Abstract:
A system and computer implemented method is provided for referring and tracking content. The system and method include functionality for allowing a primary user to upload content, storing the content on a site owner database, generating unique links to the content for each primary user designated client, determining when the client has played the received content beyond a predetermined threshold, and soliciting the client to become a referring client upon the determination. The system and method also include functionality for allowing the referring client to receive a reward from the primary user when the referring client refers the content to others who also view the content beyond the predetermined threshold.

Description:
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
       [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the distribution and tracking of media content, and more particularly to a tool which can allow users to refer media to others, and be rewarded when the referred media has been successfully played. 
         [0003]    BACKGROUND 
         [0004]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0005]    There are many known devices and systems for creating, uploading and playing media such as videos, pictures audio files and the like. As the amount of media continues to increase, so too does the difficulty in locating particular media content that might be of interest. In this regard, each and every day authors create and deposit hundreds of thousands of media files online for viewing on websites such as social media and/or media content sites such as YouTube®, for example. 
         [0006]    Although these sites work well to provide a location where users can search and view content there is very little assurance that the media will ever be played, as each uploaded media file must compete with hundreds of thousands of other files on the site. As such, the best way to ensure that a media file gets played is to have someone recommend it; the best way to get someone to recommend something is to provide an incentive for them to do so. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need for a media referral and tracking tool which can incentivize users for recommending media that is actually viewed by a recipient. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Systems and methods for providing a media referral and tracking tool can include multiple platforms and user interfaces that are connected to a site owner system over a network. The system can function to allow a primary user to upload content which can be stored by the site owner. Links to the content can be generated by the site owner, and can be sent to clients of the primary user. Each of these links can include a unique identifier specific to that client. 
         [0009]    The system can also include functionality for determining when the client has played the received content beyond a predetermined threshold, and can solicit the client to become a referring client upon the determination. The system can also include functionality for allowing the referring client to receive a reward from the primary user when the referring client refers the content to others who also view the content beyond the predetermined threshold. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary network environment according to some embodiments of the technology. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a method for referring and tracking media, according to one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary user interface of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows another exemplary user interface of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows another exemplary user interface of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  shows another exemplary user interface of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  shows another exemplary user interface of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  shows another exemplary user interface of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows another exemplary user interface of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
         [0021]    Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. 
       Definitions 
       [0022]    As described throughout this document, the terms “media” and “content” shall be used interchangeably to describe any form of digital content such as audio, video, and photo content that has been, or is capable of being converted into a digital media file such as: Windows Media Audio (WMA), Windows Media Video (WMV), MP3, JPEG, AVI, and/or executable files, for example, to be played on a processor enabled device. 
         [0023]    The term “Primary user” and “user” can be used interchangeably to describe any person, group or legal entity who is utilizing the below described system and method to distribute content to others. In this regard, the primary user can include a content generator such as an artist or musician, for example, or an entity that wishes to distribute content generated by others. 
         [0024]    The terms “client” and “contact” can be used interchangeably to describe any person who receives content from the content generator using below described system and method. In this regard, a client can include a person or entity that is known by the primary user, or is unknown by the primary user. Groups of clients can be uploaded into the site owner system in the form of text and/or email contact lists, for example. 
         [0025]    The term “recipient” is used to describe any person who receives content from the contact via the below described system and method. 
         [0026]    The terms “site owner,” “system management” and/or “system administrator” are used interchangeably, and can include an individual, group or legal entity that is overseeing, providing and/or performing various aspects of the below described system and method steps. 
         [0027]    In one preferred embodiment, various aspects of the methods and systems for referring and tracking media can be performed on a website having the name SeedMedia.net. Of course, this is for illustrative purposes only, as the below described functionality can be performed in any number of different manners, and can utilize any number of different websites, website URL&#39;s and/or computer networks. Additionally, it is contemplated that some or all of the functionality described herein can also be performed simultaneously via different websites that are directed towards individual markets and/or geographic locales. Such functionality can be performed under the direct supervision of the original site owner, or via secondary site owners through a franchise, licensing or other type of arrangement. 
         [0028]    Methods and systems for referring and tracking media can function to allow content generators to upload content to the site owner, and distribute the same to any number of different clients. Once a client reviews the content, the client can be provided with the opportunity to send the viewed content to others in exchange for a reward from the content generator. Once a predetermined number of recipients have viewed the content from a client, that client will receive the offered reward. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system operating environment  100  for implementing a method for referring and tracking media. The system  100  can include, for example, at least one primary user interface device  101 , one or more client interface devices  120   a - 120   z,  and one or more recipient interface devices  130   a - 130   z  that can be connected over a network  140  to a site owner server  150 . 
         [0030]    The site owner server  150 , according to one embodiment, can include one or more individual computing devices  155  that can be connected to one or more databases  156  on which various portions of the method can be performed. The server  150  can function to provide a central hub for controlling the communication between the primary user interface  101 , the client interface(s)  120  and the recipient interface(s)  130 , through any number of different mediums such as the above noted website, for example. In this regard, one or more of the individual computing devices  155  can comprise a web server, an email server, an application database server and so forth, or the system can employ a single server device which functions to handle each of these processes. 
         [0031]    In this regard, portions of the below described method can be implemented as a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in a non-transient machine-readable storage device, for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus. The computer program can be written in any form of computer or programming language, including source code, compiled code, interpreted code, scripting code (e.g., JavaScript) and/or machine code, and the computer program can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a subroutine, element, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. 
         [0032]    The database  156  can function to receive and store any form of information. In one embodiment, the database can function to receive and store media that is provided by the primary user. As described herein, the database  156  can include any type of computer-readable storage mediums, including all forms of volatile and non-volatile memory such as, for example, semiconductor memory devices, e.g., DRAM, SRAM, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks, e.g., CD, DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray disks. In addition, the devices can be operatively coupled to a communications network, such as network  140 , to receive instructions and/or data from the network and/or to transfer instructions and/or data to the network. 
         [0033]    Each of the one or more interface devices  101 ,  120  and  130  can be any form of computing device such as a computer, tablet, smart phone or other such processor enabled device that can be operated by a human user. Moreover, each of the interface devices can also include one or more client applications, such as a web browser, for example, which can allow the device user to communicate with and view content from other devices over the network  140 . 
         [0034]    In various embodiments, the network  140  is a transmission medium that facilitates any form or medium or digital or analog communication (e.g., a communication network). Transmission mediums can include one or more packet-based networks and/or one or more circuit-based networks in any configuration. Packet-based networks can include, for example, the Internet, a carrier internet protocol (IP) network (e.g., local area network (LAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN). Circuit-based networks can include, for example, the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless network (e.g., RAN, code-division multiple access (CDMA) network, time division multiple access (TDMA) network, global system for mobile communications (GSM) network), infrared transmissions, Blue Tooth or Personal Area Networks (PANs), Near Frequency Communication (NFC) network, and/or other circuit-based networks. 
         [0035]    Information transfer over the network  140  can be performed by a communication module based on one or more communication protocols. Communication protocols can include, for example, Ethernet protocol, Internet Protocol (IP), Voice over IP (VOIP), a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) protocol, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol, a Push-to-Talk (PTT) protocol, a PTT over Cellular (POC) protocol, a Real-time Messaging protocol (RTMP), a Real-time Media Flow Protocol (RTMFP) and/or other communication protocols. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 2-9  illustrate various methods and exemplary presentation screens for referring and tracking media. Although described below with regard to particular method steps, this is for illustrative purposes only, as the steps can be performed in any order, and can also include any number of different steps, in order to achieve the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Moreover, while the methods illustrated below can be implemented by (and in some cases, are described with respect to) the system  100  of  FIG. 1 , (or components thereof), these methods and/or method steps may also be implemented utilizing any suitable hardware implementation. 
         [0037]    In operation, the site owner server can function to generate any number of presentation screens which can preferably be embodied in the form of a website and/or website pages that allow a primary user to upload and distribute content to others. Moreover, the system can further function to allow a primary user to offer rewards to clients who refer the content to others. Although not illustrated, the site owner server can establish any number of presentation screens in the form of website pages, for example, such as a landing page that can provide information about the method and services provided by the site owner, along with options for registering new users, and logging in existing users. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for Referring and Tracking Media utilizing the system  100  described above. The method  200  can begin at step  205  in which a primary user establishes an account with the Site Owner. Although outside the scope of this document, it is to be understood that establishing an account can include, for example, providing information about the user, establishing payment preferences and establishing membership benefits such as a paid or unpaid plan, for example. 
         [0039]    In either instance, once a primary user has established an account the method can proceed to step  210 , wherein the primary user can upload one or more pieces of content which he or she wishes to share with others. As noted above, content can include any form of digital media such as audio files, video files, pictures, and executables, for example, that can be stored in the system database  156 . At this time, and depending on the options selected by the primary user, the site owner can publish the uploaded content for immediate viewing on the site owner website via the below described SMPlayer. 
         [0040]    Next, the method can proceed to step  215 , wherein the site owner can present the primary user with options for establishing a campaign to distribute links for accessing the uploaded content. As described herein, user campaigns can function to allow each primary user to identify one or more clients, and to send each of the clients a unique and trackable link for playing the uploaded content on the SMPlayer. Moreover, once the client has played the link, he or she can be prompted with options for receiving a reward in exchange for sending the link to others. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary campaign settings presentation screen which can be generated by the site owner server and displayed to a primary user. As shown, the exemplary presentation screen can include the option to choose and/or select a campaign name  305 , as well as detail options  310  which can include a designation of particular content  311 , client delivery options  312  such as electronic mail, or by sending a text message to a client&#39;s smartphone, and to select which clients that will receive the generated content link(s)  313 . Additionally, the presentation screen can include reward options  350  such as, for example, reward types  351  (e.g., coupons, gift cards, etc.,), individual reward type values  351 , overall campaign budget  353 , current disbursements  354  and/or current liabilities  355 , for example. 
         [0042]    Once the primary user has established a campaign, the method can proceed to step  220 , wherein the site owner can generate and send a unique link, such as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), for example, to each client that was selected by the primary user when setting up the campaign. In this regard, each sent link can include an identifier that is unique to that particular client, such as the client id  405  shown below. In this regard,  FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary electronic message  400  which can be sent to a client  401  that was selected in the campaign settings. As shown, the message can include one or more standard or user customized messages  402 , and a unique link  405  to view the uploaded content. In one embodiment, the system can automatically generate the message and distribute the same to each client, however other embodiments are contemplated wherein the primary user can manually send each message. 
         [0043]    Next, the method can proceed to step  225 , wherein the client activates the unique link, and is taken to the site owner website, or other such location, wherein the uploaded content can be viewed via the SMPlayer. 
         [0044]    As described herein, the SMPlayer can include a downloadable media player or can reside on the site owner website, for example. The SMPlayer can include functionality for playing any number of different types of digital content such as video files, audio files, and executable files, such as games, for example. As the basic concepts and workings of media players are known in the art, they will not be repeated herein, however one suitable example of a media player includes the JW player that is commercially available by Longtail video. 
         [0045]    In addition to playing the media files, the SMPlayer can also include functionality for recording the unique features of each unique link. For example, the SMPlayer can log the client id and/or the video campaign id that is included in the link. In another embodiment, the SMPlayer can also capture additional information such as device id of the user interface playing the content, and/or the date and time the media is satisfactorily played. This functionality can be added via an application programming interface (API) or can be included within the core programming of a standalone media player functioning as the SMPlayer. In either instance, once this information has been captured, the system can store the captured information in the system database, and a record of the same can be available to the primary user, in order to let them know the status of a campaign, and/or to let them know how many times a particular piece of content has been played. 
         [0046]    Additionally, the SMPlayer can include functionality for determining if the content has been played beyond a predetermined threshold. This threshold can be established by the primary user when setting up each campaign, and can be anywhere from 1% of the total media file to 100% of the total media file, for example. In this regard, the method can proceed to step  230 , wherein the SMPlayer can function to present one or more messages to the client who has accessed the link and is playing the content. 
         [0047]    By way of example,  FIG. 5  is an exemplary presentation screen illustrating the SMPlayer  500  playing content  501 , which in this example is a video. As shown, if the client attempts to terminate the video before the predetermined threshold, the method can proceed to step  235 , wherein the SMPlayer can display a warning message  502 . As such, if the remaining portion of the video is not played, the client will not be eligible to register to receive a reward, and the method will terminate at step  245 . 
         [0048]    Conversely,  FIG. 6  is an exemplary presentation screen illustrating the SMPlayer  500  playing content  501 . In this example, SMPlayer has played the entire content, or enough to satisfy the predetermined threshold, and the method proceeds to step  240 , wherein the client is provided with a client referral invitation  600 . As shown, the invitation  600  can provide the client with an opportunity to refer the content  501  to others in exchange for a reward. 
         [0049]    If the client does not wish to become a referring client, the method will proceed to step  245  and the SMPlayer will terminate. Alternatively, if the client does want to refer the content to others in exchange for a reward, the method can proceed to step  250 , wherein the client can register with the system. 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary presentation screen  700  which can be generated by the site owner server and displayed to the referring client. As shown, the exemplary presentation screen can include options for receiving pertinent client information  701 , such as contact information, mailing address, complete name and the like. Additionally, the screen can also include options for allowing the client to select the type and/or amount of the reward they wish to receive  702 . 
         [0051]    Once the client has successfully registered, the method can proceed to step  255 , wherein the site owner system can generate and send the referring client a template which can be forwarded to others. In this regard,  FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary electronic message  800  which can be sent to the referring client  801 . As shown, the message can include one or more standard or customized messages  802 , and the client&#39;s unique link  405  to view the uploaded content. 
         [0052]    At this time, the method can proceed to step  260 , wherein the referring client can send the unique link to any number of recipients, who can view the content using the SMPlayer, as described above. In this regard, each time a new recipient plays the content, the SMPlayer can capture the recipients unique device id, (in order to ensure the same recipient does not get credit for playing the content multiple times), and can log the client id and/or the media campaign id that is included in the clients unique link. As such, only those plays that satisfy the predetermined threshold will count as a successful referral by the client, and once satisfied, this information can be stored in the system database, and a record of the same can be available to the primary user, in order to let them know the status of a campaign. 
         [0053]    As such, when the client has performed the required number of successful referrals, the method can proceed to step  265 , wherein the client can be notified that they have achieved the reward. 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, the system can include functionality for submitting an electronic message to the client. In this regard,  FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary electronic message  900  which can be sent to the referring client  801 . As shown, the message can include one or more standard or customized messages  902  alerting the client they have successfully referred the content. Moreover, in some embodiments, the message can further include an attachment or electronic link  903  containing the earned reward. 
         [0055]    Although not illustrated, the method can also include options for automatically controlling and/or limiting the number of clients who are able to successfully register as referring clients based on the budget settings of the campaign. 
         [0056]    Accordingly, the above described system and method steps provide a novel means for allowing a primary user to incentivize clients who recommend content that is actually viewed by a recipient. 
         [0057]    As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
         [0058]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0059]    As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. 
         [0060]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.