WO2019073470A1 - Method and system for creating, distributing and tracking embedded content and lead generation - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are methods, systems, interfaces, platforms, and products, such as software products, for creating, distributing and tracking embedded content, for example, in the form of summarized content, in formats such as text, audio and video.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING. DISTRIBUTING AND TRACKING EMBEDDED CONTENT AND LEAD GENERATION

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from: 1) commonly owned US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/572,492, entitled: Method and System for Creating, Distributing and Tracking Embedded Content and Lead Generation, filed on October 15, 2017, and, 2) commonly owned US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/570,135, entitled: Method and System for Creating, Distributing and Tracking Embedded Content and Lead Generation, filed on October 10, 2017, the disclosures of both aforementioned US Provisional Patent Applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for creating, distributing and tracking embedded content over one or more communications networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the advent of electronic media, users are exposed to exceedingly large amounts of content. Typically, these users do not have time to read all of the content and do not have any way to determine which content is relevant. Accordingly, users like summaries of content, which are quick to read, and from such summaries, the user can get the main points and take-aways from the content, to determine whether they want the full content, which they can read immediately, or at a later point in time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods, systems, and products, such as software products, for creating, distributing and tracking embedded content, for example, in the form of summarized content, in electronic/digital formats such as text, audio and video. This summarized content is presented in a manner to create user-engagement and generate leads. The invention also provides an interface for a process for creating, distributing and tracking embedded content, for example, in the form of summarized content, in electronic/digital formats such as text, audio and video.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented method for distributing summarized content over a communications network. The method comprises: obtaining at least one electronic content, for example, summarized content; assigning a unique uniform resource locator (URL) to the at least one electronic content; transmitting the unique URL to a distributor, for placement into a first electronic document accessible by a user; receiving the unique URL from a transmission activated by the user, and, in response to receiving the unique URL, packaging the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into a second electronic document for rendering to the browsing application of the user.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that it additionally comprises: rendering the second electronic document to the user.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the first electronic document includes at least one of an electronic communication, a web page, or a social media post.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the electronic communication includes email and newsletters.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the second electronic document includes a web page.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the player for the at least one electronic content includes a media player configured for playing at least one of audio media, video media, or both audio and video media. Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the at least one electronic content includes a summarized form of the at least one electronic content.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the summarized form of the at least one electronic content is obtained by at least one of: receiving content, summarizing the content into the summarized form, and if necessary, converting the summarized content to electronic summarized content; or, receiving electronic summarized content from a source over the communications network.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the at least one electronic content includes a plurality of content, and the computer-implemented method additionally comprises: obtaining each content of the plurality of content as electronic summarized content; and, packaging at least a portion of the plurality of the summarized content into the second electronic document, for rendering to the user, the second electronic document including multiple user- selectable content.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the packaging additionally comprises: packaging one of more of: an electronic registration form, an activatable link to direct a browsing application to a destination over the communications network and an associated graphic, a text transcript of the at least one electronic content for display on the rendered electronic document, a visual equalizer for display on the rendered electronic document, a background image for display on the rendered electronic document, and a timer box for display on the rendered electronic document, into the second electronic document.

Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the packaging the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into a second electronic document for rendering to the browsing application of the user, is performed by a server, and the unique URL is mapped to the server. Optionally, the computer-implemented method is such that the communications network includes one or more of the Internet, a wide area network (WAN) and a local area network (LAN).

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer system for distributing summarized content over a communications network. The computer system comprises: a storage medium for storing computer components; and, at least one processor for executing the computer components. The computer components comprise: a first computer component configured for obtaining at least one electronic content; a second computer component configured for assigning a unique uniform resource locator (URL) to the at least one electronic content; a third computer component configured for transmitting the unique URL to a distributor, for placement into a first electronic document accessible by a user; a fourth computer component configured for receiving the unique URL from a transmission activated by the user, and, a fifth component configured for responding to receiving the unique URL by packaging the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into a second electronic document for rendering to the browsing application of the user.

Optionally, the computer system additionally comprises: a sixth component configured for rendering the second electronic document to the user.

Optionally, the computer system is such that the first electronic document includes at least one of an electronic communication, a web page, or a social media post.

Optionally, the computer system is such that the electronic communication includes email and newsletters.

Optionally, the computer system is such that the second electronic document includes a web page. Optionally, the computer system is such that the player for the at least one electronic content includes a media player configured for playing at least one of audio media, video media, or both audio and video media.

Optionally, the computer system is such that the at least one electronic content includes a summarized form of the at least one electronic content.

Optionally, the computer system is such that the first computer component is additionally configured for obtaining the summarized form of the at least one electronic content by at least one of: receiving content, summarizing the content into the summarized form, and if necessary, converting the summarized content to electronic summarized content; or, receiving electronic summarized content from a source over the communications network.

Optionally, the computer system is such that the at least one electronic content includes a plurality of content, and, the first computer component is additionally configured for: obtaining each content of the plurality of content as electronic summarized content; and, the fifth computer component is configured for packaging at least a portion of the plurality of the summarized content into the second electronic document, for rendering to the user, the second electronic document including multiple user-selectable content.

Optionally, the computer system is such that the fifth computer component is additionally configured for packaging one of more of: an electronic registration form, an activatable link to direct a browsing application to a destination over the communications network and an associated graphic, a text transcript of the at least one electronic content for display on the rendered electronic document, a visual equalizer for display on the rendered electronic document, a background image for display on the rendered electronic document, and a timer box for display on the rendered electronic document, into the second electronic document.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitable programmed system to distribute summarized content over a communications network, by performing the following steps when such program is executed on the system. The steps comprise: obtaining at least one electronic content, for example, summarized content in an electronic form (format); assigning a unique uniform resource locator (URL) to the at least one electronic content; transmitting the unique URL to a distributor, for placement into a first electronic document accessible by a user; receiving the unique URL from a transmission activated by the user, and, responding to receiving the unique URL by packaging the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into a second electronic document for rendering to the browsing application of the user.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the steps additionally comprise: rendering the second electronic document to the user.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the first electronic document includes at least one of an electronic communication, a web page, or a social media post.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the electronic communication includes email and newsletters.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the second electronic document includes a web page.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the player for the at least one electronic content includes a media player configured for playing at least one of audio media, video media, or both audio and video media.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the at least one electronic content includes a summarized form of the at least one electronic content.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the steps for obtaining the summarized form of the at least one electronic content include at least one of: receiving content, summarizing the content into the summarized form, and if the received summarized content is not electronic, converting the received summarized content to electronic summarized content; or, receiving electronic summarized content from a source over the communications network.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the at least one electronic content includes a plurality of content, and the steps additionally comprise: obtaining each content of the plurality of content as electronic summarized content; packaging at least a portion of the plurality of the summarized content into the second electronic document, for rendering to the user, the second electronic document including multiple user-selectable content.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the step of the packaging additionally comprises: packaging one of more of: an electronic registration form, an activatable link to direct a browsing application to a destination over the communications network and an associated graphic, a text transcript of the at least one electronic content for display on the rendered electronic document, a visual equalizer for display on the rendered electronic document, a background image for display on the rendered electronic document, and a timer box for display on the rendered electronic document, into the second electronic document.

Optionally, the computer usable non-transitory storage medium is such that the unique URL is mapped to a computer along the communications network which causes the packaging of the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into the second electronic document.

This document references terms that are used consistently or interchangeably herein. These terms, including variations thereof, are as follows.

A "computer" includes machines, computers, and computing or computer systems (for example, physically separate locations or devices), servers, computer, computing, and computerized devices, processors, processing systems, computing cores (for example, shared devices), and similar systems, workstations, modules and combinations of the aforementioned. The aforementioned "computer" may be in various types, such as a personal computer (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet computer, iPad®), or any type of computing device, including mobile devices that can be readily transported from one location to another location (e.g., smart phone (cellular and network linked), smart band, smart watch, virtual and augmented reality headsets, personal digital assistant (PDA)).

A "server" is typically a remote computer or remote computer system, or computer program therein, in accordance with the "computer" defined above, that is accessible over a communications medium, such as a communications network or other computer network, including the Internet. A "server" provides services to, or performs functions for, other computer programs (and their users), in the same or other computers. A server may also include a virtual machine, a software based emulation of a computer.

An "application", includes executable software, and optionally, any graphical user interfaces (GUI), through which certain functionality may be implemented.

A "client" is an application that runs on a computer, workstation, tablet, smartphone, or any other digital device, or the like and relies on a server to perform some of its operations or functionality.

A "link" is an electronic reference to another electronic or digital media, such as a document, file or other media. A "link", when activated, such as by being "clicked on" by a mouse or other pointing device, or swiped or contacted on a touch screen, such as that of a mobile device, such as a smart phone, redirects a user's computer browsing application (browser) to the document, file or other media.

The terms "click", "clicks", "click on", "clicks on", "activates", and "activation", involves the activation of a computer pointing apparatus, such as a device commonly known as a mouse, or a touch, swipe, contact, or the like on a touch screen, on a location on a computer screen display, including screen displays of tablets and mobile telephones. The screen displays are activatable, for example, by an activatable icon, such as buttons, that causes an action of the various software and or hardware, including that for executing applications and supporting the computer screen display. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL), is also referred to as a web address, and is a reference to a web resource that specifies its location on a computer network and a mechanism for retrieving it. URLs typically occur to reference web pages (Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)), but are also used, for example, for file transfer (File Transfer Protocol (FTP)), email (mailto), and database access (Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)) - an application programming interface (API) for the programming language Java).

Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary environment for the system in which embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are performed; FIG. 2 is a diagram of the architecture of an exemplary system, on which portions of the invention are performed;

FIGs. 3A, 3B, and 3C are flow diagrams of example processes in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the environment of FIG. 1 showing an exemplary process in accordance with the flow diagrams of FIGs. 3A, 3B and 3C;

FIGs. 5A and 5B show screen graphics of displays for summarized content produced by the process of FIG. 3C;

FIGs. 6A to 6E show screen graphics of displays of various additional embodiments of the invention;

FIGs. 7 A and 7B are diagrams showing alternate embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a screen graphic of a display for an electronic document including a summary board in accordance with FIGs. 7A and 7B;

FIG. 9 shows a screen graphic of a display of a web page accessed via the summary board of FIG. 8; and,

FIG. 10 is a screen graphic display of a summary box in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Throughout this document, numerous textual and graphical references are made to trademarks, and domain names. These trademarks and domain names are the property of their respective owners, and are referenced only for explanation purposes herein.

The present invention provides methods, systems, interfaces, platforms and products, such as software products (e.g., computer usable non-transitory storage media having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitable programmed system to perform various steps, operations, and the like, when the program is executed on a computer system, including servers and the like) for creating, distributing and tracking content, for example, content which has been summarized by a system or an end user, for example, embodied in one or more servers linked to a network(s). The system of the invention packages summarized content. The system designates a uniform resource locator (URL) associated with the summarized content. This URL is then provided to a distributor.

The distributor places the URL into electronic media, and the electronic media with the URL is sent to a user. The user activates the URL, and the browsing application associated with the computer of the user is directed to a destination, where the summarized content associated with the URL is assembled, with a layer and links, into an electronic document such as a web page. The web page is rendered to the browsing application of the user, and presents on a computer display screen of the user's computer. The user can then listen to the content summary (as an audio file), view the summarized content (as a video file), or both, and/or read the summarized content. The activation of the summarized content or player, for example, activates a link to a destination, such as a server associated with the distributor, or a form, which receives user input, or other communications from the user. In the case where the distributor is an information provider or advertiser, the destination server may provide product information, a sign up form, or the like. Alternately, the presentation of the electronic media, as received on a computer associated with the user, as rendered to the browsing application of the computer, can present (for user activation) or activate a link to a destination, such as a server associated with the distributor, or a form, which receives user input, or other communications from the user.

The rendered web page may also include links to destinations, via a display box. When the display box is "clicked" on ("clicked on") or contacted (as with a touch screen), the links are activated and the user's browsing application is directed to the destination, e.g., a destination server, associated with the entity behind of the display box. The destination server may provide product information, a sign up form, or the like.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows an operating environment for a non-limiting exemplary system, in which the present invention is applicable. The invention handles content creation, distribution of the content, and tracking of the content.

Throughout this document, "summaries" of content, produced and administered by the invention, are also known as "summarized content", and "summarized content items", in singular and plural forms, and these terms, "summaries", "summarized content", and "summarized content items", are used interchangeably herein. These "summaries" are, for example, electronic (digital), in one or more of text, audio and video and are stored, for example, a text, audio and video files, respectively.

Communication between computers, servers, components, and the like, of the various entities associated with the invention is via one or more communications networks, represented by the network(s) 50. The aforementioned computers, servers and the like of the various entities associated with the invention are linked to the one or more networks, represented by the network(s) 50, either directly or indirectly. "Linked" as used herein includes both wired or wireless links, either direct or indirect, and placing the computers, including, servers, components and the like, in electronic and/or data communications with each other. The network(s) 50 is, for example, a communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), or a Wide Area Network (WAN), including public networks such as the Internet. As shown in FIG. 1, the network 50 is, for example, the Internet. The network(s) 50, although shown as a single network, may be a combination of networks and/or multiple networks including, for example, the Internet and cellular networks.

A home server (HS) 100, also known as a main server, links to the network(s) 50. The home server 100 includes a system 100' (FIG. 2). The system 100' performs processes of the invention. The home server 100 has a URL of www.hs.com, used to describe the operation of the invention.

A content server 102 is representative of content from multiple sources, such as servers and the like, which the system will summarize, package with a player, as detailed herein, and associate with a unique URL, linked to the network(s) 50.

There is also a cloud storage server 104, linked to the network(s) 50. This cloud storage server 104 is representative of storage media for storing content and summarized content produced in accordance with the invention, and associated metadata.

A distribution server 110, representative of distributor entities, such as web site promotors, information providers, including advertisers, and the like, which receives the URL associated and assigned with the summarized content from the system 100'. The distribution server 110 has a URL of www.ds.com, used to describe the operation of the invention.

A destination server 112, with an address corresponding to the unique URL for the particular content item and player, links to the network(s) 50. The destination server 112 is associated with the web site promotor or information provider, who distributed the URL (e.g., via distribution server 110), by providing it to users, for example Userl 121a, represented by smartphone 121, and User2 122a, at a desktop computer 122, for example, which employ client applications, for processing the unique URL, including its receipt, transmission and the like. This destination server 1 12, is representative of multiple destination servers linked to the network(s) 50.

Users, for example, Userl 121a, represented by smartphone 121 (who receives data via a cell tower 130 or WiFi®), and User2 122a, at a desktop computer 122, receive the URL from the distributor server 110, and can direct their browsing applications to the URL, in order to render a webpage, such as a web page of summarized content 510 or a web page 700, 700' of a summary board 800, as detailed herein.

FIG. 2 shows the system 100' of the home server 100, which is involved in performing the invention. The system 100' includes, for example, a CPU 202, Storage/Memory 204, an interface 205 for receiving content, and facilitating the receiving of content, to be summarized, storage media for content and summarized content 206, a communications module 212, one or more database(s) 214, a summarizing and URL generating module 221, a packaging module 222, a players module 223, an analytics module 224, and electronic document storage 225. All of the aforementioned computer components 202, 204, 205, 206, 212, 214, 221 , 222, 223, 224 and 225 are in direct or indirect communication with each other.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) 202 is formed of one or more processors, including microprocessors, for performing the home server 100 and system 100' functions and operations detailed herein, including controlling the interface 205, storage media for content and summarized content 206, the communications module 212, the one or more database(s) 214 for customers, the summarizing module 221 , the packaging module 222, the players module 223, and the analytics module 224, and subprocesses shown in FIGs. 3 A and 3B, as detailed below. The processors are, for example, conventional processors, such as those used in servers, computers, and other computerized devices. For example, the processors may include hardware processors, such as x86 Processors from AMD and Intel, Xenon® and Pentium® processors from Intel, as well as any combinations thereof. The storage/memory 204 is any conventional storage media. The storage/memory 204 stores machine executable instructions for execution by the CPU 202, to perform the processes of the invention.

The processors of the CPU 202 and the storage/memory 204, although shown as a single component for representative purposes, may be multiple components, and may be outside of the home server 100 and/or the system 100', and linked to the network(s) 50.

The interface 205 facilitates the input of content into the system 100' and receives the content in the system 100', so that the input content can be summarized.

The content storage 206 is where content, summarized content, in both text and audio files, and/or metadata representative of the content (which is stored for example in storage media such as cloud storage 104), received from users, is received and stored until accessed.

The communications module 212 handles all communications to and from the system 100' via the network(s) 50.

The database(s) 214 provide lists of customers of the system, for example, distributors, represented by distribution server 110. The distributor data along with the summarized content and/or metadata for the summarized content, of each distributor is correlated with a unique URL.

The summarizing module and URL generation module 221 initially acquires content received, for example, from a server 102. The content is summarized into text, audio and/or video, for example, in accordance with processes detailed in commonly owned patent application PCT/IB 17/053866, entitled: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING AND MANAGING A CONTENT MARKETPLACE, filed on June 28, 2017, the disclosure incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Alternatively, the summarized text, audio and/or video is created by other sources, and is received in the module 221. This summarized text, audio, and/or video (processed in or received by the module 221) are stored in respective text, audio and video files, for example, in the cloud storage 104. The summarized content is assigned a unique URL, created by this module 221 , and the unique URL with the metadata associated with the summarized content, along with data on the distributor associated with this summarized content, is stored correlated together, as a database item in the Distributor Database 214.

A packaging module 222 packages the summarized content into an electronic document, such as a web page. The packaging module 222 obtains an iFrame object, other suitable application, or the like, for embedding the summarized content, as text, speech, or both, or video, along with the web page, and a player. The player is selected, for example, automatically by the packaging module 222, for example, by applying rules and policies programmed into the module 222, from the players module 223. The packaging module 222 then associates this packaged content and created electronic document, with the unique URL. The packaging module 222 also packages summarized content, graphics and unique URLs for the summarized content into summary boards 800 (FIG. 8), which, for example, are web pages and display as such.

The analytics module 224 records data associated with each unique URL of the system. The unique URLs map to the home server 100 and the system 100', and ultimately to the analytics module 224. The analytics module 224, for example, manages analytics by obtaining lead generation details from the mapped electronic documents when accesses and/or activated. This is done by obtaining statistics, such as deliveries (impressions), clicks, opens, conversions. Also, actual leads, received from user input into forms presented to the user on the player or rendered electronic document, are cataloged and analyzed.

The Electronic Document Storage 225 is where the created electronic documents, such as web pages and summary boards 800 (FIG. 8), are stored.

Attention is now directed to FIGs. 3A, 3B and 3C, which are flow diagrams detailing computer- implemented processes in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Reference is also made to elements shown in FIGs. 1, 2, 4, 5A and 5B. The process and subprocesses of FIGs. 3A and 3C include computerized processes performed by the system 100', as well as other computers along the network 50, where indicated. The aforementioned processes are, for example, performed automatically or manually, or a combination thereof, and, for example, in real time.

In FIG. 3A, the process begins at the START block 300. Prior to the START, a distributor 110 logs into the system 100' and designates content to be summarized, which is to be associated with the distributor 110. At block 302, content, for example, a content item, such as an article, from the content server 102, is received at the home server 100, and entered into the system 100'. The content may be temporarily stored in the storage media 206.

The content is acquired in a summarized form, by the summarizing and URL generation module 221, at block 304. The summarized content is provided, for example, accordance with that disclosed in commonly owned patent application PCT/IB 17/053866, entitled: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING AND MANAGING A CONTENT MARKETPLACE, filed on June 28, 2017. The summarized content may be in, for example, electronic (digital) formats including one or more of text, speech, video, and may be stored in the storage media 206.

The process moves to block 306, where the summarized content is assigned a unique URL, e.g., www.hs.com/summyl, and this unique URL is associated with a distributor 110, along with data of the summarized content (and/or metadata therefor (with the text, audio and/or video files stored in the cloud storage 104)), and distributor, is stored in the Distributor Database 214. The system 100' then sends the unique URL for the summarized content (or a summary board 700, 700' of FIGs. 7 A, 7B, 8 and 9, the process of summary board creation and rendering is discussed FIGs. 7A, 7B, 8 and 9 below) to the distributor 110 associated with the summarized content, at block 308. The sending of the unique URL for the summarized content leading to the rendering of web page 510 on the browsing application of the user, is shown in FIG. 4. Initially, the arrow 401 shows the unique URL being sent from point (l), the system 100', to point (5), the distributor 110. This phase of the process ends at block 310. The process moves to the phase of FIG. 3B, and in particular, a START block 350. At this block the distributor 110, packages the unique URL for the summarized content (e.g., www.hs.com/summyl) into an electronic document, for example, an electronic communication, such as an email, newsletter (as a web page), social media post (as a web page), such as on the distributor's Facebook® page (www.faceboook.com) or Linkedin® page or post (www.linkedin.com), web page, or the like. Also at block 350, should the distributor desire to see or otherwise preview the web page, such as the web page 510, in which the distributor's associated summarized content will be rendered to a user's browsing application, the distributor 110 may activate the unique URL (e.g., www.hs.com/summyl), and the web page 510 will be constructed in accordance with the process of block 372 (of FIG. 3C), as detailed below. The web page is then rendered to the browsing application associated with the distributor's computer, i.e., server 110.

In the case of an email, newsletters or the like, the distributor 110 sends the unique URL (e.g., www.hs.com/summyl) to the designated user, at block 352. This sending is shown by arrow 402, from point (5), the distributor 110, to point (§), the user computer 121 , 122 (designated user), of FIG. 4.

With the user computer, 121, 122 having received the unique URL in the electronic communication, or by a social media post, the user 121a, 122a, activates the link, e.g., a hyperlink, associated with the unique URL, as displayed on the user's 121a, 122a, computer display screen, at block 354. With the hyperlink activated, the user's browsing application is directed to the destination server associated with the unique URL (e.g., www.hs.com/summyl), for example, the home server 100, at block 356. This direction of the browsing application is shown by arrow 403, from point (§), the user computer 122, to point (¾), the system 100', of FIG. 4.

The process moves to the phase of FIG. 3C, and in particular, a START block 370. At this block, the destination server, i.e., the home server 100, has received a browsing application redirect (including the unique URL) from the browsing application of the user, e.g., User2 122a via computer 122. The process moves to block 372, where the summarized content associated with the unique URL is obtained, from storage 206, and packaged or assembled as an electronic document, for example, such that the associated summarized content is embedded in the electronic document. The assembling also includes placing with a player (e.g., an audio player, a video player and/or an audio and video player), audio and/or text files, and other activatable links to destinations, into the electronic document.

This packaging or assembling of the electronic document, for example, in the form of a web page, such as the web page 510 is, for example, shown in FIG. 5A. A template 502 is obtained to support the received content in the background 504. A box 506, which includes a player with the embedded content, is located over the background 504. The box 506 displays as a visual element that shows the summary text, and allows listening to an audio file of the summarized content, reading its text, or viewing it via a video (e.g., a video file).

FIG. 5B shows the electronic document, in the form of a web page, for example, the web page 510 of FIG. 4. The web page 510 includes the background content, the actual article 514, from which the summary and corresponding text, audio and/or video files were made, and a box 516 (which has filled in box 506 of the template 502) overlying the background article 514. The box 516 presents as a graphic element, embeds the player 518, for playing the summarized content, for example, from an audio file. The box 516 typically includes the player 518 and a graphic 519 (also in FIGs. 6A and 6B), represented of the web site promotor or information provider, or the like, which covers an activatable link, which when activated, directs the browsing application of the user to a destination associated with the web site promotor or information provider, or the like. The aforementioned destination, is, for example, the destination server 112, with, for example, the URL www.ipsum.com.

The process moves to block 374, where the packaged or assembled electronic document, e.g., web page 510, is rendered to the user's computer 122. This rendering is such that the web page 510 displays as shown, for example, in FIG. 5B. The process may move to block 378, where it ends, or to an optional process at block 376. At block 376, data reporting the electronic document, e.g., web page 510, being rendered and activated/not activated and link activation/non-activation, is sent to the home server 100, to be recorded by the analytics module 224 of the system 100' and/or the distributor 110. The process then moves to block 378, where it ends.

FIGs. 6A to 6E show various additional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6A shows the box 516 of FIG. 5B after the user has played the summarized content, e.g., audio file or video, with the player 518. A registration form 602 presents to the user visually. The user can then enter input into the registration form 602.

FIG. 6B shows the box 516 of FIG. 5B after the user has played the summarized content, e.g., audio file or video, with the player 518. A graphic 604, such as a call to action promotion, presents to the user visually. The graphic includes a button 606, that when activated, activates a link, which directs the user to a destination where he can enter input, for example, into a form or the like, to create an account, in accordance with the call to action promotion.

FIG. 6C shows an alternate display for the electronic document, for example, the web page 510. The box 516 including the player 518 for the summarized content as an audio or video file, and optionally, a transcript in text of the summarized content, appears as a vertical bar. The background article 514 occupies the area of the web page 510 to the left of the vertical bar (box 516).

FIG. 6D is a display item 514' of a visual equalizer element for the player 518 of the web page 510, which can replace the background article of the web page 510, such as the web page 510 of FIGs. 5B and 6C.

FIG. 6E is a display 630 specifically for users with smart phones, such as the smart phone 121 of FIG. 1. The display includes a background 514", which is a graphic of the summarized content, and a box (e.g., a timer box showing the playing time of the summary by a moving line to 03:42 (playing time is three minutes and forty-two seconds) 516" which supports a player 518, for playing the summarized content. Attention is now directed to FIGs. 7A, 7B, 8 and 9, which show other embodiments of the invention based on a summary board and a unique URL for the summary board.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the unique URL of the processes, is that for a summary board, an electronic document, for example, a web page 700. This summary board 800 of the web page 700, for example, has the URL www.hs.com/sbl . The summary board is created by the packaging module 222, in a packaging process, with the summary board, stored in the electronic document storage 225, for example, as a web page. The packaging of the packaging process is such that links to summarized content, associated with the distributor 110, are built into the summary board 800, so as to present as display boxes 802a-802i in the summary board 800. Each of the display boxes 802a-802i is associated with a unique URL for summarized content.

When the user directs the browsing application associated with his computer to the web page 700, the web page (WEB PAGE 1) 700 is rendered to the browsing application, and displays as the summary board 800. When the user activates a display box, such as display box 802c, the link, a unique URL, e.g., www.hs.com/sbl/summy2, for the summarized content associated with the user-selected display box (e.g., 802c), which is summarized content associated with the distributor 110, is activated. The browsing application of the user's computer is directed to the home server 100, and its system 100'. An electronic document, such as a web page WEB PAGE 2 710 (accessed via WEB PAGE 1), similar to the web page 510 is created. The summarized content of the unique URL, e.g., www.hs.com/sbl/summy2, is packaged as the web page 710, and is rendered to the browsing application (of the requesting user computer) in accordance with the process of FIG. 3C (blocks 370, 372, 374, 376 (optional) and 378), as detailed above. The web page 710, for example, as it presents on a computer screen display, is shown, for example, by the web page 910 of FIG. 9.

The web page 910 is similar to the web page 510 of FIG. 5B, as it includes the background content, the actual article 514, from which the summary and corresponding text, audio and/or video files were made, and a box 516, which overlays the background article 514. The box 516 presents as a graphic element, and embeds the player 518, for playing the summarized content, for example, from an audio file. The box 516 typically includes the player 518 and a graphic 519, representative of the web site promotor or information provider, or the like, which covers an activatable link, which when activated, directs the browsing application of the user to a destination associated with the web site promotor or information provider, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the unique URL of the processes is that for a summary board, an electronic document, for example, a web page 700'. This summary board 800 of the web page (WEB PAGE 1) 700', for example, has the URL www.ds.com/sbl , as this web page 700' once created (as described for web page 700 above), is sent or otherwise transmitted to the distributor server 110. The distributor server 110 hosts the web page 700'. Web page 700' is similar to web page 700 except that its unique URL is www.ds.com/sbl.

When the user activates a display box, such as display box 802c, the link, a unique URL, for example, www.hs.com/sbl/suummy2, for the associated content of the distributor 110 is activated. Although the web page 700', which displays as the summary board 800, is hosted by the distributor server 110, or an associated server, the summarized content for rendering to the browsing application of the user is packaged by the system 100' of the home server 100 (as described above for web page 700). The activation of display box 802c of the summary board 800 of web page 700' results in the browsing application of the user's computer being directed to the home server 100 and its system 100' (www.hs.com), such that an electronic document, such as the web page (WEB PAGE 2) 710 is rendered to the browsing application of the computer of the user. The packaging of the summarized content, and the rendering thereof to the browsing application is in accordance with the process of FIG. 3C (blocks 370, 372, 374, 376 (optional) and 378), as detailed above. The web page 710, for example, as it presents on a computer screen display, is shown, for example, by the web page 910 of FIG. 9 (as discussed above).

Returning to FIG. 8, The Summary Board 800 also enables the selection of one or more items from the list of links (display boxes 802a-802i) to Summary Unique URLs and the creation of a playlist. The created playlist can be sent to a mobile device, e.g., such as the smartphone 121 of Userl 121a (FIG. 1), for example, by email, text messaging, social media, or any other equivalent or similar technology. The user, e.g., Userl 121a, will receive a notification via email, text messaging, or the like, with links to the playlist. This allows for viewing videos, playing audio, or reading text of all summarized content (summaries) in the playlist.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the invention. Here a summary box 1016, similar to the box 516 detailed above, is packaged by the system 100' of the home server 100, as detailed above. Here, the distributor 110 is, for example, an individual, or other entity, who provides his own summary, e.g., text, audio, and/or video file, and uploads it to the system 100', where the file(s) is/are stored in the storage 206 and/or the cloud storage 104.

In this embodiment, the process is similar to that of FIG. 3A, however, blocks 302 and 304 are replaced by the content, with the narrated summary (text, audio, or video), arriving at the home server 100 and the system 100' thereof, for example via an upload, from an individual or other entity serving as the distributor 110. The uploaded content is assigned with a unique URL, as per block 306, this unique URL is sent back to distributor 110.

A database entry is made in the database 214, correlating the file(s) of the summarized content with a unique URL, and any destination URLs (for activatable graphics, such as the box 519). The unique URL is, for example, placed into social media posts, or sent by the individual or entity in electronic documents. There processes are, for example, in accordance with FIG. 3B detailed above.

When the unique URL is activated, the browsing application of the computer of the user is directed to the home server 100, where the system 100' packages the individual or entity supplied file(s), with a player 1018 (similar to the player 518 of FIG. 5B), any additional links to destinations including display boxes 1019 (similar to the display box 519), and any additional elements, such as an activatable graphic 1021 for a share feature, into a box 1016, as per the process of FIG. 3C, detailed above. The box 1016, with its player 1018, display box 1019, and share feature 1021, is rendered to the browsing application of the user's computer, and displays as part of an electronic document, such as a web page, similar to web pages 510, and 910 described above. Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, non-transitory storage media such as a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data.

Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

For example, any combination of one or more non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium(s) may be utilized in accordance with the above -listed embodiments of the present invention. The non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

As will be understood with reference to the paragraphs and the referenced drawings, provided above, various embodiments of computer-implemented methods are provided herein, some of which can be performed by various embodiments of apparatuses and systems described herein and some of which can be performed according to instructions stored in non-transitory computer- readable storage media described herein. Still, some embodiments of computer-implemented methods provided herein can be performed by other apparatuses or systems and can be performed according to instructions stored in computer-readable storage media other than that described herein, as will become apparent to those having skill in the art with reference to the embodiments described herein. Any reference to systems and computer-readable storage media with respect to the following computer-implemented methods is provided for explanatory purposes, and is not intended to limit any of such systems and any of such non-transitory computer-readable storage media with regard to embodiments of computer-implemented methods described above. Likewise, any reference to the following computer-implemented methods with respect to systems and computer-readable storage media is provided for explanatory purposes, and is not intended to limit any of such computer-implemented methods disclosed herein.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).

It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware -based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

The above-described processes including portions thereof can be performed by software, hardware and combinations thereof. These processes and portions thereof can be performed by computers, computer-type devices, workstations, processors, micro-processors, other electronic searching tools and memory and other non-transitory storage-type devices associated therewith. The processes and portions thereof can also be embodied in programmable non-transitory storage media, for example, compact discs (CDs) or other discs including magnetic, optical, etc., readable by a machine or the like, or other computer usable storage media, including magnetic, optical, or semiconductor storage, or other source of electronic signals.

The processes (methods) and systems, including components thereof, herein have been described with exemplary reference to specific hardware and software. The processes (methods) have been described as exemplary, whereby specific steps and their order can be omitted and/or changed by persons of ordinary skill in the art to reduce these embodiments to practice without undue experimentation. The processes (methods) and systems have been described in a manner sufficient to enable persons of ordinary skill in the art to readily adapt other hardware and software as may be needed to reduce any of the embodiments to practice without undue experimentation and using conventional techniques.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A computer-implemented method for distributing summarized content over a communications network, comprising:

obtaining at least one electronic content;

assigning a unique uniform resource locator (URL) to the at least one electronic content; transmitting the unique URL to a distributor, for placement into a first electronic document accessible by a user;

receiving the unique URL from a transmission activated by the user, and,

in response to receiving the unique URL, packaging the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into a second electronic document for rendering to the browsing application of the user.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , additionally comprising: rendering the second electronic document to the user.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the first electronic document includes at least one of an electronic communication, a web page, or a social media post.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the electronic communication includes email and newsletters.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the second electronic document includes a web page.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the player for the at least one electronic content includes a media player configured for playing at least one of audio media, video media, or both audio and video media.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the at least one electronic content includes a summarized form of the at least one electronic content.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the summarized form of the at least one electronic content is obtained by at least one of:

receiving content, summarizing the content into the summarized form, and if necessary, converting the summarized content to electronic summarized content; or,

receiving electronic summarized content from a source over the communications network.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electronic content includes a plurality of content, and the computer-implemented method additionally comprises: obtaining each content of the plurality of content as electronic summarized content; and, packaging at least a portion of the plurality of the summarized content into the second electronic document, for rendering to the user, the second electronic document including multiple user-selectable content.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the packaging additionally comprises:

packaging one of more of: an electronic registration form, an activatable link to direct a browsing application to a destination over the communications network and an associated graphic, a text transcript of the at least one electronic content for display on the rendered electronic document, a visual equalizer for display on the rendered electronic document, a background image for display on the rendered electronic document, and a timer box for display on the rendered electronic document, into the second electronic document.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the packaging the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into a second electronic document for rendering to the browsing application of the user, is performed by a server, and the unique URL is mapped to the server.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the communications network includes one or more of the Internet, a wide area network (WAN) and a local area network (LAN).

13. A computer system for distributing summarized content over a communications network, comprising:

a storage medium for storing computer components; and,

at least one processor for executing the computer components, the computer components comprising:

a first computer component configured for obtaining at least one electronic content;

a second computer component configured for assigning a unique uniform resource locator (URL) to the at least one electronic content;

a third computer component configured for transmitting the unique URL to a distributor, for placement into a first electronic document accessible by a user;

a fourth computer component configured for receiving the unique URL from a transmission activated by the user, and,

a fifth component configured for responding to receiving the unique URL by packaging the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into a second electronic document for rendering to the browsing application of the user.

14. The computer system of claim 13, additionally comprising: a sixth component configured for rendering the second electronic document to the user.

15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the first electronic document includes at least one of an electronic communication, a web page, or a social media post.

16. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the electronic communication includes email and newsletters.

17. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the second electronic document includes a web page.

18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the player for the at least one electronic content includes a media player configured for playing at least one of audio media, video media, or both audio and video media.

19. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the at least one electronic content includes a summarized form of the at least one electronic content.

20. The computer system of claim 19, wherein the first computer component is additionally configured for obtaining the summarized form of the at least one electronic content by at least one of:

receiving content, summarizing the content into the summarized form, and if necessary, converting the summarized content to electronic summarized content; or,

receiving electronic summarized content from a source over the communications network.

21. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the at least one electronic content includes a plurality of content, and, the first computer component is additionally configured for: obtaining each content of the plurality of content as electronic summarized content; and, the fifth computer component is configured for packaging at least a portion of the plurality of the summarized content into the second electronic document, for rendering to the user, the second electronic document including multiple user-selectable content.

22. The computer system of claim 21, wherein the fifth computer component is additionally configured for packaging one of more of: an electronic registration form, an activatable link to direct a browsing application to a destination over the communications network and an associated graphic, a text transcript of the at least one electronic content for display on the rendered electronic document, a visual equalizer for display on the rendered electronic document, a background image for display on the rendered electronic document, and a timer box for display on the rendered electronic document, into the second electronic document.

23. A computer usable non -transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitable programmed system to distribute summarized content over a communications network, by performing the following steps when such program is executed on the system, the steps comprising:

obtaining at least one electronic content;

assigning a unique uniform resource locator (URL) to the at least one electronic content; transmitting the unique URL to a distributor, for placement into a first electronic document accessible by a user;

receiving the unique URL from a transmission activated by the user, and,

responding to receiving the unique URL by packaging the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into a second electronic document for rendering to the browsing application of the user.

24. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 23, wherein the steps additionally comprise: rendering the second electronic document to the user.

25. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 24, wherein the first electronic document includes at least one of an electronic communication, a web page, or a social media post.

26. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 25, wherein the electronic communication includes email and newsletters.

27. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 24, wherein the second electronic document includes a web page.

28. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 27, wherein the player for the at least one electronic content includes a media player configured for playing at least one of audio media, video media, or both audio and video media.

29. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 24, wherein the at least one electronic content includes a summarized form of the at least one electronic content.

30. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 29, wherein the steps for obtaining the summarized form of the at least one electronic content include at least one of: receiving content, summarizing the content into the summarized form, and if the received summarized content is not electronic, converting the received summarized content to electronic summarized content; or,

receiving electronic summarized content from a source over the communications network.

31. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 23, wherein the at least one electronic content includes a plurality of content, and the steps additionally comprise:

obtaining each content of the plurality of content as electronic summarized content;

packaging at least a portion of the plurality of the summarized content into the second electronic document, for rendering to the user, the second electronic document including multiple user-selectable content.

32. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 32, wherein the step of the packaging additionally comprises:

packaging one of more of: an electronic registration form, an activatable link to direct a browsing application to a destination over the communications network and an associated graphic, a text transcript of the at least one electronic content for display on the rendered electronic document, a visual equalizer for display on the rendered electronic document, a background image for display on the rendered electronic document, and a timer box for display on the rendered electronic document, into the second electronic document.

33. The computer usable non-transitory storage medium of claim 24, wherein the unique URL is mapped to a computer along the communications network which causes the packaging of the at least one electronic content assigned to the unique URL and a player for the at least one electronic content into the second electronic document.