Media Processing Methods and Arrangements

Abstract

A variety of technologies using portable devices in connection with media content are detailed. Some enable users to participate interactively in entertainment content, such as by submitting plot directions, audio input, character names, etc., yielding more engaging, immersive, user experiences. Other aspects involve a program directory database, compiled automatically from information reported by network nodes that watch and identify content traffic. By identifying content resident at a number of different repositories (e.g., web sites, TV networks, P2P systems, etc.), such a directory allows users to identify the diversity of sources from which desired content can be obtained—some available on a scheduled basis, others available on demand. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A portable device comprising:
 a wireless interface for communication with a remote station;   a memory;   a processor responsive to instructions stored in the memory; and   a user interface;   the memory containing instructions that configure the device to:   receive first user input, through the user interface, concerning a name to be used in connection with a character in a television program;   receive second user input, through the user interface, concerning clothing to be worn by a person appearing in said television program; and   transmit information relating to the first and second user inputs, from the wireless device, using the wireless interface;   wherein the information transmitted from the device functions to control, in part, selection of a name for said character, and also functions to transform, in part, appearance of the person appearing in the television program, the user inputs thereby contributing to authoring of the television program.   
     
     
         2 . A method comprising:
 receiving plural data, sent by wireless phones of plural television program viewers, relating to clothing to be worn by a person appearing in a television program;   determining clothing to be worn by the person based, at least in part, on said received plural data; and   clothing the person in accordance with said determining.   
     
     
         3 . A method comprising:
 during presentation of a broadcast television program to a viewer, sensing a gesture of the viewer, the gesture including at least motion of the viewer's hand and arm, the sensing being performed by one or more sensors;   sending data corresponding to the sensed gesture for use in connection with the broadcast television program; and   controlling conduct of a character in the broadcast television program, in part, based on said sent data.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein at least one of said sensors is in a telephone device conveyed by the viewer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the character is synthetic, comprising computer generated imagery. 
     
     
         6 . A method comprising:
 receiving audio information sent from a dozen or more telephone devices, corresponding to audio captured from viewers of a broadcast television program by microphones in said devices;   using said received audio information to generate a composite audio track; and   broadcasting said composite audio track as part of said television program.