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 .- 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         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 .- 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A distribution backbone method, comprising:
 receiving a request for media content from a client, including a client profile;   performing inventory and analysis of source assets by iteratively progressing through the client profile to generate an analysis output; and   determining work items and execution steps using the analysis output.   
     
     
         29 . The distribution backbone method of  claim 28 , wherein performing inventory and analysis comprises
 performing or using component asset source, workflow processes, and cost and lead time analysis.   
     
     
         30 . The distribution backbone method of  claim 28 , 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.   
     
     
         31 . The distribution backbone method of  claim 28 , wherein the analysis output includes a component requirement which is a task management tool needed to manage ingest. 
     
     
         32 . The distribution backbone method of  claim 28 , further comprising
 receiving a client deliverable specification, supporting inventory data, and workflow master data.   
     
     
         33 . The distribution backbone method of  claim 32 , further comprising
 identifying an appropriate workflow using the client deliverable specification.   
     
     
         34 . The distribution backbone method of  claim 32 , further comprising
 providing 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.