Computer-assisted interactive method and apparatus for making a multi-media presentation

Abstract

A computer-assisted method for presenting a multi-media plurality of elements. Each element, including, for example, video images, still images and documents, is stored by assigned index number in an appropriate input device such as a VHS recorder or laser disk reader (video and stills) or an optical or magnetic disk reader (documents). The input devices are addressed by such index numbers to thereby call up and display selected elements in a WINDOWS format. The format is adjustable from a basic default setting to enable the user to customize frames prior to entry into a script buffer. Thereafter the script buffer is addressable, permitting the frames constituting the presentation to be entered into a script file in a preferred presentation sequence. The presentation is made by addressing the script file to recall selected frames. The method allows the user to preview flames one at a time and allows the user to reformat each frame prior to public display.

Description

BACKGROUND1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to a computer-assisted method for making a presentation drawn from a plurality of visual media. More particularly, this invention pertains to such a method that permits user / machine interaction in the design and programming of a multi-media presentation and user / machine / audience interaction in its delivery.2. Description of the Prior ArtThe presentation of information is an essential educational and persuasive function of commerce. The prepared or formal narrated audio-visual presentation is a ubiquitous adjunct of modern-day sales of both goods and services and the development of this hybrid of technology and psychology continues unabated, seeking and finding new applications on a more or less continual basis.Generally, audio-visual presentations have been limited to text and images; that is, stills, graphs and the like. This is in recognition of the fact that some information is mote usefully presented in at least a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a computer-assisted method and associated apparatus for designing and displaying a multi-media visual presentation that provides the user with the flexibility to review throughout both processes so that the eventual presentation is capable of capturing and holding the audience's attention.

Problems solved by technology

While the use of visual media can provide dramatic effects, command of the viewer's attention is a constant preoccupation of a presenter.

For this reason, audio-visual presentations should be as unencumbered as possible with technology-imposed pauses or "breaks" that can cause a viewer to become fatigued thereby limiting his attention span.

Also, even a "smooth" presentation, if poorly designed, may lose the audience's attention through internal aesthetic illogic and / or incompatibility with the dynamic "mood" of the audience.

Computer-assisted systems frequently provide additional tools but fail to permit the user to address important audience psychology issues.

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