Streaming Server Advertising Enforcement via Virtual File Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distributing digital content over data networks, such as those using streaming protocols, fail to effectively ensure that users view advertising content before or during the requested content, as users can skip or fast-forward through advertisements, reducing the effectiveness of advertising systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a streaming server that uses RTSP and RTP protocols to transmit digital files with advertising portions followed by requested content portions, where the server generates a virtual file that maintains the advertising portion's transmission even after a user requests to skip, ensuring the advertising is viewed by continuing to send RTP packets corresponding to the advertising portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If streaming protocols allow non-sequential access to digital files, then user control and flexibility are improved, but advertising effectiveness deteriorates because users can skip or fast-forward through advertisements
Solution Approach 1:
The digital file is segmented into distinct portions: advertising content portions and requested content portions. The server can selectively transmit different segments based on user requests, allowing non-sequential access to requested content while maintaining the ability to enforce advertising viewing through controlled segment delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmission behavior based on the type of content being requested. When advertising content is requested, the server enforces sequential viewing by not transmitting subsequent requested content until advertising is complete. When non-advertising content is requested, the server allows flexible non-sequential access. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between user control and advertising effectiveness
2Reliability
If the server transmits the complete advertising portion before the requested content, then advertising effectiveness is improved, but transmission time and user waiting period increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary actions by transmitting advertising content portions before the requested content portions when advertising viewing is enforced. This ensures advertising effectiveness is achieved before delivering the user-requested content, though it does extend the total transmission time
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to skip the advertising enforcement mechanism by requesting non-advertising content portions, which can be transmitted without requiring complete advertising viewing first. This provides a time-saving alternative for users who prioritize speed over advertising exposure
3Adaptability or versatility
If the server allows non-sequential access to requested content portions, then user flexibility is improved, but the ability to enforce advertising viewing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality controls are applied to different portions of the digital file. Advertising content portions are subject to strict sequential access control to ensure viewing, while requested content portions allow flexible non-sequential access. This local differentiation of access control quality resolves the contradiction between advertising enforcement and user flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method of transmitting a file having an advertising portion and a requested portion different from the advertising portion. The method includes receiving a request to transmit the file, via a streaming protocol allowing non-sequential access, transmitting the advertising portion of the file, receiving a request to transmit a portion of the requested portion of the file prior to completing transmitting the advertising portion of the file, completing the transmission of the advertising portion of the file, and transmitting the requested portion of the file.