Asset Consumption Verification in Broadcast Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to verify and encourage asset consumption in communications networks, particularly in broadcast networks where ad skipping undermines the revenue model, and to provide a system that compensates asset providers and network operators for non-consumed assets.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for monitoring and verifying asset consumption by processing user inputs related to asset playback, identifying consumption status, and reporting this information to a network platform, which enables asset providers to be compensated for consumed assets and users to be billed for non-consumed assets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users are allowed to skip assets (ads) during content playback, then user control and viewing experience are improved, but asset consumption verification becomes difficult and revenue is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring user inputs (remote control signals, playback actions) and reporting asset consumption status back to the network platform. This allows the system to verify whether assets were actually consumed despite user control capabilities, resolving the contradiction between user freedom and verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The customer premises equipment (CPE) acts as an intermediary between the user and the network platform. It monitors asset playback locally, detects skip events, and reports consumption status to the network, enabling verification without directly restricting user control actions.
2Measurement precision
If the network monitors and verifies asset consumption by processing user inputs, then asset consumption verification accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE device performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own playback actions and generating consumption reports without requiring complex external verification infrastructure. The system uses existing playback monitoring capabilities to self-verify asset consumption, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPE device performs multiple functions: it plays back content, monitors user inputs, detects skip events, and generates consumption reports. By making the CPE multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated verification hardware, thereby reducing system complexity while achieving precise verification.
3Reliability
If the system bills users for non-consumed assets and compensates asset providers, then revenue model integrity is improved, but user dissatisfaction and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes billing rules and consumption thresholds in advance. Users are notified of skip detection criteria and billing policies before they occur, allowing them to understand the rules governing asset consumption and billing, thereby simplifying the billing operation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about their asset consumption patterns and billing status. By communicating consumption information and billing decisions transparently, the system reduces user confusion and operational complexity in managing billing relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein generally provide for the compensation of asset providers and/or communications network providers for the non-consumption of assets provided with programming. In this regard, when users elect not to consume the assets associated with the programming, the asset provider loses the opportunity to present their assets to such non-consuming users and is thereby injured in relation to the price they have paid for the delivery of their assets. In one arrangement, a reporting module at a customer device is operative to identify when a user skips an asset and report that skip event to the network. This information may then be utilized to adjust the bill of the asset provider and/or to bill the user associated with the skip event.