Television Audience Data Segmentation via Program-Level Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing television audience data rely on broad generalizations and unreliable 'claimed viewing data,' failing to accurately segment viewers based on their actual viewing patterns, which hampers targeted marketing efforts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for segmenting television audience data at the program level, using a multi-stage hierarchical algorithm to group viewers with similar viewing patterns, and combining these segments based on common features to generate targeted marketing insights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If broad generalizations and groupings of demographic information are used to analyze audience data, then the analysis process is simplified and can be performed more easily, but the relevancy of advertising messages cannot be optimized to the majority of viewers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments television audience data into distinct viewer profiles based on actual program-level viewing patterns rather than using broad demographic generalizations. The system divides the audience into specific segments such as 'early morning news viewers,' 'morning talk show viewers,' 'lunchtime entertainment viewers,' etc., allowing for targeted advertising messages that are relevant to each segment's actual viewing behavior.
2Ease of manufacture
If claimed viewing data from surveys is used, then data collection is simpler and less costly, but the data is unreliable and inaccurate when measured against actual audience data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (people meter system) that objectively captures actual viewing behavior. This intermediary device is placed in households to automatically record which programs are being watched, providing reliable program-level viewing data that mediates between the simplicity of survey collection and the accuracy needed for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual surveys and self-reported viewing data with an automated electronic measurement system. The people meter system automatically captures viewing information, eliminating the need for viewers to manually report their watching habits and providing accurate, objective data.
3Measurement precision
If program level viewing data is collected and analyzed for each individual viewer, then accurate segmentation and targeted marketing can be achieved, but the complexity of data processing and analysis increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large volume of program-level viewing data into manageable viewer profiles and segments. By organizing individual viewing patterns into consolidated profiles (e.g., grouping viewers with similar patterns), the system reduces processing complexity while maintaining precision in targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple individual viewing data points into consolidated viewer profiles and segments. By merging similar viewing patterns across multiple viewers, the system creates manageable segments that can be analyzed and targeted efficiently, reducing the overall complexity of processing individual data points.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for segmenting television audience data are disclosed. The methods include receiving program level viewing data for one or more individuals. The methods also include creating one or more segments for the one or more individuals based upon the program level viewing data. The methods further include combining the one or more segments into one or more groups by applying a grouping function and performing analysis on the one or more groups, and generating reports based upon the analysis.