Streaming Advertisement Interruption and Substitution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for streaming media lack user control over advertisements, making it difficult for users to select desired ads and for advertisers to ensure that viewed ads are relevant, leading to skipped advertisements and inefficient advertising models.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to select from candidate advertisements during streaming, with the system ceasing the current advertisement and replacing it with an alternate version upon user command, enabling direct user control and providing relevant ad options based on recent user inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users are provided with no control over advertisements during streaming, then the advertising model remains simple and automated, but users cannot select desired ads and advertisers cannot ensure relevance
Solution Approach 1:
The advertisement stream is segmented into discrete advertisement units with associated candidate lists, allowing users to interact with individual ads rather than the entire stream. Each advertisement segment can be independently selected, replaced, or skipped, providing granular control while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular ad unit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The advertisement delivery system transitions from static automated playback to dynamic interactive selection. The system adapts in real-time based on user commands, allowing advertisement interruption, substitution with alternate versions, and selection from candidate lists. This dynamic approach enables user control while the system manages complexity through programmed response protocols.
2Ease of operation
If the system allows users to interrupt and select alternate advertisements, then user engagement and ad relevance improve, but the user interface and operational requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service advertisement control by automatically presenting candidate advertisement lists and executing user selections without requiring complex manual intervention. Users can issue simple commands to interrupt ads or select from pre-organized candidate lists, and the system autonomously handles the replacement process, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where user selections from candidate advertisement lists directly influence the advertisement delivery. The system tracks user commands and adjusts the advertisement stream accordingly, providing immediate response feedback that simplifies user interaction. Users receive confirmation of their selections and see the changes reflected in real-time, reducing the need for complex interface navigation.
3Productivity
If advertisements are streamed continuously without interruption, then the advertising revenue maximizes, but users cannot access media content or select preferred advertisements
Solution Approach 1:
The advertisement stream is organized into periodic advertisement opportunities interspersed with media content segments. Users can access media content during non-advertisement periods and select from candidate advertisements during designated ad slots. This periodic structure allows users to minimize time lost by accessing content when available while advertisers maintain revenue through structured ad opportunities at predictable intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides partial advertisement interruption rather than complete elimination. Users can select to skip individual advertisements or pause the advertisement stream to access media content, while the system maintains the ability to resume advertising. This partial action approach allows users to reduce time lost to ads when needed while preserving advertising revenue potential through optional rather than mandatory interruptions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for providing advertisements with a media program transmitted to a user device are described. The method permits the user to interrupt the playback of the advertisement and continue with the playback of the media program with no further advertisements, or to interrupt the playback of the advertisement to substitute a different version of the advertisement.