WO2018161086A1

WO2018161086A1 - System and method for collecting or processing user input in coordination with a video stream

Info

Publication number: WO2018161086A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/020957
Authority: WO
Inventors: Randall CHALAWSKY; Keyvan SAMINI; Andrew KOU; Vishal BAKSHI
Original assignee: Chalawsky Randall; Samini Keyvan; Kou Andrew; Bakshi Vishal
Priority date: 2017-03-03
Filing date: 2018-03-05
Publication date: 2018-09-07

Abstract

An online network or webpage that allows users to broadcast (e.g., live video feeds using a camera) marketing and/or advertising information to viewers. The system may be capable of linking with existing social media and/or other platforms in order to consolidate viewer feedback of broadcasts across a plurality of platforms to one easy location for review by the broadcaster. Broadcasts may be streamed by a hosting user via the system for viewing by consumers or may be streamed to other platforms for viewing. Users of such various platforms may respond or send feedback within their viewing platform while observing the broadcast and such responses or feedback is automatically transmitted to the system for viewing by the broadcast host. Rules may be programmatically evaluated on the feedback for subsequent tasks to be performed based upon such evaluation.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING OR PROCESSING USER INPUT IN COORDINATION WITH A VIDEO STREAM

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system, method, or process for broadcasting of information via one or more social platforms and/or social networks, the web, websites, or commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify), such as through text message, email (e.g., live-streaming mail and/or with information such as video or otherwise appearing or attached to the email), or on a commerce platform. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system, method, or process for collecting or processing user input received in coordination with a video stream or other broadcast via one or more social platforms and/or social networks (e.g., the web, email, text, commerce platform, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool, etc.). The present invention may relate to the broadcasting of information for promotion via email, text, video, images, documents, or otherwise any digitally displayable content on an Internet or other network-based social network and/or the collection of input and/or processing of such input from other users based upon this promotion. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] A traditional Internet-based social network allows an individual to create a user account and post items of interest to their account (e.g., digital discoveries, photos, trending products, videos (such as TV shows, movies, etc.), articles, reviews, news, music, shopping deals, personal updates, etc.) for other users browsing the social network to view. These social networks commonly allow a user with an account to post text messages, photographs, and/or videos on their assigned user page that is then made available for searching or browsing by others who utilize the service. Users may also be permitted to "follow" other users of the service, thereby allowing a person quick access to other user' s pages that they find of particular interest. Indeed, users who put in substantial time or effort into maintaining their pages commonly have hundreds, if not thousands, of other users following them or subscribing to their content. Users with significant numbers of followers on any given social network, have opportunities for revenue generation by being an "influencer" (e.g., a show caser or broadcaster of one or more company products or services to the user' s followers to encourage purchase by such followers).

[0005] As social networks have gotten more popular and prevalent in everyday society, users of such networks often have user accounts upon multiple different social networks that may not be in communication with one another. For example, a user may post information upon a first social network to that user' s followers on that first social network, which that user' s followers on a second social network have no indication, notification, or availability to see the posted information unless those followers also are followers of the user on the first social network. [0006] It would be desirable to have an improved social platform, social network, or other Internet or online-based website or system that makes it possible to more easily and/or simply broadcast information to followers and/or collect or process user input received that corresponds to such broadcasting. Such an improved social network or website may desirably allow or facilitate its users to easily provide video feeds to followers for the purpose of encouraging purchase of a company's products or services.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention is related to a system, method, or process for broadcasting of information via one or more social online systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing social media broadcasting capabilities for a user may include creating a user account for the user in a memory, linking at least one social media account with the user account, providing storage space for use by the user account to establish a broadcast, transmitting a marketing post to the at least one social media account, streaming a broadcast associated with the user account using a video camera, receiving feedback from a viewer of the broadcast, and displaying the feedback from the viewer to the user account.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a process flow for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to account creation or login for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to account setup for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a user interface screen relating to schedule for broadcasting for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 6A shows a first exemplary user interface screen relating to creation of a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 6B shows a second exemplary user interface screen relating to creation of a broadcast for the system of FIG. 6 A, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 7 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to a consumer experience while viewing a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 8 shows a user interface screen relating to a broadcaster experience while hosting a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 9A shows a first exemplary block diagram for streaming of video for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 9B shows a second exemplary block diagram for streaming of video for the system of FIG. 9 A, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 10 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to marketing post broadcasting for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 11 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to notification for followers of a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 12 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to attachment of product links to a corresponding broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023] FIG. 13 shows a user interface screen relating analytics for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings and pictures, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system 100 incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. Broadcasting of information can take on any of a variety of forms in varying embodiments of the present invention (e.g., streaming live video, video-on-demand, email communication, posting or other transmittal of images, posting or other transmittal of text, posting or other transmittal of documents, sending of invitations or other marketing for future presentations of information, other dissemination of information such as digital content, etc.).

[0026] Individuals who broadcast information (e.g., video streams, postings or other transmittals of digital content, etc.) to other users (e.g., followers or guests) are becoming a more popular aspect for advertising and marketing as companies may rely upon such individuals (referred to as "broadcasters" herein) for encouraging their followers to seek out and purchase those company products. Consumers on social media networks or elsewhere may follow or otherwise subscribe to particular broadcasters that they enjoy in order to hear the broadcaster' s thoughts on particular products or services. A positive impression from a broadcaster may thus encourage multiple viewers of the broadcaster' s broadcast to seek out and purchase the product or service. The system 100 facilities and/or provides improvements to such interaction or functionality.

[0027] A broadcaster may create assets (e.g., images, videos, offers, etc.) that can be used when broadcasting (e.g., examples provided above, such as making marketing posts, streaming video, offering video-on-demand, other dissemination of information, etc.). Such assets may be created using additional software and then uploaded to the system 100 for use and/or may be created using software associated with the system 100. For example, the system 100 may allow for the use of an external camera to work with a web application for broadcasters that also have a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, as discussed in greater detail throughout this application. For example, a broadcaster that has a mobile phone may benefit from the use of an external camera because the broadcaster may be using the mobile phone to engage with viewers of their broadcast (e.g., to answer questions, etc.).

[0028] The system 100 may include an application and/or Application Program Interface ("API") 102 that may be run or executed upon any of a variety of electronic or computer devices (e.g., desktop or laptop computers, mobile devices such as cell phones, smart phones, tablets, e-readers, etc.). Connected with the Application 102 is a database 104, configured to store information or data for use in the broadcasting to users, receiving feedback from users, and/or otherwise containing data used to aid in the promotion of products or services by broadcaster users, among other possible data. In one embodiment, the Application may be connected to or accessible by one or more consumers over a Consumer Web 106 (i.e., the Internet), for example, via a Web Browser 108. Thus, users may access the Application 102 by opening up Internet browser software on their mobile device or desktop computer, for example, and direct the browser software to a particular Uniform Resource Locator ("URL") that provides access over the Internet to the Application 102. Although a web application (e.g., over the Internet) is specifically illustrated by FIG. 1, a variety of other possible architectures or software implementations may be used in alternative embodiments (e.g., Native applications that execute directly upon user devices without requiring access with a web browser).

[0029] Likewise, one or more administrators may access the Application 102 via an Admin Web 110 (e.g., using a Web Browser 112). Admin access may be gated by a login/password combination, as discussed in greater detail herein. Also connected with the Application 102 is a device 120 (e.g., a mobile device) with a camera and/or an encoder. The device 120 may be used, in coordination with a Video Transcoding Server 130, for the broadcasting (e.g., streaming) of video, via the Application 102 to consumers accessing the Application 102 via the Consumer Web 104, or otherwise. A publish / subscribe ("PUB/SUB") system 140 that operates in real time with the Application 102 may provide the streaming functionality and/or controls with the mobile device 120 for the appropriate software transmittal of messages.

[0030] Any of a variety of possible cameras or other video feed recording and/or streaming devices may be used with the system 100. For example, cameras with one or more of a variety of possible connectors (e.g., USB, mobile phone specific connectors, etc.) may be used. In addition, cameras with an open API such that one or more of the camera functions (e.g., play, pause, stop, etc.) may be controlled by the Application 102 of the system 100. In certain embodiments, the camera may be configured to be connected to a router associated with the broadcaster (e.g., via Wi-Fi) in order to stream or otherwise broadcast a video feed from the camera. A variety of possible streaming architectures or methods may be used in varying embodiments, for example, those discussed in associated with FIGS. 9A and/or 9B, among other possibilities. Although FIG. 1 illustrates one possible embodiment for system of the present invention, any of a variety of other components and/or setups may be used for alternative embodiments, including additional, different, and/or fewer of the specific components or features explicitly illustrated. Off-the-shelf cameras may be used and/or cameras with particularly modified or constructed hardware and/or software may be used. In one example, a camera may have particular software functions or features provided for by the system and the user may indicate which camera they are using (e.g., via entry on a form of the system, scanning of a barcode, etc.) that lets the system know which camera is being used and whether to incorporate any special programming, features, and/or other setup for broadcasting using the user' s particular camera.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a process flow for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. The system allows broadcasters that promote, advertise, and/or market products or services for companies with an improved end-to-end solution (e.g., camera, software, and integration with other platforms) to facilitate broadcast across a variety of the broadcaster' s existing platforms and capture of viewer and/or follower responses or feedback across such existing platforms back to the system for convenient display to the broadcaster. In this fashion, the broadcaster can transmit and/or receive data across platforms when promoting a product without being required to manually sign-in and manipulate with each individual platform in order to reach all of the broadcaster's potential followers.

[0032] Initially, as shown in block 205, a user signs up with the system (e.g., by visiting a website and creating an account). Creation of the account may include downloading an application for execution upon a mobile device, providing user info, social network info, network account info, credit card info, etc. Next, in order to allow the user the ability to stream high quality video pitches to viewers, the user may order 210 a hardware video camera that is shipped to the user. Thus, the user may use the hardware video camera to stream the video feed while using the mobile application that has been downloaded onto their mobile device in order to engage with viewers of the video feed in real time.

[0033] The user next sets up a broadcast 215 using their format of choice (e.g., streaming the broadcast to one or more of the user' s existing platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, etc. and/or on the web via the system itself). The user notifies the consumers 220 of the upcoming broadcast via transmittal 222 of a marketing post on one or more desired platforms of the user (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln, Instagram, Shopify, email, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.). In certain embodiments, a marketing post may be an email transmission, text transmission, and/or other dissemination of information to users, not necessarily via a posting upon another social media webpage or platform. In some instances, consumers on the chosen platforms may respond, via their respective platforms by asking questions or providing comments. The system culls 225 these questions and comments from the respective platforms (e.g., using login information previously provided by the user during account setup) and displays such feedback within the system for easy viewing by the user. The user may then prepare 230 answers or otherwise make preparations for the upcoming broadcast in light of such feedback from consumers.

[0034] Next, the user conducts the broadcast by streaming video 235 (e.g., by using the application and a camera of the user' s mobile device and/or by using the hardware camera received via step 210). This streaming video 235 may be displayed on the web via access to the system itself and/or may be streamed by one or more of the chosen platforms by the user (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, etc.) Similar to the culling 225 previously discussed, user feedback is similarly culled 240 (e.g., in real-time) during the broadcast and provided 245 for display in the system to the user hosting the broadcast and/or analyzed for further programming or features, as discussed in greater detail herein. Thus, the user hosting the broadcast may be able to answer questions in real-time (e.g., verbally) on the video feed in response to feedback from consumers viewing the broadcast. Additional activities 250 (e.g., lotteries, provision of coupons, provision of product links, etc.) may be pushed 255 to consumers via their platform of use.

[0035] After the broadcast has been completed, the user hosting the broadcast may view consumer insight that occurred before, during, and/or after the broadcast via metrics 260 calculated or determined by the system. Based upon this consumer insight, the user may take relevant steps 265 to aid in maximizing revenue for the company whose products and/or services were advertised and/or in order to further bolster the engagement, entertainment, maintenance, or obtaining of viewers for future broadcasts. For example, a user who hosted the broadcast may take the relevant step of contacting best consumer prospects 270 (e.g., based upon those consumers' feedback) in order to encourage those consumers to buy the products and/or services 272 and/or provide additional feedback 274. The system maintains a recorded copy of the broadcast 280 for possible future editing and/or use (e.g., re-broadcast, as video-on-demand, etc.) by the user.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of user interface screens (300, 350) relating to account creation or login for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. An account creation UI 300 may allow a user to initially sign-up with the system by setting up a username or email to be used for login purposes and an associated password. By entering a username into the username field 310 and typing a password into the password fields 312, and subsequently pressing a button 314 relating to sign-up, a new user may establish an account that may be signed in to upon subsequent access attempts with the system.

[0037] An account login UI 350 illustrates such a subsequent access attempt screen whereby the user may enter their username and password into the respective fields (355, 360) and again pressing a button 365 relating to sign in. Upon correct entry of a username and password that is already stored in memory and/or database of the system, then the user is permitted entry to access further features of the application.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of user interface screens relating to account setup for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. A main account setup UI 400 may include a plurality of possible setup categories. For example and as shown, a user interface element 405 corresponding to account setup of a user' s profile may be clicked or otherwise selected by the user. In one embodiment, a further profile account setup UI 420 may then be displayed to the user. The profile account setup UI 420 may have editable and/or selectable user interface fields and/or elements that allow a user to establish some information about themselves that may or may not be shown to other users of the system (e.g., first name, last name, address, geographic location, age, sex, etc.).

[0039] The main account setup UI 400 may also include a user interface element 410 corresponding to account setup of a user' s social media accounts. Such user interface element 410 may also be clicked or otherwise selected by the user and the social media setup UI 440 may then be displayed. The social media setup UI 440 may include one or more possible social media networks, websites, or other applications that the user may provide login/password information for. As discussed in greater detail throughout this application, such login/password information may allow the system to connect to one or more of the social media networks, websites, or other applications in order to perform a variety of possible tasks (e.g., notify followers on each of the connected social media platforms about an upcoming broadcast). In another example, the user may be able to indicate to the system how they wish to obtain reminders and/or invitations for subsequent broadcasts from other users (e.g., email notification, text notification, notification via one or more of the connected social media platforms for which login/password information has been provided, etc.). As discussed in greater detail throughout, such functionality may allow a broadcaster to host one broadcast, whose information is notified and/or streamed across multiple other social media platforms, potentially avoiding the need for the broadcaster to host separate broadcasts upon each distinct social media platform in an effort to reach all of his/her followers.

[0040] The main account setup UI 400 may also include a user interface element 415 corresponding to account setup of a user' s email accounts. Such user interface element 415 may also be clicked or otherwise selected by the user and the email setup UI 460 may then be displayed. The email setup UI 460 may allow for the user to establish one or more of their own email accounts across a variety of possible email providers (e.g., may allow the system to consolidate emails to a user that are received among a plurality of accounts). In certain embodiments, the email setup UI 460 may allow the user to generate a mailing list of contacts that the user may wish to provide future communications to (e.g., notifications regarding an upcoming broadcast, coupons, invitations to an upcoming broadcast, etc.). In certain embodiments, the system may allow users to import from or export to existing marketing platforms (e.g., via use of .csv files or other recognized file format for a desired platform).

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a user interface screen relating to a schedule for broadcasting (e.g., via video such as live video and/or video-on-demand) for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. A broadcast scheduling UI 500 may display a list 510 or other display of upcoming or past broadcasts. The upcoming broadcasts may be broadcasts (e.g., streaming video) that have not yet been live and may be sorted by their scheduled date. The past broadcasts may be broadcasts that have already been live (e.g., may be selected to go live again at a future date and/or may be available after their live date as on-demand broadcasts, such as video-on-demand). The individual hosting the one or more broadcasts in the list 510 may be allowed to select an Edit UI element 520 corresponding to a particular broadcast. Upon selecting the Edit UI element 520, the individual may edit the broadcast (e.g., either an upcoming broadcast and/or a past broadcast) as desired (e.g., to add coupons, to make video edits, to add or change imagery of the broadcast, etc.). For example, the individual may edit a past broadcast in anticipation of making changes to the broadcast and subsequently re-broadcasting it again. In another example, the individual may edit an upcoming broadcast prior to it going live for the first time. A Delete UI element 530 may allow the individual to delete either an upcoming broadcast or a past broadcast if it is no longer desired for potential future airing.

[0042] FIG. 6A illustrates a first exemplary user interface screen 600 relating to creation of a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. As previously mentioned, a user of the system may host a broadcast (e.g., live video streaming) that may be viewable by other users of the system and/or guests that access the system (e.g., via a webpage). In order to host a broadcast, the first exemplary user interface screen 600 may be displayed to the broadcaster when the broadcaster indicates a desire to host or setup a new broadcast. A variety of information may be entered and/or selected by the broadcaster via the first exemplary user interface screen 600 that correspond to the broadcaster' s desired broadcast.

[0043] First example, the first exemplary user interface screen 600 may include a title field 602 and a date field 604 wherein the broadcaster can type or otherwise select a title and a date and/or time for the broadcast to take place, respectively. In some embodiments, a broadcaster may choose to go live immediately or may choose to go live with the broadcast at some future time. As previously discussed, if a broadcaster opts to go live at a future date with the broadcast, one or more marketing invites may be transmitted to users (e.g., via other social media platforms, via email notifications, via text message notifications, etc.) alerting such users the date and time for the future broadcast. Alternatively, if a broadcaster opts to go live immediately, there may be no marketing invites transmitted with respect to alerting others about the broadcast. [0044] A response format field 606 may setup the type of response(s) available for viewers that are watching the broadcast (e.g., a direct response format, coupon, shopping cart, form, etc.). Such response(s) may take any of a variety of alternative forms (e.g., contests, lotteries, lucky draws, subscriptions, etc.) that allow viewer feedback and/or offers or participation when watching the broadcast. The broadcaster may then choose via one or more format options or assets 608 such as images, videos, links, or other corresponding descriptions corresponding to such type of response(s). One or more social media platform UI element(s) 610 allow the broadcaster to select which platform or platforms are desired for the creation of a marketing post, for example as discussed above. Possibilities may include any of a variety of existing or not currently existing social media or other platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or on or within the system itself for alerting other users as to the upcoming broadcast. Assets 612 and/or textual descriptions 614 may be uploaded and/or edited for allowing the broadcaster to personalize how the marketing post will look on the one or more social media platforms. In certain embodiments, the marketing post may be displayed as a preview based on how it would look upon each selected social network. The marketing posts may be edited individuals for each social media platform and/or posted individually.

[0045] In another example, FIG. 6B illustrates a second exemplary user interface screen 650 relating to creation of a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. The second exemplary user interface screen 650 may include features that are the same or similar to those discussed for the first exemplary user interface screen 600, such as a title field, date/time for a broadcast, and response format field, discussed above. The second exemplary user interface screen 650 includes certain fields not illustrated on the first exemplary user interface screen 600, however, including a description field 652 allowing the broadcaster to provide a description for the broadcast, and a time zone field 654, in order to potentially avoid time confusion when users and the broadcaster are located in different geographic time zones. In addition, a set of one or more streaming option fields 656 allow the broadcaster to select one or more possible manners and/or software applications to support the broadcast (e.g., live video stream), such as streaming to the web, streaming to a social media platform, such as Facebook, streaming to a user video platform, such as YouTube, or the like.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to a consumer experience while viewing a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components the same as or similar to those previously discussed. A guest user interface screen 700 shows one exemplary format for viewing of a broadcast by a guest (i.e., a viewer of the broadcast that does not have an account with the system and/or has an account with the system, but has chosen not to log in before viewing the broadcast). The guest user interface screen 700 has a video feed display portion 705 that includes controls 710 for manipulating the video feed that is displayed within the video feed display portion 705 (e.g., volume, play, pause, and/or seek controls). The guest user interface screen 700 also includes a login user interface element (e.g., a button) that, when manipulated, displays a further UI screen (e.g., see FIG. 3) for allowing the guest to either create an account with the system and/or to login to the system in order to enable more or different features while viewing the broadcast. In certain embodiments, the guest may choose to login using the guest's authentication for other platforms (e.g., Facebook, Google+, etc.) [0047] For example, a registered user interface screen 750 shows one exemplary format for viewing of a broadcast by a user that is registered and logged in with the system. Certain of the same or similar features may be available for registered users while viewing a broadcast, as discussed for the guest user interface screen 700, but may include additional features when logged in, such as a chat or other communication functionality 755. In certain embodiments, registered users may only be available to chat among themselves. In other embodiments, registered users may communicate with the broadcaster who is hosting the broadcast. A broadcasting asset and/or response user interface element 760 is also available and displayed for registered users and may include any of a variety of potential options available to registered users while they are watching the broadcast (e.g., display of coupons, contests, lotteries, lucky draws, etc.). Such assets and/or responses may increase the participation and/or entertainment of viewers while watching a broadcast, encouraging guests to register with the system in order to participate with such features and/or to more regularly engage by watching broadcasts when such additional assets and/or responses are provided.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface screen relating to a broadcaster experience while hosting a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. A broadcaster user interface screen 800 that is displayed during the hosting of the broadcast to the broadcaster may include a video feed portion 805 that is displaying the video feed of the broadcast and a chat portion 810 that may allow the broadcaster to view and/or communicate back (e.g., in real-time) with viewers of the broadcast as those viewers watch the broadcast. [0049] Users may be communicating directly with the system itself during broadcast and/or, the system may be culling and compiling communications from users across various social media platforms and/or displaying such communications on the system for the broadcaster to view and respond to. In one example, the broadcaster may respond by typing text into a field displayed on the broadcaster user interface screen 800, may mark a particular comment as done, may like a particular comment, etc.

[0050] Rules may be established (e.g., by the system, by the broadcaster, etc.) that are executed against the user input and/or communications that are received by the system, either directly from signed-in users and/or from the culling of communications or information from outside sites. Such rules may allow for automatic and/or programmatic analysis or steps to be taken upon such user input, for example, to aid the broadcaster is obtaining revenue, increasing followers, or for any of a variety of other reasons. For example, different types of feedback from users (e.g., questions versus comments) may automatically be determined via rule execution against such feedback (e.g., the system may check the received user input for indicia of a question being asked, such as through the use of a "?" punctuation) and, in response, differentiate by color or other visual or other indicia in order to categorize such feedback for the broadcaster' s attention.

[0051] In another example, a rule may be setup to check (e.g., automatically upon receipt of the user input) a status or characteristic of the user (e.g., a user' s age, whether the input comes from a user that has followed the broadcaster, made past purchases based on the broadcaster's videos, has emailed the broadcaster in the past, etc.). Based upon the outcome of such rule check, one or more subsequent steps may programmatically be made (e.g., send a notification or communication to the broadcaster, send a notification or communication to the user, etc.). Any of a variety of possible rules for execution or evaluation based upon user input (or other data stored, culled, or otherwise maintained or received by the system) may be established (e.g., by the system as default rules, for selection by the broadcaster, for selection by users, and/or editable by the broadcaster or users) and for which any of a variety of possible subsequent steps or features may occur based upon the execution or evaluation of such rules.

[0052] As previously discussed, other participation activities 815 (e.g., lucky draws, surveys, coupons, polls, etc.) may be enabled or started by the broadcaster during the broadcast. The broadcaster may be allowed to view (e.g., in real-time while the broadcast is occurring) results and/or feedback from viewers as a result of such participation activities.

[0053] FIG. 9A shows a first exemplary block diagram 900 for streaming of video for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components the same as or similar to those previously discussed. As shown by the first exemplary block diagram 900, a broadcaster may capture a video stream from a camera 905 via connection with a router 910 of the broadcaster (e.g., via Wi-Fi or a tethered camera, such as via micro-USB). The router 910 is connected and communicates the video stream off to a streaming server or engine 915 (such as Wowza or other platform). Viewers may then view this broadcast (e.g., using their web browser) via the streaming server or engine 915.

[0054] FIG. 9B shows a second exemplary block diagram 950 for streaming of video for the system of FIG. 9A. The system may include features and/or components the same as or similar to those previously discussed. Like the first exemplary block diagram, a camera 905 is connected to a router 960, which is connected to a streaming server of engine 965 (e.g., Wowza or other platforms. However, contrary to the first exemplary block diagram 900, the second exemplary block diagram 950 illustrates that the broadcaster may connect through the streaming server or engine 965 for previewing of the video stream (e.g., in a web browser), which, upon going live, then sends the video stream to all viewers via the streaming server or engine 915. In an alternative embodiment, different streaming setups may be used.

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to marketing post functionality for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. A first marketing post user interface screen 1000 may allow a broadcaster to create and/or transmit a post to a connected platform (e.g., a social media platform such as twitter, Facebook, etc.). As previously discussed, such a marketing post may be useful when the broadcaster has scheduled an upcoming broadcast and wishes to alert followers of the broadcaster across various social media platforms of the date and time of the upcoming broadcast. The user interface screen 1000 may include one or more possible connected platforms 1005 (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linked In, Instagram, etc.) that a user may select one or more of the connected platforms 1005. Marketing assets 1010 (e.g., digital images) may also be selected and/or uploaded for posting upon the selected connected platforms 1005 which support such assets. An editable text field 1015 allows the broadcaster to enter and/or edit text to be posted (e.g., alongside the marketing assets 1010) on the selected one or more of the connected platforms 1005. Upon pressing a user interface element 1025 for sending or posting the marketing post, the associated information (e.g., the text 1015 and/or assets 1010) are sent to the selected platforms 1005 for posting. If successful, a confirmation user interface element 1020 may display which marketing posts were successfully made. A second marketing post user interface screen 1050 may include similar features to the first marketing post user interface screen 1000, but may be more limited in function (e.g., may only include an editable text field 1055 for entry of text and may only post to one connected social media platform at a time.

[0056] FIG. 1 1 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to notification for followers of a broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. On a first user interface screen 1100, a user of the system may choose a type of notification for the sending to followers and/or contacts (e.g., to indicate or invite such followers and/or contacts to an upcoming broadcast) by selecting an option via a user interface element 1105. A second user interface screen 1130 corresponds to the selection via the user interface element 1105 on the first user interface screen 1100 and includes additional user interface elements for manipulation by the user. For example, if the user selects "Constant Contact" functionality via the user interface element 1105, an additional user interface element (e.g., a button) 1110 appears allowing the user to connect to Constant Contact. In addition, the user may select a particular contact list associated with their Constant Contact account via a contact list user interface element 1115, and enter a subject in a subject field 1120 and a message in a message field 1125 for sending to such contacts. In certain embodiments, a user may be able to choose a contact list via the contact list user interface element 115 and subsequently manipulate a view list user interface element 1140 in order to, for example, pop up an additional user interface screen 1160 that displays the particular contacts associated with the chosen contact list. In alternative embodiments, contact lists may be imported, stored, and/or otherwise created or maintained for storage and/or editing as part of the system itself. [0057] FIG. 12 shows a plurality of user interface screens relating to attachment of product links to a corresponding broadcast for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. As mentioned prior, a user who wishes to host a broadcast may wish to attach items (e.g., product links, coupons, checkout cart links, etc.) to their broadcast for use by viewers of the broadcast. An add item user interface screen 1200 may include a variety of fields (e.g., title, description, price, quantity, broadcast which to add the item to, etc.) for allowing a broadcaster the option to include such item in one or more broadcasts.

[0058] A second user interface screen 1230 shows an exemplary marketing post corresponding to an upcoming broadcast that relates to a product (e.g., the product chosen by the broadcaster on the first user interface screen 1200. The marketing post includes a link that takes a viewer of the marketing post to a checkout page or cart 1260 to enable the viewer of the post to immediately purchase the product after seeing it on the broadcaster' s marketing post and/or broadcast. In certain embodiments, the link may enable functionality with outside sites, such as shopping webpages or networks, such as Shopify. In this fashion, a broadcaster can encourage immediate engagement by his or her viewers to purchase a product or service being discussed on a broadcast or highlighted in a marketing post to maximize revenue for the sponsoring company whose products are being advertised or marketed by the broadcaster.

[0059] FIG. 13 shows a user interface screen 1300 relating to analytics for a system incorporating a network for the broadcasting of information to other users. The system may include features and/or components that are the same as or similar to those previously discussed. The user interface screen 1300 provides statistics, analytics, data, and/or any of a variety of information for the broadcaster or user about his followers, their purchase and/or viewing habits, or a variety of other information to help maximize revenue for sponsored products and/or engagement by viewers of the broadcaster's hosted events. For example, the user interface screen 1300 may allow the broadcaster to view a sales funnel for a single and/or for a plurality of broadcasts (e.g., showcasing metrics such as number of invites sent by the broadcaster for the broadcast, number of sign-ups, number of broadcast views, number of people who chatted and/or asked questions or otherwise participated in communication functions during the broadcast, number of people who subscribed to the broadcaster, etc.). These analytics may help the broadcaster retain and/or obtain viewers for subsequent broadcasts. In certain embodiments, the above or other metrics may be further broken down (e.g., by platform such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.). The analytics page may also provide alert functionality. For example, a broadcaster may receive notifications (e.g., real-time) about their viewers and/or followers (e.g., "You have 4 new pitch viewers since you last logged in").

[0060] The previous descriptions and/or described figures and disclosed examples are provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosed methods and apparatus. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non- limiting manner. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method and apparatus. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosed apparatus and/or methods. Alternative embodiments may utilize different features and/or arrangements of data and/or user interface screens as desired.

Claims

CLAIMS What Is Claimed Is:

1. A method of providing social media broadcasting capabilities for a user comprising: creating a user account for the user in a memory;

linking at least one social media account with the user account;

providing storage space for use by the user account to establish a broadcast;

transmitting a marketing post to the at least one social media account;

transmitting an email to a user corresponding to an upcoming broadcast;

streaming a broadcast associated with the user account using a video camera;

receiving feedback from a viewer of the broadcast; and

displaying the feedback from the viewer to the user account.

2. The method of Claim 1 further comprising:

establishing a rule corresponding to viewer feedback; and

evaluating the rule against the feedback received from the viewer of the broadcast;

automatically performing a subsequent task based upon the evaluation of the rule against the feedback received from the viewer of the broadcast.

3. The method of Claim 2 wherein the subsequent task is the transmittal of an email.

4. The method of Claim 2 wherein the subsequent task is changing the visual display of the feedback from the viewer to the user account.