Abstract: Asset options are multiplexed into a multicast stream. In one implementation, a single stream (300) includes programming (306) and assets (302). A user equipment device delivers one of the assets (302) for delivery in connection with an asset delivery opportunity. The stream (300) also includes metadata (304) to assist the user equipment device in selecting the asset for delivery. Targeted advertising can thus be implemented in shared stream environments while efficiently using available bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the provision of targeted advertisements in media. Systems and methods are described which facilitate addressable and non-addressable distribution of assets across a plurality of distribution networks and platforms. In this regard, an advertiser may be able to place a single order for advertising through a media distribution platform that allocates and distributes the asset via multiple channels such as internet streaming, websites (e.g., banners, pop-ups, overlays, etc.), cable, satellite, etc.

Abstract: A system (1000) is disclosed including a resource allocation optimization (RAO) platform (1002) for optimizing the allocation of resources in network (1004) for delivery of assets to user equipment devices (UEDs) (1012). The RAO platform (1002) determines probabilities that certain asset delivery opportunities (ADOs) will occur within a selected time window and uses these probabilities together with information concerning values of asset delivery to determine an optimal use of asset deliveries. In this regard, the RAO platform (1004) received historical data from repository (1014) that facilitates calculation of probabilities that ADOs will occur. Such information may be compiled based on asset delivery records for similar network environments in the recent past or over time.

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: 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 (1000) is disclosed including a resource allocation optimization (RAO) platform (1002) for optimizing the allocation of resources in network (1004) for delivery of assets to user equipment devices (UEDs) (1012). The RAO platform (1002) determines probabilities that certain asset delivery opportunities (ADOs) will occur within a selected time window and uses these probabilities together with information concerning values of asset delivery to determine an optimal use of asset deliveries. In this regard, the RAO platform (1004) received historical data from repository (1014) that facilitates calculation of probabilities that ADOs will occur. Such information may be compiled based on asset delivery records for similar network environments in the recent past or over time.

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 presented for insertion of assets into a stream of content (e.g., audio and/or video programming). Such assets may be targeted to network users separate from the surrounding content and deliveries thereof confirmed. Among other things, these systems and methods enable a new advertising paradigm based on guaranteed delivery of targeted commercial impressions. In this regard, the systems and methods generally provide assets with broadcast network programming (e.g., via actual insertion and/or switching to an asset channel) based on actual audience observations. For example, asset providers may wish to target assets for delivery according to specific audience classifications (e.g., gender, income level, locale, age, etc.). Programming providers, such as television programmers and radio programmers (e.g., standard tower broadcast radio and satellite radio), may receive information from broadcast network users and insert the assets into available bandwidth based on that information.

Abstract: A pacing platform and functionality allows for controlling the pace of delivery of addressable assets in an addressable asset delivery system (100). The illustrated system (100) generally includes an asset delivery order system (102), a decisioning system (104), UEDs (106) and delivery platforms (108). The system (100) allows for delivery of targeted assets to users of UEDs (106) in connection with asset delivery opportunities of programming provided by one or more program delivery networks (122). The system (100) allows for more even pacing of assets delivered by individual UEDs while still collectively fulfilling the campaigns entered via the order system (102). In addition, the invention allows for operation of the order system (102) so as to avoid accepting campaign requests that likely cannot be fulfilled.

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: Systems and methods are presented for the delivery of targeted assets in a scheduled programming network in the context of several content distribution systems, including switched digital, unicast, multicast, and hybrid unicast/multicast content distribution systems. Assets may be targeted to network users in connection with the scheduled network programming, and further, successful delivery of those targeted assets may be confirmed. In this regard, the systems and methods generally select targeted assets from a remote platform and, in some instances, to deliver those targeted assets from the remote platform. The assets may be selected based on demographic or other information obtained from an external source and/or based on monitoring user inputs. In the latter regard, the classification of an audience can be based at least in part on monitoring communications to the remote platform conventionally used for other purposes.

Abstract: A system (1000) is disclosed including a resource allocation optimization (RAO) platform (1002) for optimizing the allocation of resources in network (1004) for delivery of assets to user equipment devices (UEDs) (1012). The RAO platform (1002) determines probabilities that certain asset delivery opportunities (ADOs) will occur within a selected time window and uses these probabilities together with information concerning values of asset delivery to determine an optimal use of asset deliveries. In this regard, the RAO platform (1004) received historical data from repository (1014) that facilitates calculation of probabilities that ADOs will occur. Such information may be compiled based on asset delivery records for similar network environments in the recent past or over time.

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 presented herein generally provide for the compensation of asset providers and/or communications network providers for the non-consumption of assets provided with programming. In this regard, when users elect not to consume the assets associated with the programming, the asset provider loses the opportunity to present their assets to such non-consuming users and is thereby injured in relation to the price they have paid for the delivery of their assets. In one arrangement, a reporting module at a customer device is operative to identify when a user skips an asset and report that skip event to the network. This information may then be utilized to adjust the bill of the asset provider and/or to bill the user associated with the skip event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for constructing a schedule well before the time of an asset delivery opportunity that associates a collection of one or more assets, potentially from multiple advertisers or asset providers, that are planned to play in each asset delivery opportunity. Specific rules for each device also determine which asset each will play, thereby ensuring that campaigns of total asset delivery and asset delivery pacing are approximately fulfilled. This scheduling can be accomplished using marketing data associated with each user device and can be prepared in a practicable period of time using reasonable processing resources.

Abstract: A system (1000) is disclosed including a resource allocation optimization (RAO) platform (1002) for optimizing the allocation of resources in network (1004) for delivery of assets to user equipment devices (UEDs) (1012). The RAO platform (1002) determines probabilities that certain asset delivery opportunities (ADOs) will occur within a selected time window and uses these probabilities together with information concerning values of asset delivery to determine an optimal use of asset deliveries. In this regard, the RAO platform (1004) received historical data from repository (1014) that facilitates calculation of probabilities that ADOs will occur. Such information may be compiled based on asset delivery records for similar network environments in the recent past or over time.

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: 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: 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.