WO2019235958A1 - Method of providing a virtual event attendance service - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of technical systems for supporting on-line viewing of entertainment events and other events (being present in a virtual, remote manner at locations where events are being held). The invention solves the problem of hindrances to the possibility of virtually attending (being present at) any event in real time using any devices having Internet access by expanding the range of technical means for users to access services related to showing and viewing an event in real time outside of the location where the event is being held, and to services that can be offered by event organizers.

Description

 A method of providing a virtual visit service

 Events

 FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

 The invention relates to the field of technical systems for providing online viewing of cultural and entertainment, entertainment and other events (virtual, remote presence at venues).

 BACKGROUND

 At the moment, there is a problem when spectators, wishing to purchase tickets for concerts, performances, sports and other events, encounter their absence, since all available places at the venue of the event are already taken (tickets are sold out). Either there are tickets, but the venue of the event is at a considerable distance from the place of stay of the spectator, or the spectator does not have the physical ability to attend the event.

 In this regard, there was a need to create a way to feel the real presence of the viewer at the venue, without being directly in the venue.

A method is known from the prior art for organizing a system for generating a ticket sale and verifying its validity, characterized in that encoded information about the purpose of the ticket is recorded as a document entitling the ticket holder to use the services on the user's mobile device containing an electronic information carrier, and a control check of the validity of the ticket produced using a control and verification device by reading the code and reconciling the data about the code with the codes of the database of tickets, mobi noe device the user is additionally equipped with a display and a wireless device, a control system that is configured so that the mobile device allows the user to access the Internet on a server, make a purchase of a ticket, which is information about the ticket in electronic form, then after purchasing a ticket on an electronic storage medium via the Internet, they download and record the image of the verification code, and when checking the ticket on the mobile device, the verification code is activated on the display the code and holding it at a certain distance, bring the mobile device with the display to the verification device, then the verification device scans or photographs the image on the display, recognizes the verification code and compares it with the codes stored in the memory of the verification device, making a conclusion about validity and a positive conclusion about reality judge the validity of the ticket (see application for invention JST22011133532, published 02/20/2013).

 This solution is not aimed at eliminating the above problem. It only allows you to purchase an electronic ticket and verify its validity, while attending the event takes place directly at the venue and validation of the ticket is also carried out directly at the venue.

The closest prior art to the proposed solution is the method of broadcasting the performance in real time, which consists in the fact that with the help of video cameras they shoot in the theater hall, in real time they mount the video sequence, which is via high-speed Internet or satellite the communication channel is transmitted to the large screen of the cinema (see, for example, the Internet site http://teatr-pro.ru).

 The disadvantage of this method is the need to purchase a ticket at the place of viewing the performance, the inability to view the performance outside the cinema, the lack of the effect of full presence at the event.

 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

 The technical problem of the invention is the removal of obstacles to the possibility of a virtual visit (presence) of any event in real time using any technical devices that have Internet access.

 The technical problem is solved thanks to the implementation of the virtual attendance method of the event, containing the stages in which:

 at the place of sale of tickets, they purchase a ticket with identification information for the event, while the specified information about the purchased ticket is transferred from the place of sale of tickets to the access control and management system (ACS);

using the system for generating and transmitting an audio-video signal installed at the venue and outside the place where the user perceives the event, they transmit the audio-video signal from the venue to the primary hardware-software complex (PAKPO), on which the received audio-video is processed the signal and form a single audio-visual stream, which is transmitted to the broadcast server; using the broadcast server, they process the received single audiovisual stream and transmit it in real time to glasses or a virtual reality helmet;

 using a device with Internet access, the user transmits identification information about the purchased ticket to the ACS;

 through the access control system, the specified information about the purchased ticket transmitted to it by the user is identified, while with positive identification through the access control system they provide access through the broadcast server to the virtual attendance of the event by the user using glasses or a virtual reality helmet located outside the venue of the event.

 In addition, the purchase of a ticket at the place of sale of tickets can be carried out using a device with Internet access.

 Identification information about the purchased ticket from the place of sale of tickets to the ACS can be transmitted using a device that has Internet access.

 In addition, the provision of access to a virtual attendance of an event using glasses or a virtual reality helmet can be carried out through the signal receiving channel of a smartphone or mobile phone.

In addition, the user can transmit identification information about the purchased ticket to the ACS using a device that has Internet access through at least one communication channel. An audio-video signal transmission system may include at least one video camera and at least one microphone.

 In addition, when purchasing a ticket for an event, they can choose the place from which the user would like to perceive the event and coinciding with the installation location of one of the cameras.

 The technical result, providing a solution to a technical problem, is to expand the arsenal of technical means of access for spectators to receive services related to the demonstration and perception in real time of the event outside the venue, and provided by the organizers of the events.

 LIST OF DRAWINGS

 The invention is illustrated using the drawing, the figure of which schematically shows the system with which the implementation of the method is carried out.

 MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The claimed method of providing virtual attendance services (remote, online viewing) of the event (the event hereinafter should be understood as a concert, theatrical performance, sports show, show, festival, circus show, fashion show, as well as any other theatrical and entertainment, cultural and educational, spectacular - an entertaining or other spectacular event held in any place, both open (for example, a stadium), and closed (for example, a theater or concert hall), as well as anywhere in the world) using a system of technical and other means (Fig.), including, but not limited to: video camera 1 (or a group of video cameras 1); microphone 2 (stereo microphone) (or microphone system 2 (stereo microphones)); hardware-software complex 3 of primary processing (PAKPO); broadcast (broadcasting) server 4 (platform); place 5 of the sale of tickets; ticket 6; access control and management system 7 (ACS); an electronic device 8 for perceiving (viewing and listening) multimedia content (reproducing equipment); communication channels 9 (data transmission channels; depending on the signal (data) transmission medium (cable, mobile, satellite, IPTV, OTT), one or several wired and / or wireless can be used to organize each of the data transmission channels channels 9 (lines) of communication); communication operator 10.

 To implement the claimed method, a system of technical and other means is connected, installed and operates as follows.

In one particular place of the venue where events are held, one or several video cameras 1 are installed, depending on the need for image transmission from different angles (hereinafter, instead of video camera 1, the term camera 1 will be used, which provides for the use of one video camera as well as several, t ie groups of cameras connected or not connected by means of communication channels 9 and installed in different places of the venue in the venue of the event). The installation location of the camera 1 is chosen so as to provide an overview (video signal generation) of the entire visible space of the venue where the event is held, from the point of view “as if the viewer was standing or sitting in the installation location of camera 1”. Camera 1 is connected via one or more communication channels 9 (wired or wireless) with PAKPO 3 and provides transmission to PAKPO 3 video images (video signal) from the venue of the event, in various formats depending on the type of camera used: VR 360, 2D 180, 2D, 3D, etc., as well as in various physical resolutions: 8K, 4K, HD and etc. It is possible to use cameras 1 already installed at the venue of the event by attaching them to PAKPO 3.

 Also, in one particular place of the venue where events are held, one or more microphones 2 or stereo microphones (either a microphone 2 built into camera 1 or a camera system 1 with microphones 2) are installed to provide an audio signal at the venue (hereinafter referred to as microphone or stereo microphone, the term microphone 2 will be used, which provides for the use of one microphone (stereo microphone), as well as several, i.e., a group of microphones connected or not connected by means of communication channels and installed at different places in the venue). The installation location of the microphone 2 is chosen so that it is possible to transmit the best quality audio signal. The microphone 2 is connected through one or more communication channels 9 with PAKPO 3 and provides transmission to PAKPO 3 of the audio signal from the site where the event is held, formed in a multi-channel, mono or stereo format. You can use the camera 1, combined with a microphone 2 in one device. It is also possible to directly connect to the sound console (s) of the site associated with the microphone 2 already installed at the venue.

PAKPO 3 is installed on the site at the venue and provides the combination and / or processing of video and audio signals. In the process of processing video and audio signals, PAKPO 3 generates a single audio-visual stream (or several streams, it is also audio-video content) of the required format and resolution, which is transmitted (sent) to the broadcast server 4 connected to PAKPO 3 through one or more channels 9 communication. The transmission of the audio-visual stream to the broadcast server 4 is carried out via the Internet via, for example, satellite broadcasting or any other available method of transmitting audio-video content.

Broadcast server 4 provides reception, processing and transformation of the audiovisual stream into various formats and resolutions necessary for correct viewing on various devices 8. Broadcast server 4 also provides the ability to view, select the format and resolution, automatically determine the receiving (reproducing) device 8, operating system etc., in order to determine the possible format and resolution (quality), as well as the uninterrupted transmission of audio-video content directly to the end user or relay server (platform), including specialized programs for PC, mobile applications for mobile devices, and others., can decode and play signal. All platforms that broadcast audio-video content to the end user are equipped with software ACS 7. This software system 7 is locked with all platforms (servers 4) for streaming and ticket vendors (points 5 of the implementation of ballets). ACS 7 has a database of tickets sold 6. ACS 7 is connected to the broadcast server 4 and is intended to identify the user (ticket 6 purchased by him) and provide access to the virtual attendance of the event (viewing content) for which the user (viewer) has ticket 6. ACS 7 also has the ability to send to interested (connected) to the system) organizations reports on the number of visits, ticket sales channels 6, ticket prices 6, total revenue for ticket sales 6, revenue distribution from ticket sales 6, etc.

 The effect of the illusion of attending an event (virtual presence) is achieved by viewing (perceiving) the viewer (user) of audio-video content broadcast in real time from the venue with the ability to control the viewing angle by the user, and is carried out using any device 8 having a processor , RAM, screen (internal or external), speakers (internal or external) and Internet access through any possible one or more communication channels. The device 8 may be a pair of glasses or a virtual reality helmet (3D) or a projector, or a television set and set-top box with the function of SMART TV, or a set-top box (Apple TV, Android Box, etc.), or a mobile phone, or smartphone, or a tablet, or a computer with a monitor, or a laptop, or a game console, or any other device that has Internet access.

To gain access to the virtual attendance of an event (viewing audio-video content), the user purchases a virtual ticket 6 in place 5 of ticket sales 6 (ticket on a strict reporting form, electronic ticket, certificate, invitation card, QR code, barcode, etc. .d.), on which there is everything necessary identification information (cost, date of the event, venue, event name, etc.) for identification and access to a virtual visit (viewing content) on a special individual channel. The user transfers this information before the start of the event or immediately after its start (but not after the end of the event) to ACS 7 by entering information from ticket 6 using any device that has Internet access (for example, a computer, tablet, laptop, etc. ) When the user, using a device with Internet access, shows the specified information from ticket 6, a signal is generated with the entered information, which is transmitted from the specified device to ACS 7.

 The purchase of ticket 6 is carried out in place 5 of the sale of tickets 6 using any possible device with Internet access (for example, a computer, laptop, tablet, etc.). Place 5 for the sale of tickets 6 (including tickets on paper, on a strict reporting form, etc.) can be both the venue of the event (for example, the ticket office of the concert hall), as well as individual ticket kiosks, specialized websites for ticket sales (for example, www.ticketland.ru, etc.), mobile applications for purchasing tickets, etc.

 The virtual attendance service of the event can be provided through any telecom operator 10 providing high-speed multimedia data transmission services.

Implementation of the claimed method of virtual attending an event (remote attendance at an event) involves several stages and is carried out as follows. Ticket operators, ticket vendors, distributors, event organizers are given the opportunity to sell (sell, transfer, etc.) tickets 6 for virtual (remote, online) attendance at venues equipped with PAKPO 3. The possibility of acquiring this type of ticket 6 is announced along with the possibility of acquiring a regular ticket for the spectator to directly attend the event. Ticket sale 6, ticket form 6, methods of payment, delivery, etc. carried out by any known means at the discretion of the ticket vendor 6.

From the ticket vendor 6 in place 5 of the sale of tickets, the user purchases ticket 6 for any event of interest to him, which can take place anywhere and anytime. At the same time, the user can purchase ticket 6 either directly at the venue of the event, or at any ticket sales kiosk 6, or through the Internet on the ticket sales website 6, or through the mobile application for buying tickets, as well as in any other possible and known way. After the sale of ticket 6, all of its identification information, as well as information (bar code, QR code, digital code, letter code, combined code, etc.) to open access to an individual channel for receiving a signal (for example, a channel on video hosting YouTube or on any other resource on the Internet) is transmitted by the ticket seller through one or several communication channels 9 to ACS 7. Thus, data with ticket information 6 from location 5 (from a device with Internet access) to ACS 7 is transmitted he is being processed. When the event for which the viewer purchased ticket 6 occurs, using the audio-video signal transmission system including camera 1 and microphone 2 installed at the venue, the audio-video signal is transmitted over the entire visible space of the venue to PAKPO 3 (with 360 view ° and surround sound). At PAKPO 3, the audio-video signal received from the event venue is processed and a single audio-visual stream of the required format and resolution is generated, which is transmitted to broadcast server 4. Then, on the broadcast server 4, the received (received) single audio-visual stream is processed and transmitted already in what is necessary for the user (viewer) format and resolution, for example, via a broadband Internet, satellite or other channels for transmitting a signal in real time to a device 8 for receiving multimedia diy content.

Next, the viewer through the device 8, or another device with access to the Internet, goes to a resource on the Internet that provides access to view events in real time (virtual presence on an individual channel for receiving a signal (viewing content)). At this resource, the user (viewer) enters the identification information indicated on the purchased ticket 6. In this case, data with information about the entry made (signal) is transmitted (sent) through one or more communication channels (data transmission channel) to ACS 7, where it is processed and where the identification information entered by the user from ticket 6 is compared (identified) with identification information about this ticket 6 sent by the ticket vendor 6 from location 5 to ACS 7. With positive identification of information from ticket 6, ACS 7 provides access to viewing the event, which the viewer can already perceive using any device 8, for example, through a signal receiving channel (Internet channel for viewing content).

 The viewer can achieve the maximum effect of the feeling of presence at the venue by using equipment 8 such as glasses or a virtual reality helmet with a stereo system that allow you to feel the full effect of the presence (audio-video space).

 In addition, when purchasing ticket 6, the user always sees a place, for example, in a concert hall or in another venue of the event, from which he will perceive the event and which coincides with the installation and viewing location of camera 1, as if he was present at the event directly . The viewer can make such a choice by installing camera 1 in several places in the audience hall (or another venue for the event). It is also possible that only one camera 1 is installed in the most optimal place, providing the best overview of the scene and covering the entire visible space of the site where the event is being held.

Thanks to the implementation of the claimed method using a system for its implementation, including a combined hardware and software complex of technical tools described above, the viewer can get a fundamentally new paid virtual visit service (remote, online presence, viewing) at any event, whether it’s a concert, a performance, a show, sporting event, etc., which takes place anywhere, equipped with the above system by which the method is carried out. Moreover, the event can take place anywhere in the world and at any time. The viewer does not need to be directly present at the event, because there may be cases when either there are no tickets for a direct visit to the event, or the event goes too far from the location of the viewer, or the viewer does not have the physical ability to arrive at the venue of the event. The viewer has the opportunity, without leaving home, to purchase ticket 6 immediately before the event and immediately begin to view it. In this case, the viewer can perceive the event using any convenient and available device 8, for example, a 3D projector or virtual reality glasses. If the event ended, and the viewer did not activate ticket 6 and did not see the event, then the ticket is canceled, and the possibility of a virtual visit to this event disappears. At the same time, the cost of ticket 6 for an unviewed event is not returned to the user (viewer). Tickets 6 for virtual attendance of the event are returned in the same way and using the same tools and regulations as when returning the usual electronic tickets or paper tickets to the actual attendance of the event.

Claims

Claim  1. A method of virtual attending an event, comprising stages in which:  at the place of sale of tickets, they purchase a ticket with identification information for the event, while the specified information about the purchased ticket is transferred from the place of sale of tickets to the access control and management system (ACS);  using the system for generating and transmitting an audio-video signal installed at the venue and outside the place where the user perceives the event, they transmit the audio-video signal from the venue to the primary hardware-software complex (PAKPO), on which the received audio-video is processed the signal and form a single audio-visual stream, which is transmitted to the broadcast server;  using the broadcast server, they process the received single audiovisual stream and transmit it in real time to glasses or a virtual reality helmet;  using a device with Internet access, the user transmits identification information about the purchased ticket to the ACS; through the access control system, the specified information about the purchased ticket transmitted to it by the user is identified, while with positive identification through the access control system they provide access through the broadcast server to the virtual attendance of the event by the user using glasses or a virtual reality helmet located outside the venue of the event. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the purchase of a ticket at the place of sale of tickets is carried out by means of a device having access to the Internet.  3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer of identification information about the purchased ticket from the place of sale of tickets in ACS is carried out using a device with Internet access.  4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the provision of access to a virtual visit to the event using glasses or a virtual reality helmet is carried out through the signal receiving channel of a smartphone or mobile phone.  5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the user transmits the identification information of the purchased ticket to the ACS using a device that has Internet access through at least one communication channel.  6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the system for transmitting an audio-video signal includes at least one video camera and at least one microphone.  7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that when purchasing a ticket for an event, choose a place from which the user would like to perceive the event and coinciding with the installation location of one of the cameras.