System and method for two-way communication between media consumers and media providers

Abstract

A method is provided for interaction between content providers and consumers on a communication system. The method includes acquiring data from the consumers regarding electronic commerce transactions conducted through the communication system. Content provider media assets are managed using the communication system for distribution of the assets to the consumers. The management of the content provider media assets is adjusted based on the acquired data from consumers regarding electronic commerce transactions, so as to generate a schedule for delivery of content provider media assets to the consumers that is based on the consumer's electronic commerce history.

1 . A method of interaction between content providers and consumers on a communication system, said method comprising the steps of: 
 acquiring and managing digital media assets for distribution to consumers through said communication system, wherein a workflow for distributing said digital media assets is managed through said communication system;    acquiring profile and preferences data facilitating the consumption of said digital media assets; wherein said digital media assets are transacted upon through said communication system for distribution of said assets to said; and    adjusting said management of digital media content and said digital media assets by said content providers, for delivery through said communication system based on content provider rules, consumer preferences, media type and said consumer's device.    
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said step of acquiring and managing digital media assets includes said content provider's agreement to redistribute or sell digital media assets themselves wherein said content providers acquire said digital media assets from a third party for the purpose of re-licensing and redistributing through a direct communication channel.  
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said step of acquiring and managing digital media assets further comprises the step of formatting, encoding, compressing and securing said digital media assets, creating or modifying metadata, and the storage of said digital media assets.  
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said step of acquiring and managing digital media assets includes scheduling and licensing of said digital media assets using said communication system so as to deliver said digital media assets to said consumers based on consumer preferences and rights/usage permissions.  
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said rights and usage permissions for purchase, download, and using said digital media assets are enforced by either one of a single or a multiple network device that executes content provider or operator's specific business requirements and data, wherein said digital media assets are subject to license restrictions that are communicated to any one of a license, certificate, or media server.  
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said digital media assets are available through catalogue options, including bundling or re-cataloguing of said content provider's digital media assets based on packaging rules, said packaging rules being based on said content provider's business model, marketing campaigns and promotions.  
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 6 , further comprising the step of cataloguing of said digital media assets such that varying catalogue options are provided to said consumers by said content providers based on consumer preferences and a history of their selections.  
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , further comprising the step of determining how said catalogue options are displayed and arranged thereby creating a targeted consumer experience that affects how said digital media assets are consumed and transacted upon by said consumer.  
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said step of acquiring and managing digital media assets includes the organization and location of said digital media assets in a distribution process so as to facilitate said content provider's ability to review search and categorize offerings of said digital media assets.  
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said step of acquiring and managing digital media assets includes the organization and location of said digital media assets in a distribution process so as to facilitate said content provider's ability to communicate and interact with external systems and processes.  
     
     
         11 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said profile and preferences data is acquired about said consumer, said access by said consumer includes the ability to gain access to any one of video, audio, forms, applications, data, games and services over a service provider's network including any one of cable, wireless, satellite, telecommunication and utility companies' network.  
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  claim 11 , whereby said step of consumer accessing said data through said communication system, further includes the step of identification, authentication, and validation of said consumer.  
     
     
         13 . The method as claimed in  claim 11 , whereby said step of consumer accessing said data through said communication system, further includes the step of authorization of said consumer based on account and/or billing history.  
     
     
         14 . The method as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said step of consumer accessing digital media assets further comprises the step of allowing said consumer to view and then select appropriate digital content based on desired content and catalogue options.  
     
     
         15 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said profile and preferences data is acquired on said consumer further comprises of the pre-filling of said profile and transaction data in order to expedite said consumer's process of conducting electronic transactions.  
     
     
         16 . The method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein said expedited electronic commerce transactions further comprise the step of including all actions required for fulfilling and completing a transaction to create an easier media consumption experience for said consumers.  
     
     
         17 . The method as claimed in  claim 16 , further comprising the step of generating a report relating to said details concerning said consumer's transaction and media consumption experience.  
     
     
         18 . The method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said report relating to said details concerning said consumer's transactions and media consumption experience is directed to said content providers through said communication system.  
     
     
         19 . The method as claimed in  claim 17 , further comprising the step of transmitting said report relating to said details concerning said consumer's transactions and media consumption experience to said consumer for review, wherein said consumers may review said report for either a single media provider or multiple media providers.  
     
     
         20 . A system for supporting interaction between content providers and consumers said system comprising: 
 a means for acquiring and managing digital media assets for distribution to consumers through said communication system, wherein a workflow for distributing said digital media assets is managed through said communication system;    a means for acquiring profile and preferences data facilitating the consumption of said digital media assets; wherein said digital media assets are transacted upon through said communication system; and    a means for adjusting said management of said digital media assets and said digital media assets by said content providers, for delivery through said communication system based on content provider rules, consumer preferences, media type and said consumer device.