NZ761600A - Smart routing synchronization system and methods for socializing a synthetic rebroadcast and group stream - Google Patents
Smart routing synchronization system and methods for socializing a synthetic rebroadcast and group stream Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
Smart routing synchronization systems socialize a synthetic rebroadcast or group stream for enabling members of a user group to (re)broadcast select content to other members of the user group and collaboratively curate content delivery. The systems are based on a content-identification process and further a process for (re)broadcasting content. These processes are cooperable among a group of member clients each of which are in communication with at least two content sources. The synchronization process identifies select content and directs delivery of the content from an optimal resource for each member client via a smart routing protocol. The (re)broadcast process prompts delivery of the select content to members of the user group from a content origination member of the group, and group members are thereby able to simultaneously access the content for the purpose of providing a content-based platform for social interaction.
Description
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SMART ROUTING SYNCHRONIZATION SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR
SOCIALIZING A SYNTHETIC REBROADCAST AND GROUP STREAM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
PRIOR HISTORY
This international patent application claims the benefit of or priority to (1) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/983,160 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark
Office (USPTO) on 23 April 2014; (2) International Patent Application No.
filed in the USPTO as international receiving office on 08 December 2014,
and (3) International Patent Application No. filed in the USPTO as
international receiving office on 06 March 2015, which latter application claimed priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/949,493 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark
Office (USPTO) on 07 March 2014, which provisional patent application is related to U.S.
Patent Application No. 13/199,474 ('474 Application), filed in the USPTO on 30 August 2011,
now issued as U.S. Patent No. 8,688,631; U.S. Patent Application No. 13/134,044 ('044
Application), filed in the USPTO on 26 May 2011, now issued as U.S. Patent No. 8,478,719; and
U.S. Patent Application No. 13/065,254 ('254 Application), filed in the USPTO on 17 March
2011, now issued U.S. Patent No. 8,589,171, the specifications of which applications are hereby
incorporated by reference thereto so far as allowable.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to expanding the social networking aspects within
a smart routing system. The present invention is directed to further socializing such a synthetic
re-broadcast and group streaming where the participants have multiple content or data origins
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention essentially concerns certain systemic means for rebroadcasting and
group streaming. Rebroadcasting is basically a social feature that sees the current playback
choices belonging to a member of a user group irrespective of content source and rebroadcasts
those playback selections to other members of the user group which members may be within a
select social circle, whether public or a private subset, or a geographically defined subset such
that the select social circle can participate as members of the user group by attending to the
content as initiated by the content initiator within the user group for the purpose of providing a
content-based platform for social interaction.
The content sources may be user-generated direct playback selections, or may be sourced
from indirect streams that are either algorithmically generated or curated by another person or
group. For example, an audio source is originated from a 3rd party service and the audio signal
for the rebroadcast does not have to originate from the user's own device or mobile application.
The rebroadcast then provides a dialogue platform whereby the members of the group can in
real-time, provide commentary by way of numerous means such as audio overlays, video
overlays, or text commentary, which dialogue is intended to be based at least on the broadcast to
which the members of the group are attending, thereby providing the members of the user group
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with both the content stream and means for social interaction based therefrom. The social
rebroadcasting system according to the present invention thus contemplates a number of
potential variants as discussed in more detail hereunder under the Detailed Description section of
this paper.
The group streaming aspects of the present invention provide certain additional social
functionality in terms of a collaboratively curated content stream optimized for a group of people
listening and interacting with the same media content. Each member of the user group naturally
has certain individual preferences in terms of preferred content. The individual preferences
submitted by members of the user group, for example, can input preferences going to preferred
artists or actors, genres, albums, movies, moods, decades, etc...
The group streaming feature according to the present invention is primarily focused upon
the optimization of a collaboratively curated content or media stream for members of a user
group, using multiple initial and ongoing inputs such as liking, down-voting, up-voting, etc. The
prior art does contemplate certain market-located solutions that offer individual curating and
stream optimization based on an individual's input. The prior art, however, perceives a need for a
system that curates and optimizes a group-based content stream based on multiple inputs, and for
multiple users.
The foregoing social functions, namely a social rebroadcasting system for enabling
individual members of a user group to rebroadcast select content to other members of the user
group irrespective of source and a group streaming system for enabling members of a user group
to collaboratively curate content delivery are both subject to certain smart routing parameters
that function to provide real-time synchronization of media content between at least two parties
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or members of the user group, which media content may be sourced from at least two separate
copyright access points or environments.
Whereas previous disclosures by Applicant have focused on the synchronization of media
files in Direct request cloud sources, the present invention is directed to real-time
synchronization of streaming media content from at least one Indirect source to a Direct source.
The present invention thus attempts to further socialize the smart routing and synchronization
environment governed by certain compliance or reporting means. The ability to source an
Indirect content stream with an alternative Direct source (i.e. a personal and privately owned
legal source NOT delivered from a peer-to-peer or computer populated network) with a
governing compliance application is believed foundational to the present invention.
In other words, a content stream provider such as a digital radio provider or another
person that shares or streams content is requested by a consumer to consume content from that
content stream provider. The content stream provider and the consumer each have different
legally owned access points to content that is to be streamed or shared. The consumer may have
a legal right to a direction request for this content from the consumer's own source, while the
provider may stream content from a different source.
A direct access to the content from the consumer's own library is thus believed more
efficient and cost conscious than obtaining access to the content from the provider. If the content
is thus sourced from a consumer's own library, this content delivery will or should have an
impact on the reporting by the content provider. The compliance appliance according to the
present invention accurately tracks and reports the resulting revenue generation for copyright
holders.
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According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a social broadcasting method for
enabling members of a user group to broadcast select content to other members of the user
group, the social broadcasting method comprising the steps of: sharing sourced content with
group member devices in communication with a group origination member device; querying
whether the shared sourced content is most efficiently sourced at each of the group member
devices; and sourcing content to each of the group member devices from a secondary content
source characterized by a separate legal access point for each of the group member devices, said
source selection being based on individually-defined parameters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features of our invention will become more evident from a consideration of the
following brief descriptions of patent drawings:
Figure No. 1 is a first block type diagram of a first, file-matching version of the social
rebroadcasting system according to the present invention depicting a member device in
communication with other member devices of a user group via a server according to the present
invention.
Figure No. 2 is a second block type diagram of a second, In-App version of the social
rebroadcasting system according to the present invention depicting a member device in
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communication with other member devices of a user group via a server according to the present
invention.
Figure No. 3 is a third block type diagram of a third, HTTP redirect version of the social
rebroadcasting system according to the present invention depicting a member device in
communication with other member devices of a user group via a third party service provider and
a server according to the present invention.
Figure No. 4 is a fourth block type diagram of a third party service provider acting as an
intermediary between two users of the system/applications according to the present invention.
Figure No. 5 is a fifth block type diagram of a group streaming system according to the
present invention depicting members of the user group interconnected via the group streaming
system or application according to the present invention.
Figure No. 6 is a flow chart type diagram of a group streaming methodology according to
the present invention showing detail-enhanced virtual file system structure as compared to the
system shown in Figure No. 4 depicting a media player and two remote data sources in
communication with a virtual file application according to the present invention.
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Figure No. 7 is a depiction of a vehicular steering wheel construction outfitted with a
Vertigo brand and several buttons marked with SHARE, INVITE, and COMMENT/LIKE for
enabling a user to depress a select button from the group of buttons according to the concepts of
the present invention.
Figure No. 8 is a depiction of a vehicular steering wheel construction outfitted with a
Vertigo branded button for enabling a user to depress said button according to the concepts of the
present invention.
Figure No. 9 is a depiction of a vehicular steering wheel construction outfitted with a
Vertigo brand and several buttons marked with SHARE, INVITE, and COMMENT/LIKE for
enabling a user to depress a select button from the group of buttons according to the concepts of
the present invention and a diagrammatic hand shown depressing the select button.
Figure No. 10 is a depiction of a vehicular steering wheel construction outfitted with a
Vertigo branded button for enabling a user to depress said button according to the concepts of the
present invention and a diagrammatic hand shown depressing the said button.
Figure No. 11 is a schematic depiction of a member device in communication with a
central server according to the present invention, which central server is in communication with
a number of content sources, including (1) a third party cloud based digital (indirect) source; (2)
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a local storage (direct) source; (3) a secondary cloud based locker (indirect) source; and (4) a by
request third party cloud based (indirect) source.
Figure No. 12 is a seventh block type diagram of consumer intermediate a first content
provider and a content delivery network.
Figure No. 13 is a schematic depiction of a series of member devices in a user group all
linked via the central server according to the present invention, which central server is in
communication with a number of content sources, including, a third party cloud based digital
source; a secondary cloud based locker source; a by-request third party cloud based (indirect)
source; and a local storage source.
Figure No. 14 is a sixth block type diagram showing a basic arrangement of a remote
synchronization service in communication with a transaction service and with separate mobile
devices in communication therewith.
Figure No. 15 is a seventh block type diagram showing the basic arrangement of a remote
synchronization service in communication with a transaction service and with separate mobile
devices in communication therewith otherwise shown in Figure No. 14 whereby the remote
synchronization service is in further communication with other sources as exemplified by
retailers.
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Figure No. 16 is a diagrammatic depiction of overlapping activation and deactivation
zones for consideration in connection with digital geographic distribution zone according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND METHODOLOGY
Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the present invention essentially
concerns certain computer- implemented, systemic means for rebroadcasting and group
streaming as for example through enablement by a mobile application or similar other software
operable via smart phones, tablet computers, mobile devices and/or so-called smart devices such
as smart televisions. As noted hereinabove, rebroadcasting may be thought of as a social feature
or function that detects a member's or user's playback choices, which member is part of a user or
member group as at (100) of at least two members (10). A generic mobile device is depicted at
(101) in Figure Nos. 11 and 13, for example, and the member group (100) comprises a series of
mobile devices (101) representative of individual members in the member group (100).
A content initiator or origination member of the member or user group (100) may thus
initiate a rebroadcast via functionality provided by the device-enabled application or system
according to the present invention to the other members of the user or member group (100)
irrespective of content source. In other words, a member rebroadcasts playback selections to
other members as at devices (101) of the user or member group (100), which other members may
be within a select social circle, whether public or private.
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It is contemplated for example, that the subset might be a group of friends, co-enthusiasts
of a certain genre of music or cinema, or geographically defined subset such that the select social
circle can participate as members of the user group (100) by attending to the streamed or
delivered content as initiated by the content initiator within the user group for the purpose of
providing a content-based or content-launched platform for social interaction.
The content sources may be user-generated direct playback selections, or may be sourced
from indirect streams that are either algorithmically generated or curated by another person or
group. For example, an audio source could be originated from a 3 party service and the audio
signal for the rebroadcast on other member devices (101) does not have to originate from the
initiator's own device (101) or mobile application.
The rebroadcast then provides a basis for inter-member dialogue or a dialogue platform
whereby the members of the user group (100) can, in real-time, provide commentary by way of
numerous means for doing so such as audio overlays, video overlays, or text-based commentary,
which dialogue is intended to be based at least on the broadcast to which the members of the
group 100 are attending, thereby providing the members of the user group (100) with both the
content stream and means for social interaction(s) based therefrom. The social rebroadcasting
system or application according to the present invention thus contemplates a number of potential
variants to achieve these ends.
A file matching rebroadcasting system is generally depicted in Figure No. 1. In this
variant the member or user is listening to music or attending to other media content on a member
device (1) via a third party application (2). The application (2) plays as at (30) the media content
through the system Application Program Interface or API (3) as is common in mobile operating
systems or applications. The VERTIGO branded application (4) according to the present
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invention may preferably request as at (31) audio waveform data of the actively playing audio
from the API (3).
If the user or member enables a "broadcast my stream" function of the VERTIGO
branded application (4), the application (4) delivers (6) the audio waveform data to the
VERTIGO branded server (5). The VERTIGO branded server use file matching techniques (7) to
identify the music being played by the user or member via the third party application (2), and
then delivers (as at 9) the media content (11) to the other users or members (10) of the user or
member group or selected social circle (100) preferably via a group-collaborative curating
service as at (8).
Referencing Figure No. 2, the reader will there consider a so-called "In-App"
rebroadcasting system or application according to the present invention. This method or variant
effects the desired functionality does not require the preferred file-matching techniques as at (7)
simply because the member user created his or her playlist or selected a song from within the
VERTIGO branded application (4) cooperable with the member device (1). The VERTIGO
branded application (4) reports as at (6) to the VERTIGO branded curating service (8) the
content (11) to which the user or member is attending, which content (11) is then re -broadcast
(11) to the users or members (10) of the selected social circle or member group (100).
Referencing Figure No. 3, the reader will there consider an HTTP-redirect type social
rebroadcasting system according to the present invention. This variant of the social
rebroadcasting system occurs when the user or member is using the VERTIGO branded
application (4) but is attending to music or media (12) provided as at (6) by a third party service
provider (13). The user or member make the playback request within the VERTIGO branded
application (4), but is directed at the 3rd party service (13). The VERTIGO branded application
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(4) simultaneously delivers as at (15) to the VERTIGO branded curating service (8) the resource
reference to the audio or media that is being requested by the user from the 3rd party service
(13). The VERTIGO branded curating service (8) then requests as at (14) that resource from the
3rd party service provider (13) and delivers as at (9) the media content (11) to the users (10)
within the selected social circle (100).
Referencing Figure No. 4, the reader will there consider third party type social
rebroadcasting service or system according to the present invention. This variant centers on a
third party service provider as at (18). The third party service provider (18) allows applications
and/or services as at (19) to register as at (21) with the service provider (18). The song or media
content that is being played by a user or member, and the user's current position within that
media content or song (as updated intermittently via applications/services (19)), so that another
unrelated applications/services (20) can retrieve the media content being consumed by the user to
rebroadcast as at (22) to the end user of applications/services (20).
Another possible variant of the social rebroadcasting system according to the present
invention not specifically illustrated or depicted contemplates the recordation and rebroadcast of
the user's audio stream. This approach is less preferable insofar as it is anticipated that mobile
bandwidth will suffer, and certain privacy concerns may also arise, particularly if the application
cannot discern between media content (e.g. music) and simple audio output from a phone call,
for example.
The group streaming system, application or feature according to the present invention is
primarily focused upon the optimization of a collaboratively curated content or media stream for
members (10) of a user group as at (100). Referencing Figure No. 5, the reader will there
consider that members or group stream participants as at (10) of the user group inputs as at (17)
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user preferences into a collaborative group streaming curation compiling service, system, or
application as at (16).
Referencing Figure No. 6, the reader will there consider a generalized flowchart depicting
the processes or methodology of group streaming according to the present invention. The group
streaming method according to the present invention is believed to basically function to enable
members or participants as at (10) of a user group as at (100) to collaboratively curate content
delivery. The methodology may be said to preferably comprise the steps of: initiating a
collaboratively curated group stream by inviting potential members of a user group to join the
user group as generally depicted at (32).
Invitations to the collaboratively curated group stream may then be individually and
respectively accepted by the potential members of the user group who, upon acceptance, thereby
join the group stream and become members of the user group (100) as generally depicted at (33).
Each user or member (10) then individually and respectively inputs (17) his or her user
preferences into a group curation system or application (16) as generally depicted at (34).
The group curation system or application (16) compiles the individually and respectively
input user preferences into what may be referred to as a group curation profile thus custom-
tailoring media content to the overall tastes or preferences of the user group (100) as generally
depicted at (35). The media content is then delivered to the members (10) of the user group
(100) as initially defined by the group curation profile.
The group streaming methodology according to the subject invention further
contemplates functionality that operates to continually or periodically update the group curation
profile by soliciting and accepting refinements to the group curation profile. In other words, by
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individually and respectively updating the group curation profile with periodic additional input
by individual users as they navigate through sequential content deliveries, the group curation
profile and delivery of media content is thereby optimized as generally depicted at (36). In other
words, by using multiple initial and ongoing inputs as at (17) such as "liking" or up-voting,
down-voting, etc...), the individual members or participants may thus refine the group curation
profile.
As earlier indicated, both the social rebroadcasting system or application and the group
streaming system or applications according to the present invention preferably further comprise
some formal means for enabling inter-member communications based at least upon the delivered
or shared content. Accordingly, it is contemplated that a live audio overlay function may be
preferably incorporated in which members (10) of the user group (100) can converse (as in a
conference call) with their audio streams overlaid a curated (algorithmically or manually curated)
audio or media stream.
In keeping with this notion, certain In-Stream social interaction is further contemplated as
part of the audio overlay functionality. In other words, it is contemplated that both the social
rebroadcasting and group streaming systems or applications according to the present invention
may enable the user or member (10) to provide commentary on the media content in-stream or
mid-stream, so to speak. Thus, in this regard, commentary may by tied or directed to a specific
point (e.g. a lyric) within the song or line from a movie. It is contemplated that in addition to
audio overlay, the commentary can be presented in text or video formats. Preferably, the
systems can provide limits on the length and/or placement of the comments made to follow
certain protocols with regard to use/playback of the content.
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The present invention further contemplates a social mode function, whereby the systems
are activated by "social mode" physical orientation of the member device (101). When the user
or member (10) desires to interact socially with any song or media file that is playing either by
commenting, or rebroadcasting, the user or member may reorient the device into a horizontal
orientation as generally depicted at (37) in Figure No. 13 from a vertical orientation as generally
depicted at (38) in Figure No. 11.
By reorienting the member device (101) into the horizontal orientation (37), the "social
mode" is activated and the device (101) interacts with the audio wave form and locates other
members (1) who have commented on or are listening to the song or otherwise attending to the
content with which the user or member (10) is currently interacting. This allows the user to
interact with the media immediately no matter where the user was previously located within the
application. All of these features are accessible when in the social mode, which mode is
preferably activated by gyroscopic means cooperably associated with the device (11), which
means operate to detect a horizontal device position (37), and switch the application into social
mode.
The present invention further contemplates extending and/or embracing certain concepts
set forth and more fully articulated in International Patent Application No.
directed to a geographically determined or fenced broadcast stream or group stream. As an
extension of the '099 Application, which application focused, in part, on streaming into geo
fenced locations, the present invention contemplates an ability to stream broadcasts (live or
programmed) into specific geo-fenced locations, creating exclusive destinations where a live
event or broadcast or curated radio broadcast is streamed.
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In order for a user or member (10) to be involved in social activity such as sharing,
commenting, liking, etc. while simultaneously communicating via a mobile device (101) and
operating a vehicle (e.g. automobile, motorcycle, etc.), the user or member (10) must first be able
to steer the vehicle uninterrupted and safely. Thus, in most instances, use of the mobile or
member device (101) must be hands -free.
To use a mobile or member device (101 while engaging in social media activity (e.g.
sharing music or media, liking, commenting, inviting, etc.) via the member device (101), the user
or member (10) requires a means to activate a social action (such as commenting, liking, sharing,
etc.) by simply motioning with a user's fingers or hand or via some form of voice-activation so
that the user's hands are not interrupted, impaired, or distracted from the primary activity of
driving/steering.
In this regard, the social rebroadcasting and group streaming systems according to the
present invention preferably comprise certain voice, hand or finger-operable means for activating
or initiating the systems that are made cooperable with a vehicular setting for enabling the user to
quickly and safely initiate the social rebroadcasting and group streaming system(s) or VERTIGO
branded application (4) linked to the member device (101), for example, via Bluetooth
technology or similar other wireless linkage.
The reader is thus directed to Figure Nos. 7 – 10, which figures generally depict a
steering wheel as at (40) with variously outfitted with wheel-mounted buttons for initiating (a)
the VERTIGO branded application (4) via a VERTIGO branded button (39) as generally
depicted in Figure Nos. 7 – 10; or (b) various features of the VERTIGO branded application (4)
such as sharing as at button (41); inviting as at button (42); and commenting/liking as at button
(43) as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 7 and 9.
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Accordingly, the social rebroadcasting and group streaming systems according to the
present invention are believed preferably made operable or activated when based in vehicular
settings via (VERTIGO branded) Social Media Engagement Button(s) as at (39), (41), (42), and
(43) located on a vehicles (automobile, motorcycle, etc.) steering mechanism (e.g. a steering
wheel as at (40), steering axle, etc.). The Social Media Engagement Button(s) as exemplified at
buttons (39), (41), (42), and (43) are contemplated preferably placed upon the steering
mechanism as exemplified by wheel (4) such that the buttons (39), (41), (42), and (43) are within
reach of a user's thumb(s) as at (102) or any finger as at (103). Once a select button is engaged,
all social activity such as commenting, sharing, liking, etc. may be further preferably activated
by voice- activated commands or based on the number of clicks (e.g. single-click, double-click,
etc.), preprogrammed to indicate a command for a social activity/action (e.g. comment, share,
like, etc.).
It is noted that most modern vehicles outfitted with automatic transmissions allow one
(left) food to be "free" during vehicular operation. This means that left foot of the driver could
be used for other, nonessential activities like clicking, tapping, music beats etc. This invention
further envisions a built-in device or separate (detachable) remote/wireless device or wired
device in communication with or otherwise connected to a mobile communication device as at
device (101) or built-in communication means, designed for operability via a driver's free (e.g.
left) foot as means of social media/other communications. This particular concept has not been
specifically illustrated as such, but is believed inherently embraced by the exemplary steering
wheel mechanism outfitted with hand-operable buttons as described hereinabove and supported
by Figure Nos. 7 – 10.
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Further, the foot-operable means for activating the various features of the present
invention may be provided in the form of a built-in push/tap button located under the left foot of
the driver conveniently located on the floor of the vehicle, which button may be either
remotely/wirelessly communicated with a member device (101) or hard wired to the member
device (101) or built-in communication means within the vehicle. The foot-operable button may
preferably comprise adjustment means in order to place the button in a more proper location or
position to fit the particular operator.
The foot-operable button may preferably be utilized to enable functionality via a number
of clicks/taps to communicate different commands such as sharing for a one-click operation or
liking for a two-click operation. Just as the wheel mechanism (40) may comprise a series of
buttons for enabling hand-actuable functionality; it is further contemplated that the foot-actuable
means may further comprise a separate, removable push/tap button device positionable on the
floor of the vehicle or other place to act as means of social media/other means of
communication. This separate, removable push/tap button device may be remotely/wirelessly
connected to a mobile communication device such as device (101) or alternatively connected to
built-in communication means. The separate/removable push/tap button device may also
preferably use a number of clicks/taps to communicate different commands such as sharing
functionality via one click, and liking functionality via two like-two clicks.
The foregoing systemic aspects according to the present invention, including both (a) the
social rebroadcasting aspects for enabling individual members of a user group to rebroadcast
select content to other members of the user group irrespective of source, and (b) the group
streaming system for enabling members of a user group to collaboratively curate content delivery
are both subject to certain smart routing parameters that function to provide real-time
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synchronization of media content between at least two parties or members of the user group,
which media content may be sourced from at least two separate copyright access points or
environments.
The so-called smart routing techniques contemplated by the present invention are more
fully articulated in the specifications associated with International Patent Application No.
(Ό67 Application), which specifications of which are hereby incorporated
by reference thereto. Summarizing so-called smart routing in connection with the systems of the
present invention, if a user or member (10) is prompted from either a rebroadcast stream or a
group stream with a request to play a song or other media file that the user or member (10)
already owns or to which the user or member has legal access, the VERTIGO branded server (5)
and application (4) serves the song or media file that the user either owns, or has access to as a
result of a subscriptions service instead of streaming the content from a third party service
provider.
The ‘067 application provides for an Indirect source of copyrighted media to be routed
and consumed via a second Direct request source of the same copyrighted media. The effect of
such routing is to create a synthetic broadcast where the originating source of the media
("Indirect Source") is not actually sent through to the media consumer but rather the consumer's
own separate legally compliant "direct" access point and source of the very same copyrighted
material is delivered instead.
An "Indirect Source" may be defined as any source where the consumer is not "directly"
selecting the specific media to be consumed but that media selection is coming from a second
"Indirect Source" whether that source is a computer-curated stream such as a digital "radio"
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provider or an individual live curator. Such routing or syncing of an Indirect source to a separate
Direct compliant source would uniquely enable a legal and compliant collaborative listening or
viewing experience of media between two or more people (i.e. a group) when and where the
access to the copyrighted material is derived from two plus separate compliant media sources of
that material. The present invention builds upon these concepts by providing smart routing
synchronization systems and methods for socializing a synthetic rebroadcast and group stream
(emphasis added).
The identification of the song or media file is preferably achieved by way of certain file-
matching techniques utilizing waveform metrics of the content to quickly and accurately identify
the media content, and a match inquiry is made via the VERTIGO branded application (4) to
determine whether the media content can be delivered from a source directly associated with the
member (10) and if so from which source associated with the member, and if not, whether any
alternative more efficient sources may be available to the particular member.
The smart routing and compliance features of the present invention thus eliminate the
unnecessary delivery of content already more efficiently and previously acquired or accessed by
the user or member, and simultaneously protect the copyright holders from misappropriation of
their intellectual property. Whereas previous disclosures by Applicant have focused on the
synchronization of media files in Direct request cloud sources, the present invention is directed
to real-time synchronization of streaming media content from at least one Indirect source to a
Direct source. The present invention thus attempts to further socialize the smart routing and
synchronization environment governed by certain compliance or reporting means.
The ability to source an Indirect content stream with an alternative Direct source (i.e. a
personal and privately owned legal source that is NOT delivered from a peer-to-peer or computer
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populated network) with a governing compliance application is believed foundational to the
present invention. Referencing Figure No. 11, the reader will there consider a schematic in
support of these concepts. A content stream provider such as a third party cloud-based digital
radio provider or source or another similar party that shares or streams content is generally
depicted and referenced at (50) with a governing VERTIGO branded server/application
generically referenced at (51). That content stream provider (50) is requested by a consumer as
at member device (101) to consume media content from that content stream provider (50).
It will thus be understood that the content stream provider (50) and the consumer at
member device (101) each have different legally owned or copyright access points as at access
point (103) versus access point (104) to the content that is to be streamed or shared. For
example, the consumer as at member device (101) may have a legal right to a direct request for
this content from the consumer's own source housed or stored upon the member device (101) at
access point (104) while the content stream provider (5) may stream content from a different
source as at access point (103).
Direct access as at arrows (105) to the content from the consumer's own library is thus
believed more efficient and cost conscious than obtaining access as at arrows (106) to the content
from the content stream provider (50). If the content is thus sourced from a consumer's own
library or access point (104), the content delivery at arrows (105) will or should have an impact
on the reporting otherwise required by the content stream provider (50). The compliance
appliance (52) made operable via the VERTIGO branded server / application (51) according to
the present invention accurately tracks and reports proper revenue generation for copyright
holders.
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It will thus be understood given the data origin-agnostic character of the systemic aspects
of the present invention, a data-routing governance system or is believed critical to protect
copyright holders while simultaneously increasing efficiency of content delivery. The data-
routing governance system according to the present invention preferably comprises, in
combination, a data-routing compliance appliance or engine (52) and the described smart routing
system. Accordingly, the data-routing compliance appliance (52) is in communication with the
smart routing system, which smart routing system makes most efficient use of a plurality of data
sources, which sources comprise or store data files or media content for streaming the users or
members (10) of the user group (100).
The content delivery network of the smart routing system delivers select data files or
media content to an end user or member (10) from an optimal data source location, which
optimal data source location is selected from a group consisting of data sources such as the
content stream provider (50); a secondary cloud based locker as at (53) such as iTunes Match; a
second third party cloud-based content provider as at (54) such as SPOTIFY; and the local
storage or access point (104) The compliance appliance or engine (52) according to the present
invention further provides (a) industry rights management (b) compliance monitoring and/or (c)
compliance reporting of data file transmissions.
Essentially, the present invention may be said to provide functionality for preferably (as
at arrow (107) (1) delivering an indirect request stream from a local server (e.g. digital radio as
exemplified by PANDORA® RADIO); (2) delivering an indirect request stream from a second
direct request source (e.g. ITUNES MATCH or SPOTIFY or cloud locker like DROPBOX or
any media in the cloud); (3) delivering a direct request stream from a second direct request
source based upon (a) price efficiency or (b) sound quality of source; or less preferably or
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alternatively as at arrows (108) (4) delivering an indirect request stream from a peer-connected
server based on a second direct request source's right to play or stream; (5) delivering an indirect
request stream from a peer-connected server as at (110); and (6) delivering a direct request
stream from a peer-connected source based upon a second direct request source's right to play or
stream.
The social rebroadcasting and group streaming systems or applications according to the
present invention are believed further preferably cooperable with technology providing
geographic media distribution zones that work together with a media synchronization system,
allowing for purchases in a geographic region to be synchronized to users' devices and libraries
without the requirement for carrying out physical media. A contemplated use or application of
this aspect of the present invention is the creation of geographic regions with a retailer's physical
building (i.e. the distribution zone is defined as the walls of the store).
For example, the system allows users or members (10) to have special streaming and
sampling access while they are within the store. A user or member (10) of a group (100) as
defined by unassociated shoppers located with the confines of a store may thus be allowed to
stream audio for free and fully as long as they are with the limits of the store, or read a book
without constraints as long as they are with the limits of the store, or watch a movie without
constraints as long as they are with a stores limits.
As soon as the user or member (10) (or more accurately, the mobile or member device
101)) leaves the store the access is restricted and the user or member (10) can only listen to
content previously purchased or to which they have access via the Internet (i.e. the special access
to media is only be given with the limits of the store). If a user or member is within a store and
hears or reads something that they want to purchase, they can immediately make a purchase
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within the application, and their purchase is synchronized to all of their devices via VERTIGO
branded synchronization services described elsewhere. The retailer receives payment for the
media that was sold either directly or via transfer from those patented systems. It is noteworthy
that the system is not bound strictly to audio, but any form of media (video, audio, books, etc...).
Referencing Figure Nos. 14 – 16, the reader will consider that the system preferably
comprises a remote synchronization service (130) for synchronizing as at (133) and (137)
(Figure Nos. 14 and 9) media and media libraries to multiple member devices as at (101). It
preferably comprises a digital geographic distribution zone (134) with activation zones (208)
within the zone (134) and deactivation zones (209) outside the zone (134) as generally depicted
in Figure No. 16.
The geographic distribution zone (34) may be preferably exemplified by (a) the reach of a
wi-fi network, (b) GPS coordinates, (c) geographical areas defined by geographical boundaries
such as streets, roads, city boundaries, etc., and/or (d) through the use of nodes transmitting radio
frequencies defining a device's location (and determining whether it is beyond the physical
boundaries or building construction of a retail outlet location or storefront) via triangulation (for
example Bluetooth low energy can be used for this purpose).
Geographic limits can also be determined by using nodes emitting radio frequencies
around the perimeter of the building, to determine whether a device is within the store limits or
beyond them. The reader can reference Figure No. 15 for additional details. In other words, a
geographic distribution zone (134) may be preferably defined by some form of radio frequency-
emitting node, either by limiting access to the reach of the nodes' radio waves (as in wi-fi) or by
using some form of radio frequency to identify the position of a mobile device (within a
building, or outside of it). Conceivably, a geographical area may be defined by cooperatively
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associating a plurality of nodes or locations interconnected in a dot-to-dot like manner for
defining the boundaries of the geographical area.
The geographic distribution zone (134) is essentially a zone of privileged access to the
media library of the merchant identified by the geographic distribution zone (134) and those
users or members (10) within the zone (134) may be properly regarded as the user group (100).
The system also preferably comprises mobile devices (101) with a client application, which
synchronizes (137) with remote synchronization services (130) and is used to determine the
limits of the geographic distribution zone (134), and further give or deny access to media based
on the location of the device.
The system also interacts with transaction services (136), registering purchases and
clearing transactions made on mobile devices (101) within the geographic distribution zone 34
and sending either purchased media or record of purchase to the remote synchronization services
(130), which then distributes media to all linked devices (101). Thus, in the referenced Figure
Nos. 14 and 15, a device as at 101 is given access as at (138) to the media of the zone (134)
when it is at position (207) within zone (134). If the user decides to purchase media while in the
geographic distribution zone (134), the request (139) is sent to the transaction/purchasing
services (136). The transaction is then credited to the merchant who is identified with the
geographic distribution zone (134) and the media or a record of purchase is sent to as at (140) the
synchronization services (130) and then pushed to all linked devices (101).
A variant of the system would actually have the transaction (139) directed at the
purchasing services of the merchant identified with the geographic distribution zone (134), and
the merchants' services (136) then either notify the synchronization services (130) of the user's
purchase, or transfer purchased media to the user's account within the synchronization service
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(130). The synchronization services (130) then transfer media to all linked devices. Figure No.
is a diagram of the full system along with other sources (141) and (142), whereby sources
(141) and (142) are possible retailers of either a brick and mortar type or digital type.
While the foregoing specifications set forth much specificity, the same should not be
construed as setting forth limits to the invention but rather as setting forth certain preferred
embodiments and features. For example, as prefaced hereinabove, it is contemplated that the
present inventive system essentially provides a social broadcasting system for enabling members
of a user group to rebroadcast select content to other members of the user group, and a group
streaming system for enabling members of a user group to collaboratively curate content
delivery.
The social broadcasting or rebroadcasting system according to the present invention is
believed to essentially comprise, in combination certain synchronization means for real-time
synchronization of media content among members of the user group and certain content
rebroadcast means. The synchronization and content rebroadcast means are cooperable among a
group of member clients as at (101) each of which are in communication with at least two
content sources having differing parameters for judging efficiency of content delivery.
The synchronization means may be said to comprise certain means for identifying select
content (as may be exemplified by file-matching means characterized by waveform metric
analysis) and certain delivery direction means for directing delivery of the select content from a
select optimal content resource location for each member client. In other words, the select
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optimal data resource locations for each member client are selected from the at least two content
sources affiliated or communication with each member client (101).
The content rebroadcast means as exemplified by the VERTIGO branded server /
application (51) prompts the delivery direction means to deliver the select content to members of
the user group from a content origination member of the user group (i.e. the member (10) who
initiates or activates the group share (e.g. by pressing a "share" button). The members of the user
group are thereby able to (simultaneously) access the select content originating from the content
origination member and as received from the select optimal content resource locations within the
user group for the purpose of providing a content-based platform for social interaction among the
members (10) of the group (100).
The at least two content sources may preferably comprise at least one indirect content
source and a direct content source such that when querying which of the sources is most
efficient, the system will govern that the most efficient source of the content to be delivered.
Noting that the at least two content sources define at least two legal access points, the system
further contemplates certain data-routing governance means in communication with the at least
two separate legal access points for providing (a) industry rights management (b) compliance
monitoring and/or (c) compliance reporting of content delivery.
Given the social nature of the systems, a dialogue platform is further contemplated for
enabling members of the user group to engage in real-time dialogue regarding at least the select
content. The dialogue platform may comprise any number of means for enabling
communications, but is believed preferably practiced by way of certain means for overlaying live
audio for enabling members of the user group to orally converse in real-time regarding at least
the select content.
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The systems further contemplate certain system activation means for activating said
systems. The system activation means may be exemplified alternatively as being operable via
member device re-orientation or made operable via select vehicular button-based means in
communication with member communications means as may be exemplified by a member
device (101). When defined by vehicular button-based means, said means may be preferably
selected from the group consisting of hand-operable means and foot-operable means.
The social broadcasting system may further embrace the group streaming system at least
insofar as it enables members of the user group to collaboratively curate content delivery. In this
regard, the group streaming system contemplates certain means for collecting individual user
content preferences, and certain further means for compiling a group curation profile based on
the individual user content preferences. Certain additional means are contemplated for
individually modifying the group curation profile after initial profile compilation or formation
for optimizing content delivery to the user group.
The social broadcasting system need not be directed to members acquainted with one
another but instead may be directed toward members located with a geographic distribution zone
which zone is targeted for a broadcast stream. In this regard, it is contemplated that the social
broadcasting system may comprise or utilize radio frequency emitting nodes to identify
geographic boundaries of a targeted geographic distribution zone in order to create a
streaming/digital marketplace within the geographic distribution zone. The geographic
distribution zone may be preferably defined by a geographic location in order to create a
streaming/digital virtual storefront within said geographic location.
Certain social broadcasting and group streaming methodologies are further contemplated
as being supported by the foregoing specifications in tandem with the drawings submitted in
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support of these specifications. In this regard, a social broadcasting method according to the
present invention enables members of a user group to broadcast select content to other members
of the user group, and may be said to comprise the steps of receiving initially sourced content
from an initial content provider at the group origination member device; querying whether the
received initially sourced content is most efficiently sourced from the content provider; and
sourcing most efficiently sourced content to the group origination member device.
The sourced content may then be shared with group member devices in communication
with the group origination member device, which received sourced content is queried as to
whether it is most efficiently sourced at each of the group member devices Most efficiently
sourced content may then be further sourced to the group member devices. The steps of
querying may preferably comprise the step(s) of file-matching synchronization, which file-
matching synchronization steps preferably comprise the steps of analyzing waveform metrics for
rendering a file match.
The group streaming method according to the present invention basically functions to
enable members of a user group to collaboratively curate content delivery, and may be said to
comprise the steps of: initiating a group stream by inviting potential members of a user group to
join the user group; accepting invitations to the group stream by the potential members who
thereby join the group stream and become members of the user group; individually and
respectively inputting user preferences into a group curation compilation system; compiling the
individually and respectively input user preferences into a group curation profile; and delivering
content defined by the group curation profile to the members of the user group.
The members of the user group may refine the group curation profile by individually and
respectively updating the group curation profile with periodic additional input thereby
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optimizing the group curation profile and delivery of content and further engage in dialogue
regarding at least the delivered content, which dialogue is anticipated to have a marked effect on
the group curation collaboration.
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Claims (10)
1. A social broadcasting method for enabling members of a user group to broadcast select content to other members of the user group, the social broadcasting method comprising the steps of: 5 sharing sourced content with group member devices in communication with a group origination member device; querying whether the shared sourced content is most efficiently sourced at each of the group member devices; and sourcing content to each of the group member devices from a secondary content 10 source characterized by a separate legal access point for each of the group member devices, said source selection being based on individually-defined parameters.
2. The social broadcasting method according to claim 1 comprising the following steps before the step of sharing sourced content with group member devices: 15 receiving initially sourced content from an initial content provider at the group origination member device; querying whether the received initially sourced content is most efficiently sourced from the initial content provider; and sourcing content to the group origination member device from a primary content 20 source characterized by a separate legal access point for each of the group member devices, said source selection being based on individually-defined parameters. P5268NZ02 MARKED UP COPY
3. The social broadcasting method according to claim 1 comprising the step of dialoguing among members of the user group regarding at least the sourced content. 5
4. The social broadcasting method according to claim 1 comprising the step of governing industry rights according to variously sourced content, the variously sourced content being delivered from either of a primary legal access point or at least one secondary legal access point. 10
5. The social broadcasting method according to claim 4 wherein the step of governing industry rights comprises the steps of compliance monitoring and/or compliance reporting of sourced content.
6. The social broadcasting method according to claim 1 comprising the step of 15 collaboratively curating sourced content via a group curation profile.
7. The social broadcasting method according to claim 6 comprising the step of collecting user content preferences, and compiling the group curation profile based on the user content preferences. P5268NZ02 MARKED UP COPY
8. The social broadcasting method according to claim 7 comprising means for modifying the group curation profile for optimizing sourced content delivery to the user group.
9. The social broadcasting method according to claim 1 wherein the querying step 5 comprises the step of file-matching synchronization.
10. The social broadcasting method according to claim 9 wherein the step of file-matching synchronization comprises the step of analyzing waveform metrics for rendering a file match.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201461983160P | 2014-04-23 | 2014-04-23 | |
US61/983,160 | 2014-04-23 | ||
PCT/US2014/069067 WO2015085296A1 (en) | 2012-12-07 | 2014-12-08 | Peer-to-peer content delivery network, method, and manager |
USPCT/US2014/069067 | 2014-12-08 | ||
USPCT/US2015/019099 | 2015-03-06 | ||
PCT/US2015/019099 WO2015134835A1 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2015-03-06 | Virtual file system and method with bi-directional media file synchronization |
NZ725420A NZ725420B2 (en) | 2014-04-23 | 2015-04-23 | Smart routing synchronization system and methods for socializing a synthetic rebroadcast and group stream |
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NZ761600A true NZ761600A (en) | 2021-03-26 |
NZ761600B2 NZ761600B2 (en) | 2021-06-29 |
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