Targeted Advertising on Document Processing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Document processing devices, such as multifunction peripherals, often experience periods of inactivity and lack effective mechanisms for displaying user-selected, paid advertising during these idle times, limiting revenue generation and user engagement.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selectively controlling advertising messages on networked document processing devices, which involves receiving device identification and selection data, customization parameters, and communicating selected advertising content to display on devices during idle periods, utilizing a distributed computing environment and user interfaces for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If document processing devices are placed in widely accessible locations to improve user engagement, then user engagement is improved, but the devices experience large periods of inactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful idle time into a beneficial advertising opportunity. During periods when devices are not processing documents, the system displays targeted advertisements on the device displays, transforming wasted time into revenue generation and user engagement opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables document processing devices to perform multiple functions: their primary document processing role and a secondary advertising display role. This multi-functionality allows devices to generate revenue and maintain user engagement during idle periods without compromising their core functionality.
2Productivity
If advertising content is displayed on device displays during idle time to generate revenue, then revenue generation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary advertising management system that handles the complexity of ad selection, targeting, and display control. This external system manages advertising operations remotely, allowing individual document processing devices to display ads without requiring complex internal modifications to each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the advertising functionality into separate components: device identification data, advertising content selection, customization parameters, and display control are all handled as distinct elements that can be managed independently and distributed across the network.
3Ease of operation
If targeted advertising is implemented using device identification data to enhance user engagement, then user engagement is improved, but loss of information increases due to data handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using device-specific identification data to deliver customized advertising content tailored to each device's location, usage patterns, and user profile. This targeted approach enhances engagement by showing relevant ads while efficiently using minimal device-specific data.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject application is directed to a system and method for selective control of advertising messages on distributed document processing devices. Device identification data is first received corresponding to the identity of networked document processing devices available for display of selected advertising content. Device selection data representing a selected subset of the networked document processing devices is then received, with the selection made in accordance with the received identification data. Next, customization data is received corresponding to a selected display parameter associated with the selected advertising content. The selected advertising content and the received customization data are then communicated to each of the networked document processing devices in the selected subset. Each of the document processing devices then commences the display of the selected advertising content in accordance with the customization data.