, e.g. microphone
    • 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
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/4223—Cameras
    • 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
    • H04N21/4788—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
    • H04N7/147—Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to communication technology and more particularly to a method and system for enabling video reading sessions.
  • a major communication and learning tool is the interaction in reading sessions, for example, between parents and children or grand parents and their grand children. Furthermore, reading sessions are also used as a tool in adult literacy programs and in adult education.
  • Present-day computer technology together with communication networks such as the Internet, enables communication between geographically distanced users via audio and video links. For example, in video conferencing audio and video signals of geographically distanced participants are recorded using microphones and digital cameras, transmitted via a high speed Internet communication, and displayed using loudspeakers and displays. Unfortunately, present-day video conferencing techniques are not suitable for reading sessions since they don't allow proper and simultaneous displaying of a page of a book to all participants of a reading session and are not capable of dynamic page turning during the reading session.
  • one object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for enabling live video reading sessions.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for enabling recorded video reading sessions.
  • a method for enabling a video reading session A communication between a participant computer associated with each of at least two participants of the video reading session and a server computer connected to the participant computers via a communication network is established. Data indicative of a chosen reading file are received at the server computer from one of the participant computers. Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved from a database in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided to each of the participant computers. The data indicative of the reading file are simultaneously displayed on each of the participant computers such that a same portion of the reading file is displayed on each of the participant computers. The portion of the reading file displayed on each of the participants' computers is simultaneously changed upon receipt of change portion command (for example, Next or Previous) on one of the participant computers.
  • change portion command for example, Next or Previous
  • a method for enabling a video reading session A communication between a participant computer associated with one of at least two participants of the video reading session and a server computer connected to the participant computer via a communication network is established. Data indicative of a chosen reading file are received at the server computer from the one participant computer. Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved from a database in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided to the one participant computer. The data indicative of the reading file are displayed on the one participant computer such that a predetermined portion of the reading file is displayed. Audio and image signals of the one participant associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file are captured. Data indicative of the audio and image signals and indicative of the association with the predetermined portion of the reading file are generated and transmitted to the server computer for storage.
  • a communication between the participant computer associated with another of the at least two participants of the video reading session and the server computer connected to the participant computer via the communication network is established.
  • a command for retrieving the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals is received at the server computer from the other participant computer.
  • the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals are retrieved.
  • the data indicative of the reading file and the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals are provided to the other participant computer.
  • the data indicative of the reading file are displayed on the other participant computer such that the predetermined portion of the reading file is displayed together with the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file.
  • the advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and system for enabling live video reading sessions.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and system for enabling recorded video reading sessions.
  • Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a computer implementation of the system illustrated in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 A is a simplified flow diagram of a method for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Figures 3B and 3C are simplified flow diagrams of another method for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a graphical user interface for use with the system and method for enabling a video reading session according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.
  • Participants' computers 102A and 102B such as, for example, a Personal Computer (PC) or laptop computer, associated with a first and a second participant of the video reading session , respectively, are connected via a communication network 112 such as, for example, the Internet, to a server computer 1 14 (preferably a Web Server and in one embodiment, an associated media server (not shown), preferably a Flash Media server).
  • a server computer 1 14 preferably a Web Server and in one embodiment, an associated media server (not shown), preferably a Flash Media server.
  • the first participant is, for example, a parent and the second participant is a child the parent intends to read to.
  • Each of the participants' computers 102A and 102B is equipped with: a graphic display 106A, 106B; a digital camera 104A, 104B; loudspeakers 108A, 108B; a microphone HOA, 1 1OB; as well as respective hardware and software for operating the same, which is commonly available and standard equipment of present-day computers.
  • the video reading session is enabled using the server computer 1 14 (and preferably, the media server) of, for example, an online service provider selling video reading sessions.
  • a participant logs on to the server computer 114 using one of the participant computers 102A or 102B; selects a title of a reading file such as, for example, a book title, from a displayed list, stored in a data base 1 16 connected to the server computer 1 14; and purchases access privileges to it using a standard online transaction process.
  • a reading file such as, for example, a book title
  • the server computer 1 14 For establishing a video reading session each of the two participants logs on to the server computer 1 14 (and preferably, by way of the server computer, the media server) using their respective computers 102A and 102B. Each enters a username and password for enabling a connection between the computers 102A and 102B.
  • Both parties (102A and 102B) are prompted after login to allow the use of their Web cameras by the server 114 (in the absence of permission being granted by both users to allow their Web cameras to be operative, no transmission of Web camera data is provided). If both parties accept, connections are established between computers 102A and 102B for enabling transmission of text, graphics and (video) audio and image signal data via the server.
  • the server computers 114 web server and preferably media server
  • a specific page of the reading file (for example, a book) is provided simultaneously to the two participant computers 102A and 102B for display.
  • a lager portion of the reading file than the portion for display is provided and stored in memory - for example, volatile memory - of each of the participant computers 102A and 102B and upon a participants request for "turning a page" a signal is generated for retrieving the respective page from the portion of the reading file stored in memory.
  • the server will provide page 10 followed by pages 9 and 1 1 while page 10 is displayed, enabling faster page turning - forward and backward - during the video reading session since only a control signal is transmitted. Either user can turn a page (Next or Previous) and it will change the page displayed for both users.
  • a Bookreader Engine diagram of a preferred embodiment of a computer implementation according to the invention using the server computer 1 14 (and preferably, a media server) and the database 1 16 is shown.
  • a Book Table 36 comprises various attributes of the reading files stored in the data base 116 and is connected to Author Table 30, Illustrator Table 32, and Publisher Table 34 for facilitating selection of a reading file.
  • Book Content Table 38 is linked to the Book Table 36 and comprises: a chosen Book Title - as a lookup from the
  • Book table a page number chosen by the participant; text content of the respective page - pulled from the data base 1 16; and graphic image content of the respective page - pulled from the data base 116.
  • Bookreader Engine 44 then pulls the content from the Book Table 36 and the Book Content Table 38, receives live video feed of the first participant 40 and of the second participant 42, links the live video feeds with the pulled content from the Book Table 36 and the Book Content Table 38 and provides the linked data back to the first and the second participant.
  • the Bookreader Engine 44 pulls recorded video data, links the same with associated content from the Book Table 36 and the Book Content Table 38, and provides the linked data to one of the participants.
  • the computer implementation is realized using commonly used technology such as: Flash coding for the video streams; PHP for producing dynamic web pages; and MySQL database technology.
  • Flash coding for the video streams
  • PHP for producing dynamic web pages
  • MySQL database technology for producing dynamic web pages
  • FIG. 3 A a simplified flow diagram of a method for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided.
  • the method is implemented using the system 100 described above.
  • a communication between participant computers 102A and 102B associated with each of two participants of the video reading session - for example, a parent and a child - and a server computer 1 14 connected to the participant computers 102A, 102B via a communication network 1 12 is established.
  • Data indicative of a list of reading files for purchasing or acquiring access privileges are displayed and online purchase is enabled - at 52. This step is performed if the participants of the video reading session have not yet purchased a reading file or have indicated that they want to purchase an additional reading file.
  • data indicative of a list of reading files at least one of the participants is authorized to access are displayed - 54 - on the one participant's computer's display or both participants' computers' display.
  • One of the participants selects the reading file and data indicative of the chosen reading file are received - 56 - at the server computer 1 14 (and preferably media server).
  • a video connection is established between the participant computers 102 A and 102B via the communication network 1 12 and, preferably, the Bookreader Engine 44.
  • Data indicative of the reading file (for example, book content) are then retrieved - 60 - from the database 1 16 in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided - 62 - to each of the participant computers 102A and 102B via the Bookreader Engine 44.
  • the video reading session is then performed using the Bookreader Engine 44 comprising the steps of: capturing audio and image signals from each of the participants - 64; generating data indicative of the audio and image signals - 66; transmitting the data indicative of the audio and image signals to the respective participant computers 102A or 102B of the other participant - 68; displaying the data indicative of the audio and image signals using the respective participant computer 102A or 102B of the other participant - 70; simultaneously displaying the data indicative of the reading file on each of the participant computers 102A and 102B such that a same portion - for example, a particular page of a book - of the reading file is displayed on each of the participant computers 102A and 102B - 72; simultaneously changing the portion of the reading file on each of the participant computers 102A and 102B upon receipt of change portion command on one of the participant computers 102 A or 102B - 74.
  • FIG. 3B and 3C simplified flow diagrams of another method for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The method is also implemented using the system 100 described above.
  • a communication between a participant computer 102A or 102B associated with one of two participants of the video reading session - for example, a parent - and a server computer 114 (and preferably the media server) connected to the participant computers 102A and 102B via a communication network 1 12 is established.
  • data indicative of a list of reading files the one participant is authorized to access are displayed and the one participant then selects the reading file and data indicative of the chosen reading file are received - 81 - at the server computer 114 (and preferably the media server).
  • a video connection is then established between the participant computer 102A or 102B of the one participant and the Bookreader Engine 44 via the communication network 1 12.
  • Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved - 82 - from the database 1 16 in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided - 83 - to the participant computer 102A or 102B via the Bookreader Engine 44.
  • the video reading session is then performed using the Bookreader Engine 44 comprising the steps of: displaying the data indicative of the reading file on the one participant's computer 102A or 102B such that a predetermined portion - for example, a page of a book - of the reading file is displayed on the participant computer 102A or 102B - 84; capturing audio and image signals of the one participant associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file - 85; generating data indicative of the audio and image signals and indicative of the association with the predetermined portion of the reading file - 86; transmitting the data indicative of the audio and image signals to the server computer 1 14 - 87; and storing the data indicative of the audio and image signals - 88.
  • a communication between a participant computer 102A or 102B associated with another of the two participants of the video reading session - for example, a child - and a server computer 1 14 connected to the participant computer 102 A or 102B via a communication network 1 12 is established - 90.
  • a command for retrieving the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals is received - 91 - at the server computer from the other participant's computerl02A or 102B.
  • Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved - 92 - from the database 1 16 in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided - 93 - to the other participant's computer 102 A or 102B via the Bookreader Engine 44.
  • the video reading session is then performed using the Bookreader Engine 44 comprising the steps of: providing the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals - 94; displaying the data indicative of the reading file on the other participant's computer 102 A or 102B such that the predetermined portion of the reading file is displayed on the participant computer - 95; and, displaying the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file - 96.
  • a graphical user interface for performing a video reading session is shown.
  • the graphical user interface enables users to login using, for example, usernames and passwords simultaneously through the server computer 1 14.
  • the usernames and passwords connect them in pairs.
  • the users Once logged in, the users have the option to purchase or acquire access privileges to books - by pressing Buy Books button 17 taking the user to a shopping cart feature - or to read books they have already purchased - by pressing Read Books button 1 taking the user to the Bookreader screen.
  • Account button 18 takes users to their personal account information. If users choose Read Books, they are prompted to allow a video connection. They are then able to see and interact with each other via video streaming technology.
  • Select a Book button 4 drop down list allows the users to select a book for a video reading session.
  • the text and graphics of the book are displayed on the screen in areas 5 and 6 of book content area 10, respectively, while the video of the person a user is connected to is displayed in video area 2 and the video of the user is displayed in video area 3.
  • the video areas 5 and 6 are separated from the book content area 10 by divider 9. This allows one user to read the book to another user during the video reading session where both parties are viewing the same page of the book simultaneously.
  • Page turning is performed dynamically, i.e. when one party turns a page, the page on the connected party's screen is turned simultaneously and vice versa, using scroll bar 16. Plus button 7 and Minus button 8 are used to zoom the text larger and smaller, respectively.
  • Page number display 12 indicates the active page and the total number of pages of the book.
  • Record button 14 enables recording of a video reading session of a primary user and Stop button 15 stops the recording process.
  • Play video button 13 enables playing of a recorded video

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
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Abstract

A method for enabling a video reading session is provided. A communication between a participant computer associated with each of at least two participants of the video reading session and a server computer connected to the participant computers via a communication network is established. Data indicative of a chosen reading file are received at the server computer from one of the participants' computer. Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved from a database in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided to each of the participant computers. The data indicative of the reading file are simultaneously displayed on each of the participant computers such that a same portion of the reading file is displayed on each of the participant computers. The portion of the reading file displayed on each of the participant computers is simultaneously changed upon receipt of change portion command on one of the participant computers.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING VIDEO READING SESSIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to communication technology and more particularly to a method and system for enabling video reading sessions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In modern society an increasing number of people are forced to live away from their home and their children for various reasons. Some reasons are, for example: people have to travel for business purposes; people have to work at places too far away for a daily commute, parents are separated from their children due to a divorce, or grandparents are distanced geographically from their grand children, to name a few.
A major communication and learning tool is the interaction in reading sessions, for example, between parents and children or grand parents and their grand children. Furthermore, reading sessions are also used as a tool in adult literacy programs and in adult education.
Present-day computer technology, together with communication networks such as the Internet, enables communication between geographically distanced users via audio and video links. For example, in video conferencing audio and video signals of geographically distanced participants are recorded using microphones and digital cameras, transmitted via a high speed Internet communication, and displayed using loudspeakers and displays. Unfortunately, present-day video conferencing techniques are not suitable for reading sessions since they don't allow proper and simultaneous displaying of a page of a book to all participants of a reading session and are not capable of dynamic page turning during the reading session.
It is desirable to provide a method and system for enabling live video reading sessions.
It is also desirable to provide a method and system for enabling recorded video reading sessions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for enabling live video reading sessions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for enabling recorded video reading sessions.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for enabling a video reading session. A communication between a participant computer associated with each of at least two participants of the video reading session and a server computer connected to the participant computers via a communication network is established. Data indicative of a chosen reading file are received at the server computer from one of the participant computers. Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved from a database in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided to each of the participant computers. The data indicative of the reading file are simultaneously displayed on each of the participant computers such that a same portion of the reading file is displayed on each of the participant computers. The portion of the reading file displayed on each of the participants' computers is simultaneously changed upon receipt of change portion command (for example, Next or Previous) on one of the participant computers.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a method for enabling a video reading session. A communication between a participant computer associated with one of at least two participants of the video reading session and a server computer connected to the participant computer via a communication network is established. Data indicative of a chosen reading file are received at the server computer from the one participant computer. Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved from a database in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided to the one participant computer. The data indicative of the reading file are displayed on the one participant computer such that a predetermined portion of the reading file is displayed. Audio and image signals of the one participant associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file are captured. Data indicative of the audio and image signals and indicative of the association with the predetermined portion of the reading file are generated and transmitted to the server computer for storage.
A communication between the participant computer associated with another of the at least two participants of the video reading session and the server computer connected to the participant computer via the communication network is established. A command for retrieving the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals is received at the server computer from the other participant computer. The stored data indicative of the audio and image signals are retrieved. The data indicative of the reading file and the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals are provided to the other participant computer. The data indicative of the reading file are displayed on the other participant computer such that the predetermined portion of the reading file is displayed together with the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file.
The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and system for enabling live video reading sessions.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and system for enabling recorded video reading sessions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a computer implementation of the system illustrated in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 A is a simplified flow diagram of a method for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 3B and 3C are simplified flow diagrams of another method for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and,
Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a graphical user interface for use with the system and method for enabling a video reading session according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
While the description of the preferred embodiments herein below is with reference to two participants of a video reading session for sake of simplicity, it will become evident to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto, but are also implementable for enabling video reading sessions having more than two participants, for example, video reading sessions in adult literacy or other adult education comprising a teacher and a plurality of students.
Referring to Figure 1 a system for enabling a video reading session 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. Participants' computers 102A and 102B such as, for example, a Personal Computer (PC) or laptop computer, associated with a first and a second participant of the video reading session , respectively, are connected via a communication network 112 such as, for example, the Internet, to a server computer 1 14 (preferably a Web Server and in one embodiment, an associated media server (not shown), preferably a Flash Media server). The first participant is, for example, a parent and the second participant is a child the parent intends to read to. Each of the participants' computers 102A and 102B is equipped with: a graphic display 106A, 106B; a digital camera 104A, 104B; loudspeakers 108A, 108B; a microphone HOA, 1 1OB; as well as respective hardware and software for operating the same, which is commonly available and standard equipment of present-day computers. The video reading session is enabled using the server computer 1 14 (and preferably, the media server) of, for example, an online service provider selling video reading sessions. As will be described herein below a participant, for example, a parent, logs on to the server computer 114 using one of the participant computers 102A or 102B; selects a title of a reading file such as, for example, a book title, from a displayed list, stored in a data base 1 16 connected to the server computer 1 14; and purchases access privileges to it using a standard online transaction process. For establishing a video reading session each of the two participants logs on to the server computer 1 14 (and preferably, by way of the server computer, the media server) using their respective computers 102A and 102B. Each enters a username and password for enabling a connection between the computers 102A and 102B. Both parties (102A and 102B) are prompted after login to allow the use of their Web cameras by the server 114 (in the absence of permission being granted by both users to allow their Web cameras to be operative, no transmission of Web camera data is provided). If both parties accept, connections are established between computers 102A and 102B for enabling transmission of text, graphics and (video) audio and image signal data via the server.
One of the two participants selects the book title from a drop down list of available book titles or content the participant is authorized to access after purchasing or otherwise acquiring the access privileges. The server computers 114 (web server and preferably media server) then retrieve the book content (text and graphics (Flash movies of graphics) from the data base 116 and simultaneously provides portions of it to the participant computers 102A and 102B in conjunction with the video (audio and imaging continues) while also establishing/maintaining a connection between the users' computers 102A and 102B for enabling transmission of text, graphics and (video) audio and image signal data. For example, in dependence upon a participant's request, a specific page of the reading file (for example, a book) is provided simultaneously to the two participant computers 102A and 102B for display. Alternatively, a lager portion of the reading file than the portion for display is provided and stored in memory - for example, volatile memory - of each of the participant computers 102A and 102B and upon a participants request for "turning a page" a signal is generated for retrieving the respective page from the portion of the reading file stored in memory. For example, when the participant requests page 10 of the reading file the server will provide page 10 followed by pages 9 and 1 1 while page 10 is displayed, enabling faster page turning - forward and backward - during the video reading session since only a control signal is transmitted. Either user can turn a page (Next or Previous) and it will change the page displayed for both users.
Referring to Figure 2, a Bookreader Engine diagram of a preferred embodiment of a computer implementation according to the invention using the server computer 1 14 (and preferably, a media server) and the database 1 16 is shown. A Book Table 36 comprises various attributes of the reading files stored in the data base 116 and is connected to Author Table 30, Illustrator Table 32, and Publisher Table 34 for facilitating selection of a reading file. Book Content Table 38 is linked to the Book Table 36 and comprises: a chosen Book Title - as a lookup from the
Book table; a page number chosen by the participant; text content of the respective page - pulled from the data base 1 16; and graphic image content of the respective page - pulled from the data base 116. Bookreader Engine 44 then pulls the content from the Book Table 36 and the Book Content Table 38, receives live video feed of the first participant 40 and of the second participant 42, links the live video feeds with the pulled content from the Book Table 36 and the Book Content Table 38 and provides the linked data back to the first and the second participant. Optionally, the Bookreader Engine 44 pulls recorded video data, links the same with associated content from the Book Table 36 and the Book Content Table 38, and provides the linked data to one of the participants. Preferably, the computer implementation is realized using commonly used technology such as: Flash coding for the video streams; PHP for producing dynamic web pages; and MySQL database technology. As is evident to one skilled in the art, there are numerous other techniques available for implementing the system for enabling a video reading session according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
Referring to Figure 3 A, a simplified flow diagram of a method for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The method is implemented using the system 100 described above. At 50 a communication between participant computers 102A and 102B associated with each of two participants of the video reading session - for example, a parent and a child - and a server computer 1 14 connected to the participant computers 102A, 102B via a communication network 1 12 is established. Data indicative of a list of reading files for purchasing or acquiring access privileges are displayed and online purchase is enabled - at 52. This step is performed if the participants of the video reading session have not yet purchased a reading file or have indicated that they want to purchase an additional reading file. Upon provision of an indication from one of the participants for starting a video reading session, data indicative of a list of reading files at least one of the participants is authorized to access are displayed - 54 - on the one participant's computer's display or both participants' computers' display. One of the participants then selects the reading file and data indicative of the chosen reading file are received - 56 - at the server computer 1 14 (and preferably media server). At 58, a video connection is established between the participant computers 102 A and 102B via the communication network 1 12 and, preferably, the Bookreader Engine 44. Data indicative of the reading file (for example, book content) are then retrieved - 60 - from the database 1 16 in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided - 62 - to each of the participant computers 102A and 102B via the Bookreader Engine 44.
The video reading session is then performed using the Bookreader Engine 44 comprising the steps of: capturing audio and image signals from each of the participants - 64; generating data indicative of the audio and image signals - 66; transmitting the data indicative of the audio and image signals to the respective participant computers 102A or 102B of the other participant - 68; displaying the data indicative of the audio and image signals using the respective participant computer 102A or 102B of the other participant - 70; simultaneously displaying the data indicative of the reading file on each of the participant computers 102A and 102B such that a same portion - for example, a particular page of a book - of the reading file is displayed on each of the participant computers 102A and 102B - 72; simultaneously changing the portion of the reading file on each of the participant computers 102A and 102B upon receipt of change portion command on one of the participant computers 102 A or 102B - 74.
Referring to Figures 3B and 3C, simplified flow diagrams of another method for enabling a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The method is also implemented using the system 100 described above. At 80 a communication between a participant computer 102A or 102B associated with one of two participants of the video reading session - for example, a parent - and a server computer 114 (and preferably the media server) connected to the participant computers 102A and 102B via a communication network 1 12 is established. Upon provision of an indication from the one participant for starting a video reading session, data indicative of a list of reading files the one participant is authorized to access are displayed and the one participant then selects the reading file and data indicative of the chosen reading file are received - 81 - at the server computer 114 (and preferably the media server). A video connection is then established between the participant computer 102A or 102B of the one participant and the Bookreader Engine 44 via the communication network 1 12. Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved - 82 - from the database 1 16 in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided - 83 - to the participant computer 102A or 102B via the Bookreader Engine 44.
The video reading session is then performed using the Bookreader Engine 44 comprising the steps of: displaying the data indicative of the reading file on the one participant's computer 102A or 102B such that a predetermined portion - for example, a page of a book - of the reading file is displayed on the participant computer 102A or 102B - 84; capturing audio and image signals of the one participant associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file - 85; generating data indicative of the audio and image signals and indicative of the association with the predetermined portion of the reading file - 86; transmitting the data indicative of the audio and image signals to the server computer 1 14 - 87; and storing the data indicative of the audio and image signals - 88.
For playing the recorded video reading session a communication between a participant computer 102A or 102B associated with another of the two participants of the video reading session - for example, a child - and a server computer 1 14 connected to the participant computer 102 A or 102B via a communication network 1 12 is established - 90. A command for retrieving the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals is received - 91 - at the server computer from the other participant's computerl02A or 102B. Data indicative of the reading file are then retrieved - 92 - from the database 1 16 in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file and provided - 93 - to the other participant's computer 102 A or 102B via the Bookreader Engine 44.
The video reading session is then performed using the Bookreader Engine 44 comprising the steps of: providing the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals - 94; displaying the data indicative of the reading file on the other participant's computer 102 A or 102B such that the predetermined portion of the reading file is displayed on the participant computer - 95; and, displaying the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file - 96.
Referring to Figure 4, a graphical user interface for performing a video reading session according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The graphical user interface enables users to login using, for example, usernames and passwords simultaneously through the server computer 1 14. The usernames and passwords connect them in pairs. Once logged in, the users have the option to purchase or acquire access privileges to books - by pressing Buy Books button 17 taking the user to a shopping cart feature - or to read books they have already purchased - by pressing Read Books button 1 taking the user to the Bookreader screen. Account button 18 takes users to their personal account information. If users choose Read Books, they are prompted to allow a video connection. They are then able to see and interact with each other via video streaming technology. Select a Book button 4 drop down list allows the users to select a book for a video reading session. The text and graphics of the book are displayed on the screen in areas 5 and 6 of book content area 10, respectively, while the video of the person a user is connected to is displayed in video area 2 and the video of the user is displayed in video area 3. The video areas 5 and 6 are separated from the book content area 10 by divider 9. This allows one user to read the book to another user during the video reading session where both parties are viewing the same page of the book simultaneously. Page turning is performed dynamically, i.e. when one party turns a page, the page on the connected party's screen is turned simultaneously and vice versa, using scroll bar 16. Plus button 7 and Minus button 8 are used to zoom the text larger and smaller, respectively. Page number display 12 indicates the active page and the total number of pages of the book. Record button 14 enables recording of a video reading session of a primary user and Stop button 15 stops the recording process. Play video button 13 enables playing of a recorded video reading session.
The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method for enabling a video reading session comprising: establishing a communication between a participant computer associated with each of at least two participants of the video reading session and a server computer connected to the participant computers via a communication network; receiving at the server computer from one of the participant's computer data indicative of a chosen reading file; retrieving from a database data indicative of the reading file in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file; providing the data indicative of the reading file to each of the participant computers; simultaneously displaying the data indicative of the reading file on each of the participant computers such that a same portion of the reading file is displayed on each of the participant computers; and, simultaneously changing the portion of the reading file displayed on each of the participant computers upon receipt of change portion command on one of the participant computers.
2. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 1 comprising establishing a video connection between the participant computers via the communication network.
3. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 2 comprising: capturing audio and image signals from each of the participants; generating data indicative of the audio and image signals; transmitting the data indicative of the audio and image signals to the respective participant computer of the other participants; and, displaying the data indicative of the audio and image signals using the respective participant computer of the other participants.
4. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 1 wherein text content and graphic content of the reading file are displayed in a text content area and a graphic content area of a display, respectively.
5. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 4 wherein image data of a first participant are displayed in a first video area of a display.
6. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 5 wherein image data of a second participant are displayed in a second video area of the display.
7. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 1 wherein establishing the communication comprises: receiving login information from each of the participants; and, receiving user authorization information from each of the participants.
8. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 7 comprising displaying data indicative of a list of reading files at least one of the participants is authorized to access.
9. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 8 comprising displaying data indicative of a list of reading files for purchasing access privileges.
10. A method for enabling a video reading session comprising: establishing a communication between a participant computer associated with one of at least two participants of the video reading session and a server computer connected to the participant computer via a communication network; receiving at the server computer from the one participant computer data indicative of a chosen reading file; retrieving from a database data indicative of the reading file in dependence upon the data indicative of a chosen reading file; providing the data indicative of the reading file to the one participant's computer; displaying the data indicative of the reading file on the one participant's computer such that a predetermined portion of the reading file is displayed; capturing audio and image signals of the one participant associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file; generating data indicative of the audio and image signals and indicative of the association with the predetermined portion of the reading file; transmitting the data indicative of the audio and image signals to the server computer; and, storing the data indicative of the audio and image signals.
11. A method for enabling a video reading session as defined in claim 10 comprising: establishing a communication between the participant computer associated with another of the at least two participants of the video reading session and the server computer connected to the participant computer via the communication network; receiving at the server computer from the other participant's computer a command for retrieving the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals; retrieving the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals; providing the data indicative of the reading file to the other participant's computer; providing the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals; displaying the data indicative of the reading file on the other participant's computer such that the predetermined portion of the reading file is displayed; and, displaying the stored data indicative of the audio and image signals associated with the predetermined portion of the reading file.
PCT/CA2009/000169 2008-11-13 2009-02-10 Method and system for enabling video reading sessions WO2010054465A1 (en)

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