EP2572272A1 - Procédés et appareil pour l'acquisition et l'échange d'un contenu média dans un réseau de communications - Google Patents

Procédés et appareil pour l'acquisition et l'échange d'un contenu média dans un réseau de communications

Info

Publication number
EP2572272A1
EP2572272A1 EP11784003A EP11784003A EP2572272A1 EP 2572272 A1 EP2572272 A1 EP 2572272A1 EP 11784003 A EP11784003 A EP 11784003A EP 11784003 A EP11784003 A EP 11784003A EP 2572272 A1 EP2572272 A1 EP 2572272A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
content
media content
broker
price
editing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11784003A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Anuj Garg
Gregory Michael Verioti
Elaine Wilhelmina Lutjens
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
News Applications Inc
Original Assignee
News Applications Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/042,291 external-priority patent/US20110288910A1/en
Application filed by News Applications Inc filed Critical News Applications Inc
Publication of EP2572272A1 publication Critical patent/EP2572272A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0207—Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G06Q30/0613—Third-party assisted

Definitions

  • 61/346,432 filed on May 19, 2010 and entitled “PROCESS FOR SELLING AND BUYING NEWS CONTENT IN A NETWORKED MARKETPLACE", 61/346,467 filed on May 20, 2010 and entitled “METHOD FOR REDUCING THE SALE PRICE OF MEDIA CONTENT WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME”, and 61/361,473 filed on July 5, 2010 and entitled “PROCESS FOR SELLING AND BUYING EDITING SERVICES FOR MEDIA CONTENT IN A NETWORKED MARKETPLACE", each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • the present invention relates generally to the field of media content and/or data acquisition and exchange. More particularly, the present invention is related in one exemplary aspect to apparatus and methods for enabling the upload, sale, purchase, and editing of current events and other news-related material in a communications network.
  • news and other media content is provided to consumers from network controlled (owned/operated) media sources (such as e.g., FOX ® , ABC ® , CBS ® , NBC ® , etc.). It is also traditionally true that in many instances, these media sources generate the content internally using hired professionals.
  • network controlled (owned/operated) media sources such as e.g., FOX ® , ABC ® , CBS ® , NBC ® , etc.
  • exemplary methods and apparatus to enable users to upload media content (such as e.g., to a centralized server) for the use thereof by media outlets. Such use would ideally result in compensation or other consideration being provided to the user that provided the content. Additionally, the exemplary methods and apparatus would enable a media outlet to search for particular content in an efficient manner, as well as to place a request for particular content to be filled by one or more users of the system (at or by a particular time, if desired).
  • the present invention addresses the foregoing needs by disclosing, inter alia, apparatus and methods for acquiring and exchanging media content in a communications network.
  • a method for exchanging of media content via a network comprises: uploading media content from a content source to a media content server associated with a content broker; making the media content available for acquisition by one or more media content acquirers; receiving a selection of the media content from at least one of the one or more media content acquirers; and providing the media content thereto.
  • a non-transitory computer readable apparatus having a storage medium and being adapted to store at least one computer program thereon.
  • the at least one computer program enables the exchange of content in a network, the computer program being configured to, when executed: process the content uploaded from a user device, the content comprising content generated by a user of the user device; provide an interface for enabling at least one of a plurality of content buyers to select the content for purchase; provide a mechanism for receiving payment from the at least one of the plurality of content buyers in exchange for providing the content thereto; and divide the payment into at least first and second portions, the first portion distributed to the user, and the second portion distributed to a content broker.
  • the broker comprises e.g., an entity maintaining the computer readable apparatus in association with a networked server.
  • the at least one computer program enables the adjustment of a sale price of purchasable content as a function of time, the computer program configured to, when executed: receive a plurality of parameters for pricing of the content from a user which generated the content; utilize the plurality of parameters to calculate a sales price of the content, the sales price being based at least in part on a time during which the content has been offered for sale; and offer the content for sale to at least one buyer at the sales price.
  • the at least one computer program provides media content editing services over a network, the computer program being configured to, when executed: identify one or more editing service providers providing editing services applicable to an individual one of a plurality of media content; enable a user to select at least one of the one or more editing service providers with respect to the individual one of the plurality of media content; provide the individual one of the plurality of media content to the selected at least one of the one or more editing service providers; distribute at least a portion of payment for the media content editing services to the selected at least one of the one or more editing service providers; and distribute an edited version of the media content, the edited version being processed by the selected at least one of the one or more editing service providers.
  • a method of providing price adjustments is disclosed.
  • the adjustments of sales price are as implemented a function of time, the method comprising: receiving the content from a first user; receiving at least one parameter from the first user for the pricing of the content, the at least one parameter indicating at least one time interval during which the content may be offered for sale at a sales price before a price reduction is enacted; offering the content for sale to second users at the sales price; after expiration of the time interval: performing the price reduction; and offering the content for sale to the second users at a second price which is reduced from the sales price.
  • a method of providing media content editing services over a network comprises: uploading media content from a media content source to a media content server associated with a media content broker for the sale thereof; identifying one or more media content editing service providers providing media content editing services applicable to the media content; receiving a selection of at least one of the one or more media content editing service providers; providing the media content to a selected one of the one or more media content editing service providers for editing thereof; and establishing an account for holding payment for the media content editing services.
  • the method comprises: uploading media content from a media content source to a media content server associated with a media content broker for the sale thereof; identifying one or more media content editing service providers providing media content editing services applicable to the media content; receiving a selection of at least one of the one or more media content editing service providers; providing the media content to a selected one of the one or more media content editing service providers for editing thereof; and establishing an account for holding payment for the media content editing services.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a network architecture for acquiring and exchanging media content via a communications network according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of enabling media content acquisition and exchange according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of enabling a content purchaser to establish an account for content acquisition and exchange according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for completing a purchase of media content according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one specific implementation of the method of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 6 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of enabling a content seller to establish an account for content acquisition and exchange according to the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of enabling a sale price of media content to be reduced as a function of time according to the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one specific implementation of the method of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of enabling an editor service provider to establish an account for media content editing services according to the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of providing editing services for media content according to the invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one specific implementation of the method of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a media content source entity in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a media content buyer entity in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a media content editor entity in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a broker entity in accordance with the present invention.
  • the term "application” refers generally to a unit of executable software that implements certain functionality.
  • the unit of executable software generally runs in a predetermined environment.
  • broker is meant to refer without limitation to an entity which accepts media content submitted by a media content owner(s), and makes the content available for acquisition (e.g., purchase) by the media content buyer(s).
  • the broker may also facilitate the provision of editing services by editing service provider(s).
  • the terms “buyer” and “purchaser” refer without limitation to individuals) or entities that can obtain the rights to publish or own the copyright of the content.
  • content and “media content” are used to. refer without limitation to text, still picture, video, audio, and/or any combination of these forms of content.
  • ⁇ As used herein, the term "computer program” or “software” is meant to include any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which perform a function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programming language or environment.
  • the terms “content owner” and “content source” are used to refer without limitation to an entity which generated or captured the content (such as by digital video and/or audio recording, typing, etc.).
  • the content owner retains ownership of e.g., the copyrights to the content, or may transfer these to a purchaser.
  • editing service provider and “editor” are used to refer without limitation to individual(s) or entities which offer services related to the editing of content.
  • Editor services may include photo editing, proofreading, audio/sound editing, media clip or video editing, etc.
  • Editing services may be e.g., purchased by a content owner prior to the sale of content to one or more buyers. Alternatively, the editing services may be purchased by a content buyer after the purchase of content.
  • Internet and “internet” are used interchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, without limitation, the Internet.
  • microprocessor and “digital processor” are meant generally to include all types of digital processing devices including, without limitation, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers (RISC), general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable compute fabrics (RCFs), array processors, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • RISC reduced instruction set computers
  • CISC general-purpose
  • microprocessors e.g., FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable compute fabrics (RCFs), array processors, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
  • FPGAs field-programmable gate arrays
  • RCFs reconfigurable compute fabrics
  • ASICs application-specific integrated circuits
  • network refers generally to any type of telecommunications or data network including, without limitation, telco networks, and data networks (including MANs, WANs, LANs, WLANs, internets, and intranets).
  • the term "network interface” refers to any signal or data interface with a component or network including, without limitation, those of the FireWire (e f g., FW400, FW800, etc.), USB (e.g., USB2), Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (Gigabit Ethernet), 10- Gig-E, etc.), MoCA, Coaxsys (e.g., TVnetTM), radio frequency tuner (e.g., in-band or OOB, cable modem, etc.), Wi-Fi (802.1 la,b,g,n), WiMAX (802.16), PAN (e.g., 802.15), or IrDA families.
  • FireWire e f g., FW400, FW800, etc.
  • USB e.g., USB2
  • Ethernet e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (Gigabit Ethernet), 10- Gig-E, etc.
  • MoCA Coaxsys
  • the terms "purchase”, “sale”, and “buy” are meant to include without limitation obtaining the rights to publish or otherwise use copyrighted content. In some instances, these rights are not exclusive, and the content may be sold to or purchased by additional entities for subsequent and/or simultaneous use thereof. The copyright for the content may remain with the content source or may be transferred to a purchaser thereof.
  • user device and “client device” include, but are not limited to, personal computers (PCs), and minicomputers, whether desktop, laptop, or otherwise, and mobile devices such as handheld computers, PDAs, personal media devices (PMDs), and smartphones.
  • PCs personal computers
  • minicomputers whether desktop, laptop, or otherwise
  • mobile devices such as handheld computers, PDAs, personal media devices (PMDs), and smartphones.
  • server refers to any computerized component, system or entity regardless of form which is adapted to provide data, files, applications, content, or other services to one or more other devices or entities on a computer network.
  • storage device refers to without limitation computer hard drives, memory, RAID devices or arrays, optical media (e.g., CD-ROMs, Laserdiscs, Bhi-Ray, etc.), or any other devices or media capable of storing content or other information.
  • the present invention discloses, inter alia, methods and apparatus for acquiring and exchanging media content via a communications network.
  • the apparatus and methods are utilized to facilitate the selling and buying of news-related content.
  • a broker accepts news content submitted by a news content source, and makes it available for transfer (e.g., sale) to a news content acquirer.
  • the content source may select from a menu of options which define the method(s) of transferring or selling the news content. These options may include e.g., setting a starting sale price and a minimum sale price for the news content.
  • the broker displays the news content items to at least one potential acquirer.
  • the methods and apparatus are utilized to provide pricing reduction services for the sale of media content.
  • the broker accepts media content submitted by the media content source, and makes it available for purchase to the media content buyers.
  • the content owner is able to price their media content with pre-selected (or user entered) parameters, which allow the sale price of the media content to vary; e.g., automatically change at predetermined time intervals.
  • the methods and apparatus are utilized for selling and buying editing semces by content editor and content buyer or content creator using the broker.
  • Media content is loaded onto the broker platform by the content creator (or agent thereof) or purchased by a content buyer.
  • the creator and/or buyer may then select from a menu of options on the broker platform to choose editing services.
  • the broker enables the secure exchange of media content between the editor and the creator and/or buyer.
  • the editor may establish a contract with the broker, and establish pricing with the creator and/or buyer for the editing services it offers.
  • the content source, content buyer, and content editor may communicate with one another through the broker platform.
  • the content source, content buyer, and content editor may communicate with one another through the broker platform.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a network architecture for acquiring and exchanging media content via a communications network.
  • the media content may comprise for example text, still picture, video, audio, and/or any combination of these forms of content.
  • the architecture generally comprises a media content source 102 in communication with a broker 110 via a communication network 104.
  • a media content buyer 106 and editor 108 are also in communication with the broker 110 via the network 104.
  • the broker 110 enables exchange and acquisition of media content between the media content source 102, buyer 106 and editor 108.
  • a simple architecture comprising one of each of the aforementioned components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 is shown in FIG.
  • the media content source 102 comprises user device which is utilized to generate media content.
  • the device (content source) 102 may comprise a consumer electronic device such as a mobile telephone/smartphone, audio/video recording device, digital camera, or a personal digital assistant.
  • the content source 102 may comprise a handheld, laptop, personal, or portable computer.
  • any device capable of capturing, recording or generating media content including audio, video, 3D video, still pictures, moving pictures, and/or written (such as typed) words may be utilized as a content source 102.
  • the content source 102 may comprise a device or entity in communication with a device capable of capturing, recording or generating media content.
  • the content source 102 may comprise a personal computer which is in communication with a device for capturing audio/video sounds and images, such as e.g., a smartphone.
  • the content source 102 provides media content to the system to be acquired (e.g., purchased) by an acquirer (e.g., buyer) 106.
  • the media content may be a news article, video clip, still images, etc.
  • the content source 102 is owned and/or operated by a user which may be a professional or non-professional content creator.
  • the content creator may be a professional photographer, a non-professional who is present at a news-worthy event and captures images, audio/video, etc., an individual interested in pursuing journalism, etc.
  • the media content buyer 106 comprises a device owned and/or operated by an employee or agent of a media outlet.
  • the content buyer 106 may comprise a desktop computer or mobile device operated by an employee of a news media provider, such as CNN ® .
  • the content buyer 106 purchases content provided by the content source 102.
  • the content buyer 106 may further, via the herein-described system, submit requests for particular content and/or timing requirements to be met by the content source 102.
  • the media content editor 108 comprises a device owned and/or operated by an employee or agent of a content editor service.
  • the content editor 108 may comprise a desktop computer or mobile device operated by a particular employee of a proofing or editing company.
  • the employee provides editing services for the content provided by the content source 102 prior to its offer for sale to the content buyer 106.
  • Editing services may include e.g., photo editing, film or audio/video editing, proofreading, ejc. It is also noted that these editing services or processing may be substantially or fully automated if desired. For example, editing might simply comprise filtering or enhancing an image or video stream, which can be accomplished e.g., using one or more software applications.
  • the broker entity 110 comprises a device owned and/or operated by an employee or agent of an entity for providing brokerage services.
  • the broker entity 110 may comprise a server or series of computers managed by the brokerage firm for the purpose of acquiring and storing media content provided by the content source 102, and distributing the stored content.
  • the broker entity further facilitates the exchange of content, such as for editing or purchase.
  • the exemplary network architecture of FIG. 1 is utilized for selling and buying news content using the broker 110.
  • the content source 102 and content buyer 106 are in communication with the broker 110 via the network 104.
  • the broker 110 provides broker services for buying and selling of the news content.
  • the broker 110 may host a web site which allows the content source 102 and buyer 106 to conduct news content transactions (e.g., trading) as determined by selected parameters by the content source 102 and the broker 110.
  • the transactions performed between the source 102, buyer 106 and broker 110 via the network 104 e.g., the Internet
  • the processing engine 112 utilizes data input by the content source 102 and/or the content buyer 106 to generate a list of one or more news content items to be displayed to the buyer 106 for purchase.
  • the content source 102 and buyer 106 may communicate directly with the processing engine 112.
  • the exemplary network architecture of FIG. 1 is utilized for enabling a broker 110 to use a pricing engine 114 to implement an algorithm for reducing the sale price of media content at predetermined time intervals.
  • a media content source 102 and media content buyer 106 communicate with the broker 110 through the network 104.
  • the broker 110 may comprise any entity that provides services for exchanging media content.
  • the broker 110 may host a web site which allows the content source 102 and buyer 106 to conduct news content trading.
  • the sale price presented to the buyer 106 for media content at any given time is determined in one variant using a pricing engine 114.
  • the pricing engine 114 utilizes data input by the content source 102 and the broker 110 to determine the price of the media content at any given time.
  • Market- driven approaches may be used as well; e.g., such as where the pricing is in some way related or tied to a market index or one or more other metrics that help assess a "fair" price for the commodity.
  • the exemplary architecture of FIG. 1 is utilized for selling and buying editing services using the broker 110.
  • a media content editor 108 and media content source 102 are connected to the broker 110 through the network 104.
  • the broker 110 provides broker services for the content source 102, and the editor service provider 108.
  • the broker 110 may host a web site which allows the content source 102 and the editor 108 to conduct a secure exchange of media content for the purpose of editing as determined by pre-set parameters selected by the content source 102 and the broker 110.
  • the transactions performed between the content source 102, editor 108, and broker 110 are facilitated in one variant by a processing engine 112.
  • the processing engine 112 utilizes data entered by both the content editor 108 and the content source 102 to match parameters set by the content source 102 with those of the content editor 108.
  • the editor 108 and content source 102 are in communication directly via to processing engine 112. Buying/Selling Methods -
  • media content is uploaded from a content source 102 to a storage entity associated with the broker 110.
  • the media content is news content, although other types of media may be used with equal success.
  • a content source 102 may establish an account prior to uploading content. Prior to the transfer or sale of the content, the content source 102 selects from a menu of options (or otherwise enters parameters) which define the method(s) of transferring the content, including for example (in the case of a sale) setting a starting sale price and a minimum sale price for the content. Other types of transfer may include barters, exchanges, loans or leases, etc.
  • the content source 102 may further select a method of selling the content using e.g., menu options. For example, the content source 102 may select to sell the content openly or directly to selected buyers (such as those which have previously indicated an interest in such content). Still further, the content source 102 may elect to display the content item in a specific order to specified (e.g., preselected) ones of the potential buyers 106.
  • the content source 102 of the illustrated embodiment connects to the broker 110 through the network 104, selects the parameters that define the sale of the news (or other) content, and uploads the content to the broker 110.
  • processing includes the processing engine 112 assigning a report or identification number to the content and a time stamp on the submission.
  • the content is optionally validated.
  • one or more entities at the broker II 0 determine whether the content is suitable for submission to buyers 106 for purchase. For example, content which is illegal or pornographic, or which matches or copies other known copyrighted content (e.g., plagiarized), or which does not meet other criteria such as encoding type, length, format, etc., may not be validated at step 206.
  • the content source 102 is notified including, in one variant, any relevant reasons why the content was not acceptable. However, if the content is validated, the content source 102 is notified (step 210), and the content is made available for purchase (step 212).
  • the content is made available to potential acquirers or purchasers 106 by e.g., providing an alert or other notification to certain purchasers when content of a particular type is newly made available.
  • a potential purchaser may be interested in media content regarding a breaking news event.
  • the potential purchaser provides this parameter to the broker 110.
  • the potential purchaser will be alerted to its availability, such as by email, instant/text message, message within the broker system (so that the alert received when the purchaser logs on to a server associated with the broker), etc.
  • a list of available content may be provided to potential purchasers upon login or viewing of the broker website. Newly validated content is presented in the list, in one embodiment, according to the date or time stamp assigned thereto during processing.
  • the content buyer 106 may establish an account and "log in" to the broker 110 before being provided with a listing of available media content for purchase. Accordingly, per step 302 a request to access the broker 110 site (including lists of available content) is received. Next, it is determined whether an account has been established for the requesting buyer 106. For example, the buyer 106 may be presented with an option to enter a login identity or may be provided a link to establish a new account. If an account has not already been created, the broker 110 enables the purchaser 106 to establish a login identity, such as a username and password combination at step 306.
  • a login identity such as a username and password combination
  • the content buyer 106 may optionally establish default parameters for searching available content. For example, if the content buyer 106 often purchases written documents (as opposed to audio/video content), this may be selected as a default search parameter. In a further example, the content buyer 106 may select default parameters based on the subject matter of the content, the geographic location to which the content relates, a particular one or ones of content sources 102, etc. Each of these options is presented to the buyer 106 for creating a default search profile in the form of e.g., a series of web pages. In another embodiment, default parameters include the buyer 106 establishing that content items should be displayed in a specific order, and/or limiting the number of items displayed.
  • the content buyer 106 may optionally establish default parameters for receiving alerts. For example, when a breaking news event occurs, the content buyer 106 may establish that it would like to receive updated media content on the subject as soon as it becomes available.
  • the content buyer 106 may establish as default alert parameters that it would like to receive alerts regarding any immediately available media content on e.g., natural disasters, terrorist acts, extreme weather conditions, etc.
  • a particular buyer 106 with a very specific focus may require alerts regarding such things as celebrity sightings or entertainment announcements.
  • Geographic data may also be included with the content if desired; e.g., GPS coordinates, LAT/LONG data, etc. so as to give the potential buyer some geographic or location context regarding the source, where applicable.
  • a computerized search engine (such as e.g., that developed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington,) may be used to search video content for context or particular phrases or keywords. Specifically, one such embodiment uses a speech recognition algorithm to "scan" through video clips so as to identify particular items of interest. This information may then be used to select content, select appropriate advertising to be packaged or displayed with the content, etc.
  • a potential purchaser 106 logs into the broker 110 site.
  • the purchaser 106 may decide whether to proceed with previously entered default search parameters (see discussion above regarding account establishment and FIG. 3) at step 404. If the default search parameters will not be utilized, then, per step 406 alternate parameters are entered. These alternate parameters may optionally be saved to the buyer's profile at step 408.
  • the default search parameters are to be utilized and/or once alternate search parameters have been entered (step 406), these are used by the broker 110 to identify available content meeting the searched criteria at step 410.
  • the identified content is in one variant assembled in short form, such as in the form of a list, for presentation to the purchaser 106.
  • the purchaser may then select (at step 412) that content which it would like to purchase.
  • consideration e.g., payment
  • the purchase price once paid by the purchaser 106, is divided according to a predetermined schedule between the broker 110 and content source 102 (and optionally other entities where applicable, such as an intermediary or editing entity). Once the content has been purchased, it is provided to the purchaser 106 at step 416.
  • FIG. 5 one implementation of the exemplary method of enabling media content acquisition and exchange according to FIG. 2 is illustrated.
  • this implementation enables the buying and selling of news content over a network such as the Internet.
  • the content owner e.g., content source 102
  • the broker 110 platform connects to the broker 110 platform through network 104, selects the parameters that define the sale of the news content, and uploads the news content to the broker.
  • a processing engine 112 assigns a report or identification number to the news content and a time stamp on the submission at step 504.
  • the news content is put in queue waiting for the verification process at step 508.
  • an individual has real time video of a plane in an emergency landing on a California freeway.
  • Their phone is used to capture the video, and connect to the broker's 110 web site through a network 104 (e.g., cellular network, WiMAX or LTE network, Wi-Fi network, etc.).
  • the individual assigns the parameters that define how they want the video to be transferred (e.g., sold).
  • the individual also sets the sale price at start of sale and/or the minimum acceptable sale price.
  • the video news content is uploaded on the broker 110 website.
  • the processing engine 112 automatically generates the report or identification number, and assigns the date and time of the video submission. The video submission is put into queue before the selection parameters are verified.
  • the news content is accepted for sale or rejected by the broker 110. If the content is rejected, at step 512, the news content owner 102 is notified of their rejected content and the reason for rejection. At step 514 the owner 102 is notified that their news content is accepted for sale.
  • the news content is stored in a database and opened for sale on the broker's web site at step 516.
  • an alert about the news content is sent to one or more news content buyers 106, such as e.g., based on parameters the news content buyer 106 set (see step 526).
  • the news content buyer 106 connects with the broker 110 through the network 104.
  • the news content buyer 106 has the option to change selection parameters that define the type of news content they want to obtain at step 522.
  • the system displays a list of all incoming or previously received reports based on the buyer's 106 selection parameters.
  • the buyer 106 selects the news content they want to purchase.
  • the individual is notified that their breaking video coverage of the emergency plane landing was approved for sale by the broker.
  • the news content buyer 106 is notified by the broker of the emergency plane landing video in this instance, because the buyer selected appropriate parameters such as e.g., "Category: Emergency - Disaster” and "Country: United States”.
  • Other selection and/or filtering criteria such as offering price, latency/delay since obtained, etc. may also be specified by the prospective buyer.
  • the processing engine 112 presents a preview of the video on the buyer's 106 device as an option to purchase, in one embodiment.
  • the plane landing video content may then be selected by the buyer 106 to be purchased.
  • the buyer 106 agrees to the terms of sale as set by the broker 110 and content owner 102, and pays the broker 110 for the news content.
  • the news content is then delivered to the buyer 106.
  • step 536 the payment received from the buyer 106 is distributed between the owner 102 and broker 110 using the processing engine 112.
  • FIG. 6 exemplary method of enabling a content seller to establish an account for content acquisition and exchange is illustrated.
  • the method of FIG. 6 advantageously provides for the automatic adjustment of the sale price of the media content with time, so that the actual value of the media content can align with the perceived value, thereby addressing the foregoing deficiency of the prior art.
  • a request to upload content to the broker 110 is received.
  • the content source 102 requests to upload content via an interface or webpage maintained by the broker 110. It is then determined whether the content source 102 has an account with the broker 110 (step 604). This may be determined by e.g., providing an opportunity for a user at the content source 102 to enter a login identity. If an account has not been created, per step 606, the content source 102 (or user thereof) may be provided an opportunity to establish a login identity, such as by establishing a user name and password. Once the login identity has been established (i.e., the content source's account created) and/or if an account already exists, per step 608, the content source 102 may upload the content to storage associated with the broker 110.
  • the content source 102 of the illustrated embodiment provides pricing parameters (step 610) and price reduction parameters (step 612).
  • the pricing parameters include, for example, a starting price and a minimum price.
  • the starting price represents the first and highest price at which content is offered for sale.
  • the minimum price represents the lowest price at which the content is offered for sale.
  • the price reduction parameters include time intervals and percent decrease at each interval and/or the fixed amounts by which a price is to be reduced. In other words, the price reduction parameters indicate how often and by how much the sale price of uploaded content may be reduced.
  • a potential buyer may be made aware of the lowest price content may made available at and the approximate date/time it will be available at that price.
  • default pricing and price reduction parameters may be established during account setup. These default parameters may be selected by the content source 102 when uploading content, or alternate parameters may be entered. Providing a means for enabling default parameters makes uploading content simple and requires fewer steps, thereby facilitating direct uploading of content from e.g., a mobile device.
  • the uploaded content is processed and validated as noted above.
  • the content is made available to potential purchasers. In one embodiment, this may include providing the content in a list of available content, and/or providing alerts to one or more potential purchasers 106 regarding the availability of the content.
  • FIG. 7 an exemplary method of enabling a sale price of media content to be reduced as a function of time is illustrated.
  • content is made available for purchase at a starting price.
  • the starting price is established at the time of content upload (either by manual entry or selection of default pricing parameters), or may be established in advance of upload, or even dynamically as a function of one or more externa] parameters.
  • the price is reduced by a predetermined or dynamically determined amount (step 706).
  • the amount by which the price is reduced is given by the parameters established at content upload, or as a function of time-varying parameters or factors such as e.g., prevailing market conditions, number of other competing content elements from other sources, etc.
  • the price reduction interval and amount may be established by the broker 110.
  • the minimum and starting prices of media content may also be established by the broker 110.
  • the broker 110 may base pricing structure and/or reduction parameters on the type of content (audio/video, documents, still pictures), content source 102 (such as by a ranking of the quality of previous posts), newsworthiness of the content, or other factors.
  • the broker 110 may set outside limits (maximum and minimum) for content prices, which the user (content source 102) may use as a guide for setting pricing parameters and/or reduction parameters.
  • step 708 it is determined whether the reduced price is above the minimum price established for the content. If it is not, the content is made available at the minimum price (step 710). Content which does not sell after a predetermined period may be removed from the available content listing at the broker 110. Alternatively, it may remain at the minimum price indefinitely.
  • the herein-described methods for the reduction of the sale price continue regardless of the number of sales for the same media content. That is to say, although the media content has sold once, it remains available for sale and, at appropriate times the price for the content is reduced. Alternatively, after a first sale of content, the price may be immediately reduced, then later reduced again according to the time intervals established for the content.
  • the content broker 110 may be given an option to change the price parameters at any time if it appears the content is not selling at the predetermined price. Such price changes may occur with or without the consent of content owner 102.
  • the content owner 102 may be provided an option to stop the sale price reduction, and/or change the sale price parameters at any time as well.
  • the owner.of the media content (e.g., content source 102) connects to the broker 110 and selects the parameters that define the method(s) of sale of the media content. If the content owner 102 chooses the method where the sale price of the media content reduces with the passage of time, the owner 102 sets the starting sale price, P, and the minimum sale price, M, for the media content at step 804. In one embodiment, the system will not allow the owner 102 to set the starting sale price of the media content to be equal to or less than the minimum acceptable sale price. In other words,
  • the owner 102 loads the media content into the broker's 110 platform for sale.
  • the media content is available for purchase starting at time To, which is selected by the owner 102.
  • To may be a default setting occurring as soon as the pricing engine 114 can process the request.
  • the current sale price, P' is set to the starting sale price, P.
  • the pricing engine 114 calculates the time for next scheduled price reduction, Tj, by adding the time interval, T to the starting time, To (i.e., the time at which the media content was initially made available for sale to the buyer 106).
  • the pricing engine 114 checks at regular intervals if the current time is equal to or greater than the time for next price reduction, Ti, at step 812. As soon as the current time is equal to or greater than the time for next price reduction, T h the sale price of the media content is reduced by amount R by the pricing engine at step 814. The reduced sale price, Pj, is now equal to the previous sale price minus the amount R.
  • the pricing engine 114 evaluates whether the reduced sale price, Pj, is greater than the minimum acceptable sale price, M, set by the content owner. If the reduced sale price, Pj, is greater than the minimum set sale price, M, the current sale price, P ⁇ is set equal to the reduced sale price, Pj, at step 818.
  • the time for the next scheduled price reduction, Tj is calculated by adding the time interval, T, to the current value of Tj, the time of the most recent price reduction at step 820.
  • the pricing engine 114 continues to check at regular intervals whether the current time is equal to or greater than the time for next price reduction, T ⁇ , per step 812.
  • the pricing engine 114 determines that the reduced sale price, Pj, is less than or equal to the minimum acceptable sale price, M, set by the content owner 102, the current sale price, P', is set equal to the minimum acceptable sale price, M, at step 822.
  • the content owner 102 is notified using email, messaging, texting, paging or any other means of communication that the media content sale price has reached its minimum set price (step 824).
  • the sale price of the media content stays set at the minimum acceptable sale price, M, indefinitely or until changed by the owner 102 or the broker 110, or until the content is sold.
  • a content owner 102 connects with the broker 110 at step 802 to sell the rights to publish his breaking news article about an oil spill off the coast of California. He sets the starting sale price, P, for the rights to publish the news article at $1000 and the minimum acceptable sale price, M, at $250 at step 804.
  • the owner 102 sets the time interval, T, for the price reduction at one hour and the rate of decrease in price, Y, at 10% of the starting price. After each hour from the previous price reduction, the sale price for rights to publish the news article will change by amount, R, equal to $100 ($1000 x 10)/100).
  • the content owner 102 loads the article about the oil spill into the broker's 110 system for sale. Assume that the media is available immediately for purchase at time, To, equal tol0:00 A.M. at the current sale price, P ⁇ equal to $1000.
  • the pricing engine 114 calculates that the time for next scheduled price reduction, T 1, is 11 :00 A.M. (by adding one hour to starting time 10:00 A.M.). Thus, at 11 :00 A.M., the sale price for the rights to publish the news article is reduced by $100 by the pricing engine 114 at step 814.
  • the reduced sale price, P 1, is now equal to $900 ($1000 - $100).
  • the pricing engine 114 evaluates whether the reduced sale price of $900 is greater than the minimum acceptable sale price of $250. In this case P 1 is greater than M and therefore the current sale price, P ', is set equal to $900 at step 818.
  • the time for the next scheduled price reduction, T I, is now set at 12:00 P.M. by adding one hour to the time of the most recent price reduction (11:00 A.M.) at step 820.
  • the sale price for the rights to publish the news article is reduced by $100 by the pricing engine 114.
  • the reduced sale price PI is now equal to $800.
  • the sale price for the news article will continue to decrease after each hour until the reduced sale price reaches the value of $200 (at 6:00 00 P.M. of that same day). At that point, the reduced sale price of $200 is no longer greater than the minimum acceptable sale price of $250. In this case P 1 is less than M, and, therefore, the current sale price, P', is set equal to the minimum acceptable sale price of $250 at step 822.
  • the owner 102 is then notified that the sale price for the news article has reached
  • step 824 Per step 826 the sale price of the news article stays set at $250 indefinitely.
  • the methods described herein may readily be adapted to dynamically changing values of the time intervals, T, for the price reduction and/or the rate of decrease in price, Y, based on certain algorithms.
  • each time interval may have a different rate of decrease associated therewith.
  • the sale price described herein is one singular price for all transactions, in reality the price may also be a function of other parameters including the number of copies bought by the buyer 106, the length or complexity of the content, the circulation of the publications sold by the buyer 106, the latency of when the news was "captured" as compared to when the event of interest took place (to be distinguished from the latency or time that the content has been available), etc. Editing Feature Methods -
  • the methods discussed herein include providing an entity (e.g., the broker 110) which allows content creators and/or buyers to select editing services for their media content from a menu of options.
  • the media content editing service(s) are provided by a media content editor 108.
  • the editor 108 is an individual(s) or entity (including a substantially automated and computerized entity such as a server) that offers services in any area of expertise related to the editing of media content.
  • the customer of editing services (which may be a content creator and/or buyer; hereinafter collectively referred to as "customers") are any individuals or organizations that seeks editing services for media content.
  • the customer may be a content generating entity (such as the content source 102), or an entity which has purchased media content (such as the content buyer 106).
  • FIG. 9 an exemplary method for enabling an editor service provider 108 to establish an account for providing editing services for media content is described.
  • a request is received to provide editing services. If an account has been previously created for the media content editor 108 (step 904), then the method continues. This may be determined by the media content editor 108 being offered an opportunity to log in to the broker 110 site and the editor 108 entering appropriate login information.
  • a login identity for the editor 108 is established.
  • the login identity may include e.g., a password and user name combination unique to the editing service provider 108.
  • Default parameters for the services provided by the media content editor 108 may be optionally established at step 908. Default parameters may include the types of services provided and prices for these services.
  • the broker 110 approves the editor 108 as a provider through the broker 110 site. In one embodiment, approval may be dependent on the editor 108 meeting certain criteria, agreeing to terms and conditions of the broker site, etc.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for providing editing services for media content according to the present invention.
  • editing services are made available to potential customers (e.g., content sources 102 or content buyers 106).
  • editing services are advertised such as on the broker 110 site, so that the content sources 102 and/or content buyers 106 may be made aware that such services are available.
  • a notification may be presented to a content source 102 when content is uploaded and made available for purchase, indicating that editing services are available.
  • the notification may specifically identify certain ones of editing service providers (such as those who have paid a premium for identification at this stage, which may also be "ranked" in terms of prominence or the like if desired).
  • a notification may be provided prior to completion of a purchase by a content buyer 106 advertising editing services.
  • a selection of particular editing services is received.
  • the selection may specifically indicate a particular content editor 108 or alternatively may indicate merely requested services.
  • the broker processing engine 112 may then utilize the service request to identify one or more media content editors 108 which are capable of providing the requested services.
  • the content source 102, the buyer 106, or the broker 110 may make a selection of a particular content editor 108 capable of providing the requested services.
  • Payment is arranged at step 1006 from the customer (content creators and/or buyer) to a trust account held by the broker 110.
  • This may include, for example, an electronic payment made from an account associated with a service purchaser (such as a content source 102 or buyer 106) to an account maintained for the selected editor 108 by the broker.
  • the herein- described accounts may comprise e.g., bank accounts managed by national and internationally recognized banking authorities. Alternatively, well known PayPal ® accounts or the like may be utilized.
  • users may establish an account managed and maintained by the broker 110. Money or other credits may be stored to a particular user (editor 108, source 102 and/or buyer 106) and utilize to buy and sell media content and editing services.
  • the media content to be edited is provided to the media content editor 108 for editing (step 1008).
  • the content may be passed between the entities in encrypted form, such as utilizing public-private key pair encryption.
  • the media content editor 108 edits the provided media content.
  • the edited content is then provided to the purchaser of the editing services (e.g., the content source 102 or content buyer 106) at step 1012.
  • the payment transaction is completed by moving the payment from trust to an account associated with the media content editor 108.
  • a flow diagram of an exemplary process for selling and buying media content editing services using the broker 110 is provided.
  • the media content editor 108 connects with the broker 110 and sets parameters that describe its services offered, as well as pricing for its services.
  • the broker 110 presents a terms and conditions contract between the editor 108 and the broker 110. If the editor 108 does not accept the terms of the contract set by the broker 110, then the editor 108 receives notification from the broker 110 that their request to access the broker's 110 platform has been denied at step 1124.
  • the editor 108 If the editor 108 accepts the terms of the contract, then the editor 108 is asked to provide other information, including bank account information that will be used to deposit service fees. The editor 108 account may then enter a clearance queue at step 1106. Once approved by the broker 110 at step 1108, the editor 108 is assigned an identification number at step 1110 and, at step 1112, the editor 108 posts its services on the broker 110 platform.
  • the parameters set by the editor 108 at step 1102 are stored in a database, and the editor's 108 services are made available for sale on the broker's 110 platform.
  • ABC Editing Agency connects with a broker website to advertise its editing services for journalists.
  • ABC Editing selects from a menu of options on tlie broker website that identify its services as "Type: Magazine Article", “Category: Politics”, and “Language: English (US)", and lists its turnaround times ranging from 3 hours to 24 hours.
  • ABC Editing also sets pricing parameters for its services based on e.g., the category of the article, and/or the turnaround time requested by the customer (content creator and/or buyer).
  • After accepting the terms and conditions contract ABC Editing's request to post its services is put into a queue on the broker website.
  • ABC Editing is provided a user identification number or other such indicia by the broker, and their services are made available for sale on the broker website.
  • a customer logs onto the broker's 110 platform.
  • the broker 110 presents a "terms and conditions" contract between the customer and the broker 110. If the customer does not accept the terms of the contract set by the broker 110, then the customer receives notification from the broker 110 that their request to access the broker's 110 platform has been denied at step 1124. If the customer accepts the terms of the contract, then the customer is asked to provide other information, such as e.g., credit or debit card information that will be used to pay service fees. The customer account then enters a clearance queue at step 1120.
  • the broker 110 offers the customer (such as e.g., a content source 102 or content buyer 106) the chance to select or change previously selected parameters that may define the type of editing services they need for their media content at step 1128.
  • the broker 110 software displays a list of available editing services and an average quality (e.g., "star” or similar) rating of each editor 108 based on parameters set by the customer (e.g., a content source 102 or content buyer 106) and the editor 108.
  • an average quality e.g., "star” or similar
  • ABC Editing agency is provided as one of the available options to the journalist. According to this example, each service provider is given a rating within a system of up to five (5) stars. In this case the ABC Editing agency is shown to have an average rating of 4.5 stars.
  • the customer e.g., a content source 102 or content buyer 1066 selects the editing services they want to purchase.
  • the broker 110 notifies the editor 108 of the editing service request from the customer. The editor is notified via email, phone, text, fax or any other means of communication of the editing service request. The editor may then connect to the broker platform, and have access to view media content.
  • the editor 108 accepts or rejects the request. If editing service request is rejected a notification is sent to the customer (e.g., a content source 102 or content buyer 106) of reason for rejection at step 1138.
  • the editor 108 accepts the request, and the customer submits payment for editing services. Customer payment is held in the broker 110 account at step 1142.
  • the editor 108 receives a media content passcode from the broker 110, edits the media content, and marks the service as completed on the broker 110 platform.
  • ABC Editing is notified by the broker via email (or other notification service) of the editing service request from the freelance journalist.
  • ABC Editing accepts the request by e.g., clicking on an "Accept * button in the email.
  • An email is generated and sent to the broker and the freelance journalist that the editing service request has been accepted.
  • the freelance journalist submits payment to the broker, which is placed into an escrow account until editing services are complete.
  • the broker sends via email to ABC Editing the passcode or other cryptographic element (e.g., public/private encryption key) to access and edit the article.
  • the passcode or other cryptographic element e.g., public/private encryption key
  • process engine 112 manages data input from the editor 108, and notifies the customer (e.g., a content source 102 or content buyer 106) that the editing service request is complete.
  • the media content is then placed in a viewing screen for the customer to review and accept at step 1148.
  • the customer is asked to rate the editor 108 (for example, on scale of 1 (worst) to 5 (best)) based on various quality and delivery parameters at step 1150.
  • the process engine 112 distributes payment between the broker 110 and the editor 108 at step 1152.
  • the freelance journalist receives an email (or other notification) that ABC Editing has completed the article.
  • the media content is placed in a viewing screen on the broker website for the journalist to review.
  • the journalist's payment is then released from the broker escrow account, and distributed to ABC Editing and the broker.
  • the services of a "rate” may be rated by a "rater” (e.g., the purchaser thereof or another entity, such as e.g., the ultimate consumer of the product).
  • a “rater” e.g., the purchaser thereof or another entity, such as e.g., the ultimate consumer of the product.
  • edited content provided by an editing service may be rated by the ultimate consumer of the content, whether such rating is provided directly by that consumer to the editor/source, or indirectly via a purchaser (such as a network who distributes the content to the ultimate consumer).
  • a content owner 102 may purchase services, and receive an edited version of the content. The owner 102 may then rate the quality of an editor's work (for example, on scale of 1 (worst) to 5 (best)).
  • the content and/or services may be rated based on various quality standards unique to the purchaser of the services, or provided by the system. Likewise, delivery of a finished product (including promptness, etc.) may be evaluated by the consumer of the editing services.
  • the system may rank sources or editors based on their ratings, and/or give editors having higher rankings or ratings preference in being provided as editing options to potential customers.
  • the seller of content may also be rated, such as by the content buyer 106.
  • the quality of the content i.e., audio/video quality, quality of text or other discussion, etc.
  • other metrics relating to the transaction e.g., ease of processing, accessibility, etc.
  • the rater's (e.g., seller's) rating may be performed for each individual piece of content submitted by the rate (e.g., content ownerl02), such that subsequent purchasers are made aware of the quality of the content.
  • the rate e.g., content ownerl02
  • the ratings described herein may be provided according to various different schemes or periodicities. For example, in one approach, each time the content buyer 106 buys content from the broker site, a rating is submitted. An overall rating can be generated that is based on the aggregate rating of all the content submitted by the content owner. As noted above, the system may rank content sellers based on rating(s), and/or give preference to sellers having higher ratings.
  • the content itself may be given a rating corresponding to its usefulness, truthfulness, quality, applicability to a given topic, coherency, logical flow, etc. Such a rating may be useful e.g., in the instance subsequent parties seek to purchase that same content.
  • the rating system may utilize a number system of e.g., 1 through 5 or the like.
  • other rating systems may also be utilized, such as for example, descriptors (e.g., fuzzy logic variables such as "average”, “fair”, “poor”, “outstanding”, etc.), stars, etc.
  • the rating system may be based on the rater's (e.g., the purchaser of editing services or the purchaser of content) answering a series of questions regarding the rated entity or content or services. In one variant, the answers to these questions are averaged (e.g., according to a simple mathematical average), and a rating is provided.
  • weighted averages i.e., one rating or rater given more weight than others, based on some particular attribute such as temporal proximity, particular knowledge or expertise in the field, prior "vetted” history of providing accurate ratings, etc.
  • moving windows i.e., to help ensure that old data does not unduly contaminate or skew more recent data, the latter ostensibly being more representative of the current quality, etc.
  • the broker platform may be used as a means for providing communication between the various content sources 102, content buyers 106, and/or content editors 108, as well as with the broker 110 itself.
  • the broker platform may be used as a secure means for communicating between the entities regarding the purchase or sale of content and/or services. For example, if a particular buyer 106 generally likes content provided by a particular content source 102, the buyer 106 may utilize the broker 110 platform to send a direct message to the content source 102 requesting that the source generate particular content. For instance, during an event such e.g., the Olympics, the content buyer 106 may specifically request that the content source 102 generate a piece (e.g., video or written article) discussing the background of the U.S. Men's hockey team's star player.
  • a piece e.g., video or written article
  • the messaging between the entities is performed by e.g., each entity logging into the broker website and retrieving "mail" stored thereat.
  • the message may be forwarded from the broker website directly to the messaged party.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for use as a media content source 102.
  • the device comprises a network interface 1202 for communication with the broker 110 and other entities via the network 104, a processor 1204 and associated storage 1210, and various backend wireline or wireless interfaces 1212 for communication and interface with a user of the device 102 and/or other devices or networks (e.g., PANs, LANs, MANs, cellular, USB, ⁇ -1394, DisplayPort, etc.).
  • the backend interfaces 1212 may enable a user to connect the content source 102 to another device capable of generating media content.
  • a user records content on a mobile telephone device.
  • the user may connect the mobile device to the content source apparatus 102 (in one embodiment, a personal computer), and upload the recorded media content to the broker site via the source apparatus 102.
  • the mobile device may comprise the content source 102, and may directly provide recorded media content to the broker 110.
  • the processor 1204 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to run one or more of a media content generating application 1206, a media content buying/selling application 1214, and a broker login/profile editing application 1208 thereon.
  • the media content generating application 1206 includes the necessary software for recording, capturing or otherwise creating media content and works in conjunction with hardware needed to accomplish media creation.
  • the media content generating application 1206 may include necessary software to enable a user of the device 102 to generate a news article (e.g., in Microsoft Word ® , or other platform), in one alternative, however, the media content generating application 1206 may be located on a device remote to the content source 102; such as in the above example, where the content is generated at a mobile telephone device in communication with a content source 102 (e.g., personal computer).
  • the media content buying/selling application 1214 enables a user of the content source device 102 to complete buying/selling transactions via the broker 110.
  • the buying/selling application 1214 enables a user to sell assets via the broker by i.e., accepting payment and performing necessary steps for completing payment transactions for content assets.
  • the buying/selling application 1214 further enables a user to buy editing services via the broker by i.e., providing payment for these services to the broker.
  • the broker login/profile editing application 1208 enables a user of the content source device 102 to login to the broker 110 site.
  • the application 1208 further comprises necessary software for enabling the user to access a login page maintained by the broker 110, and to make various changes or edits to a profile maintained for the device 102 (or the user) at the broker 110 site.
  • a user may login to the broker 110 site and establish that he/she would like to be notified in the event a content buyer 106 is interested in purchasing still photographs of a local news- worthy event.
  • FIG 13 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for use as a media content buyer 106.
  • the device comprises a network interface 1302 for communication with the broker 110 and other entities via the network 104, a processor 1304 and associated storage 1310, and various backend interfaces 1312 such as those previously described with respect to FIG. 12 for communication and interface with a user of the device 106 and/or other devices or networks.
  • the backend interfaces 1312 may enable a user to connect the content buyer device 106 to another device capable of utilizing purchased media content.
  • a content buyer may purchase media content from the broker 110 on a first personal computer (e.g., buyer device 106), and then distribute the content internally for use by the buyer, such as to a printer for incorporating into print-media, to an in-house editor for incorporating into an audio/video program, etc.
  • a first personal computer e.g., buyer device 106
  • the content internally for use by the buyer, such as to a printer for incorporating into print-media, to an in-house editor for incorporating into an audio/video program, etc.
  • the processor 1304 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to run one or more of a media content buying/selling application 1306 and a broker login/profile editing application 1308 thereon.
  • the media content buying/selling application 1306 enables a user of the media content buyer device 106 to complete buying/selling transactions via the broker 110.
  • the buying/selling application 1306 enables a user to purchase media assets via the broker by i.e., providing payment and performing necessary steps for completing payment transactions for content assets.
  • the buying/selling application 1306 further enables a user to buy editing services via the broker by i.e., providing payment for these services to the broker.
  • the broker login/profile editing application 1308 enables a user of the content buyer device 106 to login to the broker 110 site. Via the application 1208, the user is able to access a login page maintained by the broker 110, and to make various changes or edits to a profile maintained for the device 106 (or a user of the device) at the broker 110 site. For example, via the login/editing application 1308, a user may login to the broker 110 site and establish that the buyer would like to be notified as soon as content becomes available for purchase regarding a particular current event.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for use as a media content editor 108.
  • the device comprises a network interface 1402 for communication with the broker 110 and other entities via the network 104, a processor 1404 and associated storage 1410, and various backend interfaces 1412 of the type previously described for communication and interface with a user of the device 102 and/or other devices or networks.
  • the backend interfaces 1412 may enable a user to connect the media editor device 108 to another device capable of editing media content.
  • audio/video content is to be edited using advanced software available to professional video editors.
  • the content editor 108 receives the unedited content at a first computer apparatus (such as a desktop computer) and subsequently provides the unedited media content to a device for performing the advanced editing techniques via a backend interface 1412.
  • Content may be returned to the editor device 108 once edited via this same interface.
  • the editing may be performed at the editor device 108.
  • the processor 1404 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to run at least one of a media content editing application 1406, a media content buying/selling application 1414, and/or a broker login/profile editing application 1408 thereon.
  • the media content editing application 1406 includes the necessary software for editing media content and works in conjunction with hardware needed to accomplish media editing.
  • the media content editing application 1406 may include necessary software to enable a user of the device 108 to view and make changes to a news article (e.g., in Microsoft Word ® , or other platform).
  • the media content editing application 1406 may be located on a device remote to the content editor device 108; such as in the above example, where the content is edited via advance editing equipment in communication with a the content editor device 108 (e.g., desktop computer).
  • the media content buying/selling application 1414 enables a user of the content editing device 108 to complete buying/selling transactions via the broker 110.
  • the buying/selling application 1414 enables a user to sell editing services via the broker 110 by i.e., accepting payment and performing necessary steps for completing payment transactions for content assets.
  • the broker login/profile editing application 1408 enables a user of the content editor device 108 to login to the broker 110 site, access a login page maintained by the broker 110, and to make various changes or edits to a profile maintained for the device 108 (or the user of the device) at the broker 110 site. For example, via the login/editing application 1408, a content editor may establish and/or change the editing service which are provided thereby.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for use as a media content broker 110.
  • the device comprises a network interface 1502 for communication with the content source 102, content buyer 106, and content editor 108 entities via the network 104, a processor 1504 and associated storage 1508, and various backend interfaces 1510 of the type previously described herein for communication and interface with other devices and/or networks.
  • the processor 1504 is configured to run at least one of a processing engine 112, a pricing engine 114, and/or a login and profile editing application 1506 thereon.
  • the processing engine 112 may be utilized to perform various processes discussed herein.
  • the processing engine 112 utilizes data input by the content source 102 and/or the content buyer 106 (such as content describers and/or search criteria) to generate a list of one or more news content items to be displayed to the buyer 106 for purchase. Transactions performed between the content source 102, content buyer 106, editor 108, and broker 110 are facilitated by the processing engine 112. The processing engine 112 may also be utilized to provide notifications to these entities regarding available content, completed transactions, etc. Content processing may also be performed by the processing engine 112, such as assigning an identification number to the content and a time stamp on the submission.
  • the pricing engine 114 is primarily utilized to provide reduced pricing services as discussed in FIGS. 6-8 above.
  • the pricing engine 114 may also be utilized to facilitate payment transactions between the content source 102, content buyer 106, content editor 108 and broker 110.
  • the login and profile editing application 1506 provides various interfaces by which users of the content source device 102, content buyer device 106, and content editor device 108 may establish and edit profiles maintained at the broker 110 (e.g., in storage thereon).
  • the login and profile editing application 1506 provides various options relating to default parameters established for each unique identity.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne des procédés et un appareil pour l'acquisition et l'échange d'un contenu média. Dans un mode de réalisation, l'appareil et les procédés facilitent la vente et l'achat d'un contenu. Un courtier accepte un contenu soumis par une source de contenu et le rend disponible à la vente à des acheteurs. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, les procédés et appareils fournissent également des services de réduction de prix sous la forme d'une fonction de temps. Le détenteur du contenu est capable d'établir un prix pour son contenu média avec des paramètres présélectionnés (ou entrés par utilisateur) qui permettent au prix de vente du contenu média de changer automatiquement à des intervalles de temps prédéterminés. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, les procédés et appareil permettent la vente et l'achat de services d'édition à l'aide du courtier. Le courtier permet l'échange sécurisé d'un contenu média entre l'éditeur et le client (une source de contenu ou un acheteur) pour permettre des services d'édition quant au contenu média. La source de contenu, l'acheteur de contenu et l'éditeur de contenu peuvent communiquer les uns avec les autres grâce à la plate-forme du courtier.
EP11784003A 2010-05-19 2011-05-13 Procédés et appareil pour l'acquisition et l'échange d'un contenu média dans un réseau de communications Withdrawn EP2572272A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US34643210P 2010-05-19 2010-05-19
US201061346467P 2010-05-20 2010-05-20
US201061361473P 2010-07-05 2010-07-05
US13/042,291 US20110288910A1 (en) 2010-05-19 2011-03-07 Methods and apparatus for the acquisition and exchange of media content in communications network
PCT/US2011/036504 WO2011146343A1 (fr) 2010-05-19 2011-05-13 Procédés et appareil pour l'acquisition et l'échange d'un contenu média dans un réseau de communications

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EP2572272A1 true EP2572272A1 (fr) 2013-03-27

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EP (1) EP2572272A1 (fr)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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See references of WO2011146343A1 *

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