U.S. patent application number 14/110291 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for system for automated media delivery to mobile devices and mobile device lockscreens.
This patent application is currently assigned to 1SPIRE, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Josh Cincinnati, Patrick Thielke. Invention is credited to Josh Cincinnati, Patrick Thielke.
Application Number | 20140095317 14/110291 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46966825 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140095317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cincinnati; Josh ; et
al. |
April 3, 2014 |
SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED MEDIA DELIVERY TO MOBILE DEVICES AND MOBILE
DEVICE LOCKSCREENS
Abstract
A method and system for automated media delivery to mobile
devices and mobile device lockscreens. The method includes
receiving a first media request associated with a first target
device, obtaining a first user account associated with the first
media request, wherein the first user account comprises first user
category criteria; selecting a first user-submitted media item
based on the first user category criteria, and sending, to the
first target device, the first user-submitted media object, wherein
the first user-submitted media object is presented on a lock screen
of the first target device. The method further includes receiving a
second media request associated with the first target device,
selecting a first advertiser-submitted media object based on the
first user category criteria, and sending, to the first target
device, the first advertiser-submitted media object, wherein the
first advertiser-submitted media object is presented on the lock
screen of the first target device.
Inventors: |
Cincinnati; Josh; (Houston,
TX) ; Thielke; Patrick; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cincinnati; Josh
Thielke; Patrick |
Houston
Houston |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
1SPIRE, INC.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
46966825 |
Appl. No.: |
14/110291 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
April 5, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/32351 |
371 Date: |
December 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61472906 |
Apr 7, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0267 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.64 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20060101
G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A non-transitory computer readable media comprising
instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform a method
for servicing requests for media, the method comprising: receiving
a request from an advertiser to purchase feedback units for an
advertisement, wherein advertisement is obtained from the
advertiser; in response to receiving the request from the
advertiser: obtaining a first media object comprising the
advertisement, a submitter ID associated with the media object, a
media ID identifying the first media object, first category
metadata, and first feedback metadata, wherein the first feedback
metadata comprises non-purchased feedback units; and obtaining a
modified first feedback metadata by updating the first feedback
metadata to include the purchased feedback units; receiving a first
media request associated with a first target device; obtaining a
first user account associated with the first media request, wherein
the first user account comprises first user category criteria;
identifying the first media object and a second media object,
wherein the first media object and the second media object satisfy
the first user category criteria and wherein the second media
object comprises user-submitted content; selecting the first media
object based on a determination that the first media object is
ranked higher than the second media object, wherein a ranking of
the first media object is based on the modified first feedback
metadata and a ranking of the second media object is based on
second feedback metadata, and wherein the modified first feedback
metadata is greater than the second feedback metadata; sending, in
response to the selecting, the advertisement to the first target
device, wherein the advertisement is presented on the first target
device.
22. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
further comprising: receiving, from the first target device, a
first non-purchased feedback unit associated with the
advertisement; and obtaining updated first feedback metadata by
updating the modified first feedback metadata to include the first
feedback unit.
23. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 22,
further comprising: receiving a second media request associated
with a second target device; obtaining a second user account
associated with the second media request, wherein the second user
account comprises second user category criteria; identifying the
first media object and the second media object, wherein the second
media object further comprises second category metadata, wherein
the first category metadata and the second category metadata
satisfy the second user category criteria; selecting the first
media object based on a comparison of the updated first feedback
metadata and the second feedback metadata; sending, to the second
target device, the advertisement based on the selection of the
first media object, wherein the advertisement is presented on the
second target device; receiving, from the second target device, a
second feedback unit associated with the advertisement; and
obtaining twice updated first feedback metadata by modifying the
updated first feedback metadata to include the second feedback
unit.
24. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23,
wherein the first feedback unit is a negative feedback unit.
25. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
wherein the second feedback metadata is depreciated after a
predetermined period of time has elapsed.
26. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
wherein the second feedback metadata comprises a purchased feedback
unit and a non-purchased feedback unit.
27. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
wherein the advertisement is an image.
28. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23,
wherein selecting the first media object based on the comparison of
the updated first feedback metadata and the second feedback
metadata comprises: determining that a rate at which positive
feedback units are received for the first media object is greater
than a rate at which positive feedback units are received for the
second media object.
29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
wherein the first user account further comprises a time interval,
and wherein sending, to the first target device, the advertisement
comprises determining that the time interval has expired.
30. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
wherein the first target device is a mobile phone.
31. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
wherein the first user account further comprises feedback criteria
indicating that a media object with a highest amount of feedback
units is to be selected.
32. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
further comprising: after an increment of time as passed,
decrementing the modified first feedback metadata to obtain
decremented modified feedback metadata; receiving a positive
feedback unit for a second media item from a second target device,
wherein the second media object comprises a second media item;
updating the second feedback metadata with the positive feedback
unit to obtain modified second feedback metadata; receiving a
second media request associated with a second target device;
obtaining a second user account associated with the second media
request, wherein the second user account comprises second user
category criteria; identifying the advertisement and the second
media object, wherein the first advertisement and the second media
object satisfy the second user category criteria; selecting the
second media object based on a comparison of the decremented
modified first feedback metadata and the modified second feedback
metadata; and sending, to the second target device, the second
media item, wherein the second media item is presented on the
second target device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 (e), this application claims
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/472,906 filed on
Apr. 7, 2011, entitled "TIME BASED SMART PHONE DISPLAY." The
disclosure of this U.S. Provisional Application is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets,
portable computers, notebooks, and the like are a critical aspect
of daily life. Many individuals use one or more of such electronic
devices on a daily basis, thereby allowing the individuals constant
access to information. As individuals have greater access to such
personal electronic devices, there is an increasing need to provide
updated content to the users.
SUMMARY
[0003] In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a
computer readable media including instructions that, when executed
by a processor, perform a method for automated media delivery to
mobile devices and mobile device lockscreens. The method includes
receiving a first media request associated with a first target
device, obtaining a first user account associated with the first
media request, wherein the first user account comprises first user
category criteria; selecting a first user-submitted media item
based on the first user category criteria, and sending, to the
first target device, the first user-submitted media object, wherein
the first user-submitted media object is presented on a lock screen
of the first target device. The method further includes receiving a
second media request associated with the first target device,
selecting a first advertiser-submitted media object based on the
first user category criteria, and sending, to the first target
device, the first advertiser-submitted media object, wherein the
first advertiser-submitted media object is presented on the lock
screen of the first target device.
[0004] Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the
following description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a system in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a system in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a media repository in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows a system in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows a system in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 9A-9D show an example in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 10 shows a computer system in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described
in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements
in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for
consistency.
[0016] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the
invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it
will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to
avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.
[0017] In general, embodiments of the invention provide media
items, such as images, to target devices. Specifically, embodiments
of the invention may be used to aggregate feedback for a group of
media items and provide a set of media items to target devices
based on the aggregated feedback. Media items may include both
advertiser-submitted media items and user-submitted media items.
Aggregated feedback may include feedback units (e.g. votes)
submitted by users of target devices, users who access the system
by other means, or by entities purchasing the feedback units (e.g.,
for advertising purposes).
[0018] Further, embodiments of the invention may be implemented to
automatically provide media items to a target device associated
with a user based on that user's preferences and feedback received
from that user, as well as the feedback from other users of the
system. Media items, such as images, may be presented as a
component of the user interface of the target device, such as the
lock screen or background wallpaper. Media items may also be
changed, and new media items presented, without any explicit action
by the user of the target device. For example, in one or more
embodiments of the invention, the lock screen or background
wallpaper may change periodically without explicit action by the
user.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the media
system (100) communicates with multiple target devices (target
device A (102A), target device N (102N)) and multiple media
provider computer systems (media provider computer system A (104A),
media provider computer system N (104N)) via a network (106).
[0020] In one or more embodiments of the invention, media system
(100) is a combination of computer software and computer hardware
configured to interact with target devices (target device A (102A),
target device N (102N)) and media provider computer systems (media
provider computer system A (104A), media provider computer system N
(104N)).
[0021] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the target
devices (target device A (102A), target device N (102N)) are
computer systems configured to receive media items from the media
system (100). In one embodiment of the invention, target devices
(target device A (102A), target device N (102N)) are also
configured to send information back to the media system (100), such
as feedback units. A target device (target device A (102A), target
device N (102N)) may be a desktop computer or a portable computing
system such as a laptop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, or
personal digital assistant. Each target device (target device A
(102A), target device N (102N)) may also be implemented as a
special purpose device, such as a television or other type of
display device. Further, target devices (target device A (102A),
target device N (102N)) may communicate with the media system
differently depending upon the type of target device. Different
types of target devices (target device A (102A), target device N
(102N)) include, for example, devices utilizing the Android.TM.
operating system (Android.TM. is a trademark of Google Inc.) and
devices utilizing the IOS operating system (IOS is a trademark or
registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and
is used under license).
[0022] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
provider computer systems (media provider computer system A (104A),
media provider computer system N (104N)) are computer systems
configured to provide media items to the media system (100). In one
embodiment of the invention, a media provider computer system
(media provider computer system A (104A), media provider computer
system N (104N)) may also be configured to provide additional data
to the media system (100), such as category information about a
media item and a submitter identification (ID) associated with the
media item. A media provider computer system (media provider
computer system A (104A), media provider computer system N (104N))
may be a desktop computer or a portable computing system such as a
laptop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, or personal digital
assistant. Each media provider computer system (media provider
computer system A (104A), media provider computer system N (104N))
may also be implemented as a special purpose device, such as a
digital camera or other type of image capture device.
[0023] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a media
provider computer system (media provider computer system A (104A),
media provider computer system N (104N)) and a target device
(target device A (102A), target device N (102N)) are implemented as
a single device. In one embodiment of the invention, the
combination device is capable of submitting media items to the
media system (100) as well as receiving media items from the media
system (100). Media provider computer systems (media provider
computer system A (104A), media provider computer system N (104N))
may be operated by different kinds of media providers. Types of
media providers may include, for example, members of a social
community, advertisers, and photographers.
[0024] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the network
(106) is a communication medium capable of transmitting data
between the media system (100), the media provider computer systems
(media provider computer system A (104A), media provider computer
system N (104N)), and the target devices (target device A (102A),
target device N (102N)). The network (106) may be any type of wired
or wireless network or any combination thereof. Examples of
networks include a telecommunications network and a wide area
network.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a system in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a media
system (200) may be connected to multiple target devices (target
device A (202A), target device N (202N)) and multiple media
provider computer systems (media provider computer system A (204A),
media provider computer system N (204N)). In one embodiment of the
invention, media system (200) includes a media repository (206), a
media engine (208), a submission module (210), an account
repository (212), a feedback aggregation module (214), media
provider interfaces (216) and device interfaces (218). The media
engine includes a controller (220) and a media selector (222). Each
of the elements is described below.
[0026] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
repository (206) is a repository of media objects. The media
repository (206) may include a program or group of programs capable
of receiving and interpreting a query requesting all media objects
satisfy a set of criteria. The media repository (206) may further
be configured to respond to a query by providing a media object or
a group of media objects that satisfy the set of criteria, such as
feedback criteria or category criteria. Further detail regarding
the media repository (206) is provided in FIG. 3.
[0027] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
engine (208) includes a controller (220) and a media selector
(222). In one embodiment of the invention, the controller (220)
includes functionality to respond to requests by target devices
(target device A (202A), target device N (202N)), media provider
computer systems (media provider computer system A (204A), media
provider computer system N (204N)), and other elements within the
media system (200). Such requests may include requests for a
specific media object, or a media object or set of media objects
that satisfy a set of criteria. Such requests may also include
requests to create a media object, add a media object to the media
repository (206), and/or modify an existing media object within the
media repository (206).
[0028] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the controller
(220) includes the functionality to initiate the transmission of a
media object or group of media items based the transmission
preferences in a user account. Specifically, the controller (220)
may include the functionality determine whether a new media item
from a media object should be transmitted to a target device, based
on user transmission preferences, and/or to initiate the transfer
of a media item to the target device. In one embodiment of the
invention, the determination is made based on the status of a time
interval specified in a user account. Specifically, a transfer may
be initiated based on a determination that the current time
interval has expired. Once the transmission is complete, the time
interval may then be reset.
[0029] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
selector (222) includes the functionality to determine which, if
any, media objects satisfy a set of criteria. The media selector
(222) may further be configured to compare media objects to
determine a current ranking of a media object relative to one or
more characteristics of the media objects (e.g., highest rate of
positive feedback units). In one embodiment of the invention, the
media selector (222) provides a media object or set of media
objects to the controller (220). In one embodiment of the
invention, the media selector (222) provides media objects to the
controller by providing a media identifier (ID) or set of media IDs
to the controller (222)
[0030] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the account
repository (212) is a collection of user accounts associated with
users of target devices (target device A (202A), target device N
(202N)) and/or a media provider computer system (media provider
computer system A (204A), media provider computer system N (204N)).
The account repository (212) may be configured to respond to
queries from other elements on the media system (200), such as the
controller (220). Further detail regarding the account repository
(212) is provided in FIG. 4.
[0031] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the feedback
aggregation module (214) is configured to modify media objects in
the media repository (206) based on feedback units received from
target devices and stored in a user account within the account
repository (212). In one embodiment of the invention, media items
are presented on target devices with a mechanism (e.g., feedback
input module) to obtain feedback units from a user of the target
device. A user may activate an element within the feedback input
module to generate a feedback unit associated with the presented
media item. In one embodiment of the invention, a feedback unit is
a unit a data generated in response to a user of a target device
(target device A (202A), target device N (202N)) responding to a
media item via a feedback input module. The generated feedback unit
is then sent to the media system, and stored in the user
account.
[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the feedback aggregation
module (214) interacts with the account repository to obtain
feedback units received from target devices (target device A
(202A), target device N (202N)) and modify the feedback metadata of
the associated media object to include the feedback units.
[0033] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the device
interfaces (218) include functionality to communicate with one or
more target devices (target device A (202A), target device N
(202N)). In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
provider interfaces (216) include the functionality to interact
with media provider computer systems (media provider computer
system A (204A), media provider computer system N (204N)). The
interfaces (device interfaces (218), media provider interfaces
(216)) may include a number of different interfaces for
communication between the media system (200) and different types of
target devices and media provider computer systems. Such interfaces
may include, for example, networking protocol interfaces,
short-range communication interfaces, and wireless computer
communication interfaces. Such interfaces may also include human
readable interfaces, such as a webpage guiding the user of a media
provider computer system (media provider computer system A (204A),
media provider computer system N (204N) to submit a media item to
the media system (200).
[0034] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a media
provider computer system (media provider computer system A (204A),
media provider computer system N (204N)) may include functionality
to submit requests to purchase or add feedback units to one or more
media objects stored on the media system (100). In one embodiment
of the invention, a feedback purchase request includes a media ID
of the target media object and the requested number of feedback
units. In one embodiment of the invention, the functionality to
submit a feedback purchase request is in addition to--or instead
of--the functionality to submit media items to the media system
(200). In one embodiment of the invention, the cost of feedback
purchases increases exponentially or linearly with the amount of
feedback units requested for purchase. In one embodiment of the
invention, the cost of feedback purchases decreases exponentially
or linearly with the amount of feedback units requested for
purchase.
[0035] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the submission
module (210) includes the functionality to interact with the
controller (220) to generate media objects and store media objects
in the media repository (206). In one embodiment of the invention,
the submission module further includes functionality to modify
media objects stored in the media repository (206). Specifically,
the submission module may include functionality to modify the
feedback metadata to include feedback units purchased by a media
provider computer system or other user or entity accessing the
system (e.g., for advertising purposes). In one embodiment of the
invention, the submission module may include functionality to
designate a media item as advertiser-submitted, user-submitted, or
other appropriate designation. Such designations may be based on
the identity associated with the media submitter computer system.
Data regarding the designation of a media item (e.g.,
advertiser-submitted, user-submitted) may be stored in the category
metadata of a media object.
[0036] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a single device
or computer system may include the functionality of a target device
(target device A (202A), target device N (202N)), and a media
provider computer system (media provider computer system A (204A),
media provider computer system N (204N)). Further, the device
interfaces (218) and media provider interfaces (216) may be
implemented as a single interface or set of interfaces to interact
with such a system.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a media repository in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention. The media repository shown in
FIG. 3 provides further detail regarding the media repository in
FIG. 2 (element 206 in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 3, the media
repository includes multiple media objects (media object A (302A),
media object N (302N)). Each media object (media object A (302A),
media object N (302N)) includes a media object identifier (ID)
(304), a submitter identifier (ID) (306), a media item (308),
category metadata (310), and feedback metadata (312). Each of these
components is described below.
[0038] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
object identifier (ID) (304) is information or data used to
distinguish one media object from another. A media object ID (304)
may be a string of characters generated at the time the media
object is created. Alternatively, a media object ID (304) may be
derived from other elements in the media object, such as the result
of applying a hash function to a media item (308) or a portion
thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the media repository
is indexed using the media object ID (304).
[0039] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the submitter
identifier (ID) (306) is information or data used to distinguish
one user from another. In one or more embodiments of the invention,
the submitter ID (306) is used to associate a media object (302)
with a media provider and/or a user account. The submitter ID (306)
may be a human readable text string created by the submitter of the
media (i.e., a user handle). Alternatively, the submitter ID (306)
may be text or data generated by the media system and assigned to a
submitter. The submitter ID (306) may also be an externally
verified communication address, such as an email address, of the
submitter.
[0040] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media item
(308) is data used to render images, text, audio, video, or other
media on a target device. A media item (308) may include multiple
versions of a single media file and/or a combination of media
files, such as an image file and a text file. A media item (308)
may further include instructions for displaying or rendering the
media file or combination of media files. For example, a media item
(308) may include an inspiring historical quote and instructions
(interpretable by the target device) that the quote be displayed in
fourteen point "comic sans" font. In one embodiment of the
invention, a media item (308) may include multiple instruction sets
for different types of target devices. In one embodiment of the
invention, the media item (308) is an advertisement. Examples of
advertisements include audio commercials, video commercials, video
demonstrations, images, and digital coupons.
[0041] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the category
metadata (310) is data describing one or more elements of the media
item. The data may include multiple terms describing different
characteristics of the media item at varying levels of abstraction.
In one embodiment of the invention, category metadata (310) for an
image may include terms describing the item or items that are the
focus of the image, terms describing the type of items depicted,
terms describing the colors in the image, and terms describing the
image itself. For example, category metadata (310) for a media item
that is a photograph of a sports car may include "car,"
"automobile," "red," "sunset," "Nissan," "photography," "dramatic,"
and "inspiring." As another example, category metadata (310) for a
media item that is a drawing of a unicorn may include "unicorn,"
"fantasy," "waterfall," "sparkle," "illustration," "drawing," and
"imaginary."
[0042] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the category
metadata (310) may further indicate a relationship to time data
(i.e., a specific time of day). For example, a media object (300)
for an image that includes a scripture verse may include category
metadata indicating that the scripture verse relates to a day of
the week, a day of the year, or a specific time (e.g., verse John
3:16 relates to the times 3:16 AM and 3:16 PM). In one or more
embodiments of the invention, the category metadata (310) may
further indicate a relationship to location data. Specifically
category metadata (310) may include terms indicating a region,
country, city, or neighborhood. Category metadata (310) may also
include generic location data relationships. For example, a media
object (300) for an image of clouds may include category metadata
(310) indicating a relationship to airplanes or airports.
[0043] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the category
metadata (310) includes data describing other aspects of the media
object. In one embodiment of the invention, category metadata (310)
includes a timestamp indicated the time the media object was
created and/or submitted. Category metadata (310) may similarly
include an indication of how long a media object has been in the
media repository. Further, in one embodiment of the invention,
category metadata (310) also includes an indication distinguishing
advertiser-submitted media items from non-advertiser-submitted
media items (i.e., user-submitted media items). Examples of
user-submitted media items may include a photo of lake taken by an
amateur photographer, an audio file recorded on a mobile device of
a congress person speaking, or an original motto by the user.
User-submitted media items may also include professional or
copyrighted content submitted with the permission of the owner
(e.g., a photograph taken by a news organization, an image of a
painting by an artist, etc.). Advertiser-submitted media items may
include media items submitted for advertising purposes and/or media
object that include purchased feedback units. In one or more
embodiments of the invention, a media object for a media item may
include designations other than advertiser-submitted and
user-submitted.
[0044] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the designation
for a media object may change with different circumstances. For
example, an amateur photograph of an athlete just after scoring a
game-winning point may be designated as a user-submitted media item
when first submitted. At some later point, a sports drink company
may submit a feedback purchase request targeting the image because
the photograph includes their drink in the athlete's hands. After
the feedback purchase request, the media object for the photograph
may then be designated as advertiser-submitted. Alternatively, the
designation may only change according to a relationship between
feedback units received from users and feedback units added as a
result of the feedback purchase request (e.g., the point where over
50% of positive feedback units received for photograph were
purchased triggers a redesignation from user-submitted media item
to advertiser-submitted media item).
[0045] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the feedback
metadata (312) is data derived from feedback units associated with
the media ID (304) that has been received by the media system. In
one embodiment of the invention, the feedback metadata (312)
includes multiple metrics related to different measurements of the
received feedback units. Feedback metadata (312) may include the
total number of feedback units received associated with the media
ID (304) and/or media object (302A), the number of positive
feedback units received, and the number of negative feedback units
received. Feedback metadata (312) may also include metrics derived
from relationships between other metrics. For example, feedback
metadata (312) may include a number derived from the difference
between positive feedback units received and negative feedback
units received.
[0046] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the feedback
metadata (312) may include metrics that account for the passage of
time. In one embodiment of the invention, feedback metadata (312)
may include a measurement of the rate of positive feedback units
received and the rate of negative feedback units received.
Alternatively, metrics measuring the number of positive feedback
units received and the number of negative feedback units received
may be altered or depreciated at regular intervals (e.g., after a
predetermined time has elapsed) (see FIG. 9).
[0047] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the feedback
metadata (312) may include both purchased feedback units and
non-purchased feedback units. In one embodiment of the invention, a
purchased feedback unit is a feedback unit added to feedback
metadata in response to a feedback purchase request. A
non-purchased feedback unit is a feedback unit added to feedback
metadata without being initiated by a feedback purchase request
(i.e., a user-submitted feedback unit).
[0048] FIG. 4 shows an account repository in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention. The account repository shown in
FIG. 4 provides further detail regarding the account repository in
FIG. 2 (element 212 in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 4, the account
repository (400) includes multiple user accounts (user account A
(402A), user account N (402N)). Each user account (user account A
(402A), user account N (402N)) includes user transmission
preferences (404) and user selection preferences (406).
[0049] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user
transmission preferences (404) include settings indicating how
media items are to be sent to a target device. Specifically, user
transmission preferences (404) may include a device ID of the
target device, and rotation settings. In one embodiment of the
invention, rotating a media item refers to changing the currently
presented media item to another media item. Rotation settings may
include a rotation frequency or time interval indicating how often
images are to be rotated on the target device (i.e., the duration
that each media item is to be presented on the device). In one
embodiment of the invention, the time interval may be automatically
set as once per minute.
[0050] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user
transmission preferences (404) also include indications of the size
and type of batch list to be used to transmit media items to a
target device. Specifically, media items may be sent to a target
device using different methods. Such methods may include sending
one media item at a time, according to the rotation frequency.
Alternatively, a batch of media items may be transmitted together
and stored on the target device to be displayed one at a time
according to the rotation frequency. The user transmission
preferences (404) may also include limitations on transmitting
media items and/or batches of media items. Such limitations may
include permitting transmission only under specified conditions of
the target device, such as during a period when the target device
is connected to the media system via a wifi network connection, or
only while the target device has a battery charge greater than 30%.
In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user transmission
preferences (404) may also include instructions regarding the
frequency with which the batch list of media items is
refreshed.
[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, a batch list is a list
of media IDs referencing a group of media objects that satisfy the
user selection preferences. In one embodiment of the invention, the
batch list is the filtered results of a query to the media
repository, which may also be ordered and adjusted according to the
user selection preferences. As the batch list (i.e. the filtered,
ordered, and adjusted results of the query) changes with time, the
user transmission preferences (404) may indicate how frequently the
batch list is to be refreshed. In one embodiment of the invention,
a batch list may include both advertiser-submitted media items and
user-submitted media items.
[0052] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user
transmission preferences (404) may also dictate how many media
items are transferred at a time. The user transmission preferences
(404) may indicate that media items in the batch list are to be
transmitted as needed (i.e., when the time interval expires and a
new media item is to be presented). Alternatively, the user
transmission preferences (404) may indicate that all media items in
the batch list are to be transmitted at one time (e.g., for local
storage on the target device and accessed as needed by the target
device).
[0053] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user
selection preferences (406) may include category criteria (408),
feedback criteria (410), ranking preferences (412), a list of media
objects associated with a positive feedback unit submitted by the
user (414), a list of media objects associated with a negative
feedback unit submitted by the user (416), a list of media objects
received by the target device (418), and the current batch list
(420). In one embodiment of the invention, the user selection
preferences (406) are used to select, filter, order, and adjust a
group of media objects. Specifically, the user selection
preferences (406) are used by the media engine to select (e.g.,
using the category criteria (408)), filter (e.g., using the list of
media objects associated with a negative feedback unit submitted by
the user (416)), order (e.g., using the feedback criteria (410)),
and adjust (e.g., using the ranking preferences (412)) media
objects from the media repository.
[0054] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the category
criteria (408) may include terms selected by the user indicating
the types of media items that should be presented on the target
device. In one embodiment of the invention, the category criteria
(408) are terms that match one or more terms in the category
metadata of a media object or group of media objects. Such matching
may be approximate and a match may be identified using synonymous
or related terms.
[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, category criteria (408)
may include dynamic terms. Specifically, category criteria (408)
may include terms dependent on the circumstances in existence at
the time the category criteria (408) is applied. For example,
category criteria (408) may dictate that a selected media item is
related to the current time or the current location of the target
device. Such time and location category criteria (408) may be
specific to a time (e.g., 3:16 PM) or a specific place (e.g.,
Houston, Tex.). Such time and location category criteria (408) may
be for a general time (e.g., mid-afternoon) or a general location
(e.g., a mall, a city, an airport). Further, location data may be
attained from a location tracking device on the target device, or
assumed from the state of the target device (e.g., in "airplane
mode")
[0056] In one or more embodiments of the invention, category
criteria (408) may include time-based directives limiting the media
objects satisfying the category criteria (408) to those submitted
and/or stored in the media repository at a certain time. Such
time-based directives include media objects submitted in the
current year, media objects submitted within the last two weeks,
and media objects submitted on Fridays.
[0057] In one or more embodiments of the invention, category
criteria (408) may also include directives limiting the media
objects satisfying the category criteria (408) to those submitted
by a certain media submitter or type of media submitter. Such
submitter-based directives include media objects submitted using a
specific submitter ID, media objects submitted using submitter IDs
associated with users with accounts created more than one year ago,
and media objects submitted using submitter IDs associated with
users in a specified geographic region.
[0058] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the feedback
criteria (410) are data referencing a measurement of feedback units
within a media object or group of media objects. In one embodiment
of the invention, the feedback criteria (410) may indicate that a
media item or group of media items matching the category criteria
(408) should be selected over others matching the category criteria
(408), according to the feedback metadata of the media object or
media objects for the media items. Specifically, feedback criteria
(408) dictates that media objects selected for the batch list
should have feedback metadata that satisfies the metrics provided
in the feedback criteria (408). Examples of feedback criteria (408)
include most total amount of positive feedback units received,
fewest total amount of negative feedback units received, and most
recently received number of positive feedback units. Feedback
criteria (408) may also reference measurements matching metrics
maintained in the feedback metadata of media objects, such as the
difference between positive feedback units received and negative
feedback units received and the rate at which feedback units have
been received.
[0059] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the ranking
preferences (412) adjust an ordered acceptable set according to
user selection preferences. In one embodiment of the invention, the
ranking preferences (412) randomize the ordered acceptable set. In
one embodiment of the invention, the ranking preferences (412)
indicate that one media object or a group of media objects are to
be selected for a batch list over other media objects based on the
user's account history. Specifically, ranking preferences (412) may
utilize information within the category criteria (408), feedback
criteria (410), the list of media objects associated with a
positive feedback unit submitted by the user (414), the list of
media objects associated with a negative feedback unit submitted by
the user (416), the list of media objects received by the target
device (418), and the current batch list (420) to increase or
decrease the likelihood that a media object will be selected for a
batch list. Examples of ranking preferences (412) include lowering
the rank of media items presented on the target display within the
last five hours, increasing the rank of media items that have never
been presented on the target display, and lowering the rank of
media items associated with a submitter ID that matches the
submitter ID of a media object in the list of media objects
associated with a negative feedback unit submitted by the user
(416).
[0060] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the list of
media objects associated with a positive feedback unit submitted by
the user (414) is a group of media IDs for media objects for which
the user has submitted a positive feedback unit. Similarly, the
list of media objects associated with a negative feedback unit
submitted by the user (416) is a group of media IDs for media
objects for which the user has submitted a negative feedback
unit.
[0061] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the list of
media objects received by the target device (418) is a group of
media IDs for every media object associated with a media item that
has been presented on a target device or group of target devices
associated with a user account. The list of media objects received
by the target device (418) may include information about the time
that the media item was presented, the duration that the media item
was display (which would have been according to the user
transmission preferences at the time the media item was presented),
and which target device the media item was presented on, if more
than one target device is or has been associated with the user
account.
[0062] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the current
batch list (420) is a group of media IDs of the media objects
selected from the results returned by the media selector satisfying
the category criteria (408), ordered by the feedback criteria
(410), and adjusted by the ranking preferences (412). The current
batch list (420) may include a reference to the media ID for the
previously transmitted media item and/or a reference to the media
ID for the media item to be transferred next.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows a target device in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention. The target device shown in FIG. 5
provides further detail regarding the target devices in FIGS. 2 and
3 (elements 102A and 102N in FIG. 1, elements 202A and 202N in FIG.
2). As shown in FIG. 5, the target device (500) includes a media
system communication module (502), a device identifier (ID) (504),
a feedback input module (506), and media output module (508).
[0064] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the target
device (500) may be implemented as any type of hardware capable of
executing the media system communication module (502), feedback
input module (506), and media output module (508).
[0065] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
system communication module (502) is a process or group of
processes capable of sending and receiving data to and from the
media system. The media system communication module (502) may
operate in conjunction with other software and hardware on the
target device (500) and target device operating system (not shown)
to send and receive data.
[0066] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the device
identifier (ID) (504) is a unique code used to distinguish one
device (500) from another. In one embodiment of the invention, a
user account may be associated with more than one device, and each
device may have different preferences associated with it. In such
cases, the device ID (504) may be used to distinguish one device
from another within the same user account. In one embodiment of the
invention, the device ID (504) may be an address used to
communicate with the device, such as a phone number, Internet
Protocol (IP) address, or media access card (MAC) address.
Alternatively, the device ID (504) may be an arbitrary string of
text assigned to a device (500) when the target device (500) is
added to a user account.
[0067] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the feedback
input module (506) is a process or group of processes used to
obtain feedback units from a user of the target device (500). In
one embodiment of the invention, the feedback input module (506)
includes a component that is presented along with the media item to
the user. The feedback input module (506) may further include
functionality to interpret input by the user as an indication to
generate a feedback unit. For example, a feedback input module
(506) operating in conjunction with a media item that is an image
may operate by detecting gestures made on the touch-screen
presenting the image (e.g., an upward swipe indicates a command to
generate a positive feedback unit). A feedback input module (506)
may be configured to receive input from sources other than those
associated with the presentation device, such as an accelerometer.
For example, a feedback input module (506) operating in conjunction
with a media item that is an image may operate by detecting
specific movements of the target device (e.g., shaking
side-to-side).
[0068] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
output module (508) is a process or group of processes configured
to receive a media item from the media system (via the media system
communication module (502)) and present that media item on the
target device. The media output module (508) may be configured to
determine a type of media item (such as an image, text, or audio
file) and then present the media item on a corresponding element of
the target device (500).
[0069] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
output module (508) may be configured to present a media item as an
element of the user interface of a target device. For example,
media items may be presented as part of the lock screen of the
device (i.e., screen content displayed initially when a device is
activated, during periods of inactivity, or when a device is
"locked"). In another example, media items may be presented as a
background wallpaper of a target device (e.g., a background image
displayed behind icons and/or application windows). In one
embodiment of the invention, the media item presented (e.g., the
image on a lock screen, background wallpaper) changes as new media
items are received from the media system and/or rotated in. In one
embodiment of the invention, the media output module is part of an
application executing on the operating system of the target device.
Alternatively, in one embodiment of the invention, the media output
module is part of the operating system of the target device.
[0070] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a lock screen
refers to the content of a display screen initially presented to a
user when a device is activated from an inactive state. A lock
screen may indicate or instruct that the user provide some form of
authentication before the device may be used. Authentication may
include providing evidence that the device was activated
intentionally (e.g., by performing instructions provided on the
screen), or evidence that the user is authorize to access the
device (e.g., by providing a password, pin number, or gesture known
only to an authorized user).
[0071] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the media
output module (508) is configured to present a media item on a
target device (500) not currently in use. Specifically, in one
embodiment of the invention, media items are presented (e.g., an
image on a lock screen) and changed regardless of whether the
target device is in use. In such embodiments, the user of the
target device will present the most recent update to a user as soon
as that user begins using the device (instead of waiting until the
device is in use before presenting a media item or rotating in a
new media item). As one example, a target device that is a mobile
phone may be placed on a bed-side table while the user sleeps. The
mobile phone may continue to change the image on the lock screen
using media items received from the media system during the night.
If the display is active and the screen content viewable, the user
may observe each new image presented on the lock screen. If the
display is inactive, only a reference used by the lock screen for
the image to be presented changes, and the currently presented
image may only be visible once the display is active and the screen
content viewable.
[0072] In one embodiment of the invention, the media output module
(508) may be configured to limit the presentation of media items to
periods specified by a user (e.g., for a target device that is
battery-powered, during periods when the device is attached to an
external power source).
[0073] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for generating a media object in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. While the
various steps in these flowcharts are presented and described
sequentially, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that some or
all of the steps may be executed in different orders, may be
combined or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be executed
in parallel.
[0074] In Step 610, the media engine receives a new media item from
a media provider computer system via a media provider interface. In
Step 612, the submission module generates a media object using the
media item. In one embodiment of the invention, the media object is
generated and the media item is added to the media object. Adding a
media item to a media object may further include obtaining data
about the media item and storing the data in the media object
(e.g., media item size, file type, etc). In Step 614, the
submission module populates the category metadata for the media
object. In one embodiment of the invention, the media item is
submitted with a description, and terms may be extracted from the
description and included in the category criteria. In one
embodiment of the invention, the media item is processed
automatically by the media system to determine category metadata.
In Step 616, the submission module stores the media object in the
media repository.
[0075] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for obtaining a batch list of media
objects in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention. While the various steps in these flowcharts are
presented and described sequentially, one of ordinary skill will
appreciate that some or all of the steps may be executed in
different orders, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of
the steps may be executed in parallel.
[0076] In Step 710, the media engine obtains a set of media object
from the media repository that matches the category criteria in the
user selection preferences (i.e., the category set). In Step 712,
the media IDs matching the media IDs in the list of media objects
associated with a negative feedback unit submitted by the user are
removed from the category set. The resulting group of media IDs is
referred to as the acceptable set.
[0077] In Step 714, the size of the acceptable set is compared to
the size of the requested batch list (obtained from the user
transmission preferences). If in Step 716, the media engine
determines that the size of the acceptable set is not greater than
the size of the requested batch list, then in Step 718, the
requested batch list is populated using all items in the acceptable
set. In one embodiment of the invention, the size of an acceptable
set is not greater than the requested batch list size if the
current number of media objects in the media repository that
satisfy the category metadata does not exceed the number of media
objects requested. In this case, all acceptable media objects are
added to the requested batch list. For example, a user account may
initiate a request for a batch list of the top 100 highest rated
car images in the media repository. If in this example, the media
repository includes only 90 car images total, regardless of rating,
then the media selector may respond with a batch list of all 90 car
images.
[0078] If in Step 716, the media engine determines that the size of
the acceptable set is greater than the size of the requested batch
list, then in Step 720, the acceptable set is ordered according to
the feedback criteria. In Step 722, the ordered acceptable list is
adjusted according to the ranking preferences. In one embodiment of
the invention, the ranking preferences may express a user
preference by altering the rank of a media object within the
ordered acceptable list. For example, a user's ranking preferences
may indicate that media objects already received in a recent batch
list be lowered in the ordered acceptable list, while media objects
that have not yet been received by a target device associated with
the user account are given an increased rank in the ordered
acceptable list. As another example, a user's ranking preferences
may indicate that an increased rank should be given to media items
that share some measurable aesthetic similarity to media items for
which the user has submitted a positive feedback unit. In Step 724,
the requested batch list is generated using the top ranked media
objects in the ranked acceptable list.
[0079] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for transmitting a media item in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. While the
various steps in these flowcharts are presented and described
sequentially, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that some or
all of the steps may be executed in different orders, may be
combined or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be executed
in parallel.
[0080] In Step 810, the transmission of a new media item to a
target device is initiated. In one embodiment of the invention, the
transmission is initiated by a target device sending a media
request for a new media item to the media system. In one embodiment
of the invention, the transmission is initiated by a process within
the media system. In one embodiment of the invention, the selection
is initiated by the controller in response to a determination that
a media item is to be sent to a target device according to the user
transmission preferences associated with the target device. In one
embodiment of the invention, the selection is initiated by the
controller in response to a determination that a time interval in
the user transmission preferences has expired. In one embodiment of
the invention, in order to conserve bandwidth, the batch list is
transmitted and stored on the target device. In such embodiments,
the target device initiates the transfer by sending a media ID from
the batch list to the media system.
[0081] In Step 812, the media engine obtains the media ID for the
next media item in the current batch list. In Step 814, the media
engine retrieves a media object from the media repository matching
the obtained media ID. In Step 816, the media item is extracted
from the media object and transmitted to the target device.
[0082] In Step 818, the media engine determines whether a feedback
unit has been received from the target device. If in Step 818, a
feedback unit is received, then in Step 820, the feedback unit is
added to the user account and in Step 820, the feedback unit is
used to update the media object of the media item sent to the
target device.
[0083] FIG. 9A shows an example system in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9, a media
system (900) is connected to two target devices (mobile phone
(902A) and desktop computer (902B)) and two media provider computer
systems (submitter computer system (904A) and advertiser computer
system (904B)). The media system (900) includes a media repository
(906), a media engine (908), a submission module (910), an account
repository (912), a feedback aggregation module (914), media
provider interfaces (916) and device interfaces (918). The media
engine includes a controller (920) and a media selector (922).
[0084] FIG. 9B shows an example target device in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9B, the
target device is a mobile phone (902A) presenting image A (924).
The mobile phone (902A) also includes a presentation used to
initiate the generation of a feedback unit (i.e., the "vote up" and
"vote down" buttons).
[0085] FIG. 9C shows an example table in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9C, four media
objects (A, B, C, and D) are each associated with a feedback metric
stored in the feedback metadata of each media object. For the
purposes of this example, the feedback metric (FBM) displayed in
the table represents the number of positive feedback units received
minus the number of negative feedback units received. Further, for
the purposes of the example, assume that the number of negative
feedback units received is increased by 1 at every increment of
time to depreciate the positive feedback units over time. As shown
in FIG. 9C, at time t=0, media object A has a FBM of 7, media
object B has a FBM of 9, media object C has a FBM of 5, and media
object D has not been created and has no FBM associated with
it.
[0086] For the purposes of the example, assume that mobile phone
(902A) and desktop computer (902B) are each associated with
different user account (not shown), and both user accounts include
transmission preferences indicating that a media item from the
current batch list should be sent at every increment of t. Assume
also that the user selection preferences for the mobile phone
(902A) user account are configured to send one of the top four
photographs of Japan based on highest FBM. Specifically, the user
account for the mobile phone (902A) is configured to include
category criteria with the terms "photograph" and "Japan," feedback
criteria ordering the list by highest FBM of the acceptable set at
every increment of t, and ranking preferences that prevent the
previous two media images from being selected.
[0087] For the purposes of the example, assume also that the user
selection preferences for the desktop computer (902B) user account
are configured to send photographs of Japan with a FBM of at least
5. Specifically, the user account for the desktop computer (902B)
is configured to include category criteria with the terms
"photograph" and "Japan," feedback criteria filtering out media
items with a FBM of less than 5, and ranking preferences that
randomize the ordered acceptable set, and that the batch is
refreshed at every increment of t (i.e., a batch list with a single
media ID, refreshed at every increment oft).
[0088] Further, for the purposes of this example, assume that media
item A, media item B, media item C, and media item D are each
photographs of Japan, and each include category metadata matching
the category preferences in the user accounts associated with
mobile phone (902A) and desktop computer (902B). Finally, assume
that media item A was the first media object submitted of the set
and that media item C was the most recent media object
submitted.
[0089] FIG. 9D shows an example timeline in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention. At Step 930, at some point prior
to t=0, submitter computer system (904A) submits media item C to
the media system (900), and the media system (900) generates media
object C and stores media object C in the media repository (906).
Also, at some point prior to t=0, media object C attains a FBM of
5.
[0090] At Step 932, the media system (900) selects and transfers
media item B to the mobile phone (902A). Specifically, the media
system (900) first selects all media objects that match the
category criteria for the mobile phone (902A) (media item A, media
item B, and media item C), and selects the media object with the
highest FBM (media object B) that was not one of the last two media
item sent.
[0091] At Step 934, the media system (900) selects and transfers
media item C to desktop computer (902B). Specifically, the media
system (900) first selects all media objects that match the
category criteria for the desktop computer (902B) (media item A,
media item B, and media item C), filters out media objects with an
FBM of less than 5 (all are above 5), and selects one of the
remaining media objects at random (media object C).
[0092] At Step 936, media system (900) receives a positive feedback
unit from mobile phone (902A) for media item B. At Step 938, the
media system (900) adds the feedback unit to media object B. At
Step 940, the media system (900) receives media item D (an image
advertising tours of Japan) from advertiser computer system (904B)
with a request to purchase an FBM of 6. The FBM for each media
object at time t=1 is reflected in FIG. 9C, including the
depreciation.
[0093] At Step 942, the media system (900) selects and transfers
media item A to the mobile phone (902A). Specifically, the media
system (900) first selects all media objects that match the
category criteria for the mobile phone (902A) (media item A, media
item B, media item C, and media item D), and selects the media
object with the highest FBM (media object A) that was not one of
the last two media item sent.
[0094] At Step 944, the media system (900) selects and transfers
media item D to desktop computer (902B). Specifically, the media
system (900) first selects all media objects that match the
category criteria for the desktop computer (902B) (media item A,
media item B, media item C, and media item D), filters out media
objects with an FBM of less than 5 (media object C is removed), and
selects one of the remaining media objects at random (media object
D).
[0095] At Step 946, media system (900) receives a negative feedback
unit from mobile phone (902A) for media item A. Specifically, the
media system (900) first selects all media objects that match the
category criteria for the desktop computer (902B) (media item A,
media item B, and media item C), filters out media objects with an
FBM of less than 5 (all are above 5), and selects one of the
remaining media objects at random (media object C).
[0096] At Step 948, media system (900) receives a negative feedback
unit from desktop computer (902B) for media item D. At Step 950,
the media system (900) adds the feedback units to media object A
and media object D. The FBM for each media object at time t=2 is
reflected in FIG. 9C, including the depreciation.
[0097] At Step 952, the media system (900) selects and transfers
media item D to the mobile phone (902A). Specifically, the media
system (900) first selects all media objects that match the
category criteria for the mobile phone (902A) (media item A, media
item B, media item C, and media item D), and selects the media
object with the highest FBM (media object D) that was not one of
the last two media item sent.
[0098] At Step 954, the media system (900) selects and transfers
media item B to desktop computer (902B). Specifically, the media
system (900) first selects all media objects that match the
category criteria for the desktop computer (902B) (media item A,
media item B, media item C, and media item D), filters out media
objects with an FBM of less than 5 (media item A, media item C, and
media item D are removed), and selects one of the remaining media
objects at random (media object B).
[0099] At Step 956, media system (900) receives a negative feedback
unit from mobile phone (902A) for media item D. At Step 958, media
system (900) receives a positive feedback unit from desktop
computer (902B) for media item B. At Step 960, the media system
(900) adds the feedback units to media object B and media object D.
The FBM for each media object at time t=3 is reflected in FIG. 9C,
including the depreciation.
[0100] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented on virtually
any type of computer regardless of the platform being used. For
example, as shown in FIG. 10, a computer system (1000) includes one
or more processor(s) (1002) such as a central processing unit (CPU)
or other hardware processor(s), associated memory (1004) (e.g.,
random access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory, etc.), a
storage device (1006) (e.g., a hard disk, an optical drive such as
a compact disk drive or digital video disk (DVD) drive, a flash
memory stick, etc.), and numerous other elements and
functionalities typical of today's computers (not shown). In one or
more embodiments of the invention, the processor (1002) is
hardware. For example, the processor may be an integrated circuit.
The computer system (1000) may also include input means, such as a
keyboard (1008), a mouse (1010), or a microphone (not shown).
Further, the computer system (1000) may include output means, such
as a monitor (1012) (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma
display, or cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor). The computer system
(1000) may be connected to a network (1014) (e.g., a local area
network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or
any other type of network) via a network interface connection (not
shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many
different types of computer systems exist, and the aforementioned
input and output means may take other forms. Generally speaking,
the computer system (1000) includes at least the minimal
processing, input, and/or output means necessary to practice
embodiments of the invention.
[0101] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one
or more elements of the aforementioned computer system (1000) may
be located at a remote location and connected to the other elements
over a network. Further, embodiments of the invention may be
implemented on a distributed system having a plurality of nodes,
where each portion of the invention (e.g., user agreement
information, product use agreement pre-recordings, application
store, product use agreement application, etc.) may be located on a
different node within the distributed system. In one embodiment of
the invention, the node corresponds to a computer system.
Alternatively, the node may correspond to a processor with
associated physical memory. The node may alternatively correspond
to a processor or micro-core of a processor with shared memory
and/or resources. Further, software instructions in the form of
computer readable program code to perform embodiments of the
invention may be stored, temporarily or permanently, on a
non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a compact
disc (CD), a diskette, a tape, memory, or any other computer
readable storage device.
[0102] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the attached claims.
[0103] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the attached claims.
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