U.S. patent application number 17/142781 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for targeted user digital embedded advertising.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Stephen Francis Triano.
Application Number | 20210125231 17/142781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005329281 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
![](/patent/app/20210125231/US20210125231A1-20210429\US20210125231A1-2021042)
United States Patent
Application |
20210125231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Triano; Stephen Francis |
April 29, 2021 |
TARGETED USER DIGITAL EMBEDDED ADVERTISING
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a
method that includes obtaining media content, analyzing the media
content for an advertisement insertion space, receiving a request
for the media content from equipment of a user, obtaining a profile
for the user, determining a location of the user, determining a
time of a delivery of the media content, determining an advertising
insertion for the advertising insertion space based on the profile
of the user, the location of the user, and the time of the delivery
of the media content, and inserting the advertising insertion into
the media content in place of the advertisement insertion space to
generate modified media content. Other embodiments are
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Triano; Stephen Francis;
(Hillsborough, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
1000005329281 |
Appl. No.: |
17/142781 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15458303 |
Mar 14, 2017 |
10943265 |
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17142781 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0261 20130101;
G06Q 30/0269 20130101; G06Q 30/0264 20130101; G06Q 30/0273
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20060101
G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a processing system
comprising a processor, video content from a media server;
analyzing, by the processing system, the video content to identify
a replaceable object in a scene of the video content; determining,
by the processing system, a replacement object for the replaceable
object in the scene of the video content; inserting, by the
processing system, the replacement object in place of the
replaceable object in a plurality of frames of the scene, the
inserting the replacement object causing a substitution of the
replacement object for the replaceable object in the plurality of
frames of the scene; generating, by the processing system, a score
for the video content received from the media server, wherein the
score is increased when a determination is made that a media
processor includes a touchscreen; and adjusting, by the processing
system, a bill for providing the replacement object into the video
content based on the score.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising delivering the video
content with the replacement object to the media processor.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining a user
profile of a user of the media processor observing the video
content, wherein the user profile includes information describing
whether the media processor includes the touchscreen.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the replacement object is
highlighted within a frame of the plurality of frames of the
scene.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a context
of the scene.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the determining the replacement
object is consistent with the context of the scene.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the replacement
object comprises searching a user profile to determine a
user-relevant version of the replacement object based on a
purchasing history.
8. A processing system, comprising: a processor; and a memory that
stores executable instructions that, when executed by the
processing system, facilitate performance of operations,
comprising: receiving video content from a media server; analyzing
the video content to identify a replaceable object in a scene of
the video content; determining a replacement object for the
replaceable object in the scene of the video content; inserting the
replacement object in place of the replaceable object in a
plurality of frames of the scene, the inserting the replacement
object causing a substitution of the replacement object for the
replaceable object in the plurality of frames of the scene;
generating a score for the video content received from the media
server, wherein the score is increased when a determination is made
that a media processor includes a touchscreen; and adjusting a bill
for providing the replacement object into the video content based
on the score.
9. The processing system of claim 8, wherein the operations further
comprise obtaining a user profile of a user of the media processor
observing the video content, wherein the user profile includes
information describing whether the media processor includes the
touchscreen.
10. The processing system of claim 8, wherein the replacement
object is highlighted within a frame of the plurality of frames of
the scene.
11. The processing system of claim 8, wherein the operations
further comprise determining a context of the scene.
12. The processing system of claim 11, wherein the determining the
replacement object is consistent with the context of the scene.
13. The processing system of claim 8, wherein the operations
further comprise generating a replacement object profile for the
replaceable object, wherein the generating the replacement object
profile comprises searching a user profile to determine a
user-relevant version of the replacement object based on a
purchasing history.
14. A non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium, comprising
executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system
including a processor, facilitate performance of operations,
comprising: receiving video content from a media server; analyzing
the video content to identify a replaceable object in a scene of
the video content; determining a replacement object for the
replaceable object in the scene of the video content; inserting the
replacement object in place of the replaceable object in a
plurality of frames of the scene, the inserting the replacement
object causing a substitution of the replacement object for the
replaceable object in the plurality of frames of the scene;
generating a score for the video content received from the media
server, wherein the score is increased when a determination is made
that a media processor includes a touchscreen; and adjusting a bill
for providing the replacement object into the video content based
on the score.
15. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim
14, wherein the replacement object is highlighted within a frame of
the plurality of frames of the scene.
16. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim
14, wherein the operations further comprise: determining a context
of the scene; and determining the replacement object is consistent
with the context of the scene.
17. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim
14, wherein the operations further comprise receiving device
information regarding the media processor.
18. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim
14, wherein the operations further comprise obtaining a user
profile of a user of the media processor observing the video
content, wherein the user profile includes information describing
whether the media processor includes the touchscreen.
19. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim
18, wherein the determining the replacement object comprises
searching the user profile to determine a user-relevant version of
the replacement object based on a purchasing history.
20. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim
14, wherein the operations further comprise delivering the video
content with the replacement object to the media processor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/458,303, filed Mar. 14, 2017. All sections
of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to a media content system
that modifies images according to viewer information.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Media content is conventionally provided to viewers having a
preset series of images and sounds. Advertising content is provided
in addition to the media content.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of system 100;
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of system 200;
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used
in portions of the system described in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts illustrative embodiments of a communication
system that provide media services to the servers and devices of
systems 100 and 200;
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal
for interacting with the communication systems of systems 100 and
200;
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
device;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the
form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when
executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the
methods described herein; and
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of an advertising
cost matrix 800.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments for modifying images of media content to
present directed images for the viewer. Other embodiments are
described in the subject disclosure.
[0014] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
method that includes obtaining media content, analyzing the media
content for an advertisement insertion space, receiving a request
for the media content from equipment of a user, obtaining a profile
for the user, determining a location of the user, determining a
time of a delivery of the media content, determining an advertising
insertion for the advertising insertion space based on the profile
of the user, the location of the user, and the time of the delivery
of the media content, and inserting the advertising insertion into
the media content in place of the advertisement insertion space to
generate modified media content.
[0015] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
media processor that includes a processing system including a
processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that,
when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of
operations that includes providing media content from a media
server, generating a user profile for a user of the media processor
observing the media content, determining a time of day for the
providing of the media content, determining a location of the media
processor during the providing of the media content, determining if
a replaceable placement object is within a frame of the media
content, generating a replacement placement object profile for the
replaceable placement object in the frame of the media content
based on the user profile, the time of day, and the location,
obtaining an replacement object based on the replacement object
profile, and inserting the replacement object into the frame in
place of the replaceable placement object.
[0016] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions
that, when executed by a processing system including a processor,
facilitate performance of operations that includes receiving a
request for media content from a media processor, obtaining a user
profile for a user of the media processor requesting the media
content, determining a time of day for the providing of the media
content, determining a location of the media processor during the
providing of the media content, determining if a replaceable
placement object is within a frame of the media content, generating
a replacement placement object profile for the replaceable
placement object in the frame of the media content based on the
user profile, the time of day, and the location, obtaining an
replacement object based on the replacement object profile,
inserting the replacement object into the frame in place of the
replaceable placement object, and providing the media content
including the replacement object to the media processor.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of media system
100. Media system 100 can include a media service provider 102.
Media service provider 102 can include a broadcast or unicast media
delivery service. Exemplarily, media service provider 102 can
include media content. Exemplarily, the media content can be
provided by the media service provider 102 as an over-the-top (OTT)
service to media processors 104. Exemplarily, media processors 104
can include a variety of device that can receive the media content
and display that media content on a display device. Media
processors 104 can include tablets, smart phones, personal
computers, as well as set-top boxes, OTT devices, and smart
televisions. In other embodiments, the media service provider 102
can be a broadcast provider as well as a broadcast provider with
on-demand capability.
[0018] Exemplarily, system 100 can include a system 108 for
collecting information about viewers and users of system 100.
Exemplarily, a user watches media content from the media service
provider 102 through one of his media device from the group of
media processors 104. For example, the user can view OTT media
content at home on his desktop computer while watching OTT media
while traveling on his communications device or smart phone. In
addition, the user can view OTT media content over his tablet in
another instance.
[0019] Exemplarily, the system 108 for collecting information about
viewers and user can collect information including a location 110
of the user while the media content is being viewed. In addition,
the system 108 can monitor a time of day 112 at which the viewer
views the media content. The system 108 can include user profiles
114 for the user. Exemplarily, the user profile 114 information can
include information about the devices the user possesses and is
currently using of the group of media processors 104. The user
profile 114 can include information about the capabilities of the
devices being used. For example, these capabilities can include
information as to whether the media device includes a touch screen,
a microphone, a camera, and a GPS location device. In addition, the
user profile 114 can include user preferences, viewing history,
product purchase history, and other information such as a record of
interactions the user has had with the system.
[0020] Exemplarily, the media service provider 102 can interact
with a product placement system 106. Exemplarily, the product
placement system 106 can include a variety of items that can be
inserted into frames of the media content being provided by the
media service provider 102 to a media processor of the group of
media processors 104 according to the information retrieved by the
system 108 for collecting information.
[0021] Exemplarily, one of the media service provider 102, the
product placement system 106, or the media processors 104 can
interrogate frames of the media content to determine which images
in the frame can be replaced and/or highlighted. Exemplarily, an
object is identified in the frame as one that can be replaced or
substituted. For example, a can of soda could be identified and
then selected to be replaced with a similar image from the product
placement system 106. In one example, a can of soda can be
recognized and replaced with another can of soda from a particular
advertiser. Exemplarily, the advertiser paid for placement of the
image in the product placement system 106 and will be billed
accordingly for the product placement. In addition, the choice of
which product to be placed in the frame will be made according to
the system 108 for collecting information about viewers. For
example, the system 108 for collecting information about viewers
will choose an item to be replaced and its replacement based on the
time or day, the location of the user, and the user's profile.
[0022] Exemplarily, an object can be identified in a frame of media
content. The identified object can then be removed by manipulating
the image in the frame of media content. A replacement object can
be placed in the frame in place of the identified object using
image manipulation techniques. In some embodiments, an existing
image is used while in other embodiments, CGI technology is
employed to the properly make the replacement object fit into the
frame in place of the identified object. Exemplarily, the
replacement object is seamlessly inserted into the frame in place
of the identified object although, in some embodiments, additional
image manipulation would be employed to subtly highlight the
replacement object. The highlight could be a slight halo that would
make the replacement object slightly noticeable. In some
embodiments, a brightness around the replacement object can be
changed. In additional objects, the highlighted replacement object
can be combined with touchscreen technology to give the user the
option to choose the replacement object so as to receive further
communications about that replacement object.
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of system 200.
Exemplarily, system 200 provides a dynamic placement of object
replacement advertising in media content. System 200 exemplarily
illustrates multiple viewing devices of one user operating with the
media service provider 102 of system 100 of FIG. 1. Exemplarily,
screens 202, 212, and 222 illustrate different examples of a
modified frame of media content that result from different
decisions based on the system 108 for collecting information about
viewers. In a first example, a viewer is at screen 202, which in
this example, is the monitor for a desktop computer. In this
example, the viewer may be watching an episode of a TV show with an
unmodified product 204 in the frame. In this instance, the product
204 may or may not have been detected but was not replaced at this
time.
[0024] Next, in the example illustrated for screen 212, product "A"
204 has been replaced by product "B" 214. In this scenario, it is
illustrated that screen 212 is from a tablet device. The tablet
device is being viewed while the user is travelling. The time while
the media content is being viewed is approximately mid-afternoon in
a certain geographic location. In this scenario, it is known from
the user's profile that he is from West Virginia but is currently
viewing the media content in Georgia. Based on the time, location,
and user profile information, the product placement system 106 has
determined that a different product 214 should replace product 204.
In this instance, a different brand of soda than that of product
204 is shown as product 214.
[0025] In another example, the same viewer is watching the same
media content on screen 222. The user's profile information shows a
preference for coffee. In addition, the time information reveals
that the media content is being watched in the morning. In this
instance, product "C" 224 has been placed in the frame. Product 224
is a nationally known brand of coffee. Generally, the image in the
frame is modified for a series of frames to convey a continuous
image of the replacement product so that the replacement product is
visible. In addition, in some embodiments, the replaced product
could be enhanced so as to draw attention to that product. For
example, a slight halo around the product could be provided so as
to innocuously draw attention to that replaced image.
[0026] In other instances, a different, more local coffee brand
could be provided depending on the availability of such an
advertiser in the product placement system 106. In other examples,
different products in the frame could be replaced based on the
scenario depicted in the frame. In one example, a necklace on an
actress could be replaced based on the user profile information for
that viewer and an available jewelry advertising replacement in the
product placement system 106. In these scenarios, the system will
exemplarily make these determinations based on the user's location,
time of day, and the user's profile information.
[0027] In addition, in each of the scenarios provided in FIG. 2,
the result of providing the replacement content into the frame
would lead to revenue from the advertiser for that product. For
example, in screen 212, the advertiser for product 214 would be
billed while in screen 222, the advertiser for product 224 would be
billed. The billing could be affected by the information gathered
by the system 108 for collecting information about viewers. In
additional embodiments, an advertiser could be charged a different
amount for users with touch screen enabled devices. Users with
touch screen enabled devices could, for example, tap the screen to
gather more information about the replacement content. In some
instances, the user could be alerted that more information is
available. In other embodiments, the advertiser could be charged
other amounts depending on the time of day and location of the
user.
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates an advertising cost matrix 800 which
could guide the determination of a fee to charge an advertiser for
the dynamic placement of object replacement advertising in media
content. Referring to FIG. 8, several points are assigned to an
object's placement and the properties thereof. For example, in one
scenario, a point is awarded because the media processor has a
touch screen, a point is awarded because the media processor has a
microphone, a point is awarded because the media content is viewed
during a certain time of day, and a point is awarded because the
media content is being viewed by a user with an appropriate user
profile. On the other hand, no points were awarded as no camera is
present and a location is not appropriate.
[0029] In some examples, content providers may place a score on the
product placement depending if the viewer has the ability to act on
the object being inserted and how relevant it is to the user. Based
on the score, a provider can charge more money to the advertiser,
such as $0.01 can be charged for every point accrued across the
advertising system. In other embodiments, if there are more than
one advertiser that could qualify for product placement, the
advertisers could bid to have their object placed in the content.
In one such example, if the targeted placement score is 4, a first
advertiser may bid up to $0.10 to have its product inserted.
However, in the same example, a second advertiser could bid $0.14
for the same score.
[0030] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used
by the media system 100 in FIG. 1 to perform operations according
to the examples illustrated in FIG. 2. Exemplarily, method 300
begins when media content is obtained in Step 302. Exemplarily, the
obtaining of media content can occur when a media server prepares
the media content for broadcast, when a media processor receives
media content from the media server or a satellite distribution
system, or when a media processor prepares to display the media
content. In some examples, a media processor receives a
transmission of the media content through an OTT application. In
other instances, a set-top box can receive media content from an
interactive television system.
[0031] In Step 304, frames of the media content are exemplarily
analyzed for objects that can be replaced with replacement content.
As described above with FIG. 2, for example, an object such as cup
of soda can be identified as an object to be replaced. In some
embodiments, more than one object can be identified. Objects that
can be identified can include objects that characters in a frame of
the video content are manipulating or holding. In other
embodiments, the object can be clothing or jewelry worn a
character. For example, a character's necklace can be identified to
ultimately be replaced by an advertiser's necklace.
[0032] In some embodiments, the object in the frame can be checked
against other past and upcoming frames in the media content to
determine if the object is in continuous view for an acceptable
period of time. Accordingly, objects that appear for less than a
second of continuous frames may not be appropriate targets for
replacement. Exemplarily, potential replacement objects are
determined so as to provide options for substitutions in case the
time, location, and profile of the user indicate that there is an
appropriate object to be replaced in the frame.
[0033] In some embodiments, the objects that can be replaced can
include blank spaces or areas in a frame in which no character or
object resides. For example, a blank wall can be selected to have
objects placed thereon. In other examples, empty spaces on
furniture can be populated with replacement objects. Exemplarily, a
bookcase can be identified. In accordance with this embodiment,
once furniture is identified, empty spaces within or on the
furniture can be identified as an area for replacement objects to
be placed. In another embodiment, a table within a frame can be
identified, empty areas on the table can be identified to be
populated with replacement objects.
[0034] In each of Steps 308, 310, and 312, the location of the
media processor that will display the media content, the time at
which the media processor will display the media content, and the
user profile of the viewer of the media content will be obtained.
In some examples, the user profile can be determined based on their
activity in an OTT system. In other instances, the user profile can
be obtained based on the observed behaviors of the user. In some
examples, the user's social media account can be accessed to
determine relevant personal details. Exemplarily, each of the time,
location, and user profile can form a media content replacement
profile for which replacement content can be chosen.
[0035] In Step 312, the media content replacement profile can be
analyzed against advertising information, as well as other
information, to determine which objects in the frame should be
replaced along with a determination of what the replacement content
should be. As discussed above, the determination can be based on
available advertising and on the media content replacement profile
for the viewer. Accordingly, if a region has an advertiser for
certain products that may appeal to the viewer, then that
advertisement replacement content can be selected. In additional
embodiments, the advertisement replacement content can be further
refined based on the user's profile, the time of day, and the
location of the media processor. Accordingly, local advertisers can
be represented in OTT video content along with time directed
replacement.
[0036] In another embodiment, the context of a scene in which the
media content can be analyzed for context. That is, the context of
the frame being analyzed should be understood within the context of
the media content. Exemplarily, the replacement object is selected
so as to not conflict or otherwise interfere with the media
content. For example, while in some scenarios, replacing a beverage
with an alcoholic beverage may not be appropriate when the scene
involves a business context or where there are under aged
consumption. Similarly, other replacement objects may not be
suitable for insertion as it would interfere with the scene.
Exemplarily, metadata in the media content can identify a tone or
context of the scene. In other embodiments, the context or tone of
the scene can be analyzed locally by the media processor as the
media content is downloaded, stored, or played.
[0037] In Step 314, it is determined whether Step 312 has been
successful in finding replacement content for the identified
objects in the frame. If there was no suitable candidates for
replacement, either because of lack of objects in the frame or no
advertising content, then method 300 can return to Step 304 as
additional frames will be analyzed. If suitable content has been
found, one or more of the replacement content are chosen to be
inserted into the frame. Next, in Step 318, the replacement content
is inserted into the frame in place of the identified object in the
frame. In Step 320, the media content is delivered to the display
device or a buffer for viewing.
[0038] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 3, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some
blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other
blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not
all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods
described herein.
[0039] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
system 400 for providing various communication services, such as
delivering media content. The communication system 400 can
represent an interactive media network, such as an interactive
television system (e.g., an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)
media system). Communication system 400 can be overlaid or operably
coupled with media service provider 102 of system 100 in FIG. 1 as
another representative embodiment of communication system 400. For
instance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication
system 400 of FIG. 4 can perform method that includes obtaining
media content, analyzing the media content for an advertisement
insertion space, receiving a request for the media content from
equipment of a user, obtaining a profile for the user, determining
a location of the user, determining a time of a delivery of the
media content, determining an advertising insertion for the
advertising insertion space based on the profile of the user, the
location of the user, and the time of the delivery of the media
content, and inserting the advertising insertion into the media
content in place of the advertisement insertion space to generate
modified media content.
[0040] In one or more embodiments, the communication system 400 can
include a super head-end office (SHO) 410 with at least one super
headend office server (SHS) 411 which receives media content from
satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present
context, media content can represent, for example, audio content,
moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual
reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof. The
SHS server 411 can forward packets associated with the media
content to one or more video head-end servers (VHS) 414 via a
network of video head-end offices (VHO) 412 according to a
multicast communication protocol. The VHS 414 can distribute
multimedia broadcast content via an access network 418 to
commercial and/or residential buildings 402 housing a gateway 404
(such as a residential or commercial gateway).
[0041] The access network 418 can represent a group of digital
subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central
office or a service area interface that provide broadband services
over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs 419 to buildings
402. The gateway 404 can use communication technology to distribute
broadcast signals to media processors 406 such as Set-Top Boxes
(STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices
408 such as computers or television sets managed in some instances
by a media controller 407 (such as an infrared or RF remote
controller).
[0042] The gateway 404, the media processors 406, and media devices
408 can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as
coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a
wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi),
Bluetooth.RTM., Zigbee.RTM., or other present or next generation
local or personal area wireless network technologies. By way of
these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked
between the media processors 406 and subsystems of the IPTV media
system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an
electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure
services.
[0043] A satellite broadcast television system 429 can be used in
the media system of FIG. 4. The satellite broadcast television
system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV
system as another representative embodiment of communication system
400. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 415
that include media content can be received by a satellite dish
receiver 431 coupled to the building 402. Modulated signals
received by the satellite dish receiver 431 can be transferred to
the media processors 406 for demodulating, decoding, encoding,
and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices 408.
The media processors 406 can be equipped with a broadband port to
an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 432 to enable
interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.
[0044] In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable
broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system 433 can be
overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or
the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of
communication system 400. In this embodiment, the cable TV system
433 can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media
services. System 400 enables various types of interactive
television and/or services including IPTV, cable and/or
satellite.
[0045] The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next
generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services
system.
[0046] Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be
coupled to one or more computing devices 430, a portion of which
can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over
the ISP network 432 to wireline media devices 408 or wireless
communication devices 416.
[0047] Communication system 400 can also provide for all or a
portion of the computing devices 430 to function as a media service
provider (herein referred to as media server 430). The media server
430 can use computing and communication technology to perform over
the top video delivery 462, which can include among other things,
the techniques of delivering media content and modifying that
content described by method 300 of FIG. 3. For instance, over the
top video delivery 462 of server 430 can be similar to the
functions described for media service provider 102 of FIG. 1 in
accordance with method 300 of FIG. 3. The media processors 406 and
wireless communication devices 416 can be provisioned with software
functions 464 and 466, respectively, to utilize the services of
media server 430. For instance, functions 464 and 466 of media
processors 406 and wireless communication devices 416 can be
similar to the functions described for the communication devices
104 of FIG. 1 and screens 202, 212, and 222 of FIG. 2 in accordance
with method 300 where, for example, the frames are analyzed for
objects to be replaced in Step 304 of FIG. 3.
[0048] Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media
devices over landline technologies such as those described above.
Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way
of a wireless access base station 417 operating according to common
wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM,
Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple
Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World
interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or
SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next
generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be
used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal
502 of a communication system 500. Communication system 500 can be
overlaid or operably coupled with media service provider 102 of
FIG. 1 and communication system 400 as another representative
embodiment of system 100 of FIG. 1 and communication system 400.
The web portal 502 can be used for managing services of media
service provider 102 of FIG. 1 and communication systems 400. A web
page of the web portal 502 can be accessed by a Uniform Resource
Locator (URL) with an Internet browser using an Internet-capable
communication device such as those described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4.
The web portal 502 can be configured, for example, to access a
media processor 406 and services managed thereby such as a Digital
Video Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an
Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as
personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the
media processor 406. The web portal 502 can also be used for
provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioning Internet
services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.
[0050] The web portal 502 can further be utilized to manage and
provision software applications 464 and 466 to adapt these
applications as may be desired by subscribers and/or service
providers of the media service provider 102 of FIG. 1 and
communication system 400. For instance, users of the media service
can log into their on-line accounts and provision the servers 102
or server 430 with to further define their preferences with their
OTT application or video delivery service as well as to enquire
about further information of any advertising that was displayed,
and so on. Service providers can log onto an administrator account
to provision, monitor and/or maintain the media service provider
102 of FIG. 1 or server 430.
[0051] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
device 600. Communication device 600 can serve in whole or in part
as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 4 and can be configured to perform portions of method 300 of
FIG. 3.
[0052] Communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface
(UI) 604, a power supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion
sensor 618, an orientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for
managing operations thereof. The transceiver 602 can support
short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as
Bluetooth.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication
technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth.RTM. and ZigBee.RTM.
are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth.RTM. Special Interest
Group and the ZigBee.RTM. Alliance, respectively). Cellular
technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1.times., UMTS/HSDPA,
GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next
generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The
transceiver 602 can also be adapted to support circuit-switched
wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched
wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and
combinations thereof.
[0053] The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 608 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 600. The keypad 608 can be an integral
part of a housing assembly of the communication device 600 or an
independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting
for example Bluetooth.RTM.. The keypad 608 can represent a numeric
keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with
alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display 610
such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED
(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology
for conveying images to an end user of the communication device
600. In an embodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a
portion or all of the keypad 608 can be presented by way of the
display 610 with navigation features.
[0054] The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 600 can be adapted to
present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The touch screen display 610 can be equipped with capacitive,
resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much
surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of the
touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to
control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of
the user interface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the
housing assembly of the communication device 600 or an independent
device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0055] The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that
utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as
audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio
(such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system
612 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 612 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 604 can further include an image
sensor 613 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0056] The power supply 614 can utilize common power management
technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply
regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for
supplying energy to the components of the communication device 600
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications.
Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize
external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical
interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering
technologies.
[0057] The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
600 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 618 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0058] The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to
also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth.RTM., or
other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as
utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal
time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The
controller 606 can utilize computing technologies such as a
microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate
arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video
processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM,
SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer
instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the
aforementioned components of the communication device 600.
[0059] Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 600 can include a reset button (not shown).
The reset button can be used to reset the controller 606 of the
communication device 600. In yet another embodiment, the
communication device 600 can also include a factory default setting
button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing
assembly of the communication device 600 to force the communication
device 600 to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a
user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to
reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The
communication device 600 can also include a slot for adding or
removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module
(SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber
services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so
forth.
[0060] The communication device 600 as described herein can operate
with more or less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 6. These
variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the
subject disclosure.
[0061] The communication device 600 can be adapted to perform the
functions of communication devices 104 of FIG. 1 and screens 202,
212, and 222 of FIG. 2, the media processor 406, the media devices
408, or the portable communication devices 416 of FIG. 4. It will
be appreciated that the communication device 600 can also represent
other devices that can operate in system 100 of FIG. 1 and
communication system 400 of FIG. 4 such as a gaming console, a
dedicated OTT application or device, and a media player. In
addition, the controller 606 can be adapted in various embodiments
to perform the functions 464 and 466, respectively.
[0062] Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be
evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said
embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing
from the scope of the claims described below. For example, other
relevant data observed by the media processor about the viewer can
be introduced into the decision of which advertising replacement
content can be placed in a frame. In some instances, recent social
media updates or Internet searched can be analyzed to provide
guidance for choosing the advertising replacement content. In some
embodiments, the speed at which the media processor is moving can
be introduced as a factor. Other embodiments can be used in the
subject disclosure.
[0063] It should be understood that devices described in the
exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via
various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can
be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth,
which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication
over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of
various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or
connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device)
and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a
router).
[0064] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a
machine in the form of a computer system 700 within which a set of
instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any
one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances
of the machine can operate, for example, as the media server 430,
the media processor 406, the media processors 104 of FIG. 1 and
devices as illustrated as screens 202, 212, and 222 of FIG. In some
embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network
726) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may
operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a
server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a
peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.
[0065] The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user
computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a
laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network
router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set
of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to
be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a
communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any
electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.
Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine"
shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed
herein.
[0066] The computer system 700 may include a processor (or
controller) 702 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics
processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 704 and a static
memory 706, which communicate with each other via a bus 708. The
computer system 700 may further include a display unit 710 (e.g., a
liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state
display). The computer system 700 may include an input device 712
(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 714 (e.g., a mouse), a
disk drive unit 716, a signal generation device 718 (e.g., a
speaker or remote control) and a network interface device 720. In
distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject
disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units 710
controlled by two or more computer systems 700. In this
configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure
may in part be shown in a first of the display units 710, while the
remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units
710.
[0067] The disk drive unit 716 may include a tangible
computer-readable storage medium 722 on which is stored one or more
sets of instructions (e.g., software 724) embodying any one or more
of the methods or functions described herein, including those
methods illustrated above. The instructions 724 may also reside,
completely or at least partially, within the main memory 704, the
static memory 706, and/or within the processor 702 during execution
thereof by the computer system 700. The main memory 704 and the
processor 702 also may constitute tangible computer-readable
storage media.
[0068] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not
limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. Application specific
integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use
downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or
circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject
disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems
of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and
computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or
more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with
related control and data signals communicated between and through
the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated
circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software,
firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0069] In accordance with various embodiments of the subject
disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended
for operation as software programs or instructions running on or
executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and
which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state
machine implemented with logic components in an application
specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array.
Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs,
instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed
processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel
processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. Distributed processing
environments can include multiple processors in a single machine,
single processors in multiple machines, and/or multiple processors
in multiple machines. It is further noted that a computing device
such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or other
suitable device for executing instructions to perform operations or
methods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way
of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computing
device.
[0070] While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 722 is
shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term
"tangible computer-readable storage medium" should be taken to
include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or
distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that
store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "tangible
computer-readable storage medium" shall also be taken to include
any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a
set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject
disclosure. The term "non-transitory" as in a non-transitory
computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories,
drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.
[0071] The term "tangible computer-readable storage medium" shall
accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state
memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or
more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or
other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical
medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be
used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include any one or more of a tangible
computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including
art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the
software implementations herein are stored.
[0072] Although the present specification describes components and
functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to
particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited
to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet
and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP,
UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art.
Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more
efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.
Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range
communications (e.g., Bluetooth.RTM., WiFi, Zigbee), and long-range
communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used by
computer system 700. In one or more embodiments, information
regarding use of services can be generated including services being
accessed, media consumption history, user preferences, and so
forth. This information can be obtained by various methods
including user input, detecting types of communications (e.g.,
video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams, and
so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring of this
information can be responsive to an authorization provided by the
user. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be
subject to authorization from user(s) associated with the data,
such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements,
notifications, selective authorization based on types of data, and
so forth.
[0073] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of
various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus
and systems that might make use of the structures described herein.
Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments
can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple
embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be
drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated,
while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and
drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0074] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for
the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The
subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or
more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one
or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more
embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be
negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without
replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The
steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the
subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or
functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject
disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other
steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other
embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the
subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the
features described with respect to an embodiment can also be
utilized.
[0075] Less than all of the steps or functions described with
respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed
in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of
numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function,
such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to
describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use
of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to
distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless
expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or
components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can
facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g.,
facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can
include less than every step needed to perform the function or can
include all of the steps needed to perform the function.
[0076] In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a
controller or circuit) has been described that performs various
functions. It should be understood that the processor can be
multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or
parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The
processor can be used in supporting a virtual processing
environment. The virtual processing environment may support one or
more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other
computing devices. In such virtual machines, components such as
microprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logically
represented. The processor can include a state machine, application
specific integrated circuit, and/or programmable gate array
including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor
executes instructions to perform "operations", this can include the
processor performing the operations directly and/or facilitating,
directing, or cooperating with another device or component to
perform the operations.
[0077] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the
understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing
Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are
grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments
require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter
lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.
Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately
claimed subject matter.
* * * * *