WO2004072824A2

WO2004072824A2 - System and method of cataloging and tracking artistic works

Info

Publication number: WO2004072824A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/004293
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roy G. Elkins
Original assignee: Broadjam Inc.
Priority date: 2003-02-13
Filing date: 2004-02-13
Publication date: 2004-08-26
Also published as: WO2004072824A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a comprehensive management system for artists to organize, catalog and track their artistic works. The present invention is a software application that enables artists to manage and promote themselves, even distribute their own artistic works. Information about the works is included with the works and input into a plurality of databases, so that the works can be searched and cataloged (Fig. 1).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CATALOGING AND TRACKING

ARTISTIC WORKS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/447,125, filed February 13, 2003 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method of cataloging and tracking different media works, and more particularly to a Web enabled software application program for inputting, editing, and updating an artists works and a variety of information about the works into a plurality of databases.

Currently, there does not exist any method or system that allows an artist, such as a musician, song writer, film maker, photographer, writer, etc. to catalog and update information about their own works. For example, the works could include a listing of songs, photographs, albums, gigs, contacts, merchandise, etc. for a particular musician, musical group, manager, or other artist.

Therefore, a need exists for a system and method of cataloging and tracking the works of an artist, preferably over the Internet through an Application Service Provider (ASP) or via a software application program installed on a computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an ASP or a software application program that allows an artist user to input, edit and customize information about their works into databases, media files, text files, or other files for cataloging and tracking purposes. The present invention also provides the artist user with links to a variety of relevant services, including creating customized promotional materials and a Web page from the information in the artist's databases.

The present invention comprises a plurality of databases that allow an artist user to input, add, edit, delete and upload information about the artist's works. For example, an artist may input a personal biography and photograph of themselves in the present invention to be viewed by users of the application. The artist may also input information about their works, photographs of the artist and their works, gigs for displaying or performing their works, a contact list for the artist, merchandise the artist is selling, and various reports that can be generated by the artist regarding the above information. The present invention also includes a plurality of links to third party services available to the artist, a promotional generation kit, and a Web page generation kit.

The present invention allows an artist to in a sense register their works online. The present invention automates much of the data input process by prompting the artist to input, edit or delete information needed to register a work. The databases of the present invention are customized for each artist, taking advantage of data already entered into the system. The present invention also allows an artist to view and edit his/her entire catalog of works.

In operation, a user accesses the present invention via a Web browser, or software application program. The user must preferably be a subscribed member to access the application. Once in the application, the artist user may add and upload new information concerning their works, delete information, or edit information already in the databases. This information may then be available to other non-artist subscribers.

The software application program of the present invention enables artists to manage and promote themselves, even distribute their own artistic works. Information is easily wrapped around the works, so that the works may be more efficiently searched and cataloged. Musicians can organize their songs, photos, gigs and events efficiently; build their Web site, press kits and batch upload their music to the Internet. The present invention also allows artists to synchronize the audio, images, and text files from their personal computer to the Internet.

Features of the invention include a Web site builder and manager, a promo and press kit builder, a song and album manager, a photo and image organizer, a gig and event organizer, and a contact list manager.

Another important feature of the present invention is the ability to enter and store data associated with the artistic works, including essential details embedded into an artist's music as digital audio files, such as title, artist, genre, subject matter, tempo, etc. It is used for online music searches. Information is input into the song and album manager and attached to the songs. This data is fundamental for cataloging an artist's music for online searches.

Metadata as it is called, is preferably divided into three primary areas: business; artistic; and promotions. Business information includes contact information should someone be searching for the owner of songs. It may also contain information on publishing companies, record labels, and copyright holders. Artistic information includes information on songs. This metadata can be used to catalog songs on a Web site or within a database. Artistic information describes the "style" of a song. It also preferably includes information about a song's genre, tempo, and radio format. Various music industry professionals use artistic metadata to search for songs for a particular project. Promotion information is used to identify features of a song that advertising agencies, television and film producers may look for when shopping for music. Examples may include matching a song about driving to a car commercial, or a song about true love to a film or TN scene.

Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the architecture of the application program including the databases and other applications associated with the present invention.

The remaining figures are sample screen shots from the software application program of the present invention showing one or more possible embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a drawing of architecture of the application program including the databases and other applications associated with the present invention. The remaining drawings are sample screen shots of the inventor's Web enabled musician tools application program, showing one or more possible embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention comprises a software program that allows an artist user to input, edit and customize information about their works into databases for cataloging and tracking purposes. An example of embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings of the inventor's Web enabled musician tools application program.

The software application program of the present invention provides a plurality of databases, media files, text files, or other files for a musician, musical group, manager, or other artistic performer to enter a personal biography and information about their songs, photographs, albums, gigs, contacts, and merchandise. The present invention also provides a reports application for creating reports about the biography, songs, photographs, albums, gigs, contacts, and merchandise. There is also a checklist application that provides information about items that are either missing or incomplete from the musician's or artist's files, media, or databases in the application.

For example, a musician, musical group, manager, or other artist can access the present invention to input, add, edit, delete and/or upload information about the artistic performer's works. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also input a personal biography and photograph to appear on the first page of the artistic performer's portion of the application program. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may edit (add, modify, and/or delete) the biography or photograph at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also add, modify, and/or delete a listing of songs in a song management section of the application; upload and manage photographs in a photo management section of the application; add new albums and songs in an album management section of the application; track gigs and show dates in a gigs management section of the application; create and edit a comprehensive contact list in a contacts management section of the application; add, edit and modify merchandise for sale in a merchandise management section of the application; create and edit comprehensive reports on the current session on the application in a reports section of the application; and transfer and edit information in the databases in a checklist section of the application.

In the album management section of the application, a musician, musical group, manager, or other artist can add albums and related information about the albums in a database that appears on the application. A user can view information about each album in the database, delete an album from the database or add new albums to the database. The album information preferably includes a photo of the album cover, the album title, the song titles, the track artists, and the songs on the album. Song information can also be viewed or the song played from this section of the application. The song information preferably includes song titles, business information; chart information, artistic information, promotional information, and lyrics. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may add a new song and its related information into the database at anytime. The musician, musical group, manager or other artist may also delete a song or songs and their related information from the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also update or edit any of the song information for each song at any time.

In the songs management section of the application, a musician, musical group, manager, or other artist can add songs and related information about the songs in a database that appears on the application. A user can view information about each song in the database or play a particular song listed in the database. The song information preferably includes business information, such as the song name, album, track musicians, writers, track artists, producers, publishing company, performance right organization, record company imprint, distributing label, catalog number, release date, album UPC for this performance, and track number. The song information also preferably includes chart information, artistic information, promotional information, and lyrics. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may add a new song and its related information into the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also delete a song or songs and their related information from the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also update or edit any of the song information for each song at any time.

The song and album manager provides a step-by-step process to enter information about an artist's songs and albums. Metadata may be input and attached to the digital audio files in the database. This metadata about the songs makes it easier for one to search and find an artist's music. The song and album manager enables an artist to associate tracks, add cover art, and point to a Web site to sell their works.

In the photo management section of the application, a musician, musical group, manager, or other artist can add and upload a plurality of photographs in a database that appears on the application. A user can view the photographs included in the database. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may add and upload a new photograph into the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also delete a photograph from the database at any time.

The photo and image organizer allows an artist to organize their photos, CD covers, logos, and other images all in one place. Metadata may be included with the photos and images for creating professional promotional materials. The artist's photos and images may be instantly uploaded to the artist's Web site. In the gigs management section of the application, a musician, musical group, manager, or other artist can add a listing of upcoming shows or concerts, including information about the gigs, such as the city, venue, date, time, and status. Gig information can be grouped and viewed by city or venue. A user can view information about each gig in the database. The gig information preferably further includes a photo associated with a gig, a map of the location, the venue name, the date of the performance, the time of the performance, the address of the venue, contact information for the venue or gig, and miscellaneous information, such as cover charges, ages, press, directions, and other information. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may add a gig and its related information into the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also delete a gig and its related information from the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also update or edit any of the gig information at any time.

The gigs and events organizer allows an artist to keep tabs on an artist's past, present and future performances. It allows an artist to track their events and plan their schedule. You can post upcoming performances, recording sessions, and other important events. Simply logon to your account, click on the events button and type in your events.

In the merchandise management section of the application, a musician, musical group, manager, or other artist can add information about merchandise or services the musician, musical group, manager, or other artist is selling in a database that appears on the application. A user can view the merchandise or services and its related information in the database. The merchandise or service information preferably includes a photo and description of the merchandise r service, the product or service name, the product or service type, the UPC/SKU code, and the unit price. The photo and information about each product or service may be viewed, added, edited or deleted. Sales transactions may also be tracked in this section of the application. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may add new merchandise or services and its related information into the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also delete merchandise or services and its related information from the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also update or edit merchandise or services and its related information at any time.

In the contacts management section of the application, a musician, musical group, manager, or other artist can add contact information about the artistic performer's contacts in a database that appears on the application. The contacts may be added individually or by a group. A user can view information about each contact or contact group in the database. The contacts database includes a listing of contacts for the musician, musical group, manager, or other artist. The contacts may be assigned to a particular group. The contacts are preferably grouped by business, label, manufacturer, miscellaneous, personal, publishers, retailer, studio, or venue. New groups may be added or groups may be deleted at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may send e-mails to any of the contacts or groups of contacts in the contacts database at any time. The contact information preferably includes personal information, such as name, e-mail address and title; phone, fax and pager information; company information; and comments. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may add a contact and related information into the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also delete a contact and its related information from the database at any time. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may also update or edit any of the

contact information at any time.

Contacts List Manager - store venue information, record label contacts, fan database, and email distribution lists. It allows you to enter all of the information needed to manage your music contacts within one application. There is a metadata field for "people" information for your songs. Provides access to music contacts including record labels, publishers, radio stations, venues and more.

The present invention also preferably provides a promotional application for member subscribers. The promotional application is used to create and develop promotional materials using items from the application databases or new information provided by the user_; The first step in creating a promotional brochure is selecting a promotional kit layout template. The templates provided in the application may include an A & R template, a venue template, a publisher template, or a fan postcard template. The second step in the process of creating a promotional brochure includes selecting a photo or photos from the photo management section to use in the promotional materials. The next step in the process is selecting an album or albums and their associated information from the album management section of the application. The next step is selecting biography information from the application or entering new biography information. You may also edit your biography information currently in the application. The next step is confirming primary contact information or selecting a new contact. The last step in the process is reviewing a checklist of the template, photo, album, biography, and contact selections. The user may re-edit any selection, and then generate a PDF file of the promotional material.

Promo and Press Kit Builder - create promo sheets and press kits for venues, radio stations, record labels, publishers and fans.

Operation of the Promo and Press Kit Builder - 1) select a format; 2) select an image; and 3) preview and print. Step 1 : select a promo kit layout template. Step 2: select a photo that has been uploaded. Step 3 : select an album and associated information. Step 4: select bio information or enter new bio information, edit bio information. Step 5: confirm primary contact for the promo or select a new contact. Step 6: confirm information and final checklist. Or, select radio play copy text (bio), select promotional image, choose a title for promo sheet. Same for Web page promo.

The present invention also preferably provides a Web page creation application for member subscribers. The Web page creation application is used to create and develop a customized Web page using items from the application databases or new information provided by the user. The first step in creating a Web page is selecting a Web page layout template. The templates provided in the application may include a country template, a rock template, an alternative template, or a techno template. The second step in the process of creating a Web page includes selecting a photo or photos from the photo management section of the application to use in the Web page. The next step in the process is selecting an album or albums and their associated information from the album management section of the application. The next step is selecting biography information from the application or entering new biography inforrnation. You may also edit your biography information currently in the application. The next step is confirming primary contact information or selecting a new contact. The last step in the process is reviewing a checklist of the template, photo, album, biography, and contact selections. The user may re-edit any selection, and then generate a PDF file of the Web page. The Web page may be uploaded to the

user's profile.

Web Site Manager - allows you to build and control a Broadjam web site from your computer desktop. Upload audio files, email links that stream your music, post images, and announce upcoming events. Manage music online. Songs posted, images uploaded and events announced online. Also allows you to enter metadata for your songs, albums, images and events. Simply connect to your web site at Broadjam and update it with a click of a button. No more uploading songs or images one at a time, you are able to batch upload all of your content at once.

Web Site Manager - create a web site with your artist profile pages, including your music, photos, gigs, etc. Batch upload audio files, images, and announce upcoming events. Enter the metadata for your songs, albums, images and events. Then simply connect to your site at Broadjam and update it with a click of a button. No more uploading songs or images one at a time. With the web site manager you are able to batch upload all of your content at once.

Operation of the Web Site Manager - 1) login to your account; 2) select your files; and 3) batch upload to the web.

In the checklist section of the application, a listing of missing or incomplete items in the application that need to be added or updated is presented to the musician, musical group, manager, or other artist for correction. Each item is listed with the missing or incomplete information. The musician, musical group, manager, or other artist may then add, edit or update the missing or incomplete information.

In the reports section of the application; a musician, musical group, manager, or other artist can create, edit, and view comprehensive reports relating to sales tracking, gig tracking, biography, song lists, and albums that appear in the application. Information about each of these can be viewed, edited or deleted. The sales tracking report includes general information on the merchandise or service, price per unit, number sold, and revenue. More detailed information can be presented in chart or graphical form including the product or service name, product or service type, UPC/SKU code, unit price, units sold, units in stock, total gross, and manufacturer contact information. The information can be graphed or put into a chart.

Batch upload - build and control an artist profile page by batch uploading audio files, images, and announce upcoming events with the click of a button.

Synchronization - The present invention allows one to synchronize your audio, images and text files from your computer to the Web.

Transmit music function - allows you to email direct streams of your music in digital format to anyone. By clicking the transmit button on the edit songs page of the artist profile and selecting the songs you want to transmit. Broadjam will send an email with a link from which the recipient can stream or download the selected music.

The present invention also provides links to third party product and services providers for access by the subscribed members of the application. The application also provides connection to items in the media files, text files, or databases of the application. This connect function may be used for uploading new information, editing current information, playing songs or viewing information or manipulating other media, data, or text currently in the databases and files.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. It is recognized that those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations, modifications, and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the invention, and should not limit the scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system of cataloging and tracking artistic works comprising: a pluraHty of databases for inputting, editing, and customizing information about about an artists works, the information including media files, text files, or other files; a Web site manager; a promo and press kit builder; a song and album manager; a photo and image organizer; a gig and event organizer; and a contact list manager.