Interactive Television System and Method

Abstract

A system and method for simulating a user's participation at an event. The system and method including providing a virtual queue or line for meeting and obtaining an autograph of a celebrity, attending a live event and/or for purchasing an item. The system and method include providing video and audio content to a remote user device, such as a television or a computer, for display on the monitor. A plurality of video cameras positioned in and around a line for obtaining an autograph provide a respective plurality of video and audio feeds that are broadcast to users of the system. An interface selectively changes the feed shown on the user's device to simulate movement in the line toward the celebrity until the user is able to view the celebrity autograph an item specifically designated for the user. The item can be merchandise, such as a CD, DVD, photograph or poster, selected by the user. The system mails the autographed item to the viewer and can also provide a recording of the autograph session.

1 . A system for allowing a user to virtually meet and obtain an autograph of a celebrity from a remote location comprising:
 an interface connected to a network, the interface configured to electronically generate a list of celebrities available to sign autographs, the interface further configured to receive a signal from a remote user device selecting a first celebrity from the list of celebrities;   a camera coupled to the interface positioned to record the first celebrity autographing an item, wherein the camera provides a video signal to the interface of the celebrity signing an autograph.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a device coupled to the interface for creating a copy of the video signal of the first celebrity signing an autograph provided by the camera positioned to record the first celebrity autographing an item. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the device for creating a copy is a DVD burner. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the interface is configured to transmit the video signal of the first celebrity signing an autograph to the remote user device. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the interface is configured to transmit the video signal of the first celebrity signing an autograph in real time. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the interface is configured to electronically generate a list of a plurality available items that can be autographed. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the interface is configured to receive a signal from the remote user device identifying a first item of the plurality of items to have autographed by the first celebrity. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising another camera coupled to the interface positioned to provide a signal simulating a virtual line for obtaining the autograph of the first celebrity. 
   
   
       9 . A method for method for allowing a user to virtually meet and obtain an autograph of a celebrity from a remote location comprising:
 providing a list of celebrities accessible over a network connection by a remote user device;   receiving an input signal from the remote user device selecting a first celebrity from the list of celebrities; and,   creating a video signal of the first celebrity signing an item.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising the step of:
 sending the video signal of the celebrity signing the autograph to the remote user over the network connection.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the step of sending the video signal of the celebrity signing the autograph to the remote user over the network connection is performed in real time. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising the steps of:
 recording the video signal of the celebrity signing the autograph.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of recording the video signal of the celebrity signing the autograph comprises:
 burning the video signal onto a DVD.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising:
 providing a list of items to be autographed accessible over a network connection by a remote user device;   receiving an input signal from the remote user device selecting a first item to be autographed from the list of items.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the step of creating a video signal of the first celebrity signing an item includes:
 recording the celebrity addressing the user of the remote user device.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the step of creating a video signal of the first celebrity signing an item includes:
 receiving questions from the remote user device for the celebrity to answer.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the step of creating a video signal of the first celebrity signing an item includes:
 positioning a camera to capture the celebrity signing the item.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising:
 providing a time the video of the selected celebrity signing the item will be available for viewing through the remote user device.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the step of creating a video signal of the first celebrity signing an item includes:
 positioning a camera to simulate a viewer being in line for meeting and receiving an autograph of the celebrity.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the step of creating a video signal of the first celebrity signing an item includes:
 recording the celebrity signing autographs for others.