System and method for interactive video content programming

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system and method for interacting with video by displaying one or more interface links associated with video content being displayed, pausing the video content when an interface link is interacted with, allowing the user to view ancillary content the interface link is linked to over a network, and un-pausing the video content after the user elects to continue viewing the video content. In one or more embodiments, the ancillary content may permit e-commerce, display additional video or other images, and/or include links to additional ancillary content. The present invention also includes a method for creating an interactive video.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for using an interactive video, the method comprising the steps of:
 displaying a video on a visual display, the video having at least one interface link associated therewith, the interface link adapted to be displayed on the visual display and being linked to ancillary content accessible over a network;   interacting with the interface link to access the ancillary content;   interrupting the display of the video at a point in time;   delivering the ancillary content to the visual display for interaction by a user; and   continuing the display of the video from the point in time where the display of the video was interrupted after the interaction by the user.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said displaying step includes streaming video over a network to the visual display. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said interacting step includes interacting with an interface link that is embedded in the video. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said interacting step includes overlaying the interface link on the video on the visual display. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said interacting step includes interacting with the interface link originating from a separate feed from that of the video. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said interacting step includes hiding the interface link from view on the display until interacted with by the user. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said displaying step includes displaying the interface link being at least a partially transparent graphic. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said interacting step includes interacting with primary ancillary content having a link to secondary ancillary content. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said displaying step includes displaying an Interface link that provides the appearance of moving across the screen of the visual display as the video is being played. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said interacting step includes the sub-step of conducting a commercial transaction with a user.