IL249818B

IL249818B - Video call center

Info

Publication number: IL249818B
Application number: IL249818A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: The Video Call Center Llc
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2015-06-29
Publication date: 2022-08-01
Also published as: AU2015284320A1; JP2017529024A; IL249818A0; AU2021203218A1; WO2016003942A1; EP3161816A4; JP2020123955A; CA2953797C; EP3161816A1; CN106663413A; JP6727196B2; AU2023208123A1; KR20170024065A; CA2953797A1; KR102430657B1; CN106663413B

Description

249818/ 0246199084-01 Video Call Center TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a process and system for production of video program incorporating multiplicity of internet video calls and associated conferencing device.

BACKGROUND The advent of inexpensive video telephony via services/software such as Skype ® opens the potential for video versions of caller-based talk radio. Video telephony has been used on television news and interview programs for a limited number of interviews, but programs with many viewers calling into the show have not been prevalent to date due to issues of cost benefits related to production and technical complexities and revenue limitations from audiences fractionalized by increased viewing options for the audience. Commercial video programming is economically successful when revenues exceed program costs, but as the number of video outlets has increased, audiences have fractionalized, often reducing available revenues. As a result, many content services are under cost pressure, cannot afford to produce original content on a regular basis, and are relegated to re-running recorded content that has previously aired, such content having diminishing returns with the advent of alternate viewing options and digital video recorders. This is particularly true among secondary and tertiary cable networks and local television stations during daytime periods, and some operations in prime viewing periods as well. Original live program is generally cost prohibitive for such outlets. A major component of program costs are those that occur in the live production of the program, including the costs of technical equipment, acquisition of content from remote locations, and personnel. The number of technical and production personnel is often directly related to the complexity of the production coupled with the broader operation of studios and control rooms designed for general use and therefore requiring a high level of minimum staffing regardless of program type. Often a basic studio for live production at a television network requires a minimal technical crew of a technical director (who switches from a multiplicity of video inputs), an audio engineer, and a 249818/2 0246199084-01 character generator operator responsible for creating and inserting into the video stream various names and titles. In addition, a production staff is necessary, including a producer, and various production assistants to make certain that such things as appropriate names are provided to the character generator operator. Personnel costs for staffing a single television studio for a single shift for a year can cost more than one half million dollars, before payments to the on-air talent. In contrast, radio production requires far fewer personnel because the on-air talent often also runs the control "board" him/herself, and there is no need for a separate audio person, technical director, or character generator operator. In the case of the talk radio format, a producer often works with the on-air talent to pre-screen and coordinate incoming audio calls from the general public.

SUMMARYA video call-in television system can include a plurality of video call central processing units for connecting a plurality of video calls from different callers via the internet, a caller acquisition module comprising a graphic user interface on at least one touch screen display used by an on-air talent and producer for selecting at least one video call to be aired, and an output unit for preparing and transmitting the video call signal for transmission live to a video distributor. Each video call central processing unit is dedicated to a video call. Television can include over air broadcast, video streaming, or combinations thereof. Broadcasting, transmitting or connecting via the internet can include transmission of data by wireless or wired technology, including cellular, mobile, satellite, wifi, microwave or other mode, or combinations thereof. In one aspect, the caller acquisition module runs on each video call central processing unit. In another aspect, the caller acquisition module generates an audio identification tone for each caller, and has an option to turn on or turn off the audio identification. In another aspect, the caller acquisition module generates a communication path to a voice-over-IP (V oIP) application, the V oIP application using the internet to make video telephone calls, and has an option to turn on or turn off the communication path. 249818/2 0246199084-01 In another aspect, the video call-in television system can include two or more video converters for converting video from the video call central processing units into television video In another aspect, each video call central processing unit generates a text identification or video call text overlay for a caller, and positions such text identification over the video call, prior to conversion of the video call to a video signal usable in live television with the text now integrated with the video call. The producer uses the caller acquisition module to set the text overlay to a home position, or any preset positions, to move the text around the screen, to lock the text in a specific position, and to hide the text. The producer can also use the caller acquisition module to enter the caller’s name, caller’s city, caller’s topic, and other information of the caller to the text overlay. The producer can also use the caller acquisition module to send a caller’s information to an information screen of the on-air talent and indicate that the caller is "cleared" for air by pressing a "Go" button. All cleared callers from a multiplicity of video call central processing units are listed on a caller screen by the caller acquisition module. In another aspect, an amount of time spent after being cleared by a cleared callers from a multiplicity of video call central processing units is indicated on the caller screen using color coding and/or shades of color. Each caller is assigned with a priority level, and the priority of a caller is indicated on the caller screen using color coding and/or shades of color as determined by the producer. In another aspect, the video call-in television system includes an ergonomically designed conference controller that permits the on-air talent to add video and audio of multiple callers when desired. The ergonomically designed conference controller includes a molded palm mirroring the on-air talent’s palm is located on to assist in appropriately locating the on-air talent’s hand and fingers in order to minimize errors while the on-air talent is making the selection and looking at a television camera In another aspect, the ergonomically designed conference controller permits the on-air talent to jump the video selection to the next in a series of pre-determined video combinations. In another aspect, the ergonomically designed conference controller permits the on-air talent to jump the video selection to the next combination of the on-air talent and at least one caller in a series of pre-determined video combinations. 249818/2 0246199084-01 In another aspect, the ergonomically designed conference controller permits the on-air talent to remove herself from the pre-determined sequence of video combinations, leaving only callers in the sequence. In another aspect, the ergonomically designed conference controller permits the on-air talent to position one caller in a dominant (featured guest) position on the screen and subsequent video combinations in the per-determined sequence. In another aspect, the caller acquisition module generates audio communications via a multiplicity of tones to the on-air talent to indicate status of commands delivered through the ergonomically designed conference controller. In another aspect, the ergonomically designed conference controller permits the on-air talent to air a plurality of basic program elements such as opens, closes and commercial breaks, a video recording or video still, and to pause a predetermined sequence of video combinations or record the outgoing program. In another aspect, the video call-in television system includes a "warning tally" light adjacent to each television camera for a next scheduled video picture according to a pre-determined sequence, or for the current video picture, indicating by arrow where the on-air talent looks for a next on-camera appearance according to a pre-determined sequence In another aspect, the "warning tally" light dynamically adjusts according to the on-air talent’s changes to the pre-determined sequence through the ergonomically designed conference controller. In another aspect, the video call central processing units generate an audio tone of varying frequencies (sweep tone) outside the range of most human hearing as part of the return audio feed to callers for the purpose of keeping automatic audio gain controls of the V oIP application active. In another aspect, the video call-in television system includes a host automation module which assists the on-air talent in selection of caller video and audio from a multiplicity of callers available from the video call central processing units the video call central processing units. The caller has been previously cleared for air by the producer. In another aspect, the host automation module automatically determines a next video shot or combination of shots based on a combination of video options available from the multiplicity of video call central processing units and on-air talent camera options, and sends a signal to the on-air talent to indicate the next video and/or audio source that will be on the air (e.g. caller, camera, still, recorded video, and/or audio), 249818/2 0246199084-01 before the source being placed on the air by a video/audio switcher/mixer. The signal sent by the host automation module to the on-air talent can be a light signal, text message, or an icon message on a screen In another aspect, the host automation module automatically determines a next video shot or combination of shots based on a combination of video options available from the multiplicity of video call central processing units based on a shot rundown routine including shot sequence and timings in simple text language prepared by the producer. In another aspect, the host automation module dynamically overrides the current sequence, and determines the next video shot or combination of shots based on the video options then available to it from the multiplicity of video call central processing units, based on a change selected by the on-air talent in real time. In another aspect, the host automation module signals the on-air talent by a plurality of tones of status commands. The host automation module records available options and actions. In another aspect, the host automation module includes at least one application programming interface for communication and modularity. In another aspect, the on-air talent or producer is in a different location from the video call central processing units or the host automation module. In another aspect, a plurality of separate audio tones of different frequencies is used to identify the video call central processing units. In another aspect, a caller sees a return video in real time, and the return video can include a text overlay with information for the caller. The term "television video" includes any form of video signal used within the technical aspects of traditional live television production, including analog, digital, component, composite, and SDI, including video signals of those types after conversion from computer based video outputs such as DVI, HDMI, and VGA, but excludes video processing within a conventional computer that produces normal computer video monitor outputs such as DVI, HDMI, and VGA. In the context of television video, the terms "convert", "converts", or "converting" video into television video are synonymous with the terms "generate", "generates", or "generating" television video. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. 249818/2 0246199084-01 The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. Skype® is used as an example of an internet protocol video service, but other branded and generic IP video services and applications may be substituted. Video Distributor can include entities which package and/or distribute audio, video, and/or multi-media content directly to consumers or indirectly as wholesalers, such distribution being via broadcast television, cable television, satellite television, telephone systems, data, IP video, the internet, and any other form of distribution using wired or unwired means. Other features and associated advantages will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description of specific embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a video call center system. FIG. 2 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 3 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 4 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting a video call center system. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting a video call center system FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting a video call center system. FIG. 8 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 9 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 10 is a figure depicting a video call center system. 249818/2 0246199084-01 FIG. 11 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 12 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 13 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 14 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 15 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 16 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 17 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 18 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 19 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 20 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 21 is a figure depicting a video call center system. FIG. 22 is a figure depicting a video call center system.

Claims

1./ 02461990141- WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A video call-in television system comprising: a plurality of video call central processing units for connecting a plurality of video calls from different callers via the internet, wherein each video call central processing unit is dedicated to a video call; a caller acquisition module comprising a graphic user interface on at least one touch screen display used by an on-air talent and producer for selecting at least one video call to be aired or an ergonomically designed conference controller that permits the on-air talent for selecting at least one video call to be aired and adding video and audio of multiple callers when desired; a host automation module assists the on-air talent in selection of caller video and audio from a multiplicity of callers available from the video call central processing units; and an output unit for preparing and transmitting the video call signal for transmission live to a video distributor; wherein the ergonomically designed conference controller permits the on-air talent to air a plurality of basic program elements such as opens, closes and commercial breaks, permits the on-air talent to air a video recording or video still, permits the on-air talent to pause a predetermined sequence of video combinations, or permits the on-air talent to record the outgoing program; wherein the producer uses the caller acquisition module to send a caller’s information to an information screen of the on-air talent and indicate that the caller is “cleared” for air by pressing a “Go” button; and all cleared callers from a multiplicity of video call central processing units are listed on a caller screen by the caller acquisition module.

2. The video call-in television system of claim 1, wherein the caller acquisition module runs on each video call central processing unit.

3. The video call-in television system of claim 1, wherein the caller acquisition module generates an audio identification tone to represent each different caller, and has an option to turn on or turn off the audio identification. 249818/4 02461990141-

4. The video call-in television system of claim 1, wherein the caller acquisition module generates a communication path to a voice-over-IP (V oIP) application, the V oIP application using the internet to make video telephone calls, and has an option to turn on or turn off the communication path.

5. The video call-in television system of claim 1, further comprising two or more video converters for converting video from the video call central processing units into television video.

6. The video call-in television system of claim 1, wherein each video call central processing unit generates a text identification or video call text overlay for a caller, and positions such text identification over the video call, prior to conversion of the video call to a video signal usable in live television with the text now integrated with the video call.

7. The video call-in television system of claim 6, wherein the producer uses the caller acquisition module to set the text overlay to a home position, or any preset positions, to move the text around the screen, to lock the text in a specific position, or to hide the text.

8. The video call-in television system of claim 1 or 7, wherein an amount of time spent after being cleared by a cleared callers from a multiplicity of video call central processing units is indicated on the caller screen using color coding and/or shades of color and each caller is assigned with a priority level, and the priority of a caller is indicated on the caller screen using color coding and/or shades of color as determined by the producer.

9. The video call-in television system of claim 1, further comprising an ergonomically designed conference controller that permits the on-air talent to add video and audio of multiple callers when desired.

10. The video call-in television system of claim 9, wherein the ergonomically designed conference controller comprises a molded palm mirroring the on-air talent’s palm is located on to assist in appropriately locating the on-air talent’s hand and fingers in order to minimize errors while the on-air talent is making the selection and looking at a television camera and, optionally, permits the on-air talent to jump the video selection to 249818/4 02461990141- the next in a series of pre-determined video combinations, permits the on-air talent to jump the video selection to the next combination of the on-air talent and at least one caller in a series of pre-determined video combinations., permits the on-air talent to remove herself from the pre-determined sequence of video combinations, leaving only callers in the sequence, or permits the on-air talent to position one caller in a dominant (featured guest) position on the screen and subsequent video combinations in the per-determined sequence.

11. The video call-in television system of claim 9, wherein the caller acquisition module generates audio communications via a multiplicity of tones to the on-air talent to indicate status of commands delivered through the ergonomically designed conference controller.

12. The video call-in television system of claim 1, further comprising a “warning tally” light adjacent to each television camera for a next scheduled video picture according to a pre-determined sequence or for the current video picture, indicating by arrow where the on-air talent looks for a next on-camera appearance according to a pre-determined sequence.

13. The video call-in television system of claim 12, wherein the “warning tally” light dynamically adjusts according to the on-air talent’s changes to the pre-determined sequence through the ergonomically designed conference controller.

14. The video call-in television system of claim 4, wherein the video call central processing units generate an audio tone of varying frequencies (sweep tone) outside the range of most human hearing as part of the return audio feed to callers for the purpose of keeping automatic audio gain controls of the V oIP application active.

15. The video call-in television system of claim 1, wherein the caller has been previously cleared for air by the producer.

16. The video call-in television system of claim 1, wherein the host automation module automatically determines a next video shot or combination of shots based on a combination of video options available from the multiplicity of video call central processing units and on-air talent camera options, and sends a signal to the on-air talent to 249818/4 02461990141- indicate a next video source or combination of video sources that will be on the air, before the video source or combination being placed on the air by a video switcher, optionally, wherein the signal sent by the host automation module to the on-air talent comprises a light signal, text message, or an icon message on a screen.

17. The video call-in television system of claim 1, wherein the host automation module automatically determines a next video shot or combination of shots based on a combination of video options available from the multiplicity of video call central processing units based on a shot rundown routine including shot sequence and timings in simple text language prepared by the producer, dynamically overrides the current sequence, and determines the next video shot or combination of shots based on the video options then available to it from the multiplicity of video call central processing units, based on a change selected by the on-air talent in real time, or signals the on-air talent by a plurality of tones of status commands.

18. The video call-in television system of claim 1, wherein the on-air talent is in a different location from the video call central processing units or the host automation module or the producer is in a different location from the video call central processing units or from the host automation module.