WO2008090206A2

WO2008090206A2 - Interactive user apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2008090206A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/050835
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tim Coates
Original assignee: The Electric Picture Company Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-01-24
Filing date: 2008-01-24
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: WO2008090206A3; GB0704840D0; GB0701355D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a system enabling a multi-player interactive game to be played on a 'standard' digital media player such as a DVD player. Multiple user input devices (typically 4) each having multiple user input buttons (typically 4 or 5) can be used simultaneously. The system maps user selection to a sequence of navigation commands recognised by the standard player while preventing interference between users and allowing effective multi-user multi-choice reaction time based games to be easily authored and played reliably with minimal set up.

Description

Interactive User Apparatus and Method

The present invention relates to the field of interactive user devices, in particular apparatus and methods for controlling and interacting with a digital media player.

Existing systems enable interaction between multiple users taking part in a single event, for example a quiz, competition or game.

In one system, an interactive DVD enables multiple users to take part in a game in which each user takes a consecutive turn in the game, for example by answering one or more questions in an interactive quiz. Interactive input may be submitted to the system via a remote control which is passed between the users as the game progresses.

While this provides some user-interactivity, such a system is limited in that only one user can interact with the system at any one time.

Other, more sophisticated consoles have been developed that also allow multi-user interaction. Sophisticated and proprietary remote controls have been designed to enable multiple users to interact with a proprietary console and, for example take part in a multi-user game. Such consoles may enable each user to interact via their own remote control or handset, which may enable users to interact simultaneously with the system.

However, these consoles can be expensive and bulky. They are also an additional item of equipment to keep in a home entertainment system any they require separate connection to a television, which may require inconvenient disconnection of other devices, such as DVD players and hard disk recorders.

EP-A- 1,400,267 discloses a remote control which is programmed with a memory card to interact with a specific medium. This requires distribution of memory cards adding to complexity and expense of both media and controller and is not suited to multiplayer games. GB-A-2,422,466, GB-A-2,429,817 and other related disclosures teach multiple identical handsets which are reconflgurable so that different handsets provide different navigation commands in order to enable multi-player games to be played. For example, two handsets each with two buttons can provide a two-player game in which each user/response combination is mapped to a different navigation button. Alternatively, four handsets with a single button can be used. A problem appreciated by the inventor with these proposals is that in practice the handsets may interfere and programming of the handsets can be cumbersome. Also, having different mappings on the handsets to different navigation functions makes authoring media more complex. Also, some of the methods described in the prior art will, in practice, be unusable, for example these disclosures to some extent rely on use of the (DVD authoring) sub instruction command "Link No Link" but this command is generally not supported by practical DVD players.

The invention seeks to ameliorate the various disadvantages of the prior art.

According to one aspect, there is provided apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices for receiving at least one input from each of a respective plurality of users; means for transmitting in response to an input from a first user at least one command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user; means for inhibiting input from other users from causing transmission of commands prior to completion of transmission in response to the input from the first user.

By inhibiting transmission caused by other users prior to completion of a first user's transmission (particularly where, as in preferred features the first user transmits a sequence of commands), effective control can be achieved even when multiple players in a game attempt to answer in quick succession. According to a related second aspect, there is provided apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices for receiving at least one input from at least one of a respective plurality of users; means for identifying the first user to provide input in a given input cycle; means for transmitting in response to an input from the first user at least one command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user.

Similarly to the first aspect, this can prevent interference between multiple players. An input cycle may be defined by a period of time, for example a second. Additionally or alternatively it may be defined by a given number of input commands. Particularly preferred where a single user input generates multiple commands, identifying user and selection, an input cycle may comprise a complete command sequence. Additionally or alternatively an input state may be explicitly set, for example by a reset button on a controller. In some embodiments the state may be set by a signal received from the media player (tone or visual).

Preferably there is provided control logic arranged to receive signals from each of the plurality of input devices and to control transmission of commands. This facilitates prevention of interference. The signals may be wireless. The control logic may be distributed among the handsets. We have found that most conveniently for reliable control the input devices are hardwired to a central controller.

In a third aspect there is provided apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a

DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices each for receiving at least one input from each of a respective plurality of users; control logic for receiving signals from the input devices and for controlling means for transmitting at least one command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user to provide an input signal.

In a practical arrangement, the input devices are coupled to a central controller containing the control logic and means for transmitting the command to the digital media player.

The controller is preferably arranged to poll the input devices repeatedly and to respond only to the first input device to send a signal within a lockout period. Preferably the controller polls each device at least once every 100 milliseconds, more preferably at least once every 10 milliseconds, more preferably still at least every 1 millisecond. Embodiments achieve polling in less than 100 microseconds, even of the order of 10 microseconds with a simple microcontroller with a system clock of 8MHZ. If the polling period is short it is unlikely that more than one new input signal will be detected in a given polling period. However, if more than one input is detected, the device may select one of the new signals either (pseudo) randomly or according to a fixed or rolling order. The lockout period may correspond to the time taken to transmit a command sequence or may be a set interval, or a combination of the two.

A most preferred application is arranged to send a sequence of at least two commands in response to a user input, the sequence of commands identifying both the user and one of a plurality of inputs selected by the user.

The apparatus is preferably arranged to complete transmission of the sequence of commands prior to accepting input from another user. Preferably the or each selected command is a navigation function selected from the group consisting of up, down, left, right or an ok/enter command.

In a further aspect there is provided apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set comprising a plurality of navigation commands and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices each for receiving a plurality of user selection inputs from each of a respective plurality of users; means for transmitting in response to an input from a first user a sequence of at least two commands selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user and to identify the user selection, arranged to complete transmission of the sequence prior to transmission in response to input from another user.

The provision of a sequence of commands in response to a user input may greatly enhances flexibility and user experience.

We have found that it is particularly desirable for the sequence to comprise exactly two commands. This enables a useful number of both users and options, for example 4 users and 4 or 5 options each, without requiring long transmission times and keeping possibility of errors. In addition, the number of (preferably invisible) menus to be managed on screen is acceptable, thereby reducing authoring complexity. This feature is facilitated by making use of forced activation for the second menu item selected.

Preferably the sequence comprises a first command arranged to identify a user and a second command arranged to encode a selection by the identified user. This facilitates authoring. Preferably each user input device has a plurality of input buttons, preferably at least three buttons. Having three or more buttons (preferably four or even five) greatly enhances user experience, allowing multiple choice multiple player games.

Preferably corresponding buttons on each user input device are mapped to corresponding navigation commands. This greatly facilitates authoring of disks compared to for example prior art where different buttons are mapped to different commands.

Preferably each user input device includes (at least) 4 buttons, mapped to up, down, left and right commands. This is easy to implement and author while giving flexibility.

Preferably each user input device has a further (fifth) button mapped to an ok/enter command. This may be used as a buzz button in some games or simply as a fifth menu option. By making use of forced activation for the other buttons as described herein and positive selection of the default choice as the fifth option, more choices are available than simply by using basic navigation commands, but without significantly increasing authoring complexity.

A further aspect provides apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set comprising a plurality of navigation commands and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to a plurality of navigation commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices each for receiving a plurality of user selection inputs from each of a respective plurality of users; means for transmitting in response to an input from a first user a sequence of two commands selected from the navigation commands, a first command to identify the first user and a second command to identify the user selection, arranged to complete transmission of the sequence prior to transmission in response to input from another user. A preferred implementation has at least three user handsets each having at least three user selection inputs; this gives much greater practical flexibility than prior art arrangements without requiring complex authoring.

The means for generating or transmitting preferably comprises means for generating a sequence of commands selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user.

The remote control command set may comprise a plurality of infrared commands.

The apparatus may further comprise means for learning (or storing) the remote control commands corresponding to the interactive playback command set from a remote control associated with the digital media player. In a preferred application, the apparatus is arranged to learn the navigation commands and the ok/enter command but is not required to store the other commands in the usually extensive remote control set; this facilitates programming with simple hardware.

The apparatus may include means for selecting a learning mode; means for indicating one of a plurality of navigation commands to learn; means for receiving a navigation command from another remote control in the learning mode; means for storing an output command corresponding to the received navigation command to be transmitted in response to a control sequence. In some embodiments the apparatus is arranged to receive the navigation command twice to ensure that all variants of the command are properly transmitted. In a particularly advantageous implementation, the device may include means for generating one of at least four visually distinct signals, preferably 4 visible elements (light emitting diodes or segments of an LCD or other display) corresponding to navigation directions and the device may be arranged, when placed in a learning mode, to display one of these signals to indicate the button on the existing media controller to press to transmit a teaching signal. The apparatus may signify successful learning by a visible signal (for example blinking) or audible signal. To signify teaching of an ok/enter command, a dedicated visible signal may be sent or more compactly all (or a plurality) of the direction signals may be displayed. Each input device preferably comprises a hand-held controller.

The means for generating or transmitting preferably comprises an intermediate device comprising means for receiving a trigger input from an input device, means for selecting a command from the interactive playback command set and means for transmitting the command (preferably as an infra red sequence) to the digital media player. Conveniently each input device is hard-wired to the intermediate device. The means for transmitting preferably comprises means for transmitting an infrared signal.

The apparatus is preferably arranged for operation with a digital media player arranged to play an interactive media volume arranged to provide a multi-player interactive game in which at least one stage, a menu screen is presented whereby a first navigation command causes movement of focus to one of a plurality of primary menu options each having a set of secondary menu options and a second navigation command causes selection of a secondary menu option, wherein each of the secondary menu options corresponds to a combination of user and input selection.

The invention further provides a recorded digital medium arranged to cause the performance of an interactive multi-player game when played on a digital media player under the control of apparatus according to any previous aspect including data arranged to cause the display in at least one stage of a menu screen presented such that a first navigation command causes movement of focus to one of a plurality of primary menu choices each having a set of secondary menu options and a second navigation command causes selection of a secondary menu option, wherein each of the secondary menu options corresponds to a combination of user and input selection.

The invention further provides a kit comprising apparatus according to any of the earlier aspects and a recorded medium according to the immediately preceding aspect. Preferably the primary and secondary menu options are arranged to be invisible to a viewer on the screen. This enhances user experience and inhibits "hacking" of the game.

Preferably the secondary menu options are arranged to cause forced selection whereby receipt of a second navigation command moving focus to a secondary menu option automatically causes selection of the option. This may apply to the up/down/left/right options whereas the ok/enter option may cause selection of the default (currently focused) option.

Preferably the medium further comprises code stored within the medium for execution by the digital media player including means for using a plurality of registers for scoring for a plurality of players and arranged so that selection of the secondary menu option causes execution of code within the digital media player to update scoring as appropriate to the combination of user and user selection.

The apparatus or medium is preferably arranged so that for an initial period after display of a question, a navigation command causes resetting of focus to an initial position or replay of the menu. This may help avoid problems of lack of synchronisation if a command sequence is issued while menus are loading. The initial period is preferably less than about a second. It is preferably more than about a tenth of a second. It is most preferably about half a second. These times are found to capture most errors without causing too much interference with user experience for example if the menu is simply restarted. This is described further as a "trap" below in the authoring tips.

Preferably the apparatus or medium is arranged so that after a timeout period after display of a question, in the absence of selection of a secondary menu option, playback of the medium is advanced to the next stage. This can help deal with problems caused either simply by failure of any player to answer or by partial control sequences causing incomplete selection. In a preferred arrangement the system or medium is arranged so that navigation in a first direction to select a primary menu option followed by navigation in the opposite direction causes selection of a secondary menu option and not a return to the initial position. Thus the navigation is not directly reversible or asymmetric. This has the advantage that more secondary menu choices are available and/or that the same buttons can be used for the same keys for each user and authoring simplified.

The invention extends to methods corresponding to the apparatus features.

Embodiments of the invention may enable a simultaneous interactive user experience using an existing digital media player with an existing remote control command set. This may provide users with an interactive experience without the user having to purchase an additional, expensive proprietary console. Further, since the interactive playback command set comprises commands from the remote control command set associated with the digital media player, the apparatus may be implemented with any existing digital media player. For example, the present system may be implemented using a user's existing DVD player and the remote control command set may include commands that may be sent from the player's own remote control.

Using the navigation functions has been found to provide compatibility for the system across a wide range of digital media players. The functions also produce a reasonably fast rate of response from the DVD player.

In one embodiment, the means for generating is incorporated within at least one input device. In this embodiment, the input devices may be interconnected, for example wirelessly or with a wire, to co-ordinate the system between the devices. For example, to ensure that only one signal corresponding to a trigger input is sent to the digital media player. In one embodiment, each input device may include means for generating a signal for transmission to the digital media player.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for generating comprises an intermediate device comprising means for receiving a trigger input from an input device, means for selecting a command from the interactive playback command set and means for transmitting the command to the digital media player. Hence signals from each input device may be received at an intermediate device, processed and co-ordinated to ensure that the correct signal is sent to the digital media player. The intermediate device preferably comprises an infrared transmitter for transmitting the correct command from the remote control command set to the digital media player. This may enable the system to operate with a wide range of digital media players.

Preferably, the input device comprises means for transmitting a command to the intermediate device.

Preferably, the means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting an infrared signal.

In an alternative embodiment, the means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting a Bluetooth™ signal.

The apparatus may be arranged to transmit at least one command identifying both a user and a selection by the user of one of a plurality of options.

The command identifying the user may be selected from a first set of commands and then at least one other command identifying the user selection selected from a second set of commands, wherein the first and second sets of commands have at least some commands in common and wherein the order of commands in the sequence distinguishes the command identifying the user from the at least one command identifying the user selection.

The first and second sets of commands preferably both comprise navigation commands.

The command sequence may include one or more intermediate commands between the command identifying the user and the command identifying the user selection and/or one or more supplementary or prefix commands. This may facilitate development, particularly if the intermediate command is invariant between users. Such an additional command may comprise an "enter" or "ok" command. The apparatus is preferably arranged to inhibit transmission of commands from other users until transmission of said command sequence is complete. In a central hub, this is straightforward to implement as all inputs are passed through a single transmitter but in a distributed handset system, each handset may transmit a lock-out signal while transmitting or may listen for completion of another handset's infra red signal before transmitting.

The apparatus or system or medium may be arranged to permit only a single user to signal a selection prior to a reset event.

Alternatively, the apparatus may be arranged to permit multiple users to signal selections. In such a case, the apparatus is preferably arranged to transmit command sequences in order corresponding to the order in which user selections were first received, e.g. by queuing any signals received while a transmission is in progress.

According to one aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the method comprising: receiving at least a trigger input from one of a respective plurality of users; and generating in response to the trigger input from a first user a command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a recorded digital medium, preferably a recorded DVD, having code stored thereon for interacting with a plurality of users in an interactive multi-user game, the code comprising instructions to cause navigation commands of an interactive menu function to identify individual users of the plurality of users. In one embodiment, the code further comprises instructions to receive a further input from the identified user following receipt of a navigation command identifying the user.

According to one aspect, there is provided a set of input devices for an interactive digital media system having an associated set of remote control commands, each input device comprising means for transmitting a trigger signal to a digital media player in response to a user input, wherein the trigger signal for each input device corresponds to at least one command selected from the set of remote control commands, the trigger signals varying between the input devices.

Preferably, each command selected from the set of remote control commands comprises at least one navigation command.

According to a further aspect, there is provided use of an interactive digital media player, preferably a DVD player, or an interactive digital medium, preferably a DVD, to play an interactive multiple -user game wherein different commands selected from the remote control command set are used to distinguish each of the multiple users.

Preferably, navigation commands for navigating a menu function of the interactive digital medium are used to distinguish each of the multiple users.

According to a further aspect, there is provided use of a navigation function from a remote control command set of a digital media player to identify a user in a multi-user interactive game.

Methods corresponding to the apparatus described above are also provided and elements of the apparatus may be provided separately, for example the controllers and the hub. In particular, preferred features described herein, above and below, in terms of apparatus features may be provided as corresponding method features and vice versa. An interactive DVD or other recorded digital media is further provided in accordance with the present invention. Computer programs, computer program products and computer readable media for implementing the invention are also provided. Features of each aspect may be applied to other aspects unless otherwise stated.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example. Features of the embodiments described below are not intended to be limiting and it will be clear to one skilled in the art that variations to the system described below may be provided within the scope of the claims. Embodiments will be described with reference to the figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system according to a basic embodiment;

Fig. 2 illustrates a controller according to the basic embodiment; Fig. 3 illustrates a controller according to a further basic embodiment;

Fig. 4 illustrates a controller according to a third basic embodiment;

Fig. 5 illustrates a command sequence transmitted according to a fourth, more advanced, embodiment;

Fig. 6 illustrates a modified command sequence of the fourth embodiment; Fig. 7 illustrates an extension of the fourth embodiment with longer command sequences.

An embodiment of the system will now be described with reference to Fig. 1 in which the digital media player is a DVD player 110. The DVD player is playing a DVD disk including a multi-player interactive game, such as a quiz programme. Each user or player has a controller 114, 116, 118, 120 which, in the present embodiment, includes only a buzzer button. The controller are linked, in this embodiment via wired connections, to a central hub 112, or black box component. The hub 112 transmits signals to the DVD player 110 via a wireless link, preferably an infrared link to the DVD player's infrared receiver.

Interactive DVD games are aimed heavily at the family and most are designed for multiple players to compete against each other. As set out above, in prior art systems, players take their turn to answer a question or take a challenge etc. For example the DVD will inform the players that it is player 1 's turn. Player 1 will operate the remote control to navigate through the various screens until they have completed their turn. They may be required to answer a question and are awarded a point etc. It is then player 2's turn and he must take the remote from player 1 to complete his turn and so on. The present system allows multiple players to interact with the game on the DVD simultaneously. For example, it would allow for a fastest finger type round where a question is asked and the first player to press the buzzer on their individual remote control gets to answer the question.

A set top DVD player can only understand the commands that the manufacturer has implemented and built into the remote control unit. The vast majority of DVD players use infra red to send commands via the remote control to the DVD player. There are some commands that every DVD player must have such as the up, right, down, left and Enter/OK navigational buttons.

In order to facilitate understanding of the principles behind the invention, we will first describe a simple interactive system in which multiple users can play an interactive game.

A simple system utilises the conventional 4+! (up/right/down/left + enter) navigational commands in a unique way. In one embodiment, each of the buzzer buttons is mapped to one of the navigation buttons. For example, on the player 1 remote, the buzzer button uses the UP command, player 2, the RIGHT command and so on.

By way of example, the players may be shown a heavily pixellated picture and asked "what is this?". Gradually, the picture becomes unpixellated. Player 1 decides that he knows the answer and presses his buzzer button before any of the other players. This sends an UP command to the DVD player. The title on the disc (which must be authored according to the specification described herein, which may be done with any professional DVD authoring software) recognises this UP command as player 1 wishing to answer the question. He may then answer his question and have his score updated etc. Play then continues with the next question and "fingers on buzzers". There are of course many possibilities of different gameplay, training exercises etc. that may be implemented in conjunction with the present system.

Embodiments of the system may comprise three individual components: 1. A standard set top DVD player, operable via remote control.

2. A compatible DVD disc.

3. The hardware described herein (for example the controllers).

Embodiments of the system will now be described in more detail.

In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the hardware comprises up to 4 controllers, 114, 116, 118, 120, each including one button 122, which may be termed the buzzer button. The controllers are connected to an intermediate device 112, or a hub or black box, via a wired or wireless connection.

The system is preferably arranged to "learn" the correct infrared commands from the existing and remote control for the DVD player. The setup process is preferably designed to be simple and quick. In a preferred embodiment, once the hardware is configured it will not need to be configured again, at least until the batteries run out.

In operation, one user may hold each controller and, to interact with the system, for example to answer a quiz question, the user may press the buzzer button 122. As the buzzer button is pressed, the controller sends a signal to the hub 112. Based on the signal received, the hub determines which user has pressed the button and converts the signal from the controller into a signal for transmission to the DVD player 110.

The signal that is transmitted to the DVD player is a selected signal from the set of remote control commands that is pre-programmed into the DVD player, that is a command that would usually be sent by the DVD remote control. For example, the signal associated with the players may be navigational commands, such as "UP" and "RIGHT" as set out above.

On receipt of such a signal, the DVD, programmed in accordance with the system described herein, may perform a further operation, for example, the DVD may display a question, and optionally a timer, and await a further input from player 1 to answer the question. Player 1 may use the remote control of the DVD player to select an option and answer the question presented.

After receipt of a further input from player 1 , or the expiry of a predetermined time limit, the system may revert to a state in which any player can input a "buzz" signal using their buzzer button, for example to attempt to answer the question or to answer the next question in the series. In this embodiment, all of the controllers may be always activated, that is a user can press the buzzer button at any time. However, pressing the button after another player, when the DVD is awaiting an answer to a question may have no effect on the state of the DVD.

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a controller 210 according to one embodiment that includes only a buzzer button 212.

In an alternative embodiment, each controller may comprise additional buttons as illustrated in Fig. 3. For example, each controller may also include navigational buttons 310 and an "Enter" or "OK" button 312. The buzzer button preferably still operates as described above, but the navigational buttons may be used in addition to enable a user to answer a question using their own controller rather than the users sharing the original DVD remote control. The additional buttons may operate either directly with the DVD player or via the hub.

To prevent the disruption of questions by users pressing buttons at the wrong time, the system may disable the "OK" and/or navigational buttons when it is in a "buzz-in" question state, as described in more detail below.

Alternatively, the controller may be equipped with answer buttons 410, 412, which may be colour or number coded. Each answer button may be arranged to correspond to an equivalent coloured or numbered answer on the DVD screen and a user may select an answer by selecting the corresponding button. Preferably the answer buttons have no effect if they are pressed when the DVD is in a "buzz-in" state. In one embodiment, additional programming may be provided in the hub to ensure that buttons are only activated when the DVD is in certain states; for example, to ensure that only the buzzer buttons work when the DVD is in a "buzz-in" state. The hub may operate to put the controllers into selected states, or may only react to certain inputs from the controllers at certain times. States may include:

1. Question state. All buzzer buttons are active (possibly lit up) on all 4 remotes. All other buttons are inactive.

2. Player 1 state. The navigational buttons on the player 1 remote are active. The buzz button is not. All the buttons on all the other remotes are inactive. (It would be possible to have only the player 1 remote remain lit whilst in "Player 1 state").

3. Player 2 state

4. Player 3 state

5. Player 4 state

The hub would switch automatically from a question state to a player state and back. This may provide the advantage of no accidental button presses disrupting the game.

To avoid the possibility of the hub becoming out of sync with the DVD player, for example due to the hub receiving a signal that is not successfully passed on to the DVD player, means may be provided to "reset" the hub and controllers to a question state. At this stage, the hub could send a command to the DVD player to skip to the next question. Alternatively, the DVD title could use specific commands, for example audio commands that could be received by the black box, that would indicate the state the controllers were supposed to be in. The hub could then ensure that the controllers were in sync with the title and put them in the correct state if they were not.

The hub is preferably implemented as a standalone component. However, in some embodiments, the hub may be provided as an add-on device or software for an existing component. For example, the hub may be provided as a plug-in device that may connect to a computer, hard disk recorder, games console or DVD player via a USB port, or the hub may be provided as additional software that is implemented on the DVD player. In an alternative embodiment of the system, the functionality of the hub may be provided in the controllers themselves, which may convert the user's buzzer press into a signal to transmit to the DVD player. The controllers may be pre-programmed or may co-ordinate, for example wirelessly or via a device such as a charging device or a setup device, to ensure that each controller uses a different signal.

Preferred embodiments include a maximum of 4 controllers. This may enable the four navigational direction buttons to be used to identify the 4 users. This may increase the compatibility of the system, as all DVD players are pre-programmed to accept navigational control commands. However, more controllers may be provided in some embodiments and different command signals in the remote control command set may be used to identify the users.

Having described a basic arrangement for ease of understanding, we will now describe some preferred embodiments which introduce a significant improvement over the basic system.

In an alternative embodiment, or refinement, described particularly with reference to Figs. 5 to each controller may send a command sequence identifying both the player and a selection. With a limited number of players and options and with a sufficient command set, this is possible by mapping each combination of player and selection to a single command, e.g. 2 players and 2 options requires 2x2=4 commands, which can be mapped to e.g. the navigation keys.

A preferred feature, particularly useful with a limited navigation command set and/or with multiple users and/or options is the provision of means for sending 2 or more (consecutive) commands with a single button press. This adds much more functionality and scope to the range of games etc. possible. For example, a designer may want to design a game where a question and 4 answers appear on screen. Rather than simply pressing the buzz button for the chance of answering the question the designer may want any player to answer the question with a single button press. For example, player 1 might decide that answer A is the correct answer so he presses button A on his remote/keypad. The central hub will then send 2 commands in very quick succession to the DVD player. In this case the commands sent might be UP(signifying player 1 )and then UP(signifying answer a). If he pressed button B the hub would send the commands UP then RIGHT. If he pressed button C the commands sent could be UP then DOWN. The second infra red command received by the DVD player could then activate a program command. In this case it could be a screen saying "correct answer" and could add a point to player 1 's score. Figure 5 is a diagram of this example. In this example, the hub (or distributed logic in each handset) is should be configured to send a complete command sequence, here of two commands, before another player's commands are sent.

We can see from this diagram that by using 2 commands for each of the answer pad button presses, we can have 16 individual outcomes whilst still only using the UP, DOWN, RIGHT and LEFT navigational commands that are common to all DVD players.

The system or apparatus may be configured to allow each player to send a command signifying his or her answer or to inhibit input after the first player has sent a command (until reset).

The example illustrated with reference to Fig. 5 only incorporates the answer pad buttons. It is also possible to add a fifth button which we will call the BUZZ functionality to this same example.

By way of example, a game may involve the players being shown a playing card for a few seconds. It then disappears. They are then shown a series of consecutive cards, one of which will be the same as the original card. The first to "buzz in" when the correct card is on screen wins the point. To save considerable development time it is preferable to use just one template. Figure 6 shows one way in which this can be achieved by using the direction commands followed by an ENTER command.

The boxes labelled x signify a BUZZ button press. For example, if player 1 hits the BUZZ button on their remote the central hub will activate an UP command followed by an ENTER command. The DVD could then activate a program command. In this case it could be a screen saying "correct answer" and could add a point to player 1 's score. As we are now using the ENTER command, the boxes (positions) marked X do not need to be forced activation. This also means that we can skip over (through) them (as in the first example UP then UP).

The system can be extended. For example if we use 3 commands as shown in Fig. 7 (player 1 shown only for the sake of clarity of illustration). In this case, the boxes shown as letters are forced activation, the boxes with numbers are not. As will be appreciated the number of possibilities increases exponentially with the lenght of the command sequence.

The system is not limited to a key pad. The system could be incorporated into any type of controller system eg a floor mat with positions for feet etc, or even more complex optical or movement based sensors or even a voice recognition system.

The mapping from inputs to command sequences may be configurable, for example by selecting one of a plurality of templates for controllers and/or selecting an operating mode of the control system and/or downloading a mapping (e.g. from the DVD or the Internet) to allow different games with differing numbers of users and options to be played.

A sequence of multiple commands may also be used to identify larger numbers of users, for example just using the 4 navigation commands, up to sixteen users may be distinguished using two commands to identify the user. In a typical application, fewer users may be provided and certain combinations of apparent user identifiers may be reserved to perform special functions. In one alternative embodiment, buttons on the controllers may be mapped to number commands in the remote control command set. For example a press of the buzzer button from player 1 may cause the hub to send a number 1 command from the remote control command set to the DVD player. Further, the number commands may be used when the players answer the questions. For some DVD players, however, it has been found that use of the number commands in response to buzzer presses does not generate as fast a response as using the navigational buttons. Further, DVD players may overlay a graphic of the number that has been pressed when a number command has been received.

There follow some authoring tips for authoring software to take advantage of some preferable features and to maximise compatibility/user experience. These features may be provided independently or in combination with other features :-

1. It is recommended to put all question elements in one PGC/Component including:

• all question intros • all buttons targets

• all actions/command sequences processing data within the question

2. All cells within a question preferably have the same audio/subpicture configuration, if the question contains an audio track all cells must have audio track with no gaps (audio duration = cell/segment duration), all cells without buttons must have a subpicture - blank if necessary

3. All highlights should ideally NOT have forced selected button, button focus is set by Action/Command (may be Pre, Post, Cell or button command

4. All highlights must preferably start at the beginning of cell/segment play and end with the end of cell/segment without any gaps. 5. It is recommended not to put more than one highlight in one cell/segment or if it is not possible always put new highlight at the beginnigng the VOBU if the VOBU start times are known

6. Before every question (or menu button set or a sequence of button sets, it is recommended to put a 'trap' mechanism, comprising two very short highlight streams (as short as the authoring system is able to multiplex). All buttons on the first short highlight stream contain commands which set button highlight to 1 and restart the cell/segment, In the second highlight stream, all buttons apart from Button 1 are understood as an answer (for example wrong answer if there is a fastest finger type game) 7. All buttons' commands preferably have a jump target. It is recommended to use restart cell/segment command when there is no jump.

8. It is recommended not to put static cell/segment or slideshow cell/segment after a video cell/segment within one PGC/Component - if possible use video cell/segment instead. Finally, a practical embodiment using a simple 8 MHZ microcontroller and battery power has been made to work reliably over a 6m transmission distance on the basis of the following:-

Game device (hub) waits for key press on any of four pads. It detects on which pad a key was pressed first. In a situation when two or more pads were used at the same time (lOμs polling resolution), it randomly chooses the winner.

When the winning pad was detected, the game device detects which key was pressed. When two or more keys were pressed on the same pad (eg. in error), the game device detects this press as the key which is earlier in this order: A,B,C,D,BUZZ.

Depending on which pad and which key on that pad was pressed, the game device sends two infrared codes as in following table. Time between these codes is preferably about 250ms.

After sending infrared codes there is 0.5 second time when all pads are blocked. (For player processing time, laser refocus etc.).

All pads with key pressed during contest, codes sending or 0.5 second time after sending are ignored until the key is released.

After 3 minutes of inactivity, game device goes to sleep mode to save the battery life. A power switch is not required. Device wake up time is very quick. The use of user keys both to wake up the device and to signal commands is a preferred feature which may be provided independently.

It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the apparatus described herein may be implemented using standard chips and components. The system is preferably battery-powered, but the hub may be provided with a mains power supply lead in some embodiments.

It is further noted that, while the term DVD has been used in the present specification, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the same system may be used with other types of digital media, for example high-definition DVD (HD-DVD) or Blu-Ray TM formats. The embodiments above are described by way of example only and it will be clear to one skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the system described may be provided.

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices for receiving at least one input from each of a respective plurality of users; means for transmitting in response to an input from a first user at least one command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user; means for inhibiting input from other users from causing transmission of commands prior to completion of transmission in response to the input from the first user.

2. Apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices for receiving at least one input from each of a respective plurality of users; means for identifying the first user to provide input in a given input cycle; means for transmitting in response to an input from the first user at least one command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein an input cycle is defined by a period of time and/or a given number of input commands and/or an input state explicitly set.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim having control logic arranged to receive signals from each of the plurality of input devices and to control transmission of commands.

5. Apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices each for receiving at least one input from each of a respective plurality of users; control logic for receiving signals from the input devices and for controlling means for transmitting at least one command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user to provide an input signal.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 4 or 5 wherein the input devices are coupled to a central controller containing the control logic and means for transmitting the command to the digital media player.

7. Apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein the controller is arranged to poll the input devices repeatedly and to respond only to the first input device to send a signal within a lockout period.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim arranged to send a sequence of at least two commands in response to a user input, the sequence of commands identifying both the user and one of a plurality of inputs selected by the user.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim arranged to complete transmission of the sequence of commands prior to accepting input from another user.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the or each selected command is a navigation function selected from the group consisting of up, down, left, right or an ok/enter command.

11. Apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set comprising a plurality of navigation commands and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices each for receiving a plurality of user selection inputs from each of a respective plurality of users; means for transmitting in response to an input from a first user a sequence of at least two commands selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user and to identify the user selection, arranged to complete transmission of the sequence prior to transmission in response to input from another user.

12. Apparatus according to any of Claims 8 or 9 or 11 or 10 as dependent on Claim 8 or 9 wherein the sequence comprises exactly two commands.

13. Apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein the sequence comprises a first command is arranged to identify a user and a second command arranged to encode a selection by the identified user.

14. Apparatus according to Claim 13 wherein each user input device has a plurality of input buttons, preferably at least three buttons.

15. Apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein corresponding buttons on each user input device are mapped to corresponding navigation commands.

16. Apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein each user input device includes 4 buttons, mapped to up, down, left and right commands.

17. Apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein each user input device has a further button mapped to an ok/enter command.

18. Apparatus for controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set comprising a plurality of navigation commands and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to a plurality of navigation commands contained within the remote control command set; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of input devices each for receiving a plurality of user selection inputs from each of a respective plurality of users; means for transmitting in response to an input from a first user a sequence of two commands selected from the navigation commands, a first command to identify the first user and a second command to identify the user selection, arranged to complete transmission of the sequence prior to transmission in response to input from another user.

19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim having at least three user handsets each having at least three user selection inputs.

20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means for generating or transmitting comprises means for generating a sequence of commands selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user.

21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the remote control command set comprises a plurality of infrared commands.

22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising means for learning the remote control commands corresponding to the interactive playback command set from a remote control associated with the digital media player.

23. Apparatus according to Claim 22 including means for selecting a learning mode; means for indicating one of a plurality of navigation commands to learn; means for receiving a navigation command from another remote control in the learning mode; means for storing an output command corresponding to the received navigation command to be transmitted in response to a control sequence.

24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein each input device comprises a hand-held controller.

25. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 24 wherein the means for generating comprises an intermediate device comprising means for receiving a trigger input from an input device, means for selecting a command from the interactive playback command set and means for transmitting the command to the digital media player.

26. Apparatus according to Claim 25 wherein each input device is hard- wired to the intermediate device.

27. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 26 wherein the means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting an infrared signal.

28. Apparatus according to any of Claims 8, 11 or 18 or any claim dependent thereon arranged for operation with a digital media player arranged to play an interactive media volume arranged to provide a multi-player interactive game in which at at least one stage, a menu screen is presented whereby a first navigation command causes movement of focus to one of a plurality of primary menu choices each having a set of secondary menu options and a second navigation command causes selection of a secondary menu option, wherein each of the secondary menu options corresponds to a combination of user and input selection.

29. Apparatus comprising a recorded digital medium arranged to cause the performance of an interactive multi-player game when played on a digital media player under the control of apparatus according to any of Claims 8, 11 or 18 or any claim dependent thereon including data arranged to cause the display in at least one stage of a menu screen presented such that a first navigation command causes movement of focus to one of a plurality of primary menu choices each having a set of secondary menu options and a second navigation command causes selection of a secondary menu option, wherein each of the secondary menu options corresponds to a combination of user and input selection.

30. A kit comprising apparatus according to Claim 28 and a recorded medium according to Claim 29.

31. A method of authoring a recorded medium for a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the method comprising authoring the medium to provide a multi-player interactive game in which at at least one stage, a menu screen is presented whereby a first navigation command causes movement of focus to one of a plurality of primary menu choices each having a set of secondary menu options and a second navigation command causes selection of a secondary menu option, wherein each of the secondary menu options corresponds to a combination of user and input selection.

32. Apparatus according to Claim 28 or a recorded medium according to Claim 29 or a kit according to Claim 30 or an authoring method according to Claim 31 wherein the primary and secondary menu options are arranged to be invisible to a viewer on the screen.

33. Apparatus or a method according to Claim 32 wherein the secondary menu options are arranged to cause forced selection whereby receipt of a second navigation command moving focus to a secondary menu option automatically causes selection of the option.

34. Apparatus or a method according to Claim 32 or 33 wherein code is stored within the medium for execution by the digital media player including means for using a plurality of registers for scoring for a plurality of players and arranged so that selection of the secondary menu option causes execution of code within the digital media player to update scoring as appropriate to the combination of user and user selection.

35. Apparatus or a method according to any of Claims 32 to 34 wherein the medium is arranged so that for an initial period after display of a question, a navigation command causes resetting of focus to an initial position or replay of the menu.

36. Apparatus or a method according to Claim 35 wherein the initial period is about half a second.

37. Apparatus or a method according to any of Claims 32 to 36 wherein the medium is arranged so that after a timeout period after display of a question, in the absence of selection of a secondary menu option, playback of the medium is advanced to the next stage.

38. Apparatus or a method according to any of Claims 32 to 37 wherein the medium is arranged so that navigation in a first direction to select a primary menu option followed by navigation in the opposite direction causes selection of a secondary menu option and not a return to the initial position.

39. A method of controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the method comprising: transmitting in response to an input from a first user at least one command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user; inhibiting input from other users from causing transmission of commands prior to completion of transmission in response to the input from the first user.

40. A method of controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the method comprising: identifying the first user to provide input in a given input cycle; transmitting in response to an input from the first user at least one command selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user.

41. A method of controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the method comprising: transmitting in response to an input from a first user a sequence of at least two commands selected from the interactive playback command set to identify the first user and to identify the user selection and completing transmission of the sequence prior to transmission in response to input from another user.

42. A method of controlling a digital media player, preferably a DVD player, arranged to operate with a remote control command set and capable of playing an interactive media format, wherein the media player is arranged to respond to an interactive playback command set comprising a plurality of remote control commands contained within the remote control command set; the method comprising: transmitting in response to an input from a first user a sequence of two commands selected from the navigation commands, a first command to identify the first user and a second command to identify the user selection, arranged to complete transmission of the sequence prior to transmission in response to input from another user.

43. A method according to any of Claims 39 to 42 comprising controlling apparatus in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 28.

44. A method according to any of Claims 30 to 39 further comprising learning only a subset of the remote control commands, the subset comprising commands corresponding to navigation and ok/enter functions, from a remote control associated with the digital media player.

45. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 28 having a power-saving or sleep mode, preferably entered after a period of at least about 1 minute during which no user input is detected, and arranged to wake from the sleep mode automatically on receipt of an input on any one of the user input selection buttons, preferably having a wake from sleep polling period of about 1 second or less.

46. Apparatus for generating commands for interacting with a media player having navigation commands including 5 navigational menu commands (UP, RIGHT, DOWN,

LEFT and ENTER/OK) arranged to generate a sequence of two commands of the possible 5 navigational menu commands to facilitate selection of 20 possible unique outcomes.

47. Apparatus according to Claim 46 wherein each of the 20 possible outcomes corresponds to a particular selection from among one of 5 inputs by one of 4 players.

48. Apparatus for generating commands for interacting with a media player having navigation commands including 5 navigational menu commands (UP, RIGHT, DOWN, LEFT and ENTER/OK) arranged to generate a sequence of three commands of the possible 5 navigational menu commands to facilitate selection of 80 possible unique outcomes.

49. Use of a sequence of 2 commands chosen from one of 5 possible navigation commands to provide direct selection by a media player of one of 20 possible outcomes in response to single user input.

50. Use of a controller for an interactive media device which is arranged to generate a sequence of multiple navigation commands identifying both a user and a user selection from among a plurality of options in response to a single user input in conjunction with an encoded medium encoding a multiplayer interactive game in which the sequence of navigation commands is mapped to a menu option which provides a score update for a selected user corresponding to the user's selection.

51. A recorded medium for a media player encoding an interactive programme including a trap sequence to cause focus to be reset to a predetermined start point prior to user selection.

52. A recorded medium according to Claim 51 wherein the trap sequence includes a first sequence arranged to set focus to a predetermined point and a second sequence arranged to move focus to the predetermined point and/or to replay the first sequence in response to user input and/or to interpret any move from the predetermined point as an incorrect response.