Manifest File Modification for Targeted Ad Replacement in Streaming Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ad insertion methods in HTTP-based manifest driven video transport are inefficient, requiring multiple encoding and storage of video content versions for user-specific advertising, leading to high costs and delays in client buffer loading and simultaneous video content download.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to replace advertisement references within a manifest file, allowing for customized ad delivery by modifying the manifest file to point to specific ad segments, enabling targeted advertising without the need for multiple content versions and reducing overhead in client devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of video content are created for user-specific advertising, then user-specific ad delivery is achieved, but encoding and storage costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video content into distinct segments with embedded ad insertion points, allowing ads to be replaced at the segment level rather than creating entirely separate versions of the entire content. This enables user-specific ad delivery while reusing the same base video segments across multiple users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts advertisement content from the main video stream by identifying ad insertion points and separating ad segments from content segments. This allows ads to be independently managed and replaced without affecting the underlying video content, reducing the need for multiple encoded versions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If client device implements ad splicing function, then user-specific advertising is achieved, but buffer loading delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs ad replacement in advance by modifying the manifest file before content delivery. Ad segments are pre-positioned at designated insertion points in the video stream, and the client device simply needs to retrieve and play back the pre-configured segments without implementing complex ad splicing logic or experiencing buffer delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If client device implements ad splicing function, then user-specific advertising is achieved, but overhead in starting second video stream increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses manifest file modification to create a customized view of the video stream without actually copying or duplicating the video content itself. The manifest file acts as a pointer system that directs the client to different ad segments while the actual video segments remain unchanged and shared across all users.
4Ease of manufacture
If ads are inserted before content encoding, then ad integration is simplified, but multiple content versions must be created and stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal base version of the video content that serves all users, with ad segments designed to be interchangeable at standardized insertion points. The same video segments can be used for all users while only the ad portions vary, eliminating the need to create and store multiple complete content versions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses can replace content within a manifest driven streaming video program. A generic manifest file can be retrieved, original content within the streaming program can be identified for replacement, and a user specific manifest file can be generated that includes references to replacement content instead of the original content identified for replacement.