WO2012094329A1

WO2012094329A1 - System and method for managing media content

Info

Publication number: WO2012094329A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/020093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fred A. BRECHBIEL JR.; Brian N. RAINES
Original assignee: Envidient, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-01-05
Filing date: 2012-01-03
Publication date: 2012-07-12

Abstract

A system for managing media files receives one or more media files, and optionally one or more advertisement files, from a content provider and/or an advertiser. Artifacts, such as multidimensional barcodes (e.g., QR codes), RFID tags, or NFC transceivers, are associated with the media files and/or advertisement files. A user interacts with an artifact using a network-connected device, such as a smartphone or tablet, for example by using QR code reading software installed thereon to scan a QR code in printed media. This generates a request to the system, which, in turn, delivers the associated media and/or advertisement files to the user's device. Content creators, advertisers, and others can use the system to manage media for delivery and for analytical purposes (e.g., determining the number of times a particular piece of media is viewed).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING MEDIA CONTENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States provisional application no.

61/430,022, filed 5 January 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

[0002] The instant invention relates to managing and accessing remote media content. In particular, the instant invention relates to managing the creation, classification, storage, retrieval, combination, delivery, tracking, and reporting of media content using artifacts that are associated with the media content. b. Background Art

[0003] The use of artifacts, such as quick response ("QR") codes, for the dissemination of media content is increasing. Yet, the creation, classification, storage, retrieval, combination, and delivery of the media files and associated artifacts is a complex and time-intensive process that requires expertise in diverse fields including video encoding, bandwidth management, database management, mobile communications, Internet communications, website design, Internet server administration, and streaming media. Unfortunately, the complexity, variety, and cost of acquiring this expertise has slowed the mainstream adoption of QR codes and other artifacts (e.g. , two- and three-dimensional barcodes) for managing the creation and dissemination of media files.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of the present invention. In an example embodiment of the invention, a Media Management System (MMS), preferably hosted in a scalable, globally accessible, cloud computing environment, includes an MMS engine, a media content/artifact storage and retrieval method, and an MMS reporting server. [0005] The MMS is initialized when a content creator, such as a publisher, logs into a web- based content creator account utilizing an MMS content creator user interface.

[0006] Once access to the MMS engine has been established, the content creator may upload any combination of media, including, but not limited to, photographic images, advertising creative graphic elements, video files, audio files, web pages (e.g. , HTML content), and the like to the MMS engine for storage and processing.

[0007] The MMS engine may then process and store these files in a manner selected by the content creator using the content creator user interface, that is, through either a simple or advanced interface, depending upon the content creator's skill level and output needs. Following methods selected by the content creator utilizing the content creator user interface, the MMS engine may encode the media files for display on multiple Internet-capable multimedia devices, classify the media file content, store the media files and associated classification information on the media content/artifact storage and retrieval server, and generate and store an artifact that is associated with the media object.

[0008] For purposes of the present invention, the term "artifact" refers to a representation of stored media content. Suitable artifacts include multidimensional barcodes (e.g. , QR codes, Microsoft Tags, holographic barcodes), radiofrequency identification ("RFID") tags, near field communications ("NFC") devices, and the like. For purposes of illustration, however, the present invention will be described with reference to QR codes; one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the instant disclosure how to extend the teachings herein to other forms of artifacts.

[0009] In certain aspects of the invention, there is a unique association between an artifact, such as a QR code, and stored media, such that each artifact represents only one media file (or, alternatively, one collection of media files). That is, while a media file (or collection of media files) may have multiple artifacts associated therewith, each artifact has only one associated media file (or collection of media files). Put another way, each artifact within the universe of artifacts maps uniquely into the universe of media files, but the media files within the universe of media files need not map uniquely into the universe of artifacts. This arrangement is referred to herein as the artifacts being "uniquely associated" with media. [0010] The content creator can then obtain, for example, via a web-based interface, the QR code (sometimes also referred to herein as a "graphic") for integration into a print publication, or other content delivery vehicle. That is, as an initial step, the content creator may use the web- based interface to display a list of media content files created by the MMS, then from the list, select a media file. The content creator may then choose to download the associated QR code graphic or other associated information in a format suitable for print publication. The content creator may then integrate the QR code graphic or other associated information into an appropriate print or online publication or other content delivery vehicle for subsequent delivery.

[0011] Upon encountering a QR code in a print or online publication or other content delivery vehicle, a consumer may scan or otherwise read the graphic with an Internet-capable multimedia device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet device) equipped with QR code decoding software. The QR code graphic may then be decoded by the Internet-capable multimedia device to derive a text string, which may contain a Universal Resource Locator (URL). The derived text string may also contain additional information, instructions, or encoded telemetry associated with the multimedia content represented by the graphic. The Internet-capable multimedia device utilizes the information contained in the derived text string to construct and deliver a request via the Internet or other network to the MMS engine.

[0012] The MMS engine receives the request and utilizes the information contained in the request to determine which media object or collection of media objects to retrieve.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the Internet-capable multimedia device may transmit the QR code graphic, that is, any multidimensional graphic, to the MMS engine or other remote device where decoding software may decode the QR graphic and/or further processing on the decoded text string as described herein.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the request includes information about the media capabilities of the requesting device. That information is utilized by the MMS engine to determine the most appropriate media object to retrieve. For example, if the requesting device is a smartphone that does not support Flash video, then the object retrieved might be the media content formatted as a Quick Time video.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the request includes information about the geographic location of the requesting device. That information is utilized by the MMS engine as one of several factors in determining the most appropriate media object to retrieve. For example, if the requesting device is located in Germany, then the object retrieved might be the media content translated to the German language.

[0016] The MMS engine may log the request and other data available for reporting to the MMS Reporting Server. Once identified, the MMS engine sends the media object to the consumer's device.

[0017] MMS administrators, content creator administrators, and others (e.g. , advertisers) may log into the MMS Reporting Server to receive reports regarding consumer viewing of media objects. These reports may contain statistical or raw data. The data may include device type information, geographic data, personal user data, frequency data, or other demographic data supplied as part of the request constructed by the QR code decoding software installed on the consumers' devices.

[0018] The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow in accordance with the invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow for media processing in accordance with the invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow for storing media objects in accordance with the invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow for retrieving media objects in accordance with the invention.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow for creating a media object from a single media file in accordance with the invention. [0025] FIG.6 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow for creating a media object from multiple media files in accordance with the invention.

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow for creating a media object using voiceover multiplexing in accordance with the invention.

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow for creating a media object from multiple mixed media files in accordance with the invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment of a process flow for retrieval of a media object using a mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0030] Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for managing media content creation and retrieval using artifacts, including multidimensional code graphics such as QR codes or holographic barcodes. Other artifacts, such as devices capable of short-range wireless communication (e.g., RFID tags and NFC transceivers), are likewise within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, a media management system ("MMS") in accordance with the invention may receive at least one media file (e.g. , audio, video, photographs, HTML content) via upload from a content creator such as a publisher. (Media files are also referred to herein as "content files," and the two terms are interchangeable for purposes of this disclosure.) The content creator can also choose to upload one or more advertisement files to the MMS for display prior to, during, or after display of a content file, according to rules that the content creator can define using a content creator user interface. Of course, it should be understood that the media files can include advertising components and vice versa; that is, an uploaded file need not be purely content or purely advertisement, but may be a hybrid of both content and advertisement.

[0032] The MMS can convert (or "encode") the uploaded content and advertisement files into formats suitable for delivery to and display by various types of network-connected devices (e.g., smartphones, computers, tablets, and the like) running a variety of operating systems and/or having varying media capabilities. For example, the MMS can encode a first version of a file for playback on devices running Apple's iOS, a second version of a file for playback on devices running Google' s Android OS, and a third version of a file for playback on devices running Microsoft's Windows OS. This advantageously ensures maximum compatibility with the diverse range of network-connected devices that consumers may use to request media from the MMS.

[0033] It is also contemplated that the content and/or advertisement files may have unique identifiers, preferably generated by the MMS, associated therewith. The use of such unique identifiers can be beneficial in maintaining an association between the original ("raw") content or advertisement files and their various encoded versions. For example, the unique identifier can be used to collectively identify the raw file and all encoded versions thereof, and can be used to help ensure that the MMS delivers the appropriate encoded version of the requested raw files when a consumer scans an artifact associated therewith (e.g. , the artifact is associated with the media or advertisement file via association with the unique identifier; by analyzing the unique identifier and information regarding the requesting device, the MMS can identify the proper encoded version to retrieve). The unique identifier can also include encoded information, referred to herein as "telemetry."

[0034] An artifact, such as a QR code, can be generated and associated with the content and/or advertisement file(s). As described above, in some embodiments, such as where there are several versions of the content and/or advertising file(s) encoded for different devices, this association will be through the files' unique identifiers. Of course, the artifact may also be associated with additional information that may be used later in retrieving the media content file.

[0035] The content creator can be provided with the QR code artifact for inclusion in published media, such as magazines, signage, newspapers, books, brochures, plaques, Internet and intranet websites, and the like. A consumer can then scan, or read, the QR code graphic using a suitable network-connected device, such as a smartphone or tablet running QR code scanning software. This, in turn, can initiate a request to the MMS for the content and/or advertisement files associated with the scanned QR code.

[0036] The request may contain various information, such as the unique identifier associated with the content and/or advertisement file(s), a URL, encoded telemetry, and/or instructions. The MMS, in turn, can extract and utilize information from the request to retrieve the appropriate media and/or advertisement file(s). It is contemplated that the request can include information relating to the capabilities of the consumer' s device, such that the MMS can utilize this capability information, in conjunction with the unique identifier for the content and/or advertisement files, to retrieve the appropriately encoded versions thereof.

[0037] In addition, if the identified file(s) include one or more advertisement files, then the advertisement file(s) may be selected from a library containing advertisement files that have been created and classified by the MMS according to information provided by the content creator using the content creator user-interface. The MMS utilizes classification information about the media file(s) and advertisement file(s) to select advertisement files appropriate for display with the requested media file(s). The MMS can also identify additional information or instructions associated with the advertisement and/or content file(s) provided by the content creator using the content creator user interface.

[0038] The selected advertisement and/or content files(s), as well as any other information and/or instructions may then be retrieved, formatted, and delivered to the consumer' s network- connected device of for display and/or processing.

[0039] At any time before, during or after the display of the multimedia content to the consumer, the consumer may be presented with a set of options such as posting the multimedia content to their social media outlet (e.g. , Facebook, Twitter), emailing or SMS texting a URL for the multimedia content to other mobile or Internet users, or browsing to a URL specified in the media file (e.g. , within a retrieved advertisement file). The timing and functionality of the presentation of these options is determined by additional instructions that may have been received by the network-connected device from the MMS.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 1, the MMS is a web-based system whereby a content creator, through a user interface may (1) transfer, classify, format, store and retrieve media content through the MMS for multiple network-connected device formats, (2) automatically create a scannable and printer ready multidimensional code (MDC) graphic that may be linked to that content through a redirection method employed by the MMS, (3) download the multidimensional code graphic, (4) integrate the downloaded multidimensional code graphic into a content delivery vehicle (5) manage the media content and multidimensional code graphics, and (6) view and manage reporting for multidimensional code graphic usage and content consumption by end users (also referred to herein as "consumers").

[0041] A multidimensional code graphic that is linked to content generated and stored by the MMS may be scanned by any network-connected device that has had multidimensional code scanning software installed. The content may be encoded into multiple formats by the MMS during the upload and conversion process to allow display on virtually any network-connected device. Upon the successful scan of a multidimensional code graphic the consumer is automatically linked to the media content stored by the MMS through a redirection method. This consumer activity may take place within the framework of either a generic multidimensional code scanning application or a custom branded multidimensional code scanning application provided by the content creator. The redirection method determines which encoded file is most appropriate for the consumer device making the request based on data collected in construction of the request. After the successful multidimensional code scanning the event details are made available through the MMS Reporting Engine for real-time analysis.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the MMS of the present invention, the MMS comprises three distinct and separate components: (1) MMS Processing Engine ("MMS engine"); (2) Content Creator Interface, and (3) network-connected device application.

[0043] The MMS engine is the application layer where media content may be encoded, classified, stored, retrieved, and/or served. Events are recorded for analysis and reporting. It may be housed within the framework of a cloud computing environment where each task is assigned to a specific server engineered to perform to maximum efficiency and to self -replicate as needed as demand for compute power grows. The MMS engine may be segmented as follows:

• Media Processing • Storage

• Retrieval

• Content Delivery

• Event Recording

Media Processing

[0044] With reference to FIG. 2, a primary function of the MMS engine is to manipulate uploaded content and advertisement files into multiple formats for use by various network- connected devices.

[0045] The uploaded files may be housed in a temporary or permanent storage location for staging and converted into a format suitable for linear combining or multiplexing.

[0046] The uploaded files may be subject matter content, advertising content, or a combination of both subject matter content and advertising content.

[0047] The resulting media is converted into multiple network-connected device readable formats and resolutions. Every network-connected device has specific parameters regarding formats, resolution, type, encoding methodology, hinting, and bit rates that must be strictly followed. Each format required may be encoded to ensure the broadest possible compatibility with end- user devices.

Storage

[0048] With reference to FIG. 3, as each encoded file (or "object") is generated by the MMS engine, it may be stored in a specific server location and a pointer to the specific object (also generically referenced herein as a file) is created.

[0049] A unique ID may be generated for each object, and along with details regarding each object the ID may be entered into a database for storage. The unique ID may then be passed to the MDC graphic generation module of the MMS engine. The MDC graphic image is created, associated with the object unique ID, and stored in a specific server location.

Retrieval

[0050] With reference to FIG. 4, when a MDC graphic is scanned and decoded by a network-connected device, a request is constructed and transmitted to the MMS redirection module. The request may contain a unique identifier, a URL and/or other information. A multimedia browser on the network-connected device sends the request to the MMS engine.

[0051] The MMS engine redirection module extracts the unique ID from the request and passes the unique ID to the MMS engine retrieval module. The MMS engine retrieval module may query the online database, and locate and set a pointer to the appropriate object (or, in some embodiments of the invention, objects) based upon data delivered to it as part of the request from the network-connected device. The MMS engine retrieval module utilizes the request, and the information included therein, to determine the most appropriate file(s) for the network-connected device.

Content Delivery

[0052] The MMS retrieval module examines the database record for the appropriate object to determine if an advertisement object is required and then delivers the appropriate

advertisement object(s) and content object(s) to the network-connected device.

[0053] If the network-connected device is utilizing a generic multidimensional code scanning application, then a multimedia player on the network-connected device will display the delivered object(s) and the user experience is complete.

[0054] If the network-connected device is utilizing a custom branded multidimensional code scanning application, then additional data may be delivered to the application along with the pointer to the correct objects. This additional data may include a MDC graphic social media sharing interaction and/or other post-delivery user interactions.

[0055] Post-delivery user interaction options may be presented at the end of the multimedia interaction. Options for possible post-delivery user interactions may include sharing of the content and/or advertisement(s) through social media, email, SMS text messages, etc. or visiting subsequent websites for the purpose of purchasing products or any other possible actions appropriate for the content delivered to the consumer.

Event Recording

[0056] At various points throughout the process, and dependent upon the multidimensional code scanning application in use by the consumer, data is retrieved and stored by the MMS engine. Data retrieved can include, without limitation, information regarding the publication viewed (e.g. , the paper, magazine, flier, poster, etc.), time of viewing, length of viewing time, viewer redirection selections and geolocation information.

[0057] This data will be integrated into the various usage statistics modules available to MMS administrators, content creators, and/or advertisers.

Server Environment

[0058] The MMS engine and content creator interface may be housed in a cloud computing server environment engineered to provide automatic geographic mirroring of content for efficient worldwide distribution, and automatic scalability of bandwidth, disk space and computing resources over time.

Reporting & Usage Statistics

[0059] The MMS Reporting & Usage statistics interface may be designed to display events and interactions with content and/or advertisement objects by consumers and content creator activity. These events and interactions may be packaged and made available online to MMS administrators, content creators, and/or advertisers.

[0060] The MMS engine may have a reporting and usage statistics interface that will report on overall system usage and health. This interface may be available only to MMS administrators and may aggregate data across the entire server environment.

[0061] The MMS engine may employ an automated threshold warning system to notify administrators when system usage approaches a point of failure. That failure could be due to server resources, bandwidth resources, etc. These notifications may be delivered through email, a web interface, SMS channels or other suitable means.

External Advertising Network ("EAN")

[0062] The EAN is a function of the MMS engine whereby unsold advertising space may be filled by advertisers outside of (that is, external to) a pre-existing relationship with any specific content creator.

[0063] The MMS engine may aggregate detailed demographic and descriptive data about each media object stored in MMS storage. This data may be presented to potential advertisers as a set of selection criteria for purchasing advertising space in unfilled publications or media objects that have opted-in via either publication or media. [0064] The EAN may have particular appeal to national advertisers that may not be familiar with smaller publications but have a need to advertise to a particular demographic available through a particular content creator's publication.

[0065] The EAN revolves around a profit-sharing model where the content creator may earn a specific revenue share based on a percentage of revenue generated from their opt-in ads.

[0066] The EAN may also appeal to content creators seeking the benefits of the advanced technology offered by the MMS engine, but without the resources to generate their own advertising content. The EAN may allow content creators to immediately realize a new revenue stream without any advertising sales resources.

Content Creator Interface

[0067] The Content Creator interface enables a content creator to securely log in to a web application where they have the ability to upload or generate media content and link that content to an automatically generated MDC graphic (or, as has been mentioned previously, another artifact) through the MMS engine redirection method. Once the MDC graphic is generated, the content creator can downloaded it and place it in a content delivery vehicle, such as a newsletter or advertising kiosk, for scanning and decoding by a consumer through a network-connected device.

[0068] The MDC graphic may include one or more of the following characteristics:

• Unique ID

• Title

• Description

• Start Date

• End Date

• Publication Identifier

• Advertiser Identifier

• Linked URL

• External Advertiser Network (EAN) Opt-in Status

• Status (Active, Inactive)

• Stored pointers to multiple video file formats [0069] The content creator may interact with the Content Creator Interface in the following ways:

• Dashboard View

• Media Content Generation

• Media Libraries

• Reporting & Usage Statistics

• Dashboard View

• MDC Graphic Details Edit

[0070] A dashboard view may be the initial application view a content creator will be presented with following a login.

[0071] The dashboard presents a view where all the content creator active and inactive MDC graphics can be filtered and sorted. It may display database content, provide an editing function, provide links to the encoded media components for testing and MDC graphic for download, as well as provide a gateway to reporting and usage statistics.

Media Content Generation

[0072] Content creators may have the ability to generate media content for delivery to network-connected devices through two interfaces. The first, simplified interface, will allow novice content creators to create media content through a simplified form-based web interface. The second, advanced interface, will allow experienced content creators to create media content through an interactive web interface.

[0073] The media objects that are created may be advertisements, subject matter content, or hybrids thereof. The content creator can specify the following parameters when generating media content:

• Title

• Start Date

• End Date

• File name(s) for media file(s) to encode

• File name(s) for advertisement file(s) to encode

• EAN opt-in • Number of views allowed

• Other Descriptors

Title

[0074] The title is utilized by the MMS dashboard to identify and associate the media content to the content creator. This parameter is appropriate for both advertisement and subject matter media content objects.

Start Date

[0075] The Start Date is used by the MMS Redirection method to determine whether or not the media content will be retrieved when a request from a network-connected device is being processed. Using this parameter, the content creator can enforce, by date, when content will be delivered by the MMS. Used in combination with the End Date parameter, a specific date interval can be specified as to when the media content is available to consumers. This parameter is appropriate for both advertisement and subject matter media content objects.

End Date

[0076] The End Date is used by the MMS Redirection method to determine whether or not the media content will be retrieved when a request from a network-connected device is being processed. Using this parameter, the content creator can enforce, by date, when content will be no longer be delivered by the MMS. Used in combination with the Start Date parameter, a specific date interval can be specified as to when the media content is available to consumers. This parameter is appropriate for both advertisement and subject matter media content objects. File Name(s) for Media File(s) to Encode

[0077] The content creator may select one or more media files from their personal media archives to be uploaded to the MMS engine for processing. This parameter is appropriate for both advertisement and subject matter media content objects.

File Name(s) for Advertisement File(s) to Encode

[0078] The content creator may select one or more files from their personal media archives to be uploaded to the MMS engine for use as advertising media in connection with one or more media files. This parameter may only be appropriate for advertisement objects. EAN Opt-In

[0079] The content creator may specify that the media content to be generated will allow advertisements from the EAN to be inserted into the media file and displayed to the consumer. This parameter may only be appropriate for subject matter media objects.

Views Allowed

[0080] In certain cases, the content creator may be inclined to limit the number of times a particular media object can be displayed, such as where the content provider is operating a pay- per-view service or wishes to charge advertisers on a per- view basis. The Views Allowed parameter may be used by the MMS Redirection Method to determine whether or not to allow a media object to be viewed by comparing the request to view received from the network- connected device to the number of times the media object has already been viewed. This parameter is appropriate for both advertisement and subject matter media objects.

Other Descriptors

[0081] The content creator may specify additional descriptors for the media content object including, but not limited to: language, audience rating (adult, general audience, children), subject matter, etc. In general, this parameter is appropriate for both advertisement and subject matter media objects.

Simple Interface

[0082] Through the simplified form-based content creator interface the content creator is able to upload finished media files and combine and/or multiplex them together in various pre- configured manners to produce a single file having a plurality of media elements. Once the file is successfully uploaded, the MMS engine will automatically encode multiple formats for delivery and display to a variety of different network-connected devices. The MMS engine will store each of the resulting files on the MMS engine servers, and will generate and store a single MDC graphic linked to that database record by way of a unique ID to be used in the MMS redirection method.

[0083] Some specific examples of the pre-configured templates available through the simple interface include the following. Of course, additional templates may be developed.

[0084] Single Media File: With reference to FIG. 5, a single media file may be uploaded to the server and processed (e.g. , encoded, classified, stored, linked to a MDC Graphic, etc.). [0085] Multiple Media Files: With reference to FIG. 6, multiple media files may be uploaded to the server and processed.

[0086] Multiple Media Files with Voiceover Multiplexing: With reference to FIG. 7, multiple media files may be uploaded to the server, voiceover multiplexing may be integrated, and the resulting media file may be processed.

[0087] Multiple Mixed Media Files with Voiceover Multiplexing: With reference to FIG. 8, media files of multiple formats may be uploaded to the MMS engine, voiceover multiplexing may be integrated, and the resulting media file may be processed.

Advanced Interface

[0088] An advanced media processing interface enables experienced content creators to create media content through an interactive web interface. This interactive web interface is an advanced online linear and multiplexing editing tool able to output media files that can be encoded for delivery and display to network-connected devices. Media files can be combined and multiplexed together in a more free form fashion than the simple interface, allowing for greater creative control over the finished product.

Media Libraries

[0089] Through the Content Creator interface, media files can be uploaded and stored for future use and integration into various content generation scenarios. Instead of automatically linking the resulting media file to a MDC graphic, the media file(s) may be stored on the server and a database record may be created pointing to the stored media in a format suitable for integration. Multiple media libraries may be created according to media type. One such scenario is the creation of both a media library for advertisers' video commercials and a media library for publishers' online video content. The content creator could then use the MMS to perform a linear combination of the advertisement and the content to form paid sponsorships. Reporting & Usage Statistics

[0090] Content Creator Content Delivery Vehicle Overview: Through the Content Creator interface data may be made available to the content creator, aggregating overall usage of their

MDC graphics by consumers for a content delivery vehicle. Data may be broken down by device types, date, geographic location, etc. Data may also be sorted, filtered and exported by the publisher into formats for further manipulation and analysis. [0091] Content Creator MDC Graphic Reporting: Through the Content Creator interface data may be available to the content creator to gauge the effectiveness and reach of a single MDC graphic. Data may be broken down by device types, date, geographic location, etc. Data may also be sorted, filtered and exported by the publisher into formats for further manipulation and analysis.

[0092] Content Creator Ad Hoc Reporting - Usage Statistics: In addition to content delivery vehicle reporting and MDC graphic reporting, the Content Creator Interface may also provide unique combinations of reporting based upon account credentials. For example, an aggregate report may be created that spans content creator content delivery vehicles.

[0093] Advertiser Reporting: A content creator may be able to provide a data view to a specific advertiser for the purpose of providing real-time data to an advertiser. An advertiser account through the web application interface may allow an advertiser to see results of their MDC graphic campaigns. The advertiser may be able to log in to their account and analyze metrics in a dynamic environment across multiple content creators and content delivery vehicles.

[0094] Content Creator MDC Control: The MMS Content Creator interface may allow content creators to generate MDC graphics linking to either content creator media with embedded advertising or advertiser content. This allows the content creator control over the MDC graphic and its usage through their content delivery vehicle. By using the MMS as a control point for MDC graphic implementation throughout their content delivery vehicle the content creator may be in a position to protect itself from potential issues that might arise resulting from inappropriate MDC graphic usage in their content delivery vehicle.

MDC Graphic Details Edit

[0095] The content creator may have the ability to edit any database record detail to change status, start date, end date, EAN opt-in, views allowed, or redirection location. They may also be able to re-generate the MDC graphic to correct any printing or image errors that may have occurred during the generation process or due to some other unforeseen circumstance.

[0096] If a MDC graphic has expired either due to an end date being reached or the MDC graphic status being changed to inactive, or by reaching the specified number of allowed consumer views, then any attempt to scan the code will be recorded for further analysis and/or reporting, but the media content associated with the MDC graphic will no longer be displayed to consumers. This data will be available through the aggregate or individual MDC graphic reporting mechanisms.

Consumer Application

[0097] An application (app) may be provided for end users to enable quick

multidimensional code scanning of MDC graphics associated with the MMS. The application may be customizable by the content creator to include content delivery vehicle branding.

[0098] The application may be available via direct download from the MMS, any content creator's website, as well as any appropriate platform markets.

[0099] It may have advanced features specifically designed to enhance the end user's experience with MDC graphics, such as, but not limited to:

• Viewing History (and retrieval)

• Bookmarking/Downloading for later viewing

• Post actions and/or social network sharing

[00100] In addition to an enhanced user experience, the MMS application will allow for data to be returned to the MMS engine and stored for future analysis.

MMS Engine & Mobile Application Telemetry

[00101] With reference to FIG. 9, as an illustrative example, when the MMS mobile application constructs a request from the network-connected device to the MMS engine, the opportunity to pass additional data other than that decoded from the MDC graphic exists. The mobile application may pass data to the MMS engine for later retrieval and analysis by content creators, advertisers, and/or administrators. This data mining may take place within the framework of a privacy policy set forth by the MMS engine and the terms and conditions agreed to by the end user upon the successful installation of the application on their device.

[00102] It will be appreciated that many variations of FIGS. 1-9 are available without departing from the invention. The invention is described above with reference to block and flow diagrams of systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or computer program products according to example embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that one or more blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, respectively, can be implemented by computer-executable program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams may not necessarily need to be performed in the order presented, or may not necessarily need to be performed at all, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[00103] These computer-executable program instructions may be loaded onto a general- purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing one or more functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks.

[00104] As an example, embodiments of the invention may provide for a computer program product, comprising a computer-usable medium having a computer-readable program code or program instructions embodied therein, said computer-readable program code adapted to be executed to implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational elements or steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide elements or steps for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks.

[00105] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, can be implemented by special-purpose, hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions, elements or steps, or combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions. [00106] It will be appreciated that each of the memories and data storage devices described herein can store data and information for subsequent retrieval. The memories and databases can be in communication with each other and/or other databases, such as a centralized database, or other types of data storage devices. When needed, data or information stored in a memory or database may be transmitted to a centralized database capable of receiving data, information, or data records from more than one database or other data storage devices. In other embodiments, the databases shown can be integrated or distributed into any number of databases or other data storage devices.

[00107] It will also be appreciated that each of the I/O interfaces described herein may facilitate communication between a processor and various I/O devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, microphone, speaker, monitor, bar code readers/scanners, RFID readers, and the like. Likewise, each of the network interfaces described herein may take any of a number of forms, such as a network interface card, a modem, a wireless network card, and the like.

[00108] It will further be appreciated that while certain computers have been illustrated herein as a single computer or processor, the illustrated computers may actually be comprised of a group of computers or processors, according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[00109] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[00110] Although several embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

[00111] For example, the present invention has been described with reference to the use of

QR codes in graphic (e.g. , print or online) media. The teachings herein, however, are equally applicable to the use of artifacts capable of short-range wireless communications (e.g. , RFID tags and NFC devices), such as may be incorporated into kiosks or other displays. Thus, just as a consumer may scan a QR code with his or her smartphone to retrieve media content, a consumer can sense a nearby RFID tag with a suitably equipped reader device to retrieve media content.

[00112] As another example, the network to which the MMS server and network-connected device are connected may be a local area network, such as an intranet, or a wide area network, such as the Internet.

[00113] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of managing media files, comprising:

receiving a media file from a content provider;

generating and associating an artifact with the media file;

receiving, via an interaction between a user' s network-connected device and the artifact, a request to deliver the media file to the user's network-connected device; and

delivering the media file to the user's network-connected device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating and associating an artifact with the media file comprises generating a multidimensional code graphic and associating the multidimensional code graphic with the media file.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the multidimensional code graphic comprises a quick response ("QR") code.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating and associating an artifact with the media file comprises programming a short-range wireless communications transceiver to be associated with the media file.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the short-range wireless communications transceiver comprises a radiofrequency identification ("RFID") tag.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the short-range wireless communications transceiver comprises a near field communications ("NFC") device.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising converting the media file into a format suitable for delivery to and display by the user's network-connected device prior to delivering the media file to the user's network-connected device.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of converting the media file into a format suitable for delivery to and display by the user's network-connected device comprises: converting the media file into a plurality of different formats suitable for delivery to and display by a plurality of different network-connected devices; and

storing the plurality of different formats of the converted media file,

wherein the request to deliver the media file to the user's network-connected device includes information sufficient to determine which of the stored plurality of different formats of the converted media file is suitable for delivery to and display by the user's network-connected device.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of delivering the media file to the user's network-connected device comprises:

associating an advertisement file with the media file; and

delivering both the advertisement file and the media file to the user' s network connected device.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

generating a usage report including data regarding requests to deliver the media file; and providing the usage report to the content provider.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the media file comprises a plurality of media elements.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating and associating an artifact with the media file comprises generating and uniquely associating an artifact with the media file.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating and associating an artifact with the media file comprises:

generating a unique identifier for the media file;

associating the unique identifier with the media file; and

generating the artifact and associating the artifact with the unique identifier for the media file.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the media file comprises a plurality of media elements, and wherein at least one of the media elements is an advertisement.

15. A system for managing media files, comprising:

a server configured to store a plurality of media files;

a plurality of artifacts, wherein each of the plurality of artifacts is associated with a subset of the plurality of media files;

a retrieval processor programmed to:

receive a request resulting from an interaction between a user' s network- connected device and one artifact of the plurality of artifacts;

retrieve the subset of the plurality of media files associated with the one artifact of the plurality of artifacts; and

deliver the subset of the plurality of media files to the user's network-connected device.

16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a processor that maintains the association between each of the plurality of artifacts and the associated subset of the plurality of media files.

17. A computer-implemented method of managing media files, comprising:

receiving at least one multimedia file from a content provider;

converting the at least one multimedia file into at least one encoded file having a format capable of delivery and display to an Internet-capable device;

generating a unique identifier for the encoded file;

generating a multidimensional code graphic that is associated with the unique identifier; providing the multidimensional code graphic to a user; receiving a request from an Internet-enabled device for the encoded file, including information from the multidimensional code graphic that is associated with the unique identifier; and

delivering the encoded file to the Internet-enabled device.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising sending at least one multimedia advertisement to the Internet-capable device for display before, during, or after displaying multimedia content associated with the multimedia file on the Internet-capable device.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein delivering the encoded file includes determining an appropriate format for the encoded file.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein determining an appropriate format for the encoded file is based on information included in the request.