U.S. patent application number 12/120952 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for systems and methods for receiving and sponsoring media content.
Invention is credited to Michael Spiegelman.
Application Number | 20080243633 12/120952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39319221 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080243633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spiegelman; Michael |
October 2, 2008 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECEIVING AND SPONSORING MEDIA CONTENT
Abstract
A method and system of sponsoring a media item is disclosed
herein. A media item is received from a submitter. The media item
is published for consumer access. Requests for the media item are
received from media consumers. A number of consumer requests for
the media item is counted. A determination is made as to whether
the number of consumer requests for the media item is higher than a
predetermined threshold of popularity. If the number of consumer
requests for the media item is determined to be higher than the
predetermined threshold of popularity, the media item is sponsored
on a webcast station.
Inventors: |
Spiegelman; Michael; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YAHOO! INC. C/O GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
MET LIFE BUILDING, 200 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10166
US
|
Family ID: |
39319221 |
Appl. No.: |
12/120952 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11551698 |
Oct 20, 2006 |
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12120952 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/27.1 ;
705/1.1; 705/26.1; 715/764; 715/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 10/06 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101; G06Q 30/0601
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26 ; 705/1;
715/764; 715/810 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00; G06F 3/048 20060101 G06F003/048 |
Claims
1. A user interface comprising: a media submission field visibly
displayed on a user device for submitting media content; a media
rendering field visibly displayed on the user device for publishing
the media content for consumer access, the media rendering field
being configured to count a number of consumer requests for the
media content; and a media sponsoring field visibly displayed on
the user device for tracking whether the number of consumer
requests for the media content is higher than a predetermined
threshold of popularity, wherein if the number of requests is
determined to be higher than the predetermined threshold of
popularity, sponsoring the media content.
2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the media sponsoring
field being further configured for indicating the media content
being transmitted to a computer server for said sponsoring, said
sponsoring comprising broadcasting the media content on a webcast
television station.
3. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the media sponsoring
field being further configured for indicating the media content
being transmitted to a computer server for said sponsoring, said
sponsoring comprising broadcasting the media content on a webcast
radio station.
4. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the media sponsoring
field being further configured for indicating the media content
being transmitted to a consumer for a subscription fee.
5. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the media sponsoring
field being further configured for indicating the media content
being transmitted to a consumer for a downloading fee.
6. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the media submission
field being further configured for entering a media type of the
media content, the media type being a song, a video or an
image.
7. The user interface of claim 6, wherein the media submission
field comprising a drop down menu for said entering the media type
of the media content.
8. The user interface of claim 6, wherein the media submission
field being further configured for entering a suitable rendering
computer application for the media content.
9. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the media submission
field being further configured for entering descriptor information
corresponding to the media content, the descriptor information
comprising at least one of a title, genre, artist, album name,
album art, wherein the descriptor information being metadata of the
media content.
10. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the submission field,
rendering field and sponsoring field each comprise individual
buttons allocated for separate submitter submissions, content
display and descriptive data display corresponding to the media
content.
11. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising: a media menu
visibly displayed on the user device for selecting a menu item for
uploading media content, viewing webcasts and accessing submitted
media.
12. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the tracking of whether
the number of consumer requests for the media content is higher
than the predetermined threshold of popularity further comprises:
tracking whether the media content has reached a first threshold of
popularity, wherein if the media content has reached the first
threshold of popularity, sponsoring the media content at a first
sponsoring level; and tracking whether the media content has
reached a second threshold of popularity, wherein if the media
content has reached the second threshold of popularity, sponsoring
the media content at a second sponsoring level.
13. The user interface of claim 12, wherein said sponsoring the
media content at the first sponsoring level comprises broadcasting
the media content on a webcast station.
14. The user interface of claim 12, wherein said sponsoring the
media content at the second sponsoring level comprises transmitting
the media content to a consumer for a fee.
15. The user interface of claim 12, wherein said sponsoring the
media content at the first sponsoring level comprises transmitting
the media content to a consumer for a fee.
16. The user interface of claim 12, wherein said sponsoring the
media content at the second sponsoring level comprises broadcasting
the media content on a webcast station.
17. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the media sponsoring
field further comprises: a display field for indicating a
popularity rating indicating the number of consumer requests for
the media content; and a display field for indicating a status of
the media content, wherein the status corresponds to the media
content being sponsored or published, the status is based upon the
popularity rating.
18. The user interface of claim 17, wherein the popularity rating
being based upon the number of consumer requests for the media
content, or consumer voting submissions indicating a level of
interest each consumer has for the media content.
19. The user interface of claim 17, wherein the predetermined
threshold of popularity being displayed indicates the popularity
rating of the media content in comparison to a popularity rating of
other media content previously submitted.
20. The user interface of claim 19, wherein the popularity rating
comparison being displayed provides a submitter a measure as to how
close the media content is from being sponsored in view of the
popularity rating.
21. The user interface of claim 1, wherein media content being one
of a plurality of media content.
22. The user interface of claim 17, further comprising: a display
field visibly displayed on the user interface for providing media
submitters performance and statistical data pertaining to the media
content, the display field being a collection of buttons
corresponding to the amount of said performance and statistical
data displayed, wherein the buttons are provided as individual text
boxes.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/551,698, filed Oct. 20, 2006, entitled
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECEIVING AND SPONSORING MEDIA CONTENT
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing
media. In particular, this disclosure relates to systems and
methods for receiving, publishing and sponsoring.
[0004] 2. General Background
[0005] The expansion of the Internet and the World Wide Web ("web")
has given computer users the enhanced ability to listen to and to
watch various forms of media through their computers, handheld
devices, etc. Such media can be in the form of audio music, music
videos, and television programs, sporting events or any other form
of audio or video media that a user wishes to watch or listen to.
Media is now overwhelmingly being distributed through computer
networks. As a result, effective media creation and distribution
has become accessible to small artists and media producers.
Likewise, consumer access to media content on the Internet has
increased significantly. Therefore, popularity of media content on
the Internet can be a good indicator of the overall success of a
media item.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect, there is a method of sponsoring a media item.
A media item is received from a submitter. The media item is
published for consumer access. Requests for the media item are
received from media consumers. A number of consumer requests for
the media item is counted. A determination is made as to whether
the number of consumer requests for the media item is higher than a
predetermined threshold of popularity. If the number of consumer
requests for the media item is determined to be higher than the
predetermined threshold of popularity, the media item is sponsored
on a webcast station. The media item can be a song, video, or
image.
[0007] In further aspects, sponsoring the media item comprises
broadcasting the media item on a webcast television station,
broadcasting the media item on a webcast radio station,
transmitting the media item to a consumer for a subscription fee,
or transmitting the media item to a consumer for a downloading
fee.
[0008] In a further aspect, the consumer request being counted can
correspond to requests from all consumers who have requested the
media item. In another aspect, the consumer requests being counted
can correspond to requests submitted by one consumer such that
determining if the number of consumer requests for the media item
is higher than a predetermined threshold of popularity comprises
determining if the number of consumer requests by the one consumer
is higher than an average of per-user requests expected. In a
further aspect, consumer requests can include bookmaking.
[0009] In a further aspect, feedback is provided to the submitter
based on consumer requests for the media item. The feedback
provided to the submitter includes a number of consumer requests
for the media item. Furthermore, the feedback to the submitter can
include a number of consumers requesting the media item.
[0010] In another aspect, there is system of sponsoring a media
item comprising a media submission module, a media rendering
module, and a media sponsoring module. The media submission module
receives a media item from a submitter. The media rendering module
publishes the media item so that consumers can request the media
item. The media rendering module can be configured to count a
number of consumer requests for the media item. The media
sponsoring module is configured to determine if the number of
consumer requests for the media item is higher than a predetermined
threshold of popularity.
[0011] In another aspect, there is a method of sponsoring a media
item. A media item is received at a receiving computer server from
a submitter. The media item can be published for consumer access.
The media item can be published through a computer network so that
consumers can request the media item from a transmitting computer
server. Ratings of the media item can be received from the
consumers. A high level of popularity of the media item can be
established if consumer ratings received from the consumers of the
media item reach a predetermined threshold of popularity. The media
item can be sponsored if the high level of popularity has been
established.
[0012] In another aspect, method of sponsoring a media item. A
media item is received from a submitter. The media item can be
published for consumer access. The media item can be published
through a computer network so that consumers can request the media
item. It is determined that the media item has reached a first
threshold of popularity. If the media item has reached the first
threshold of popularity, the media item is sponsored at a first
sponsoring level. A determination is made as to whether the media
item has reached a second threshold of popularity. If the media
item has reached the second threshold of popularity, the media item
is sponsored at a second sponsoring level.
DRAWINGS
[0013] The above-mentioned features and objects of the present
disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and
in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a system for submitting in publishing media,
according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a component diagram of one example of a
computing device 200.
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a process for receiving
media submissions according to one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of a process for sponsoring
media content utilizing a count of media content requests according
to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a process for sponsoring
media content utilizing media ratings according to one
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 6 depicts a user interface for submitting media
according to one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 7 depicts a user interface for searching submitted
media according to one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 8 depicts a user interface for interacting with
submitted media according to one embodiment.
[0022] FIGS. 9A-9B depict user interface for notifying a submitter
that a previously submitted media item is being sponsored according
to one embodiment.
[0023] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict user interfaces for displaying a
listing of previously submitted media according to one
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 11 depicts a user interface for displaying feedback
data to previously submitted media according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The systems and methods disclose herein allow media
submitters to submit media to an online service, such as a media
sponsor, for showcasing the media to consumers. Based upon
popularity among consumers, the submitted media can be sponsored by
the online service using one or more sponsoring methods.
[0026] A media submitter can be any entity or individual that
desires to submit media to the media sponsor. For example, a
submitter can include an artist, a band, a record label, a media
producer, or any other entity or individual that desires to submit
media items to the media sponsor. A media item in turn, can be
video, music, ring tones and other non-music items, images,
etc.
[0027] Submitted media can be received by a media sponsor. The
media sponsor can publish, or otherwise make the media item
accessible to the public so as to showcase the submitted media
items. The media items can then be accessed through a website or
any other Internet-based interface. Media consumers can be provided
with access to previously submitted media items and assess the
media contents submitted by the media submitter.
[0028] Media consumers are generally the public that accesses media
through Internet-based services by the media sponsor. Media
submitters can, of course, be consumers of submitted music by other
submitters.
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a system for submitting in publishing media,
according to one embodiment. The system 100 can include a data
network 104 through which a submitter can submit media content to a
media sponsor 106. In one embodiment, the media submitter can
utilize a submitter computing device 122 to interface with the data
network 104 in order to submit one or more media items. The
submitter computing device 102 can be, for example, a personal
computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant (PDA), a
smart phone, or any other wireless or computing device that the
submitter can utilize to transmit the media item. For example, the
submitter computing device 122 can also be a client application
running on a computing device associated with a record label
company. Thus, the record label company can be a media submitter
that utilizes the submitter computing device 122 to transmit media
items to the media sponsor 106. In one example, the media items
being transmitted can include, for example, audio files in the form
of music or non-music that are transmitted to the media sponsor
106. In another example, the media items being transmitted can
include media files, animation files, photographs, digital
photographs, or any other media content that can be electronically
transmitted through the data network 104 to the media sponsor
106.
[0030] In one embodiment, the data network 104 is the Internet. In
another embodiment, the data network 104 is an intranet. In yet
another embodiment the data network 104 can be any form of computer
network that facilitates transmission of media content from client
computer to a server computer, and vice versa.
[0031] The media sponsor 106 can be an entity that provides a
service for receiving submitted media content and for publishing
such received submitted media content on an Internet-based site or
application. For example, the media sponsor can provide a website
wherein the media item submitted by the media submitter can be
published on a website. In another example, the media item can be
streamed to media consumers who request the submitted media
content. In another example, the media sponsor can provide an
application that is downloaded on a consumer computing device 102.
The application can be configured to receive streamed media content
and render the media content on a display.
[0032] The system 100 can further interact with a consumer
computing device 102 in order to transmit and render submitted
media content to a media consumer. In one example, the media
consumer computing device 102 can request a previously-submitted
media item through the consumer computing device 102. Again, the
consumer computing device 102 can be any form of personal computing
device, such as a personal computer, laptop, desktop, PDA, smart
phone, etc. In addition, the consumer computing device 102, similar
to the submitter computing device 122, can communicate with the
data network 104 utilizing one or more communication protocols,
such as wireless protocols, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular
communication protocols, satellite communication protocols,
etc.
[0033] In one embodiment, the media sponsor 106 can include one or
more input/output computing and storing devices and structure that
can facilitate the receipt, storage, rendering and transmission of
submitted media content, as well as measurement of consumer request
patterns, volume, etc.
[0034] In one embodiment, the media sponsor 106 can utilize a media
rendering module 108, a user interface module 110, a media
submission module 112, and a media sponsoring module 120.
Furthermore, the media sponsor 106 can also utilize one or more
storage devices, or data repositories, such as a media database
114, a consumer profiles database 116, and a submitter profiles
database 118.
[0035] The user interface module 110 can be configured with logic
to interface with a media submitter and a media consumer. In one
example, the user interface module 110 can receive the submissions
from a media submitter via a web-page hosted by the media sponsor
106. In other words, the user interface module 110 can be
configured to act as a web server that can accept commands and
yield results to a client computer. As such, the user interface
module 110 can interact with a media submission module 112 in order
to receive submitted media content from a media submitter. The
media submission module 112 can be configured with logic to accept
media content using one or more predefined algorithms.
[0036] In one example, the media submission module can interpret
received media item metadata and any other associated data that is
submitted with a media item. In addition, the media submission
module 112 can also be configured with logic to permit the media
submitter to edit the submitted media content or associated
metadata prior to publication. In yet another example, the media
submission module 112 can be configured with logic to queue the
submitted media for review and clearance by the media sponsor 106
before the submitted media is published. For example, if a song is
submitted with explicit lyrics and appropriate metadata is not
associated with the submitted song indicating that such song
includes explicit lyrics, the media sponsor 106 may be able to
reject the submitted song through the media submission module 112.
In addition, the media submission module 112 can further be
configured with automated screening mechanisms.
[0037] In another embodiment, the media submission module 112 can
further be configured to interact with the submitter profiles
database 118 to establish the identity of the media submitter. A
media submitter can be an artist, a band, a record label, a media
producer, or any other entity or individual that desires to submit
media to the media sponsor 106. As such, the submitter profiles
database 118 can include records of media submitters including the
name, address, contact information, previously published media, and
any other associated information that the media sponsor 106
requests or makes mandatory to include in the submitter
profile.
[0038] In yet another embodiment, the media submission module 112
can also be configured to interact with a media database 114. For
example, the media submission module 112 can be configured to store
received media item on the media database 114. The media submission
module 112 can utilize metadata and tags that have been associated
with a submitted media item in order to classify the submitted
media and store the media item in the media database 114.
[0039] The media sponsor 106 can further utilize a media rendering
module 108. Media rendering module 108 can interact with the media
database 114 and the user interface module 110 to retrieve media
content that requested by a consumer. Upon retrieving the media
content from the media database 114, the media rendering module 108
can render the media content to the consumer computing device 102
through the user interface 110. As such, the media rendering module
108 can be configured as a streaming server that streams media
content, such as music or video to the consumer computing device
102. In addition, the media rendering module 108 can also be
configured to render the media content to the consumer computing
device 102 by acting as a download server that permits the consumer
computing device 102 to download a media item.
[0040] In another embodiment, the media sponsor 106 can configure
one or more modules with logic to calculate the popularity of media
items stored in the media database 114. In one embodiment, the
media rendering module 108 can be configured with logic to
determine the number of times the particular media item has been
requested by a consumer. In another embodiment, the media rendering
module can be configured with logic to determine and store ratings
of consumers for a particular media item.
[0041] Alternatively, a media sponsoring module 120 can be
configured with logic to determine the number of times that a media
item has been requested by consumers. In another embodiment, the
media sponsoring module 120 can be configured with logic to
determine and store ratings associated with consumers that have
submitted ratings for a particular media item. In addition, in one
or more embodiments, other forms of counting or determining the
popularity of a media item can be utilized and configured in one or
more modules. The ratings and/or number of times the media item has
been requested can further be stored in the media database 114 in
relation to the corresponding media item.
[0042] The media sponsoring module 120 can further be configured
with logic to determine whether the popularity of a particular
media item has reached a level that warrants the sponsoring of the
media item. For example, a media item that has been submitted by a
media submitter and thereafter published and rendered to one or
more consumers can have an associated popularity rating or level.
As previously mentioned, the popularity rating or level can be
directly proportional to the number of requests of the media item
by consumers. In another example, the popularity of rating of a
media item can be directly proportional to actual ratings provided
by consumers of the media item. In another example, the popularity
of rating of a media item can be any other indicator established by
the media sponsor 106. In addition, the media sponsor 106 can
further establish a popularity threshold that a media item must
reach before the media item is sponsored by the media sponsor
106.
[0043] In one embodiment, the media sponsor 106 sponsors a media
item by including the media item as part of a webcast station. In
another embodiment, the media sponsor 106 sponsors the media item
by providing the media item through a podcast. In another
embodiment, the media sponsor 106 sponsors the media item by
including the media item in a website dedicated for the top media
items of the month, or any other to-be-determined period of time.
In another embodiment, the media sponsor 106 sponsors the media
item by providing the media item through a subscription service
wherein consumers can download or otherwise access the media item
after paying a fee. In another embodiment, the media sponsor 106
sponsors the media item by providing the media item as a
pay-per-download item on a webpage. In yet another embodiment, the
media sponsor 106 sponsors the media item by providing the media
item on a website dedicated to the media submitter. In yet another
embodiment, the media sponsor 106 sponsors the media item by
providing the media item on a website dedicated to the media
creator.
[0044] Therefore, if the popularity level of a media item has
reached a pre-determined popularity threshold, the media sponsor
106 can sponsor the media item via the aforementioned methods or
any other sponsoring methods now known or to become known.
[0045] For example, if a media submitter submits a song that the
media sponsor 106 publishes, the song can then be provided to
consumers for access without the media sponsor initially sponsoring
the media item. As the song becomes more popular, and a number of
requests for the song increases, the media sponsoring module 120
can be configured with logic to compare the number of requests for
that particular song against the pre-determined threshold of
popularity. For example, if the media sponsor 106 has set the
pre-determined threshold of popularity to be one thousand, the
media sponsor 106 will sponsor, or at least offer to sponsor, the
media item if the number of requests for the song is at least
one-thousand. Upon reaching the one-thousand popularity level mark,
the media item can be sponsored by the media sponsor 106 to one of
the above-mentioned methods of sponsoring. In addition, further
levels of sponsoring can also be introduced. Thus, as a media item
continues to gain popularity, the media sponsor 106 can continue to
further promote the media item and become a more invested sponsor.
For instance, the media sponsor 106 can establish a first
popularity level and a second popularity level. The first
popularity level can be attained by a media item that has been
requested a number of times that is at least equal or greater than
a first popularity threshold (e.g., one-thousand requests). Then, a
second popularity level can be attained by a media item that has
reached or exceeded a second popularity threshold (e.g.,
five-thousand requests).
[0046] FIG. 2 depicts a component diagram of one example of a
computing device 200. The user computing device can be utilized to
implement one or more computing devices, computer processes, or
software modules described herein. In one example, the user
computing device 200 can be utilized to process calculations,
execute instructions, receive and transmit digital signals, as
required by the consumer computing device 102, the submitter
computing device 122, or any of the modules 108, 110, 112, and 120.
In one example, the user computing device 200 can be utilized to
process calculations, execute instructions, receive and transmit
digital signals, as required by user interface logic, video
rendering logic, decoding logic, or search engines as discussed
below.
[0047] Computing device 200 can be any general or special purpose
computer now known or to become known capable of performing the
steps and/or performing the functions described herein, either in
software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.
[0048] Computing device 200 includes an inter-connect 208 (e.g.,
bus and system core logic), which interconnects a microprocessor(s)
204 and memory 206. The inter-connect 208 interconnects the
microprocessor(s) 204 and the memory 206 together. Furthermore, the
interconnect 208 interconnects the microprocessor 204 and the
memory 206 to peripheral devices such input ports 212 and output
ports 210. Input ports 212 and output ports 210 can communicate
with I/O devices such as mice, keyboards, modems, network
interfaces, printers, scanners, video cameras and other devices. In
addition, the output port 210 can further communicate with the
display 104.
[0049] Furthermore, the interconnect 208 may include one or more
buses connected to one another through various bridges, controllers
and/or adapters. In one embodiment, input ports 212 and output
ports 210 can include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter for
controlling USB peripherals, and/or an IEEE-1394 bus adapter for
controlling IEEE-1394 peripherals. The inter-connect 208 can also
include a network connection 214.
[0050] The memory 206 may include ROM (Read Only Memory), and
volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) and non-volatile memory, such
as hard drive, flash memory, etc. Volatile RAM is typically
implemented as dynamic RAM (DRAM), which requires power continually
in order to refresh or maintain the data in the memory.
Non-volatile memory is typically a magnetic hard drive, flash
memory, a magnetic optical drive, or an optical drive (e.g., a DVD
RAM), or other type of memory system which maintains data even
after power is removed from the system. The non-volatile memory may
also be a random access memory.
[0051] The memory 206 can be a local device coupled directly to the
rest of the components in the data processing system. A
non-volatile memory that is remote from the system, such as a
network storage device coupled to the data processing system
through a network interface such as a modem or Ethernet interface,
can also be used. The instructions to control the arrangement of a
file structure may be stored in memory 206 or obtained through
input ports 212 and output ports 210.
[0052] In general, routines executed to implement one or more
embodiments may be implemented as part of an operating system 218
or a specific application, component, program, object, module or
sequence of instructions referred to as application software 216.
The application software 216 typically can comprises one or more
instruction sets that can be executed by the microprocessor 204 to
perform operations necessary to execute elements involving the
various aspects of the methods and systems as described herein. For
example, the application software 216 can include media rendering,
media submission, and/or media sponsoring logic.
[0053] Examples of computer-readable media include but are not
limited to recordable and non-recordable type media such as
volatile and non-volatile memory devices, read only memory (ROM),
random access memory (RAM), flash memory devices, floppy and other
removable disks, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media
(e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile
Disks, (DVDs), etc.), among others. The instructions may be
embodied in digital and analog communication links for electrical,
optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals, such as
carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.
[0054] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a process for receiving
media submissions according to one embodiment. At process block
302, media content is received from a submitter. In one example, a
submitter can utilize an upload tool that can interact with a
website, and that permits the submitter to upload one or more media
items to the media sponsor 106. In addition, the media tool can
include attaching mechanisms that allow the media file or media
item to be attached as an electronic file or container and be
uploaded to the media sponsor 106.
[0055] Furthermore, the submitter can submit metadata such as group
name or band name, creator names, media title (e.g., a song title),
media title order (e.g., a track number of a song in an album), a
media group name (e.g. an album title), a media release date, media
group image (e.g., an album art), category names (e.g., genres),
biographies, etc.
[0056] One or more optional tools can further be available to
better describe the media item being submitted. For example, a
genre tree can be provided corresponding to an appropriate country
such that a submitter can select the most relevant genre to which
the submitted media corresponds. Furthermore, submitters can be
provided with the ability to make edits prior to the display of the
media content by the media sponsor 106. As previously mentioned,
the media submission module 112 can be configured with logic to
allow the submitter to approve the submitted media for posting, as
well as enter further information regarding usage of the media. For
example, the submitter can also provide a license to use the media
item. The process 300 continues at process block 302.
[0057] At process block 302, the media content received is stored
in a media database. The media submission module 112 can, for
example, be utilized to store the submitted media content in the
media database 114. As part of storing the media content, the
metadata provided by the submitter can be also stored in the media
database 114 in association with the media item submitted. Further,
the submitter name can be matched against existing profiles in the
submitter profiles database 118 so as to create a relationship
between the recently-submitted media item residing at the media
database 114 and the submitter of the media item. Process 300
continues at process block 306.
[0058] At process block 306, the media content received is
published for consumer access. The media content received from the
submitter can be made available for consumers to download, stream,
or otherwise access the media content received from the submitter.
In one embodiment, the media content is published for free access
to the media content. In other words, consumers accessing the media
content and viewing or listening to the media content would be able
to access such content without payment of a fee or being part of a
subscription service, etc. In addition, the media content can be
published by providing an interface that allows a consumer to
search for media content that meets pre-specified criteria
established by the consumer.
[0059] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of a process for sponsoring
media content utilizing a count of media content requests according
to one embodiment. At process block 402, requests for the media
content are received from consumers. The process 400 continues as
process block 404. At process block 404 the media content is
transmitted to the requesting consumers. As previously mentioned,
the media content can be transmitted electronically over a data
network 104 to a client computing device that the media consumer
utilizes. The process 400 continues at process block 406.
[0060] At process block 406 the number of media content requests
are counted. In one example, after each media content request the
count of the number of media content requests can be increased by
one. The count for the number of media content requests can further
be associated with a particular media item. Thus, for example, if a
submitter submits a first media item and a second media item, the
first media item would have a first count configured to count the
number of requests that have been submitted for the first media
item. Likewise, the second media item would have a second count
associated with the second media item that stores the number of
requests for the second media item. Process 400 continues at
process block 408.
[0061] At process block 408, it is determined whether the number of
media content requests is higher than a pre-determined popularity
threshold. Process 400 continues at process block 410. At process
block 410 the media content is sponsored if it is determined that
the number of media content requests is higher than the
pre-determined popularity threshold. Various sponsoring methods as
described above can be utilized. For example, providing the media
content in an online webcast radio station, or via a podcast, or
via a subscription-based media delivery service can be among
methods utilized to sponsor the media content. In addition, the
media content can further be sponsored at multiple levels. Thus,
multiple-level sponsoring can include offering the media content on
an online radio channel at a first level of sponsoring. Further,
media content can be provided for downloading at a
subscription-based online service on a second level of
sponsoring.
[0062] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a process for sponsoring
media content utilizing media ratings according to one embodiment.
At block 502 requests for media content are received from
consumers. Process 500 continues at process block 504. At process
block 504, the media content is transmitted to the requesting
consumers. Process 500 continues at process block 506.
[0063] At process block 506, consumer ratings are received
regarding the media content. In one example, consumer ratings can
include a score from one to five that a media consumer has assigned
to the media content. The consumer ratings can be further stored in
association with a media content item such that further retrieval
of the rating information associated with a particular media item
can easily be achieved. Process 500 continues at process block
508.
[0064] At process block 508, it is determined if the consumer
ratings corresponding to the media content are higher than a
pre-determined popularity threshold. In one example, the
pre-determined popularity threshold can be established to be four
on a scale of one to five. A score of one can be the lowest score
and a score of five can be the highest score. In another
embodiment, the determination of whether the pre-determined
popularity threshold has been reached can be made based on the
number of times a media item has been played by a media consumer.
As such, determining if the number of consumer requests for the
media item is higher than a predetermined threshold of popularity
comprises determining if the number of consumer requests by the one
consumer is higher than an average of per-user requests
expected.
[0065] In another embodiment, the determination of whether the
pre-determined popularity threshold has been reached can be made
based on the number of consumers that have bookmarked the media
item. Other rating skills and popularity thresholds can also be
established by the media sponsor 106, as can be apparent to one
skilled in the art.
[0066] Process 500 continues as process block 510. At process block
510 the media content is sponsored if the consumer ratings are
determined to be higher than the pre-determined popularity
threshold.
[0067] FIG. 6 depicts a user interface for submitting media
according to one embodiment. The user interface 600 can include one
or more fields to enter information associated to the media item
being uploaded by the submitter. In one example, fields 604, 606
and 608 can be provided as radio button options to permit the
submitter to enter or indicate the type of media being uploaded.
For example, field 604 can be utilized by a submitter to indicate
that the media corresponds to video media content.
[0068] Furthermore, field 606 can be utilized by the submitter to
indicate that the media content is audio. In addition, a field 608
can be provided so that the submitter can further indicate any
other type of media now known or to become known. In addition, when
the submitter selects radio button 608, the submitter can further
be prompted to enter the type of media and a suitable rendering
computer application that can be utilized to present the media item
to a media consumer. In addition, a drop down menu 610 can be
provided in conjunction with field 604 in order to permit a
submitter to enter the type of media that corresponds to a video
being uploaded by the submitter. Exemplary formats for video can
include AVI, MPEG-4, Windows Media Video, etc. Likewise, a drop
down menu 612 can be provided in conjunction with the audio radio
button in order to permit a submitter to enter the format type of
the audio media item being uploaded by the submitter. Exemplary
audio formats can include MP3, WAV, etc.
[0069] In a further embodiment, fields for entering metadata or
descriptor information can be provided as part of the user
interface 600. A title field 618 can be provided to for entering
the title of the submitted media item. In addition, a genre drop
down menu 620 can be provided as part of the user interface 600 to
permit the submitter to enter the genre corresponding to the media
item submitted. An artist field 622 can also be included as part of
the user interface 600 in order to enter the artist name
corresponding to the media being uploaded. In one embodiment, the
artist name can be automatically populated according to the
username of the submitter. Therefore, the username of the submitter
or an associated name and last name or entity name can be entered
in artist field 622 as a default. Of course, a submitter can be
provided with the opportunity to enter or edit the name of the
artist. An album field 624 can be provided so that the submitter
can enter the name of the album or another compilation to which the
media item being uploaded may belong. Further, an images field 626
and a corresponding browse button 628 can also be provided as part
of user interface 600 to permit the submitter to enter image
information related to the media item. For example, media item
images can include album art, pictures of the band or the artist or
still images of a video file, etc. In addition, other descriptor
information can be entered in a field 630 such that the media item
can be further searchable by keywords associated with the media
item. In one embodiment, a submitter can further enter multiple
genres associated with a media item and include the entered genres
in the media descriptor field 630. A button 632 can further be
provided to allow the submitter to submit the entered information
and upload the media item.
[0070] A media menu 614 can also be provided as part of the user
interface 600. A submitter can utilize the media menu to select a
menu item 616 to select the uploading of media.
[0071] FIG. 7 depicts a user interface 700 for searching submitted
media according to one embodiment. Once the media item has been
submitted to the media sponsor 106, a media consumer can utilize
the user interface 700 to search submitted media that may be of
interest to the media consumer. For example, a pane 702 can be
displayed so that the consumer can enter submitter's information in
order to search for any media related to such submitter. Thus, if
the submitter is a band, the consumer can utilize a field 704 to
enter the band's name to list the media submitted by the band. In
addition, a field 706 can also be utilized by a consumer to search
for submitted media by an artist using the artist's first name and
last name.
[0072] In another embodiment, search criteria related to the time
at which the media item was submitted can also be entered in user
interface 700. For example, a radio button 712, a radio button 714
and a radio button 716 can be provided such that the consumer can
enter a specific time period in which the media item was submitted.
For example, radio button 712 can be selected by the consumer to
receive a report of all of the media submitted present day. In
another example, radio button 714 can be selected if a consumer
wants to determine or view all of the media submitted this week. In
yet another example, radio button 716 can be utilized by the media
consumer to determine the media that has been submitted in the last
few months. For example, once the consumer selects the radio button
716, the consumer can further select the number of months
corresponding to the time period that the consumer wants to use as
a search criteria to find out the submitted media during that
time.
[0073] In yet another embodiment, a pane 719 can be utilized as
part of user interface 700 to receive consumer search criteria
regarding the type of the media being searched for by the consumer.
For example, the type of the media can be selected to be audio only
or video only, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, a search
button 724 can be provided as part of the user interface 700 in
order to receive a search command from the consumer. A media menu
708 can also be provided as part of the user interface 700. A
submitter can utilize the media menu 708 to select a menu item 710.
Menu item 710 can permit a consumer to search for media submitted
by others.
[0074] FIG. 8 depicts a user interface for interacting with
submitted media according to one embodiment. Once a consumer
submits a search request, a search results interface can be
provided to the consumer as part of the user interface 800. In one
embodiment, the listing of the search results can be presented to
the consumer either alphabetically, chronologically or in any other
order. In one example, as illustrated in the search results
displayed as shown in FIG. 8, the results are based on a query for
music that has been submitted for the present day. Thus, a media
listing 808 can be displayed with a play button the name of the
song, namely Story of Two, the name of the submitter, e.g.,
pepper22, the rating of the song by users and a link to report
abuse. As such, the listing can, for example, include a title
column 802 and submitted by column 804, a report abuse column 806
and a rating column 814. The rating column 814 can include an
average of all of the ratings by consumers that have viewed or
listened or otherwise accessed the media item. In addition, the
report abuse column 806 can include links that permit a consumer to
report an infringement, non-permitted use of lyrics or melody, or
the image or likeness of a person, as well as content that may be
obscene or that the consumer may find offensive.
[0075] In another embodiment, the rating column 814 can correspond
to the rating of the consumer viewing the listings such that the
consumer can update the rating of the media item according to the
consumer's taste. Once the rating is submitted by the consumer, the
rating can be applied to the media item and stored for future
determination on the popularity of the media item. Likewise,
listings 808 and 810 can also include a play button at column
816.
[0076] Once a consumer selects a play button, the count of media
requests for that specific media item requested can be increased.
For example, if the play button in listing 808 is selected by the
consumer, the count of media requests corresponding to the media
item of listing 808 can be increased by one. As previously
mentioned, various methodologies of determining popularity can be
utilized. For example, a high count of media requests for a media
item can be indicative of popularity. In another example, high
ratings of media item can also be indicator of popularity of a
media item. In another example, any other measurement of consumer
access to the media item, or customer predilection of the media
item may be utilized to assess the popularity of the media item.
Further user interaction mechanisms can be provided as part of user
interface 800. For example, a search again button 812 can be
provided so that the consumer can enter new search criteria in
order to access submitted media.
[0077] FIG. 9A depicts user interface 900 for notifying a submitter
that a previously submitted media item is being sponsored at a
radio station according to one embodiment. A media menu 904 can be
provided as part of the user interface 900. A submitter can utilize
the media menu 904 to select a menu item 906. The menu item 906 can
provide the submitter the option to view a main page of the
interface 900.
[0078] As previously disclosed herein, a media item that reaches a
popularity level beyond a predetermined popularity threshold can be
sponsored by a media sponsor 106. In one embodiment, the media
sponsor 106 sponsors the media item by featuring the media item in
a webcast channel. Thus, for example, if the media item is a video,
the media item can be displayed in an Internet-based video webcast
channel. In another embodiment, if the media item is an audio music
file, the audio music content can be featured in a webcast radio
channel. As depicted in FIG. 9, a pane 902 can be utilized to
display a message indicating that a previously-submitted media item
is being featured at a webcast channel. Of course, many other
mechanisms for announcing the featuring of a previously submitted
media item can be utilized. For example, other communication
methods, such as e-mail, text message, phone calling or anything
else can be utilized as part of the notification to the
submitter.
[0079] FIG. 9B depicts a user interface for notifying a submitter
that a previously submitted media item is being featured at a
subscription service. As previously discussed, previously submitted
media items can be featured by a media sponsor 106 upon a media
item reaching a popularity level that matches or exceeds a
predetermined threshold popularity level. The media sponsor 106 can
sponsor the media item by featuring the media item as part of a
subscription based service. For example, the subscription based
service can be a subscription for ring tones. Consumers who
subscribe to the service can access one or more ring tones being
sponsored by the media sponsor 106. In another example, the
subscription service can include photographs. Upon a submitted
image reaching a popularity level, the subscription service of the
media sponsor 106 can feature the submitted image as part of the
subscription service. In another aspect of the subscription
service, a consumer may be required to be a fee for obtaining the
particular media content. For example, if the media content is an
audio music file or a video file, the consumer can be charged a
fixed fee for downloading the music file or the video file to the
user's computing device (e.g., hand held device).
[0080] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict user interfaces for displaying a
listing of previously submitted media according to one embodiment.
A media menu 1040 can also be provided as part of the user
interface 1000. A submitter can utilize the media menu 1040 to
select a menu item 1002. Menu item 1002 can be selected to access
media items listings submitted by a media submitter.
[0081] In one embodiment, the submitter can view a listing of each
of the media items that the submitter had previously submitted. In
addition, relevant information associated to the media items can
also be listed in the user interface 1000. For example, the media
items can each have a play button that can be used to render the
media content of the media item. In addition, an indicator for each
media item listing can also be displayed to indicate whether or not
the media item is being sponsored by the media sponsor 106. For
example, indicator 1004 can indicate that media item corresponding
to listing 1022 has been published but that is not currently being
sponsored. In addition, a popularity rating 1010 can be included as
part of the main indicative of the popularity of media item listing
1022. Likewise, media item listing 1024 can include an indicator
1006 showing that media item two is being sponsored by the media
sponsor 106. In addition, media item listing 1024 can also be
displayed with its popularity rate 1012 showing 2,234 consumer
requests.
[0082] In yet a further embodiment, the threshold of popularity can
also be displayed such that the viewer can be appraised of how well
a particular media item previously submitted by the submitter is
doing in comparison to the established popularity threshold. In
another embodiment, a differential of the popularity rate and the
threshold of popularity can be displayed next to a media item
listing such that a submitter can view how close the media item is
from being sponsored by the media sponsor 106.
[0083] FIG. 10B depicts a user interface for displaying any listing
of previously submitted media and indicators as to the level of
sponsoring if each media item. Thus, if multilevel sponsoring is
offered by the media sponsor 106, the status column can include
indicators showing the type of sponsoring, namely the level of
sponsoring that each media item is receiving, if any. Thus, for
example, while media item listing 1032 and media item listing 1038
are both being sponsored, multi-level sponsoring can allocate
greater sponsoring efforts by the media sponsor 106 for media item
listing 1038 than for media item listing 1032. This is because the
popularity rate of media item listing 1038 has reached and
surpassed a pre-established popularity threshold of five-thousand,
such that not only is the media item being featured in radio
webcast station XKIN, but is also being featured in a subscription
service of the media sponsor 106. As such, user interface 1020
indicates a status column wherein media item listing 1034 shows an
indicator 1024 displaying the radio webcast station in which the
media item number media item listing 1034 is being webcasted. In
addition, media interface 1020 also shows indicator 1016 indicative
of the sponsoring for media item listing 1038. Namely, that the
media item corresponding to media item listing 1038 is being
featured at radio station XKIN as well as at a subscription service
of the media sponsor 106.
[0084] FIG. 11 depicts a user interface for displaying feedback
data to previously submitted media according to one embodiment.
Feedback data provided to media submitters can include any type of
performance or statistical data. Feedback data can assist the media
submitter to identify audience demographics, average ratings,
ratings distribution, play count, number of listeners, etc., as
well as geographic data about the media consumers.
[0085] Various user interface mechanisms can be provided to the
submitter in order to view feedback data. In one embodiment, the
submitter can select on a hyperlinked text of the name of a song
listed in the list of submitted media. In another embodiment, a
button or other selection mechanism can be provided to the
submitter for viewing media item statistical data, demographics and
other feedback.
[0086] In one example, media submitters can be provided with the
total number of consumer requests for a media item. A display
textbox 1102 can be provided in the user interface 1100 to show the
total number of consumer requests for a media item.
[0087] In another example, media submitters can be provided with
the average number of consumer requests for a media item. A display
textbox 1104 can be provided in the user interface 1100 to show the
average number of consumer requests for a media item. In yet
another example, media submitters can be provided with the average
rating for a media item. A display textbox 1106 can be provided in
the user interface 1100 to show the average rating for a media
item. In another example, media submitters can be provided with
data indicative of the number of consumers per age group. Display
textboxes 1108 can be provided in the user interface 1100 to show
the number of consumers per age group.
[0088] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and
systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in many
manners and as such are not to be limited by the foregoing
exemplary embodiments and examples. In other words, functional
elements being performed by a single or multiple components, in
various combinations of hardware and software or firmware, and
individual functions, can be distributed among software
applications at either the client or server level or both. In this
regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments
described herein may be combined into single or multiple
embodiments, and alternate embodiments having fewer than or more
than all of the features herein described are possible.
[0089] Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed
among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known.
Thus, myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations are possible
in achieving the functions, features, interfaces and preferences
described herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure
covers conventionally known manners for carrying out the described
features and functions and interfaces, and those variations and
modifications that may be made to the hardware or software or
firmware components described herein as would be understood by
those skilled in the art now and hereafter.
* * * * *