GB2514538A - Methods and apparatus for generating and obtaining user generated content - Google Patents

Methods and apparatus for generating and obtaining user generated content Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2514538A
GB2514538A GB1305630.4A GB201305630A GB2514538A GB 2514538 A GB2514538 A GB 2514538A GB 201305630 A GB201305630 A GB 201305630A GB 2514538 A GB2514538 A GB 2514538A
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generated content
user generated
request
user
communication channel
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GB201305630D0 (en
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Nicholas David Filler
Baljit Singh Bamrah
Michael Edwin Raine
Matthew William Grossmith
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INKARA TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
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INKARA TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • 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
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/01—Social networking
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/40—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of multimedia data, e.g. slideshows comprising image and additional audio data
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/90—Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
    • G06F16/95—Retrieval from the web
    • G06F16/951—Indexing; Web crawling techniques
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/90—Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
    • G06F16/95—Retrieval from the web
    • G06F16/953—Querying, e.g. by the use of web search engines
    • G06F16/9535—Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/90—Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
    • G06F16/95—Retrieval from the web
    • G06F16/958—Organisation or management of web site content, e.g. publishing, maintaining pages or automatic linking

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
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  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
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Abstract

A method of obtaining user generated content, the method comprises: controlling transmission of a request for user generated content to a user device 12 (e.g. a mobile telephone), the request including at least one prompt for a user of the user device; receiving user generated content from at least one user device; and controlling storage of the received user generated content in association with the request for user generated content. The system 10 of the invention is configured to enable users of the first apparatus 12, the second apparatus 14 and the plurality of apparatus 16 to request and share user generated content with one another. The request for user generated content may include submission information to direct the apparatus 14, 16 that receives the message to control transmission of user generated content via a selected communication channel (e.g. SMS, MMS, e-mail, URL, telephone number). The request for user generated content may include at least one restriction parameter for enabling filtering of user generated content (e.g. format, time-frame, geographical location).

Description

TITLE
Methods and apparatus for generating and obtaining user generated content
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for generating and obtaining user generated content.
BACKGROUND
Apparatus, such as mobile cellular telephones and tablet computers, usually include a variety of user input devices (such as a digital camera, a microphone, and a touch screen display or keypad) that enable users to generate content. Users often wish to share the user generated content with other people (such as friends, relatives and those who have similar interests and hobbies) and may share the content using communication systems such as electronic mail (e-mail), a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) message, a Short Message Service (SMS) message, or via a social networking website.
BRIEF SUMMARY
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method of obtaining user generated content, the method comprising: controlling transmission of a request for user generated content to a user device, the request including at least one prompt for a user of the user device; receiving user generated content from at least one user device; and controlling storage of the received user generated content in association with the request for user generated content.
The request for user generated content may be transmitted via a first communication channel, and the request includes submission information to direct the at least one user device to control transmission of user generated content via a second communication channel, different to the first communication channel.
The request for user generated content may include at least one restriction parameter for enabling filtering of user generated content.
The method may further comprise determining a subset of users from a plurality of users for receiving the request using the at least one restriction parameter.
The method may further comprise determining whether user generated content is valid by checking that the user generated content satisfies the at least one restriction parameter.
The at least one restriction parameter may define a time frame for generation and/or receipt of the user generated content.
The at least one restriction parameter may define a geographical location for generation of the user generated content.
The at least one restriction parameter may define a subset of users in a plurality of users for generating the user generated content.
The request for user generated content may be transmitted in response to a request from the user device.
The method may further comprise controlling display of a graphical user interface to enable a user to create the request for user generated content.
The method may further comprise receiving the request for user generated content from a user device.
The method may further comprise controlling transmission of stored user generated content to at least one user device.
The at least one prompt may include text, and/or graphics, and/or video, and/or audio, and/or emoticons, and/or stored user generated content.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus for obtaining user generated content, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when performed by a processor, cause performance of the method as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program that, when run on a computer, performs the method as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method of generating user generated content, the method comprising: receiving a request for user generated content from an electronic device; controlling provision of a prompt to a user to generate content using the received request; and controlling transmission of the user generated content to the electronic device.
The method may further comprise determining whether the user and/or the user device satisfy a restriction parameter in the received request.
The request for user generated content may be received via a first communication channel, and the request includes submission information to control transmission of the user generated content via a second communication channel, different to the first communication channel.
The method may further comprise: generating a request for user generated content in response to a user input; and controlling transmission of the generated request to the electronic device.
The method may further comprise controlling transmission of a request to the electronic device for the request for user generated content.
The request to the electronic device may be transmitted periodically, or in response to a user input.
The request for user generated content may be received via a non-dedicated communication channel.
The user generated content may include text, and/or graphics, and/or video, and/or audio, and/or emoticons.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when performed by a processor, cause performance of the method as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program that, when run on a computer, performs the method as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a system comprising the apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the brief description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system according to various
examples;
Fig. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a first method according to various
examples; and
Fig. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a second method according to various
examples.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 10 including a first apparatus 12, a second apparatus 14 and a plurality of apparatus 16. The system 10 is configured to enable users of the first apparatus 12, the second apparatus 14 and the plurality of apparatus 16 to request and share user generated content with one another.
The first apparatus 12 (which may also be referred to as a user generated content controller) includes a controller 18 and communication circuitry 20.
The first apparatus 12 may be any electronic device and may be a non-portable electronic device (for example, a personal computer or a server), a portable electronic device (for example, a mobile cellular telephone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer) or a module for such devices. As used here, module' refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts/components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user. For example, where the first apparatus 12 is a module, the first apparatus 12 may only include the controller 18. In some examples, the first apparatus 12 may be provided by a plurality of physically separate devices that are configured to operate together to provide the functionality of the first apparatus 12 described below. In further examples, the first apparatus 12 may be integrated into a social networking site.
The second apparatus 14 includes a controller 22, communication circuitry 24 and input/output devices 26. The second apparatus 14 may be any electronic device and may be a non-portable electronic device (for example, a personal computer, a television (smart' TV) configured to communicate via a wide area network (such as the internet) or a set top box), a portable electronic device (for example, a mobile cellular telephone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a digital camera, or an instant messaging client) or a module for such devices. For example, where the second apparatus 14 is a module, the second apparatus 14 may only include the controller 22.
The plurality of apparatus 16 may be any combination of non-portable and portable electronic devices. For example, the plurality of apparatus 16 may comprise one or more mobile cellular telephones, one or more tablet computers, one or more laptop computers and one or more smart' televisions. The apparatus in the plurality of apparatus 16 may include the same components as the second apparatus 14.
The implementation of the controllers 18, 22 can be in hardware alone (for example, a circuit, a processor and so on), have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).
The controllers 18, 22 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable computer program instructions in general-purpose or special-purpose processors 28, 34 that may be stored on computer readable storage mediums 30, 36 (disk, memory etc) to be executed by such processors 28, 34 respectively.
The processors 28, 34 are configured to read from and write to the memories 30, 36 respectively. The processors 28, 34 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processors 28, 34 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processors 28, 34.
The memories 30, 36 store computer programs 32, 38 respectively comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that control the operation of the first and second apparatus 12, 14 when loaded into the processors 28, 34 respectively. The computer program instructions, of the computer programs 32, 38, provide the logic and routines that enables the first and second apparatus 12, 14 to perform the methods illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. The processors 28, 34 by reading the memories 30, 36 are able to load and execute the computer programs 32, 38 respectively. The computer program 38 may be referred to as application software' or as an app' that is configured to operate with the computer program 32.
The computer programs 32, 38 may arrive at the first and second apparatus 12, 14 via any suitable delivery mechanism 40. The delivery mechanism 40 may be, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer programs 32, 38.
The delivery mechanism 40 may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer programs 32, 38. The first and second apparatus 12, 14 may propagate or transmit the computer programs 32, 38 as a computer data signal.
Although the memories 30, 36 are illustrated as single components, they may be implemented as one or more separate components some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanentlsemi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.
Although the processors 28, 34 are illustrated as single components, they may be implemented as one or more separate components some or all of which may be integrated/removable.
References to computer-readable storage medium', computer program product', tangibly embodied computer program' etc. or a controller', computer', processor' etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single /multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (ERGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc. As used in this application, the term circuitry' refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memoryes) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.
This definition of circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device.
The communication circuitry 20 may include any suitable circuitry for enabling the first apparatus 12 to communicate with the second apparatus 14 and the plurality of apparatus 16. For example, the communication circuitry 20 may include radio frequency circuitry (including one or more antennas) to enable wireless communication and/or one or more ports for enabling wired communication (via an Ethernet cable for example). The communication circuitry 20 may enable communication via a wide area network (such as the internet) and/or a local area network and/or a cellular network for example.
The controller 18 is configured to provide signals to, and receive signals from the communication circuitry 20.
The communication circuitry 24 may include any suitable circuitry for enabling the second apparatus 14 to communicate with the first apparatus 14 and the plurality of apparatus 16. For example, the communication circuitry 24 may include radio frequency circuitry (including one or more antennas) to enable wireless communication and/or one or more ports for enabling wired communication (via an Ethernet cable for example). The communication circuitry 24 may enable communication via a wide area network (such as the internet) and/or a local area network and/or a cellular network for example.
The controller 22 is configured to provide signals to, and receive signals from the communication circuitry 24.
The input/output devices 26 may include any combination of suitable devices that enable a user to operate the second apparatus 14. For example, the input/output devices 26 may include any combination of a microphone, a keypad, a touch screen display, a loudspeaker, a keyboard and a computer mouse. In some examples, the first apparatus 12 may include input/output devices to enable a user to directly control the operation of the first apparatus 12.
The operation of the system 10 is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3. In Figs. 2 and 3, blocks in the left hand column are performed by the first apparatus 12, and blocks in the right hand column are performed by the second apparatus 14.
Fig. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a first method according to various
examples.
At block 42, the first apparatus 12 obtains a request for user generated content. In some examples, the request for user generated content may be created by the first apparatus 12. For example, the first apparatus 12 may control a display to display a graphical user interface, and a user may operate the first apparatus 12 via the graphical user interlace, either directly via a user input device of the first apparatus 12, or remotely via one of the apparatus 14, 16, to create the request. In other examples, the request for user generated content may be created by one of the apparatus 14, 16 and then transmitted to the first apparatus 12. For example, a user may operate the second apparatus 14 to define the request for user generated content, and then operate the second apparatus 14 to transmit the request to the first apparatus 12.
The request for user generated content includes at least one prompt (which may also be referred to as stimuli) for users of the apparatus 14, 16 to generate content. The prompt may be any one of, or a combination of (for example): text (such as one or more keywords and/or textual instructions); graphics; video; audio; emoticons; and previously generated user generated content. For example, the request may include text that reads Please take a photograph of the most architecturally impressive building at your location'.
The request may also include audio in addition to the text for those users who are visually impaired.
The request for user generated content may include submission information to direct the apparatus 14, 16 that receives the message to control transmission of user generated content via a selected communication channel. The communication channels may include, for example, an SMS message, an MMS message, e-mail, a telephone number to call, and a uniform resource locator (URL) to submit to. In some examples, the submission information may cause automatic transmittal of the user generated content via the selected communication channel. In other examples, the submission information may cause the user to be informed of the selected communication channel.
The request for user generated content may include at least one restriction parameter for enabling filtering of user generated content. Various examples of restriction parameters are described in the paragraphs below.
A restriction parameter may indicate the format of the user generated content required (e.g. text, a predefined option, an image, a video, audio) for example.
This restriction parameter may be included within the prompt of the request to enable a user to determine the nature of the content requested.
By way of another example, a restriction parameter may define a time frame for generation and/or receipt (by the first apparatus 12) of the user generated content. The time frame may be defined by a start time and an end time, or may be defined as a period of time that commences upon receipt of the request by the second apparatus 14.
By way of a further example, a restriction parameter may define a geographical location for generation of the user generated content. The geographical location in the restriction parameter may include an area defined by a polygon of longitude and latitude points, or an area defined by a longitude and latitude point and a radius from that point.
By way of another example, a restriction parameter may define a subset of users in a plurality of users for generating the user generated content. The memory 30 may include details of users who are registered to use the system 10. For example, the memory 30 may include names, addresses, e-mail addresses, vocations, and hobbies of registered users. The subset of users selected from the registered users may be selected based on user's vocations or hobbies.
At block 44, the controller 18 controls the communication circuitry 20 to transmit the request for user generated content to at least the second apparatus 14. Consequently, the first apparatus 12 is configured to transmit the request via a push communication channel (since the request for user generated content may be transmitted at the initiation of the first apparatus 12) In some examples, block 44 also includes determining a subset of users from the plurality of registered users for receiving the request using the at least one restriction parameter and the registered details of the users, and then controlling transmission of the request to the subset of users.
For example, the request may include a restriction parameter that defines the United Kingdom as the geographical location for generating the user generated content. The controller 18 determines a subset of users to transmit the request to by selecting those registered users who have the United Kingdom, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in their address.
The controller 18 subsequently controls the communication circuitry 20 to transmit the request to the selected subset of users.
The request is transmitted to the second apparatus 14 via a first communication channel 46 (as illustrated in Fig. 1). In some examples, the first communication channel 46 may be a dedicated communication channel established by the computer programs 32, 38. For example, the first communication channel 46 may be a forum or an instant messaging service provided by the computer programs 32, 38. In other examples, the first communication channel 46 may be a non-dedicated communication channel (that is, the communication channel is not dedicated to the computer programs 32, 38, but may be used by themselves and/or by other computer programs). For example, the first communication channel 46 may be SMS messaging, MMS messaging, e-mail, a web log, or a telephone call.
At block 48, the controller 22 receives the request for user generated content from the first apparatus 12 via the communication circuitry 24.
In some examples, the computer program 38 provides a login module for authenticating a user. For example, the login module may request the user to input a user name and password to determine whether the user has access to the computer program 38.
At block 50, the controller 22 may determine whether the user and/or the user device (that is, the second apparatus 14) satisfy the restriction parameters in the received request. If the user and/or the second apparatus 14 satisfy the restriction parameters, the method moves to block 52. If the user and/or the second apparatus 14 do not satisfy the restriction parameters, then the method is terminated and the user is not prompted to generate content. For example, the controller 22 may determine the geographical location of the second apparatus 14 as Canterbury, England (using GPS circuitry for example). The controller 22 then compares the determined location with the geographical location restriction parameter (the United Kingdom) in the received request. Since Canterbury, England is located within the United Kingdom, the method moves to block 52.
At block 52, the controller 22 uses the received request to control the provision of the prompt to the user of the second apparatus 14. In some examples, the user may then manually operate the second apparatus 52 to load a software application to generate user generated content. In other examples where the request includes a restriction parameter that indicates the format of the user generated content required, the controller 22 may load a relevant software application or control a display to display relevant software application options.
By way of an example, the controller 22 may receive an e-mail that has the text "Please take a photograph of the most architecturally impressive building at your location". Where the request includes a restriction parameter that indicates the format of the user generated content as images, the controller 22 may then automatically load the digital camera software application to enable a photograph to be taken. Alternatively, the controller 22 may control the display to display an option for the digital camera that may be selected to load the digital camera software application.
The user may then operate the second apparatus 14 to obtain user generated content. For example, the user may obtain one or more photographs at their location, i.e. Canterbury, England. The user may deem Canterbury Cathedral to be "the most architecturally impressive building" and may take several photographs of the Cathedral.
At block 54, the controller 22 controls the communication circuitry 24 to transmit the user generated content to the first apparatus 12. The user generated content may be any content generated by the user such as text, graphics, video, audio, and emoticons. The user generated content may include a plurality of content items which may be in different formats. For example, the user generated content may include a plurality of images and text.
In some examples, block 54 may be performed automatically in response to the user generated content being obtained by the second apparatus 14. In particular, no user confirmation may be required to transmit the user generated content to the first apparatus 12. For example, block 54 may be performed automatically, with no user intervention, in response to the user taking a photograph.
The controller 22 may embed the received request in the user generated content prior to transmission. In other examples, the received request may not be embedded within the user generated content and may instead be transmitted separately to the user generated content. In further examples, the user generated content may be embedded with an identifier that may be used by the controller 18 of the first apparatus 12 to identify the request associated with the user generated content.
The user generated content may be transmitted to the first apparatus 12 via the first communication channel 46, or via a second different communication channel 56 (illustrated in Fig. 1). In examples where the received request includes submission information to direct the second apparatus 14, the controller 22 may use the submission information to automatically transmit the user generated content via the selected communication channel. In other examples, the controller 22 may use the submission information to inform the user of the selected communication channel. The user may then control the second apparatus 14 to transmit the user generated content via the selected communication channel.
At block 58, the controller 18 receives the user generated content from the second apparatus 14 via the communication circuitry 20.
At block 60, the controller 18 determines the validity of the received user generated content by comparing the user generated content with one or more restriction parameters in the associated request. If the user generated content does not satisfy the restriction parameters, the method is terminated.
If the user generated content does satisfy the restriction parameters, the methods moves to block 62.
By way of an example, where the request includes a time frame for generation of the user generated content, the controller 18 analyses the user generated content and compares the time frame of generation in the restriction parameter with the time of generation of the user generated content. If the time of generation is outside of the time frame (e.g. the time frame was between 6am and 3pm on a Wednesday, and the content was generated at 3:30pm on that Wednesday), the controller 18 terminates the method. If the time of generation is within the time frame, the method moves to block 62.
At block 62, the controller 18 controls storage of the received user generated content in the memory 30. The memory 30 stores received user generated content and associated requests in a data structure 64 (such as a database).
The first apparatus 12 may provide an editing tool (which may be provided by the computer program 32 or by another computer program) for enabling users to edit the stored user generated content. For example, where the stored user generated content is an image, the editing tool may enable a user to modify the image.
At block 66, the controller 18 controls transmission of stored user generated content to at least one user device (such as the apparatus 16). The stored user generated content may be published automatically or may be held for review (e.g. by a person who reviews the content to ensure that it is appropriate for publication).
For example, the first apparatus 12 may post the stored user generated content on a website (which may be provided by the computer program 32) and the second apparatus 14 and the plurality of apparatus 16 may view and/or download the user generated content from the website.
By way of another example, the first apparatus 12 may transmit the stored user generated content to the apparatus 14, 16 directly via a communication channel. For example, the controller 18 may control the communication circuitry 20 to transmit the stored user generated content to all of the plurality of apparatus 16 via e-mail.
By way of a further example, the controller 18 may generate a new request for user generated content and use the stored user generated content as a prompt. For example, the controller 18 may generate a new request that includes an image of Canterbury Cathedral (received from the second apparatus 14) and includes text that reads "Please send photographs of a Cathedral near you".
The first apparatus 12 may provide a monetisation module (which may be provided by the computer program 32 or by another computer program) that credits a user's account for utilising the system 10. For example, the monetisation module may credit a user's account for generating and sending user generated content to the first apparatus 12.
Fig. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a second method according to various examples. The second method is similar to the first method illustrated in Fig. 2, and where the blocks are similar, the same reference numerals are used.
The second method differs from the first method in that the second method further includes block 68 which is positioned sequentially between blocks 42 and44.
At block 68, the controller 22 of the second apparatus 14 controls the communication circuitry 24 to transmit a request to the first apparatus 12 for at least one request for user generated content. The request may be sent periodically to the first apparatus 12 (for example, the request may be sent once per hour) or may be sent in response to a user input.
At block 44, the first apparatus 12 receives the request from the second apparatus 14 and in response, the controller 18 controls the transmission of at least one request for user generated content to the second apparatus 14.
The second method illustrated in Fig. 3 may advantageously be used where a push communication channel is not available between the first apparatus 12 and the second apparatus 14.
The system 10 provides several advantages. One such advantage is that the system 10 enables the collection of targeted user generated content by sending a request to user devices. The system 10 then advantageously enables the storage of that content and then redistribution of the content to those who may be interested in the content.
Another advantage provided by the system 10 is that since the request for user generated content may include a restriction parameter, the first apparatus 12 and/or the second apparatus 14 may determine whether user generated content is valid. This may advantageously reduce, or eliminate, irrelevant user generated content from being stored at the first apparatus 12.
Furthermore, where the validity check is performed at the second apparatus 14, this may advantageously reduce the amount of user generated content data being sent to the first apparatus 12.
A further advantage provided by the system 10 is that the request for user generated content may include submission information that directs the second apparatus 14 as to how the user generated content should be transmitted to the first apparatus 12. This may advantageously enable the first apparatus 12 to select the most efficient communication channel for transferring the user generated content. For example, the communication channel may be selected to reduce the amount of data transferred from the second apparatus 14 to the first apparatus 12.
The blocks illustrated in the Figs. 2 and 3 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer programs 32, 38. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.
The term comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one or by using "consisting".
In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term example' or for example' or may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples.
Thus example', for example' or may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.
Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.
Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.
I/we claim:

Claims (31)

  1. CLAIMS1. A method of obtaining user generated content, the method comprising: controlling transmission of a request for user generated content to a user device, the request including at least one prompt for a user of the user device; receiving user generated content from at least one user device; and controlling storage of the received user generated content in association with the request for user generated content.
  2. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the request for user generated content is transmitted via a first communication channel, and the request includes submission information to direct the at least one user device to control transmission of user generated content via a second communication channel, different to the first communication channel.
  3. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the request for user generated content includes at least one restriction parameter for enabling filtering of user generated content.
  4. 4. A method as claimed in claim 3, further comprising determining a subset of users from a plurality of users for receiving the request using the at least one restriction parameter.
  5. 5. A method as claimed in claim 3 or 4, further comprising determining whether user generated content is valid by checking that the user generated content satisfies the at least one restriction parameter.
  6. 6. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one restriction parameter defines a time frame for generation and/or receipt of the user generated content.
  7. 7. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the at least one restriction parameter defines a geographical location for generation of the user generated content.
  8. 8. A method as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the at least one restriction parameter defines a subset of users in a plurality of users for generating the user generated content.
  9. 9. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the request for user generated content is transmitted in response to a request from the user device.
  10. 10. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising controlling display of a graphical user interface to enable a user to create the request for user generated content.
  11. 11. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising receiving the request for user generated content from a user device.
  12. 12. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising controlling transmission of stored user generated content to at least one user device.
  13. 13. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one prompt includes text, and/or graphics, and/or video, and/or audio, and/or emoticons, and/or stored user generated content.
  14. 14. An apparatus for obtaining user generated content, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method as claimed in any of claims ito 13.
  15. 15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when performed by a processor, cause performance of the method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13.
  16. 16. A computer program that, when run on a computer, performs the method as claimed in any of claims ito 13.
  17. 17. A method of generating user generated content, the method comprising: receiving a request for user generated content from an electronic device; controlling provision of a prompt to a user to generate content using the received request; and controlling transmission of the user generated content to the electronic device.
  18. i8. A method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising determining whether the user and/or the user device satisfy a restriction parameter in the received request.
  19. 19. A method as claimed in claim i7 or 18, wherein the request for user generated content is received via a first communication channel, and the request includes submission information to control transmission of the user generated content via a second communication channel, different to the first communication channel.
  20. 20. A method as claimed in any of claims i7 to 19, further comprising: generating a request for user generated content in response to a user input; and controlling transmission of the generated request to the electronic device.
  21. 21. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising controlling transmission of a request to the electronic device for the request for user generated content.
  22. 22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the request to the electronic device is transmitted periodically, or in response to a user input.
  23. 23. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the request for user generated content is received via a non-dedicated communication channel.
  24. 24. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the user generated content includes text, and/or graphics, and/or video, and/or audio, and/or emoticons.
  25. 25. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 24.
  26. 26. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when performed by a processor, cause performance of the method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 24.
  27. 27. A computer program that, when run on a computer, performs the method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 24.
  28. 28. A system comprising an apparatus as claimed in claim 14 and an apparatus as claimed in claim 25.
  29. 29. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
  30. 30. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
  31. 31. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.
GB1305630.4A 2013-03-27 2013-03-27 Methods and apparatus for generating and obtaining user generated content Withdrawn GB2514538A (en)

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US20070276862A1 (en) * 2006-04-27 2007-11-29 Toutonghi Michael J Organizing and sharing digital content
US20090089352A1 (en) * 2007-09-28 2009-04-02 Yahoo!, Inc. Distributed live multimedia switching mechanism and network
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040032495A1 (en) * 2000-10-26 2004-02-19 Ortiz Luis M. Providing multiple synchronized camera views for broadcast from a live venue activity to remote viewers
US20070276862A1 (en) * 2006-04-27 2007-11-29 Toutonghi Michael J Organizing and sharing digital content
US20110276423A1 (en) * 2007-08-07 2011-11-10 Onenews Corporation Systems and Methods for Content Communication
US20090089352A1 (en) * 2007-09-28 2009-04-02 Yahoo!, Inc. Distributed live multimedia switching mechanism and network
US20120192239A1 (en) * 2011-01-25 2012-07-26 Youtoo Technologies, LLC Content creation and distribution system

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