Systems and methods for producing, managing, syndicating and distributing digital assets over a network in a micro-subscription based platform for use with sports devices

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system and method for producing, managing, syndicating and distributing sports course content for use with sports devices. The sports content distribution system includes a database storing sports content and data associated with content providers and application providers, and a platform server that is operable to facilitate the delivery of sports content to sports devices. The platform server is configured to deliver archived sports courses, receive a selection of one of the archived sports courses, transmit data representing the content of the selected archived sports course, receive performance data based on the activities of a first user, generate archived performance data for multiple other users, and dynamically update at least some of the synchronized archived user performance parameters in the ranking list and synchronized archived user performance parameters for display by the sports device. Subscription channels can support sports course products that are curated and priced in different ways, including accepting cryptocurrencies.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 16 / 359,972, filed on March 20, 2019, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT, SYNDICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL ASSETS THROUGHA NETWORK IN A MICRO-SUBSCRIPTION-BASED PLATFORM FOR USE WITH AN EXERCISE APPARATUS,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 646,273, filed on March 21, 2018, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT, SYNDICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL ASSETS THROUGH A NETWORK IN A MICRO-SUBSCRIPTION-BASED PLATFORM,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0003] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 16 / 359,969, filed on March 20, 2019, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THEPRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT, SYNDICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL ASSETS THROUGHA NETWORK IN A MICRO-SUBSCRIPTION-BASED PLATFORM,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 646,273, filed on March 21, 2018, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THEPRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT, SYNDICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL ASSETS THROUGHA NETWORK IN A MICRO-SUBSCRIPTION-BASED PLATFORM,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] This patent application claims the benefit or priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 646,273, filed on March 21, 2018, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT, SYNDICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL ASSETS THROUGHA NETWORK IN A MICRO-SUBSCRIPTION-BASED PLATFORM,” and is related to U.S. Patent No. 7,693,914, published on April 6, 2010, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT, SYNDICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL ASSETS THROUGHA NETWORK,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of production, management, syndication and distribution of digital assets, and more particularly to systems and methods for production, management, syndication and distribution of digital assets through a point-of-sale network that further distributes the assets to end users.

[0006] Digital assets (also referred to as "media assets") include electronically formatted content that contains digital data. Digital assets may include electronic files that contain digital data, such as audio, video, audio-video, multimedia, music, graphics, or any other type of media-related content. Digital assets can be stored and / or embodied in a variety of electronic formats. For example, an audio or music file may be stored in a WAV or WMA type format. As another example, a digital asset may be a promotional file or download produced or created by a record company or band. As another example, a digital asset may include digital content that is generated and / or live streamed to a user.

[0007] Digital assets are usually managed by one or more servers that can be accessed via a network such as the Internet or a wireless network. Content owners such as record companies can transmit digital assets to another party (e.g., end users) in a limited number of electronic formats through one or more service providers or systems, each of which can specifically handle one or a limited number of electronic formats. Content owners may also be interested in controlling the distribution and use of digital assets and monetizing them. In order to support and manage many or all possible electronic file formats that can be used to store and transmit digital assets, it is necessary for content owners or associated host servers or service providers to have a relatively large amount of processing and / or storage capacity, as well as suitable management software logic and systems for handling a wide range of electronic file formats and financial arrangements. Typically, the processing and / or storage capacity of this amount is very expensive and very time-consuming to maintain. In addition, there is no collection of all relevant skills and capabilities in a unified distribution system. It is necessary to limit the processing and / or storage capacity required for processing and distributing digital assets to consumers through the Internet or a wireless network. In addition, it is necessary to improve the system and method of the operational efficiency involved in the process of combining digital media assets with distribution networks and end users or consumers.

[0008] At least one system and method for controlling the use and distribution of digital works has been devised. However, the conventional system and method do not disclose how to handle the wide range of file formats available to network users. The conventional system and method lacks a metafile database that supports a variety of digital works and supports the association of such digital works with each other when the metafile indicates the association or grouping of such digital works with each other. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for processing and distributing digital assets in a wide range of electronic file formats over a network such as the Internet or a wireless network.

[0009] While the conventional system and method may be able to control and distribute digital works in some file formats over a network, the files controlled and distributed according to the present disclosure are always associated with a fee, a description of a fee, or an e-commerce transaction. Processing and distributing digital assets does not always require a fee, a description of a fee, or an e-commerce transaction. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for processing and distributing digital assets that are not associated with fees over a network such as the Internet or a wireless network.

[0010] The conventional systems and methods described above are limited to document publishing and digital rights management. Document publishing usually involves a printer or printer module. Digital rights management relies primarily on the perfection of e-commerce transactions for digital works (specifically, music or other electronic files purchased or accessible after payment).

[0011] Furthermore, these conventional systems and methods lack any effective reporting features or mechanisms for providing reports. While the systems and methods disclose a credit database, they lack any reports derived from the reporting database and metafiles supporting syndicated digital works. Thus, by using conventional systems and methods, content providers will lack effective management of digital asset distribution and will also be unable to focus on marketing efforts for their digital assets. Systems and methods are needed for management and reporting when distributing digital assets over a network such as the Internet or a wireless network.

[0012] One existing model for distributing digital assets is the "digital service provider" ("DSP") model. DSPs focus on licensing and sublicensing digital content owned by digital content owners. DSPs license and aggregate content or digital assets from digital content owners and distribute the content to end users through the sale or licensing of digital assets. This can be done, for example, through licensing individual digital items or through subscriptions that allow end users to access predetermined digital content for a fixed period of time.

[0013] One of the ways to protect this distribution from being used without authorization is by encrypting the content. A user needs a "key" to decrypt the digital information, and this "key" is provided to the user along with the license. This distribution method works well for certain business purposes (e.g., generating revenue from a specific type of digital content). However, because these DSPs are set up to only distribute specific types of digital content from which they can generate licensing revenue, these DSPs may not be able to perform all of the business functions that the content owner expects. For example, each piece of revenue-generating digital content (e.g., a specific audio track) can be associated with a lot of other digital materials in a variety of formats, some of which may help the content owner market and / or promote the revenue-generating digital content.

[0014] For example, the promotional content may include videos, screen savers, materials related to artists involved in the digital content, etc. The promotional content may also include the right to play the revenue-generating content for a limited time. The digital content owner may want to make the promotional distribution as widespread as possible without directly generating revenue from such distribution. Current DSPs are not adapted to perform this function. Their systems typically support the distribution of only a limited number of types of electronic files (e.g., audio or video in one or more selected formats).

[0015] Furthermore, because of their limited digital file distribution capabilities, they are also limited in the amount of information they can collect and / or send back to content owners regarding, for example, the demographics of the distribution of all digital content, including promotional content, not just revenue-generating content. Thus, there is a need for a system that can directly distribute all digital content associated with a particular folder or project to an owner of digital content in a "format agnostic" manner (i.e., without format restrictions). There is also a need for the ability to have data related to the demographics of the distribution of each of these types of files in the folders associated with the project on an individually collected basis.

[0016] Furthermore, there is a need to gather all of these capabilities into an integrated system so that the owner of digital content can have one entity focus on all of their requirements for digital distribution and information collection related to that distribution. Another type of service provider provides asset distribution to a series of websites. These service providers rarely provide the ability to customize the user experience involved in delivering media assets to end users on a per-website basis for distribution network members. Some service providers offer limited functionality related to this need. For example, they may allow the display of credit lines and logos as well as some visuals related to each specific point of sale in relation to the user experience. Such elements are usually featured in a pre-designed user interface environment.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that allows member sites in a distribution network to control various user interface elements related to assets they use via a service, and allows content owners to similarly control user interface elements related to their assets.

[0018] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for systems and methods for producing, managing, syndicating, and distributing digital assets over a network, such as the Internet or a wireless network.

[0019] At least one system and method has been designed for controlling delivery and ultimate billing in a digital distribution workflow. However, this conventional system relies on transactions using normal currency. As a result, this conventional system cannot accommodate a subscriber's secure long-term holding of a potentially discounted value of a service, nor can it facilitate a subscriber's upfront payment to a favorite content creator that would fund the content creator's work for several years while reducing or eliminating risk to the subscriber. Summary of the invention

[0020] The systems and methods of the present disclosure include systems, methods and use cases related to curating digital assets into unique micro-subscriptions, each with its own answering system, term and subscriber terms of service. The present disclosure enables end users to subscribe for access, listening and viewing of content in a specific micro-subscription answering system that has been provided, curated and priced by content owners, brands and merchants, answering and extending B2B2C (business to business to consumer) workflows as explicitly set forth in U.S. Patent No. 7,693,914, which establishes a unique operational workflow between content owners, commercial points of sale and consumers (or in the case of subscription offerings, "subscribers"), all in one efficient platform.

[0021] While on-demand subscription services have grown in popularity in recent years, the model is problematic for several stakeholders, namely, content creators and subscribers. For example, in music, despite the proliferation of full-catalog music labels in the market, and despite record labels receiving a larger share of the revenue generated by such subscriptions, many well-known artists and many music fans are not well served by the current model.

[0022] Digital files are typically transferred under a subscription in a 1-to-1 relationship, where a particular commercial outlet has aggregated a selected catalogue offered at a particular price, thereby representing a subscribing commercial outlet entity. Thus, the subscription price unlocks the catalogue available under one commercial outlet. While this has become a well-known standard, the model is inherently problematic for the various owners and creators of the catalogue, as it is well known that the per-play revenue they receive within such subscriptions is very low compared to the artist's past record revenues. For example, in the case of a well-known artist selling a large number of new albums at a fairly high retail price, the artist has realized that record revenues have been replaced by a small portion of revenue per song play in the currently prevailing subscription model, which has significantly reduced the artist's record revenues.

[0023] In addition, the conventional pricing of so-called "full catalog" releases (e.g., $9.99 per month in the United States) is expensive for some subscribers, while subscribing to more than they need. In fact, if all a subscriber wants to listen to is country music, and they still pay for all music genres, they can access 50MM to 60MM songs that they don't really need. In contrast, the average music subscriber only listens to 250-1,200 songs per month, and these songs are usually the same songs from the same favorite artist. Therefore, a service that enables subscribers to pay only for the music and artists they want will prove to be beneficial to subscribers. Such services can also increase the record revenue of artists and their record companies compared to the revenue obtained from full catalog services. For example, if an artist charges $1 per month for his dedicated streaming channel, it is equivalent to a 10% market share in the dominant monthly service full catalog $9.99. Usually no artist obtains such revenue from each subscriber from the full catalog commercial sales point. Furthermore, a record label that specializes in a specific sub-genre and is able to price its own micro-subscription at, say, $2.99 ​​per month will not achieve the same end (30% market share with a full catalog service) through the standard distribution system.

[0024] Where some commercial outlets have floated the idea that microsubscriptions are a business model worth exploring, they have faced a number of challenges in conceptualizing a successful and scalable model. A large, market-leading content provider delivers its catalog uniformly through a technology supply chain, so the commercial outlet gets each product at a uniform price without having to go through more granular specifications for microchannel placement and pricing. Second, commercial outlets tend to support a uniform subscriber interface (which, in the case of streaming on demand, typically involves a mobile app) without considering the unique curation, pricing and sales needs of any particular microsubscription offering, and importantly, how its activity is tracked and properly reported to stakeholders and paid on the back end. In practice, microchannel commercial outlets have typically focused on a single microchannel with one user experience and mobile app. In other cases, attention has been paid to user-generated channels (meaning that content is not licensed from and delivered by the content owner supply chain, but rather uploaded by the end user), without the flexibility to provide other curation concepts, such as, for example, cross-label genre channels, theme channels, and playlist channels.

[0025] This limitation of delivery pathways and methods creates several business challenges in the market, which the present disclosure is intended to address. By utilizing the present application to improve the inventor's original patent, U.S. Patent 7,693,914, a system and method are created that simplifies the management, production, syndication, and monetization of microchannel subscription plans in a uniquely novel, efficient, and scalable manner. The improvements provided by the present disclosure have been envisioned, which have the efficiencies listed above, and also focus on how the embodiments of the present patent solve challenges for multiple stakeholders.

[0026] By allowing content owners to independently or through cooperation to utilize unique distribution related to catalog planning, subscription duration and subscription price to plan subscription experience for specific core subscribers, content owners will improve their per-subscriber revenue. This proposal is valid for artists and for record companies, and can also promote the development of the central office of content owners, the concept of which is essentially additional. Over time, most subscribers can subscribe to 3 to 4 micro channels at a time, which can cause their total monthly expenses to be higher than $10. In addition, the ability of commercial sales points to deliver unique subscription benefits to the right target audience is improved by the ability to customize marketing for specific segments. This has been confirmed in some aspects by OTT video services, whereby subscribers can "break free" and pay for unique subscriptions to HBO, Netflix and other TV services. However, in those cases, in order to watch the works of multiple film and television companies today, subscribers must download and install and subscribe to each brand application separately. In contrast, the embodiments disclosed in this patent involve multiple and actually unlimited micro subscriptions (or "channels"), which can be used for individual subscriptions and are served via a centralized and unified OTT application using a set of credentials on all micro subscriptions.

[0027] At least one system and method has been designed to facilitate crowdfunding for content creators. However, such systems involve cash donations, so the project delivery period of the content provider is relatively short. In contrast, the present disclosure can support pre-funding of multiple years of work by hardcore fans, which alleviates concerns about multi-year service fees collected and hosted by the platform, thereby benefiting content providers, commercial points of sale, and subscribers. Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods for centrally, accurately, and comprehensively managing the issuance of large amounts of micropayment subscriptions, including enabling the use of cryptocurrency as a payment method to pre-fund content owners over a longer time frame than is typically the case.

[0028] An additional value-add provided in the case of support for tradable cryptocurrencies may be various "fan clubs" whereby owning a certain cryptocurrency class may provide a limited discount period on all or a limited number of micro-subscription channels. The value of such a club may be easily recognized by subscribers who intend to subscribe to enough micro-subscriptions over a period of time in order to quickly regain and benefit from the price of the fan club cryptocurrency class. In the case where such cryptocurrency classes can be traded as the norm in cryptocurrency issuance, the market may set higher valuations for the fan club price over time. Such secondary cryptocurrency classes within the envisioned platform may help enhance the sponsorship platform.

[0029] The present disclosure addresses the above needs. The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing, managing, and syndicating the distribution of digital assets through a point-of-sale network via the Internet and / or wireless networks. The present disclosure provides systems and methods for processing and distributing digital assets in a wide range of electronic file formats through a network such as the Internet or a wireless network. In addition, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for processing and distributing fee-independent digital assets through a network such as the Internet or a wireless network. In addition, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for managing and reporting when distributing digital assets through a network such as the Internet or a wireless network. In addition, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for managing the syndication and distribution process of various (free or for sale) media assets in a project-centric manner to address and supplement the business needs of both content owners and points of sale.

[0030] Generally speaking, systems and methods according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are used to produce, manage, and syndicate the distribution of digital assets through a point-of-sale network via the Internet and / or wireless telecommunications networks. More specifically, systems and methods according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are used to produce, manage, syndicate, and distribute various assets to a distribution network in a project-centric manner in a customizable manner that is controlled in some aspects by the content owner and in some aspects by the point of sale.

[0031] The system improves the efficiency in the operation process of making, managing, distributing, reporting and analyzing digital assets. In addition, the system is "project-centric" and "format-agnostic", and supports multiple different types of digital assets. The system provides publishing and distribution logic, which provides the ability to download, stream, process or otherwise accommodate digital assets on a project-centric basis, regardless of the type of asset. The system scans and processes files delivered via the Internet, including but not limited to Microsoft WMA, Microsoft WMA streaming media clips, WMV (video), electronic cards, flash cards, screen savers, MP3, AAC, aacPlus, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, MQA and / or other Internet delivery files. In addition, the system can process files delivered via telecommunication devices, which are telecommunication devices via networks such as wireless networks, including but not limited to VOX streams, MIDI ringtones, Java audio and video, Internet files, telecommunication-specific files and wireless device-specific files. This feature allows the system to adapt to multiple partners and client business models to support both Internet delivery and telecommunication media asset delivery. Finally, the system provides enhanced reporting capabilities for the use of digital assets processed by the present disclosure.

[0032] More specifically, the system allows one or more owners or managers of digital works to securely and efficiently distribute the digital works to multiple business partners (so-called distribution networks, or points of sale) and manage the use of the digital works, and ultimately to consumers of such businesses using computerized networks (such as the Internet, telecommunications networks, wireless networks or other similar systems).

[0033] Such management includes (i) publishing the digital work onto the distribution system, (ii) entering information associated with the digital work in a manner that uniquely facilitates efficient management of the digital work and its associated data, (iii) applying usage rights that are transmitted to receiving sales points and / or consumers (some of which remain embedded in the uploaded digital work using digital rights management applications from third parties), (iv) designating specific distribution pathways for the digital work, whereby selected sales points are selected to receive the work throughout the distribution network, and whereby each sales point may have certain unique usage rules specific to the same digital work, and whereby the user interface for delivering the digital work to consumers may differ uniquely depending on the sales point, and (v) monitoring activity associated with the digital work throughout the distribution life cycle and after the end date, and generating analytical data from the system that supports the business needs of the owners or managers of the digital work, as well as the business needs of the sales points that are members of the distribution network.

[0034] The present disclosure features a computer system with an IP database that is updated on a regular basis. When a particular user accesses the system, the user's IP address can be read and, based on the information stored in the database, a determination can be made as to which country the IP address is located. To a lesser extent, the user's country and / or postal code can also be derived from the IP address. This provides the system with a method for determining whether regional restrictions apply to a particular customer.

[0035] Rather than focusing on providing the most efficient form of distribution for a particular format of digital information, the network and infrastructure of the present disclosure focuses on the efficient management and delivery of all types of information, whether in digital download format, streaming format, or any other format.

[0036] The distribution of multiple files per project may be handled through a network of point-of-sale federations, which in turn provide the files to end users in the point-of-sale network. These points of sale may be a mix of points of sale, where no single point of sale supports all media formats in a product package. For example, one set of points of sale may handle the distribution of digital downloads, while another one or more points of sale may be used to distribute audio or video streams.

[0037] End user information can be collected with the aid of an "opt-in" survey. When accessing the survey, a small window is opened asking for the end user's email address. The end user is provided with the option to "opt-in" to an artist's mailing list, and / or a website's mailing list, and / or another "generic" mailing list. Birthdays and other information may also be requested to provide a "generic" demographic record that can be associated with future downloads to these specific consumers. This is valuable information for content owners in their marketing efforts. Surveys can be customized per asset and / or per point of sale.

[0038] In the case of encrypted assets, the opt-in survey may be followed by a license key template that includes usage rule information and other field metadata. This template may also be customized per asset and / or per point of sale. When encrypted, the asset expires (if usage rules are set to do so) and an expiration notice is displayed to the end user. This template may also be customized per asset and / or per point of sale.

[0039] The improved disclosure addresses the above needs.The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing, managing, syndicating, distributing and monetizing digital assets through a point-of-sale network over the Internet and / or wireless networks, wherein the digital assets are provided through multiple micro-subscription offerings.

[0040] The improved disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering reports from a data exchange center using all relevant data from the above processes to financial billing systems, customer service systems (CRM), technical reporting systems, sales and royalty reporting systems, quality assurance systems, middle-tier gateway providers, and any other systems specified by stakeholders such as merchants, mobile operators, ISPs, payment gateways, content owners, publishers, commercial points of sale, and other stakeholders, thereby receiving such data in a manner that supports business rules and decision-making rules for such stakeholders.

[0041] The improved disclosure improves the consumer experience by providing an operational process by which content owners and, in turn, commercial points of sale can manage consumer rights to multiple subscription offerings, each with a uniquely curated experience at a uniquely designed subscription price and subscription period. This information can also be used by relevant stakeholders to apply multiple business rules, practices, and policies, such as between them and subscribers or between the stakeholders themselves, all of which are related to multiple subscription model options. One of the novel aspects of the present disclosure is a structural platform that can be distributed in a unique manner and also supports business relationships between all stakeholders contained within one platform rather than separate and independent platforms. For example, the improved structured software platform may include curating micro-subscriptions for music catalogs from two or more content owners who agree on a monthly subscription price and then divide the revenue proportionally based on the number of plays per period.

[0042] Because the platform can support an "additive" model of hundreds (and ultimately an unlimited number) of micro-subscriptions, each containing its own unique response system to participating content owners and unique agreements with content owners on how to share revenue from each unique micro-subscription, the system supports managing these unique business rules per micro-channel; branding and marketing the channel based on guidance or actual work by the content providers and / or commercial outlets hosted by the micro-channel; and then reporting on plays and subscribers to stakeholders regularly, and remitting the correct payments to each stakeholder.

[0043] In addition to the new and novel business solutions that the described model supports for music artists and record companies, it can also serve other creative figures in adjacent content fields such as sports, fitness, movies and television. Anyone who has a reason to make subscribers occupy a unique media delivery subset can use this disclosure to improve the monetization of their assets using their core end users. For example, a fitness coach can plan unique and exclusive fitness courses in her / his personal brand channel and use the embodiments of this novel invention to provide them to end users. Another example is that a personal trainer who customizes audio, video and other formats for individual end users or subset groups of end users can use the embodiments of this patent to better maximize business opportunities. In such examples of additional use fields, additional inputs from end users can affect the services provided to end users by channels. For example, a stationary fitness bike can deliver end user sports performance data to the system, which then uses such personalized data to modify the service set (e.g., music) provided to end users by the described channels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a computing environment in which the present disclosure functions, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 is a data flow diagram of a computing environment for syndicated digital media distribution via a point-of-sale network.

[0046] Figure 3A , Figure 3B ,and Figure 3C is a flow chart illustrating a method for downloading digital assets for a customer via a point of sale in the syndicated distribution system of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D is a flow chart illustrating a method for obtaining permission to use a digital asset via a point of sale in a joint distribution system.

[0048] Figure 5 is a data flow diagram of a computing environment for distributing digital media according to the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an application server for distributing digital media according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 7 is a data flow diagram of a computing environment for distributing digital media using cryptocurrency according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig. 8A and Figure 8Bis a rear perspective view of an exemplary stationary bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C An exemplary user interface screen for a stationary bicycle is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig.10 An exemplary data flow for content creation and distribution for a stationary bike is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig.11 is an illustration of an exemplary network architecture for use with a stationary bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for synchronizing data between users participating in the same live or on-demand cycling class according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Fig.13 is an exemplary computing environment for distributing computer-generated media content according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Fig.14 is an exemplary content generation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The systems and methods described in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure provide for the production, management, association and distribution of digital assets through a network such as the Internet and / or a wireless network. The systems and methods allow for the efficient use of processing and / or storage capacity for processing and distributing digital assets through the Internet or a wireless network. In addition, the systems and methods are used to process and distribute digital assets in a wide range of electronic file formats through a network such as the Internet or a wireless network. In addition, the systems and methods are used to process and distribute cost-independent digital assets through a network such as the Internet or a wireless network. In addition, the systems and methods are used to manage and report when distributing digital assets through a network such as the Internet or a wireless network.

[0059] In addition, the system and method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure provide unified management of multiple micro-subscription issuances that can be grouped through one or more commercial sales points via a web page or mobile application, each such micro-subscription curating a specific digital asset for a unique and specific subscription arrangement. In addition, such subscription registrations can be obtained through e-commerce payment methods as well as PIN codes, vouchers, and cryptocurrencies.

[0060] For example, the system can be used to create, manage, and distribute digital assets, such as distributing promotional files or downloads for a client record company to other media companies, such as entertainment portals, retailers, or other related businesses. In addition, the system can be used to provide licensors and distributors with control over their digital assets and their distribution through a website interface. Finally, the system can be used to allow distributors to obtain their own promotional files or other digital assets from licensors and further prepare these assets for distribution to consumers, subscribers, or end users.

[0061] As used herein, "licensors" include entities that offer new digital assets such as media files, downloads, and promotions (also referred to as content owners). Licensors may impose specific user restrictions on the content of their digital assets, such as playback duration, number of playbacks, distribution type, and quality.

[0062] As used in this specification, a "distributor" includes an online store, an online music point of sale, a web portal, a connected sports device, a mobile application, or another entity that distributes digital assets. A distributor may also be referred to as a point of sale or a channel partner. Typically, a distributor may add a link to an associated website to allow consumers to purchase a product in conjunction with listening to, viewing, or otherwise accessing another digital asset, such as a coupon code, before purchasing.

[0063] As described herein, "consumer" and "subscriber" refer to the end user of the service, which consumes digital assets via multiple modes such as paid use, rental, subscription or obtaining rewards. As described herein, a "project" is a folder consisting of several or more "digital works" or digital assets. As described, "merchants" and "commercial sales points" include one or more sales points in the sales points of media assets that are engaged in selling media assets, selling subscriptions to media assets, renting media assets, using media assets as rewards, incentives and promotions, or otherwise utilizing media assets in various methods further defined herein. Thus, merchants are entities facing end users, consumers or subscribers of consuming media assets. For example, for example, merchants can be retailers, consumer brands, fitness companies, mobile operators, record companies, artists or fitness coaches.

[0064] The present disclosure includes methods and systems for providing digital assets of one or more content owners to a computer system accessible to a consumer. In one embodiment, the system and steps include creating a database of media assets in one or more formats, and organizing the database by items, each item being associated with a media asset in the database that relates to a selected attribute of the asset rather than the asset format. The content owner may also preset parameters related to media formats, pricing, subscriptions, and other product provisions (e.g., in response to communications from a computer system). A point of sale database may be created that includes acceptable media formats, pricing, and other product provisions. Response parameters may include acceptable media formats, pricing, and other product provisions. A consumer may request media assets for a selected item, which may then be transmitted in a format acceptable to the content owner. The media assets of the selected item are transmitted to the consumer's computer system in a format acceptable to the consumer (or an application on the consumer's device) selected from the selected media assets.

[0065] In some embodiments, methods and systems provide digital assets of one or more content owners to computer systems of one or more commercial points of sale for further distribution to computer systems of consumers associated with the commercial points of sale. The systems and processes include the following steps: (a) creating a database of media assets in one or more formats, (b) organizing the database by items, each item being associated with a media asset in the database that relates to a selected attribute of the asset; (c) creating a point of sale database including acceptable media formats, pricing, subscription models, and other provisions for the commercial point of sale, subject to preset parameters set by content owners and commercial points of sale related to media formats, pricing, and other product provisions acceptable to the communicating commercial point of sale, (d) selecting media assets in response to parameters controlled by the communicating commercial point of sale, including acceptable media formats, pricing, and other product provisions, and (e) influencing, customizing, and / or changing the delivered media based on real-time data and / or stored data provided by individual end users and / or end-user devices, where applicable. There is responsive communication with a computer system of a consumer of the commercial point of sale requesting media assets for the selected items. The media assets are transmitted to the commercial point of sale in a format acceptable to both the content owner and the commercial point of sale.The media assets of the selected item are transmitted to the consumer's computer system in a format acceptable to the consumer selected from the media assets selected in step (d).

[0066] See now Figure 1, an exemplary computing environment in which the present disclosure may be implemented will now be described. The computing environment includes at least one content management server 102, which typically belongs to or is controlled by an entity that creates, owns, and / or is a licensor of the media assets to be distributed. Content and / or related content and data may be hosted in one or more content host servers 103. For example, promotional materials for a record album owned by a content owner may be hosted on a server of a service organization that produces the promotional materials on behalf of the content owner.

[0067] One or more application service provider (ASP) servers 101 are also provided for hosting the software platform of the present disclosure. Although application servers are shown, it should be understood that the software platform can reside on any computing system that is appropriately linked to the rest of the system elements. The computing environment also includes one or more point of sale servers 104 and remote devices 105. The remote devices 105 include end-user computing devices that are operable to interact with one or more of the point of sale joint servers 104 and may include computers, portable devices (including mobile smart phones), wearable devices, televisions, smart speakers, or other devices to which media assets can be distributed (e.g., cars, sports equipment).

[0068] Communication between the various components of the system may occur via a communication network 100 (such as the Internet). It should be understood that any communication network (e.g., wired network, wireless network, cellular network, wide area network, local area network) and communication path (e.g., Bluetooth connection) suitable for facilitating communication between components as described herein may be used.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 , will now be described according to one or more embodiments Figure 1 1. The platform 200 (e.g., a software platform running on the ASP server 101) manages communications between owners and / or licensors 201 of digital assets (e.g., via the content management server 102) and their corresponding content hosts 202 (e.g., via the content host server 103), on the one hand, and point of sale 203 networks (e.g., point of sale servers 104). The point of sale 203 communicates with a plurality of end users 204, such as consumers, subscribers, or end users (e.g., via remote devices 104 over a communications network).

[0070] As shown, the respective owners and / or licensors 201 may communicate with their content hosts 202 via the platform 200. It should be understood that the owners and / or licensors 201 may also communicate with the content hosts 202 directly, over a network, or over other communication paths, for purposes not directly related to the present disclosure, such as communications related to promotional materials developed, for example, by an external developer, who may also be the content host 202. Two-way communications may also occur between the owners and / or licensors 201 and the platform 200, and / or between the content hosts 202 and the platform 200. Two-way communications between the platform 200 and the point of sale 203 are also available, and the platform 200 may communicate with consumers via the point of sale 203.

[0071] from Figure 2 As can be seen, distribution of media assets originating from owners and / or licensors 201 and / or content hosts 202 can be distributed to consumers, subscribers or other end users 204 via a joint network of points of sale 203, which in turn provide interfaces such as mobile applications and websites for end users, consumers or distributors to access and consume digital assets.

[0072] Now refer to Figure 3A-3D An embodiment of a process for delivering digital assets to end users (including consumers and subscribers) is explained. Figure 3A , when an end user requests one or more digital assets through a media point of sale 203 (see Figure 2 ), begins the process of delivering one or more digital assets to the end user 204. In various embodiments, the end user may request to download a digital asset (e.g., a music file), access a subscription, access a digital media stream, create personalized digital content, or initiate another digital asset request.

[0073] Platform 200 first obtains identification information of end-user and / or end-user device. In the illustrated embodiment, platform 200 obtains the Internet Protocol address (IP address) of end-user device, information stored in one or more cookies and / or subscriber credentials of application in box 301. With respect to mobile application ("app"), platform can obtain mobile application ID and subscriber credentials. In box 302, it is then determined whether there are regional restrictions for each requested digital media asset. For example, content owners may expect specific media assets to be distributed in the United States, rather than in any country in Europe or Asia. Information about regional restrictions can be provided to platform 200 by media owners or operators and stored in a database associated with media assets before distribution. If there are such regional restrictions for the requested media assets, control is passed to box 303, where platform 200 checks the IP database and / or country code from the end-user payment table to match and verify the address of the consumer with the previous information (e.g., third-party GeoIP data) connected to the consumer with the IP address, which helps determine the location of the end-user.

[0074] In block 304, a determination is made as to whether the IP address of the requesting consumer is a "restricted" address, i.e., it is assigned to a geographic location outside of the geographic location in which the media owner wishes to distribute the media asset. If the IP address is "restricted," the process passes to block 305, where a notification is sent to the consumer indicating that the requested media asset is not available in the consumer's geographic location.

[0075] Returning to block 302, if the media owner has not imposed a regional restriction on the requested media asset, the platform proceeds to block 306. Similarly, if the consumer's IP address is not a "restricted" address (as determined in block 304), the platform also proceeds to block 306. In block 306, a determination is made as to whether a record of the consumer requesting the media asset exists in the IP database. If so, any necessary updates are made to the consumer's stored record related to the current transaction, and the process proceeds to Figure 3B On the other hand, if there is no record currently in the platform for the particular consumer, the consumer is recorded and his cookie is stored. The program then proceeds to Figure 3B Frame 309.

[0076] exist Figure 3B In block 309, it is determined whether the project file containing the digital asset requested by the consumer has been deleted. If the project file containing the digital asset requested by the consumer has been deleted, then proceed to block 311, where the occurrence of the download failure is recorded to the system. In block 311, an error message is returned to the consumer indicating that the download failed.

[0077] Returning to block 309, if the point of sale item file has not been deleted, the program proceeds to block 312 where it is determined whether the point of sale item file has been archived (i.e., no longer actively available on the system). The point of sale item file may contain information such as user interface data that is applicable to the particular point of sale serving the consumer. If the point of sale item file has been archived, the download failure is recorded in block 313, and the consumer is notified of the download failure in block 314.

[0078] If the point-of-sale item file has not been archived in block 312, then proceed to block 315 where a determination is made as to whether the appropriate point-of-sale item file has been archived (i.e., is no longer actively available on the system). The point-of-sale item file contains the media asset requested by the consumer. If the appropriate point-of-sale item file has been archived (i.e., is no longer actively available on the system), then the download failure is recorded in block 316 and the consumer is notified of the download failure in block 317.

[0079] If the Point of Sale Project File has not yet been filed, the process proceeds to Figure 3C The survey template is then determined to be applicable in box 318. Such a survey template may involve a request for consumer information associated with a specific item or a specific point of sale serving the consumer. If the survey template is applicable, the survey software is launched in box 319, and the consumer submits the survey form with the required information in box 320.

[0080] In block 321, a determination is made as to whether the consumer has completed the questionnaire correctly (i.e., whether it is a "valid" form). If the questionnaire is not "valid," block 322 is entered where the questionnaire is redisplayed to the consumer along with an error message requesting correction, and the process returns to block 320 where the consumer resubmits the questionnaire. When the questionnaire is validly submitted (valid information is provided by the consumer), the data collected by the survey is saved in block 323, and the media assets requested by the consumer are downloaded to the consumer by the appropriate point of sale using a user interface appropriate for that particular point of sale.

[0081] Returning to block 318, if there is no survey template associated with the particular project and / or point of sale being used, then block 324 is entered directly and the consumer obtains the digital asset download or stream from the appropriate point of sale using a user interface appropriate for that particular point of sale. Conversely, in some services for other points of sale, the consumer or subscriber arrives at Figure 3DInstead of the consumer arriving at block 318 from block 315, a determination is made as to which subscription or subscriptions the consumer has active on the platform associated with the point of sale interface in which the consumer is located. For example, a consumer operating an athletic device may subscribe to fitness content (e.g., audio, video, and other data associated with a fitness class) accessed through the athletic device through the point of sale interface.

[0082] If the consumer does not have a valid subscription, it may be notified to proceed to box 326 where it may subscribe to one or more channels via a website or application. Activating a channel may be accomplished in a variety of ways in box 327, depending on the point of sale and channel being accessed. For example, activation may be accomplished via (i) monetary payment, (ii) gift card redemption, (iii) reward PIN redemption, or (iv) cryptocurrency or token purchase or redemption. Once the subscriber is authenticated in box 328, the course is stored on the system in box 330, and the subscriber proceeds to box 331. If the authentication process fails in box 328, the subscriber is redirected in box 329 to repair its data and retry activation. Returning to box 325, if the subscriber's record shows that it is in good standing with a valid streaming service or channel containing the desired track, it proceeds directly to streaming or downloading the track in box 331.

[0083] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D Concerning situations where a media asset requested by a consumer is to be provided in encrypted form, and / or the owner or licensor of the media asset wishes to impose specific restrictions on the consumer's use of a particular media asset, such as limiting the use to a time period selected by the owner / licensor. This may be useful, for example, in situations where a record label is promoting an album and wishes to download one or more tracks from the album on a "complementary" basis to promote the album, but wishes the license to expire after a fixed time period (e.g., thirty (30) days). Additional usage rules may be available within various DRM software for promotional purposes, as well as commercial uses and / or e-commerce purposes. For example, in some cases, media assets are provided under a rental agreement (such as a movie rented for a 48-hour viewing window). In other cases, the process may be useful when the "license" is actually an encrypted component of the media asset that may or may not be unlocked, but the pre-encrypted rights component in the file is accurately tracked at any rate, thereby allowing a cryptocurrency system to track media asset transactions to the benefit of its owners and stakeholders, as may be tracked by a third party or by the system itself.

[0084] See also Figure 4A The licensing process is Figure 4ABeginning at block 401 of , it is determined here whether the survey template is applicable on a pre-licensing basis. That is, the consumer is required to complete the survey as a requirement to receive the license. Such a survey may provide valuable demographic and / or marketing information to the owner or licensor of the media asset or to the point of sale. Thus, providing a "free" license for a limited time period may serve as an incentive for the consumer to take the time to complete the requested survey. In other cases, the survey merely collects the end user's credentials as a cryptocurrency user, enabling transactions to be made via file decryption of a decentralized network that thus tracks activity attributed to its ledger (such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and other similar networks).

[0085] If the survey is applicable, enter Figure 4A The consumer enters the questionnaire at box 402 and starts the survey software. In box 403, the consumer submits the questionnaire, and in box 404, the validity of the information provided by the consumer is checked. If the consumer has made an error, box 405 is entered, where the survey is redisplayed to the consumer along with the error message, and the program returns to box 403, where the consumer resubmits the questionnaire. If the survey information is "valid", the submitted information is saved in box 406, and the platform obtains the consumer's IP address, appropriate cookies, appropriate application ID, and / or appropriate cryptocurrency consumption ID or transaction ID in box 407.

[0086] return Figure 4A If the survey template is not applicable on a pre-permit basis, proceed directly to box 401 of Figure 4A Box 407. From Figure 4A Starting from block 407, the program proceeds to Figure 4B The process proceeds to block 408 where it is determined whether there are regional restrictions on the distribution of the requested media asset. If there are regional restrictions on the distribution of the requested media asset, block 409 is entered and the IP address of the IP database is checked for a match and verification with the IP address provided by the requesting consumer. For clarity, in different iterations of the system, regional restriction checks may be performed at different stages of the workflow.

[0087] In block 410, a determination is made as to whether the IP address is restricted (i.e., assigned to a region other than the region for which the owner or licensor of the media asset has granted licenses). If the IP address is restricted, the consumer is notified of this in block 411. If the IP address is not restricted, or if there are no regional restrictions (e.g., Figure 4BIf the consumer record is not present, as determined in block 408 of FIG. 4, the program proceeds to block 412. In block 412, it is determined whether a record for the consumer exists in the platform. If the record does exist, the record is updated with the saved data from the survey that the consumer may have just completed. If a consumer record does not exist, block 414 is entered and the consumer is recorded, and then the appropriate cookie for the consumer is saved in block 415.

[0088] In either case, the next step in the process is block 416 where it is determined whether the point of sale item file record has been deleted. If the point of sale item file record has been deleted, then the licensing failure is recorded in block 418 and an error message is returned to the consumer in block 419, and the licensing sequence is terminated. If the point of sale item file record has not been deleted, then the process proceeds to block 419. Figure 4B 417 where the data fields are retrieved from the point of sale item file record. The program then proceeds to Figure 4C Block 420 where the end date of the license (if any) is calculated.

[0089] Next, in block 421, a determination is made as to whether the current date is later than the end date of the license period required by the owner or licensor of the media asset. For example, the license may be provided for a fixed period of time prior to or concurrent with the release date of the album associated with the licensed digital asset. If the end date has "past", the failure is logged in block 425, and the consumer is notified in block 426. If the end date of the license has not "past", block 422 is entered where a determination is made as to whether the current date is prior to the start date of the license period determined by the owner or licensor of the digital media asset required by the consumer.

[0090] If the current date is not before the start date of the license, then block 423 is entered where a determination is made as to whether the point of sale through which the consumer requested the license has been archived (i.e., is no longer valid on the system). If the point of sale item file has not been archived, then block 424 is entered where a determination is made as to whether the point of sale item file in which the desired media asset exists has been archived (i.e., is no longer valid on the system), and the process proceeds to Figure 4D Box 427.

[0091] If the current date is before the start date of the license for the digital media asset requested by the consumer (as determined in box 422), and / or the point of sale through which the license was requested has been archived (as determined in box 423), and / or the point of sale project file in which one or more digital media assets exist has been archived (as determined in box 424), an appropriate failure of the license issuance process is recorded in box 425 and the consumer who requested a license to use the digital media asset is notified in box 426.

[0092] See also Figure 4D At block 427, the correct license is generated for the consumer, point of sale, and / or item. As shown in block 428, the license information contains the URL of the requested digital media asset. It may also be included in a referenceable smart contract that accompanies the applicable cryptographic-based transaction. Next, at block 429, the appropriate rights are retrieved from the service database and / or cryptographic network for the specific point of sale item file associated with the download or stream requested by the consumer. Finally, at block 430, the license is delivered and there is an option to display a template with an appropriate user interface format based on the point of sale identification and item identification and full metadata to the consumer.

[0093] refer to Figure 5 , shows an exemplary data flow diagram of a computing environment for distributing media assets by a contemplated B2B2C system. In a row of boxes labeled 500, multiple content owners providing media assets to a distribution platform are shown in box 501.

[0094] The content owner may include various commercial attributes submitted by it, such as, on a per-media asset basis, (i) its regional tag for the country where the media asset can be used, (ii) for each such country or region, the price at which the product is sold in local currency and value, (iii) its permission for the product to be included in the subscription in the region, and other content, pricing and distribution information. In some cases, the content owner may specify unique commercial attributes for only one or a few sales points in the distribution platform, while the remaining sales points receive different attribute groups. For example, the content owner may decide that a specific media asset should be sold only at sales point 3 one week before it can be used for all other sales points (a concept called "windowing"), and may also provide a cost discount for sales point 3 during that week. Other manageable parameters include, but are not limited to, DRM terms, cryptocurrency terms, suggested retail prices (SRPs), and start and end dates for various attributes. As illustrated in box 501, embodiments of the present invention support the management of these precise changes, thereby supporting correct data relationships to allow decisions to be easily entered into the management portal of the platform.

[0095] Block 502 shows how media assets are exposed and provided to multiple commercial points of sale. The point of sale can utilize the media asset database created in block 501 to create end-user offerings, from websites selling downloads to mobile applications selling streaming subscriptions, and any other possibilities allowed by the business rules agreed to by the content owner. The point of sale can view the usage rules provided to the point of sale based on the catalog owner and product, and model the point of sale's end-user offering accordingly, which can be a download model, a streaming subscription model, or any other model. The point of sale controls its end-user experience, pricing, and catalog curation.

[0096] The systems and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in a website operated via the Internet or another network, such as a wireless network. Figure 6 600 that implements an embodiment of the distribution platform of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the application server facilitates a website executed on a processor-based platform such as a network server that can be hosted by a system administrator or another management entity. The system may include one or more processors 602, a memory component 604, and a database 620. The platform may include software instructions stored in the memory 604 for execution by the processor 602, including various logical components and processes as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the platform includes an enabling engine or production module 610, a front-end server and management server 612, an encoder, a digital rights management module 614 (which may include using a decentralized network to facilitate cryptographic-based currency and token transactions), a media server 614 (e.g., Windows Media Server), a download manager module and a streaming manager module 614, and a reporting or monitoring module 614.

[0097] According to the present disclosure, the platform can be configured with an enabling engine 610 to facilitate the production, hosting and delivery of digital assets. The platform is further configured to produce, manage and monitor one or more online promotions, sales plans and subscription plans for one or more partners, so that the partners can expose and deliver digital assets or content to one or more end users or consumers. Finally, the platform is configured to generate detailed reports of all activities involving production, hosting, and delivery of digital assets, including (e.g., through a reporting / monitoring module 614) production, management and monitoring of one or more online promotions, sales or subscription plans involving digital assets. Each module of the platform is protected and ensures that users can safely access each of the production module, management module, and monitoring module.

[0098] The database 620 and the management module (e.g., implemented in the management server 612) are configured to host digital assets such as media files, deliver digital assets, and manage the licenses provided for the digital assets in a separate manner. For example, the database 620 or the management module may provide only licensing and reporting services, whereby a particular distributor may host a particular digital asset on its own server and deliver the files independently.

[0099] The enabling engine or production module 610 may include functionality to control and monitor bandwidth, download rates, streaming, and maximum volume caps for all or a portion of the digital assets managed by the present disclosure. This functionality provides fine-grained control over budget constraints that may be imposed on associated clients and any related digital assets.

[0100] The method of the present disclosure may include pricing provisions where the price to a merchant for a particular content owner's catalog or a subset thereof is a percentage of the merchant's total revenue from on-demand or from subscription sales revenue. The method includes delivering digital content structured as a B2B2C (business-to-business-to-consumer) ecosystem between content owners (B) and commercial points of sale (B) and subscribers (C). The platform disclosed herein provides a single platform between B2B2C, which allows for individual control of availability dates and pricing specifications for multiple merchants and / or subscription points of sale or channels through a single visit to each stakeholder.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 7 Describe the embodiment of the operation of the content distribution environment according to one or more embodiments of the present application. The content distribution environment includes a distribution platform 720, which can be implemented as a network server as described above. The distribution platform 720 facilitates the delivery of digital content (such as media assets 742) to users 702. The user 702 operates an end-user device 704, such as a mobile phone including a client application 706, which facilitates communication with a merchant application 732 hosted by a merchant on a merchant server 730. For example, in one embodiment, the client application 706 can allow the user 702 to play music, and the merchant application 732 can include a store that allows users to access music files hosted by the distribution platform 720. In another example, the end-user device 704 can be associated with a sports device (e.g., a fixed bicycle, a treadmill), and the client application 706 provides an interface for accessing sports-related content through a merchant server 730. Sports-related content can include fully produced content, such as pre-recorded audio and / or video content, and / or can be combined with audio and / or video components customized in real time based on certain data provided by the end user and / or sports device.

[0102] In some embodiments, user-generated content may be added to the service and organized with content provided by content owners in any media access and / or selected subscription plans. Delivery of digital content to the platform may be facilitated via multiple supply chain platforms for delivering content directly to end users through commercial points of sale and / or applications. User-generated content may be added by client applications 706, merchant applications 732, and / or content hosts 750. Merchant servers 730 may facilitate one (or more) client applications (e.g., client application 706), and mobile applications may represent single or multiple commercial points of sale.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, content provider 740 provides access to media assets 742 through content host 750. Content host 750 includes a database 752 for storing and accessing media assets 754. Content provider 750 manages access to media assets 754 through distribution platform 720, which includes a database 722 storing content data 724 and subscription data 726. Subscription data 726 organizes media assets into unique subscription models, whereby multiple subscription plans can be made, syndicated, and managed on distribution platform 720. Each such subscription offer may include one or more subscription periods (i.e., daily, weekly, monthly, annual, 5-year term, etc.), wherein each such period has its own subscription price, and wherein the commercial point of sale (e.g., through merchant server 730) is essentially a subscription channel. The subscription price may be stated in currency or any type of reward code (i.e., stored value, coupon code, prepaid). A separate "discount club" membership may be offered that covers some or all of the micro-channels in the service and features a steady percentage discount (a certain cup) on selected channels; and whereby the discount club may be sold via credit card or cryptocurrency.

[0104] In various embodiments, multiple micro-subscriptions may be offered by a particular commercial point of sale via a unified OTT / mobile application or webpage, with each such micro-subscription channel enabling its own branding, pricing, and content curation. A distribution platform may offer one or more micro-subscriptions via an API service for embedding into one or more commercial point of sale's own OTT / mobile application or webpage.

[0105] The illustrated environment can also promote cryptocurrency value exchange. In one embodiment, cryptocurrency can be used to trade the value associated with the subscription price, enabling subscription and / or promoting a subscription model via cryptocurrency purchase, in which cryptocurrency tokens (e.g., tokens 708) are provided to users 702 together with the subscription. The cryptocurrency supporting each micro-channel subscription issuance may include unique cryptocurrency and tokens (or coins). In a system where a distribution platform 720 performs value exchange transactions for such coins, the sale of a specific token may overlap with the sale of a subscription cycle balance in a specific micro-subscription, and the distribution platform may include a cryptocurrency engine 727 and cryptocurrency data 728 stored in a database 722.

[0106] The value of micro-subscription issuance can be gated by various content-related parameters, such as, for example, the amount of digital data, the selective song playback per cycle, or the total length of time listened to per cycle (e.g., so-called "metering"). Channels can also accept content from end users. The content uploaded to the micro-subscription channel can be uploaded in whole or in part by end users / subscribers, for example, so-called user-generated content. Micro-subscriptions provide one or more subscriber experiences, such as streaming on demand, on-demand downloads, limited downloads, cable downloads, non-interactive streaming, or any higher quality experience thereof. The value of the subscription channel during the cycle can be maintained in a specific cryptocurrency coin that the end users can trade with each other directly or via cryptocurrency trading sites and platforms, so that the balance of the subscription period of a specific micro-channel can be traded at the current value regardless of the value paid in the past purchase.

[0107] In some embodiments, subscriptions may be supported by tradable cryptocurrencies that provide the benefits of a "fan club". For example, fans of an artist may provide funding for the artist on a subscription or prepaid subscription basis for a long term, and receive benefits in the form of cryptocurrencies. And as another example, fans of a fitness trainer may provide funding for their trainer on a subscription or prepaid subscription basis for a long term, and similarly receive benefits in the form of cryptocurrencies. For example, owning a certain cryptocurrency class may provide a limited discount period across all or a limited number of micro-subscription channels in a micro-subscription channel. The value of such a club may be easily recognized by subscribers who intend to subscribe to enough micro-subscriptions over a period of time in order to quickly regain and benefit from the price of the fan club cryptocurrency class. In the case where such cryptocurrency classes can be traded as a norm in cryptocurrency issuance, the market may set higher valuations for the price of the fan club over time. Such secondary cryptocurrency classes within the envisioned platform may help enhance the sponsorship platform, as well as help each channel stakeholder (such as the artist and the fitness trainer) increase the necessary resources to further develop content for their fans and invest in related content and infrastructure.

[0108] The platform may also provide an escrow service for the monetary value provided by the crypto-coin exchange, wherein the content owners in the channel receive escrow funds based on the delivery of milestones that they listed for subscribers in their smart contracts when they initially sold the crypto-distribution. For example, content providers 740 may provide prepaid subscriptions for future content. Content providers 740 may be, for example, musicians who provide prepaid subscriptions to fund the creation of music content, or private coaches who provide sports-related content to users of sports equipment. In some cases, content may be customized for end users based on historical performance data sets available on merchant servers and / or based on end user device data provided in real time during the end user's sports.

[0109] The user 702 can use the client application 706 to access the application 732 on the merchant server 730 to purchase the prepaid subscription. The user 702 can submit a payment 706 (e.g., a credit card payment, a cryptocurrency) through the distribution platform 720, which updates the subscription data 726 to associate the user 702 with the prepaid subscription. The distribution platform 720 can also transmit a token 708 to the end-user device 704, which can be used by the user 702 as described above. After the content provider 740 creates the media asset 742 (e.g., a music album), the media asset 742 can be provided to the content host 750. The media asset 742 is now available to users who meet certain access requirements, such as users with prepaid subscriptions, through the distribution platform 720. The user 702 can use the client application 706 to download or otherwise access the media asset 710 from the distribution platform 720. In some cases, the end user streams the provided content. In other cases, the provided content may be customized in a dynamic and real-time or near real-time rendering manner based on data input from the end-user's athletic device that is related in whole or in part to the end-user's athletic performance.

[0110] Example: Content distribution for sports devices

[0111] See Figure 8 to Fig.12 , exemplary embodiments for facilitating the distribution of exercise-related content will now be described. Embodiments of the present disclosure allow for efficient management of digital content, including the creation of multiple channels for distribution and payment models. The systems and methods disclosed herein provide numerous advantages to media consumers, content creators, and merchants in a variety of applications.

[0112] In various embodiments, merchants can access distribution platforms to promote the delivery and monetization of digital content. Merchants can plan one or more digital content channels for different end-user scenarios, and set pricing and distribution restrictions for channels. For example, merchants can sell sports devices including displays and audio speakers for playing video and audio content. Merchants can provide digital content for users of merchant sports equipment, such as digital content associated with sports classes guided by coaches. By using local applications associated with sports devices, users can access digital content from distribution platforms. Local applications can be associated with merchants and / or users, thereby allowing distribution platforms to provide digital content associated with sports devices and / or users. In this way, targeted digital content options can be provided to users, and merchants can control the distribution of digital content to their sports device users to ensure high-quality user experience.

[0113] The distribution platform also benefits content creators by promoting content distribution and monetization. For example, a sports coach can provide additional content through his own channel and charge users access fees on a per-use, subscription or other basis. Through local applications associated with sports devices, users can hire sports coaches through the distribution platform to ensure individual guidance, personal training, classroom teaching and other sports experiences. The coach can establish one or more coach content channels and establish subscriptions and other payment models on the distribution platform. In some embodiments, the coach and the merchant are associated through the distribution platform, thereby allowing the coach to distribute content through the merchant channel in a manner that may include a revenue sharing model.

[0114] See generally Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , various embodiments of exercise devices will now be described. Although the embodiments show examples with stationary bikes, exercise classes, and other exercise-related content, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented using other exercise equipment and / or other content creation and delivery applications.

[0115] In various embodiments, the local system 800 includes a stationary bicycle 802 with integrated or connected digital hardware, which includes at least one display screen 804. The stationary bicycle 802 may include a frame 806, a handlebar stem 808 supporting a handlebar 810, a seat stem 812 supporting a seat 814, a rear support 816, and a front support 818. Pedals 820 are used to drive a wheel 822 via a belt, chain, or other drive mechanism. The wheel 822 may be a heavy metal disk or other suitable mechanism. In various exemplary embodiments, a resistance adjustment knob 824 may be used to adjust the force required on the pedal to rotate the wheel 822. The resistance adjustment knob may directly or indirectly control a device that increases or decreases the resistance to rotation of the wheel. For example, rotating the resistance adjustment knob clockwise may cause a set of magnets 826 to move relative to the wheel, thereby increasing its resistance to rotation and increasing the force that the user must apply to the pedal to rotate the wheel.

[0116] The stationary bicycle 802 may also include various features that allow for adjustment of the position of the seat 814, handlebars 810, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, the display screen 804 may be mounted in front of the user in front of the handlebars. Such a display screen may include a hinge 828 or other mechanism to allow for adjustment of the position or orientation of the display screen relative to the rider.

[0117] The digital hardware associated with the stationary bicycle 802 may be connected to the stationary bicycle 802 or integrated with the stationary bicycle, or it may be remotely and wirelessly connected to the stationary bicycle. The display screen 804 may be attached to the stationary bicycle or it may be installed separately, but should be positioned in the sight of the person using the stationary bicycle. The digital hardware may include digital storage, processing and communication hardware, software and / or one or more media input / output devices, such as display screens, cameras, microphones, keyboards, touch screens, headsets and / or audio speakers. In various exemplary embodiments, these components may be integrated with the stationary bicycle. All communications between and among such components may be multi-channel, multi-directional and wireless or wired communications using any appropriate protocol or technology. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include an associated mobile web-based application that provides access to accounts, performances and other relevant information to users from local or remote personal computers, laptops, mobile devices or any other digital devices.

[0118] In various exemplary embodiments, the stationary bicycle 802 may be equipped with various sensors that can measure a range of performance metrics of the stationary bicycle and the rider instantaneously and / or over time. For example, the stationary bicycle may include a power measurement sensor such as a magnetic resistance power measurement sensor, or an eddy current power monitoring system that provides continuous power measurement during use. The stationary bicycle may also include a wide range of other sensors for measuring speed, pedal cadence, wheel rotation speed, etc. The stationary bicycle may also include sensors for measuring the rider's heart rate, breathing, hydration, or any other physical characteristic. Such sensors may communicate with a storage and processing system on, near, or at a remote location on the bicycle using a wired or wireless connection.

[0119] Hardware and software may be provided within the sensor or in a separate package to calculate and store a wide range of performance information. Relevant performance metrics that may be measured or calculated include distance, speed, resistance, power, total work, pedal cadence, heart rate, respiration, hydration, calorie expenditure, and / or any custom performance score that may be developed. Where appropriate, such performance metrics may be calculated as current / instantaneous values, maximums, minimums, averages, or sums over time, or using any other statistical analysis. Trends may also be determined, stored, and displayed to the user, coach, and / or other users. A user interface may be provided for the user to control the language, units, and other characteristics of the various information displayed.

[0120] In various exemplary embodiments, the stationary bicycle 802 may be equipped with one or more large display screens 804, cameras, microphones, and speakers or other audio outputs. The display screen 804 may be mounted directly to the stationary bicycle 802 or otherwise placed within the user's viewing area. In various exemplary embodiments, at least one display screen is integrated into or attached to the stationary bicycle and is positioned approximately centrally on the handlebars 810 of the stationary bicycle, as shown. Various mechanisms may be used to allow the user to customize the position of the display screen.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, the display screen 804 may be attached to the stationary bicycle 802 via a curved structure extending upward and forward from the front bar of the frame 806. The curved structure may include a slot or hole extending therethrough and along a portion of the length of the curved structure. A mounting post or similar structure on the display screen may be attached to the curved structure, such as by a pin that passes through the mounting post or structure and the curved structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin may have a mechanism, such as a thread, that allows the pin to be tightened to hold and lock the mounting post or structure in a particular location and position.

[0122] The display screen 804 may be driven by a user input device such as a touch screen, mouse, or other device. In various exemplary embodiments, the touch screen display is mounted on a stationary bicycle, typically centered between and directly below the handlebars. The display screen may be any size, but is preferably large enough and oriented to allow display of a range of information, including one or more video streams, a range of performance metrics for the user and others, and a range of different controls.

[0123] In various exemplary embodiments, a user may use a touch screen or other interface to selectively present a range of different information on the screen, including live and / or archived video, performance data, and other user and system information. The user interface may provide a wide range of control windows and information windows that may be accessed and removed individually and / or in their entirety by clicking, touching, or gesturing. In various exemplary embodiments, such windows may provide information about the user's own performance and / or the past and present performance of other participants in the same class.

[0124] The user interface can be used to access member information, log in and out of the system, access live content such as live exercise classes and archived content (referred to as "rides on demand" in the figure). User information can be displayed in a variety of formats and may include historical and current performance and account information, social network links and information, achievements, etc. The user interface can also be used to access the system to update profile or member information, manage account settings such as information sharing, and control device settings.

[0125] See also 9A to 9C, a user interface 900 may be presented on a display screen 904 to allow a user to manage their experience, including selecting information to be displayed and arranging how such information is displayed on their system. The user interface may present multiple types of information superimposed so that the user can easily select or deselect different types of information. For example, presentation information may be displayed over video content using a semi-transparent or partially transparent element so that the video behind the information element can be seen along with the information itself.

[0126] The user interface 900 may present a variety of screens to the user, and the user may quickly move between these screens using provided user input devices, including by touch if a touch screen is used. In various exemplary embodiments, the user interface may provide a home screen that provides basic information about the system and available options. See Fig. 9A , such home screens may provide direct links to information such as scheduled courses 902, archived courses 904, leaderboards 906, coaches 908, and / or profile and account information 910. The screen may also provide direct links to content, such as a link to join a particular course 912. The user may navigate between different screens in the user interface by selecting such links using an applicable input device, such as by touching the touch screen at an indicated location or by swiping to present a new screen. The user interface may also provide other information relevant to the user, such as social networking information, and navigation buttons that allow the user to quickly move between different screens in the user interface.

[0127] In various exemplary embodiments, the user can select between live content and archived content. For example, if the user selects to schedule a course 902, they may be presented with a screen showing a schedule of upcoming courses. The user interface allows the user to select courses by time, instructor, or riding type and / or start an ongoing or upcoming course. The course schedule can be presented in any suitable format, including a calendar, list, or any other suitable layout.

[0128] In various exemplary embodiments, if the user selects archived courses 904, they may be presented with a screen displaying available archived courses categorized in any suitable category. Fig. 9B An exemplary display of archived courses is shown. Thumbnails or icons 918 representing archived courses can be displayed in any suitable format and may include information about the number of times a user has ridden a course in the past or other performance or course-related information. Courses can be accessed by selecting a particular thumbnail or icon.

[0129] refer to Fig. 9C, when a course is being played on a display screen through the user interface 900, in various exemplary embodiments, the main video feed may be displayed as a background video full screen or in a sub-window on the screen. Information elements may be provided on different parts of the display screen to indicate any performance metric, including riding time, elapsed time, remaining time, distance, speed, resistance, power, total work, pedal cadence, heart rate, breathing, hydration, calorie consumption and / or any custom performance score that may be developed. The displayed information may also include trends or relationships between different performance metrics. For example, the display may indicate a specific metric, the color of which indicates the current performance compared to the course or the average performance over time, such as red to indicate that the current performance is below average, or green to indicate above average performance. Trends or relative performance may also be displayed using colors and graphics such as a red downward arrow to show that the current performance is below average.

[0130] Main window 920 shows a live or archived course selected by the user. In various exemplary embodiments, performance metric windows 922, 924, 926, 928, and 930 may display specific performance metrics for the user's current ride, past rides, or other performance information. Such performance metric windows may appear anywhere on the display screen and may be user selectable so that they can be displayed or removed by a screen touch or gesture. Fig. 9C 922 displays distance and speed. Window 924 displays current pedal cadence, along with the user's average and maximum cadence and class average cadence, and indicator arrow 932 showing whether the user's cadence is increasing or decreasing. Window 926 shows power output in watts, along with average output, maximum output, class average output, and total output, and similar indicator arrows. Window 928 displays resistance both numerically and graphically, and window 930 displays calories burned and heart rate.

[0131] The user interface may allow the user to switch between display of maximum, average, and total results for different performance metrics. The user interface may also allow the user to hide or display information elements, including performance metrics, video streams, user information, etc., all at once or individually. Performance information may also be displayed in various display bars, which may be hidden or displayed in their entirety or individually. The user interface may provide comprehensive control over audio volume, input and output, and display output characteristics.

[0132] Leaderboards 934 may also be displayed to allow users to see their performance compared to other people taking the same class. In various exemplary embodiments, leaderboards may be configured to display the relative performance of all riders or one or more subgroups of riders. For example, a user may be able to select a leaderboard that displays the performance of riders in a specific age group, male riders, female riders, male riders in a specific age group, riders in a specific geographic area, etc. The ability to completely deselect leaderboards and remove them from the screen may be provided to the user. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may be combined with various social networking aspects, such as allowing users to pay attention to other riders, or to create groups or circles of riders. User lists and information can be accessed, classified, filtered and used in a wide variety of different ways. For example, other users may be sorted, grouped and / or classified based on any feature including personal information (such as age, sex, weight) or based on performance (such as current power output, speed or custom rating).

[0133] The leaderboard 934 may be fully interactive, allowing the user to scroll up and down through the rider rankings, and select a rider to access their detailed performance data, create a connection such as selecting to follow that rider, or establish direct communication such as through an audio and / or video connection. The leaderboard may also display the personal best performances of users in the same or similar courses to allow the user to compare their current performance with their previous personal best performances. The leaderboard may also highlight certain riders, such as riders that the user is following, or provide other visual cues to indicate a connection or provide other information about a particular entry on the leaderboard. In various exemplary embodiments, the leaderboard will also allow the user to always see their position and performance information while scrolling through the leaderboard.

[0134] In various exemplary embodiments, the system calculates and displays one or more custom ratings to describe one or more aspects of a user's performance. An example of such a custom rating would be a decimal number calculated for a particular course or user's courses. Such a rating may also be calculated using performance data from some or all courses within a particular time period. In an exemplary embodiment, the custom rating takes into account the amount of riding time, the total work during the time period, and the number of courses in a given time period.

[0135] In various exemplary embodiments, information about other users' performance may be presented on a leaderboard 934 or in any other format, including a format that can be sorted by relevant performance parameters. Users may choose whether to make their performance available to all users, selected users and / or coaches, or keep it private so that no one can view it.

[0136] In various exemplary embodiments, the user interface may also present one or more video streams from a range of different sources. For example, one video stream may be live or archived course content displayed in the main window, while one or more additional video streams may be displayed in other windows on the screen display 804. The various video streams may include live or recorded instructor video streams or any other video content, including one or more live video chat streams.

[0137] The user interface may also provide additional windows that may be used to display a range of content, including additional performance data, information about the course, the instructor, other riders, etc., or an auxiliary video stream. Such additional windows may allow the user to see a range of information about other current or past participants to compare performances, as well as to turn on or off voice or video chat streaming or other communication channels. In various exemplary embodiments, the user may access other content at the same time, including movies, television channels, online channels, etc. Auxiliary windows 940, 942, 944 may display a range of information and content. Auxiliary window 940 displays the user's name, the name of the current course, and basic course information.

[0138] Example: Content Creation and Distribution for Sports Devices

[0139] See also Fig.10 , an embodiment of a system for distributing content to an athletic device will now be described. The content of an athletic lesson experience may be generated by a content provider (e.g., an athletic coach) using one or more cameras 1000, a coaching microphone 1002, and a music player 1004 as inputs to an audio mixer 1006. The audio mixer outputs the content to an analog-to-digital converter 1008, which provides the converted data to a production switcher 1010. The production switcher sends the production video to a video encoder 1012, which stores the encoded video to a local storage device 1014 and sends it to a video transcoder 1016. The video transcoder outputs the transcoded data to a video packetizer 1018, which then sends the packetized data stream outwardly via a content distribution network 1020 (such as the video packetizer described above with reference to FIG. 1 ). Figures 1 to 7 As described above) to remote system user 1022. In various exemplary embodiments, coaches and / or users may be provided access to a content creation platform that can be used to assist them in creating content. Such a platform may provide tools for selecting and editing music, managing volume controls, pushing chat or other communications to users, defining payment criteria, defining subscription criteria, and other content distribution criteria, as described herein.

[0140] As described above, through the user interface on their stationary bicycle 802, the user can access lists, calendars, and live and recorded cycling course schedules that can be delivered through the display screen 804. In various exemplary embodiments, once the user selects a course, the local system accesses and displays the main data stream for the course from the content distribution platform of the present disclosure. The main data stream may include video, music, voice, text, or any other data, and may represent a live or previously recorded cycling course. The local system may provide hardware video acceleration encoding / decoding to manage high-definition video quality up to 1080 pixels based on existing technology. The local system can automatically adjust the bit rate / quality of the data stream for the course to provide the rider with the highest quality video based on the user's bandwidth / hardware limitations.

[0141] In various exemplary embodiments, the networked sports system and method may include multi-directional communication and data transmission capabilities that allow video, audio, voice and data sharing between various components (including merchant application servers and content providers) of all users and / or coaches and the content distribution platform of the present disclosure. This allows users to access and display multi-directional video and audio streams from coaches and / or other users regardless of location, and allows users to establish direct communications with other users to conduct private or conference video and / or audio communications during live or recorded courses. Such data streams can be established by local system 800 for presentation in a main window or in an auxiliary window via display screen 804. In various exemplary embodiments, users can manage multiple data streams to select and control input and output. The local system can allow users to control the volume of the main audio stream for the course and the volume of other audio channels or even unrelated audio streams such as phone calls or their own music selections for different users. For example, this will allow users to turn down the coach volume to facilitate conversations with other users. Such data streams can be mixed with media assets provided from one or more content providers by the content distribution platform.

[0142] For live classes, in various exemplary embodiments, the instructor may have the ability to communicate with the entire class at once or contact individual users in real time and request feedback from all users, regardless of their real-time location. For example, the instructor may verbally ask the user, or send a pop-up message to the user, seeking feedback on difficulty level, music selection, terrain, etc. The user may then respond through their onboard system by selecting an appropriate response or providing verbal feedback. This allows instructors to use crowdsourcing to tailor classes to the needs of participants and improve their classes by requesting feedback or voting on specific course features or elements.

[0143] In various exemplary embodiments, the coach can also set performance goals, and the system can measure and display to the user and coach their performance relative to the goal. For example, the coach can set a target metric, such as target power and cadence, which is then displayed next to the user's reading with color coding to indicate whether the user is achieving the goal. The system can allow the coach to remotely adjust the bike settings for each user.

[0144] In various exemplary embodiments, users can control access to their own information, including sensor data, performance metrics, and personal information. Such data can be maintained at the local system, transmitted by the remote system for storage and management and shared with other users, or stored remotely but not shared with other users. Users can also choose to disclose their presence on the system to other users, or participate in the course without other users knowing of their presence. Such data can be securely shared with content generators to generate real-time media content in response to sensor data, performance metrics, and other course-related information.

[0145] In various exemplary embodiments, a user may access a list of all or selected current and / or past course participants. Such a list may include performance information for such users, such as total power, speed, cadence, resistance, or a custom rating that provides information about relative user performance. Such a list may also include a control that allows the user to open a live streaming stream, such as a live video chat stream, to the user.

[0146] System Characteristics and User Resources

[0147] In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system and method may allow users to create accounts and save and manage their performance data. As described above, the system may allow users to browse a schedule of live class previews, register for future live streaming classes, and set reminders. Users may also be able to invite others to participate in live classes and set text, email, voice or other notifications and calendar entries. In addition to the user interface of the local system 800 associated with its stationary bicycle 802, users can also access the system, accounts, performance and all other data via a web-based or application-based interface of a desktop computer and / or mobile device.

[0148] In various exemplary embodiments, the system may provide for multiple users to simultaneously participate in a recorded course, synchronized by the system and allowing access to all of the same communication and data sharing features available to live courses. Using this feature, cyclists participating in the same archived course simultaneously may compete with each other, as well as with past performances or "shadow" cyclists participating in the same course.

[0149] See also Figure 10 to Figure 11, the system can be configured to feed synchronized live and / or archived video content and live and / or archived sensor data to users through a digital asset distribution platform as disclosed herein. In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system can be configured with multiple user bicycles 1100, which are connected to a video chat platform 1102, a distribution platform 1104 (such as Figures 1 to 7 The user bike 1100 may also communicate with various other networks and servers. For example, the user bike 1100 may exchange sensor and performance data and / or signaling, including historical data or "shadow bike" data, with various databases 1108. The distribution platform 1104 and / or application server 1110 (e.g., a point of sale server or merchant server as previously described herein) may provide signals via the network to control the collection, storage, and management of data across the system.

[0150] One challenge with using comparative data from live and / or historical sources is synchronization, as some users may begin riding before the actual course begins, while others may join after the course begins. In order to provide accurate data on course performance for leaderboards, including archived performance data, each course may have a specific "start" or starting signal that is used as the starting time point for data comparison. Archived performance data may be calibrated to the same "start" signal as the live participant data, allowing comparative data to be presented through a leaderboard or other display until the end of the course. A "stop" signal at the end of the course marks the end time point for performance comparisons for live and archived performance data. If a rider joins the course after the "start" signal, their data may be correctly synchronized from the time they joined the ride.

[0151] Fig.11 Various events relative to time are shown, which increase from left to right on the scale at the bottom. Whether it is a live course or an archived course, the timeline of the course itself is shown at the top, with the timeline for four different riders located below it. The video delivered for the live or archived course can start before the actual course starts at the video start point 1220. The start signal point 1222 indicates the beginning of the comparison period of the course or course, the stop signal point 1224 indicates the end of the comparison period of the course or course, and the end video point 1126 indicates the end of the video stream. For riders 1, 2 and 4 who all start riding before the start signal point, the start signal is used as the starting time point of their course performance metrics. For rider 3, the time point at which it actually starts will be used as the starting time point of its course performance metrics. For riders 1, 2 and 3 who continue to pass the stop signal point, the end point of their performance metrics will be the stop signal point, and the end point of rider 4 will be the time when it actually stops riding.

[0152] Using such a system, a user or other participant's live and past performance (shadow bike) data may be provided in a range of numerical and graphical formats during a course for comparison and competition. A user's live and past performance data or target performance data may also be displayed simultaneously to allow the user to compare their performance to a benchmark in real time during or after a course. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may also allow the user to establish a differential scoring system to equalize competition between different users or groups of users, thereby allowing for a wide range of competitions.

[0153] In various embodiments, the system can use information provided by local systems to generate new media content in real time. This information can include sensor data, performance metrics of users and / or courses, personal preferences of users (e.g., music selections), and other data. For example, user selections and / or feedback regarding specific music selections can be used to generate new music of similar style. See Fig.13 and Fig.14 , embodiments of content creation and distribution systems and methods will now be described.

[0154] See also Fig.13 , the local system 1310 includes a user operating a sports device that includes one or more sensors, a processing system that generates one or more performance metrics and / or user preference information. During exercise, the local system 1310 transmits course data 1312 to the distribution platform 1320. In various embodiments, the course data 1312 may include sensor data (e.g., resistance, cadence, user heart rate), performance metrics (e.g., speed, distance, position on the leaderboard), and / or user preference information (e.g., favorite music, fitness preferences). The subscription service module 1322 verifies that the valid subscription of the local system 1310 (user and application) is identified in the subscription data 1326 of the database 1324, and forwards the course data 1312 for content creation. In one embodiment, the course data 1312 is provided to the content provider / host system 1340 including the content generation module 1342. In some embodiments, the merchant server 1350 running the application 1352 (e.g., fitness application) can receive the course data 1312 from the local system and add additional course data tracked or stored by the application 1352.

[0155] The content provider / host 1340 uses the received course data 1332 to generate new digital media content, such as music or video content. The content generation module 1342 can use the stored content data 1346 and user data 1348 (e.g., information about previous content generated for the user) to generate new media content. The generated media content 1360 is returned to the distribution platform 1320 and provided to the local system as the generated media content 1362. The generated media content 1362 may include a mixture of the generated media content and pre-existing media content. For example, the video of the course coach and the audio of the course coach's verbal instructions can be mixed with computer-generated music.

[0156] See also Fig.14 , an embodiment of media content generation will now be described. The content generation module 1342 receives a stream of course data 1402, which can be used to generate media content in real time for streaming back to a local system. In one embodiment, the course data 1402 is provided to a feature extraction module 1410, which extracts data characteristics used to generate media content. The generated features are provided to a content generation system, which may include a trained neural network configured to receive the generated features and output the generated music content 1430.

[0157] In operation, a media content creator can establish a channel through a distribution platform as a content creator. The media generation system can use input from the local system to create music and video to create an artificial reality for the sports experience. This artificial reality can be mixed with content from the fitness trainer, including audio from the fitness trainer, video from the fitness trainer, leaderboard information, etc. Media is dynamically generated and fed back to the channel for distribution to the local system.

[0158] In some embodiments, the generated media content allows for personalized content grouping controlled by the content creator. The distribution platform can track and manage content separately, including artificially created content. The generated content can also dynamically change based on leaderboard information during the exercise course, data from other users, data from coaches and other sources. In some embodiments, the content creator writes music through an artificial intelligence system, which receives data such as speed, resistance and heartbeat from the user and generates media content corresponding to the exercise course. For example, the song speed in beats per minute can change in response to the pedal rhythm of the user. Video content can be modified in a similar manner.

[0159] In some embodiments, users can select content from different services, and the distribution platform can seamlessly mix the content together for distribution to local systems. For example, a user can initiate a scene ride using stock videos while dynamically generating music based on data from a sports course.

[0160] It should be understood that the content generation and distribution system disclosed herein can be used for other applications beyond exercise classes. For example, a patient can subscribe to a channel that provides physical therapy content and can access a series of content (e.g., physical recovery stages) that is managed through subscription. The distribution system can match users with content creators and / or make recommendations. The subscription service disclosed herein can promote therapist / patient relationships, allowing content providers (e.g., doctors or therapists) to track progress and use, including sensor feedback, camera feedback, etc. As another example, the content generation and distribution system can be used in an educational environment to provide instructions to users in a controlled video sequence.

[0161] In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include a unique identifier on each bike to allow the system or user to track metrics on the bike. This information may be used for user identification, or for maintenance, location, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may also be configured to provide closed courses. This would allow a private trainer to work with an individual or a small group, or allow a group of users to ride with or without a trainer.

[0162] In various exemplary embodiments, users can log in and / or access the system and account information via any appropriate communication technology (including but not limited to NFC, Bluetooth, WAN, etc.). Users can also be provided with cardkeys, FOBs or other devices, or fixed bikes can be provided with facial recognition or voice recognition technology that automatically logs users in and accesses their account information. Users can log in from their fixed bikes at home or from any other bike that can access the system. Therefore, when traveling, users can still access their complete account history, all content and all features from any networked fixed bikes, such as fixed bikes in hotels, gyms or activity rooms located in different locations.

[0163] In various exemplary embodiments, the mobile application can allow users on non-networked stationary bicycles to access the system via a mobile digital device such as a tablet or mobile phone and access content, live streaming and other system features. The mobile device can access the system via any appropriate network using a dedicated application or browser.

[0164] In various exemplary embodiments, the system may use one or more auxiliary display screens to display content for exercise classes. By using a device such as a CHROMECAST or similar integrated device that enables it to display content provided by the system through a user interface, an auxiliary display screen may be used to display content for exercise classes or other content provided by the system. The user interface may automatically detect the availability of such an enabled device and allow the user to select a display screen for specific content.

[0165] Although the above description contains many details, these details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but are merely examples of disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that fall within the scope and essence of the present disclosure. For example, although a sports device is shown, it should be understood that the device disclosed by the present invention is one of many possible end-user platforms, and a sports bike is an example of one of many possible sports equipment options. In various embodiments, various data inputs from a device or a group of connected devices may include, but are not limited to, speed, resistance, heart rate, location temperature, (on a map) location, location light / darkness, and known history (e.g., likes and dislikes, such as music genre preferences and artist preferences) about the end user. Such data can work when customizing the content served by the system in real-time or near real-time rendering for the end user, which may be in response to the actual rendering or modification of the pre-packaged on-demand content recommendation or content itself of such input. All such content and functions can be adapted to the channel subscription of the digital content distribution system and method disclosed herein.

[0166] In various exemplary embodiments, a media distribution system includes a database storing information related to media assets, application servers, content providers, and end users, and a platform server operable to facilitate distribution of media assets from content providers to application servers and end user devices. The platform server may be configured to: maintain content restriction data associated with the stored media assets, the content restriction data including access parameters received from associated content providers; generate a plurality of channels, each channel having channel characteristics associated with an application server and / or content provider and defining at least one media asset; process a subscription request from an end user for one of the plurality of channels, wherein the subscription granted to the end user satisfies the content restriction data and the channel characteristics; and deliver the channel media assets to the end user in accordance with the subscription.

[0167] The platform server may be configured to process payments from end users based on subscription requests and to allocate portions of the payments between merchants and content providers based on access parameters, channel characteristics, and / or subscriptions. The platform server may be further configured to receive user-generated content and to blend the user-generated content with channel media assets prior to delivery to the end user. The database may include data organized by subscription model, including multiple subscription plans defined by content providers and / or application servers, which are produced, syndicated, and managed by the platform server as subscription media channels.

[0168] The media distribution system may also include a cryptocurrency engine operable to generate, sell, trade, and manage cryptocurrency tokens, wherein the cryptocurrency tokens have a value recognized by the platform server, and wherein the platform server is further configured to accept one or more cryptocurrency tokens as payment for a subscription. In some embodiments, selling a particular cryptocurrency token corresponds to selling a portion of a subscription.

[0169] In some embodiments, the delivered media assets are in a format compatible with the athletic device and include content associated with an athletic course for the athletic device. In this configuration, the platform server may be further configured to receive course data from the athletic device, the course data including sensor data, user performance metrics, and / or user preference data, forward the course data to the content provider, receive updated content associated with the athletic course from the service and / or the content provider in response to the course data, and deliver the updated content to the athletic device.

[0170] Updated content associated with an athletic course may include computer-generated or computer-modified media content generated from course data by a neural network, or a combination of pre-existing content and computer-generated or computer-modified media generated and combined from course data by a neural network. The computer-generated media content may include computer-generated music and / or computer-generated video, wherein the computer-generated content is generated in real time during the athletic course, and wherein the computer-generated content changes in response to changes in course data (including cadence, speed, and / or heart rate data). The media assets of a content provider may include athletic course content, the athletic course content including audio prompts from an athletic trainer and video content of an athletic trainer and / or a scene, wherein the content associated with the athletic course is delivered to an end user by the application server via an application that facilitates the athletic course, and wherein the application that facilitates the athletic course generates course content to be delivered to the end user along with the media assets.

[0171] In various exemplary embodiments, a method for distributing media assets includes storing information related to media assets, application servers, content providers, and end users, and facilitating the distribution of media assets from content providers to application servers and end user devices. The method may also include maintaining content restriction data related to the stored media assets, the content restriction data including access parameters received from associated content providers; generating a plurality of channels, each channel having channel characteristics associated with an application server and / or content provider and defining at least one media asset; processing a subscription request from an end user for one of the plurality of channels, wherein a subscription granted to the end user satisfies the content restriction data and the channel characteristics; and delivering the channel media assets to the end user in accordance with the subscription.

[0172] The method may also include processing a payment from an end user in accordance with a subscription request and allocating a portion of the payment between the merchant and the content provider in accordance with access parameters, channel characteristics, and / or subscriptions. The method may also include receiving user-generated content and blending the user-generated content with the channel media assets prior to delivery to the end user. Storing the information may include organizing the data by subscription model, including a plurality of subscription plans defined by content providers and / or application servers, the plurality of subscription plans being produced, syndicated, and managed by the platform server as subscription media channels.

[0173] In some embodiments, the method may also include generating, selling, and / or managing cryptocurrency tokens. Cryptocurrency tokens may have a value identified by the platform server, and the method may also include the platform server accepting one or more cryptocurrency tokens as payment for a subscription. The sale of a particular cryptocurrency token may correspond to the sale of a portion of a subscription, and the platform may also provide end users with the option to trade tokens across subscription channels under certain business conditions, and / or support end users trading such tokens.

[0174] In some embodiments of the method, the delivered media assets are in a format compatible with the exercise device and include content associated with an exercise course for the exercise device, and the method further includes: receiving course data from the exercise device, the course data including data from one or more sensors (including multiple devices providing data simultaneously, such as a Bluetooth heart monitor providing input via a bicycle), user performance metrics and / or user preference data, forwarding the course data to a content provider; in response to the course data, receiving updated content associated with the exercise course from the content provider, and delivering the updated content to the exercise device.

[0175] In some embodiments, the updated content associated with the sports course includes computer-generated media content and / or computer-enhanced media content generated from course data by a neural network.Computer-generated and / or computer-enhanced media content may include computer-generated music and / or computer-generated video or computer-enhanced music and / or computer-enhanced video, wherein the computer-generated content is generated in real time during the sports course, and wherein the computer-enhanced content is enhanced in real time during the sports course.In some embodiments, computer-generated and / or computer-enhanced content changes in response to the change of course data, and this course data includes but is not limited to rhythm, speed, length, temperature, position, light, and / or heart rate data, and computer-generated and / or computer-enhanced content changes in response to past course data, and this past course data such as end-user settings preferences, end-user selections such as favorite songs, playlists and genres, and end-user history sports course performance data. The content provider's media assets may include sports lesson content including audio prompts from a sports coach and video content of the sports coach and / or scenes, wherein the content associated with the sports lesson is delivered to an end user by the application server via an application that facilitates the sports lesson, and wherein the application that facilitates the sports lesson generates lesson content for delivery to the end user along with the media assets.

Claims

1. A sports content distribution system for delivering sports content to a first user of a sports device for computer enhanced use at home, the system include: a database storing the sports content and data associated with content providers and application providers; and a platform server operable to facilitate delivery of the sports content to the sports device, the platform server being configured to: delivering a plurality of available archived exercise classes for selection by the first user for display on the exercise device; receiving, from the exercise device, a selection of one of the available archived exercise sessions; transmitting data representing the content of the selected archived exercise session for display on the exercise device; receiving performance data from the athletic device, the performance data comprising a first user performance parameter, wherein the performance data is based on activities of the first user when the first user moved a portion of the exercise device during the selected archived exercise session, and wherein the performance data comprises sensor data, user performance metrics, and / or user preference data; generating archived performance data representing archived user performance parameters for a plurality of other users over at least the portion of the selected archived exercise session, wherein the archived performance data was previously generated by the first user and / or one or more other users while participating in the archived exercise session; synchronizing the archived performance data so that the archived user performance parameters represented by the archived performance data are synchronized with the first user performance parameters; dynamically updating a ranked list of at least some of the first user performance parameters and the synchronized archived user performance parameters for display by the athletic device to simulate the first user competing with at least some of the other users; forwarding the performance data to the content provider; receiving updated content associated with the exercise session from the content provider in response to the performance data; and delivering the updated content to the sports device, The updated content associated with the exercise course includes: computer-generated or computer-modified media content generated from the performance data by a neural network, or A combination of pre-existing content and computer-generated or computer-modified media generated and combined from said performance data by a neural network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the athletic content comprises computer-generated content, the computer-generated content comprising computer-generated music and / or computer-generated video; wherein the computer-generated content is generated in real time during the transmission of the selected archived exercise session; and Wherein the computer-generated content changes in response to changes in the performance data, the performance data comprising cadence, speed and / or heart rate data. 3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the sports content of the content provider comprises sports lesson content, the sports lesson content comprising audio cues from a sports coach and video content of the sports coach and / or scenes.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the content associated with the selected archived exercise class is delivered to the end user by the application provider via an application running on an application server that facilitates the selected archived exercise class; and The application that facilitates the selected archived exercise course generates course content for delivery to the end user along with the exercise content.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform server is further operable to: maintaining content restriction data associated with the stored sports content, the content restriction data including access parameters received from an associated content provider; generating a plurality of channels, each channel having a channel characteristic associated with an application server and / or a content provider and defining at least one media asset; processing a subscription request from an end user for one of the plurality of channels, wherein the subscription granted to the end user satisfies the content restriction data and channel characteristics; and Channel media assets are delivered to the sports device according to the subscription.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the platform server is further configured to process payment from the end user according to the subscription request; and A portion of the payment is allocated among accounts associated with the application server and the content provider based on the access parameters, the channel characteristics, and / or the subscription.

7. A system according to claim 5, wherein the database includes data organized by a subscription model, including multiple subscription plans defined by content providers and / or application servers, and the multiple subscription plans are produced, syndicated and managed by the platform server as subscription media channels.

8. The system of claim 5, further comprising a cryptocurrency engine operable to generate, sell, trade, and manage cryptocurrency tokens; wherein said cryptocurrency token has a value recognized by said platform server; wherein the platform server is further configured to accept one or more of the cryptocurrency tokens as payment for the subscription; and Wherein the sale of a specific cryptocurrency token corresponds to the sale of a portion of said subscription.

9. A method for delivering sports content to a first user of a sports device for computer enhanced use at home, the method include: storing the athletic content, media assets, and data associated with content providers and application providers, the media assets having a format compatible with the athletic device and including content associated with an athletic session for the athletic device; as well as Facilitating delivery of the athletic content to the athletic device, comprising: delivering a plurality of available archived exercise classes for selection by the first user for display on the exercise device; receiving, from the exercise device, a selection of one of the available archived exercise sessions; transmitting data representing the content of the selected archived exercise session for display on the exercise device; receiving performance data from the exercise device, the performance data being based on activities of the first user as the first user moved a portion of the exercise device during the selected archived exercise session and including a first user performance parameter; generating archived performance data representing archived user performance parameters for a plurality of other users over at least the portion of the selected archived exercise session, wherein the archived performance data was previously generated by the first user and / or one or more other users while participating in the archived exercise session; synchronizing the archived performance data so that the archived user performance parameters represented by the archived performance data are synchronized with the first user performance parameters; dynamically updating a ranked list of at least some of the first user performance parameters and the synchronized archived user performance parameters for display by the athletic device to simulate the first user competing with at least some of the other users; receiving course data from the athletic device, Wherein, the course data includes sensor data, user performance metrics and / or user preference data; forwarding the course data to a content provider; receiving updated content associated with the exercise course from the content provider in response to the course data; The updated content includes: Computer-generated media content or computer-enhanced media content generated from the course data by a neural network; and The updated content is delivered to the mobile device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the computer-generated and / or computer-enhanced media content comprises computer-generated music and / or computer-generated video, or computer-enhanced music and / or computer-enhanced video; wherein the computer-generated media content is generated in real time during the exercise session; and wherein said computer-enhanced media content is enhanced in real time during said exercise session; wherein the computer-generated and / or computer-enhanced media content changes in response to changes in the lesson data, including but not limited to cadence, speed, length, temperature, location, light, and / or heart rate data; and Wherein the computer-generated and / or computer-enhanced media content changes in response to past course data, wherein the past course data includes end-user setting preferences, end-user selected songs, playlists and genres, and / or end-user historical athletic course performance data.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the media assets of the content provider include sports lesson content including audio cues from a sports coach and video content of the sports coach and / or scenes.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the content associated with the exercise class is delivered to an end user by an application server via an application that facilitates the exercise class; and The application that facilitates the exercise class generates class content for delivery to an end user along with the media assets.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: include: Store information related to media assets, application servers, content providers, and end users; Facilitating distribution of media assets from the content provider to the application server and the end-user device, comprising: maintaining content restriction data associated with the stored media assets, the content restriction data comprising access parameters received from an associated content provider; generating a plurality of channels, each channel having a channel characteristic associated with an application server and / or a content provider and defining at least one media asset; processing a subscription request from an end user for one of the plurality of channels, wherein the subscription granted to the end user satisfies the content restriction data and channel characteristics; and Channel media assets are delivered to the end-user according to the subscription.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising processing payment from the end user in accordance with the subscription request; and A portion of the payment is allocated among accounts associated with the application server and the content provider based on the access parameters, the channel characteristics, and / or the subscription.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein storing information comprises organizing data by a subscription model, including a plurality of subscription plans defined by content providers and / or application servers, the plurality of subscription plans being produced, syndicated and managed by the platform server as subscription media channels.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising generating, selling and / or managing cryptocurrency tokens; wherein said cryptocurrency token has a value recognized by said platform server; wherein the platform server is further configured to accept one or more of the cryptocurrency tokens as payment for the subscription; and Wherein the sale of a specific cryptocurrency token corresponds to the sale of a portion of said subscription.

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