Set-Top Box RFI System for Broadcast Network Content Interaction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current advertising systems in broadcast and data networks face limitations in effectively delivering and measuring asset effectiveness, as they struggle to reach consumers interactively and track consumption patterns, leading to inefficiencies in targeting and revenue generation.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses RFI icons to enable users to request follow-on information for assets, allowing for personalized delivery of tailored content via different networks, and includes a rewards program to encourage consumption, while monitoring user interactions to analyze asset effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If television advertising is used to reach large audiences, then audience reach is improved, but interactivity and immediate transaction capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a set-top box as an intermediary device that bridges the broadcast television network and data network. This mediator receives broadcast content and enables interactive functions by connecting to the data network, allowing viewers to request additional information, access product details, and complete transactions while watching television, thus combining the mass reach of TV with the interactivity of data networks
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously handles broadcast television reception, data network communication, and interactive advertising functions. It serves multiple purposes: delivering traditional TV content, enabling on-demand information access, facilitating e-commerce transactions, and providing a unified interface for both broadcast and data network operations
2Loss of energy
If brief advertising time intervals are used to reduce costs, then advertising cost is improved, but information conveyance and impression depth deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads detailed product information, specifications, pricing, and related content onto the set-top box or makes it readily accessible via the data network connection before the advertising broadcast occurs. When an advertisement is displayed, viewers can immediately access comprehensive information without waiting for additional content, effectively extending the information conveyance beyond the brief ad interval
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the advertising experience from a single-dimensional time-based model (brief TV spots) to a multi-dimensional model by adding spatial and temporal extensions through the data network. Detailed information becomes available in a separate dimension (data network interface) that complements the brief broadcast advertisement, allowing deep information access without extending the primary broadcast time
3Ease of operation
If passive broadcast experience is maintained, then simplicity is improved, but consumer behavior tracking and verification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the set-top box automatically tracks viewer interactions with advertisements and follow-on content. The device monitors which ads are viewed, what additional information is requested, and what transactions are initiated, then reports this data back to advertisers and network operators, enabling precise measurement of consumer behavior while maintaining a simple user experience
4Ease of operation
If data network advertising is used to enable interactivity, then interactivity is improved, but effectiveness in reaching some consumers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strengths of both broadcast television and data network advertising by integrating them through the set-top box. The system combines the mass audience reach of broadcast TV with the interactive capabilities of data networks, creating a hybrid advertising platform that simultaneously achieves wide coverage and active user engagement, thereby overcoming the limitations of using either medium alone
Data Source
AI summary
A request for information (RFI) system is provided for use in communications networks including broadcast networks and the internet. In one implementation, a viewer of a cable television network enters an RFI input (1) to a digital set top box using a user remote. Based on this RFI input, the digital set top box transmits a data request (2) to an RFI data center. The RFI data center also receives asset data (3) from an asset database so as to associate the RFI input (1) with a particular asset. An RFI request (4) can then be transmitted to the appropriate asset provider. The asset provider can then provide a report such package of assets or follow-on information (5) back to the RFI data center. The RFI data center may then, in turn, provide the package of assets or follow-on information to a user data terminal, for example, of the cable television network viewer, via access through a web-portal or e-mail (6). The digital set top box may also record inputs from the user to verify consumption of assets and track data requests. Using this information, the RFI data center or an RFI platform may credit value to a rewards account established for the network user based on the user's verified consumption of assets and/or data requests. Further, the RFI data center or RFI platform may be used to collect consumer behavior information, including purchasing decisions made by the user after consumption of assets, and correlate the consumer behavior information with the user's verified asset consumption.