172 results about "Interactive advertising" patented technology

A device allows easy and unencumbered interaction between a person and a computer display system using the person's (or another object's) movement and position as input to the computer. In some configurations, the display can be projected around the user so that that the person's actions are displayed around them. The video camera and projector operate on different wavelengths so that they do not interfere with each other. Uses for such a device include, but are not limited to, interactive lighting effects for people at clubs or events, interactive advertising displays, etc. Computer-generated characters and virtual objects can be made to react to the movements of passers-by, generate interactive ambient lighting for social spaces such as restaurants, lobbies and parks, video game systems and create interactive information spaces and art installations. Patterned illumination and brightness and gradient processing can be used to improve the ability to detect an object against a background of video images.

An in-vehicle device data communicates with global network based data processing resources for the purpose of transacting e-commerce and e-business. The in-vehicle device and the global network based data processing resources can effectuate a wide variety of e-commerce and e-business including accessing auto part databases, warranty, customer, and other remote databases. In addition, e-commerce and e-business transactions can include vehicle security and vehicle service management, data communicating Internet based radio, audio, MP3, MPEG, video, and other types of data. Furthermore, e-commerce and e-business transactions can include interactive advertising, promotional offers, coupons, and supporting other remote data communications.

Furthermore, the in-vehicle device can also effectuate remote monitoring of vehicle performance, data communicating and accessing remote global network based content and data, and effectuating adjustments and control of vehicle operation. Remote monitoring and control of vehicle operation can be by way of a global network based data processing resources.

A design professional such as an interior designer running a browser program at a client computer (i) optionally causes a digital image of a room, or a room model, or room images to be transmitted across the world wide web to a graphics server computer, and (ii) interactively selects furnishings from this server computer, so as to (iii) receive and display to his or her client a high-fidelity high-quality virtual-reality perspective-view image of furnishings displayed in, most commonly, an actual room of a client's home. Opticians may, for example, (i) upload one or more images of a client's head, and (ii) select eyeglass frames and components, to (iii) display to a prospective customer eyeglasses upon the customer's own head. The realistic images, optionally provided to bona fide design professionals for free, promote the sale to the client of goods which are normally obtained through the graphics service provider, profiting both the service provider and the design professional. Models of existing objects are built as necessary from object views. Full custom objects, including furniture and eyeglasses not yet built, are readily presented in realistic virtual image.

Also, a method of interactive advertising permits a prospective customer of a product, such as a vehicle, to view a virtual image of the selected product located within a customer-selected virtual scene, such as the prospective customer's own home driveway. Imaging for all purposes is supported by comprehensive and complete 2D to 3D image translation with precise object placement, scaling, angular rotation, coloration, shading and lighting so as to deliver flattering perspective images that, by selective lighting, arguably look better than actual photographs of real world objects within the real world.

Signals associated with a media channel can convey programming to a television system. The programming can comprise segments of entertainment content and segments of commercial or advertising content. The signals can comprise distinctive waveform features between the segments of entertainment content and advertising content. For example, an abrupt change in the amplitude or phase of the waveform can provide an indication of a transition between a segment of entertainment content and a segment of advertising content. A signal processing system can monitor or analyze the signals to detect the distinctive waveform features. In response to detecting a feature and determining that the media channel has transitioned between conveying entertainment content and conveying commercial content, a media control system can present alternative or replacement content on the television system. The alternative content can comprise interactive advertising, for example.

A design professional such as an interior designer, furniture sales associate or advertising designer running a browser program at a client computer (i) uses the world wide web to connect to a graphics server computer, and (ii) interactively selects or specifies furnishings or other objects from this server computer and previews the scene and communicates with the server, so as to (iii) receive and display to his or her client a high-fidelity high-quality virtual-reality perspective-view photorealistic image of furnishings or other objects displayed in, most commonly, a virtual representation of an actual room of a client's home or an advertisement scene. The photorealistic images, optionally provided to bona fide design professionals and their clients for free, but typically paid for by the product's manufacturer, promote the sale to the client of goods which are normally obtained through the graphics service provider's customer's distributor, profiting both the service provider and the design professional. Models, textures and maps of existing objects are built as necessary from object views or actual objects. Full custom objects, including furniture and other products not yet built, are readily presented in realistic virtual image. Also, a method of interactive advertising permits a prospective customer of a product, such as furniture, to view a virtual but photorealistic, image of a selected product located within a customer-selected scene, such as the prospective customer's own home, to allow in-context visualization.

An in-vehicle device data communicates with Internet based data processing resources for the purpose of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business. The in-vehicle device and the Internet based data processing resources can effectuate a wide variety of e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business including accessing auto part databases, warranty, customer, and other remote databases. In addition, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include vehicle security and vehicle service management, data communicating Internet based radio, audio, MP3, MPEG, video, and other types of data. Furthermore, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include interactive advertising, promotional offers, coupons, and supporting other remote data communications.

The in-vehicle device can also include functionality for remote monitoring of vehicle performance, data communicating and accessing remote Internet based content and data, and effectuating adjustments and control of vehicle operation. Remote monitoring and control of vehicle operation can be by way of an Internet based data processing resource and can include engine control system programming and setting adjustment, vehicle monitoring, and transmission of vehicle telemetry and metric data. Vehicle telemetry and metric data can include global positioning system (GPS) data, vehicle operational data, engine performance data, and other vehicle data.

The in-vehicle device can also wirelessly data communicate with a communication interface device (COM device) or an Internet appliance. Such COM devices or Internet appliances can data communicate wirelessly with an in-vehicle device and simultaneously data communicate in a wired or wireless mode of operation to Internet based data processing resources, and to other data processing resources.

An in-vehicle device data communicates with Internet based data processing resources for the purpose of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business. The in-vehicle device and the Internet based data processing resources can effectuate a wide variety of e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business including accessing auto part databases, warranty, customer, and other remote databases. In addition, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include vehicle security and vehicle service management, data communicating Internet based radio, audio, MP3, MPEG, video, and other types of data. Furthermore, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include interactive advertising, promotional offers, coupons, and supporting other remote data communications.

The in-vehicle device can also include functionality for remote monitoring of vehicle performance, data communicating and accessing remote Internet based content and data, and effectuating adjustments and control of vehicle operation. Remote monitoring and control of vehicle operation can be by way of an Internet based data processing resource and can include engine control system programming and setting adjustment, vehicle monitoring, and transmission of vehicle telemetry and metric data. Vehicle telemetry and metric data can include global positioning system (GPS) data, vehicle operational data, engine performance data, and other vehicle data.

The in-vehicle device can also wirelessly data communicate with a communication interface device (COM device) or an Internet appliance. Such COM devices or Internet appliances can data communicate wirelessly with an in-vehicle device and simultaneously data communicate in a wired or wireless mode of operation to Internet based data processing resources, and to other data processing resources.

Described are methods and apparatus for enhancing a television advertisement simultaneously displayed on a number of remote receivers. In one embodiment, one or more advertisement templates are stored in memory on each of the remote receivers. The templates include formatting information and data fields into which can be inserted predefined types of information. For example, a selected template may be adapted to receive and display an advertiser's name, product, and a hyperlink to the advertiser's web site. A content creator, (e.g., a program producer, broadcaster, affiliate, cable company or satellite provider), embeds an advertisement summary in a data service channel of a broadcast signal. The advertisement summary includes a resource identifier unique to a selected one of the advertisement templates. Upon receiving an advertisement summary directed to a resident advertisement template, the receiver combines custom advertisement information provided in the advertisement summary with formatting information provided in the advertisement template. The receiver employs the combined information to create and display a custom advertisement, which may include hyperlinks to additional produce or service information.

A method and system for collecting and using in combination data from information sources in a correlated manner to deliver more relevant and effective advertising is provided. Website owners register with a service provider, submit relevant information about their website and download website analytics software enabling relevant data to be tracked by and transmitted to the service provider's online database. Service provider also collects data from other information sources including an online website exchange, webcrawlers and other software (e.g. toolbars, cookies, javascript) that track the navigation history of individual Internet users and their demographic information. Service provider correlates and analyzes submitted data from some or all of the information sources to determine scores, meaningful ranking and other useful information regarding the efficacy of websites for potential advertisers. Potential advertisers perform search requests on the service provider's database using advertiser-specific parameters to retrieve a portfolio of advertising opportunities that are optimally matched with the advertiser's specifications. The advertisers may edit the results and submit a request via service provider to the one or multiple website owners to implement the portfolio of resulting and/or revised advertising opportunities.

Computer-based systems and methods for an advertisement displayed on a fixed position on a web browser window displaying a visible portion of a web page. The fixed position advertisement remains in its fixed position in view of the user as the user scrolls the web page in various directions. The advertisement may be sized, shaped, or formatted based on the available space on the web page and on the content of the advertisement. The advertisement may include a variety of static and dynamic content, including interaction prompts and other elements, which may enable an engagement-based revenue generation model.

Delivering interactive non-intrusive advertising content, including receiving a selection signal indicating that a user has selected an item displayed on a television screen, the item having associated non-intrusive interactive advertising content; identifying the selected item; and displaying the associated non-intrusive interactive advertising content. Embodiments typically include receiving and storing advertising data that associates the selected item with a screen region and with interactive advertising content. Receiving the advertising data often includes receiving the advertising data encoded in a video signal that includes a video image of the item. In some embodiments, the advertising data is encoded in a digital data stream separate from a video signal, and receiving the advertising data is carried out by receiving the data stream through a digital network. In typical embodiments, the advertising data includes instructions for control of the display of interactive non-intrusive advertising content for an item.

A system and method of interactive advertising is provided in which an interactive media player is configured to allow user interaction as media having advertising is played. User interaction, such as by clicking a watermark, sends a signal with identifying information. Clicking the watermark and sending the signal does not interrupt the operation of the media player, such as by stopping the display of the content or opening another browser window. The user may selectively respond to advertisements and a user profile may be created based on the responses and/or the content that is played.

Systems and methods for dynamically sizing, structuring and operating advertisements that include a variety of content, including interaction prompts and other elements, which enable an engagement-based revenue generation model. According to one embodiment, a computer implemented method comprises storing advertising content, serving an XML file from an advertising server to an advertisement manager in order to control a player on a user computer, dynamically generating the advertisement through the player based on directions from the advertisement manager and the stored content, and tracking and reporting a user's engagement with the advertisement in order to determine compensation for the publisher.

A network-connected golf game improvement and entertainment system and methods that connect golf simulators in a plurality of golf sites or residences into an interactive player network. The player network facilitates the context of interaction between players, spectators and adversities. The system and method further include an on-line marketplace that enables advertisers to purchase and place interactive advertising into specific experience channels in real-time. Advertisers would have a direct and real-time channel into their ads analytics, performance and automated financial transaction processing.

A method and system of providing interactive advertising via the Internet, print, radio and other mediums. According to one embodiment, the method comprises presenting an advertisement to a user; presenting questions to the user, the questions related to the advertisement; providing an amount of credits to the user, the amount based on a number of the questions answered correctly by the user. Such advertisements may be provided via the Internet, print, radio and other mediums. The credits may take any form, including monetary, coupons, merchandise credits and the like.

Programming is provided to a user. The programming includes content that the user wishes to play, and may also contain advertising. More specifically, the user controls various aspects of the advertising and earns value in return for agreeing to or allowing certain advertising actions. For example, in one embodiment, the programming contains blocks of advertising that separate blocks of streaming content, similar to current television advertising. The user pays a subscription fee for the streaming content. The user also has the power to determine which advertisements (or blocks of advertisements) that the user wishes to view. For example, the user may have a remote control with a “skip advertisement” button. Each advertisement has a value associated with it, and by viewing that advertisement, the user earns credits against the user's subscription fee.

A method and apparatus for recruiting, communicating with, and paying participants of interactive advertising are described. The present invention is a system through which advertisers can recruit, communicate with, and pay their potential customers for their time. The system achieves these functions without the advertiser or the customer having to be in the same location—all logistics are handled through the system's web site, database, and communications interfaces. The system enables advertisers to promote interactive seminars in which they try to sell products to potential customers. Most importantly, the advertisers are able to offer their potential customers financial rewards for their time, such as 25 cents per minute to reward a customer for listening to a sales pitch. The system then provides a real-time communications link between the advertiser and customer. The system automatically bills the advertiser and rewards the customer for the time that they interact.

A proximity sensor adapted to collect consumer location information is described. The proximity sensor includes: a detection module adapted to detect a user device within a threshold distance of the proximity sensor; a receiver adapted to collect data regarding the user device; and a communication interface adapted to allow the proximity sensor to send the collected data to a remote server. An advertising system includes: an advertising medium adapted to provide interactive advertising content to users via a multimedia output; a proximity sensor adapted to detect and communicate with user devices that pass within a threshold distance of the advertising medium; and a remote server adapted to communicate with the proximity sensor and to provide advertising content to the advertising medium. An interactive advertising device includes: a proximity sensor; and a display element adapted to display an advertising content element from among a set of advertising content elements.

A system and computerized process for interactive display of advertisements is contemplated. The computerized process is embodied by online software that enables end users to voluntarily view and interact with an advertisement. Incentives may be offered for interacting with the advertisement. The incentives may relate to data transmission parameters such as data transmission rate. The incentives may be based on a monitored level of interaction by a user with the advertisement. Upon acceptance and/or interaction with the advertisement the transmission rate of the file may be increased up to the limit of the bandwidth otherwise available to the user.

An interactive advertising system is adapted to identify, measure and track consumer exposure to a number of different advertisements and to expose consumers to several different advertisements. The system simultaneously identifies and measures the number of consumers viewing different advertisements, while displaying different selected advertisements for viewing by the consumer. The system includes a display for displaying advertisements and other information. The system functions in either one of an idle mode, wherein potential consumers are not within a sensed proximity range, and an active mode, wherein the presence of potential consumers within the proximity range is detected. In the idle mode, the system displays programmed non-advertisement information. In the active mode, the display projects a programmed sequence of advertisements, that includes full-motion color commercials that may be interspersed with other information. A sound module may be provided for generating an audio portion of the advertisements. The time period of the active mode is sensed for determining the portions of the programmed sequence of advertisements that were displayed during the active mode, for determining particular advertisements that may have been viewed by the consumer to generate data. The data is retrieved from a host computer for determining what information in the active mode was displayed and the duration that the system was in the active mode for determining consumer presence and what portions of the active mode information may have been viewed by consumers.