WO2008053180A2 - Targeted video content delivery apparatus, system and methods - Google Patents

Targeted video content delivery apparatus, system and methods Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008053180A2
WO2008053180A2 PCT/GB2007/004112 GB2007004112W WO2008053180A2 WO 2008053180 A2 WO2008053180 A2 WO 2008053180A2 GB 2007004112 W GB2007004112 W GB 2007004112W WO 2008053180 A2 WO2008053180 A2 WO 2008053180A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
content delivery
custom
video content
data
video
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/004112
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008053180A3 (en
Inventor
Steven Lee
Godwin Okechukwu Osigwe
Original Assignee
Steven Lee
Godwin Okechukwu Osigwe
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Steven Lee, Godwin Okechukwu Osigwe filed Critical Steven Lee
Publication of WO2008053180A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008053180A2/en
Publication of WO2008053180A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008053180A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/433—Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request, caching operations
    • H04N21/4331—Caching operations, e.g. of an advertisement for later insertion during playback
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6156—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6175—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
    • H04N21/654—Transmission by server directed to the client
    • H04N21/6547—Transmission by server directed to the client comprising parameters, e.g. for client setup
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/812—Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of targeted near real time delivery of electronic media comprising video.
  • broadcast means transmitted with identical content (although potentially in more than one data format) to many receivers at once.
  • the term "near real time" when used in connection with broadcast media means that the media is displayed by the end user with only minimal delay after the transmission of the media by a broadcaster. There will always be at least some delay before broadcast media is displayed due to the time taken to transmit the media to a receiver. Further delays may be incorporated due to buffering. For example, the buffering used by video receivers, such as internet media players, or the buffering used by broadcasters before recorded video is broadcast, such as "tape delay" used by producers to give them time to over-edit swear words etc. or which could be used to create the event data discussed in connection with the present invention below. Such delays will typically be less than a minute and usually less than 15 seconds.
  • Some near real time broadcast media is live, that is to say, the media is broadcast substantially as the events which are represented happen, again with only minimal delays, but real time media may relate to events which are not live, for example, a sports event may be recorded and broadcast some hours later, and the broadcast may be received by television decoders and displayed on televisions in near real time.
  • video includes any electronic content including images which change with time, for example, television.
  • Video may also include an audio component.
  • a video signal is said to represent images if the video signal would cause a display which can interpret the video signal to display the images.
  • Broadcast television is delivered through a range of mediums including analogue or digital terrestrial radio broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, cable broadcasts (including broadcasts through broadband telephone cable) or via the internet (e.g. "Web TV").
  • Some of these formats can be interpreted directly by a television or computer; others require specific receivers, for example satellite and cable broadcast television typically requires an electronic decoder commonly referred to as a set top box.
  • Broadcast television delivers the same content to many locations over a wide area and many types of locations, such as domestic residences and businesses (e.g. bars).
  • Web TV also generally broadcasts the same content to many locations and people.
  • the end users generally choose from the same limited range of available options, for example they may select from a range of television channels. It would be advantageous to be able to tailor content to specific end users or groups of end users.
  • Much television advertising takes places during breaks in the programme schedule. Thus, viewers may not pay attention because the advertising is not contemporaneous with the events they are watching the programme in order to see and because advertisement breaks are clearly distinct from the content which viewers are watching the programming in order to view.
  • Sponsors of events such as sporting events often arrange for their advertisements, including branding, to be displayed at the location of the event where it can be seen in the background while the event takes place, or they arrange for their branding to be overlaid throughout part of a programme.
  • This type of advertising is generally perceived as background by the viewer, which reduces its impact. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a means of integrating advertising into programmes where it is more likely to be viewed and where it can be delivered when the interest of viewers is at a peak.
  • a custom video content delivery device comprising a video signal input for receiving a video signal, an event data receiving module for receiving event data, a content modifying module which is operable to modify the received video signal responsive to event data received by the event data receiving module to produce an output video signal, wherein the modification is dependent on the event data received by the event data receiving module.
  • the received video signal may be a broadcast video signal (e.g. television).
  • the video signal is received, modified (if the event data specifies that a modification should take place) and output in near real time with the broadcast of the video signal.
  • the output video signal would typically be directed to a display (e.g. a television) which displays the images represented by the output video signal.
  • Event data may have been generated in connection with an event which is represented in the broadcast video signal (e.g. a goal being scored in a soccer match).
  • the modification to the received video signal responsive to the received event data may be a modification which is related to an event represented in the broadcast video signal.
  • the received event data preferably comprises modification data which specifies modifications to be made to the received video signal by the content modifying module responsive to the received event data.
  • modification data may be pre-stored in a data store local to and readable by the content modifying module, and the event data may comprise an identifier which refers to pre-stored modification data which specifies modifications to be made to the video signal by the content modifying module responsive to the receipt of event data which refers to particular modification data.
  • the modification data may comprise a plurality of data structures each of which specifies one or more modifications and the event data may comprise an identifier of one or more specific modification data structures.
  • the modification data may comprise image data specifying still images or video to be incorporated into the images represented by the output signal.
  • the modification data may comprise references to previously stored still images or video data to be incorporated into the images represented by the output signal.
  • the modification data may comprise text which is to be rendered and incorporated into the images represented by the output signal and the content modifying module may be operable to prepare representations of the text denoted by the text data.
  • modifications to the received video signal may be made in connection with an event which is represented by the broadcast video signal.
  • This allows specific targeted content specified by the event data to be output in combination with or instead of the received video signal at the same time, or shortly after, an event represented by the broadcast video signal.
  • One application is to allow promotional information to be displayed at the same time, shortly after, or in some circumstances shortly before, a represented event.
  • promotional information can be displayed at times when maximum attention will be being paid to a display (e.g. a television) which is receiving the output signal.
  • Promotional information may also be displayed at the same time, shortly after, or in some circumstances shortly before, events with which an advertiser wishes to have their promotional information (e.g. branding) associated.
  • the modification data may comprise or specify promotional information such as adverts (whether still images or video), branding, or information concerning competitions or promotions.
  • the custom video content delivery device may make modifications to the received video signal which are not responsive to event data received by the event data receiving module. For example, the format of the received video signal may be changed before or whilst it is modified; the format of the received and output video signals may be different; the received video signal may be decoded from a more complex video signal, such as a multi-channel radio, cable or satellite signal; the signal may be amended so that the images represented by the signal include the number of a channel which is being viewed or a menu, or are reformatted to a different aspect ratio.
  • the custom video content delivery device may have an additional mode in which the output video signal is derived from the received video signal without any modifications which are dependent on received event data.
  • Event data may be intended for an individual custom video content delivery device, or specific groups of custom video content devices. This is discussed further below.
  • the event receiving module may be operable to determine whether received event data is intended for the specific custom video content delivery device and to discard or disregard received event data which is not intended for the specific custom video content delivery device.
  • Received event data may comprise an amended version of previously received event data, for example amended modification data.
  • a modification responsive to received event data may be responsive to the receipt of modified event data.
  • a modification responsive to received event data may be result from periodic checking of stored received event data which is periodically updated.
  • the event data may be received during, or shortly after, a corresponding event depicted in the images represented by the received video signal.
  • event data may be transmitted to the custom video content apparatus shortly after the broadcast of the corresponding event.
  • the event data may be received at the same time, or before, the corresponding event. This may be achieved where the broadcast signal is derived from pre-recorded content, or where buffering (generally known as "tape delay" although it is now common to buffer electronically rather than using a tape) is employed to allow a period of time for media creators to react to an event.
  • the custom video content delivery device may be operable to receive video data which is stored and subsequently used by the content modifying module when preparing the output video signal.
  • the images represented by the received and stored video data may be overlaid on, mixed with, added to, or used to replace, the images represented by the received video signal when preparing the output video signal.
  • the custom video content delivery device may receive video data at a rate which is below the rate which would be required to use the received video data to modify the received video signal in near real time.
  • the received video data and typically also the event data, may be received through a communications channel (e.g. an internet connection) which is not of sufficient bandwidth to reliably receive the video data in near real time.
  • a communications channel e.g. an internet connection
  • the custom video content delivery device may receive the received video data through a communications channel which has a bandwidth which is sufficient to reliably receive the video data in near real time, the ability to store video data reduces the quantity of data which must be transmitted in real time by a remote server to cause a plurality of video content delivery devices to make different modifications to the same broadcast.
  • the received event data may be pushed from a server to the event data receiving module.
  • the event data receiving module may periodically download and thereby receive event data, optionally after checking whether it has been updated and requires to be downloaded.
  • the event data (and typically also received video data, where applicable) is typically received through a different communications channel to the received video signal.
  • the event data may, however, be received through the same communication channel as the received video signal, for example, where the modification data is pre-stored.
  • the event data receiving module may receive a trigger signal and download (and thereby receive) event data responsive to receipt of the trigger signal, optionally after checking whether the event data had been updated and required to be downloaded.
  • the output video signal may represent images which include additional images, such as still or moving images, not represented by the received video signal.
  • the additional images may be overlaid on the image represented by the received video signal. Additional images may be specified by the modification data.
  • the output video signal may represent images which omit part of images represented by the received video signal.
  • the output video signal may represent images which omit a strip at the base and/or the side of the images represented by the received video signal.
  • the output video signal may represent images in which an omitted part of the images represented by the received video signal is replaced with additional images.
  • the output video signal may represent images in which the images represented by the received video signal have been resized (typically reduced in size).
  • the output video signal may represent images comprising images represented by the received video signal reduced in size and with additional images in otherwise vacant locations.
  • the output video signal may represent images which are not derived from to those represented by the received video signal.
  • the content modifying module may be operable to replace the received video signal with an alternative video signal.
  • the output video signal may represent images represented by the received video data. If the received video data is in an appropriate format, the received video signal may be replaced with the received video data.
  • the modification data may specify a screen mode and the content modifying module may resize the images represented by the received video signal and add content specified by modification data, according to the screen mode, in order to prepare the output video signal.
  • the pre-stored modification data may be stored on a removable solid state memory device, such as an SD card or USB memory device, which communicates with a removable electronic device interface (such a removable memory device interface) of the custom video content delivery device.
  • modification data may be distributed in advance of it being required to determine the modifications made to the received video signal, and stored by custom content delivery devices.
  • the modification data may be distributed by one or more of transmitting it in the broadcast video signal, transmitting it through the network which is used to communicate event data (where separate), and distributing solid state memory devices having the modification data stored thereon. Different modification data may be distributed to different custom content delivery devices.
  • Customised modification data may be received from a user of the custom video content delivery device, for example a user may input graphics or text which they wish to be used to prepare the output video signal responsive to event data.
  • the same modification data may be pre-stored on a plurality of custom content delivery devices to which different event data (i.e. comprising different identifiers of modification data) is sent, thereby causing two or more of the plurality of custom content delivery devices to modify the received video signal differently responsive to the event data.
  • Different modification data may be pre-stored on a plurality of custom content delivery devices such that the same identifier in received event data refers to different modification data on two or more of the plurality of custom content delivery services.
  • two or more of the custom content delivery devices may respond to the same event data by making different modifications specified by the different modification data.
  • the modification data comprises an identifier and the modification data is used to determine the modifications made to the received video signal if the event data comprises the same identifier.
  • Modification data which is the same except for the identifier may be distributed to different custom content delivery devices so that the different custom content delivery devices make the same modification to the received video signal, but responsive to different event data.
  • the content modifying module may receive and modify a video signal which is suitable for interpretation and display by a display, such as a television, computer, mobile telephone, PDA or other display device.
  • a display such as a television, computer, mobile telephone, PDA or other display device.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise a video signal decoder which decodes the received video signal and transmits an internal video signal to the content modifying module, which is operable to modify the internal video signal responsive to event data to prepare the output signal.
  • the content modifying module will typically convert the received internal video signal into digital image data, prepare manipulated image data and then convert the manipulated image data into the output video signal.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise a video signal decoder which decodes the received video signal and outputs an internal video signal to the content modifying module, and the content modifying module may be operable, responsive to event data, to cause the video signal decoder to transmit an internal video signal derived from stored video data to the content modifying module, and to thereby modify the received video signal responsive to event data.
  • the content modifying module may or may not make further modifications to the internal video signal, responsive to received event data.
  • the content modifying module may be operable to instruct the video signal decoder to change the channel, selected from a plurality of channels, of the video signal output as the internal video signal, responsive to event data.
  • the stored video data may comprise previously received event data.
  • the stored video data may comprise images recorded from the received video signal.
  • the content modifying module and the video signal decoder may both have access to a shared data storage device (e.g. a hard disc) and the content modifying module may be operable to stored received event data on the shared data storage device and instruct the video signal decoder to output a video signal derived from the stored received event data as the internal video signal.
  • a shared data storage device e.g. a hard disc
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise an output for transmitting instructions, under the control of the content modifying module and responsive to received event data, to a video signal decoder which is operable to output a video signal decoded from an input video signal.
  • the instructions may comprise instructions to change the channel, selected from a plurality of channels, of the video signal output by the video signal decoder, or to output a video signal derived from pre-recorded video data.
  • the content modifying module may be operable to modify the received video signal by causing the video signal decoder to change the video signal received by the custom video content delivery device.
  • the content modifying module is adapted to modify the received video signal in one or more of the ways mentioned above depending on the received event data.
  • the content modifying module preferably has a default mode in which it does not make any modifications which are responsive to received event data to the received video signal.
  • the content modifying module may be operable to determine the channel of the content denoted by a received video signal (or the internal video signal).
  • the content modifying module may receive an identifier of the channel from an internal or external video signal decoder.
  • the received event data may specify modifications to be made in respect of a specific channel and the content modifying module may be operable to make said modifications to the received video signal only if the channel of the content corresponds with the specified channel.
  • the content modifying module may be operable to store image data derived from the received video signal (or the internal video signal, where relevant) either on a continuous basis or for a period of time.
  • the content modifying module may play back the stored images (i.e. the output signal may represent the stored images), optionally with further modifications, where specified by event data.
  • the custom video content delivery device may cause images represented by the received video signal (or the internal video signal, where relevant) to be replayed, optionally with further modifications, without having to receive further video data. For example, highlights of a programme (e.g. a programme showing a sporting event) may be recorded and played back after the event, without the highlights having to be retransmitted to the custom video content delivery devices, which could otherwise consume considerable bandwidth. Different highlights from the same broadcast may be replayed (optionally with different modifications) by different custom video content delivery devices depending on the received event data specific to that custom video content delivery device.
  • the custom video content delivery device may be operable to determine custom video content delivery device usage data and to transmit the received usage data to a remote receiver for analysis.
  • the custom video content delivery device may be operable to determine a selected channel at a given time and to transmit this data to a remote server for analysis.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise an input for receiving input from a user.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise an input device or an input for receiving an electronic signal from an input device.
  • a user interface may be provided by displaying the images represented by the output video signal on a display and receiving input from a user via an input device.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise a user interface, wherein the user interface comprises a display which displays images represented by the output video signal and an input device which receives input from a user of the custom video content delivery device.
  • the user interface may comprise an interactive device (e.g. a touch screen) which functions as both the display and the input device.
  • the custom video content delivery device may monitor and/or record input from a user and transmit usage data to a remote receiver.
  • the transmitted usage data may relate to specific input data (e.g. an option chosen by a user when presented with a menu) or analysed data (e.g. usage statistics or user profile data determined by monitoring multiple inputs).
  • the custom video content delivery device may cause options to be presented to a user by modifying the received video signal.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise a user interface (e.g. a touch screen) which presents selectable options to a user, which a user may select using an input device.
  • the selectable options are preferably determined by received event data. For example, when a programme represented by the received video signal is broadcast, event data may be received which causes the content modifying module to modify the received video signal to display options to a viewer which are related to the content of the programme (e.g. an option to find out more about something relevant to the content of the programme).
  • the input from the user may be monitored to determine what options are selected by a viewer and data derived therefrom may be transmitted to a remote receiver.
  • the custom video content delivery device may be operable to store images represented by the received video signal (or internal video signal, where applicable) and to transmit these to a remote receiver. This enables monitoring of the usage of the custom video content delivery device. For example, the channel, selected from a plurality of channels, of the received video signal (or internal video signal, where applicable) watched by users of the custom video content delivery device at a particular time may be thereby monitored.
  • the custom video content delivery device may be a personal electronic device, such as a mobile telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA).
  • the video signal input may be a cellular telecommunications network transceiver, the content modifying module may be program code executed on a microprocessor of the personal digital assistant.
  • the event data may also be received by a cellular telecommunications network, and may be received in a different format to the received video signal, for example, as an SMS message.
  • a personal electronic device may comprise a removable solid-state memory device, such as an SD card, which is interfaced with a memory device interface of the personal electronic device, and which stores either or both of a software application which causes the personal digital assistant to function as the custom video content delivery device and modification data.
  • a custom video content delivery system comprising control apparatus and a plurality of custom video content delivery devices according to the first aspect of the present invention in communication with the control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus transmits event data to the event data receiving modules of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
  • the control apparatus may transmit the same event data to at least some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices, which event data comprises data specifying modifications to a broadcast video signal be carried out by a subset of the at least some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
  • the control apparatus preferably transmits first event data to one or more custom video content delivery devices selected from the plurality of custom video content delivery devices and different event data to one or more other custom video content delivery devices selected from the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
  • the control apparatus can cause customised content to be output by different custom video content delivery devices which receive the same broadcast video signals.
  • the control apparatus may be operable to transmit still image and/or video data to at least some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices for storage and subsequent use in modifying video signals. Preferably at least some of the still image and/or video data will be transmitted by the control apparatus to a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
  • the event data may be transmitted from the control apparatus to the event data receiving modules of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices using a communications channel (e.g. an internet connection) which does not have sufficient bandwidth to transmit the still image and/or video data in near real time to each of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices which would be required for each custom video content delivery device to make the modifications specified by the event data.
  • a communications channel e.g. an internet connection
  • the event data which is transmitted may comprise instructions to record specific video data derived from video signals received by one or more custom video content delivery devices.
  • the event data which is transmitted may comprise instructions to play back specific video data derived from video signals received by one or more custom video content delivery devices and previously recorded by the one or more custom video content delivery devices.
  • the control apparatus may be operable to transmit event data to cause some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices to replay first images recorded from a broadcast video signal and other of the custom video content delivery devices to replay different images recorded from the same broadcast video signal.
  • a broadcast video signal represents a competition between two sides (e.g.
  • custom video content delivery devices associated with supporters of a first side and custom video content delivery devices associated with supporters of the second side may replay different clips from the same broadcast video signal, focussing on parts of the broadcast (e.g. goals scored by soccer teams) of particular interest to the relevant supporters.
  • the control apparatus may be operable to receive data which determines which modifications to received video data should be made by specific custom video content delivery devices, or groups of custom video content delivery devices.
  • the owner or lessee of a custom video content delivery device may choose from amongst options as to the modifications to received video data to be made by their custom video content delivery device.
  • the control apparatus may be operable to store and modify an event data file pertaining to each custom video content delivery device, or a group of custom video content delivery devices, and to send a trigger signal to one or more of the custom video content delivery devices responsive to updating of the event data file pertaining to the one or more custom video content delivery devices.
  • the custom video content delivery device may be operable to determine custom video content delivery device usage data and to transmit the received usage data to the control apparatus for analysis.
  • the custom video content delivery device may be operable to determine a selected channel at a given time and to transmit this data to the control apparatus for analysis.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise an input for receiving input from a user.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise an input device or an input for receiving an electronic signal from an input device.
  • a user interface may be provided by displaying the images represented by the output video signal on a display and receiving input from a user via an input device.
  • the custom video content delivery device may comprise a user interface, wherein the user interface comprises a display which displays images represented by the output video signal and an input device which receives input from a user of the custom video content delivery device.
  • the user interface may comprise an interactive device (e.g. a touch screen) which functions as both the display and the input device.
  • the custom video content delivery device may monitor and/or record input from a user and transmit data concerning user inputs to the control apparatus.
  • the transmitted data may relate to specific inputs (e.g. the option chosen by a user when presented with a menu) or analysed usage data (e.g. usage statistics or user profile data determined by monitoring multiple inputs).
  • the control apparatus may respond to the receipt of data concerning user inputs from a custom video content delivery device by transmitting further event data to one or more custom video content delivery devices, including further modification data.
  • the further event data may be transmitted to the custom video content delivery device from which the data concerning user inputs was received, thus facilitating interaction between a user of the custom video content delivery device (or a device in electronic communication therewith) and the control apparatus.
  • the control apparatus may select modification data to be transmitted to one or more custom video content delivery devices responsive to received usage data or data concerning specific inputs.
  • content may be targeted to users who have made specific inputs or have been identified as targets for the communication of information (e.g. promotional information) as a result of usage data concerning their usage of a custom video content delivery device or input device attached thereto (e.g. a touch screen).
  • the custom video content delivery devices may comprise touch screens which display the output video signals and which receive inputs from a user and transmit either or both data concerning specific inputs (e.g. selections from a menu displayed on the touch screen) or usage data (e.g. data derived by analysing multiple inputs using the touch screen) to the control apparatus, and the event data transmitted by the control apparatus to a specific custom video content delivery device which specifies modifications to be made to a broadcast video signal by the specific custom video content delivery devices may be dependent on the inputs made by a user of the specific custom video content delivery device.
  • data concerning specific inputs e.g. selections from a menu displayed on the touch screen
  • usage data e.g. data derived by analysing multiple inputs using the touch screen
  • a method of customising broadcast video signals comprising transmitting event data to a plurality of custom video content delivery devices, the event data comprising modification data specifying modifications to be made by the custom video content delivery devices to broadcast video signals responsive to the event data, wherein the modifications are customised to a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
  • the modifications may be customised for a single custom video content delivery device.
  • Customised event data may transmitted to individual custom video content delivery devices.
  • the modifications may be customised for a group of custom video content delivery devices which are a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
  • the same event data, or at least event data comprising the same modification data may be transmitted to a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
  • the same event data may sent to all of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices but comprise modification data which specifies modifications which will only be acted upon by one custom video content delivery device or a subset of the custom video content delivery devices.
  • the modification data may comprise image data specifying still images or video to be incorporated into the images represented by the output video signals.
  • the modification data may comprise text data specifying text to be rendered and incorporated into the images represented by the output video signals.
  • the modification data may comprise references to previously stored still or video image data to be incorporated into the images represented by the output video signals.
  • the method may comprise transmitting still or video image data to custom video content delivery devices for the devices to store until it is required.
  • the method may comprise transmitting instructions to custom video content delivery devices to store the images represented by received broadcast video signals until they are required for making modifications.
  • the event data may specify modifications to be made in connection with a particular event represented by the broadcast video signals.
  • the method may comprise the step of monitoring broadcast video and transmitting event data responsive to determining that a specified event has been represented by the broadcast video signals.
  • the method may comprise delaying a video signal prior to broadcast to provide time for events to be monitored and appropriate event data to be prepared and transmitted to one or more custom video content delivery devices at the same time, before or shortly after the event is represented in the broadcast video signal.
  • the method may comprise the step of receiving event data at a custom video content delivery device comprising a content modifying module and the content modifying module modifying a broadcast video signal received by the custom video content delivery device responsive to receipt of the event data.
  • the event data is transmitted from control apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention.
  • the custom video content delivery devices are custom video content delivery devices according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
  • The may comprise the step carried out by the custom video content delivery device of receiving input data from a user and transmitting data to the control apparatus which is used to determine further event data which is transmitted to the custom video content delivery device.
  • the input data may comprise data concerning a specific input, e.g. the selection of an option from a menu.
  • the input data may comprise data calculated from a plurality of inputs, e.g. usage data.
  • the control apparatus may transmit further event data to a custom video content delivery device responsive to receipt of input data from the custom video content delivery device, facilitating interaction between the control apparatus and a user of the custom video content delivery device.
  • targeted advertising content or informational material can be delivered to a user by using input data from a user of a custom video content delivery device to classify a user, and then transmitting event data to the relevant custom video content delivery device which comprises modification data which comprises or specifies advertising content or informational material relevant to that class of user, which is then added to the images represented by the output video signal and thus output to a user of the custom video content delivery device.
  • event data and modification data, the custom video content delivery device and the content modifying module correspond to those discussed in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention above.
  • the invention extends in a fourth aspect to computer program code which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to function as a custom video content delivery device according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the invention also extends to a solid-state memory device comprising said program code which, when brought into electronic communication with an interface of a personal electronic device, causes the personal electronic device to function as a custom video content delivery device according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the invention extends in a fifth aspect to computer program code which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to function as a content modifying module according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the invention also extends to a solid-state memory device comprising said program code which, when brought into electronic communication with an interface of a personal electronic device, causes the personal electronic device to function as a content modifying module according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the components of a custom video content delivery device
  • Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a system for controlling the delivery of content by custom video content delivery devices
  • Figure 3 is a flow diagram of steps carried out by a server when a relevant event occurs during a television broadcast;
  • Figure 4 is a flow diagram of steps carried out by a custom video content delivery device responsive to receipt 300 of a trigger signal
  • Figure 5 is a flow diagram of video signal modification logic employed by a video mode module of a custom video content delivery device
  • FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate screen modes which can be implemented by the video mode module
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the components of a second example of a custom video content delivery system.
  • the example system controls what is displayed on televisions and other display devices which are connected to custom video content delivery devices during the broadcasting of video programming.
  • the displayed images can be customised for specific custom video content delivery devices and are responsive to events, typically events represented by the broadcast video programming.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the components of a custom video content delivery device 1 which incorporates a video signal decoder 2 in the form of a conventional cable or satellite television decoder (e.g. a "set top box").
  • the video signal decoder receives a multi-channel cable or satellite television signal, as appropriate, as an input video signal 4.
  • the video signal decoder is operable to decode the received television signal and to output an internal video signal through a wired connection 6.
  • the internal video signal is in a format which can be interpreted by a television, for example an NTSC, PAL or SECAM composite video signal or an RGB or YUV video signal or a digital television signal according to a recognised standard such as DVB, ATSC, or ISDB.
  • the internal video signal represents one channel selected from a plurality of channels of programming represented by the input video signal.
  • the video signal decoder will typically be operable to change the selected channel responsive to input by a user, for example, using buttons or a remote control.
  • the internal video signal is received as an input by an embedded single board computer 8 which functions as a content modifying module. If the internal video signal is received in an analogue format, the computer will typically comprise an ADC for converting the received analogue signal into a digital signal. One skilled in the art will recognise that the received signal may readily be converted into any of a range of formats suitable for use in digital image manipulation.
  • An ethernet card or WiFi card 10 functioning as an event data receiving module, receives broadband internet signals including event data which specifies modifications to be carried out to a received broadcast video signal.
  • the computer is connected to the video signal decoder through a bidirectional interface 12 which enables the computer to instruct the video signal decoder to change the channel represented by the internal video signal, or to play back stored video images which would be represented by an appropriate internal video signal.
  • a hard drive 14 may be accessible to both the computer and the video signal decoder. Thus, the computer may write video data received through the internet connection to the hard drive and subsequently cause the video signal decoder to play back the stored video data.
  • the computer has an output 16 for outputting an output video signal in a format which can be interpret and displayed by a television or other display 18.
  • the internal video signal and output video signal may be in the same format, but the computer may convert the format if required.
  • the computer will typically have a mode in which it simply passes the received internal video signal through to the output or outputs a corresponding signal after converting the internal video signal to an internal format and then reconverting it to a suitable output format.
  • the computer is operable to receive and store event data through the internet connection.
  • the received event data may specify that the computer should modify the received broadcast video signals in near real time to the video signals having been broadcast.
  • the custom video content delivery device is in communication with a server 20 (the content direction system server, or CDS server, functioning as the control apparatus) via the internet connection.
  • the server 20 is in communication with many custom video content delivery devices and controls them to display different modified version of content which is broadcast to the custom video content delivery devices by cable or satellite television networks.
  • the server generates event which typically reflect events taking place in the broadcast programming.
  • Figure 2 illustrates how custom content is output by the system.
  • a conventional set video signal decoder 100 e.g. a set top box
  • a custom video content delivery device receives a broadcast video signal which is captured and digitised using conventional video/audio capture hardware 102.
  • the resulting captured digitised stream of images 104 is passed to a first stage of a video manipulation system 106 implemented by the computer which either passes the received images through to a mixing stage or resizes the images and passes them through to a mixing stage dependent on received event data under the control of content scheduling and remote triggering functional module of the computer 108.
  • the resulting digitised and optionally manipulated television signal 112 is then mixed 114 with additional content and converted to output video and audio signals 116 suitable for interpretation and display by a television or other appropriate display device.
  • the additional content is created by the computer under the control of the content schedule and remote triggering module using previously stored digital content 118, which was received through the internet connection and which generally includes event specific graphics or advertising 120, examples of which are given below.
  • the mixed output 122 is based on (i) the modification data which is included in the event data and which is typically specific to the custom video content delivery device and (ii) the received broadcast signals (except where the images represented by the output signal consist only of images represented by stored video data).
  • Figure 3 is a flow diagram of steps carried out by the server when a relevant event 200 occurs during a television broadcast.
  • the event may, for example, be the beginning or end of a programme or advertising break, or an event during a live sporting match.
  • the event may be spontaneous and not specifically linked to an event depicted in the broadcast programming.
  • a human operator will indicate that a specific type of event has occurred using a keyboard or other input device.
  • the server determines 202 the channel in respect of which it is desired to provide custom content. This may be a channel which is broadcasting images depicting an event.
  • An identifier e.g. name or number
  • a screen mode 206 selected from a choice of screen modes discussed further below, is selected depending on the event type.
  • the fact that the database has been updated is passed 208 to a database update software module.
  • the database software module responds by systematically working through each custom video content delivery device (typically with reference to the MAC address of the device) and reading 212 specific branding instructions relating to that custom video content delivery device and relating to a specific date and time, with reference to a database 214 of specific content instructions for individual custom video content delivery devices.
  • Each custom video content delivery device has a content delivery system file associated with it and stored on the server, which is edited 216 to comprise modification data which specifies amendments that should be made to the images represented by the relevant broadcast video signal.
  • This modification data specifies the MAC address of a specific custom video content delivery device, the identifier of the relevant channel, the screen mode which should be adopted, and details of any content which should be used in preparing modifications to the broadcast video signal.
  • the content may include image data, text or references to still image or video data which was previously transmitted to applicable custom video content delivery devices and store locally by the custom video content delivery devices. If editing is successful, this is logged 218. Once all content delivery system files have been updated 220, the content delivery system sends a trigger to all custom video content delivery devices via the internet.
  • Figure 4 is a flow diagram of steps carried out by a custom video content delivery device responsive to receipt 300 of the trigger signal.
  • the received trigger signal is checked 302 for security and file corruption and further checked 304 to determine whether it is intended for the specific custom video content delivery device. If there is an error, the trigger signal will be ignored 306 and the error will be logged on the server. If the checks are successful, the custom video content delivery device will download event data from the server in the form of an updated content delivery system file 308 downloaded from the server 310 where they are updated live.
  • the received content delivery system file which may for example be in XML format, is then read 312.
  • the data extracted from the received content delivery system file details identifiers of channels 314 to which modification data relates.
  • Modification data relating to each channel includes the screen mode 316 which applies for the modifications which are to be made and details of the content 318 which is to be incorporated into the output images.
  • the content may include image data, text etc. or references to previously downloaded or recorded video data files stored locally 320.
  • the current channel of the internal video signal is determined 322.
  • the current channel is typically provided from the video signal decoder through the bidirectional interface, which may be a serial link 324. It is then determined 326 whether the current input channel corresponds to any of the channels for which modification data is specified in the received content delivery system file. If not, no change in video mode is triggered 328. If 1 however, modification data is specified for that channel, appropriate event type and content information is passed 330 to a video mode module, along with a trigger signal 332 to cause the video mode module to change mode. If the mode is successfully changed, this is logged.
  • FIG 5 is a flow diagram of video signal modification logic employed by a video mode module of a custom video content delivery device.
  • a broadcast video signal is received 400 using a typical television decoder (e.g. the decoder of Figure 1) and an analogue video signal from the decoder which represents a channel of programming is converted to digital form 402 for processing by the computer of Figure 1.
  • a typical television decoder e.g. the decoder of Figure 1
  • an analogue video signal from the decoder which represents a channel of programming is converted to digital form 402 for processing by the computer of Figure 1.
  • no modifications are made to the images represented by the received video signal which are simply output in an appropriate format.
  • the modification data relevant to the channel is read from the received content delivery system file 406. (If after a period of time, no further trigger signal has been received, the video mode module will return to passing through the received video signal).
  • a separate graphics generation module 408 prepares images for use in the output video. These images may be images which were received with the content delivery system file, or which were referred to in the content delivery system file (e.g. previously downloaded images or video sequences, or recorded video sequences). If the content deliver system file comprised text, images representing the text may be created.
  • the received images are then mixed 410 with the images prepared by the graphics generation module. Finally, the resulting images are converted 412 into a suitable format for output to a television or other display device.
  • Figures 6A to 6C are screen shots which illustrate exemplary screen modes.
  • Figure 6A illustrates a screen mode ("full screen mode") in which broadcast images (e.g. images of a sporting event) are replaced entirely by alternative content 500, such as an advert or details of a promotional offer. (For example, an offer which is available at an outlet, such as a bar or restaurant where the custom video content delivery device is installed).
  • Figure 6B illustrates a mode ("half jack") in which broadcast images 502 represented by a received video signal are reduced in size, with alternative content 504 being provided around the reduced size image.
  • Figure 6C illustrates a mode in which alternative content 506 is superimposed on received images.
  • Other possible modes include modes in which no modifications are made and modes in which text/images etc. scroll across a screen.
  • the system can be used to deliver alternative content to specific custom video content delivery devices, and thus televisions and other displays, in near real time whilst a broadcast is taking place.
  • Particular modifications specified in event data may relate to a specific custom video content delivery device or a plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
  • some content may be directed to particular geographical locations, such as particular regions, towns or cities or part of towns or cities, or custom video content delivery devices grouped according to some other rationale, e.g. devices located in shops within a particular chain of betting shops, or bars which are clients of a particular brewery or distributor, or bars where supports of specific sports teams (e.g. soccer teams) congregate during sporting events.
  • the system enables highly customised microregionalisation of video content.
  • the targeted alternative content may include advertising, such as branding.
  • the alternative content may include special offers or advertisements which relate specifically to the particular location where a specific custom video content delivery device is located. For example, a bar or restaurant may use the system to advertise a specific special offer.
  • a drinks company may create a promotion in which their product is given away for free or at a reduced price in certain venue where custom content is displayed.
  • a promotion may be offered responsive to particular events occurring, e.g. a product may be given away for free or at a reduced price responsive to the result of a sporting match or an event (e.g. a goal or other appropriate scoring event) during a sporting match.
  • the ability to display customised content could be of significant value to advertisers and businesses.
  • the ability to display customised content relating to events during a broadcast could also be of significant value.
  • Advertising or branding could be associated in the mind of a viewer with specific event, e.g. a particular sportsperson or sporting team performing well.
  • Server 600 (functioning as control apparatus) communicates with custom video content delivery device 602 via the internet 604 and a wireless or wired router 606 which communicates with a network card 607 of the custom video content delivery device.
  • the custom video content delivery device comprises a television card 608 which receives a broadcast television signal through an aerial 610 or cable television conduit.
  • the television card provides a video signal (functioning as the internal video signal or received video signal) which represents received video to an embedded computer 612.
  • the embedded computer functions to modify the images represented by the received video signal responsive to received event data as before and the modified images are then displayed on an integrated touch screen 614 which functions as both a display and input device.
  • Graphic user interface software 616 executed by the embedded computer controls the integrated touch screen, providing a user interface.
  • custom video content delivery device displays the broadcast images represented by the broadcast video signal at least part of the time. These images may be modified responsive to event data received from the server.
  • the custom video content delivery device may also execute software applications which display informative content unrelated to the broadcast video signal and interactive content, such as menus.
  • Inputs from the user via the touch screen may be transmitted to the server.
  • Usage data may be determined by the custom video content delivery device from the inputs made by the user, for example, from options selected by a user. Data concerning individual inputs and usage data may be transmitted through the internet to the server.
  • the server may transmit still image and video data to the custom video content delivery device which in response to individual inputs or dependent on usage data.
  • the custom video content delivery device may display recipe information and the usage data may be derived from choices of recipes from a menu, or choices of ingredients from a menu, made by a user.
  • the input data and/or usage data transmitted to the server may be used to determine event data sent to the custom delivery device which includes modification data specifying modifications to the broadcast video which should be made by that specific custom video content delivery device.
  • a custom video content delivery device may determine from user inputs that a user likes spicy food, or chooses expensive wine, and customised promotional content targeted for users with those preferences, or informative material of interest to users with those preferences, may be displayed on the particular custom delivery device by transmitting appropriate event data to the custom video content delivery device.
  • Adverts during broadcast video programming may be targeted to users with particular preferences evidenced by inputs they have made using the touch screen.
  • the custom video content delivery device is a personal electronic device, such as a PDA, which receives a video signal via a cellular telecommunications network using a cellular telecommunications receiver instead of a TV aerial.
  • a separate wireless communications receiver is used to receive event data.
  • the custom video content delivery device is a mobile telephone, which receives both the video signal and the event data via a cellular telecommunications network.
  • a single cellular telecommunications receiver can be used to receive both the received video signal and the event data.
  • the display may be a touch screen built in to the device.

Abstract

Apparatus, system and method for providing customised video content. Broadcast video content is modified by a custom video content delivery device responsive to event data transmitted to the custom video content delivery device by a server.

Description

Targeted Video Content Delivery Apparatus, System and Methods
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to the field of targeted near real time delivery of electronic media comprising video.
Background to the invention
Within this description and the appended claims, the term "broadcast" means transmitted with identical content (although potentially in more than one data format) to many receivers at once.
Within this description and the appended claims, the term "near real time" when used in connection with broadcast media means that the media is displayed by the end user with only minimal delay after the transmission of the media by a broadcaster. There will always be at least some delay before broadcast media is displayed due to the time taken to transmit the media to a receiver. Further delays may be incorporated due to buffering. For example, the buffering used by video receivers, such as internet media players, or the buffering used by broadcasters before recorded video is broadcast, such as "tape delay" used by producers to give them time to over-edit swear words etc. or which could be used to create the event data discussed in connection with the present invention below. Such delays will typically be less than a minute and usually less than 15 seconds. Some near real time broadcast media is live, that is to say, the media is broadcast substantially as the events which are represented happen, again with only minimal delays, but real time media may relate to events which are not live, for example, a sports event may be recorded and broadcast some hours later, and the broadcast may be received by television decoders and displayed on televisions in near real time.
Within this description and the appended claim, the term "video" includes any electronic content including images which change with time, for example, television. Video may also include an audio component. A video signal is said to represent images if the video signal would cause a display which can interpret the video signal to display the images.
At the present time, the most common form of electronic media which includes a video component is broadcast television. Broadcast television is delivered through a range of mediums including analogue or digital terrestrial radio broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, cable broadcasts (including broadcasts through broadband telephone cable) or via the internet (e.g. "Web TV"). Some of these formats can be interpreted directly by a television or computer; others require specific receivers, for example satellite and cable broadcast television typically requires an electronic decoder commonly referred to as a set top box.
These formats are useful for the delivery of the same content to many end users. Broadcast television delivers the same content to many locations over a wide area and many types of locations, such as domestic residences and businesses (e.g. bars). Web TV also generally broadcasts the same content to many locations and people. Although there is a gradual trend towards attempting to provide more choice of content to end users, the end users generally choose from the same limited range of available options, for example they may select from a range of television channels. It would be advantageous to be able to tailor content to specific end users or groups of end users.
Content developers, creators and advertisers generally wish to have the content they have created delivered not only as widely as possible, but to their particular target audience. For example, advertisers on a real time television broadcast channel will aim to advertise when, due to the time of day or the particular schedule of programmes to be presented on that channel, they anticipate that their target audience will be watching. However, there is a limit to the extent to which it is possible to target adverts on real time broadcasts to a particular target audience. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to be able to improve the targeting of specific content, such as advertising/branding, specifically to interested end users or groups of end users.
Much television advertising takes places during breaks in the programme schedule. Thus, viewers may not pay attention because the advertising is not contemporaneous with the events they are watching the programme in order to see and because advertisement breaks are clearly distinct from the content which viewers are watching the programming in order to view. Sponsors of events such as sporting events often arrange for their advertisements, including branding, to be displayed at the location of the event where it can be seen in the background while the event takes place, or they arrange for their branding to be overlaid throughout part of a programme. This type of advertising is generally perceived as background by the viewer, which reduces its impact. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a means of integrating advertising into programmes where it is more likely to be viewed and where it can be delivered when the interest of viewers is at a peak.
Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a custom video content delivery device comprising a video signal input for receiving a video signal, an event data receiving module for receiving event data, a content modifying module which is operable to modify the received video signal responsive to event data received by the event data receiving module to produce an output video signal, wherein the modification is dependent on the event data received by the event data receiving module.
The received video signal may be a broadcast video signal (e.g. television). Preferably, the video signal is received, modified (if the event data specifies that a modification should take place) and output in near real time with the broadcast of the video signal. The output video signal would typically be directed to a display (e.g. a television) which displays the images represented by the output video signal.
Event data may have been generated in connection with an event which is represented in the broadcast video signal (e.g. a goal being scored in a soccer match). The modification to the received video signal responsive to the received event data may be a modification which is related to an event represented in the broadcast video signal.
The received event data preferably comprises modification data which specifies modifications to be made to the received video signal by the content modifying module responsive to the received event data. Alternatively, or as well, modification data may be pre-stored in a data store local to and readable by the content modifying module, and the event data may comprise an identifier which refers to pre-stored modification data which specifies modifications to be made to the video signal by the content modifying module responsive to the receipt of event data which refers to particular modification data. The modification data may comprise a plurality of data structures each of which specifies one or more modifications and the event data may comprise an identifier of one or more specific modification data structures.
The modification data may comprise image data specifying still images or video to be incorporated into the images represented by the output signal. The modification data may comprise references to previously stored still images or video data to be incorporated into the images represented by the output signal. The modification data may comprise text which is to be rendered and incorporated into the images represented by the output signal and the content modifying module may be operable to prepare representations of the text denoted by the text data.
Thus, modifications to the received video signal may be made in connection with an event which is represented by the broadcast video signal. This allows specific targeted content specified by the event data to be output in combination with or instead of the received video signal at the same time, or shortly after, an event represented by the broadcast video signal. One application is to allow promotional information to be displayed at the same time, shortly after, or in some circumstances shortly before, a represented event. Thus, promotional information can be displayed at times when maximum attention will be being paid to a display (e.g. a television) which is receiving the output signal. Promotional information may also be displayed at the same time, shortly after, or in some circumstances shortly before, events with which an advertiser wishes to have their promotional information (e.g. branding) associated. Thus, the modification data may comprise or specify promotional information such as adverts (whether still images or video), branding, or information concerning competitions or promotions. The custom video content delivery device may make modifications to the received video signal which are not responsive to event data received by the event data receiving module. For example, the format of the received video signal may be changed before or whilst it is modified; the format of the received and output video signals may be different; the received video signal may be decoded from a more complex video signal, such as a multi-channel radio, cable or satellite signal; the signal may be amended so that the images represented by the signal include the number of a channel which is being viewed or a menu, or are reformatted to a different aspect ratio. The custom video content delivery device may have an additional mode in which the output video signal is derived from the received video signal without any modifications which are dependent on received event data.
Event data may be intended for an individual custom video content delivery device, or specific groups of custom video content devices. This is discussed further below. The event receiving module may be operable to determine whether received event data is intended for the specific custom video content delivery device and to discard or disregard received event data which is not intended for the specific custom video content delivery device.
Received event data may comprise an amended version of previously received event data, for example amended modification data. A modification responsive to received event data may be responsive to the receipt of modified event data. A modification responsive to received event data may be result from periodic checking of stored received event data which is periodically updated.
The event data may be received during, or shortly after, a corresponding event depicted in the images represented by the received video signal. For example, event data may be transmitted to the custom video content apparatus shortly after the broadcast of the corresponding event. However, the event data may be received at the same time, or before, the corresponding event. This may be achieved where the broadcast signal is derived from pre-recorded content, or where buffering (generally known as "tape delay" although it is now common to buffer electronically rather than using a tape) is employed to allow a period of time for media creators to react to an event.
The custom video content delivery device may be operable to receive video data which is stored and subsequently used by the content modifying module when preparing the output video signal. For example, the images represented by the received and stored video data may be overlaid on, mixed with, added to, or used to replace, the images represented by the received video signal when preparing the output video signal.
Thus, because the received video data may be stored, the custom video content delivery device may receive video data at a rate which is below the rate which would be required to use the received video data to modify the received video signal in near real time. For example, the received video data, and typically also the event data, may be received through a communications channel (e.g. an internet connection) which is not of sufficient bandwidth to reliably receive the video data in near real time. Even if the custom video content delivery device received the received video data through a communications channel which has a bandwidth which is sufficient to reliably receive the video data in near real time, the ability to store video data reduces the quantity of data which must be transmitted in real time by a remote server to cause a plurality of video content delivery devices to make different modifications to the same broadcast.
The received event data may be pushed from a server to the event data receiving module. The event data receiving module may periodically download and thereby receive event data, optionally after checking whether it has been updated and requires to be downloaded.
The event data (and typically also received video data, where applicable) is typically received through a different communications channel to the received video signal. The event data may, however, be received through the same communication channel as the received video signal, for example, where the modification data is pre-stored.
The event data receiving module may receive a trigger signal and download (and thereby receive) event data responsive to receipt of the trigger signal, optionally after checking whether the event data had been updated and required to be downloaded.
In response to received event data, the output video signal may represent images which include additional images, such as still or moving images, not represented by the received video signal. The additional images may be overlaid on the image represented by the received video signal. Additional images may be specified by the modification data. In response to received event data, the output video signal may represent images which omit part of images represented by the received video signal. For example, the output video signal may represent images which omit a strip at the base and/or the side of the images represented by the received video signal. The output video signal may represent images in which an omitted part of the images represented by the received video signal is replaced with additional images.
In response to received event data, the output video signal may represent images in which the images represented by the received video signal have been resized (typically reduced in size). The output video signal may represent images comprising images represented by the received video signal reduced in size and with additional images in otherwise vacant locations.
In response to received event data, the output video signal may represent images which are not derived from to those represented by the received video signal. The content modifying module may be operable to replace the received video signal with an alternative video signal. For example, the output video signal may represent images represented by the received video data. If the received video data is in an appropriate format, the received video signal may be replaced with the received video data.
To this end, the modification data may specify a screen mode and the content modifying module may resize the images represented by the received video signal and add content specified by modification data, according to the screen mode, in order to prepare the output video signal.
Where the modification data is pre-stored and the event data comprises an identifier which refers to pre-stored modification data, the pre-stored modification data may be stored on a removable solid state memory device, such as an SD card or USB memory device, which communicates with a removable electronic device interface (such a removable memory device interface) of the custom video content delivery device. Thus, modification data may be distributed in advance of it being required to determine the modifications made to the received video signal, and stored by custom content delivery devices. The modification data may be distributed by one or more of transmitting it in the broadcast video signal, transmitting it through the network which is used to communicate event data (where separate), and distributing solid state memory devices having the modification data stored thereon. Different modification data may be distributed to different custom content delivery devices. Customised modification data may be received from a user of the custom video content delivery device, for example a user may input graphics or text which they wish to be used to prepare the output video signal responsive to event data.
The same modification data may be pre-stored on a plurality of custom content delivery devices to which different event data (i.e. comprising different identifiers of modification data) is sent, thereby causing two or more of the plurality of custom content delivery devices to modify the received video signal differently responsive to the event data. Different modification data may be pre-stored on a plurality of custom content delivery devices such that the same identifier in received event data refers to different modification data on two or more of the plurality of custom content delivery services. Thus, two or more of the custom content delivery devices may respond to the same event data by making different modifications specified by the different modification data. Typically, the modification data comprises an identifier and the modification data is used to determine the modifications made to the received video signal if the event data comprises the same identifier. Modification data which is the same except for the identifier may be distributed to different custom content delivery devices so that the different custom content delivery devices make the same modification to the received video signal, but responsive to different event data.
The content modifying module may receive and modify a video signal which is suitable for interpretation and display by a display, such as a television, computer, mobile telephone, PDA or other display device.
The custom video content delivery device may comprise a video signal decoder which decodes the received video signal and transmits an internal video signal to the content modifying module, which is operable to modify the internal video signal responsive to event data to prepare the output signal. The content modifying module will typically convert the received internal video signal into digital image data, prepare manipulated image data and then convert the manipulated image data into the output video signal.
The custom video content delivery device may comprise a video signal decoder which decodes the received video signal and outputs an internal video signal to the content modifying module, and the content modifying module may be operable, responsive to event data, to cause the video signal decoder to transmit an internal video signal derived from stored video data to the content modifying module, and to thereby modify the received video signal responsive to event data. The content modifying module may or may not make further modifications to the internal video signal, responsive to received event data. The content modifying module may be operable to instruct the video signal decoder to change the channel, selected from a plurality of channels, of the video signal output as the internal video signal, responsive to event data. The stored video data may comprise previously received event data. The stored video data may comprise images recorded from the received video signal. The content modifying module and the video signal decoder may both have access to a shared data storage device (e.g. a hard disc) and the content modifying module may be operable to stored received event data on the shared data storage device and instruct the video signal decoder to output a video signal derived from the stored received event data as the internal video signal.
The custom video content delivery device may comprise an output for transmitting instructions, under the control of the content modifying module and responsive to received event data, to a video signal decoder which is operable to output a video signal decoded from an input video signal. The instructions may comprise instructions to change the channel, selected from a plurality of channels, of the video signal output by the video signal decoder, or to output a video signal derived from pre-recorded video data. Thus, where the output video signal of the video signal decoder is input to the video signal input of the custom video content delivery device, the content modifying module may be operable to modify the received video signal by causing the video signal decoder to change the video signal received by the custom video content delivery device.
Preferably, the content modifying module is adapted to modify the received video signal in one or more of the ways mentioned above depending on the received event data. The content modifying module preferably has a default mode in which it does not make any modifications which are responsive to received event data to the received video signal.
The content modifying module may be operable to determine the channel of the content denoted by a received video signal (or the internal video signal). The content modifying module may receive an identifier of the channel from an internal or external video signal decoder. The received event data may specify modifications to be made in respect of a specific channel and the content modifying module may be operable to make said modifications to the received video signal only if the channel of the content corresponds with the specified channel.
The content modifying module may be operable to store image data derived from the received video signal (or the internal video signal, where relevant) either on a continuous basis or for a period of time. The content modifying module may play back the stored images (i.e. the output signal may represent the stored images), optionally with further modifications, where specified by event data. Thus, the custom video content delivery device may cause images represented by the received video signal (or the internal video signal, where relevant) to be replayed, optionally with further modifications, without having to receive further video data. For example, highlights of a programme (e.g. a programme showing a sporting event) may be recorded and played back after the event, without the highlights having to be retransmitted to the custom video content delivery devices, which could otherwise consume considerable bandwidth. Different highlights from the same broadcast may be replayed (optionally with different modifications) by different custom video content delivery devices depending on the received event data specific to that custom video content delivery device.
The custom video content delivery device may be operable to determine custom video content delivery device usage data and to transmit the received usage data to a remote receiver for analysis. For example, the custom video content delivery device may be operable to determine a selected channel at a given time and to transmit this data to a remote server for analysis.
The custom video content delivery device may comprise an input for receiving input from a user. For example, the custom video content delivery device may comprise an input device or an input for receiving an electronic signal from an input device. A user interface may be provided by displaying the images represented by the output video signal on a display and receiving input from a user via an input device.
The custom video content delivery device may comprise a user interface, wherein the user interface comprises a display which displays images represented by the output video signal and an input device which receives input from a user of the custom video content delivery device. The user interface may comprise an interactive device (e.g. a touch screen) which functions as both the display and the input device. The custom video content delivery device may monitor and/or record input from a user and transmit usage data to a remote receiver. The transmitted usage data may relate to specific input data (e.g. an option chosen by a user when presented with a menu) or analysed data (e.g. usage statistics or user profile data determined by monitoring multiple inputs).
The custom video content delivery device may cause options to be presented to a user by modifying the received video signal. The custom video content delivery device may comprise a user interface (e.g. a touch screen) which presents selectable options to a user, which a user may select using an input device. The selectable options are preferably determined by received event data. For example, when a programme represented by the received video signal is broadcast, event data may be received which causes the content modifying module to modify the received video signal to display options to a viewer which are related to the content of the programme (e.g. an option to find out more about something relevant to the content of the programme). The input from the user may be monitored to determine what options are selected by a viewer and data derived therefrom may be transmitted to a remote receiver.
The custom video content delivery device may be operable to store images represented by the received video signal (or internal video signal, where applicable) and to transmit these to a remote receiver. This enables monitoring of the usage of the custom video content delivery device. For example, the channel, selected from a plurality of channels, of the received video signal (or internal video signal, where applicable) watched by users of the custom video content delivery device at a particular time may be thereby monitored.
The custom video content delivery device may be a personal electronic device, such as a mobile telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). The video signal input may be a cellular telecommunications network transceiver, the content modifying module may be program code executed on a microprocessor of the personal digital assistant. The event data may also be received by a cellular telecommunications network, and may be received in a different format to the received video signal, for example, as an SMS message. A personal electronic device may comprise a removable solid-state memory device, such as an SD card, which is interfaced with a memory device interface of the personal electronic device, and which stores either or both of a software application which causes the personal digital assistant to function as the custom video content delivery device and modification data.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a custom video content delivery system comprising control apparatus and a plurality of custom video content delivery devices according to the first aspect of the present invention in communication with the control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus transmits event data to the event data receiving modules of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
The control apparatus may transmit the same event data to at least some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices, which event data comprises data specifying modifications to a broadcast video signal be carried out by a subset of the at least some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices. However, the control apparatus preferably transmits first event data to one or more custom video content delivery devices selected from the plurality of custom video content delivery devices and different event data to one or more other custom video content delivery devices selected from the plurality of custom video content delivery devices. Thus, the control apparatus can cause customised content to be output by different custom video content delivery devices which receive the same broadcast video signals.
The control apparatus may be operable to transmit still image and/or video data to at least some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices for storage and subsequent use in modifying video signals. Preferably at least some of the still image and/or video data will be transmitted by the control apparatus to a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
The event data may be transmitted from the control apparatus to the event data receiving modules of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices using a communications channel (e.g. an internet connection) which does not have sufficient bandwidth to transmit the still image and/or video data in near real time to each of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices which would be required for each custom video content delivery device to make the modifications specified by the event data.
The event data which is transmitted may comprise instructions to record specific video data derived from video signals received by one or more custom video content delivery devices. The event data which is transmitted may comprise instructions to play back specific video data derived from video signals received by one or more custom video content delivery devices and previously recorded by the one or more custom video content delivery devices. The control apparatus may be operable to transmit event data to cause some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices to replay first images recorded from a broadcast video signal and other of the custom video content delivery devices to replay different images recorded from the same broadcast video signal. Thus, when a broadcast video signal represents a competition between two sides (e.g. soccer teams), custom video content delivery devices associated with supporters of a first side and custom video content delivery devices associated with supporters of the second side may replay different clips from the same broadcast video signal, focussing on parts of the broadcast (e.g. goals scored by soccer teams) of particular interest to the relevant supporters.
The control apparatus may be operable to receive data which determines which modifications to received video data should be made by specific custom video content delivery devices, or groups of custom video content delivery devices. Thus, the owner or lessee of a custom video content delivery device may choose from amongst options as to the modifications to received video data to be made by their custom video content delivery device.
The control apparatus may be operable to store and modify an event data file pertaining to each custom video content delivery device, or a group of custom video content delivery devices, and to send a trigger signal to one or more of the custom video content delivery devices responsive to updating of the event data file pertaining to the one or more custom video content delivery devices.
The custom video content delivery device may be operable to determine custom video content delivery device usage data and to transmit the received usage data to the control apparatus for analysis. For example, the custom video content delivery device may be operable to determine a selected channel at a given time and to transmit this data to the control apparatus for analysis.
The custom video content delivery device may comprise an input for receiving input from a user. For example, the custom video content delivery device may comprise an input device or an input for receiving an electronic signal from an input device. A user interface may be provided by displaying the images represented by the output video signal on a display and receiving input from a user via an input device.
The custom video content delivery device may comprise a user interface, wherein the user interface comprises a display which displays images represented by the output video signal and an input device which receives input from a user of the custom video content delivery device. The user interface may comprise an interactive device (e.g. a touch screen) which functions as both the display and the input device.
The custom video content delivery device may monitor and/or record input from a user and transmit data concerning user inputs to the control apparatus. The transmitted data may relate to specific inputs (e.g. the option chosen by a user when presented with a menu) or analysed usage data (e.g. usage statistics or user profile data determined by monitoring multiple inputs).
The control apparatus may respond to the receipt of data concerning user inputs from a custom video content delivery device by transmitting further event data to one or more custom video content delivery devices, including further modification data. The further event data may be transmitted to the custom video content delivery device from which the data concerning user inputs was received, thus facilitating interaction between a user of the custom video content delivery device (or a device in electronic communication therewith) and the control apparatus.
The control apparatus may select modification data to be transmitted to one or more custom video content delivery devices responsive to received usage data or data concerning specific inputs. Thus content may be targeted to users who have made specific inputs or have been identified as targets for the communication of information (e.g. promotional information) as a result of usage data concerning their usage of a custom video content delivery device or input device attached thereto (e.g. a touch screen).
Thus, the custom video content delivery devices may comprise touch screens which display the output video signals and which receive inputs from a user and transmit either or both data concerning specific inputs (e.g. selections from a menu displayed on the touch screen) or usage data (e.g. data derived by analysing multiple inputs using the touch screen) to the control apparatus, and the event data transmitted by the control apparatus to a specific custom video content delivery device which specifies modifications to be made to a broadcast video signal by the specific custom video content delivery devices may be dependent on the inputs made by a user of the specific custom video content delivery device.
Further optional features include those discussed in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of customising broadcast video signals comprising transmitting event data to a plurality of custom video content delivery devices, the event data comprising modification data specifying modifications to be made by the custom video content delivery devices to broadcast video signals responsive to the event data, wherein the modifications are customised to a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
The modifications may be customised for a single custom video content delivery device. Customised event data may transmitted to individual custom video content delivery devices. The modifications may be customised for a group of custom video content delivery devices which are a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices. Thus, the same event data, or at least event data comprising the same modification data, may be transmitted to a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices. The same event data may sent to all of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices but comprise modification data which specifies modifications which will only be acted upon by one custom video content delivery device or a subset of the custom video content delivery devices.
The modification data may comprise image data specifying still images or video to be incorporated into the images represented by the output video signals. The modification data may comprise text data specifying text to be rendered and incorporated into the images represented by the output video signals. The modification data may comprise references to previously stored still or video image data to be incorporated into the images represented by the output video signals. The method may comprise transmitting still or video image data to custom video content delivery devices for the devices to store until it is required. The method may comprise transmitting instructions to custom video content delivery devices to store the images represented by received broadcast video signals until they are required for making modifications. The event data may specify modifications to be made in connection with a particular event represented by the broadcast video signals. The method may comprise the step of monitoring broadcast video and transmitting event data responsive to determining that a specified event has been represented by the broadcast video signals. The method may comprise delaying a video signal prior to broadcast to provide time for events to be monitored and appropriate event data to be prepared and transmitted to one or more custom video content delivery devices at the same time, before or shortly after the event is represented in the broadcast video signal.
The method may comprise the step of receiving event data at a custom video content delivery device comprising a content modifying module and the content modifying module modifying a broadcast video signal received by the custom video content delivery device responsive to receipt of the event data.
Preferably, the event data is transmitted from control apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention. Preferably, the custom video content delivery devices are custom video content delivery devices according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
The may comprise the step carried out by the custom video content delivery device of receiving input data from a user and transmitting data to the control apparatus which is used to determine further event data which is transmitted to the custom video content delivery device. The input data may comprise data concerning a specific input, e.g. the selection of an option from a menu. The input data may comprise data calculated from a plurality of inputs, e.g. usage data. The control apparatus may transmit further event data to a custom video content delivery device responsive to receipt of input data from the custom video content delivery device, facilitating interaction between the control apparatus and a user of the custom video content delivery device.
Thus, targeted advertising content or informational material can be delivered to a user by using input data from a user of a custom video content delivery device to classify a user, and then transmitting event data to the relevant custom video content delivery device which comprises modification data which comprises or specifies advertising content or informational material relevant to that class of user, which is then added to the images represented by the output video signal and thus output to a user of the custom video content delivery device. Further optional features of the method, the event data and modification data, the custom video content delivery device and the content modifying module correspond to those discussed in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention above.
The invention extends in a fourth aspect to computer program code which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to function as a custom video content delivery device according to the first aspect of the present invention. The invention also extends to a solid-state memory device comprising said program code which, when brought into electronic communication with an interface of a personal electronic device, causes the personal electronic device to function as a custom video content delivery device according to the first aspect of the present invention.
The invention extends in a fifth aspect to computer program code which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to function as a content modifying module according to the first aspect of the present invention. The invention also extends to a solid-state memory device comprising said program code which, when brought into electronic communication with an interface of a personal electronic device, causes the personal electronic device to function as a content modifying module according to the first aspect of the present invention.
Description of the Drawings
An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the components of a custom video content delivery device;
Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a system for controlling the delivery of content by custom video content delivery devices;
Figure 3 is a flow diagram of steps carried out by a server when a relevant event occurs during a television broadcast;
Figure 4 is a flow diagram of steps carried out by a custom video content delivery device responsive to receipt 300 of a trigger signal; Figure 5 is a flow diagram of video signal modification logic employed by a video mode module of a custom video content delivery device;
Figures 6A to 6C illustrate screen modes which can be implemented by the video mode module;
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the components of a second example of a custom video content delivery system.
Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment
The example system controls what is displayed on televisions and other display devices which are connected to custom video content delivery devices during the broadcasting of video programming. The displayed images can be customised for specific custom video content delivery devices and are responsive to events, typically events represented by the broadcast video programming.
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the components of a custom video content delivery device 1 which incorporates a video signal decoder 2 in the form of a conventional cable or satellite television decoder (e.g. a "set top box"). The video signal decoder receives a multi-channel cable or satellite television signal, as appropriate, as an input video signal 4. The video signal decoder is operable to decode the received television signal and to output an internal video signal through a wired connection 6.
The internal video signal is in a format which can be interpreted by a television, for example an NTSC, PAL or SECAM composite video signal or an RGB or YUV video signal or a digital television signal according to a recognised standard such as DVB, ATSC, or ISDB. The internal video signal represents one channel selected from a plurality of channels of programming represented by the input video signal. The video signal decoder will typically be operable to change the selected channel responsive to input by a user, for example, using buttons or a remote control.
The internal video signal is received as an input by an embedded single board computer 8 which functions as a content modifying module. If the internal video signal is received in an analogue format, the computer will typically comprise an ADC for converting the received analogue signal into a digital signal. One skilled in the art will recognise that the received signal may readily be converted into any of a range of formats suitable for use in digital image manipulation.
An ethernet card or WiFi card 10, functioning as an event data receiving module, receives broadband internet signals including event data which specifies modifications to be carried out to a received broadcast video signal. The computer is connected to the video signal decoder through a bidirectional interface 12 which enables the computer to instruct the video signal decoder to change the channel represented by the internal video signal, or to play back stored video images which would be represented by an appropriate internal video signal. A hard drive 14 may be accessible to both the computer and the video signal decoder. Thus, the computer may write video data received through the internet connection to the hard drive and subsequently cause the video signal decoder to play back the stored video data.
The computer has an output 16 for outputting an output video signal in a format which can be interpret and displayed by a television or other display 18. The internal video signal and output video signal may be in the same format, but the computer may convert the format if required. The computer will typically have a mode in which it simply passes the received internal video signal through to the output or outputs a corresponding signal after converting the internal video signal to an internal format and then reconverting it to a suitable output format.
The computer is operable to receive and store event data through the internet connection. The received event data may specify that the computer should modify the received broadcast video signals in near real time to the video signals having been broadcast.
In use, the custom video content delivery device is in communication with a server 20 (the content direction system server, or CDS server, functioning as the control apparatus) via the internet connection. The server 20 is in communication with many custom video content delivery devices and controls them to display different modified version of content which is broadcast to the custom video content delivery devices by cable or satellite television networks. The server generates event which typically reflect events taking place in the broadcast programming. Figure 2 illustrates how custom content is output by the system. A conventional set video signal decoder 100 (e.g. a set top box) within a custom video content delivery device receives a broadcast video signal which is captured and digitised using conventional video/audio capture hardware 102. The resulting captured digitised stream of images 104 is passed to a first stage of a video manipulation system 106 implemented by the computer which either passes the received images through to a mixing stage or resizes the images and passes them through to a mixing stage dependent on received event data under the control of content scheduling and remote triggering functional module of the computer 108. The resulting digitised and optionally manipulated television signal 112 is then mixed 114 with additional content and converted to output video and audio signals 116 suitable for interpretation and display by a television or other appropriate display device. The additional content is created by the computer under the control of the content schedule and remote triggering module using previously stored digital content 118, which was received through the internet connection and which generally includes event specific graphics or advertising 120, examples of which are given below. Thus, the mixed output 122 is based on (i) the modification data which is included in the event data and which is typically specific to the custom video content delivery device and (ii) the received broadcast signals (except where the images represented by the output signal consist only of images represented by stored video data).
Figure 3 is a flow diagram of steps carried out by the server when a relevant event 200 occurs during a television broadcast. The event may, for example, be the beginning or end of a programme or advertising break, or an event during a live sporting match. The event may be spontaneous and not specifically linked to an event depicted in the broadcast programming. Typically, a human operator will indicate that a specific type of event has occurred using a keyboard or other input device.
Once an event occurs, the server determines 202 the channel in respect of which it is desired to provide custom content. This may be a channel which is broadcasting images depicting an event. An identifier (e.g. name or number) of the channel and the type of event is stored 204 in a database in local memory. A screen mode 206 , selected from a choice of screen modes discussed further below, is selected depending on the event type. The fact that the database has been updated is passed 208 to a database update software module. The database software module responds by systematically working through each custom video content delivery device (typically with reference to the MAC address of the device) and reading 212 specific branding instructions relating to that custom video content delivery device and relating to a specific date and time, with reference to a database 214 of specific content instructions for individual custom video content delivery devices.
Each custom video content delivery device has a content delivery system file associated with it and stored on the server, which is edited 216 to comprise modification data which specifies amendments that should be made to the images represented by the relevant broadcast video signal. This modification data specifies the MAC address of a specific custom video content delivery device, the identifier of the relevant channel, the screen mode which should be adopted, and details of any content which should be used in preparing modifications to the broadcast video signal. The content may include image data, text or references to still image or video data which was previously transmitted to applicable custom video content delivery devices and store locally by the custom video content delivery devices. If editing is successful, this is logged 218. Once all content delivery system files have been updated 220, the content delivery system sends a trigger to all custom video content delivery devices via the internet.
Figure 4 is a flow diagram of steps carried out by a custom video content delivery device responsive to receipt 300 of the trigger signal. The received trigger signal is checked 302 for security and file corruption and further checked 304 to determine whether it is intended for the specific custom video content delivery device. If there is an error, the trigger signal will be ignored 306 and the error will be logged on the server. If the checks are successful, the custom video content delivery device will download event data from the server in the form of an updated content delivery system file 308 downloaded from the server 310 where they are updated live. The received content delivery system file, which may for example be in XML format, is then read 312. The data extracted from the received content delivery system file details identifiers of channels 314 to which modification data relates. Modification data relating to each channel includes the screen mode 316 which applies for the modifications which are to be made and details of the content 318 which is to be incorporated into the output images. The content may include image data, text etc. or references to previously downloaded or recorded video data files stored locally 320.
Once the data has been extracted from the received content delivery system file, the current channel of the internal video signal is determined 322. The current channel is typically provided from the video signal decoder through the bidirectional interface, which may be a serial link 324. It is then determined 326 whether the current input channel corresponds to any of the channels for which modification data is specified in the received content delivery system file. If not, no change in video mode is triggered 328. If1 however, modification data is specified for that channel, appropriate event type and content information is passed 330 to a video mode module, along with a trigger signal 332 to cause the video mode module to change mode. If the mode is successfully changed, this is logged.
Figure 5 is a flow diagram of video signal modification logic employed by a video mode module of a custom video content delivery device. A broadcast video signal is received 400 using a typical television decoder (e.g. the decoder of Figure 1) and an analogue video signal from the decoder which represents a channel of programming is converted to digital form 402 for processing by the computer of Figure 1. Initially, no modifications are made to the images represented by the received video signal which are simply output in an appropriate format. Once the trigger signal is received 404, the modification data relevant to the channel is read from the received content delivery system file 406. (If after a period of time, no further trigger signal has been received, the video mode module will return to passing through the received video signal). If a video mode required the received images to be resized, they are resized accordingly. A separate graphics generation module 408 prepares images for use in the output video. These images may be images which were received with the content delivery system file, or which were referred to in the content delivery system file (e.g. previously downloaded images or video sequences, or recorded video sequences). If the content deliver system file comprised text, images representing the text may be created.
The received images, optionally after resizing depending on the video mode, are then mixed 410 with the images prepared by the graphics generation module. Finally, the resulting images are converted 412 into a suitable format for output to a television or other display device.
Figures 6A to 6C are screen shots which illustrate exemplary screen modes. Figure 6A illustrates a screen mode ("full screen mode") in which broadcast images (e.g. images of a sporting event) are replaced entirely by alternative content 500, such as an advert or details of a promotional offer. (For example, an offer which is available at an outlet, such as a bar or restaurant where the custom video content delivery device is installed). Figure 6B illustrates a mode ("half jack") in which broadcast images 502 represented by a received video signal are reduced in size, with alternative content 504 being provided around the reduced size image. Figure 6C illustrates a mode in which alternative content 506 is superimposed on received images. Other possible modes include modes in which no modifications are made and modes in which text/images etc. scroll across a screen.
In use, the system can be used to deliver alternative content to specific custom video content delivery devices, and thus televisions and other displays, in near real time whilst a broadcast is taking place. Particular modifications specified in event data may relate to a specific custom video content delivery device or a plurality of custom video content delivery devices. For example, some content may be directed to particular geographical locations, such as particular regions, towns or cities or part of towns or cities, or custom video content delivery devices grouped according to some other rationale, e.g. devices located in shops within a particular chain of betting shops, or bars which are clients of a particular brewery or distributor, or bars where supports of specific sports teams (e.g. soccer teams) congregate during sporting events. The system enables highly customised microregionalisation of video content.
The targeted alternative content may include advertising, such as branding. The alternative content may include special offers or advertisements which relate specifically to the particular location where a specific custom video content delivery device is located. For example, a bar or restaurant may use the system to advertise a specific special offer. A drinks company may create a promotion in which their product is given away for free or at a reduced price in certain venue where custom content is displayed. A promotion may be offered responsive to particular events occurring, e.g. a product may be given away for free or at a reduced price responsive to the result of a sporting match or an event (e.g. a goal or other appropriate scoring event) during a sporting match.
The ability to display customised content could be of significant value to advertisers and businesses. The ability to display customised content relating to events during a broadcast, e.g events during a broadcast sporting event, could also be of significant value. Advertising or branding could be associated in the mind of a viewer with specific event, e.g. a particular sportsperson or sporting team performing well. Example Two
A second example according to the present invention is illustrated schematically in Figure 7. Server 600 (functioning as control apparatus) communicates with custom video content delivery device 602 via the internet 604 and a wireless or wired router 606 which communicates with a network card 607 of the custom video content delivery device. The custom video content delivery device comprises a television card 608 which receives a broadcast television signal through an aerial 610 or cable television conduit. The television card provides a video signal (functioning as the internal video signal or received video signal) which represents received video to an embedded computer 612. The embedded computer functions to modify the images represented by the received video signal responsive to received event data as before and the modified images are then displayed on an integrated touch screen 614 which functions as both a display and input device. Graphic user interface software 616 executed by the embedded computer controls the integrated touch screen, providing a user interface.
In use, custom video content delivery device displays the broadcast images represented by the broadcast video signal at least part of the time. These images may be modified responsive to event data received from the server. The custom video content delivery device may also execute software applications which display informative content unrelated to the broadcast video signal and interactive content, such as menus. Inputs from the user via the touch screen may be transmitted to the server. Usage data may be determined by the custom video content delivery device from the inputs made by the user, for example, from options selected by a user. Data concerning individual inputs and usage data may be transmitted through the internet to the server. The server may transmit still image and video data to the custom video content delivery device which in response to individual inputs or dependent on usage data. For example, the custom video content delivery device may display recipe information and the usage data may be derived from choices of recipes from a menu, or choices of ingredients from a menu, made by a user.
The input data and/or usage data transmitted to the server may be used to determine event data sent to the custom delivery device which includes modification data specifying modifications to the broadcast video which should be made by that specific custom video content delivery device. Thus, for example, a custom video content delivery device may determine from user inputs that a user likes spicy food, or chooses expensive wine, and customised promotional content targeted for users with those preferences, or informative material of interest to users with those preferences, may be displayed on the particular custom delivery device by transmitting appropriate event data to the custom video content delivery device. Adverts during broadcast video programming may be targeted to users with particular preferences evidenced by inputs they have made using the touch screen.
In a further example, the custom video content delivery device is a personal electronic device, such as a PDA, which receives a video signal via a cellular telecommunications network using a cellular telecommunications receiver instead of a TV aerial. A separate wireless communications receiver is used to receive event data. In a still further example, the custom video content delivery device is a mobile telephone, which receives both the video signal and the event data via a cellular telecommunications network. In this case, a single cellular telecommunications receiver can be used to receive both the received video signal and the event data. In both cases, the display may be a touch screen built in to the device.
Further modifications and alterations may be made within the scope of the invention therein disclosed.

Claims

Claims
1. A custom video content delivery device comprising a video signal input for receiving a video signal, an event data receiving module for receiving event data, a content modifying module which is operable to modify the received video signal responsive to event data received by the event data receiving module to produce an output video signal, wherein the modification is dependent on the event data received by the event data receiving module.
2. A custom video content delivery device according to claim 1 , wherein the modification to the received video signal responsive to the received event data is a modification which is related to an event represented in the broadcast video sig na I .
3. A custom video content delivery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the event data comprises modification data which specifies modifications to be made to the received video signal by the content modifying module.
4. A custom video content delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the modification data comprises references to previously stored still images or video data to be incorporated into the images represented by the output signal and wherein the custom video content delivery device is operable to receive and store still image data or video data.
5. A custom video content delivery device according to claim 4, wherein the received video data is received through a communications channel which is not of sufficient bandwidth to reliably receive the video data in near real time.
6. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, wherein the event data comprises an identifier of pre-stored modification data which specifies modifications to be made to the received video signal by the content modifying module.
7. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, which is operable to cause the output video signal to represent images which include additional images, such as still or moving images, not represented by the received video signal, responsive to received event data.
8. A custom video content device according to any one preceding claim, which is operable to cause the output video signal to represent images which omit part of images represented by the received video signal, responsive to received event data.
9. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, which is operable to cause the output video signal to represent images comprising image represented by the received video signal, but reduced in size, responsive to received event data.
10. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim which is operable to cause the output video signal to represent images which are not derived from to those represented by the received video signal, responsive to received event data.
11. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, comprising a video signal decoder which decodes the received video signal and transmits an internal video signal to the content modifying module, which is operable to modify the internal video signal responsive to event data to prepare the output signal.
12. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, comprising a video signal decoder which decodes the received video signal and outputs an internal video signal to the content modifying module, wherein the content modifying module is operable, responsive to event data, to cause the video signal decoder to transmit an internal video signal derived from stored video data to the content modifying module, and to thereby modify the received video signal responsive to event data.
13. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, comprising an output for transmitting instructions, under the control of the content modifying module and responsive to received event data, to a video signal decoder which is operable to output a video signal decoded from an input video signal.
14. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, wherein the content modifying module is operable to determine the channel of the content denoted by a received video signal (or the internal video signal, where relevant), wherein the received event data specifies modifications to be made in respect of a specific channel and the content modifying module is operable to make said modifications to the received video signal only if the channel of the received content corresponds with the specified channel.
15. A custom video content delivery device wherein the content modifying module is operable to store image data derived from the received video signal (or the internal video signal, where relevant) and play back the stored images with further modifications, where specified by event data.
16. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, wherein the custom video content delivery device is operable to determine custom video content delivery device usage data and to transmit the received usage data to a remote receiver for analysis.
17. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, wherein the custom video content delivery devices comprises and input device and monitors and/or records input from a user and transmit usage data to a remote receiver.
18. A custom video content delivery device according to any one preceding claim, wherein the custom video content delivery device is operable to store images represented by the received video signal and to transmit these to a remote receiver, thus enabling monitoring of the usage of the custom video content delivery device.
19. A custom video content delivery system comprising control apparatus and a plurality of custom video content delivery devices according to any one preceding claim in communication with the control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus transmits event data to the event data receiving modules of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
20. A custom video content delivery system according to claim 19, wherein the control apparatus transmits first event data to one or more custom video content delivery devices selected from the plurality of custom video content delivery devices and different event data to one or more other custom video content delivery devices selected from the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
21. A custom video content delivery system according to claim 19, wherein the control apparatus is operable to transmit still image and/or video data to at least some of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices for storage and subsequent use in modifying video signals and the event data comprises a reference to previously transmitted and stored still image and/or video data.
22. A custom video content delivery system according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the event data is transmitted from the control apparatus to the event data receiving modules of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices using a communications channel which does not have sufficient bandwidth to transmit the still image and/or video data in near real time to each of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices which would be required for each custom video content delivery device to make the modifications specified by the event data.
23. A custom video content delivery system according to claim 22, wherein the event data comprises instructions to record specific video data derived from video signals received by one or more custom video content delivery devices.
24. A custom video content delivery system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the custom video content delivery device is operable to determine custom video content delivery device usage data and to transmit the received usage data to the control apparatus for analysis.
25. A custom video content delivery system according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the custom video content delivery devices comprise touch screens which display the modified video signals and which receive inputs from a user and transmit either or both data concerning specific inputs or usage data to the control apparatus, 'and the event data transmitted by the control apparatus to a specific custom video content delivery device which specifies modifications to be made to a broadcast video signal by the specific custom video content delivery devices is dependent on the inputs made by a user of the specific custom video content delivery device.
26. A method of customising broadcast video signals comprising transmitting event data to a plurality of custom video content delivery devices, the event data comprising modification data specifying modifications to be made by the custom video content delivery devices to broadcast video signals responsive to the event data, wherein the modifications are customised to a subset of the plurality of custom video content delivery devices.
27. A method of customising broadcast video signals according to claim 26, wherein the modifications are customised for a single custom video content delivery device, or a group of custom video content delivery devices.
28. A method of customising broadcast video signals according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the modification data comprises image data specifying still images or video to be incorporated into the images represented by the modified video signals.
29. A method of customising broadcast video signals according to any one of claims 26 to 28, comprising the step of transmitting still or video image data to custom video content delivery devices for the devices to store until it is required or transmitting instructions to custom video content delivery devices to store the images represented by received broadcast video signals until they are required for making modifications and then transmitting event data which specifies that the previously stored images should be used to prepare the modifications.
30. A method of customising broadcast video signals according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the event data specifies modifications to be made in connection with a particular event represented by the broadcast video signals and the method comprises the step of monitoring broadcast video and transmitting event data responsive to determining that a specified event has been represented by the broadcast video signals.
31. A method of customising broadcast video signals wherein the custom video content delivery devices are custom video content delivery devices according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
32. A method of customising broadcast video signals according to any one of claims 26 to 31 , wherein the method further comprises step carried out by the custom video content delivery device of receiving input data from a user and transmitting data to the control apparatus which is used to determine further event data which is transmitted to the custom video content delivery device.
33. A method of customising broadcast video signals according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the input data comprises usage data calculated from a plurality of inputs.
34. A method of customising broadcast video signals according to any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the event data specifies targeted advertising content or informational material to be delivered to a user, and the method comprises using input data from a user of a custom video content delivery device to classify a user, and then transmitting event data to the relevant custom video content delivery device which comprises modification data which comprises or specifies advertising content or informational material relevant to that class of user, which is then added to the images represented by the modified video signal and thus output to a user of the custom video content delivery device.
35. Computer program code which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to function as a custom video content delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
36. A solid-state memory device comprising program code according to claim 35 which, when brought into electronic communication with an interface of a personal electronic device, causes the personal electronic device to function as a custom video content delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
37. Computer program code which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to function as the content modifying module of a custom video content delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
38. A solid-state memory device comprising computer program code according to claim 37, which, when brought into electronic communication with an interface of a personal electronic device, causes the personal electronic device to function as a content modifying module according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
PCT/GB2007/004112 2006-10-30 2007-10-29 Targeted video content delivery apparatus, system and methods WO2008053180A2 (en)

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GB0621528A GB0621528D0 (en) 2006-10-30 2006-10-30 Targeted video content delivery apparatus, system and methods

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