Multicast Asset Multiplexing for Bandwidth-Efficient Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ability to target assets in multicast programming has been limited due to the nature of multicast networks, where broadcast transmission of assets undermines the bandwidth advantage of multicast programming, making targeted advertising less effective.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for multiplexing asset options into a multicast stream, allowing targeted asset delivery without increasing bandwidth requirements, by inserting programming content and assets into a single multicast stream with metadata for device selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual IP streams are used to support targeted asset transmission in multicast programming, then asset targeting capability is improved, but bandwidth requirements are greatly increased, undermining the bandwidth advantage of multicast programming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the asset delivery process by separating asset distribution from asset selection. Assets are distributed once to multiple user equipment devices via multicast, and each device independently selects the appropriate asset based on classification parameters. This segmentation allows targeted asset delivery without requiring separate IP streams for each user, thereby maintaining bandwidth efficiency while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-distributing multiple asset options to user equipment devices via multicast before the actual asset delivery opportunity occurs. The assets are stored locally at the user equipment, and selection happens in real-time based on targeting criteria. This preliminary distribution eliminates the need for on-demand unicast asset delivery, reducing bandwidth requirements while maintaining targeting capability.
2Ease of operation
If broadcast transmission of assets is used in multicast networks, then asset delivery is simplified, but the bandwidth advantage of multicast programming is undermined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments asset delivery into two phases: a preliminary multicast phase where asset options are distributed to user equipment devices, and a selection phase where individual devices choose appropriate assets based on targeting parameters. This segmentation maintains the bandwidth efficiency of multicast while enabling targeted asset delivery, avoiding the need for continuous broadcast transmission of all assets to all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by distributing only a limited set of pre-selected asset options via multicast to user equipment devices, rather than broadcasting all possible assets. Each user equipment device receives and stores only the subset of assets relevant to its classification parameters, reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining the ability to deliver targeted assets when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Asset options are multiplexed into a multicast stream. In one implementation, a single stream (300) includes programming (306) and assets (302). A user equipment device delivers one of the assets (302) for delivery in connection with an asset delivery opportunity. The stream (300) also includes metadata (304) to assist the user equipment device in selecting the asset for delivery. Targeted advertising can thus be implemented in shared stream environments while efficiently using available bandwidth.