CA1314323C - Interactive television system for providing full motion synched compatible audio/visual displays - Google Patents
Interactive television system for providing full motion synched compatible audio/visual displaysInfo
- Publication number
- CA1314323C CA1314323C CA000564491A CA564491A CA1314323C CA 1314323 C CA1314323 C CA 1314323C CA 000564491 A CA000564491 A CA 000564491A CA 564491 A CA564491 A CA 564491A CA 1314323 C CA1314323 C CA 1314323C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- audio
- common
- video
- providing
- full motion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B5/00—Electrically-operated educational appliances
- G09B5/08—Electrically-operated educational appliances providing for individual presentation of information to a plurality of student stations
- G09B5/12—Electrically-operated educational appliances providing for individual presentation of information to a plurality of student stations different stations being capable of presenting different information simultaneously
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B7/00—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers
- G09B7/02—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers of the type wherein the student is expected to construct an answer to the question which is presented or wherein the machine gives an answer to the question presented by a student
- G09B7/04—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers of the type wherein the student is expected to construct an answer to the question which is presented or wherein the machine gives an answer to the question presented by a student characterised by modifying the teaching programme in response to a wrong answer, e.g. repeating the question, supplying a further explanation
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An interactive television system (10, 10a) for providing full motion synched compatible audio visual displays based on dynamic user selection (26) of a plurality of syllable synched compatible audio choices for a common full motion video frame presentation provided over a common television channel. Two or more audio channels are synched to a common video channel, with the video being compatible will all audio channels. The interactive programming is stored on video cassette (12, 12a) or other storage media and the audio channels are either multiplexed into the video line or the existing audio channels and are provided to a control module (14, 14a) which demultiplexes the signal (16, 16a) and ultimately combines the user selected audio signal with the video in an RF modulator (20) under computer control (18, 22, 24, 26) to provide the interactive display.
An interactive television system (10, 10a) for providing full motion synched compatible audio visual displays based on dynamic user selection (26) of a plurality of syllable synched compatible audio choices for a common full motion video frame presentation provided over a common television channel. Two or more audio channels are synched to a common video channel, with the video being compatible will all audio channels. The interactive programming is stored on video cassette (12, 12a) or other storage media and the audio channels are either multiplexed into the video line or the existing audio channels and are provided to a control module (14, 14a) which demultiplexes the signal (16, 16a) and ultimately combines the user selected audio signal with the video in an RF modulator (20) under computer control (18, 22, 24, 26) to provide the interactive display.
Description
~31~3~3 Interactive television system for providinq full motion synched com~atible audio~visual dis~lavs Cross-Reference To Related Ap~lications This application i5 related to the commonly owned US
Patents 4,847,699 and 4,847,700 both of which issued on July 11, 1989 and which are respectively entitled "Interactive Television System For Providing Full Motion Synched Compatible Audio/Visual Displays From Transmitted Television Signals", and "Method for Providing An Interactive Full Motion Synched Compatible Audio/Visual Television Display".
Technical Field Th~ present invention relatss to interactive television systems and particularly to such systems in which an interactive full motion synched compatible audio/visual television display presentation is provided based on dynamic user selection of a plurality of sylIahle synched compatible audio choices for a common full motion, video frame presentation in a multiple video frame common full motion video display provided over a common television channel.
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Backaround Art Real time conversational student response teaching apparatus are Xnown, such as described in U.S. Patent Nos.
3,947,972 and 4,07~,316~ In addition, multi.ple choice student response systems are well known such as exemplified by ~he systems disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,921,385: 3,020,360;
Patents 4,847,699 and 4,847,700 both of which issued on July 11, 1989 and which are respectively entitled "Interactive Television System For Providing Full Motion Synched Compatible Audio/Visual Displays From Transmitted Television Signals", and "Method for Providing An Interactive Full Motion Synched Compatible Audio/Visual Television Display".
Technical Field Th~ present invention relatss to interactive television systems and particularly to such systems in which an interactive full motion synched compatible audio/visual television display presentation is provided based on dynamic user selection of a plurality of sylIahle synched compatible audio choices for a common full motion, video frame presentation in a multiple video frame common full motion video display provided over a common television channel.
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Backaround Art Real time conversational student response teaching apparatus are Xnown, such as described in U.S. Patent Nos.
3,947,972 and 4,07~,316~ In addition, multi.ple choice student response systems are well known such as exemplified by ~he systems disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,921,385: 3,020,360;
2,826,828; 3,623,238; 3,54~,791; 3,273,260; 3,665,615;
3,245,147; 3,284,923; 3,538,621;'3,477,144; 3,708,8gl;
3,235,536; 2,77~,901; 2,90~,767; 3,774,316; 3,19~,895;
3,484,950; 3,343,280; and 3,763,577, by way o~ example. None of these systems, however, has been employed in connection with an interactlve television 6ystem in which therQ is dynamic user selection of a plurality o~ synched co~patible audio presentations for a common full ~otion video presentation for providing a common full motion multiple video ~rame te}evision display over a common teleYision channel, nor in such an interactive system in whioh a plural~ty of recipients of the common television cha~nel may independently s~lect different syllable synched compatible audio presentations for khe common ~ull motion video presentation to provide different interactive full motion audio/visual televi ion displays. Moreover, although prior art subscription cable television systems are well known in which a plurality o~ unrelated television progra~, under control of a computer, are transmitted over a co~mon television channel for selection by individual , ..... .
subscribers, ~uch as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,814,891 and 3,759,225, such systems are also not interactive television systems capable of providing dynamic user selection of a plurality of syllable synched compatible audio presentations for a common full motion video presentation so as to provide a common full motion multiple video frame tellevision display over a common television channel. Similarly, although interactive television systems per se are known, such a~ described in applicant's prior U.5. Patent Nos. 4,264,925; 4,264,924;
3,235,536; 2,77~,901; 2,90~,767; 3,774,316; 3,19~,895;
3,484,950; 3,343,280; and 3,763,577, by way o~ example. None of these systems, however, has been employed in connection with an interactlve television 6ystem in which therQ is dynamic user selection of a plurality o~ synched co~patible audio presentations for a common full ~otion video presentation for providing a common full motion multiple video ~rame te}evision display over a common teleYision channel, nor in such an interactive system in whioh a plural~ty of recipients of the common television cha~nel may independently s~lect different syllable synched compatible audio presentations for khe common ~ull motion video presentation to provide different interactive full motion audio/visual televi ion displays. Moreover, although prior art subscription cable television systems are well known in which a plurality o~ unrelated television progra~, under control of a computer, are transmitted over a co~mon television channel for selection by individual , ..... .
subscribers, ~uch as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,814,891 and 3,759,225, such systems are also not interactive television systems capable of providing dynamic user selection of a plurality of syllable synched compatible audio presentations for a common full motion video presentation so as to provide a common full motion multiple video frame tellevision display over a common television channel. Similarly, although interactive television systems per se are known, such a~ described in applicant's prior U.5. Patent Nos. 4,264,925; 4,264,924;
4,507,680; and 4,573,072, and in U.S~ Patent Nos. 4,305,131 and 4,331,974 by way of example, none of these interactive television syst2ms employs the aforementioned dynamic user selection o~ ~yllable synched compatible audio signals for a common video channel to provida a full motion audio/visual television display. This i~ 80 despite the prior art use of multiple audio aignals in connection with a television picture, such a disclosPd in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,612,553; 3,245,157;
4,555,730; 3,~21,098; 4,665,431: 3,440,342: 3,860,745;
3,387,084; ~uch as for providing stereo, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,646,150; 4,603,349 and 4,621,282; or the prior art use o~ program substitution, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,366,731.
By utilizing applicant's unique system and method, howev~r, interact~ive telev~sion may not only be provided u~ing conv~ntional videotape equipment or conventional broadcast or ~4323 cable television, but previously recorded non-interactive movies or television programs can readily be rerecorded to provide an interactive television program. These advantages are not believed to be present in the prior art known to applicant.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTI:ON
The present invention relates to a tel.evision system for providing an interactive full motion synchecl compatiblP
audio/visual television display presen~ation based on dynamic user ~election of a plurality of choices for a multiple video frame common full motion television display. The television system includes means, such as a conventional VCR or video disc, for providing a common full motion multiple video frame audio/visual television display comprising a common interrogatory mes age and a plurality o~ user selectable choices related to the common interrogatory ~essage, and a plurality of ~yllable synched user selectable audio presentations corresponding to the user selectable co~mon interrogatory message related choices and which are compatible with a ~ubsequent common full motion video fra~e subsequent to the common interrogatory message containing vldeo frame. The audio pre~cntations comprise responsive messages to the common interrogatory message and have a dif~erent word content but, substantially identical syllable content portions for providing a plurality o~ dynamic user selectable synched different 1 31~323 responsive audio messages to the previous video fra~e common int~rrogatory message in the common full motion television displayO Thus, two or more audio channels are synched to a common video channel in providing the full motion interactive television display over the common television channel. The audio may be provided as a multiplexed signal multiplexed into the video siynal or multiplexed into an existing audio channel or may be a stereo type signal. In addition to providing such an interactive program for a single user from a storaye media, such a6 a video cassette or video disc, the program may be broadcast or sent over cable television to a plurality of users who may then independently dynamically make their own choice of the audio/visual television display to be provided. The dynamic selectlon may employ a plurallty of selectors, such as buttons, which are actually greater in number than the nu~ber o~ provided audio choices, whereby greater ~lexibility is provided. For example, one or two or more o~ the buttons can refer to a generically wrong answer while only one o~ the buttons can re~ar to a speci~ic right answer. These buttons and combinations of buttons can vary with each question.
In recording the interactive television programming to be provided, the method employed involves recording a first choice audio/visual television presentation, such as the most likely or correct one o~ a plurality of audio channel choic~s, and then subaQque~tly recording the second and other subsequent ~3~323 user selectable audio choices over the first choice on all but one of the othe.r audio channels by syllable synching these subsequent audio choices to the ~irst recorcled choice, such as by changing only cerkain key words in the subsequent responsive messages being recorded~ The recorded audio in each instance is syllable synched and compatibl0 with the mouth movements of an animated character, such as a puppet or human or cartoon animation, in the common video scene in which the audio responsive message will be provided in a full motion and ~ull resolutlon audiQ/visual television di~play. Side shots, cut aways, reaction shots etc., may also be used to provide the compatible syllable synched television display. Previously recorded television programs or movies can also be used as a source ~or interactive programming by selecting scenes from these ~how~ lending themselves to syllable synching of different choices and rerecording these programs to lnsert the interactive audio port1ons o the progra~ming.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG.l is a block diagram of a VCR bassd television sy~tem in accordance wit~ the present invention in ~hich two or more audio channels are multiplexed into the video line;
FIG.2 ls a block diagram, similar to FIG.l, in which two or more audio channels are multiplexed into the existing audio channel;
FIG.3 is a block diagram similar to FIG.l in which the t~levision ~ignal is taken of~ the air, with a VCR ~ront-end and the received audio multiplexed into tha received video signal;
FIG,4 is a block diagram similar to FIG.2 in which the television signal is taken off the air, with a VCR front-end and th2 received audio multiplexed into the existing audio channel;
FIG.5 is a block diagram similar to FI~.l in which t~P
televi~ion ~ignal is taken off the air with a simplified ~V
front-end and the received audio multipl~xed into the received video llne; and FI~.6 i~ a block diagram similar to FIG,2 in which the television signal is taken off the air with a simplified TV
~ront-end and the received audio multiplexed into the existing audio channel.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT TH~ INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in detail, the present invention is a system and method for providing interactive television by using conventional video recording equipment or conventional broadcast or cable television. FIGS, 1 and 2 show interactiYe television systems in accordance with the present invention in which a conventional VCR by way o~ example, is used a6 the source of the int~r~ctive programming in accordance wlt~ the present invention, and FIGS. 3-6 show interactive ~31~323 systems in which a conventional broadcast or cable television is used a~ the source of the interactive programming in accordance with the present invention. Basically, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the interactive programming o~ the present invention is provided by synching two or more audio channels to a common video channel, with the video and audio being carefully programmed 50 that the video is compatible with all audio channels. The audio channels each contain syllable synched portions or interactive branches so as to provide different syllable ~ynched responsive messages to a common interrogatory message video presentation using a common vidao presentation containlng animated charactex mouth movements with which the different syllable synched audio portions are compatible. In this manner, from the viewer's point of view, the television programming appears totally interactive in providing a full motion audio/visual television pre~entation.
: Dl~erent appro~ches for providing the interactive programming of the present invention will be dPscribed with reference to FIGS. 1-6. In each of these approaches, preferably dynamic user selection is provided such as by using a plurality o~ selector buttons, or a joystick by way of example, in which each button or selector can be dynamically assigned to any audio track for each question or interrogatory message during the interactive programming presentation. For . -8-13~L~323 .
example, $f there were three button selectors and two audio tracks or channel~, for a given question, by way of example, channel 1 could be assigned to button 1 and channel 2 could be assigned to both buttons 2 and 3. Thus, if the user selected button 2 or 3 in this example he would hear what is on audio channel 2. Similarly, in such a three button, two channel arrangement, buttons 1 and 2 could be dynamically assigned to audio channel 1 and button 3 to audio channel 2 for a given question, or buttons 1 and 3 could he assigned to audio channel 2 and button 2 to audio channel 1 for a given gue~tion. Such an arrangement in whic~ dynamic user or button selection is provided provides greater variability of the que~tions and answer6 and enables a more efficient use of the audio channels.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an interactive television system 10 in accorda~ce with the pre~ent invention i8 shown in which the preferred interactive programming is stored on a conventional video cassette 12 or video disc or other storage media, and two or more audio channels containing the presently pre~erred syllable synched audio signals are conventionall~
multiplexed 1nto the video line. Any conventional technique for =ultiplexing the audio into the video line may be employed such aB pul~e amplitude modulation, pulse duration modulation or pul~e code modulation or digitizing. In the pulse amplitude modulation approach, a sample o~ the audio channel is inserted into aither the front porch area, the back porch areaJ both ~3~ 323 areas, or into the active portion of the video line. In the puise duration modulation approach, a pulse, whose duration is proportional to the ~ignal at sampling time, is inserted into the front porch, bacX porch or active video portions of the video line. In the digitizing or pulse code modulation approach, the audio is digitized and the coded sample i5 then placed into the front porch and back porch area and/or the active portion o~ the video line; In the example of FIG. 1, the interactive program with the encoded audio is played back through a convention~l VCR 12, into the control module 14. The control module 14 contains a conventional demultiplexer 16 which conventionally extracts the presently preferred audio ~iynal from the video signal and provides it to a conventional analog switch 18. The video passes through to a conventional RF modulator 20 wlth the slgnal also being pa~sed to a video line co~mand 3eparator 22, to b~ described in greater detail hereinafter, which, together with computer 24 and the dyna~ic choice ~elector 2S, determine the select~d user audio choice to be combined with the video in RF modulator 20 to provide the presently preferred interactive full motion audio/visual television display. The selected audio channel as well as the video provided ~rom the VCR 12 are pre~erably conventionally up modulated to, for example, channel 3 or 4, by RF modulator 20, with the interactive programming then being displayed or viewed on a conventional television receiver ~not shown). By putting ~31~323 the presently preferred audio tracks into the video portion of tha signal in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a viewer who does not have a control module 14 to decode the presently preferred audio ~ignal would be able to hear a different non-interactive audlo channel, ~uch as one provided via the regular audio signal.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the system lOa is basically the same as the interactive television system 10 previously described with reference to FIG. 1, with like re~erence numerals being used for like functioniny components, with the exception that in this instance the two or more presently preferred audio channels containing the preferred syllable synched compatible audio si~nal~ are multlplexed into the exlsting audlo channel, or placed in available channel~ if the VCR 12a i~ a conventional st2reo VCR~ Thus, the conventional demultiplexer 16a in control module 14a conventionally demultiplexes the audio channel and provides tha dem~ltiplixed signal to the conventional analog switch 18 with the video still being passed to the conventional RF modulator 20 along with the selected audio from switch 18. The balance of the operation i8 the ~ame as previou~ly described with respect to FIG. 1.
Ref~rring now to FIG. 3, the operation of the interactive television ~ystem lOb is preferably identical to that previously described with reference to FIG. 1 with the ,: . . . ~ .,, ~3~4323 exception that the source of the presently preferred interactive television programming is a conventional television type broadcast or cable television transmission over the air in which the presently preferred audio signals have been multiplexed into the video signal at the head end and transmitted in this format, with the conventional VCR 12 being used as a tuner for the television signal rec ived via the conv~ntional TV antenna or cable 28. Preferably, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, audio on the normal television audio channel i~ chosen to be compatible with the video so as te permit viewer~ who do no~ own a VCR 12 or have a control module 14 to watch and listen to the program in a non-interactive manner.
Referrlng now to FIG. 4, the operation of the interactive televi~ion system lOc i~ praferably identical to that previou~ly de~cribed with reference to ~IG. 2 with the exception that the source of the presently preferred interact~ve televisio~ programming i~ a conventlonal tPlevision type broadcast or cable television transmission over the air in which ths pre~ently preferred audio ~ignals have been multiplexed into the existing audio channel, or placed in available channels if it is a stereo broadcast, at the head end and tran~mittad in this format, with the conventional VCR 12a belng used a~ a tuner for the televis~on signal received via the conventional TV antenna or cable 28. In this instance, however, as contr~sted with the embodiment of FIG. 3, since the existing audio channel (or channels for stereo) haa already been utilized, non-interactive programming cannot be available at the sa~e time.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the operation of the interactive television system lOd is preferably identical to that previously described with reference to ~IG. 3 with the exception that th~ conventional ~CR 12 is rleplaced with a conventional simplified TV ~ront end tuner 30 which functions in the ~a~e manner a~ the VCR 12 tuner to receive the transmitted television signal and provide it to the control module 14. Ag with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 3, non-interactive television programming can also be provid~d in the same manner as accomplished in FIG. 3.
Re~erring now to FIG. 6, the operation of the interactive telavision sy~tem lOe is preferably identical to that previously described with reference to FIG. 4 with the exception that the conventional VCR 12a is replaced by the previously mentio~ed conventional simplified TY front-end tuner 30 which functions in the same manner as the VCR 12a tuner to receive the transmitted televi~ion signal and provide it to the control module 14a. Because the existing audio channel or channel are used, how ver, a~ was the case with the embodiment o~ FIG. 4, no~-interactive television programm~ng cannot be provided at the ~ame time.
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With respect to the video line command separator 22 present in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, this circuit is conventional and conventionally extracts one line, such as a line in the range of between line 15 and 22, from the video stream, and extracts the serial data contained therein for processing by the computer 24, which is pre:ferably a conventional 4 bit microprocessor having about 64 bytes of RAM
and 2K bytes of ROM, and which conventionally interprets the commands extracted by the video line command separator 22 and the dynamic user selected choices indicated by convention~l choice selector 26, which may be a hard wired or wireles~ link to computer 24, and then conventionally operates analog switch 18 to provide the selected audio signal to the RF modulator 20. By way of example, the serial data encoded commands enable the microprocessor 24 to conventionally accomplish the ~ollowing tas~ or functions: read entry, go to channel dePined by last entry, if entry is "x" then make entry "y", if entry is "x" then ~ake entry "y" and go to that channel, store entry at memory "z" go to channel defined by memory "z", other TBD. Of course, although the commands are described, by way o~ example, a~ being encoded into the video, they may in tead be conventionally encoded into the audio if desired.
Although various conventional techniques for multiplexing the audio channels containing the presently preferred syllable synched audio signals have been described, others may o~ course 13~323 be utllized, such a~ the use of two channels associated with conventional ~tereo video cas~ette recorders or the use o~ two channel~ as~ociated with a conventional 3tereo broadca~t.
Now that various systems 10-lOe have been described for providing the presently preferred interactive television programming, the presently preferred ~ethod of recording such programming so as to enable such interactive programming to occur shall be describ~d. Assuming the interactive program is to be recorded live for the first time rather than rerecording a previous non-interactive movie or televi~:ion show to make it interactive, the video is recorded prefera~ly along with the most likely (or correct choice) portion of the audio first.
Assuming the VCR iB a conventional "video tape or 3/4" video tape machine with two audio channels, th~ audio portion is preferably recorded on both channels. During the recording, an instant of silence should be provided be~ore and after each branch. After the first recording of the program, the alternate branch or choice should be recorded on the appropriate audio tracX wh~ch will erase or record over the first alternate on that track and replace it with thP second such a~ in the ~ollowlng example:
1. "Hello my ~riend, I see you answered true. It~s a fact that...
2. "Hello my friend, I see you an~wered false."
In the above example, only the word "true" is actually .;, ~
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recorded over the ~irst branch choice on the second branch audio channel. 0~ course, as previously mentioned, a substantially identical syllable count is needed for the second choice if any type of ~outh movement is seen in the corresponding ~ideo so that both choice appear to be visually the same. In order to do this, the actor who recorded the first choice in the original program should view the replayed video on a studio monitor, ~or example, and wear headphones in order to h~ar what was originally recorded. The actor then resays the same line but changes the branch word or phrase while watching the video, such as the phrase '~a boy" in the above example. Watching the video will make it easier to sync~up the voice. The actor preferably says ~he whole line again even though only the branch di~ference actually gets recorded over the previously recorded first choice on the second branch audio channel. By doing this, it preferably assures that proper pacing and naturalness o~ voice i~
achiev~d. The actor should preferably be in the same po~ition as when the original or fir~t branch was recorded and the microphone should be similarly positioned. This will prevent the tone and timbre of the voice ~rom soundlng different.
Preferably, the wearing o~ headphones by the actor insures that no leaking of ~ound from the branch that was shot first is recorded onto the alternate branch. By simply playing back either of the two audlo tracks while wa~ching the video, one 13~323 can hear and see if the desired result has been achiev~d. If not, the alternate branch may ~e rerecorded again~ This same approach can b~ u~ed in recording compatible audio to ~o with previously recorded movies or t~levision programs that lend themselves to audio synching with the video portions of those programs. In this regard, whether original programming or preexistiny programming, certain types of animated characters lend themselve~ to being programming characters to which th~
audio ~ynching technique can be readily applied. These character6, by way of example, are puppet~, talking animals, animation, voice over segments, people, robots, etc. With respect to peopla, side shots, moving shots, or wide shots generally work best, as doe~ group singing.
3y utiliæing a ~lcroprocessor 24 in th2 control module 14, 14a, it can, if desired, not allow changes o~ channels except when desired, such as from the mo~snt the previous branch ended until a moment before the current branch takes place, it can maintain memory on a branch selection, ~uch as reme~bering a previous answer and causing it to be subsequently repeated a many times as des$red, it can maintain memory on a button selection, it can do logic operations, and it can allow many branche~, one right a~ter the other, to create large co~binations of output. It can blank out all video and audio if certaln requirements are not met (such as r~ceiving less than 80 points on a test or ~etting less than 6 out of 7 clues ~3~ ~323 correct). Users who exceed these limits could get to see additional programming, such as payoffs, reward~, or more material, or the system could give remedial instruction to those who need it while the other group see~ the end of the program sooner (unbeknown to them). The adclitional ~aterial can be interactive in effect providing a reall video branch.
But no matter how flexible the microprocessor 24 is, it is still the creation of the script for the int:eractive program that is important. Parts that are ganeric ~ust work for both portions of the branch whereas the branches themselves must pxeferably be as specific as possible. An exa~ple of such a script is given below for two audio channels.
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EXAMPLE OF A SCRIPT
POLLY: Hallo, I 'm l?olly the Parrot (a puppet), and this i~ my ~idekick, Professor Bumpers ~a person). We would like to ask you 3 questions today. First --are yotl a boy, or a girl? Pres~ the -op button if you ' re a boy, or the bottom butl:on i f you I re a girl! Oh, I an see that you're a boy. ' a qirl.
O
: ~ ' B~PERS: Well, how nice to meet youl May I ask a question now, Polly?
POLLY: Sure ~- go right ahead !
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B~lMPERS: Here are ~ numbr~: 18 and 9. If you want Polly to subtract them press 'che middle button; or if you want Polly to multiply them, press the bottom button. Go ahead -~ press one.
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I subtract them and I multiply and get come up with the answer one hundrPd-sixty-two.
nine. ~Note: this ' tNote: this answer answer consists of 12 also consists o~ 12 syllables.) syllables in order to enable the puppet's mouth movements to match both channels o~
audio.) BUMPERS: You do ~reat math, Polly!
PO~LY: Thanks. Why don't you ask him or her (re~erring to the camera~ another que~tion, Professor Bumpers~ (NOTE: Polly's reference to the child's sex i~ a m~mory branch, mea~ing that the chiId'~
sex was recalled from memory.) ; ~ BUMPERS: I'd love to. Which is the only animal that can make no sound? Here are three choices:
aj giraf~e ~) rhinoceros c) elephant.
Answer a, b, or c, nowl .
~31~323 POLLY: Well, Bu~pers, what's the scoop? I'm anxious to see the answerl (NOTE: The above line o~ Polly's is delivered while the video is on a two-shot of Polly and ~he Professor, and remains on ~he two-shot for the first 3 words of the Professor's next line. After the Professo:r says "W 11, I
have" the video cuts to a close-up shot o~ Polly listening lntently.) BUMPERS: Well, I have (Video cut~ to close-up shot of Polly listening.~
. .qood news. our friend bad news. Our friend picked gira~e, and is picked the wrona answer!
abso~utely correctl Only a giraffe can make no sound. (*No syllable count i~ necessary during Bumpers' dialogue, ~ince : we are not seeing him ' speaking.~
POLLY: Hey,/you/arejve/ry/smartl Nice/try,/but/no/ci/gar!
(**A syllable count ls necessary for Polly's line, since we are seeing . -21-.
~3~3~3 her speaking. Both lines cc~ntain 6 syllables as shown . ) BUMPERS: Can we sum up everything our friend did, Polly?
(*** All branchas following th:is point are memory branches, meaning the content xef ers back to an ~-arlier selection made by the child a~ home. ) POLLY: Sure I First, our frierld told us that .
he is a boy. Next, he ~ she i5 a irl. Next, told you ' she told you that I should subtract the ~ that I should multiply number ~ from 18 . number 9 and 18 . * (Each a 3:ranch has 9 ~yllables~
.
BUMPERS: I remembPr !
.
POLLY: And lastly, our frierld And lastly, our friend was was riqht by answerinq wron~, and that was ~ira~îe. unfortunate. ** (**Each branch has 8 syllablas ) ~3~323 BUMPERS Thanks, Polly. I enjoyed working wi~h our friend at home today, didn't you~
POLLY: I always enjoy teaching I a:Lways enjoy teaching little _o~s new things little glrls new things.
BUMPERS
AND
PO~LY, 500dbye, and have a nice day!
Thus, by utilizing the present invention, interacti~e television programming may be provided in which two or more audio channel~ may be synched to a common v~deo channel, with the video belng full motion and full resolution video which is co=patible with all audio channels which may be individually selected by the user to provide the full motion audio wisual telsvision presen~ation using dyna~ic button selection for the choicesO ~ :~
What is cla1med is:
:
:.
4,555,730; 3,~21,098; 4,665,431: 3,440,342: 3,860,745;
3,387,084; ~uch as for providing stereo, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,646,150; 4,603,349 and 4,621,282; or the prior art use o~ program substitution, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,366,731.
By utilizing applicant's unique system and method, howev~r, interact~ive telev~sion may not only be provided u~ing conv~ntional videotape equipment or conventional broadcast or ~4323 cable television, but previously recorded non-interactive movies or television programs can readily be rerecorded to provide an interactive television program. These advantages are not believed to be present in the prior art known to applicant.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTI:ON
The present invention relates to a tel.evision system for providing an interactive full motion synchecl compatiblP
audio/visual television display presen~ation based on dynamic user ~election of a plurality of choices for a multiple video frame common full motion television display. The television system includes means, such as a conventional VCR or video disc, for providing a common full motion multiple video frame audio/visual television display comprising a common interrogatory mes age and a plurality o~ user selectable choices related to the common interrogatory ~essage, and a plurality of ~yllable synched user selectable audio presentations corresponding to the user selectable co~mon interrogatory message related choices and which are compatible with a ~ubsequent common full motion video fra~e subsequent to the common interrogatory message containing vldeo frame. The audio pre~cntations comprise responsive messages to the common interrogatory message and have a dif~erent word content but, substantially identical syllable content portions for providing a plurality o~ dynamic user selectable synched different 1 31~323 responsive audio messages to the previous video fra~e common int~rrogatory message in the common full motion television displayO Thus, two or more audio channels are synched to a common video channel in providing the full motion interactive television display over the common television channel. The audio may be provided as a multiplexed signal multiplexed into the video siynal or multiplexed into an existing audio channel or may be a stereo type signal. In addition to providing such an interactive program for a single user from a storaye media, such a6 a video cassette or video disc, the program may be broadcast or sent over cable television to a plurality of users who may then independently dynamically make their own choice of the audio/visual television display to be provided. The dynamic selectlon may employ a plurallty of selectors, such as buttons, which are actually greater in number than the nu~ber o~ provided audio choices, whereby greater ~lexibility is provided. For example, one or two or more o~ the buttons can refer to a generically wrong answer while only one o~ the buttons can re~ar to a speci~ic right answer. These buttons and combinations of buttons can vary with each question.
In recording the interactive television programming to be provided, the method employed involves recording a first choice audio/visual television presentation, such as the most likely or correct one o~ a plurality of audio channel choic~s, and then subaQque~tly recording the second and other subsequent ~3~323 user selectable audio choices over the first choice on all but one of the othe.r audio channels by syllable synching these subsequent audio choices to the ~irst recorcled choice, such as by changing only cerkain key words in the subsequent responsive messages being recorded~ The recorded audio in each instance is syllable synched and compatibl0 with the mouth movements of an animated character, such as a puppet or human or cartoon animation, in the common video scene in which the audio responsive message will be provided in a full motion and ~ull resolutlon audiQ/visual television di~play. Side shots, cut aways, reaction shots etc., may also be used to provide the compatible syllable synched television display. Previously recorded television programs or movies can also be used as a source ~or interactive programming by selecting scenes from these ~how~ lending themselves to syllable synching of different choices and rerecording these programs to lnsert the interactive audio port1ons o the progra~ming.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG.l is a block diagram of a VCR bassd television sy~tem in accordance wit~ the present invention in ~hich two or more audio channels are multiplexed into the video line;
FIG.2 ls a block diagram, similar to FIG.l, in which two or more audio channels are multiplexed into the existing audio channel;
FIG.3 is a block diagram similar to FIG.l in which the t~levision ~ignal is taken of~ the air, with a VCR ~ront-end and the received audio multiplexed into tha received video signal;
FIG,4 is a block diagram similar to FIG.2 in which the television signal is taken off the air, with a VCR front-end and th2 received audio multiplexed into the existing audio channel;
FIG.5 is a block diagram similar to FI~.l in which t~P
televi~ion ~ignal is taken off the air with a simplified ~V
front-end and the received audio multipl~xed into the received video llne; and FI~.6 i~ a block diagram similar to FIG,2 in which the television signal is taken off the air with a simplified TV
~ront-end and the received audio multiplexed into the existing audio channel.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT TH~ INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in detail, the present invention is a system and method for providing interactive television by using conventional video recording equipment or conventional broadcast or cable television. FIGS, 1 and 2 show interactiYe television systems in accordance with the present invention in which a conventional VCR by way o~ example, is used a6 the source of the int~r~ctive programming in accordance wlt~ the present invention, and FIGS. 3-6 show interactive ~31~323 systems in which a conventional broadcast or cable television is used a~ the source of the interactive programming in accordance with the present invention. Basically, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the interactive programming o~ the present invention is provided by synching two or more audio channels to a common video channel, with the video and audio being carefully programmed 50 that the video is compatible with all audio channels. The audio channels each contain syllable synched portions or interactive branches so as to provide different syllable ~ynched responsive messages to a common interrogatory message video presentation using a common vidao presentation containlng animated charactex mouth movements with which the different syllable synched audio portions are compatible. In this manner, from the viewer's point of view, the television programming appears totally interactive in providing a full motion audio/visual television pre~entation.
: Dl~erent appro~ches for providing the interactive programming of the present invention will be dPscribed with reference to FIGS. 1-6. In each of these approaches, preferably dynamic user selection is provided such as by using a plurality o~ selector buttons, or a joystick by way of example, in which each button or selector can be dynamically assigned to any audio track for each question or interrogatory message during the interactive programming presentation. For . -8-13~L~323 .
example, $f there were three button selectors and two audio tracks or channel~, for a given question, by way of example, channel 1 could be assigned to button 1 and channel 2 could be assigned to both buttons 2 and 3. Thus, if the user selected button 2 or 3 in this example he would hear what is on audio channel 2. Similarly, in such a three button, two channel arrangement, buttons 1 and 2 could be dynamically assigned to audio channel 1 and button 3 to audio channel 2 for a given question, or buttons 1 and 3 could he assigned to audio channel 2 and button 2 to audio channel 1 for a given gue~tion. Such an arrangement in whic~ dynamic user or button selection is provided provides greater variability of the que~tions and answer6 and enables a more efficient use of the audio channels.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an interactive television system 10 in accorda~ce with the pre~ent invention i8 shown in which the preferred interactive programming is stored on a conventional video cassette 12 or video disc or other storage media, and two or more audio channels containing the presently pre~erred syllable synched audio signals are conventionall~
multiplexed 1nto the video line. Any conventional technique for =ultiplexing the audio into the video line may be employed such aB pul~e amplitude modulation, pulse duration modulation or pul~e code modulation or digitizing. In the pulse amplitude modulation approach, a sample o~ the audio channel is inserted into aither the front porch area, the back porch areaJ both ~3~ 323 areas, or into the active portion of the video line. In the puise duration modulation approach, a pulse, whose duration is proportional to the ~ignal at sampling time, is inserted into the front porch, bacX porch or active video portions of the video line. In the digitizing or pulse code modulation approach, the audio is digitized and the coded sample i5 then placed into the front porch and back porch area and/or the active portion o~ the video line; In the example of FIG. 1, the interactive program with the encoded audio is played back through a convention~l VCR 12, into the control module 14. The control module 14 contains a conventional demultiplexer 16 which conventionally extracts the presently preferred audio ~iynal from the video signal and provides it to a conventional analog switch 18. The video passes through to a conventional RF modulator 20 wlth the slgnal also being pa~sed to a video line co~mand 3eparator 22, to b~ described in greater detail hereinafter, which, together with computer 24 and the dyna~ic choice ~elector 2S, determine the select~d user audio choice to be combined with the video in RF modulator 20 to provide the presently preferred interactive full motion audio/visual television display. The selected audio channel as well as the video provided ~rom the VCR 12 are pre~erably conventionally up modulated to, for example, channel 3 or 4, by RF modulator 20, with the interactive programming then being displayed or viewed on a conventional television receiver ~not shown). By putting ~31~323 the presently preferred audio tracks into the video portion of tha signal in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a viewer who does not have a control module 14 to decode the presently preferred audio ~ignal would be able to hear a different non-interactive audlo channel, ~uch as one provided via the regular audio signal.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the system lOa is basically the same as the interactive television system 10 previously described with reference to FIG. 1, with like re~erence numerals being used for like functioniny components, with the exception that in this instance the two or more presently preferred audio channels containing the preferred syllable synched compatible audio si~nal~ are multlplexed into the exlsting audlo channel, or placed in available channel~ if the VCR 12a i~ a conventional st2reo VCR~ Thus, the conventional demultiplexer 16a in control module 14a conventionally demultiplexes the audio channel and provides tha dem~ltiplixed signal to the conventional analog switch 18 with the video still being passed to the conventional RF modulator 20 along with the selected audio from switch 18. The balance of the operation i8 the ~ame as previou~ly described with respect to FIG. 1.
Ref~rring now to FIG. 3, the operation of the interactive television ~ystem lOb is preferably identical to that previously described with reference to FIG. 1 with the ,: . . . ~ .,, ~3~4323 exception that the source of the presently preferred interactive television programming is a conventional television type broadcast or cable television transmission over the air in which the presently preferred audio signals have been multiplexed into the video signal at the head end and transmitted in this format, with the conventional VCR 12 being used as a tuner for the television signal rec ived via the conv~ntional TV antenna or cable 28. Preferably, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, audio on the normal television audio channel i~ chosen to be compatible with the video so as te permit viewer~ who do no~ own a VCR 12 or have a control module 14 to watch and listen to the program in a non-interactive manner.
Referrlng now to FIG. 4, the operation of the interactive televi~ion system lOc i~ praferably identical to that previou~ly de~cribed with reference to ~IG. 2 with the exception that the source of the presently preferred interact~ve televisio~ programming i~ a conventlonal tPlevision type broadcast or cable television transmission over the air in which ths pre~ently preferred audio ~ignals have been multiplexed into the existing audio channel, or placed in available channels if it is a stereo broadcast, at the head end and tran~mittad in this format, with the conventional VCR 12a belng used a~ a tuner for the televis~on signal received via the conventional TV antenna or cable 28. In this instance, however, as contr~sted with the embodiment of FIG. 3, since the existing audio channel (or channels for stereo) haa already been utilized, non-interactive programming cannot be available at the sa~e time.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the operation of the interactive television system lOd is preferably identical to that previously described with reference to ~IG. 3 with the exception that th~ conventional ~CR 12 is rleplaced with a conventional simplified TV ~ront end tuner 30 which functions in the ~a~e manner a~ the VCR 12 tuner to receive the transmitted television signal and provide it to the control module 14. Ag with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 3, non-interactive television programming can also be provid~d in the same manner as accomplished in FIG. 3.
Re~erring now to FIG. 6, the operation of the interactive telavision sy~tem lOe is preferably identical to that previously described with reference to FIG. 4 with the exception that the conventional VCR 12a is replaced by the previously mentio~ed conventional simplified TY front-end tuner 30 which functions in the same manner as the VCR 12a tuner to receive the transmitted televi~ion signal and provide it to the control module 14a. Because the existing audio channel or channel are used, how ver, a~ was the case with the embodiment o~ FIG. 4, no~-interactive television programm~ng cannot be provided at the ~ame time.
1 3 1 ~ 3 ~ ~
With respect to the video line command separator 22 present in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, this circuit is conventional and conventionally extracts one line, such as a line in the range of between line 15 and 22, from the video stream, and extracts the serial data contained therein for processing by the computer 24, which is pre:ferably a conventional 4 bit microprocessor having about 64 bytes of RAM
and 2K bytes of ROM, and which conventionally interprets the commands extracted by the video line command separator 22 and the dynamic user selected choices indicated by convention~l choice selector 26, which may be a hard wired or wireles~ link to computer 24, and then conventionally operates analog switch 18 to provide the selected audio signal to the RF modulator 20. By way of example, the serial data encoded commands enable the microprocessor 24 to conventionally accomplish the ~ollowing tas~ or functions: read entry, go to channel dePined by last entry, if entry is "x" then make entry "y", if entry is "x" then ~ake entry "y" and go to that channel, store entry at memory "z" go to channel defined by memory "z", other TBD. Of course, although the commands are described, by way o~ example, a~ being encoded into the video, they may in tead be conventionally encoded into the audio if desired.
Although various conventional techniques for multiplexing the audio channels containing the presently preferred syllable synched audio signals have been described, others may o~ course 13~323 be utllized, such a~ the use of two channels associated with conventional ~tereo video cas~ette recorders or the use o~ two channel~ as~ociated with a conventional 3tereo broadca~t.
Now that various systems 10-lOe have been described for providing the presently preferred interactive television programming, the presently preferred ~ethod of recording such programming so as to enable such interactive programming to occur shall be describ~d. Assuming the interactive program is to be recorded live for the first time rather than rerecording a previous non-interactive movie or televi~:ion show to make it interactive, the video is recorded prefera~ly along with the most likely (or correct choice) portion of the audio first.
Assuming the VCR iB a conventional "video tape or 3/4" video tape machine with two audio channels, th~ audio portion is preferably recorded on both channels. During the recording, an instant of silence should be provided be~ore and after each branch. After the first recording of the program, the alternate branch or choice should be recorded on the appropriate audio tracX wh~ch will erase or record over the first alternate on that track and replace it with thP second such a~ in the ~ollowlng example:
1. "Hello my ~riend, I see you answered true. It~s a fact that...
2. "Hello my friend, I see you an~wered false."
In the above example, only the word "true" is actually .;, ~
131~32~
recorded over the ~irst branch choice on the second branch audio channel. 0~ course, as previously mentioned, a substantially identical syllable count is needed for the second choice if any type of ~outh movement is seen in the corresponding ~ideo so that both choice appear to be visually the same. In order to do this, the actor who recorded the first choice in the original program should view the replayed video on a studio monitor, ~or example, and wear headphones in order to h~ar what was originally recorded. The actor then resays the same line but changes the branch word or phrase while watching the video, such as the phrase '~a boy" in the above example. Watching the video will make it easier to sync~up the voice. The actor preferably says ~he whole line again even though only the branch di~ference actually gets recorded over the previously recorded first choice on the second branch audio channel. By doing this, it preferably assures that proper pacing and naturalness o~ voice i~
achiev~d. The actor should preferably be in the same po~ition as when the original or fir~t branch was recorded and the microphone should be similarly positioned. This will prevent the tone and timbre of the voice ~rom soundlng different.
Preferably, the wearing o~ headphones by the actor insures that no leaking of ~ound from the branch that was shot first is recorded onto the alternate branch. By simply playing back either of the two audlo tracks while wa~ching the video, one 13~323 can hear and see if the desired result has been achiev~d. If not, the alternate branch may ~e rerecorded again~ This same approach can b~ u~ed in recording compatible audio to ~o with previously recorded movies or t~levision programs that lend themselves to audio synching with the video portions of those programs. In this regard, whether original programming or preexistiny programming, certain types of animated characters lend themselve~ to being programming characters to which th~
audio ~ynching technique can be readily applied. These character6, by way of example, are puppet~, talking animals, animation, voice over segments, people, robots, etc. With respect to peopla, side shots, moving shots, or wide shots generally work best, as doe~ group singing.
3y utiliæing a ~lcroprocessor 24 in th2 control module 14, 14a, it can, if desired, not allow changes o~ channels except when desired, such as from the mo~snt the previous branch ended until a moment before the current branch takes place, it can maintain memory on a branch selection, ~uch as reme~bering a previous answer and causing it to be subsequently repeated a many times as des$red, it can maintain memory on a button selection, it can do logic operations, and it can allow many branche~, one right a~ter the other, to create large co~binations of output. It can blank out all video and audio if certaln requirements are not met (such as r~ceiving less than 80 points on a test or ~etting less than 6 out of 7 clues ~3~ ~323 correct). Users who exceed these limits could get to see additional programming, such as payoffs, reward~, or more material, or the system could give remedial instruction to those who need it while the other group see~ the end of the program sooner (unbeknown to them). The adclitional ~aterial can be interactive in effect providing a reall video branch.
But no matter how flexible the microprocessor 24 is, it is still the creation of the script for the int:eractive program that is important. Parts that are ganeric ~ust work for both portions of the branch whereas the branches themselves must pxeferably be as specific as possible. An exa~ple of such a script is given below for two audio channels.
- 13~32~
EXAMPLE OF A SCRIPT
POLLY: Hallo, I 'm l?olly the Parrot (a puppet), and this i~ my ~idekick, Professor Bumpers ~a person). We would like to ask you 3 questions today. First --are yotl a boy, or a girl? Pres~ the -op button if you ' re a boy, or the bottom butl:on i f you I re a girl! Oh, I an see that you're a boy. ' a qirl.
O
: ~ ' B~PERS: Well, how nice to meet youl May I ask a question now, Polly?
POLLY: Sure ~- go right ahead !
:.~
B~lMPERS: Here are ~ numbr~: 18 and 9. If you want Polly to subtract them press 'che middle button; or if you want Polly to multiply them, press the bottom button. Go ahead -~ press one.
~: ~
~31~323 .
I subtract them and I multiply and get come up with the answer one hundrPd-sixty-two.
nine. ~Note: this ' tNote: this answer answer consists of 12 also consists o~ 12 syllables.) syllables in order to enable the puppet's mouth movements to match both channels o~
audio.) BUMPERS: You do ~reat math, Polly!
PO~LY: Thanks. Why don't you ask him or her (re~erring to the camera~ another que~tion, Professor Bumpers~ (NOTE: Polly's reference to the child's sex i~ a m~mory branch, mea~ing that the chiId'~
sex was recalled from memory.) ; ~ BUMPERS: I'd love to. Which is the only animal that can make no sound? Here are three choices:
aj giraf~e ~) rhinoceros c) elephant.
Answer a, b, or c, nowl .
~31~323 POLLY: Well, Bu~pers, what's the scoop? I'm anxious to see the answerl (NOTE: The above line o~ Polly's is delivered while the video is on a two-shot of Polly and ~he Professor, and remains on ~he two-shot for the first 3 words of the Professor's next line. After the Professo:r says "W 11, I
have" the video cuts to a close-up shot o~ Polly listening lntently.) BUMPERS: Well, I have (Video cut~ to close-up shot of Polly listening.~
. .qood news. our friend bad news. Our friend picked gira~e, and is picked the wrona answer!
abso~utely correctl Only a giraffe can make no sound. (*No syllable count i~ necessary during Bumpers' dialogue, ~ince : we are not seeing him ' speaking.~
POLLY: Hey,/you/arejve/ry/smartl Nice/try,/but/no/ci/gar!
(**A syllable count ls necessary for Polly's line, since we are seeing . -21-.
~3~3~3 her speaking. Both lines cc~ntain 6 syllables as shown . ) BUMPERS: Can we sum up everything our friend did, Polly?
(*** All branchas following th:is point are memory branches, meaning the content xef ers back to an ~-arlier selection made by the child a~ home. ) POLLY: Sure I First, our frierld told us that .
he is a boy. Next, he ~ she i5 a irl. Next, told you ' she told you that I should subtract the ~ that I should multiply number ~ from 18 . number 9 and 18 . * (Each a 3:ranch has 9 ~yllables~
.
BUMPERS: I remembPr !
.
POLLY: And lastly, our frierld And lastly, our friend was was riqht by answerinq wron~, and that was ~ira~îe. unfortunate. ** (**Each branch has 8 syllablas ) ~3~323 BUMPERS Thanks, Polly. I enjoyed working wi~h our friend at home today, didn't you~
POLLY: I always enjoy teaching I a:Lways enjoy teaching little _o~s new things little glrls new things.
BUMPERS
AND
PO~LY, 500dbye, and have a nice day!
Thus, by utilizing the present invention, interacti~e television programming may be provided in which two or more audio channel~ may be synched to a common v~deo channel, with the video belng full motion and full resolution video which is co=patible with all audio channels which may be individually selected by the user to provide the full motion audio wisual telsvision presen~ation using dyna~ic button selection for the choicesO ~ :~
What is cla1med is:
:
:.
Claims (30)
1. A television system for providing an interactive full motion synched compatible audio/visual television display presentation based on dynamic user selection of a plurality of choices for a multiple video frame common full motion television display, said system comprising:
means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display, said provided common full motion television display comprising a plurality of synched successive video frames, at least one of said successive video frames comprising a common interrogatory message and a plurality of user selectable choices related to said common interrogatory message, and for providing a plurality of user selectable audio presentations corresponding to said user selectable common interrogatory message related choices, said plurality of audio presentations being synched to and compatible with a subsequent common full motion video frame video presentation in said common full motion television display subsequent to said common interrogatory message containing video frame, said plurality of user selectable audio presentations comprising a plurality of user selectable resonsive messages to said common interrogatory message and having different word content and substantially identical syllable content portions for providing a plurality of dynamic user selectable syllable synched different responsive audio messages to said previous video frame common interrogatory message in said common full motion televison display; and means for dynamically selecting one of said plurality of selectable syllable synched different responsive messages from said plurality of user selectable responsive messages and for providing said subsequent common full motion video frame presentation comprising said common full motion video frame and said dynamic user selected synched audio presentation compatible therewith for providing said user selectable interactive audio/visual full motion television display over a common television channel.
means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display, said provided common full motion television display comprising a plurality of synched successive video frames, at least one of said successive video frames comprising a common interrogatory message and a plurality of user selectable choices related to said common interrogatory message, and for providing a plurality of user selectable audio presentations corresponding to said user selectable common interrogatory message related choices, said plurality of audio presentations being synched to and compatible with a subsequent common full motion video frame video presentation in said common full motion television display subsequent to said common interrogatory message containing video frame, said plurality of user selectable audio presentations comprising a plurality of user selectable resonsive messages to said common interrogatory message and having different word content and substantially identical syllable content portions for providing a plurality of dynamic user selectable syllable synched different responsive audio messages to said previous video frame common interrogatory message in said common full motion televison display; and means for dynamically selecting one of said plurality of selectable syllable synched different responsive messages from said plurality of user selectable responsive messages and for providing said subsequent common full motion video frame presentation comprising said common full motion video frame and said dynamic user selected synched audio presentation compatible therewith for providing said user selectable interactive audio/visual full motion television display over a common television channel.
2. A television system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display and said plurality of user selectable audio presentation comprises a common storage media for said synched compatible video and audio presentations.
3. A television system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said common storage media comprises a video cassette recording.
4. A television system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said common storage media comprises a video disc recording.
5. A television system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said subsequently provided common full motion video frame video presentations comprises an animated character having mouth movements common to said identical syllable content portions of said plurality of selectable syllable synched different responsive messages.
6. A television system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said animated character is a puppet.
7. A television system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said animated character is a cartoon animation.
8. A television system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said animated character is a human character.
9. A television system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said subsequently provided common full motion video frame video presentations comprises an animated character having youth movements common to said identical syllable content portions of said plurality of selectable syllable synched different responsive messages.
10. A television system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display and said plurality of synched user selectable audio presentations comprises means for providing said synched user selectable audio presentations as a multiplexed audio signal, said dynamic selecting means comprising means for demultiplexing said multiplexed audio signal for providing said subsequent common full motion video frame presentation comprising said common full motion video frame and said dynamic user selected synched audio presentation compatible therewith.
11. A television system in accordance with claim 10 wherein said means for providing said video frames comprises means for providing said video frames as a video signal, said means for providing said multiplexed audio signal further comprising means for providing said multiplexed audio signal multiplexed into said video signal.
12. A television system in accordance with claim 11 wherein said means for providing said audio signal multiplexed into said video signal comprises means for pulse amplitude modulating said audio signal with said video signal.
13. A television system in accordance with claim 11 wherein said means for providing said audio signal multiplexed into said video signal comprises means for digitizing said audio signals and inserting said digitized audio signals into an active portion of said video signal.
14. A television system in accordance with claim 10 wherein said means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display and said plurality of user selectable audio presentation comprises a common storage media fox said synched compatible video and audio presentations.
15. A television system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said multiplexed audio signal is provided from an existing audio channel of said storage media.
16. A television system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said common storage media comprises a video cassette recording.
17. A television system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said common storage media comprises a video disc recording.
18. A television system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said subsequently provided common full motion video frame video presentations comprises an animated character having mouth movements common to said identical syllable content portions of said plurality of selectable syllable synched different responsive messages.
19. A television system in accordance with claim 10 wherein said subsequently provided common full motion video frame video presentations comprises an animated character having mouth movements common to said identical syllable content portions of said plurality of selectable syllable synched different responsive messages.
20. A television system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for dynamically selecting one of said plurality of selectable syllable synched different responsive messages comprises a plurality of selectors greater than the plurality of user selectable choices a portion of said plurality of selectors being made dynamically common to one of said choices in said plurality of user selectable choices and being dynamically changeable for different common interrogatory messages.
21. A television system in accordance with claim 20 wherein said selectors comprise button selectors.
22. A television system in accordance with claim 20 wherein said means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display and said plurality of synched user selectable audio presentations comprises means for providing said synched user selectable audio presentations as a multiplexed audio signal, said dynamic selecting means comprising means for demultiplexing said multiplexed audio signal for providing said subsequent common full motion video frame presentation comprising said common full motion video frame and said dynamic user selected synched audio presentation compatible therewith.
23. A television system in accordance with claim 22 wherein said means for providing said video frames comprises means for providing said video frames as a video signal, said means for providing said multiplexed audio signal further comprising means for providing said multiplexed audio signal multiplexed into said video signal.
24. A television system in accordance with claim 23 wherein said means for providing said audio signal multiplexed into said video signal comprises means for pulse amplitude modulating said audio signal with said video signal.
25. A television system in accordance with claim 23 wherein said means for providing said audio signal multiplexed into said video signal comprises means for digitizing said audio signals and inserting said digitized audio signals into an active portion of said video signal.
26. A television system in accordance with claim 11 wherein said means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display further comprises means for providing an additional audio signal synched to and compatible with said video signal successive video frame for providing a subsequent common full motion audio/visual video frame presentation absent said dynamic selection by said user.
27. A television system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said provided common full motion video frame provides a user selectable full motion and full resolution audio/visual television display.
28. A television system in accordace with claim 11 wherein said means for providing said audio signal multiplexed into said video signal comprises means for pulse duration modulating said audio signal with said video signal.
29. A television system in accordance with claim 23 wherein said means for providing said audio signal multiplexed into said video signal comprises mean for pulse duration modulating said audio signal with said video signal.
30. A television system for providing an interactive full motion synched compatible audio/visual television display presentation based on dynamic user selection of a plurality of choices for a multiple video frame common full motion television display, said system comprising:
means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display, said provided common full motion television display comprising a plurality of synched successive video frames, at least one of said successive video frames comprising a common interrogatory message and a plurality of user selectable output choices related to said common interrogatory message, and for providing a plurality of user selectable simultaneously provided audio output presentations corresponding to said user selectable common interrogatory message related choices, said plurality of simultaneously provided audio presentations being synched to and compatible with a subsequent common full motion video frame video presentation in said common full motion television display subsequent to said common interrogatory message containing video frame, said plurality of simultaneously provided user selectable audio output presentations comprising a plurality of simultaneously provided user selectable responsive output messages to said common interrogatory message, said plurality of user selectable responsive output messages having different word content with substantially identical syllable content portions for providing a plurality of simultaneously provided dynamic user selectable syllable synched different responsive audio output messages to said previous video frame common interrogatory message in said common full motion television display; and means for dynamically selecting one of said plurality of selectable simultaneously provided syllable synched different responsive output messages from said plurality of user selectable responsive output messages and for providing said subsequent common full motion video frame presentation comprising said common full motion video frame and said dynamic user selected one syllable synched audio presentation compatible therewith for providing said user selectable interactive audio/visual full motion television display over a common television channel; whereby there is no discernable syllable distinction in whichever one of said audio output choices is matched to said common video full motion frame.
means for providing said common full motion multiple video frame television display, said provided common full motion television display comprising a plurality of synched successive video frames, at least one of said successive video frames comprising a common interrogatory message and a plurality of user selectable output choices related to said common interrogatory message, and for providing a plurality of user selectable simultaneously provided audio output presentations corresponding to said user selectable common interrogatory message related choices, said plurality of simultaneously provided audio presentations being synched to and compatible with a subsequent common full motion video frame video presentation in said common full motion television display subsequent to said common interrogatory message containing video frame, said plurality of simultaneously provided user selectable audio output presentations comprising a plurality of simultaneously provided user selectable responsive output messages to said common interrogatory message, said plurality of user selectable responsive output messages having different word content with substantially identical syllable content portions for providing a plurality of simultaneously provided dynamic user selectable syllable synched different responsive audio output messages to said previous video frame common interrogatory message in said common full motion television display; and means for dynamically selecting one of said plurality of selectable simultaneously provided syllable synched different responsive output messages from said plurality of user selectable responsive output messages and for providing said subsequent common full motion video frame presentation comprising said common full motion video frame and said dynamic user selected one syllable synched audio presentation compatible therewith for providing said user selectable interactive audio/visual full motion television display over a common television channel; whereby there is no discernable syllable distinction in whichever one of said audio output choices is matched to said common video full motion frame.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US074,138 | 1987-07-16 | ||
| US07/074,138 US4847698A (en) | 1987-07-16 | 1987-07-16 | Interactive television system for providing full motion synched compatible audio/visual displays |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1314323C true CA1314323C (en) | 1993-03-09 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000564491A Expired - Fee Related CA1314323C (en) | 1987-07-16 | 1988-04-19 | Interactive television system for providing full motion synched compatible audio/visual displays |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4847698A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0299829A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH01138870A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU611148B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1314323C (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3245157A (en) * | 1963-10-04 | 1966-04-12 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Audio visual teaching system |
| US4264924A (en) * | 1978-03-03 | 1981-04-28 | Freeman Michael J | Dedicated channel interactive cable television system |
| EP0016314A1 (en) * | 1979-02-05 | 1980-10-01 | Best, Robert MacAndrew | Method and apparatus for voice dialogue between a video picture and a human |
| US4569026A (en) * | 1979-02-05 | 1986-02-04 | Best Robert M | TV Movies that talk back |
| US4333152A (en) * | 1979-02-05 | 1982-06-01 | Best Robert M | TV Movies that talk back |
| US4305131A (en) * | 1979-02-05 | 1981-12-08 | Best Robert M | Dialog between TV movies and human viewers |
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1987
- 1987-07-16 US US07/074,138 patent/US4847698A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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1988
- 1988-04-19 CA CA000564491A patent/CA1314323C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-05-10 AU AU16005/88A patent/AU611148B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1988-06-29 EP EP88401674A patent/EP0299829A3/en not_active Ceased
- 1988-07-15 JP JP63177983A patent/JPH01138870A/en active Pending
Also Published As
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|---|---|
| JPH01138870A (en) | 1989-05-31 |
| AU1600588A (en) | 1989-01-19 |
| AU611148B2 (en) | 1991-06-06 |
| EP0299829A3 (en) | 1989-03-15 |
| EP0299829A2 (en) | 1989-01-18 |
| US4847698A (en) | 1989-07-11 |
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