WO2002021367A1

WO2002021367A1 - Network entertainment system

Info

Publication number: WO2002021367A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2001/000185
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darren Cottingham; Russel Steven Walder
Original assignee: Online Advertising Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2000-09-08
Filing date: 2001-09-10
Publication date: 2002-03-14
Also published as: AU2001290373A1

Abstract

The invention provides a network entertainment system comprising one or more user devices and one or more content provider devices on which is stored one or more multi-media presentations. A user authentification component enables a user to initiate a user session and request transmission during a user session of a multi-media presentation from a content provider to a user device for displaying on the user device. The invention also provides a user database in which is stored a series of user data sets, each user data set comprising a user identifier and a user account, and a user reward component configured to test for satisfaction of one or more conditions by the user during a user session and to increment the user account on satisfaction of the condition or conditions.

Description

NETWORK ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a network entertainment system, particularly but not solely designed for displaying video, animation, audio or other multi-media presentations on a computer network or networks and providing a reward scheme for correct identification of the content of the multi-media presentations.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

The Internet is a useful medium for distributing information and providing electronic commerce initiatives, for example advertising goods or services.

One method of Internet advertising is the provision of static banners or short animations or video, animation or multi-media presentations illustrating the products or services on offer. These banners and short multi-media presentations are typically relatively uninteresting for the user and therefore there is little incentive for potential customers to pay any particular attention to the advertisements unless the advertisement relates to a specific area of interest to the viewer.

Banner advertising is unlikely to be a successful advertising technique in relation to streaming video. Many web pages display more than one banner and the bandwidth required to display such pages would be relatively high. To be effective, banners need to load quickly and to get the message across quickly. Banners need to be cheap to produce, as the click-through rate and therefore the conversion of banner impressions to sales is relatively low. There is also readily available software which eliminates banners from a user's viewing area.

Narious methods have been proposed which entice users to view more advertising while providing entertainment content in association with the advertising. Streaming video and broadband providers for example display multi-media presentations on request. Some broadband providers require additional plug-and-play receiver hardware to be added to a personal computer which is a barrier to market penetration.

Many of these streaming video and broadband provider organisations employ a business model in which the organisation sells banner advertising to third party organisations in the expectation that users will be attracted to the provider site and thereby encounter the advertising. The broadband providers also attempt to license multi-media presentations to users. None of the streaming video and broadband providers currently provide incentives for users to return to the sites of interest.

Other methods to entice users to view more advertising is to provide a reward for the user to display such advertising on a user device. Such methods do nothing for increasing the awareness of the content of the advertisements by the users and little feedback is given as to whether the advertisement has been effective.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In broad terms the invention comprises a network entertainment system comprising one or more user devices, each associated with a user, each user device having a display device and a user input device; one or more content provider devices on which is stored one or more multi-media presentations; a user authentication component enabling a user to initiate a user session; a network or combination of networks configured to transmit during a user session, at the request of a user, a multi-media presentation from a content provider to a user device for display on the display device of the user device; a user database in which is stored a series of user data sets, each user data set comprising a user identifier and a user account; and a user reward component configured to test for satisfaction of one or more conditions by the user during a user session and to increment the user account on satisfaction of the condition(s). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred forms of the network entertainment system will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system in which one form of the invention may be implemented;

Figure 2 shows a preferred system of hardware on which the invention may be implemented;

Figure 3 shows a display panel in which a multi-media presentation is displayed to a user;

Figure 4 shows options provided to a user for voting;

Figure 5 illustrates a further display shown to a user;

Figure 6 shows a question and possible answers presented to a user;

Figure 7 shows further questions or tasks put to a user;

Figure 8 shows a data entry panel for the supply of information by a user;

Figure 9 displays a product available to a user;

Figure 10 is an example of a display of previous winners of prizes provided to a user;

Figure 11 shows a display of core (for example, frequently requested) statistics;

Figure 12 shows a display of graphs and tables; and Figure 13 shows an example of managing user accounts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of one system in which a preferred form of the invention could be implemented. The system 10 includes one or more user devices 20, for example 20A, 20B and 20C. Each user device is preferably associated with a user and is provided with at least a display device and a user input device, as will be described below. A user device 20 could include a desktop computer, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), WAP-enabled portable telephone, a network-enabled gaming console, or any other suitable device. Each device could include a display device in the form of a LCD (liquid crystal display) or computer screen. A user input device could include a keyboard, joystick, mouse, touch sensitive screen, interactive voice recognition hardware and software and any other suitable user input device.

The system 10 further includes one or more content provider devices 30. A content provider device 30 could include a workstation configured to function as a hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) network server and/or a streaming media server. The user device in the form of the HTTP server could provide a static user interface which could be viewed on a user device 20 to provide an introductory screen to the content available from the content provider 30. Each content provider 30 preferably has stored on it one or more multi-media presentations. Such multi-media presentations could include a video, animation, audio presentation or any combination of the foregoing. The multi-media presentations could be configured to be displayed using suitable software such as Macromedia Flash, Shockwave or any suitable streaming media software which could be installed and operating on the content provider 30 and/or the user device 20.

The system 10 includes network 40 which could include a wired, wireless or Internet network or any combination of the foregoing. The network(s) 40 is configured to transmit a multi-media presentation from a content provider 30 to a user device 20 for display on the display device of the user device 20.

The system 10 also includes a user authentication component 50. The user authentication component could include a software program installed on a user device 20 and/or content provider device 30 to enable a user on a user device 20 to initiate a user session with a content provider. The software program could include a log-in script in which a user supplies a user name and identifying password. Alternatively, the user authentication component could include an electronic signature identifying a user device. This electronic signature could be in the form of a cookie or other electronic identifier which is stored on a user device 20. The system 10 identifies a user from the user device operated by the user when initiating a user session.

Once a user initiates a user session from a user device 20, the user is able to request transmission of a multi-media presentation from a content provider 30 for display on a display device of user device 20. In one form, the multi-media presentations could comprise one or more short episodes or a narrative. This episode or narrative could include product placement advertising within the episode, product placement advertising within an instructional demonstration to a user, new product announcements or could include advertising from the content provider's website from which the multi-media presentation is available. The intention is that a user will be enticed to return to a website time and again to view updates and continuations of each multi-media presentation.

The system 10 also includes a user database 60 in which is stored a series of user data sets. It is envisaged that the user database could be implemented as a relational database, object-oriented database or any other suitable database structure. Each user data set includes at least a user identifier uniquely identifying each user from each other user and also includes a user account. Each data set is used to store accumulated reward points, company shares or stocks or other item of value in the user account, as will be described below. The system 10 includes a user reward component 70. This user reward component 70 in one form could comprise a software program installed on user device 20, content provider 30 and/or a further computing device. The user reward component 70 is configured to test for satisfaction of one or more conditions by the user during a user session and to increment the user account in the user database 60 on satisfaction of the condition or conditions.

In one form, the user reward component 70 could increment a user account with reward points whenever a user initiates a user session from the user device 20. In another form, the user reward component could reward a user with reward points whenever a user requests a particular multi-media presentation from a content provider 30. Once a user has viewed a multi-media presentation requested from a content provider 30, the user reward component 70 could display on the user device 20 one or more questions or tasks relating to the content of the multi-media presentation just viewed by the user. With the user input device on the user device 20, the user supplies answers to these questions or completes the tasks. The user reward component 70 checks the user's supplied answers against a set of correct answers. Where a user supplies the correct answer or answers, or where the user completes the task or tasks, the user's account in the user database 60 is credited with further reward points.

In one form, the user reward component 70 could be configured to display on a user device 20 one or more options for desired content of a multi-media presentation. In this way, the user is able to vote for the plot or storyline of a multi-media presentation yet to be developed. Involving the user in selecting desired options for content of further multi- media presentations entices the user to return to a website to view the next multi-media presentation in a sequence. It is envisaged that the user is able to request the display of any one of the multi-media presentations, even where each multi-media presentation is ordered into a logical narrative order. In one form, the user reward component 70 could credit a user account with reward points if the user selects an option for desired content of a multi-media presentation when prompted. The user is provided with an opportunity to vote on the user's desired plot continuation of the multi-media presentation. Once the votes from all users are received, the most popular continuation of the story may be selected to be produced at the discretion of the content provider management.. The multi-media presentation is then produced and made available from a content provider 30. This voting and subsequent filming and production of the multi-media presentation could be performed on a presentation-by-presentation basis, or a series of presentations could be produced by each vote outcome. The user could also contribute plot ideas, character developments or any other information which could be used to create future multi-media presentations.

The user reward component 70 could also be configured to elicit information from a user on a user device 20. The user reward component 70 could display a data entry form on a user device 20 enabling a user to supply information to a content provider 30. Such information could include an email address, country in which the user is domiciled, and which products the user prefers, by way of example. The user reward component 70 could increment a user account with reward points once the user supplies such information.

Once the user has accumulated a quantity of reward points, it is envisaged that the user trades these points for goods and/or services using the system 10. A reward redemption component 80 could include a software program enabling a user to view the accumulated points in a user account and to select one or more goods or services from a list provided to the user by the reward redemption component 80. The user selects goods/services 90 from the list and the reward redemption component 80 debits the user account in the user database by an appropriate value. The reward redemption component 80 could include links to other product or service providers who are advertising products or services.

Therefore, at any time, the user can access an advertiser's website to obtain more information regarding goods or services shown in a multi-media presentation viewed by the user. It is also envisaged that the reward redemption component 80 enables a user to exchange points in a user account for company shares or stocks 100. In this way, the user could be encouraged to invest in a particular company with the result that the user will be enticed to purchase goods or services from that company where there is a choice available. Such a purchase will assist the company to increase the value of shares or stocks and of dividend payouts, thereby providing a benefit to the user.

In a further embodiment, the user data sets could include a user account in which company shares or stocks are stored in the user account as an alternative to or in addition to reward points. The user reward component 70 could be configured to issue company shares or stocks to a user and to store these shares or stocks in the user account as an alternative to or in addition to reward points.

The system 10 may optionally further include a user tracking component 110 which in one form could comprise a software program which is configured to track the activity of a user during a user session. For example, a user could accumulate reward points in return for satisfaction of one or more conditions. The user could then view a linked multi-media presentation and continue to accumulate reward points in relation to the first multi-media presentation. The user tracking component 110 could track purchases made as a direct result from such a referral. For example, if a user were to access content provider 30B via content provider 30 A and make a purchase, the organisation associated with content provider 30 A would be paid a commission for driving or referring user traffic to content provider 30B. This user tracking facility could also enable users to use one global rewards account for redemption against a plurality of different product providers linked with the content provider(s).

The user tracking component 110 could optionally be configured to track activity within a multi-media presentation in the form of a Macromedia Flash movie. Such a movie comprises a file which in turn can comprise a plurality of pages, sounds, video and animation. Conventional tracking techniques have counted a single Flash file as one hit, despite the number of pages and other components within a Flash movie to which the user is exposed. A purely HTML navigation technique would record two hits for two pages visited, three hits for three pages visited, and so on, and the user tracking component aforementioned fulfils the same functionality for Flash movies. The user tracking component 110 could be configured to ignore certain activities, while collecting data on other activities. The user tracking component 110 could offer a plurality of statistical analysis and options for display of the data collected, as will be described below.

It is envisaged that user authentication component 50, the user database 60, user reward component 70, reward redemption component 80, and user tracking component 110 be implemented on either a user device 20, a content provider device 30 and/or a workstation 120 or multi workstations, or any combination of the foregoing.

Figure 2 shows the preferred system architecture of a user device 20, a content provider device 30 and/or workstation 120. The computer system 200 typically comprises a central processor 202, a main memory 204, for example RAM, and an input/output controller 206. The computer system 200 also comprises one or more input devices 208, for example a keyboard, touch sensitive screen, or interactive voice recognition hardware and software together with a display or screen device 210. As a supplement to the input device(s) 208, the computer system could include pointing device 212, for example a mouse, joystick, touch pad, or track ball.

The computer system 200 could also include peripherals such as a mass storage memory 214 for example a hard disk, floppy disk or optical disc, and an output device 216 for example a printer. The system 200 could also include a network interface card or controller 218 and/or a network connection device for example a modem or other network communication device 220. The individual components of the system 200 could communicate through a system bus 222.

Figures 3 to 10 illustrate one web-based application of the invention. An initial page could be presented to a user following user log-on. The page could present to a user a plurality of different categories of multi-media presentation available for transmission from the content provider 30. These multi-media presentations could relate to music, movies and television, electronics, Playstation or on-line games.

The webpage could be provided with a link enabling a user to access reward redemption component 80.

Referring to Figure 3, the invention displays to a user a display panel 330 in which a multi-media presentation is displayed to a user. The panel could include a control bar 340 enabling a user to play or pause the multi-media presentation and to skip to the beginning or end of the presentation. The control bar 340 could also display a progress indicator showing the user how far through a user has viewed a multi-media presentation.

The user reward component 70 displays panel 350 to a user providing the user with options such as indicating the desired content of the next multi-media presentation 360, answering a question about the multi-media presentation 370, viewing the multi-media presentation again 380, or transferring the user to the reward redemption component 80 to purchase company shares 100 as shown at 390.

Referring to Figure 4, the user has selected option 360 from the display of Figure 4. The user reward component 70 displays to the user panel 400 providing a plurality of options from which the user may vote for future multi-media presentations. The user selects the desired content for a future multi-media presentation and submits the information, thereby acquiring further reward points.

Referring to Figure 5, the user has selected option 370 from Figure 3 to answer a question and win points. The user reward component 70 could display to a user a message 410 to increase anticipation and enjoyment to test whether the user is ready to answer a question.

Referring to Figure 6, the user reward component 70 presents to a user a display panel 420 including a question 430 and a series of answers 440, one of which is the correct answer. The user reward component 70 could add reward points to a user account for simply answering the question and could add further points to a user account for supplying the correct answer.

Referring to Figure 7, once a user has answered the question, the user reward component 70 could display a further question or task to the user in panel 450, for example question 460 with one or more user answers 470.

Figure 8 illustrates a further series of requested tasks from the user reward component 70. The reward component 70 could display to a user a data entry panel 480 in which a user is asked to supply information to a content provider device 30. The user could be credited with reward points for supply of such information.

Figure 9 illustrates the reward redemption component 80 displaying to a user a product 490 available to the user. The redemption component 80 could display to a user the number of reward points required to purchase the product 490. The redemption component 80 could also display to a user options for further product information 510 and options to purchase or redeem the product 490 using accumulated points as shown at 520.

Referring to Figure 10, the system could also provide prizes and other incentives for a user to view and interact with multi-media presentations. As shown at 530, the system could display previous winners to a user as an incentive for the user to participate.

The user tracking component 110, as described above, could be configured to collect data for subsequent display. Figures 11 to 13 provide examples of how this collected data could be used.

Figure 11 shows a display panel 600 which could display to a content provider, manager or other personal organisation a series of core (for example, frequently collected) statistics. The statistics could include the total number of users, the total number of registered users, total viewing time, total watch points earned, the number of views of each multi-media presentation, the average monthly increase in users and so on.

Figure 12 shows a further display panel 610 which could display demographic data, for example the total number of unique users, gender demographics, total points earned, yearly household income and so on, in the form of a graph or table.

Figure 13 illustrates a data entry panel 620 which enables a manager or organisation to send bulk email to a plurality of users of the system 10 based on a number of filters determining the demographic of the users to be addressed, for example age, income and gender.

The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated within the scope hereof, as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A network entertainment system comprising: one or more user devices, each associated with a user, each user device having a display device and a user input device; one or more content provider devices on which is stored one or more multi-media presentations; a user authentication component enabling a user to initiate a user session; a network or combination of networks configured to transmit during a user session, at the request of a user, a multi-media presentation from a content provider to a user device for display on the display device of the user device; a user database in which is stored a series of user data sets, each user data set comprising a user identifier and a user account; and a user reward component configured to test for satisfaction of one or more conditions by the user during a user session and to increment the user account on satisfaction of the condition(s).

2. A network entertainment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the user reward component is configured to display on the display device of a user device one or more requested tasks relating to the content of the multi-media presentation and to check for completion of the requested tasks by the user through operation of the user input device of the user device.

3. A network entertainment system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the requested tasks comprise one or more questions relating to the content of the multi-media presentation, and wherein completion of the tasks comprises supplying correct answers to the questions.

4. A network entertainment system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the requested tasks comprise the supply of information by the user to a content provider device.

5. A network entertainment system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the requested tasks comprise a user initiating a user session.

6. A network entertainment system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the requested tasks comprise a user requesting a multi-media presentation.

7. A network entertainment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein points are stored in the user account, the system further comprising a reward redemption component enabling a user to exchange points from a user account for goods and/or services.

8. A network entertainment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein points are stored in the user account, the system further comprising a reward redemption component enabling a user to exchange the points from a user account for company shares.

9. A network entertainment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the user reward component is configured to issue company shares to a user and to store the shares in the user account.

10. A network entertainment system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the user reward component is configured to display on the display device one or more options for desired content of a multimedia presentation and to check for user selection of an option as completion of the requested task.

11. A network entertainment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the user authentication component comprises a log-in script in which the user provides identification information to log in to the system.

2. A network entertainment system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the user authentication component comprises an electronic signature identifying a user device.