HK1218007B - Providing link to portion of media object in real time in social networking update - Google Patents

Description

Real-time provision of links to media object sections in social network updates

Divisional Application Instructions

This application is a divisional application of invention patent application No. 201080033264.7, filed on July 15, 2010, entitled “Real-time provision of links to media object portions in social network updates”.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to social networking and more particularly to providing links to media object portions in real-time within social network updates.

Background Art

Social networking systems, including social networks and "socialized" portals, such as those hosted by Yahoo!, Microsoft, and Google, enable users to broadcast social network updates (e.g., messages about the user, the user's opinions, etc.) to other users who have subscribed to their updates. [The following appears to be unrelated and likely a mistranslation:] and [The following appears to be unrelated and likely a mistranslation:] are some examples of social networks. Examples of socialized portals include movies.yahoo.com, video.yahoo.com, music.msn.com, www.bing.com/videos, www.youtube.com, and the like. Users who provide social network updates may be referred to as posters. Users who subscribe to a poster's updates may be referred to as followers of that poster. Posters may provide social network updates to their followers via email, short message service (SMS), instant messaging (IM), or any other suitable messaging technology.

Posters often provide social network updates that reference media objects (e.g., video, audio, etc.) that the poster is consuming (e.g., watching, listening to, etc.). These media objects can be live or recorded. If the media object is recorded, the poster can explicitly provide a link to the media object in the social network update. Alternatively, the poster can provide sufficient description in the social network update so that followers can find the media object referenced in the social network update. Although the poster can include text in the social network update that describes the portion of the media object to which the poster wishes to direct the followers' attention, it may be difficult for followers to find the portion. For example, followers may not be able to find the portion of the media object described by the text.

If the media object is live, the poster may explicitly provide a link to the media object in the social network update, but followers may not receive or read the social network update quickly enough to consume the portion of the live media object to which the poster wishes to direct their attention. Consequently, followers may later attempt to access the recorded version of the media object. However, the recorded version of the media object may not be accessible until the live performance is complete. In fact, the link to the live media object in the social network update may not be accessible until the live performance is complete.

Therefore, there is a need for systems, methods, and computer program products that can provide links to portions of media objects in real-time within social network updates.

Summary of the Invention

Various methods are described herein for providing, in real time, links to portions of a media object in a social network update, among other things. By "real time," it is meant that the link is provided in the social network update while the user generating the social network update is consuming the media object. For example, the link may be provided live, on demand, in a delayed broadcast, or in another context while the user is consuming the media object.

A media object can be a video recording, an audio recording, a text stream, a slide show, or any other suitable media object. A "portion of a media object" as defined herein is less than the entire media object. For example, a link can direct a user to a file that includes less than the entire media object. In another example, a link can direct a user to a time offset in the file that includes the entire media object, whereby the time offset defines the start time for consumption of the portion. According to this example, access to a link does not initiate consumption of the entire media object. More specifically, access to a link initiates consumption of the portion of the media object defined by the time offset. In another example, a link can direct a user to a time offset in the file that includes less than the entire media object, whereby the time offset defines the start time for consumption of the portion. According to this example, access to a link does not initiate consumption of the entire file. More specifically, access to a link initiates consumption of the portion of the file defined by the time offset.

By providing links to portions of a media object in a social network update, exemplary embodiments can advantageously enable followers of the user who generated the social network update to access portions of the media object without having to locate the portions in the media object based on a description provided by the user. In another exemplary embodiment, providing links to portions of a live media object can enable followers of the user to consume portions of the media object before the live performance is complete.

By automatically inserting links to portions of media objects into social network updates, exemplary embodiments may advantageously eliminate the need for a user generating a social network update to determine a uniform resource identifier (URI), such as a uniform resource locator (URL) or uniform resource name (URN), associated with the portion of the media object. In another exemplary embodiment, automatically inserting links to portions of media objects into social network updates may advantageously eliminate the need for a user to explicitly enter a URI in a social network update.

A user in a social networking system may generate a social network update that references a media object while the user is consuming the media object. An update manager may be configured to determine that the user is consuming the media object and to determine that the user generated the social network update while the user was consuming the media object. The update manager is a computer (e.g., a network server) or other processing system that includes one or more processors and is configured to manage the user's social network updates in the social networking system. The update manager may be further configured to insert a link in the social network update that references a portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance at which the user generated the social network update. For example, the update manager may be configured to automatically insert a link in the social network update.

The update manager can be configured to provide social network updates to followers of the user.The update manager can be further configured to provide the portion of the media object referenced by the link to followers of the user who access the link.

In particular, a method is described in which a social network update provided by a user at a time instance is captured. Textual analysis of the social network update is performed to determine a media indicator included in the social network update. A media object corresponding to the media indicator is determined. A portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance is captured. A link to the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance is inserted into the social network update.

Another method is described in which a determination is made that a user is consuming a media object. A determination is made that the user generated a social network update referencing the media object at a time instance during which the user was consuming the media object. A link is automatically inserted into the social network update. The link references a portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance.

A system is described that includes an update capture module, an update analysis module, a matching module, a media portion capture module, and a link insertion module. The update capture module is configured to capture a social network update provided by a user at a time instance. The update analysis module is configured to perform text analysis on the social network update to determine media indicators included in the social network update. The matching module is configured to determine media objects corresponding to the media indicators. The media portion capture module is configured to capture a portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance. The link insertion module is configured to insert a link to the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance into the social network update.

Another system is described, comprising a media determination module, an update determination module, and a link insertion module. The media determination module is configured to determine that a user is consuming a media object. The update determination module is configured to determine that, at a time instance while the user is consuming the media object, the user generates a social network update that references the media object. The link insertion module is configured to automatically insert a link into the social network update. The link references a portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance.

Furthermore, a computer program product is described. For example, a first computer program product includes a computer-readable medium having computer program logic recorded thereon for enabling a processor-based system to provide a link to a portion of a media object in a social network update. The computer program logic includes a first program logic module, a second program logic module, a third program logic module, a fourth program logic module, and a fifth program logic module. The first program logic module is configured to enable the processor-based system to capture a social network update provided by a user at a time instance. The second program logic module is configured to enable the processor-based system to perform text analysis on the social network update to determine a media indicator included in the social network update. The third program logic module is configured to enable the processor-based system to determine a media object corresponding to the media indicator. The fourth program logic module is configured to enable the processor-based system to capture the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance. The fifth program logic module is configured to enable the processor-based system to insert a link to the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance into the social network update.

The second computer program product includes a computer-readable medium having computer program logic recorded thereon for enabling a processor-based system to provide a link to a portion of a media object in a social network update. The computer program logic includes a first program logic module, a second program logic module, and a third program logic module. The first program logic module is configured to enable the processor-based system to determine that a user is consuming a media object. The second program logic module is configured to enable the processor-based system to determine that, at a time instance during which the user is consuming the media object, the user generates a social network update that references the media object. The third program logic module is configured to enable the processor-based system to automatically insert a link into the social network update. The link references the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance.

Other features and advantages of the disclosed technology, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are presented here for illustrative purposes only. Based on the teachings contained herein, additional embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles involved, enabling one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed technology.

FIG1 is a block diagram of an exemplary social networking system according to embodiments described herein.

2 and 3 are illustrations of various exemplary interface elements used by a user to provide social network updates in a social networking system according to embodiments described herein.

4A-4C depict portions of a flow chart of a method for providing partial links to media objects in real-time in a social network update, according to embodiments described herein.

5 , 7 , 9 , and 11 are block diagrams of exemplary implementations of the update manager shown in FIG. 1 , according to embodiments described herein.

6 , 8 , and 10 depict flow charts of methods for providing links to portions of media objects in real-time within social network updates according to embodiments described herein.

FIG12 depicts a timeline according to embodiments described herein.

13 is a block diagram of a computer that may be used to implement one or more aspects of the present invention.

The features and advantages of the disclosed technology will become more apparent from the detailed description presented below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference numeral.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Introduction

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is defined by the appended claims. Therefore, embodiments other than those shown in the drawings, such as modifications of the illustrated embodiments, are also encompassed by the present invention.

References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," and the like indicate that the embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments.

II. Example Embodiments for Providing Links to Media Object Portions in Social Network Updates

An exemplary embodiment can provide a link to a portion of a media object in real time within a social network update. By "real time," it is meant that the link is provided within the social network update while the user generating the social network update is consuming the media object. For example, the link can be provided live, on demand, in a delayed broadcast, or in another environment while the user is consuming the media object.

A media object can be a video recording, an audio recording, a text stream, a slide show, or any other suitable media object. A "portion of a media object" as defined herein is less than the entire media object. For example, a link can direct a user to a file that includes less than the entire media object. In another example, a link can direct a user to a time offset in the file that includes the entire media object, whereby the time offset defines the start time for consumption of the portion. According to this example, access to a link does not initiate consumption of the entire media object. More specifically, access to a link initiates consumption of the portion of the media object defined by the time offset. In another example, a link can direct a user to a time offset in the file that includes less than the entire media object, whereby the time offset defines the start time for consumption of the portion. According to this example, access to a link does not initiate consumption of the entire file. More specifically, access to a link initiates consumption of the portion of the file defined by the time offset.

A user in a social networking system may generate a social network update that references a media object while the user is consuming the media object. Exemplary embodiments can determine that a user is consuming a media object and that the user generated a social network update while the user was consuming the media object. Exemplary embodiments insert a link in the social network update that references a portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance when the user generated the social network update. Some exemplary embodiments automatically insert the link in the social network update.

The social network update including the link can be provided to the user's followers.Exemplary embodiments can provide the portion of the media object referenced by the link to followers of the user who access the link.

FIG1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary social networking system 100 according to embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG1 , social networking system 100 includes an update manager 102 and a social network 104. Social network 104 is communicatively coupled to update manager 102 via a communication interface 106. Communications between user systems 108A-108N and between update manager 102 and any of user systems 108A-108N are conducted using well-known network communication protocols. Each element of system 100 is described in detail below.

The social network 104 is an online social network or combination of social networks that includes a community of users (network participants) utilizing respective user systems 108A-108N to interact with the social network 104. Each user system 108A-108N is a computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other processing system including one or more processors that is configured to enable users to provide social network updates to other users in the social network 104. For example, each user system 108A-108N includes a client 110 (e.g., a web browser) that enables individual users to provide such updates.

The social network 104 may include any number of user systems 108-108N, including hundreds, thousands, or even millions of user systems 108A-108N. The social network 104 operates within a communication network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a combination of networks, such as the Internet. For example, the social network 104 may be based on the World Wide Web. The communication network enables communication between the user systems 108A-108N. The social network 104 may enable one or more ways for users to interact, including enabling communication between the user systems 108A-108N through one or more of blogs, discussion groups, email, file sharing, instant messaging, online chat, tweeting, video, voice chat, and/or other user communication mechanisms.

Update manager 102 is a computer (e.g., a web server) or other processing system including one or more processors that is configured to manage social network updates for users in social networking system 100. When a user generates a social network update (e.g., social network update 112) using client 110, the social network update is provided to update manager 102 via communication interface 106, for example, as shown in FIG1 . Before transmitting the social network update to the user's followers via communication interface 106, update manager 102 determines whether to perform one or more actions with respect to the social network update.

One such operation that can be performed by update manager 102 is to insert a link into a social network update that corresponds to the portion of a media object that the user was consuming when the user generated the social network update. For example, update manager 102 can be configured to automatically insert a link into a social network update. Techniques for providing links to portions of a media object in a social network update are discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 4A-4C and Figures 5-12.

When update manager 102 forwards a user's social network updates to the user's followers, update manager 102 may add the social network updates to the update stream associated with the user. For example, update manager 102 may add the user's social network updates in chronological order or in another order. The user's update stream (or the social network update(s) specified therein) may be displayed as a web page or other form by any one or more of clients 110A-110N. For example, the user's update stream may be displayed on the user's profile or homepage, or on a follower's news feed or other type of page.

When a social network update including a link to a portion of a media object is received from update manager 102, a follower may choose to access the link. For example, the follower may click on the link, thereby directing the follower to the portion of the media object referenced by the link. According to embodiments, accessing the link results in providing an access indicator to update manager 102. For example, the follower's client 110 may generate the access indicator. Update manager 102 may be configured to provide the portion of the media object to the follower in response to receiving the access indicator.

1 is for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the social networking system 100 may include any one or more social networks and/or social portals.

2 and 3 are illustrations of various exemplary interface elements 200 and 300 that may be used by a user to provide social network updates in a social networking system (e.g., social networking system 100) according to embodiments described herein. For example, interface elements 200 and 300 may be displayed by a user system (e.g., any of user systems 108A-108N) via a respective client (e.g., any of clients 110A-110N) based on information received from an update manager (e.g., update manager 102).

As shown in FIG2 , interface element 200 includes a query 202, an update window 204, an update button 206, and a character counter 208. Query 202 is a text message asking the user "What are you doing?" Update window 204 displays text 210 entered by the user for inclusion in a social network update. Selecting update button 206 generates a social network update including text 210 shown in update window 204. Character counter 208 indicates the number of characters that can be added to the exemplary text 210 shown in update window 204. For example, a maximum number of characters may be specified for a social network update, although the scope of the exemplary embodiment is not limited in this regard. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum number of characters that can be included in a social network update is 140. The exemplary text 210 shown in update window 204 consists of 58 characters. According to this exemplary embodiment, character counter 208 indicates that 140 - 58 = 82 characters can be added to the exemplary text 210 shown in update window 204. It should be appreciated that the character counter 210 may indicate the number of characters included in the exemplary text 210 in addition to the number of characters that may be added to the exemplary text 210, or the character counter 210 may indicate the number of characters that may be included in the exemplary text 210 instead of the number of characters that may be added to the exemplary text 210.

The exemplary text 210 shown in window 204, stating "Watching 'American Idol' on TV tweet, Adam Lambert sings terribly," is for illustrative purposes and not limiting. It should be appreciated that the user can enter any suitable text in update window 204, up to any applicable maximum number of characters. A maximum number of characters is not necessarily imposed on update window 204. In exemplary text 210, for example, the phrase "Watching 'American Idol' on TV tweet" may constitute a media indicator specifying the "American Idol" television program. The update manager may utilize this media indicator to determine that the user referenced the "American Idol" television program in the social network update generated in response to the user selecting update button 206. The format of the media indicator may be a default format or a user-defined format. According to the exemplary embodiments described herein, the update manager may incorporate a link, along with the text "Adam Lambert sings terribly," into the section of the "American Idol" television program corresponding to the time instance when the user selected update button 206 in the social network update.

It should be appreciated that interface element 200 may not include one or more of query 202, update window 204, update button 206, and/or character counter 208. Furthermore, interface element 200 may include features in addition to or in place of query 202, update window 204, update button 206, and/or character counter 208.

As shown in FIG3 , interface elements 300 include query 202′, update window 204′, share button 206, media selector 302, text message 304, and zip code window 306. In this document, whenever a reference numeral is modified with single quotes, the modified reference numeral represents an exemplary (or alternative) implementation of the element corresponding to the reference numeral. For example, query 202′ in FIG3 is an alternative implementation of query 202 in FIG2 .

Query 202′ is a text message asking the user, “What are you watching?” Update window 204′ displays text entered by the user for inclusion in a social network update. Update window 204 is shown as including the phrase “<your thoughts on the show>” for illustrative purposes, prompting the user to type their thoughts in update window 204′. Selecting share button 206′ generates a social network update that includes any text entered by the user in update window 204′, up to any applicable maximum number of characters. A maximum number of characters is not necessarily imposed on update window 204′.

Media selector 302 enables a user to select a television program that the user is watching from a plurality of pre-defined television programs. It should be appreciated that media selector 302 is shown as allowing selection from television programs for purposes of illustration and not limitation. For example, media selector 302 may enable a user to select from a plurality of television channels, online music channels, online video channels, any other suitable media resources, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, media selector 302 is shown as being implemented as a drop-down menu for purposes of illustration and not limitation. For example, media selector 302 may be implemented as a pop-up, drop-down, or equivalent menu, or other graphical interface element that enables a user to select from media resources.

Text message 304 indicates that the user is to enter the user's zip code in zip code window 306. Zip code window 306 displays the text entered by the user, indicating the user's zip code. The user's zip code can provide context for the social network update generated in response to the user selecting share button 206'. The update manager can perform a context analysis of the social network update to determine the media object or portion thereof being consumed by the user. For example, the association of the user's zip code with the social network update can enable the update manager to determine that the social network update references the media object.

In an exemplary embodiment of an update manager (e.g., update manager 102), the update manager can utilize a user's zip code to determine the media objects that the user is consuming. For example, a media provider can provide different media objects to users with different zip codes at a given time. The update manager can distinguish between different media objects based on the user's zip code.

In another exemplary embodiment of the update manager, the update manager can utilize a user's zip code to determine the portion of a media object that a user is consuming. For example, a media provider can provide media objects to users in different zip codes at different times, although the times at which the media objects are provided may overlap. For example, a media object scheduled to last for several hours can be provided to users in a first time zone an hour later than to users in a second time zone. According to this example, different portions of the same media object can be provided to users in different time zones at a given time. The update manager can be configured to distinguish between different portions of a media object based on the user's zip code.

In another exemplary embodiment of the update manager, the update manager can use the zip code to determine other social network updates corresponding to the zip code. For example, the update manager can use the social network updates corresponding to the zip code to determine the collective (e.g., average) sentiment of users corresponding to the zip code. In another example, the update manager can use the social network updates corresponding to the zip code to determine multiple sentiments of users corresponding to the zip code. For example, the update manager can determine the proportion of users associated with each sentiment.

The description of text message 304 and window 306 with respect to a postal code is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. It should be appreciated that text message 304 and window 306 can be implemented with respect to any geographic designation, including but not limited to a city, state, country, time zone, telephone area code, telephone number prefix, province, or any other suitable geographic designation. It should also be appreciated that text message 304 and window 306 can be implemented with respect to any other contextual information in addition to a geographic designation, or other contextual information can be used in place of a geographic designation. For example, text message 304 and window 306 can be implemented with respect to a time, date, or any other suitable contextual information.

It should be appreciated that interface element 300 may not include one or more of query 202′, update window 204′, share button 206′, media selector 302, text message 304, and/or zip code window 306. Furthermore, interface element 300 may include features in addition to or in place of query 202′, update window 204′, share button 206′, media selector 302, text message 304, and/or zip code window 306.

Figures 4A-4C depict portions of a flowchart 400 of a method for providing real-time links to portions of media objects in social network updates, according to embodiments described herein. Flowchart 400 is described from the perspective of an update manager. For example, flowchart 400 can be performed by update manager 102 of online system 100, shown in Figure 1 . For illustrative purposes, flowchart 400 is described with respect to update manager 102′, shown in Figure 5 , which is an example of an update manager according to embodiments. As shown in Figure 5 , update manager 102′ includes an interface module 502, an update capture module 504, an update analysis module 506, an environment capture module 508, a matching module 510, a media portion capture module 512, a storage module 514, a link insertion module 516, a determination module 518, a distribution module 520, and a service module 522. Based on the discussion of flowchart 400, other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Flowchart 400 is described as follows.

As shown in Figure 4A, the method of flowchart 400 begins at step 402. At step 402, a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided to a user. The GUI includes a first interface element for enabling the user to provide social network updates in the social networking system. For example, the first interface element may include interface element 200 of Figure 2 or interface element 300 of Figure 3. In an exemplary embodiment, interface module 502 provides the GUI.

At step 404, a social network update provided by a user at a certain instance in time is captured. For example, capturing the social network update may include determining an update indicator that specifies the social network update. In another example, capturing the social network update may include parsing an update feed associated with the user to obtain the social network update. In another example, capturing the social network update may include timestamping the social network update. In an exemplary embodiment, the update capture module 504 captures the social network update.

At step 406, text analysis is performed on the social network update to determine media indicators included in the social network update. The text analysis can utilize any one or more text analysis techniques, including but not limited to exact matching, regular expression matching, correlation matching, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the text analysis can determine and/or correct spelling errors in the text included in the social network update. For example, multiple media indicators can be compared with the text included in the social network update to determine whether a media indicator is included in the text of the social network update. For example, a media indicator can include a specified combination of text characters. In an exemplary embodiment, the update analysis module 506 performs text analysis on the social network update.

At step 408, a determination is made as to whether an environmental analysis is to be performed on the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the determination module 518 determines whether an environmental analysis is to be performed on the user. If an environmental analysis is to be performed, the process proceeds to step 410. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 412.

At step 410 , an environmental analysis is performed on the user. The environmental analysis may include determining the user's geographic location, determining the time and/or date when the user generates a social network update, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the environmental capture module 508 performs the environmental analysis.

At step 412, a media object corresponding to the media indicator is determined. In an exemplary embodiment, matching module 510 determines the media object corresponding to the media indicator. For example, matching module 510 may review multiple indicators corresponding to multiple respective media objects to determine the media object corresponding to the media indicator included in the social network update. For example, a database may store cross-references between multiple indicators and multiple media objects. In this example, matching module 510 may review the cross-references to determine the media object corresponding to the media indicator included in the social network update. Matching module 510 may utilize a timestamp associated with the social network update and/or a timestamp associated with the media object to determine the media object corresponding to the media indicator.

At step 414, a portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance is captured. For example, capturing the portion of the media object may include determining a portion indicator that specifies the portion of the media object. In another example, capturing the portion of the media object may include parsing the media object to obtain the portion of the media object. In another example, capturing the portion of the media object may include timestamping the portion of the media object.

In an exemplary embodiment, the media portion capture module 512 captures the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance. In some exemplary embodiments, the media portion capture module 512 encodes the portion of the media object for consumption via the World Wide Web (WWW). For example, the media portion capture module 512 can be a set-top box that executes a program for capturing the portion of the media object. According to this example, the set-top box can be configured to provide the portion of the media object to a computer (e.g., a server) where the portion of the media object can be accessed for subsequent operation.

In some exemplary embodiments, a portion of a media object is captured substantially in real time when a user generates a social network update. For example, the portion of the media object may include a previously captured portion of the media object. According to this example, the portion may be captured using a reference to the previously captured portion of the media object. In some exemplary embodiments, the portion of the media object may be captured "out of band" (i.e., at a time other than when the user generates the social network update).

After completing step 414, the process proceeds to step 416, shown in Figure 4B. In step 416, the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance is stored. In an exemplary embodiment, storage module 514 stores the portion of the media object. Storage module 514 can be a database or any other suitable type of memory.

At step 418, a link to the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance is inserted into the social network update. For example, the link can be automatically inserted into the social network update. In an exemplary embodiment, the link insertion module 516 inserts the link corresponding to the time instance into the social network update.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a link is represented as an alias for a uniform resource indicator (URI) corresponding to a portion of a media object, such as a uniform resource locator (URL) or uniform resource name (URN). For example, a redirection service (e.g., TinyURL.com) may associate an alias with the URI corresponding to the portion of the media object. For example, a link may be represented as an abbreviated URI, such as TinyURL. Even if a link is represented as an alias, the link may include sufficient parameters to enable a variety of devices (e.g., network-enabled devices, non-network-enabled devices, etc.) to interpret the link.

The link may be a "forward link," although the scope of the exemplary embodiment is not limited in this respect. A forward link is defined herein as a link that references a portion of a media object that is not yet available for consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, the media object is the "American Idol" television program, and the portion of the media object is a scene from the "American Idol" television program. If the scene is not yet available for consumption, a forward link referencing the scene can be inserted into a social network update generated by the user. For example, the forward link can redirect anyone who accesses the forward link (e.g., a follower of the user) to the "American Idol" homepage. Once the scene from the "American Idol" television program is available for consumption, a media player can be provided to the person who accesses the forward link. The media player can be provided in a graphical user interface via a client. For example, the media player can be provided on the "American Idol" homepage. The media player can be synchronized with a start time associated with the scene from the "American Idol" television program referenced in the forward link.

In an exemplary embodiment, a link to a portion of a media object may be inserted into a social network update immediately after determining that the media object corresponds to the user, even if the portion of the media object is not available for consumption. For example, the portion of the media object may be captured after it becomes available.

At step 420, a determination is made as to whether the user has (one or more) followers. In an exemplary embodiment, determination module 518 determines whether the user has (one or more) followers. If the user has (one or more) followers, the process proceeds to step 422. Otherwise, flowchart 400 terminates.

At step 422, the social network update including the link to the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance is distributed to the follower(s). In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution module 520 distributes the social network update including the link to the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance to the follower(s).

At step 424, a determination is made as to whether any follower(s) have accessed the link to the portion of the media object in the social network update. In an exemplary embodiment, determination module 518 determines whether any follower(s) have accessed the link. If any follower(s) have accessed the link, the process proceeds to step 426. Otherwise, flowchart 400 terminates.

At step 426, the portion of the media object is provided to the follower(s) who accessed the link. According to the exemplary embodiment described above (in which a user watches the "American Idol" television program), the user may be watching the program on cable television, and the program may not yet be available on the Internet. Therefore, the follower(s) can select (e.g., click on) a link to a scene of the program on their television screen to be directed to the portion of the "American Idol" television program corresponding to the time instance when the user generated the social network update. However, if the follower(s) attempt to access the link on a computer or other computing device via the Internet, the transmission of the portion may be delayed until the portion becomes available on the Internet. If the media object is live, the follower(s) who access the link may be given the option to begin watching the show live. In an exemplary embodiment, the service module 522 provides the portion of the media object to the follower(s) who access the link.

At step 428, a determination is made as to whether any (one or more) followers accessing the link are permitted to consume other social network updates regarding the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance. In an exemplary embodiment, determination module 518 determines whether any (one or more) followers accessing the link are permitted to consume other social network updates regarding the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance. If the follower (one or more) accessing the link is permitted to consume other social network updates regarding the portion of the media object, the process proceeds to step 430. Otherwise, flowchart 400 terminates.

At step 430 , a second interface including other social network updates related to the media object is provided to the follower(s) who accessed the link. In an exemplary embodiment, the interface module 502 provides the second interface to the follower(s) who accessed the link.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more steps 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, and/or 430 of flowchart 400 may not be performed. In addition, steps in addition to or in place of steps 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, and/or 430 may be performed.

It should be recognized that the update manager 102' may not include one or more of the interface module 502, the update capture module 504, the update analysis module 506, the environment capture module 508, the matching module 510, the media portion capture module 512, the storage module 514, the link insertion module 516, the determination module 518, the distribution module 520 and/or the service module 522. In addition, the update manager 102' may include modules in addition to or instead of the interface module 502, the update capture module 504, the update analysis module 506, the environment capture module 508, the matching module 510, the media portion capture module 512, the storage module 514, the link insertion module 516, the determination module 518, the distribution module 520 and/or the service module 522.

FIG6 depicts a flowchart 600 illustrating another method for providing real-time links to portions of media objects in social network updates, according to embodiments described herein. Flowchart 600 is described from the perspective of an update manager. For example, flowchart 600 may be executed by update manager 102 of online system 100 shown in FIG1 . According to embodiments, for illustrative purposes, flowchart 600 is described with respect to update manager 102″ shown in FIG7 , which is an example of update manager 102. As shown in FIG7 , update manager 102″ includes a media determination module 702, an update determination module 704, a link insertion module 516′, a filter determination module 706, a filter module 708, a ranking determination module 710, a ranking module 712, an interest determination module 714, and an indicator module 716. Further structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the discussion of flowchart 600. Flowchart 600 is described below.

6 , the method of flowchart 600 begins at step 602. At step 602, a determination is made that a user is consuming a media object. In an exemplary embodiment, the media determination module 702 determines that a user is consuming a media object.

At step 604, a determination is made that the user generated a social network update referencing the media object at a time instance while the user was consuming the media object. In an exemplary embodiment, update determination module 704 determines that the user generated a social network update at a time instance while the user was consuming the media object.

At step 606, a link is automatically inserted into the social network update. The link references the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance. In one example embodiment, the link insertion module 516' automatically inserts a link into the social network update.

At step 608, a determination is made as to whether social network updates are to be filtered. In one example embodiment, the filter determination module 706 determines whether social network updates are to be filtered. If so, the process continues to step 610. Otherwise, the process continues to step 612.

At step 610, the social network updates are filtered with respect to an update feed associated with the user based on tags associated with the social network updates. For example, the tags may identify the user that generated the social network update, the time instance when the social network update was generated, the date when the social network update was generated, the user's geographic location, any contextual information associated with the social network update, people, places, or things related to the social network update, and so on. In one example embodiment, the filtering module 708 filters the social network updates. For example, the filtering module 708 may determine whether to include the social network update in the update feed associated with the user based on the tags.

At step 612, a determination is made as to whether the social network updates are to be ranked. In one example embodiment, the ranking determination module 710 determines whether the social network updates are to be ranked. If the social network updates are to be ranked, the process proceeds to step 614. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 616.

At step 614, social network updates associated with the tag are ranked with respect to social network updates included in an update feed associated with the user based on the tag. For example, the tag may identify the user who generated the social network update, the time instance when the social network update was generated, the date when the social network update was generated, the geographic location of the user, any contextual information associated with the social network update, people, places, or things related to the social network update, and the like.

The tags used to filter the social network updates at step 610 and the tags used to sort the social network updates at step 614 can be the same or different. In one example embodiment, the sorting module 712 sorts the social network updates. For example, the sorting module 712 can rank the social network updates relative to other social network updates in the update feed associated with the user, such that the ranking of each social network update determines the order in which the social network updates are provided in the update feed.

At step 616, a determination is made whether an interest indicator is to be generated with respect to the media object.In one example implementation, interest determination module 714 determines whether an interest indicator is to be generated with respect to the media object.

At step 618, an interest indicator is generated that includes a plurality of interest values corresponding to a plurality of respective time instances associated with the media object. Although the scope of the example embodiments is not limited in this respect, each interest value is described as indicating the number of social network updates generated with respect to the respective time instance corresponding to the interest value. It will be appreciated that each interest value may also be based on information other than, or instead of, the number of social network updates generated with respect to the respective time instance corresponding to the interest value. Although the scope of the example embodiments is not limited in this respect, the interest values may be normalized to fit within a specified range. In one example embodiment, the indicator module 716 generates the interest indicator.

In some example embodiments, one or more steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, and/or 618 of flowchart 600 may not be performed. Furthermore, steps may be performed in addition to or in place of steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, and/or 618.

It will be appreciated that the update manager 102″ may not include one or more of the media determination module 702, the update determination module 704, the link insertion module 516′, the filter determination module 706, the filter module 708, the ranking determination module 710, the ranking module 712, the interest determination module 714, and/or the indicator module 716. Moreover, the update manager 102″ may include modules in addition to or instead of the media determination module 702, the update determination module 704, the link insertion module 516′, the filter determination module 706, the filter module 708, the ranking determination module 710, the ranking module 712, the interest determination module 714, and/or the indicator module 716.

FIG8 depicts a flowchart 800 of another method for providing real-time links to portions of media objects in social network updates according to embodiments described herein. Flowchart 800 is described from the perspective of an update manager. For example, flowchart 800 may be executed by update manager 102 of online system 100 shown in FIG1 . According to embodiments, for illustrative purposes, flowchart 800 is described with respect to update manager 102′″ shown in FIG9 , which is an example of update manager 102. As shown in FIG9 , update manager 102′″ includes media determination module 702, update determination module 704′, definition determination module 902, text analysis module 904, reference determination module 906, format determination module 908, and link insertion module 516′. Further structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the discussion of flowchart 800. Flowchart 800 is described as follows.

8 , the method of flowchart 800 begins at step 602. At step 602, a determination is made that a user is consuming a media object. In one example embodiment, media determination module 702 determines that a user is consuming a media object.

At step 802, a determination is made that, at a time instance when the user is consuming a media object, the user generates a social network update. In one example embodiment, the update determination module 704' determines that, at a time instance when the user is consuming a media object, the user generates a social network update.

At step 804, a determination is made as to whether the user has defined a text format to be associated with the media object. For example, a text format may include a specified combination of text characters. In one exemplary embodiment, definition determination module 902 determines whether the user has defined a text format to be associated with the media object. If the user has defined a text format, the process continues to step 810. Otherwise, the process continues to step 806.

At step 806 , text analysis is performed on the social network update to determine media indicators contained in the social network update. In one example implementation, the text analysis module 904 performs the text analysis.

At step 808, a determination is made based on the media indicator of the designated media object that the social network update references the media object. In one example embodiment, the reference determination module determines that the social network update references the 1e media object. Upon completion of step 808, the process continues to step 606.

At step 810 , text analysis is performed on the social network update. In one example implementation, the text analysis module 904 performs the text analysis.

At step 812, a determination is made that the social network update has user-defined text formatting indicating that the social network update references a media object. In one example embodiment, format determination module 908 determines that the social network update has user-defined text formatting indicating that the social network update references a media object. Upon completion of step 812, the process continues to step 606.

At step 606, a link is automatically inserted into the social network update. The link references the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance. In one example embodiment, the link insertion module 516' automatically inserts a link into the social network update.

In some example embodiments, one or more steps 602, 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, and/or 606 of flowchart 600 may not be performed. Furthermore, steps may be performed in addition to or in place of steps 602, 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, and/or 606.

It should be appreciated that the update manager 102'' may not include one or more of the media determination module 702, the update determination module 704', the definition determination module 902, the text analysis module 904, the reference determination module 906, the format determination module 908, and/or the link insertion module 516'. Moreover, the update manager 102'' may include modules in addition to or in place of the media determination module 702, the update determination module 704', the definition determination module 902, the text analysis module 904, the reference determination module 906, the format determination module 908, and/or the link insertion module 516'.

FIG10 depicts a flowchart 1000 of another method for providing real-time links to portions of media objects in social network updates, according to embodiments described herein. Flowchart 1000 is described from the perspective of an update manager. For example, flowchart 1000 may be executed by update manager 102 of online system 100 shown in FIG1 . According to embodiments, for illustrative purposes, flowchart 1000 is described with respect to update manager 102″″ shown in FIG11 , which is an example of update manager 102. As shown in FIG11 , update manager 102″″ includes media determination module 702, update determination module 704′, context analysis module 1102, reference determination module 906′, and link insertion module 516′. Further structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the discussion of flowchart 1000. Flowchart 1000 is described as follows.

10 , the method of flowchart 1000 begins at step 602. At step 602, a determination is made that a user is consuming a media object. In an exemplary embodiment, the media determination module 702 determines that a user is consuming a media object.

At step 802, a determination is made that, at a time instance when the user is consuming a media object, the user generates a social network update. In one example embodiment, the update determination module 704' determines that, at a time instance when the user is consuming a media object, the user generates a social network update.

At step 1002, a context analysis is performed on the social network update. The context analysis may include determining a geographic location associated with the social network update, determining the time and/or date the social network update was generated, or any other contextual information about the social network update. In one example embodiment, the context analysis module 1102 performs the context analysis.

At step 1004, a determination is made based on the context analysis that the social network update references the media object. For example, this determination can be based on an association between the social network update and the media object having the specified context information. In one example embodiment, reference determination module 906′ determines that the social network update references the media object.

At step 606, a link is automatically inserted into the social network update. The link references the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance. In one example embodiment, the link insertion module 516' automatically inserts a link into the social network update.

FIG12 illustrates a timeline 1200 according to embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG12 , a time period τ _OBJECT is defined by a first start time t _START1 and a first end time t _END1 . For example, the time period τ _OBJECT may represent the duration of a media object being consumed by a user. The illustrated time instance t _INSTANCE is contained within the time period τ _OBJECT . For example, the time instance t _INSTANCE may represent the point in time at which a user generates a social network update referencing the media object.

Another time period τ _PORTION is defined by a second start time t _START2 and a second end time t _END2 . For example, the time period τ _PORTION can represent the duration of the portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance t _INSTANCE . Thus, the time period τ _PORTION includes the time instance t _INSTANCE . Furthermore, the time period τ _PORTION is shorter than the time period τ _OBJECT .

Although not limited in this respect within the scope of the exemplary embodiments, the time period τ _PORTION may be a predetermined time period. For example, the duration of the time period τ _PORTION may (or may not) be determined before the user generates a social network update referencing the media object. The second start time t _START2 is earlier than the instance t _INSTANCE by a first time amount t _A . The second end time Δt _END2 is later than the instance t _INSTANCE by a first time amount Δt _B .

According to some example embodiments, the first amount of time t _A is a first predetermined amount of time before the instance t _INSTANCE . According to some example embodiments, the second end time t _END2 is a second predetermined amount of time after the instance t _INSTANCE . The first predetermined amount of time and the second predetermined amount of time may be the same or different. According to some example embodiments, the first predetermined amount of time and/or the second predetermined amount of time are user-defined.

III. Exemplary Computer Implementation

The embodiments described herein, including systems, methods/processes, and/or apparatus, may be implemented using a known computer system, such as the computer 1400 shown in FIG14. For example, components of the example computer system 100, including the update manager 102 and components thereof described in FIG1, FIG5, FIG7, FIG9, and FIG11, the user systems 108A-108N described in FIG1, and various steps of flowcharts 400, 600, 800, and 1000 described in FIG4A-4C, FIG6, FIG8, and FIG10, may each be implemented using one or more computers 1400.

Computer 1400 can be a commercially available and well-known computer capable of performing the functions described herein, such as computers available from IBM, Apple, Sun, HP, Dell, Cray, etc., including desktop computers, servers, etc.

As shown in FIG. 14 , computer 1400 includes one or more processors (eg, central processing units (CPUs)) such as processor 1406 . The processor 1406 may include, for example, one or more clients 110A-110N described in FIG. 1 ; the interface module 502 described in FIG. 5 , the update capture module 504 described in FIG. 5 ; the update analysis module 506 described in FIG. 5 ; the environment capture module 508 described in FIG. 5 ; the matching module 510 described in FIG. 5 ; the media portion capture module 512 described in FIG. 5 ; the link insertion module 516 described in FIG. 5 ; the determination module 518 described in FIG. 5 ; the distribution module 520 described in FIG. 5 ; the service module 522 described in FIG. 5 ; the media determination module 702 described in FIG. 7 , FIG. 9 , and FIG. 11 ; the update determination module 704 described in FIG. 7 , FIG. 9 , and FIG. 11 ; the filtering determination module 706 described in FIG. 7 ; the filtering module 708 described in FIG. 7 ; the sorting determination module 710 described in FIG. 7 ; the sorting module 712 described in FIG. 7 ; the interest determination module 714 described in FIG. 7 ; the indicator module 716 described in FIG. 7 ; the definition determination module 902 described in FIG. 9 ; FIG. 9 and 11; the reference determination module 906; the format determination module 908; or the environment analysis module 1102; or any portion or combination thereof, although the embodiments are not limited in this respect.

Processor 1406 is connected to a communication infrastructure 1402, such as a communication bus. In some embodiments, processor 1406 can run multiple computing threads simultaneously.

The computer 1400 also includes a primary or main memory 1408, such as random access memory (RAM). The main memory stores control logic 1424A (computer software), and data.

Computer 1400 also includes one or more secondary storage devices 1410. Secondary storage devices 1410 include, for example, a hard drive 1412 and/or a removable storage device or drive 1414, as well as other types of storage devices such as memory cards and memory sticks. For example, computer 1400 may include an industry-standard interface, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, for connecting to devices such as memory sticks. Removable storage drive 1414 may represent a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, an optical storage device, a tape backup, and the like.

Removable storage drive 1414 interacts with removable storage unit 1416. Removable storage unit 1416 includes a computer-usable or readable storage medium 1418 having computer software 1424B (control logic) and/or data stored therein. Removable storage unit 1416 may represent a floppy disk, magnetic tape, CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc, optical storage disk, memory stick, memory card, or any other computer data storage device. Removable storage drive 1414 reads data from and/or writes data to removable storage unit 1416 in a well-known manner.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the storage module 514 of FIG. 5 may be included in the main memory 1408, the secondary memory 1410, the removable storage unit 1416, or some combination thereof, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard.

The computer 1400 also includes input/output/display devices 1404 , such as a monitor, keyboard, pointing device, and the like.

Computer 1400 also includes a communication or network interface 1420. Communication interface 1420 enables computer 1400 to communicate with remote devices. For example, communication interface 1420 allows computer 1400 to communicate via a communication network or medium 1422 (representing a form of computer-usable or readable media), such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or the like. Network interface 1420 can connect to a remote site or network via a wired or wireless connection. Examples of communication interface 1422 include, but are not limited to, a modem, a network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card), a communication port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card, and the like.

Control logic 1424C may communicate to and from the computer 1400 via the communications medium 1422 .

Any device or article of manufacture that includes a computer-usable or computer-readable medium having control logic (software) stored therein is referred to herein as a computer program product or computer storage device. This includes, but is not limited to, computer 1400, main memory 1408, secondary storage device 1410, and removable storage unit 1416. Such a computer program product stores control logic that, when executed by one or more data processing devices, causes such data processing devices to operate as described herein, representing an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, each of the clients 110A-110N and each of the elements of the exemplary update manager 102 described in FIG. 1 includes the interface module 502 described in FIG. 5 , the update capture module 504 described in FIG. 5 ; the update analysis module 506 described in FIG. 5 ; the environment capture module 508 described in FIG. 5 ; the matching module 510 described in FIG. 5 ; the media portion capture module 512 described in FIG. 5 ; the link insertion module 516 described in FIG. 5 , FIG. 7 , FIG. 9 , and FIG. 11 ; the determination module 518 described in FIG. 5 ; the distribution module 520 described in FIG. 5 ; the service module 522 described in FIG. 5 ; the media determination module 702 described in FIG. 7 , FIG. 9 , and FIG. 11 ; the update determination module 704 described in FIG. 7 , FIG. 9 , and FIG. 11 ; the filter determination module 706 described in FIG. 7 ; the filter module 708 described in FIG. 7 ; the sorting determination module 710 described in FIG. 7 ; the sorting module 712 described in FIG. 7 ; the interest determination module 714 described in FIG. 7 ; and FIG. The indicator module 716 described; the definition determination module 902 described in Figure 9; the text analysis module 904 described in Figure 9; the reference determination module 906 described in Figures 9 and 11; the format determination module 908 described in Figure 9; the environment analysis module 1102 described in Figure 11; and each step of the flowcharts 400, 600, 800 and 1000 described in each of Figures 4A-4C, Figure 6, Figure 8 and Figure 10 can be implemented as control logic that can be stored in a computer-usable medium or a computer-readable medium, which can be executed by one or more processors to operate as described herein.

The present invention can be practiced using software, hardware and/or operating system implementations other than those described herein.Any software, hardware and operating system implementations suitable for performing the functions described herein can be used.

IV. Conclusion

Although various embodiments have been described, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

1. A method comprising: The processor determines that the user is consuming a media object; The processor determines that, during the period when the user is consuming the media object, the user generates a social network update at a time instance; The processor performs environmental analysis regarding the social network update; Based on the results of the environmental analysis, the processor determines that the social network update references the media object; The processor inserts a link in the social network update, the link referencing a portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance; and The processor forwards the social network update with the inserted link to the user's followers. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the environmental analysis includes determining the geographic location associated with the social network update. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the environmental analysis includes determining the time when the social network update was generated. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the environmental analysis includes determining the date on which the social network update was generated. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the social network update references the media object based on the results of the environmental analysis comprises: determining that the social network update references the media object based on the association between the social network update and the media object having specified environmental information. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing text analysis on the social network update by the processor to determine media indicators included in the social network update. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein performing the text analysis includes performing at least one of the following: exact match, regular expression match, or related match. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing environmental analysis about the user. 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising determining an indicator media object corresponding to the media indicator. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating an interest indicator, the interest indicator including a plurality of interest values corresponding to a plurality of respective time instances associated with the media object. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein each interest value indicates the number of social network updates generated with respect to the time instance corresponding to the interest value. 12. A computing device, comprising: processor; A storage medium for tangibly storing program logic thereon for execution by the processor, the stored program logic including: Media object determination logic, which is executed by the processor to determine that a user is consuming a media object; A social network update determination logic, which is executed by the processor, determines that the user generates a social network update at a time instance while the user is consuming the media object; Execution logic, which is executed by the processor, to perform environmental analysis regarding the social network update; The reference determination logic is executed by the processor to determine, based on the results of the environment analysis, that the social network update references the media object; Insertion logic, executed by the processor, to insert a link in the social network update, the link referencing a portion of the media object corresponding to the time instance; and Forwarding logic, which is executed by the processor, to forward the social network update with the inserted link to the user's followers. 13. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the execution logic includes location determination logic executed by the processor to determine a geographic location associated with the social network update. 14. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the execution logic includes timing determination logic executed by the processor to determine the time when the social network update is generated. 15. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the execution logic includes date determination logic executed by the processor to determine the date on which the social network update is generated. 16. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the reference determination logic for determining that the social network update references the media object based on the results of the environmental analysis includes association determination logic executed by the processor to determine that the social network update references the media object based on the association between the social network update and the media object having specified environmental information. 17. The computing device of claim 12, further comprising text analysis execution logic executed by the processor to perform text analysis on the social network update to determine media indicators included in the social network update. 18. The computing device of claim 17, wherein the text analysis execution logic includes matching execution logic, which is executed by the processor to perform at least one of: exact match, regular expression match, or related match. 19. The computing device of claim 12, further comprising user execution logic executed by the processor to perform environmental analysis about the user. 20. The computing device of claim 17, further comprising indicator determination logic executed by the processor to determine an indicator media object corresponding to the media indicator.