WO2016007995A1

WO2016007995A1 - A system, application server and computer readable storage medium for distribution of digital media

Info

Publication number: WO2016007995A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sera AWAD
Original assignee: Awad Sera
Priority date: 2014-07-15
Filing date: 2015-07-15
Publication date: 2016-01-21

Abstract

A system for distribution of digital media, the system comprising: a network for transmitting digital data; a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users; a database adapted for storing a first user account data representing a first user account associated with a first user and a least one or a plurality of second user account data representing a corresponding plurality of second user accounts associated with a corresponding plurality of second users; and a memory device associated with said first user account data for storing digital data including computer program code, wherein the memory device is controlled by the computer program code to: define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of said first user, said distribution groups comprising at least one or a plurality of users associated with respective second user account data; obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of said distribution groups; and transmit said digital media to said users associated with a distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule.

Description

A SYSTEM, APPLICATION SERVER AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

FOR DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL MEDIA

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to applications for mobile devices and in particular to applications for distributing digital media via mobile devices.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in methods and systems for distributing digital media via mobile devices and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or worldwide.

[0004] Sharing of digital media is a rapidly increasing activity of users of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet devices. With the ever-increasing popularity of such social platforms as Facebook™ and Instagram™, users are sharing digital media such as photographs or videos amongst their contacts (e.g. friends, followers and the like). However, the typical process for sharing, say, a photograph, in current systems is, once the user takes the photograph using the mobile device's camera 132 and camera application 123, the user must then open another application (e.g. Facebook™) and select that application's function to upload and share the photograph, search the device's 120 memory 121 for the desired photograph, and then wait for the second program to import the photograph and commence the upload procedure using the network that the mobile device happens to be connected to at the time (typically a cellular network e.g. 3G or 4G telecommunications network). Often, use of the connected cellular network will incur communications charges for the user in uploading the photograph data. Additionally, use of the default cellular network is often more power intensive than alternative network connections such as e.g. wireless local area networks (Wi-Fi).

SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for distribution of digital media. The system may comprise a network for transmitting digital data. The system may further comprise a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users. The system may further comprise a database adapted for storing a first user account data representing a first user account associated with a first user and a least one or a plurality of second user account data representing a corresponding plurality of second user accounts associated with a corresponding plurality of second users. The system may further comprise a memory device associated with the first user account data for storing digital data including computer program code. The memory device may be controlled by the computer program code to define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of the first user, the distribution groups comprising at least one or a plurality of users associated with respective second user account data. The memory device may be further controlled by the computer program code to obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of the distribution groups. The memory device may be further controlled by the computer program code to transmit the digital media to the users associated with a distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule.

[0007] According to an arrangement of the first aspect, there is provided a system for distribution of digital media, the system comprising

a network for transmitting digital data;

a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users;

a database adapted for storing a first user account data representing a first user account associated with a first user and a least one or a plurality of second user account data representing a corresponding plurality of second user accounts associated with a corresponding plurality of second users; and

a memory device associated with the first user account data for storing digital data including computer program code, wherein the memory device is controlled by the computer program code to:

define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of the first user, the distribution groups comprising at least one or a plurality of users associated with respective second user account data;

obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of the distribution groups

transmit the digital media to the users associated with a distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule.

[0008] The digital media may comprise one or more of a digital message, a digital photograph or plurality of photographs, a digital video recording or plurality of video recordings.

[0009] The digital media may further comprise an annotation associated with the digital media. The annotation is transmitted with the associated digital media to the users associated with a selected distribution group. The annotation may comprise one or more of a text caption or an audio attachment associated with the digital media. The text caption may obtained using a speech-to-text engine.

[0010] The created digital media may be cached in the memory of the memory device and released in accordance with the distribution schedule. The created digital media may be cached in the volatile memory of the memory device.

[001 1] The distribution schedule may comprise selection of a preferred network communications mode whereupon when the memory device in connected to the preferred network, the cached digital media is transmitted to the distribution group.

[0012] The system may further comprise a digital media server device. The digital media server device may be adapted to receive digital media from a memory device associated with the first user account data. The digital media server device may be further adapted to store the digital media in volatile memory associated with the server device. The digital media server device may be further adapted to transmit the digital media to one or more a memory devices associated with the at least one or plurality of second user account data.

[0013] The digital media server device may transmit the digital media to the one or more a memory devices associated with the at least one or plurality of second user account data on establishment of a connection with the one or more memory devices.

[0014] The second user account data may comprise a preferred network whereupon when the memory device in connected to the preferred communications mode, the memory device associated with at least one or plurality of second user account data receives the cached digital media from the digital media server device.

[0015] The network may comprise a cellular network connection or a local area wireless (WIFI) connection.

[0016] The preset distribution schedule may be associated with a selected location or geographic area.

[0017] The preset distribution schedule may be associated with a selected time frame.

[0018] The preset media sharing settings may be stored in the first user account data stored in the database.

[0019] The system may be further adapted to interface with a social media platform associated with the first user.

[0020] The digital media is transmitted to the users associated with the distribution group in real-time or near-real-time.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for distribution of digital media. The method may comprise the step of providing a network for transmitting digital data. The method may further comprise the step of providing a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users. The method may further comprise the step of providing a database adapted for storing a first user account data representing a first user account associated with a first user and a least one or a plurality of second user account data representing a corresponding plurality of second user accounts associated with a corresponding plurality of second users. The method may further comprise the step of providing a memory device associated with the first user account data for storing digital data including computer program code. The memory device may be controlled by the computer program code to define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of the first user, the distribution groups comprising at least one or a plurality of users associated with respective second user account data. The memory device may be further controlled by the computer program code to obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of the distribution groups. . The memory device may further be controlled by the computer program code to transmit the digital media to the users associated with a distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule.

[0022] According to an arrangement of the second aspect, there is provided a method for distribution of digital media , the method comprising the steps of:

providing a network for transmitting digital data;

providing a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users;

providing a database adapted for storing a first user account data representing a first user account associated with a first user and a least one or a plurality of second user account data representing a corresponding plurality of second user accounts associated with a corresponding plurality of second users; and

providing a memory device associated with the first user account data for storing digital data including computer program code, wherein the memory device is controlled by the computer program code to:

[0023] The method may further comprise the step of, prior to transmitting the digital media, annotating the digital media. Annotating the digital media may comprise associating one or more of a text caption or an audio attachment associated to the digital media. The text caption may be obtained using a speech-to-text interface. [0024] The first user may retain ownership of the digital media. The user or users associated with the distribution group may be restricted from viewing the digital media unless they are otherwise associated with the first user. A user or users of the distribution group may be permitted to view the digital media only if a mutually-agreed connection between the user or users and the first user is recorded in the database. The mutually-agreed connection may be a "Friend" connection in a similar manner to the conceptual nature of a "Friend" as used in social media network systems such as, for example, Facebook™. The mutually-agreed connection may also be an acquaintance of the user.

[0025] The digital media may be associated with an event. The event may be associated with a predetermined location and/or time period. Digital media created by the user at the event may be automatically tagged by the client computing device with an annotation associating the digital media to the event. The user may then select one or more users and/or one or more distribution lists to be associated with that event such that all digital media (e.g. photographs, videos etc.) are automatically transmitted to the selected users in accordance with a predefined distribution schedule.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for establishing a digital media distribution schedule on a mobile device. The method may comprise the step of, within a program module stored in the memory of the mobile device, define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of a first user, the distribution groups comprising at least one or a plurality of second users. The method may comprise the further step of, with the program module, obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of the distribution groups. The method may comprise the further step of, with the program module, transmit the digital media to the users associated with a distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule.

[0027] According to an arrangement of the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for establishing a digital media distribution schedule on a mobile device comprising the steps of:

within a program module stored in the memory of the mobile device:

define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of a first user, the distribution groups comprising at least one or a plurality of second users;

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital media server device. The digital media server device may comprise at least one database. The database may comprise data with respect to a plurality of users including the user's preferences for sharing of digital media created on a memory device associated with user account data. The user account data may comprise preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups. The digital media server device may be adapted to receive digital media from a memory device associated with the first user account data. The digital media server device may be further adapted to store the digital media in volatile memory associated with the server device. The digital media server device may be further adapted to transmit the digital media to one or more a memory devices associated with the at least one or plurality of second user account data in accordance with a distribution schedule associated with the first user account data.

[0029] According to an arrangement of the fourth aspect, there is provided a digital media server device comprising at least one database, the database comprising data with respect to a plurality of users including the users preferences for sharing of digital media created on a memory device associated with user account data, the user account data comprising:

preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups, wherein the digital media server device is adapted to:

receive digital media from a memory device associated with the first user account data;

store the digital media in volatile memory associated with the server device; and

transmit the digital media to one or more a memory devices associated with the at least one or plurality of second user account data in accordance with a distribution schedule associated with the first user account data.

[0030] It should be noted that the digital media server, client computing device and the computer readable storage medium provide the same or similar advantages as the advantages provided by the corresponding computer implemented method, some of which are described herein. Additionally the digital media server and/or client computing device provides the advantage of deployment across a computer network, such as the Internet, providing distribution, access and economy of scale advantages. Furthermore, the computer readable storage medium provides further advantages, such allowing the deployment of computer instructions for installation and execution by one or more computing devices.

[0031] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program for distribution of digital media over a network adapted for transmitting digital data between a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users, the program comprising:

code stored in a memory device of the client computing device for interfacing with a digital media server comprising a database adapted for storing a first user account data representing a first user account associated with a first user and a least one or a plurality of second user account data representing a corresponding plurality of second user accounts associated with a corresponding plurality of second users; and

code stored in the memory device of the client computing device, wherein the client computing device is controlled by the computer program code to:

obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of the distribution groups;

[0032] The preset media sharing setting may be stored in the first user account data stored in the database.

[0033] According to an arrangement of the fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program for distribution of digital media, the program comprising:

code for providing a network for transmitting digital data;

code for providing a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users;

code for providing a database adapted for storing a first user account data representing a first user account associated with a first user and a least one or a plurality of second user account data representing a corresponding plurality of second user accounts associated with a corresponding plurality of second users; and

code for providing a memory device associated with the first user account data for storing digital data including computer program code, wherein the memory device is controlled by the computer program code to:

[0034] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment / preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a computing device on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 shows a network of computing devices on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for streaming digital media according to the present invention; and

[0039] Figure 4 shows a schematic depiction of a user network and distribution groups associated with a event for streaming of digital media associated with the event to the distribution groups.

DEFINITIONS

[0040] The following definitions are provided as general definitions and should in no way limit the scope of the present invention to those terms alone, but are put forth for a better understanding of the following description.

[0041] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For the purposes of the present invention, additional terms are defined below. Furthermore, all definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms unless there is doubt as to the meaning of a particular term, in which case the common dictionary definition and/or common usage of the term will prevail.

[0042] For the purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below.

[0043] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" refers to one element or more than one element.

[0044] The term "about" is used herein to refer to quantities that vary by as much as 30%, preferably by as much as 20%, and more preferably by as much as 10% to a reference quantity. The use of the word 'about' to qualify a number is merely an express indication that the number is not to be construed as a precise value. [0045] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[0046] Any one of the terms: "including" or "which includes" or "that includes" as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, "including" is synonymous with and means "comprising".

[0047] The term, "real-time", for example "displaying real-time data," refers to the display of the data without intentional delay, given the processing limitations of the system and the time required to accurately measure the data.

[0048] The term, "near-real-time", for example "obtaining real-time or near-real-time data" refers to the obtaining of data either without intentional delay ("real-time") or as close to realtime as practically possible (i.e. with a small, but minimal, amount of delay whether intentional or not within the constraints and processing limitations of the of the system for obtaining and recording or transmitting the data.

[0049] Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, preferred methods and materials are described. It will be appreciated that the methods, apparatus and systems described herein may be implemented in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes. The description here is by way of example only.

[0050] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an "exemplary embodiment" is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality for example serving as a desirable model or representing the best of its kind.

[0051] The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as software that is executable on one or more processors that employ any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and/or programming or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as executable machine language code or intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine.

[0052] In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a computer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs, optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other non-transitory medium or tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement the various embodiments of the invention discussed above. The computer readable medium or media can be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various aspects of the present invention as discussed above.

[0053] The terms "program" or "software" are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects of embodiments as discussed above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present invention need not reside on a single computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present invention.

[0054] Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

[0055] Also, data structures may be stored in computer-readable media in any suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures may be shown to have fields that are related through location in the data structure. Such relationships may likewise be achieved by assigning storage for the fields with locations in a computer-readable medium that convey relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish a relationship between information in fields of a data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or other mechanisms that establish relationship between data elements.

[0056] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

[0057] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same fashion, i.e. , "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0058] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0059] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0060] In the claims, as well as in the summary above and the description below, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean "including but not limited to". Only the transitional phrases "consisting of and "consisting essentially of alone shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0061] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence. [0062] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0064] Figure 1 shows a system 100 of computing devices adapted for automatic distribution of digital media to a selected group or recipients that may be predefined according to persistent user settings in a program application adapted for use on a mobile computing device.

[0065] As will be described in further detail below, the system 100, provides a system for distribution of digital media. System 100 comprises a digital media server 101 which comprises a database 103 adapted for storing a first user account data representing a first user account associated with a first user and a least one or a plurality of second user account data representing a corresponding plurality of second user accounts associated with a corresponding plurality of second users. Digital media server is connected to a network 110 adapted for transmitting digital data. System 100 further comprises a plurality of client computing devices 120, 130 in operable communication with the network 110. The plurality of client computing devices are each adapted for creating digital media such as, for example, photographs and/or video clips, and are also capable of receiving digital media over network 110. The client computing devices may be mobile devices such as, for example, smartphones or tablet devices, however, the client computing devices may also be traditional computing devices such as a desktop or a laptop computing device.

[0066] Each client computing device comprises an application module 140 adapted for defining user preferences for media sharing. The application modules on each of the client computing devices are associated with a respective user account data record in database 103 of the digital media server.

[0067] Application module is adapted to define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of a first user. For example, the first user may choose to share all photographs taken with the mobile device with a selected group of users e.g. family members or close friends, wherein the distribution groups comprise at least one or a plurality of users associated with respective second user account data.

[0068] In particular arrangements, the application module is adapted to stream digital media directly form a camera module 132 or similar associated with a user's mobile computing device 200 directly to a predefined distribution group comprising a plurality of second users. The application module in particular arrangements is adapted to transmit the digital media to the users associated of the distribution group in real-time. In further arrangements, the application module is adapted to transmit the digital media to use is associated with the distribution group as each digital media item is created and without further action required on behalf of the user creating the digital media item.

[0069] The application module may be adapted to distribute the digital media to one or many different predetermined distribution groups. The digital media may be distributed to one or a plurality of the predetermined distribution groups in real time. The application module may provide a plurality of channels wherein each channel can be configured by the user to distribute digital media satisfying predetermined criteria to members of the distribution group associated with an individual channel. For example, a user may open a channel and associate the channel with a particular event wherein the event is associated with a particular location and or time period. Each channel may also be associated with a unique distribution group having unique group members to that of distribution groups in other channels.

[0070] In use then, the first user creates digital media (e.g. takes photographs using the client computing device's camera application 123), which are then flagged by the application module 140 for distribution to at least one of the predefined distribution groups. Application module then transmits the digital media (photographs) to the users associated with the predefined distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule. Transmission of the digital media to the distribution groups can be configured within the application module to occur in real time or near-real-time. For example, the distribution schedule may be defined such that all photographs are immediately transmitted to the selected distribution groups. Transmission of the digital media can be affected without additional input from the user, i.e. the digital media may be transmitted to the distribution group immediately upon creation by the user, e.g. Immediately on the user taking a photograph or recording a video using the client computing device's camera application 123. Alternatively, the distribution schedule may be defined such that photos flagged for distribution to the selected distribution groups may be held on the mobile client computing device until a certain time e.g. between 10 pm and 6 am when the user's cellular data plan is more favourable to uploading of large media files (i.e. data transfer charges may be cheaper during 'off-peak' time). Alternatively still, the distribution schedule may be defined such that photos flagged for distribution to the selected distribution groups may be held on the mobile client computing device until the mobile device is connected to a preferred network such as a Wi-Fi network where the data transfer rates may be faster than over a cellular communications network and/or the charge rates for uploading large digital media files may be more favourable to the user (e.g. at no cost to the user or at least significantly cheaper than using a cellular network). Caching the digital media until a suitable Wi-Fi network is available may also have a significant advantage to the battery life of the mobile client computing device in that transmission of the digital media over a Wi-Fi network may be significantly less drain on the battery life of the mobile device than transmission of the digital media over a cellular network. [0071] In particular arrangements, application module 140 may be adapted to transmit a variety of different types of digital media to the users in the predefined distribution lists. For example, the digital media may comprise one or more of a digital message, a digital photograph or plurality of photographs, a digital video recording or plurality of video recordings; or any combination of such media. For example the user may tag a particular photograph with a custom text caption or annotation which is then transmitted to users in the predefined distribution lists along with the associated photograph, the application program may take further inputs from additional devices on the mobile device for example a GPS location derived from a GPS receiver 125 built into the mobile computing device 120 and the location data where the particular photograph or digital media was taken/created transmitted to the users in the predefined distribution lists.

[0072] As noted above, the digital media may be cached in a memory module 121 of the client computing device 120 and released for distribution to the users in the pre-defined distribution lists in accordance with the pre-defined distribution schedule. Once transmitted to the distribution lists, the transmitted digital media may either be retained on the client computing device 120 for later use by the user or it may be deleted from the memory 121 of the client computing device 120 to free up memory space for additional media.

[0073] In particular arrangements, the application module on the first client computing device may retain all contact information for users in the pre-defined distribution lists so that, in accordance with the pre-defined distribution schedule, the application module on the first client computing device may transmit the flagged digital media directly to the client computing device(s) of all nominated users (contact) in the pre-defined distribution lists. In this manner, the application module may bypass the digital media server 101 in transmitting the digital media to the desired recipients.

[0074] In particular arrangements, the digital media server device 100 may be further adapted to receive digital media from the client computing device 120 associated a user and the digital media server device 101 may be further adapted to store such received digital media in a memory module 105 associated with the server device 101. The digital media server device 101 may be further adapted to transmit the digital media stored in the memory cache 105 to one or more client devices associated with the at least one or plurality of second user account data in accordance with the distribution schedule pre-defined by the first user. Furthermore, the digital media server device 101 may accept distribution preferences from the plurality of second users stored in the second user account data such that the digital media is transmitted to the second users in accordance with their predefined preferences. For example, the second user may choose to only receive or download digital media files during a pre-defined time frame (to access cheaper data transfer rates) or when connected to e preferred network (e.g. a free Wi-Fi network). [0075] In a further example, the application module 140 may integrate closely with a GPS receiver 125 included with the mobile computing device 120 and provide the user with the option of defining a location or geographic area whereby, all digital media (photographs) that are created whilst the device is within the predefined digital area are automatically distributed to one or more users in a pre-defined distribution list. The feature may be particularly advantageous for when the user wishes to distribute all photographs taken while on holiday (for example, all photographs taken while the user is in Hawaii) to family members. In this case the user does not need to spend time each evening of their holiday selecting and uploading photographs of their holiday activities - this would be handled automatically by the application module on the user's mobile device.

[0076] In alternate arrangements, the application module may be configured with a simple ON/OFF feature as a master control function, whereby, when the feature is switched ON, all selected digital media (e.g. photographs) are automatically transmitted to one or more users in one or pre-defined distribution lists.

[0077] In a further arrangement, the application module may be adapted to interface with a user's social media profile on one or more preferred social media platforms such as, for example, Facebook™, Twitter™ and the like. In this arrangement, the application module may be configured to interface e.g. with for example ON/OFF master controls as discussed above, with the user's preferred social media platform to, for example, automatically post a Status Update on their Facebook™ profile with a copy of all digital media (e.g. photos, videos and the like) to the social media platform within a preconfigured time period or within a certain distance of a particular geographic location. Alternatively, the application module may be configured to automatically post a tweet on the user's Twitter™ account with a copy of any photos created by the user within the preconfigured time period or say, whenever a master control interface is switched ON. In particular arrangements, the application may alternatively prepare a post to a social media platform for review by the user at which time the user can either authorize the post to be uploaded to the social media platform or otherwise be deleted. This review function may be either enabled or disabled by the user in accordance with their preferences.

[0078] In alternate arrangements, the users of the application module may be able to create an event having an associated location and/or time period. All digital media created by the user at that event location and/or event time period may be automatically tagged by the application module with an annotation associating the digital media with that event. The user may then select one or more users and/or one or more distribution lists to be associated with that event such that all digital media (e.g. photographs, videos etc.) are automatically transmitted to the selected users in accordance with a predefined distribution schedule. The events may be designated as 'private' events such that the digital media associated with the vent is only distributed to the users and/or distribution lists selected by the user. Alternatively, the event may be designated as a 'public' event such that all digital media associated with the event may be obtained by any member of the public. As an example, a user may create a child's birthday party as a 'private event' and any photos taken at the party may be distributed only to close family members. As a further example, a user may create a 'rock concert' or sporting match as a 'public event' and any photos, videos etc. may be discoverable by a member of the public for example using their internet search engine of choice such that a user can 'Follow' the event by receiving digital media items associated with the public event. The application module may be adapted to recognize when multiple users create a duplicate event, for example by comparing the time period and/or location entered by the user when creating the event, so that all digital media created by users of the application module are associated with the same event, thus a member of the public (if the event is a public event) or a selected distribution list (if the event is s private event) may be able to view/receive digital media created by multiple users that are at the same event. In further arrangements, the application module may take input on: the user's location from a GPS module associated with their mobile device; and the current time from a timekeeping module associated with their mobile device; and may suggest to the user events that may be nearby at that particular time and may further provide the user with an option to join the nearby event such that any digital media created by the user during the event time period or within the event geographical location may be automatically associated with that event.

[0079] A significant advantage of associating digital media with an event as discussed above is that a user or member of the public may be able to search for e.g. images taken at the event and discover all photographs or other digital media taken by users at the particular event.

Computing device

[0080] Figure 2 shows a computing device 200. In particular arrangements, the computing device 200 takes the form of the digital media server 101 as described above. In this manner, the computing device 200 is adapted to comprise functionality for communication with the network 110 (for example, the internet), storage capability (such as the database 103) for storing user account data and the like.

[0081 ] However, it should be noted that the computing device 200 may be adapted for use as the client computing devices 120 as also shown in Figure 1. In this manner, the computing device may comprise differing technical integers, such as the display device 2020, human interface 260 and the like. In other words, the technical integers of the computing device 200 is shown in figure 2 are exemplary only and variations, adaptations and the like may be made thereto within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein and having regard for the particular application of the computing device 200. For example, the computing device 200 when utilized as a client computing device, may include additional hardware and/or software features including, but not limited to, a camera module 132 and application 123 which integrates with the memory of the computing device 200, and a GPS module 125. [0082] In particular the steps of the method for distribution of digital media, as described herein, may be implemented as computer program code instructions executable by the computing device 200. The computer program code instructions may be divided into one or more computer program code instruction libraries, such as dynamic link libraries (DLL), wherein each of the libraries performs a one or more steps of the method. Additionally, a subset of the one or more of the libraries may perform graphical user interface tasks relating to the steps of the method.

[0083] The device 200 comprises semiconductor memory 210 comprising volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM). The device 200 may comprise either RAM or ROM or a combination of RAM and ROM.

[0084] The device 200 comprises a computer program code storage medium reader 230 for reading the computer program code instructions from computer program code storage media 220. The storage media 220 may be optical media such as CD-ROM disks, magnetic media such as floppy disks and tape cassettes or flash media such as USB memory sticks.

[0085] The device further comprises I/O interface 240 for communicating with one or more peripheral devices. The I/O interface 240 may offer both serial and parallel interface connectivity. For example, the I/O interface 240 may comprise a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Universal Serial Bus (USB) or similar I/O interface for interfacing with the storage medium reader 230. The I/O interface 240 may also communicate with one or more human input devices (HID) 260 such as keyboards, pointing devices, joysticks, touch input devices and the like. The I/O interface 240 may also comprise a computer to computer interface, such as a Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) interface, for interfacing the device 200 with one or more personal computer (PC) devices 290. The I/O interface 240 may also comprise an audio interface for communicate audio signals to one or more audio devices 2050, such as a speaker or a buzzer.

[0086] The device 200 also comprises a network interface 270 for communicating with one or more computer networks 280. The network 280 may be a wired network, such as a wired EthernetTM network or a wireless network, such as a BluetoothTM network, IEEE 802.11 network, or cellular network (e.g. a 3G or 4G telecommunications network). The network 110 may be a local area network (LAN), such as a home or office computer network, or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet or private WAN.

[0087] The device 200 comprises an arithmetic logic unit or processor 2000 for performing the computer program code instructions. The processor 2000 may be a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) or complex instruction set computer (CISC) processor or the like. The device 200 further comprises a storage device 2030, such as a magnetic disk hard drive or a solid state disk drive.

[0088] Computer program code instructions may be loaded into the storage device 2030 from the storage media 220 using the storage medium reader 230 or from the network 280 using network interface 270. During the bootstrap phase, an operating system and one or more software applications are loaded from the storage device 2030 into the memory 210. During the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the processor 2000 fetches computer program code instructions from memory 210, decodes the instructions into machine code, executes the instructions and stores one or more intermediate results in memory 200.

[0089] In this manner, the instructions stored in the memory 210, when retrieved and executed by the processor 2000, may configure the computing device 200 as a special-purpose machine that may perform the functions described herein.

[0090] The device 200 also comprises a video interface 2010 for conveying video signals to a display device 2020, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode-ray tube (CRT) or similar display device.

[0091] The device 200 also comprises a communication bus subsystem 250 for interconnecting the various devices described above. The bus subsystem 250 may offer parallel connectivity such as Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), conventional Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and the like or serial connectivity such as PCI Express (PCIe), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) and the like.

[0092] Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a method 300 describing use of the application module in conjunction with the camera module 132 of the user's mobile computing device 200. For instance to stream digital media to preselected acquaintances or friends of the user, the user first opens the application module 301 and selects 302 a used or open channel for configurations to the particular event.

[0093] Once the channel is selected, the user creates the event and enters details of the event such as the name of the event. The user then adds 304 their friends/acquaintances into the channel to which they would like digital media associated with the event to be streamed to. The user may also associate a time period with the event and or enter a time for which the event streaming to the distribution users is to end. A notification of the newly created event is then sent to the user's selected friends. Alternatively, a notification may be sent to all of the user's friends or acquaintances, not just those selected to be included in the particular feed. Accordingly, a user not initially selected may send a request to join the feed to the user that created the event for approval.

[0094] This notification would appear in a newsfeed associated with the recipient's instance of the application module installed on their mobile computing device. The notification is accompanied with an invite 306 from the user for them to either join 307 or watch the event channel to receive digital media associated with the event channel. If the user decides to join the event channel, a new channel is opened e in their instance of the application module on their mobile computing device and they are provided with an option to edit e the event details, for example to add 304 further friends or acquaintances and provide invites 306 to them to join the event, such changes being specific to their application module instance. Should the user decide simply to watch the event, then digital media associated with the event will appear in that user's newsfeed associated with their instance of the application module.

[0095] To add digital media to the event, the user selects 310 the event channel on their instance of the application module installed on their mobile device, and proceeds to create digital media to add to the channel, for example by taking photos or recording video 311 using the mobile computing device's camera module. The created digital media is saved in the random access memory (RAM) of the user's mobile computing device and uploaded to a cloud- based storage system associated with the application module.

[0096] The application module instance in the user's mobile computing device includes an option to preview 313 the digital media as it is created prior to being streamed to the event folder and thus distributed to the description group according to the predetermined configurations in respect of the event channel. If the preview mode is turned on in the application module instance the user is presented with a preview of the digital media as created and is provided with options 314 to either edit the media, discarded or to stream it to the event channel. If the preview need is switched off than the media is automatically streamed 315 directly to the event folder and distributed to the distribution group associated with that event channel. If the user chooses to discard the recently created digital media, the process ends with respect to that digital media instance, however the event channel does not end and further digital media created 311 by the user within the parameters configured for the event channel will be saved 312 in the random access memory of the device and the cloud server and the user provided the option to stream 315 the new digital media to the event folder.

[0097] Each user that is selected as part of a distribution group is provided, in their instance of the application module, with an option 316 to receive a notification or alert when new media is added to the event folder. You if the user has their alert option activated, then each instance of a new digital media item being added to the event folder will cause a notification to be sent 317 two their mobile computing device. On receipt of the alert notification the user opens the notification which is linked to the event folder in the application module, and the new digital media item can be viewed 318 from within the application module. If the user has the alert option turned off and nose such notification be sent. Accordingly, the user is able to browse their newsfeed 318 in their instance of the application module at their leisure to determine if any new digital media items have been added to events or channels to which they are included in. If the user notices a notification in their newsfeed relating to an event in which they interested, they can open 319 the associated event folder and view 318 the digital media in the event folder. The application module provides the users with an option to download digital media created in an event folder to which they are subscribed to and the application module may provide an option to automatically download 320 the media to save a local copy of the digital media on the user's mobile computing device. If the auto download option is on then the application module automatically downloads a local copy of the digital media which is imported 321 into the user's mobile computing device. The application module also provides an option to automatically save a backup 322 of the imported media to a cloud storage service 323. If the auto download option is not on, the user is provided with an option to download the digital media, for example to save a local copy of an image included in the event folder which they like and wish to keep their own personal copy of. Again, once the media is imported 321 , if the user's option in their instance of the application module for cloud backup 322 is switched on, then a copy of the downloaded digital media is saved in the cloud service 323. In either case if the user does not download the digital media item or the cloud storage backup option is switched off then the process ends with respect to that particular digital media item. As before, the event channel does not end and further digital media created 311 by the user within the parameters configured for the event channel will be saved 312 in the random access memory of the device and the cloud server and the user provided the option to stream 315 the new digital media to the event folder and to other use of members subscribed to the event folder as described above.

[0098] The above description of a method 300 for creating a distribution channel and distributing digital media to users associated with the description channel describes the process from the point of view of a single user. However, multiple users may add digital media items to the event folder wherein the event folder becomes a shed folder for storing digital media created by a plurality of users. Each user in the distribution group can be notified by a push notification or alert of new media added to the event folder in accordance with ownership rules relating to the digital media items themselves. For instance each digital media item created is associated with the user which created it via an ownership flag. Whether the particular digital media item is able to be viewed by other members of the distribution group is covered by ownership rules configured within the application module.

[0099] In particular arrangements of the application module, only those users who are connected within the system 100 are able to view digital media created by their connections. In this particular arrangement each user retains ownership of any digital media they create and add to a shared event folder. Any users who are part of the distribution group associated with an event channel associated with the event folder are restricted from viewing a particular digital media item unless they are otherwise associated with the user that created that digital media item. That is, the only users who are permitted to view the digital media are those which have a mutually-agreed connection between themselves and the user that created the particular digital media item, and that connection is recorded in a database associated with system 100. The mutually-agreed connection may take the form of a "Friend" connection in a similar manner to the conceptual nature of a "Friend" as used in social media network systems such as, for example, Facebook™. The mutually-agreed connection may also be an acquaintance of the user. [0100] In this way, users can add digital media items to a shared event folder, however, only those users to whom they are connected are able to view the digital media items they create. This arrangement that allows friends of friends to stream media to a shared folder.

[0101] Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 4 describing how ownership rules governing who can see which digital media in the shared folder. Figure 4 shows a social media network comprising social circles A, B and C (401 , 402 and 403 respectively) and comprising a plurality of users. In the present example, User 1 420 creates an event folder 410 related to a music concert. Usable one configures the distribution group associated with the event folder 410 to include their connected friends: User 2 421 , User 3 423 and User 4 424. User 1 has also configured the application module to stream digital media they create in relation to the music concert directly to their associated Facebook™ newsfeed 430. In other instances the user may also figure the application module to stream digital media created in the system 100 directly to other social media platforms to which they are connected, for example Instagram™ or Twitter™.

[0102] In the present example, each of Users 2, 3 and 4 are connected to the event folder 410 and can add digital media to the event folder 410, and the digital media items they create can be viewed by each one of users 1 , 2, 3, and 4 in social circle A 401 since they are all connected by a mutually-agreed connection such as a Friend connection. In the present example, User 3 423 also shares the event folder 410 with their mutually-agreed connections (friends) in social circle B 402. Accordingly each one of Users 5, 6, 7 and 8 within social circle B 402 can also add digital media items to event folder 410 associated with the music concert. However, since no mutually-agreed connection exists between Users 1 , 2, and 4 in social circle A 401 with any of Users 5, 6, 7 or 8 in social circle B 402 then none of the digital media items created by users in social circle A in the event folder 410 can be viewed by any of the members of social circle B 402 and vice versa. Thus, the authorisation to allow other people, in the same group, to see the media shared by any particular user is limited to those that have preset or mutually-agreed agreements to be friends within the system 100.

[0103] In further arrangements, a user who creates digital media items to be stored in an event folder may elect for non-acquainted users to "Follow" a particular event which they have created in the manner of a "Follow" as used in such social media network systems as, for example, Twitter™ or Instagram™. In this particular case, the connection is not a mutually agreed connection between two users however the user creating the digital media items has permitted their digital media items to be viewed by their Followers i.e. designated the event as a 'Public' event rather than a 'Private' event only being distributed to the selected users.

INTERPRETATION

Bus

[0104] In the context of this document, the term "bus" and its derivatives, while being described in a preferred embodiment as being a communication bus subsystem for interconnecting various devices including by way of parallel connectivity such as Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), conventional Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and the like or serial connectivity such as PCI Express (PCIe), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) and the like, should be construed broadly herein as any system for communicating data.

In accordance with:

[0105] As described herein, 'in accordance with' may also mean 'as a function of and is not necessarily limited to the integers specified in relation thereto.

Composite items

[0106] As described herein, 'a computer implemented method' should not necessarily be inferred as being performed by a single computing device such that the steps of the method may be performed by more than one cooperating computing devices.

[0107] Similarly objects as used herein such as 'web server', 'server', 'client computing device', 'computer readable medium' and the like should not necessarily be construed as being a single object, and may be implemented as a two or more objects in cooperation, such as, for example, a web server being construed as two or more web servers in a server farm cooperating to achieve a desired goal or a computer readable medium being distributed in a composite manner, such as program code being provided on a compact disk activatable by a license key downloadable from a computer network.

Database:

[0108] In the context of this document, the term "database" and its derivatives may be used to describe a single database, a set of databases, a system of databases or the like. The system of databases may comprise a set of databases wherein the set of databases may be stored on a single implementation or span across multiple implementations. The term "database" is also not limited to refer to a certain database format rather may refer to any database format. For example, database formats may include MySQL, MySQLi, XML or the like.

Wireless:

[0109] The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.1 1 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

[0110] In the context of this document, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term "wired" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Processes:

[011 1] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "analysing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

Processor:

[0112] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing device" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors.

[0113] The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.

Computer-Readable Medium:

[0114] Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be stored on a computer usable carrier medium, the computer program product comprising a computer readable program means for causing a processor to perform a method as described herein.

Networked or Multiple Processors:

[0115] In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[0116] Note that while some diagram(s) only show(s) a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

Additional Embodiments:

[0117] Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.

Carrier Medium:

[0118] The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.

Implementation:

[0119] It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

Means For Carrying out a Method or Function

[0120] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor or a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

Connected

[0121] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

EMBODIMENTS:

[0122] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "one arrangement" or "an arrangement" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment/arrangement is included in at least one embodiment/arrangement of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment/arrangement" or "in an embodiment/arrangement" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment/arrangement, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments/arrangements.

[0123] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment/arrangement of this invention.

[0124] Furthermore, while some embodiments/arrangements described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments/arrangements, combinations of features of different embodiments/arrangements are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments/arrangements, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments/arrangements can be used in any combination.

Specific Details

[0125] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[0126] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Different Instances of Objects

[0127] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Comprising and Including

[0128] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0129] Any one of the terms: "including" or "which includes" or "that includes" as used herein is also an open term that also means "including at least" the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[0130] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred arrangements of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0131] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0132] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the mobile device industries, specifically for methods and systems for distributing digital media via mobile devices.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A system for distribution of digital media, the system comprising:

a network for transmitting digital data;

a memory device associated with said first user account data for storing digital data including computer program code, wherein the memory device is controlled by the computer program code to:

define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of said first user, said distribution groups comprising at least one or a plurality of users associated with respective second user account data;

obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of said distribution groups; and

transmit said digital media to said users associated with a distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said digital media comprises one or more of a digital message, a digital photograph or plurality of photographs, a digital video recording or plurality of video recordings.

3. A system as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said digital media further comprises an annotation associated with said digital media; wherein said annotation is transmitted with said associated digital media to said users associated with a selected distribution group.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said annotation comprises one or more of a text caption or an audio attachment associated with said digital media.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said text caption is obtained using a speech-to-text interface.

6. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said first user retains ownership of said digital media

7. A system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said users associated with said distribution group are restricted from viewing said digital media unless they are otherwise associated with said first user.

8. A system as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein a said user of said distribution group is permitted to view said digital media only if a mutually-agreed connection between said user and said first user is recorded in said database.

9. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said created digital media is cached in the volatile memory of said memory device and released in accordance with said distribution schedule.

10. A system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein said distribution schedule comprises selection of a preferred network communications mode whereupon when said memory device in connected to said preferred network, said cached digital media is transmitted to said distribution group.

11. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a digital media server device adapted to:

receive digital media from a memory device associated with said first user account data;

store said digital media in volatile memory associated with said server device; and

transmit said digital media to one or more a memory devices associated with said at least one or plurality of second user account data.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said digital media server device transmits said digital media to said one or more a memory devices associated with said at least one or plurality of second user account data on establishment of a connection with said one or more memory devices.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12 where said second user account data may comprise a preferred network whereupon when said memory device in connected to said preferred communications mode, said memory device associated with at least one or plurality of second user account data receives the cached digital media from the digital media server device.

14. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said network may comprise a cellular network connection or a local area wireless (WIFI) connection.

15. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the preset distribution schedule is associated with a selected location or geographic area.

16. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the preset distribution schedule is associated with a selected time frame.

17. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein preset media sharing settings are stored in the first user account data stored in the database.

18. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the system is adapted to interface with a social media platform associated with the first user.

19. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the digital media is transmitted to said users associated with said distribution group in real-time.

20. A method for distribution of digital media, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a network for transmitting digital data;

providing a memory device associated with said first user account data for storing digital data including computer program code, wherein the memory device is controlled by the computer program code to:

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 further comprising the step of, prior to transmitting said digital media, annotating said digital media.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein annotating said digital media comprises associating one or more of a text caption or an audio attachment associated to said digital media.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said text caption is obtained using a speech-to-text interface.

24. A method for establishing a digital media distribution schedule on a mobile device comprising the steps of:

Within a program module stored in the memory of said mobile device:

define preset media sharing settings for one or more distribution groups in accordance with preferences of a first user, said distribution groups comprising at least one or a plurality of second users;

obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of said distribution groups; and transmit said digital media to said users associated with a distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule.

25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24 wherein the program module is adapted to interface with a social media platform associated with the first user.

26. A digital media server device comprising at least one database, said database comprising data with respect to a plurality of users including said users preferences for sharing of digital media created on a memory device associated with user account data, said user account data comprising:

transmit said digital media to one or more a memory devices associated with said at least one or plurality of second user account data in accordance with a distribution schedule associated with said first user account data.

27. A computer program for distribution of digital media over a network adapted for transmitting digital data between a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users, said program comprising:

obtain and/or create digital media for distribution to at least one of said distribution groups; transmit said digital media to said users associated with a distribution group in accordance with a preset distribution schedule.

28. A computer program element comprising computer program code means to make a computer execute a procedure for distribution of digital media comprising the steps of:

providing a network for transmitting digital data;

29. A computer program element as claimed in claim 28 wherein said procedure for distribution of digital media further comprises the step of, prior to transmitting said digital media, annotating said digital media.

30. A computer program element as claimed in claim 29 wherein annotating said digital media comprises associating one or more of a text caption or an audio attachment associated to said digital media.

31. A computer program element as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29 wherein said text caption is obtained using a speech-to-text interface.

32. A computer readable medium, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is configured to make a computer execute a procedure for distribution of digital media comprising the steps of:

providing a network for transmitting digital data; providing a plurality of client computing devices in operable communication with the network, the plurality of client computing devices each adapted for creating digital media and/or receiving digital media from respective users;

33. A computer readable medium, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is configured to make a computer execute a procedure for establishing a digital media distribution schedule on a client computing device comprising the steps of:

Within a program module stored in the memory of said client computing device: