# US 2019/0174202 A1 · System and method for an interactive live streaming media platform to limited subscribers > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0174202 A1 - Document ID: US20190174202A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/093,573 - Filed: 2016-05-17 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2016-05-17 - Assignees: Bitlume Inc. - Applicants: Bitlume Inc. - Inventors: Lakshmi Shankar - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190174202A1 ## CPC - G06Q 20/306: {using TV related infrastructures (external card used for payment with client device H04N21/4185)} - G06F 21/10: Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material (protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16) {; Digital rights management [DRM]} - G06Q 20/127: {Shopping or accessing services according to a time-limitation} - H04L 65/612: for unicast - H04N 21/2187: Live feed - H04N 21/2543: Billing {, e.g. for subscription services (payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; e-commerce G06Q30/00; arrangements for billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/21)} - H04N 21/25891: {being end-user preferences (retrieval of video data in a video database based on user preferences G06F16/739; arrangements for recognizing users' preferences H04H60/46; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18)} - H04N 21/4312: {involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations} - H04N 21/47202: {for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand} - H04N 21/4781: {Games} - H04N 21/812: {involving advertisement data (advertising per se G06Q30/02)} - G06Q 10/40: Business processes related to social networking or social networking services - G06Q: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) - H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION ## Abstract [1] In an online streaming service embodying the invention, the service would allow a content owner to retain their property rights in the video produced and uploaded by the channel owner. [2] In accordance with the invention, the streaming service would allow a content owner to monetize live events by charging different fees to viewers based on the amount of time they want access, the type of content, and various other factors. [3] In a method embodying the invention, the channel owners can gauge usage based on pre subscription and viewer interest by tracking click rates and subscription confirmation. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method performed by a computing system for operating an interactive live streaming media platform to limited subscribers, the computing system including a processor and storage area, the method comprising: a channel owner registering on a live and on-demand streaming platform; a channel owner creating a channel on the live and on-demand streaming platform; a channel owner setting up channel branding, tiered subscription and payment on the channel; a channel owner setting up schedules for single or multiple concurrent live streams; a channel owner either inviting or assigning a videographer to film the live stream; a channel owner inviting an ad sponsor to play ads during the breaks in the live stream; a channel owner inviting a subscriber or subscribers to join the channel; a channel owner either accepting or rejecting a request to join a channel from a subscriber; a channel owner deciding to make the live stream available as on-demand video for subscribers; a channel owner deciding to restrict the live stream or recording to be only viewed by subscribers to the channel. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, the method further comprising: subscribers registering on a live and on-demand streaming platform; subscribers requesting to join a channel, and if accepted, paying the channel owner based on their desired level from tiered subscription; subscribers inviting other subscribers to join a channel to watch a live stream at any time, including during the live stream; subscribers paying the fees of other subscribers; subscribers can watch a recording of the live stream at any time for as long as they have paid for access to the live stream on the channel; subscribers selecting other subscribers to the live stream and chatting with them in a public or private group chat; subscribers can provide ratings of the live stream or recording through a rating widget; subscribers can provide comments on the live stream or recording through a public comment widget; subscribers can also share a link to the live stream or recording on social media, and any person who clicks on the link will have to become a subscriber to the channel before being allowed to watch the live stream or recording; subscribers pay either based on the duration of the event they want to view, or pay to watch all live streams and recordings available by a channel. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, the method further comprising: an ad sponsor making a request to place an ad on a channel, and then the channel owner either accepts or rejects the ad, or alternatively, an ad sponsor can accept an invitation from a channel owner to put an ad on a channel; the ad sponsor registering as an ad sponsor for the channel; the ad sponsor uploading the content of the ad; the ad sponsor optionally using the ad for other channels as well; the ad sponsor optionally restricting streaming of its ads to channels in which the ad sponsor's competitor's ads are streaming. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, the method further comprising: the live and on-demand streaming platform keeping track of the number of users who subscribe for a live stream, the number of subscribers a channel has, and the number of users who click on a link to the live stream or channel; the live and on-demand streaming platform pre-calculating bandwidth for a single channel based on the number of subscribers to a live stream, the number of subscribers a channel has, and the number of users who click on a link to the live stream or channel; the live and on-demand streaming platform assigning the calculated bandwidth for the channel; the live and on-demand streaming platform making the following information available to the channel owner: the number of users who subscribe for a live stream, the number of subscribers a channel has, and the number of users who click on a link to the live stream or channel. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The method of claim 4, further comprising: a videographer registering on the live and on-demand streaming platform; a moderator making sure the videographer is qualified to film live events; the videographer making himself or herself available to be assigned, or alternatively, the videographer can choose to only accept or reject invitations, and not be available to be assigned; the videographer accepting an invitation from a channel owner to film the live stream of an event on a channel, or alternatively, the videographer may be assigned by a channel owner to film the live stream of an event on a channel; the videographer registering as a channel administrator for the channel that will broadcast the live stream; on the day of the event, the videographer recording the event and broadcasting the live stream on the live and on-demand streaming platform using a broadcasting tool; the videographer possibly using multiple cameras assembled in the field or event area, in which the cameras broadcast multiple streams to the broadcasting tool; the videographer intermittently switching between the streams from various cameras, and sending out a single live stream for broadcasting; the videographer can start and stop the live stream at certain points in the event where there is a gap in activity; during these gaps, ads run that the channel owner has chosen from the ad sponsor; Multiple advertisements are lined up and streamed one after the other during the gap time; the videographer is able to stop the ads and start the live stream once the gap time is over; the live stream consists of video and audio, where the audio is live commentary; the videographer optionally utilizing broadcasting modification software to modify the broadcast by adding visual content as the broadcast is being livestreamed; the live stream is stored as a recording on the live and on-demand streaming platform; if the channel owner authorizes it, the live stream is available as a recording to watch on-demand for subscribers to the channel where it was broadcast as a live stream, if the subscribers have paid for access to the on-demand recording. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, the method further comprising: subscribers using a rating widget on the channel to rate the quality of the live stream or recording; a videographer using an announcement widget on the channel to make announcements relevant to the event; if the event is a game, a videographer using score widget on a channel to broadcast the score of the game; a channel owner including widget called “Q & A for Quiz”, which tests the user on various facts relevant to the event if they click on the widget; a channel owner including voting widget which allows users to vote on the event when they click on the widget; a channel owner including a “breaking news” widget in order to broadcast news about the event or the subject generally when the subscriber clicks on the widget. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, the method further comprising: a channel owner including a fan flag widget, which allows the user to support their favorite team, as in one of the teams competing in the live stream or on-demand video, if there is a team; the user will then be informed of other live stream broadcasts that involve their team, and will be offered the opportunity to subscribe to those live stream broadcasts. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, the method further comprising: A moderator analyzing recordings and ads and restricting them based on their content if the content is not appropriate for certain age groups. ### Claim 9 A system for operating an interactive live streaming media platform to limited subscribers, the system comprising: a processor; a storage component; a live stream of the event being filmed; a recording of the live stream, which is available to view on-demand; a channel configured to broadcast a live stream, and make it available as a recording for on-demand viewing; a channel owner who creates a channel, invites subscribers and invites or assigns a videographer to film the event being broadcast; at least one subscriber who subscribes to the live stream or channel and watch the live stream or recording on the channel; an advertisement sponsor who submits an advertisement video to the channel owner for approval to broadcast during a live stream and recording; an advertisement video created by the advertisement sponsor to broadcast during a live stream or recording; a videographer who films the event with at least one camera, from which the videographer receives multiple streams into a broadcasting tool, with which he can switch from one stream to the next to create a continuous live stream; a moderator who makes sure the videographer is qualified to film live events. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The system of claim 9, wherein the channel owner: registers on a live and on-demand streaming platform; creates a channel on the live and on-demand streaming platform; sets up channel branding, tiered subscription and payment on the channel; sets up schedules for single or multiple concurrent live streams; invites an ad sponsor to play ads during the breaks in the live stream; invites a subscriber or subscribers to join the channel; either accepts or rejects a request to join a channel from a subscriber; decides to make the live stream available as on-demand video for subscribers; decides to restrict the live stream or recording to be only viewed by subscribers to the channel. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The system of claim 10, wherein at least one subscriber registers on a live and on-demand streaming platform; requests to join a channel, and if accepted, paying the channel owner based on their desired level from tiered subscription; invites other subscribers to join a channel to watch a live stream at any time, including during the live stream; pays the fees of other subscribers; pay either based on the duration of the event they want to view, or pay to watch all live streams and recordings available by a channel; has the option to watch a recording of the live stream at any time for as long as they have paid for access to the live stream on the channel; has the option to select other subscribers to the live stream and chatting with them in a public or private group chat; has the option to provide ratings of the live stream or recording through a rating widget; has the option to provide comments on the live stream or recording through a public comment widget; has the option to also share a link to the live stream or recording on social media, and any person who clicks on the link will have to become a subscriber to the channel before being allowed to watch the live stream or recording. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the advertisement sponsor makes a request to place an ad on a channel, and then the channel owner either accepts or rejects the ad, or alternatively, an ad sponsor can accept an invitation from a channel owner to put an ad on a channel; registers as an advertisement sponsor for the channel; uploads the content of the ad; has the option to use the ad for other channels as well; has the option to restrict streaming of its ads to channels in which the ad sponsor's competitor's ads are streaming. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The system of claim 12, wherein the live and on-demand streaming platform keeps track of the number of users who subscribe for a live stream, the number of subscribers a channel has, and the number of users who click on a link to the live stream or channel; pre-calculates bandwidth for a single channel based on the number of subscribers to a live stream, the number of subscribers a channel has, and c; assigns the calculated bandwidth for the channel; makes the following information available to the channel owner: the number of users who subscribe for a live stream, the number of subscribers a channel has, and the number of users who click on a link to the live stream or channel. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The system of claim 13, wherein the videographer registers on the live and on-demand streaming platform; makes himself or herself available to be assigned, or alternatively, the videographer can choose to only accept or reject invitations, and not be available to be assigned; accepts an invitation from a channel owner to film the live stream of an event on a channel, or alternatively, the videographer may be assigned by a channel owner to film the live stream of an event on a channel; registers as a channel administrator for the channel that will broadcast the live stream; records the event and broadcasts the live stream on the live and on-demand streaming platform using a broadcasting tool; has the option to use multiple cameras assembled in the field or event area, in which the cameras broadcast multiple streams to the broadcasting tool; has the option to intermittently switch between the streams from various cameras, and sending out a single live stream for broadcasting; starts and stops the live stream at certain points in the event where there is a gap in activity; during these gaps, ads Multiple advertisements are lined up and streamed one after the other during the gap time; stops the ads and start the live stream once the gap time is over; has the option to utilize broadcasting modification software to modify the broadcast by adding visual content as the broadcast is being livestreamed. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The system of claim 14, wherein the live streaming media platform runs ads that the channel owner has chosen from the ad sponsor; broadcasts live streams that consist of video and audio, where the audio is live commentary; stores live streams as recordings on the same channel they were broadcasted as live streams; If the channel owner authorizes it, makes the live stream available as a recording to watch on-demand for subscribers to the channel where it was broadcast as a live stream, if the subscribers have paid for access to the on-demand recording. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The system of claim 15, wherein the system is further configured such that subscribers have the option to use a rating widget on the channel to rate the quality of the live stream or recording; a videographer has the option to use an announcement widget on the channel to make announcements relevant to the event; if the event is a game, a videographer uses a score widget on a channel to broadcast the score of the game. a channel owner has the option to include a widget called “Q & A for Quiz”, which tests the user on various facts relevant to the event if they click on the widget; a channel owner has the option to include voting widget which allows users to vote on the event when they click on the widget; a channel owner has the option to include a “breaking news” widget in order to broadcast news about the event or the subject generally when the subscriber clicks on the widget. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, wherein the system is further configured such that a channel owner has the option to include a fan flag widget, which allows the user to support their favorite team, as in one of the teams competing in the live stream or on-demand video, if there is a team; the user will then be informed of other live stream broadcasts that involve their team, and will be offered the opportunity to subscribe to those live stream broadcasts. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The system of claim 17, wherein the system is further configured such that a moderator analyzes recordings and ads and restricts them based on their content if the content is not appropriate for certain age groups.