Selecting avatars to be included in the video being generated on demand

Method starts with a processor causing an electronic program guide (EPG) to be displayed on a first client device that is associated with a first user. Processor detects a selection of a selectable item included in the EPG associated with a media content item by the first user. Processor identifies a second user that is connected to the first user on a communication platform. Processor retrieves a main user identification associated with the first user and a secondary user identification associated with the second user and generates a request for the media content item including media content identification, main user identification, and secondary user identification. Processor then receives a playlist associated with the media content item that comprises media content item segments including first avatar associated with first user and second avatar associated with second user. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/777,793, filed Jan. 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/777,817, filed Jan. 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/163,053, filed Jan. 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/777,799, filed January 30.

BACKGROUND

The popularity of social networking systems continues to grow, and users increasingly use customized avatars within electronic messages such as text messages, emails, chats, reflecting a global demand to communicate more visually.

These customized avatars can be personalized by the users to represent the users in various applications, video games, messaging services, etc. Since the customized avatars can be generated in a different array of situations, displaying various emotions, or even be animated, the users are able to communicate their feelings more accurately in messages using the customized avatars. The users can use the customized avatars as a virtual extension of themselves online.

Moreover, with the increasing number of users on social networking systems, each user also has a growing network of individuals that she follows. In order to maintain the user's engagement on social networking systems, it is paramount that the systems have the ability to present to each user the media content items that are most interesting or relevant to her. In addition to the need to curate the media content items, the social networking systems are also presented with the challenge of providing a graphical user interface that captivates the user's attention and allows her to view the curated media content items and further interact the network of individuals that she follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With the customized avatar increasingly being used as a virtual extension of a user online, the messaging system100can further engage the user by creating content (e.g., video content) that can feature the user's avatar as well as the user's connections' avatars. The content can be in the form of a number of episodes in a series like a television series that is released periodically (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)

As used herein, an “avatar” of a user is any visual representation of a user. The avatar of a user may be based on information (e.g., characteristics) derived from images of the user in conjunction with the avatar characteristics identified from the user's relationships with other users. Alternatively, or additionally, the user may select and customize characteristics of the user's avatar via the user's computing device. Such avatar characteristics may include, for example, the user's bodily features (e.g., muscular, thin, etc.), facial features, clothing and accessories, text displayed in conjunction with the avatar, and images displayed in conjunction with the avatar.

On digital content platforms, the content is generated beforehand, uploaded to a server and delivered to the user's device upon receiving a request by the user. However, given that the content needs to be personalized to feature the user's avatar and/or the user's friend's avatar, it would be challenging to individually generate content for each of the multiple millions of users on the messaging system100and wait for the user to request the content. Further, the users on the messaging system100customize their avatars on a whim and further interact with different users on the messaging system100such that it would also be challenging to generate content beforehand includes up-to-date avatars.

Embodiments of the present invention improve on the functionality of electronic messaging and imaging software and systems by rendering the video content including the user's avatar on demand. Thus, the video content is personalized to the requesting user just in time for delivery to the user's client device102. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can receive from a content creator, for example, an animation (e.g., media content item) with a placeholder avatar and when the user requests the media content item, the placeholder avatar is replaced with the user's avatar and the media content item that is personalized to the requesting user is transmitted to the user's device.

Embodiments of the present invention further improve on the functionality of electronic messaging and imaging software and systems by minimizing the delay between the requesting and transmitting of the media content item to the user's device, by selecting the relevant avatars to be incorporated into the media content item, and by simplifying the animation process for the content creators.

FIG.1is a block diagram showing an example messaging system100for exchanging data (e.g., messages and associated content) over a network. The messaging system100includes multiple instances of a client device102, each of which hosts a number of applications including a messaging client application104. Each messaging client application104is communicatively coupled to other instances of the messaging client application104and a messaging server system108via a network106(e.g., the Internet).

A messaging client application104is able to communicate and exchange data with another messaging client application104and with the messaging server system108via the network106. The data exchanged between messaging client application104, and between a messaging client application104and the messaging server system108, includes functions (e.g., commands to invoke functions) as well as payload data (e.g., text, audio, video or other multimedia data).

The messaging server system108provides server-side functionality via the network106to a particular messaging client application104. While certain functions of the messaging system100are described herein as being performed by either a messaging client application104or by the messaging server system108, the location of certain functionality either within the messaging client application104or the messaging server system108is a design choice. For example, it may be technically preferable to initially deploy certain technology and functionality within the messaging server system108, but to later migrate this technology and functionality to the messaging client application104where a client device102has a sufficient processing capacity.

The Application Program Interface (API) server110receives and transmits message data (e.g., commands and message payloads) between the client device102and the application server112. Specifically, the Application Program Interface (API) server110provides a set of interfaces (e.g., routines and protocols) that can be called or queried by the messaging client application104in order to invoke functionality of the application server112. The Application Program Interface (API) server110exposes various functions supported by the application server112, including account registration, login functionality, the sending of messages, via the application server112, from a particular messaging client application104to another messaging client application104, the sending of media files (e.g., images or video) from a messaging client application104to the messaging server application114, and for possible access by another messaging client application104, the setting of a collection of media data (e.g., story), the retrieval of a list of friends of a user of a client device102, the retrieval of such collections, the retrieval of messages and content, the adding and deletion of friends to a social graph, the location of friends within a social graph, and opening an application event (e.g., relating to the messaging client application104).

The application server112also includes an image processing system116that is dedicated to performing various image processing operations, typically with respect to images or video received within the payload of a message at the messaging server application114.

The social network system122supports various social networking functions services and makes these functions and services available to the messaging server application114. To this end, the social network system122maintains and accesses an entity graph304(as shown inFIG.3) within the database120. Examples of functions and services supported by the social network system122include the identification of other users of the messaging system100with which a particular user has relationships or is “following”, and also the identification of other entities and interests of a particular user.

The application server112is communicatively coupled to a database server118, which facilitates access to a database120in which is stored data associated with messages processed by the messaging server application114.

The content controller system124is dedicated to manage the media content items that are rendered to include the user of the client device102's avatar on demand. The content controller system124can include a delivery server system502and a rendering server system504, as shown inFIG.5.

FIG.2is block diagram illustrating further details regarding the messaging system100, according to example embodiments. Specifically, the messaging system100is shown to comprise the messaging client application104and the application server112, which in turn embody a number of some subsystems, namely an ephemeral timer system202, a collection management system204and an annotation system206.

The ephemeral timer system202is responsible for enforcing the temporary access to content permitted by the messaging client application104and the messaging server application114. To this end, the ephemeral timer system202incorporates a number of timers that, based on duration and display parameters associated with a message, or collection of messages (e.g., a story), selectively display and enable access to messages and associated content via the messaging client application104. Further details regarding the operation of the ephemeral timer system202are provided below.

The collection management system204furthermore includes a curation interface208that allows a collection manager to manage and curate a particular collection of content. For example, the curation interface208enables an event organizer to curate a collection of content relating to a specific event (e.g., delete inappropriate content or redundant messages). Additionally, the collection management system204employs machine vision (or image recognition technology) and content rules to automatically curate a content collection. In certain embodiments, compensation may be paid to a user for inclusion of user-generated content into a collection. In such cases, the curation interface208operates to automatically make payments to such users for the use of their content.

In one example embodiment, the annotation system206provides a user-based publication platform that enables users to select a geolocation on a map, and upload content associated with the selected geolocation. The user may also specify circumstances under which a particular media overlay should be offered to other users. The annotation system206generates a media overlay that includes the uploaded content and associates the uploaded content with the selected geolocation.

In another example embodiment, the annotation system206provides a merchant-based publication platform that enables merchants to select a particular media overlay associated with a geolocation via a bidding process. For example, the annotation system206associates the media overlay of a highest bidding merchant with a corresponding geolocation for a predefined amount of time.

FIG.3is a schematic diagram illustrating data structures300which may be stored in the database120of the messaging server system108, according to certain example embodiments. While the content of the database120is shown to comprise a number of tables, it will be appreciated that the data could be stored in other types of data structures (e.g., as an object-oriented database).

The database120includes message data stored within a message table314. The entity table302stores entity data, including an entity graph304. Entities for which records are maintained within the entity table302may include individuals, corporate entities, organizations, objects, places, events, etc. Regardless of type, any entity regarding which the messaging server system108stores data may be a recognized entity. Each entity is provided with a unique identifier, as well as an entity type identifier (not shown).

The entity graph304furthermore stores information regarding relationships and associations between entities. Such relationships may be social, professional (e.g., work at a common corporation or organization) interested-based or activity-based, merely for example.

The database120also stores annotation data, in the example form of filters, in an annotation table312. Filters for which data is stored within the annotation table312are associated with and applied to videos (for which data is stored in a video table310) and/or images (for which data is stored in an image table308). Filters, in one example, are overlays that are displayed as overlaid on an image or video during presentation to a recipient user. Filters may be of various types, including user-selected filters from a gallery of filters presented to a sending user by the messaging client application104when the sending user is composing a message. Other types of filters include geolocation filters (also known as geo-filters) which may be presented to a sending user based on geographic location. For example, geolocation filters specific to a neighborhood or special location may be presented within a user interface by the messaging client application104, based on geolocation information determined by a GPS unit of the client device102. Another type of filter is a data filter, which may be selectively presented to a sending user by the messaging client application104, based on other inputs or information gathered by the client device102during the message creation process. Example of data filters include current temperature at a specific location, a current speed at which a sending user is traveling, battery life for a client device102, or the current time.

Other annotation data that may be stored within the image table308is so-called “lens” data. A “lens” may be a real-time special effect and sound that may be added to an image or a video.

As mentioned above, the video table310stores video data which, in one embodiment, is associated with messages for which records are maintained within the message table314. Similarly, the image table308stores image data associated with messages for which message data is stored in the entity table302. The entity table302may associate various annotations from the annotation table312with various images and videos stored in the image table308and the video table310.

The database120also stores a metadata table316, segment table318, and a segment state table320. The metadata table316includes the metadata associated with the media content items. The metadata can be associated with the animation that is created by a content creator and the media content identifier. The media content item can include a plurality of media content segments that include the user's avatar. As the media content segments including the user's avatar are generated, the segment table318can store the media content segments. The segment state table320can store the segment state associated with each of the media content segments. For example, the segment state can indicate that a media content segment associated therewith is ready and available for transmission.

FIG.4is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a message400, according to some in some embodiments, generated by a messaging client application104for communication to a further messaging client application104or the messaging server application114. The content of a particular message400is used to populate the message table314stored within the database120, accessible by the messaging server application114. Similarly, the content of a message400is stored in memory as “in-transit” or “in-flight” data of the client device102or the application server112. The message400is shown to include the following components:A message identifier402: a unique identifier that identifies the message400.A message text payload404: text, to be generated by a user via a user interface of the client device102and that is included in the message400.A message image payload406: image data, captured by a camera component of a client device102or retrieved from a memory component of a client device102, and that is included in the message400.A message video payload408: video data, captured by a camera component or retrieved from a memory component of the client device102and that is included in the message400.A message audio payload410: audio data, captured by a microphone or retrieved from a memory component of the client device102, and that is included in the message400.A message annotation412: annotation data (e.g., filters, stickers or other enhancements) that represents annotations to be applied to message image payload406, message video payload408, or message audio payload410of the message400.A message duration parameter414: parameter value indicating, in seconds, the amount of time for which content of the message (e.g., the message image payload406, message video payload408, message audio payload410) is to be presented or made accessible to a user via the messaging client application104.A message geolocation parameter416: geolocation data (e.g., latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates) associated with the content payload of the message. Multiple message geolocation parameter416values may be included in the payload, each of these parameter values being associated with respect to content items included in the content (e.g., a specific image into within the message image payload406, or a specific video in the message video payload408).A message story identifier418: identifier values identifying one or more content collections (e.g., “stories”) with which a particular content item in the message image payload406of the message400is associated. For example, multiple images within the message image payload406may each be associated with multiple content collections using identifier values.A message tag420: each message400may be tagged with multiple tags, each of which is indicative of the subject matter of content included in the message payload. For example, where a particular image included in the message image payload406depicts an animal (e.g., a lion), a tag value may be included within the message tag420that is indicative of the relevant animal. Tag values may be generated manually, based on user input, or may be automatically generated using, for example, image recognition.A message sender identifier422: an identifier (e.g., a messaging system identifier, email address, or device identifier) indicative of a user of the client device102on which the message400was generated and from which the message400was sentA message receiver identifier424: an identifier (e.g., a messaging system identifier, email address, or device identifier) indicative of a user of the client device102to which the message400is addressed.

The contents (e.g., values) of the various components of message400may be pointers to locations in tables within which content data values are stored. For example, an image value in the message image payload406may be a pointer to (or address of) a location within an image table308. Similarly, values within the message video payload408may point to data stored within a video table310, values stored within the message annotations412may point to data stored in an annotation table312, values stored within the message story identifier418may point to data stored in a story table306, and values stored within the message sender identifier422and the message receiver identifier424may point to user records stored within an entity table302.

FIG.5is a diagrammatic representation of the details500of the networked environment in which the present disclosure may be deployed, in accordance with some example embodiments.

As shown inFIG.5, the content controller system124comprising a delivery server system502and a rendering server system504is communicatively coupled with the client device102and the segment table318, the segment state table320, and the metadata table316of the database120.

Content creators (e.g., animators) can upload new content periodically to the messaging server system108inFIG.1. The content creators can upload the new content via an electronic device (e.g., client device102) or new content can be uploaded by the messaging server system108. The content can be in the form of a number of episodes in a series like a television series that is released periodically (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). The media content item can be in the form of a video that includes an animation.

In one embodiment, the content controller system124receives a request for the new content (e.g., a media content item) from a client device102. The content controller system124delivers the media content item to the client device102on demand by using a streaming playlist where the delivery server system502coordinates with the rendering server system504to progressively append newly-rendered media content item segments (e.g., 2-3 second video segments) at the end of the playlist.

In one embodiment, the delivery server system502receives the request from the client device102. The request can be sent to the delivery server system502when the user of the client device102selects a selectable icon or link being displayed on the client device102that is associated with the media content item.FIG.11illustrates an example user interface1100being displayed on the client device102. As shownFIG.11, the user interface1100can be an electronic program guide including a number of episodes of a video program (e.g., similar to a television series) or single video (e.g., similar to a feature length movie). The portions of the electronic program guide in user interface1100can be selectable to cause the request for a media content item to be transmitted to the delivery server system502. For example, when the user selects the link “Night Court” in the user interface1100, the request for the “Night Court” media content item is transmitted to the delivery server system502.

The request from the client device102can include request parameters such as, for example, a media content identification and the main user identification. The media content identification identifies the media content item that is requested to be viewed. The media content identification can be an episode identification (e.g., Night Court episode1). The main user identification can be an identification of the user of the client device102that is requesting the media content item. The main user identification can also be the identification of the avatar that is associated with the user of the client device102making the request (e.g., a main user avatar identification). In one embodiment, the request from the client device102also includes the second user identification that is associated with a user of a different client device102. In another embodiment, the request from the client device102also includes a plurality of user identifications that are associated with a plurality of users of different client devices102.

The delivery server system502of the content controller system124can retrieve (or fetch) the states of the segments of the media content item from the segment state table320. The delivery server system502can retrieve the states of the segments using the media content identification and the main user identifier (and/or the second user identification). The delivery server system502compiles a playlist with the latest available video segments (e.g., media content item segments). In one embodiment, when each of the of the media content item segments is available, the rendering server system504updates the state of the segment in the segment state table320to indicate that the segment is available.

The content controller system124can transmit to the client device102the playlist that includes a first set of media content segments. In one embodiment, the delivery server system502transmits the playlist including the first set of media content segments to the client device102. The first set of media content segments can include the introduction video portion of the media content item. The introduction video portion can be the first few video segments (e.g.,3video segments) of the media content item. The introduction video portion can be, for example, 6-10 seconds of static introduction video. The set of media content item segments can also be a plurality of frames included in the media content item.

While the first set of media content item segments are being displayed, the delivery server system502can also signal to the rendering server system504to start rendering the subsequent set of media content item segments (e.g., the second set of media content item segments) which causes the rendering server system504to start the rendering. The second set of media content items can be for example the next 3 segments after the introduction video portion. In one embodiment, while the first set of media content item segments are being displayed, the rendering server system504renders a second set of media content item segments using the media content identification and the main user identification.

In one embodiment, the rendering server system504retrieves (or fetches) and processes metadata from the metadata table316into the second set of media content item segments. The metadata can be for example metadata associated with the media content item identifier (e.g., episode metadata) which is needed to render the requested video segments. The metadata can be packaged as one large file per episode such that the rendering server system504processes the metadata by cutting the file into a plurality of windows of frames to render the respective segments. Once rendered, the rendering server system504stores the second set of media content item segments in the segment table318. The sets of media content item segments stored in the segment table318can be in MPEG-TS (.ts) files format. In one embodiment, the rendering server system504can render the second set of media content item segments by rendering a main user avatar based on the main user identification and incorporating the main user avatar into the second set of media content segments.

FIG.12andFIG.13illustrates examples of different frames of the media content item being displayed on the user interface of the client device102according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the frames1200and1300, the avatar associated with the user of the client device102can be incorporated into the media content item. For example, the frames1200and1300can be frames of an animated episode of a television series. The frames1200and1300can include a recurring character in the series (e.g., an avatar cast member) and also include an avatar that are associated with the user of the client device102and/or an avatar associated with the friends or contacts of the user of the client device102on the social network system122. Accordingly, the episodes in the series can feature the user of the client device102's avatar as well as the user's friend's avatars. By using the main user identification and the second user's identification (e.g., user of a different client device102that is a connection), the rendering server system504can retrieve the most up-to-date version of the avatars to be incorporated into the media content item segments.

The rendering server system504can also update the segment state table320by updating the state associated with the second set of media content item segments to indicate that the second set of media content item segments are available to be processed by the delivery server system502. The next time the client device102attempts to refresh the playlist, the delivery server system502can pick up the change of the state of the next available set of media content item segments (e.g., the second set of media content item segments) and compile a new playlist. In one embodiment, the rendering server system504can update the playlist to include the second set of media content items segments. The delivery server system502can transmit the updated playlist to the client device102.

This process is repeated by the delivery server system502and the rendering server system504until it is determined that the media content item is completely rendered. For example, once the delivery server system502and/or the rendering server system504determines that all the sets of media content item segments in the media content item are rendered, the playlist is no longer updated and the client device102will have displayed the entire media content item.

Although the following flowcharts can describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a procedure, etc. The steps of methods may be performed in whole or in part, may be performed in conjunction with some or all of the steps in other methods, and may be performed by any number of different systems, such as the systems described inFIG.1,FIG.5,FIG.14,FIG.15, and/orFIG.16, or any portion thereof, such as a processor included in any of the systems.

FIG.6illustrates a flowchart of a process600for rendering video on demand, in accordance with one embodiment. In operation602, the delivery server system502of the content controller system124receives a request for a media content item from a client device102. The request can comprise a media content identification and a main user identification. In one embodiment, the media content item is a video that is associated with the media content identification and the main user identification is associated with a user of the client device102.

In operation604, the delivery server system502transmits a playlist including a first set of media content item segments to the client device102. The first set of media content item segments can be an introduction video portion of the media content item. In one embodiment, the content controller system124causes the first set of media content item segments to be displayed on the client device102.

While the first set of media content item segments are being displayed on a display of the client device102, at operation606, the rendering server system504of the content controller system124renders a second set of media content item segments using the media content identification and the main user identification. The rendering server system504can upload the second set of media content item segments to a storage. For example, the rendering server system504can upload and store the second set of media content item segments to a segment table318. The rendering server system504can also set a segment state to indicate that the storage (e.g., segment table318) includes the second set of media content item segments for consumption by the client device102. The rendering server system504can set the segment state that is stored in the segment state table320and that is associated with the second set of media content item segments.

At operation608, the rendering server system504updates the playlist to include the second set of media content item segments. In one embodiment, the delivery server system502retrieves the segment states from the segment state table320and updates the playlist is based on the segment states.

At operation610, the delivery server system502transmits the updated playlist to the client device102. In one embodiment, while the first set of media content item segments are being displayed on the client device102, the delivery server system502transmits the updated playlist to the client device102.

FIG.7illustrates a flowchart of a process700for rendering of the second set of media content item segments (operation606) inFIG.6, in accordance with one embodiment. To render the second set of media content item segments, the rendering server system504can render a main user avatar based on the main user identification in operation702. In operation704, the rendering server system504can incorporate the main user avatar into the second set of media content item segments.

In one embodiment, the rendering server system504can also render the second set of media content item segments using a secondary user identification that is associated with a user (e.g., a second user) associated with a different client device102. The second user can be a connection of the user (e.g., main user) of the client device102on the social network system122. The second user can be, for example, a friend, a family member, or a contact of the main user on the social network system122. The rendering server system504can render a secondary user avatar based on the secondary user identification and incorporate the secondary user avatar into the second set of media content item segments.

In this embodiment, the rendering server system504generates media content item segments that include the avatar of the second user to be displayed on the main user's client device102. Accordingly, the media content item that is being displayed for the main user of the client device102who requested the media content item can include at least one of the main user's avatar or his friend, family member or contact's avatar (e.g., second user) as stars of the episode.

FIG.8illustrates a flowchart of a process800for rendering the video on demand using a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs), in accordance with one embodiment. To generate media content items for each requesting user on the messaging system100involves a significant number of renders and video encoding such that using GPU enabled instances can greatly accelerate the process of serving the media content items to the plurality client device102.

The delivery server system502can receive a request for a media content item from a client device102that includes a media content identification and a main user identification. In one embodiment, the media content item is a video associated with the media content identification and the main user identification is associated with a user of the client device102(e.g., main user).

The rendering server system504in this embodiment comprises a plurality of GPUs to render a set of media content item segments using the media content identification and the main user identification. The set of media content item segments can be a plurality of frames included in the media content item. The plurality of GPUs included in the rendering server system504can be a fleet of GPUs that render the media content item segments, respectively.

To render the set of media content item segments, the rendering server system504can perform operations802to808. At operation802, the rendering server system504retrieves metadata from a metadata database (e.g., metadata table316). The metadata that is retrieved is associated with the media content identification.

At operation804, the rendering server system504renders the set of media content item segments using the metadata. At operation806, the rendering server system504generates a main user avatar based on the main user identification. At operation808, the rendering server system504incorporates the main user avatar into the set of media content item segments. The rendering server system504then uploads the set of media content item segments to a segment database (e.g., segment table318) at operation810. The segment states in the segment state table320indicate availability associated with media content item segments. The rendering server system504then updates segment states in a segment state database (e.g., segment state table320) to indicate that the set of media content item segments are available.

The delivery server system502can retrieve the segment states from the segment state database (e.g., segment state table320) and compile and transmit to the client device102a playlist including the set of media content item segments.

In one embodiment, when the delivery server system502receives the request for the media content item from the client device102, the delivery server system502retrieves the segment states from the segment state database (e.g., segment state table320) and compiles and transmits to the client device102a first set of media content item segments that is based on the segment states. For example, the first set of media content item segments can be the introduction video portion of the media content item. The delivery server system502then initializes the rendering of a second set of media content item segments.

In this embodiment, the rendering server system504comprising the plurality of GPUs renders a second set of media content item segments using the media content identification and the main user identification. The first set of media content item segments and the second set of media content item segments, respectively, are a plurality of frames included in the media content item. The first set of media content item segments can be sequential to the second set of media content item segments.

For example, the rendering server system504can render the second set of media content item segments by retrieving metadata from the metadata database (e.g., metadata table316) associated with the media content identification, rendering the second set of media content item segments using the metadata, generating a main user avatar based on the main user identification, and incorporating the main user avatar into the second set of media content item segments. The rendering server system504can then upload the second set of media content item segments to a segment database (e.g., segment table318) and update the segment states in the segment state database (e.g., segment state table320) to indicate that the second set of media content item segments are available.

The delivery server system502, in this embodiment, can update the playlist to include the second set of media content item segments. The delivery server system502can update the playlist by compiling the updated playlist to include the second set of media content item segments and transmit the updated playlist to the client device102. In one embodiment, the client device102receives the second set of media content item segments from the segment database.

FIG.9illustrates a flowchart of a process900for rendering the video on demand using a plurality of servers, in accordance with one embodiment. To generate media content items for each requesting user on the messaging system100involves a significant number of renders and video encoding such that a fleet of servers to generate segments in a media content item, respectively, can greatly accelerate the process of serving the media content items to the plurality client device102. Each of the servers in the plurality of servers can perform operations simultaneously or sequentially.

In one embodiment, the process900starts at operation902with the rendering server system504that comprises the plurality of servers receiving a plurality of segment render requests. The segment render requests can correspond respectively to segments included in a set of media content item segments. The set of media content item segments are a plurality of frames included in a media content item. The media content item can be a video associated with the media content identification.

The rendering server system504renders the segments corresponding to the segment render requests using a media content identification and a main user identification. The main user identification is associated with a user of the client device102.

In one embodiment, the rendering server system504can render the segments by performing operations904to910. At operation904, the rendering server system504retrieves metadata from a metadata database (e.g., metadata table316) associated with the media content identification. At operation906, the rendering server system504renders the segments using the metadata. At operation908, the rendering server system504generates a main user avatar based on the main user identification. At operation910, the rendering server system504incorporates the main user avatar into the segments.

At operation912, the rendering server system504uploads the segments to a segment database (e.g., segment table318). At operation914, the rendering server system504updates segment states in a segment state database (e.g., segment state table320) to indicate that the segments are available.

In one embodiment, the content controller system124can include a delivery server system502and a rendering server system504that comprises a plurality of servers. In one embodiment, the delivery server system502receives a request for a media content item from a client device102. The request includes a media content identification and a main user identification. The delivery server system502retrieve segment states from a segment state database (e.g., segment state table320) that indicates the availability associated with media content item segments. The delivery server system502compiles and transmits to the client device102a playlist including a first set of media content item segments. The first set of media content item segments is based on the segment states. The delivery server system502initializes rendering of a second set of media content item segments by generating a plurality of segment render requests. In one embodiment, the segment render requests correspond respectively to segments included in the second set of media content item segments. The first set of media content item segments can be sequential to the second set of media content item segments.

In one embodiment, the plurality of servers in the rendering server system504respectively receive the segment render requests and respectively render the segments corresponding to the segment render requests using the media content identification and the main user identification.

As illustrated in theFIG.9, each of the plurality of servers can render the segments by retrieving metadata from a metadata database associated with the media content identification (operation904), render the segments using the metadata (operation906), generate a main user avatar based on the main user identification (operation908), and incorporate the main user avatar into the segments (operation910). The plurality of servers in the rendering server system504can then upload the segments to a segment database (operation912), and update segment states in a segment state database to indicate that the segments are available (operation914). In one embodiment, the delivery server system502is further to retrieve the segment states from the segment state database (e.g., segment state table320).

In one embodiment, the delivery server system502collects the segments and to generate the second set of media content item segments. In one embodiment, the delivery server system502updates the playlist to include the second set of media content item segments. The delivery server system502can update the playlist by compiling the updated playlist to include the second set of media content item segments and by transmitting the updated playlist to the client device102.

Given that the media content items are personalized to feature the main user's avatar and/or another user's avatar who is connected to the main user (e.g., user requesting the media content item) on the messaging system100, a determination needs to be made regarding which avatars are to be incorporated into the media content item.FIG.10illustrates a flowchart of the process1000for selecting the avatars to be included in a video being generated on demand, in accordance with one embodiment.

The following process1000may be performed by any number of different systems, such as the content controller system124and/or the client device102, or any portion thereof, such as a processor included in any of the systems or devices.

At operation1002of process1000, a processor can cause an electronic program guide to be displayed on a display of a first client device102. The first client device102is associated with a first user (e.g., main user) being associated with a first avatar.FIG.1Iillustrates an example of a user interface1100being displayed by the client device102in accordance with one embodiment. The user interface1100can be an example of the electronic program guide that includes selectable items (e.g., texts, images, links or icons) that are associated with a plurality of media content items.

In another embodiment, the user interface that includes the electronic program guide that is in the form of a plurality of selectable tiles. The electronic program guide can be scrolled through vertically or horizontally on the display screen by the user. Each of the selectable tiles can be associated with a different media content item (e.g., an episode of an animated series). In another embodiment, the selectable tiles can also be associated with a plurality of media content items (e.g., an animated series including a plurality of episodes). In this embodiment, by selecting the one of the selectable tiles, the animated series' profile page associated with the selected selectable tile is caused to be displayed. Via the animated series' profile page, the user can access the available episodes.

At operation1004, the processor detects a selection of a selectable item associated with a media content item by the first user. For example, the processor can detect that the user has selected the selectable item associated with “Golden Girls” media content item by selecting the area around the “Golden Girls” text via a touch screen or display device of the client device102.

At operation1006, the processor identifies a second user associated with a second client device102that is connected to the first user on a communication platform (e.g., messaging system100). The second user can be a friend, family member, connection, or contact on the communication platform. In one embodiment, the second user can be another user on the communication platform that is random or unknown to the first user. In one embodiment, the second user can be based on the timing of the last communication with the first user on the messaging system100. In this embodiment, the processor can identify the second user by identifying a user that most recently transmitted an electronic message to the first client device102. The processor can also identify the second user by identifying a user that transmitted an electronic message to the first client device102within a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, the first user can also select the second user from a list of users. Alternatively, the second user can select the first user such that the second user identifies himself to the processor.

In some instances, the processor needs to select a second user based on whether the user has created a personalized avatar for the messaging system100. To ensure that the second user has an avatar that can be used for the rendering of the media content item, the processor can identify a second user by identifying a user that is associated with the first user on the communication platform (e.g., messaging system100) that is associated with an avatar. The processor can also select a second user based on both the timing of the last communication between the user and the first user as well as whether the user is associated with an avatar. In this embodiment, the processor identifies the second user by determining whether the user that transmitted the electronic message to the first client device102within the predetermined period of time is associated with an avatar.

In one embodiment, if the processor determines that no user that is associated with the first user on the communication platform (e.g., messaging system100) is associated with an avatar, the processor selects the generic second user and indicates that a generic avatar should be used as the second avatar. In another embodiment, the processor can select a second user that is a contact of the first user on the messaging system100but assigns the generic avatar to that contact.

The processor can, at operation1008, retrieve a main user identification associated with the first user and a secondary user identification associated with the second user. The second user is associated with a second avatar.

At operation1010, the processor generates a request for the media content item. The request can include a media content identification associated with the media content item, the main user identification, and the secondary user identification.

At operation1012, the processor receives a playlist associated with the media content item. The playlist includes a plurality of media content item segments that include the first avatar and the second avatar.FIG.12andFIG.13illustrate examples of frames (e.g., frame1200and frame1300) of the media content item being displayed by the client device102that can include the first avatar and the second avatar, in accordance with one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the request for the media content item can be received by the processor of the content controller system124(e.g., delivery server system502) and the processor of the content controller system124(e.g., rendering server system504) renders the media content item segments using the media content identification, the main user identification, and the secondary user identification. The processor of the content controller system124can render the media content item segments by rendering the first avatar based on the main user identification, rendering the second avatar based on the secondary user identification, and incorporating the first avatar and the second avatar into the media content item segments.

To further optimize the on demand rendering of the media content items, the content controller system124can also include a puppet animation system and an avatar matching system. In one embodiment, the puppet animation system and the avatar matching system can be included in the rendering server system504.

The puppet animation system receives an animation input from a client device102of a content creator. The content creator is the author of the media content items (e.g., the animator). The animation input can include the software, code, or art that is used to generate an animation file used to create the media content item. The puppet animation system generates an animation file including metadata based on the animation input. The animation file is associated with a media content identification. Accordingly, the animation file can include placeholder puppets that are animated based on the animation input. These placeholder puppets can be swapped for the avatar of the main user (first avatar) and/or the avatar of the second user (second avatar).

The avatar matching system can receive the animation file and replace the placeholder puppets with avatars.

The rendering server system504renders a set of media content item segments using the media content identification and a main user identification. In one embodiment, the rendering server system504renders the set of media content item segments by retrieving the metadata from a metadata database associated with the media content identification, rendering the set of media content item segments using the metadata, generating a main user avatar based on the main user identification, and incorporating the main user avatar into the set of media content item segments. The rendering server system504can also upload the set of media content item segments to a segment database and update segment states in the segment state database to indicate that the set of media content item segments are available.

FIG.14is a block diagram1400illustrating a software architecture1404, which can be installed on any one or more of the devices described herein. The software architecture1404is supported by hardware such as a machine1402that includes processors1420, memory1426, and I/O components1438. In this example, the software architecture1404can be conceptualized as a stack of layers, where each layer provides a particular functionality. The software architecture1404includes layers such as an operating system1412, libraries1410, frameworks1408, and applications1406. Operationally, the applications1406invoke API calls1450through the software stack and receive messages1452in response to the API calls1450.

The operating system1412manages hardware resources and provides common services. The operating system1412includes, for example, a kernel1414, services1416, and drivers1422. The kernel1414acts as an abstraction layer between the hardware and the other software layers. For example, the kernel1414provides memory management, processor management (e.g., scheduling), component management, networking, and security settings, among other functionality. The services1416can provide other common services for the other software layers. The drivers1422are responsible for controlling or interfacing with the underlying hardware. For instance, the drivers1422can include display drivers, camera drivers, BLUETOOTH® 7 or BLUETOOTH® Low Energy drivers, flash memory drivers, serial communication drivers (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) drivers), WI-FI® drivers, audio drivers, power management drivers, and so forth.

The libraries1410provide a low-level common infrastructure used by the applications1406. The libraries1410can include system libraries1418(e.g., C standard library) that provide functions such as memory allocation functions, string manipulation functions, mathematic functions, and the like. In addition, the libraries1410can include API libraries1424such as media libraries (e.g., libraries to support presentation and manipulation of various media formats such as Moving Picture Experts Group-4 (MPEG4), Advanced Video Coding (H.264 or AVC), Moving Picture Experts Group Layer-3 (MP3), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), Adaptive Multi-Rate (AMR) audio codec, Scaleable Vector Graphics (SVG), Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG or JPG), or Portable Network Graphics (PNG)), graphics libraries (e.g., an OpenGL framework used to render in two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D) in a graphic content on a display), database libraries (e.g., SQLite to provide various relational database functions), web libraries (e.g., WebKit to provide web browsing functionality), Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA™), and the like. The libraries1410can also include a wide variety of other libraries1428to provide many other APIs to the applications1406.

The frameworks1408provide a high-level common infrastructure that is used by the applications1406. For example, the frameworks1408provide various graphical user interface (GUI) functions, high-level resource management, and high-level location services. The frameworks1408can provide a broad spectrum of other APIs that can be used by the applications1406, some of which may be specific to a particular operating system or platform.

In an example embodiment, the applications1406may include a home application1436, a contacts application1430, a browser application1432, a book reader application1434, a location application1442, a media application1444, a messaging application1446, a game application1448, and a broad assortment of other applications such as third-party applications1440. The applications1406are programs that execute functions defined in the programs. Various programming languages can be employed to create one or more of the applications1406, structured in a variety of manners, such as object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Objective-C, Java, or C++) or procedural programming languages (e.g., C or assembly language). In a specific example, the third-party applications1440(e.g., applications developed using the ANDROID™ or IOS™ software development kit (SDK) by an entity other than the vendor of the particular platform) may be mobile software running on a mobile operating system such as IOS™, ANDROID™, WINDOWS® Phone, or another mobile operating system. In this example, the third-party applications1440can invoke the API calls1450provided by the operating system1412to facilitate functionality described herein.

FIG.15is a diagrammatic representation of a machine1500within which instructions1508(e.g., software, a program, an application, an applet, an app, or other executable code) for causing the machine1500to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed. For example, the instructions1508may cause the machine1500to execute any one or more of the methods described herein. The instructions1508transform the general, non-programmed machine1500into a particular machine1500programmed to carry out the described and illustrated functions in the manner described. The machine1500may operate as a standalone device or may be coupled (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine1500may operate in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine1500may comprise, but not be limited to, a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a set-top box (STB), a PDA, an entertainment media system, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a mobile device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), a smart home device (e.g., a smart appliance), other smart devices, a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, or any machine capable of executing the instructions1508, sequentially or otherwise, that specify actions to be taken by the machine1500. Further, while only a single machine1500is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include a collection of machines that individually or jointly execute the instructions1508to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The machine1500may include processors1502, memory1504, and I/O components1542, which may be configured to communicate with each other via a bus1544. In an example embodiment, the processors1502(e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a digital Signal Processor (DSP), an ASIC, a Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC), another processor, or any suitable combination thereof) may include, for example, a processor1506and a processor1510that execute the instructions1508. The term “processor” is intended to include multi-core processors that may comprise two or more independent processors (sometimes referred to as “cores”) that may execute instructions contemporaneously. AlthoughFIG.15shows multiple processors1502, the machine1500may include a single processor with a single core, a single processor with multiple cores (e.g., a multi-core processor), multiple processors with a single core, multiple processors with multiples cores, or any combination thereof.

The memory1504includes a main memory1512, a static memory1514, and a storage unit1516, both accessible to the processors1502via the bus1544. The main memory1504, the static memory1514, and storage unit1516store the instructions1508embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions1508may also reside, completely or partially, within the main memory1512, within the static memory1514, within machine-readable medium1518within the storage unit1516, within at least one of the processors1502(e.g., within the processor's cache memory), or any suitable combination thereof, during execution thereof by the machine1500.

Communication may be implemented using a wide variety of technologies. The I/O components1542further include communication components1540operable to couple the machine1500to a network1520or devices1522via a coupling1524and a coupling1526, respectively. For example, the communication components1540may include a network interface component or another suitable device to interface with the network1520. In further examples, the communication components1540may include wired communication components, wireless communication components, cellular communication components, Near Field Communication (NFC) components, Bluetooth© components (e.g., Bluetooth™ Low Energy), Wi-Fi™ components, and other communication components to provide communication via other modalities. The devices1522may be another machine or any of a wide variety of peripheral devices (e.g., a peripheral device coupled via a USB).

The various memories (e.g., memory1504, main memory1512, static memory1514, and/or memory of the processors1502) and/or storage unit1516may store one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., software) embodying or used by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. These instructions (e.g., the instructions1508), when executed by processors1502, cause various operations to implement the disclosed embodiments.

The instructions1508may be transmitted or received over the network1520, using a transmission medium, via a network interface device (e.g., a network interface component included in the communication components1540) and using any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)). Similarly, the instructions1508may be transmitted or received using a transmission medium via the coupling1526(e.g., a peer-to-peer coupling) to the devices1522.

Turning now toFIG.16, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a processing environment1600, which includes the processor1606and a processor1602(e.g., a GPU. CPU or combination thereof).

The processor1602is shown to be coupled to a power source1604, and to include (either permanently configured or temporarily instantiated) modules, namely a Delivery Component1608and a Rendering Component1610. The Delivery Component1608operationally performs the operations of the delivery server system502such as processing the requests and delivery of the media content item, and the Rendering Component1610operationally performs the operations of the rendering server system504such as generating the segments of the media content items included in the playlist.

Where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more A, B, or C,” or “one or more of A, B, and C” is used, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.