U.S. patent application number 17/409557 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for decentralized streaming network.
The applicant listed for this patent is FILMIO, INC.. Invention is credited to Christopher J. Davis, Bob Giargiari, Bryan Hertz, Corey Hertz, Kevin Hertz, Ian LeWinter, Don Richmond.
Application Number | 20220086201 17/409557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005988611 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220086201 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Christopher J. ; et
al. |
March 17, 2022 |
DECENTRALIZED STREAMING NETWORK
Abstract
An embodiment comprises methods of managing and systems for
processing media projects. The project processing system comprises
a hardware processor and a communication circuit. The processor
receives a first request from a first viewer to view first media
content, determine whether the first viewer is permitted to view
the first media content, provide a first viewer interface to the
first viewer permitted to view the first media content, the first
viewer interface enabling the first viewer to stream or download
the first media content, determine that the first viewer requests
to share viewing of the first media content with at least one
additional viewer, and enable the first viewer to share viewing of
the first media content with the at least one additional viewer.
The communication circuit provides the first media content to the
first viewer and the at least one additional viewer for streaming
or downloading over a network.
Inventors: |
Davis; Christopher J.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Richmond; Don; (San Diego, CA) ;
Hertz; Corey; (San Diego, CA) ; Giargiari; Bob;
(Del Mar, CA) ; Hertz; Bryan; (San Marcos, CA)
; Hertz; Kevin; (Escondido, CA) ; LeWinter;
Ian; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FILMIO, INC. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005988611 |
Appl. No.: |
17/409557 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16396523 |
Apr 26, 2019 |
11102255 |
|
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17409557 |
|
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|
62663479 |
Apr 27, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/10 20130101;
G06Q 10/103 20130101; G06F 3/0481 20130101; H04L 65/60 20130101;
H04L 65/403 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/06 20060101
H04L029/06; G06F 3/0481 20060101 G06F003/0481; G06Q 10/10 20060101
G06Q010/10 |
Claims
1. A project processing system for social viewing, comprising: a
hardware processor configured to execute computer-executable
instructions in order to: receive a first request from a first
viewer to view first media content of a first media project of a
plurality of media projects, the plurality of media projects each
comprising media content related to the respective media project
and identities of one or more viewers permitted to view the
respective media content; determine whether the first viewer is
permitted to view the first media content, based on a determination
that the first viewer is permitted to view the first media content,
provide a first viewer interface to the first viewer, the first
viewer interface enabling the first viewer to stream or download
the first media content, determine, based on a second request
received from the first viewer, that the first viewer requests to
share viewing of the first media content with at least one
additional viewer, and enable the first viewer to share viewing of
the first media content with the at least one additional viewer,
wherein the at least one additional viewer is enabled to stream or
download the first media content for shared viewing with the first
viewer; and a communication circuit configured to provide the first
media content to the first viewer and the at least one additional
viewer for streaming or downloading over a network.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application from U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/396,523, filed Apr. 26, 2019, now
issued U.S. Pat. No. 11,102,255, which claims the benefit of
priority to provisional Patent Application No. 62/663,479, filed
Apr. 27, 2018 and titled "PROJECT CREATION AND DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM", which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to creating,
maintaining, and managing various online projects. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a project
management platform system that uses blockchain for managing
creation of entertainment projects from a plurality of devices and
users.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The systems, methods, and devices described herein each have
several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for
its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this
disclosure, several non-limiting features will now be described
briefly.
[0004] In a first aspect, a project processing system for social
viewing is described. The project processing system comprises a
hardware processor and a communications circuit. The hardware
processor is configured to execute computer-executable
instructions. The hardware processor executes the
computer-executable instructions in order to receive a first
request from a first viewer to view first media content of a first
media project of a plurality of media projects, the plurality of
media projects each comprising media content related to the
respective media project and identities of one or more viewers
permitted to view the respective media content and determine
whether the first viewer is permitted to view the first media
content. The hardware processor further executes the
computer-executable instructions in order to based on a
determination that the first viewer is permitted to view the first
media content, provide a first viewer interface to the first
viewer, the first viewer interface enabling the first viewer to
stream or download the first media content and determine, based on
a second request received from the first viewer, that the first
viewer requests to share viewing of the first media content with at
least one additional viewer. The hardware processor also executes
the computer-executable instructions in order to enable the first
viewer to share viewing of the first media content with the at
least one additional viewer, wherein the at least one additional
viewer is enabled to stream or download the first media content for
shared viewing with the first viewer. The communication circuit is
configured to provide the first media content to the first viewer
and the at least one additional viewer for streaming or downloading
over a network.
[0005] In another aspect, another project processing system for
social viewing is described. The project processing system
comprises a hardware processor and a communications circuit. The
hardware processor is configured to execute computer-executable
instructions. The hardware processor executes the
computer-executable instructions in order to receive a first
request from a first viewer to view first media content of a first
media project of a plurality of media projects, the plurality of
media projects each comprising media content related to the
respective media project and identities of one or more viewers
permitted to view the respective media content and generate a first
viewer interface to the first viewer, the first viewer interface
configured to enable the first viewer to stream or download the
first media content. The hardware processor further executes the
computer-executable instructions in order to determine that
additional content for the first media project is available for
viewing by the first viewer, the additional content including an
interview, a question and answer session, or real-time commentary
related to the first media content and enable the first viewer to
view the additional content along with the first media content. The
communication circuit is configured to provide the first media
content and the additional content to the first viewer for
streaming or downloading over a network
[0006] In another aspect, a method for social viewing a media
project is described. The method comprises receiving a first
request from a first viewer to view first media content of a first
media project of a plurality of media projects, the plurality of
media projects each comprising media content related to the
respective media project and identities of one or more viewers
permitted to view the respective media content and determining
whether the first viewer is permitted to view the first media
content. The method also comprises based on a determination that
the first viewer is permitted to view the first media content,
providing a first viewer interface to the first viewer, the first
viewer interface enabling the first viewer to stream or download
the first media content and determining, based on a second request
received from the first viewer, that the first viewer requests to
share viewing of the first media content with at least one
additional viewer. The method further comprises enabling the first
viewer to share viewing of the first media content with the at
least one additional viewer, wherein the at least one additional
viewer is enabled to stream or download the first media content for
shared viewing with the first viewer and providing the first media
content to the first viewer and the at least one additional viewer
for streaming or downloading over a network.
[0007] In another aspect, another method for social viewing a media
project is described. The method comprises receiving a first
request from a first viewer to view first media content of a first
media project of the plurality of media projects, the plurality of
media projects each comprising media content related to the
respective media project and identities of one or more viewers
permitted to view the respective media content and generating a
first viewer interface to the first viewer, the first viewer
interface configured to enable the first viewer to stream or
download the first media content. The method further comprises
determining that additional content for the first media project is
available for viewing by the first viewer, the additional content
including an interview, a question and answer session, or real-time
commentary related to the first media content and enabling the
first viewer to view the additional content along with the first
media content. The method also comprises providing the first media
content and the additional content to the first viewer for
streaming or downloading over a network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Embodiments of various inventive features will now be
described with reference to the following drawings. Throughout the
drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate
correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are
provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are
not intended to limit the scope of disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level overview of an example
networked system for producing a video project.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an example functional block diagram of an
exemplary project management system as integrated with a
communication network.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example functional block diagram of a
communication device.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic block diagram of
content parameters for generating a project hosted on a project
creation system.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level overview of an example
decentralized streaming network for distributing project content
for projects developed at least in part with the project creation
system of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In general, in the production and creation of entertainment,
such as movies and television programs, the viewing public has
little to nothing invested and no input in the production. Large
production studios and filmmakers in Hollywood make the production
and creation determinations and receive returns on these
productions. Accordingly, the public has little invested in the
content they watch at home via television or over the Internet or
what is presented in movie theaters. However, the unpredictable
nature of viewer consumption and preferences has shown that studios
invest and produce numerous programs that fail to connect with the
public, resulting in wasted resources that may be distributed
elsewhere.
[0015] Recently, advances in computer technology and changes in the
law have made it easier for individuals to partake in the
production of and investment in such programs. Each term may refer
to the collective effort of individual investors who pool resources
together in order to support efforts initiated by other people or
organizations in exchange for returns and an ability to provide
input into the effort.
[0016] Embodiments of the invention relate to an electronic
platform for creating, maintaining, and managing the creation and
distribution of a project. The project may include creative
content, such as a movie or video. The platform may provide the
necessary interconnections between devices on a network to
facilitate creation, production, and distribution of a project. For
example, a first user on the platform may have an idea for a movie
or television program project. The first user may use the platform
to upload a video presentation, slides, or description of the
project to other interconnected users. The interconnected users may
be, for example, fans or investors, who may provide financial
support as well as input and services to further the creation of
the project. Thus, the platform allows other users, who
traditionally were only able to view programs, to have access to
invest or provide input on the creation of the project.
Definitions
[0017] Browser and Web Page: A browser is a computer program that
provides functionality to a computer for executing syntax contained
in web pages. The computer may be connected to a computer network,
and the network may be, and usually will be, the Internet. As used
herein, browsers and web pages together provide functionality to a
computer connected to the network (for example the Internet) at
least sufficient to request, retrieve, and display at least some
network resources including web pages themselves, and to execute at
least some links contained within or referred to in retrieved web
pages to retrieve other web pages specified with the links.
Browsers may operate together with browser extensions, and in this
case, the combination may be referred to herein as a browser,
without specific additional mention of the browser extension. Web
pages may include references, such as URLs, to other network
resources that contain images or other data that is retrieved by
the browser from the network or a cache memory when executing the
web page, and may also include references to programs, libraries,
style sheets, scripts, and the like which are called by the browser
when executing the web page. Some of these items may require prior
separate loading onto the computer (for example Flash and a Java
Virtual Machine). Any of these items that are accessed, used,
and/or retrieved during browser execution of web page syntax are
considered to be included as a component of the "web page" as that
term is used herein. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer
distributed by Microsoft, and Chrome distributed by Google. Example
web page syntax that can be executed by browsers is the various
versions of HyperText Markup Language (HTML) promulgated by the
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
[0018] Server: Processing hardware coupled to a computer network
having network resources stored thereon that is configured with
software to respond to client access requests to use or retrieve
the network resources stored on the server.
[0019] Network Resource Identifier: A definition of a network
resource (for example by storage location and filename) that is
used by client computers to specify a network resource in access
requests issued to the network by the client computers. A network
resource identifier may also be referred to as a location of a
network resource such as an image or a web page. Currently, when
the network is the Internet, network resource identifiers may be
referred to as URLs (an acronym for Uniform Resource Locator) that
are formatted in accordance with RFC 3986 of the Internet
Engineering Task Force (IETF). For the purposes of this disclosure,
any format for specifying a network resource in client access
requests issued to a network is within the definition of the term
Network Resource Identifier. A network resource identifier,
including URLs as currently defined on the Internet, may further
include data in addition to data identifying the network resource
that a server hosting the network resource associated with the
network resource identifier may use for other purposes beyond
identifying the requested network resource.
[0020] Web Server: A server that includes functionality for
responding to requests issued by browsers to a network, including,
for example, requests to receive network resources such as web
pages. Currently, browsers and web servers format their requests
and responses thereto in accordance with the HyperText Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) promulgated by the IETF and W3C.
[0021] Link: Syntax that instructs a browser executing the syntax
to access a network resource defined directly or indirectly by the
syntax. The link syntax and/or internal browser functionality may
also define conditions under which the access request is made by
the browser, for example through cursor position and/or other
interaction with an I/O device such as a keyboard or mouse. Some
link syntax may cause the browser to access the specified network
resource automatically while processing the syntax without user
prompt or interaction. Links include HTML hyperlinks. A link may be
directly coded with, for example, HTML tags and an explicit URL, or
may be in the form of a script or other called function defined in
a browser, in a browser extension, and/or in a webpage.
[0022] Network Resource: A web page, file, document, program,
service, or other form of data or instructions which is stored on a
network node and which is accessible for retrieval and/or other use
by other network nodes.
[0023] Project: As used herein, a "project" may refer to a video
project, a movie, television program, web-series, steaming video,
web television, music, story, or other entertainment medium. While
the present disclosure is made in reference to movies and other
video-based projects, other projects are envisioned within the
scope of this disclosure, for example, construction and structural
projects, artistic projects, written projects, books, stories,
video games, board games, etc. It will be appreciated that the
present disclosure is not limited to entertainment media and
projects; a project may refer to any undertaking proposed by a user
of the systems and devices described herein.
[0024] Creator(s): A "creator," as used herein, refers to a user of
the system who proposes and uploads a project to the systems as
described herein. A creator may have an idea or concept for a
project. The creator may wish to develop and produce the project
and is seeking investors, providers, and vendors to assist with
developing the project. Thus, the creator may utilize the systems
and devices described herein to connect with other users to
facilitate the production of the project.
[0025] Fan(s): A "fan," as used herein, is any user of the system.
A "fan" may seek to view projects hosted by the systems described
herein by accessing the web pages associated therewith. A "fan" may
be an investor, provider, creator, and vendor. Fans, as used
herein, may be any user seeking to interact with, view, and
otherwise exhibit interest in one or more project web pages hosted
by the systems described herein.
[0026] Investor(s): An "investor" is may be individual investors,
accredited investors, non-accredited investor, and the like. An
investor may be any entity or individual that seeks to invest in a
particular video project.
[0027] Provider(s): A "provider" may be any individual or entity
that may assist with the production and distribution of a project.
In the context of movies, "providers" may refer to individuals with
know-how or access to persons to assist with the brining a concept
through production and distribution into a finalized movie (for
example, filmmakers). For example, such individuals, without
limitation, may be producers, screen-play writers, directors,
videographers, etc. In some embodiments, the provider(s) may be
referenced as "makers".
[0028] Vendor(s): A "vendor" is any individual or entity having
products or property for inclusion in a project (for example, as
product placement). For example, an automobile manufacture may seek
to offer products for use in producing a project for advertisement
in the form of product placement. Other products are possible.
Similarly, owners or agents of owners with control of locations and
destinations, such as but not limited to, property, hotels,
landmarks, etc. may be offered for use in a project.
[0029] Blockchain/Distributed ledgers: A "blockchain" is a list of
records, for example, blocks, which are linked and secured using
cryptography and which may grow as additional records are added to
the list. The blocks generally include records of previous blocks,
time information, and transaction information or data. Each
blockchain is generally distributed, generally providing unilateral
resistance to modification or corruption of data contained in the
blockchain or any blocks therein. The blockchain may generally
provide a distributed ledger that can be used to permanently record
information of transactions such that they are easily and publicly
verifiable. When used in conjunction with the distributed ledger,
the blockchain may be managed by a peer-to-peer (P2P) network that
utilizes a specific protocol or protocols for validating new blocks
and providing consensus to the information in the blockchain.
Generally, data stored in the blocks of the blockchain cannot be
altered retroactively without the alteration of all corresponding
distributed blocks. In some embodiments, the blockchain may be used
in conjunction with the projects and other associated resources
described herein.
Example Networked Communication System
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level overview of an example
networked system for producing a video project. FIG. 1 is a block
diagram depicting one embodiment of a networked system as described
herein, for example, a project management system 102. The project
management system 102 may be configured to electronically interact
with a plurality of different entities. For example, the project
management system 102 may communicate with creators 103, fans 104,
investors 105, vendors 106, and providers 108. Each entity can log
on to the project management system 102 using an access device (for
example, FIG. 2) through a web browser in order to input data
and/or access data from the project management system 102. It will
be appreciated that, while a single entity of each type is
discussed, more entities of each type may be included, for example,
a plurality of creators 103, fans 104, investors 105, etc. In an
embodiment, the project management system 102 can be configured to
interact with creators 103. For example, creators 103 can log on to
the project management system 102 using the access device (for
example, FIG. 2) comprising a web browser in order to input data
and/or access data from the project management system 102.
[0031] In an embodiment, the project management system 102 can be
configured to interact with creators 103. The project management
system 102 can be configured to allow creators 103 to access the
system through a web browser that allows creators 103 to post
projects or other project investment opportunities to the system
102. For example, the creators 103 may create a personal web page
representative of the project and the web page may be hosted by the
project management system 102. The web page may comprise images
related to the project (for example, one-sheets, posters, etc.),
textual information describing the project and/or persons involved,
a status of the project, videos related to the project (for
example, trailers, informational videos, etc.), and other
media.
[0032] In an embodiment, the project management system 102 can be
configured to interact with fans 104. In an embodiment, the project
management system 102 can allow fans 104 to access the system via a
web browser in order to peruse and/or search web pages of projects
hosted by the project management system 102. In an embodiment, the
project management system 102 can be configured to allow fans 104
to interact with the web pages, for example, by reviewing data
contained therein and or executing hyperlinks. In an embodiment,
the web page of a project may include buttons that activate
hyperlinks allowing a fan 104 to interact with a selection
functionality.
[0033] In one example, the fans 104 may select an interest level in
the project, for example, by selecting whether they would "watch",
"invest", "watch and invest", or "do nothing" with respect to a
particular project. In this way, the fan can express interest in a
particular project. The selection functionality may not be
indicative of an actual action taken by the fan (for example, the
fan may not actually invest and/or watch). However, the fans'
selection may be correlated by the creators to determine an
interest level in their project. The project management system 102
may include a database for tracking of the fans' activity and
ranking of a particular project. In an embodiment, the project
management system 102 can allow a fan 104 to subscribe or be
otherwise associated with a project (for example, following a
project). The project management system 102 can generate
notifications and updates concerning the project that are
transmitted to the fan 104. In an embodiment, the project
management system 102 can be configured to store data of activity
of the fans 104 within the project management system 102. In an
embodiment, the project management system 102 can be configured to
analyze the data of the fans 104 in order to generate an activity
level or other indication of how active the investor 108 was in
project management system 102. In an embodiment, the project
management system 102 can be configured to provide a direct
communication pathway to the other users of the project management
system 102 based in part on the activity level of a fan 104.
[0034] In an embodiment, the project management system 102 can be
configured to interact with providers 108. In an embodiment, the
project management system 102 can allow providers 108 to access the
system via a web browser in order to peruse and/or search web pages
of projects hosted by the project management system 102. For
example, providers 108 may interact with the project management
system 102 to peruse project web pages and transmit data indicative
of an offering of services to facilitate the production of a
project. In an embodiment, the project management system 102 can be
configured to allow providers 108 to post service opportunities on
the system. For example, similar to creators 103, the providers 108
may create personal web pages representative of the services that
may be used by creators to develop and produce the project.
[0035] In an embodiment, the project management system 102 can be
configured to interact with vendors 106. In an embodiment, the
project management system 102 can allow vendors 106 to access the
system via a web browser in order to peruse and/or search web pages
of projects hosted by the project management system 102. For
example, vendors 106 may interact with the project management
system 102 to peruse project web pages and transmit data indicative
of an offering of products and/or destinations for product
placement opportunities. In an embodiment, the project management
system 102 can be configured to allow vendors 106 to post products
and/or destinations on the system. For example, similar to creators
103, the vendors 106 may create personal web pages representative
of the products and/or locations that may be used by creators in
projects.
[0036] In an embodiment, the project management system 102 can be
configured to interact with investors 105, either individuals or
entities. In an embodiment, the project management system 102 can
allow investors 105 to access the system via a web browser or other
access device in order to peruse data relating to projects
available and/or presented on the project management system 102. In
an embodiment, the project management system 102 can be configured
to store data of investments made by the investors 108. In an
embodiment, the project management system 102 can be configured to
analyze the data of the investors 108 in order to generate an
activity level or other indication of how active the investor 108
was in project management system 102.
[0037] It will be appreciated that any given user or individual may
be considered to be one or more entities depending on the functions
of the project management system 102 being utilized by each
individual. For example, a fan 104 may also be an investor 105 if
the fan seeks to invest as well as follow a project uploaded in the
project management system 102. Similarly, a vendor 106 may also
perform functions on the project management system 102 such that
the vendor 106 may be a fan 104 as well. Other possibilities and
configurations are envisioned within the scope of this
disclosure.
Example Networked Communication System
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an example functional block diagram of an
exemplary communications network system. FIG. 2 depicts a
high-level overview of a networked communication system 200
comprising the project management system 102 configured to interact
with a plurality of users through user devices connected by a
network 190. While the following description is made in reference
to wireless communication over the network 190, the various
components illustrated in FIG. 2 and throughout this disclosure may
be in wired or wireless communication.
[0039] In an embodiment, the project management system 102 may
comprise one or more processors 220 operatively connected to a
working memory 230, one or more non-transitory databases 210, and
web server 290. The database 210 may comprise a plurality of
databases, including but not limited to, a user database 212, a
project database 214, a content database 216, and additional
database 218. The user database 212 may be configured to store data
associated with the users of the project creation system, for
example, the user database 212 may separately store data associated
with each creator(s), fan(s), vendor(s), investor(s), and
provider(s). In some embodiments, the processor may be configured
for use with or implementation of a blockchain or distributed
ledger system. For example, the processor may be configured to
generate new blocks for addition to a system blockchain.
[0040] In some embodiments, the working memory 230 may be utilized
by the processor 220 to store data dynamically created during
operation. For example, instructions from any of the modules or
databases 210 may be stored in working memory 230 when executed by
the processor 220. The working memory 230 may also store dynamic
run time data, such as stack or heap data utilized by programs
executing on the processor 220.
[0041] The databases 210 may be utilized to store data created the
project management system 102. The databases 210 may include both
read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) configured to
store, at least for example, instructions, software, and the
audiovisual content. The databases 210 can be used to store digital
files, for example, a DCP, software, executable instructions,
configuration settings, calibration information, audiovisual
content files, access parameters, and the like. Software shall be
construed broadly to mean any type of instructions, whether
referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware
description language, or otherwise. Instructions may include code
(for example, in source code format, binary code format, executable
code format, or any other suitable format of code). A portion of
the databases 210 may also include non-volatile random access
memory (NVRAM). Further, in some embodiments, the databases 210 can
comprise a plurality of hard drives, such as those operating under
a RAID protocol. However, any type of storage device can be
used.
[0042] In some embodiments, the project database 214 may be
configured to store data associated with the projects and which may
be transmitting data representative of the web page to a web
browser. In some embodiments, the content database 216 may be
configured to store data locally within the project management
system 102, for example, video files, image files, etc. In some
embodiments, the database 218 may comprise, among other things, a
plurality of modules that store data values defining instructions,
that when executed, configure the processor 220 to perform the
functions of the project management system 102, as described below.
The project management system 102 may comprise general purpose
processing hardware and may be a single computer or may be
distributed among multiple different computers.
[0043] User devices may include, but are not limited to, creator
devices 120, fan devices 130, provider devices 140, and vendor
devices 150 (sometimes referred to herein as "user devices"). It
will be appreciated that, while a single user device of each type
is discussed, the system may include a plurality of each type of
device connected to the project management system 102. In some
embodiments, a creator 103 (FIG. 1) may operate a creator device
120; a fan 104 may operate a fan device 130, a vendor 106 may
operate a vendor device 150; and so on.
[0044] The network 190 may include a wide area network (WAN),
metropolitan area network (MAN), local area network (LAN), wireless
local area network (WLAN), or personal area network (PAN) which may
be or may be connected to the Internet. Although shown as one
network, the network 190 may include several interconnected
networks. The networks which may be included in the networked
communication system 100 may differ according to the switching
and/or routing technique used to interconnect the various network
nodes and devices (for example, circuit switching vs. packet
switching), the type of physical media employed for transmission
(for example, wired vs. wireless), and the communication protocols
used (for example, Internet protocol suite, SONET (Synchronous
Optical Networking), Ethernet, etc.). Regardless of the form the
network 190 may take, the network 190 is configured to facilitate
machine-to-machine messaging for tagging and communication as
described herein.
[0045] In an embodiment, the project management system 102 may
generate, host, and facilitate interaction with webpages associated
with a particular user as described below. For example, a user may
access the project management system 102 via network 190 through a
browser running on a given user device to generate a webpage
containing user defined project. In some embodiments, the operator
of the project management system 102 may define certain parameters
for constraining the type of project, format of the webpage, and
guidelines for generating the webpage.
[0046] In an embodiment, the content project management system 102
may comprise a web page creation module 225. In some embodiments,
the web page creation module 225 may include instructions, that
when executed, cause the processor(s) 220 to generate a web page
associated with a project. For example, the web page creation
module 225 may receive data from a creator device 120 for
generating a web page associated with a project.
[0047] In an embodiment, the content project management system 102
may comprise a navigation module 240. In some embodiments, the
navigation module 240 may include instructions, that when executed,
cause the processor(s) 220 to manage the navigation of user devices
within the project management system 102. For example, a fan device
130 may send data to the project management system 102 requesting a
web page associated with a given project. In response to a request
from a user device, instructions in the navigation module 240 may
cause the processor 220 to retrieve a requested web page for
presentation on the user device.
[0048] In an embodiment, the content project management system 102
may comprise a communication module 260. In some embodiments, the
communication module 260 may include instructions, that when
executed, cause the processor(s) 220 to manage communications
between user devices (for example, the fan device 130 and creator
device 120, the investor device 160 and the creator device 120,
etc.).
[0049] In an embodiment, the content project management system 102
may comprise a tracking module 265. In some embodiments, the
tracking module 265 may include instructions, that when executed,
cause the processor(s) 220 to track activity associated with users
and/or projects with the project management system 102.
[0050] In an embodiment, the content project management system 102
may comprise a link generator module 275. In some embodiments, the
link generating module 275 may include instructions, that when
executed, cause the processor(s) 220 to generate a unique network
resource identifier based in part on the activity associated with
users and/or projects. In an embodiment, activity associated with
the unique network resource identifier may be used by the tracking
module 265.
[0051] In an embodiment, the content project management system 102
may comprise an investor module 285. In some embodiments, investor
module 285 may include instructions, that when executed, cause the
processor(s) 220 to provide opportunities and manage investments in
projects associated with web pages. For example, the investor
module 285 may receive data from an investor device 160 via a web
page associated with a project. The data may be representative of
an investment in the project associated with the web page. The
investor module 285 may include instructions for managing these
investments and returns and correlating investments with users
and/or projects.
[0052] The project management system 102 may be configured to allow
transmission and reception of data from the project management
system 102 and the network 190, such as for example user devices.
For example, the project management system 102 may be configured to
process, send, receive, construct, and/or interpret information
over a network connection or physical connection. In an embodiment,
the project management system 102 may include a transceiver 250
configured to facilitate wireless communication over the network
190 described herein. The transceiver 250 can be configured to
receive data for storage and processing by the project management
system 102. The transceiver 250 may be a single component or a
separate transmitter and receiver (not shown). A single or a
plurality of transceiver antennas may be attached to the project
management system 102 and electrically coupled to the transceiver
250. The project management system 102 may also include (not shown)
multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, and multiple
transceivers.
[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates an example functional block diagram of a
fan device 130. However, it should be realized that a similar
device could be used as the vendor device 150, provider device 140,
investor device 160, or creator device 120. The fan device 130 may
be employed within a communication network, such as the project
creation system 200 of FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the fan device
130 may be any type of user device (for example, a creator device
120, etc. of FIG. 2). The fan device 130 can include hardware and
software sufficient to accomplish the functionality described
herein. The fan device 130 may be configured to receive data from
the project management system 102, assemble project web pages, and
interact with the web pages via a web browser.
[0054] The fan device 130 may comprise general purpose processing
hardware and may be a single computer or may be distributed among
multiple different computers. The fan device 130 may include one or
more processors 330 and a database 310, such as non-transitory
computer storage. The database 310 may be similar to the database
210 described. In some embodiments, database 310 may be configured
to be compartmentalized into a plurality of modules. In some
embodiments, one of the modules may be an operating system 320. The
operating system 320 may configure the processor 330 to manage the
database 310 and the processing resources of the fan device 130 for
various operational tasks. For example, operating system 320 may
include device drivers to manage hardware resources to perform
instructions to accomplish the functionality described herein, for
example, managing the web browser via the web browser module 540.
Instructions within operating system 320 may then interact directly
with these hardware components.
[0055] The processor 330 can be configured to provide computational
power and to direct and coordinate the execution of functions
sufficient to provide the targeted and desired functionality of the
fan device 130. The database 310 may be configured to provide
instructions and data to the processor 330. The instructions, when
executed by the one or more processors 330, may cause the processor
to perform the various functions described herein. Accordingly, the
processor may include, for example, hardware, firmware, and
software, or any combination therein.
[0056] The fan device 130 may be configured to allow transmission
and reception of data between the fan device 130 and the network
190, such as for example the project management system 102. For
example, the fan device 130 may be configured to process, send,
receive, construct, and/or interpret information over a network
connection or physical connection. For example, the fan device 130
may include a transceiver 320 to facilitate wireless communication
over the network 190 described herein with reference to FIG. 2. The
transceiver 340 can be configured to receive data for storage and
processing by fan device 130. The transceiver 340 may be a single
component or a separate transmitter and receiver (not shown). A
single or a plurality of transceiver antennas may be attached to
the fan device 130 and electrically coupled to the transceiver 340.
The fan device 130 may also include (not shown) multiple
transmitters, multiple receivers, and multiple transceivers.
[0057] The fan device 130 may further comprise a user interface 350
in some aspects. The user interface 350 may comprise a keypad, a
microphone, a speaker, touchscreen, and/or the display 370. The
user interface 350 may include any element or component that
conveys information to a user of the fan device 130 and/or receives
input from the user. In some embodiments, the user interface 350
may be included in the fan device 130 or may be remotely connect to
the fan device 130.
[0058] The various components of the project management system 102
and the fan device 130 may be coupled together by a bus system,
respectively, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus,
and a status signal bus in addition to a data bus.
[0059] Each user of the project management system 102 may be
associated with a user identifier stored in the user database 212.
For example, the user may generate or be provided a username
associated with a user identifier and a password for accessing the
project management system 102. The username may be associated with
a personal webpage hosted by the project management system 102. For
example, each user may supply inputs to the project management
system 102, via the fan device 130, to generate a webpage including
project, data, and information associated with a particular user.
In some embodiments, the user identifier may be associated with a
particular user device and/or user. Accordingly, each user may have
a webpage or user profile that includes details about the user.
[0060] As described above in connection to FIG. 3, user devices may
be configured to communicate with the project management system
102. As used herein, user devices may refer to a particular fan
device 130, for example, a creator device 120 may be implemented as
a fan device 130. In an embodiment, a creator device 120 may
utilize a web browser module 360 to generate project web pages
hosted by the project management system 102. The creator device 120
may access the project management system 102 to generate a web
page, via instructions in the web page creation module 225,
associated with the project craft beer reality show, including any
information about the project.
[0061] For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic block
diagram of interface 400 for use input of content for a generating
a project web page hosted on a project creation system. In an
embodiment, the user of the creator device 120 may implement the
interface 400 via instructions in the web page creation module 225.
The interface 400 may permit the creator device 120 to input
content within predefined parameters. Such parameters may be
controlled by the operator of the project management system 102 to
provide guidance as to the type of content and formatting of the
content included in each project web page. The interface 400 may be
implemented in the creator device 120 over the Internet via
interaction between the web browser module 360 of the creator
device 120 and the project management system 102. The interface 400
may be configured to provide adding, editing, and deleting of a
variety of content. For example, the content parameters may be, but
are not limited to, photographs, images, textual and written media,
audio media formats, and video formats, among other digital media.
The content may include videos, trailers, textual descriptions,
images (for example, a one-sheet or other images), audio files, and
other media representative of the project. In some embodiment, the
user may provide links associated with other resource destinations
(for example, databases, webpages, servers, etc.) that can be
retrieved by the project management system 102 over the network
190, for example from web servers (not shown). In some embodiments,
alternatively or in combination, the user may upload this content
to the project management system 102, which may locally store the
content in database 416 and host the content. In one embodiment,
the user may be able to add, delete, or edit media uploaded by the
user.
[0062] While the description is made with reference to a user
operating a project creation device 110, other configurations are
possible. For example, similar personal web page management nodes
may be implemented by the fan device 130, provider device 140, and
the vendor device 150 in accordance with their functions as
described below.
[0063] In an embodiment, a fan device 130 may be configured to
interact with the project management system 102 to generate
personal web pages hosted by the project management system 102. The
user of the fan device 130 may not have a project, but may be
interested in viewing and interacting with project web pages hosted
by the project management system 102. The user may access the
project management system 102 to generate a web page associated
with the user including information about the user. The information
may include user preferences and interests (for example, the types
of projects that the user is interested in, specific genres, etc.),
personal information (for example, location), user activity levels
indicative of the user's activity within the project management
system 102 as described below, user identifiers and status
indicators, among other information. In some embodiments, the
information may be supplied by the user (for example, preferences,
interests, personal information, etc.) while other information is
generated by the project creation system (for example, user
identifiers, activity ratings, etc.).
[0064] The fan device 130 may be configured to navigate to a
project web page hosted by the project management system 102 as
described below. Upon reaching a project web page, the fan device
130 may interact with the content included therein (for example,
the content described above in connection to FIG. 4). In some
embodiments, a plurality of hyperlinks may be presented to the fan
device 130. The hyperlinks may comprise a plurality of links each
associated with a function configured to associate a level of
interest with the project. This ranking may be stored in a database
414 with rankings by other fan devices 130. For example, four links
may be presented giving the fan device 130 four options. In one
implementation, the user of the fan device 130 may select (1) want
to watch the final project; (2) financially support or invest in
the project; (3) watch and support the project; or (4) none of the
above (for example, not interested in the project). Based on an
aggregate of the selected options from a plurality of fan devices
130, a ranking may be determined for each project.
[0065] The fan device 130 may be configured to communicate with the
project source 120 as described below or with any users of the
project creation system 100. For example, the project management
node 200 may include a linked function supplying a pathway for
communicating directly with the creator device 120. In some
embodiments, the pathway for communication includes providing an
email address or telephone number for contacting the user of the
creator device 120. In another embodiment, alone or in combination,
the means for communication may open a conversation window or
communication thread hosted by the project management system 102
for contacting the creator device 120. In some embodiments, the
means for communication may be a linked function to upload a review
or comment to the project webpage which may be viewable by any user
of the project management system 102.
[0066] The investor device 160 may be similar to the fan device
130. In addition, the investor device 160 may be configured to
interact with the project management system 102 to generate
personal web pages hosted by the project management system 102. The
investor device 160 may be configured to navigate to a selected
project web page, and interact with the content included therein.
In some embodiments, the investor device 160 may transmit a request
to invest in a particular project to the projection creation system
110 of the project management system 102. The request may comprise
an amount to be invested, a project identifier, and an
identification of the investor 160. Instructions in the investor
module 285 may be executed to cause the processor to associate the
investor device 160 with a project web page, and store the
association in the project database 214 and/or user database 212.
When the project is completed, instructions in the investor module
285 may also configure the processor to calculate and distribute
returns on the investment to the investor device 160. Accordingly,
in some embodiments, users operating a fan device 130 may also be a
user operating an investor device 160, thereby permitting fans of
projects to invest in and receive returns from projects.
[0067] The provider device 140 may be similar to the fan device
130. In addition, the provider device 140 may be associated with
users who have the means to support or further production of the
project. For example, the provider device 140 may generate a
personal webpage containing information about one or more
components of taking a project from idea to completion. For
example, in the context of movies, the creator device 120 may have
only an idea, but one or more provider device 140 may be associated
with users who can assist with development, production, and
distribution of the finalized project. The provider device 140 may
utilize the project management system 102 to search for, locate,
and communicate with the creator device 120. The creator device 120
may utilize the project management system 102 to locate provider
device 120, and vice versa.
[0068] The vendor device 150 may be similar to the fan device 130.
In addition, the vendor device 150 may be associated with users who
have the products or locations that may be used in the production
of the project. For example, the vendor device 150 may generate a
personal webpage containing information about one or more products
(for example, soda, automobiles, etc.) or locations (hotels,
destinations, etc.). The vendor device 150 may be seeking product
placement opportunities within the project, and may utilize the
project management system 102 to locate such opportunities.
Similarly, the creator device 120 and/or the provider device 140
may be seeking product placement opportunities within a project.
Accordingly, the project management system 102 may facilitate the
navigation and communication between these devices.
[0069] As described above, instructions stored in the various
modules of the project management system 102 may, when executed,
configure the processor 220 to perform the functions of the project
management system 102. Referring again to FIG. 2, in an embodiment,
the project management system 102 may comprise a web page creation
module 225, navigation module 240, a communication module 260, a
tracking module 265, a link generator module 275, and an investor
module 285.
[0070] In some embodiments, the project management system 102
communicates with a creator device 120 coupled to and part of the
network 190 that execute what is referred to herein as "project
creation" software included in the web page creation module 425.
The project creation software executing on the project management
system 102 empowers a creator device 120 to define projects,
described further herein, that is associated with web pages. For
example, the creator device 120 may access the project management
system 102 via a browser module 360 of FIG. 2. The project creation
software may generate a web page associated with the creator device
120 and store the webpage, content, and associated links and
network resource identifiers in one or more databases 210. The
project creation software may be provided content by the creator
device 120 or may retrieve content over the network 190, for
example from web servers 290. Where content is so retrieved, it may
be associated with network resources available on other devices of
the network. As described above, web pages and associated projects
hosted by the project management system 102 can later be accessed
and interacted with by other users via instructions in the
navigation module 240, described further below, to direct them to
network resources stored in part in the database 210.
[0071] The project management system 102 may also communicate with
other networked device to run what is referred to herein as "object
navigation" software included in the navigation module 240. The
project navigation software may empower user to view and interact
with project web pages hosted by the project management system 102.
The project navigation software may cause the processor 220 to
retrieve the web pages or portions thereof from, for example hosted
by the project management system 102.
[0072] In an embodiment, interaction with project web pages allows
navigation module 240 to use network resource identifiers such as
URLs generated and/or stored by the project management system 102
to navigate users to the web page where network resources
associated with projects are stored. In an embodiment, the project
creation software and/or the project navigation software may be
implemented by, for example, a browser executed by a user
device.
[0073] As described above, the project management system 102 may be
connected to or include one or more databases 210. In addition, the
database 210 may store data necessary of identifying and locating a
user and/or web page as described herein. The database 210 may also
store links, network resource identifiers, and other components for
hosting personal web pages.
[0074] In some embodiments the project management system 102
performs a search of users and/or projects and displays results. A
user may enter a description or search term in a search field of a
web site, and the project navigation software may cause the
processor to return search results comprising a list of items (for
example, users or projects with a brief descriptions) having a
hyperlink associated with each item. The user may scroll through
the search results in order to find a desired item and select the
hyperlink to be directed to the web page.
[0075] An example search may comprise a fan device 130 may send the
search query to the project server node 325. After receiving the
search query from, the project management system 102 may leverage a
search engine to search the database. The results of the search are
sent from the project management system 102 to the fan device 130
and displayed to the user via the browser of the fan device 130. In
some embodiments, the user may be able to filter the search results
into a list of fewer items. For example, a user may select a
category or filter from a drop down menu or presented list for
narrowing the search results. These categories may include, but are
not limited to, project genres (for example, horror, comedy,
science-fiction, drama, etc.); status of project (for example, idea
only, pre-production, production, distribution, etc.); location of
user; project type (for example, movie, television show, story,
etc.), among others. The database 210 may store an association of
categories to the various users and/or projects for tracking the
user preferences and activity.
[0076] Next a user via a user device (for example, a fan device
130) may select an item from the list of search results. The user
device activates a hyperlink associated with the item to retrieve
the web page of the selected item. The project server node 325
retrieves the desired web page from the database 210. The retrieved
web page or content therein could be retrieved, for example, from
web server 290 for example by a browser. Typically, when the
network is the Internet as currently configured, the HTML code of
such a retrieved web page will include network resource identifiers
specifying the domain and pathnames of content files that are to be
used by the browser as it assembles the display of the web page at
the user device. Network resource identifiers may be accessed by
the browser as the web page is executed, and the specified content
retrieved by the browser using the network resource
identifiers.
[0077] Once the display for the web page is assembled by the
browser and presented to the user, a user may access additional
functionality of the project management system 102. For example,
the user device may retrieve code for displaying content of the
project via text or embedded hyperlinks to video or audio
files.
[0078] In an embodiment, instructions in the tracking module 265
may configure the processor 220 to track activity associated with
users and/or projects with the project management system 102. For
example, a retrieved web page may comprise hyperlinks executable by
a user for indicating an interest level in the project. The browser
may display a plurality of buttons, each representing an option (as
described above) for which a fan device 130 may interact with to
indicate an interest level. Information indicative of an executed
link may be received and stored in the database 210, which may be
used to update an activity log associated with the project stored
in the database 210. The activity log may be used to update a rank
associated with the project based on a plurality of user
selections. In some embodiments, the project rank may be used by
the project management system 102 in ranking search results or as a
filter category.
[0079] In an embodiment, the link generating module 275 may include
instructions to cause the processor 220 to generate a unique
network resource identifier based at least in part on a fan device
130 and/or a project associated with a retrieved web page. For
example, data indicating the user of the fan device 130 may be
received along with data indicating the project associated with the
retrieved web page. Additionally, information indicating the
interest level in the project, as described above, may also be
received. In some embodiments, the network resource identifier is a
unique URL, for example, a URL including Urchin Tracking Module
(UTM) parameters configured to track activity outside of the
project management system 102 associated with the project. For
example, additional character strings and identifiers may be added
to the URL for a given project web page. The additional characters
may be used by the tracking module 265 for identifying a fan device
130 or user thereof and/or a project and updating an activity log
in the database 210.
[0080] The unique network resource identifier may be transmitted to
the user via the browser, at which point the user may copy the
identifier for subsequent use. For example, the user may provide
the unique network resource identifier to other Internet users via,
for example, a social network webpage. The unique network resource
identifier may also be embedded in a hyperlink, that, when executed
by another user, directs this user to the project web page
identified by the unique network resource identifier. The tracking
module 265 may then receive an indicator that the project web page
has been accessed based on the unique network resource identifier
and updates the activity log of the user and/or project.
[0081] As described above, the project management system 102 is
configured to facilitate the creation, management, and promotion of
projects through interaction and connection between creator device
120 and fan device 130 (and other network connected devices). In
some embodiments, the promotion may be through word of mouth via
the tracking of user activity on the system. In other embodiments,
additional functional may be provided that provides the fan device
130 an option to support the project through financial means. For
example, investments by investor device 160 through the investor
module 285 may be provided may be tracked and stored for use in
determining the activity level of the user.
[0082] In an embodiment, instructions in the communication module
260 may cause the processor 220 to establish a direct communication
pathway between users of the project management system 102. In some
embodiments, the pathway may be based in part on the activity level
of one or both users. For example, the processor 220 may retrieve
the activity level of a given fan device 120 from the database 210.
The processor 220 may also retrieve a threshold value from the
database 210. Instructions in the communication module 260 may
cause the processor 220 to compare the activity level with the
threshold, and if the activity is equal to or greater than the
threshold level, an indicator may be generated and stored in the
database 210. In some embodiments, this indicator may be
representative that the fan device 120 is operated by a "Super
Fan," such that the associated fan is particularly active with the
project management system 102. The threshold value may be
determined by the operator of the project management system 102. In
an embodiment, the threshold may be based on, but not limited to,
one or more genres, particular projects, or entire system activity.
In an embodiment, the user activity level may also be based on, but
not limited to, one or more genres, particular project, or entire
system activity. When the projection creation system 110 determines
the user activity is at least equal to the threshold value,
instructions in the communication module 260 may cause the
processor to provide the user with a pathway for directly
communicating with creator devices 120. For example, the user may
be provided a way to communicate on, but not limited to, a
per-project basis, per-genre basis, or all creator devices. The
communication pathway may, for example, providing a telephone
number, email address, messaging service hosted by the project
management system 102, etc. If the activity level of the user is
below the threshold, direct communication will be restricted.
[0083] While the foregoing description is made in reference to
users of a fan device 130, similar functionality and procedures are
applicable with other users and devices. For example, activity
levels and searching functions may be executed in a similar manner
in connection to users of the creator devices 120, provider devices
140, and/or vendor devices 150. The activity levels may be tracked
and updated to facilitate the identification of particularly active
users and/or users and indicate trustfulness and credibility of the
users of the project management system 102.
[0084] In some embodiments, the project management system 102 and
the entire networked communication system or the project creation
system 200 may implement a blockchain architecture. For example,
each of the user systems (for example, one of creator devices 120,
fan devices 130, provider devices 140, vendor devices 150, and
investor devices 160) may comprise a client node that are capable
of appending new blocks to the system blockchain and for verifying
or validating information in the blockchain, as described herein.
For example, the project creation system 200 may utilize a
blockchain to record any associated events. Accordingly, all events
and transactions within the project creation system 200 may be
appended to the system blockchain of the project creation system
200. In some embodiments, the implementation or utilization of the
system blockchain for the project creation system 200 enables
vertical and horizontal scaling of corresponding decentralized
applications associated with the project creation system 200. For
example, the system blockchain may provide for scaling the project
creation system 200 for up to millions of users while minimizing or
reducing system latency and associated costs traditionally
associated with the use of smart contracts.
[0085] As used in conjunction with the system blockchain, a
decentralized validation network (DVN) may aggregate votes and
social actions performed by users of the project creation system
200 to provide validation, analytics, promotion, and funding of
projects to creators. Essentially, the DVN may validate information
in the system blockchain as information is added to the system
blockchain and may validate transactions based on records in the
system blockchain. The DVN may be governed by protocols that
coordinate and verify actions carried out by the different users.
In some embodiments, the DVN may employ different strategies for
coordination, including Byzantine Agreement, gossip protocols, or
conflict-free replicated data types (CRDTs). In some embodiments,
the strategy for coordination used may be dependent on requirements
of the project creation system 200.
[0086] The DVN may allow storage of data with unique identifiers,
thereby allowing retrieval of the stored data based on the unique
identifiers. The DVN may provide data integrity by requiring that
user systems or devices (for example, nodes of the DVN) cannot
accept altered or falsified data in response to requests. The DVN
may also provide for data retrieval such that if some data has been
successfully stored in storage and providers of the storage
continue to follow corresponding protocols, then the stored data
can be retrieved, barring any faults that may occur.
[0087] In the system blockchain utilized for or with the project
creation system 200, a decentralized storage network (DSN) may
provide for storage of information for users of the project
creation system 200. The DSN may be auditable, publicly verifiable,
and designed based on incentives, where client nodes of the DSN pay
a network of storage "miners" who provide data storage and
retrieval services. The storage miners may offer disk space and
bandwidth in exchange for payments from the client nodes, where the
storage miners may receive their payments only if the network can
audit and verify that their service was correctly provided. The
auditing and verification may utilize the system blockchain.
[0088] Any user, as described herein, may utilize a device (for
example, one of creator devices 120, fan devices 130, provider
devices 140, vendor devices 150, and investor devices 160) to
participate as one or more of a client node, a storage miner and/or
a retrieval miner. In some embodiments, client nodes may store and
retrieve data in the DSN via the DVN in exchange for payment to
storage miners and retrieval miners. The storage miners may provide
data storage to the client nodes and other members of the network.
The storage miners may offer service of storage requests and disk
space for a specified time and for a specified price. The storage
miners may generate "proofs-of-storage" (POS) that are submitted to
prove to the network that the storage miners are properly storing
the data. The storage miners may also mine new blocks in the system
blockchain. Such new mining may provide the storage miners a mining
reward for creating each block and transaction fees for any
transactions included in each block. The retrieval miners may
provide data retrieval to the network. The retrieval miners may
retrieve data requested by users. In some embodiments, the storage
miners may also be the retrieval miners.
[0089] In the project creation system 200, the network itself (for
example, the various full nodes, etc.) may act as an intermediary
that generally provides and runs any DSN protocols. In some
embodiments, at every new block in the system blockchain, the full
nodes of the network may manage available storage, validate
pledges, audit proofs-of-storage, and repair possible faults. In
some embodiments, the full nodes may each download every block and
transaction and check them against the blockchain's consensus
rules.
[0090] The project creation system 200 may utilize a ledger-based
currency. At any given time, all users of the network may have
access to the ledger, which may be distributed among the users of
the network (for example, as part of the system blockchain). The
ledger may include a sequence of transactions and may only provide
for additions to the ledger. The ledger may comprise any ledger
that conforms to the requirements described herein.
[0091] The project creation system 200 may provide a decentralized
peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming network (DPSN). The DPSN may utilize
various client nodes that function or provides roles of one or more
of a transcoder, a relay, and a consumer. As the transcoder, the
client node may perform a job of transcoding a content stream
between codecs, bitrates, formats, etc. As the relay, the client
node may distribute content streams and/or pass messages without
performing any transcoding. As the consumer, the client node may be
consuming the media stream or requesting the media stream for
consumption (for example, viewing, etc.). Additionally, the network
may utilize or incorporate a decentralized storage (for example,
Swarm), decentralized logic (for example, smart contracts),
decentralized messaging, and decentralized verification (for
example, Truebit). Alternatives to the examples identified herein
that provide similar functionality and crypto-economic guarantees
may be utilized. In some embodiments, the decentralized
verification may be used to verify or determine that particular
jobs or tasks were correctly performed, based on which rewards
and/or fees may be allocated to associated service providers. In
some embodiments, the project creation system 200 may utilize the
decentralized verification randomly or periodically to only verify
a small percentage of segments (for example, portions of the system
blockchain) randomly, and using slashing in the case of failed
verifications. In some embodiments, the project creation system 200
may establish a verification rate, which may control how frequently
a specific segment or segments of the system blockchain is to be
selected for challenge or verification using the decentralized
verification. In some embodiments, a randomness of a future block
hash may determine which segments are selected for
verification.
[0092] The project creation system 200 may utilize an architecture
comprising a consensus layer, a content distribution layer, a
real-time layer, payment channels, and an identity system. The
consensus layer may provide for use of smart contracts, which may
maintain a ledger of ownership, authenticity and curation within
the network. In some embodiments, the smart contracts are referred
to as projects. Each project have include unique content (for
example, media content), one or more owners, and validation data.
Each project may comprise an individual block on the blockchain of
the project creation system 200. Users may connect to the project
creation system 200 via client nodes (for example, one of creator
devices 120, fan devices 130, provider devices 140, vendor devices
150, and investor devices 160) to obtain updates (for example,
identify current stage) for any projects they are part of or
associated with or to simply validate information.
[0093] The content distribution layer may provide for the
distribution of content or project information, etc., to client
nodes. In some embodiments, the content distribution layer of the
project creation system 200 may use the DSN and the DPSN described
herein to distribute the content to client nodes. The real-time
layer may provide for decentralized messaging between users of the
project creation system 200. The decentralized messaging may
utilize one or more of peer-to-peer connections, on-chain activity,
and highly scalable application infrastructure. The payment
channels may provide avenues of payment or exchange of goods or
services between the users of the project creation system 200. For
example, the payment channels may provide for in-system purchases
and/or in-system support and/or patronage of creators. For example,
the payment channels may provide for micro-payments, including but
not limited to, a monthly subscription to support a creator,
one-time donations to a project or, upgrading to a paid user
account. The project creation system 200 may implement a
decentralized identity system that may provide proof of ownership
of a project and may link cryptographic public keys and signatures
with account names.
[0094] As described herein, at least one benefit provided by
blockchain architectures is the immutability of the blockchain.
Since the records stored in the blockchain are generally
unchangeable (or, at the very least, require great computing power
to change), the blockchain is a natural solution for identifying
dates of events for which records or evidence may later be
required. For example, IP protection and risk of plagiarism and
associated accusations naturally concern creators and
screenwriters, especially on a platform that makes their ideas
public. In some embodiments, the project creation system 200 may
provide records (for example, time-stamps) or similar certification
of submissions by creators, providers, etc., relating to a
particular project to the project creation system 200.
[0095] In some embodiments, the project creation system 200 may use
a blockchain-based consensus platform and semi-autonomous consensus
work teams, organized as blockrings, to facilitate key transactions
between the creators, fans and providers, including creation,
audience-building, social promotion, funding and marketing, and
content distribution and streaming. The blockrings may correspond
to data or memory structures that may assist in shepherding a
project along an evolving lifecycle. The blockrings may be
implemented by the blockchain and equip it with the tools necessary
to successfully build a fanbase and achieve fan validation, while
providing immutable protection of intellectual property. Further,
Blockrings will facilitate fan-sourced project scoring, funding,
production, promotion and distribution-all on the blockchain.
Blockrings manage the huge workflows necessary to make a project,
connecting creators with a largely underemployed industry of
actors, editors, camera and lighting professionals, crew, costume
designers and other essential personnel
[0096] Those of skill in the art will understand that information
and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different
technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions,
commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may
be referenced throughout the above description may be represented
by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or
particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination
thereof.
Content Distribution
[0097] As content generated on or using the project creation system
200 is completed (for example, ready for distribution), the project
creation system 200 (or an external system) may be used to provide
for distribution of the created project. In some embodiments,
distribution of the project content may comprise streaming of the
project content over a network or making the project content
available for download or otherwise electrically available for
access by one or more entities. For example, once the project is
completed and ready for distribution, the project content may be
distributed to entities in exchange for compensation (for example
monetary compensation, tickets, services, and so forth). In some
embodiments, the project creation system 200 or the external system
may include a decentralized streaming network. The decentralized
streaming network may provide a social streaming service that
allows for fans to vet project content and provide reviews or
rankings that can be shared with other entities or fans.
[0098] In some embodiments, the decentralized streaming network may
be integrated with the user webpage or profile of a user.
Accordingly, viewing history of project content viewed on or via
the decentralized streaming network may be used to automatically
adapt the user's website or profile, which may change or impact
projects that the user is associated with or that are recommended
to the user. For example, if the user views many projects that have
the same director or producer, the project creation system 200 may
prompt the user to add that director or producer to a project the
user is associated with if a director or producer is needed for the
associated project. In some embodiments, the viewing history can
impact the types of projects that are recommended to the user or
the project content that is recommended to the user for viewing on
or via the decentralized streaming network. For example, if the
user's viewing history includes only comedy movies, then the
project creation system 200 may adjust recommendations to the user
to only include comedic projects or projects with strong comedic
influence. In some embodiments, the user's involvement with
projects can impact the recommendations provided by the
decentralized streaming network for viewing by the user. For
example, if the user is generally only involved (for example,
contributed creative elements, financing, products, etc.) with
action movies, then the decentralized streaming network may only
recommend action movies or movies that involve extensive action
sequences.
[0099] The decentralized streaming network may comprise a
user-validated blockchain streaming service. In some embodiments,
and as described herein, the decentralized streaming network may be
built on a blockchain. In such embodiments, miners for the
decentralized streaming network blockchain may host and serve files
that are requested by users. The decentralized streaming network
may implement a transaction ledger that tracks files requested,
delivery date, time and quality, and so forth, as well as the
rewards for those who are serving those files, to be awarded in
tokens. In some embodiments, the decentralized streaming network
may provide a gamified social viewing experience for project
content available on or via the decentralized streaming network. In
some embodiments, the gamified social viewing experience awards or
otherwise encourages or incentivizes users to participate in the
decentralized streaming network. The decentralized streaming
network may provide an immersive social environment where users can
consume project content but also share the consumption experience
with other users in real time or time delayed via replay.
Accordingly, a first user can consume the project content with one
or more other users simultaneously (where the first user and the
one or more other users all view the project content at the same
time). Additionally, or alternatively, the first user can consume
the project content with the one or more other users at different
times (where the first user views the project content first and the
one or more other users view the project content at a later time).
In some embodiments, various content may be available for each
project. For example, as entire project creation lifecycles may be
available for each project, various additional content beyond the
final project content may be available (for example, blooper reals,
alternate endings, behind the scene footage, interviews and so
forth). In some embodiments a combination of features may be
provided such as real time social consumption combined with a
creator interview. For example, a creator associated with a media
project may provide an interview for viewing while media content
for the media project is being viewed in a shared viewing. In such
an embodiment, one or more viewers may be able to view the media
content from the media project while receiving commentary from or
participating in a dialog with one of the creators of the media
project. Additionally, since the projects available on the project
creation system 200 and/or the decentralized streaming network may
have more fan involvement, the project content available on or via
the decentralized streaming network may be generally
fan-vetted.
[0100] In some embodiments, the decentralized streaming network may
comprise a recommendation module or engine that dynamically
generates recommendations of available or upcoming project content
for each user based on various information associated with the
user. For example, as described herein, the recommendation engine
may use projects that the user is involved or associated with to
identify project content that would likely be of interest to the
user. In some embodiments, the recommendation engine may also or
instead use information associated with the viewing history of the
user, a rating history of the user (for example, ratings and/or
rankings that the user has given other project content, providers,
and so forth), other social activity of the user on the project
creation system 200, and so forth.
[0101] In some embodiments, the decentralized streaming network may
utilize fast, scalable, and secure storage and may provide
cross-platform support. Furthermore, the decentralized streaming
network, in providing a social streaming service, may allow users
to comments on pages associated with other users or project
content, and so forth.
[0102] In some embodiments, each project that is distributed on or
via the decentralized streaming network may be provided with
various information associated with the project and its project
content available for consumption on or via the decentralized
streaming network. For example, the decentralized streaming network
may provide creators and other users involved with a project with
statistical information of consumption habits and other details and
reviews left by users regarding the project content and so forth.
In some embodiments, access to the statistical information and/or
other details and reviews may be restricted to only certain users
involved with the project.
[0103] In some embodiments, the decentralized streaming network may
provide for creation and distribution of Rifftrax or real-time
commentary corresponding to viewing of the project content. In some
embodiments, any data and/or content created in conjunction with
the project content may be available to the project creator. In
some embodiments, the use of tokens (discussed in more detail
herein) may regulate access to the Rifftrax and/or real-time
commentary or other content created in conjunction with the
project. In some embodiments, the decentralized streaming network
may be configured to identify users or entities that are
influential to projects (for example, through non-financial means,
and so forth). For example, the project creator may identify users
or fans that create such Rifftrax or commentary and may request
involvement from those users or fans for future projects, and so
forth. In some embodiments, the decentralized streaming network may
track creation of such Rifftrax and/or commentary and help other
users identify the creators of the Rifftrax and/or commentary.
Accordingly, the decentralized streaming network may provide
tracking of users or fans that are active in creating supplemental
content so that other users (including the project creator) may
identify them.
[0104] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level overview of an example
decentralized streaming network 500 for distributing project
content for projects developed at least in part with the project
creation system 200 of FIG. 2. The decentralized streaming network
500 may be shown as being integrated with the project creation
system 200. However, in some embodiments, the decentralized
streaming network 500 may be separate from the projection creation
system 200. As shown, the decentralized streaming network 500 may
comprise various layers or segments. At the core of the
decentralized streaming network 500 may be the project content as
generated by the project creation system 200. In some embodiments,
the project creation system 200 may include a store for created
content for each project that is stored in a distributed fashion on
the decentralized streaming network 500. For example, the project
creation system 200 may include the content database 216 that is
used to store project content for distribution on or via the
distribution streaming system 500. In some embodiments, the project
content may be stored using systems such as a distributed file
system (for example, a decentralized file system), where content is
stored and verified according to one or more protocols to ensure
dependable, fact, cost-effective content storage and delivery.
Accordingly, the content database 216 may not be a single database
but rather a distributed storage and/or filing system. Coupled to
the content database 216 are multiple trusted nodes 505. Trusted
nodes may be privileged, meaning that such nodes may be connected
and/or accepted (for example, to or by the content database 216)
even when a number of permissible peers or connections exceeds a
maximum allowable peer count. Connections to trusted nodes may be
reattempted according to a predetermined schedule, for example,
every 15 sec. The trusted nodes 505 may provide access to the
content database 216. In some embodiments, each trusted node 505
may provide project content from the content database 216 to
multiple viewing users 510. In some embodiments, each of these
viewing users 510 and/or the trusted nodes 505 are users of the
project creation system 200.
[0105] In some embodiments, the content database 216 may include a
catalog of project content developed on or with the project
creation system 200 or is part of the blockchain created by the
project creation system 200. In some embodiments, the decentralized
streaming network 500 may provide one or more avenues for a creator
or other project user to monetize the content associated with the
project.
Tokens System
[0106] In the project creation system 200 and the dynamic streaming
network 500, a non-fungible token may be used to provide payment or
compensation for services, to permit viewing of project content
and/or participation in events, and so forth. Tokens may be issued
or sold for projects on the project creation system 200. In some
embodiments, the tokens may be associated with the project for
which they were issued or may be broadly used for anything on the
project creation system 200 and/or the dynamic streaming network
500. In some embodiments, the tokens may be associated with the
ledger-based currency.
[0107] In some embodiments, the tokens may be used as payment or
given in exchange for services or products provided by providers
for the project. In some embodiments, the tokens may be generated
for pre-sale, similar to sale of physical or electronic tickets
before an event (for example, a movie or concert) or during the
event. In some embodiments, pricing for the tokens during the
pre-sale may be less than pricing for the tickets during the event
or at other stages along the project lifecycle (for example, after
the project is completed but before it has been released for
consumption). Accordingly, the tokens may provide an option by
which the fans or other users of the project creation system 200
can support a project. For example, a user that wishes to provide
support to a project may purchase a quantity of tokens relating to
that project. The funds earned from the sale of those tokens may be
used by the creator of the project on the project. In some
embodiments, the tokens may be used for advertising. For example,
the creator may choose to issue a number of tokens for giveaways or
similar distribution.
[0108] In some embodiment, each token may be associated with one or
more events. For example, in some embodiments, the token may be
associated with or provide one viewing of the completed project. In
some embodiments, the token may be associated with an online
question and answer (Q&A) session with cast members, and so
forth. In some embodiments, different levels or grades of tokens
may be issued. For example, a first level of token may provide for
one viewing of the project while a second level of token may
provide one or multiple viewings of the project along with access
to the Q&A session. In some embodiments, the different levels
of tokens may have different prices associated with them.
[0109] In some embodiments, the tokens may be resold by the initial
purchaser. For example, the tokens may be sold in an online auction
house or otherwise transferred between users. In some embodiments,
the tokens may provide access to viewing content created by fans or
other users that is related to or based on project content. For
example, in some embodiments, tokens may be used to provide access
to Rifftrax or commentary provided by the fans or other users.
Other Considerations
[0110] Various aspects of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are
described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The teachings of this disclosure may, however, be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout
this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the
teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the
scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the
novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether
implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of
the invention. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a
method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth
herein. In addition, the scope of the invention is intended to
cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other
structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in
addition to or other than the various aspects of the invention set
forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed
herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.
[0111] Although particular aspects are described herein, many
variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope
of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the
preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not
intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives.
Rather, aspects of the disclosure are intended to be broadly
applicable to different wireless technologies, system
configurations, networks, and transmission protocols, some of which
are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the
following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed
description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure
rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by
the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
[0112] Those having skill in the art will further appreciate that
the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and
process steps described in connection with the implementations
disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware,
computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate
this interchangeability of hardware and software, various
illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have
been described above generally in terms of their functionality.
Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software
depends upon the particular application and design constraints
imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the
described functionality in varying ways for each particular
application, but such implementation decisions should not be
interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present
invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that a portion, or
a part, may comprise something less than, or equal to, a whole. For
example, a portion of a collection of pixels may refer to a
sub-collection of those pixels.
[0113] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and
circuits described in connection with the implementations disclosed
herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or
transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example,
a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0114] The steps of a method or process described in connection
with the implementations disclosed herein may be embodied directly
in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a
combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory,
flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers,
hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of
non-transitory storage medium known in the art. An exemplary
computer-readable storage medium is coupled to the processor such
the processor can read information from, and write information to,
the computer-readable storage medium. In the alternative, the
storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and
the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a
user terminal, camera, or other device. In the alternative, the
processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components
in a user terminal, camera, or other device.
[0115] The processes, methods, and systems may be implemented in a
network (or distributed) computing environment. Network
environments include enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets,
local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), personal area
networks (PAN), cloud computing networks, crowd-sourced computing
networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. The network may be
a wired or a wireless network or any other type of communication
network.
[0116] The systems and methods of the disclosure each have several
innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible or
required for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. The various
features and processes described above may be used independently of
one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible
combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the
scope of this disclosure. Various modifications to the
implementations described in this disclosure may be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other implementations without
departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the
claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown
herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with
this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed
herein.
[0117] Certain features that are described in this specification in
the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in
combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various
features that are described in the context of a single
implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations
separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although
features may be described above as acting in certain combinations
and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a
subcombination or variation of a subcombination. No single feature
or group of features is necessary or indispensable to each and
every embodiment.
[0118] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others,
"can," "could," "might," "may," "for example," and the like, unless
specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the
context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain
embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include,
certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional
language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements
and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or
that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for
deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these
features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed
in any particular embodiment. The terms "comprising," "including,"
"having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in
an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements,
features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term "or" is
used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so
that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the
term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. In
addition, the articles "a," "an," and "the" as used in this
application and the appended claims are to be construed to mean
"one or more" or "at least one" unless specified otherwise.
[0119] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a
list of items refers to any combination of those items, including
single members. As an example, "at least one of: A, B, or C" is
intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B,
and C. Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X,
Y and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise
understood with the context as used in general to convey that an
item, term, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z. Thus, such
conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that
certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y
and at least one of Z to each be present.
[0120] Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in
locating various sections. These headings are not intended to limit
the scope of the concepts described with respect thereto. Such
concepts may have applicability throughout the entire
specification. The previous description of the disclosed
implementations is provided to enable any person skilled in the art
to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to
these implementations will be readily apparent to those skilled in
the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied
to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope
of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be
limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded
the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features
disclosed herein.
* * * * *