DVR Ad Insertion via Pre-loaded Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multichannel media distribution platforms face challenges in dynamically inserting advertisements into recorded content on digital video recorders (DVRs) without disrupting the user experience or requiring extensive human and computing resources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of media asset metadata that allows DVRs to select and play advertisements immediately before or after recorded programs, using service identifiers to target specific advertisements based on user interactions or events, enabling seamless dynamic ad insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dynamic ad insertion is implemented in recorded content on DVRs, then advertising opportunities and revenue are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by embedding ad insertion cues and metadata during the content recording process. The DVR receives content with pre-defined ad insertion points marked by cues, and downloads ad metadata before playback. This allows the ad selection and insertion process to be simpler during playback, as the framework is already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary metadata layer that mediates between the recorded content and the ad insertion process. The metadata contains ad identifiers, timing information, and selection criteria that the DVR uses to automatically select and insert ads without complex real-time processing. This intermediary structure simplifies the device complexity by providing a structured framework for ad insertion.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ad selection criteria and metadata processing are implemented, then ad targeting precision is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by downloading and storing ad metadata before content playback. The metadata includes pre-processed selection criteria, ad identifiers, and timing information. During playback, the DVR only needs to match content cues with pre-defined metadata, significantly reducing real-time processing requirements while maintaining precise ad targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The ad selection process is designed to be self-service by using automated metadata-driven selection. The DVR automatically matches content cues with ad metadata based on predefined criteria without requiring manual intervention or complex real-time analysis. This self-service approach reduces processing time while maintaining targeting precision through structured metadata.
3Reliability
If ad insertion cues are embedded in recorded content, then seamless ad playback is achieved, but content storage requirements and data structure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary metadata structure that separates ad insertion information from the actual content storage. The cues embedded in content are lightweight markers that reference external ad metadata, rather than storing complete ad information within the content itself. This reduces content storage requirements while enabling seamless ad playback through the metadata framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments ad insertion functionality into separate components: content cues embedded in recorded content, and ad metadata stored separately. This segmentation allows the content to remain relatively simple while the separate metadata structure handles the complexity of ad insertion, reducing overall data structure complexity and storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved technical functionality is provided to dynamically select and seamlessly play advertisements immediately before playing of a recorded program upon selection of the recorded program for playing, or upon other detected events and conditions associated with the set-top-box (STB) or user. In some embodiments, this is performed by using metadata which may be delivered to and stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) prior to recording the program, providing a technical solution to enable opportunities for additional advertisement impressions. Playing of the advertisement may also or instead occur upon the recorded program finishing playing. Thus, the technical solution provides the additional opportunity for the content creator and/or the satellite television or cable service provider to sell advertising spots in addition to those already sold for breaks within the recorded program.