US20050283796A1 - Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs - Google Patents

Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050283796A1
US20050283796A1 US11/196,774 US19677405A US2005283796A1 US 20050283796 A1 US20050283796 A1 US 20050283796A1 US 19677405 A US19677405 A US 19677405A US 2005283796 A1 US2005283796 A1 US 2005283796A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
subscribers
subscriber
programming
program
recorded
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/196,774
Inventor
Gregory Flickinger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Prime Research Alliance E Inc
Original Assignee
Prime Research Alliance E Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Prime Research Alliance E Inc filed Critical Prime Research Alliance E Inc
Priority to US11/196,774 priority Critical patent/US20050283796A1/en
Publication of US20050283796A1 publication Critical patent/US20050283796A1/en
Assigned to PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, INC. reassignment PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: EXPANSE NETWORKS, INC.
Priority to US12/270,298 priority patent/US20090070806A1/en
Priority to US14/671,272 priority patent/US9894398B2/en
Priority to US15/895,654 priority patent/US10368117B1/en
Assigned to PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, LLC reassignment PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, LLC RE-DOMESTICATION AND ENTITY CONVERSION Assignors: PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/266Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system, merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
    • H04N21/2668Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. insertion of targeted commercials based on end-user profiles
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25866Management of end-user data
    • H04N21/25891Management of end-user data being end-user preferences
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/262Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists
    • H04N21/26208Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists the scheduling operation being performed under constraints
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/262Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists
    • H04N21/26258Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists for generating a list of items to be played back in a given order, e.g. playlist, or scheduling item distribution according to such list
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/433Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request, caching operations
    • H04N21/4334Recording operations
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/458Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47End-user applications
    • H04N21/472End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47214End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for content reservation or setting reminders; for requesting event notification, e.g. of sport results or stock market
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/812Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76Television signal recording
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76Television signal recording
    • H04N5/78Television signal recording using magnetic recording
    • H04N5/782Television signal recording using magnetic recording on tape
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/16Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to scheduling and delivery of targeted television advertisements (ad), and specifically to delivering the targeted ads during programming that a viewer (subscriber), or subscriber's agent, has chosen to record.
  • the present invention also relates to delivering the targeted ads to a programmed recording device, wherein automatic programming of the programmed recording device is performed using an electronic program guide (EPG).
  • EPG electronic program guide
  • TV advertising is a major component in assisting manufacturers, distributors, vendors, and other organizations interested in publicizing their product, brand, service, or viewpoint, in reaching segments of the public. Moreover, TV advertising subsidizes the cost of a large part of TV programming delivered to consumers. Advertisers commonly wish to deliver (target) certain ads to one or more groups of subscribers, such groups having particular demographic characteristics, such as income, age, gender, etc. These advertisers typically have access to market and demographic studies that allow them limited control over delivering their ads to specific groups of subscribers. One such method is “linked sponsorship”, well known and used in the advertising industry.
  • Linked sponsorship involves determining what demographic group or groups watch particular programming (e.g., from Nielsen data), and then buying (or contracting for) commercial spots during those programs for which the demographic viewership matches the desires of the advertiser. Improvements over the linked sponsorship model have been developed which allow advertisers to target their ads to the appropriate viewers or groups of viewers more efficiently.
  • Such systems are disclosed in applicants U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/591,577 filed on Jun. 9, 2000, entitled “Privacy-Protected Advertising System”; 09/268,519 filed on Mar. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,348, entitled “Consumer Profiling System”; 09/268,526 filed on Mar. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.
  • VCR Video Cassette Recorder
  • the subscriber while highlighting the desired program, presses a special record button on the remote control, which then programs a pre-configured recording device to record that program (i.e., that channel and that time according to the EPG).
  • a pre-configured recording device to record that program (i.e., that channel and that time according to the EPG).
  • Another feature of the interactive EPG, disclosed in those patents is that of a subscriber being able to select or “flag” a future program for watching. When the program selected begins, the EPG notifies the subscriber, or alternatively tunes directly to the selected program.
  • Targeted ads can be delivered with particular programming or they can be inserted at the STB and presented to the subscriber independent of the programming being viewed.
  • a subscriber wants to record a program for example, when the subscriber wishes to ‘watch’ two shows that are broadcast concurrently.
  • Systems that allow for recording a program while concurrently watching a different program are well known in the art.
  • the subscriber merely wishes to watch a particular program at a different time than when that program is actually broadcast.
  • the subscriber may program their preferred recording device (i.e., via the EPG) to record such programming.
  • targeted ad delivery is dependent on detecting viewership (i.e. detecting whether or not the TV is on, or whether or not there are regular commands from the remote control). However, when a program is recorded, the TV is not typically on, and the subscriber is not present. Thus, targeted ad delivery is not performed. The ability to deliver targeted advertising to subscribers, independent of when they watch a program is desirable, and thus delivering ads during recorded programming is desirable.
  • the present invention comprises a method and system for delivering addressable, or targeted, advertising to subscribers during programming that the subscribers have recorded.
  • targeted ads are delivered during programming that has been “flagged” for future viewing.
  • the present invention provides the means to deliver highly targeted, and in some cases, individualized ads, to subscribers that have programmed a recording device to record one or more programs.
  • This targeted advertising system identifies the timing and characterization of programs to be recorded, and the probable subscriber or subscribers of those programs.
  • the system uses subscriber profiles, either already developed or generated on-the-fly based on program selection and ad characterizations/profiles, the system generates a schedule of ads to be inserted into the avails (advertising opportunities) of the programming as it is recorded (or as it is displayed), and inserting the ads according to the schedule.
  • the schedule generated can depend on, inter alia, correlations or matching between the ad profiles, the subscribers' profiles, scheduling requirements (i.e., contracts and sales with advertisers), and timing.
  • the schedule, along with the ads are delivered to the set-top box (STB) for insertion during the recorded programming.
  • the ads are periodically delivered and stored on the STB and the STB generates the schedule based on a scheduling algorithm.
  • Ads are inserted into the avails according to the schedule and a record of such insertion is generated to be used for billing. This system allows for targeted advertising to be delivered to subscribers during recorded programming and thus provides for additional opportunities for advertisers to reach subscribers in a highly addressable fashion.
  • a subscriber uses an electronic program guide (EPG)-record feature to program their recording device to record a specific program or a specific time block.
  • EPG electronic program guide
  • the programming to be recorded is selected via the EPG, and a special record button is pressed or menu option chosen to record the selected program.
  • the recording device is then programmed according to the EPG schedule or alternatively is activated by the EPG at the appropriate recording time.
  • the EPG is used to flag or select a program for future viewing.
  • Targeted advertising can be scheduled and delivered in advance of the programming and displayed during the selected programming.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide additional targeted advertising opportunities by allowing for targeted ad delivery and presentation to be accomplished during a recorded program, in addition to the targeted advertising performed during “real-time” viewing by the subscriber. Moreover, in cases where a subscriber wishes to record one or more programs while simultaneously viewing another program, the present invention allows for targeted advertising to be delivered with both the program being viewed and with the recorded program. This method works for systems that can record one or more programs concurrently with the viewing of another program.
  • Another object of the present invention is to allow for the customized creation of avails (advertising opportunities) in the recorded programming.
  • FIG. 1 is a context diagram illustrating use cases and responsibilities of various elements of the system, according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram, illustrating one mechanism of achieving targeted advertising, according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 3 illustrates ad insertion at the STB, according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the increase in the number of avails for targeted advertising when targeted advertising is directed to recorded programming, according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example architecture for the delivery of multiple presentation streams with targeted advertisements, according to one embodiment.
  • FIGS. 1 through 5 in general, and FIGS. 1 through 5 in particular, the method and system of the present invention is disclosed.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a use case diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • a subscriber 110 programs (by himself or through an automated agent) a recording device, such as a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) or a Set-Top Box Hard Drive (STB HD), to record one or more programs that the subscriber 110 desires to watch or interact with in some way ( 120 ).
  • VCR Video Cassette Recorder
  • STB HD Set-Top Box Hard Drive
  • the subscriber 110 utilizes an electronic program guide (EPG) to identify one or more programs that the subscriber 110 wishes to record ( 122 ).
  • EPG electronic program guide
  • the subscriber 110 can select (i.e., highlight) one or more programs listed or advertised in the EPG for recording. By selecting a program in the EPG, and then “clicking” a special button on the remote, the program selected will be automatically recorded by the subscriber's preferred recording device.
  • There are other methods of programming a recording device to record programming including but not limited to conventional on-screen VCR programming ( 124 ) or simply pressing the record button on the recording device to start recording.
  • An Advertisement Management System (AMS) 112 receives notification of an upcoming record session ( 130 ).
  • a preferred embodiment of the AMS 112 is described in applicants co-pending U.S. Provisional application No. 60/183,411 filed on Feb. 18, 2000 entitled “Ad Management System”.
  • the AMS 170 may be located at a recording device or a STB. In a preferred embodiment, the AMS 112 is located remote from the STB, such as at a Cable TV Head End (HE).
  • HE Cable TV Head End
  • the subscriber 110 may select or “flag” a future program for watching ( 126 ). As discussed above, when the program selected begins, the EPG notifies the subscriber 110 or alternatively tunes directly to the selected program. The AMS 112 is notified of an upcoming flagged event ( 136 ).
  • the selections of programs to record or programs that have been flagged may be sent directly from the EPG or VCR (depending on the method used to program the recording) to the AMS 112 .
  • the record and/or flag features could be configured to automatically send notification to the AMS 112 or alternatively, the AMS 112 could periodically poll the recording device or EPG record and/or flag databases to gain access to the programmed record and/or flag schedules.
  • the AMS 112 After receiving notification of a future record ( 130 ) or flagged ( 136 ) event, the AMS 112 characterizes the particular program ( 140 ).
  • the AMS 112 characterizes the program by gathering data including, but not limited to, timing, duration and programming (i.e., title and category of program, description of program, etc.).
  • Such programming information could be extracted from a variety of sources, but in a preferred embodiment, the programming information is retrieved from the EPG database ( 142 ), as described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/635,252 filed on Aug. 9, 2000 entitled “Subscriber Characterization Based on Electronic Program Guide Data”.
  • the AMS 112 also identifies probable subscribers ( 150 ) who would be watching the program that has been identified as being recorded or flagged. This identification may be based on the characterization of the program ( 140 ). In a preferred embodiment, the potential or probable subscribers are identified by a subscriber ID. Such identification is used to obtain a subscriber profile that is used to allow for the most efficient matching and targeting of ads to be scheduled and delivered during the recorded programming. The identification could be that of a “household,” (i.e., the profile or aggregate profile of the entire household), a particular STB within that household (i.e., different subscribers within the household frequent one STB preferentially to others), or of a particular unique subscriber.
  • Subscriber identification becomes increasingly important when it is recognized that a unique household may comprise multiple distinct subscribers and each subscriber may have a unique profile. For instance, each of several STBs within a household may be associated with a different subscriber and thus have a different profile. Thus, the STB used to record (or receive) the program to be recorded would be identified with a profile corresponding to a particular subscriber 110 . Alternatively, a single STB could be used for multiple subscribers 110 and would be assigned a particular profile based on the different times and/or for different events that are flagged or programmed to be recorded.
  • the subscriber's profile could be one of several unique profiles corresponding to unique individuals within the household.
  • Methods of subscriber identification are known in the art (i.e., entering a personal identification number (PIN) or using an individual remote).
  • PIN personal identification number
  • a novel method of identifying one subscriber from several subscribers that use the same remote and STB is described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/635,253 filed on Aug. 9, 2000 entitled “Subscriber Identification Based on Electronic Program Guide Data”, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • This application describes how subscriber interaction with the remote, including volume changes, rapidity of channel changes, methods and characteristics of interacting with the EPG, etc., are used to develop a subscriber “identity profile”, such a profile being used to distinguish one subscriber 110 from a multitude of subscribers 110 using the same remote/STB.
  • the profile of the subscriber is retrieved ( 160 ) such that optimal ad matching and targeting can be accomplished. Moreover, the profile retrieved can be updated based on the latest interaction with the EPG (i.e., the programming selected to record can be used to contribute to the profile of the subscriber).
  • the profile used to match and target ads in the recorded programming would be, in a preferred embodiment, the profile of the individual (or individual's agent) that programmed the recording device, it is also possible for the programmer to select a profile to use (i.e., other than their own). This would be useful in the case that one individual recorded a program for another individual. Algorithmic means could also be employed to statically predict the probable subscriber of the recorded programming (i.e., based on its context and timing). Using one or more of the above-described means, the subscriber profile is obtained by the AMS 112 .
  • the AMS 112 can either group the subscribers ( 170 ) and build a schedule of ads to be delivered with and/or inserted into the recorded programming ( 180 ).
  • the targeted ads are inserted into the program based on the schedule ( 190 ).
  • the targeted ad insertion occurs at the STB as the programming is being recorded ( 192 ).
  • the ad insertion occurs at the HE.
  • the applicable presentation stream (program stream with targeted ad) is delivered to the subscriber 110 ( 194 ).
  • the insertion occurs during playback.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method for targeting ads in programs to be recorded or programs that are flagged.
  • a subscriber 110 programs a recording devise to record a particular TV program (step 200 ).
  • the subscriber 110 programs TV programs to record with an EPG.
  • the recording schedule is either retrieved from the EPG by the AMS 112 or the EPG sends the recording schedule to the AMS 112 (step 205 ).
  • the AMS 112 characterizes the programs to be recorded (step 210 ).
  • the subscriber 110 may also flag a TV program to be viewed at a later time (step 215 ).
  • the AMS 112 characterizes the flagged programs (step 210 ).
  • the AMS 112 identifies probable or potential subscribers 110 (step 230 ). The AMS 112 then retrieves and updates profiles for these subscribers 110 (step 240 ). Based on the identified programs and the identified subscriber profiles the AMS 112 generates a schedule of avails and matches ads with these avails (step 250 ). The targeted ads are then delivered during the program (step 260 ).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates ad insertion at a STB 300 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Ads are stored locally in the STB 300 and are inserted into programming avails according to a schedule generated by the AMS 112 .
  • the AMS 112 would build such a schedule based on ad scheduling sales and contracts, ad profile and subscriber profile matching, and advertiser requirements/desires and constraints.
  • Such functions of the AMS 112 including ad-subscriber matching, ad scheduling, ad delivery, and ad insertion, are described in detail in applicants co-pending U.S. provisional application Nos. 60/183,409 filed on Feb. 18, 2000 entitled “Ad Matching Service”, 60/196,375 filed on Apr.
  • the avail schedule may be known more definitively in advance, which may allow more efficient scheduling.
  • ad insertion is performed at the STB 300 with ads being delivered and stored at the STB 300 for subsequent insertion according to a schedule.
  • ad identifiers are sent or stored at the STB 300 .
  • the appropriate ad identifier is used to request the ad (i.e., from a streaming media server).
  • the scheduler would form a schedule of ads to be inserted into the recorded programming.
  • This schedule could take on many forms, but in a preferred embodiment, it is in the form of an ad queue as described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 60/229,156 filed on Aug. 31, 2000 entitled “Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising”. As described in that application, such an ad queue can be used to accomplish, inter alia, targeted and program independent advertising.
  • Additional avails maybe created by the system itself (i.e., advertising during a premium or PPV event).
  • a subscriber 110 may record one or more programs while concurrently watching one or more other programs, it is readily apparent that more “avails” exist for the delivery of targeted ads. For instance, while a subscriber 110 is watching one prime time program, another one is being recorded. The number of prime-time avails in this example has doubled.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates how one subscriber 110 is watching one program while recording another program, the number of avails for targeted advertising is effectively doubled from a case in which the subscriber 110 only watches one program. This could happen when there is only one receiver in the home and two or more different subscribers 110 want to watch different programs that are aired at the same time. It could also be the case that one subscriber 110 wants to watch two programs that are broadcast concurrently.
  • Other circumstances that illustrate the opportunity to take advantage of the number of increased avails presented because of the recording of programming include using, to receive and record programming, multiple STBs, a STB with multiple tuners, and Residential Gateways (RGs) that can distribute multiple channels simultaneously to various household devices (i.e., TVs and VCRs).
  • RGs Residential Gateways
  • the ad matching and ad scheduling is done at the STB 300 (as opposed to the HE). Based on the programming, the subscriber profile, and the advertisements contracts or sales (i.e., ad priorities), one or more algorithms resident and executing on the STB 300 receive the record schedule and generate a queue of ads that the STB 300 will insert and display during the avails of the recorded programming. It is to be understood that ad matching and scheduling can be done to varying degrees at either the STB 300 or the HE depending on the desired implementation, but where the matching and scheduling is performed does not affect the inventive concept of targeted advertising during recorded programming.
  • a subscriber 110 using an EPG, identifies a program that the subscriber 110 wishes to record, and uses the EPG-record (i.e., VCR+ function) button on the remote control to select that program for recording.
  • EPG-record i.e., VCR+ function
  • the potential subscribers 110 of the recorded programming are identified and their profiles are accessed and used, along with other inputs, to determine which ads will be presented in the recorded program.
  • the advertising targeted to the view would be determined based on the appropriate profile, or alternatively as described above, a subscriber identification function would be performed to associate the recording session with one or more specific profiles.
  • the schedule generated is used to deliver targeted ads in the programming to be recorded.
  • the present invention also allows for the customized creation of avails (advertising opportunities) in the recorded programming.
  • ads are inserted into programming at the STB 300 , the ads having been delivered to and stored at the STB 300 or requested in real-time from another source at the time of insertion, customized creation or modification of avails is possible.
  • a subscriber 300 records a conventional “commercial free” program such as a PPV program or premium channel (i.e., HBO)
  • avails can be created before and after the recorded program (or even during a customized Intermission).
  • the recording device could begin recording a few minutes before the start of the recorded programming, and customized ads could be inserted into this space.
  • Ads could also be inserted into the end of programming by causing the recording device to record for a few additional minutes. Typically, movies are scheduled in a time frame (i.e. 2 hrs) but do not run for this long. Targeted advertising could be inserted into the space between the end of the movie and the end of the recording period.
  • the grouping of subscribers 110 and the delivery of targeted ads to groups of subscribers 110 in which members of the groups have programmed their recording device to record the same programming are accomplished.
  • Popular programs, debuts, sports and political events, and all other programming which expect a large audience will typically be recorded by subscribers 110 who can not watch the program during the broadcast (i.e., they're watching or doing something else). In these circumstances, a large number of subscribers 110 may program their recording device to record the same program.
  • These programmed instructions can be retrieved by the AMS 112 , and targeted advertising can be delivered to groups and sub-groups within this recording population. This targeted advertising can be accomplished by ad insertion at the HE as described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/635,542 filed on Aug. 10, 2000 entitled “Grouping Subscribers Based on Demographic Data”, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example architecture for the delivery of multiple presentation streams with targeted ads.
  • the above application describes a method for grouping subscribers, and matching ads to those subscriber groups.
  • multiple presentation streams are created corresponding to the subscriber groups and targeted ads are inserted and delivered with these streams to the appropriate group(s).
  • the subscribers belonging to a common group will receive and record programming containing targeted ads.
  • ad insertion occurs at the HE, not at the STB 300 .
  • the programmed record schedule i.e., via the EPG
  • the EPG is used to flag or select a program for future viewing.
  • Such an EPG “notify to watch” feature is well known in the art as mentioned above.
  • Targeted advertising can be scheduled and delivered in advance of the programming and displayed during the selected programming.
  • the AMS 112 would detect that a subscriber 110 had flagged a program for future viewing.
  • a new or revised ad schedule or queue could be generated in anticipation of the flagged programming, taking into account, inter alia, the program characteristics, and its derivative effects (i.e., identify and update profile of subscriber) thus improving the efficiency of the targeting of advertisements.

Abstract

A system and method for delivering addressable or targeted advertising to subscribers during programming that the subscribers have recorded identifies the timing and characterization of programs to be recorded and the probable subscriber of those programs. Using the subscriber profiles of those subscribers, either already developed or generated on-the-fly based on program selection, and ad characterizations/profiles, the system generates a schedule of advertisements to be inserted into the avails (advertising opportunities) of the programming as it is recorded. The schedule generated can depend on correlations or matching between the ad profiles and the subscribers' profile, scheduling requirements (i.e., contracts and sales with advertisers) and timing. This system allows for targeted advertising to be delivered to subscribers during recorded programming and thus provides for additional opportunities for advertisers to reach subscribers in a highly addressable fashion.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/680,622 filed on Oct. 6, 2000, entitled “Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising during Recorded Programs,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • This application is related to the following U.S. applications: Ser. No. 09/635,252 filed on Aug. 9, 2000, now abandoned, entitled “Subscriber Characterization Based Electronic Program Guide Data”; Ser. No. 09/635,253 filed on Aug. 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,714,917, entitled “Subscriber Identification Based on Electronic Program Guide Data”; and Ser. No. 09/635,542 filed on Aug. 10, 2000, entitled “Grouping Subscribers Based On Demographic Data”. This application is also related to the following co-pending U.S. provisional applications: 60/183,411 filed on Feb. 18, 2000, entitled “Ad Management System”; 60/183,409, filed on Feb. 18, 2000, entitled “Ad Matching Service”; 60/196,375 filed on Apr. 12, 2000, entitled “Ad Matching Service”; and 60/229,156 filed on Aug. 31, 2000, entitled “Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising”. The disclosures of all of these applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates generally to scheduling and delivery of targeted television advertisements (ad), and specifically to delivering the targeted ads during programming that a viewer (subscriber), or subscriber's agent, has chosen to record. The present invention also relates to delivering the targeted ads to a programmed recording device, wherein automatic programming of the programmed recording device is performed using an electronic program guide (EPG).
  • Television (TV) advertising is a major component in assisting manufacturers, distributors, vendors, and other organizations interested in publicizing their product, brand, service, or viewpoint, in reaching segments of the public. Moreover, TV advertising subsidizes the cost of a large part of TV programming delivered to consumers. Advertisers commonly wish to deliver (target) certain ads to one or more groups of subscribers, such groups having particular demographic characteristics, such as income, age, gender, etc. These advertisers typically have access to market and demographic studies that allow them limited control over delivering their ads to specific groups of subscribers. One such method is “linked sponsorship”, well known and used in the advertising industry. Linked sponsorship involves determining what demographic group or groups watch particular programming (e.g., from Nielsen data), and then buying (or contracting for) commercial spots during those programs for which the demographic viewership matches the desires of the advertiser. Improvements over the linked sponsorship model have been developed which allow advertisers to target their ads to the appropriate viewers or groups of viewers more efficiently. Such systems are disclosed in applicants U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/591,577 filed on Jun. 9, 2000, entitled “Privacy-Protected Advertising System”; 09/268,519 filed on Mar. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,348, entitled “Consumer Profiling System”; 09/268,526 filed on Mar. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,129, entitled “Advertising Selection System Supporting Discretionary Target Market Characteristics”; and 09/553,637 filed on Apr. 20, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,277, entitled “Advertising Management System for Digital Video Streams”. All of these applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. These systems provide, inter alia, for the collection and processing of consumer and subscriber data in order to develop a profile for a subscriber or group of subscribers. These profiles, along with ad characterizations and other advertiser requirements, are used to match and deliver “targeted” ads to subscribers such that subscribers receive ads more appropriate for them (i.e., of more interest and hence more effective). An additional important feature of these systems is that they provide for delivery and storage of ads at the set-top box (STB), and program independent insertion and presentation of these ads to the subscriber. These targeted advertising systems provide advertisers with the means to target and reach subscribers of interest to them more effectively.
  • Recording TV programming is quite common among TV viewers (subscribers). The recording of programming allows the subscriber more flexibility in what and when the subscriber watches programs of interest to that subscriber. This is particularly true in the cable TV arena where dozens to hundreds of programming choices are simultaneously available to the subscriber. Programming a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) or other recording device can be a tedious process, for example, it may require navigating a complex programming menu, and the exact date and time of the desired programming must be obtained by the subscriber before any programming of the VCR can begin. Systems have been developed to simplify the recording process by reducing the number of keystrokes and providing a way for a subscriber to automatically program their VCR using program schedule information. Young et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,121) discloses a system for controlling VCR operation via broadcast scheduling information. Yuen et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,974,222, and 6,049,652) disclose a system allowing the subscriber to program their VCR to record a program that is selected from the EPG. Jackson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,264) also discloses a method for automatically programming a recording device via an EPG. All of the aforementioned patents are hereby incorporated by reference. These and other systems provide for “one-touch record”, wherein the subscriber identifies a program (i.e., via the EPG) that the subscriber wishes to record. The subscriber, while highlighting the desired program, presses a special record button on the remote control, which then programs a pre-configured recording device to record that program (i.e., that channel and that time according to the EPG). Another feature of the interactive EPG, disclosed in those patents is that of a subscriber being able to select or “flag” a future program for watching. When the program selected begins, the EPG notifies the subscriber, or alternatively tunes directly to the selected program.
  • In the advertising systems mentioned above, delivery to the subscriber of targeted or program independent advertising is accomplished while the subscriber is viewing a particular program. Targeted ads can be delivered with particular programming or they can be inserted at the STB and presented to the subscriber independent of the programming being viewed. However, many times a subscriber wants to record a program, for example, when the subscriber wishes to ‘watch’ two shows that are broadcast concurrently. Systems that allow for recording a program while concurrently watching a different program are well known in the art. In another example, the subscriber merely wishes to watch a particular program at a different time than when that program is actually broadcast. The subscriber may program their preferred recording device (i.e., via the EPG) to record such programming. In some systems, targeted ad delivery is dependent on detecting viewership (i.e. detecting whether or not the TV is on, or whether or not there are regular commands from the remote control). However, when a program is recorded, the TV is not typically on, and the subscriber is not present. Thus, targeted ad delivery is not performed. The ability to deliver targeted advertising to subscribers, independent of when they watch a program is desirable, and thus delivering ads during recorded programming is desirable.
  • For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a method and system by which targeted and/or program independent advertisements can be scheduled, delivered and presented to the subscriber while the subscriber is watching recorded programming. There is also a need to be able to deliver targeted advertising to subscribers during programming that they have selected or “flagged” for future watching. There is a further need for identifying the increased number of targeted advertising opportunities (avails) available in recorded or flagged programming, and delivering targeted ads to the subscriber in these avails so that the subscriber will receive addressable advertising when viewing the recorded or flagged program. There is a further need for inserting targeted advertising into programming scheduled to be recorded through the EPG, and for being able to utilize the EPG data to characterize programming and viewership such that optimum ad-viewer (subscriber) matching can be achieved.
  • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention comprises a method and system for delivering addressable, or targeted, advertising to subscribers during programming that the subscribers have recorded. In one embodiment of the present invention, targeted ads are delivered during programming that has been “flagged” for future viewing. Specifically, the present invention provides the means to deliver highly targeted, and in some cases, individualized ads, to subscribers that have programmed a recording device to record one or more programs. This targeted advertising system identifies the timing and characterization of programs to be recorded, and the probable subscriber or subscribers of those programs. Using subscriber profiles, either already developed or generated on-the-fly based on program selection and ad characterizations/profiles, the system generates a schedule of ads to be inserted into the avails (advertising opportunities) of the programming as it is recorded (or as it is displayed), and inserting the ads according to the schedule. The schedule generated can depend on, inter alia, correlations or matching between the ad profiles, the subscribers' profiles, scheduling requirements (i.e., contracts and sales with advertisers), and timing. In one embodiment, the schedule, along with the ads, are delivered to the set-top box (STB) for insertion during the recorded programming. In another embodiment, the ads are periodically delivered and stored on the STB and the STB generates the schedule based on a scheduling algorithm. Ads are inserted into the avails according to the schedule and a record of such insertion is generated to be used for billing. This system allows for targeted advertising to be delivered to subscribers during recorded programming and thus provides for additional opportunities for advertisers to reach subscribers in a highly addressable fashion.
  • According to one embodiment of the present invention, a subscriber uses an electronic program guide (EPG)-record feature to program their recording device to record a specific program or a specific time block. The programming to be recorded is selected via the EPG, and a special record button is pressed or menu option chosen to record the selected program. The recording device is then programmed according to the EPG schedule or alternatively is activated by the EPG at the appropriate recording time.
  • In another embodiment, the EPG is used to flag or select a program for future viewing. Targeted advertising can be scheduled and delivered in advance of the programming and displayed during the selected programming.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide additional targeted advertising opportunities by allowing for targeted ad delivery and presentation to be accomplished during a recorded program, in addition to the targeted advertising performed during “real-time” viewing by the subscriber. Moreover, in cases where a subscriber wishes to record one or more programs while simultaneously viewing another program, the present invention allows for targeted advertising to be delivered with both the program being viewed and with the recorded program. This method works for systems that can record one or more programs concurrently with the viewing of another program.
  • It is a further object of the present invention to allow for grouping of subscribers and the delivery of targeted advertisements to groups of subscribers in which members of the groups have programmed their recording device to record one or more of the same programs or have flagged one or more of the same programs for future viewing.
  • It is yet another object of the present invention to allow for the insertion of targeted advertising during the recording of programming or alternatively, when the programming is being viewed (i.e., displayed on a monitor)
  • Another object of the present invention is to allow for the customized creation of avails (advertising opportunities) in the recorded programming.
  • These and other features and objects of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which should be read in light of the accompanying drawings.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
  • In the Drawings:
  • FIG. 1 is a context diagram illustrating use cases and responsibilities of various elements of the system, according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram, illustrating one mechanism of achieving targeted advertising, according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates ad insertion at the STB, according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the increase in the number of avails for targeted advertising when targeted advertising is directed to recorded programming, according to one embodiment; and
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example architecture for the delivery of multiple presentation streams with targeted advertisements, according to one embodiment.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
  • With reference to the drawings, in general, and FIGS. 1 through 5 in particular, the method and system of the present invention is disclosed.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a use case diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the current invention. A subscriber 110 programs (by himself or through an automated agent) a recording device, such as a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) or a Set-Top Box Hard Drive (STB HD), to record one or more programs that the subscriber 110 desires to watch or interact with in some way (120). As discussed above, many methods for programming a recording device to record one or more upcoming programs is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the subscriber 110 utilizes an electronic program guide (EPG) to identify one or more programs that the subscriber 110 wishes to record (122). As one skilled in the art knows, the subscriber 110 can select (i.e., highlight) one or more programs listed or advertised in the EPG for recording. By selecting a program in the EPG, and then “clicking” a special button on the remote, the program selected will be automatically recorded by the subscriber's preferred recording device. There are other methods of programming a recording device to record programming, including but not limited to conventional on-screen VCR programming (124) or simply pressing the record button on the recording device to start recording.
  • It is to be understood that although the description of the invention is given with reference to a preferred embodiment of utilizing the “EPG-record” feature, any and all other methods of recording programming are equally adapted to and embraced by the present invention, as will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, the selected programs could be currently running (in which case, the recording would begin immediately), or the programs selected could be in the near or distant future depending on how far in advance the EPG data extended. Also, the subscriber 110 would be able to watch one show while simultaneously recording others.
  • An Advertisement Management System (AMS) 112 receives notification of an upcoming record session (130). A preferred embodiment of the AMS 112 is described in applicants co-pending U.S. Provisional application No. 60/183,411 filed on Feb. 18, 2000 entitled “Ad Management System”. The AMS 170 may be located at a recording device or a STB. In a preferred embodiment, the AMS 112 is located remote from the STB, such as at a Cable TV Head End (HE).
  • In another embodiment, the subscriber 110 may select or “flag” a future program for watching (126). As discussed above, when the program selected begins, the EPG notifies the subscriber 110 or alternatively tunes directly to the selected program. The AMS 112 is notified of an upcoming flagged event (136).
  • The selections of programs to record or programs that have been flagged may be sent directly from the EPG or VCR (depending on the method used to program the recording) to the AMS 112. The record and/or flag features could be configured to automatically send notification to the AMS 112 or alternatively, the AMS 112 could periodically poll the recording device or EPG record and/or flag databases to gain access to the programmed record and/or flag schedules.
  • After receiving notification of a future record (130) or flagged (136) event, the AMS 112 characterizes the particular program (140). The AMS 112 characterizes the program by gathering data including, but not limited to, timing, duration and programming (i.e., title and category of program, description of program, etc.). Such programming information could be extracted from a variety of sources, but in a preferred embodiment, the programming information is retrieved from the EPG database (142), as described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/635,252 filed on Aug. 9, 2000 entitled “Subscriber Characterization Based on Electronic Program Guide Data”.
  • The AMS 112 also identifies probable subscribers (150) who would be watching the program that has been identified as being recorded or flagged. This identification may be based on the characterization of the program (140). In a preferred embodiment, the potential or probable subscribers are identified by a subscriber ID. Such identification is used to obtain a subscriber profile that is used to allow for the most efficient matching and targeting of ads to be scheduled and delivered during the recorded programming. The identification could be that of a “household,” (i.e., the profile or aggregate profile of the entire household), a particular STB within that household (i.e., different subscribers within the household frequent one STB preferentially to others), or of a particular unique subscriber. Subscriber identification becomes increasingly important when it is recognized that a unique household may comprise multiple distinct subscribers and each subscriber may have a unique profile. For instance, each of several STBs within a household may be associated with a different subscriber and thus have a different profile. Thus, the STB used to record (or receive) the program to be recorded would be identified with a profile corresponding to a particular subscriber 110. Alternatively, a single STB could be used for multiple subscribers 110 and would be assigned a particular profile based on the different times and/or for different events that are flagged or programmed to be recorded.
  • In a preferred embodiment, the subscriber's profile could be one of several unique profiles corresponding to unique individuals within the household. Methods of subscriber identification are known in the art (i.e., entering a personal identification number (PIN) or using an individual remote). A novel method of identifying one subscriber from several subscribers that use the same remote and STB is described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/635,253 filed on Aug. 9, 2000 entitled “Subscriber Identification Based on Electronic Program Guide Data”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application describes how subscriber interaction with the remote, including volume changes, rapidity of channel changes, methods and characteristics of interacting with the EPG, etc., are used to develop a subscriber “identity profile”, such a profile being used to distinguish one subscriber 110 from a multitude of subscribers 110 using the same remote/STB.
  • Once the potential and probable subscriber is identified, the profile of the subscriber is retrieved (160) such that optimal ad matching and targeting can be accomplished. Moreover, the profile retrieved can be updated based on the latest interaction with the EPG (i.e., the programming selected to record can be used to contribute to the profile of the subscriber). Methods of developing subscriber profiles based upon click-stream data and demographic databases are described in detail in applicants' co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/635,542 filed on Aug. 10, 2000 entitled “Grouping Subscribers Based on Demographic Data”. Although the profile used to match and target ads in the recorded programming would be, in a preferred embodiment, the profile of the individual (or individual's agent) that programmed the recording device, it is also possible for the programmer to select a profile to use (i.e., other than their own). This would be useful in the case that one individual recorded a program for another individual. Algorithmic means could also be employed to statically predict the probable subscriber of the recorded programming (i.e., based on its context and timing). Using one or more of the above-described means, the subscriber profile is obtained by the AMS 112.
  • Having obtained the specifics of what will be recorded and who (i.e., what profiles) will be watching the recorded programming, the AMS 112 can either group the subscribers (170) and build a schedule of ads to be delivered with and/or inserted into the recorded programming (180). The targeted ads are inserted into the program based on the schedule (190). In the preferred embodiment, the targeted ad insertion occurs at the STB as the programming is being recorded (192). In one alternative embodiment, the ad insertion occurs at the HE. The applicable presentation stream (program stream with targeted ad) is delivered to the subscriber 110 (194). In an alternate embodiment, the insertion occurs during playback. Mechanisms for ad characterization, matching, scheduling, and sales are described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/591,577 filed on Jun. 9, 2000 entitled “Privacy-Protected Advertising System” and 09/268,526 filed on Mar. 12, 1999 entitled “Advertising Selection System Supporting Discretionary Target Market Characteristics”, which are herein incorporated by reference.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method for targeting ads in programs to be recorded or programs that are flagged. A subscriber 110 programs a recording devise to record a particular TV program (step 200). In a preferred embodiment, the subscriber 110 programs TV programs to record with an EPG. The recording schedule is either retrieved from the EPG by the AMS 112 or the EPG sends the recording schedule to the AMS 112 (step 205). The AMS 112 characterizes the programs to be recorded (step 210). The subscriber 110 may also flag a TV program to be viewed at a later time (step 215). The AMS 112 characterizes the flagged programs (step 210). Regardless of whether the TV program is programmed to be recorded or is flagged for viewing at a particular time, the AMS 112 identifies probable or potential subscribers 110 (step 230). The AMS 112 then retrieves and updates profiles for these subscribers 110 (step 240). Based on the identified programs and the identified subscriber profiles the AMS 112 generates a schedule of avails and matches ads with these avails (step 250). The targeted ads are then delivered during the program (step 260).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates ad insertion at a STB 300, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Ads are stored locally in the STB 300 and are inserted into programming avails according to a schedule generated by the AMS 112. In a preferred embodiment, the AMS 112 would build such a schedule based on ad scheduling sales and contracts, ad profile and subscriber profile matching, and advertiser requirements/desires and constraints. Such functions of the AMS 112 including ad-subscriber matching, ad scheduling, ad delivery, and ad insertion, are described in detail in applicants co-pending U.S. provisional application Nos. 60/183,409 filed on Feb. 18, 2000 entitled “Ad Matching Service”, 60/196,375 filed on Apr. 12, 2000 entitled “Ad Matching Service”, and 60/229,156 filed on Aug. 31, 2000 entitled “Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, in cases of non-live (i.e. prerecorded) broadcast, the avail schedule may be known more definitively in advance, which may allow more efficient scheduling.
  • In a preferred embodiment, ad insertion is performed at the STB 300 with ads being delivered and stored at the STB 300 for subsequent insertion according to a schedule. Alternatively, ad identifiers are sent or stored at the STB 300. When an ad is to be inserted in the programming, the appropriate ad identifier is used to request the ad (i.e., from a streaming media server). The scheduler would form a schedule of ads to be inserted into the recorded programming. This schedule could take on many forms, but in a preferred embodiment, it is in the form of an ad queue as described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 60/229,156 filed on Aug. 31, 2000 entitled “Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising”. As described in that application, such an ad queue can be used to accomplish, inter alia, targeted and program independent advertising.
  • One aspect and advantage of the invention that needs to be emphasized is the creation of additional opportunities for the delivery of targeted advertising. Additional avails maybe created by the system itself (i.e., advertising during a premium or PPV event). However, because a subscriber 110 may record one or more programs while concurrently watching one or more other programs, it is readily apparent that more “avails” exist for the delivery of targeted ads. For instance, while a subscriber 110 is watching one prime time program, another one is being recorded. The number of prime-time avails in this example has doubled.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates how one subscriber 110 is watching one program while recording another program, the number of avails for targeted advertising is effectively doubled from a case in which the subscriber 110 only watches one program. This could happen when there is only one receiver in the home and two or more different subscribers 110 want to watch different programs that are aired at the same time. It could also be the case that one subscriber 110 wants to watch two programs that are broadcast concurrently. Other circumstances that illustrate the opportunity to take advantage of the number of increased avails presented because of the recording of programming include using, to receive and record programming, multiple STBs, a STB with multiple tuners, and Residential Gateways (RGs) that can distribute multiple channels simultaneously to various household devices (i.e., TVs and VCRs).
  • In an alternative embodiment, the ad matching and ad scheduling is done at the STB 300 (as opposed to the HE). Based on the programming, the subscriber profile, and the advertisements contracts or sales (i.e., ad priorities), one or more algorithms resident and executing on the STB 300 receive the record schedule and generate a queue of ads that the STB 300 will insert and display during the avails of the recorded programming. It is to be understood that ad matching and scheduling can be done to varying degrees at either the STB 300 or the HE depending on the desired implementation, but where the matching and scheduling is performed does not affect the inventive concept of targeted advertising during recorded programming.
  • The following is an example scenario of how the method and system of the present invention would be used to effect targeted advertising during a recorded program. A subscriber 110, using an EPG, identifies a program that the subscriber 110 wishes to record, and uses the EPG-record (i.e., VCR+ function) button on the remote control to select that program for recording.
  • In a preferred embodiment, the potential subscribers 110 of the recorded programming are identified and their profiles are accessed and used, along with other inputs, to determine which ads will be presented in the recorded program. There could be an additional feature of the EPG-record, allowing for the identity(ies) and thus the profile(s) of the actual subscribers 110 to be determined. The advertising targeted to the view would be determined based on the appropriate profile, or alternatively as described above, a subscriber identification function would be performed to associate the recording session with one or more specific profiles. The schedule generated is used to deliver targeted ads in the programming to be recorded.
  • The present invention also allows for the customized creation of avails (advertising opportunities) in the recorded programming. In a preferred embodiment, ads are inserted into programming at the STB 300, the ads having been delivered to and stored at the STB 300 or requested in real-time from another source at the time of insertion, customized creation or modification of avails is possible. For instance, when a subscriber 300 records a conventional “commercial free” program such as a PPV program or premium channel (i.e., HBO), avails can be created before and after the recorded program (or even during a customized Intermission). For example, the recording device could begin recording a few minutes before the start of the recorded programming, and customized ads could be inserted into this space. Ads could also be inserted into the end of programming by causing the recording device to record for a few additional minutes. Typically, movies are scheduled in a time frame (i.e. 2 hrs) but do not run for this long. Targeted advertising could be inserted into the space between the end of the movie and the end of the recording period.
  • According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grouping of subscribers 110 and the delivery of targeted ads to groups of subscribers 110 in which members of the groups have programmed their recording device to record the same programming are accomplished. Popular programs, debuts, sports and political events, and all other programming which expect a large audience, will typically be recorded by subscribers 110 who can not watch the program during the broadcast (i.e., they're watching or doing something else). In these circumstances, a large number of subscribers 110 may program their recording device to record the same program. These programmed instructions can be retrieved by the AMS 112, and targeted advertising can be delivered to groups and sub-groups within this recording population. This targeted advertising can be accomplished by ad insertion at the HE as described in applicants co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/635,542 filed on Aug. 10, 2000 entitled “Grouping Subscribers Based on Demographic Data”, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example architecture for the delivery of multiple presentation streams with targeted ads. The above application describes a method for grouping subscribers, and matching ads to those subscriber groups. At the HE, multiple presentation streams are created corresponding to the subscriber groups and targeted ads are inserted and delivered with these streams to the appropriate group(s). The subscribers belonging to a common group will receive and record programming containing targeted ads. In this system, ad insertion occurs at the HE, not at the STB 300. The programmed record schedule (i.e., via the EPG) would be transmitted to the HE, groups of subscribers 110 identified or formed, and targeted ads inserted and delivered to target groups during that programming for which subscribers 110 had programmed their recording device to record (i.e., via the EPG).
  • In an alternate embodiment, the EPG is used to flag or select a program for future viewing. Such an EPG “notify to watch” feature is well known in the art as mentioned above. Targeted advertising can be scheduled and delivered in advance of the programming and displayed during the selected programming. The AMS 112 would detect that a subscriber 110 had flagged a program for future viewing. A new or revised ad schedule or queue could be generated in anticipation of the flagged programming, taking into account, inter alia, the program characteristics, and its derivative effects (i.e., identify and update profile of subscriber) thus improving the efficiency of the targeting of advertisements.
  • Although this invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made that clearly fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A method of delivering targeted advertisements to a plurality of video recording devices associated with a plurality of subscribers, the method comprising:
(a) receiving recording schedules from one or more of the subscribers, wherein the recording schedules identify programs to be recorded by the one or more subscribers on the associated video recording devices;
(b) retrieving demographic data for the one or more subscribers;
(c) assigning the one or more subscribers to at least one market segment based on the demographic data and the received recording schedules;
(d) associating one or more targeted advertisements to the each of the at least one market segments;
(e) delivering the targeted advertisements to the video recording devices associated with the market segments.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes characterizing the programs to be recorded.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the assigning of step (c) is based on the characterization of step (a).
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the characterization in step (a) is performed using data from an electronic program guide.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes generating the recording schedules based on programming the video recording devices to record programming.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said programming the video recording devices is performed via an electronic program guide.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the assigning in step (c) is based on the content of the programs identified in the received recording schedules.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the assigning in step (c) is based on analyzing data regarding subscriber interactions with an electronic program guide.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the targeted advertisements are delivered prior to recording the identified programs.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the associating of step (d) is based on a comparison of a profile of the targeted advertisements with each of the at least one market segments.
US11/196,774 2000-02-18 2005-08-03 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs Abandoned US20050283796A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/196,774 US20050283796A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2005-08-03 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs
US12/270,298 US20090070806A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2008-11-13 Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising during Recorded Programs
US14/671,272 US9894398B2 (en) 2000-02-18 2015-03-27 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs
US15/895,654 US10368117B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2018-02-13 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18341100P 2000-02-18 2000-02-18
US18340900P 2000-02-18 2000-02-18
US19637500P 2000-04-12 2000-04-12
US22915600P 2000-08-31 2000-08-31
US68062200A 2000-10-06 2000-10-06
US11/196,774 US20050283796A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2005-08-03 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US68062200A Continuation 1998-12-03 2000-10-06

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/270,298 Continuation US20090070806A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2008-11-13 Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising during Recorded Programs

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050283796A1 true US20050283796A1 (en) 2005-12-22

Family

ID=46304915

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/196,774 Abandoned US20050283796A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2005-08-03 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs
US12/270,298 Abandoned US20090070806A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2008-11-13 Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising during Recorded Programs
US14/671,272 Expired - Fee Related US9894398B2 (en) 2000-02-18 2015-03-27 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs
US15/895,654 Expired - Fee Related US10368117B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2018-02-13 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/270,298 Abandoned US20090070806A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2008-11-13 Method and System for Addressable and Program Independent Advertising during Recorded Programs
US14/671,272 Expired - Fee Related US9894398B2 (en) 2000-02-18 2015-03-27 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs
US15/895,654 Expired - Fee Related US10368117B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2018-02-13 Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (4) US20050283796A1 (en)

Cited By (111)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20010029610A1 (en) * 2000-02-01 2001-10-11 Corvin Johnny B. Systems and methods for providing promotions with recorded programs
US20010052000A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2001-12-13 Giacalone Louis D. System for electronically distributing, displaying and controlling advertising and other communicative media
US20030046688A1 (en) * 2001-08-30 2003-03-06 Nec Corporation Video distributing method and system
US20030105809A1 (en) * 2001-11-30 2003-06-05 Fujitsu Limited Method and system for distributing digital content, and server and terminal stations therefor
US20040237102A1 (en) * 2003-03-07 2004-11-25 Richard Konig Advertisement substitution
US20050204381A1 (en) * 2004-03-10 2005-09-15 Microsoft Corporation Targeted advertising based on consumer purchasing data
US20060161425A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2006-07-20 Bong-Ho Lee System and method for providing electronic program guide
US20060187358A1 (en) * 2003-03-07 2006-08-24 Lienhart Rainer W Video entity recognition in compressed digital video streams
US20060248569A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2006-11-02 Lienhart Rainer W Video stream modification to defeat detection
US20060277569A1 (en) * 2005-06-06 2006-12-07 Microsoft Corporation DVR-based targeted advertising
US20070016847A1 (en) * 2000-03-31 2007-01-18 United Video Properties, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US20070022032A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2007-01-25 Anderson Bruce J Content selection based on signaling from customer premises equipment in a broadcast network
US20070118590A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2007-05-24 Giacalone Louis Jr Method and system for electronic scheduling for playback of media contents
US20070192789A1 (en) * 2006-02-15 2007-08-16 Sbc Knowledge Ventures L.P. Inserting data objects into encrypted video streams
US20080027801A1 (en) * 2006-07-31 2008-01-31 Sbc Knowledge Ventures L.P. Method and system for advertisement insertion within an internet protocol television (IPTV) system
GB2443037A (en) * 2006-06-09 2008-04-23 Pictoro Ltd Selectively broadcasting a plurality of digital media in a computer network
US20080206732A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2008-08-28 Sceai Variation and Control of Sensory Work Playback
US20080243583A1 (en) * 2007-04-02 2008-10-02 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Method and system for dynamic scheduling of content delivery
US20080307066A1 (en) * 2007-06-07 2008-12-11 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Systems and Methods of Providing Collaborative Consumer-Controlled Advertising Environments
US20090031339A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-01-29 John Pickens Architecture for Scaling Just-in-Time Placement of Advertising Content
US20090100460A1 (en) * 2007-10-11 2009-04-16 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods, systems and computer program products for providing ad insertion via a multimedia applications gateway
US20090133054A1 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-05-21 Matthew Thomas Boggie Presentation of auxiliary content via a content presentation device
US20090299843A1 (en) * 2008-06-02 2009-12-03 Roy Shkedi Targeted television advertisements selected on the basis of an online user profile and presented with television programs or channels related to that profile
WO2010017379A2 (en) 2008-08-06 2010-02-11 Invidi Technologies Corporation Third party data matching for targeted advertising
US7690013B1 (en) 1998-12-03 2010-03-30 Prime Research Alliance E., Inc. Advertisement monitoring system
US20100083307A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2010-04-01 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Media player with networked playback control and advertisement insertion
US20100082727A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2010-04-01 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Social network-driven media player system and method
US7694318B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2010-04-06 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video detection and insertion
US20100150530A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2010-06-17 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Network media player and overlay feature
US7805373B1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2010-09-28 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Synchronizing multiple playback device timing utilizing DRM encoding
US20100251289A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2010-09-30 Microsoft Corporation Advertisement insertion decisions for set top box management of advertisements
US20100251278A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2010-09-30 Microsoft Corporation Measurement and reporting of set top box inserted ad impressions
US7849477B2 (en) 2007-01-30 2010-12-07 Invidi Technologies Corporation Asset targeting system for limited resource environments
US7882522B2 (en) 2006-11-29 2011-02-01 Microsoft Corporation Determining user interest based on guide navigation
US7941818B2 (en) 1999-06-28 2011-05-10 Index Systems, Inc. System and method for utilizing EPG database for modifying advertisements
US7949565B1 (en) 1998-12-03 2011-05-24 Prime Research Alliance E., Inc. Privacy-protected advertising system
US20110145857A1 (en) * 2009-12-16 2011-06-16 Microsoft Corporation Scalable advertising system for dynamically inserting advertisements
US7996864B2 (en) 1994-08-31 2011-08-09 Gemstar Development Corporation Method and apparatus for displaying television programs and related text
US8060904B1 (en) 2008-02-25 2011-11-15 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Dynamic load based ad insertion
US8181200B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2012-05-15 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Method and system for displaying advertising, video, and program schedule listing
US8272011B2 (en) 1996-12-19 2012-09-18 Index Systems, Inc. Method and system for displaying advertisements between schedule listings
US8336071B2 (en) 1996-12-19 2012-12-18 Gemstar Development Corporation System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
US8352978B2 (en) 1998-05-15 2013-01-08 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for advertising television networks, channels, and programs
US8359616B2 (en) 2009-09-30 2013-01-22 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for automatically generating advertisements using a media guidance application
US20130054366A1 (en) * 2011-06-06 2013-02-28 Nfluence Media, Inc. Method and apparatus for displaying ads directed to personas having associated characteristics
US8600808B2 (en) 2007-06-07 2013-12-03 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Methods and systems of presenting advertisements in consumer-defined environments
US8613020B2 (en) 1998-04-30 2013-12-17 United Video Properties, Inc. Program guide system with flip and browse advertisements
US8612310B2 (en) 2005-12-29 2013-12-17 United Video Properties, Inc. Method and system for commerce in media program related merchandise
US8615782B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2013-12-24 Starsight Telecast, Inc. System and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters
US8646005B2 (en) 1996-05-03 2014-02-04 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Information system
US8683502B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2014-03-25 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US8756103B1 (en) 2007-03-28 2014-06-17 Qurio Holdings, Inc. System and method of implementing alternative redemption options for a consumer-centric advertising system
US8793738B2 (en) 1994-05-04 2014-07-29 Starsight Telecast Incorporated Television system with downloadable features
US8806536B2 (en) 1998-03-04 2014-08-12 United Video Properties, Inc. Program guide system with preference profiles
US8832742B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2014-09-09 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for acquiring, categorizing and delivering media in interactive media guidance applications
US8863170B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2014-10-14 United Video Properties, Inc. System and method for metadata-linked advertisements
US8904441B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2014-12-02 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for providing program suggestions in an interactive television program guide
US8918807B2 (en) 1997-07-21 2014-12-23 Gemstar Development Corporation System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
US8931008B2 (en) 1999-06-29 2015-01-06 United Video Properties, Inc. Promotional philosophy for a video-on-demand-related interactive display within an interactive television application
US8949901B2 (en) 2011-06-29 2015-02-03 Rovi Guides, Inc. Methods and systems for customizing viewing environment preferences in a viewing environment control application
US9015750B2 (en) 1998-05-15 2015-04-21 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories
US9021538B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2015-04-28 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server based interactive guide with server recording
US9047626B2 (en) 1999-09-21 2015-06-02 I/P Engine, Inc. Content distribution system and method
US9071886B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2015-06-30 Almondnet, Inc. Targeted television advertising based on a profile linked to an online device associated with a content-selecting device
US9071872B2 (en) 2003-01-30 2015-06-30 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders
US9075861B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2015-07-07 Veveo, Inc. Methods and systems for segmenting relative user preferences into fine-grain and coarse-grain collections
US9083938B2 (en) 2007-02-26 2015-07-14 Sony Computer Entertainment America Llc Media player with networked playback control and advertisement insertion
US9083853B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2015-07-14 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertisements associated with online users' preferred television programs or channels
US9098868B1 (en) 2007-03-20 2015-08-04 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Coordinating advertisements at multiple playback devices
US9111285B2 (en) 2007-08-27 2015-08-18 Qurio Holdings, Inc. System and method for representing content, user presence and interaction within virtual world advertising environments
US9113107B2 (en) 2005-11-08 2015-08-18 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive advertising and program promotion in an interactive television system
US9113207B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2015-08-18 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for contextually linking television program information
US9125169B2 (en) 2011-12-23 2015-09-01 Rovi Guides, Inc. Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules
US9137491B2 (en) 2000-02-01 2015-09-15 Rovi Guides, Inc. Methods and systems for forced advertising
US9147198B2 (en) 2013-01-10 2015-09-29 Rovi Technologies Corporation Systems and methods for providing an interface for data driven media placement
US9166714B2 (en) 2009-09-11 2015-10-20 Veveo, Inc. Method of and system for presenting enriched video viewing analytics
US9172987B2 (en) 1998-07-07 2015-10-27 Rovi Guides, Inc. Methods and systems for updating functionality of a set-top box using markup language
US9177081B2 (en) 2005-08-26 2015-11-03 Veveo, Inc. Method and system for processing ambiguous, multi-term search queries
US9215510B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2015-12-15 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for automatically tagging a media asset based on verbal input and playback adjustments
US9288521B2 (en) 2014-05-28 2016-03-15 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for updating media asset data based on pause point in the media asset
US9294799B2 (en) 2000-10-11 2016-03-22 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for providing storage of data on servers in an on-demand media delivery system
US9319735B2 (en) 1995-06-07 2016-04-19 Rovi Guides, Inc. Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access
US9326025B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2016-04-26 Rovi Technologies Corporation Media content search results ranked by popularity
US9348979B2 (en) 2013-05-16 2016-05-24 autoGraph, Inc. Privacy sensitive persona management tools
US9386356B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2016-07-05 Free Stream Media Corp. Targeting with television audience data across multiple screens
US9426509B2 (en) 1998-08-21 2016-08-23 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server electronic program guide
US9451310B2 (en) 1999-09-21 2016-09-20 Quantum Stream Inc. Content distribution system and method
US20160277805A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2016-09-22 Visible World, Inc. System and Method for Simultaneous Broadcast for Personalized Messages
US9519772B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2016-12-13 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US9560425B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-01-31 Free Stream Media Corp. Remotely control devices over a network without authentication or registration
US9591251B2 (en) 1997-10-06 2017-03-07 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive television program guide system with operator showcase
US9619567B2 (en) 2011-06-06 2017-04-11 Nfluence Media, Inc. Consumer self-profiling GUI, analysis and rapid information presentation tools
US9716736B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-07-25 Free Stream Media Corp. System and method of discovery and launch associated with a networked media device
US9736524B2 (en) 2011-01-06 2017-08-15 Veveo, Inc. Methods of and systems for content search based on environment sampling
US9749693B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2017-08-29 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive media guidance application with intelligent navigation and display features
US9848276B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2017-12-19 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for auto-configuring a user equipment device with content consumption material
US9883326B2 (en) 2011-06-06 2018-01-30 autoGraph, Inc. Beacon based privacy centric network communication, sharing, relevancy tools and other tools
US9961388B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-05-01 David Harrison Exposure of public internet protocol addresses in an advertising exchange server to improve relevancy of advertisements
US9986279B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-05-29 Free Stream Media Corp. Discovery, access control, and communication with networked services
US10019730B2 (en) 2012-08-15 2018-07-10 autoGraph, Inc. Reverse brand sorting tools for interest-graph driven personalization
US10063934B2 (en) 2008-11-25 2018-08-28 Rovi Technologies Corporation Reducing unicast session duration with restart TV
US10334324B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2019-06-25 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevant advertisement generation based on a user operating a client device communicatively coupled with a networked media device
US10419541B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2019-09-17 Free Stream Media Corp. Remotely control devices over a network without authentication or registration
US10470021B2 (en) 2014-03-28 2019-11-05 autoGraph, Inc. Beacon based privacy centric network communication, sharing, relevancy tools and other tools
US10540515B2 (en) 2012-11-09 2020-01-21 autoGraph, Inc. Consumer and brand owner data management tools and consumer privacy tools
US10567823B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2020-02-18 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevant advertisement generation based on a user operating a client device communicatively coupled with a networked media device
US10631068B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2020-04-21 Free Stream Media Corp. Content exposure attribution based on renderings of related content across multiple devices
US10631066B2 (en) 2009-09-23 2020-04-21 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and method for automatically detecting users within detection regions of media devices
US10798445B2 (en) * 2009-07-31 2020-10-06 Sky Cp Limited Linear media selection
US10880340B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2020-12-29 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US10977693B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2021-04-13 Free Stream Media Corp. Association of content identifier of audio-visual data with additional data through capture infrastructure

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7856645B2 (en) * 2005-09-01 2010-12-21 Abroadcasting Company Displaying programming and non-programming contents on user-display systems across computer networks
US20080098436A1 (en) * 2006-10-19 2008-04-24 Sbc Knowledge Ventures, L.P. Top recording events list for media device
US8056101B2 (en) 2006-11-02 2011-11-08 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Customized interface based on viewed programming
CN104137131A (en) * 2011-12-28 2014-11-05 英特尔公司 Real-time topic-relevant targeted advertising linked to media experiences
CN103763589A (en) * 2014-01-10 2014-04-30 北京酷云互动科技有限公司 Video advertisement extended information pushing method and device
US20190379920A1 (en) * 2018-06-07 2019-12-12 Tp Vision Holding B.V. Method and system for creating a customized video associated with an advertisement
US10785514B1 (en) 2019-03-14 2020-09-22 Wurl Inc. Campaign router

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4862268A (en) * 1980-03-31 1989-08-29 General Instrument Corporation Addressable cable television control system with video format data transmission
US4930011A (en) * 1988-08-02 1990-05-29 A. C. Nielsen Company Method and apparatus for identifying individual members of a marketing and viewing audience
US5600364A (en) * 1992-12-09 1997-02-04 Discovery Communications, Inc. Network controller for cable television delivery systems
US5635978A (en) * 1994-05-20 1997-06-03 News America Publications, Inc. Electronic television program guide channel system and method
US5652574A (en) * 1993-01-06 1997-07-29 William H. Berkman Dynamically addressable communications system and method
US5758259A (en) * 1995-08-31 1998-05-26 Microsoft Corporation Automated selective programming guide
US5805763A (en) * 1995-05-05 1998-09-08 Microsoft Corporation System and method for automatically recording programs in an interactive viewing system
US5940073A (en) * 1996-05-03 1999-08-17 Starsight Telecast Inc. Method and system for displaying other information in a TV program guide
US6078348A (en) * 1996-06-17 2000-06-20 Starsight Telecast Inc. Television schedule system with enhanced features
US6177931B1 (en) * 1996-12-19 2001-01-23 Index Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for displaying and recording control interface with television programs, video, advertising information and program scheduling information
US6698020B1 (en) * 1998-06-15 2004-02-24 Webtv Networks, Inc. Techniques for intelligent video ad insertion

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6463585B1 (en) * 1992-12-09 2002-10-08 Discovery Communications, Inc. Targeted advertisement using television delivery systems
US5758257A (en) * 1994-11-29 1998-05-26 Herz; Frederick System and method for scheduling broadcast of and access to video programs and other data using customer profiles
IL125141A0 (en) 1998-06-29 1999-01-26 Nds Ltd Advanced television system
CA2302031A1 (en) 1997-08-27 1999-03-04 Starsight Telecast, Incorporated Systems and methods for replacing television signals
US7146627B1 (en) * 1998-06-12 2006-12-05 Metabyte Networks, Inc. Method and apparatus for delivery of targeted video programming
US7360230B1 (en) * 1998-07-27 2008-04-15 Microsoft Corporation Overlay management
US6985882B1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2006-01-10 Directrep, Llc Method and system for selling and purchasing media advertising over a distributed communication network

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4862268A (en) * 1980-03-31 1989-08-29 General Instrument Corporation Addressable cable television control system with video format data transmission
US4930011A (en) * 1988-08-02 1990-05-29 A. C. Nielsen Company Method and apparatus for identifying individual members of a marketing and viewing audience
US5600364A (en) * 1992-12-09 1997-02-04 Discovery Communications, Inc. Network controller for cable television delivery systems
US5652574A (en) * 1993-01-06 1997-07-29 William H. Berkman Dynamically addressable communications system and method
US5635978A (en) * 1994-05-20 1997-06-03 News America Publications, Inc. Electronic television program guide channel system and method
US5805763A (en) * 1995-05-05 1998-09-08 Microsoft Corporation System and method for automatically recording programs in an interactive viewing system
US5758259A (en) * 1995-08-31 1998-05-26 Microsoft Corporation Automated selective programming guide
US5940073A (en) * 1996-05-03 1999-08-17 Starsight Telecast Inc. Method and system for displaying other information in a TV program guide
US6078348A (en) * 1996-06-17 2000-06-20 Starsight Telecast Inc. Television schedule system with enhanced features
US6177931B1 (en) * 1996-12-19 2001-01-23 Index Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for displaying and recording control interface with television programs, video, advertising information and program scheduling information
US6698020B1 (en) * 1998-06-15 2004-02-24 Webtv Networks, Inc. Techniques for intelligent video ad insertion

Cited By (245)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8793738B2 (en) 1994-05-04 2014-07-29 Starsight Telecast Incorporated Television system with downloadable features
US7996864B2 (en) 1994-08-31 2011-08-09 Gemstar Development Corporation Method and apparatus for displaying television programs and related text
US9319735B2 (en) 1995-06-07 2016-04-19 Rovi Guides, Inc. Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access
US9124932B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2015-09-01 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for contextually linking television program information
US9402102B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2016-07-26 Rovi Guides, Inc. System and method for using television schedule information
US8850477B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2014-09-30 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Systems and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters
US8181200B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2012-05-15 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Method and system for displaying advertising, video, and program schedule listing
US8615782B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2013-12-24 Starsight Telecast, Inc. System and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters
US8453174B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2013-05-28 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Method and system for displaying advertising, video, and program schedule listing
US9113207B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2015-08-18 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for contextually linking television program information
US8806538B2 (en) 1996-05-03 2014-08-12 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Information system
US8869204B2 (en) 1996-05-03 2014-10-21 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Method and system for displaying advertisements in an electronic program guide
US8776125B2 (en) 1996-05-03 2014-07-08 Starsight Telecast Inc. Method and system for displaying advertisements in an electronic program guide
US9027058B2 (en) 1996-05-03 2015-05-05 Rovi Guides, Inc. Information system
US9423936B2 (en) 1996-05-03 2016-08-23 Rovi Guides, Inc. Information system
US8646005B2 (en) 1996-05-03 2014-02-04 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Information system
US8336071B2 (en) 1996-12-19 2012-12-18 Gemstar Development Corporation System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
US8726311B2 (en) 1996-12-19 2014-05-13 Gemstar Development Corporation System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
US8448209B2 (en) 1996-12-19 2013-05-21 Gemstar Development Corporation System and method for displaying advertisements responsive to EPG information
US8732757B2 (en) 1996-12-19 2014-05-20 Gemstar Development Corporation System and method for targeted advertisement display responsive to user characteristics
US8635649B2 (en) 1996-12-19 2014-01-21 Gemstar Development Corporation System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
US8272011B2 (en) 1996-12-19 2012-09-18 Index Systems, Inc. Method and system for displaying advertisements between schedule listings
US8918807B2 (en) 1997-07-21 2014-12-23 Gemstar Development Corporation System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
US9015749B2 (en) 1997-07-21 2015-04-21 Rovi Guides, Inc. System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
US9191722B2 (en) 1997-07-21 2015-11-17 Rovi Guides, Inc. System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information
US9591251B2 (en) 1997-10-06 2017-03-07 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive television program guide system with operator showcase
US8806536B2 (en) 1998-03-04 2014-08-12 United Video Properties, Inc. Program guide system with preference profiles
US8613020B2 (en) 1998-04-30 2013-12-17 United Video Properties, Inc. Program guide system with flip and browse advertisements
US9015750B2 (en) 1998-05-15 2015-04-21 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories
US8352978B2 (en) 1998-05-15 2013-01-08 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for advertising television networks, channels, and programs
US9635406B2 (en) 1998-05-15 2017-04-25 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories
US9172987B2 (en) 1998-07-07 2015-10-27 Rovi Guides, Inc. Methods and systems for updating functionality of a set-top box using markup language
US9118948B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2015-08-25 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server based interactive guide with server recording
US9232254B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2016-01-05 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server based interactive television guide with server recording
US10075746B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2018-09-11 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server based interactive television guide with server recording
US9021538B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2015-04-28 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server based interactive guide with server recording
US9226006B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2015-12-29 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server based interactive guide with server recording
US9154843B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2015-10-06 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server based interactive guide with server recording
US9055318B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2015-06-09 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server based interactive guide with server storage
US9055319B2 (en) 1998-07-14 2015-06-09 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive guide with recording
US9426509B2 (en) 1998-08-21 2016-08-23 Rovi Guides, Inc. Client-server electronic program guide
US8484677B1 (en) 1998-12-03 2013-07-09 Prime Research Alliance E., Inc. Advertisement monitoring system
US7949565B1 (en) 1998-12-03 2011-05-24 Prime Research Alliance E., Inc. Privacy-protected advertising system
US7962934B1 (en) 1998-12-03 2011-06-14 Prime Research Alliance E., Inc. Advertisement monitoring system
US7690013B1 (en) 1998-12-03 2010-03-30 Prime Research Alliance E., Inc. Advertisement monitoring system
US7941818B2 (en) 1999-06-28 2011-05-10 Index Systems, Inc. System and method for utilizing EPG database for modifying advertisements
US8931008B2 (en) 1999-06-29 2015-01-06 United Video Properties, Inc. Promotional philosophy for a video-on-demand-related interactive display within an interactive television application
US9117228B1 (en) 1999-09-21 2015-08-25 I/P Engine, Inc. Content distribution system and method
US9047626B2 (en) 1999-09-21 2015-06-02 I/P Engine, Inc. Content distribution system and method
US9635408B2 (en) 1999-09-21 2017-04-25 Quantum Stream Inc. Content distribution system and method
US9349136B2 (en) 1999-09-21 2016-05-24 Quantum Stream Inc. Content distribution system and method
US9451310B2 (en) 1999-09-21 2016-09-20 Quantum Stream Inc. Content distribution system and method
US20010029610A1 (en) * 2000-02-01 2001-10-11 Corvin Johnny B. Systems and methods for providing promotions with recorded programs
US9137491B2 (en) 2000-02-01 2015-09-15 Rovi Guides, Inc. Methods and systems for forced advertising
US8433571B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2013-04-30 United Video Properties, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US7783490B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2010-08-24 United Video Properties, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US20080281601A1 (en) * 2000-03-31 2008-11-13 United Video Properties, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US10015562B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2018-07-03 Rovi Guides, Inc. System and method for metadata-linked advertisements
US9349369B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2016-05-24 Rovi Guides, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US7783491B2 (en) * 2000-03-31 2010-08-24 United Video Properties, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US20070016847A1 (en) * 2000-03-31 2007-01-18 United Video Properties, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US8660846B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2014-02-25 United Video Properties, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US20080162145A1 (en) * 2000-03-31 2008-07-03 Reichardt M Scott User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US8121846B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2012-02-21 United Video Properties, Inc. User speech interfaces for interactive media guidance applications
US8863170B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2014-10-14 United Video Properties, Inc. System and method for metadata-linked advertisements
US7136906B2 (en) * 2000-04-07 2006-11-14 Clarity Visual Systems, Inc. System for electronically distributing, displaying and controlling the play scheduling of advertising and other communicative media
US7523156B2 (en) 2000-04-07 2009-04-21 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and system for electronic scheduling for playback of media contents
US20090240721A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2009-09-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and system for electronically scheduling playback of media contents
US10887658B2 (en) * 2000-04-07 2021-01-05 Tivo Corporation System and method for simultaneous broadcast for personalized messages
US9015237B2 (en) 2000-04-07 2015-04-21 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method for scheduling distribution of content to a plurality of media devices
US8719328B2 (en) 2000-04-07 2014-05-06 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method for scheduling distribution of content to a plurality of media devices
US20070118590A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2007-05-24 Giacalone Louis Jr Method and system for electronic scheduling for playback of media contents
US20160277805A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2016-09-22 Visible World, Inc. System and Method for Simultaneous Broadcast for Personalized Messages
US20010052000A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2001-12-13 Giacalone Louis D. System for electronically distributing, displaying and controlling advertising and other communicative media
US9294799B2 (en) 2000-10-11 2016-03-22 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for providing storage of data on servers in an on-demand media delivery system
US20030046688A1 (en) * 2001-08-30 2003-03-06 Nec Corporation Video distributing method and system
US20030105809A1 (en) * 2001-11-30 2003-06-05 Fujitsu Limited Method and system for distributing digital content, and server and terminal stations therefor
US20060161425A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2006-07-20 Bong-Ho Lee System and method for providing electronic program guide
US7769589B2 (en) * 2002-10-11 2010-08-03 Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute System and method for providing electronic program guide
US9071872B2 (en) 2003-01-30 2015-06-30 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders
US9369741B2 (en) 2003-01-30 2016-06-14 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders
US8073194B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2011-12-06 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video entity recognition in compressed digital video streams
US20060187358A1 (en) * 2003-03-07 2006-08-24 Lienhart Rainer W Video entity recognition in compressed digital video streams
US20090077580A1 (en) * 2003-03-07 2009-03-19 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Method and System for Advertisement Detection and Substitution
US8374387B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2013-02-12 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video entity recognition in compressed digital video streams
US8634652B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2014-01-21 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video entity recognition in compressed digital video streams
US20040237102A1 (en) * 2003-03-07 2004-11-25 Richard Konig Advertisement substitution
US7930714B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2011-04-19 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video detection and insertion
US9147112B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2015-09-29 Rpx Corporation Advertisement detection
US7694318B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2010-04-06 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video detection and insertion
US7809154B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2010-10-05 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video entity recognition in compressed digital video streams
US10986407B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2021-04-20 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for providing program suggestions in an interactive television program guide
US8904441B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2014-12-02 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for providing program suggestions in an interactive television program guide
US10880607B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2020-12-29 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for providing program suggestions in an interactive television program guide
US9191719B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2015-11-17 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for providing program suggestions in an interactive television program guide
US20050204381A1 (en) * 2004-03-10 2005-09-15 Microsoft Corporation Targeted advertising based on consumer purchasing data
US8108895B2 (en) * 2005-01-12 2012-01-31 Invidi Technologies Corporation Content selection based on signaling from customer premises equipment in a broadcast network
US20080276271A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2008-11-06 Invidi Technologies Corporation Voting and headend insertion model for targeting content in a broadcast network
US7546619B2 (en) * 2005-01-12 2009-06-09 Invidi Technologies Corporation Voting and headend insertion model for targeting content in a broadcast network
US20070022032A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2007-01-25 Anderson Bruce J Content selection based on signaling from customer premises equipment in a broadcast network
US8365216B2 (en) 2005-05-02 2013-01-29 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video stream modification to defeat detection
US20060248569A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2006-11-02 Lienhart Rainer W Video stream modification to defeat detection
US7690011B2 (en) 2005-05-02 2010-03-30 Technology, Patents & Licensing, Inc. Video stream modification to defeat detection
US7634785B2 (en) * 2005-06-06 2009-12-15 Microsoft Corporation DVR-based targeted advertising
US20060277569A1 (en) * 2005-06-06 2006-12-07 Microsoft Corporation DVR-based targeted advertising
US9177081B2 (en) 2005-08-26 2015-11-03 Veveo, Inc. Method and system for processing ambiguous, multi-term search queries
US9113107B2 (en) 2005-11-08 2015-08-18 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive advertising and program promotion in an interactive television system
US8620769B2 (en) 2005-12-29 2013-12-31 United Video Properties, Inc. Method and systems for checking that purchasable items are compatible with user equipment
US8612310B2 (en) 2005-12-29 2013-12-17 United Video Properties, Inc. Method and system for commerce in media program related merchandise
US20070192789A1 (en) * 2006-02-15 2007-08-16 Sbc Knowledge Ventures L.P. Inserting data objects into encrypted video streams
US8201195B2 (en) 2006-02-15 2012-06-12 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp System, method and computer readable medium for inserting data objects into encrypted video stream
US7802277B2 (en) 2006-02-15 2010-09-21 Att Knowledge Ventures, L.P. Inserting data objects into encrypted video streams
US9092503B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2015-07-28 Veveo, Inc. Methods and systems for selecting and presenting content based on dynamically identifying microgenres associated with the content
US9075861B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2015-07-07 Veveo, Inc. Methods and systems for segmenting relative user preferences into fine-grain and coarse-grain collections
US10984037B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2021-04-20 Veveo, Inc. Methods and systems for selecting and presenting content on a first system based on user preferences learned on a second system
US9128987B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2015-09-08 Veveo, Inc. Methods and systems for selecting and presenting content based on a comparison of preference signatures from multiple users
US9749693B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2017-08-29 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive media guidance application with intelligent navigation and display features
GB2443037A (en) * 2006-06-09 2008-04-23 Pictoro Ltd Selectively broadcasting a plurality of digital media in a computer network
US20080027801A1 (en) * 2006-07-31 2008-01-31 Sbc Knowledge Ventures L.P. Method and system for advertisement insertion within an internet protocol television (IPTV) system
US8832742B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2014-09-09 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for acquiring, categorizing and delivering media in interactive media guidance applications
US7882522B2 (en) 2006-11-29 2011-02-01 Microsoft Corporation Determining user interest based on guide navigation
US10129589B2 (en) 2007-01-30 2018-11-13 Invidi Technologies Corporation Third party data matching for targeted advertising
US7849477B2 (en) 2007-01-30 2010-12-07 Invidi Technologies Corporation Asset targeting system for limited resource environments
US9729916B2 (en) 2007-01-30 2017-08-08 Invidi Technologies Corporation Third party data matching for targeted advertising
US9904925B2 (en) 2007-01-30 2018-02-27 Invidi Technologies Corporation Asset targeting system for limited resource environments
US20080206732A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2008-08-28 Sceai Variation and Control of Sensory Work Playback
US20100150530A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2010-06-17 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Network media player and overlay feature
US20100083307A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2010-04-01 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Media player with networked playback control and advertisement insertion
US20100082727A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2010-04-01 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Social network-driven media player system and method
US20100080533A1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2010-04-01 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Network media player with user-generated playback control
US9083938B2 (en) 2007-02-26 2015-07-14 Sony Computer Entertainment America Llc Media player with networked playback control and advertisement insertion
US8644677B2 (en) 2007-02-26 2014-02-04 Sony Computer Entertainment America Llc Network media player having a user-generated playback control record
US8522301B2 (en) 2007-02-26 2013-08-27 Sony Computer Entertainment America Llc System and method for varying content according to a playback control record that defines an overlay
US9426524B2 (en) 2007-02-26 2016-08-23 Sony Interactive Entertainment America Llc Media player with networked playback control and advertisement insertion
US9183753B2 (en) 2007-02-26 2015-11-10 Sony Computer Entertainment America Llc Variation and control of sensory work playback
US9326025B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2016-04-26 Rovi Technologies Corporation Media content search results ranked by popularity
US10694256B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2020-06-23 Rovi Technologies Corporation Media content search results ranked by popularity
US9098868B1 (en) 2007-03-20 2015-08-04 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Coordinating advertisements at multiple playback devices
US8756103B1 (en) 2007-03-28 2014-06-17 Qurio Holdings, Inc. System and method of implementing alternative redemption options for a consumer-centric advertising system
US8812354B2 (en) 2007-04-02 2014-08-19 Sony Computer Entertainment America Llc Method and system for dynamic scheduling of content delivery
WO2008124291A1 (en) * 2007-04-02 2008-10-16 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Method and system for dynamic scheduling of content delivery
US20080243583A1 (en) * 2007-04-02 2008-10-02 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Method and system for dynamic scheduling of content delivery
US8600808B2 (en) 2007-06-07 2013-12-03 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Methods and systems of presenting advertisements in consumer-defined environments
US8560387B2 (en) 2007-06-07 2013-10-15 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Systems and methods of providing collaborative consumer-controlled advertising environments
US20080307066A1 (en) * 2007-06-07 2008-12-11 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Systems and Methods of Providing Collaborative Consumer-Controlled Advertising Environments
US8069464B2 (en) * 2007-07-27 2011-11-29 Cisco Technology, Inc. Architecture for scaling just-in-time placement of advertising content
US20090031339A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-01-29 John Pickens Architecture for Scaling Just-in-Time Placement of Advertising Content
US20100332298A1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2010-12-30 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Synchronizing multiple playback device timing utilizing drm encoding
US7805373B1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2010-09-28 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Synchronizing multiple playback device timing utilizing DRM encoding
US8583555B1 (en) 2007-07-31 2013-11-12 Quirio Holdings, Inc. Synchronizing multiple playback device timing utilizing DRM encoding
US8290873B2 (en) 2007-07-31 2012-10-16 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Synchronizing multiple playback device timing utilizing DRM encoding
US9111285B2 (en) 2007-08-27 2015-08-18 Qurio Holdings, Inc. System and method for representing content, user presence and interaction within virtual world advertising environments
US8365215B2 (en) * 2007-10-11 2013-01-29 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods, systems and computer program products for providing ad insertion via a multimedia applications gateway
US20090100460A1 (en) * 2007-10-11 2009-04-16 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods, systems and computer program products for providing ad insertion via a multimedia applications gateway
US20130074122A1 (en) * 2007-10-11 2013-03-21 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp Methods, systems and computer program products for providing ad insertion via a multimedia applications gateway
US8671425B2 (en) * 2007-10-11 2014-03-11 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods, systems and computer program products for providing ad insertion via a multimedia applications gateway
WO2009063317A3 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-07-02 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Presentation of auxiliary content via a content presentation device
US20090133054A1 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-05-21 Matthew Thomas Boggie Presentation of auxiliary content via a content presentation device
WO2009063317A2 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-05-22 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Presentation of auxiliary content via a content presentation device
US8060904B1 (en) 2008-02-25 2011-11-15 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Dynamic load based ad insertion
US8739204B1 (en) 2008-02-25 2014-05-27 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Dynamic load based ad insertion
US9549212B2 (en) 2008-02-25 2017-01-17 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Dynamic load based ad insertion
US8051444B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2011-11-01 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertisements selected on the basis of an online user profile and presented with television programs or channels related to that profile
US10306282B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2019-05-28 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted video advertisements selected on the basis of an online user profile and presented with video programs related to that profile
US20090299843A1 (en) * 2008-06-02 2009-12-03 Roy Shkedi Targeted television advertisements selected on the basis of an online user profile and presented with television programs or channels related to that profile
US9226019B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2015-12-29 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertisements selected on the basis of an online user profile and presented with television programs or channels related to that profile
US10645438B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2020-05-05 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertisements associated with online users' preferred television programs or channels
US9800917B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2017-10-24 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertisements associated with online users' preferred television programs or channels
US9756372B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2017-09-05 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted advertisements selected on the basis of an online user profile and presented with media presentations related to that profile
US8607267B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2013-12-10 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertisements selected on the basis of an online user profile and presented with television programs or channels related to that profile
US9083853B2 (en) 2008-06-02 2015-07-14 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertisements associated with online users' preferred television programs or channels
EP2332111A4 (en) * 2008-08-06 2011-10-26 Invidi Tech Corp Third party data matching for targeted advertising
WO2010017379A2 (en) 2008-08-06 2010-02-11 Invidi Technologies Corporation Third party data matching for targeted advertising
EP2332111A2 (en) * 2008-08-06 2011-06-15 Invidi Technologies Corporation Third party data matching for targeted advertising
US10063934B2 (en) 2008-11-25 2018-08-28 Rovi Technologies Corporation Reducing unicast session duration with restart TV
US9706265B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-07-11 Free Stream Media Corp. Automatic communications between networked devices such as televisions and mobile devices
US9386356B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2016-07-05 Free Stream Media Corp. Targeting with television audience data across multiple screens
US9560425B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-01-31 Free Stream Media Corp. Remotely control devices over a network without authentication or registration
US9576473B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-02-21 Free Stream Media Corp. Annotation of metadata through capture infrastructure
US10142377B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-11-27 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US10074108B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-09-11 Free Stream Media Corp. Annotation of metadata through capture infrastructure
US9591381B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-03-07 Free Stream Media Corp. Automated discovery and launch of an application on a network enabled device
US9589456B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-03-07 Free Stream Media Corp. Exposure of public internet protocol addresses in an advertising exchange server to improve relevancy of advertisements
US10791152B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2020-09-29 Free Stream Media Corp. Automatic communications between networked devices such as televisions and mobile devices
US10334324B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2019-06-25 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevant advertisement generation based on a user operating a client device communicatively coupled with a networked media device
US10771525B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2020-09-08 Free Stream Media Corp. System and method of discovery and launch associated with a networked media device
US9686596B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-06-20 Free Stream Media Corp. Advertisement targeting through embedded scripts in supply-side and demand-side platforms
US9703947B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-07-11 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US9519772B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2016-12-13 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US9716736B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-07-25 Free Stream Media Corp. System and method of discovery and launch associated with a networked media device
US10986141B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2021-04-20 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US10032191B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-07-24 Free Stream Media Corp. Advertisement targeting through embedded scripts in supply-side and demand-side platforms
US10419541B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2019-09-17 Free Stream Media Corp. Remotely control devices over a network without authentication or registration
US10977693B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2021-04-13 Free Stream Media Corp. Association of content identifier of audio-visual data with additional data through capture infrastructure
US9986279B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-05-29 Free Stream Media Corp. Discovery, access control, and communication with networked services
US9838758B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-12-05 David Harrison Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US10880340B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2020-12-29 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US9848250B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-12-19 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US9854330B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2017-12-26 David Harrison Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US9866925B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-01-09 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device
US9967295B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-05-08 David Harrison Automated discovery and launch of an application on a network enabled device
US10631068B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2020-04-21 Free Stream Media Corp. Content exposure attribution based on renderings of related content across multiple devices
US10567823B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2020-02-18 Free Stream Media Corp. Relevant advertisement generation based on a user operating a client device communicatively coupled with a networked media device
US10425675B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2019-09-24 Free Stream Media Corp. Discovery, access control, and communication with networked services
US9961388B2 (en) 2008-11-26 2018-05-01 David Harrison Exposure of public internet protocol addresses in an advertising exchange server to improve relevancy of advertisements
US20100251289A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2010-09-30 Microsoft Corporation Advertisement insertion decisions for set top box management of advertisements
US20100251278A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2010-09-30 Microsoft Corporation Measurement and reporting of set top box inserted ad impressions
US8997142B2 (en) 2009-03-24 2015-03-31 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Advertisement insertion decisions for set top box management of advertisements
US9009753B2 (en) * 2009-03-24 2015-04-14 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Measurement and reporting of set top box inserted AD impressions
US11671652B2 (en) * 2009-07-31 2023-06-06 Sky Cp Limited Linear media selection
US10798445B2 (en) * 2009-07-31 2020-10-06 Sky Cp Limited Linear media selection
US9166714B2 (en) 2009-09-11 2015-10-20 Veveo, Inc. Method of and system for presenting enriched video viewing analytics
US10631066B2 (en) 2009-09-23 2020-04-21 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and method for automatically detecting users within detection regions of media devices
US8359616B2 (en) 2009-09-30 2013-01-22 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for automatically generating advertisements using a media guidance application
US20110145857A1 (en) * 2009-12-16 2011-06-16 Microsoft Corporation Scalable advertising system for dynamically inserting advertisements
US9736524B2 (en) 2011-01-06 2017-08-15 Veveo, Inc. Methods of and systems for content search based on environment sampling
US9898756B2 (en) * 2011-06-06 2018-02-20 autoGraph, Inc. Method and apparatus for displaying ads directed to personas having associated characteristics
US10482501B2 (en) 2011-06-06 2019-11-19 autoGraph, Inc. Method and apparatus for displaying ads directed to personas having associated characteristics
US9619567B2 (en) 2011-06-06 2017-04-11 Nfluence Media, Inc. Consumer self-profiling GUI, analysis and rapid information presentation tools
US9883326B2 (en) 2011-06-06 2018-01-30 autoGraph, Inc. Beacon based privacy centric network communication, sharing, relevancy tools and other tools
US20130054366A1 (en) * 2011-06-06 2013-02-28 Nfluence Media, Inc. Method and apparatus for displaying ads directed to personas having associated characteristics
US8949901B2 (en) 2011-06-29 2015-02-03 Rovi Guides, Inc. Methods and systems for customizing viewing environment preferences in a viewing environment control application
US11368763B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2022-06-21 Intent IQ, LLC Methods of using proxy IP addresses and redirection for cross-device actions
US11689780B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2023-06-27 Intent IQ, LLC Methods of using proxy IP addresses and redirection for cross-device actions
US10070200B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2018-09-04 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US9078035B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2015-07-07 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US9591380B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2017-03-07 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US11082753B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2021-08-03 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US9271024B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2016-02-23 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US8683502B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2014-03-25 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US10771860B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2020-09-08 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US10405058B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2019-09-03 Intent IQ, LLC Targeted television advertising based on profiles linked to multiple online devices
US9125169B2 (en) 2011-12-23 2015-09-01 Rovi Guides, Inc. Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules
US9351053B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2016-05-24 Almondnet, Inc. Targeted television advertising based on a profile linked to an online device associated with a content-selecting device
US9071886B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2015-06-30 Almondnet, Inc. Targeted television advertising based on a profile linked to an online device associated with a content-selecting device
US10019730B2 (en) 2012-08-15 2018-07-10 autoGraph, Inc. Reverse brand sorting tools for interest-graph driven personalization
US10540515B2 (en) 2012-11-09 2020-01-21 autoGraph, Inc. Consumer and brand owner data management tools and consumer privacy tools
US9147198B2 (en) 2013-01-10 2015-09-29 Rovi Technologies Corporation Systems and methods for providing an interface for data driven media placement
US9848276B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2017-12-19 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for auto-configuring a user equipment device with content consumption material
US9348979B2 (en) 2013-05-16 2016-05-24 autoGraph, Inc. Privacy sensitive persona management tools
US9875490B2 (en) 2013-05-16 2018-01-23 autoGraph, Inc. Privacy sensitive persona management tools
US10346883B2 (en) 2013-05-16 2019-07-09 autoGraph, Inc. Privacy sensitive persona management tools
US9215510B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2015-12-15 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for automatically tagging a media asset based on verbal input and playback adjustments
US10470021B2 (en) 2014-03-28 2019-11-05 autoGraph, Inc. Beacon based privacy centric network communication, sharing, relevancy tools and other tools
US9288521B2 (en) 2014-05-28 2016-03-15 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for updating media asset data based on pause point in the media asset

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20150201229A1 (en) 2015-07-16
US20090070806A1 (en) 2009-03-12
US10368117B1 (en) 2019-07-30
US9894398B2 (en) 2018-02-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10368117B1 (en) Method and system for addressable and program independent advertising during recorded programs
US10587932B1 (en) Scheduling and presenting IPG ads in conjunction with programming ads in a television environment
US7212730B2 (en) System and method for enhanced edit list for recording options
US6425128B1 (en) Video system with a control device for displaying a menu listing viewing preferences having a high probability of acceptance by a viewer that include weighted premium content
US7263709B1 (en) System for displaying video data having a promotion module responsive to a viewer profile to entice a viewer to watch a premium content
US7818763B2 (en) Video advertising
US6973621B2 (en) Customization in a content distribution system
US8839281B2 (en) Analyzing media content interaction
US20080127246A1 (en) Digital media recorder based advertising
US20040003397A1 (en) System and method for customized video commercial distribution
US20090030802A1 (en) Universal Ad Queue
US20050216932A1 (en) Targeted advertising in conjunction with on-demand media content
US20020178447A1 (en) Behavioral targeted advertising
US20040003413A1 (en) System and method for priority sponsorship of multimedia content
US20020083439A1 (en) System for rescheduling and inserting advertisements
US20040003405A1 (en) System and method for personal video recording system menu control
US20040003404A1 (en) System and method for personal video recording system advertisements
JP2002044632A (en) Device and method for controlling contents presentation
US20090248575A1 (en) Automatic subscription to pay content
US20040111754A1 (en) System and method for delivering media content
WO2002030112A1 (en) Targeting ads in ipgs, live programming and recorded programming, and coordinating the ads therebetween
US20110191795A1 (en) Highlights of Premium Multimedia Content

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, INC., VIRGIN ISLANDS, B

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:EXPANSE NETWORKS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:017226/0403

Effective date: 20040818

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION

AS Assignment

Owner name: PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, LLC, DELAWARE

Free format text: RE-DOMESTICATION AND ENTITY CONVERSION;ASSIGNOR:PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, INC.;REEL/FRAME:050090/0721

Effective date: 20190621