Patent Application
20230262279
This invention relates to media delivery platforms. More specifically, this invention relates to delivering on-demand content via an interactive media platform that delivers the content to a target device in response to a trigger event.
Entertainment content is increasingly available in digital form for transmission to a variety of devices such as televisions, computers, and cellphones. Such content can be transmitted via a variety of systems to permit not only traditional broadcasting of the same content to a wide audience but also targeted transmission via streaming and downloads.
A typical content streaming system includes a media device such as a set-top box that receives media including, but not limited to video, audio, multimedia, etc., from a media source over a network. The media device provides the received media to an output device such as a television or a laptop computer. The media source may be a content developer or provider that provides media content over a wired and/or wireless network to the media device. Example media sources include Netflix, Hulu, Spotify and other applications that store content on a server or group of servers and stream movies and music over the Internet via push or pull commands or services.
According to Wikipedia, “push technology or server push is a style of Internet-based communication where the request for a given transaction is initiated by the publisher or central server” and “often based on information preferences expressed in advance . . . it is contrasted with pull/get, where the request for the transmission of information is initiated by the receiver or client.”
Platforms such as Netflix and Hulu provide only limited content within their servers. A subscriber to Netflix can only view content available from Netflix and not from any other source. The subscriber watching a Netflix science fiction action movie will receive recommendations to watch similar content available only on Netflix, not from whatever other content is available on other subscription or non-subscription services, cable, broadcast or on the Internet. Consumers also have no choice but to watch commercials, advertising or content shown by a particular service provider without the ability to receive alternative media during these “downtimes.” Media sources as Netflix, Hulu, TIVO, and other multimedia delivery providers lack the capability to change the content on the screen instantly to relevant content that a consumer prefers instead, based on instant feedback, artificial intelligence, and interactions between the consumer and the host provider in real-time.
Although these current services allow the delivery of content to a client that is either initiated by the user or made without waiting for the user to make a request, such services lack the two-way interactivity between host and end users—or server and clients—that allows any content to be sent from any provider, in real time and on-demand, to an end user device via an “always on” Internet connection. Accordingly, a need exists for a method and system which provides for such capabilities.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering on-demand content via an interactive media platform is disclosed. The method includes establishing a secure shell (SSH) connection from a host deice to a target device; and issuing one or more scripts on the target device by way of a command line. The script is executed to deliver content to the target device in response to a trigger event.
In some embodiments, the steps of establishing the shell connection and issuing commands involve gaining unrestricted access and control to the target device's operating system. It should be noted that the host device is capable, via the command line, to control any screen or display device that has an operating system, including but not limited to a set-top box, a computer, a television, a laptop screen, a tablet, a PDA, a PC monitor, an ATM display, or any other device, display, monitor or screen with an operating system.
In some embodiments, the one or more scripts is issued to deliver content to the target device in response to the trigger event without any user intervention.
The one or more scripts may be programmed to control the selection, timing, volume, applications, and/or operations of the target device.
In some embodiments, the trigger event is indicative of any deviation from an expected or existing operating device condition.
In certain embodiments, the trigger event is an automatic trigger including one or more of the following: any deviation from an expected or existing operating device condition, a change in channel; airing of a regularly scheduled commercial; dead airtime; changes to any “marker” such as to data stream or to the display output including but not limited to pixel data from a sample frame on the display. In response to the trigger event, new content is transmitted to the target device from the host device. The new content includes but is not limited to: commercials, advertisements, surveys, games, movies, shows, and coupons.
In certain embodiments, the trigger event is a manual trigger that is pre programmed by the host device to transmit content or data on the target device or on the target's mobile device.
The one or more scripts may be executed in response to a QR code (or bar code) that is displayed on the target device (or video display connected to the device) and scanned in by the target's mobile device. In one embodiment, the one or more scripts is executed in response to a QR code (or bar code) that is displayed on the target device (or video display connected to the device) and scanned in by the target's mobile device.
In some embodiments, the target device is a set-top box, and the QR or bar codes may be captured directly from the video display such as, but not limited to, a television screen, a laptop screen, a PC monitor, a digital camera, a PDA display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a tablet, and an ATM display. The mobile device may be, but is not limited to, a smart phone. The host device may be, but is not limited to, a server such as a cloud server or web server, or a remote computer such as a laptop computer.
In one embodiment, the set-top box is an Android set-top box with pre-installed software including applications.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for delivering on-demand content via an interactive media platform is disclosed. The system includes a secure shell (SSH) access to establish a connection from a host device to a target device; and one or more scripts issued on the target device by way of a command line. The script is executed to deliver content to the target device in response to a trigger event.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering on-demand content via an interactive media platform is disclosed. The method includes establishing a secure shell (SSH) connection from a host device to a target device. The host device receives data obtained from a mobile device. The data received is configured to generate a change in content transmitted to the target device. The method also includes relaying the change in content to the target device based upon criteria created on or delivered by the host device.
In some embodiments, the step of relaying the change in content to the target device includes issuing one or more scripts on the target device by way of a command line.
In certain embodiments, the criteria for relaying the changed content to the target device is based upon a trigger event.
The data obtained from the mobile device include but is not limited to the following: device location including visited places and location history; items purchased; browsing history, content of social network posts, application installation status and any other information stored on, or associated with, the mobile device in present or future installed applications.
The script (or scripts) is executed to deliver content from content sources 130 over a transmission control protocol over Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network 140 to the target device 120 in response to a trigger event. In one embodiment, the script is executed by the host device 110 typing the script name on a command line, or the script may be included in another script, or some other mechanism may present the script for execution.
The host device 110 may be a server such as a cloud server or a web server, or a remote computer such as a laptop computer. The target device 120 may be a set-top box, laptop, or other device that is network enabled to receive content from any number of content sources 130. In an embodiment, the target device 120 may be part of and incorporated in an output device 150. For example, output device 150 may be a television and target device 120 may be a set-top box incorporated therein. Alternatively, the target device 120 may be a separate device from output device ISO. Content sources 130 may be a content developer or provider that provides media content over the Internet 140 to target device 120. For example, content source 130 may be an application that streams movies, shows, games, music, commercials, advertisements, and other content over the Internet.
In some embodiments, the script(s) is issued to deliver content to target device 120 in response to a trigger event without any user intervention. As an example, the script(s) may be programmed to control the selection, timing, volume, applications, and/or operations of the target device 120.
In some embodiments, the trigger event is indicative of any deviation from an expected or existing operating device condition. As one example, dead air-time on output device 150 may be a trigger event indicative of a deviation from an existing condition.
The trigger event can be an automatic trigger or a manual trigger. An automatic trigger, which may change content in real-time, includes but is not limited to: any deviation from an expected or existing operating device condition; a change in channel; airing of a regularly scheduled commercial; dead air-time; changes to any “marker” including as to data stream or to the display output including but not limited to pixel data from a sample frame on the display. In response to the trigger new event, new content may be transmitted to the target device 120 from the host device 110. The new content includes but is not limited to: commercials, advertisements, surveys, games, movies, shows, and coupons.
As one example of an automatic trigger event, a commercial break can be a trigger that causes the host device to execute a script that plays alternative content in place of the commercial or, alternatively, presents the user with a series of choices to view anything from cat videos to home movies instead of the regularly scheduled commercial.
As another example of automatic triggering, certain networks have their corporate logo appear on the bottom corner of the TV screen. During a commercial break in the program, the logo disappears. The disappearance of the logo can be a trigger to play content—initiated by the host device—rather than the regular scheduled commercial. As yet another example, the user changing to a different channel on the TV can trigger the host device to send new content. For example, the host device may send advertisements for food or food-related content to the screen when the user switches to the Food Network.
In contrast to automatic triggers, a manual trigger is pre-programmed by the host device 110 to transmit content or data on the target device 120 or on the target's mobile device. In one embodiment, the manual trigger may be predetermined and scheduled in advance without any deviation from an expected or existing operating condition of the target device. As one example, if the fast-food chain Wendy's requests a $20 gift certificate sent to users watching, say, channel 35 at 930 p.m., the host can issue a script to cause the gift card to pop up on target devices or users' cellphones at that time.
In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a mobile device 160 which may be any device configured to communicate with the host device 110 and the output 150. The mobile device 160 may be but is not limited to a smart phone. Using the mobile device 160, a user can change the content on the output device 150 by scanning a QR code or bar code appearing on the output device 150, which then prompts the host device 110 to issue a script command. As an example, if while watching TV, a QR code is floated on the screen, the user can scan the QR code with an iPhone that activates functions on the TV screen to receive a coupon from Pizza Hut on the user's iPhone or, alternatively, to download an app without having to visit the Appstore. As another example, the host device 100 sends a QR code to the output device via the target device. If the user sees the QR code that is published on the TV screen and scans it with a phone, as described further below in reference to
As an example of the embodiment of
The following examples illustrate further embodiments for practicing aspects of the system and method of the present invention:
Replacing One Commercial with Another when Network Hug Fades Out.
The whole screen—or defined segments/snippets—of an output device (e.g., TV, laptop, desktop computer) is scanned for an identifiable item such as a station logo or hug. The identification of the logo or bug is used to activate a trigger or payload, either immediately or at a later time, on the target device. When the bug fades out, typically on the lower right side of the screen, new content is sent to the user.
Using an Identifiable Mark as a Trigger.
Similar to Example 1 directly above, an identifiable mark, such as a specific pixel in a specific part of the screen, is used to trigger the target device to run a script. The host device reads the marker (pixel) and activates certain actions that provide new content to the user. The activation process occurs when a certain pixel appears and when it disappears. Doing this would allow a national advertiser to put together an ad campaign that runs as normal on normal/broadcast/streamed TV but applies additional functionality on the system.
Automating Application Installations that Include Dialog Boxes.
The system can automate application installations that have dialog boxes which otherwise require user input. The host device logs the X and Y coordinates of the dialog box of a specific application and, by using the “always on” connection of the system, the system “pre-clicks” those dialog boxes once they are identified as being in frame. The host device sends command to the target device or display to simulate clicks. The system can program the process by dragging the scroll bar down, placing the cursor over “okay” box and handling the clicks for the user. This example removes barriers to entry typically associated with complex application installations or click-throughs.
Using a “Companion App” to Gather Data while User is Away from Target Device.
A user with a mobile smart phone is outside the home, away from the target device. The system collects data from the mobile phone and relays information to the target device after collecting the data. The host device would know when the user has arrived back near the target device, proximity-wise, due to Bluetooth connections established on the companion app with an opt-in.
Supplementing National Content with Localized Information.
The host device identifies what the user is currently watching and use c a section of the screen to add additional localized information. The localized information can either overlay on top of the other in a lower (or upper) section of the screen or shrink the primary teed down to provide the additional localized information.
Building a Programmatical List of Links to a Live Story of Interest.
The system via the host device scans feeds for live stories of interest and populates a list—such as a “local big events happening now” type list—allowing one click access to users, regardless of the app in which those live stories of interest are carried. For example, if a tornado is approaching or a building collapses, the story can be linked to the user's target device.
The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. As such, references heron to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/310,555, filed Feb. 15, 2022, titled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING ON-DEMAND CONTENT VIA AN INTERACTIVE MEDIA PLATFORM”, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all of its teachings.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63310555 | Feb 2022 | US |
