Broadcast Content Location Targeting Beyond Network Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional location targeting in broadcast networks is limited to network topology and fails to accommodate geographic zones or complex shapes, such as dealership zones, neighborhood boundaries, or political boundaries, which may not match network topology areas, limiting the ability to target assets effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for location targeting in broadcast networks that allows targeting independent of network topology, using user equipment device location information to determine asset delivery, and enabling targeting based on location criteria and other criteria, with the ability to specify targeting zones of arbitrary shapes and sizes, including discontiguous segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location targeting is based on network topology (cable network subdivisions), then asset delivery can be implemented using existing network infrastructure, but targeting is limited to coarse geographic zones and cannot accommodate arbitrary geographic shapes or boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location criterion as an intermediary element that mediates between the asset delivery request and the network infrastructure. This location criterion contains geographic zone information that is independent of network topology, allowing arbitrary geographic shapes and boundaries to be specified. The system compares user equipment location information against these location criteria to determine asset delivery, thereby achieving fine-grained geographic targeting without requiring complex network infrastructure modifications.
2Measurement precision
If location targeting uses fine-grained geographic zones (dealership zones, neighborhood boundaries, political boundaries), then targeting accuracy is improved, but the system cannot accommodate zones that do not match network topology areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location criterion into discrete geographic zones that can be independently defined and specified. Each location criterion represents a specific geographic zone with arbitrary boundaries (such as dealership zones, neighborhood boundaries, or political boundaries) that is independent of network topology. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate multiple different geographic zone definitions and enables precise location targeting by matching user equipment location against these segmented geographic zones.
3Productivity
If conventional location targeting is used in broadcast networks, then asset delivery can be implemented at network nodes, but only coarse location-based targeting is achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical network topology-based asset delivery mechanism with a location criterion-based mechanism. Instead of relying on physical network node locations to determine asset delivery zones, the system uses location criteria that contain geographic zone information independent of network topology. User equipment location information is compared against these location criteria to determine delivery eligibility, thereby substituting the mechanical network infrastructure constraint with a flexible geographic information system that enables fine-grained location targeting while maintaining broadcast network efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Assets of broadcast network content are targeted to network users of interest based on location information regarding user equipment devices. Asset providers can specify location targeting criteria via a graphical user interface displaying mapping information. This location targeting criteria can then be compared to location information regarding user equipment devices so that assets are delivered to appropriate devices. The comparison of the location targeting criteria to the device location information can be performed at the user equipment devices or at another location. In the latter case, the assets can be addressed to appropriate user equipment devices or appropriate user equipment devices can be directed to select the asset, which is broadcast via the network. In this manner, assets can be targeted to individual network users on a basis independent of network topology.