Live Stream Ad Insertion via Media Player Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing advertisements in live multimedia content delivered over the Internet lack flexibility and precision, as all viewers see the same advertisements at the same time, and advertisers cannot effectively target specific demographics or adjust ad duration based on viewer interactions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where each media player selects and inserts advertisements into live multimedia content, allowing for targeted advertising and precise control over ad impressions based on viewer demographics and geographic location, with the ability to adjust ad break durations dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advertisements are inserted into the video stream at the media server level, then all viewers see the same advertisement at the same time, but the system lacks flexibility to target specific demographics or adjust ad duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the advertisement delivery system by separating the advertisement selection function from the video stream insertion point. Instead of centralized insertion at the media server, each media player independently selects and inserts advertisements locally, dividing the system into distributed autonomous units that can make individualized advertising decisions based on viewer characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling each media player to select advertisements tailored to its specific viewer's demographics, geographic location, and viewing behavior. This allows different viewers to receive different advertisements at different times, with each player optimizing the advertisement experience for its local user rather than applying a uniform approach
2Measurement precision
If the media player selects advertisements locally, then targeted advertising is enabled, but synchronization issues may cause lag or ad break duration discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having media players pre-fetch advertisements before their scheduled insertion time. The player requests and receives advertisement content in advance, allowing it to prepare the advertisement for immediate playback when the ad break occurs, thereby maintaining precise timing synchronization without waiting for network delivery at the moment of insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the media player continuously monitors playback progress, network conditions, and advertisement delivery status. This feedback allows the player to dynamically adjust advertisement selection and timing, compensating for network variability and ensuring synchronization with the live event timeline despite distributed local decision-making
3Productivity
If advertisement breaks are extended to accommodate ad selection and playback, then more ads can be delivered, but viewer experience deteriorates due to increased lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the media player select and prepare only the necessary number of advertisements in advance based on predicted ad break duration and available inventory. Instead of loading all possible advertisements or extending ad breaks excessively, the player loads just enough content to fill the anticipated ad slot, balancing delivery volume with minimal viewer wait time
Data Source
AI summary
Managing advertisements for multimedia content delivered over the Internet for a live event. In one embodiment, the method receives the multimedia content over a network connection for playback on a media player, and receives a first advertisement marker that indicates a first start time and a first scheduled duration of a first advertisement break. The method adjust the first scheduled duration to a first adjusted portion, and selects one or more advertisements for playback on the media player to fill the first adjusted duration of the first advertisement break, instead of the first scheduled duration.