Abstract: A subscriber identification system is presented in which EPG related data including scrolling rates, paging rates, information screen viewing times, and manner and frequency of EPG activation are used to identify a subscriber from a group of subscribers. In one instance, the subscriber viewing data is recorded and a signal processing algorithm, such as a Fourier transform, is used to produce a processed version of the EPG related data. The processed version of the EPG related data can be correlated with stored common identifiers of subscriber profiles to determine which subscriber from the group is presently viewing the programming. A neural network or fuzzy logic can be used as the mechanism for identifying the subscriber from clusters of information, which are associated with individual subscribers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the insertion and transport of advertisements in a digital environment, including methods for directing advertisements (ads) at subscribers and substituting advertisements in a program stream with targeted advertisements. The insertion methods are based on synchronous, plesiochronous, or asynchronous techniques. These methods may operate at constant bit rates or at available bit rates. An ad manager is used to select targeted advertisements, and dynamic ad linking is used to substitute an advertisement in a program stream with an alternative targeted advertisement.

Abstract: A subscriber selected ad display and scheduling system which allows subscribers to request any one of a plurality of advertisements they wish to view from a library of advertisements stored at the set-top box. Generally, the set-top box stores a plurality of advertisements that have been targeted to the subscriber. Two different embodiments are provided. In one embodiment, the subscriber may view different available advertisements via an advertisement guide, and select one or more advertisements wherein upon selection, the contents of the selected advertisements are immediately displayed at the subscriber display. Alternatively, the subscriber may select one or more advertisements from a list of advertisements with the help of an advertisement guide. In this embodiment, the selected advertisements are scheduled for displays, i.e., as soon as the next avail (advertisement opportunity) is identified, the next selected advertisement is inserted in the avail.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for grouping targeted advertisements on an advertisement channel. The advertisements may be grouped at a head end, at a central location, and delivered as a time division or channel division multiplexed by the advertisement group to the one or more subscriber ends. In time-division multiplexing, the advertisements corresponding to the advertisement groups are temporarily grouped together when transmitted. In channel-division multiplexing, each advertising group is assigned to a different advertising channel and the STBs are instructed to download all the advertisements on the particular advertisement channel to which it corresponds. In particular, for ATM transport, encoded video streams may be sent on one or more channels such as Virtual Path Identifier/Virtual Channel Identifiers (VPI/VCIs). To achieve ad grouping, one or more dedicated channels (i.e., VPI/VCIs) may be created and assigned to carry only ads of a particular group.

Abstract: Method and system for creating one or more advertising avail sections (subavails) and thereupon aggregating the subavails to form one or more groups of subavails. The advertisement opportunities (avails) may be divided into sections (subavails) with each section being directed at a particular target audience (group). The subavails are then aggregated into one or more groups of subavails so that the groups of subavails can be sold to the advertisers. The grouping of subavails is generally based on a correlation wherein the subavails are characterized based on one or more characteristics. The groups of subavails are formed based on one or more shared characteristics. The advertiser has an option to buy a group of subavails (rather than an avail in prior art), whereby the advertiser may reach a targeted group of an audience.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inserting and displaying one or more signals during processing and display delays encountered in digital STB-receivers, including those delays encountered during channel changes. Moreover, providing a means for increasing the channel change delay period, while maintaining subscriber satisfaction, and thereby freeing up bandwidth for other services. These signals can be advertisements, entertainment, or other messages. When a channel change request occurs on a digital set-top receiver, a local watchdog module detects the channel change event and causes to be generated a signal that is immediately displayed on the TV, while the MPEG-2 subsystem of the receiver acquires, stores, decodes and presents the new program to the television. Providing advertisements or entertainment during the delay period allows for increase in the delay period thus allowing for higher compression and increased availability of bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and a method for delivering targeted advertisements to the set-top box (STB). The targeted advertisements may be delivered to the STB in a low bandwidth channel or in a high bandwidth channel as an ad channel. The ad channel may be an analog channel wherein the advertisements are transmitted as analog video. Alternatively, the advertisement channel may be a digital channel, and the advertisements may be encoded and transported in the same way as conventional programming. In digital cases, a 6 MHz digital channel may carry several digital advertisement channels. Moreover, other services (e.g., data may be carried within the 6 MHz digital channel). Alternatively, the ad channel may share a 6 MHz bandwidth with one or more other programming channels.

Abstract: An advertisement storage and filtering system for selectively identifying targeted advertisements to be stored in the memory of the STB. This storing of the selected advertisements can be accomplished in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the advertisements, in real-time and as they are received at the STB, are processed by the STB and only those advertisements with the appropriate characteristics are stored on the hard drive (HD). This may require some buffering of the advertisements in the STB memory as the STB processes and determines whether or not to store the advertisement. The information required to determine whether or not to store the advertisement could also be sent in advance, e.g., as a data service in an advertisement channel. Alternatively, the STB may store incoming advertisements in a memory temporarily and subsequently determine whether or not to retain the stored advertisements.

Abstract: In the present invention, advertisers can effectively perform targeted TV advertising using “advertiser-specific” target groups. Each advertiser defines its own target groups based on the preferred characteristics of the advertiser to form advertiser-specific target groups. Each person who is enabled to receive the advertisements (e.g., a subscriber to a cable TV service) is associated with appropriate target groups of the different advertisers, and this target group information may be stored at the subscriber's side or accessible by the subscriber's device such as a set top box or PVR. Based on the stored information, the advertisements that have been associated with the target groups of the subscriber, are then selected and displayed to the subscriber on a TV.

Abstract: Recording information related to an asset in an asset registry throughout the life cycle of the asset. Categorizing the information into multiple attributes. Managing read and write privileges to the asset registry for various entities having an interest in the asset. Providing access to the attributes to the various entities that have an interest in the asset. Entities having write privileges can write information to the asset registry, and entities having read privileges can read information from the asst registry.

Abstract: A method for automatic asset registration. An electronic registration database is provided by an asset manufacturer or third party, such as a credit card company. An electronic data file comprising data specific to an entity that purchases or owns assets is provided. The data file can be loaded onto a purchasing or owner entity's computer or installed on a smart credit card. In one embodiment, the data file is loaded onto a third party's computer. The data specific to an entity is extracted from the electronic file and entered into the registration database. Data specific to an asset is also entered into the registration database and associated with the data specific to an entity; thereby registering the asset for the entity.