Systems and methods for remotely interacting with performers and influencing live events

A computer-implemented method of remotely influencing a performer at a live event is disclosed herein. The method, for example, can be implemented via a customer device including a display, a processor, and a memory configured to store an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the method. The method can include displaying a graphical user interface configured to receive user inputs, receiving a first user input including a user request for the performer to take a user-specified action during the live event, displaying terms and conditions associated with the user request, receiving a second user input including a user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, and transmitting the user request to a performer device upon receiving the user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/821,213 filed Aug. 22, 2022, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

The combined advent of mobile devices, WiFi®, high-speed cellular networks, and cloud computing has enabled the average consumer to access a seemingly endless supply of media from their pockets, on a whim. In spite of this increased access to on-demand entertainment, live events such as musical performances, sporting events, and shows remain popular pastimes. Even smaller venues may hire a disc jockey (hereinafter “DJ”), a cover band, and/or a comedian in an effort to attract more customers. However, attendees at such events are typically passive consumers of live entertainment and are limited in the ways they can interact with a performer and/or influence a performance at such live events. This is especially true when compared to the on-demand nature of their entertainment consumption at home.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, the present disclosure contemplates a computer-implemented method of remotely influencing a performer at a live event via a customer device of a user. The customer device can include a display, a memory and a processor, and software can be preloaded onto the memory of the customer device that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the method. The method can include displaying, via the display, a graphical user interface configured to receive user inputs, receiving, via the graphical user interface, a first user input comprising a user request for the performer to take a user-specified action during the live event, displaying, via the graphical user interface, terms and conditions associated with the user request, receiving, via the graphical user interface, a second user input comprising a user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, and transmitting, via the processor, the user request to a performer device upon receiving the user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request.

In another general aspect, the present disclosure contemplates a computer-implemented method of remotely influencing a performer at a live event via a customer device of a user. The customer device can include a display, a processor, and a memory configured to store an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the method. The method can include displaying, via the display, a graphical user interface configured to receive user inputs, receiving, via the graphical user interface, a first user input comprising a user request for the performer to take a user-specified action during the live event, displaying, via the graphical user interface, terms and conditions associated with the user request, receiving, via the graphical user interface, a second user input comprising a user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, transmitting, via the processor, the user request to a performer device upon receiving the user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, and receiving, via the processor, a coupon to be displayed via graphical user interface.

In another general aspect, the present disclosure contemplates a system for remotely influencing a performer at a live event. The system can include a host server, a performer device, and a customer device. The customer device can include a processor and a memory configured to store an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the customer device to display a graphical user interface configured to receive user inputs, receive, via the graphical user interface, a first user input comprising a user request for the performer to take a user-specified action during the live event, receive, via the processor, terms and conditions associated with the user request from the host server, display, via the graphical user interface, the terms and conditions associated with the user request, receive, via the graphical user interface, a second user input comprising a user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, and transmit, via the processor, the user request to the performer device upon receiving the user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed, in various embodiments, to computer systems and computer-implemented methods that enable a person to interact with a performer and/or influence a live event. Accordingly, these systems and methods can be applied to many different forms of live events or entertainment, including but not limited to musical performances, such as concerts and DJ performances, sporting events, any form of theatrical show, improvisational events, comedy shows, variety shows, live streams (e.g., video game demonstrations), e-sports (e.g., video game tournaments), trivia events, lectures, conferences, presentations, live interviews, question-and-answer sessions, webinars, product demonstrations, exercise demonstrations or classes, cooking presentations, amongst other live performances. However, “live performance” is broadly implemented throughout the present disclosure. A “live performance” shall be construed to include any performance hosted by a venue for the benefit of audience members. Non-limiting examples of a venue include theatres, stadiums, bars, halls, clubs, restaurants, parks, catering venues, and more. For example, a live stream of an event that is occurring in real-time can constitute a live performance if it is streamed for the benefit of an audience at a venue. Likewise, events and/or performances that are pre-recorded and re-played for the benefit of an audience, such as a movie or musical performance re-played in a movie theatre, park, or restaurant, can constitute a live performance according to the present disclosure. As such, any individual hired by a venue and capable of effecting the live performance shall constitute a “live performer” according to the present disclosure. For example, a live performer can be a DJ, musician, athlete, and/or actor. Likewise, a live performer can be a manager of the venue, a master of ceremonies, and/or operational personnel, such as an employee responsible for operating a public announcement system, projector, or jumbotron.

As used herein, the expression “term” can include, in a broad sense, one aspect of an agreement between a user of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein and a live performer at a live event. The user may have to agree to one or more “terms” that govern the use of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein to interact with the live performer and influence the live event. For example, a user may have to agree to a term specifying that they will be charged for the submission of a request to the live performer, regardless of whether or not the live performer fulfills that request during the live performance.

As used herein, the expression “condition” can include a specific “term” that grants either the user of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein or the live performer at the live event a unilateral right or obligation under the agreement. A user may have to agree to a condition specifying that a request to the live performer will not be submitted until certain prerequisite qualifications of the terms are confirmed. For example, a financial institution server and/or host application server confirms that the user has a required balance in an account maintained with the financial institution. Alternately, a user may have to agree to a condition specifying that the live performer will only be obligated to fulfill that request during the live performance if the user outbids other users of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. In other words, a particular “term” can be contingent on a particular “condition” of the agreement.

It shall be further appreciated that the expression “terms and conditions” is colloquially used to include all of the rules governing a contractual relationship between a provider of a product or service and a user of that product or service, regardless of whether the agreement is governed by a single “term” or a single “condition.” Therefore, as used herein, collective use of the expression “terms and conditions” can refer to all of the provisions governing an agreement between a user of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein and a live performer at a live event, regardless of whether that agreement is governed by a single “term” or a single “condition.”

The methods and systems disclosed herein provide opportunities for attendees at such events to interact with performers and influence such live events. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein can enable an audience member to request a certain song, comment on the performance and/or provide feedback, which may or may not be made public, and/or request a specific message be displayed or announced. For illustrative purposes, the following will explain how an audience member can request a specific song and/or shout out from a DJ performing at a club or bar. However, it shall be appreciated that the systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented to accommodate a wide variety of requests from audience members attending a wide variety of live events.

Referring now toFIG.1, a system diagram of a system100configured to enable a remote interaction with a live performer is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The system100ofFIG.1can include a customer mobile device102, a performer mobile device112, one or more access points104,110configured to connect the mobile devices102,112to the internet106, a host server108, and a financial institution114. The customer mobile device102ofFIG.1can be configured to connect to the internet106via an access point104. Non-limiting examples of customer mobile device102can include a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a wearable, a laptop, a personal digital assistant, or any other consumer electronic device configured to connect to the internet106. In some non-limiting embodiments, the customer mobile device102may not be mobile in a conventional sense and thus, can include a personal desktop computer. As will be explained in further detail, the customer mobile device102can be further configured to display a graphical user interface (hereinafter “GUI”) configured to receive customer inputs, as depicted inFIGS.3A-3B.

According to some non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure, the access point104ofFIG.1can be configured to connect the customer mobile device102to the internet106via a wireless network such as WiFi®. In other non-limiting aspects, the access point104can be configured to connect the customer mobile device102to the internet106via a cellular network. In such aspects, the access point104can be a cellular tower. Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates aspects in which the access point104uses any conventional means of connecting the customer mobile device102to the internet106. Because the customer mobile device102is connected to the internet106the customer can use the system100to interact with a performer and/or influence a live event from any remote location. For example, if the customer is attending the DJ's performance, they may use a smart phone to send a specific song request to the DJ. Alternatively, a friend of the audience member may request a specific song to be played for the benefit of the audience member by using their laptop computer from the comfort of their home. Thus, it shall be appreciated that, as used herein, the term “remote” can include aspects wherein the user is physically present at the venue, or not physically present at the venue. In the non-limiting aspect where the customer is an audience member who is physically present at the venue, the access point104and internet106can be circumvented and the customer mobile device102can directly communicate the request to the performer mobile device112via short-range wireless technology, such as near field communication (hereinafter “NFC”) and/or Bluetooth®.

In further reference toFIG.1, a customer can use the customer mobile device102to issue a request to a live performer and thus, influence the live performance. The customer may do this by accessing a GUI. In some non-limiting aspects the GUI can be accessed via software that is preloaded onto the customer's mobile device102. In other non-limiting aspects, the GUI can be externally hosted and accessed via the internet106. Nonetheless, the customer mobile device102can provide a conduit for the customer to initiate the request.

The GUI (FIGS.3A-3B) can be configured to present the customer with terms and conditions associated with the request, as defined by a user and stored on the host server108. Thus, the GUI, as viewed via the customer mobile device102ofFIG.1, can require that the customer use the mobile device102to review and agree to the terms and conditions prior to enabling the customer mobile device102to initiate the request. After the customer agrees to the terms and conditions, the customer mobile device102can initiate the request and relay it via the access point104to the internet106, where it is directed to one of several internet106connected different destinations, such as a host server108. According to some non-limiting aspects, the host server108can be a separate computer configured to process the request and ensure that any terms and conditions associated with the request are satisfied prior to forwarding the request to the performer's mobile device112. For example, if the terms and conditions associated with the request require payment, the host server108can forward the request to a financial institution114for processing. For example, the financial institution114can be a bank that maintains and manages a bank account the customer has linked to their user profile, which is stored in the host server108. Additionally and/or alternatively, the financial institution114can be a third-party service, such as PayPal®, Square®, or the like. Essentially, the financial institution114ofFIG.1represents any server capable of processing a payment on behalf of the host server108. Once the financial institution114processes the payment, the host server can be configured to confirm that the payment has been processed and that all additional terms and conditions associated with the request have been satisfied.

According to some aspects, the live performer can require a using customer to agree with a term and condition that dissociates payment from request. Accordingly, the terms and conditions stored on the host server108can ensure that the using customer is exclusively sending payment to the live performer as a tip for the services they are providing via the performance itself, not the content. Such terms and conditions can protect the live performer by ensuring that they are compensated regardless of the nature of the request. Additionally and/or alternatively, the system100can be employed to ensure compliance with local customs governing the performance of protected content. For example, terms and conditions can be developed to ensure the live performer is complying with relevant copyright and other laws.

Still referring toFIG.1, the host server108, having confirmed that the terms and conditions associated with the request have been satisfied, can be further configured to forward the request to a performer mobile device112, which is connected to the internet106via access point110. The performer mobile device112can include any of the aforementioned mobile devices used to describe the customer mobile device102. In other non-limiting aspects, the performer mobile device112can include a computer associated with the performer's equipment. For example, the performer mobile device112can constitute a module installed on a DJ's laptop that he is using as part of his set. According to the non-limiting aspect wherein the customer is an audience member physically present at the venue, access point110can be the same as access point104, which the customer mobile device102previously used to access the internet106. However, in the non-limiting embodiment wherein the customer is not physically present at the live event, access point110can be completely independent of access point104. Regardless, the access point110can be similarly configured to access point104to utilize either WiFi® or a cellular network to connect the performer mobile device112to the internet106. Accordingly, the performer mobile device112can be configured to receive the request from the host server108via the internet106.

Upon receiving the request, the performer mobile device112ofFIG.1can notify the performer via a separate GUI, accessible only by registered performers and displayed via the performer mobile device112, that a request has been initiated by the customer mobile device102. The performer may further be notified that the host server108has confirmed that the terms and conditions associated with the request have been satisfied, thereby assuring the performer that they can fulfill the request. In the non-limiting aspect wherein the performer is a DJ, the request may be to play a specific song or announce a desired message, or “shout-out.” For example, the customer may be in the audience and hoping to hear their favorite song, which may otherwise not be played. As will be appreciated, conventional systems lacked the ability to formally (and clearly) process such a request. Typically, if an audience member wanted to request a specific song from a DJ, they would have to work their way through a crowd and, literally, shout their request audibly, hoping the DJ would hear it over the song that was currently playing. Furthermore, a customer that was not in the audience would not be able to make such a request because no existing machine, system, or method, allowed them to communicate with a DJ performing in a different building, city, state, or even country.

According to some aspects, the customer mobile device102is further configured to confirm that the request has been fulfilled. For example, the customer mobile device102can include a microphone that can detect sound waves and a processor to digitize the sound waves into a signal. A processor of the customer mobile device102can further include an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) connected to the microphone, wherein the ADC is configured to convert analog audio picked up by the microphone to digital form. Accordingly, the customer mobile device102can detect soundwaves emitted from the DJ's equipment, digitize them into a signal via the ADC, and transmit the signal to the host server108via the access point104and internet106. It shall be understood that most modern computing devices, such as a smart phone or a laptop, for example, can include processors, microphones, ADCs, off the shelf. Accordingly, such internal components are not expressly illustrated in the figures. The host server108can further include a processor and a memory configured to store a sound recognition module that, when executed by the processor, can compare the signal to a database of songs stored in the memory to identify a song that the DJ played. Alternatively, the database of songs can be stored on a cloud-based server, which, in some non-limiting aspects, is the host server108. Additionally and/or alternatively, the sound recognition module can include a voice recognition module to identify words spoken by the DJ, thereby confirming that the requested “shout-out” has been fulfilled. In some non-limiting aspects, the terms and conditions associated with the request can make processing of the payment conditional on customer mobile device102receiving confirmation from the host server108that the request has been fulfilled.

As previously noted, the non-limiting aspect wherein the system100ofFIG.1is implemented to enable a customer to interact with a DJ and influence the DJ's set list is merely intended to be illustrative of some of the improvements offered by system100. It will be evident that system100can be implemented across a wide variety of applications to enable the remote interaction with performers and the ability to influence live events. For example, in some non-limiting aspects, the system100can be implemented to enable fans attending a sporting event to have a desired message displayed on the jumbotron and/or any other screen, display, or speaker installed at the venue. The message, for example, can include a birthday message, a marriage proposal, or an impromptu advertisement for the user's business, or the sponsorship of a segment or portion of the live event. According to some non-limiting aspects, the system100can be configured to separate requests based on a request type (e.g., personal, commercial, etc.). For example, requests for a personal message (e.g., a “shout-out,” a birthday message, a marriage proposal, etc.) may be governed by a different term and/or condition than a commercial request (e.g., an advertisement, a segment sponsorship, etc.), as an auction or “crowd-sourcing” term may be preferred for certain requests and commercial entities may be have more resources at their disposal to monopolize the system100. System100can be further employed to ensure an audience member is featured on the jumbotron. For example, previous systems did not enable a using customer to call the field cameraman responsible for featuring fans. However, system100can allow a fan to enter their seat location and request, pay, and/or bid to ensure their child is featured on the big screen during a game or to ensure the user and their partner are featured during a “kiss-cam” segment of a game. Of course, the aforementioned aspects described in reference to a jumbotron shall not be limited to sporting events, and can be similarly implemented at a concert, conference, performance, etc. In still other non-limiting aspects, the system100can be implemented to conduct a poll or solicit feedback on the live event. Likewise, the terms and conditions can be customized to enable a degree of interactivity that was not previously offered by existing machines, systems, or methods. For example, according to one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the terms and conditions stored in the host server108can be configured to simulate an auction, wherein each request is accompanied by a conditional bid. For example, a performer might use the system100to auction off the song they will play as an encore at a concert. The terms and conditions can be specifically configured to process the payment of the highest bidder and refund the bids associated with requests that are not fulfilled. In still other non-limiting aspects, the host server108can issue a notification to mobile device102of the customer that submitted the highest bid, which can be shown to security and enable the customer to join the performer on stage for the encore. According to other non-limiting aspects, a request may be “crowd-sourced,” wherein a plurality of user mobile devices102of the system100ofFIG.1can submit requests subject to any of the aforementioned terms and/or conditions. The requests can be aggregated and the most requested action is selected by the performer for execution during the live performance. Although these aspects certainly illustrate the improvements offered by system100, they are just a few of the many implementations contemplated by the present disclosure.

In further reference toFIG.1, the system100can be implemented to enable truly remote interactions with a live performer, regardless of a physical separation of the customer from the performer. As previously noted, a friend of an audience member may request a specific song to be played for the benefit of the audience member by using their laptop computer from the comfort of their home. According to this non-limiting aspect, the customer is not the audience member, but the friend of the audience member who can be located miles away from the performer, yet able to interact with the performer and influence the live event via the system100ofFIG.1.

According to some non-limiting aspects, the system100can be particularly configured to receive non-monetary and/or non-fiat-based payments. Thus, the financial institution114can include institutions and/or services that are “financial” in a less conventional sense. For example, the system100ofFIG.1can be particularly configured to accept a “token” in lieu of a fiat-based payments, such as a cryptocurrency, a line of credit, membership reward points issued by a user's credit card company, and/or loyalty reward points issued by a frequently visited merchant, amongst others. Therefore, according to such non-limiting aspects, the financial institution114can include a cryptocurrency exchange server, a credit card issuer server, and/or a merchant server, amongst other servers configured to access, manage, transfer, and/or exchange non-fiat-based currencies of the user.

According to still other non-limiting aspects, the system100ofFIG.1can be alternately configured such that no payments (e.g., fiat-based or non-fiat-based) are required at all. According to such non-limiting aspects, the system100can be configured such that a user—via the customer mobile device102—can agree to a term and/or condition that does not implicate a payment. For example, the user—via the customer mobile device102—may be required to provide the live performer, venue, and/or event sponsor, user data, such as a valid email address, physical address, phone number, and/or a consumer preference, amongst other forms of user data that can be used for marketing purposes. According to some non-limiting aspects, the user may be required to agree to the sharing and/or sale of the provided user data prior to being able to submit the request. According to other non-limiting aspects, the user may be required to complete a user-initiated promotion. For example, the user may be required to forward a notification to a friend—including an alert that the user is at the particular event and/or particular venue, a consumer suggestion, and/or a coupon, amongst other notifications—prior to being able to submit the request. According to still other non-limiting aspects, the user may be required to complete a user action—including the purchase of a product or service via a website accessed via the customer mobile device102, completion of a survey accessed via the customer mobile device102, and/or completion of an engagement action (e.g., creating a post, liking a post, commenting on a post, sharing a post) associated with the venue and/or event via a social media platform (e.g., Facebook®, Instagram®, TikTok®, Twitter®, Snapchat®), amongst other user actions—prior to being able to submit the request. Therefore, according to such non-limiting aspects, the financial institution114can include an ecommerce server, a venue server, a social media platform server, and/or an email server, amongst other servers configured to confirm the non-fiat-based term and/or condition has been fulfilled.

Referring now toFIG.2, a flow diagram illustrating a method200of remotely interacting with a performer is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The method200commences when a user enters a request202. As previously described, the user may initiate the request using a GUI displayed on an internet connected device, including smart phones, laptops, personal digital assistants, or personal desktop computers. In some non-limiting aspects, the GUI can be displayed on the internet connected device when a module stored on a memory of the device is executed by a processor of the device. Alternatively, the module can be stored on a memory of a remote “cloud” server that is accessible to the device.

In further reference toFIG.2, the module can command the GUI to present the user with the terms and conditions that are associated with the request204. As previously discussed, the terms and conditions associated with the request can be customized to the specific application desired by the performer. In the non-limiting aspect of the method200ofFIG.2, the terms and conditions specify that the payment will be processed regardless of whether or not the performer fulfills the request. For example, the DJ may not have the requested song available in their catalog. Alternatively, the DJ may decide that the song and/or “shout-out” would be inappropriate for that particular performance and therefore, decline the customer's request. According to the method200ofFIG.2, the customer concedes to the DJ's discretion and agrees to be charged to initiate the request by agreeing to the terms and conditions.

After the user reviews and accepts the terms and conditions, the module can send the request to the host server208. According to the method200ofFIG.2, the host server sends the request, including any payment terms required by the terms and conditions, to the financial institution210. This step can further include checking a linked account for the requisite funds, performing a conversion of currency, or processing the payment of a service fee required by the host server and/or financial institution. According to some non-limiting aspects, the payment term can be a pre-specified component of the terms and conditions. However, according to other non-limiting aspects, the payment term can be user-specified and collected via a separate user input. An example of one such aspect is described in reference toFIG.5.

Still referring to the method200ofFIG.2, after confirming that the payment has been processed, the host server can send the request to the performer's mobile device212. Having received the request, the performer has the option of fulfilling the request214. For example, the DJ may review his catalog for the requested song, or scrub the requested “shout-out” for profanities. Accordingly, the DJ can accept the request216or decline the request218. In the non-limiting method200ofFIG.2, both options result in the financial institution processing the payment220. However, according to other non-limiting aspects, the host server may require a confirmation that the performer has fulfilled the request prior to processing the payment. If the request has not been fulfilled, the payment will not be processed and thus, the customer is not charged. According to such aspects, the method200includes an additional step of confirming that the request has been fulfilled. As previously noted, such a step can include using a microphone on the customer's mobile device and a sound recognition module stored in a memory of the host server. Alternatively, a confirmation step can include the performer providing such confirmation on the performer mobile device. For example, in some non-limiting aspects, the GUI can provide the customer with a catalog of songs (SeeFIG.3B) to choose from when initiating the request. If the DJ plays the requested song from the catalog, the host server can be configured to automatically recognize that the song has been played from the catalog, thereby automatically confirming that the request has been fulfilled and processing the payment220.

Finally, method200ofFIG.2can further include a step that performs a spatio-temporal confirmation of the performer. In other words, the method200can further confirm that the performer is at the live event, prior to the user issuing the request and the financial institution processing the payment220. This can be helpful in the non-limiting aspect wherein the customer is not present at the live event, but is issuing the request from a remote location. The spatio-temporal confirmation step can protect such a customer from being charged for issuing a request if the event is cancelled, delayed, or if the performer is otherwise incapable of fulfilling the request. Accordingly, method200can apply this, and further confirmations that could be beneficial for the customer, financial information, and performer alike, thereby instilling more confidence in the parties involved in the transaction and promoting increased use of the method200ofFIG.2and system100ofFIG.1.

Referring now toFIGS.3A-3D, several user interfaces of a mobile application as viewed by a using customer and configured to enable the remote interaction with a live performer are depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG.3Adepicts a first GUI300that can be presented to a using customer via a mobile device. The first GUI300can include multiple widgets to assist a customer in identifying a performer they want to interact with or a live event that they want to influence. For example, the GUI300can include a calendar widget302they can use to search for and identify a live event based on a desired date. Alternatively, a customer may search for a live event or performer using the search widget304, which provides them with search flexibility. For example, the customer can use the search widget304to query a specific event type, performer name, or venue. The results of the query can be presented via a plurality of relevant live events306that meet the search criteria and are supported by the host server.

In reference toFIG.3B, a second GUI310is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The second GUI310can be displayed once the customer has searched for and selected the desired live event using the first GUI300. The second GUI310can display relevant information for the selected live event, including a profile widget312with the performer's avatar, curated playlists314created by the performer, and/or a plurality of individual songs316available in the performer's catalog. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second GUI310can include widgets configured to solicit details from the customer for a “shout-out” the customer wants to request. These widgets can include a form field, wherein the customer can enter the specific message they want announced or displayed during the live event. Such “shout-out” widgets can also include information regarding the timing and format of the message, as well as an option for the customer to upload an image from their mobile device that can be displayed during the live event, in association with the message.

In further reference toFIG.3B, and in accordance with another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the second GUI310can further include a “shout-out” recordation widget. According to this aspect, the customer can select the “shout-out” recordation widget and utilize a microphone of the customer mobile device to record a desired “shout-out,” which can be digitized by the customer mobile device and sent to the host server as a signal accompanying the request. Upon receipt of the request, and pending the satisfaction of the terms and conditions, the performer mobile device can process the signal and replay the recorded “shout out” during the live event, thereby fulfilling the request. Alternatively and/or additionally, the customer mobile device can utilize a dictation module and a microphone to process a customer's verbal utterances into text. Accordingly, the customer can select the “shout-out” recordation widget to dictate a desired message into the form field without typing it. In such aspects, the textual message will then be sent to the host server, processed, and the request fulfilled in accordance with the aspect where the customer enters the textual message into the form field. This aspect can minimize the amount of attention required by the disclosed system and method and thus, enable the customer to further enjoy the live performance.

Referring now toFIG.3C, a third GUI320is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The third GUI320can be displayed once the customer has searched for and selected a desire song to request using the second GUI310. The third GUI320can display information for the selected song, including album art and artist name, thereby ensuring that the customer has selected the right song. The third GUI320can further include predetermined tip widgets322according to the terms and conditions stored on the host server. Alternatively, the performer can define the predetermined tip widgets322prior to the live event. The tip widgets322enable the customer to quickly and easily select a tip that can accompany a request, in compliance with the terms and conditions associated with the request. Accordingly, the host server will request a payment processed in the amount selected via tip widget322upon receiving the request from the customer mobile device. Additionally and/or alternatively, the third GUI320can include a custom tip widget324. The custom tip widget324can direct the user to a form field on the third GUI320or initiate a separate GUI that solicits a specific tip quantity desired by the customer prior to issuing the request. In other non-limiting aspects, the third GUI320can include a “No Tip” widget326, which does not associate a payment to the request. Thus, the third GUI320can be customized in accordance with the terms and conditions stored on the host server.

In reference toFIG.3D, a fourth GUI330is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The fourth GUI330can be displayed when the customer initiates a request using the second GUI310and can present the customer with a few options. For example, the fourth GUI330can include a tip widget336and a “shout-out” widget334. When the customer selects the tip widget336, a separate GUI such as the third GUI320can be displayed, prompting the customer to either select or input a tip amount to be processed by the financial institution. The “shout-out” widget334can direct the user to a form field on the third GUI320or initiate a separate GUI that solicits a specific message from the customer to be displayed or announced by the performer, prior to issuing the request. Both the tip widget336and “shout-out” widget334can be customized in accordance with the terms and conditions associated with the request and stored on the host server, or can be predetermined by the performer prior to the live event commencing.

It shall be appreciated that the GUIs300,310,320,330illustrated byFIGS.3A-3Dare non-limiting and presented for illustrative purposes. Accordingly, it is evident that the system disclosed herein can display any number of GUI's on the customer mobile device and that the content of such displays can be tailored to the specific live event, performer, or terms and conditions associated with the request. Nonetheless, the GUIs300,310,320,330ofFIGS.3A-3Dexhibit a mere selection of widgets, information, and functionality supported by various aspects of the present disclosure and implemented to enable the remote interaction with a performer.

Referring now toFIGS.4A-4H, several user interfaces of a mobile application as viewed by a live performer and configured to enable the remote interaction with a using customer are depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG.4Adepicts a first GUI400that can be presented to a live performer, such as a DJ, via a mobile device. The first GUI400can present the live performer with predetermined terms and conditions associated with use of the system and stored on the host server. For example, according to the non-limiting aspect wherein the live performer is a DJ, one of the terms and services might include a disclaimer notifying the DJ that they will be using the system to obtain tips for their services. Although the tip might accompany a request to play a particular song, the DJ might not be obliged to play the requested song. According to such aspects, the using customer might be presented with a corresponding term via one of the GUIs previously discussed in referenced toFIGS.3A-3D. GUI400can further include a series of widgets402that must be engaged prior to the live performer proceeding with the desired use of the system. For example, such widgets might include radio buttons that must be pressed by the live performer in acknowledgment and agreement with the corresponding term and/or condition of use. Only after engaging each of the widgets402, the live performer can select an initiation widget404to commence use of the system.

In reference toFIG.4B, a second GUI410is depicted in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. After engaging of the required widgets on the first GUI400, a live performer can be presented with the second GUI410, which depicts the performer's profile and miscellaneous metrics associated with the performer's use of the system. For example, the second GUI410can include an avatar widget412that the performer can upload to the host server from the performer mobile device. The avatar widget412can be made publicly available via the system to assist using customers in identifying the live performer's scheduled events. The second GUI410can further include a series of metric widgets414configured to display valuable information pertaining to the live performer's events and use of the system. For example, the metric widgets414can display the number of requests the live performer has received and/or fulfilled, as well as the number of live events they have performed. Additionally and/or alternatively, the second GUI410can further include management widgets416. Management widgets416can enable the live performer to view the amount of money they earned at a particular event and/or cumulative earnings. Additionally and/or alternatively, the second GUI410can include management widgets416that display the live performer's live events and/or enable the live performer to add and manage a live event.

Now referring toFIG.4C, a third GUI420is depicted in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The third GUI420can enable the live performer to associate venue details with the new event. The third GUI420can include a search widget422, which enables the live performer to seek venues by entering general location information, such as a venue name, zip code, city, state, etc. After entering the general location information into the search widget422, the third GUI420can be configured to display venues and addresses relevant to the general location information via a series of venue widgets424. The live performer can engage the desired venue widget424to auto-populate the desired venue information into the host server via the third GUI420.

Referring now toFIG.4D, a fourth GUI430is depicted in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The fourth GUI430can be displayed if the live performer chooses to add a new event via the management widgets416of the third GUI410either before or after the live performer enters venue details via third GUI420. The fourth GUI430can include a series of form fields that enable the live performer to input relevant information about the new event. For example, the fourth GUI430can enter an event name via an event name widget432, the genre of music they intend on performing via a genre widget434, as well as timing widgets435,436that enable the live performer to enter a date, start time, and end time for the new event. Additionally and/or alternatively, the fourth GUI430can further include a tip widget437and/or “shout-out” widget438. Accordingly, the live performer can determine what degree of functionality, interaction, and influence they will afford using customers that attend the new event. More specifically, the live performer can enter a desired dollar amount associated with a tip and/or “shout-out” via a pricing widget439. As such, the system and fourth GUI430can enable the live performer to customize the experience afforded to using customers in accordance with their preferences, venue requirements, and local laws and customs, etc.

In reference toFIGS.4E-4G, a fifth, sixth, and seventh GUI440,450,460can be presented to enable the live performer to create a list of content available to using customers. For example, if the live performer is a DJ, the fifth, sixth, and seventh GUI440,450,460can enable the live performer to import content such as a playlist, album, or song from a third-party music application, such as Spotify©, Apple® Music, and/or YouTube®. The fifth GUI440can present several content server widgets442that enable the live performer to access an account associated with each of these third-party applications. InFIG.4F, a sixth GUI450is depicted after the live performer selects a desired content server widget442of the fifth GUI440. The sixth GUI450can present the live performer with terms and conditions associated with the use of the selected third party via a series of third-party term widgets452. Assuming the live performer agrees with the terms and conditions presented by sixth GUI450, they can select the consent widget454. Upon selecting the consent widget454, the live performer can view content associated with the third-party music application via a series of content widgets462on a seventh GUI460. Alternatively and/or additionally, the seventh GUI460can display content stored by the live performer on the host server of the system, independent of any third-party service. Generally, the content widgets462represent content and/or services the live performer hopes to make accessible to using customers.

Although the content widgets462ofFIG.4Gare directed towards musical content, the content widgets462can be customized according to the live performer's preferences and the intended application of the system. For example, in other non-limiting aspects the system can be deployed at a sporting event. Accordingly, the content widgets462can be further configured to allow the using customer to provide the live performer with their assigned seat for jumbotron broadcasts and/or can enable the customer to upload their own content, such as videos/pictures, etc. Alternatively and/or additionally, the content server widget442of the fifth GUI440can be associated with various social media plug-ins, and the content widgets462of the seventh GUI460can include various tweets, pictures, and/or other user generated posts hosted by the third-party server. These examples are provided to illustrate how a live performer, venue, or host can use the system and GUIs ofFIGS.4A-4Hto customize the experience for using customers and provide different means of interacting with live performers and/or influencing live events.

Referring now toFIG.4H, an eighth GUI470is depicted in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The eighth GUI470can include several performance widgets472to assist the live performer in tracking their performance and/or user engagement. For example, the performance widget472can be configured to display the live performer's earnings for a particular event and/or their cumulative earnings for a series of events hosted since using the system. Alternate graphical widgets can be presented on the eighth GUI470to assist the live performer in tracking their past performances and/or suggestions for improving future performances.

It shall be appreciated that the GUIs400,410,420,430,440,450,460,470illustrated byFIGS.4A-4Hare non-limiting and presented for illustrative purposes. Accordingly, it is evident that the system disclosed herein can display any number of GUI's on the performer mobile device and that the content of such displays can be tailored to the specific live event, performer, or terms and conditions associated with the request. Nonetheless, the GUIs ofFIGS.4A-4Hexhibit a mere selection of widgets, information, and functionality supported by various aspects of the present disclosure and implemented to enable the remote interaction with a performer.

Referring now toFIG.5, another user interface500of a mobile application, as viewed by a using customer, configured to enable the remote interaction with a live performer, is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG.5, the user interface500can include one or more widgets502,504,506associated with three different payment terms, or incentives, for the live performer to comply with a user-generated request. For example, the first widget502can be associated with a financial incentive similar to that of a cost of a beer. Accordingly, the first widget502can include an image of a beer and a text field502aconfigured to be populated with the estimated cost of the beer. The second widget504can be associated with a financial incentive similar to that of a cost of a shot. Accordingly, the second widget504can include an image of a shot and a text field504aconfigured to be populated with the estimated cost of the shot. The third widget506can be associated with a financial incentive similar to that of a cost of a cocktail. Accordingly, the third widget506can include an image of a cocktail and a text field506aconfigured to be populated with the estimated cost of the cocktail.

Although the widgets502,504,506can be used to visually and conceptually convey to a user the incentive they are offering the performer, certain aspects do not require the purchase of the selective incentive. In other words, the performer may not necessarily receive a beer, or a shot, or a cocktail. Rather, according to such aspects, the financial institution will process a payment associated with the selected widget502,504,506, and of a value corresponding to the beer, shot, or cocktail, depending on which widget502,504,506the user selects. Accordingly, the performer will receive a financial incentive corresponding to the value of the selected widget502,504,506to comply with the user request. It shall be appreciated that the widgets provide the potential for advertising revenue. For example, instead of the generic widgets presented inFIG.5, an implementing user can sell advertising rights to beer or liquor companies and display the logo or product of the advertising company on the widgets502,504,506. Alternatively, the widgets502,504,506can be associated with any product or offer (e.g., food, ride-shares) depending on the marketing interest of the implementing user. According to some non-limiting aspects, the audience engagement opportunities presented by the user interface500ofFIG.5can be used to connect users to third-party advertising partners and may be used to generate advertising revenues. For example, the user interface500may be displayed after the live performance to generate user input associated with an encore live performance (e.g., whether an encore should be performed, whether a particular song should be played during an encore). An auction term or crowd-sourcing term can be implemented in association with encore-based requests provided by the users. Thus, a third-party advertising partner may be motivated to sponsor one or more of the widgets502,504,506can be associated with any product or offer (e.g., food, ride-shares). Moreover, the system100(FIG.1) can enable the live performer and/or the venue to scale pricing for such sponsorships based on the popularity of the band, popularity of the venue, number of participating audience members, etc.

Referring now toFIG.6, another user interface600of a mobile application, as viewed by a live performer, configured to enable the remote interaction with a using customer, is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG.6, the user interface600can include one or more widgets602,604,606. For example, the user interface600ofFIG.6illustrates three widgets602,604,606, where each widget is associated with a user request. The first widget602can include a field displaying the specific request602aand a field displaying the financial incentive associated with the request602b. The financial incentive can be cumulative, meaning an aggregate of the financial incentives offered by each customer making that request. As is evident from a review ofFIG.6, the second widget604and the third widget606each have a field604b,606bdisplaying a lower financial incentive than the field602bof the first widget602. Each widget602,604,606is displayed in descending order, meaning the first widget602, with the highest financial incentive602bassociated with it, is on the top. As such, the interface600ofFIG.6enables a performer to visually discern which request is most requested, or more lucrative.

Referring now toFIG.7, a system diagram of another system700configured to enable a remote interaction with a live performer is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. Similar to the system100ofFIG.1, the system700ofFIG.7can include a customer device702, a performer device712, one or more access points704,710configured to connect the customer and performer devices702,712to the internet706, a host server708, and a financial institution714. However, according to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG.7, the customer device702ofFIG.7can include a television701or a personal computing device703, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable, a personal digital assistant, and/or a desktop computer, amongst others. Notably, the customer device702can include any device configured to connect to the internet706via an access point704. According to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG.7, the customer can include an individual watching a sporting event live on the television701or the personal computing device703, or from the venue in which the sporting event is taking place.

As previously explained, the customer device702of the system700ofFIG.7can be configured to display a GUI configured to receive customer inputs, such as the GUIs depicted inFIGS.3A-3B and4A-4H. Thus, according to some non-limiting aspects, any of the GUIs ofFIGS.3A-3B and4A-4H—or portions thereof—can be augmented over, or otherwise integrated into, the live feed of the sporting event as displayed by the television701or personal computing device703. The performer device712can include a television, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable, a personal digital assistant, and/or a desktop computer, amongst other devices accessible to a coach, member of the coaching staff, athlete, or any other personnel contributing to the live sporting event. As such, the system700ofFIG.7can enable an individual watching a live sporting event, either remotely or at the venue in which the sporting event is taking place, to influence the sporting event in a manner similar to those discussed in reference to the system100ofFIG.1.

For example, according to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG.7, an individual watching the live sporting event—via the customer device702—can suggest and/or instruct a play executed during the live sporting event, by using the system700to ensure their suggestion and/or instruction is transmitted to the coach, member of the coaching staff, athlete, or any other personnel—via the performer device712. According to some non-limiting aspects, this can be achieved via the method200ofFIG.2, wherein the request204(FIG.2) includes the suggested or instructed play to be executed by the performer—or coach, member of the coaching staff, and/or athlete. As previously described, the term and/or condition associated with the request204(FIG.2) can be customized to the specific application desired by the teams, sponsors, or league associated with the sporting event.

For example, a term of the request204(FIG.2) can specify that the payment will be processed regardless of whether or not the coach, member of the coaching staff, athlete, or any other personnel fulfills the request, as depicted inFIG.2. For example, the coach may determine that the requested play is not appropriate for that particular moment of the game or that the requested play is nonsensical and/or non-competitive. Alternately and/or additionally, a condition of the request204(FIG.2) can specify that fulfillment of the request is subject to an auction, wherein each request is accompanied by a conditional bid and a request of the highest bidder is fulfilled. According to other non-limiting aspects, a play may be “crowd-sourced,” wherein a plurality of user devices702of the system700ofFIG.7can submit requests subject to any of the aforementioned terms and/or conditions. The requests can be aggregated and the most requested play is selected by the coach, member of the coaching staff, and/or athlete during the game.

After the user—via the customer device702—can review and accept the terms and conditions, the module can send208(FIG.2) the request to the host server708, which can send210(FIG.2) the request, including any payment terms required by the terms and conditions, to the financial institution714. This step can further include checking a linked account for the requisite funds, performing a conversion of currency, or processing the payment of a service fee required by the host server and/or financial institution. According to some non-limiting aspects, the payment term can be a pre-specified component of the terms and conditions. However, according to other non-limiting aspects, the payment term can be user-specified and collected via a separate user input, as described in reference toFIG.5. After confirming that the payment has been processed, the host server708can send212(FIG.2) the request to the performer device712of the coach, member of the coaching staff, athlete, or any other personnel at the game. Having received the request, the coach, member of the coaching staff, athlete, or any other personnel at the game has the option of fulfilling214(FIG.2) the request, in compliance with the terms and conditions agreed to by the user via the customer device702.

Referring now toFIG.8, a system diagram of another system configured to enable a remote interaction with a live performer is depicted in accordance with at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. According to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG.8, the system800can include a plurality of customer devices802A-n, each of which may belong to a user watching a live event performed via a performer with a performer device812. Similar to the systems100,700ofFIGS.1and7, the system800ofFIG.8can further include one or more access points804,810configured to connect the plurality of customer devices802A-nand the performer device812to the internet806, a host server808, and a financial institution814. The plurality of customer devices802A-nand performer device812ofFIG.8can include a television, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable, a personal digital assistant, and/or a desktop computer, amongst other personal computing devices.

In further reference to the non-limiting aspect ofFIG.8, the system800—via the host server808, for example—can distribute a plurality of coupons to each of the plurality of customer devices802A-nin exchange of user requests submitted to the performer by users of the system800. The coupons can be redeemed for free and/or discounted products or services provided by the performer, the venue, and/or a partnering third party, in accordance with an agreed-upon term and/or condition. According to some non-limiting aspects, one or more coupons generated and distributed by the system800to each of the plurality of customer devices802A-nmay be “complete,” meaning the coupon can be redeemed without additional actions required of the user. However, according to other non-limiting aspects, one or more coupons generated and distributed by the system800to the plurality of customer devices802A-nmay be “partial,” meaning the coupon cannot be redeemed without additional actions being taken by the user. The actions may be outlined via a term and/or condition the user must agree to via a module on the customer device802A-n. The actions can include a required interaction between one or more of the plurality of customer devices802A-n. For example, a partial coupon generated and distributed by the system800may require that a user of a first customer device802Alocate and interact with a user of a second customer device802Bin order to complete the partial coupons distributed to the first customer device802Aand the second customer device802B.

Still referring toFIG.8, the required interaction between the first customer device802Aand the second customer device802Bcan include a communication via an ad hoc network (e.g., Bluetooth®, NFC) established between the first customer device802Aand the second customer device802B. According to other non-limiting aspects, an application program interface can be deployed via an application executed or otherwise accessed by the customer devices802A-nin order to facilitate user communications via a social media platform (e.g., Facebook®, Instagram®, TikTok®, Twitter®, Snapchat®). This can facilitate and/or enable interactions between the user of the first customer device802Aand the user of the second customer device802B, thereby making it easier to complete the partial coupons generated and distributed by the system800.

According to other non-limiting aspects, the system800ofFIG.8can be configured to generate and distribute partial coupons that require unilateral actions to be taken by one or more users of the plurality of customer devices802A-nin order to complete the partial coupons for use. For example, a user—via the customer mobile device802A-n—may be required to provide the live performer, venue, and/or event sponsor, user data, such as a valid email address, physical address, phone number, and/or a consumer preference, amongst other forms of user data that can be used for marketing purposes. According to some non-limiting aspects, the user may be required to agree to the sharing and/or sale of the provided user data prior to being able to submit the request. According to other non-limiting aspects, the user may be required to forward a notification to a friend—including an alert that the user is at the particular event and/or particular venue, a consumer suggestion, and/or a coupon, amongst other notifications—prior to being able to submit the request. According to still other non-limiting aspects, the user may be required to purchase of another product or service via a website accessed via the customer mobile device802A-n, complete a survey accessed via the customer mobile device802A-n, and/or completion of an engagement action (e.g., creating a post, liking a post, commenting on a post, sharing a post) associated with the venue and/or event via a social media platform (e.g., Facebook®, Instagram®, TikTok®, Twitter®, Snapchat®), amongst other user actions-prior to completing and being able to use the partial coupon. Therefore, according to such non-limiting aspects, the financial institution814of the system800ofFIG.8can include an ecommerce server, a venue server, a social media platform server, and/or an email server, amongst other servers configured to confirm that an action-based term and/or condition has been fulfilled.

According to some non-limiting aspects, the present disclosure contemplates a computer-implemented method of remotely influencing a performer at a live event via a customer device of a user. The customer device can include a display, a memory and a processor, and software can be preloaded onto the memory of the customer device that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the method. The method can include displaying, via the display, a GUI configured to receive user inputs, receiving, via the GUI, a first user input comprising a user request for the performer to take a user-specified action during the live event, displaying, via the GUI, terms and conditions associated with the user request, receiving, via the GUI, a second user input comprising a user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, and transmitting, via the processor, the user request to a performer device upon receiving the user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request.

In some non-limiting aspects, the user request can include an incentive for the performer to comply with the user request.

In some non-limiting aspects, the incentive can include a fiat-based payment.

In some non-limiting aspects, the incentive can include at least one of a cryptocurrency, a line of credit, membership rewards points, or loyalty rewards points.

In some non-limiting aspects, the incentive can include at least one of a provision of user data, completion of a user-initiated promotion, completion of a purchase, completion of a survey, or completion of an engagement action via a social media platform.

In some non-limiting aspects, the live event can include a sporting event.

In some non-limiting aspects, the user request can include a play to be executed during the sporting event.

In some non-limiting aspects, the user request is one of a plurality of user requests received by a host server, and the method can further include aggregating, via the host server, the plurality of user requests received by the host server, and determining, via the host server, that the user request is a most requested request of the plurality of user requests.

In some non-limiting aspects, the terms and conditions can include an auction term, the user request can include a user-generated payment term, and the method can further include comparing, via a host server, the user-generated payment term to a previously-generated payment term stored on the host server, and determining, via the host server, that the user-generated payment term is larger than the previously-generated payment term stored on the host server.

In some non-limiting aspects, the previously-generated payment term stored on the host server can be generated by another user.

In some non-limiting aspects, the user request can include at least one of a request to be featured on a display installed at a venue hosting the sporting event, a shout-out, a birthday message, a marriage proposal, an advertisement, or a segment sponsorship.

In some non-limiting aspects, the user request can include a suggested song to be played during an encore.

In some non-limiting aspects, the user request can include one of a plurality of user requests received by a host server, and the method can further include aggregating, via the host server, the plurality of user requests received by the host server, and determining, via the host server, that the user request is the most requested of the plurality of user requests.

In some non-limiting aspects, the method can further include displaying, via the GUI, a third-party sponsored advertisement prior to receiving user inputs.

In some non-limiting aspects, the live event can include a live stream, a video game demonstration, or an e-sports event.

According to some non-limiting aspects, the present disclosure contemplates a computer-implemented method of remotely influencing a performer at a live event via a customer device of a user. The customer device can include a display, a processor, and a memory configured to store an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the method. The method can include displaying, via the display, a GUI configured to receive user inputs, receiving, via the GUI, a first user input comprising a user request for the performer to take a user-specified action during the live event, displaying, via the GUI, terms and conditions associated with the user request, receiving, via the GUI, a second user input comprising a user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, transmitting, via the processor, the user request to a performer device upon receiving the user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, and receiving, via the processor, a coupon to be displayed via GUI.

In some non-limiting aspects, wherein the coupon can only be redeemed upon completion of an additional action being taken by the user.

In some non-limiting aspects, the additional action can include an interaction with a second user via a second customer device.

In some non-limiting aspects, the interaction can include a communication via an ad hoc network established between the customer device and the second customer device.

In some non-limiting aspects, the interaction can include a communication via social media platform.

According to some non-limiting aspects, the present disclosure contemplates a system for remotely influencing a performer at a live event. The system can include a host server, a performer device, and a customer device. The customer device can include a processor and a memory configured to store an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the customer device to display a GUI configured to receive user inputs, receive, via the GUI, a first user input comprising a user request for the performer to take a user-specified action during the live event, receive, via the processor, terms and conditions associated with the user request from the host server, display, via the GUI, the terms and conditions associated with the user request, receive, via the GUI, a second user input comprising a user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request, and transmit, via the processor, the user request to the performer device upon receiving the user acceptance of the terms and conditions associated with the user request.

The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potential and specific implementations of the present invention. It can be appreciated that the examples are intended primarily for purposes of illustration of the invention for those skilled in the art. No particular aspect or aspects of the examples are necessarily intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Further, it is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements. While various embodiments have been described herein, it should be apparent that various modifications, alterations, and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with attainment of at least some of the advantages. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations, and adaptations without departing from the scope of the embodiments as set forth herein.