Distribution backbone

Abstract

Digitally distributing media content using a distribution backbone system, including: receiving a request for media content from a client, the request including a client profile; performing inventory and analysis of source assets by iteratively progressing through the client profile to create output; performing a capability mapping in which a series of rules that allow the source assets to be mapped to the client profile; and planning a manufacturing process, which determines work items and execution steps from capabilities mapped in response to the request for media content from the client.

1 . A method of digitally distributing media content using a distribution backbone system, the method comprising:
 receiving a request for media content from a client, the request including a client profile;   performing inventory and analysis of source assets by iteratively progressing through the client profile to create output;   performing a capability mapping in which a series of rules that allow the source assets to be mapped to the client profile; and   planning a manufacturing process, which determines work items and execution steps from capabilities mapped in response to the request for media content from the client.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the client profile defines a specific set of specifications for the media content or metadata requirements for the client. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the specific set of specifications defines key variables and requirements needed to support automated workflows. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the client profile defines requirements of the client for the delivery of the media content. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein one or more client profiles are set up for each client to represent at least one of: multiple business models for that client and requirements that vary by territory. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising
 performing optimizations of the work items and execution steps determined in the manufacturing process.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising
 generating the request by operations responsible for licensing of media content to operations responsible for a fulfillment of that media content to licensees.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising
 performing procurement related activities including automated management of content processing technologies.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the automated management of content processing technologies includes file management, transcoding, packaging, and delivery, which are controlled by standardized data interfaces. 
     
     
         10 . A distribution backbone system, comprising:
 a manufacturing analysis engine to receive a request for media content from a client, including a client profile,   wherein the manufacturing analysis operates to perform inventory and analysis of source assets by iteratively progressing through the client profile to generate an analysis output; and   a manufacturing planning engine configured to determine work items and execution steps using the analysis output.   
     
     
         11 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 10 , wherein the manufacturing planning engine comprises modules to perform or use component asset source, workflow processes, and cost and lead time analysis. 
     
     
         12 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 10 , wherein the client profile includes:
 a package specification which defines discrete items that must be delivered to the client to fulfill the request for media content;   manufacturing preferences which are client specific requirements that guide selection of the source assets and limit manufacturing capabilities;   a technical specification which is non-content-based requirements that define codec, frame rate, picture resolution and other file-based technical parameters; and   an assembly specification which defines non-linear edit requirements.   
     
     
         13 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 12 , wherein the non-linear edit requirements includes logo replacement, pulling blacks, or adding cards. 
     
     
         14 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 12 , wherein the package specification includes a content specification and a metadata specification. 
     
     
         15 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 14 , wherein the content specification includes re-usable technical specifications, assembly specifications and preference data. 
     
     
         16 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 10 , wherein the analysis output includes a component requirement which is a task management tool needed to manage ingest. 
     
     
         17 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 10  wherein the manufacturing analysis engine includes modules to receive a client deliverable specification, supporting inventory data, and workflow master data. 
     
     
         18 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 17 , wherein the manufacturing analysis engine identifies an appropriate workflow using the client deliverable specification. 
     
     
         19 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 17 , further comprising
 a kit which includes components that are grouped, and is conformed and synched so that the components can work together,   wherein the components that are determined to work: together are organized to allow the workflow master data to point to the kit.   
     
     
         20 . The distribution backbone system of  claim 19 , wherein the kit includes one video component and one or more audio components. 
     
     
         21 . A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for digitally distributing media content, the computer program comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to:
 receive a request for media content from a client, the request including a client profile;   perform inventory and analysis of source assets by iteratively progressing through the client profile to create output;   perform a capability mapping in which a series of rules that allow the source assets to be mapped to the client profile; and   plan a manufacturing process, which determines work items and execution steps from capabilities mapped in response to the request for media content from the client.   
     
     
         22 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 21 , further comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to
 perform optimizations of the work items and execution steps determined in the manufacturing process.   
     
     
         23 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 21 , further comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to
 generate the request by operations responsible for licensing of media content to operations responsible for a fulfillment of that media content to licensees.   
     
     
         24 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 21 , further comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to
 perform analysis to identify key information regarding an identification of the media content, the client to be serviced, and terms of servicing including a due date.   
     
     
         25 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 21 , further comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to
 perform procurement related activities including automated management of content processing technologies.   
     
     
         26 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 21 , wherein executable instructions that cause a computer to perform automated management of content processing technologies includes executable instructions that cause a computer to
 perform file management, transcoding, packaging, and delivery, which are controlled by standardized data interfaces.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising
 performing analysis to identify key information regarding an identification of the media content, the client to be serviced, and terms of servicing including a due date.