DISTRIBUTION BACKBONE
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.