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A method, corresponding system, and corresponding apparatus distribute user generated content from a computing device to one or more display devices. The computer-implemented method may begin by communicatively coupling the computing device, a server, and the one or more display devices. The computing device executes a user interface. The user interface may include a field for accepting user generated content. The server may store the user generated content, in a manner enabling assembling of the user generated content. The server communicates the assembled user generated content to selected display devices. The display devices display the assembled user generated content in a sequence defined by a playlist.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Organizations today face a number of existing challenges directly related to how organizations communicate both internally and externally. Such challenges may prevent organizations from adequately coordinating collective activities and effectively aligning resources to achieve strategic objectives. Such challenges may stem from one or more deficiencies, such as: (1) too many communications technologies being available and deployed that tend to overlap, diffuse and dilute “key” messages; (2) a lack of a way to make key messages more “visible” within the organization; and (3) an inability to be able to quickly create, prioritize, and elevate key messages, and distribute the messages to the proper place in the organization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, an efficient and reliable method, corresponding system, and corresponding apparatus is presented, which overcomes the existing challenges and deficiencies with respect to communication within organizations. Some embodiments may include a new category, known as a “group” communication solution. According to some embodiments, the group communication solution may combine simple, yet sophisticated, streaming broadcast capabilities, with mobile content capture and management applications, to deliver professional looking strategic messages, and/or other mixed-media content, throughout enterprises and organizations of all sizes.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize computing devices (including but not limited to desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile computing devices, smartphones, tablets, among others) for the submission of user generated content (including but not limited to messages, text, images, graphics, video, audio, and/or other user generated content). Some embodiments may review and select the submitted user generated content for display on display devices. According to some embodiments, the display devices may be located anywhere inside and/or outside the organization to display and communicate the approved user generated content. Therefore, organizations may streamline communication, and quickly create, evaluate, prioritize, and communicate key messages in desired locations anywhere in the organization.

As such, the present disclosure is directed to a method, corresponding system, and corresponding apparatus for distributing user generated content from a computing device to one or more display devices. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method may begin by communicatively coupling the computing device, a server, and the one or more display devices. Some embodiments may execute a user interface on the computing device. In some embodiments, the user interface may include an input or other field for accepting (receiving) user generated content. In some embodiments, the server may store the user generated content, in a manner enabling assembling of the user generated content. In some embodiments, the assembled user generated content (that is, the resulting assembly of various received and stored user generated content) may include at least one playlist comprising portions of the input user generated content. Some embodiments may select at least one of the one or more display devices. Some embodiments may communicate the assembled user generated content including the at least one playlist to the selected at least one of the one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the assembled user generated content may include at least one playlist, each playlist defining a respective sequence of user generated content. Some embodiments may display the assembled user generated content on the selected at least one of the one or more display devices in a sequence or order defined by the at least one playlist.

Some embodiments may initialize the one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the initialization may be based upon a respective unique identifier for and/or associated with each of the one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the server may store one or more of the respective unique identifiers. In some embodiments, the computing device may perform the initialization.

Some embodiments may associate the at least one of the one or more display devices and the assembled user generated content (including but not limited to the at least one playlist) with at least one location on the server. Generated content may include, but is not limited to a playlist. A playlist may include, but is not limited to a news stream, portions of user generated content, and/or one or more articles of information. One or more articles of information may include but are not limited to text, audio, graphical images, video, and/or other types of information (including but not limited to control or data information which is transmitted and/or received).

In some embodiments, the server may transmit a first stream of the assembled user generated content (including but not limited to the at least one playlist) from the server to the at least one of the one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the server may update the assembled user generated content (including but not limited to the at least one playlist). In some embodiments, the server may transmit the updated stream of assembled user generated content to the at least one of the one or more display devices, while the transmission of the first stream is preserved.

Some embodiments may perform the assembling of the user generated content at the server. Some embodiments may perform the assembling of the user generated content at the one or more display devices.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more display devices may be located at a remote location. In some embodiments, the computing device (for input or receipt of user generated content) may be mobile.

The server or method therein by some embodiments may convert the assembled user generated content (including but not limited to the at least one playlist) into a video file. Some embodiments may encode, by the server for example, the video file. Some embodiments may stream the video file from the server to the at least one of the one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more display devices may decode the encoded video file received from the server.

The server or corresponding process (method) in some embodiments may organize the user generated content into a plurality of channels (including but not limited to communication, electronic, digital, analog, and/or other types of channels) and may select at least one of the one or more channels to display on the at least one of the one or more display devices. Some embodiments may filter the user generated content within one or more of the plurality of channels.

Some embodiments may distribute user generated content from one or more computing devices to a display device. Some embodiments may begin by communicatively coupling one or more computing devices, a server, and a display device. Some embodiments may execute a user interface on the one or more computing devices. In some embodiments, the user interface may include a field for accepting user generated content. Some embodiments may accept various (multiple and different amounts of) user generated content from a plurality of users. In some embodiments, the server may store the user generated content. Some embodiments may create, at the server end, one or more channels (including but not limited to communication, electronic, digital, analog, and/or other types of channels) by filtering the user generated content and compiling the filtered user generated content into the one or more channels. Some embodiments may communicate the one or more channels from the server to the display device. Some embodiments may select at least one of the channels to display on the display device. Some embodiments may display at least one of the channels on the display device. Some embodiments may modify the user generated content while preserving communication of the one or more channels from the server to the display device.

Some embodiments may store the assembled user generated content in one or more locations at the server. In some embodiments, the server may modify the assembled user generated content stored in the one or more locations at the server. Some embodiments may preserve streaming communication of the assembled user generated content between the server and one or more display devices.

Some embodiments may include a system for distributing content. Such a system for distributing content may include a computing device, a server, one or more display devices, and an assembly engine. Some embodiments of the system for distributing content may include a network configured to communicatively couple the computing device, the server, the one or more display devices, and the assembly engine. In some embodiments, the computing device may be configured to execute a user interface. In some embodiments the user interface may include a field for accepting user generated content as input by a user. In some embodiments the server may be configured to store the input user generated content, in a manner enabling assembling of the user generated content. In some embodiments, the assembly engine may be configured to assemble the stored user generated content or form assemblies of user generated content. In some embodiments, the assembled user generated content may include at least one playlist comprising one or more portions of the user generated content (formed assemblies thereof). In some embodiments, the assembly engine may be further configured to communicate the assembled user generated content (which may include the at least one playlist) from the server to the one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the one or more display devices may be configured to display the assembled user generated content in a sequence defined by the at least one playlist, on at least one of the one or more display devices.

In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the one or more display devices may be further configured to assemble the user generated content including the at least one playlist.

In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the assembly engine may be further configured to convert the assembled user generated content into a video file, encode the video file, and stream the encoded video file to the one or more display devices. In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the one or more display devices may be further configured to decode the received encoded video file.

In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the assembly engine may be further configured to organize the user generated content into a plurality of channels (including but not limited to communication, electronic, digital, analog, and/or other types of channels) and select one or more channels to display on the one or more display devices. In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the assembly engine may be further configured to filter the user generated content of one or more of the plurality channels.

In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the server may be further configured to initialize the one or more display devices, each of the one or more display devices may have a respective unique identifier. Some embodiments may perform the initialization based upon the respective identifier.

In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the server may be further configured to store the assembled user generated content in one or more locations. In some embodiments, the server may modify the assembled user generated content stored in the one or more locations while preserving streaming communication of the assembled user generated content between the server and the one or more display devices.

Some embodiments are directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a sequence of instructions which, when loaded and executed by a processor coupled to an apparatus, may cause the apparatus to: communicate with a computing device, a server, and one or more display devices; execute a user interface on the computing device, the user interface including a field for accepting (receiving) user generated content; accept user generated content; store received/input user generated content on a server; assemble the stored user generated content in a predetermined manner; select any number of display devices from one or more display devices; and display the assembled (assemblies of) user generated content on the selected one or more display devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although various tools to communicate both internally and externally in an organization exist, organizations still lack the ability to broadly communicate key organizational messages in a manner that aligns employees to achieve the organization's strategic objectives. Further, organizations require a way to make communication more focused to make important messages relatively more visible. When organizations utilize too many communication technologies, the information shared may overlap and important messages may become diluted. Additionally, many existing communication technologies lack central editorial control, which may lead to inaccurate or inappropriate messages being disseminated throughout an organization.

Thus, some embodiments include a new category of “group” communication solution that combines simple, yet sophisticated, streaming broadcast capabilities with mobile content capture and management applications to deliver professional looking strategic messages, and/or other mixed-media content to (and throughout) enterprises and organizations of varying sizes. According to some embodiments, members of an organization may utilize computing devices to submit user generated content for display on display devices located anywhere an internet connection is available. In some embodiments, one or more computing devices, a server, and one or more display devices may be communicatively coupled to a local area network, in which case members of an organization may utilize the one or more computing devices to submit user generated content for display on the one or more display devices located on the local area network. In some embodiments, users with editorial control (i.e., editors) may review user generated content to prevent inaccurate and/or in appropriate content from displaying on display devices. Further, in some embodiments a server may reorganize user generated content arranged in a micro-template (i.e., a small template for accepting user generated content on a mobile computing device) into a display template for display on one or more display devices. Some embodiments may automatically assemble (i.e., organize, arrange, etc.) user generated content into a display template, which enables the user to quickly present user generated content in a visually appealing and professional manner.

Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 1, an efficient and reliable method (and system)1000for distributing user generated content is presented. Some embodiments are directed to a method, corresponding system, and corresponding apparatus for distributing user generated content from a computing device to one or more display devices. Some embodiments may begin by communicatively coupling102the computing device, a server, and the one or more display devices. Next, the computing device may execute104a user interface, which may include a field for accepting user generated content. Next, the server may store106the user generated content, in a manner enabling assembling of the user generated content. In some embodiments, the assembled user generated content may include at least one playlist comprising portions of the user generated content sequenced in a certain order. Next, in some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may select108at least one of the one or more display devices to display the assembled user generated content. Next, in some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may communicate110the assembled user generated content, including the at least one playlist, to the selected at least one of the one or more display devices. Finally, in some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may display112the assembled user generated content on the selected at least one of the one or more display devices in a sequence defined by the at least one playlist. Note, in some embodiments, the steps of the method1000may be configured as one or more components of a computer system or processor.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, in step102, in some embodiments, a computing device, a server, and one or more display devices may be communicatively coupled over a single network and/or a combination of networks. The types of networks that may be used are not limited, but may include a remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a worldwide collection of computers, local area or wide area networks, gateways that currently use respective protocols (TCP/IP, BLUETOOTH™, etc.) to communicate with one another, and/or other suitable network architectures. Refer to the description ofFIG. 12below for more details about communicatively coupling the computing device, the server, and the one or more display devices, according to some embodiments.

Continuing withFIG. 1, in step104, some embodiments may execute a user interface for receiving and accepting user generated content. In some embodiments, users may directly insert or otherwise input user generated content (i.e., text, images, audio, and/or video and the like) into the user interface. In some embodiments, users may upload content from outside sources (e.g., webpages, email, social media posts, local storage, cloud storage, common message communication sources, etc.). In step104, in some embodiments, a computing device may execute a user interface that may accept user generated content and may communicate the received (input) user generated content to a server.

In step106, the method (and system)1000may store user generated content on a server, in a manner enabling assembly of user generated content. In some embodiments, a server in response to the computing device may accept user generated content, validate, and store the user generated content. In some embodiments, the server may assemble and convert user generated content into a suitable format for display on one or more display devices. In some embodiments the assembling may include, but is not limited to the server reformatting, mixing, and repurposing the user generated content. In some embodiments, the server may assemble user generated content by extracting the user generated content from a micro-template used by the server interface of the computing device and reorganizing the extracted user generated content into a display template. In some embodiments, the server may assemble user generated content into one or more playlists. In some embodiments, the playlists may comprise one or more portions of user generated content organized into one or more display templates. The display templates may be sequenced in a certain order per playlist. In other embodiments, a playlist may be created by the server by assembling user generated content from one or more users into an ordered sequence, which some embodiments may play as a video on one or more display devices.

Referring toFIG. 1, in step108, the method (and system)1000may select one or more display devices to display the assembled user generated content, i.e. the resulting assemblies of step106. In some embodiments, a user may select one or more display devices to display accepted and assembled user generated content from a computing device. In some embodiments, an owner of one or more display devices may select certain ones of the one or more display devices to display user generated content.

In step110, the method (and system)1000may communicate assembled user generated content from the server to one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the assembled user generated content includes at least one playlist. In some embodiments, the server may stage assembled user generated content for transmission, and at an appropriate time, may deliver assembled user generated content to the one or more selected display devices.

In step112, the method (and system)1000may display assembled user generated content on the one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the one or more display devices may display assembled user generated content in a sequence defined by at least one playlist. In some embodiments, one or more display devices may receive assembled user generated content from the server and may display the assembled user generated content at the one or more display devices' locations.

FIG. 2illustrates a flow diagram of method (and system)1000, including a computing device202, a server208, and a display device212, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a user228may execute an application (i.e., a computer application) with a user interface220on a computing device202(including but not limited to desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile computing devices, smartphones, tablets, among others). In some embodiments, a user228may capture, select and/or enter user generated content230(i.e., combinations of images, text, and/or videos, etc.) into the user interface220of the application.

According to some embodiments, the computing device202may be a mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.). In some embodiments, a computing device202may include one or more applications for creating and controlling user generated content230to be delivered to a display device212via a server208. In some embodiments, an application may be implemented in X-Code, (i.e., which includes but is not limited to an integrated development environment (IDE) including a suite of software development tools developed by Apple for developing software for OS X and/or iOS) and may communicate with a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) using standard communications protocols (TCP/IP, HTML5, and others). According to some embodiments, a user228may create an article232of user generated content230by entering user generated content230into a micro-template206a. In some embodiments, an article232may be comprised of a collection of related user generated content230. In some embodiments, the related user generated content230may comprise an article232which may include any combination of text, images, audio, video, and/or any other type of media.

In some embodiments, a micro-template206amay be a small template with an input area pre-configured for the type of article232being created. According to some embodiments, a micro-template206amay be filled with user generated content230which may include any combination of text, images, audio, video, and/or any other type of media. In some embodiments, a user228may create an article232by compiling one or more forms of user generated content230into a micro-template206a. In some embodiments, a user228may create a new article232by selecting a new article button on an application's user interface220and entering user generated content230into a micro-template206a. According to some embodiments, a user228may take a picture with a computing device's202camera and/or select an image to include in the article232. In some embodiments, a user228may enter a headline and/or text, and/or may set a play duration for how long the article232displays on the display device212.

Referring toFIG. 2, the computing device202transmits or otherwise transfers an article232which may include one or more micro-templates206a, holding the user generated content230, over a communication network204(including but not limited to a local network, a remote network, a cell data network, a wireless network, or the Internet, among others) to a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service). According to some embodiments, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may be comprised of one or more servers, routers, databases, network devices and/or various application software. In some embodiments, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may receive an article232which may include the form of a micro-template206aholding user generated content230. In some embodiments, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may store the received article232which may include the form of a micro-template206a. In some embodiments, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may assemble user generated content230by extracting the user generated content230from a micro-template206aand reorganizing the extracted user generated content230into a display template206bdesigned for display on one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may assemble one or more of the display templates216,206b,218into a playlist222ordering or sequencing one or more articles232. In some embodiments, the display template206bmay organize the related user generated content230, which comprises the article232. The server208may transmit the playlist222to the one or more display devices212.

Referring toFIG. 2, in some embodiments, the server208may transfer a display template206bover a communication network210(e.g., cell data network, wireless network, or the Internet, among others) to one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, one or more display devices212may include a television monitor with a media streaming device214(i.e., a media receiver, and/or wireless media receiving stick, including but not limited to a CHROMECAST stick) connected via the television monitor's HDMI port for nonlimiting example. According to some embodiments, one or more display devices212may include a smart television, which preferably does not require a separate media streaming device214.

In some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may initialize one or more display devices212based upon a unique identifier224(collectively,224a,224b,224c, . . .224nofFIG. 2) for each display device212. In some embodiments, one or more servers208may receive communication of the unique identifier224aover the network210from the one or more display devices212. In response, server208uses the received unique identifier224ain a look up table or the like to find stored memory matching unique identifiers224a,224b,224c. . .224nfor the one or more display devices212. Upon a successful look up or match, server208initializes the respective display devices212. In some embodiments, the computing device202may perform the initialization by capturing one or more display devices'212unique identifier224a. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may determine to which of the one or more display devices212or the computing device202to deliver the user generated content230through the use of the unique identifiers224(collectively,224a,224b,224c, . . .224nofFIG. 2). As such, some embodiments eliminate the need for a user228to take independent actions at the one or more display devices212, in order to begin communicating user generated content230from the server208to the one or more display devices212.

Referring toFIG. 2, in some embodiments, a display template206bmay be combined with existing display templates216and218, which a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may currently be communicating to the selected one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, one or more display devices212may display the new user generated content230in a display template206b, along with other existing user generated content in display templates216and218. In some embodiments, one or more display devices212may display the playlist222comprised of multiple articles232of the user generated content230organized in display templates206b,216, and218. According to some embodiments, the playlist222may be a professionally formatted dynamic visual, which may cycle through articles232in an interesting way such that the final presentation plays as a video. The playlist222defines the sequence or order of display of the unlimited articles232(or user generated content230generally speaking).

Further, in some embodiments, a computer-implemented method may begin by communicatively coupling a computing device202, a server208, and one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, the computing device202may execute a user interface220. In some embodiments, the user interface220may include a field206afor accepting user generated content230as input by the user228. In some embodiments, the computing device202communicates the input user generated content230to server208. In turn, the server208may store the received user generated content230, in a manner enabling assembling of the user generated content. In some embodiments, server208arranges amounts of stored user generated content230into display templates216,206b,218. In embodiments, the display templates216,206b,218or assembled user generated content230are used to form a playlist222that sequences the user generated content230or portions thereof. In some embodiments, users may select at least one of the one or more display devices212to display the assembled user generated content in display templates216,206b,218. In some embodiments, the server208may communicate the assembled user generated content230/display templates216,206b,218to the selected at least one of the one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, the assembled user generated content230/display templates216,206b,218may include the at least one playlist222. In some embodiments, one or more display devices may display the assembled user generated content230/display templates216,206b,218on the selected at least one of the one or more display devices212in a sequence defined by the at least one playlist222.

In some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may assemble the user generated content230at the server208. In some embodiments, the user generated content230may be assembled at the one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, each of the one or more display devices212may be located at a remote location226. In some embodiments, the computing device202may be mobile.

FIG. 3illustrates a flow diagram of the data handling and the movement of data through a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the components of a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may reside on an internal computer network attached to, and communicating with the Internet. According to some embodiments, major components of a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may include a variety of computer servers configured to run on and communicate with a computer communications network, network software, data storage devices, and/or database, security, and/or application software. In some embodiments, networked components may work together to operate the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service), and store and assemble the data which may be produced by the internal processes of the method1000. As illustrated inFIG. 3, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may receive306user generated content. In some embodiments, user generated content230may be in the form of an article232, organized in a micro-template206b. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may validate the user generated content with a list of pre-registered or registered users302, which may be stored in a user database304. In some embodiments, the user database304may include basic information identifying one or more users. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) and/or a computing device202may enter the user generated content230into a content database308, in an area specifically dedicated to a submitting user.

According to some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may assemble310the user generated content230into the display template206b. In some embodiments, a user, who oversees the display template's206bbehavior, may select attributes of the display template206b. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may include an assembly engine414. In some embodiments, an assembly engine414may obtain an article232, having of user generated content230(i.e., text, images, audio, and/or videos) in a micro-template, and may extract the user generated content230from the micro template. Next, the assembly engine414assembles the extracted user generated content230by organizing the user generated content230into the display template206b(i.e., templates designed for displaying content on the display devices). In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may make adjustments to the display template206band user generated content230in the display template206b, in order to fit the screen of one or more selected display devices. In some embodiments, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may confirm that the user generated content230is in a format that is supported by the one or more display devices. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may convert the user generated content230into a supported format, which may include, converting from one type of video codec to another.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, in some embodiments, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may create a playlist222by combining314the display template206bwith one or more other assembled display templates216and218(although two display templates are shown, embodiments are not so limited). In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may utilize preference information from a user while combining314display templates206b,216, and218. The preference information may include instructions of how the user generated content230may be displayed, arranged, formatted, and/or ordered (on display device212ofFIG. 2). Referring back toFIG. 3, in some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may combine314the display template206binto an existing or new playlist222. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may store318the playlist222in a streaming database320. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may await timing instruction for replacing (i.e., swapping) an older content stream, which may currently be displaying on one or more display devices, with a new content stream322including the playlist222. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may replace (i.e., swap in the streaming database320) an older playlist with new playlist222, the new playlist222may become an active content stream322to display on one or more display devices.

According to some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may create a video file from the at least one playlist222and encode the video file for the purpose of streaming the encoded video file to the at least one of the one or more display devices, where the encoded video may be decoded and displayed. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may also add audio, if that option is selected by a user. In some embodiments, the server208may be hosted by a Cloud service provider.

In some embodiments, a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may format and optimize playlists222for HTML5, which may be delivered instead of pure video to the one or more display devices212ofFIG. 2. Referring back toFIG. 3, in some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may stream video using the H.263 or higher standard. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may send text and images that from articles232in the playlist222, in the much more compact and efficient base HTML5 format. In some embodiments the server208may send identical user generated content230to one or more display devices simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments the server208may format and send the user generated content230to one or more connected display devices212that may be oriented either horizontally, or vertically (i.e., in portrait, or landscape modes).

In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may deliver HTML5 pages or screens to one or more display devices. In some embodiments, one or more display devices may convert HTML5 into a video-like display. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may send text as HTML5 text, and pictures as static images. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may combine, convert, and replay text and images on one or more display devices in a video like format. In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may embed actual video content within the HTML5 page (which may be done utilizing the H.263 protocol); similar to how HTML5 video is added to a web page. Delivering the user generated content230as HTML5 provides several advantages. First, the delivering may reduce the bandwidth requirements to and/or from the server208over any network. The reduction in bandwidth may be dependent on the ratio of non-video content to video content. Second, delivering the user generated content230as HTML5 may improve overall performance. If the user generated content230is re-shown on one or more display devices, then the user generated content230preferably does not have to be re-transmitted, nor decrypted again.

In some embodiments, the server208may store, process, and/or manage the user generated content230. According to some embodiments, computing devices and/or display devices may store, process, and/or manage user generated content230. In some embodiments, the server208may include account and/or user administration services databases. In some embodiments, the server208may be hosted in a MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD environment (and/or equivalent cloud hosting service) on a single server using a SQL-Server database instance to store user data, the micro and display template library, the user generated content230(i.e., images, text, audio, and/or video), user playlists222, a personal user generated content archive (i.e., database dedicated to a specific user's generated content), and content streams322including completed and processed user playlists222for viewing on one or more display devices, as well as on computing devices. In some embodiments, the server208may configure, process, and deliver content streams322using HTML5 formatted data to one or more display devices, or one or more computing devices. In some embodiments, the server208may initiate and maintain the content stream322to each display device212, and continue to maintain the content stream322even when the device is temporarily interrupted (e.g., by loss of network connection). In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may maintain the connection with one or more display devices while a content stream322is swapped by utilizing a single URL address to one or more display devices that may be maintained even while files are modified and swapped in the background.

FIG. 4illustrates a network diagram of method (and system)1000, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a user228using a computing device202may download an application (e.g., computer application) from an application distribution service404(such as an application store and/or application storage and/or application storage service) via one or more communication networks402,406,408,410. In some embodiments, the user228may install the application on the computing device202. According to some embodiments, the communication network may include any of a wireless connection410, a cellular phone network406, the Internet402, an enterprise or home network408, and/or any other type of network connection.

In some embodiments, the user228using the computing device202may open the installed application with a user interface220, where the user228is able to capture, select and enter user generated content230(may include but is not limited to combinations of images, text, audio and/or videos) into the user interface220. According to some embodiments, the user228may enter the user generated content230into the micro-template206ato simplify the process of data capture and entry. In some embodiments, the computing device202may transfer the user generated content230entered into the micro-template206aover a communication network (i.e., a wireless connection410, a cellular phone network406, and/or the Internet402) to the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service).

In some embodiments, the server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) may assemble the user generated content230by extracting the user generated content230from the micro-template206aand may reorganize the extracted user generated content230into a content stream322. In some embodiments, the server208may transfer the content stream322over a communication network (i.e., the Internet402, enterprise or home network408, and wireless connection410) to one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, the content stream322may include the playlist222, with one or more articles232.

Referring toFIG. 4, according the some embodiments, the content stream322may also be transferred to and viewed on one or more computing devices202,412. In some embodiments, one or more display devices212may include a television monitor with a wireless streaming receiver214connected via the television monitor's HDMI port. In some embodiments, one or more display devices212may receive the content stream322. In some embodiments, one or more display devices212may display the content stream322resulting in visual production of display templates206b,216, and218. In some embodiments, the content stream322may display as a professionally formatted dynamic visual, which may cycle through user generated content230/display templates206b,216,218in an interesting way, such that the final presentation may resemble motion video as it plays on the display212.

Some embodiments of the system for distributing content may comprise one or more computing devices202,412, one or more servers208, one or more display devices212, and an assembly engine414. Some embodiments of the system for distributing content may include a network402,406,408,410configured to communicatively couple the one or more computing devices202,412, the server208, the one or more display devices212, and the assembly engine414. In some embodiments, the computing device212may be configured to execute a user interface220. In some embodiments the user interface220may include a field206afor accepting user generated content230. In some embodiments the server208may be configured to store the user generated content230, in a manner enabling assembling of the user generated content230. In some embodiments, the assembly engine414may be configured to assemble the user generated content230stored at the server (and/or at a computing device202,412and/or at a display device212). In some embodiments, the assembled user generated content may include at least one playlist222(ofFIG. 2) comprising one or more portions of the user generated content230.

Referring back toFIG. 4, in some embodiments, the assembly engine414may be further configured to communicate the assembled user generated content230, which may include at least one playlist222, from the server208to the one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, the one or more display devices212may be configured to display the assembled user generated content230in a sequence defined by the at least one playlist222, on at least one of the one or more display devices212.

In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the one or more display devices212may be further configured to assemble user generated content230including the at least one playlist222.

In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the assembly engine414may be further configured to convert the assembled user generated content230into a video file, encode the video file, and stream the encoded video file to one or more display devices212. In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the one or more display devices212may be further configured to decode the encoded video file. Encoding and decoding may be accomplished by common techniques.

In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the server208may be further configured to initialize the one or more display devices212, and each of the one or more display devices212may have a respective unique identifier224a. In some embodiments, the server208may perform the initialization based upon the respective identifier224a.

FIG. 5illustrates a block diagram of method (and system)1000, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may utilize the Internet402as its principal communications backbone and infrastructure. According to some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may operate on a network512configured with one or more servers502, routers, storage devices, and/or various application, security, database and/or other software.

In some embodiments, computing devices514and/or display devices516may access the network512(i.e., Local Area Network or LAN) through a server502(including but not limited to a front-end web server) that may control network access. In some embodiments, a server502may host user requests for services from various computing devices514using network510(i.e., cell data network, wireless network, or another network). According to some embodiments, a server502may include a front-end web server, a cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) server, a CLOUDBOARD server, and/or a CLOUDBOARD NEWS server.

In some embodiments, the network512may connect: (1) an Administration and Account Services Server504; (2) a User Information Server304; (3) a User Content Server308; (4) a Content Assembly and Stream Staging Server506; and (5) a Content Streaming Server508. In some embodiments, an Administration and Account Services Server504may track access and commercial accounts of end users and other account owners. In some embodiments, a User Information Server304may include key user information that provides password and other security features. In some embodiments, a User Information Server304may further include user preferences, access control, feature access control, and/or transaction histories. In some embodiments, a User Content Server308may store user generated content and records of content transactions. In some embodiments, a Content Assembly and Stream Staging Server506may assemble submitted user generated content stored in content server308and/or other requests. In some embodiments, a Content Assembly and Stream Staging Server506may create a playlist from assembled user generated content. In some embodiments, a Content Assembly and Stream Staging Server506may convert a playlist into a content stream. In some embodiments, a Content Streaming Server508may be connected to both the internal network512and to the Internet402. In some embodiments, a Content Streaming Server508may receive stored content streams from a Content Assembly and Stream Staging Server506and may communicate the content streams to display devices516, and stream receivers518.

In some embodiments, the Content Streaming Server508may send a content stream508through the Internet402to a network510, and to media streaming devices518(i.e., a media receivers, and/or wireless media receiving sticks) connected to television monitors516via a HDMI port. According to some embodiments, a network510may be a cell data network, wireless network, and/or any other network known in the art to communicate data.

FIG. 6illustrates a diagram of the utilization of channels (including but not limited to communication, electronic, digital, analog, and/or other types of channels) for content (including but not limited to electronic content) distribution and editorial control, according to some embodiments of the method (and system)1000. In some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may manage separation and control of a flow of user generated content by utilizing a channel concept. In some embodiments, one or more channel editors604a-fand/or an account owner612may grant permission to one or more users602a-fwithin an organization to submit user generated content (e.g., articles, pictures, text, audio, video, and/or other content) to one or more channels608a-f. In some embodiments, users602a-fmay submit user generated content through an application user interface on one or more computing devices.

In some embodiments, users602a-fmay transfer user generated content from respective computing devices to channel editors604a-f(i.e., channel owners) for review and possible approval. In some embodiments, channel editors604a-f(i.e., channel owners, although five are shown, embodiments are not so limited and one or more channel editors may be employed) may review submitted user generated content (e.g., articles, pictures, text, audio, and/or video), and may select to post the submitted user generated content to a channel's content stream immediately, archive the submitted user generated content, and/or reject the submitted user generated content. When a channel editor604a(i.e., channel owner or user) rejects submitted user generated content, in some embodiments, a server may send an automated message back to the corresponding submitting user602a, saying the submitted user generated content is not displayed. In some embodiments, a channel editor604a(i.e., channel owner) may approve a submitted article (i.e., user generated content) for immediate display on display device212a. In some embodiments, the server may add an approved submitted article to a channel's608aplaylist, and may transmit a content stream, including a new appended playlist, to display device212a.

In some embodiments, one or more channels608a-fmay each include a content stream. In some embodiments, display device owners610a-dmay set display devices212a-eto display channels608a-f. In some embodiments, the channels608a-fmay change content streams being communicated to display devices212a-e, without interruption, because the display devices212a-emay be configured to display one or more channels608a-findependently of the specific content stream being communicated from the users602a-f.

According to some embodiments, the method1000may manage viewing of user generated content on various display devices212a-eand user computing devices. In some embodiments, registered users602a-fmay submit user generated content to one or more channels608a-f. In some embodiments, channel editors604a-fand/or an account owner612may grant registered users602a-fpermission to submit content to one or more channels608a-f. According to some embodiments, an editor604a(i.e., a channel owner) may control a channel608a. In some embodiments, an editor604a(i.e., a channel owner) may manage which users602a-fmay have access to the channel608a, to submit user generated content and/or to view content streams. According to some embodiments, display device owners610a-dmay group display devices212a-eto display different channels608a-fat different times, and may sequence channels608a-fin a string so that they can play in a continuous feed, and/or in a loop. In some embodiments, a display device manager610b(i.e., a display device owner610bwho controls more than one display device212b,212c) may control a group of display devices212b-c, which may be located in different rooms, facilities, or countries. In some embodiments, a display device manager610bmay have the ability to control channels608b-dthat display on display devices212b-cand may schedule when each of the channels608b-dmay display on display devices212b-c.

In some embodiments, an account owner612may control permissions for an entire organization (i.e., which users may submit user generated content to certain channels, which users have editorial credentials, which users control certain display devices, and/or other permissions).

In some embodiments, one or more computing devices may register display devices212a-eto display device owners610a-dwhen the display devices212a-bare initialized. In some embodiments, one or more computing devices may store a display device's unique identifier on a server. In some embodiments, each display device212a-emay have a unique identifier which may give a server the capability to send the channels (including but not limited to communication, electronic, digital, analog, and/or other types of channels) chosen by the display device owner to the correct display device (i.e., the display device intended by the user). Further, by storing both user identifications (i.e., user logins and passwords) and unique identifiers for each display device, in some embodiments, the server208may securely share user generated content with designated display devices and users. In some embodiments, the server208may code filenames and may encrypt user generated content at a server and decrypt the user generated content at a display device.

In some embodiments, the server may organize the user generated content into a plurality of channels608a-fand may select at least one of the one or more channels608a-fto display on the at least one of the one or more display devices212a-e. In some embodiments, the server may filter606a-fthe user generated content within one or more of the plurality of channels608a-f.

In some embodiments, one or more editors604a-fmay organize the user generated content into a plurality of channels608a-fand may select at least one of the one or more channels608a-fto display on the at least one of the one or more display devices212a-e. In some embodiments, the one or more editors604a-fmay filter606a-fthe user generated content within one or more of the plurality of channels608a-f. In some embodiments, filtering may include editing the user generated content.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, in some embodiments, a channel608amay include a single user602a, who may also act as the channel editor604aby selecting user generated content to display on the channel via a simple editorial approval step606a. Some embodiments of the method (and system)1000may include an editorial approval step606a-fin a content submission process. In some embodiments, the server208may communicate a channel608ato display device212a. In some embodiments, display device owner610a(i.e., display device manager) may own and control display device212a. In some embodiments, display device owner610amay select a channel608ato display on a display device212a.

Some embodiments of the method (and system)1000may utilize a more complex channel system including multiple channels608b-fwith multiple groups of users602b-fsubmitting user generated content to various channel editors (i.e., owners)604b-ffor possible inclusion in content streams of channels608b-f. In some embodiments, a user group602bmay submit user generated content to a channel editor604b. In some embodiments, a channel editor604bmay select which user generated content appears on channel608bthrough an editorial approval step (one or more of606a-f).

In some embodiments, channel editors604a-fmay have editorial credentials. Some embodiments may grant editorial credentials during a user registration process. According to some embodiments, channel editors604a-fmay build one or more channels608a-ffrom templates and available user generated content, which may include articles from other users602a-fwho may or may not have editorial control of a channel. For non-limiting example, in some embodiments, users602a,602b,602c,602e,602fmay transmit complete articles between channels within an organization, and to users602din different organizations using email, or other transfer mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the server may communicate channels608a-fto one or more display devices212a-ebased on which of the more display devices212a-echannel editors604a-fselect to receive a respective channel608a-f. In some embodiments, the server may communicate one or more channels608a-fto one or more display devices212a-ebased on the one or more channels608a-fdisplay device owners610a-dselect to receive and display on the respective one or more display devices212a-e. For instance, in some embodiments the server may transmit channels608b-dto display devices212band212c, and display device owner610bmay select any combination of channels608b-dto display on both display devices212band212c. In some embodiments, the server may identify the channel editors604a-fresponsible for one or more channels608a-fand may pair one or more channels608a-fwith locations (i.e., one or more display devices610a-d) that are authorized to view the respective one or more channels608a-f. In some embodiments, channel editors604a-f(i.e., channel owners) may authorize display devices owners610a-dto view one or more channels608a-f. Some embodiments of the method (and system)1000may include a public channel608d. In some embodiments, a public channel608dmay originate from outside of an organization. In some embodiments, a public channel608dmay be comprised of user generated content submitted from user group602d, who may not include members of the same organization of display device owner610b. Further, in some embodiments, the editor604dmay have editorial control606dover channel608dand/or may not be a member of the same organization of display device owner610b. In some embodiments the server may transfer public channel608dto display device212cand display device owner610bmay select whether or not to display channel608don display device212c.

In some embodiments, the server may allow users602a-fto view channels on computing devices. According to some embodiments, users602a-f, channel editors604a-f, and display device owners610a-dmay preview channel content sequencing and timing on computing devices to confirm a content stream is displaying correctly.

FIG. 7illustrates a diagram of the user generated content232a-f(i.e., collection of articles and/or article content) approval process and the process for distributing and staging user generated content232a-ffor display, according to some embodiments of the method (and system)1000. In some embodiments, Content Creation702may include users602a-fusing respective computing devices202to individually submit user generated content232a-f(i.e., collection of articles and/or article content). In some embodiments, user generated content232a-fmay include any of text, headline text, images, audio, and/or video. In some embodiments, user generated content232a-fmay depend on the type of article, template, and/or and settings that users602a-fselect.

In some embodiments, computing devices202may transmit user generated content232a-ffrom the users602a-eto channel editors712a-b. In some embodiments, during Editorial Selection704, a channel editor712a-bmay approve user generated content720a-ffor display on channel714a-b. In some embodiments, channel editors712a-bmay view a preview of how the approved user generated content720a-fappears on one or more display devices718a-e. In some embodiments, channel editors712a-bmay post approved user generated content720a-fimmediately, store the user generated content232a-f(i.e., collection of articles and/or article content) in an archive for later retrieval, and/or reject the user generated content232a-fIn some embodiments, a channel editor712amay approve (i.e., select) user generated content232a-cfrom a respective users602a-c, to assemble the user generated content720a-cinto a playlist222a. In some embodiments, the server208may transmit channel714a, which includes a content stream of the playlist222a, to one or more display devices718a-c. In some embodiments, the server may identify the channel editor712aresponsible for a particular channel714a(i.e., a particular content stream) and may pair that channel714aand the associated content stream with locations (i.e., display devices718a-cand computing devices202) that are authorized to view the channel714aand the associated content stream.

In some embodiments, Channel Publishing 706 may include approved user generated content720a-f, in the form of a playlist222a-b, being published to an associated channel714a-b. According to some embodiments, Channel Selection708may include display owners716a-bselecting, on channel display750of computing devices202, which of the one or more channels714a-bto display on display devices718a-e. In some embodiments, Displaying710may include displaying selected one or more channels714a-bon display devices718a-e.

In some embodiments of the method (and system)1000, one or more assembly engines414may be further configured to organize the user generated content232a-f(i.e., collection of articles and/or article content) into a plurality of channels714a-band select one or more channels714a-bto display on the one or more display devices718a-e. In some embodiments of the system for distributing content, the assembly engine414may be further configured to filter the user generated content232a-fof one or more of the plurality of channels714a-b.

In some embodiments, the server208may distribute user generated content from one or more computing devices202to a display device718a-e. Some embodiments of the method (and system)1000may begin by communicatively coupling the one or more computing devices202, a server208, and the display device718a. In some embodiments, one or more computing devices202may execute a user interface220. In some embodiments, the user interface220may include a field for accepting user generated content232a-c. In some embodiments, the server208may accept the user generated content232a-cfrom a plurality of users602a-c. In some embodiments, the server208may store the user generated content232a-c. In some embodiments, the server208may create one or more channels714aby filtering the user generated content232a-cand compiling the filtered user generated content232a-cinto the one or more channels714a. In some embodiments, the method (and system)1000may communicate the one or more channels714afrom the server208to the display device718a. In some embodiments, device owner716amay select at least one of the one or more channels714ato display on the display device718a. In some embodiments, the display device718amay display the at least one of the one or more channels714a. In some embodiments, the server208may modify the user generated content232a-cwhile preserving communication of the one or more channels714afrom the server208to the display device718a.

FIG. 8illustrates a micro-template802and a display template814, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a computing device202may use a micro-template802(i.e., a template designed for use on a mobile computing device202with particular fields to accept user generated content808,810,812), to accept user generated content808,810,812from a user on the user's computing device202. In some embodiments, the mobile computing device202may utilize a micro-template802to accept user generated content808,810,812on a computing device202in an organized and simple manner. In some embodiments, the mobile computing device202may utilize a micro-template802to create an article. In some embodiments, a micro-template802may include an area for incorporating images808, an area for descriptive headline text812, and/or an area for detailed article text810. In some embodiments, a micro-template802may include a submit button806for submitting an article, and/or a clear button804, for clearing the contents of the micro-template802.

In some embodiments, a computing device202may accept user generated content808,810,812and may store the accepted user generated content808,810,812on a server, where the accepted user generated content808,810,812may be reorganized in a display template814. Accordingly, in some embodiments the server may utilize display templates814to reorganize accepted user generated content808,810,812for display on one or more display devices212. According to some embodiments, a display template814may take on limitless forms. Some non-limiting examples of display templates814may include:a) News/Message Board. In some embodiments, News/Message Board display templates814may scroll user generated content808,810,812comprised of an optional headline812and a content field. In some embodiments, the user generated content808,810,812may include text, images, and/or a mix of text and images. In some embodiments a display template814may include an optional “ticker” component816at the bottom or top of the screen for rapidly changing information, and/or sponsor information including advertisements. In some embodiments, a display device212may support video content, external news, weather, RSS feeds, web-pages, PowerPoint slides, social media streams, and/or uniform resource locators (URLs).b) Community Posting Board. In some embodiments, Community Posting Board display templates may support “bulletin board-like” applications and user generated content808,810,812, such as post-it notes, employee notifications, government regulations documents, charts, and/or calendars. In some embodiments a display template814may include “picture-in-picture” functionality, where part of the screen is video and/or scrolling content.c) Image Plus Video Board. In some embodiments, Image Plus Video Board display templates may support display of a PDF file on one side and a presentation on the other side. The presentation may be static, dynamic, animated, and/or a live video feed.

According to some embodiments, a user may customize and configure display templates814to incorporate different background styles, colors, company branding themes and/or logos. In some embodiments, display templates814may support both landscape and portrait orientations. In some embodiments, landscape may be the default orientation. In some embodiments, the server208and/or the display device212may convert text into speech, and/or deliver the text in both mediums.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, in some embodiments the display device212may utilize the display template814. In some embodiments, the server208may utilize display template814to prepare user generated content808,810,812for presentation on one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, the server may assemble user generated content808,810,812by extracting the user generated content808,810,812from a micro-template802and reorganizing the extracted user generated content808,810,812into a display template814. According to some embodiments, a display template814and a micro-template802may vary depending on the type of presentation experience a channel editor wishes to place on a content stream. In some embodiments, a typical template may include an image808, body text810, headline812, and/or a ticker816that may present text summaries of headline812and/or article text810across the screen of one or more display devices212.

In some embodiments, the server208may convert and incorporate social media messages as user generated content. Some embodiments of the method (and system)1000allow users to easily convert and incorporate social media posts into micro-templates, by extracting content from selected social media posts and organizing the content into a micro-template. In some embodiments, an editor of a channel may inspect and approve a converted social media post before the converted post is displayed on a display device. This may allow an organization to extract messages from many incompatible information sources and combine them into a single news broadcast environment that may include display on large screen display devices located in public spaces.

In some embodiments, users may submit one or more social media posts utilizing a user interface executed on one or more computing devices. In some embodiments, the one or more computing devices may store the submitted one or more social media posts on the server, in a manner enabling assembling of the submitted one or more social media posts into at least one playlist. In some embodiments, assembling the submitted one or more social media posts may include converting and incorporating the one or more social media posts into a display template by extracting content from the submitted one or more social media posts and reorganizing the content into a display template. In some embodiments, channel editors may filter, which may include editing, the submitted one or more social media posts within one or more of the plurality of channels (including but not limited to communication, electronic, digital, analog, and/or other types of channels).

In some embodiments, users may load an application on a computing device202to create articles for display on one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, an application may select from locally stored and/or created user generated content808,810,812(i.e., pictures, videos, social media posts, among others) and may organize the selected user generated808,810,812content into a micro-template802to create an article for display on one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, an application may select user generated content808,810,812from a server208(e.g., archives, databases, libraries, among others). Some embodiments may create minimalist articles. In some embodiments, minimalist articles may simply be an image808, or an image808with an accompanying caption.

In some embodiments, an application may treat photos and/or images808that are submitted in articles that have no headline812or text810as a special case. In some embodiments, users may submit only a photo instead of using a micro-template802arrangement for building an article. In some embodiments, the server208and/or the display device212may enlarge the photo808to fill the screen of a display device212and may omit most other formatting on the display device212, leaving a photo808presented for a user-determined time/duration on the display device212. In some embodiments, a micro-template802may include options, which the user may select, to control which display template is used or how the display template looks.

FIG. 9illustrates a process910for creating and swapping content streams in order to modify user generated content displayed on display devices, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a user228may create user generated content902on a computing device202, using an application with a user interface220running on the computing device202. In some embodiments, a user228may submit user generated content902to a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service).

In some embodiments, a channel editor604may approve submitted user generated content902for publication to a content stream906. In some embodiments, the server208may assemble (i.e., aggregate, or combine) approved user generated content902with other user generated content904into a content stream906(i.e., Stream A950, playlist). In some embodiments, the server208may send a content stream906to a content streaming server508(which may be part of or separate from server208). In some embodiments, the server208may store content stream906in streaming database320.

In some embodiments, a process908on the server508may copy the file including the content stream906and rename the copy916with a filename (e.g., livedisplaycontentstream) appropriate for streaming to a display device212. In some embodiments, the server208may assign the copied file916a URL910(e.g., www.example.com/livedisplaycontentstream) and may serve the copied file916over a network communicating with a display device212. According to some embodiments, the content stream906may repeat and play uninterrupted on the display device212, until a user228, a channel editor604, and/or a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service) terminates play.

As illustrated in the process920ofFIG. 9, in some embodiments, a content stream906may already exist and may currently be streaming to a display device212, and a user228may want to add new or modify the content stream. In this case, the method (system)1000may utilize a swapping process920to accomplish the change. According to some embodiments, a swapping process920, located on the server208, may begin similarly to the original content creation process910, except a user228may enter new or modified user generated content912into a computing device202. In some embodiments, users may submit new or modified user generated content912to a server208(e.g., a Cloud-based service). In some embodiments, a channel editor604may approve new or modified user generated content912for publication to a content stream906. In some embodiments, the server208may reassemble the user generated content912and may combine the user generated content912with the content stream906, resulting in a new content stream914. In some embodiments, the server208may send content stream914to the content streaming server508(which may be part of or separate from server208). In some embodiments, the server208may store the content stream914in the streaming database320. In some embodiments, a process908, located on the server208, may copy the file of the content stream914and may rename the copy918with a filename (e.g., livedisplaycontentstream) appropriate for streaming to a display device212. In some embodiments, the server208may move the previous content stream906to an archive database924(which may be part of or separate from server208).

According to some embodiments, a streaming server508(which may include but is not limited to the server208) may initiate the file swapping process920. According to some embodiments, the file swapping process920on the streaming server508may convert the new content file (i.e., contentstream B, element952) to a streaming file and may change the filename to that of the current streaming file918(i.e., livedisplaycontentstream). In some embodiments, the server may replace the old content stream file916with the new content stream file918at a timed point in the content delivery that permits a logical break and/or stream interrupt922(as known to one skilled in the art) in communications with a display device212, such that the display device212continues display of the content stream without halting or delivering an error condition. In some embodiments, the replacement is accomplished because there is no change in the streamed file's918location and/or name.

Referring toFIG. 9, according to some embodiments, the above described swapping process920may vary depending on the nature of one or more display devices212(i.e., depending on the device manufacturer, communications standards used on the device, hardware and software capabilities of the device, such as memory, and/or the ability to run software applications natively). In some embodiments, the display devices212may utilize local memory and applications located on the display devices212by downloading the content streams950,952to one or more display devices212, and performing the stream swapping920locally on the one or more display devices212. In other embodiments, the display devices212may download and mix the user generated content906,914locally on one or more display devices212as user generated content906,914is available, with, or without conversion to old and new streaming files916,918, respectively. According to some embodiments, a display device212may accept two complete versions of the old and new streaming files916,918, respectively, and simply change over to a new streaming file918when the streaming file918has completely downloaded.

Some embodiments of the method (and) system1000are capable of an uninterrupted stream of “continuously changing” user generated content906,914on remote display devices. According to some embodiments, while maintaining a continuous connection with a display device212displaying content, a server208may simultaneously process modified or entirely new user generated content914. In some embodiments, the server208may utilize a single URL910to communicate a content stream906,914to the display device212. In some embodiments, while the display device212is displaying a content stream906, a server208may modify the content stream906linked to a URL910(the extent of modification can be anywhere from slight to completely new). In some embodiments, a new or modified content stream914and a currently displayed content stream906are swapped920at an appropriate time922while maintaining a perceived fluid playback of one or more streams906,914. According to some embodiments, no user interaction is necessary to maintain content streams906,914, even while a server208swaps920content streams906,914.

Referring toFIG. 9, in some embodiments, the server208may associate at least one of the one or more display devices212and the assembled user generated content906which may include the at least one playlist, with one or more locations910on the server208. In some embodiments, the server208may transmit a first stream906of the assembled user generated content906which may include the at least one playlist, from the server208to the at least one of the one or more display devices212. In some embodiments, the server208may update the assembled user generated content906which may include the at least one playlist. In some embodiments, the server208may transmit the updated stream of assembled user generated content914to the at least one of the one or more display devices212, while preserving the transmission of the first stream906.

In some embodiments, the server208may be further configured to store the assembled user generated906content in one or more locations910. In some embodiments, the server208may modify the assembled user generated content906stored in the one or more locations910while preserving streaming communication of the assembled user generated content906between the server208and the one or more display devices212.

In some embodiments, the assembled user generated content906may be stored in one or more locations910at a server208. In some embodiments, the server208may modify the assembled user generated content906stored in the one or more locations910at the server. In some embodiments, the server208may preserve streaming communication of the assembled user generated content906to the one or more display devices212.

Some embodiments of the method (and system)1000are capable of sophisticated record keeping regarding the display of content within an organization. Such record keeping may include but is not limited to: (1) user generated content records (including but not limited to time stamps) for everything that may be displayed on a display device throughout in the world; (2) database services on data, such as audit trails; and (3) archiving content with the capability to vary archive times depending on service level. In some embodiments, a server208may implement record keeping functions. In some embodiments, the server208may be configured with databases with relational databases, and/or NOSQL (i.e., non-relational) databases.

FIG. 10illustrates the basic functionality of an application's user interface on computing device202, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, an application's user interface is designed to be simple, and easy to understand and use. In some embodiments, the top-level function menu1002of a user interface may be broken down into four principal components (collectively,1004,1006,1008, and1010).

According to some embodiments, a top-level function menu1002of a user interface may include a Channels component1010for managing channels (including but not limited to communication, electronic, digital, analog, and/or other types of channels) of user generated content. In some embodiments, a Channels component1010may be available to channel editors (i.e., channel owners) and is not required to be visible to other users. According to some embodiments, a Channels component1010may allow channel editors to: (1) select which user generated content displays on a channel; (2) see a list of users who have access to a channel and/or who may contribute user generated content to the channel; (3) see a list of, and/or approve, display devices that may view a channel; and/or (4) select and/or configure display templates to process content, among other capabilities.

In some embodiments, the computing device202may utilize a Boards component1004of a top-level function menu1002to manage and control display devices. In some embodiments, a Boards component1004may provide display devices owners the ability to: (1) configure new display devices to communicate with a server; (2) select channels to display on each display device; (3) define groups of display devices that may be controlled together; (4) set a schedule for which channels play on each display device and/or at which times; and/or (5) request access to new channels from channel editors (i.e., channel owners), among other capabilities.

In some embodiments, a top-level function menu1002may include a Users component1008that provides the ability to manage users on the system. According to some embodiments, a Users component1008may allow: (1) new users to be added; (2) users to be assigned channels; and/or (3) channel editors (i.e., channel owners) visibility into the user list for the channel, among other functions.

In some embodiments, a top-level function menu1002may include a Messages component1006that allows users to manage messages sent to and from other users. In some embodiments, a Messages component1006may provide a way for users to send and/or receive message requests to post content, and/or for channel editors (i.e., channel owners) to approve content for publishing, among other uses.

According to some embodiments, each component of a top-level function menu1002may include multiple additional selection and data presentation layers1012,1014, respectively (i.e., drill down menus), depending on the various needs of a user, and the specific functionality of certain features and settings.FIG. 10illustrates two levels below a top-level function menu1002for a Boards component1004. According to some embodiments, a user may select the Boards component1004and the user interface may change to a second menu level1012, where the user interface may present the user with a list of display devices1016. In some embodiments, a user may select a display device from a list1016on the second menu level1012, and the user interface may change to a third menu level1014, where the user interface may present the user with optional settings related to the selected display device.

FIG. 11illustrates a user interface structure of an application of the method (and system1000), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a user may launch an application (illustrated inFIG. 11) on a computing device202, and the application may present the user with a login screen1102, where registered users may login. According to some embodiments, a level of a user interface may include sub-menus My Channels1104, Account1106, Users1108, Messages1110, and My Boards1112.

In some embodiments, a user may select a My Channels sub-menu1104. In some embodiments the application ofFIG. 11may present a user with menu options: (1) List1114a, which may list channels associated with that user; and/or (2) Add New1114b, which may add a new channel. According to some embodiments, a user may select List1114a, and the application may present a list of channels, with further options1124.

In some embodiments, a user may select an Account1106sub-menu, and some embodiments may present the user with the menu options Statement1116a, Payment1116b, and/or Purchase1116c.

In some embodiments, a user may select a User1108sub-menu, and some embodiments may present the user with menu options: (1) List1118a, which may list users; (2) UGroups1118b, which may list different groups of users; and (3) Add New1118c, which may add new users or groups of users. According to some embodiments, a user may select to list the users or groups, and the application may present the user with further options1126and1128.

In some embodiments, a user may select a Messages1110sub-menu, and the application may present the user with options to manage messages1130, and/or In-Box1120and/or Out-Box1121, which may include received and sent messages.

In some embodiments, a user may select a My Boards1112sub-menu, and in some embodiments the user interface may present the user with menu options: (1) Boards1122a, which may list display devices associated with that user and further options1132for each display device listed; (2) BGroups1122b, which may list groups of display devices associated with that user and further options1134for each group of display devices listed; and (3) Add New1122c, which allows the user to add new display devices.

FIG. 12illustrates a computer network or similar digital processing environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

Client computer(s)/devices50(i.e., computing devices/display devices) and server computer(s)60(i.e., a Cloud-based service) provide processing, storage, and input/output devices executing application programs and the like. The client computer(s)/devices50(i.e., computing devices/display devices) can also be linked through communications network70to other computing devices, including other client devices/processes50and server computer(s)60. The communications network70can be part of a remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a worldwide collection of computers, local area or wide area networks, and gateways that currently use respective protocols (TCP/IP, BLUETOOTH™, etc.) to communicate with one another. Other electronic device/computer network architectures are suitable.

Client computers/devices50(i.e., computing devices/display devices) may be configured with an application for accepting and submitting user generated content, according to some embodiments. Server computers60may be configured with the application which communicates with client devices50(i.e., computing devices/display devices) for accessing and processing user generated content. The server computers60may be separate server computers or part of cloud network70. In some embodiments, the server computer60(e.g., content processors, databases) may communicate with one or more computer applications.

The server computer60(i.e., a Cloud-based service) may include a database, configured to accept user generated content. The obtained user generated content may include text, images, audio, and/or video. The server computer60(i.e., a Cloud-based service) may also include an assembly engine (as part of or communicatively coupled to the database), configured to obtain the user generated content from the database to process and combine the user generated content for display on Client computers/devices50(i.e., display devices). The assembly engine may also be configured to communicate the processed and combined content to Client computers/devices50(i.e., display devices). The assembly engine may also be configured to convert the assembled user generated content into an audio and/or video file, encode the audio and/or video file, and stream the encoded audio and/or video file to the one or more display devices, wherein the one or more display devices are further configured to decode the encoded audio and/or video file. The Client computers/devices50(i.e., display devices) may receive at least a user generated content from the assembly engine, or database from the server60. In some embodiments, the client50may render and display the processed and combined content. The Client computers/devices50(i.e., display devices) may also receive updates to the processed and combined content from the server60.

FIG. 13is a diagram of an example internal structure of a computer (e.g., client processor/device50or server computers60) in the computer system ofFIG. 12. Each computer50,60includes a system bus79, where a bus is a set of hardware lines used for data transfer among the components of a computer or processing system. The system bus79is essentially a shared conduit that connects different elements of a computer system (e.g., processor, disk storage, memory, input/output ports, network ports, etc.) that enables the transfer of information between the elements. Attached to the system bus79is an I/O device interface82for connecting various input and output devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, displays, printers, speakers, touchscreen etc.) to the computer50,60. A network interface86allows the computer to connect to various other devices attached to a network (e.g., network70ofFIG. 12). Memory90provides volatile storage for computer software instructions92and data94used to implement an embodiment1000of the present disclosure (e.g., any of the assembly engine, database elements, content stream building, content stream swapping, and encoding/decoding described herein). Disk storage95provides non-volatile storage for computer software instructions92and data94used to implement some embodiments of the present disclosure. Note, data94may be the same between a client50and server60, however, the type of computer software instructions92may differ between a client50and a server60. A central processor unit84is also attached to the system bus79and provides for the execution of computer instructions. In one embodiment, the processor routines92and data94are a computer program product (generally referenced92), including a computer readable medium (e.g., a removable storage medium such as one or more DVD-ROM's, CD-ROM's, diskettes, tapes, etc.) that provides at least a portion of the software instructions for the invention system. Computer program product92may be installed by any suitable software installation procedure, as is well known in the art. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the software instructions may also be downloaded over a cable, communication and/or wireless connection. In other embodiments, the invention programs are a computer program propagated signal product107(shown inFIG. 12) embodied on a propagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., a radio wave, an infrared wave, a laser wave, a sound wave, or an electrical wave propagated over a global network such as the Internet, or other network(s)). Embodiments or aspects thereof may be implemented in the form of hardware (including but not limited to hardware circuitry), firmware, or software. If implemented in software, the software may be stored on any non-transient computer readable medium that is configured to enable a processor to load the software or subsets of instructions thereof. The processor then executes the instructions and is configured to operate or cause an apparatus to operate in a manner as described herein.

According to some embodiments, one advantage is the capability to process and display diverse content simultaneously on display devices and computing devices. Another unique advantage is some embodiments may include a mobile platform. Some embodiments of the method (and system)1000may require no central management console and/or application, in order to create organize, and/or manage content distribution and display.

According to some embodiments, another advantage is that some embodiments may use a unique system of channels (including but not limited to communication, electronic, digital, analog, and/or other types of channels) to organize the distribution of content. In some embodiments, the method (and system) may permit multiple users to contribute content to a channel, such that it can be reviewed and approved by an “editor” responsible for content distributed on the channel. As such, some embodiments allow: (1) content to come from virtually anywhere in the organization; (2) distribution of the content according to where in the organization it may be delivered; (3) assurance the content is appropriate for display; (4) rendering of content into a common professional format; and (5) organization of content in such a way that content may be selected and displayed on a display device like how a television channel is selected on a cable enabled television set.

Another advantage is that in some embodiments users with mobile computing devices may utilize unique mobile computing device micro-templates in order to create content that some embodiments may deliver to display devices and other computing devices. According to some embodiments, micro-templates may be specifically designed for use on mobile platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc. In some embodiments, micro-templates may take advantage of a mobile computing device's integrated camera, touch screen display, and/or other capabilities. In some embodiments, users may optimize micro-templates to enter content in the form of articles. In some embodiments, the server may assemble multiple articles together into a single playlist that may display on a display device as a continuous content stream, which may include an automatically generated text ticker including headlines.

Another advantage is that some embodiments of the method (and system)1000include embedded and automated editorial review. In some embodiments, groups of people with a common interest may interact with, manage, and distribute news and other key organizational messages, as well as the status of their shared activities, using computing devices, including mobile computing devices. Some embodiments may assure submitted user generated content passes through an editorial step, and may be approved by an editor prior to the submitted user generated content's display. The editorial step may assure that the user generated content meets an organization's standards for internal and/or public communications, and/or that the user generated content's alignment with strategic objectives. The editorial step prevents problems inherent in message distribution within an organization that may occur when members of the organization use non-standard communications methods to distribute unapproved and/or factually incorrect messages to the rest of the organization. Unmonitored email and social media based methods may distribute content to the rest of the organization that include inaccuracies, inconsistencies, unprofessional language, or other content that distracts and diverges from a coordinated communications strategy that may assure organizational alignment. In some embodiments, the method (and system)1000instead enables organizations to manage and control the high level messages that the organizations may distribute internally and/or externally. In some embodiments, the method (and system)1000enables the distribution of messages that properly align an organization, members, employees, and partners around a single set of strategic objectives.

In some embodiments, the server may deliver continuous content streams while permitting dynamic changes to the streaming user generated content to occur. In some embodiments, the server may enable an uninterrupted stream of continuously changing video-like user generated content to display on display devices, while maintaining a continuous connection with a display device displaying content. In some embodiments, the server may use a single Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to display a content stream, and while the display device is displaying the content stream linked to the URL, the user generated content may be modified behind the scenes (e.g., without interruption of the content stream). In some embodiments, the server may swap new or modified user generated content at the appropriate time with the user generated content previously associated with that URL. The swap enables the method (and system)1000to change the user generated content linked to a URL without changing the URL or refreshing the display device. As such, according to some embodiments, no human interaction is necessary to maintain the feed even though the user generated content has changes. In some embodiments, the server may transform the behavior and/or data of user generated content by automatically organizing, assembling, and/or combining user generated content. In some embodiments, the server may transform the behavior and/or data of user generated content by accepting user generated content from a variety of independent users and assembling the accepted user generated content into a playlist, which may be transmitted to one or more display devices as a content stream. Some embodiments of the method (and system) may also provide functional improvements in the technology of digital group communications by improving how quickly, easily, and accurately groups communicate in digital mediums.

Some embodiments of the method (and system) also may provide functional improvements to the quality of computers, computer applications, computer program functionality, and/or computer code by providing communication displays with the experience of video and/or audio, without the significant bandwidth requirements of standard streamed video and/or audio. Some embodiments may send user generated content from a Cloud-based server, via the Internet, for reception by a media streaming device (i.e., a media receiver, and/or wireless media receiving stick) in HTML5 format, and not a pure streamed video. While video and/or audio may be part of the user generated content, some embodiments may process text and images using templates, send once, and convert to video and/or audio at the media streaming device. Thus, some embodiments may reduce the total bandwidth required, while giving users an exceptional viewing experience. Some embodiments of the method (and system) also may provide functional improvements to the quality of computers, computer applications, computer program functionality, and/or computer code by providing continuous content streams to display devices even while updating the displayed content.

Some embodiments of the method (and system) solve a technical problem (thereby providing a technical effect) by improving distribution of digital content. Some embodiments solve a technical problem (thereby providing a technical effect) by providing communication displays with the experience of video and/or audio, without the significant bandwidth requirements of standard streamed video and/or audio. Some embodiments solve a technical problem (thereby providing a technical effect) by providing continuous content streams to display devices even while updating the displayed content.

It should be understood that the example embodiments described above may be implemented in many different ways. In some embodiments, the various methods and machines described herein may be implemented by a physical, virtual or hybrid general-purpose computer, or a computer network environment such as the computer network environment70. A general purpose computer may be transformed into the machines that execute the methods described above, for example, by loading software instructions into memory or nonvolatile storage for execution by a central processing unit.

Embodiments or aspects thereof may be implemented in the form of hardware, firmware, or software or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the software may be stored on any non-transient computer readable medium that may be configured to enable a processor to load the software or subsets of instructions thereof. The processor then executes the instructions and may be configured to operate or cause an apparatus to operate in a manner as described herein.

Further, hardware, firmware, software, routines, or instructions may be described herein as performing certain actions and/or functions of the data processors. However, it should be appreciated that such descriptions contained herein are merely for convenience and that such actions in fact result from computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices executing the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

It should be understood that the flow diagrams, block diagrams, and network diagrams may include more or fewer elements, be arranged differently, or be represented differently. But it further should be understood that certain implementations may dictate the block and network diagrams and the number of block and network diagrams illustrating the execution of the embodiments be implemented in a particular way.

Accordingly, some embodiments may also be implemented in a variety of computer architectures, physical, virtual, cloud computers, and/or some combination thereof, and, thus, the data processors described herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and not as a limitation of the embodiments.