Method and apparatus for digital shopping

Abstract

Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are methods and apparatus incorporating, among other things, the concept of using, in particular but without limitation, traditionally non-commercial programming as a medium for selling products or services on-line, and again in particular over the Internet. Using this concept, for example, an element identified in motion picture programming can be made identifiable by a viewer of the motion picture programming, and thereby enabling a viewer to determine the source, location, or other information referred to by the element. Using this concept, for example, a viewer viewing a soap opera is able to use a device to electronically select a element identified in the broadcast. In turn, information referred to by the content element can be displayed to the viewer, including purchase information. Using this particular concept of the invention, traditionally non-commercial programming can be efficiently used to indirectly advertise goods or services and offer them for sale on-line.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 producing a motion picture programming with at least one element in at least one scene of the motion picture programming;   recording digital information about the element; broadcasting the motion picture programming;   receiving the broadcast and displaying the motion picture programming on a television display;   in response to viewing the motion picture programming on the television display, a viewer electronically selecting the element shown in the at least one scene; and   using the recorded digital information, linking the viewer to a web site containing information about the element.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the element is an item worn by a live actor in the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the item is selected from the group of: a item of jewelry, a garment or an accessory. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the element is a hairstyle, hairpiece or cosmetic worn by a live actor in the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the element is a prop used in the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5  wherein the prop is selected from the group of: a home furnishing, home decoration, fixture or appliance. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the element is a real world setting. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the real world setting is selected from the group of: city location, rural location, beach location or water location. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the element is a device used in the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the device is selected from the group of: an automobile, household appliance, tool or consumer product. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the information is recorded during the editing process of the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the information is recorded after the motion picture programming is shot but before the broadcast of the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the information is recorded prior to the motion picture programming being shot. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the information broadcast with the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the information is included with an analog television signal carrying the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the information is included with a digital television signal carrying the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the motion picture programming is stored in a digital format for broadcasting, and the information is stored as part of the digital motion picture programming data. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the information is stored separately from the motion picture programming. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18  wherein the information is referenced after a viewer selects an item and used to identify which element the viewer has chosen. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19  wherein the information specifies the location of the element in a scene of the motion picture programming.