Dynamic In-Stream Ad Insertion via Media Services Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for placing advertisements in media data transmitted over computer networks are inefficient, as they require manual integration and lack dynamic placement capabilities, leading to inaccurate tracking and limited flexibility in ad placement within audio or video content.
Innovation Solution
A media services platform (MSP) is introduced that maps in-stream ad slots in content objects to corresponding display ad locations, allowing dynamic insertion of in-stream ad units into audio or video content objects, enabling flexible placement and accurate tracking through interaction with display ad servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If in-stream ad units are manually integrated into media data, then ad placement is achieved, but the process is inefficient and lacks dynamic placement capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining ad slot markers within media data files during content creation. These markers indicate predetermined locations where advertisements can be automatically inserted later without manual intervention, enabling both efficient batch processing and dynamic ad placement based on real-time decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (ad insertion server) that acts as a mediator between ad servers and media content delivery. This intermediary automatically retrieves ad content, inserts it at predefined slots in media data, and delivers the combined content, eliminating manual integration while enabling dynamic placement based on ad server responses
2Ease of operation
If in-stream ad units are statically placed in content objects, then ad delivery is simple, but tracking accuracy is limited and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by incorporating tracking tags and identifiers within ad units and their corresponding slots. When ad content is inserted and delivered, the system automatically tracks impressions, clicks, and other metrics by comparing slot identifiers with ad unit identifiers, providing accurate measurement while maintaining automated insertion processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static ad placement into a dynamic process by allowing ad slots to be filled with different ad content based on real-time conditions. The system can select different ads for the same slot across different users or time periods, enabling flexible targeting and accurate tracking without sacrificing operational simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If display ad servers are used for placement, then dynamic ad unit specification is enabled, but they cannot natively support in-stream ad unit insertion into audio or video content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an ad insertion server as an intermediary that translates between display ad server protocols and in-stream ad insertion requirements. This intermediary receives ad unit specifications from display ad servers, retrieves appropriate ad content, and inserts it into media data at predefined slots, enabling display ad servers to support in-stream advertising without modifying their native functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal ad insertion system that can handle multiple ad formats and delivery methods through a single infrastructure. The ad insertion server can process both display ad specifications and in-stream ad requirements, working with various media formats and delivery protocols, thereby reducing overall system integration complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing a content object is disclosed with an in-stream ad unit inserted into the content object for a content object player. The content object is audio and/or video. The processed content object is downloaded or streamed to the content object player. A method for content insertion is provided. In this method, a first media data is received from a server and a placement request is transmitted to a content provider service. As a result, a placement response is received from the content provider service. The placement response includes data identifying a second media data associated with the first media data. The second media data is retrieved and merged with the first media data. After the merge, the first and second media data are transmitted to the server.