Media Broadcasting System

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include systems, devices, and methods for configuring an online broadcast system. The system may combine live video streaming, video on demand (VOD), messaging, and other content provided by live broadcast owners and their online followers. Media content may be combined into a single broadcast stream. Broadcast owners may use an online control room to select in real time which streams of content to provide to their followers. Gaming and / or revenue sharing components may be offered, and owners and followers may earn points for viewing and / or interacting with sponsored media via the system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Copyright Statement This patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction in the files of the United States Patent and Trademark Office of this patent document or any related material, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The field of the invention relates generally to systems and methods for deploying online media, including broadcasting live video streaming, video on demand and other content in a single stream in real time using an online control room. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention Live video streaming is common on the Internet, as is video on demand (VOD). Both types of streaming entertainment are extremely popular, with millions of users interacting with these live video streaming and video on demand services every day.

[0004] However, there is no platform or tool that makes it easy for individuals to combine live video streaming and video on demand into a single live broadcast stream that can be controlled and disseminated online in real time to a large number of followers without the need for specific hardware.

[0005] Furthermore, there is no platform that rewards participants for viewing online media and / or participating in online broadcasting devices in real time. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Thus, there is a need for an interactive media system and method that combines live video streaming and VOD video into a single live broadcast stream. Additionally, there is a need for a control mechanism (e.g., an online control room) that users can use to select which streams should be made available to followers during a broadcast. Additionally, there is a need for a platform that rewards participants who interact with the interactive media system.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcasting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcasting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcasting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcast control room in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcast control room in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcast control room in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates aspects of a follower graphical user interface in accordance with an example embodiment in this regard. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcast control room in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates aspects of a follower graphical user interface in accordance with an example embodiment in this regard. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcast control room in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates aspects of a follower graphical user interface in accordance with an example embodiment in this regard. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates aspects of a system home page in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a CPM and RPM model in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a CPM and RPM model in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates aspects of a system home page in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates aspects of an online broadcast control room in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates aspects of a video-on-demand playlist in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates aspects of an online show playlist in accordance with an example embodiment in this regard. [Figure 19] 1 illustrates aspects of a follower graphical user interface in accordance with an example embodiment in this regard. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates aspects of a computing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Generally, according to an exemplary embodiment thereof, the present invention includes a system and method for broadcasting live video streaming, combined with video on demand (VOD) in a single broadcast stream, all in real time and shared between an owner of a web-based online broadcast channel and the owner's participants (followers). Generally, a channel owner may broadcast a "live show" to the owner's followers, which may consist of live video streaming, VOD video, and other content. Additionally, the system and method include a gaming component whereby members can receive points to interact with content redeemable for cash, value, services, donations, etc.

[0010] The systems and methods of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1-20. The following detailed description is not intended to limit the invention. Alternative embodiments and variations of the subject matter described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. When the same or similar components appear in more than one drawing, these components are identified by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0011] 1, system 10 may include a cloud platform 100 that can provide a web-based experience over a network 102 (e.g., the Internet) between a channel owner Uo and the owner's users U1, U2, ... Un (also known in the art as followers). Owner Uo and users Un may utilize devices 200-n, such as smartphones, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, other types of controllers, and any combination thereof, that can communicate with the cloud platform (e.g., using a web browser and / or mobile application).

[0012] Cloud platform 100 may include one or more servers, which may include Internet servers, LAN servers, WAN servers, or other types or combinations of types of general-purpose network servers. Accordingly, cloud platform 100 may include central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory, databases, storage devices, operating systems, software, and other components and systems necessary to run, manage, deploy, and otherwise operate and control programs and applications executable within system 10.

[0013] The cloud platform 100 may provide one or more websites 104 that may include video players 116, messaging applications 110, and other applications with which channel owners Uo and users Un can interact in real time via devices 200. Additionally, the system 10 may integrate any or all of the applications 116, 110 into one or more mobile applications 112 that can be downloaded and executed on the owner's and / or user's devices 200.

[0014] Some of the users' devices 200 may include cameras 202 that can collect live video of each user Un that can then be provided to the cloud platform 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the device 200-1 of user U1 may include a camera 202-1. However, the device 200-2 of user U2 may not include a camera. The live video streams of each participant may be provided to the system 10 and the owner Uo, and one or more of the video streams may be shown to the user Un at the discretion of the owner Uo in the control room CRn.

[0015] Additionally, owners Uo and users Un may have VOD files that they share or make available to other members Un via system 10, as will be described in more detail in other sections.

[0016] Using the system 10, an owner Uo of an individual broadcast channel may control the content that the owner's followers Un can see. The content may come from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, live streaming video of the owner Uo, live streaming of a particular user Un, video files provided by the owner Uo, video files provided by a particular user Un, video files provided by a sponsor or other third party entity, other types of videos, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments in this regard, content from each source may be included in a single broadcast stream between the owner Uo and user Un, and the owner Uo may switch between any of the sources in real time to provide to the owner's user Un. As described in other sections, the owner Uo may utilize a virtual control room CRn to facilitate this process.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment in this regard, as shown in FIG. 2, cloud platform 100 may include a live video streaming system 300, a VOD streaming system 400, a messaging system 500, a database system 600 (including database management software such as a database server, or other type of database, database system, or database management software), and other systems and elements as may be required for system 10 to perform its functions.

[0018] Database system 600 may store and generally manage content (e.g., live video, VOD, messaging, etc.), system data, client data, registered user data (i.e., participant data), association and tracking data, and other types of data. Platform 100 may include any other type of software, software packages, software platforms, or other types of software and systems that enable system 10 to host, manage, analyze, and maintain mobile applications, websites, social widgets, desktop applications, network applications, and other types of applications that can perform the functions of system 10.

[0019] The live video streaming platform 300 may include one or more systems capable of performing live video streaming functions. The system 300 may collect live video from each participant's camera 202, and the video streams may become content sources to be added to the broadcast stream. Different video streams may then be made available to users Un at the discretion of the owner Uo. In one example, the default live video stream source may be the owner Uo's video stream, which may be shared in real time with users Un. In another example, the owner Uo may choose to share a different user Un's video stream, and upon selecting this alternative source in the broadcast stream, the user Un's live video stream may be shared with the other users Un. In this manner, participants Un may interact with the owner Uo, and potentially with each other.

[0020] The VOD streaming platform 400 may include one or more systems capable of performing VOD streaming functions. Thus, the VOD streaming system 400 may be another source of content to be added to the broadcast stream. The VOD streaming system 400 may stream any type of content and / or media, including, but not limited to, video, audio, video, graphics, games, augmented reality objects and environments, virtual reality objects and environments, other types of media, and any combination thereof. The streaming content may be pre-recorded, live, and / or near-live. At any time, the user Uo may select to switch to the VOD source 400 to share VOD content to the users Un via broadcast.

[0021] Messaging platform 500 may include one or more systems capable of providing chat, email, instant messaging (IM), social networking, voice, other types of messaging applications and / or technologies, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, messaging may be provided simultaneously in real-time between users Un. In this manner, owner Uo and users Un may interact with each other via messaging system 500 in real-time while viewing broadcast communications.

[0022] The system 10 may include an administration interface 700 that a user Un can use to generally manage the user's account in the system 10. The administration 700 may include a graphical user interface (GUI), a website, a mobile application, a desktop application, a dialog, or other type of interface. For example, the administration 700 may include an interface that can reside at a specific website URL that can be integrated into the cloud platform 100. The interface 700 may present a login page that can be used by each user Un to log into the system 10 (e.g., using login credentials). Each user Un may be provided with a username and password (or other type of credentials) that the user can enter to access the user's specific administration information. Once logged in, the administration 700 may include the tools necessary to manage the user's account with the system 10.

[0023] Additionally, system 10 may include an administration interface 710 through which an administrator, provider, and / or operator of system 10 can generally manage system 10 .

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment in this regard, as shown in FIG. 3, the system 10 may provide each registered owner Uo with a virtual control room CRn (e.g., a virtual control room CR1 owned and operated by a user Uo). The virtual control room CRn may be integrated into one or more websites 104 that may be provided by the system 10. The owner Uo of the control room CRn may log into the control room CRn and send live broadcasts to the owner's users Un. Additionally, the control room CRn may be integrated into one or more mobile applications 112 that may be downloaded and executed on the user's device 200. Each owner Uo may have his or her own control room CRn that other users agree to and follow (e.g., interact with). The control room CRn allows the owner Uo of the control room CRn to do the following in real time (without limitation): 1. Interact with the owner's followers via interactive video broadcasting 2. Share live video streaming in a broadcast stream with user Un 3. Sharing video-on-demand (VOD) content in a broadcast stream from a library of videos and / or playlists with user Un 3. Share the live video stream of another user Un in a broadcast stream with other users Un 4. Share VOD content of other users Un in a broadcast stream with other users Un 4. Share branded content (e.g. commercials) with user Un 5. Earn points (e.g., pie points) by sharing branded content 6. User Un can earn points (e.g., pie points) for viewing shared branded content 7. (Can't start video stream) You can control the content in the video stream and change this content online from different sources 8. Other Features

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the system 10 may include a broadcast server 113 that may include a stream combining and selection mechanism 114 (including software) that may combine various streaming data from different sources into a single broadcast. The control room CRn may then allow the owner Uo to select which streaming data from which particular source to share with the owner's followers Un. For example, the broadcast server 113 and / or the stream combining and selection mechanism 114 may combine video streaming data from each participant Un (e.g., video streaming system 300), VOD streaming data from the owner Uo and / or participant Un (e.g., VOD system 200), and other types of data into one broadcast stream. The control room CRn may include tools that allow the owner Uo to select which data from which source to stream to followers Un in the broadcast stream.

[0026] Each control room CRn may be configured to control the broadcast server 113, the stream combining and selection mechanism 114, the live video streaming system 300, the VOD system 400, and / or the messaging system 500, and any other systems of the system 10, as desired. In this manner, CRn may be used to select and present content of the streaming data to one or more followers Un.

[0027] In one example, the owner of a control room CRn may select to stream his / her live video stream from his / her camera 202, upon which the broadcast server 113 and / or the stream combining and selection mechanism 114 may add the owner's camera 202 as a source to the broadcast and stream the live video to the participant Un. The participant Un may then view the live video stream on the participant's device 200.

[0028] The owner Uo may then choose to share the VOD file 400-1 with his followers, at which point the broadcast server 113 and / or the stream combining and selection mechanism 114 can set VOD as a source and stream the selected VOD file data 400-1 so that the followers Un can view the VOD stream 400-1 in its entirety on their devices 200. The owner Uo of each control room CRn may then alternate between interacting with his followers via live video streams and / or VOD streaming in real time, at any time as desired.

[0029] Furthermore, the owner Uo of the control room CRn (e.g., user Uo with CR1) may share VOD data from a different user Un (e.g., user U2) with the followers Un. In this case, a different VOD file 400 (e.g., VOD file 400-2 belonging to user U2) may be selected, and the broadcast server 113 and / or the stream combining and selecting mechanism 114 may set the new VOD as a source and stream the VOD 400-2 to the followers Un. For example, during a live show, a particular user Un may ask whether to share the user's VOD video with other followers, and the user Un may upload the video to the system 10. Then, the owner Uo of the control room CRn may select the user's VOD, and the broadcast server 113 and / or the stream combining and selecting mechanism 114 may set the VOD file as a source in the broadcast and stream it to the followers Un.

[0030] Furthermore, the owner Uo of the control room CRn may select a live streaming video of a particular user Un to stream to his followers Un, and upon selection, the broadcast server 113 and / or the stream combining and selection mechanism 114 may set the user's live stream as a source and stream the live stream to the followers Un.

[0031] Aspects of the system 10, the control room CRn and the user interface will now be described with reference to an example workflow overview and Figures 4 to 11. In this example, the owner Uo may be user #3 and an example of a participant Un may be user #29 (U29) as shown in the figure.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the control room CRn may include a GUI 114 that may include a video player 116 capable of playing video streams (e.g., live video streaming videos, VOD videos, etc.) provided by the cloud platform 100. Additionally, the GUI 114 may display available live video streams ALVn of each participant Un (e.g., video streams of User #1 and User #2 taken from the users' respective cameras 202 as shown). Additionally, the GUI 114 may display available VOD (AVOD) playlists, video files, sponsored content (e.g., AD #1, Playlist #7, File #56 as shown) that the owner Uo may share with the participant Un. Note that the AVOD icon (e.g., playlist icon) may expand upon selection to show the number of available videos contained within the playlist. The CRn may provide a camera on / off mechanism Of / Off that the owner Uo may use to power on and off the owner's camera 202. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the camera 202 may be powered off and as such, the live video streaming of the owner Uo from the camera 202 is not available to the owner Uo or the participant Un.

[0033] If the owner Uo can power on the owner's camera 202, the owner Uo's live video stream from the camera 202 is seen in the pane of available streams ALVn (user #3's stream as shown), as shown in FIG. 5. When the owner Uo clicks on the owner's live video stream in this pane, the broadcast server 113 and / or the stream combining and selection mechanism 114 may set the live video stream data from the owner's camera 202 (user #3's stream) as a source in the broadcast stream and provide this live video stream data to the owner Uo (as shown in FIG. 6) and the participant Un (e.g., user #29 as shown in FIG. 7). Note that FIG. 7 illustrates a GUI 118 that the system 10 may provide to the participant Un. The GUI 118 may include a video player 116, a camera on / off mechanism that the participant can use to power on / off the participant's camera 202, and other functions and information.

[0034] Next, if the owner Uo wants to share a video file with the participant Un, the owner Uo may select a video from the owner's available videos AVODn (e.g., file #56 as shown in FIG. 8), and upon selecting the video, the broadcast server 113 and / or the stream combining and selection mechanism 114 may set the video as a source in the broadcast stream and provide the video to the owner Uo and the participant Un. As shown in FIG. 8, the video in file #56 may be played simultaneously on the video player 116 of the owner Uo, and as shown in FIG. 9, the file #56 may be played on the video player 116 of the participant Un (e.g., the video player 116 of user #29). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the owner Uo may simultaneously watch the available live streams ALVn from each of the users Un so that the owner can see the users' reactions as they watch the streaming video.

[0035] If a participant Un can then activate his / her camera 202 (e.g., user #29), the live video stream for this user Un captured by this user's camera 202 is seen on the window frame of the control room ALVn, as shown in Figure 10. If the owner Uo can then select this live video stream, it may provide the live video stream to the broadcast server 113, which can add the live video stream as a source, and then stream the live video stream to the owner Uo and participant Un (as shown in Figure 11 for user #29).

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment in this regard, participant Un may provide video files to system 10 that are available to owner Uo in control room CRn for selection and sharing with the owner's followers Un. Once uploaded, these video VOD selections are found in the owner's AVODn pane. For example, extending the example above, file #56 may be provided to system 10 by follower Un (not owner Uo), made available to owner Uo, selected by owner Uo, set as a source by system 10, and streamed by broadcast server 113 to follower Un in a broadcast stream.

[0037] As mentioned above, the system 10 may provide one or more websites 104 that provide access to different broadcast channels (shows) that may be provided by one or more owners Uo of various control rooms CRn. In one exemplary embodiment in this regard, as shown in FIG. 12, the website 104 may include a home page 120 that may display various information (e.g., "featured channels," "trending channels," and other information). Additionally, the home page 120 may provide a search field that a user Un may use to search for a particular channel, a particular owner Uo, a particular video, and the like. To join a particular channel, the user Un may simply select the channel and begin the experience.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment in this regard, an owner Uo and / or user Un may instruct the system 10 to record all or part of a live show (a live broadcast stream) and make the live show available as a VOD selection at a later date.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate upon reading this specification that the control room CRn and / or the user's GUI 118 can include other layouts, content, and functionality. For example, the user's GUI 118 may include two or more video players, each capable of showing a different video stream. In one example of this type, the user's GUI 118 may include one video player 116 for viewing the owner Uo's live streaming video, and a second video player 116 that can show VOD selections made by the owner Uo. In another example, the user's GUI 118 may include additional video players 116 that can display live video streams of some or all of the other users Un. In another example, the GUI 118 may include messaging boxes that can include group chat, text messaging, email, and / or other types of messaging between the owner Uo and the user Un, between the user Un and the other users Un, and any combination thereof. The additional content may be at the discretion of the owner Uo, or otherwise. It is understood that the control room CRn and / or user GUI 118 can include any combination of functionality as described in this specification or elsewhere, and that the scope of the system 10 is in no way limited by the content that the control room CRn and / or user GUI 118 can provide.

[0040] Additionally, other videos (e.g., branded videos) provided by companies and brands to the system 10, owners Uo, and users Un are available to each control room CRn owner to share with the owner's followers. In one example, the videos may be commercials (or advertisements) for a particular brand and / or the brand's products / services. In another example, the videos may be content sponsored by a particular brand. In either case, the control room CRn owner may receive points (e.g., pie points) for sharing the videos, and followers may receive points (e.g., pie points) for watching the videos. Additionally, the owner Uo may share sponsored videos provided by a particular user Un similar to the above with respect to sharing VOD from a particular user Un. Points may be continually collected and accumulated by the control room owner Uo and followers Un, and may be used to purchase videos, goods, services, or any other assets available. In return for the exposure that may be given to the sponsor of the sponsored video, the sponsor may subsidize goods, services, and other assets that can be provided to the owner Uo and users Un upon redemption of the points. Additionally, the sponsor may simply give a cash payment to the provider of system 10 that is allocable to the owner Uo, the user Un, and the provider of system 10 .

[0041] In one example, system 10 may provide "pie points" to owners Uo and users Un who share and view sponsored videos. For example, owner Uo may share a sponsored video with users Un who view and receive one pie point for every second of the video viewed by the users (in total). Additionally, users Un may receive one pie point for every second each user is able to view. In this manner, system 10 may provide a revenue sharing model to owners Uo and users Un.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment in this regard, an owner Uo of a live broadcast may choose to periodically interject short sponsored videos (similar to commercials) during the owner's broadcast that are viewed by the owner's followers Un. By doing so, the owner Uo and users Un may all earn pie points. When this happens, each user Un may earn pie points for every second of video that the user can view, and the owner Uo may earn pie points for every second of video that all users Un in total can view.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment in this regard, the provider of system 10 may earn pie points when an owner Uo shares a sponsored video and when a user Un views the sponsored video. In one example, the provider of system 10 may earn one pie point for every second of the sponsored video viewed by user Un in its entirety. In this manner, revenue sharing may provide a business model for the provider of system 10. On the other hand, the sponsor of the sponsored video pays for the exposure that the sponsor's brand can get by viewing the sponsored video.

[0044] FIG. 13 shows a first example of the cost per thousand impressions (CPM), revenue per thousand (RPM), and resulting pie point model.

[0045] FIG. 14 shows a second example of the cost per thousand impressions (CPM), revenue per thousand (RPM), and resulting pie point model.

[0046] 15-19 show screenshots of example website pages provided by system 10. FIG.

[0047] FIG. 15 shows an example of a home page (landing page) of the system 10 showing "featured channels" and "following channels" (channels that a particular user Un can actively follow).

[0048] FIG. 16 shows an example of a control room CRn for an owner Uo.

[0049] FIG. 17 shows an example of an expanded available VOD listing.

[0050] FIG. 18 shows an example of an expanded playlist.

[0051] FIG. 19 shows an example of a user's GUI 118.

[0052] The functions, applications, services, mechanisms, operations and actions described above are implemented at least in part by software executing on one or more computers (e.g., cloud platform 100, backend systems 300, 400, 500, 600, user device 200, etc.).

[0053] A variety of media (e.g., computer-readable media) may be used in many ways to store and transmit programs (and other types of data) implementing such methods. Hardwired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of the various embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software may be used in place of software alone.

[0054] For example, those skilled in the art will readily recognize and understand that the various processes described herein can be performed by appropriately programmed computers, special purpose computers, and computing devices. One or more such computers or computing devices may be referred to as a computer system.

[0055] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a computer system 800 capable of implementing and executing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] According to this example, computer system 800 includes a bus 802 (i.e., interconnect), one or more processors 804, a main memory 806, a read-only memory 808, a removable storage medium 810, a mass storage device 812, and a communications port 814. Communications port 814 may be connected to one or more networks (not shown) over which computer system 800 can receive and / or transmit data.

[0057] As used herein, a "processor" refers to one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or similar devices, or any combination thereof, regardless of architecture. An apparatus that performs a process may include, for example, a processor and devices (e.g., input devices and output devices suitable for performing a process).

[0058] The processor 804 can be any known processor, such as, but not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2® processor, an AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor, or a Motorola® family of processors. The communication port 814 can be any of an Ethernet port, a Gigabit port using copper or fiber, or a USB port. The communication port 814 may be selected depending on the network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or any network to which the computer system 800 is connected). The computer system 800 may communicate with peripheral devices (e.g., a display screen 816, an input device 818) via an input / output (I / O) port 820.

[0059] The main memory 806 can be a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. The read only memory (ROM) 808 can be any static storage device (e.g., a programmable read only memory (PROM) chip that stores static information such as instructions for the processor 804). A mass storage device 812 can be used to store information and instructions. For example, a hard disk drive, an optical disk, an array of disks (e.g., a redundant array of independent disks (RAID)), or any other mass storage device may be used.

[0060] Bus 802 communicatively couples processor 804 to other memory, storage, and communication blocks. Bus 802 can be a PCI / PCI-X, SCSI, Universal Serial Bus (USB) based system bus (or other) depending on storage devices used, etc. Removable storage medium 810 can be any type of external storage device including a hard drive, floppy drive, USB drive, compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-rewriteable (CD-RW), digital versatile disk-read only memory (DVD-ROM), etc.

[0061] The embodiments described herein may be provided as one or more computer program products, which may include machine-readable media having instructions stored thereon that can be used to program a computer (or other electronic device) to perform a process. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any medium, media, or combination of different media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures) that can be read by a computer, a processor, or a similar device. Such media may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memories. Volatile media typically include dynamic random access memory that constitutes a computer's main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to a processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves, and electromagnetic radiation (e.g., those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications).

[0062] The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a floppy diskette, an optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a RAM, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic or optical card, a flash memory, or any other type of medium / machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein may be downloaded as a computer program product, or the program may be transferred from a remote computer to a requesting computer by a data signal embodied in a carrier wave or other propagating medium over a communications link (e.g., a modem or network connection).

[0063] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying data (e.g., sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, data may be (i) sent from RAM to a processor, (ii) carried over a wireless transmission medium, (iii) formatted and / or transmitted according to a number of formats, standards, or protocols, and (iv) encrypted in any of a variety of ways known in the art.

[0064] The computer readable medium can store (in any suitable format) program elements that are suitable for carrying out the method.

[0065] As shown, applications 822 supporting functionality as described herein are encoded in main memory 806, and may be applications that perform some or all of the functionality of the services / mechanisms described herein. Applications 822 (and / or other resources as described herein) may be embodied as software code (e.g., code stored in memory or another computer-readable medium such as a disk) such as data and / or logical instructions that support processing functions according to different embodiments described herein.

[0066] During operation of one embodiment, processor 804 accesses main memory 806 through use of bus 802 to issue, implement, execute, interpret or otherwise execute logical instructions of application 822. Execution of application 822 generates processing functions for services related to the application. In other words, process 824 represents one or more portions of application 822 executing within or on processor 804 in computer system 800.

[0067] It should be noted that in addition to the process 824 performing the operations as described herein, other embodiments described herein include the application 822 itself (i.e., non-executable or non-implementing logical instructions and / or data). The application 822 may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as a disk (e.g., a repository), or on an optical medium. According to other embodiments, the application 822 may also be stored in a memory type system, for example, in firmware, read-only memory (ROM), or in executable code in the main memory 806 (e.g., random access memory, or RAM), in this example. For example, the application 822 may be stored in the removable storage medium 810, the read-only memory 808, and / or the mass storage device 812.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 800 may include other processing and / or software and hardware components, such as an operating system that controls the allocation and use of hardware resources.

[0069] As described herein, embodiments of the invention include various steps or operations. Various of these steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions usable to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the operations. Alternatively, the steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. The term "module" refers to a stand-alone functional component that may include hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize and understand, upon reading this specification, that apparatus embodiments may include computers / computing devices operable to perform some, but not necessarily all, of the processes described.

[0071] Embodiments of computer-readable media for storing programs or data structures include computer-readable media for storing programs that, when executed, can cause a processor to perform some, but not necessarily all, of the processes described.

[0072] As processes are described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the processes can operate without any user intervention. In alternative embodiments, the processes include some human intervention (e.g., performing steps by or with the assistance of a human).

[0073] As used herein, including the claims, the term "at least some" means "one or more," including only one. Thus, for example, the term "at least some ABCs" means "one or more ABCs," including only one ABC.

[0074] As used herein, including in the claims, the term "at least one" should be understood to mean "one or more" and therefore includes both embodiments including one or multiple components. Furthermore, a dependent claim referring to an independent claim reciting "at least one" feature has the same meaning both when the feature is referred to as "the" and "the at least one".

[0075] As used in this specification, the term "portion" means a part or a whole. Thus, for example, "A portion of X" may include a portion of "X" or all of "X." In the context of a conversation, the term "portion" means a part or all of the conversation.

[0076] As used herein, including the claims, the term "using" means "using at least" and not exclusive. Thus, for example, the term "using X" means "using at least X." Unless otherwise noted by use of the term "only," the term "using X" does not mean "using only X."

[0077] As used herein, including the claims, the term "based on" means "based in part on" or "based, at least in part, on," and not exclusive. Thus, for example, the term "based on factor X" means "based in part on factor X" or "based, at least in part, on factor X." Unless otherwise noted by use of the term "only," the term "based on X" does not mean the term "based only on X."

[0078] Generally, as used herein, including the claims, the term "only" should not be read into a phrase unless it is specifically used in that phrase.

[0079] As used herein, including the claims, the term "distinct" means "at least partially distinct." Unless otherwise specified, "distinct" does not mean "completely distinct." Thus, for example, the term "X is distinct from Y" means "X is at least partially distinct from Y," and not "X is fully distinct from Y." Thus, as used herein, including the claims, the term "X is distinct from Y" means that X is distinct from Y in at least some way.

[0080] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish or identify, and are not used to denote sequential or numerical limitations. Similarly, letter labels (e.g., "A," "B," "C," etc., or "a," "b," etc.) and / or numbers (e.g., "i," "ii," etc.) are used to aid in readability and to aid in distinction and / or identification, and are not intended to be otherwise limiting, or to imply or imply any sequential or numerical limitations or order. Similarly, when used, for example, the terms "particular," "specific," "certain," and "given" in the specification and claims are used to distinguish or identify, and are not intended to be otherwise limiting.

[0081] As used herein, including the claims, the terms "multiple" and "plurality" mean "two or more" and include "two." Thus, for example, the term "multiple ABCs" means "two or more ABCs" and includes "two ABCs." Similarly, for example, the term "multiple PQRs" means "two or more PQRs" and includes "two PQRs."

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention includes the exact terms, features, values, ranges, etc. when used in conjunction with, for example, the terms "about," "around," "generally," "substantially," "essentially," "at least," etc. (i.e., "about 3" or "approximately 3" also includes "exactly 3," or "substantially constant" also includes "exactly constant").

[0083] As used herein, including the claims, the singular forms of terms are to be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, as used herein, it should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0084] Throughout the specification and claims, the terms "comprise," "including," "having," and "contain," and variations thereof, shall be understood to mean "including but not limited to," and are not intended to exclude other elements, unless specifically stated.

[0085] It is understood that the embodiments of the invention can be modified while still falling within the scope of the invention. Alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose may be substituted for features disclosed in the specification, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, each disclosed feature represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0086] Furthermore, the present invention includes the exact terms, features, values, ranges, etc. when used in conjunction with, for example, the terms "about," "around," "generally," "substantially," "essentially," "at least," etc. (i.e., "about 3" also includes "exactly 3," or "substantially constant" also includes "exactly constant").

[0087] For example, the use of exemplary terms such as "for instance," "such as," "for example," "eg," and the like are merely intended to better illustrate the invention and do not imply a limitation on the scope of the invention unless specifically recited in the claims.

[0088] While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical preferred embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A persistent computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform an operation of broadcasting media in a broadcast system including a media stream combiner comprising at least one server, the operation comprising: (A) providing a first graphical user interface at a first client device associated with a first user, the first graphical user interface including a first primary video player, at least one live stream video player, and at least one video-on-demand video player, the at least one live stream video player and the at least one video-on-demand video player being each selectable as individual user interface elements; (B) providing, at a second client device associated with a second user, a second graphical user interface including a second primary video player; (C) providing the first user's live stream video collected from the first client device to at least one first live stream video player; (D) providing the second user's live stream video collected from the second client device to at least one second live stream video player; and (E) providing to at least one first video-on-demand video player a video stream of the first video-on-demand video and / or an icon representing the first video-on-demand video; (F) receiving, by the broadcast system, an indication of a selection of the first at least one live stream video player; and (G) upon receiving the indication of the selection of the first at least one live stream video player, by the broadcast system: (H) identifying the live stream video of the first at least one selected live stream video player; (I) providing the live stream video identified in (H) in the first primary video player; (J) providing the live stream video identified in (H) in the second primary video player; and (K) receiving, by the broadcast system, an indication of a selection of the second at least one live stream video player; and (L) upon receiving the indication of the selection of the second at least one live stream video player, by the broadcast system: (M) identifying the live stream video of the selected second at least one live stream video player; (N) providing the live stream video identified in (M) in the first primary video player; (O) providing the live stream video identified in (M) in the second primary video player; and (P) receiving, by the broadcast system, an indication of a selection of the first at least one video-on-demand video player; (Q) upon receiving the indication of the selection of the first at least one video-on-demand video player, by the broadcast system: (R) identifying the video-on-demand video for the first at least one selected video-on-demand video player; (S) providing the video-on-demand video identified in (R) in the first primary video player; (T) providing, in the second primary video player, the video-on-demand video identified in (R); 13. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising:

2. The operation comprises: (U) receiving a second video-on-demand video from the second client device; and (V) providing to at least one second video-on-demand video player a video stream of the second video-on-demand video and / or an icon representing the second video-on-demand video; (W) receiving, by the broadcast system, an indication of a selection of the second at least one video-on-demand video player; and (X) upon receiving the indication of the selection of the second at least one video-on-demand video player, by the broadcast system: (Y) identifying the video-on-demand video of the selected second at least one video-on-demand video player; (Z) providing the video-on-demand video identified in (Y) in the first primary video player; (AA) providing the video-on-demand video identified in (Y) in the second primary video player; The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The persistent computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein in (N), in the first primary video player, providing the live stream video identified in (M) includes switching between providing the live stream video identified in (H) and providing the live stream video identified in (M).

4. The persistent computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein in (O), in the second primary video player, providing the live stream video identified in (M) includes switching between providing the live stream video identified in (H) and providing the live stream video identified in (M).

5. The persistent computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein in (S), in the first primary video player, providing the video-on-demand video identified in (R) includes switching between providing the live stream video identified in (M) and providing the video-on-demand video identified in (R).

6. The persistent computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein at (T), in the second primary video player, providing the video-on-demand video identified in (R) includes switching between providing the live stream video identified in (M) and providing the video-on-demand video identified in (R).

7. The persistent computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the first graphical user interface includes an online control room.

8. The operation comprises: (U) providing a database adapted to store information regarding the first user's and / or the second user's engagement with the first video-on-demand video; (V) using the database to store information regarding engagement of the first user and / or the second user with the first video-on-demand video; The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 further comprising:

9. The operation comprises: (W) allocating points to the first user and / or the second user based at least in part on the information stored in the database. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8 , further comprising:

10. The operation comprises: (BB) providing a database by said at least one server adapted to store information regarding the engagement of said first user and / or said second user with said second video-on-demand video; (CC) using said database to store information regarding engagement of said first user and / or said second user with said second video-on-demand video; The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 2 further comprising:

11. The operation comprises: (DD) allocating points to the first user and / or the second user based at least in part on the information stored in the database. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10 further comprising:

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