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

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 [0001] 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.[0002] 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, ent...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] 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 progra

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, TV advertising subsidizes the cost of a large part of TV programming delivered to consumers.

These advertisers typically have access to market and demographic studies that allow them limited control over delivering their ads to specific groups of subscribers.

Programming a Video Cassette Recorde

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