WO2015023620A1 - Method, apparatus, and system for including content clips with content search/recommendation results - Google Patents

Method, apparatus, and system for including content clips with content search/recommendation results Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015023620A1
WO2015023620A1 PCT/US2014/050618 US2014050618W WO2015023620A1 WO 2015023620 A1 WO2015023620 A1 WO 2015023620A1 US 2014050618 W US2014050618 W US 2014050618W WO 2015023620 A1 WO2015023620 A1 WO 2015023620A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
content
display
result
results
clip
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PCT/US2014/050618
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Juan M. NOGUEROL
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Thomson Licensing
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Publication of WO2015023620A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015023620A1/en

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    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/90Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
    • G06F16/95Retrieval from the web
    • G06F16/957Browsing optimisation, e.g. caching or content distillation

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to content recommendation and content searching, and more particularly, to a method, apparatus and system for including content clips with content search/recommendation results.
  • a search system can identify resources in response to queries submitted by users and provide information about the resources in a manner that is useful to the users.
  • recommendation systems can make content recommendations to users based on user profiles. The users then navigate through (e.g., click on) the search/recommendation results to acquire information of interest to the users. Such systems, however, require users to navigate away from a results page to enable the playing and presentation of content clips for content included in the results page.
  • a method for including content clips with content results includes, in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, providing a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content, providing a content clip for at least one content result and effectuating a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.
  • a media device for including content clips with content search/recommendation results includes a receiver which receives an input stream, a processor which processes the input stream, a display interface which generates displays for presenting at least one of recommendation results and search results for content of said input stream, a memory which stores program instructions and at least the input steam and content associated with the input stream and a controller which executes the program instructions and interfaces with the processor, the display and the memory to configure the apparatus to, in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, provide a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content, provide a content clip for at least one content result and effectuate a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.
  • a system for including content clips with content results includes, at least one content source providing content, at least one network delivering content and a media device.
  • the media device includes a receiver which receives an input stream, a processor which processes the input stream, a display interface which generates displays for presenting at least one of recommendation results and search results for content of said input stream, a memory which stores program instructions and at least the input steam and content associated with the input stream and a controller which executes the program instructions and interfaces with the processor, the display and the memory to configure the apparatus to, in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, provide a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content, provide a content clip for at least one content result and effectuate a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the media device.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a high level block diagram of a system for including content clips with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles
  • FIG. 2 depicts a high level block diagram of an apparatus for including content clips with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles
  • FIG. 3 depicts a prior art representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art, as search results/recommendation results, are shown;
  • FIG. 4 depicts a representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art and media clips, as search results/recommendation results, are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles
  • FIG. 5 depicts a representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art and media clips, as search results/recommendation results, are shown in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present principles
  • FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method for including content clips with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.
  • Embodiments of the present principles advantageously provide a method, apparatus and system for including content clips with recommendation/search results.
  • the present principles will be described primarily within the context of a set-top box and poster art representations of content, the specific embodiments of the present principles should not be treated as limiting the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and informed by the teachings of the present principles that the concepts of the present principles can be advantageously applied by any access device or content rendering device, such as but not limited to, a server, a gateway, a router, a content playout device and the like and that other visual and/or audio representations can be provided for selected content.
  • any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a) a combination of circuit elements that performs that function or b) software in any form, including, therefore, firmware, microcode or the like, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing that software to perform the function.
  • the present principles as defined by such claims reside in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in the manner which the claims call for. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.
  • processor or “controller” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and can implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (“DSP”) hardware, read-only memory (“ROM”) for storing software, random access memory (“RAM”), and non-volatile storage.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ROM read-only memory
  • RAM random access memory
  • any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a) a combination of circuit elements that performs that function or b) software in any form, including, therefore, firmware, microcode or the like, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing that software to perform the function.
  • the disclosure as defined by such claims resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in the manner which the claims call for. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a high level block diagram of a system 100 for including additional information, such as descriptive information and advertisements, for content with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.
  • the system 100 of FIG. 1 illustratively includes a content source 102, such as a movie studio or production house, from which content can originate.
  • the content can be supplied in at least one of two forms.
  • One form can include a broadcast form of content.
  • the broadcast content is provided to a broadcast affiliate manager 104, which is typically a national broadcast service, such as the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), etc.
  • ABS American Broadcasting Company
  • NBC National Broadcasting Company
  • CBS Columbia Broadcasting System
  • the broadcast affiliate manager 104 can collect and store the content, and schedule delivery of the content over a deliver network, depicted as delivery network 1 (106) in the system 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • delivery network 1 (106) can include satellite link transmission from a national center to one or more regional or local centers.
  • Delivery network 1 (106) can also be capable of local content delivery using local delivery systems such as over the air broadcast, satellite broadcast, or cable broadcast.
  • the locally delivered content is provided to a media device 108 in a user's home, where the content can be subsequently searched by the user.
  • the media device 108 can take many forms and can be embodied as a set top box/digital video recorder (DVR), a gateway, a modem, etc. Further, the media device 108 can function as an entry point, or gateway, for a home network system that includes additional devices configured as either client or peer devices in the home network.
  • DVR set top box/digital video recorder
  • the media device 108 can function as an entry point, or gateway, for a
  • the system 100 of FIG. 1 can optionally include a second form of content, referred to as special content.
  • Special content can include content delivered as premium viewing, pay-per-view, video on demand, or other content otherwise not provided through the broadcast affiliate manager, such as movies, video games, applications, and other video elements.
  • the special content can include content requested by the user.
  • the special content can be delivered to a content manager 1 1 0.
  • the content manager 1 10 can be a service provider, such as an Internet website, affiliated, for instance, with a content provider, broadcast service, or delivery network service.
  • the content manager 1 10 can also incorporate Internet content into the delivery system.
  • the content manager 1 10 can deliver special content to the user's media device 108 over a second delivery network 2 (1 12) of the system 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • the second delivery network 2 (1 12) can include high-speed, broadband, Internet-type communications systems.
  • the content from the broadcast affiliate manager 104 can also be delivered using all or parts of the second delivery network 2 (1 12) and content from the content manager 1 1 0 can be delivered using all or parts of the first delivery network 1 (106).
  • the user can obtain content directly from the Internet via delivery network 2 (1 12) without necessarily having the content managed by the content manager 1 1 0.
  • the media device 108 can receive different types of content from one or both of the first delivery network 1 and the second delivery network 2.
  • the media device 1 08 processes the content, and provides a separation of the content based on user preferences and commands such as search commands.
  • the media device 1 08 can also include a storage device, such as a hard drive or optical disk drive, for recording and playing back audio and video content.
  • the content can then be provided to a display device 1 14.
  • the display device 1 14 can include a conventional 2-D type display or can alternatively be an advanced 3-D display.
  • the system 100 also illustratively includes a back end server 1 1 8 and a usage database 120.
  • the back end server 1 18 includes a personalization engine that analyzes the usage habits of a user and makes recommendations based on those usage habits.
  • the usage database 120 is where the usage habits for a user are monitored and information about such usage habits is stored. It is possible to use such user habit information to develop a profile for a user which is then used for recommending advertisements and programming.
  • the usage database 120 can be part of the back end server 1 1 8.
  • the back end server 1 18 (as well as the usage database 120) is connected to the system 100 and accessed through the second delivery network 2 (1 12).
  • media services 140 and 150 represent media service providers such as M-GO, NETFLIX, AMAZON MEDIA SERVICES, and the like that deliver media content such as videos, audio, computer programs, and the like to at least one receiving device such as the receiving device 1 08 of FIG. 1 .
  • Media services 140 and 150 can be delivered in the form of Internet Protocol (IP) packets that are from an over the top (OTT) service where an OTT service is independent and not controlled by a service provider.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • media services 140 and 150 can also be implemented as having a service provider such as COMCAST, TIME-WARNER CABLE, VERIZON FIOS, and the like which delivers media content in the form of a video on demand service, application store, downloadable video, among other implementations.
  • a service provider such as COMCAST, TIME-WARNER CABLE, VERIZON FIOS, and the like which delivers media content in the form of a video on demand service, application store, downloadable video, among other implementations.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a high level block diagram of an apparatus for including additional information, such as content description and advertisements, with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.
  • the media device 108 of FIG. 2 includes an input signal receiver 202.
  • the content is received by an input signal receiver 202.
  • the input signal receiver 202 can include one of several known receiver circuits used for receiving, demodulation, and decoding signals provided over one of the several possible networks including over the air, cable, satellite, Ethernet, fiber and phone line networks.
  • a desired input signal can be selected and retrieved by the input signal receiver 202 based on user input provided through a control interface or an optional touch panel interface 222.
  • the touch panel interface 222 can include an interface for a touch screen device.
  • the touch panel interface 222 can also be adapted to interface to a cellular phone, a tablet, a mouse, a high end remote or the like.
  • the decoded output signal of the input signal receiver 202 is provided to an input stream processor 204.
  • the input stream processor 204 performs the final signal selection and processing, and includes separation of video content from audio content for the content stream.
  • the audio content is provided to an audio processor 206 for conversion from the received format, such as compressed digital signal, to an analog waveform signal.
  • the analog waveform signal is provided to an audio interface 208 and further to a display device or audio amplifier (not shown).
  • the audio interface 208 can provide a digital signal to an audio output device or display device using a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable or alternate audio interface such as via a Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format (SPDIF).
  • HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface
  • SPDIF Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format
  • the audio interface can also include amplifiers (not shown) for driving one more sets of speakers.
  • the audio processor 206 also performs any necessary conversion for the storage of the audio signals.
  • the video output from the input stream processor 204 is provided to a video processor 21 0.
  • the video signal can include one of several formats.
  • the video processor 210 provides, as necessary, a conversion of the video content based on the input signal format.
  • the video processor 21 0 also performs any necessary conversion for the storage of the video signals.
  • a storage device 21 2 stores audio and video content received at the input.
  • the storage device 21 2 enables later retrieval and playback of the content under the control of a controller 214 and also based on commands, e.g., navigation instructions such as fast-forward (FF) and rewind (Rew), received from a user interface 216 and/or optional touch panel interface 222.
  • the storage device 212 can comprise a hard disk drive, one or more large capacity integrated electronic memories, such as static RAM (SRAM), or dynamic RAM (DRAM), or may be an interchangeable optical disk storage system such as a compact disk (CD) drive or digital video disk (DVD) drive.
  • SRAM static RAM
  • DRAM dynamic RAM
  • CD compact disk
  • DVD digital video disk
  • the converted video signal from the video processor 210, either originating from the input or from the storage device 212, is provided to the display interface 218.
  • the display interface 218 provides the display signal to a display device.
  • the display interface 218 can include an analog signal interface such as red-green-blue (RGB) or can include a digital interface such as HDMI.
  • RGB red-green-blue
  • HDMI digital interface
  • the display interface 21 8 generates the various screens for presenting the recommendation results and/or search results, which will be described in greater detail below.
  • the controller 214 is interconnected via a bus to several of the components of the device 200, including the input stream processor 202, audio processor 206, video processor 210, storage device 212, and a user interface 216.
  • the controller 214 manages the conversion process for converting the input stream signal into a signal for storage on the storage device or for display.
  • the controller 214 also manages the retrieval and playback of stored content.
  • the controller 214 performs searching of content and the creation and adjusting of the gird display representing the content, either stored or to be delivered via the delivery networks, described above.
  • the controller 214 is further coupled to control memory 220 (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, including RAM, SRAM, DRAM, ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), flash memory, electronically programmable ROM (EPROM) , electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), etc.) for storing information and instruction code for the controller 214.
  • the control memory 220 can store instructions for the controller 214.
  • the control memory 220 can also store a database of elements, such as graphic elements containing content, various graphic elements used for generating a displayed user interface for the display interface 218, and the like. Alternatively, the memory can store the graphic elements in identified or grouped memory locations and use an access or location table to identify the memory locations for the various portions of information related to the graphic elements.
  • various graphic elements can be generated in response to computer instructions interpreted by the controller 214 for output to the display interface 21 8.
  • a search result/recommendation result in response to a search request from a user, or alternatively, in addition to content recommendations presented to a user, a search result/recommendation result is replaced with at least one content clip and optionally, additional information/advertising for selected content.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a prior art representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art, as search results/recommendation results, are shown.
  • the search/ recommendation results comport to a "Top 25" list in which the search/recommendation results can be the most popular titles that can be viewed, for examples as a rental or a purchase from, for example a media service such as M-Go or other service provider.
  • a media service such as M-Go or other service provider.
  • search results can be selected using the title bar shown on the left of the user interface.
  • a user can select different genres of movies, recommended movies for a user (based on the user profile illustratively named 'For you'), and the like.
  • a banner advertisement is shown at the right of the screen, which represents how advertisements are typically presented in such prior art user interfaces, in which advertisements are separate from search/recommendation results.
  • a selection of the graphical representation of the content of interest must be made by the user.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art and media clips, as search results/recommendation results are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.
  • a user interface includes a plurality of search/recommendation result links to content depicted by respective poster art representations of the content results.
  • the representation of each search/recommendation result comprises an equal size and shape and are displayed in columns and rows.
  • the size of the representation space for that particular selected content can take up an area equal to, in various embodiments of the present principles, a multiple of the original size of the representation space for that particular selected content such that the content clip for the selected content can be displayed in close proximity to the selected content.
  • the decision of for which content to include a content clip can be made by a content/service provider and a content clip can be included for content which is currently being promoted or otherwise pushed.
  • content clips can be provided for at least a portion of content selections that, using a history of user preferences or selections, would be preferred by or recommended to a user.
  • a user interface comprises a plurality of visual representations (illustratively respective poster art work representations) of a plurality of content selections resulting from, for example, a search for content performed by or content recommendations made to a user of the interface.
  • the user interface of FIG. 4 presents three rows of media assets where the second and third rows contain the poster art of different media assets.
  • the first row presents a "carousel" view where the poster art of a primary media asset, G.I. Joe, is presented to the left of the screen and a video clip of the primary media asset takes up the rest of the row.
  • G.I. Joe the poster art of a primary media asset
  • the content clip illustratively a video clip for the movie
  • the user interface further includes an optional banner advertisement area at the right of the screen, which, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, provides additional information for the primary asset, such as asset classification, cost to purchase, asset description, ratings and the like.
  • a video clip can include at least one of a video portion of content associated with a content result, a movie trailer for content associated with the content result and a video and audio portion of content associated with the content result.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art and media clips, as search results/recommendation results are shown in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present principles.
  • the user interface of FIG. 5 in addition to the user interface of FIG. 4, the user interface of FIG. 5 further includes a menu bar to the left which enables a user to select/browse content according to different categories/classifications of content.
  • the menu bar of FIG. 5 includes the categories Home, Movies, TV shows, Watchlist, Library and Search.
  • the banner advertisement area illustratively depicted at the right of the screen can be used to provide advertisements and/or information for an asset other than the primary asset.
  • the banner advertisement area is presenting information for another media asset/movie/content.
  • the user interface of FIG. 5 also comprises an optional avatar for associating media assets shown with a user/user profile.
  • content representations comprise visual representations (poster art)
  • content representations can comprise at least one of video, audio and video/audio representations of content.
  • the visual representations (poster art) for the content are depicted as comprising columns and rows, in alternate embodiments of the present principles the content representations can comprise any orientation, such as a list, a circular representation or any other arrangement.
  • the visual representations of the content are depicted as comprising poster art for the content
  • the visual representations can comprise any other depiction of the content with which a user can recognize the content, including but not limited to a visual/audio representation of a scene in the content, a visual/audio representation of recognizable characters in the content, a visual/audio representation of recognizable locations in the content, a visual/audio representation of words and/or phrases in the content, and the like.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method for including advertisements with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.
  • the method 600 begins at step 610 during which, in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, a listing of content search results is provided; a content search result being represented by a respective representation of the content.
  • the content representation in comprises a visual representation which includes poster art for the content.
  • the method 600 can then proceed to step 620.
  • a video clip for a respective content result is provided.
  • a content clip is provided for a selected content result.
  • the content clip comprises a video clip.
  • the method 600 can then proceed to step 630.
  • the content results are displayed in a carousel view on a display and the video clip is displayed on the display, such as a graphical user interface, within at least one area previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the video clip is provided.
  • the method 600 can then be exited.

Abstract

A method, apparatus and system for including content clips with content results are provided. In response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, a listing of content results is provided, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content, such as poster art for the content. Subsequently, a content clip, such a video clip, for at least one selected content result is provided. The content results are displayed in a carousel view and respective content clips are displayed within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.

Description

METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR A CROUSEL BASED SEARCH INTERFACE INCLUDING CONTENT CLIPS
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.
61 /865,584 filed August 13, 201 3.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure generally relates to content recommendation and content searching, and more particularly, to a method, apparatus and system for including content clips with content search/recommendation results.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A search system can identify resources in response to queries submitted by users and provide information about the resources in a manner that is useful to the users. In addition, recommendation systems can make content recommendations to users based on user profiles. The users then navigate through (e.g., click on) the search/recommendation results to acquire information of interest to the users. Such systems, however, require users to navigate away from a results page to enable the playing and presentation of content clips for content included in the results page.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENITON
In one embodiment, a method for including content clips with content results includes, in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, providing a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content, providing a content clip for at least one content result and effectuating a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.
In an alternate embodiment of the present principles, a media device for including content clips with content search/recommendation results includes a receiver which receives an input stream, a processor which processes the input stream, a display interface which generates displays for presenting at least one of recommendation results and search results for content of said input stream, a memory which stores program instructions and at least the input steam and content associated with the input stream and a controller which executes the program instructions and interfaces with the processor, the display and the memory to configure the apparatus to, in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, provide a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content, provide a content clip for at least one content result and effectuate a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.
In an alternate embodiment of the present principles, a system for including content clips with content results includes, at least one content source providing content, at least one network delivering content and a media device. The media device includes a receiver which receives an input stream, a processor which processes the input stream, a display interface which generates displays for presenting at least one of recommendation results and search results for content of said input stream, a memory which stores program instructions and at least the input steam and content associated with the input stream and a controller which executes the program instructions and interfaces with the processor, the display and the memory to configure the apparatus to, in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, provide a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content, provide a content clip for at least one content result and effectuate a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described or become apparent from the following detailed description of the described embodiments of the present principles, which are to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the views: FIG. 1 depicts a high level block diagram of a system for including content clips with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles;
FIG. 2 depicts a high level block diagram of an apparatus for including content clips with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles;
FIG. 3 depicts a prior art representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art, as search results/recommendation results, are shown;
FIG. 4 depicts a representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art and media clips, as search results/recommendation results, are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles;
FIG. 5 depicts a representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art and media clips, as search results/recommendation results, are shown in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present principles; and
FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method for including content clips with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.
It should be understood that the drawing(s) is for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and is not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present principles advantageously provide a method, apparatus and system for including content clips with recommendation/search results. Although the present principles will be described primarily within the context of a set-top box and poster art representations of content, the specific embodiments of the present principles should not be treated as limiting the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and informed by the teachings of the present principles that the concepts of the present principles can be advantageously applied by any access device or content rendering device, such as but not limited to, a server, a gateway, a router, a content playout device and the like and that other visual and/or audio representations can be provided for selected content.
In the claims hereof, any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a) a combination of circuit elements that performs that function or b) software in any form, including, therefore, firmware, microcode or the like, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing that software to perform the function. The present principles as defined by such claims reside in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in the manner which the claims call for. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.
Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present principles, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.
The functions of the various elements shown in the figures can be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions can be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which can be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and can implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor ("DSP") hardware, read-only memory ("ROM") for storing software, random access memory ("RAM"), and non-volatile storage. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the block diagrams presented herein represent conceptual views of illustrative system components and/or circuitry embodying the principles of the invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable media and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
Furthermore, because some of the constituent system components and methods depicted in the accompanying drawings can be implemented in software, the actual connections between the system components or the process function blocks may differ depending upon the manner in which the present principles are programmed. Given the teachings herein, one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will be able to contemplate these and similar implementations or configurations of the present principles.
In the claims hereof, any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a) a combination of circuit elements that performs that function or b) software in any form, including, therefore, firmware, microcode or the like, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing that software to perform the function. The disclosure as defined by such claims resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in the manner which the claims call for. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.
FIG. 1 depicts a high level block diagram of a system 100 for including additional information, such as descriptive information and advertisements, for content with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. The system 100 of FIG. 1 illustratively includes a content source 102, such as a movie studio or production house, from which content can originate. In various embodiments of the present principles, the content can be supplied in at least one of two forms. One form can include a broadcast form of content. The broadcast content is provided to a broadcast affiliate manager 104, which is typically a national broadcast service, such as the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), etc. The broadcast affiliate manager 104 can collect and store the content, and schedule delivery of the content over a deliver network, depicted as delivery network 1 (106) in the system 100 of FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, delivery network 1 (106) can include satellite link transmission from a national center to one or more regional or local centers. Delivery network 1 (106) can also be capable of local content delivery using local delivery systems such as over the air broadcast, satellite broadcast, or cable broadcast. The locally delivered content is provided to a media device 108 in a user's home, where the content can be subsequently searched by the user. In various embodiments of the present principles, the media device 108 can take many forms and can be embodied as a set top box/digital video recorder (DVR), a gateway, a modem, etc. Further, the media device 108 can function as an entry point, or gateway, for a home network system that includes additional devices configured as either client or peer devices in the home network.
As described above, in alternate embodiments of the present principles, the system 100 of FIG. 1 can optionally include a second form of content, referred to as special content. Special content can include content delivered as premium viewing, pay-per-view, video on demand, or other content otherwise not provided through the broadcast affiliate manager, such as movies, video games, applications, and other video elements. In many cases, the special content can include content requested by the user. The special content can be delivered to a content manager 1 1 0. The content manager 1 10 can be a service provider, such as an Internet website, affiliated, for instance, with a content provider, broadcast service, or delivery network service. The content manager 1 10 can also incorporate Internet content into the delivery system.
The content manager 1 10 can deliver special content to the user's media device 108 over a second delivery network 2 (1 12) of the system 100 of FIG. 1 . In various embodiments of the present principles, the second delivery network 2 (1 12) can include high-speed, broadband, Internet-type communications systems. In the system 100 of FIG. 1 , the content from the broadcast affiliate manager 104 can also be delivered using all or parts of the second delivery network 2 (1 12) and content from the content manager 1 1 0 can be delivered using all or parts of the first delivery network 1 (106). In alternate embodiments, the user can obtain content directly from the Internet via delivery network 2 (1 12) without necessarily having the content managed by the content manager 1 1 0.
The media device 108, as a consumption device, can receive different types of content from one or both of the first delivery network 1 and the second delivery network 2. The media device 1 08 processes the content, and provides a separation of the content based on user preferences and commands such as search commands. The media device 1 08 can also include a storage device, such as a hard drive or optical disk drive, for recording and playing back audio and video content. The content can then be provided to a display device 1 14. The display device 1 14 can include a conventional 2-D type display or can alternatively be an advanced 3-D display.
In FIG. 1 , the system 100 also illustratively includes a back end server 1 1 8 and a usage database 120. In one embodiment of the present principles, the back end server 1 18 includes a personalization engine that analyzes the usage habits of a user and makes recommendations based on those usage habits. The usage database 120 is where the usage habits for a user are monitored and information about such usage habits is stored. It is possible to use such user habit information to develop a profile for a user which is then used for recommending advertisements and programming. In various embodiments, the usage database 120 can be part of the back end server 1 1 8. In the example of FIG. 1 , the back end server 1 18 (as well as the usage database 120) is connected to the system 100 and accessed through the second delivery network 2 (1 12).
The system 100 of FIG. 1 further illustratively depicts optional media services. For example, media services 140 and 150 represent media service providers such as M-GO, NETFLIX, AMAZON MEDIA SERVICES, and the like that deliver media content such as videos, audio, computer programs, and the like to at least one receiving device such as the receiving device 1 08 of FIG. 1 . Media services 140 and 150 can be delivered in the form of Internet Protocol (IP) packets that are from an over the top (OTT) service where an OTT service is independent and not controlled by a service provider. Alternatively, media services 140 and 150 can also be implemented as having a service provider such as COMCAST, TIME-WARNER CABLE, VERIZON FIOS, and the like which delivers media content in the form of a video on demand service, application store, downloadable video, among other implementations.
FIG. 2 depicts a high level block diagram of an apparatus for including additional information, such as content description and advertisements, with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. The media device 108 of FIG. 2 includes an input signal receiver 202. In the media device 108, the content is received by an input signal receiver 202. The input signal receiver 202 can include one of several known receiver circuits used for receiving, demodulation, and decoding signals provided over one of the several possible networks including over the air, cable, satellite, Ethernet, fiber and phone line networks. A desired input signal can be selected and retrieved by the input signal receiver 202 based on user input provided through a control interface or an optional touch panel interface 222. The touch panel interface 222 can include an interface for a touch screen device. The touch panel interface 222 can also be adapted to interface to a cellular phone, a tablet, a mouse, a high end remote or the like.
The decoded output signal of the input signal receiver 202 is provided to an input stream processor 204. The input stream processor 204 performs the final signal selection and processing, and includes separation of video content from audio content for the content stream. The audio content is provided to an audio processor 206 for conversion from the received format, such as compressed digital signal, to an analog waveform signal. The analog waveform signal is provided to an audio interface 208 and further to a display device or audio amplifier (not shown). Alternatively, the audio interface 208 can provide a digital signal to an audio output device or display device using a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable or alternate audio interface such as via a Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format (SPDIF). The audio interface can also include amplifiers (not shown) for driving one more sets of speakers. The audio processor 206 also performs any necessary conversion for the storage of the audio signals.
The video output from the input stream processor 204 is provided to a video processor 21 0. The video signal can include one of several formats. The video processor 210 provides, as necessary, a conversion of the video content based on the input signal format. The video processor 21 0 also performs any necessary conversion for the storage of the video signals.
A storage device 21 2 stores audio and video content received at the input. The storage device 21 2 enables later retrieval and playback of the content under the control of a controller 214 and also based on commands, e.g., navigation instructions such as fast-forward (FF) and rewind (Rew), received from a user interface 216 and/or optional touch panel interface 222. The storage device 212 can comprise a hard disk drive, one or more large capacity integrated electronic memories, such as static RAM (SRAM), or dynamic RAM (DRAM), or may be an interchangeable optical disk storage system such as a compact disk (CD) drive or digital video disk (DVD) drive.
The converted video signal, from the video processor 210, either originating from the input or from the storage device 212, is provided to the display interface 218. The display interface 218 provides the display signal to a display device. The display interface 218 can include an analog signal interface such as red-green-blue (RGB) or can include a digital interface such as HDMI. In various embodiments of the present principles, the display interface 21 8 generates the various screens for presenting the recommendation results and/or search results, which will be described in greater detail below.
The controller 214 is interconnected via a bus to several of the components of the device 200, including the input stream processor 202, audio processor 206, video processor 210, storage device 212, and a user interface 216. The controller 214 manages the conversion process for converting the input stream signal into a signal for storage on the storage device or for display. The controller 214 also manages the retrieval and playback of stored content. Furthermore, as will be described below, the controller 214 performs searching of content and the creation and adjusting of the gird display representing the content, either stored or to be delivered via the delivery networks, described above.
The controller 214 is further coupled to control memory 220 (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, including RAM, SRAM, DRAM, ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), flash memory, electronically programmable ROM (EPROM) , electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), etc.) for storing information and instruction code for the controller 214. The control memory 220 can store instructions for the controller 214. The control memory 220 can also store a database of elements, such as graphic elements containing content, various graphic elements used for generating a displayed user interface for the display interface 218, and the like. Alternatively, the memory can store the graphic elements in identified or grouped memory locations and use an access or location table to identify the memory locations for the various portions of information related to the graphic elements. In addition, various graphic elements can be generated in response to computer instructions interpreted by the controller 214 for output to the display interface 21 8.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present principles, in response to a search request from a user, or alternatively, in addition to content recommendations presented to a user, a search result/recommendation result is replaced with at least one content clip and optionally, additional information/advertising for selected content. For example, FIG. 3 depicts a prior art representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art, as search results/recommendation results, are shown. The search/ recommendation results comport to a "Top 25" list in which the search/recommendation results can be the most popular titles that can be viewed, for examples as a rental or a purchase from, for example a media service such as M-Go or other service provider. In the prior art example of FIG. 3, other types of search results can be selected using the title bar shown on the left of the user interface. For example and as depicted in FIG. 3, a user can select different genres of movies, recommended movies for a user (based on the user profile illustratively named 'For you'), and the like.
In the prior art user interface of FIG. 3, a banner advertisement is shown at the right of the screen, which represents how advertisements are typically presented in such prior art user interfaces, in which advertisements are separate from search/recommendation results. In the prior art user interface of FIG. 3, in order to find out more information about content, such as a particular search/recommendation result, a selection of the graphical representation of the content of interest must be made by the user.
FIG. 4 depicts a representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art and media clips, as search results/recommendation results are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a user interface includes a plurality of search/recommendation result links to content depicted by respective poster art representations of the content results. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the representation of each search/recommendation result comprises an equal size and shape and are displayed in columns and rows.
In accordance with the present principles, as depicted in FIG. 4, when it is desired to include content clips for selected content, the size of the representation space for that particular selected content can take up an area equal to, in various embodiments of the present principles, a multiple of the original size of the representation space for that particular selected content such that the content clip for the selected content can be displayed in close proximity to the selected content. In one embodiment of the present principles, the decision of for which content to include a content clip can be made by a content/service provider and a content clip can be included for content which is currently being promoted or otherwise pushed. In alternate embodiments of the present principles, content clips can be provided for at least a portion of content selections that, using a history of user preferences or selections, would be preferred by or recommended to a user.
For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, a user interface comprises a plurality of visual representations (illustratively respective poster art work representations) of a plurality of content selections resulting from, for example, a search for content performed by or content recommendations made to a user of the interface. Specifically, the user interface of FIG. 4 presents three rows of media assets where the second and third rows contain the poster art of different media assets. The first row presents a "carousel" view where the poster art of a primary media asset, G.I. Joe, is presented to the left of the screen and a video clip of the primary media asset takes up the rest of the row. In FIG. 4, the content clip, illustratively a video clip for the movie, is inserted in a space equal to a remaining area of an entire first row. Advantageously over the prior art, content clips for selected content can be presented to a user and can be seen by the user without the user having to navigate to another screen. In the embodiment of FIG. 4 the user interface further includes an optional banner advertisement area at the right of the screen, which, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, provides additional information for the primary asset, such as asset classification, cost to purchase, asset description, ratings and the like. In accordance with the present principles, a video clip can include at least one of a video portion of content associated with a content result, a movie trailer for content associated with the content result and a video and audio portion of content associated with the content result.
FIG. 5 depicts a representation of a user interface in which media assets with their associated poster art and media clips, as search results/recommendation results are shown in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present principles. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, in addition to the user interface of FIG. 4, the user interface of FIG. 5 further includes a menu bar to the left which enables a user to select/browse content according to different categories/classifications of content. For example, the menu bar of FIG. 5 includes the categories Home, Movies, TV shows, Watchlist, Library and Search. In addition, as depicted in FIG. 5, in various embodiments of the present principles, the banner advertisement area illustratively depicted at the right of the screen can be used to provide advertisements and/or information for an asset other than the primary asset. As depicted in FIG. 5, although the primary asset is depicted as G.I. Joe, the banner advertisement area is presenting information for another media asset/movie/content. The user interface of FIG. 5 also comprises an optional avatar for associating media assets shown with a user/user profile.
Although in the embodiments of FIGs 4 and 5 content representations comprise visual representations (poster art), in alternate embodiments of the present principles, content representations can comprise at least one of video, audio and video/audio representations of content. Even further, although in the embodiments of FIGs 4 and 5 the visual representations (poster art) for the content are depicted as comprising columns and rows, in alternate embodiments of the present principles the content representations can comprise any orientation, such as a list, a circular representation or any other arrangement. In addition, although in FIGs 4 and 5, the visual representations of the content are depicted as comprising poster art for the content, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the visual representations can comprise any other depiction of the content with which a user can recognize the content, including but not limited to a visual/audio representation of a scene in the content, a visual/audio representation of recognizable characters in the content, a visual/audio representation of recognizable locations in the content, a visual/audio representation of words and/or phrases in the content, and the like. In addition, although in the embodiment of FIGs 4 and 5, all visual representations of search/recommendation results for the content are depicted as comprising an equal size, in alternate embodiments of the present principles the visual representations of search/recommendation results for the content can comprise varying sizes.
FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method for including advertisements with recommendation/search results in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. The method 600 begins at step 610 during which, in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, a listing of content search results is provided; a content search result being represented by a respective representation of the content. For example, in one embodiment of the present principles described above, the content representation in comprises a visual representation which includes poster art for the content. The method 600 can then proceed to step 620. At step 620, a video clip for a respective content result is provided. As described above, in various embodiments of the present principles, a content clip is provided for a selected content result. As described above, in various embodiments, the content clip comprises a video clip. The method 600 can then proceed to step 630.
At step 630, the content results are displayed in a carousel view on a display and the video clip is displayed on the display, such as a graphical user interface, within at least one area previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the video clip is provided. The method 600 can then be exited.
Although embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate the principles of the teachings herein. Having described preferred embodiments of a method, apparatus and system for including content clips with recommendation/search results (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the disclosure disclosed which are within the scope of the disclosure as outlined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A method for including content clips with content search results, comprising:
in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, providing a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content;
providing a content clip for at least one content result; and
effectuating a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the representation of a content result comprises poster art work for the content associated with the content result.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the content clip for a content result comprises at least one of a video portion of content associated with the content result, a movie trailer for content associated with the content result and an audio portion of content associated with the content result.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the representation of a content result comprises an audio representation of content associated with the content result.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein content results are displayed on a user interface in columns and rows.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein a content clip is provided for a content result that is being promoted.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein a content clip is provided for a content result whose respective content can be of interest to a user.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein content that can be of interest to a user is determined using information regarding with which content a user has previously interacted.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein a display of content results and respective content clips comprises an interactive user interface.
10. An apparatus for including content clips with content results, comprising:
a receiver receiving an input stream;
a processor processing the input stream;
a display interface generating displays for presenting at least one of recommendation results and search results for content of said input stream;
a memory storing program instructions and at least said input steam and content associated with said input stream; and
a controller executing the program instructions and interfacing with said processor, said display and said memory to configure said apparatus to:
in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, provide a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content;
provide a content clip for at least one content result; and
effectuate a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.
1 1 . The apparatus of claim 10, wherein apparatus causes the display of poster art work for the representation of a content result.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the content clip for a content result comprises at least one of a video portion of content associated with the content result, a movie trailer for content associated with the content result and an audio portion of content associated with the content result.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the representation of a content result comprises an audio representation of content associated with the content result.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus causes the display of content results on a user interface in columns and rows.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a content clip for content results is provided for content results that are being promoted.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a content clip is provided for content results whose respective content can be of interest to a user.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein content that can be of interest to a user is determined using information regarding with which content a user has previously interacted.
18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus causes the display of the content results and the video clips as an interactive user interface.
19. A system for including content clips with content results, comprising:
at least one content source providing content;
at least one network delivering content; and
a media device, comprising:
a receiver receiving an input stream;
a processor processing the input stream;
a display interface generating displays for presenting at least recommendation results and search results for content of said input stream;
a memory storing program instructions and at least said input steam and content associated with said input stream; and
a controller executing the program instructions and interfacing with said processor, said display and said memory to configure said apparatus to:
in response to a search for content or in connection with a recommendation of content, provide a listing of content results, a content result being represented by a respective representation of the content;
provide a content clip for at least one content result; and effectuate a carousel view of the content results and a display of the content clip within at least one area on a display previously designated for the display of at least one other content result, the at least one area adjacent to an area on the display designated for the display of the content result for which the content clip is provided.
PCT/US2014/050618 2013-08-13 2014-08-12 Method, apparatus, and system for including content clips with content search/recommendation results WO2015023620A1 (en)

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