Patent Publication Number: US-2012042331-A1

Title: Methods and systems for content initiation

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application takes priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/372,550, filed Aug. 11, 2010, and entitled Methods and Systems for Content Initiation, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This application relates to methods and systems for content processing, and more specifically to methods and systems for content initiation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional broadcast advertising commercial deployment is often based on agreements between a client that wants its message to be broadcast for any number of reasons by an entity that controls some or of all of aspects of a broadcast capability and a broadcaster wherein a client (e.g. an) advertiser is an entity that is paying to have the entity&#39;s message or product information or service information made available to broadcast television viewers. Additionally, for clients and broadcasters may have agreements where the broadcaster will electronically broadcast specific, pre-produced, full length (60 second or shorter) commercials at specific times or broadcast the content for a specific number of times. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect, a method is provided for on demand content initiation. The method includes receiving a content initiation request at a management device from an initiator device associated with an initiator. The initiator initiates the content initiation request on the initiator device. The content initiation request is associated with initiated content. The method also includes verifying the initiator associated with the content initiation request is an authorized initiator at the management device. The method also includes identifying a broadcast time indicia from the content initiation request at the management device. The method also includes transmitting a broadcast request to a broadcaster device based on verification of the initiator. The broadcast request is associated with the initiated content and comprises the broadcast time indicia. The method further includes broadcasting the initiated content via the broadcaster device based on the broadcast time indicia. 
     According to another aspect, a system is provided for broadcasting content on demand. The system includes at least one processor and at least one database to store user data and content. The user data includes information regarding authorized initiators. The content includes content that may be requested for broadcast by an authorized initiator. The system also includes a plurality of modules executed by the processor to receive a content initiation request at a management device from an initiator device associated with an initiator. The initiator initiates the content initiation request on the initiator device. The content initiation request is associated with initiated content and identifies a particular initiator. The system also verifies that the particular initiator associated with the content initiation request is an authorized initiator based on the user data. The system also identifies broadcast time indicia from the content initiation request. The system also transmits a broadcast request to a broadcaster device when the particular initiator is verified. The broadcast request is associated with the initiated content and comprises the broadcast time indicia. The system further broadcast the initiated content via the broadcaster device based on the broadcast time indicia. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example system, according to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example management device that may be deployed within the system of  FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an example broadcaster device that may be deployed within the system of  FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a block diagram of an example content initiation that may be deployed within the management device of  FIG. 2  or the broadcaster device of  FIG. 3 , according to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a screen shot of an input form with price windows; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a flowchart illustrating a method for content initiation, according to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an example game board, according to an example embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a machine in the example form of a computer system within which a set of instructions for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example methods and systems for content initiation are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     The methods and systems for content initiation described herein enable local television advertising customers to trigger logo or other advertisement on television in near real-time via a standard web browser. The methods and systems for content initiation further enable the triggering of full commercial content and non-advertising content. Non-advertising content could include, for example, a full length television show or movie content. 
     The systems and methods for content initiation involve use of a remotely-triggered content storage and deployment system. Pre-approved clients or initiators engage in the on-demand placement of pre-designed, pre-approved, and pre-loaded visual and imbedded audio content on air by a participating television broadcaster. The content may be created and deployed as an overlay to the existing broadcast content or as a full screen graphic. Alternatively, the content may be created and deployed as a full length content segment. 
     In some embodiments, the methods and systems enable the trigger of connection to remote or local camera feeds or wireless communication devices. 
     In some embodiments, the methods and systems provide an easily deployable, low overhead, turnkey service that delivers increased advertising sales revenues to the broadcaster and provides a content initiator with an easy and creative way to get product information, service information, and announcements out to the public. 
     The methods and systems may enable the broadcaster to immediately satisfy the request of the initiator in the attempt to associate the initiator&#39;s graphic content with recent, current, or anticipated on air broadcaster content and/or current events. 
     The methods and systems may provide the initiator (or initiator&#39;s agent) with the ability to access mass media markets while closely controlling the temporal placement of the content and increasing return on advertising investment capital. At the Initiator&#39;s discretion and, in some embodiments, with the broadcaster&#39;s permission, the initiated content may be triggered or scheduled for triggering based on textual content provided by the broadcaster. 
     A manager may deploy the methods and systems so that an initiators&#39; graphic(s) is created and then proactively triggered by the initiator for real time or near real time play through a broadcaster&#39;s system. A pre-approved Initiator may proactively initiate the deployment (placing on air) of their preapproved, pre-designed and pre-loaded broadcast content. In some embodiments, the broadcaster content over which the initiated content may be overlaid includes local news and special events aired at times when the local broadcaster has the discretion to air overlays onto the Broadcaster content. 
     The methods and systems provide functionality to coordinate the creation of animated broadcast graphics, coordinate the loading into the broadcaster&#39;s system, enable the advertiser to proactively engage, or trigger, a scheduled, real time or near real time placement of their content. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example system  100  in which content initiation may be performed. The system  100  is an example platform in which one or more embodiments of the methods may be used. However, the content initiation may also be performed on other platforms. 
     An operator or initiator may initiate or trigger a broadcast of content by use of the initiator device  102 . In some embodiments, initiating or triggering content includes the proactive action taken by the initiator to launch pre-defined graphic deployment activity on the part of a broadcaster (or broadcaster associate). 
     The request for content initiation may be sent over a network  104  to a management device  106  and/or a broadcaster device  108 . The initiator device  102  may be a personal computer, a mobile electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone), or the like. In general, the initiator is an entity or agent of the entity that is paying to have the initiated content displayed or otherwise broadcast by the broadcaster. For example, the initiator may be an advertiser that pays to have initiated content broadcast by the broadcaster or maybe an employee of the company. 
     The initiation of the content enables the initiator to have “on demand” content. “On demand” generally refers to the ability of the initiator to have the graphic content or other type of initiated content broadcast at a time convenient or opportunistic to the initiator. 
     The initiated content includes, by way of example, a company logo or other specially created graphic or message that can be aired by the broadcaster at the time the initiator triggers deployment. The initiated content may be a full screen commercial, text provided via broadcaster&#39;s moving text display system or a crawl, a partial screen overlay or a bug, or the like. 
     The initiated content may be audio and, in some embodiments, may include imbedded audio. Imbedded audio generally includes to sound or sound effects that are built into the initiated content and triggered as part of the initiated content. 
     The network  104  over which the initiator device  102  and the management device  106  and/or the broadcast device  108  may communicate include, by way of example, a Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an Internet Protocol (IP) network, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) network, a WiFi network, or an IEEE 802.11 standards network, as well as various combinations thereof. Other conventional and/or later developed wired and wireless networks may also be used. 
     In general, the manager operates the management device  106  and the broadcaster operates the broadcaster device  108 . The manager may solicit new initiators and manage existing initiators to initiate their content (e.g., advertisements) to be broadcast by the broadcaster. The broadcaster may also be the manager (e.g., when the devices  106 / 108  are combined into a singe device.) 
     In general, the broadcaster includes entities that utilize terrestrial, cable, satellite, mobile, web or other transmission technologies and entities that control the content and deployment of the content being displayed on public information signage and sports venue information and entertainment displays. The broadcasters may also use other technologies to enable the transmission and display of initiated content. 
     The broadcaster may manage a single broadcast station or a broadcast network consisting of multiple broadcast stations. The broadcaster may broadcast its content through the broadcaster device  108 , or may broadcast its content through a different device. Likewise, the initiated content may be similarly broadcast. 
     The broadcaster may be associated with broadcast stations, independent stations, and/or network owned stations. Additional broadcast technologies that may be used include: Cable, satellite, and web and radio/satellite radio technology. 
     The broadcaster may be associated with venues using JumboTron™ and Daktronics™ type of large display boards. Examples include sporting venues supporting professional, minor league and university organizations and digital signage/private networks such as those deployed within McDonald&#39;s and Walmart stores. 
     Broadcasts made by the broadcaster include, but are not limited to, television broadcast, cable, public venue display, sports facilities display, digital signage display, satellite, narrowcast, web, and mobile network transmission and reception systems. 
     In some embodiments, the broadcaster may approve initiators that seek to have initiated content broadcast. Thus, even though the manager may manage the relationship with the initiators, the initiators may be unable to have the broadcaster broadcast content initiated by the initiator until the initiators are approved. 
     When used in the system  100 , the management device  106  generally manages at least some of the communication between the initiator device  102  and the broadcaster device  108 . For example, a request for broadcast of content may be received on the management device  106  from the initiator device  102 . The management device  106  may then appropriately communicate with the broadcaster device  108  to request that the content be broadcast. 
     When the management device  106  is not used in the system  100 , the initiator device  102  may communicate directly with the broadcaster device  108  to request a broadcast of content. 
     The management device  106  and the broadcaster device  108  may be separate devices or combined into a single device in the system  100 . The management device  106  may be in a networked relationship with the broadcaster device  108 , in a client-server relationship with the broadcaster device  108 , a peer-to-peer relationship with the broadcaster device  108 , or in a different type of relationship with the broadcaster device  108 . 
     In one embodiment, the management device  106  is a single device. In another embodiment, the management device  106  may include multiple devices. For example, the management device  106  may include multiple computer systems in a cloud computing configuration. The broadcaster device  108  may be similarly deployed as a single device or multiple devices in the system  100 . 
     The management device  106  may communicate with a management database  110 . The management database  110  may include user data  114  and stored content  116 . In general, the user data  114  includes information regarding initiators associated with the system  100 . The stored content  116  includes content that may be requested for broadcast by the initiator. 
     In some embodiments, the broadcaster may be able to access the management device  106  to check on pending approvals triggered and scheduled initiated content. 
     The initiator may upload content for initiation that is stored in the broadcaster database  112  as the stored content  116  by the broadcaster device  108 . 
     The broadcaster device  108  may communicate with a broadcaster database  112 . The broadcaster database  112  may include the user data  114  and the stored content  116 . The user data  114  and/or the stored content  116  may be the same as or different to the user data  114  and the stored content  116  stored in the management database. In one embodiment, the management device  106  and the broadcast device  108  communicate with a single database. 
     In some embodiments, the initiator uploads content for initiation that is stored in the management database  110  as the stored content  116  by the management device  106 . The management device  106  may transmit the stored content  116  to the broadcaster device  108  that is stored in the broadcaster database  112 . The management device  106  may notify the broadcaster device  108  of the updated and/or new stored content  116  and the broadcaster device  108  may retrieve the stored content  116  from the management database  110 . In one embodiment, the broadcaster or the broadcast device  108  may approve of the stored content  116  prior to allowing it to be broadcast. 
     While the system  100  displayed in  FIG. 1  reflects a single initiator device, a single management device, and a single broadcaster device, multiple initiator devices, multiple management devices, and/or multiple broadcaster devices may be deployed in the system  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example management device  106  that may be deployed in the system  100  (see  FIG. 1 ), or otherwise deployed in another system. The management device  106  is shown to include a content initiation subsystem  202 . The content initiation subsystem  202  enables an initiator to request content to be broadcast. 
     In some embodiments, the content initiation subsystem  202  is a single subsystem while in other embodiments the content initiation subsystem  202  is multiple subsystems. For example, a first subsystem may be deployed as a pre-routing tool and a second subsystem may be deployed as a detailed router or industrial router. In one embodiment, the pre-routing tool generates and adds the pre-routes to the physical design before the second subsystem generates and adds the remaining routes to the pre-routed physical design. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example broadcaster device  108  that may be deployed in the system  100  (see  FIG. 1 ), or otherwise deployed in another system. The broadcaster device  108  is shown to include the content initiation subsystem  202  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an example content initiation subsystem  202  that may be deployed in the management device  106 , the broadcaster device  108 , or otherwise deployed in another system. One or more modules are included in the content initiation subsystem  202  to create a physical design of a chip. In this example, the modules of the content initiation subsystem  202  include a broadcast initiation request module  402 , a payment module  404 , a content processing module  406 , a time association module  408 , a time specification module  410 , an initiation request receiver module  412 , a content identification module  414 , a verification module  416 , a broadcaster criterion module  418 , a device selection module  420 , a broadcast request module  422 , a content broadcasting module  424 , a confirmation transmission module  426 , a notification receiver module  428 , and a reporting module  430 . Other modules may also be included. In various embodiments, the modules may be distributed so that some of the modules may be deployed in the management device  106  and some of the modules may be deployed in the broadcaster device  108 . In one particular embodiment, the content initiation subsystem  202  includes a processor, memory coupled to the processor, and a number of the aforementioned modules deployed in the memory and executed by the processor. 
     In some embodiments, the broadcast initiation request module  402  receives a broadcast initiation request to initiate content broadcasts. The broadcast initiation request may be received from the initiator, the initiator device  102 , or both. The broadcast initiation request and/or additional information received may be used to setup an account on behalf of the initiator with the manager, the broadcaster, or both. The received information may include personal information, an e-mail address, a phone number, payment information, content, or the like. 
     The initiator may be authorized in response to receipt of the broadcast initiation request by the broadcast initiation request module  402 . 
     The payment module  404  configures payment options for the initiator. The payment module  404  may check the credit of the initiator based on receipt of the request to initiate content broadcasts. The payment module  404  may receive payment and establish credit for the initiator. The payment module  404  may receive payment information (e.g., a credit card number, a bank account number, etc.) for the initiator. In some embodiments, the payment module  404  transmits a credit notification to the initiator device  102  based on checking of the credit. 
     The payment module  404  may include a billing/accounting system for managing payments/credit accounts and revenue (e.g., advertisement revenue) associated with broadcasting initiated content. 
     In some embodiments, broadcasters may have a table broken in time increments (e.g., 15 minute increments) that identifies the times of day that content may be initiated by the initiator and a cost for initiated the content during the time period.  FIG. 4B  depicts an exemplary screen shot of an trigger input form  450  that can be used an initiator and/or manager to select and view times of day and time periods during which content may be initiated. 
     In some embodiments, the payment module  404  may be used to establish a credit limit for a particular initiator. The credit limit may be established by the manager, the broadcaster, or both. The credit limit may be for a particular broadcaster or all broadcasters associated with the manager. 
     An example of the use of the payment module  404  for account setup and approval cycle is as follows. Initiator credit information is captured and credit worthiness is established by the payment module  404 . The agreement to the terms and conditions is made between the initiator and the manager and/or the broadcaster. The terms and conditions may include a price for providing custom animated or still graphics, payment terms, subscription fees, set up charges and other specific contractual agreements. 
     The initiator agrees with the broadcaster&#39;s terms and conditions. In some embodiments, the broadcaster defines which programming and what timeframes would be open to initiator triggered on demand graphics advertising activities. In some embodiments, the terms and conditions of the agreement between the initiator and the broadcaster and manager include the length of time the client graphic will air, the maximum amount of time between request to air and actual airing, the bug size (e.g., measured as a percentage of broadcaster screen used), and the placement position of the client graphic. 
     The broadcaster may confirm that airing initiated content from initiator is not in violation of any existing broadcaster agreements. If the initiator is approved by broadcaster, the information from the initiator is received by the management device  106  and/or the broadcaster device  108  and final setup charges are made. The initiator may be charged any set up, subscription, and graphics creation fees by the payment module  404  and then may be provided with instructions regarding the steps to build the client graphic or graphics. 
     The content processing module  406  receives content from the initiator device. The received content may be the initiated content or may be used as a basis for the initiated content. For example, the received content may be formatted to create the initiated content. 
     The content processing module  406  may associate a content identifier with the initiated content and transmit the content identifier to the initiator device  102  and/or associate initiated content with broadcast content. 
     The content processing module  406  may access initiated content associated with the content initiation request based on the content initiation request. 
     The initiated content received by the content processing module  406  may be selected based on receipt of the content initiation request. 
     An example of the use of the content processing module  406  for content design, creation, and approval is as follows. 
     If available to the initiator, graphic art will be provided by the initiator to the content processing module  406  and the initiated content may be built under the terms and conditions previously agreed and in the appropriate format for the broadcaster&#39;s graphics ingestion, storage, and play out system. 
     Upon completion of the initiated content, the initiated content example may be provided by the content processing module  406  to the initiator for final approval and then provided to broadcaster in the broadcaster compatible format for broadcaster approval. Upon approval of graphic by the broadcaster, the final initiated content may be provided a unique identifier number and placed in the stored content  116  and linked to the user data  114  and be made available for ingestion into broadcaster graphics system. Upon ingestion of the initiated content, the broadcaster holds client approved initiated content until a request for triggering or initiation is received. 
     Upon completion of design and approval cycle, the broadcaster device  108  ingests pre approved content and therefore makes the pre-approved content available to the broadcaster device  108  or a broadcaster system workflow process example. 
     The time association module  408  associates initiated content with a particular time. 
     The time specification module  410  receives a broadcast time specification. The broadcast time specification may specify default timing, may be based on current day or time be based on content, or may make a calendar available for selection by the initiator. In one embodiment, the broadcast time specification includes a specific time and a time delay. 
     The initiator initiates a request on the initiator device  102  that the initiated content be broadcast. The content initiation request is then transmitted over the network  104 . The initiation request receiver module  412  receives the content initiation request from the initiator device  102 . The content initiation request is a requested trigger for content to be broadcasted by the broadcaster. 
     The content initiation request may identify the initiated content or include the initiated content. For example, the content initiation request may include a numeric identifier that identifies the desired content to be initiated among a number of different content. The numeric identifier may be a number specific to the initiator, or may be a global number that uniquely identifies the content among all available content. 
     If the content initiation request does not identify or include the initiated content, a content identification module  414  may select the initiated content. The initiated content may be selected based on time of day, based on previously broadcast content, based on current broadcast content, based on future broadcast content, or the like. 
     The content initiation request may include a broadcast time indicia. The broadcast time indicia may indicate a time at which the initiated content should be broadcast. The time may be a specified time (e.g., broadcast the initiated content at 5:24 p.m.), a time delay (e.g., broadcast the initiated content in 10 minutes), a time range (e.g., broadcast the initiated content during a particular program), or the like. 
     The content initiation request may include a content presentment time indicator. The content presentment time indicator indicates an amount of time that the initiated content is to be presented. 
     The initiator associated with the content initiation request is verified by the verification module  416 . The verification module  416  either verifies that the initiator is an authorized initiator or fails to verify the initiator (e.g., the initiator is an unauthorized initiator). Verification may include verifying access credentials such as user name and password, verifying that an e-mail address is associated with the initiator, verifying that a telephone number associated is associated with the initiator, or the like. In some embodiments, verification of the initiator is based on authorization of the initiator. 
     In some embodiments, the verification module  416  identifies the initiator associated with the content initiation request. The verification of the initiator may then be based on identification of the initiator. 
     The broadcaster criterion module  418  determines that the content initiation request meets broadcaster criterion. The broadcaster criterion may include a blackout period, a content type restriction period, or the like. 
     The device selection module  420 , when deployed, selects the broadcaster device  108  where the initiated content may be displayed. A single broadcaster device or multiple broadcaster devices may be selected. In one embodiment, selection of the broadcaster device is based on the content initiation request. For example, the content initiation request may specify the broadcaster device  108  for selection. In another embodiment, a broadcaster device selection is received (e.g., from the initiator). In yet another embodiment, selecting the broadcaster device includes analyzing content associated with the broadcaster device  108  and additional broadcaster devices and selecting the broadcaster device  108  among the available broadcaster devices based on the analysis of the content. The broadcaster device  108  may otherwise be selected. 
     In some embodiments, the broadcast request module  422  transmits a broadcast request to the broadcaster device  108 . Once the broadcaster device  108  receives the broadcast request, the broadcaster may then broadcast the initiated content. The initiated content may be broadcast from the broadcaster device  108  or another device associated with the broadcaster. In one embodiment, the content broadcasting module  424  broadcasts the initiated content. 
     In some embodiments, the broadcast request is transmitted to the broadcaster device  108  based on a time indicia. 
     In some embodiments, the broadcast request includes a content identifier that identifies the initiated content. The content identifier included with the broadcast request may be the same content identifier included within the content initiation request or may be a different content identifier. 
     In some embodiments, the broadcast request includes a content presentment time indicator. The content presentment time indicator included with the broadcast request may be the same content presentment time indicator included within the content initiation request or may be a different content presentment time indicator. The broadcast request may include billing information associated with the initiator and/or the initiated content. 
     In some embodiments, transmission of the broadcast request is based on the verification of the initiator and selection of or access to the initiated content. 
     In some embodiments, the content initiation request includes billing information associated with the initiator. The billing information may include initiator account identification, credit card payment information, pre-payment information, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the broadcast request is transmitted when the initiator has passed a credit check, when payment information has been received, when pre-payment has been received, or the like. 
     The broadcast request may include a broadcast time indicia. The broadcast time indicia of the broadcast request may be the same broadcast time indicia as the content initiation request or may be a different broadcast time indicia. 
     In other embodiments, at least some of the modules are deployed in the broadcaster device  108  and the content broadcasting module  424  broadcasts the initiated content based on verification of the initiator. 
     In some embodiment, transmission of the broadcast request is based on the verification of the initiator and selection of the broadcaster device, receipt of the broadcaster device selection, and/or a determination that the content initiation request meets broadcaster criterion. 
     The broadcast request may include a time based on the time associated by the time association module  408 . 
     In some embodiments, the broadcast request is associated with the broadcast time specification and/or with broadcast content. In some embodiments, the broadcast request is transmitted based on the broadcast time specification. 
     The payment module  404  receives payment based on transmitting the broadcast request. The payment may be received from the initiator, the broadcaster, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the payment is received over the network  104  from the initiator device  102 , the broadcaster device  108 , or combinations thereof. 
     The payment module  404  may operate by the use of money and/or credit. For example, a number of credits may be purchased by the initiator and an appropriate number of credits may be deducted from an account of the initiator based on a number of times that initiated content has been broadcast, an amount of time that the initiated content has been broadcast, times of day when the initiated content was broadcast, particular days when the initiated content was broadcast, and the like. 
     The confirmation transmission module  426  may transmit a broadcast request confirmation to the initiator device  102  based on transmission of the broadcast request and/or a broadcast confirmation to the initiator device  102  based on receipt of the broadcast completion notification. 
     The notification receiver module  428  receives a broadcast completion notification from the broadcaster device  108  based on transmitting the broadcast request. 
     The reporting module  430  generates a report based on transmitting the broadcast request to the broadcaster device  108  and transmitting additional broadcast requests. 
     In some embodiments, the reporting module  430  may be used by the broadcaster to reconcile the initiated content that has been broadcast. Appropriate adjustment may be made to a credit account of an initiator based on the initiated content that has been broadcast. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a method  500  for content initiation according to an example embodiment. The method  500  may be performed by the management device  106  or the broadcaster device  108  of the system  100  (see  FIG. 1 ), or may be otherwise performed. 
     A broadcast initiation request may be received at block  502  to initiate content broadcasts. In some embodiments, the initiator is authorized in response to receipt of the broadcast initiation request. 
     The initiator may be setup at block  504 . The setup may include configuring payment options, receiving content, associating initiated content, receiving a broadcast time specification, and the like. 
     A payment option for the initiator may be configured at block  504 . In some embodiments, the configuration may include checking the credit of the initiator. In some embodiments, the configuration may include receiving payment information associated with the initiator. In some embodiments, a credit notification that advises on credit status is transmitted to the initiator device  102 . 
     Content may be received from the initiator device  102  at block  504 . The initiated content may be based on the received content. For example, the initiated content may be the received content or the received content may be formatted to create the initiated content. In some embodiments, a content identifier is associated with the initiated content and the content identifier is transmitted to the initiator device  102 . 
     Initiated content may be associated with a particular time at block  504 . A broadcast time specification may be received at block  504 . 
     A content initiation request is received at block  506 . The content initiation request may be in the form of a SMS, an e-mail, a web request, or the like. In some embodiments, the content initiation request is received from the initiator device  102 . In other embodiments, the content initiation request may be received from a mobile device, a telephone, a letter. 
     In some embodiments, the content initiation request identifies the initiated content. In some embodiments, the content initiation request includes the initiated content, a broadcast time indicia, a content presentment time indicator, and/or billing information associated with the initiator. 
     The initiator associated with the content initiation request is verified as an authorized initiator at block  508 . In some embodiments, verification of the initiator may be based on authorization of the initiator. 
     In some embodiments, the initiator associated with the content initiation request is identified and verification of the initiator is based on identification of the initiator. 
     A determination may be made at block  510  that the content initiation request meets broadcaster criterion. A single broadcaster criterion or multiple broadcaster criteria may be used in the determination. If a determination is made that the content initiation request does not meet the broadcaster criterion, a notice may be transmitted to the initiator to advise that the broadcaster criterion has not been met and the method  500  may terminate. In some embodiments, the specifics of why the broadcaster criterion has not been met may be provided. If a determination is made that the content initiation request meets the broadcaster criterion, the method  500  may proceed to block  512 . 
     The initiated content may be selected at block  512  based on receipt of the content initiation request. 
     At block  514 , the broadcaster device  108  may be selected among available broadcaster devices. In one embodiment, selection of the broadcaster device  108  is based on the content initiation request. In another embodiment, a broadcaster device selection is received and selection of the broadcaster device is based on receipt of the broadcaster device selection. In yet another embodiment, content associated with available broadcaster devices is analyzed and the broadcaster device  108  is selected among the available broadcaster devices based on analysis of the content. 
     A broadcast request is transmitted to the broadcaster device  108  at block  516  based on verification of the initiator. In some embodiments, the broadcast request is transmitted to the broadcaster device  108  based on a broadcast time indicia, a broadcast time specification, and/or selection of the initiated content. 
     In some embodiments, initiated content associated with the content initiation request is accessed based on the content initiation request and the broadcast request is transmitted based on the verification of the initiator and access of the initiated content. 
     The broadcast request may be based on the verification of the initiator, selection of the broadcaster device  108 , and/or a determination that the content initiation request meets broadcaster criterion. 
     The broadcast request is associated with the initiated content. In some embodiments, the broadcast request includes a content identifier, the initiated content, a broadcast time indicia, a content presentment time indicator, and/or billing information associated with the initiator. In one embodiment, the broadcast request may be further associated with the particular time, a broadcast time specification, or both. 
     In some embodiments, the initiated content may be broadcast at block  516  instead of transmitting the broadcast request to the broadcaster device  108 . For example, this operation may occur when the method  500  is performed on the broadcaster device  108 . 
     At block  518 , payment may be received based on the operations performed at block  516 . 
     A broadcast request confirmation may be transmitted to the initiator device  102  at block  520  based on transmitting the broadcast request. 
     A broadcast completion notification may be received from the broadcaster device  108  at block  522 . A broadcast confirmation may be transmitted to the initiator device  102  at block  524  based on receipt of the broadcast completion notification. 
     In some embodiments, a report may be generated. The report may be generated based on the transmission of the broadcast request and other broadcast requests. 
     An example implementation of the method  500  is as follows. 
     The implementation, in some embodiments, may only occur after the initiator account is set up and credit approval and or credit card authorizations are complete and the initiator and associated graphic(s) are approved by the broadcaster. The initiator currently views broadcast content being provided by a participating broadcaster. The initiator may determine that, based on current participating broadcaster content or anticipated broadcaster content it would be opportunistic to associate graphic(s) with currently airing or anticipated airing of broadcast content. 
     The initiator remotely triggers by communicating to the content initiation subsystem  202 . The content initiation subsystem  202  may authenticate the client identification and confirm the graphic number. The broadcaster may then be alerted to air the specified graphic for the time period under the terms and conditions previously arranged 
     When the initiator views currently airing broadcast content being provided by a participating broadcaster and determines that, based on current participating broadcaster content or anticipated broadcaster content, it would be opportunistic to associate client graphic(s) with currently airing content or anticipated content. The initiator remotely triggers the content by communicating with the initiation request receiver module  412 . 
     The content initiation subsystem  202  may authenticate the client identification and confirm the unique identification number of the client graphic. The content initiation subsystem  202  may alert the broadcaster to air the specified graphic for the time period under the terms and conditions previously arranged. 
     Upon completion of the instruction to air the specified graphic for the specific time within the specified window of opportunity, the content initiation subsystem  202  may facilitate payment to the broadcaster through the payment module  404  and appropriate reporting to the initiator through the confirmation transmission module  426  and/or the reporting module  430 . 
     Example implementations of the above mentioned systems and methods are as follows. 
     Example 1 
     Fred, owner of Fred&#39;s House of Tires agrees to terms and conditions and pricing policies of the present invention and provides his Fred&#39;s House of Tires logo content to the present invention. Credit and payment arrangements are coordinated. A participating broadcaster-compatible still or animated graphic is created as initiated content. Fred has previously agreed to specified terms and conditions of the broadcaster and the broadcaster has previously agreed to air Fred&#39;s House of Tires logo at a specified percentage of the broadcast video frame, for a specified amount of time, and within a specified amount of time after receipt of request from the Fred (acting as initiator). 
     As Fred watches the news, there is a story about tire safety. Fred determines that he wants the viewers to associate Fred&#39;s House of Tires with tire safety, as detailed in the news story. Fred contacts the system and orders initiated content in the form of an as soon as possible graphic overlay. Within the timeframe previously agreed, Fred sees his initiated on air. He gets timely placement, the broadcaster gets revenue, and the viewer of the broadcast potentially associates Fred&#39;s House of Tires with the broadcaster content. 
     Fred receives an invoice or an immediate posting to his credit card, depending on the terms and conditions previously arranged. 
     Alternatively, Fred&#39;s marketing agency could have previously agreed to include the methods and systems as a part of the marketing agency&#39;s services. In this case, the marketing agency may act as Fred&#39;s agent and coordinate the initiation of content. 
     Example 2 
     National news about volcanic eruption and impending ash cloud is a top story. Surgical_Mask.com corporate headquarters has previously set up account and graphic(s) within the above methods and system. Surgical Mask takes advantage of the current news stories and orders airing of Surgical_Mask.com graphic, offering the temporal placement on behalf of the local retailer/distributor. 
     In some embodiments, if the initiator assumes that there will be a story, the initiator can order placement based on anticipated news of the day. 
     Example 3 
     MM Marketing Company builds a client-centric marketing plan to help their client introduce a new product offering. MM Marketing Company makes arrangements with the broadcaster and, via the methods and systems, remotely triggers or initiates advertising content when the advertiser feels the best opportunity exists. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an example game board  600 , according to an example embodiment. The game board  600  may generated for display by a device receiving a broadcast from the broadcaster device  108  or another device operated by the broadcaster, or may be otherwise be used. 
     In some embodiments, use of the game board  600  enables a broadcaster to focus on “hyperlocal” activity and supports additional community involvement. In some embodiments, use of the game board  600  offers additional market coverage for participating local advertisers and game sponsors. Participating broadcasters will benefit. In some embodiments, use of the game board  600  encourages viewers to watch the participating broadcasters&#39; programming. 
     The game board  600  is shown in the form of bingo like game cards. A number of entities may be involved with the use of the game card  600 . Examples entities and their participation are described below. 
     The initiator is the entity that pays to have their logo or other initiated content displayed on broadcast television. The initiator has a fee based option to participate in the weekly bingo like game. Initiators that opt in to the bingo like game may have their logos included on the weekly cards. 
     A game sponsor for the bingo like game is an entity that pays for and arranges for the printing, web site, or other distribution of the weekly game cards. The game sponsor may have the responsibility to customize the game cards to include the game sponsor&#39;s company name, logo, web site phone number, and the like. The game sponsor may also be responsible for the receipt and confirmation of winning game cards as well as the distribution of any prizes subject to any applicable State or Federal Gaming laws. 
     The broadcaster will broadcast the initiator&#39;s logo or other initiated content through the broadcaster&#39;s television broadcast system. 
     Players may acquire the weekly game cards from the game sponsor and watch the broadcaster&#39;s programming, taking note of the logos or other initiated content that match the designs on the weekly game card(s). Upon meeting the specified criterion for winning (complete row, complete card, etc.), the player may contact the game sponsor for confirmation and distribution of any claimed prizes. 
     The manager may collect participation fees from the initiators as well as fees from the game sponsor(s). In exchange, the manager may provide the weekly games card data to the participating game sponsors for printing and distribution. The manager may provide the game sponsor with access to a real time list of currently aired logos to compare to the winning claimant. The manager may use the associated fees to contract with a 3rd party to coordinate (and be responsible for) the game operations. 
     The game board  600  is an example version of a game board that may be generated. Other versions of the game board  600  may also be generated and used. 
       FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of a machine in the example form of a computer system  700  within which a set of instructions may be executed causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods, processes, operations, or methodologies discussed herein. The initiator device  102 , the management device  106 , and/or the broadcast device  108  may include the functionality of the one or more computer systems  700  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     In an example embodiment, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, a kiosk, a point of sale (POS) device, a cash register, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. 
     The example computer system  700  includes a processor  712  (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both), a main memory  704  and a static memory  706 , which communicate with each other via a bus  708 . The computer system  700  may further include a video display unit  710  (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system  700  also includes an alphanumeric input device  712  (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device  714  (e.g., a mouse), a drive unit  716 , a signal generation device  718  (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device  720 . 
     The drive unit  716  includes a machine-readable medium  722  on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software  724 ) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software  724  may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory  704  and/or within the processor  712  during execution thereof by the computer system  700 , the main memory  704  and the processor  712  also constituting machine-readable media. 
     The software  724  may further be transmitted or received over a network  726  via the network interface device  720 . 
     While the machine-readable medium  722  is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, and optical media, and magnetic media. 
     Certain systems, apparatus, applications, or processes are described herein as including a number of modules. A module may be a unit of distinct functionality that may be presented in software, hardware, or combinations thereof that is executed by a processor (e.g., processor  712 ). When the functionality of a module is performed in any part through software, the module includes a machine-readable medium. The modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. 
     In an example embodiment, a content initiation request is received from an initiator device associated with an initiator. The initiator has initiated the content initiation request on the initiator device. The content initiation request is associated with initiated content. The initiator associated with the content initiation request is verified as an authorized initiator. A broadcast request is transmitted to a broadcaster device based on verification of the initiator. The broadcast request is associated with the initiated content. 
     In an example embodiment, a content initiation request is received from an initiator device associated with an initiator. The initiator has initiated the content initiation request on the initiator device. The content initiation request is associated with initiated content. The initiator associated with the content initiation request is verified as an authorized initiator. The initiated content is broadcast based on verification of the initiator. 
     Thus, methods and systems for content initiation have been described. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
     Various activities described with respect to the methods identified herein can be executed in serial or parallel fashion. Although “End” blocks are shown in the flowcharts, the methods may be performed continuously.