WHAT IS THE ITV PLATFORM

WHAT IS THE ITV PLATFORM

1. The iTV Platform is a Technology solution incorporating open source technologies to enable the delivery of Interactive Television programming.

1. The iTV Platform will incorporate many existing, international standards to deliver a solution that can be embraced by the broader interactive television Industry.

1. To build the iTV platform a range of standards will be integrated deliver a prototype.

These standards may include (but are not exclusive to);

3.3     DVB-MHP

3.3.1           Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) is the open middleware system designed by the DVB Project.   DVB-MHP has been ratified as a standard for existing Digital Broadcasters, in Australia and throughout much of the world.

3.4    TV-Anytime

3.4.1           “TV-Anytime” (TVA) is a full and synchronised set of specifications established by the TV-Anytime Forum. TVA features enable the search, selection, acquisition and rightful use of content on local and/or remote personal storage systems from both broadcast and online services.

3.5     ISMA

3.5.1           Founded in 2000, the Internet Streaming Media Alliance (ISMA) is a global alliance of industry leaders dedicated to the adoption and deployment of open standards for streaming rich media such as video, audio and associated data over Internet protocols. The goal of its membership is to promote standards-based solutions that offer greater choice, flexibility, extensive cost efficiencies, and higher quality of service. The organization achieves this by providing the industry with technical specifications based on new and existing non-proprietary standards and testing solutions that enable multiple vendor, multiplatform interoperability with its product conformance program. ISMA collaborates with other trade associations and standards bodies to promote interoperable solutions across the entire content delivery spectrum.

3.6    Blu-Ray Disk Association

3.6.1           Blu-ray Disc is a next-generation, optical disc format that enables the ultimate high-def entertainment experience.

3.6.2           BD-ROM is designed not only for pre-packaged High Definition (HD) movie content but also as a key component of a consumer HD platform. As shown in Figure 1-1 below, the Blu-ray Disc (BD) platform is designed to provide access to HD content throughout the home via HD digital broadcast recording and HD playback functions.

3.6.3           BD-ROM also provides a fully programmable application environment with network connectivity thereby enabling the Content Provider to create highly interactive, updateable BD-ROM titles. This mode is based on a platform that is fully compliant with the J2ME Personal Basis Profile Java platform (PBP 1.0) and the Globally Executable MHP specification (GEM 1.0.2). It is known as “BD-J”. Content Providers are able to include interactive Java applications on a BD-ROM disc in various ways (one application for the entire disc, one application per Title, etc.).

3.7    Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)

3.7.1           The Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) a working group of ISO/IEC in charge of the development of standards for coded representation of digital audio and video. Established in 1988, the group has produced MPEG-1, the standard on which such products as Video CD and MP3 are based, MPEG-2, the standard on which such products as Digital Television set top boxes and DVD are based, MPEG-4, the standard for multimedia for the fixed and mobile web, MPEG-7, the standard for description and search of audio and visual content and  MPEG-21, the Multimedia Framework.

3.8    Darwin Streaming Server

3.8.1           Darwin Streaming Server, the open source version of Apple’s QuickTime Streaming Server technology that allows to send streaming media to clients using the industry standard RTP and RTSP protocols. Based on the same code base as QuickTime Streaming Server, Darwin Streaming Server provides a high level of customizability and runs on a variety of platforms allowing you to manipulate the code to fit your needs.

3.9    Linux

3.9.1           A significant amount of the technology platform will be designed to operate on the Linux platform.   The Preferred Operating System is Red-Hat Linux, subject to licensing agreements.

1. The iTV Platform is a largely Open Source Platform designed to connect interactive content publishers via a channel platform, on compatible TV connected devices.

1. The iTV Platform generates Revenues from the use of the iTV platform by 3^rd parties.  Key Revenue drivers  will include, but is not exclusive to;

5.1    A Per Minute Video Usage Charge from Server to End-User device

5.2    A Per MB Data Distribution Charge from Server to End-User device

5.2.1           Product and Service charges in connection to the deployment of technology and content services to customers.

Intellectual Property Protection Strategy of The iTV Platform.

1. Licensing.

The Service will use a specific license, for distributing the Open Source software package free of charge. Certain elements of the software platform will require licensing from relevant license holders, however it is likely that this will be minimal.

The Licenses will allow the use of the software components, by third parties who would like to adopt the standard for their device.  Although the Standard is available free of charge, the company will not be able to use the trademarks of The iTV Company (or other entity) in association to the promotion of compatibility with the platform; unless, they would be license holder pays for relevant standards validation by the company.

1. Data Distribution, Tracking and Control Mechanisms.

The Service will utilise a monetisation system, that both provides the location of an iTV Asset to the network and a method to pay / charge for the use of the system.  This will be facilitated through a domain name, that will use a sophisticated Distributed Billing Engine that will identify what transactions are being processed, by who and what specifically.

The systems, in-order to interoperate need to register with this domain in-order to become functional / active.

The data-generated will be an encrypted string that will be send from one device to another across the network upon initiation of each and every transaction.

Invention Disclosure Form – iTV Monitisation

WHAT IS AN INVENTION?

As a general rule, an invention is a solution to a technical problem which has utility in a field of economic endeavour.

In general, if the solution to the problem is novel and involves an inventive step when compared with anything previously disclosed anywhere in the world, it is patentable.

The purpose of this document is to provide information from which a patent specification (a document describing the invention) can be prepared.

INFORMATION REQUIRED

1.         Field of the Invention

The Field of Invention is a Method and System for the Monetisation of Interactive Television.

2.         Background to invention

2.1       The problem

Interactive Television is an emerging industry.  IPTV and iTV Technology Vendors, Systems integrators and Network Operators use DRM Key to manage the Transactions of Content Titles on a Per Transaction Basis.  This is attached to proprietary software systems that are secured by End-Point Serial numbers and other Software Protection Mechanisms.

2.2       Known solutions to problem

Other Methods and Systems for Monetising Interactive Television have also included Software Codes distributed to end-user Devices.

3.         The Invention

3.1       Description

The System is dependent upon a group of processes that establishes a “monetisation” network between parties.

3.1.1 The Central Address – the Central Address contains database services communicating between the networked software application instances.

3.1.2 The Client – is a software program that enables the communications between the distributed networks instances

3.1.2.1 The client requires Registered information to be acquired via a Professional Services organisation in-order to initially obtain Account Information.

3.1.2.2 Once the Client has established an account, they are able to connect to the network using the information provided.

3.1.2.3 The client originates the information between their user environment and their Account Details.

3.1.2.3.1 The Client describes the platform in both hardware, software and network location terms in real time to the central address to formulate identity. (“Identity”)

3.1.2.3.2 The Client then connects via Bluetooth to the Account Holders Mobile Phone, and transfers an information code to the authorised registration organisation.

3.1.2.3.3 The registration organisation receives the information, personally communicates with the end-user and sends a digital code to the client.

The Client is then activated.

3.1.2.4 The Identity information provided by the client is then used to provide an encryption information transaction process for tracking and storing the transaction details.

3.1.3 Transaction.

As identities utilise the larger software environment to transact information to other identities on the network, a transaction process occurs. .  information transaction will be provided with a unique digital Identity sting, based on the current information of the parties in association to the transaction. The Information may be transacted in either a native or protected formats. to other identities on the network.

3.1.4 Resources

3.1.4.1 As identities provide transactions through the clients, resources are created in the databases located at the central address. (“resources”)

3.1.4.2 The Central Address, then encrypts the resource address and enables it to be distributed to the client identities that do not store the information.

3.1.4.3 The Encrypted resource ID is then used as part of the transaction request to acquire the information from the alternative identity.

Describe how your solution differs from previous attempts noted in 2.2

With reference to figures or flow charts, give a very detailed description of your solution, and how it would be implemented in a practical situation.

3.2       Advantages

Describe the advantages of your solution.  Mention critical commercial aspects.

3.3       Concept

Describe the principle or concept that has underlined you finding a solution to the problem.

What are the features of your description in 3.1 that embody the essence of your solution/advantages.

3.4       Alternatives

Describe in detail variations to your solution that, whilst may be not working as well as your solution described in 3.1, will nonetheless embody the concept of 3.3

4          Inventors

Timothy Charles Holborn, 63 Yerrin St, Balwyn. 3103 Victoria, Australia. who is an independant party. the basic concept and/or design the features that embody the essence of the invention, as noted in 3.3.

5.         Provide Drawings

Project: iTV FTA – Codename: “Immersive”

Project:  iTV FTA

Codename: “Immersive”

Project Owner:  The iTV Company Pty. Ltd.

Project Partners:  confidentia;

Start Date: April 2007

Free to Air, Interactive Television Platform for Australia.

1.0          Project Overview

The immersive project aims to distribute content via a standards-orientated interactive platform to TV’s, to provide a mechanism for Free to Air broadcasters and other channel providers to compete with pay-tv, PC Internet and other similar platforms.

iTV content is defined as audio / video and computer software (HTML, JAVA, etc.) that is compiled into a presentation that can be manipulated by an end-user via a “remote control”.

The immersive project will produce a system and methodology to generate iTV channels and content, distribute iTV content securely within a distribution environment (ie: Australian Broadband Network) and view / interact with content create, on a standard advanced set-top box.

Commercially, the immersive project will demonstrate a “free to air” styled IPTV/Digital TV service, via a Set-Top Box that will enable viewing of a free to end-user, interactive content.

The principle distribution of  iTV will be paid by the broadcasters via advertising revenue, as an extension to the existing FTA Business Model. The system will however,  be capable of delivering additional “iTV” services that incorporate end-user fee (“premium services”) orientated business models.

Background: The convergence of video media business systems.

Free to air broadcasters have been steadily losing their audience to other applications and services that utilise the television, over the past decade.  This has produced a range of issues for free to air broadcasters, the most worrying of such is an effective attack upon their core revenue drivers – advertising.

If FTA’s do not receive advertising dollars, then they are unable to provide quality content.

iTV provides the means to deliver “content portals”.  Content portals are interactive domains, such as DVD menus, program sites and other interactive programming.  A content portal separates the content titles assets from the rest of the iTV environment.

Each iTV Channel can cater for as many content portals as the iTV Channel provide wishes to create.  Furthermore, links and overlays can be provided between the iTV content portal and a digital broadcast.  Providing the means to leverage a standard broadcast, with interactive content.

End-Users are able to save content to the Set-Top Box.  If a user saves a broadcast show, then it will appear within the content portals generated by the channel provider.

The technology systems will incorporate an advanced set-top box profile, an internet storage and distribution methodology, a content production and syndication process, metering profiles, as well as a means to facilitate other requirements as made necessary for the implementation of a “Broadcast” level technology solution.

The basis to the technology already exists, and has been ratified by international standards authorities such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), International Organisation for Standards (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The First Project commercialise these standards via the sales and development of an operational iTV platform.

2.0 Project Plan  May / June 2007:  Deliverables.

Within the next 2 months, The iTV Company Requires the following;

1. Pre-sales contracts with customers for purchasing channels.
2. A PR Campaign
3. Technology Supply Agreements
4. Technology Implementation Agreements
5. A project plan, including technical specifications.
6. Establishment of core staff, and operational management and growth strategy
7. A prospectus, to raise further funds.

The estimated expenditure breakdown is as follows;

Within two months.  The iTV Company aims to be in a position where the company can choose between establishing its own infrastructure or commercialising existing infrastructure.

Description of Deliverables:

The Prototypes will include the demonstration of a Interactive Television Experience, and the opportunities for Advertisers to create interactive spaces and immersive content to sell products and services in connection to TV entertainment.

The Pre-Sales will Include commercial agreements with all three Commercial Free to Air Stations, as well as a range of significant Internet portal players and other “premium content” providers for the purchase of an Interactive Channel.  The agreements will feature a “call to action” that will ensure timely sales within the 2 month window.

Channel Providers will provide an amount up-front that will be put in escrow until the channel has been delivered.

A limited number of STB’s will be Sold.  This may include a preferred partner (such as Nintendo or Teac) who provides the funds required to develop the First iTV Software Image.  The project aims to give away STB’s, on a contracted basis.  A ‘symbolic’ fee for obtaining it, and a mechanism to ensure they use it and a method to ensure they don’t break it and ask for another one.

Technology (Commercialisation Phase 1) will be design and project documentation, and acquisition of Technology licenses.

Media Storage and Metadata Frameworks

Here are a number of documents decribing metadata and media related systems, developed between 2004 – 2006.

Advertorial Web-Portal

Here are some slides of a design for a web-advertising portal.  Kinda like, Interactive TV Yellow-pages.

Advertorial Content Presentation 2006

I was asked to develop some ideas for one of the two major australian publishers.

Here’s the presentation.  i’ve removed the name.

TV Programme and Channel Ideas

Television Channels Ideas

Preface;
As digital channelling comes forward.  There is an opportunity to make more content, distributed though niche channels such as VOD, Internet delivery and PPV.   This brings an opportunity to develop Niche, global content, which traditionally has not been recognised as viable “6pm” television events…

The Awards Channel
The awards channel would cover awards of any-type, and compile an archive of these events – along with associated information of the award winners.  Part of the revenue for this venture would be sourced via Advertising of related corporate, whilst other revenue options could be sourced via subscription revenues…

The Conference Channel
This Channel is devoted to conferences of all kinds.
There are many conferences happening every week, throughout the world.  This channel is devoted to providing access to such conferences and associated material.  Conferences help organisations and individuals keep track of current events, leaders, technologies, strategies, etc.

Computer expansion port for displays

A standard Port, for the back of television devices.  This Computer expansion port allows Computer MFG’s (manufacturers) to design a Standard Computer size, which can be plugged into the back of televisions and flat-screen monitors.

Generally, computers are upgraded every 3 – 5 years, whereas a television / display can be suitable for 10 – 25 years.

In Essence, it is like an Expansion port for computational upgrades, to be made for output devices.  Standard interfaces would be needed between the Monitor device, and the Computational port – however on the back of the computational device, could be more specialist ports.

Image Based Search Engine.

Utilising Technical algorithms, such as contour based image recognition, object based recognition, etc.   A Search Engine could be developed that would support picture input (whether a frame of video or still image) so that people could search images, based on an image input…

This could be useful for a whole range of applications.  But I think the most profitable, could be just a plain search box function.

Digital (media) Keys

The Current Distribution Model

I would like to distribute Digital Key’s, as a mobile phone “device” equivalent to Broadband Media Access.

The infrastructure includes the following components;

Billing System

The Key

End Users accounts are managed and initiated using the digital key as a Point of Presence.  This Key has a unique ID, which is affiliated to the End Users account. The End User may have more than one key, for differentiated network assets / environments for example:

·         Work Key

o   Would provide access to a corporate intranet and support their specific corporate based security and application networking requirements. Industry specific products could be as follows;

The PC Technician’s Key

This key may include software application and other features such as the following;

Security

Virus removal

Spy ware and ad ware removal

Network Scanner

Hardware Support Software

Hard Disk Drive Repair Utilities

Hardware Diagnostics Utilities

Software Diagnostics Utilities

Accounting Software

The accounting software may automatically list the functions performed by the technician whilst the key was in-place.  It may also list every activity performed by the technician throughout that time, for corporate security and accountability purposes.

·         The Entertainment Key

o   The Entertainment Key would support access to the Entertainment infrastructure as described below.\

Removable Power Storage “Battery” with embedded Solid Stage Non-Volatile Data Storage Device.

Flash Storage Devices are creating new possibilities for Digital Devices.  As a data storage device, flash storage is being used in digital video and still cameras, digital media players, Mobile phones, Handheld computers and many other Digital / Internet appliances.

Many of these devices use Battery power, from many different battery types including AAA, AA, and other Rechargeable types as well as Digital Storage devices such as Flash memory cards.
Sailing Digital would like to develop a number of patents regarding the development of a Intelligent battery device, whereby a Rechargeable battery and Storage capabilities are integrated into one product. With a number of relationships in Asia, Sailing Digital will manufacture such devices however sailing digital has had difficulty attaining revenues for such “intellectual property” developments.

Silo Application Development

Sailing Digital is developing a number of innovative processes for Flash storage usage within a number of industries.  Such Industry specific applications and associated device developments are described below;

The Online User Key

Utilising a specially designed USB key, this device would support the following features;

Intelligent Devices

Many devices are now requiring Digital Software Upgrades, especially when utilising Digital processes.  Current and Future Intelligent devices include;

• Fridge / Freezers
• Televisions
• DVD Players
• Cable Reception Devices
• Mobile Phones
• Portable Digital Media Devices
• Remote Controls
• Home Theatre Media Decoders / Encoders
  • Home Theatre Audio receiver and Amplification components require the ability to decode digital media formats.  Such media formats currently include:
    • Dolby Digital 5.1, 2.1 and 7.1
    • DTS
• GPS Receivers
• Metal Detectors
• Medical equipment
• Binoculars
• Digital Toys

Due to most of these Devices requiring Battery Power as well as Software or embedded digital code Intelligence.  It would be suggested to produce a standard product that utilised both features as standard components.  This I have called “Intelligent Batteries”.

Intelligent Devices

Due to the number of devices becoming digitial.  Sailing Digital would like to integrate the Storage or Intelligence part of the device, with the removable storage component of the device.

Web Application – Personal Use Version

The web application, would include the following Software applications

-          Web Mail

-          Web Messaging

-          Voice Over IP Client

-          Media Manager

-          WiFi Login Software

Hardware Requirements

-          IO Device – USB Port or Firewire device

-          Flash Memory

-          Firmware

Hardware Optional Requirements

-          Internal Rechargeable Battery (Rechargeable via USB Port) (Removable?)

-          Sim Card Reader

-          Digital Audio Playback and Recording Capabilities

-          Cellular access components

-          Embedded Processor

Government / Corporate Use

Due to the capability of storing the operational intelligence within this device, and the ability for this device to be used as a “primary storage devices”.  There is an  ability to use this device as a

Description of Use

The USB “Web key”.  Is designed to be purchased at low cost from a retail location including; Seven Eleven, Dick Smith, Kmart, Telecommunications Stores,

Hardware Identification

Hardware Identification is currently embedded into many USB Devices.  This Identification is in the form of a Serial Number.  The Serial Number is read by software distributed with the usb device.  This software may not be compatible with the devices that may be used.

may of may not be suitable for Billing applications.  There is an alternative of utilising a Sim Card for data encryption and security

1. Flash Storage Device

1.1 Flash Memory

1.2 Embedded Identification – H/W ID

1.3 Interface Types

1.3.1 USB

1.3.2 USB 2

1.3.3 Sony Memory Stick

1.3.4 Secure Digital – SD

1.3.5 Compact Flash

1.4 Silo Application Hardware Development

1.4.1 Bluetooth

1.4.2 Bar Code Scanner

1.4.3 On-Board – Self Powered

1.4.3.1 Self Powered

1.4.3.1.1 Rechargeable

1.4.3.1.1.1 USB Recharge

1.4.3.1.2 Battery Pack

1.4.4 Embedded Processor

1.4.4.1 Direct Interface to other devices

1.4.4.1.1 Displays

1.4.4.1.1.1 LCD

1.4.4.1.1.2 TV

1.4.4.1.1.3 CRT

1.4.4.1.2 Printers

1.4.4.1.3 Scanners

1.4.4.1.4 Stereo’s

1.4.4.1.4.1 Amplifiers

1.4.5 Cellular Chipset

With a Cellular Chipset

2. Commercial Applications

2.1 UpGrading Hardware Features

2.2 Brands

2.3 Media Specific Uses

3. Consumer Reasoning

3.1 Multiple Network Identification Points

3.2 Multiple Identificaiton Systems for Differentiated Uses

3.3 Differentiated Applications

3.3.1 Consumer electronics

3.4 Replaceable

3.4.1 Like a Battery

3.4.2 Provides the ability of up-grading current devices

4. Network Service

4.1  Identification  Service

4.2 UpGrade Software For other devices

4.2.1 Fridges

4.2.2 Washing Machines

4.2.3 Televisions

4.2.4 Amplifiers

4.2.4.1 Sound Formats

Dolby etc.

4.2.5 GPS

4.2.6 Mobile Phones

4.2.7 Digital Musical Instriments

4.2.8 Automotive Systems

4.2.9 Telephone / Video-Conferencing

4.2.10 Digital Home Gateways

4.2.11 Networking Devices

5. Software

5.1 Linux OS

5.2 Registry

5.3 Dedicated Industrial Solutions