CA2654869A1 - System and method for inserting media based on keyword search - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method (i.e., utility) is provided for use in connection with delivering content that is targeted to users of a broadcast network. More specifically a utility is provided for inserting targeted content into a broadcast content stream based at least in part on information associated with content of the programming that will be provided via a broadcast network. In this regard, one or more textual fields associated with the programming is monitored (2004) or otherwise reviewed. Based on the textual information from the at least one textual field of the programming, targeted content or 'assets' are identified (2008) (i.e., from a collection of assets) that have at least partially matching textual constraints. At least one of the identified assets may then be inserted (2010) into a content stream of the broadcast network and provided in conjunction with the programming.

Description

SYSTEM A-N~ ME'FHt:3D FOR INSERTING
MEDIA BASED ON KE"~OR~ SEARCH
CROSSm~~ERENC:E
Ilis application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to LJ.S. Provisional Application No. ~0118449460y entitled: "ADVATAR AND KEYWORD SEARCllxay filed on June 12, 2006, the contents oI'Wh1ch are incorporated herein as lI's~t forth in full.
FIELD
Systems and methods presented herein relate to the provision oI'~argeted assets via a network inte-face. In one specific arrangement, targeted advertising media is selected based on one or more keywords associated with programming delivered via a rietwork content fitl'eame BACKGROUND
Broadcast nehvo~k content or programming is commonly provaded in conjunction with associated gnfonnati~nal content or assets. These assets include advertas~~entsF
associated programming, public-s~rvi~e announcements, ad tags, trailers, weather or etn~~~en~~ notifications and a variety ~~~ther content, including paid and unpaid content.
In this regard, assets providers (e.g., advertisers) who wish to convey gnfarrnation (e.g., advertisements) ~~gar(1.ing services and/~~ products to users of the broadcast network often pay for the right to insert their i~~orrnation into ~~~granuniiig of the broadcast network. For instance, advertisers ~iay provide ad content to a network operator such that the ad content may be interleaved with broadcast network ~~ograniming during one or niÃ~~~ pr~~animing breaks. The delivery of such paid assets often subsidizes or covers the costs of the programming provided by the ~roacicast nehvork. This may reduce or eliminate costs borrfle by the users of the broadcast network Isrs~~anuning.
In order to acYiieve a better return oii. their investment, asset providers often try to target their assets to a selected audience that is believed to be interested in the goods or services of the asset provider. 'I'~~ case of advertisers on a cable television network is illustrative. For instance, an advertiser or a cable television iietwark may desire to target its ads to certain demographic groups based on, for example, geographa.c l~catiori, gender, age, inconie etc. Accordingly, once an. a(ivertls~r has created an. ad that is targeted to a desired group of viewers (e.g., targeteÃ3. group) the advertiser may. attempt to procure insertion times in the network programming when the targeted group is expected to be ~on9 the audience of the network lsrogrammin~.
Advertisers on the networks have typically attei-npted to select insertion times for their ad ~ontent based on audience classification InI'~nnation. prwvrided by audience saniplln,~ companies, such Nielsen Media Research (;orporation. In broadcast television, audience sainpllng has often been performed via the mc~iiitoring of a small sainlsle of selected households. The houseliolds are ideally selected to be representative of the universe of v1eWers. Specifically, specialized equipment is provided to the selected households where demographic infot nataon of eacb. household is known to the sanipliiig canipany. The s~e6ilized equipment is operative to ~ecord the viewing liabits of the household and periodically report the same. The reported viewing habits of the monitored I~ousebolds are then compiled aiid sorted to determine, for example, overall market sbare by chaline1, by program, as well as by one or more demographic groups (e.g., male, female, etc.).
While such sainpling techniques aid in the selection of insertion times for large market share (1.e,,1~~e audience) network channels, these sampling techniques are often of limited value for small market share network c1iaimels. That is, such sampling may not be statistically representative of an actual audience of a small market share network channel. Likewise, targeting assets of interest to an audience of many network channels ~~~nains probl~inati.e. In addition, targeting based on demographics may not be sufficiently granular for the needs of certain advertisers and may result in poor matching of an ad. to potential consumers of interest.

SUMMARY
In order to better match assets (e.g., ad~ertis~~ents) to users of a broadcast network channel, it may be desirable to select sucb assets ibr delivery at a user ~q-uipmeait device (UED) based on current network conditions for that network channel. One indication of current network conditions, such as the malCe4upi'composition of an audience, may in some instances be pravlded by the content of the programming distributed via the broadcast netwo-rl~ channel. That is, what is currently being consumed may closely align with the interests of the current network users and assets corresponding to such programming may be of interest to the network users. In particular, targeting 1) based at least in part an discemed coiitent may allow for better identification Of consumers of interest than targeting based on demographics alone.

According to a first aspect, a system and method (i.e., utility) is provided for inserting assets into a broadcast coiitent streaxn based at least in part on iflifarmation associated with content of the programming that will be provided via a broadcast network. More specifically, at least one textual field associat~ti with the prog,r~iniillg is monitored. Based at least in part on the textual ~iiformat~~n from the at least one textual field of the programming, assets are identified (i.e., from a collection of assets) that have at least partially matching constraints. Further, at least one of the identified assets (i.e., a selected asset) is inserted into a content stream of the broadcast network, Accordingly, the selected asset may be broadcast in conjunction with the programming.
Variations and additional features exist in the aboveanoted aspect. For instance, the assets may include wiy assets of an asset provider, including, without limitation, advertising, programming, public service announcements, etc. Further, various steps and processes may be p~rfonned at differetit locations within a broadcast network.
A number of these step and. processes may be perfcanned at a location that is referred to as the head end of the network, which may generally entail any network components that are upstream (i.e., across a network interface) of customer ~reinises equipment (CPE) devices or other UEDs. L~~e-wise, asset providers ~iay be able to access one or more components of the utility across one or more network interfaces in order to interact with the utility for providing textual constraiiits for use with their assets. Further, while the utility may be beneficially implemented ~br small maiket share network channels, it will be appreciated that the utility may be ~~~~lernented with any network channels including large market share channels.

Monitoring of the textual fields associated with the programming may be done, for example, prior to the ~ro~~Tmning being broadcast by the broadcast network. In this regard, a predetermined time ~~fo~~ broadcasting of the programming, textual fields of the progran~ing may be monitored/reviewed in order to identify textual infonnation (e.g., keywords) that may be utilized to select assets having corresponding textual constraints. .A.ltematively, monitoring may be ~erfonned while the programming is broadcast by the broadcast network. Ln this regard, assets may be dynamically selected and inserted into a content st~~~ in conjunction with broadcasting of the programming.

Monitoring may further include monitoring any textual information associated with the programming. For instance, monitoring may include monitoring the electronic ~rogrwn guide entry for the programmlng. Such electronic program guide infonnatlon may include a program title, subtitle and/or program descriptlon.e It will be appreciated that the program descriptic~ii may include entries including, for exaniple, a descriptiofli of the content, actors associated with the programming, directors and1or temporal ~~~~orrnatl~~ (date created, s.easoti information, etc.) for the programming.
Monitoring may further include monitoring closed captioning of the programming. Sa~ch.
closed captioii:~~~g may include transcription of spoken dialog (for the hearing 1inpalrÃ;d or for televisions in noisy areas sucli as restaurant or airports) and described video for the visually impaired. In this regard, the textual content of the programming may be utilized as wi indication of, for cxwnple, poteiitial consumers of the ~~ogra~~ming.
Accordingly, asset providers mav specif~, associated constTaints for their assets in order to target viewers.

The textual information that is searched is not limited to explicit text. For example, vendors of programming could associate metadata with pr~~graramlng that may be included in the fields searched. Tius metadata need not be reflected in program guides, closed captioning or other explicit text. Moreover, sp~ec-l~ or other content may be converted into text using certain existing technologies. 'rhis text may also be searched but need not be delivered to network users, e.g., television viewers.

The textual information may also be searched with respect to multiple languages.
For example, prc~~ain guides and closed captioning, as well as transclibed dialog, ay be available mmultaple languages. Similarly, assets may be available in multiple languages.
Thus, the text may be searched to identify not only an appropriate asset but also an appropriate language for the asset.
Such constraiiits may include tlz~ requlreinent that one or more textual.
strings or conibinatlons of textual strings be iaicluded within the textual infon-nation of a particular program with which the asset is associateÃi. For instance, such constraints may require that one or more keywords be present witl-iin the textual fields of the programming.
Further, asset providers may slaeca~ Nvhlcb. textual field is monitored to Ãleterrnine if the prograrn satisfies the textual constraints of an asset. For instance, the asset providers may require that specific 1~ey-vvorÃls be located within the program title, subtitle, program description and.<~r within the closed captioning of the programming. In further aaTan~~ents, asset providers may require the presence of a predet.enninerl minimtim number of specified keywords. Asset providers mav also require the presence of at least one mandatory keyword and at least one optional k~~~ ~rd and/or aai~
combination of the two. Further, asset providers may include weighting factors for specific keywords. "fliat is, cert.airi specified keywords may be weighted diff~~ently. Additionally and/or alternatively, asset providers may require the absence of one or more keywords from the textual fields of the programming. In another arrangement, the asset providers may require the presence of at least first and second specified keywords within the textual field where the first and second keywords aae within a predetermined proximity of one another.
As discussed below, such texttial targeting may be combined with one or more mandatory and/or ~ennissi~e deTn~~~phic or other targeting constraint, eag., to associate an asset with a program related to "travel" aiid having significant viewership aniong females over 40.
Identifying assets from a collection of assets having at least partially matcbiiig textual constraints may include matching text from the one or more textual fields of the programming with the textual cOnstTaints of each asset an(i generating a goodness of fit value. For instance, an asset including three specified keywords that match the textual iraf~nnation may have a higher goodness of fit value than an asset having a single matching keyword. Alt~matively, such niatchi~g may include a binary matching.
In such an arrangement, assets having one or more matching kev-vvords may be identified as being available for insertia~ii with in a content stream. in. one arrangement, selection between available assets may be random.
Further, when multiple assets are available for insertion, one or more secondary considerations may be utilized to determine Wbicli asset will be iiisexted into a content stream. That is, selecting may further include utilizing additional info~nation associated with the ~ro,~amminc, to select between a pl-Lirality of assets ~having at least partially matching textual constTaints. Such additional infon-nation may be utilized with targeting criteria associated with each asset. For instance, each asset may ha-ve targeting criteria that is directed towards the demographics of the intended viewing audiezice of the programming and/or ternporal. limitations associated with the delivery time of the asset, and/or network limitations. Such demographic infa~-natian may include tlle age, gender, income, geogaapliic location and/or personal interest of an actual or intended audience of the programming. Network limitations may include the inclusion or exclusion of particular networks for the paTticaalar asset. It Will. be ~~~r appreciated that additional targeting criteria associated with the asset may be utilized. In any case, targeting criteria in addition to the textual constraints of the asset may be utilized to select one or more of the assets for iaiser~~on into the content st~~ain.
Inserting a selected asset may include replacing a default asset in the ~onteait stream that is used to deliva the programming with the selected asset. In another arrangement, inserting may include transmitting instructions to at least a portion of UEDs within the broadcast n~~vork to output the selected asset durin~ a predetermined asset delivery spot within the progranimang. ln s-acla an aaTan~~~nty the selected asset may have been previously stored in storage media of the IJEDs. In another arrangement, inserting may include inserting the selected asset into a parallel content stream that is broadcast in synchrony with a ~;-onterat s~eain that includes the pra~graniming. In this case, information may be provided to at least a portion of the UEDs in the broadcast netws~~~
~~~~~~~g the availability of the asset on the parallel ~onteait streaTn, The UEDs may be operative to switch to the asset on the parallel content stream dunng an asset delivery spot. In this regard, textual targeting may be used to select assets for insertion into content s#~eains and/or to select assets for delivery at the UED.
As will be further appreciated, utilization of parallel content streams may allow for inserting a second, a third or more assets (e,ge, additional matching asse-ts) of the same and,>or additional asset providers into additional parallel coai~ent streams (e.g.7 containing parallel assets). Accordingly, the LIEDfi of the network users may be opafrfa~iv~ to select an asset for individual netWork. users (e.g,, based on subscriber classification in~onnation and/or textual targeting information developed by each UE17). In such an arrangement, assets -for the lsarallel. content s~~~ams may be se-l~~terl based in part on derrao~apYaics or other factors.
According to another aspect, a utility is provided for selecting assets at the site of a network user based at least in part on the content of the broadcast prÃagrarungng. In this regard, the utility may be impleTnented at a customer premises equipment device (LJED) such as a digital set top box. The UED selects assets having textual constraints that match textual information in current programming received via a broadcast content stTeam. In this regard, the UED may monitor incoming programming in order to identify textual infcsnnataon associated with that programming. Based on textual information associated with the programming, the UED may select an asset for presentation to a network user -wh.o is receiving the programming. The aspect is based in part on the recognition that the cora~~iit of ~What is curT~iitly being consumed may be closely aligned with the interests of the current network user.
In one arrangement, the tJED may select a prevstorecl asset for delivery during an asset delivery spot within the programming. Alternatively, the UED may select '~etween.
di~'e-rerit asset options provided by the broadcast network based on the textual information associated with the prr~~anu-rxing being delivered to a current user. This may require providing asset keyword in~~nnation to 'LJEDs in ~d-v~~~~e of asset delivery spots.
l.O l~ ~~y arrangement, the UED a~~ay detemzi~e a goodness of fit value for each asset. T'l~e UED may tlieai select one of the assets based at least in part on the goodness of fit value. in one azTa~geir~~~~~ additional criteria may be utilized to select one or irls~~e assets for delivery. Such fLirth~r criteria may include targeting criteria associated with the assets. Such targetiii,g criteria may relate to demographic criteria, ~~~~rM c-riteria and/or network criteria. In this regard, it will be appreciated. that information associated with the UED (e.g., historic use information, geographic information, ~tc) may be utilized in conjunction with the targeting criteria and textual information to d~~errnine an asset that may be best suited -for presentation to a ~u-rr~~t network user. For ~xarnple, logic resident on the UED or elsewhere may determine that a UED is frequently tuned to sports related progranuning at a particular time on a particÃ.a~ar day. 11-dS information may ~e used, alone or in ~onjunc-tion with other developed user classification izafoa-nation, in targeting assets.
According to another aspect, a system is provided for use in delivering assets to users of a broadcast network based at least in part on the textual content of the pragr~nining provided by the broadcast network. '17he svstem includes a platform that provides an interface for receiving textual constraints from asset providers.
In this regard, the interface allows for receiving one or more textual constraints for use in dissmninati~~~
assets of the asset providers. The sy5tern f-urther includes a processor that is operative to compare the textual constraints of the assets witli textual information associated with programming. That is, the ~~~~~ may match the textual constraints oi'th~
assets with the textual inf~rinati~ii of the programming to aid irt, the selection of an asset for dissemination with the programming.

The p1atfann may be any system that allows an asset provider to provide textual constraints for use with their assets. In this regard, the ~lat~~nn may also allow the asset provider to provide their assets to the broadcast network in conjunction with constraints for those assets. Further, the system may allow the asset provider to provide additional targeting criteria fcaa use with their assets. Such additional targeting criteria may include, without :limitation, d~~~~aphic constraints, tcmpora1 constraints andr`Ã~r network constr~~ints.

h~ one arTan,~einent, the p1atfoTTn izic1udes a grap1iacal user interface.
This grapb1cal user interface may provide various prompts that allow asset providers to indicate one or more textual constraints for their assets. Ln any arrangement, the 1nt~~~e may provide historical information associated with different textual tenns (e,g., ~eywo-rs1s). For instance, the interface may provide asset providers with the freÃ1~~iicy that various ten-ns appear in programming and/or cross-~~~~~ence different ternis to, for example, dernÃ~grap1~c groups. Likewise, the p1atfÃ~~ may provide additional functionality. For instance, the p1atfann may allow an asset provider to indicate exact matches or allow for use of synonyms with one or more 1~~ywor(is.
According to another aspect, a syst~ni is provided for selecting assets based on programming content at a location of a network user. In this regard, the systein may be iiicorpÃ~rated into a 1JED. Accordingly, the device may include a network interface for receiving a broadcast content stream from a broadcast network and a processor for monitoring textual information associated with tYze programming recea~e-d via the network interface. The processor may be further operative to compare the textual 1nfonnation with textual constraints associated with two or more assets. Based on ~~~~~
comparison, the processor may then select one of the assets that may be presented in ~on~unctaoll wit1i the prograrmning. In a further arrangement, the systeTn may include a report generator for generating reports indicative that a particular asset was delivered to a network user. Such report may be provided to a network platform via the network interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 illustrates major components of a cable television network.
Fig. 2 illustrates bandwidth usage that is dynamically detennix~ed on a ~~~grap1~~cally dependent basis via networks.

Fig. 3 illustrates asset insertion as accomplished at a headend.
li'1g, 4 illustrates ~~xemplary audience shares of various networks as may be used to set asset delivery prices for futa~~ breaks associated with the p~ograni.
Fig. 5 illustrates delivery of assets to different users watching the s~~~
programming channel.
Fig. 6 illustrates audience aggregation across.
Fig. 7 illustrates a virtual channel 1n the context of audience aggregation.
Fig. 8 illustrates targeted asset insertion being implemented at Customer Preanflses 1~,quipa~~ent (UEDs).
Fig. 9 illustrates asset options being transmitted from a headend on separate asset channels.
l+'1g, 10 illustrates a messaging sequence betw~~~i a I1EZ)p a netWork platfonn, and a traffic aaid bllliiig (T&B) system.
Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a process for implementing timeaslot and ta-rgeked impression buys, Fig. 12 illustrates ~xernplary sequences associated with breaks on programming chs.-nnels.
Fig. 13 illustrates an application that is supported by signals from UEDs and which provides targeted assets to users of one or more 6hannels within a network.
l+'ig, 14 illustrates the use of asset channels for providing assets a~un~g a break of a progransning channel.
Fig. 15 illustrates a reporting system.
:1-01g. 16 illustrates a content-based targeting syfitem..
Fig. 17 illustrates a process for lmpl~~entin~ a contentnbased targeting syst~in.
Fig. 18 illustrates a GUI for enteri-na textual constraiiits for use with content-based targeting.

Fig. 19 illustrates an exernplary EPG entry.
Fig. 20 illustrates a process for iniplement.lng content-based targeting at a I1 ED.
DE'I'AI1,ED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to various structure and functionality for delivery of targeted assets, classification of networlà users or ~onsuni1ng 1sattems, and network monitoring for use in a communications network, as well as associated business methods.
The invention has paitlcular applicatioii with respect to networks where content is broadcast to network users; that is, the content is made available via the ra~hvor~ to multiple users without being specifically addressed to individual user nodes in polnt-to-polnt fashion. In. this regard, content may be broadcast in a variety of networks ~iieludlng, for example, cable ~id satellite television networksa satellite radio networks, IP networks 'Lased for multicasting content and networks used for Isodcasts or telephony broadcasts/multfcasts. Content may also be broadcast over the airwaves thougli, as will be tanderstoosl from the description below, certain aspects of the invention make use of lsl-1.0 directional c~~~mun.1cat1~.~n channels which are not readily ~vailals].e, for example, in connection with conventional airwave based televisions or radios (i.e., such communication would involve suppl~~tal communication systems). In varlo-us contexts, the content may be consumed in real time or stored for subsequent consumption.
Thus, while specific examples are provided below in the context of a cable television 1.5 network for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited tc) such contexts but, rather, has application to a vatiety of networks and transmission modes.
'I~~ targeted assets may include any type of asset that is desired to be targeted to network users. It is noted. that such targeted assets are sometimes referred to as 20 "addressable" assets (thougli, as will be understood ftom the description below, targeting can be accomplished without addressing in a poigitnlo-point sense). For example, these targeted assets may include advertisements, i~~emal marketing (e.g., lnforrnaIion about r~~hvork ~~omotlons, scheduling or upcoming events), public service announcements, weather or emergency infonnation, or programming. The targeted assets may be 25 independent or iiicluded in a content stTe;~in watla other assets sucli as u~itarg~~ed network programming. In the latter case, the targeted assets may be interspersed with ~targeted ~rogrsmraiiiil; (e.g., provided dunng programming breaks) or may otherwise be conibl~ed with the programming as by being superimposed on a screen portion in the case of video programming. In the description beloW, specific examples are provided in the context of 30 targeted assets provided during breaks in television progranunlng. Valile this is an important commercial implernentatit~~ of the invention, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader application. Thus, distinctions below between "programming" and "assets" such as advertising sliould not be understood as limiting the types of content that may be targeted or the contexts in which such content maybe pro-vided, The following description is divided into ~~uinber of sections. 1~. the Introduction section, the broadcast netws~rk- and network pragranuning enviroaunents are first descz .ibed, Thereafter, an overview of the targeted asset envir~omncnt is provided including a discussion of certain shortcomings of tl~~ conventional asset delivery ~aradigin. The succeeding section provides an overview of a targeted asset syst~rn in accordance with aspects of the prescflit iiivention bigb.lighti~g advantages of certain preferred implementations thereof Finally, the last section describes 'Lase of the targeted asset system to implernent various fimetionalities with specific reference to textual based targeted advertising in a cable television envirommento 1. YNTRODUCI'ION
A. Broadcast Networks The present invention has particular applicatioii in the context of nehvorks primarily used to provide broadcast content, herein termed broadcast netw-csrks. Such broadcast networks generally involve synchronized distribution of broadcast content to m-ultglsle users. However, it will be appreciated that certain broadcast networks are not limited to synchronously pushing content to multiple users but can also be used to deliver content to specific users, including on a user pulled ba,fiis. As noted above, ~xaxnples of broadcast networks include cable television networks, satellite television networks, and satellite radio neMrorks. Sn addition, audio, video or other content may be broadcast across lntemet protocol and telephony networ:ks, 1~ any such networks, it may be desired to insert targeted assets sueb as ael.vertisernents into a broadcast st.ream.
Examples of broadcast netdvorks used to delivery content to specific users include broadcast networks used to deliver on demand content such as VOD and podcasts. The present invention provides a variety of functionality in this regard, as will be discussed in detail below.
:For purposes of illustration, the in-,rentgon is described in some instances below in the context of a cable televisia~ii network impl~entation, Some major components of a cable television network 100 are depicted in Fig. 1. In the illustrated network 100, a headend 104 obtains broadcast content from any of a number of sources 101-103o Additionally, broadcast content may be obtained 1'~ om storage media 105 sueb.
as via a video senYer, The ill.ustTated so-urces include an anternia 101, for example, for receiving content via the airwaves, a satellite dish 102 for receiving cor~~~~t via satellite conimun.ications, and a fiber link 103 for receiving content directly from studios or other content sources. It will be appreciated that the illustrated sources 101-1 0~
and 105 are provided for purposes of illustration and other sources may be utilized, The 1~~adend 104 processes the received content for transmission to n, etWork users.
Among other things, the 1~~adend 104 may be operative to arnplifys convert aiid otherwise process the broadcast content signals as well as to combiiie the signals into a common cable for transmissioii to network users 1 07 (although graphically depicted as households, as described below, the sys~~ of the present invention can be used in implementations where individual users in a houseliold are targeted). It also is not necessary that the target audience be composed hoLaseholds or liousehold members in any sense. For example, the present invention can be used to create on-the-f-ly ctistomi~ed presentations to students in distributed classrooms, e.g., thus providing examples which are more relevant to each student or group of students within a presentation being broadcast to a wide range of students. '1'he headend also processes signals from users in a variety of contexts as described below. The headend 104 may thus be thought of as the control center or local cont'rol center of the cable television network 100.
Typically, there is iiÃ~t a direct fiber link from the headend 104 to the customer ~rernises equipment (UED) 108. Rather, this connection generally involves a system of feeder cables aiid drop cables that define a number of system subsections or branches.
This (i.istribution network may include a number of nodes 109. JC'he signal may be processed at these nodes 109 to insert localized content, filter the locally available channels or otherwise control the content de1i-ve ed to users in the node area. The resulting content within a node area is typically distributed by optical and/or coaxial links 106 to the premises of patticular users 107. Finally, the broadcast signal is processed by the UED 108 W hic1i may include a television, data terminal, a digital set top box, T3v'R or ot1~~~ terminal equipment. It will be appreciated that digital or analog signals ~iav be involved in this regard.

Users eniploy the network, and network operators derive revenue, based on delivery of desirable content or prograniming. 'l"he stakeholders in this regard include programming providers, asset providers such as advertisers (Who may be the sarne as or different than the programming providers), network operators such as Multiple Systems Operators (MSOs), and users-or viewers in the case of television networks.

Programming providers include, for example: networks who provide series and other programming, including on a national or iiitemational basis; local affiliates who often provide local or regional programming; studios who create and market content including movies, documentaries and the like; and a variety of other content owners or providers.
Asset providers include a wide variety of manufacturers, retailers, service providers and public interest groups interested in, and generally Willitig to pay for, the opportunity to deliver messages to users on a local, regional, national or international level. As discussed below, such assets include: conventional advertis~inents; tag content such as ad tags (which may include static grapbic overlays, animated graphics files or even realmtime video and audio) associated with the advertiseanents or other coiitent;
banners or other content superimposed oti or otherwise overlapping programming; product plau-mentj and otlier advertising mechanisms. In addition, the netxork.s may use itisertioll spots for intemal marketing as discussed above, and the spots may be used for public service announcements or other non-ad~erfising content. Network operators are generally responsible for delivering content to users and otherwise operating the networks as well as for contracting with the networks and asset providers and billing. [J'sers are the end consumers of the content. Users may employ a variety of types of UEDs including television, set top boxes, iPODTm devices, data terminals, satellite delivered -video or audio to an automobile, appliances (sucb. as refrigerators) Witb builtyin televisiotis, etc.
As described below, all of these stakeholders have an iiiterest in inip~~~ed delivery of content including targeted asset delivery. For example, users can thereby be exposed to assets that are more likely of interest and can continue to have the costs of programming subsidized. or wholly bome by asset providers. Asset providers can benefit from more effective asset delivery and greater return on their investment.
Network opLiators and asset providers can benefit from increased value of the network as an asset delivery ~~~~ai-tism and, thus, potentially enhanced revenues. 'I'h~ present inverg.tioll.
addresses all of these interests.
It will be noted that it is sometimes unclear that the interests of all of these stakeholders are aligned. For example, it may not be obvious to all users that they b~ii~~~
by consuming such assets. Indeed, some users may be willing to avoid ~onsuining stich assets even witb an understanding of the associated costs. NetWo~k. operators and asset providers may also disagee as to how prc~~~anuniiig should best be distributed, how asset delivery may be associated with the programming, and how revenues should be shared.

As described below, the present invention provides a mccliaiiism for accommodating potentially conflicting interests or for enhancing overall value such that the interests of all stakeholders can be advanced.
Assets can be provided via a variety of distribution modes including real-time broadcast distribution, fonvard-anÃl-storer and s~~~~emand delivery sucli as VC3D. Real-time broadcast delivery involves synchronous delivery of assets to multiple users s~~ch as the cort,vert,tioiial paradigm for broadcast radio or television (e.g.5 airwave, cable or satellite). The forward-and-skore mode involves delivery of assets ahead of time to UEDs with substantial storage resources, e.g.} a I7v'It. or data terminal. 'rhe asset is stored for 1.13 later display, for example, as Isroinpted by the user or controlled according to logic resident at the I_JED and,'or elsewhere in the cominuiiacations network. The on-dern~nd madc involves individualized delivery of assets from the iieIWork to a user, ofteai on a ~ay-perRvieW basis. The present invention can be utilized in connection with any of these distribution modes or others. In this regard, important features of the present invention can. be amplerrE.en~~d using conventional UEDs without requiring substantial storage resources to enhance even real-ÃIme broa(i.cast prs~~ammgng, for analog and digital users.
The ainount of ISrogranimi~g that can be delivered to users is limited by the available programming space. This, in tum, is a function of bans~~idth., Thus, for exaanpleY cable television aietuorks, satellite television x~~hvorks5 satellite radio networks, and other networks have certain bandwidth llmitat:Ãor#s, In certain broadcast networks, the avails.ble bandwidth may be divided into bandwldth. portions that are used to transmit the pro,~~iu-ning for individual channels or stations. In addition, a portion of the available bandwidth may be ut1llzel. Ibrbi-direckional messaging, metadata.
transmissions and other network overhead. Altemately} such biTdirectional comrrt,-Lanication may be accommodated by any appropriate communications channels, including the use of one or more separate commtmicat~ons networks. The noted bandwidth portions may be defined by dedicated s~~~ents, e.g., d~~~~ed by fTequerf,cy ranges, or ~iay be dynainlcally configured, for example, in the case of packetized data networks. As will be described below, in one implementaIioiip the present invention uses available (dedicated or opporttmgstically available) bandwidth for substantially real time transmission of assets, e.g., for targeted asset delivery wItli respect to a defined asset delivery spot. In t11#.s implc-mentatlorg, '~~-dlr~ctBonal commariications may be accornnodated by dedicated messaging bandwidth and by encoding messages within bandwidth used for asset delivery. A DOC S~S path or certain TELCO solutions using switched IP may be utilized for bi-directia~na~ ~~-unications between the headend and UEDs and asset delivery to the UEDs, including real-time asset delivery, in the systerns described below.

B. Scheduling What ~~~graanming is available on particular channels or other bandwidth segnieiits at particular times is detennined by scheduling. 'Fhus, in the co~.t~~~ of a broadcast television network, znd.ivadu~l p~~~amyning networks, associated witb.
particular prr~granimin,~ channels, will generally develop a programming schedule well into the future, e.g., weeks or months in advance. 'I"bis pra~~ain~ing schedule is generally published to users so that users can find programs of interest. Ira addition, this programming schedule is used by asset providers to select desired asset delivery spots.
Asset defi~~ry is also scheduled. That is, breaks are typically built into or otherwise provided in ~~ogran1niing content. In the case of recorded content, the breaks are pre-defined. Even in the case of live broadcasts, breaks are built-in.
Thus, the nuanber and duration of breaks is typically known in adNranceq t~oug1i the exact timing of the breaks may vary to some extent. However, this is iiot always the case. For exatnple5 if s~oitir~~ events go into overtime, the number, duration and timing of breaks may vary dynamically. As discussed below, the systern of the present invention can handle rea~~
time delivery of assets for updated breaks. In connection with regularly scheduled breaks, as discussed below, defined avail windows establish the time period duiing which certain breaks or svots occur, and a ctie tone or cue message signals the beginning of such breaks or spots. In practice, ~~i avail window may be as long as or longer than a program and include all associated breaks. Indeed, avail windows may be several hours long, for exarnple, in cases where audience demographics are not expected to change significantly over large programming blocks. In this regard, an MSO may merge multiple avail windows provided by prograrruni~g nehvorks.

More speci~cally, a break may include a series of asset delivery spots and the content of a break may be deternined by a number of entities. For ~~aniple, some asset delivery is distributed on. a basis coextensive with network programming, e.g., on a national basis. This asset delivery is conventionally scheduled based on a timed playlist.
That is, the insertion of content is cenRTally controlled to insert assets at defined times.
Accordingly, the ~~~~~~ing and national asset delivery may be provided by the pro,~ainming networks as a continuous content stream without cues for asset insertion.
For example, grime-time prograrnming on the major networks is often principally provided in this fashion.
In other cases, individual spots within a break are allocated for Regional Operations (;enter (1tOC), affiliate, super headend or local (headend, zone) cort,telix. In these cases, a cue tone or message identifies the start of the asset delivery spot or spots (a series of assets in a break may all trigger from one cue). "("h~ cue generally occurs a i`eW
seconds before the start of the asset delivery insertion opportunity and may occur, ibr example, during programming or during the break (,e.g.y during a national ad).
'l"lic system of the present invention can be implemented at any or all levels of this hierarchy to allow for targeting with respect to national, regional and local assets. ln the case of regional or local targeted asset deli~erv, syaiclror~ous asset options (as discussed below) may be inserted into designated bandwidth in response to cues. In the case of national asset delivery, raetw-ork sigiialing may be extended to provide signals identifying the start of a national spot or spots, so as to enable the inventive system to insert synchronous national asset options into designated bandwidth. For example, such signaling may be encrypted for use only by the inventive targeted asset system.
Network operators or local network aftiliates ca~. generally schedule the non4 natior~~l assets to be iaiclua~ed witl-iin defined breaks or slsots for each adnstigp~~ed charnel. Conventionally, this scheduling is finalized ahead of time, typically on a daily or longer basis. The scheduled assets 1'o~ a given break are then typically inserted at the headend in response to the cue tone or message in the programming stream. Th-Lis, for example, where a giv~~i avail window includes three breaks (eaeb oi'whicli may include a series of spots), the scheduled asset for the first break is inserted in response to the first cue, the scheduled asset for the second break is iris~~~ed in response to the second cue, and the scheduled asset for the third break is inserted in response to the third cue. If a cue is missed, all subsequent assets Witliin an avail window may be thrown of1;
It will be appreciated that such static, daily scheduling can be prablL-matic.
For example, the programming schedule can often change due to breaking news, n"pple elTects from schedule overmnms earlier in the day or the nature of the programming.
For ~xatnple, ~ertairi live events such as sporting events are difficult to precisely schedule. In such cases, static asset delivery schedules can result in a Mismatch of scheduled asset to the associated programming. For example, when a high value programming event such.

as a certain sporting event runs over the expected program length, it may sometimes ~~c-Lar that assets intended for another program or valued for a smaller audience may be shown whcn a higher value or better-tailored asset could have ~~~ii used if a more dynamic scheduling regime were available. The asset targeting system allows for such dynarn1c sclieduling as will be discussed in. more detail below. The asset targeting system can also accorm-iodate evolving standards in the field of clynar-iic scheduling.

C. The Conventional Asset DellvM P'arradlMi Conventional broadcast networks may include asset-supporterl and pr~niiuan content channel s;'raetWorks. As noted above, programming content generally comes at a substantial cost. That is, the programming providers expect to be compensated for the program-min,~ that they provide Wbich has generally becai developed or acquired at significant cost. That compensation may be generated by asset delivery revenues, by fees paid by users for premium channels, or some combination of the two. In some cases, :E md1ng may come from another source such as public funding.
In the case of asset-suppor~~d networks, the conventional paradigm involves time-slot buys. Specifically, asset providers generally identify a particular program or tamem slot on a particular network where they desire their asse-ts to be aired. The cost for the airing of the asset iiepeiicls on a number of factors, but one primary factor is the size of the audience for the programming in connection with which the asset is aired.
Thus, the standard pricing model is based on the cost per tliousand viewers (CPM), though other factors sucb as dernographlcs or audience ~ompositic~~i are involved as discussed below.
The size of the audience is generally detennined based on ratings. The most common benchmark for establishing these ratings is the sys~eni of Nielsen Media Research Corporation (Nielsen). One technique used by Nielsen involves monitoring the viewing habits of a presumably statistically relevant sampling of the univcTsÃ~ of users. Based on an analysis of the sample group, the Nielsen systeTn cati estimate what portion of the au~~~~ic~ particulaT programs received a~id, f-rom this, an estimated audiciice size for the program, can be projected. Thus, the historical perforgnan~~ of the particular larogrwn, for example, as estimated by the Nielsen systern, may be used to set asset delivery prices for fut-ure break-s associated with that program.
In practice, this results in a small number of programming networks being responsible for generating a large portion of the overall asset revr~nuesa This is graphically deplcted in Fig. 4 which generallv illustrates this phenomenon, although it is not based on actual numbers. As shown in Fig. 4, it is often the case that three or four programming nehvrsrks out of many available programming networks gariier very large shares Wliereas the rernainang programming networks have small or negligible share.
laideed, in some cases, many programming networks will have a sbare that is so small that it is difficult to statistically characterize based on typical Nielsen saanpllng group sizes.
In these cases, substantial asset r~eveaiues may be generatedl. in conned;tid~~i with the small n-Lmi'6er of programming network-s having a significant share while very little revenue is generated with respect to the otlier programming networks. lliis is true even tlldsugh the other progrsm-nia~~g networks, in the aggregate, may have a significant number of users in absolute terrnfi. rFhus, the conventional paradigm often fails to generate revenues carunensti.rate with the size of the total viewing audience serviced by the network operator. As discussed below, this is a missed revenue opportunity that can be addressed in accordance with the pres~iit invention.
As noted above, the pricing for asset delivery depends on the size of the viewing audience an.di certain othe-r factors. One of those factors relates to the deniwgraphlcs of interest to the asset provider. In this regard, a gi.vert, program will generally have a number of different ratings for different demographic categories. That is, the prograni generally has not oaA~ a household rating, which is measured against the universe of all households with televisions, but also a rating for different demographic categories (eg., males 1. 8y24), ineasured against the universe of all members of the category Nvho have televisions. Thus, the pr~~~i may have a rating of l. (1.%) overall, and a rating ol`~ (2%) for a particular category. Typ1cal1gr4 when asset providers buy a tlme-slot, pricing is based on a rating or ratings for the categories of interest to the asset provider. 'Ml s results in significant inefficiencies due td.~ poor matching of the audience to the desired d1.ernograpb.ies.
Conventionally, asset insertion is accomplished at the headend. This is illustrated in Fig. 3. hi the illustrated system 300, the headend 302 includes a program feed 304 andl an asset source 306. As noted above, the program feed 304 may be associated with a variety of programming sources such as video storage, an antenna, satellite dish or fiber feed from a studio or the like. The asset source 306 may. include a tape library or other storage system for storing pre-recorded assets. A platfonn associated with the headend 302 -- in this case, dcnotedl a selector 308 y- lriseats progTammlng from the prograin feed 304 and assets from the asset source 306 iaitÃ~ the video stream of an individual cbannel 310. This is done for each channel to define the overall content 312 that is distributed to subscribers (or at least to a node filter). Typically, although not necessarily, the selector 308 effectively toggles between. the pr~gra~~ feed 304 and the asset source 306 such that the programinin~ and assets are inserted in alterraating, nor-tI~~
overlapping fashion.
Tbus, as shown in Fig. 3, a particular channel may Irkcl-ude a time segrnent 314 of prograniming followed by a cue tone 316 (which may occur, for example, during a programming segment, or during a tiane period of an asset provided with the pro,~~~~ing stream, just prior to an insertion opportunity) to identify the initiation of a break 318. In response to the tone, the selector 308 is operative to insert assets into the programming stream for that channe1. At the conclusion of the break 318, the selector 308 returras to the IZrograin feed to insert a further programming segment 320. An example of a timeline in this regard is shown in Fig. 15.
This content 312 or a filtered portion thereof is delivered to U,EI3s 322. In the lllus~.~rated embodiment the 1.;EInP 322 is depicted as including a signal processing component 324 and a television display 326. It wlllbe appreciated that these components 324 and 326 may be eniboÃlied in a single device atid the nature of the functionality may vary. In the case of a digital cable user, the signal processing component 324 may be incorporated into a digital set top box (DSTB) for decoding digital signals.
Such boxes are typically capable of bimÃlirectional messaging with the headend 302 which will be a significant consideration in relation to functionality described below.

11. SYSTEM OVERNJEW
A. The Targeted Asset Deli a~..I'y_Environment Against this backdrop described in the context of the conventional asset delivery paradigni, a systegn embodying the present invention is described below. The inventive systern, in the embodiments clescrgbed. below, allows for delivery of targeted assets such as s.dverw:isitig so as to address certain shortcomings or inefficiencies of convenI.ia~iial broadcast networks. Generally, such targeting entails delivering assets to desired groups of individuals or indi~iduals having desired characteristics. These characteristics or a-uÃileaice classification parameters may be defined based on personal infornatlon, demographic informatlon, psychographic information, geographic information, or any other i~ifom-iation that may be relevant to an asset provider in idegit~fyin~
a target audience. Preferably, such targeting is program independent in recognition that ~~ogram-ming is a highly imperfect mechanism for targeting of assets. For exaanpleY even if user analysis indicates that a particular pragz ani has an audience comprised sixty percent of women, and W~~~en ~ompnse. the target audience for a particular asset, airing ati that program will result in a forty percent mismatch. That is, i'or&:y percent of the users potentially reached may not be of interest to the asset provider and pricing may be based only on sixty percent of the total audience. Moreover, ideally, targeted asset delivery would allow for targeting with a range of ganularities including very fine granularities.
For ~xaniple, it may be desired to target a group, such as based on a geograpliical grouping, a household characterization or even an individual user characterization. 'I'13.e present invention accommodates program independent targeting, targeting with a high degree of grart.Lilarity and targetitig based on a variety of different audience classifications, Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate two different contexts of targeted asset delivery supported in accordance with the asset targeting system. Specifically, Fig. 5 ill'ustrates the delivery of different assets, in this case ads, to different users watching the same programming channel, which may be referred to as spot optimization. As shown, three di~~~~tit users 500-502 are depicted as watching the same ~~~~wnming, in this case, denoted "Movie of the Week." At a given break 504 the users 5006502 each receive a different asset package, Specifically, user 500 receives a digital music player ad and a movie promo, user 501 receives a luxuTy car ad and a health insurance ad, and user 502 receives a niiiiivan ad and a depaitment store ad. Alternately, a single asset provider (e.g., a motor vehicle cor~~~~~) may purchase a spot and then provide di~~~~ent asset options for the spot (e.g., sports c.ax, minivans, pickup trucks, etc.). SimilaTlyy, sseparate advertisers may collectively purchase a spot and then provide ads for their respective prod-Licts (e.g., where the target audiences of the advertisers are complementary). It will be appreciated that these different asset packages may be targeted to different audience demographics. In this manner, assets a-re better tailored to particular viewers of a given program who may fall into different demographic groups. Thus, spot optimization refers to the delivery of different assets (by one or multiple asset providers) in a given spot.
Fig. 6 illustrates a different context of the present invention, which may be t~~ed audience aggregation. In this case, three dil~~~ent users 600r 602 viewing different programs associated with diff~~~iit channels may receive the same asset or asset package.

In this case, each of the users 600-602 receives a package including a digital music player ad ~d a movie promo in connection with breaks associated with their respective channels. Though the users 600m602 are shown as receiving the same asset package for pLarposes of illustratiÃ~ii, it is lllCelv that different -users will receive different combinations of assets due to differences in classification paraancters. ln this manner, users over multiple channels (some or all users of eac1~ channel) can be aggregated (relative to a given asset and time window) to define a virtual chaiinel having filgnificwi:t user numbers matching a targeted audience classification. Among other things, such audience aggregation allows for the possibility of aggregating users over a nuniber of low share channels to define a significant asset delivery opportunity, perhaps on the order of that associated with one of the high share networks. This cmi be accomplished, in a~~~rdwice with the present invention, using equipment already at a user's premises (i.e., an existing I~~'l~). S~.c1~. a virtual channel is ~-~.p~c all~ Illustrate~.1Ã~ Fig. 7, tha~~.~ this Ill~.stratiÃ~~. is not based on actual numbers. Thus, audience aggregation refers to the delivery of the sa~e asset in different spots to define an aggregated audience. These different spots may occur wItbin a time window corresponding to overlapping (conflicting) programs on different cIaannels. In this manner, it is likely that these spots, even if at different times within the window, will not be received by the same users.
Such targeting including both spot optimization and audience aggregation can be implemented using a variety of architectures in accordance with the asset targeting systern. Thus, for example, as illustrated ln. Fig. 8, targeted asset insertion can be implemented at the I_TEDs. This may involve a forward-and-store f-Lmctionality. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the UED 800 receives a programming stream 802 ~id an asset delivery stream 804 fToni the headend 808. These streams 802 and 804 may be provided via a ~~~iniora signal liailc such as a coaxial cable or via separate communications links.
For exatnIsle, the asset delivery stream 804 may be transmitted to the UED 800 via a designated segment, e.g., a dedicated frequency range, of the available bandwidth or via a programming channel that is opportunistically available for asset delivery, e.g., when it is otl~LrwIse off air. The asset delivery stream 804 may be provided on a continuous or intermittent basis and may be provided concurrently with the programming st~eam. 802.
In the illustrated example, the IarogTanxmIng stream 802 is processed by a program decoding unit, such as DSTB, a:aid pr~gramming is displayed on television set 814, Al~~matively, the programming stream 802 may be stored in programming storage for UED insertion.
In the illustrated iniplementation, the asset, together with metadata identifying, for example, any audience classification pa~anicters of the targeted audience, is stored in a designated storage space 806 of the UED 800. It will be appreciated that substaiitial storage at the UED 800 may be required in this regard. For example, such storage may be available in connectiorf, with certain digital video recorder (DVR) units. A
selector 810 is implemented as a processor running logic on the UED 800. The selector 8 14 ftmetlons analogously to the headend selector described above to identify breaks 816 and ins~~
appropriate assets. In this case, the assets may be selected based on classiicatic~~~
paranieters of the household or, more preferably, a user within the household.
Suc1~
inf nnaxlon may be stored at theU~~ 800 or may be determined based on an anMysls of viewing habits such as a click s~~~ from a remote control as will be described in more detail below. Certain aspects of the present invention can be implemented in such a UED
insertion envlronment, hi Fig. 9, a different arel-iit~cture is employed. Specifically, in Fig. 9, s.Sset, options transmitted from headend 910 synckronously witli a given break on a given channel for which targeted asset options are supported. The UED 900 includes a channel selector 902 which is operative to switch to an asset channel associated with a desired 2Ã3 asset at the beginning of a break and to return to the programming channel at the end of the break. The channel selector 902 may br~~ between channels (between asset channels or between aai asset 6hannel and the prograniming channel) during a break to select the most apprrspTiate assets. In this regard, logic resident on the UED 900 controls such hopping to av~id. switching to a channel where an asset is already in progress. As described below, this logic can be readily impl~~en~ed, as the schedule of assets on each asset channel is known. Preferably, all of this is imlsl~inent~~ invisibly from the perspective of the user of set 904. "1"1ie differ~~~t options may be provided, at least in part, in connection with asset channels 906 or other bandwidtli. segments (separate from programming channels 908) dedicated for use in providing such options. In addition, ~Lrtain asset options may be inserted into the current pr~gramming ch.atmel 908.
Associated ftmctianal~ty is described in detail below. The archit.ee-~~e of Fig. 9 has the advantage of not requiring substantial storage resources at the UED 900 such that it can be immediately implemented on a wide scale basis using equipment that is already in the field.
As a further altematgve, the determination of which asset to show may be made at the headend. For example, an asset may be selected based on voting as described below, and inserted at the headeflid into the programming channel without options oti other asset channels. This would achieve a degree of targeting but without spot optimization oppoit.iaiities as described above. Still further, options may be provided on other asset chai1nels, but the selection as between those channels may be d~terinir~ed by the ~~adend, For example, information about a household or user (e.g., brand of car owned, magazines subscribed to, etc.) stored oii the headend m~y. be used to match an asset to a household or user. '1lat inforination, which may be temied "marketing labels," mav be used by t1ie headend to control which asset is selected by the UED. For example, the UED
may be instructed that it is associated with an "ACME preferred" customer. When an asset is disseminated with ACME preferred metadata, the UED may be caused to select that asset, thereby overriding (or significantly factoring with) any other audience classification cansiderationsa However, it will '~e appreciated that suc1i operati~n. may entail certain concems relating to sensitive information or may compromise audience classification based targeting in other respects.
A significant opportunity tlius exists to ~efter target users whom asset providers may be williiig to pay to reach and to better reach laard4toareach users.
However, a nun~~er of challenges remain with respect to achieving these objectives including: how to provide asset options within network bandwidth limitatiÃ~~~~ and without requiring subs~aiitial storage requi~~~ents and new equipment at. tl~e user's premises;
how to obtain sufficient information for effective targeting while addressing privacy ~on~emS; how to address a variety of business related issues, such as pricing of asset delivery, resulting from availability of asset options and ~~~en(lani contingent delivery; and how to operate effectively within the cofl~~ext of existing network structure and systems (e.g., across node filters, using existing traffic and billing systems, etc.).
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various aspects of the invention are applicable in the context of a variety of networks, including broadcast networks. In the following discussion, specific implementations of a targeted asset system are discussed in the context of a cable television network. Though the system enhances viewing for both analog and digital users, certain functionality is conveniently implem~li~ed using existing DS'1`Bs. It will be appreciated that, while these represent particularly advantageous and commercially valuable impl~in~~tatioiis, the invention is not limited to these specific implementations or network contexts.

B. System Architecture [rt, one implementation, the ~~~~ein of the ~~~~~ilt invention iflivolves the transmission of asset options in time alignment or synchronization with other assets on a programming channel, where the asset options are at least partially provided via separate bandwidth segments, e.ga channels at least temporarily dedicated to targeted asset delivery. Although suc1i options may tv . pically be transmitted in alignmer~t with a break in programming, it may be desired. to provide options opposite continuing programming (e.g., so that only sÃabscribers in a specified geographic area get a weather announcement, an emergency announcement, election results or other local infonnatiasn while ot1iers get uninterrupted ~rogramming)a Selection as between the available options may ianplerr~en~~d at the user's premises, as by a DSTB in this impleinentation.
In this manner, asset options are made available for better targeting, without the requirement for substantial storage resources or equipment upgrades at the user's premises (e.g., as might be required for a ~orwart1aanr16sta~~e arcbi~~cture)e Indeed, existir~~ DSTBs can be configured to execute logic for implementing the system described below by downloading and'or preloading appropriate logic.
Because asset options are synchronously transmitted in this implenieiitation, it is desirable to be efficient in identifying availdble bandwidth and in using that bandwidth.
Various functionality for improved bandwidth identification, e.g., i~entif~rin,~ bandwidth that is opportunistically available in relation to a node filter. Efficient use of available bandwidth involves both optimizing the duty cycle or asset deiisity of an available bandWidtb. segment (i.e., how znuch tiine, ol'the time a bandwidth ~eginent is available for use in transmitting asset options, is the segment actually used for transmitting options) and the value of the options transmitted. The fonner factor is addressed, among other things, by ia-nproved scheduling of targeted asset delivery on the asset channels in relation to scheduled breaks of the programming cha-nnels.
The latter factor is addressed in pait by populating the available bandwidth spots with assets that are most desired based on current nehvork conditions. These most desired assets can be detenni~ed in a variety of ways including based on conventional ratings. In the specific imIslernentation described below, the most desired assets are determined via a process herein tenned voting. Fig. 1.0 illustrates an associated messaging sequence 1000 in tWs regard as betw~~~i a UED 1002 such as a DSTB, a nchvork platform for asset insertion such as a headend 1004 and a traffic and billing (T&B) system 1006 used in the illustrated example for obtaining asset delivery orders or ~~~itracts and billing for asset delivery. It will be appreciated that the functionality of the T&B systeni 1006 may be split between multiple systems rtmring on multiple platforrns and the T&B system 1006 inay be operated by the network operator or may be separately operated.
l.O The illustrated sequence begins by loading contract information 1008 from the T&B system 1006 onto the headegid 1004. An interface associated with systein allows asset providers to execute contracts for disseniinatiorg, of assets based on traditional time-slot buys (for a given program or given time on a given network) or based on a certain audience classification infarynation (e.g.} desired deniographics, psychographics, geography, ~nd/~r audience size). In the latter case, the asset provider or network may identify audience classification information associated with a target audience. The system 1006 uses this inl'~nnation to compile the contract information 1008 which identifies the asset that is to be delivered together with delivery pa-rameters regarding when and to whom the asset is to be delivered.
The illustrated 1~eadeiid 1004 uses the contract information together With a schedule of breaks for individual networks to compile an asset option list 1 Q1 ~on a channel-by-channel and break-bymbreak basis. That is, the list 1010 lists the universe of asset options that are available for voting purposes for a given break on a given prc~gamming channel together with associated metadata identifying the target audience for the asset, e.go, based on audience classification infonnation. The transmitted list 1 010 may encompass all supported programming channels and may be transmitted to all participating users, or the list may be limited to one or a subset of the supported channels e.g., based on an input i~idicating the current. cb.annel. or the most likely or frequent channels used by a particular user or group of users. The list 1010 is transmitted from the headend 1 004 to the UE: 1002 in advance of a break for wb.ich options are listed.
Based on the list 1010, the UED 1002 submits a vote 1012 back to the headend 1004e More specifically, the UED 1002 first identifies the classification parameters for the current user(s) and perhaps the current channel being watched, identifies the assets that are available for an upcoming break (for the current channel or multiple chaiine1s) as well as the target audience for those assets aiid determines a "fit" of one or more of those asset options to the current classificatione In one implementation, each of the assets is attributed a fit score for the user(s), e.g., based. on a comparison of the audience classification parameters of the asset to the putative audience classification parameters of the current user(s). 'ThÃs may involve how well. an individual user c-lassification parameter matches a corresponding target audience parameter antlfor l~ow many of the target audience parameters are matched. by the user's classification parameters. Based on these fit scores, the tj'ED 102 issues the vote 1012 indicating the most appropriate asset(s). Any suitable iii1` rriiation car~ ~~e used to provide this in(i.icat.ican.e For example, all scores for all available asset options (for the current channel or multiple channels) may be included in the vote 1012. Altematively, the vote 1012 may identify a subset o1'one or more options selected or deselected by the UED 1002, with or without scoring information indicating a degree of the matcli and may ftarther include channel inforrnation. In one implementation, the headend 1004 instructs UEDs (1002) to return fit scores for the top N asset options for a given spot, where N is dynamically configurable based on any relevant factor such as network traffic levels and size of the audiegice. Preferably, this voting occurs shortly before the break at issue such that the voting more accurately reflects the current status of nchvork users. In one implementation, votes are orily submitted for the programming chan~.el to which the UIED
is set, and votes are stibmitted periodically, e.g., e-very fifteen minutes.
Uie headend 1 004 compiles votes 1012 from UEDs 1002 to deterrnine a set of selected asset options 1014 for a given break on a supported programming channel. As will be understood from the description below, sucli votes 1012 may be obtained from all relevant and participating UEDs 1002 (who may be representative of a larger audience including analog or otherwise ra~~~participating users) or a statistical sampling thereof In addition, the headend 1004 detennirfles the amount of bandwidth, e.g., the nuin1per of dedicated asset optioa~ channels that are available for transmission of options in suppolt of a given break for a given programming channel.
Based on all of this 1iiforTnation, the headend 1.004 assembles a flotllla of assets, e.g., the asset options having the Mghest vote values or the highest weighted vote values where such weighting takes into account value per user or other information beyond classification fit. ~~~~ a flotilla may include asset options inserted on the current pro,~aiiu-ning channel as well as on asset channels, tbough dilYerent insertion processes and components may be involved for programming chaniiel and asset channel insertion.
It will be appreciated that some assets may be assembled indepeiidently or largely independently of voting, 1'or example, certain public service spots or where a certain provider has paid a premium for gtiaran~~ed delivery. Also, in spot apliinizatia~~ contexts W~~~e a single asset provider buys a spot and then provides multiple asset options for that spot, voting may be unnecessary (though voting may still be used to selecl the options).
In one implL-mentation, the flotilla is assembled into sets of asset options for each dedicated asset channel, where the time length of each set matches the length of the br~ak-q sti.ch that channel hopping witb.in. a break is ~inecessary.
Alternatively, the UED
1002 may navigate between the asset channels to access desired assets wiffiin a break (provided tbat asset starts oti the relevant asset channels are synclroni.~ed). However, it will be appreciated that tl~c flotilla matrix (where columns include options for a given spot and rows correspond to cbannels) need not be rectangular. Stated diff'er~iitly, some channels may be used to provide asset options for only a portion of the b~~ak-, i.e,, may be used at the start of the break for one or more spots bu~ are not available for the entire break, or may only be used after one or more spots of a break have aired. A
list of the selected assets 1014 and the associated asset channels is then transmitted together with metadata identifying the target audience in the illustrated implementatican..
It will be appreciated that it may be unnecessary to include the metadata at this step if the UED
1002 has retained the asset option list. 1010. '1"lis list 1014 is preferably transmitted sbortly in advance of transmission of the asset 1016 (which includes sets of asset optiolis for eac1i dedicated contact options channel used to support, at least in part, the break at issue).
'1'he UED 1002 receives the list of selected asset options 1014 and associated metadata and selects which of the available options to deliver to the user(s).
For example, this may involve a comparison of the current audience classification parameter values (Which may or may not be the same as those used for purposes of votirig) to the metadata associated with each of the asset options. The selected asset option is used to selectively switch the UED 1002 to the corresponding dedicated asset options channel to display the selected asset 1016 at the beginning of the break at issue. One of the asset option sets, for example, the one comprised of the asset receiving the highest vote values, may be inserted into the pragranu-ning channel so that switching is not required for many users.

Assuming that the voting LJEDs are at least somewhat representative of the universe of all users, a signi-ficant degree of targeting is thereby achieved even for analog or otherwise nonaparticipati~g users. ln. this regard, the voters sLrve as proxies for nonRvotir~g users.
The UED 1 002 r~tums to the progranunin~ chaamel at the conclusion of the break.
Preferably, all of this is transparer~t from the perspective of the user(s), i.e., preferably no user input is required. The system may be desi~ed so that any user input overrides the targeting system. For ~~~iple, if the user changefi channels duri~~g a break-, the change will be implemented as, if the targeting sysken-i was not in effect (e.g., a command to advwice to the next chaiinel will set the UED to the cliannel immediately above the current programming channel, without regard to any options currently available -for that channel, regardless of the dedicated asset channel that is currently sourcing the television output).
In this system arcliit~cture, as in forW ard-and-store architectures or any other option where selections between asset options are implemented at the UED, there will be some'unceftai~ty as to how many users or households received any particular asset optioii in the absence of reporting. This may be tolerable from a business perspective. In the absence of reporting, the audience size may be estimated based on voting data, conventional ratings analysis ~~~ other tools. 1nd~ed, in the conventional asset delivery paradigm, asset providers accept Nielsen rating estimates and demographic informatioii together with market analysis to gauge return on investa~ento However, this uncertainty is less than optimal in any asset delivery environment and may be particularly problematic in the ca~iitext of audience aggregation across multiple programming networks, potentially iiic luding pjogeammin,~ networks that are difficult to measure by conventional means.
The sy~tern of the present invention preferably iniplements a reporting systeTn by whicli i~idividual UEDs 1 002 report back to the headend 1004 what asset or assets were delivered at the UED 1002 and, optionally, to whom (in temis of audience classification).
Additionally, the rc-ports may indicate where (on what progranuning c1iamiel) the asset was delivered and how much (if any) of the asset was consu~~ed. Suc1i reports 101. ~ may be provided by all participating UEDs 1002 or by a statistical sampling thereof. These reports 1018 may be generated on a brea.lc-by4break basis, periodically (e.g., every 15 minutes) or may be aggregated prior to transmission to the headend 1004.
Reports may be transmitted soon after delivery of the assets at issue or may be accumulated, e.g., for transmission at a time of day where messaging bandwidth is more available.
Moreover, such reporting may be coordinated as between the UEDs 1002 so as to spread the messaging load due to ~~~ort1iig.
In any case, the reports 10 l 8 can be used to provide billing infonnation 1020 to the T&B systein 1 006 for valuing the delivery of the various asset options.
For example, the billing infonnation 1020 can be used by the T&B system 1 006 to determine how large an audience received each option and how well that aud1cr~~~ matched the target audience. For example, as noted above, a. fit score may be generated for particular asset options based on a coir~parison of the audience classification to the target audience. This score may be on any scale, e,g. 0 1 -l. 00, Goodness of fit may be detei-inaned~based on this raw score or based on characterization of this score such as x`excell~nt ,9.
.x~~~od445 etc.
Again, this may depend on how well an 1n(j1vidual audience classification parameter of a user matches a corresponding target audience p~~~~~~~r and6a~r how many of the target audience parameters are matched by the user's audience classification parameters. This infonnation may in tuni be provided to the asset provider, at least in an aggregated fonn.
1n this manner, the net-,vork operator can bill based on guaranteed delivery of targeted messages or scale the billing rate (or increase delivery) based on goodness of fit as well as audience size. The reports (and/or votes) 1018 can also provide a qua~k and detailed measurerneai~ of user distribution over the network that can be used to accurately gauge ratings, share, demographics of audiences an~.i. the lilCe. Moreover, this infonnation can be use~.i to provide future audience estimation infonnation 1022, for exatnples to estimate the total target universe based on audience classification paranieters.
It will thus be appreciated that the present 1n".rention allows a network operator such as an MSO to sell. asset delivery under the conventional asset delivery (t1me-slot) buy paradigm or uaider the new commercial impression paradagin, or both. For example, a particular MSO may choose to sell asset delivery space for the major networks (or for these networks during prime time) under the old t1me-slot buy paradigm Nvhgle using the cormnercia1 impression paradigm to aggregate uscrs over multiple low market share networks. Another MSO may choose to retain the basic t1~~e-slot buy ~arad.igni w1i1le accoramodating asset providers who may wish to fill a gaveit slot with multiple options targeted to different dems~grapMcs. Another MSO may cboose to retain the basic time-slot buy paradigm during prime time across all networks while using the targeted impression paradigm to aggregate users at other tiines of the day. The targeted impression parad1grn may be used by such MSOs only for this limited purpose.

Figure 11 is a flow c1iart illustrating an associated process 1100. An asset provider (or agent thereof) can initiate the illustrated process 11 00 by accessing (1102) a contracting platfa~in as will be described beloW. Al~eriiatively, aii asset provider can work with the sales departrnent or otliLi personnel of a system operator or other party who accesses such a lslatforn. As a still further alternative, an ~~~~rnated buying system may be ernlalo~ed to interface with such a platform via a sysxern~~o-systern interface. This platform may provide a graphical user interface by which an asset provider can desigii, a dissernination strategy (e.g., an ad canipai~) and enter into a corresponding contract for dissemination of an asset. The asset provider can then use the interface to select (1104) to execute eithcT a time-slot buy strategy or a targeted impression buy strategy.
In the case of a time-slot buy strategy, the asset provider can then use the user interface to specify (1106) a netwo~k and time-slot or other program parameter identifying the desired air times and ftequen~~ for delivery of the asset. '1`hus, for example, an asset provider may elect to air the asset in connection with specifically identified programs believed to have an appropriate audience. In addition, the asset provider may specify that the asset is to appear during the first break or during multiple breaks during the program.
The asset provider may further slsecil'~ that the asset is to be, for exa.rnple, aired during the first spot within the break, the last spot within the break or otherwise designate the specific asset delivery slot.
Once the time-slots for the asset have thus been specified, the MSO causes the asset to '~e embedded (1108) into the specified prograrnmin~ channel asset stream. The asset is then available to be consumed by all -users of the prograniming channel. "i"he MSO then bills (1110) the asset provider, typicMlv based on associated ratings information. For ~xainple, the billing rate may be established in advance based on previous rating information for the program in question, or the best available ratiligs i-nfonnation for the particular airing of the program may be used to bill the asset provider.
It will thus be appreciated that the conventional time-slot buy paradigm is limited to delivery to all users for a particular time-slot on a particular network and does ~iot allow for targeting of particular users of a given network or targeting users distributed over multiple networks in a single 1~~iy.
In the case of targeted impression buys, the asset provider can use the user interface as described in more detail below to specif~- (1112) audience classificatioai and other dissemination parameters. In the case of audiefliec classification parameters, the asset provider may specify the gender, age range, income range, geographical location, lil'estvle interest or other infÃ~nnation of a targeted audience. The additional dissemination parameters may relate to slelivery time, frequency, audience size, or any other information useful to define a target audience. Combinations of parameters may also be specified. For example, an asset provider may specif~, an audience size of 100,000 in a particular demographic group and further specify that trie asset is not delivered to any user who has already received the asset a predexertnined aiuniber of tiznes.
Based on this information, the targeted asset system of the present inventioll is operative to target ap~roptiate users. For example, this may iiivol~~
targetitig only selected users of a major network. Additionally or altemative1y, this may involve aggregating (1114) users across multiple networks to satisfy the audience specifications.
For example, selected users from miilliple programming channels may receive the asset within a designated ti~~~ period in order to provide an audience of the desired size, where the audience is composed of users matching the desired audience classification. The user interface preferably estimates the target univc-rse based on the audience classification and dissemination parameters such that the asset provider receives an indication of the likely audience size.
T'he aggregation system may also be used to do time ol`daybuys. For exaniple, an asset provider co-Lild specif-~, audience classification par~an-icters for a target audience and 1'-Ã~-t1ier specify a time anti charinel. for airin~ of the asset. UEDs ttmed to that channel can then select the asset based on the voting process as described herein.. Also, asset providers may designate audience classification parameters and a run time or time range, but not the programming channel. In this, manner, sigiiificant flexibility is enabled for designing a dissernination strategy. It is also possible iÃ~r a network operator to disable sonie ol`these strategy options, eag., for business reasons.
Based on this input inf~nnation, the targeted asset sys~~~n of the present in~entioll is operative to provide the asset as an opti~~i d-uri~~g one or more timewslols of one or more breaks. In the case of spot optimization, multiple asset options may be disseminated together with information identifying the target audi~iiec so that the most appropriate asset can be delivered at individual UEDs. In the case of audience aggregation, the asset may be provided as an option in connection with multiple breaks on niu1tipie programming channels. The system then receives atid processes (1118) reports regarding actual delivery of the asset by UEDs and 1n~onnatlon indicating how well the actual atgÃilence fit the classification parameters of the target audlence. I~e asset provider can tlt.eii be billed. (1120) based on guaranteed delivery and goodness of fit based on actual report infonnatlan. It will thus be appreciated that a new asset delivery paradlgrra is defined by Whlcli assets are targeted to specific users rather than being associated with particular programs. This ~itables both better targeting of andavldual users for a given program and i~npro~ed ~eacb. to target users on low-share networks.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various steps in the messaging sequence are directed to matching assets to users based on classification parameters, allowing for goodness of fit ~~~em-iinations based on such matching or otherwise depending on comm~~cati~g audience classification information across the network. It is preferable to implement such messaging in a manner that is respectful of user privacy ~~~cenis and relevant regulatory regames.
Much of the discussion above has referenced audience classification parameters as relating to individuals as opposed to houseliolÃls. Methods for identifying audience classification parameters are set forth. in co-~~ndz~g U.S. Application No.
11/332,771, entitled, "VOTl'NIG AND HEADEiND INSERTION," the contents of which are in~orporated herein by reference. In a first iinpl~entation, logic associated with the UEL? uses probabilistic modeling, fuzzy logic and/or machine leamlng to progressively estimate the audience classification parameter values of a current user or users based on the click s~~ani. This process may optionally be stippl~~~~tal based on stored information (preferably free of sensitive lrt,~onnatia~~~) concerning the household that may, for example, a~'ect probabilities associated with particular inputs. In this manner, each 'user input event (whlcb involves one or more items of change of status and/or duration infa~~ination) can be used to update a current estimate of the audience classa~caxis~~i parameters based on associated probability values. The ~zy logic may involve fuzzy data sets and probabilistic algÃ~~~~ms that ,a~cornmodate estimations based on inputs of varying and limited predictive value.
In a second implementation, the click stream is modeled as an incomplete or noisy signal that can be processed to obtain audience classification parameter lrafonnatlon.
More specifically, a seiies of clicks over time or associated information can be viewed as a ~imewbs.sed signal. This input signal is assumed to reflect a desired signature or pattem that can be correlated to audience classification parameters. However, the signal is asstmied to be incomplete or noisy - a ~~m-mon problern in signal processing.
Accordingly, filtering tec1~ques are employed to estimate the "true" signal from the input st- ~am and associated algorithms correlate that signal to the desired audience classification information. For ~~aniple, a nonlinear adaptive filter may be used in. this regard.
OD.e of the audietice classifications that may be used for targeting is location.
Specifically, an asset provider may wish to target only users within a defined geographic zone (e,g., proximate to a business outlet) or may wish to target different assets to differeait geogaphic zones (e.g., targeting different car ads to users having a~iffercnt supposed income levels based oai 1ocation). In certain impl~entations, the present invetition Ã1~~en-nines the location of a particular UED and uses the location information to target assets to the pa-rticular UED. It will be appreciated that an indicatioai of t1le location of a UED contains an~orinatgox~ that may be considered sensitive. The present invention also creates, extracts andr`or receives the location in1`orrnaxion in a man-ner that addresses these privacy co~~ems. This may also be accomplished by generalizing or atl~~nvise filtering out sensitive an~onn~~~on from the location information sent across the network. TMs may be accomplished by providir~c, filtering or sorting f~atLires at the U:~D
or at the headend. For example, infwmiation that may be useful in the reporting process (i.e. to ~~~~~~~~ the number of successful deliveries within a specified location zone) may be sent, upstream with little or no sensitive information included.
Additionally, such location information ~aii be generalized so as to not be personally identifiable. For example, all users on a gi~en block or within another geographic zone (such as associated with a zip plus 2 area) may be associated with the same location identifier (e.g., a centroid for the zone).
Similarly, it is often desl~ed to associate tags with asset selections. Such tags are additional information that is supenmposed on or appended to such assets. For example, a tag Yns.y provide ~iiformat~on regarding a local store or other business location at the conclusion of an asset that is distributed on a broader basis.
("onventionally, such tags have been appended to ads pnor to insertion at the headend and have been limited to coarse targeting. In ac~~rdwice with the preseiit invention, tags may be taxgexed to users in. particular zones, locations or areas, such as neighboxhoods, Tags may also be targeted based on other audience classification parameters such as age, gender, income level.,, etc.
For exwnple} tags at the end of a departrie-nt store ad may advertise specials on particular items of interest to particular demographics. Specifically, a tag may be included in an asset flotilla and conditionally inserted based on logic contained wlibin the UED 1101.
1"hLas the tags are separate units that can be targeted like other assets, however, with conditional logic such that they are associated with the corresponding asset.
Targetlflig may also be implemented based on marketing ldbels. Specifically, the headend may acquire inlbrmatgon or mark-etlng labels regarding a user or hÃsuseliold from a variety of sources. "1'liese marketing 1abels may indicate that a user buys expensive cars, is a male 18-24 vears oldo or other infomiation of poteiitlal interest to an asset provider.
In some cases, this infonnatlcan may be similar to the audience classification parameters, though it may optionally be static (not varying as television users change) and based on hard data (as opposed to being sunnised based on viewing gattems or the llke), In other cases, the marketing labels may be more specific or otherwise different tliaa~
the audience classification. In any event, the headend may in~orm. the UED as to 'Arhat kind of user/liausehold it is in terms of marketing labels. An asset provider can then target an asset based on the marketing labels and the asset will be delivered by UEDs where targeting matches. This can be used in audience aggregation and spot optimization contexts.
'1'1ius, the targeted asset system of the present invention allows for targeting of assets in a broadcast iietwork based on any relevant audience classification, Whether determined based on user inputs such as ac1ack stream, based on marketing labels or other information pushed to the customer premises equipment, based on demographic or other information stored or processed at the headeyzd, or based on combinations of the above or otlaer itifoaTnatgon. In this regard, it is therefore possible to use, in the context of a broadcast nehvork, targeting concepts that ba~~ previously been limited to other contexts such as direct mail. For example, such targeting may make use of financial an~ormatgon, ~~eviotis purchase gnforinatlon} periodical s-abscnptaon information and the like. Moreover, classification systems developed in other contexts, may be leveraged to enhance the value of targeting ac1iÃeved in accordance with the present invention.
An overview of the system has thus been provided, including introductory discussions of major components of the system, which provides a systeni context for understanding the operation of those components.

Ille COMPONENT O4ERNpIEW
~A. Measurement and Votira ~~enerally, signals received from. a UED 1002 are utilized by the present systems and methods for at least three separate applications, which in some instances may also be combined. See Fig. 10. These applications may be t~ed measurement, voting and reporting. Reporting is described iyi more detail below. Measurement relates to the use of the sigilals to identify the audicgiee size and, optionally, the classification composition of t1~e audience. This information assists in estimating the universe of users available for targeting, including an estimate of the size and composition of an audience that may be aggregated over multiple channels (e.g., including low share channels) to fomi, a substantial virtual channel. A~~~rding1yY a targeted asset may be provided for the virtual channel to enhance the number of users who receive the asset. Voting involves the use of signals received from UEDs 1012 to provide an asset based on asset performance indications from the UEDs. In any case, assets may be selected and inserted into one or more transmitted data streams based on signals received from one or more CJEDs.
With r~garÃ3. to audience measurement, the two-way co~unication between the headend and UED allows for gathering infarination which may indicate, at least implicitly, in~~rrnataon regarding audience size and audience classification coinpositiogi.
In this regard, individual UEDs may periodically or upon request provide a signal to the headend indicating, for ~xainp1e, that an individual UED is active and what channel is currently being displayed by the UED. '1`his in~onnat~~ii, which may be provided in cÃ~~ectiÃ~~~ with voting, reporting on other messages (eag., messages dedicated to measurement) can be used tÃ) anfi~-r audience size and composition. W1iolly apart from the targeted asset systeni, such infonnat~on may be useful to support ratings and share 1n-f~.~rmation or for any other audience measurement objective. Referring briefly to Fig. 7, it is noted that of the available ~ro~anungng channels, ~bur programming ch~.iiels have the largest ind~~idua.1 share of users (e.g., the f~~ major netWorks).
However, there are numerous other users in the network albeit in smaller sliares of the total on a ~ha-nne1-bw-c1iam-te1 basis. By providing a common set of asset options to the user. s of two or more of the programming channels having a small. market share (or even to users of programming channels with large shares), a virtual chailne1 may be created. That is, a conunon asset option or set of asset options may be provided to an aggregated group from multiple programming chaiinels. Once combined, the effective market share of a v~-rtual channel composed of users from small share channels may approximate the market share of, for example, one of the four major networks.

NNUl~ the aggregation of the users of multiple programming channels into a virtual. channel allows for providing a common set of asset options to each of the programming channels, it will be appreciated that the asset will generally be provided for each individual pr~~anmling channel at different times. "1"bis is shown in Fig. 12 w1iere two different progr~iming channels (e.g., 1202 and 1204), which may be ~orribinesl into a virtual channel, have different schedtiled breaks 1212, 1214. In this regard, an asset may be provided on the first channel 1202 prior to when the same asset is provided on the second channel 1204. However, this ccaniniora asset may still be provided within a predetertnined tiigie window (e.g., between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.). In this regard, the asset may be delivered to the aggregated market share represeaited by the virtual channel (or a subset thereof) within defined coiistraints regarding delivery time.
Altematively, the size of such an aggregated audience may be estimated in advance based on preNTious reporting, ratings and census data, or any other technique. I'hus measur~.ent or voting is not necessary to accomplish targeting, tl-iaugh such detailed asset informatirafli is useful.
Actual delivery may be verified by subsequent reporting. As will be appreciated, such aggregation allows a network operator to disseminate assets based on the incre-asecl market share of the virtual channel(s) in relation to a.nv one of the subsumed programming channels, as well as allowing an asset provider to more effectivelv target a current viewing au(l.ience.

Another application that is supported by signals from UEDs is the provision of targeted assets to current users of one or more channels within the r~~twork-, e.g., based on voting. Such an application is illustrated in Fig. 13, where, in one arrangement, signals received from UEDs 13 )0 (only one sl~own) may be utilized to select assets (e.g., a br~ak-asset and/or programming) for at least one programming channel 13500 In this regard, such assets may be dynamically selected for insertion into the data stream of the programming ch~iiel 1350, for example, during a break or other designated time period.
In a further arran~~er~t, unused bandwidth of the raehv~srk is utilized to provide parallel asset streams during a break or designated time period of the targeted channel 1350. In the context of a break, niultilsle asset channels 1 360A-N may be used to provide asset options during a single break, wherein each asset clg.aainel 1 360A-N may provide options directed to different groups of viewers aradlrsr otherwise carry different assets (e.g., users having similar audience classification parameters may receive different assets d-ue to a desired sequencing of packaged assets as discussed below).
In such an arrangement, the UED 1310 may be operative to select between al~emate asset clianiiels 1 360A-1*] based on the sigaials from the UED 1360.
In addition to targeted audience aggregation, s-tich a system may be desirable to enhance revenues or ~inpact for programming, including large share programming (spot optimization). '1`hat is, a single break may be apportioned to two or more different asset providers, or, a single asset provider may provide alternate assets Nvhere the al~~mate assets target different groups of users. Though discussed herein as being directed to providing difk-rent break or interstitial assets to diffLTer~~ groups of users, it should be noted t1iat the system may also be titil~~ed to provide different programming assets.
A-n associated asset targeting system implementing svotgng process is also illustrated in Fig. 13. The asset targeting system. of Fig. 13 has a platfrsrin 1304, which includes a sta=~cture of the network (i.e., upstream from the users;hous~holds) that is operative to communicate with UEDs 13 10 (only one slia~~) wlthiii the network. The illustratecl UED 1310 lnclu(les a signal processing device 1308, which in the present illustration is embodied in a DSTB. Generally, the platforin 1304 is operative to cr~~~cate with the LTED 1310 via a network interface 1340. In order to provide parallel asset channels 1 360A~N during a break of a programming channel, e.g., channel 1350, the platfonn 1304 is in conun~cation with one or more of the following components: a schedule database 1320, an available asset option d~~~base 1322, voting database 1324, a flotilla constructor 1326, ~channel arbitrator 1328, and an inserter 1330.
Of note, the listed ccsmlsonerits 1320-1330 do not have to be located at a common network location. That is, the various components of the platform 1304 may be distributed over separate locations within the network and may be interconnected by any appropriate communication interfaces.
Generally, the schedule database 1320 includes infonnation regarding the timing ofbresks f~~ one or more programming channels, the asset option database 1322 includes available asset metadata 1dentif~ing the asset and targeted audience classification parameters, and the voting database 1324 includes voting infa~rrnat1on obtained from one or more UEDs for use in targeting assets. The actual assets are generally included in a separate database (not shown). The flotilla constructor 1326 is utilized to populate a break of a programming channel andEor asset channels 1360A-'N with selected assets.

The channel arbitrator 1328 is utilized to arbitrate the use of limited bandwidth (e.g., available asset channels 1360A-~) when a conflict arises between breaks of two or more supported programming channels. Finally, the inserter 1330 is utilized to insert selected assets or targeted assets into an asset stream (e.g., o1`~ programming channel 1356 andlor one or more asset channels 1 360A-~) prior to transmitting the ~~~ea-ai across the network interface 1340. As will be discussed herein, the system is operative to provide asset channels 1 360r~ -N to support asset options for breaks of multiple progranimang channels within the network.
In order to provide asset channels 1360A-N for one or more programming channels, the timing of the breaks on the relevant programming channels is de1.enn1~ed.
For instance, Fi.g. 1.2 illustrates t1~~~~ programming c1ianiiels that may be provided by the network operator to a household via a network interface. As will be appreciated, many more channels may also be provided. '1'b.e channels 1202; 1204 and 1206 comprise three programming streaxns for wbicl~ targeted assets are provided. Users may switcla'betWeen eac1i of these channels 1202, 1204 and 1206 (and generally many more) to select between programming options. Each cbannel 1202, 1204 and 1206 includes a break 1212, and 1216, respectively, during the prc~~~~nc,; period showne During breaks 1 21241 21 ~
one or more asset spots are typically available. That is, a sequence of shorter assets may be used to fill the 90a~~~onÃ1 break. For example, two, three or four spots may be defined on a single channel for a single ls~eak.. Di1"'1;'~~ent, numbers of spots or avails may be provided for the same break on different dhannels alid a different n-uni'ber of channels may be used for different portions of 1:1ie break.
In order to provide notice of upcoming breaks or insertion oplsoT.tu~~~~~s within a lsre~a ., programnii~~ ~~~~~~ often include a cue tone signal 1230 (or a cue message in digital netwo-rks) a predetermined time before the beginning of each break or insertion opportunity. These ctie tone signals 1230 have lilsl:orically been utilized to allow local asset providers to insert localized assets into a network feed. Further, various channels may provide window start times and window end times during which one or ~io~e breaks will occur. These start and end times define an a-.,,ail window. Again, tl-ds infonnation has historically been provided to allow local asset providers to insert local assets into a broadcast stream. Tiu~ infonnata~n may also be utilized by the targeted asset systern to deterrnine Wlien a break will occur during larograrauning. Accordingly, the system may be operative to monitor programming charmels, e.g., 1202, 1204 and 1206, for cue tone signals 1230 as well as obtain and store inforination regarding window start and end times (e.g., in the schedule database 1320)e The available window information may be received ftom the T&B syst~~i and may be manually entered.
Referring again to Fig. 13, the use of signals from the UED 1310 may allow for providing assets that are tailored to current users or otherwise for providing different assets to dlffererit groups of users. In this regard, an asset that has targeting parameters that match the classification paranieterfi of the greatest number of users may be provided within tlle broadcast stream of a supported programming channel 1350 during a brea.lÃ. It is noted that the most appropriate asset may thereby be provided to analog or otherwise nonparticipating users (a~suaiiing the voters are representative of the relevant user un1verse.)s yielding a degree of targetlii~ even for thein. Moreover, some targeting benefit can be achieved for a large nuinber of programming channels, even channels that may not be supported by asset channels with respect to a given break.
Altematively or additionally, different assets may be provided on the asset channels 1 360A-N during the break of a programming channel. During a break where asset channels 1 360AaN are available, a [JED 13 10 of a particular hÃ~-usehold may, based on a detennlnation implemented at the UED 13 1 0y switch to one of the asset channels i360AmN that contains appropriate assets. Accordingly, assets of the asset ch~inel 1 360A.-N may be displayed during the break. During the break, the UED 1310 may stay on one asset channel 1360AyN (in the case of a break with multiple spots in sequence) or may navigate through the break selecting the most appropriate assets. After the b~~ak-5 the t~ ED 1310 may sd~ritcli 'b~.ck to the original prÃ~~~iinin~; Ã~ba~.~.el (if necessary). This switching may occur seamlessly from the point of view of a user. In this regard, different assets may be provided to different users during the saine break. As will be appreciated, this allows asset providers to target different groups dunng the same break.
Further it allows for a network operator to market a single spot to two different asset providers on an apportioned basis (or allow a single asset provider to fill a single spot with multiple asset options). Each asset provider may, for exainpley tl-i~~~~~ pay for an audlerice that better matches its target.
Fig. 14 illustrates the use of four asset channels 1401m1404 for pro-vidlng a flotilla of assets during a break 1410 of a pra~~arnming channel 1400. As shown, on each asset channel 1401- l. 4fl4, the break 1410 may be separated into one or more asset slots that may have different durations. :1-1owever4 in the case of Fig. 14, the start and end tinies of the asset sets A-C; D-E4 F-H and I-K caried by the asset channels 1 401 -1 ~~~
are aligned with the start and end times of the break 1410. Each of the asset channels 1 401-1 ~~~ may carry an asset that is targeted to a specific audience classification of the users of the targeted channel 1400 or the users of additional programming channels having a break aligned with the break 1410 of the progranim1~~ charmel 1400.
It should be noted that flotillas need, not be rectangular as shown in Fig.
14. That is, due to conflicts between breaks or the lnt~~ittent availability of certain asset channels as discussed above, the total number of asset chaimels used to support a given pr~graniming channel may change during a break. Eacb asset channel 1 401 n Ãncl~ides a different combination of assets ~-K that may be targeted to different viewers of the channel 1400 during a given break 1410. Collectively, the assets Aml~
carried by, the asset channels 1.401-1404 define a flotilla 1405 that includes assets that may be targeted to different groups of users. The most appropriate assets for a given user may be on different ones of the channels l. 401-1404 at different times during the break 1410.
These can be delivered to the user by channel hopping during the break with due consideration given to the fact that spots on different channels 1401-1404 may not have tl-ic same start and ~iid times. Selection of assets to fill a break of a programming channel, or to fill the available spots Within. each asset clbannel of a flotilla may be based on votes of users of the programming channel. That is, assets may be selected by the flotilla constructor 1326 (See Fig. 13) in respotise to slg~.als received frorrt, UEDs 1310 wlthiii the network. Sucl-i selection may be performed as set forth in coM~end1~g U.S.
Application No. 11/332,771, ~Whlch is incorporated by reference herein.
It is also desirable that each customer premises ~qulpment device be able to navigate across a break selectlaig assets that are appropriate for the current user. For example, a flotilla may include a number of columns correspondent to a sequence of asset spots for a break. If one colunm included all assets directed to children, non-c:hlldren users would be left without an appropriate asset option I or that spot.
'I'husY options for avoiding such situations include making sure that a widely targeted asset is available l~~
each column or time period, or that the union of the subsets defined by the targeting ~~ilstralnts for each asset in a column or time period represents the largest possible subset of the uaiiverse of users. Of course, this mav conflict with other flotilla construction goals and aii optimal solution may need to be arbitrated. In addition, where an issue arises as to which assets to include in a flotilla, the identity of the relevant asset providers may be considered (e.g., a larger volume asset provider or an asset provider who has paid Ibr a higher level of scg vice may be given preference).
To enable the UED to swit.ch to a rleslgnated asset channel for a break (or, for certain implementations, between asset options within the Il.otilla during a break) metadata may be provided in connection with each asset cltaniiel(s) and/~~
~~~~~amming cbannel(s). As will be appreciated, each andiv~dual asset channel is a ~~~~on of an asset stream having a p~edeteraninerl bandWidtli. These asset channels may be ftirther broken into inTband and out-of-batid portions. Geai~rally, the inwband portion of the s~gnal supports the delivery of an asset stream (e.g., video). Triggers may be transtnftted via the out-a~~~and portion of a channel. Further, such out-of-band portions of the bandwidth may be utilized Ioa- the delivery of the asset option list as well as a retu~~
path I`rs-r use in collecting votes and repÃ~~~ii,~ infarination from the ~JED, More generally, it will be appreciated that in the various cases referenced herein where messaging occurs between the UED and a network platI`onn, any appropriate messaging channels may be used including separate IP or telephony channels.
Based on the metadata, the UED may select individual assets or asset sets depending on the implementation. Thus, in certain implementations, the UED may select an asset for the first time-slot of a break that best corresponds to the audiciiec classification of the current user. This process may be repeated for each tiine4slot within a break. Alternatively, an asset flotilla may include a single metadata set for each asset channel and the IJED a~iay simply select one asset channel for an entire break.
Alternatively, asset options may be provided via a fag-ward-and4sta~~e architecture in the case of UEDs witli substantial storage resources, e.g., DVRs. In this regard, an asset may be inserted into a des~gnaIed bandwidth segment s.~id dowtils~~~ed via the ~~~~~~~ interface to the storage of the UED. Accordingly, the tJEI) niav then selectively insert the asset from the storage into a subsequent break. Further, in this architecture, the assets of the stored optlons and associated metadata ina~ include an expiration time.
Assets may be discarded (e,g., deleted) upon expiration regardless of whether t1lev have been delivered. In this architecture, it will be appreciated that the trwismissaon of assets does not have a ~eal-tame comIs~~ent, so the available bandwidth may vary during transmission. Moreover, a thirty second asset may be transmitted in five seconds or over thiity minutes, The available assets may be broadcast to all UEDs with individual UEDs only storing appropriate assets. In additioii, due to storage limitations, a UED may delete an asset of interest and re-recc~rd it later.
In contrast, in the asset channel architecture, the flotilla is transmitted in synchronization. with the associated break and requires little or no storage at the UED. In either case, once an asset from the storage or flotilla is displayed, each 1.JED may provide ~i asset delivery notification (ADN) to the nehvork platfonn indicating that the partic-Lilar asset was delivered. The platforrn may then provide aggregated or conipi1ed infiormation regarding the total number of users that received a given asfiet to a billing plat~onn. Accordingly, individual asset providers may be billed in accordance with how many users received a given asset.

B. ~vnami~ Se1~eduling As noted above, the system allows for dynamically inserting assets in support of one or more programming chaniiels based on current network ~onÃiitions. "("hat is, assets may be selected for programming channels in view of current ~~hvorlc conditions as opposed to being selected ahead of time based on expected network condit:ions.
Such a process may ensure that liigh value air time is populated with appropriate assets. For instance, where current network conditions may indicate that an audience is larger than expected for a curTent prt~~ani-mi~~ period, higher value assets may be utilized to populate breaks. Such conditions may exist when, for example, ~~~~animia~g with high asset delivery value and a large expected audience extends beyond a predetermined programming period into a subsequent programming period with low asset delivery value (e.g.7 a sporting event goes iflito overtime). Previously, assets directed. to the subsequent low value prograrmng~~ period might be aired to the larger than expected v~~Nvin~
15 audience based on their pre-sclbedul~d delivery times resulting in red~~~ed revenue opportunities. The present system allows for dynamic (e.g.4 justTinmtime) asset scheduling or, at least, overriding pre-scheduled delivery based on c1ianging network conditions.
As noteci., signals from the individual UEDs may be utilized for targeted asset systern purposes. However, it will be appreciated that while it is possible to receive vote signals from each UED in a network, such full network `polling" may result in large bandwidth requirements. In one alternate implementation, statistical sa.xnpling is utilized to reduce the bandwidth requirements '~~hveeii the network and the UEDso As will be appreciated, sampling of a statistically significant and relevant portion of the UEDs will provide a usei"-ul representation of the channels currently being used as well as a useful representation of the most appropriate assets for the users using those channels.
ln order to provide statistical sampling for the ~~twork-, a sub-set of less than all of the UEDs may provide signals to the network glatfann. For instance, in a first arrangeanenty ~~eb U1/D may include a random number generator. Periodically, such a random number generator may generate an output. If this output meets a predetertnined criteria (e.g., a number ending with 5), the UED may provide a signal to the network in relation to an option list. Alternatively, the plati`Ã~~ may be operative to randomly select a ~~~se-t of UEDs to receive a request for inl'ormation. In any case, it is preferable that the subset of UEDs be large enough in ~oniparison to the total number of UEDs to provide a statistically accurate overview of current tietWorl~ condi~~ons. kiowever, where a fully representative sampling is not available, attendant uncertainties can be addressed through business rules, e.g., providing a reduced price or greater dissemination to account for the uncertainty.
As noted, a network operator initially provides an asset option list (e.go, list 10 10 of Fi.g. 10) to at least the tJEDs within the network that Will. vote on.
assets from the list.
Generally, the asset option list includes a list of available assets for one or more upcoming 1~~eaks. In this regard, it will be appreciated that a platform within the network may be operative to olstaln, schedule info~nation for all programming channels that have been identified to be supported by targeted assets. The platl'orrn may then use the sc1~edule in~~~natzoa~ to communicate with liEl~B~ over the n~hvrsrk interface prior to a break. In particular, the pla~~~rin may be operative to provide the asset option list to UEDs, for example, periodically.

C. Rqportin~
It would be possible to implement the targeted asset ~~~tein of the present invention witliout receiving reports from UEDs indicating which assets, from among the asset options, were delivered to the user(s). '1'hat is, although there would be considerable uncertainty as to what assets were delivered to whorn, assets could be pn~ed based on what can be inferred regarding current network conditions due to the voting process.
Such pricing may be improved in certain respects in relation to ratings or Share-ba~ed pricing under the conventional asset delivery paradigm. Al~emativelys pricing may be based. entirely on demographic rating itxr's~~ation such as Nielsen. data together with a record of asset insertion to build an. estimate of the number of users who received an asset. For example, this may work in connection with programming c1iaimels that have good rating information.
However, in connection with the UED selection model, it may be desirable to obtain report information concerning actual delivery of assets. That is, because the asset selection occurs at the UED (in either a i~orWarelwaizd-store or synchronized transmission architecture) improved certainty regs.rditig the size and audience classification values for actual delivery of assets can be caih~~~ed by way of a reportirag process. The present invention provides an appropriate reporting process and in this regard provides a mechanism for using such report inforrrbation to enable billing based on guaranteed delivery and/or a goo(lness of fit of the actual audience to the target audience. In addition to improving the quality of billing information and infornation available for analysis of asset effectiveness and return on investTraent, this reporting iiiforÃ-natior provides for near real time (in some reporting implementations) audience measurement with a high degree of ~~curacy. In this regard, the reporting may be preferred over voting as a measurement tool la~caÃase reports provide a positive, aftermthe-fact indication of actual audience size.
Accordingly, such inforrnation may allow for improved ratings and share data.
For ~xainp1e, such data may be licensed to networks or ratings measurement entities.
Fig. 15 illust-rates a reporting system 1500 in accordance with the present in~ention.. The reporting system 1500 is operative to allow at least some users of a participating user group, generally identified by reference ~~i-neral 1502, to report actLial asset delivery. 1n the illustrated implementation, such report information is transmitted to a network p1a1fomi such as a headend 1504. 'I'he report infor~nat~on may be further processed by an operations center 1506 and a traffic and billiaig system 1.508.
More specifically, report information is generated by individual UEDs 15 13 each of wliich includes a report processing module 1516, an asset selector ~iodu1e 1518 and a user monitr oring module 1520. '~~c user monitoring module 1520 mogiitors inputs from a current user and analyzes the inputs to deternix~~ putative audience classification parameter values for the user. Thus, for example, module 1520 may ana1~~e a click str~ai-n 1`rom a remote control together with inforination useful for matching a pattem of that click stream to probable audience classification parameter values.
These classification parameters may then be used by the asset selector module 1,518 to select an asset or asset sequence from available asset options. Thus, as described above, multiple asset sequences may be available on the progranimi~~ channel and separate asset channels. Metadata disseminated with or in advance of these assets may identify a target audience for the assets in ~enns of a-udlence classification parameter values. Accordingly, the module 1518 can select an asset from the available options for delivery to the user (s) by matching putative audience classification parameter values of the user to target audience classification parameter values of the asset options. Once an appra~pna~e asset option has been. identified, delivery is executed by switcYiing to the corresponding asset cham-iel (or remaining a~ii the programming chaiinel) as appropriate.
The report p-rocessing module 1516 is operative to report to the headend 1 504 1Ã1 information regarding assets actually delivered and in some implenientations, certain audience classification parameter values of the user (s) to avhom the asset was delivered.
Accordingly, in such implementations, the report processing module 1516 receives asset delivery information f~om module 1.518 and putative audience classification parameter information for the user (s) from the user monitoring module 1520. Ms lnfonnation is used to populate various fields of a rt.-port file 1510. In other implementations, audience classification inf~nnatioai is not included in the report. 1512. However, it may be presurr3.ed. that the asset was delivered to a user or users matching the target parameters.
Moreover, suc1i a presuinpt1on may be supported by a goodness of fit para.rneter included in the report. Thus, audience classification lnfomiation may be inferred even where the report is devoid of sensitive information.
The report files pass through the headend 1. 504 and are processed by ~~~~ration~
center 1506. The operations center 1506 is operative to perIbnn a number of functions including processing report information for submission to billing and diagnostic functions as noted above. The operations center 1506 then fÃ~~vardS the processed report lnfonnat~on to the traffic anci billing ~~~tern 1508. The traffic and billing system 1508 uses the processed report lrt,forraata~~i to provide measurement lnforanat1on to asset providers with respect to delivered assets, to assign appropriate billing values for delivered assets, and to estimate the target ui-dverse in connection with developing new asset delivery contracts.
3Ã1 In order to reduce the bandwidth requirements associated with reporting, a statistical reporting process may be implemented similar to the statistical voting process described abovee In particular, rather than having all UEDs report delivery with respect to all breaks, it may be desirable to obtain reports from a statistical saTrt,pling of the audience 1502. For example, the UED of eacb. user may include a random number ~~iierator to generate a number in comiectlan wltl-i each reporting opportunity.
Associated logic may be c~~ifi~ed such that the 1JED will only transmit a report file when certain numbers are generated, e.g., numbers ending with the digit bsS".
Altematlvely, the UED may generate reports only upon interrogation by the 1~ead~iid 1504 or the headend 1504 may be configured to interrogate only a sampling of the audience 1.502. Such statistical reporting is graphically depicted in Fig. 15 where users selected to report with respect to a given reporting opportunity are associated with solid line links and deselec-ted users are associated with a broken line linksa Moreover, reporting may be batclieÃ1 such that all reports for a time period, e.g., 24 hours or seven days, may be collected in a single report ~ransinlsslon. Such transmissions may be timed, for example, to coincide with low messaging traffic time periods of the network. Also, the reports from different UEDs may be spread over t1m.e.
Billing parametcrs and Roodness of fit iiifamiat~on may then be d~~en-nined based on the report lnfornatlon. The billing parameters will generally include information regarding the size of the audience to whom an asset was delivered. 'The goodness of ft information relates to how well the actual audience matcl-terl the target audience of the asset provider. hi this regard, a pr~inium may be extracted where the fit is good or a discount or credit may be applied, or over delivery may be provided where the fit was ~~t as good. Based on tliis lnfoainataon, the T&B system can then generate billing ~~~ord.s. It will be appreciated that such billing reflects guaranteed delivery of targeted lnipresslons with compensation for less thmi optimal delivery.
As noted above, a platf~~~ and associated graphical user in~erIli~e may be provided for receiving asset contract information. As will be described in more detail beloW yasset lsrovidcrs can use this iiiterface to specify ad campaign information including targeting criteria such as ~~~grapbic lnfs~~nat1on, deinogapbac lnf~rmat1on, run-taine information, rufli freq-Liency information, nan sequence information and other lnf~rinatloii that defines asset delivery constraiiits. Similarly, constraint lnfsrynatlon may be provided from other sources. This contract lnfozmation may also include certain pricing anforination including pricing parameters related to goodness of fit.
Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, report infamiation can be utilized as described above for purposes of traffic and billing. All of this requires a degree of integration between the T&B system, wbich may be a conventional product developed in the context of the r-on~entianal asset delivery paradigm, and the targeted asset delivery sys~~in of the present invention, which allows for implementation of a novel asset delivery paradigm.
Ai-nong other t1iings, this integration requires ap~~~pn~~e configuration of the T&B system, appropriate configuration of the targeted asset delivery system, and a definition of an appropriate messaging protocol and messaging fields for transfer of ia~~ormalion between the T&B system and the targeted asset delivery systeni.
With respect to t1ie T&B system, the system may be configured to recognize new fields of traffic and billing data related to targeted asset delivery. 'rhese fields may be associated with: the use of reporting datao as contrasted to ratings or share data, to d~~~rinane billing values; the use of goodness of fit parameters to d~~erini~e b illang parameters; and the use of report infÃ~~matior~ in estimating the target universe for subs~~~~ent broadcasts.
Accordingly, the T&B system is configured to recognize a variety of fields in this regard and execute associated logic for calculating billing parameters in accordance witli asset delivery contracts.
The targeted asset system receives a variety of asset contract ~iiforrnatior~
via a defined graphical user interface. This asset contract information may se-t various constraints related to the target audience, goodness of fit parameters and the like. [n addition, the graphical user interface may be operative to project, in substantially real time, an estimated target universe associated with the defined contTact parameters.
Consequently, ~~~egra~~on of the targeted asset delivery systerrf, with the T&B system may involve configuring the targeted asset delivery systeni sueb that inputs entered via the grapbical user interface are mapped to the approlsTiate fields recognized by the targeted asset delivery system.. 1n. addition, s-uch integration may involve recognizing report inforrnation forwarded 1 rom the targeted asset delivery system fr~-r use in estimating the target universe. Generally, the T & B system is modified to included lc~gi~ in this regsrÃi for using the information from the targeted asset delivery syst~~~ to project a target universe as a function of variotis contract information entered by the asset provider via graphical user interface.

IV. EXEMPLARY SYSTEM IMPEMENTATIONS
Various combinations of the above-des.~~~~ed systems and methods may be utilized to provide a contentnlaased targeting svs~~in that utilizes textual infomiat~on associated with programming that is or will be provided on a broadcast network channel to identify assets that may be of interest to an audience of the channel. Such content9 baseÃ1 targeting provides the asset provider another tool. for slescn'lzing the desired audience for a targeted advertisement. In appl~catioii, the asset provider or ad buyer specifies one or more keywords, which may or nitist appear in the textual information associated with a program. Such textual information or sfielÃls4 include, without limitation, a program's electronic prÃ~gra~~ guide (EPG) entry (e.g. lsrograrn title, sula-tgtle, and/or episode description) aaidr`or the program's closed captioning. If one or more of the specified keywords appear in a textual field of the c-urTent program (e.g., EPG fields a.nd%or closed captioning text) then the asset may be deemed appr~p-riate for a current audience (i.e. d~~~~ed suitable for delivery.). Otherwise, the asset may be d~~~ed not suitable for delivery.
hi the event that two or more assets are deemed suitable for delivery (i.e, based on their keyword targeting constraiaits)5 the ~ontent-'6ased targeting system may select between and/or~ rank assets deemed suitable for delivery. For instance the content-based targeting systeTn may favor targeted assets whose ke;rworci-based targeting constraints match more keywords in one or more textual fields over assets whose keyWorcl~based targeting cons#.raitits match fewer matching keywords in one or more textual fields. For example, an asset with a keyword-based constraint specifying four keywords which all match would be favored over an asset with a keyword-'6asec1 constraint specifying three keywords which all match. As will be discussed herein, variations may be implemented for selectiiig between suitable assets. F-Luther} secondary targeting constraints/criteria ma;r'~e utilized to select'6etw~en two or more otherwise suitable assets.
As shown in Fig. 16, the content-based targeting system 1600 includes a platform.
1602 for use in receiving textual constraint inputs from asset providers. The platfann 1602 is accessible by a plurality of asset providers 1604A-N. Such access may be provided tising, for example, a graphical user interface, web access, etc. The platform 1602 allows asset providers to provide assets to the syst~n as well as provide targeting constraints for those assets. That is, the platform 1602 may allow asset providers to upload content (e.g., assets) to the system such that the content may be inserted into broadcast content based on one or more specified constraints and/or targeting criteria. In any case, the platfonn 1602 is in corr~unicat~on with a headend 1606 that is operative to implement part or all of the asset targeting syste-ms and methods described above.

Further, the platform is in communication with a traffic and billing system (T
& B
System) 1608.
As ill-ustrat~~ in Fig. 17, an asset provider begins the process 1700 of content-based targeting by using a GUI (or other system4to-systein interface) to specify textual constraints 1.702 to be utilized with their afiset(s), 0-oce textual constraints for various different assets (e.g., of different asset providers) are received, the content-based targetiiig system may compare or match 1704 the textual constraints of the assets with t~xtLaal gnforrnation associated with broadcast programming. That is, the content-based targeting syst~n mav monitor textual fields of pr~~~nming being delivered or that will be delivered. via the broadcast network. That is, such monitoring and associated matching may be perfornied on-t.lae-fly while the lsr~graira is being broadcast or lsnor to broadcast of the programming. In either case, the cont~iitnbased targeting system may identify 1706 assets that have at least partially matcbing textual constraints. That is, the content-based targeting systern may identify assets that are deeined suitable for delivery.
One of the assets deemed suitable for delivery may be selected 1708 for inse-rtiara 1 710 iaito a broadcast stream sucli that the asset may be broadcast in conjunction with, for example, an asset delivery spot in the programming. Further, a portion or all of the UEDs within the broadcast network that provide the selected asset to a network user may provide 1712 an asset delivery notification to the headend. 1."lg.ese notifications may be utilized for billing purposes and/or for the generation of historical databases. As will be discussed herein, eacb of the steps of the process 1700 of Fig. 17 may include various alterations and/or subssteps.
Fig. 18 illustrates one exemplary graphical user interface 1 800 that may be ut~~~~ed to enter textual constraints for a particular asset. As shown, the asset provider provides an asset identifier 1 802 for their asset. The asset provider also typically specifies one or more mandatory keywords 1 804 that must appear in the textual fields of t;lzc programming for the identified asset to be deemed suitable for delivery.
Further, if a plurality of keywords are specified, the asset provider may specify the minimum number of those lcervords that must match text in the textual fields of the prograrrrning in order for the asset to be deemed suitable for delivery. The asset provider may also specify matidatory keywords that must appear and optional keywords 1 806 that may but are not req-Liired to appear. rF'lae presence of optional keywords that match may increase how favorably the asset is considered (e.g., a goodness of fit val-Lic) when selecting between and/~~ ranking multiple assets with keyword-basecl targeting ~onstraints.
FuTkher, the asset proNieler may establish matebing criteria ~~~~~ combine one or more of the abovem~~~ed mechanisms, For example, the asset provider may define textual constraints for a:ai asset such that the asset includes 3 ~~~idatory keywords and s optional keywords 1808. The asset provider may then specify that at least 4 keywords must match in order for the asset to be deemed suitable for delivery.
The asset provider may also associate a positive weighting factor 1810 with each keyword. When selecting and/or ranking multiple targeted assets witb.
~eyWord4based targeting constraints, the cÃ~ntent-based targeting systern may stim the weighting factors of the keywords that matched, 'I'b.~ co~~entNbased ~~~eting system may then view rno~e favorably those targeted assets whose weighting factors for matched keywords summed to the highest values. In this regard, different textual constraints or keywords may have d~~~~~~~t values. Keywords that are more indicative of a desired audience may be more heavily weighted whereas keywords that are relevant but less indicative of a desired audience may be given a lower W eiglit.
ne asset provider may also assign negative weig:b~ing factors to textual constraints. ln such an arrangement, textual constraints that matcb. textual information but Wbich have negative w~igbting factors reduce how favorably the targeted asset is viewed. In a further al~emat~~e arT~gernenty the asset provider may specify negative limitations. In. thifir~~ard, the asset provider may specify one or rnore keywords that ~~~~
not appear in any of the textual infa~~ination of the programm~iig. When receiving textual constraints from an asset provider, the assetprovi~~r may use any word or any sequence of letters, digits and/or otb~~ characters as a textual coitstraant (e.g., l~eyword).
Alternatively, the a:ss~~ provider may be reqtii~ed or e.~abled. to select 1~~y-words fTom a pre-definerl list 1814 of textual constraiaits ancttÃ~~ other sequences of letters, digits and other characters. The asset provider may also selec~ a tlaesauaus function (e.g., synonvins) that allows similar terms 1816 to satisfy textual constraints insteaÃ1of requiring an exact match 1818. For exainpl~ if the kervord "computer" is specified then systm might suggest al~em~~ives such as "CPU" or "processor" and allow the user to select or allow such al~emataves. As a faa:rtlier al~ematives predefined collections of keywords may be available for selection. For example, a ~~oTts Equipment bundle may include golf club, tennis racquet, hockey sticks etc. In this manner, ~ominon collections of tenns of interest to asset providers can be conveniently available. Iliese collections may be developed in ad,vran~e and/Ã~~ based on expefience as asset providers use the system.
An asset provider may also select various al~emate searching constraints in conjunction with specifying textual constraints for their asset(s). For instance, an asset provider nzay specify t1iat. comparison of the textual constraints with textual infornation of the programming be peafonned with regard to a specific textual field 1 820 such as an electronic program guide (EPCl) search or a closed caption search. For instance, if the asset provider limited comparison to a title field of a program, the closed captioning data stream would be ignored when searching for textual matches. Allematgvely, the asset provider may request searches of both the EPG (or a subset of theE,l3G) and the closed captioning. As noted above, different types of closed captioning exist, and all types, or specified types, cati be searched. In order to reduce the likelihood of false hits, ari altemative 1i-npl~enta.tian allows the specification of keywords to ~~
contextual. For example, when the asset provider specifies that multiple keywords be matched, the asset provider may speci4, how closely together or how far apart (i.e., proximity 1824) specified pairs of keywords mList be. In the case of closed captioning, ttais proximity relationship could be tenipÃ~ral, e.g., within 60 seconds of one another.
Additional textual information sources (e.g., programming reviews, etc) may also be accessed to provide additional sources of textual information regarding the content of particular programming. If such additional sources are available, the asset provider may likewise specify whether such additional sources should be searched to match textual constrains of the assets.
The step of matching textual constraints with textual infonnation may be impleniented by identifying the presence or absence of a specified constraint within one or more textual fields associated with a given program. Such matching may be performed in a binary mamier wherein the textual constraints are satisfied or not satisfied. If the textual constraints are satisfied, the asset may be deemed suitable for delivery with the program. One of the assets deeined suitable for delivery (e.g., a matching asset) may then be selected for insertion. For instance, cc~ii~entabased targeting system may randomly choose among the matching assets. The `fit' of the textual constraints of different assets with the textual information'fields of the program may be rated. In this regard, a goodness of fit score may be generated for each asset. In such an arrangement, all t~.~rgeted assets could be ranked and those assets deemed most suitable (e.g., having the highest fit value) may be iiiserted into the programming. Further, secondary considerations/targeting critetia 1 822 may be utilized to deterrnin~ Nvhich of multiple matching assets will be delivered in conj-Linction with the program.
Fig. 19 illustrates an exemplary EPG entry for a television program. As shown, the EPG entry 1900 includes a title section 1.902 and a textual description 1904 associated with the ~~ograni. The EPG 1900 also incltades channel infonnatgon 1906, as well as a staTt time 1908 aiid stwt date 1910. As shown, textual fields of the EPG may be searched to identify matching keywords associated with textual constraints of one or more assets.
:C'or instance, in the case of the textual constraints of the asset identified in Fig. 18, one of the maa-idatory keywords (e.l;.Y football) and one oi`the optional keywords (i.e.7 highlights) mav be matched to the description field 1904 of the EPG entry 1904.
Accordingly, the asset identified in Fig. 18 may be considered a match for the program associated with the EPG of Fig. 19.
In most instances, two or more assets will be deemed suitable for delivery, Accordingly4 secondary constraints or targeting criteria 1822 may be utilized to select between suitable assets. In this regard, the ke~WWo$d-based targeting system may also be implemented in conjunction with any combination of otlier targeting mechanisms. For exai-npler when an asset is initially deemed suitable for delivery based on keyword targeting, secondary targeting criteria may be used to determine whether or not the targeted asset is the best asset available for dissemination/delivery.
Altematidrel}7, how favorably a targeted advertisement is viewed based on its keyword targeting constraints could be combined witlz otber targeting mechanisms to yield an overall goodness of fit value for delivery. The asset with the best fit value may then be selected.
Such additional targeti~~~ criteria may include, witl~out limitation, any or all of the following:
g DernograpMc classifications = 1D~~e asset provider is Williiig to pay for ad insertion = Time of day liniitations = Day of week limitations = Geographic restrictions $ Household tags (e.g., detennined using UED identifier lists from the headend that direct a UED to select an asset or type of asset) = Nchvork iaiclusions and exclusions = Program rating inclusions and exclusions $ Prograrn title word inclusions and exclusions g Commodity codes = Minimum separation between presentations of the asset Anv combination of these targeting criteria may be utilized to select between suitable assets.
The selected asset may be inserted into a broadcast ccanteait stream in vaTious r~~~Teretiz arrangenietits, :I:n a first aaTan,~~~~~~its ttic selected asset may be inserted directly iflito the broadcast s~ear~~ containing the program. 1:~ this regard, the selected asset may replace an asset in the programming. In an altemate arrangement, the selected asset may be inserted into a paxa~~~~ content stTeam that. is broadcast in synchrony with the programming. Ln su~~~ an arrangement, a portion or all tlie tJT;Ds of network users may be instructed to switch to or othLyW ise select the parallel content stream containing the selected asset during, for example, an asset delivery spot within x~~~
~~ogrwn. ~~~
preceding discussion assumes only one parallel distribution ~ltemativee However, a pluralitv of parallel distribution altematives may exist. 'I'hat is, a multi-channel flotilla may ~e available for providiiig multiple different assets dunng a common asset delivery spot. Accordingly, a separate asset may be selected for each channel of the flotilla based at least in part on textual constraants~ However, an asset provider may also specify that no a~~ema.tive assets be availabl~. Accordingly, the asset provider may pay an additional surcharge for such exclusivity.
Wh~~i an asset provider is conteniplatin,~ purchasing targeted advertising opportunities from a network provider, the network provider is generally expected to provide the asset provider with an estimate of the fliuraiber of network users who will receive the xairgeted ass~~~ ~~en~ra~lyY a keyword-based targeting constraint is analogous to any other constraint vvhsch targets on the basis of which program is currently being viewed. Consequen~ly, any audience size prediction ~~~orithm Whicli is useful when estim~~~~~~ the audience size for an asset targeted at least in part by program-based targeting may also be useful when estimate the audience size for an asset targeted using content-based targeting.
However, content-based targeting may iiitrodu~e an issue which is not found with various other targeting constraintse The issue is that as a keyword-based targeting constraint could match words that appear in a description of a program or the closed captioning data stream of a program, it may not in some instances be possible to deIc-nmine Whetlier or not a partic-Lilar conIentmtsased textual constraint matches a given program until shortly before the program is broadcast or until the pr~gram broadcast begins. Accordingly, if audience estimates are utilized by asset providers to select potential prÃ~graans for conIenInbased targeting a.aid pricing is based on those estimates, it may be beneficial to receive ~ettial reports of delivLTed assets (e.g., ADRs) to determine to if the audience estimates are accurate and/or if adjustment should be ma(i~
to the pncing for a given asset delivery spot that is filled by a content-based targeted asset.
When asset providers select keywords from a pre-d~~~ed list, those lrrÃ;defined keywords may be utilized, over Iime, to generate a liÃstorical database of the inzpacI of various 1~e"vorrl and targeting constraints on audience size. As will be appreciated, even a modest sized list of pre-slefix~ed keywords may result in a vast r~~imber of different combinations of keywords. However, the number of combinations that are actually used is typically a small fraction of the possible combinations as the vast majority of combinations are unlikely to be attractive to the tv ypical asset provider. Further, the number of different keywords combinations that are utilized are likely to have a reasonably predictable impact on audience size as each keyword typically eliminates a substantial nuinber of programs. Accordingly, over time it is possible to build up a historical database of the impact on audience size of various combinations of keywords and options and to use this database to estimate the impact of adding one more constTaint.
and/~r one more apIiorf, to a keyword91aa.seÃI constraint. In this regard, the interface 1 800 may provide p-re-sl~fined wor(l lists 1814 l.~ that "highlight" which keywords and/or combinations of keyword have the largest impact on the audience tar-etirt.go Irg, a further arrangement, the selected assets may be inserted by a ITED. As will be appreciated, ~~any LJEDs bave storage media (e.g., c~~put~~ hard d-rives) which are used to store recorded programs and the like. Such [JEDs may be utilized to cache targeted assets on the hard drive. This local cache of assets may then become either the only source or an al~emative source of cÃsntent-based targeted assets that mav be delivered during an asset delivery spot. As may be appreciated, this allows for individualized insertion of assets for individual nehvorlà users. Furthermore, as the prograr-in-iing being cotisumed by the network user is putatively of interest to the ~etws~~k- user, matching assets based on the content of the prÃ~graniming, with or without additional UED based targeting constrai-nts, increase the likelihood of providing assets that are of interest to the network user.

In such an arrangem~iit, the ~~~~ ~erf nnfi keyword match~~~g as illustrated in the process 2000 of Fig. 20 and the system of Fig. 16. In this regard, a UED 1610 mav receive assets (2002) from the headend 1606 via a network interface 1614 for storage in a storage device 1612. Such assets may specify various textual canstraÃtits as discussed aboveo Accordingly, a processor 1616 of the UED may utilize the textual constraints of the stored assets to select one of those assets for insertioai duriaig an asset delivery spot of a program. More s~ec-ificallyo the UED 1610 monitors (2004) textual infon-nation of a p~ograni that is being output 1 620 to a current network. user. Such monito~
%~~ may include m~riit~~ng of the ~~PGT and/ or monitoring closed captia~~~ing of the ~rogTam. '1`lae 1Ã1 UED 1610 matches (2006) textual coiistraints of the stored assets with the textual infonnation. In instances where the closed captioning is being monitored, it will be appreciated that the textual information may ch~ige over time. Accord~iiglya the UED
1610 may be operative to ~en~~~cally update textual constraint matches or utilized a fixed period of closed captioning (e.g., the first five minutes of a program) for textual constraint matching purposes. In any case, the UED identifies (2008) assets that are suitable for insertion in one or more upcoming asset delivery spots in the program.
Accordingly, the 'L7~D inserts (2010) one of the suitable assets into the asset delivery spot. As outlined above, selection between suitable assets may include use of secondary targeting critefia associated with the assets ands'~~ preference 1nfoa~iation associated witb the U ED. The UED may also provide (2012) an asset delivery notification to the head end an(ilor a T&B platl`rsrin. Such notification may be utilized to determine, iliter alia, the number of networlc users who received a particular asset as well as for detea-~inang billing inf nnatlor~ for asset providers.
A-n asset provider can also buy a spot based on one or more keywords, e.g., that appear in the title or otl~er text associated with the ls~~~~rnmlng. Wheii this occ-ursy it can be utilized in targeting. Specifically, a headend module may be provided that monitors pro,~~n descriptions, titles or other text associated with all programming played in the system. '~~~~ an advertiser buys an ad by keyword, a data structure is created that includes the keyword string. The data structure (such as an ADR) may also 1ncl-ude other targeting criteria (sucb. as demographic classglicat~ons). The headend module can then search for p~ogrammiiig having text that includes the keyword and that otherwise adequately matches the targeting constraints. The asset can then be inserted into that programming. A1~ematgvelyp the asset can be ~~~l-uded in an asset list that the UEDs use in voting.
jl"he keya+rwrd search may also make use of historical viewing habits, eg., monitored at the LTEDs. Specifically, a headend module may send program titles, descriptions or otli~ text to the UED. This informat~on may be filtered to exclude terms not likely to contribute to ~~yword search efficiency. A popular keyWord list may also be sent to the I7ED. 'I'has list may be used by a pirocefisor at the CJEI) to store the text oilly if it includes keywords from the popular keyword s~~~li. A similar list may be developed at the UED based ogi historical viewing habits of one or more users.
When the user enters an input, such as a channel change, the processor can look up text for the selected prog~anuning. If that program is vieWed for a suffi~~~lit time, the text may be stored in a ~~~~~~~~cal viewing habits file. IYN'hen. an asset (or asset list identifier) associated with a keyWord is sent to the UED, the historical viewing habits file may be searched to deterraiiiie how many ~~i-ne the keyword appears. 'rhe result may be used., e.g.p ~om~~ed. to a threshold, to make voting or delivery decisions.
TTlis may be done oxi a viewer~byWvaew~ basis. The infarination in the file may be time-stamped and can be discarded after it ~ea~l-tes a defined age.
While ~a-rious embodiments s~~the present inventioii have been described in detail, fta~~~r modifications and adaptations of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. I-lsswevera it is to be expressly und.erstood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (48)

1. A method for use in connection with delivering assets to users of a broadcast network, the broadcast network primarily involving synchronized distribution of broadcast content to multiple users, the method comprising:
monitoring at least one textual field associated with programming for delivery via said broadcast network;
based on textual information from the at least one textual field, identifying assets from a collection of assets having at least partially matching textual constraints; and inserting a selected one of the identified assets into a content stream of the broadcast network, wherein said selected asset is broadcast in conjunction with said programming.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein monitoring is performed while said programming is broadcast via the broadcast network.

3. The method of Claim 1, wherein monitoring is performed prior to said programming being broadcast via the broadcast network.

4. The method of Claim 1, wherein monitoring comprises monitoring the electronic program guide entry for said programming.

5. The method of Claim 15 wherein monitoring comprises monitoring closed captioning of the programming.

6. The method of Claim 1, wherein identifying comprises:
matching text from said at least one textual field with textual constraints of each asset and generating a goodness of fit value for each said asset.

7. The method of Claim 6, wherein matching text further comprises:
matching text from a predetermined textual field of the programming with the textual constraints of each asset, wherein said predetermined textual fields are selected by an asset provider.

8. The method of Claim 6, wherein said textual constraints comprise at least one of:
the presence of at least one specified keyword;
the presence of a predetermined minimum number of specified keywords;
presence of at least one mandatory keyword and at least one optional keyword;
the absence of at least one keyword in said textual field; and the presence of at least first and second specified keywords in said textual field, wherein said first and second keywords are within a predetermined proximity.

9. The method of Claim 1; wherein inserting further comprises:
selecting between a plurality of assets having at least partially matching textual constraints.

10. The method of Claim 9, wherein selecting further comprises:
selecting an asset having a higher goodness of fit value.

11. The method of Claim 9, wherein selecting further comprises:
utilizing information associated with said programming to select between said plurality of assets having matching textual constraints.

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein utilizing said information comprises:
comparing at least a first targeting criteria of each said asset with said audience classification information for said programming.

13. The method of Claim 12, wherein said targeting criteria information relates to at least one of age, gender, income, geographic locale, and personal interest.

14. The method of Claim 11, wherein utilizing said information comprises:
comparing at least a first temporal targeting criteria of each said asset with temporal information associated with said programming.

15. The method of Claim 1, wherein inserting comprises:
replacing a default asset in the content delivery stream with the selected asset.

16. The method of Claim 1, wherein, inserting comprises:
transmitting instructions to at least a portion of UEDs within the broadcast network to play the selected asset during an asset delivery spot associated with said programming, wherein said selected asset has previously been stored in storage associated with said UEDs.

17. The method of Claim 1, wherein inserting comprises:
inserting the selected asset associated into a parallel content stream that is broadcast in synchrony with a content stream including the programming.

18. The method of Claim 17, further comprising:
providing information to at least portion of UEDs in said broadcast network regarding the availability of said selected asset on said parallel content stream.

19. The method of Claim 17, further comprising:

inserting a second of the identified assets into a second parallel content stream that is broadcast in synchrony with a content stream including the programming.

20. The method of Claim 1, further comprising:
receiving asset delivery notifications from, at least a portion of UEDs in the broadcast network, said asset delivery notifications providing indication of actual deliveries of said selected asset to network users.

21. A method for use in connection with delivering assets to users of a broadcast network, the broadcast network primarily involving synchronized distribution of broadcast content to multiple users, the method comprising:
receiving a broadcast content stream at a UED of a network user;
monitoring textual information associated with said broadcast content stream;
based on said textual information, selecting an asset for delivery; and delivering said asset during an asset delivery spot associated with said broadcast content stream.

22. The method of Claim 21, wherein selecting comprises selecting between at least first and second content streams having first and second assets, wherein said first and second assets are different.

23. The method of Claim 22, further comprising:
prior to said asset delivery spot, receiving textual constraints for said first and second assets.

24. The method of Claim 23, further comprising:
comparing said textual information with said textual constraints of said assets to determine a goodness of fit value for each of said first and second assets.

25. The method of Claim 24, further comprising:
selecting one of said assets based at least in part on said goodness of fit value.

26. The method of Claim 25, further comprising:
comparing at least a first targeting criteria of each said asset with classification information for said UED.

27. The method of Claim 26, wherein said targeting criteria relates to at least one of age, gender, income, geographic locale, and personal interest.

28. The method of Claim 21, wherein selecting an asset comprises:
selecting an asset from a plurality of stored assets, wherein said stored assets are accessible by said UED.

29. The method of Claim 28, further comprising:
comparing said textual information with said textual constraints of said plurality of stored assets to determine a goodness of fit value for at least a portion of said stored assets, wherein one of said stored assets in selected based at least in part on said goodness of fit value.

30. The method of Claim 29, further comprising:

comparing targeting criteria of each said stored asset with classification information for said UED, wherein one of said assets is selected based at least in part on said targeting criteria.

31. The method of Claim 30, wherein said targeting criteria relates to at least one of age, gender, income, geographic locale, and personal interest.

32. The method of Claim 21, wherein monitoring comprises monitoring the electronic program guide entry for programming associated with said broadcast content stream.

33. The method of Claim 21, wherein monitoring comprises monitoring closed captioning of the broadcast content stream.

34. The method of Claim 21, further comprising:
transmitting a delivery notification from said UED to a platform in the broadcast network, wherein said delivery notification identifies the asset delivered during the asset delivery spot.

35. A system that delivers content to users of a broadcast network, said broadcast network primarily involving synchronized distribution of content to multiple users, said system comprising:
a platform for providing an interface for receiving textual constraints from asset providers, said interface allowing the receipt of one or more textual constraints for use in disseminating assets of said asset providers;
a processor operative to compare said textual constraints of said assets with textual information associated with programming.

36. The system of Claim 35, wherein said platform is further operative for receiving additional targeting constraints related to disseminating said assets.

37. The system of Claim 36. wherein said additional targeting constraints include at least one of temporal constraints, demographic constraints and network constraints.

38. The system of Claim 35, wherein said processor is further operative to calculate a goodness of fit score for each said asset and select one of said assets for presentation with said programming.

39. The system of Claim 38, further comprising:
an inserter for inserting the selected asset into a content stream associated with an asset delivery spot of said programming.

40. The system of Claim 35, wherein said interface is a graphical user interface.

41. The system of Claim 35, wherein said interface is a system-to-system interface.

42. The system of Claim 35, further comprising:
an asset database, wherein said asset database includes a plurality of assets of a plurality of asset providers.

43. The system of Claim 35, further comprising:
a storage medium for storing historical textual information, wherein said historical textual information includes information associated with the inclusion of specified keyword with programming.

44. A system that delivers content to users of a broadcast network, said broadcast network primarily involving synchronized distribution of content to multiple users, said system comprising:
a network interface for receiving a content stream from a broadcast network;
a processor for:
monitoring textual information associated with programming received via the network interface;
comparing said textual information with textual constraints associated with two or more assets; and selecting one of said assets for presentation in conjunction with said programming.

45. The system of Claim 44, further comprising:
a storage medium for storing said assets and said textual constraints associated with the assets, wherein said assets are received via the network interface.

46. The system of Claim 44, wherein the processor further comprises:
a storage medium for storing logic instructions fro use in comparing said textual information with said textual constraints.

47. The system of Claim 44, wherein said processor is further operative to:
receive said textual constraints for two or more assets in conjunction with receiving said programming;
select one of said assets; and switch between content streams during an asset delivery spot of said programming, wherein a selected one of said assets is output to a network user during said asset delivery spot.

48. The system of Claim 44, further comprising:
a report generator for generating a report indicative of assets delivered to a network user, wherein said report is provided to a network platform via the network interface.