Set-Top Box Ad Selection via Segmented Server Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive TV networks and video distribution systems lack flexibility in channel and ad selection, often delivering ads without targeting and channel choices based on preset packages, failing to cater to individual subscriber preferences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a server with a graphical user interface to enable subscribers to select and store preferred advertisements and channel content, using a globally unique identifier to manage targeted ad delivery and channel selection, integrating selected ads into video streams based on subscriber preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ads are delivered as part of an overall video feed or inserted by local programming service, then ad delivery is simple and integrated, but ad targeting and subscriber preference selection are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ad delivery system into separate functional modules: an ad server that stores and manages advertisements, a set-top box that receives subscriber preferences, and an insertion mechanism that integrates selected ads into video streams. This segmentation enables flexible ad selection while maintaining system manageability through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the set-top box and ad server that mediates between the video feed source and the final delivered content. The set-top box acts as a mediator by receiving subscriber preferences and communicating them to the ad server, which then selects and delivers appropriate advertisements without requiring changes to the underlying video distribution infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If channel selection is based on preset packages, then distribution is simplified, but subscriber choice and personalization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel distribution where the set-top box receives and processes subscriber preferences in real-time, allowing channel selections to adapt dynamically to individual subscriber choices rather than being fixed in preset packages. This dynamic approach enables personalization while maintaining ease of operation through automated preference processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing subscribers to directly input their channel preferences through the set-top box interface. The system automatically processes these preferences and configures channel distribution without requiring manual intervention from operators or reliance on predetermined packages, thereby enhancing subscriber control while simplifying the overall distribution process.
3Reliability
If ads are delivered without targeting, then delivery process is straightforward, but viewer engagement and relevance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the set-top box receives subscriber preferences and feeds this information back to the ad server. The ad server uses this feedback to select and deliver targeted advertisements that match subscriber interests, thereby maintaining reliable ad delivery while enhancing targeting capability through continuous preference-based feedback loops.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server comprising a memory to store executable instructions and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller, responsive to executing the instructions, performs operations comprising presenting a graphical user interface enabling selectable advertisements or a selectable channel distribution service for delivery to a set top box, presenting filters for targeted delivery of advertisements to subscriber equipment based on information descriptive of the subscriber, selecting advertisements from an advertising server based on detected selections of advertisements or a detected channel distribution service preference, transmitting a globally unique identifier of the set top box to a billing server, initiating storage of the selectable advertisements at a remote advertisement delivery server, and presenting the selectable advertisements to the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.