Interactive super fan engagement system and method

Abstract

An interactive, immersive fan experience system and method enables a user to access audio and video content of their favorite musical artist via a smart mobile device by scanning NFC- enabled merchandise, such as a vinyl record, t-shirt, hat or sticker. The system and method provides the user access to a fans page including information such as special announcements, tour dates and behind-the-scenes video content. An artist portal is provided to allow for musical artists to upload content to their dedicated fans page. An admin portal is also provided for managing artists, content and system performance.

Description

INTERACTIVE SUPER FAN ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] This invention was made with no government support or sponsorship.RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.63 / 740,912 filed on December 31, 2024 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 19 / 438,535 filed on December 31, 2025, which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of audio, visual and other music-related content consumption and, more particularly, to a web-based platform that provides a fully interactive fan experience through an exclusive content distribution network. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system and method to enable fans to access exclusive content from their favorite music artists by scanning near field communication (“NFC”) enabled objects or merchandise.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, and laptop computers have made access to and consumption of audio and video content easier than ever before. Modern technology has also changed the way music fans consume audio and video content. In the past, fans simply listened to music on the radio or on other music playing devices. Now, modem technological advances have made it possible for people to consume music-related content and to be entertained in new and innovative ways beyond just listening to their favorite artists and songs. As a result, modern-day music fans seek new and innovative ways to be entertained and musical artists have aneed to find creative ways to expand and deepen their connection with their fans, while at the same time building their fan-based revenue streams with smart merchandise.

[0005] Several prior art systems and methods are known to leverage existing technology to enhance video / audio content consumption and fan engagement. For example, US Pub. No.2009 / 0117845 is directed to an interactive media module that is designed to permit artists to send unreleased music to fans for the purpose of soliciting reviews / feedback. Fans are able to register their mobile devices to receive newly created music that is uploaded by the artist onto the platform. The interactive media allows the user (the fan) to provide feedback, purchase the music online, make the music their ringtone, etc.

[0006] US Patent 10,812,869 discloses the use of content embedded in or overlaid over streamed video content. The invention disclosed is described as a system and method for providing a user with a personalized, interactive user experience when accessing or consuming audio and video content. A user interface, with unlockable content, is overlaid on a full or part screen streaming video. The user is able to navigate different content in the foreground while a video is playing in the background. The user can employ this user interface to engage in commercial interactions (i.e., to buy merchandise). Embodiments of this invention describe the use of pop-ups that are displayed during viewing of video content or user interfaces that are displayed while the video content being viewed is paused. One embodiment also discloses the use of a plush toy with NFC chips sewn in both paws. The NFC chips communicate with the client device (i.e., smart tv, laptop, mobile phone) such that the plush toy can be utilized as a remote control. The plush toy can also be used to interact with the video, such as to unlock video content or to communicate responses to prompts that are generated by the user interface.

[0007] US Pub. No. 2022 / 0303628 discloses an interactive method and process that allows users to interact and participate in a live event from a remote location (i.e., from home). This particular system allows a user to employ a download a software application to their mobile device, register their device with a processor that sends prompts that solicit responses from the user. Essentially, a remote user is able to actively participate with content related to a live event, which is displayed on the user's mobile device.

[0008] While these aforementioned prior art examples in some measure leverage modem day technology to enhance the way audio and visual content is consumed, there still exists a need to offer music fans a fully immersive and interactive way to connect with their favorite artists.

[0009] The present invention, therefore, is directed to developing a system and method to fully enhance the music fan’s experience of engaging with their favorite artists.

[0010] By hosting all functionalities within a scalable, user-friendly web application, the solution of the present invention provides an immersive offering to both fans and musical artists with a fully integrated and unique digital engagement experience. Furthermore, the means by which the present invention utilizes NFC technology as a driver for a content distribution network provides for a novel and unique approach to connecting fans to artists. Not only does the present invention change the way fans engage with their favorite musical artists, but it also provides a unique and improved way for musical artists to communicate and engage with their fans, while also building fan-based revenue streams at the same time.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following is a summary of the invention that is intended to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify critical components of the invention, nor in any way to delineate the scope of the invention. The solepurpose of this summary is to present in simplified language some aspects of the invention as a prelude to the more detailed description presented below.

[0012] Because of the aforementioned disadvantages and other problems in the art, it is desirable to provide a system and method to create a unique experience where fans can access exclusive content from their favorite artists by simply scanning NFC-enabled merchandise.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for transforming objects and traditional merchandise into an interactive experience that deepens fan connection and engagement through providing access to exclusive content.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and method that, in a user-friendly and self-service manner, empowers musical artists to manage content, promotions and fan interactions with minimal technical expertise.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and method to enhance the fan experience and fan engagement in any entertainment sector.

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method where users can tap NFC-enabled merchandise with their mobile device, i.e. smartphone, to be seamlessly redirected to an exclusive NFC link from a favorite musical artist that cannot be transferred or shared with other fans, allowing artists to generate profits and enhance the value of their merchandise.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method where users can instantly access special announcements, tour dates for a desired musical artist, musical artist social media profiles and information on relevant upcoming events.

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide users access to exclusive video content, concert and tour video footage, high quality audio streams, premium waveform audio files, remixes, and live recordings.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide musical artists a platform to manage and customize the fan experience.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, an artist portal is provided upon which a musical artist may upload their photos, videos and other exclusive content for high value fans along with audio and visual content displayed on a fans page to match the artist’s brand identity.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, an artist portal is provided where a musical artist may personalize the welcome screen of their fan webpage using a simple drag-and-drop editor, allowing for easy and efficient updating of the fan webpage as needed.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, an artist portal is provided where a musical artist may upload important information and updates, behind the scenes and event video content, audio files, live recordings and other music-related content.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, an artist portal is provided from which NFC-enabled merchandise may be browsed and purchased.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, an admin portal is provided for managing access to accounts and content; moderating content; monitoring user engagement and fan interactions; tracking payments, merchandise sales and invoices; controlling access; ensuring data privacy; managing backups; and overseeing merchandise.

[0025] There is described herein, among other things, an embodiment of the present invention comprising a fan webpage to which fans are directed after scanning an NFC tag; a dedicated artist portal where artists or their team can manage their fan webpage, upload content, control exclusive offerings and managing their subscription to the platform; and an admin portal that serves as the central management area where administrators can oversee all artist accounts, control content types, monitor user statistics, and manage revenue and other relevant metrics.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing the architecture of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing key features of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing key features of the admin portal of an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to and should not be interpreted to limit the embodiments described herein. Although particular embodiments are described, those embodiments are merely exemplary implementations of the present invention. The following descriptions herein should be considered illustrative in nature, and thus, not in any way limiting the scope of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments are possible and all such embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. It is the intent is to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that embody the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0030] It is also to be understood that the disclosure uses terminology for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and such terminology is not intended to be limiting.

[0031] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which is applicable to this disclosure.

[0032] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the embodiments described herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated or combined with features of any of the other possible embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] The present invention may be more fully described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. The present invention relates generally to a system and method for enhancing fan engagement in the music industry. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method wherein physical objects, such as merchandise, are integrated with exclusive digital content using NFC technology. Embodiments of the present invention described herein provide a novel interactive and immersive fan experience.

[0034] The systems and methods described herein enable music fans to easily and seamlessly access content relating to their favorite musical artists by scanning NFC-enabled merchandise.

[0035] Turning to FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a platform 1 comprising a fans page 2, an artist portal 3 and an admin portal 4. FIG. 1 illustrates the overall architecture of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when a user taps a unit of NFC-enabled merchandise with their mobile device, / .e.,, smartphone, the user will be redirected to a fans page 2 via an exclusive weblink. Although in a preferred embodiment the user may access the fans page 2 from their smartphone, any other known device, such as a tablet computer, may be used to scan the NFC-enabled merchandise for redirection to the fans page 2. Further, the NFC-enabled merchandise can be any type of object, such as a vinyl record, a shirt, a hat, a sticker or any other merchandise that a person skilled in the art would understand to be capable of bearing an NFC tag and, therefore, being NFC-enabled. Once the user accesses the fans page 2, the fans page 2 provides a user interface that permits the user to register their contact information, such as phone number and email address, thereby permitting two-way outreach between the user and a musical artist that uploads content onto the platform 1. The user interface further is configured to permit the user to message a participating musical artist, receive messages from the artist, to obtain accessto preferred streams and exclusive video content, to buy and sell collectible merchandise and to be notified in advance when a selected musical artist has scheduled appearances or new music being announced. In an embodiment of the present invention, through the fans page 2, the user may purchase limited edition artist merchandise including physical merchandise and digital collectibles. The fans page 2 may also advantageously include a vault which comprises a user’s personal collection space where the user can view all their purchased digital collectibles earned from merchandise purchases. Through the fans page 2, such digital assets may display with detailed metadata, including rarity and social sharing capabilities and the user may further browse their digital asset collection, share drops on social media, and access exclusive content tied to their collectibles.

[0037] The present invention may also include a functionality of automatically tracking every user’s purchase history in real time and assigning a tier or level to the user. As the user reaches certain predetermined levels of purchase thresholds, the platform assigns a tier to the user, which may qualify the user to be notified of eligibility for enhanced early access benefits. Information, such as progress bars, may show the user how many purchases are needed to reach the next tier or level. The platform may provide for higher-level users to get exclusive early access to exclusive announcements or new merchandise drops prior to lower-level users.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the user’s smartphone or computer may include an integrated memory for storing a software application program and the capability of accessing and displaying a user interface which allows for connection to a server to access the fans page 2. The user’s smartphone or computer may further advantageously include one or more processors capable of executing a software application program which may facilitate the user’s access to the desired content that is uploaded to a dedicated server via the artist portal 3.

[0039] The platform 1 of the present invention may include a one or more servers that perform various functions, including but not limited to, enabling user information to be stored, enabling user accounts to be created, facilitating user communications to be input and communicated, facilitating artist information and content to be generated, uploaded, downloaded and accessed, enabling two-way, real-time communication between a user and an artist, and facilitating the performance of various admin functions. A plurality of servers may be communicatively coupled, by a network for example, to facilitate the execution of the platform’s functions described herein.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the fans page 2 comprises a personalized welcome screen and message board featuring the musical artists’ unique branding. The fans page 2 may further include exclusive updates, such as up-to-date special announcements and sneak-peek information, tour dates, artist social media profdes and information relating to upcoming events. The user’s smartphone or computer further is enabled to facilitate the user registering or creating an account, access artist content and make purchases.

[0041] The content accessible via the fans page 2 of a preferred embodiment may further include video content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, tour diaries, and soundcheck footage. In one embodiment of the present invention, on the fans page 2 the user can scroll through a vertical social media-style feed featuring content posted by selected artists. The feed may display images, videos, and carousel posts in a single-column layout optimized for mobile viewing. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the user can like posts, read captions, and tap videos to play them online. Each post may advantageously display an artist’s profile information, timestamp, and engagement metrics. A further embodiment may include an artist screen on the fans page 2, with a dedicated chat channel where the user can scroll down to see a live chat feed where the user can read messages between other fans and the selected artist. The user can also type their own messages to participatein conversations, ask questions, or chat with fellow fans. Separate chat rooms for each artist may exist to permit the artist, when online, to see and respond to fan messages directly.

[0042] The fans page 2 may also display recognizable brand icons or links, which can be selected or clicked to open directly to an artist’s profile. The social media icons may be organized by category, i.e., music streaming, social media, music discovery, etc.) for easy navigation. Artists may manage and update their links via the artist portal 3.

[0043] The fans page 2 of a preferred embodiment may also provide high quality audio in the form of direct streaming of premium WAV files, remixes and live recordings of musical performances, as well as exclusive videos of private performances, acoustic sessions and studio footage.

[0044] The fans page 2 of the present invention may advantageously provide any or all of the aforementioned forms of content, but one skilled in the art would understand that any type of uploadable video or audio content may be included on the fans page of the present invention. The forms of content described herein have been provided by way of example and the present invention should in no way be interpreted to be limited in terms of content based upon the description provided herein.

[0045] The audio accessible from the fans page 2 may also be compressed for mobile devices, such as smartphones, or expanded for internet connections.

[0046] One skilled in the art would understand that preferred embodiments of the present invention may employ known cloud storage solutions such as Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage or any other suitable cloud storage solution for hosting audio files. Further, any suitable content distribution network services, such as AWS CloudFront or Google Cloud CDN, for example, may be employed by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] An embodiment of the present invention is compatible with platforms such as Amazon S3, Libsyn or Anchor.fm for audio streaming and platforms such as Youtube may be employed for hosting video content.

[0048] A preferred embodiment of the present invention may further comprise an artist portal 3 wherein a musical artist may, preferably via a computer, access a user interface for managing and customizing content to be provided on a fans page 2. The artist portal 3 could also be accessible by a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer. In a preferred embodiment, the artist portal 3 provides a customization tool, whereby the artist may, via smartphone, tablet, laptop computer or any other suitable device, upload content, including their unique logo, and customize their fans page welcome screen and message board to visually match their brand identity. A drag-and-drop interface may be provided to allow the artist the ability to edit and update, as needed, the content communicated to and displayed on the fans page 2.

[0049] The artist portal 3 of the present invention further allows the artist to upload information from a smartphone, tablet, computer or any other suitable device to the fans page 2, such as announcements, news, updates or sneak peeks in the form of text, images or a combination of both. The user interface provided by the artist portal 3 provides for the artist the capability to create and publish content directly through the user interface. The artist portal 3 further enables the artist to upload high quality images and videos that are automatically optimized and stored in a number of different formats, such as JPEG, PNG, HEIC, MP4, MOV, etc. The images and videos may be converted by the platform to web-optimized versions, while maintaining original quality. Further, videos may be automatically compressed and converted to streaming format for consistent playback across all types of devices and platforms.

[0050] The artist portal 3 of the present invention may further provide a means for the artist to upload video content, such as tour diaries, vlogs, soundcheck videos, performance videos, studio footage, and other video content that provides fans behind-the-scenes experiences. Such video content may include unlisted Youtube videos for cost-effective hosting. The artist portal also provides the capability for the artist to categorize videos by type, thus allowing for fans to explore such content in an orderly and efficient manner. Once the artist uploads a post with captions and media, content publishes immediately to their fan feed. Users / fans following a particular artist will be able to view posted artist content in real-time in a content feed, thus creating immediate engagement opportunities between user and artist. The artist portal 3 may also advantageously permit the artist to edit existing posts, to update captions or add additional context to previously published content. The artist content feed communicates, preferably via dedicated servers and a network, with the user in the form of notifications to the user’s SMS or email or in communications appearing in the fan vault collections as associated digital collectibles.

[0051] The artist portal 3 of the present invention may also allow the artist to upload audio files, live recordings, exclusive remixes, and any other audio content. The uploaded audio content may advantageously be catalogued in an easy-to-navigate library where audio content is organized, for example, by album, by tour, by event, chronologically, etc. A dedicated server may be provided to facilitate the uploading and storage / maintenance of the aforementioned video and audio content.

[0052] The artist portal 3 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention may also provide an online catalog of all available NFC-enabled merchandise, such as t-shirts, caps, stickers, vinyl products, and the like, which can be purchased via the artist portal 3.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an artist portal 3 is provided wherein an artist can create and publish content directly through a mobile app interface. An “addcontent” button in the user interface launches a content creation modal where the artist may select content type (i.e., image, video, or carousel), choose from a photo library or camera roll, and add captions with text descriptions. This functionality allows the artist to share comprehensive behind-the-scenes content or product showcases.

[0054] A preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides an admin portal 4 which serves as a central control hub for managing artists, content and system performance. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the admin portal 4 manages access to accounts and content; moderates content by reviewing uploads, ensuring compliance and managing storage; monitors and reports on analytics, including user engagement and fan interactions; manages revenue by tracking payments, merchandise sales and invoices; manages security by controlling access to the platform, ensuring data privacy and managing backups; and oversees merchandise by managing products and inventory.

[0055] Having described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, any number of changes, variations and improvements which may be apparent to those skilled in the art are within the scope of the invention claimed and described herein. Although the preferred embodiments described herein relate to and have been described by way of example as a method and system for enhancing interaction and engagement between fans and artists in the music industry, the present invention may likewise be similarly applicable in any other entertainment field, such as the sports industry, the motion picture industry, social media influencer industry, etc.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A computer implemented system for fan engagement comprising:a near field communication tag attached to an item;a fans page that is accessible by a user scanning the near field communication tag with a mobile device; andan artist portal that allows an artist to upload content to be transmitted to and viewable by a user on the fans page.

2. The computer implemented system according to Claim 1, wherein said fans page and said artist portal communicate via at least one server.

3. The computer implemented system according to Claim 1, wherein said item is a vinyl record.

4. The computer implemented system according to Claim 1, wherein said item is merchandise in the form of an article of clothing apparel.

5. The computer implemented system according to Claim 1, wherein said mobile device is a smartphone.

6. The computer implemented system according to Claim 1, wherein said content is audio content or video content.

7. The computer implemented system according to Claim 6, wherein said video content is concert footage, concert tour footage, live recordings, or other music- related content.

8. A method performed by a dedicated server, the method comprising:receiving from a mobile device information a user scans with said mobile device from a near field communication tag;connecting the user to a dedicated fans page based upon the information scanned from the near field communication tag;receiving information uploaded into an artist portal;transmitting information uploaded to the artist portal to the fans page.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:receiving information uploaded via a mobile device to the artist portal.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:receiving information uploaded via a computer to the artist portal.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising:receiving information inputted by a user via the fans page and transmitting said information from the fans page to the artist portal where it is viewable by an artist; andreceiving information inputted by an artist via the artist portal and transmitting said information from the artist portal to the fans page where it is viewable by a user.

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