Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a network-based content distribution and communication system enabling the efficient capture and communication of user generated content (UGC) to an over-the-top (OTT) content provider. The system can facilitate distribution of the UGC to OTT content providers to enable display of the UGC with the OTT content to which it relates. The system enables a user (e.g., a viewer of OTT content) to engage with presentation of content by providing an interface that enables the user to communicate UGC from the user's device, in real-time, to a provider of OTT content. In turn, an OTT content provider can incorporate the UGC into OTT content, in real-time during the presentation of the OTT content. The UGC may be presented to other users who are viewing the program at the same time, thereby enabling users to communicate with each other by sharing UGC.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for providing UGC to a media production or broadcast destination for potential inclusion in a broadcast or other media distribution. Video processing parameters of the destination are provided. An application is customized using the parameters to provide a customized application without requiring any additional development for the customization. A token and a link are then transmitted to the destination. The destination accesses the link, and the customized application is downloaded along with an API to the destination. The customized application periodically polls the API for UGC and associated metadata. It then, guided by the parameters, facilitates the ingestion of the media and metadata in the proper format into the appropriate place within the downstream broadcast or media production system.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a network-based content distribution and communication system enabling the efficient capture and communication of user generated content (UGC) to an over-the-top (OTT) content provider. The system can facilitate distribution of the UGC to OTT content providers to enable display of the UGC with the OTT content to which it relates. The system enables a user (e.g., a viewer of OTT content) to engage with presentation of content by providing an interface that enables the user to communicate UGC from the user's device, in real-time, to a provider of OTT content. In turn, an OTT content provider can incorporate the UGC into OTT content, in real-time during the presentation of the OTT content. The UGC may be presented to other users who are viewing the program at the same time, thereby enabling users to communicate with each other by sharing UGC.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a montage of media (videos, images, audio, etc.) is created automatically from media submitted by different users and related to a common theme or event. A bubble is created for each theme or event. The users submit the media over the Internet or another network with an indication of a particular bubble the media pertains to. The media in the bubble is examined for objects, audio, engagement metrics, faces, and various other accompanying markers, which are then used to identify media or fragments of media for inclusion in an automatic montage, with music and transition effects.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for providing UGC to a media production or broadcast destination for potential inclusion in a broadcast or other media distribution. Video processing parameters of the destination are provided. An application is customized using the parameters to provide a customized application without requiring any additional development for the customization. A token and a link are then transmitted to the destination. The destination accesses the link, and the customized application is downloaded along with an API to the destination. The customized application periodically polls the API for UGC and associated metadata. It then, guided by the parameters, facilitates the ingestion of the media and metadata in the proper format into the appropriate place within the downstream broadcast or media production system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a montage of media (videos, images, audio, etc.) is created automatically from media submitted by different users and related to a common theme or event. A bubble is created for each theme or event. The users submit the media over the Internet or another network with an indication of a particular bubble the media pertains to. The media in the bubble is examined for objects, audio, engagement metrics, faces, and various other accompanying markers, which are then used to identify media or fragments of media for inclusion in an automatic montage, with music and transition effects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing configurable, reusable software-implemented telephony devices for use in a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) system. A device platform data store associates account owners with information identifying at least one instance of a telephony device provided on behalf of the account owner. The instances are implemented via a computer program component which comprises (a) reusable device logic (in a CCXML document) defining the behavior of the telephony device and (b) configuration information (also in a CCXML document) comprising specific device properties for the telephony device. In response to an incoming communication, a processor accesses the device platform data store to identify the device logic of a telephony device that is to be activated, and (b) executes the device logic in accordance with the configuration information to provide the specific telephony function of the telephony device for a communication session on behalf of the account owner.