Abstract: A broadcast targeting system is provided where third party database information is utilized in conjunction with broadcast network client information to identify households within the broadcast network including one or more desired recipients of targeted assets. In instances where a user equipment device of the targeted household includes multiple users (i.e., a multiple-user device), use of third party data in conjunction with an indication of which household member is currently using the multiple user device (e.g., set top box, etc.) allows for more effectively delivering assets targeted to a specific member(s) of the household.

Abstract: Assets of broadcast network content are targeted to network users of interest based on location information regarding user equipment devices. Asset providers can specify location targeting criteria via a graphical user interface displaying mapping information. This location targeting criteria can then be compared to location information regarding user equipment devices so that assets are delivered to appropriate devices. The comparison of the location targeting criteria to the device location information can be performed at the user equipment devices or at another location. In the latter case, the assets can be addressed to appropriate user equipment devices or appropriate user equipment devices can be directed to select the asset, which is broadcast via the network. In this manner, assets can be targeted to individual network users on a basis independent of network topology.

Abstract: An addressable asset system (100) includes user equipment devices (UEDs) (102), a cloud decisioning system (CDS) (106) and a business data management system (BDMS) (108). The BDMS (108) collects information that is used by the CDS (106) to manage delivery of assets by the UEDs (102). In an exemplary network architecture, the CDS (106) is independent of the network insertion and delivery equipment. In particular, the broadcast content stream is delivered to the UED (102) by a digital content management (DCM) system (110) and certain assets are separately delivered to the UED (102) by the asset download network (ADN) (112). This allows the CDS (106) to remain independent of the network of the UED (102) such that the CDS (106) can operate across networks.

Abstract: A system and associated functionality are disclosed for managing and monitoring the delivery of assets to network users to comply with campaign specifications. The system is largely independent of content/asset delivery mechanisms, and thus facilitates management and monitoring of asset delivery with respect to a single device or multiple devices, including, multiple devices of multiple networks or modalities, e.g., a television, a laptop and a tablet.

Abstract: Specific transmission mechanisms and processes are provided to support real-time addressable asset delivery in satellite broadcast networks including satellite television networks. A satellite network (100) includes a satellite (102) that transmits a satellite transmission (106) to a terrestrial receiver (104), such as a satellite dish. The satellite dish (104) is associated with a UED (108) such as a television with a set top box. The satellite transmission (106) includes a number of MUXs (107). One or more of the MUXs (107) includes a programming channel and associated asset channels. Addressable asset options can be delivered at UEDs by hopping from a programming channel to an asset channel at an asset delivery opportunity.

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided for use in communications networks including broadcast networks and the Internet. In one implementation, a code identifying an item of media content of interest (e.g. television, newspaper, magazines, billboards, radio) is captured and input to an RFI system that includes stored media tags and a search tool for matching inputs to the stored media tags. Upon receipt of the captured code, the RFI system matches the captured code with the stored media tags and provides a response to the user based on the match. The response may include or relate to follow-on or premium information relating to the content of interest. Using this information, an 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.

Abstract: A broadcast targeting system is provided where third party database information is utilized in conjunction with broadcast network client information to identify households within the broadcast network including one or more desired recipients of targeted assets. In instances where a user equipment device of the targeted household includes multiple users (i.e., a multiple-user device), use of third party data in conjunction with an indication of which household member is currently using the multiple user device (e.g., set top box, etc.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A broadcast targeting system is provided where third party database information is utilized in conjunction with broadcast network client information to identify households within the broadcast network including one or more desired recipients of targeted assets. In instances where a user equipment device of the targeted household includes multiple users (i.e., a multiple-user device), use of third party data in conjunction with an indication of which household member is currently using the multiple user device (e.g., set top box, etc.) allows for more effectively delivering assets targeted to a specific member(s) of the household.

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided 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 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).

Abstract: Certain functionality related to delivery of targeted assets via a communications network, such as a broadcast cable television network, is accommodated by the use of squeezed assets. In one implementation, one or more squeezed assets (164A, 164B and 164C) are delivered during an asset insertion opportunity (162) such as during a commercial break of a programming channel. Each of the squeezed assets (164A, 164B and 164C) includes a squeezed informational content (168A, 168B and 168C) and padding (166A-166F). The padding (166A-166F) accommodates processing times associated with selecting and/or displaying targeted assets. In this regard, the amount and apportioning of padding (166A-166F) may be determined in relation to the operating characteristics of the targeted asset system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots.

Abstract: A system and associated methodology are disclosed for targeting tags in a broadcast network. The tags may be associated with an ad or programming. In one implementation, the tags to be delivered at a user equipment device are selected at the user equipment device, for example, based on location or other user classification parameters. In this manner, different user equipment devices that are on the same bandwidth segment in the same network subdivision can receive different tags.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots.

Abstract: Assets of broadcast network content are targeted to network users of interest based on location information regarding user equipment devices. Asset providers can specify location targeting criteria via a graphical user interface displaying mapping information. This location targeting criteria can then be compared to location information regarding user equipment devices so that assets are delivered to appropriate devices. The comparison of the location targeting criteria to the device location information can be performed at the user equipment devices or at another location. In the latter case, the assets can be addressed to appropriate user equipment devices or appropriate user equipment devices can be directed to select the asset, which is broadcast via the network. In this manner, assets can be targeted to individual network users on a basis independent of network topology.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots.

Abstract: Assets of broadcast network content are targeted to network users of interest based on location information regarding user equipment devices. Asset providers can specify location targeting criteria via a graphical user interface displaying mapping information. This location targeting criteria can then be compared to location information regarding user equipment devices so that assets are delivered to appropriate devices. The comparison of the location targeting criteria to the device location information can be performed at the user equipment devices or at another location. In the latter case, the assets can be addressed to appropriate user equipment devices or appropriate user equipment devices can be directed to select the asset, which is broadcast via the network. In this manner, assets can be targeted to individual network users on a basis independent of network topology.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots.

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided 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 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).