Multicast Address Segmentation for IP TV Content Personalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP TV systems lack the ability to personalize multimedia programs and advertisements based on individual user profiles, relying on outdated methods that only target audiences by channel and timing, failing to account for user-specific preferences or interests.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using different multicast addresses for main programs and replacement programs, allowing user hosts to switch between them based on user profiles, with the system modifying selection data and interrupting the main program flow to insert targeted advertisements, enabling personalized content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multicast protocol is used for IP TV, then one stream can be emitted from one server and received by several user hosts, but the system cannot personalize content delivery based on individual user profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single multicast stream into multiple alternative streams, each targeted at specific user groups or individual users. The server divides the original content flow into several parallel streams with different characteristics (e.g., different advertisements, different program versions), allowing personalized delivery while maintaining the efficiency of multicast transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (such as a gateway or control server) that sits between the content server and user hosts. This intermediary receives user profile information, determines appropriate content variants, and directs users to the correct alternative streams. It acts as a mediator that enables personalization without requiring complex modifications to the core multicast infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative streams are created for different user groups, then personalized content delivery is enabled, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stream selection where users dynamically switch between the main multicast stream and alternative streams based on their profiles and current context. The system dynamically determines which alternative stream to activate for each user, ensuring that personalized content is delivered only when and where needed, rather than continuously maintaining all alternative streams for all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different content characteristics to different user groups rather than creating completely separate streams for every user. For example, instead of personalized advertisements for each individual, the system creates a few targeted advertisement streams for different demographic groups, applying personalization at the appropriate local level without excessive duplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between main program and alternative programs, then personalized advertisements can be delivered, but switching complexity and user control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling users to automatically switch between main and alternative programs based on their stored profile information and preferences. The system handles the switching logic automatically, using user profiles to determine when and what switching should occur, eliminating the need for users to manually control each switch while still providing personalized content delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring user profiles with switching preferences and criteria before content delivery begins. User profiles store predetermined rules about when users want to switch between streams, what types of content they prefer, and under what conditions alternative programs should be activated. This preliminary configuration enables automatic switching without requiring real-time user decisions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method and a system for automatically replacing a main multimedia first program with, a personalized replacement second program is disclosed, such as for example an advertisement program inserted into a main program of a TV channel. The first multimedia program (111a) is emitted on a first multicast, address (112a), and a plurality of replacement multimedia programs (111b, 111c, 111d) are emitted on a plurality of multicast replacement addresses (112b, 112c, 111d) different from the first multicast address (112a). Each user host (115a) received the data frames from the first multicast address (112a) and from one of -the other multicast addresses (112b, c, d). In a particular user host (115a) program data may be transmitted from the communication means by switching means toward the playing means from both addresses, thus enabling each user host (115a) to play a personalized replacement program selected through a personalized switch datum linked to one of the replacement multicast addresses (112b, c, d).