CA2677245A1 - Intelligent targeting of tags in a broadcast network - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and associated methodology are disclosed for targeting tags in a broadcast network. The tags may be associated with an ad or programming. In one implementation, the tags to be delivered at a user equipment device (4906) are selected at the user equipment device (4906), for example, based on location or other user classification parameters. In this manner, different user equipment devices that are on the same bandwidth segment in the same network subdivision can receive different tags.

Description

INTELLIGENT TARGETING OF TAGS N A BROADCAST NETWORK
CIZ~~~~~~,'IFEIZE~NCE TO :E~LATEI) A~~P1,1CATION
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. Provisional 5. Application No. 60/877,753, entitled, "1NTELIaw)"i:,N'T TA~GE-TING OF TAGS
fN A
BROADCAST NETWOM9, filed on. February 1, 2007, the ~ontezits of which are incorporated herein as if set forth in full.

FIEI1T.~ OF ~dVENTION
'I'lae present ihvention relates lrt, general to the provision of tags, e.g., localized, personalized or othemise differentiated content, in connection with the provision of associated assets, such as advertisements or programming, in a broadcast network. More specifically, the present invention relates to improved ta.rgetizig of tags to desired audiences and improved accoaantiiig based on actual tag delivery by user equipment devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE ~tVENTION
In broadcast rfletWCazks, content is made available to multiple users, typically in synchronous fashion, without being specifically addressed to individual user equipment devices in poirat-to-pognt fashion. ~xamples of broadcast networks include cable and satellite television networks, satellite radio networks, IP networks used for multicasting content aiicl networks used for ~odeasts or telephony broadcasts/multicasts.
Corateait may also be broadcast over the air-vvaves. The conteait may be consumed by users in real-time or on a ~ime-transla~ed basis (e.g., recorded f-or later playback). Broadcast network content may be distributed or re-distrl.lauted in a direct address network, e.g., an IP
r~~twork. or data enabled telephony network.

Broadcast network content often includes programming content ~id informational content. For exaniple, in the case of a television network, the prograriming content may i~iel~~~ news programs, serial television programs, movies, paid prograrnm~~g or other content. The informational content may include advertisenients, public service announcements, tags, trailers, weather or emergency notifications and a variety of other content, including both paid and unpaid content. Items of programming content and/or inf rmatlonal. content constitute assets of asset providers such as advertisers or programming content providers.
In order to achieve a better return on their investment, asset providers often desire to target their assets to a selected audience. The case of advertisers on a cable television ~~etworlc is illustratave. For instance, an advertiser or a cable television raet-vvork may desire to target its ads to certain. demographic groups based on, fior example, gender, age, income, geographic location, etc. ~~edrdinglyj under the con-verational advertising model, once an advertiser has created an ad that is targeted to a desired group of viewers (e.g., targeted group) the advertiser may attempt to proctire insertion times in the r~~twork.
programming when the targeted group is expected to be among the audience of the raetvvorlà programming.
Targeting based, on geographic location is of particular iaiterest for certain advertisers, (;or~~inuing with the example of ads on a television network, an advertiser may desire to target ads or customize ads based on geographic zones or the like. For exaraiple, an advertiser may wish to limit ad distribution to locations proximate to a business outlet or to customize ads with contact information that varies depending on location, e.g., contact information -for the local automobile dealership or information specific to a voting district or precinct. Moreover, an advertiser may desire to customize offerings based on location, e,g., to implement a plan of market protection at minimum cost. For example, a network operator may desire to provide a special offer to existing subscribers in a specific geographic area to avoid losing subscribers to a competing service provider. In stich cases, it would be ad4 ~~tageoaas to target or customize ads based on tlrel~catiora of asset delivery.
Unfortunately, location targeting of ads in broadcast networks has generally been available only on a coarse basis. In the case of ain+rave television broadcast networks, for example, nc-it-ior3;al and local ad spots may ~~e designated. In this manner, certain ads ca~.
be "targeted" with respect to large broadcast areas, such as on a ~itywby-c1~y basis. In cable networks, stsmeWh~t finer targeting is possible. For ~xample, cable plants are generally divided into a number of subdivisions associated with network nodes.
In some cases, different ads can be inserted at different nodes, allowing for finer location based targeting than is generally possible in airwave broadcast networks.
Additionally, due to the natu-re of broadcast networks, the ability to target assets to the targeted groups based on other audience classification par~~eters has been limited.

That is, because undifferentiated content is typically broadcast to all users ln. a broadcast area, only coarse or group targeting based on such pa.rameters has generally been possible. For example, as noted above, advertisers have conventionally ptirch~ed spots on progra,ins believed to have an aud~~~iee that roughly matched target demographics. Of course, though ratings information allows for soa~~e degTee of certainty in predicting audience size and coinposition, the actual audience may vary considerably from the prediction. Moreover, even where the audience matches the targeted group in a gross sense, a significant portion of the audience may be outside of the targeted group.
In order to provide a further level of targetaizg, tags are sometimes used in connection with ads. In a typical applzcatic~ti, such tags may include textual irfomiation that is appended to an ad, for example, on a black b~ckgro~n. d or still-I'~ame graphics for a few seconds at the conclusion of the ad. Tliu:s3 for example, if the ad was an automobile ad pr~duced. for general dissemination, the tag might provide information for a local dealer. Such tags gave generally been limited to regional granularity or, perhaps, somewhat less coarse granularity corresponding to network topologv or distrl.butzon.
subdivisions in the case of cable television networks. In any case, such location. targetilig has generally been coarse and limi'Led to network topology, -which may or. may not match the desired location zones for targeting. Moreover, targeting of such tags has generally been location dependent and has not beezi directly based on other targeting parairneters;
e.g., related to demographics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an improved fiys.t~~~ ajid associated methodology for targeting tags in connection with br0adcast network cssnterat, The tags are generally associated with a complete or stan~-alone asset, such as an ad or prograTramina. That is, the tag is not a necessary coflrx.~onent of the asset but, rather, supplements the asset content. In this regard, the tag may be delivered at the ;sta.tt of or lr~edgately preceding the asset, ~-nay be appended at the end of the asset or may be overlayed with the asset content during ~i asset delivery time period. The tag and associated asset can be conveniently inserted into the sanie bandwidth segment of the broadcast network. Altematively, the tag can be provided out of band, or the tag and asset can be provided via separate bandwidth seginentfi.

Generally, the asset will include content intended for more general distribution whers the tag is directed to a narrower audience. The tag can thus serve to customize tl~e asset relative to a target aud aerace. In this manner, asset providers can devote substantial resources to develop a highly e-ffect~~e asset, where such resourees are justified by the large distribÃatioei base for that asset, and use the tags to obtain the beiie~'~t of enhanced targeting. For exwnple, the asset may be a product ad developed for r~~io~ial, national or intemat~onal deployment, and the tag may provide contact or other iiiforniation regarding a local sales outlet for the product. Altematively, the asset may be a television program or a prograrn guide, and the tag may be a banner ad, a crawl or other coiitent, The tag may include text, graphics (still fTame or full. video), audio content or any other matter or com bir3a.tion thereof, depending, for example, on tl~e nature of the broadcast network aiid the preferences ol'the asset provider or others. In additaoti, the tag may have any desired duration, for example, shorter than, substantially equivalent to or greater than that of an associated asset. Moreover, the tag need not ~e associated writh an asset Wl.th. respect to how the tag is defined, distributed or how delivery is purchased or balled, For exwnpley in the case of a tag implemented as a banner ad on a program guide, the banner ad space may be soid, and the content thereof may be established independently of the program guide content.
rChe present laivent~on enables a. variety of desirable attributes in relation to the use of such tags. For exaTnple, targeted tag distribution may be based on.
feedback or votes from individual user equipment devices (e.g., etistomer premises equipment such as a set-top box or enhanced televi;~iorl, or portable equipment such as a wireless phone, PDA, portable hard drave4based device, or the like) so that targeting is based on current network cotiditlons, such as the size and composition of the current aijdlence. In addition, different asset-tag combinations may be delivered to different users in the s~e netW ork.
subdivision (e.g., the smallest level of broadcast distribution) using the same bwidwidth seginent of the broadcast network. ln. this regard, targeting may be based on user classification parameters other than netWork subdivision location for improved targeting.
Moreover, reports can be generated reflecting actual tag delivery so as to allow for improved accounting. For example, a {fWaterTnark" or metadata may be transmitted with the tag such that the tag can be identified by the user equipment device for reporting purposes. Alternatively, for certain implementations, tag delivery can be verified by a netWork. platform such as a headend in the case of cable television networks or other platforms in other systems such as satellite networks or Telco networks. In either case, ~~~ch report information can further be used to provide search estimates to assist asset providers an designing future campaigns. Other desirable attributes will be apparent from the description below.
The tag system of the present invention can lae implemented using a variety of architectures. For example, tags may be centrally generated and overlaved witli assets in various asset-tag combinations. This allows for convenient centralized tag generation, e.g., using a digital overlay device, such a s a dedicated overlay device or conventional digital ad insertion equipment w-it1i digital overlay capabilities. However, tags may be selected and insertecl. at any content origination location or combinations thereof, such as, in the case of cdble television networks, at the headend, hub, zone arfldfor at the set top box. Similarly, insertion ~~~~ occur at ~~~y different points in connection with other delivery mechanisms such as satellite or Telco networks. For example, a partial tag, such as a liigli-res~~lution backgroundt'logo graphic, may be generated at one location and another partial tag, such as text, may be generated at anotlaer, It will be appreciated that user equipment device implementation allows for individualized targeting but involves appropriate logic at the user equipment device. Implementatiorf, by an intermediate platform reduces or eliminates the need for tag targeting dedicated logic at indgvid~ial user ~quipm~lit devices but may result in less fine targetin.g, klybrid targeting may also be implernented. For example, roughly targeted tags may be generated at an intermediate platforin with highly targeted tag inI'ornation added at the user equipment device.
Various combinations of the ~~ot~d attributes and architectures are associated with the several aspects oI'the invention as discussed below.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus ("utility") involves generating assetygag coraibinations at a central location and, selectively distributing the combinations at local plaÃI"orms. More specifically, the utility involves a Iirst. PlatI`Orrrk I`Or trans~~~~~~~~ cornbiraed ass~~~tag ca~iitent segments.
For example, in the case of a cable television network, the first platform gnay be implemented in a headend structure, a video on demand server or a zone or hub structure. Similarly, a variety of central location platforms exist in connection with other delivery mechanisms such as satellite and Te1co networks. The i-itility further involves a number of second network platforms operative for receiving content from the first network platform or from another source, e.g., delivered via another r~~twork- such as over the Iiitemet, and selectively providing portions of the content for deliveiv at one or more user equipment devices. For example, the second network platforms may include loca1. hubs and./or platf rms co-located with user equipment de'vices in the case of a cable network or other intermediate platforrns or subscriber ~qui-pment in other networks. First and second combined content segments are transmitted from the first net-work platform to the second network platforms.
Each of the combined content segments includes an ~..sset portion wid a tag portion. A
first comblried conterit segmeiit is then provflded from one of the second network platfonns to at least one of the user eqÃiipment devices, and the second combined coaitent segment is provided fro-ni another one of the second network platforrns to another one of the user equipment devices. In this manner, different asset-tag combinations can be centrally generated for targeted distribution. I`1ie asset tag combinations may be distributed for deliv~iv in connection with. real time or tltrae-shafted programming.
Moreover, the tag may be overlayed (in whole or ir~ part) Wl.th. the a:set at a network platform or at the user equipment device. -In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, reports are generated regarding actual tag delivery so as to allow for better accounting. It will be appreciated that it is desirable to account for actual tag delivery. In the case of targeted tag distribution, such accounting may be difficult due to contingent delivery associated ihith targeting parameters. Accordingly, the present aspect of the invention involves:
providing a billing system -for billing asset providers for delivery of assets within a broadcast area of the broadcast network; selectively delivering a tag to less than all of the current tisers of ~~iven bandwidth segment of the broadcast network; and providing report information to the bill anR system. The report in#orrnatir~n provides an indication concerning actual delivery of the tag and may be provided by user equipment devices, a central netNvork platform, and/or intermediate pla.tforrris interposed between the central network plat,form and the user equipment devices. For example, in the case of reporting by user equipment devices, such reporting may be based on a watermark or metadata associated with the tag, as described above. Such report irfon-nation allows for better accounting for tag delivery than may be available, for example, in connection with ratings 3Ã1 information that may not accurately reflect actual delivery to the targeted groups.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, tags are targeted based on feedback regarding current network conditions, such as information regarding the size and/or composition of the current audience. An associated utility involves providing a number of tags for association with assets in the broadcast network, receiving conlmuralcatioras (e.g., votes) from user equipment devices and transmitting one or more tags to user equipment devices based on the communications. In the case of votes, at least some user equipment devices may receive a list of available tags, together with targeting ir~~~~~nation for each tag (e.g,, identifying a target demographic or geographical zone) in advance of such voting so that each votia~g" user equipment device can select suitable tagso The comiraurzlcations preferably ineltide an. indication regarding a suitability of one or more of the tags for delivery at the user ~quipmeiit device.
Accordingly, tags may be select:ed.for distribution within a given broadcast area based on a tleterminati~.~n. as to Nvhat tags are most suitable for the current audience.
In accordance with a still furtlier aspect of the present iiivent~on, tags are selected at user equipment devices. An. associated utility involves: receiving, at a user equipment device, a number of tags and at least one asset; selecting, at the user equipment device, one of the tags for association with the asset; and delivering the selected tag in association with the selected asset at the user equipment device. lt will be appreciated that iniplementing tag selection at the user eq-Liipment device allows for finer tag targeting than targeting limited to broadcast network subdivisions, e.g., individualized or household targeting. Consequently, various user classification parameters may be utilized to effect such targetitig.
In accordance with another asp~ct' of the present invention, different tags are delivered to users of the saine network subdivasioai on a given bandwidth segment at a given time. Specifically, an associated utility involves: delivering, at a first time, a first combined content segment at a first user equipment device in a first broadcast network subdivision; and delivering, at tl-ie first tithe, a second combined content s~gmeTit at a second user equipment device in the first broadcast netWOrk subdivision.e :ach of the first and second tiser ~quipiraent devices is associated with a first bandwidth segment at the first time. For example, the first and second user equipment devices may receive the , ame asset with different tags or differeTit assets with the same tag, "L"he first and second combined content segments may each be inserted into the first bandwidth segment at the respective user equipment devices or one or both of the user equipment devices may switch to a separate bandwidth segment for delivery of the combined content segment and switch back to the first bandwidth segment at the ~ohelus~on thereof.
Alternatively, in certain network implementations, such as ~PT~~ and, switched broadcast systems, operators can send individual streams to eaÃ;b. user. 'in such cases, a3a s~Nritching is necessanY at the user equipment device because the net~'NYork operator can insert individualized assets/tags for each user. Alternatively, tag ca~iitent can be broadcast or sent to a user group including individuals who are not part of the target group for the tag content. For example, all tag options for given tag delivery spot may be sent to all participating tasers, together witb aiidience classification iriformatlaii identifying the target audience segment for each item of tag ~ontent, The audience classification infbrmatgon can then be used at each user equipment device to select wbich item(s) of tag content to deliver or store for delivery.
In accordance witlz a still further aspect of the present invention, tags are targeted based on a user classification independent of network subdivision l~cat.iora.e .1n particular, a number of tags are provided for selective association with assets for delivery at user equipment devices of the broadcast network. A particular tag is selected. for association with ~-i asset at a first user equipment device based on a user classification associated with that device. 'I'he user classification is substantially independent of a neUvork subdivision location of the first user equipment device. For example, the user classzficatl~~~ may relate to demographics, a lifestyle or interests of a clurcnt user or may relate to a location parameter independent of network subdivisions. In the case of demographics or other userydepeiident infonnatiran, such lryformation may be inferred, at least in part, based on i~iputs at the tiser ~qu~pmeiit device, such as a click stream from a remote control.
In a~cordaiice with yet another aspect of the present invention, a hybrid tag targeting system is implemented. An associated utility involves making a first selection.
of a set of tags for delivery to a set of user equzpment devices in a network subdlvlsz~D
'Z. 5 and making a second. selection of a subset of less than all of the set of tags tior delivery to a siabset of less than all of the set of user equipment devices in the network subdivision.
For exarnple, the set of tags may be delivered to all user equipment devices on a given bandwidth segment of the network subdivision. This set of tags may include high quality graphics in the case of a cable television network. Individual user equipment devices may select individual tags for association with a given asset. For example, a user equipment device may add text specifically targeted for tl-iat user equipment device.
Thus, a trademark, logo or other material may be generated in high quality graphics on a network glatfonn, and text may be added at the user equipment device to identify a local store or outlet. In tli is manner, significant flexibility is accommodated to target high quality tags and finely targeted tag informatzon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE, DRAWlNGS
For a more complete airzderstanding of the present invention and further advantages thereof, reference is ~iow made to the following detailed description, taken in ca~~~jutictlon Wltli the drawings, in which: , Fig. I illustrates inajor components of a cable television network.
Fig. 2 illtistrate:~ ~andAidth usage that is dynamically determined on a geographically de~~ndentbasis via networks.
Fig. 3 illustrates asset insertion as accomplished at a headend.
Fig. 4 illustrates aii exemplary a~idience shares of vaiious networks as may be used to set asset delivery prices for f.ature breaks associated with the program.
Fi& 5 illustrates delivery of assets to different users "Aratchlng the same programming channel.
Fig. 6 illustrates auÃ11~~~~e aggregation across.
Fig. 7 illustrates a vflrtÃial channel in the context of audience aggregation.
Fig. 8 illustrates targeted asset insertion being implemented at Customer Premises ,qulpmer~~ (CPEs).
Fig. 9 illustrates asset options being, transmitted from a headend on separate asset channels.
Fig. 10 illustrates a messaginc; sequence betweeii. a CPE, a network platform, and a traffic and billing (T&B) system.
Flg. 11 A illustrates aiz example of CPEs that include a. televlsioii. set and a Digital Set Top ~~ox (DSTB) as used by a plurality of users.
Fig. l l B illustrates a user classifier.
Fig. 12 is a flow chart illustratiiig a process for lmplerr~enti~ig tame-slot and taxgexed impression buys.
Fig. 13 illustrates communications between a network platform and a CI'E.
Fig. 14 illustrates a~i application that is supported by signals from CPEs and provides targeted assets to users of one or more channels v'rithl.ra a network.
Fig. 15 illustrates exemplary sequences associated with breaks on programming chai1nels.

Fig. 1 6A illustrates the use of asset c'hannels for providing assets during a break of a programming channel.
Fig. 16B illustrates a-n exemplary asset flotilla.
li lg. 16C illustrates improved asset options via an increase in available bandwidth Fig. 1 7A shows an asset option list for a per break/per channel basis.
Fig. 1 7B shows a single asset option list for multiple breaks and. channels.
Fig. 18 illustrates a, process in wtllch CPF's may vote wltli respect to asset options for a programming channel.
Fgg, 19 illustrates a process of selecting assets for insertion into one or more asset channels.
Fl& 20 ill'ustrates an arbitration process wherein two or niore programming chan-nels 1iave coiiflactiiig breaks.
Fig. 21 illustrates a. process of shorteiilng net-,vork provided avail window information for a prosramming period of at 'least a first programming channel.
Fig. 22 illustrates a process directed to dynamic insertion of assets with respect to a break of a television pragTarain1ng.
Fig. 23A illustrates a reporting System.
Fig. 23Ti illustrates lnfori-nation that may be included in a report file.
Fig. 24 illustrates various network- components of a reporting system and their connections to other functional components of the overall targeted billing svstem, Fig. 25 illustrates a customer premises side process for implementing reporting functionality.
Fig. 26 illustrates a network side process in connection with the reporting ftflnctic~na1 ity.
Flg. 27 illustrates a process for interfacing a targeted asset svstem with a T&13 system.
Fig. 28A is a block diagram of an exemplary targeted content interface system.
1?l~. 28B is an exemplary Graphical User Interface (~~IA) of the tar9eted content interface of Fig. 28A.
Fig. 28C is an altematlve GUI Ol`t~e targeted content interface of Fig. 28A.
Fig. 29 is a flowchart of an exemplary targeted content interface process, Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram 'gllustrating one structure for defining User equipment location that can be utilized in accordancewith the present invention;

1 () Figs. 3 l. A-3 ~ B illustrate alternative location definition functionality and structure ~~i accordance witli the present invention;
Fig. 32 is a state diagram of a location targetiflig system in accordance with the present invention;
~~ial. 33 illustrates an exemplary GUI for the location targeting system of Fig. 32;
Fags, 34A-34C illustrate exemplary alt~rnativ'e processing pathways for location targeting-related inIormatlon in accordance with the present invention;
Figs. 35A~35D depict frames oI'an ad including an ad tag delivered in.
accordance ~ ith the presettt iflidreflitflon.
Fig. 36A-37I3 fi~~~w altemati~e ad6tag combinations delivered in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 3 8 shows a tag deliven, svstem in accordance with the present invention.
Figs. 39-43 illustrate altema~ive implementations of a tag targeting system in accordance with the present invention.
I~
DE'I AILI^;D DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to targeting of tags in communications networks, iracludiaig broadcast networks. As noted above, the tags are associated witli an asset, such as ~ii ad, distributed in the network. The tags can be used to localize, personalize or otherwise differentiate the message conveyed to different network users. Upon delivery, the tags are tlius associated with an asset in an asset-tag combination, which may be in any of various I`tannsF e.g., sequential, overlayed, etc. Ira one implementation, the tag targeting functionality is incorporated iiit~ an asset targeting system.
Indeed, tags are a ty~te of asset and may be taz~gete~. based 0~. similar criteria to other types of assets using similar targeting a~~~~hani:sms. Thus, an asset targeting system is first described in detail below. Thereaftero ~onslc~~ratiotis specific to tags are described.
It should be ap preciatetl, however, that targeting of tags is not limited to an asset targeting syst.~rn as described below. For exa:axiple, in accordance with the present invention, targeting can be accomplished directly I`rom the advertiser to the user equipment device. Specifically, tag options and associated. logic may be included in connection with an asset. The user equipment devices may then be equipped to interpret the tag options and logic as to select appropriate tags for delivery. In this manner, participation by network operators can be minimized or substantially elIinInated.

II

'f he invention has particular appl~catiozi with respect to networks where content is broadcast to network users; that is, the content is made available via the network to multiple users without being specifically addressed to individual user nodes in point-to-Izoint fashion. In this regard, content may be broadcast in a variety of networks including, for ~xainple; cable and satellite television networks, satellite radio networks, IP networks used for inuIt~castirig content and networks used. for podcasts or teIeIahoriov br0a~casts!"Mu]t~casts. Content may also be broadcast over the ainvaves thoiigh, as will be understood from the description below, certain aspects oI'the invention make use ofbi-directiort,a1 communication channels which are not readily available, for example, in connection with conventional airwave based televisions or radios (i.e., such ~~rnmunit;ation would involve supplemental corrimunicatgon systems). Targeting may still be accomplished in terrestrial broadcast networks without supplemental communication systems, based on. user equipmeiit device tag selection Withouta for example, voting and reporting. In various contexts, the content r,~.ay be consumed in real time or stored for siibs~quant consumption. Thus, while specific exarnples are provided below in the context of a cable television network far purposes of ~~lustratioai} it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such contexts but, rather, has application to a variety oI'networks and transmission modes.
Certain aspects of the invention are also applicable in contexts other than traditional broadcast mode distributione For example, assets with tags (or just an asset or a tab alone) may be distribtited via t~~ intemet, an IPTV network ~Or switched broadcast system iiivolvitig delivery of individually addressed streams to user equipment devices, the facilitating targeting of assets and/'or tags as discussed below. In addition, broadcast networks are often, used to interactively deliver programming to particular users as in the case of video on demand (VOD) movies or VOI) time shifted network programming.
Assets and tags iraay be targeted to users in such contexts in. accordance with the present invention. Indeed, time of day may be a relevant factor in targeting assets and tags in con-nectiori with timeyshit~ed content.
'I`he 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 "addressable" assets (though, as will be understood from the description below, targeting can be accomplished without addressing in a poInt-to-poInt sense). For example, these targeted assets may include advertisements, IntemaI marketing (e.g., information about network promotions, scheduling, upcoming eveiits and user equipment devices, such as IP
telephony, cable modems, etc.)9 public service announcements, weather or emergency ~~~~~nation, or programming. ne targeted assets may be independent or included in a content stream witli other assets such as untargeted network programming. In the latter case, the targeted assets may be interspersed with untarget~;~i pr~agra~ing (eag., provided during progTamming breaks) or may ot~~~nvise 1~~ incorporated onto or combined with the programming as by being superarraposed 'on a screen portion in the case of video prograinming. In the description below, specific ~xarnples are provided ln.
the context of targeted assets provided duririg breaks in television programming. While this is an important commercial implementation of the invention, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader appl~cation. Thus, references below to "programming" (wl-iiela is a type of asset), as distinguished from interstitial "assets" such as advertising, are simply for convenience and should not be understood as limiting the types of content that may be targeted or the coaitexts in which such content may be pr0vided., The following description is divided into a number of sections. In the Introduction section, the broadcast iietworl: and network programming environments are first described. Tlaereafter, an overview of the targeted asset environment is provided including a discussion of certain shortcomings of the conventional asset delivery paradigm. The succeeding section provides an overview of a targeted asset system in accordance with the present invention highlighting advantages of certain preferred implementations thereof. Finally, tFie last sections describe ~fidividual components of tlle system in greater detail and provide a detailed disclosure of exemplary amplemeiitat~ons with specific reference to location targeting and ta.rgetang of tags in ~cable television envirc~~~ents including VOD applications. It will be appreciated ttls.t iinproved location targeting improves the value of tags as location is an important targeting criterion tor tags.

1. INTRODUCTION
A. Broadcast Networks The present invention has particular application in the context of networks priznarily used to provide broadcast content, herein tenned broadcast networks. Such broadcast networks generally involve synchronized distribution of broadcast content to miflltlple users. However, it Will be appreciated that certain broadcast networks are not limited to synchronously pushing content to ~iulti~~e users but can also be used to delgvcr content to specific users, including ~~i a user pulled basis. As noted above, examples of Isr~adcast networks include cable television networks, satellite television networks, and satellite radio iietwork.s. In addition, audio, video or other content may be broadcast across Intemet protocol and telephony nehvorks. In any such networks, it i-nay be desired to insert targeted assets such as ~dveT.tfsements into a broadcast stream.
Examples of broadcast networks used to delivery content to specific users include broadcast networks used to deliver on demand coritent such as VOD and podeasts. The present invention provides a variety of functionality in this regard, as will be discussed an detaI11aeIow.
For pLflrpOses of illustration, the invention is described in some instances below in the context of a cable te1evIsiOZt network iinISlerrflentatlone Sor~~ major components of a cable television network 100 are depicted in Fig. 1. In. the illustrated network 100, a headend 1 04 obtains broadcast content I'~ ~m aiiy of a ni,amber of sources 1.
01 -1 #I3.
Additionally, broadcast content may be obtair~edfrom storage media 105 such as ~via a video servere The illustrated sources include an antenna 101, for exaniple, for receiving content via the airwaves, a satellite dish 102 for receiving content via satellite communications, and a fiber link 103 for receiving conterat directly from studios or other content sources. It will be appreciated that the illustrated sources 101TI03 and 105 are provided for purposes oI`illustration and other sources may be utilized.
'Fhe headend 1 04 processes the received content for transmission to network users.
Aniorflg Otlier things, the headend 104 may be operative to amplify, convert and ot1ierwlse process the broadcast content signals as well as to combine the signals into a com~ion cable for transmission to network users 107 (although graphically depicted as households, as described below, tl-ie system of the present invention can be used in implemelitations.
where individual users in a household are targeted). It also is not necessary that the target audience be composed households or houseliold members in any sense. For exarnpIe, the presejit invention can be usÃ;cl. to create ora4~~~-fly customi.~ed.
presentations to students in distributed. classrooms, e.ga, thus providing examples which are more relevant to each student or group of students within a presentatlon Iseina broadcast to a wide range of students. The headend 104 also processes signals from users in a variet-y of coiitexts as described below. 'I"he headend 104 may thus be thought of ~..fi the coa}troI
center or local control center oI`th~ cable television netNvork 100a Typically, there is not a direct fiber link from the headend 104 to the eiistomer premises equipment (CPE) 108. Rather, this connection generally involves a system of feeder cables and drop cables that d~~`~r~e a number of system subsections or branches.
'I'lils distributi0~i network may include a number of nodes 109 or other platforms s-uclt as DSLAMs depending on the specific rzet-work context and lmpl~~entatiofli. The signal rnav be processed at these nodes 109 to insert localized content, filter the locally available channels or o~~~nvise control the content delivered to users in the node area.
Moreover, in some networks, the nodes or another intermediate platform such as a DSLAM
may 1iave sagiil~~cant intelligence, access to user iqputs (e.ge, a click stream) and switching/insertion functi~iial~ty. Accordingly, sticlx platforms can be used to implement a variety of functionality relevant to the present anvention as will be understood -from the descript.ion. below. The resulting caiitent within a node area is typically distributed by optical and/Or coaxial links 106 to the premises of particular users 107.
Finally, the broadcast signal is processed by the CPE 108, which may include a television, data terminal, a digital set top box, DVR or other terrninal eqiiipment. I:t will be appreciated that digital or analog signals may be involved in this regard.
In cable television or other broadcast networks, aisers employ the network, and network operators derive red~~iiue, based on delivery of desirable content or pr0grarnming. The stakeholders in this regard include programmiiig providers, asset providers such as advertisers (who may be the same 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 progranunflng, including on a raata~~ial or iratemational basis; local affiliates who often provide local or regional programming;
studios who create and rnarket content including movies, documentaries and xhelilÃe, and a variety of other coaitent owners or providers. The coa~~ent may be provided in real time, time-shifted or through a VOD system.
Asset providers include awkde variety of manufacttirers, retailers, service providers and public interest groups iiiterested in, and generally willing to pay for, tl-ie opportLinity to deliver messages to users on a local, regional, national or intemational level. As discussed below, such assets include: conventional advertisem~iits~
tag content such as ad tags (which may include static graphic overlays, animated graphics files or evaii real-time video and audio) associated with the advertisements or other ~~iitent, banners or other content. superimposed bn or othere~~ugse overlapping programming;
product placement; and other advertising mechanisms. Cn addition, the networks may use insertion spots for internal mafketing as discussed above, and the spots may be used for public service announcements or other rgon-advertisinc, content.
N'etNvork operators are generally responsible for delivering content to users and otherwise operatiiig the networks as well as for ca~iitract~~g with the networks and asset providers and, billing. Users are the end consumers of the content. Depending, for example, on the nature of the network, users may employ a variety of types of equipment, including televisions, set top boxes, iPOD Tm devices, data, terminals, satellite delivered video or audio to an automobile, appliances (such as refrigerators) with builtnfln televisions, etc. For con-v~~~ence, customer preniases equipment (CPEs) or set top boxes (STBs) are referenced in r~~iy of the specific exaniples below.
As described below, all of these stakehold.drs have an interest in improved delivery of content including tarueted asset delivery. For example, users caii thereby be exposed to assets that are more likely of interest and can contiliue to have the costs of progra.rnming subsidized or wholly k~ome by asset providers. Asset providers can bene~'~t from more effective asset delivery and ~eater return on their investment.
Network operators and asset providers can benefit from increassed value of the network as an asset deliver-y mechanism and, thus, potentially enhanced reveraues. The present invention addresses all of these interests.
It will ~~e noted that it is sOmetiines unclear that the interests of all of these stakeholders are aligned. For example, it may not be obvious to all users that they benefit by consuming such assets. Indeed, some users may be willing to avoid consuming such assets even witlz ~i understanding of the associated costs. Network operators and asset providers may also disagree as to how progqamming should best be distributed, how asset delivery may be associated with the program.ming, and how revenues should be sha.red.
As described below, the present invention provides a mechanism for accommodating potentially conflicting interests or for enhancing overall value such that the interests of all stakeholders caii be advanced.
Assets can be provided via a variety of distribution modes including real-time broadcast distribution, fOrward -and-stor~ (as discussed inimedaat~ly below) and on-d~marfld delivery such as VOD. ~eal-time broadcast delivery iiivo1ves synchronous delivery of assets to.muItaple users such as the conventional paradigm for broadcast radio or television (e.g., airwave, cable or satellite). The forWardRandTstÃ~~e mode involves delivery of assets ahead of time to CPEs with adequate storage resources, e.g., a DVR, a DSTB with adequate storage, or data terminal. '1~he asset is stored for later display, for example, as prompted by the user or controlled according to logic resident at the CPE
andlor elsewhere zn. the coinmunlcatlons network. The onRdemand mode involves individualized delivery of assets from the network to a user, often on a payTper-view basis. 'I'lie present in~entia~~~ can be utilized in connection with any of these distribution inOdes or others. In this regard, important features of the present invention can be implemented using conventional CPEs wit~~~~~ requiring substantial storage resources to enba~~~ even. ~ealytlrz~~ broadcast programming, for analog and diggtal users.
The ani~tmt of programming that ~wi be delivered to users, is limited by the available programming slaace. This, in tum, is a functiorf, of bandwidth.
Thus, for example, cable television networks, satellite television networks, satellite radio networks, and other networks have certain bandwidth limitations. In certain broadcast networks, the available bandwidth may be divided into bandwidth portions that are used to transmit the programming for individual channels or stations, In addition, a portion of the available bandwidth may be uti.li;~e~d for bi-directional messaging, metadata tran.fiinis:slons and other network overhead. Alt~matelyj such bi-directional communication may be accommodated by any appropriate communications channels, including the use of one or more separate communications networks. The noted bandwidth portions may be defined by dedicated segments, e.g., defined by frequency ranges, or may be dynamically configured, for example, in the case of packetized data iietWorks. As will be described below, i'n one implementation, the present invention uses available (dedicated or opportunistically available) bandwidth for substantially real time transmission of assets, e.g., for targeted asset delivery with respect to a defined asset delivery spot, In this lmplemaiitatioii., b1-directlOnal communications may be accommodated by dedicated messaging bandwidth and by encoding messages within bandwidth aised for asset delivery. A DOCSIS path or certain.TEL,CO solutions using switched 11? may be utilized for bi-directional communications between the headend ~id CPEs and asset delivery to the CPlr,s, including realyti~e asset delivery, in the systems described below.
Altei=aiatively, in forward-andmst~~~ mode, assets (including tags) may be transmitted ahead of time as bandwidth is available for storage at the CPE, e.g., on a ~~VR. hard drive.
For example, highly targeted tag text (including, for example, text targeted to specific locations on a very fine or highly granular basis) may be trickled to CPEs for storage by appropriate C1DEs as bandNvidtli is available. Such transmissions could occur over extended time periods making use of even minimal segments of available bandwidth.
It will be appreciated that bandwidth usage may be dynamically determined on a geographically d~~~~ideiit (or ~~etworlc subdivision d~~enclent.) basis. An example of this is networks, such as switched digital networks, including node filters as illustrated in Fig.
2. The illustrated network 200 includes a number of nodes 206 associated with a 1~eaderad 202 via a high bandwidth link 204. The content stream transmitted l Tom the headend 202 via the link 204 may include a la.r~~~ ~~ount of cor~~~iit, for ~xanip1e, hundreds of video channels. Content is delivered from the various nodes 206 to individual C1DEs 21Ã1 via local links 207R209 which may have a. more limited bandwidth. For example, these local links 207-209 r~iay include fiber optic and coaxial cable segr~~ents, As sl~o'Am, communications between the headend 202 and C1Dlw,s 210 are ~i-directional. Due to bandwidth considerations, each of the nodes 206 or group of nodes (Service Group) may include a. node switch operative to transmit only a subset of the c0-nterat from link 204 to the local links 207-209. In order to optirr~~~e use of the limited bandwidth, the subset may be different for each of the nodes 206 or Service ~`FrOups, For example, a given chatiiel may be transmitted via any one of the local links 207, 208 or 209 orilv upon r~quest by a CPE 210 on that link. 'I'hus, in the illustrated example, local link 207 transmits video channels 1, 2, 3, 26 aiid 181; local link 208 transmits video channels 1, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 20;
and local link 209 transmits video channels 1, 3, 4, 5, 17 and 26. It will be appreciated that, if links 207m209 formed a Service Group, everyone connected to nodes 206 will receive the same ch~~iiels.
Such node switches (which are not disposed in t1-ie node but are embodied in switched broadcast equipment for each Service Group) thereby provide a mechanism for optimizing the use of available bandwidth relative to the desires o1"user.s, However, such ~iode switches may complicate the delivery of assets or affect the perception of network reach and thiis impact the valuation of asset delivery in the context of the cs~iiventional asset delivery paradigm. That is, in some cases, a given net-work may giot be irrmedia~~~~
available to a user in a specific node or Service Group area such that the user, in fact, cannot be reached for a given asset delivery spot. Perhaps as importantly, the fact that a reduced number of networks are passed. to users in specific node areas may impact that perception of rfletWork reach and asset delivery va1ue. Node switches also complicate tracking oI't,a.rgetezl asset delivery given the dynamic nature of the network. As discussed below, the present itiverition allows for ~iihan~ed asset delivery even in networks implementing node switches. Indeed, the present invention takes advantage of node switches to identify available bandwIdtli for delivery of asset options.
B. Scheduling What programming is available on particular channels or other baradwidth segments at particular times is deternined by scIaeduling. Thus, in the context of a broadcast television network,, individual prograniming networks, associated.
with particular Isrogramrnlng channels, will generally develop a programming schedule well into the fature, e.g., weeks or months in advance. This programming schedule is generally published to users so that users can find programs of interest. In addltiaaii, this programming schedule is used by asset providers to select desired asset delivery spots.
Asset delivery is also scheduled. That is, breaks are typically built into or otherWlse provided in programming conterat, In the case of recorded content, the breaks are premrlefineda Even in the case of live broadcasts, breaks are lauilt-Ino 'I'b:il5, the number and duration of breaks is typically luiown in advance, though the exact timing of the spots may vary to some extent. However, this is not always the case. For example, if sportii-i,~ events go into overtime, the iiumber, duration and timing of breaks ma~ vary clyrEamgcally, As discussed below, the system of the present Invention. can.
handle reala tIme delivery of assets for updated breaks.
l:n connection with regularly scheduled breaks, as disetissed below, defined avail windows establish the time period during whicb. ~~rtazn. breaks or spots occur, and a cue tone or cue message signals i1ie beginning of such breaks or spots. In practice, an avail window may be as long as or longer t1~an a program and include all associated breaks.
Indeed, avail windows may be several hours long, for example, in cases where audience demographics are not expected to change significantly over large prrsgrarnmlng blocks.
In this regarcl., an MSO may merge multiple avail windows provided by programming networks.
More specifically, a break mav include a series of asset delivery spots and the content of a break may be determined by a number of entities. For example, some asset delivery is distribti~~~ 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 centrally controlled to insert assets at defined times.
Accordingly, the prograrnmfrzg and national asset delivery may be provided by the programming networks as a ~ontina~ous content stream without cues for asset insertion.
For example, prime-time programming on the major networks is often principally provided in this fashion.
In otlier cases, individual spots within a break are allocated for Regional Operations Center (ROC), affiliate, super h~adend. or local (head~~id, zone) content. 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). 'The cue generally occurs a few seconds before the start of the c-isset delivery insertic~ii opportunity and may occtir, for example, during prograinming or during the break- (e.g., during a national ad). The system of the present invention can be implemented ~tany or all levels of this hierarchy to allow for targeting %vitb. respect to national, regional aiad local assets.
In the case of regional or local targeted asset delivery, synchronous asset options (as discussed below) may be inserted into designated bandwidth in response to cues. In the case of national asset delivery, network signaling 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 ~iat~onal 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 affiliates can generally schedule the noziy n~..ti~nal assets to be included witl~in defined breaks or spots for each ad-supported channel. Conventionally, this scheduling is finalized ~~~ad of time, typically on a daily or longer basis. The scheduled assets for a given bre. are then typically inserted at the headend or ROC in response to the cue tone or message in the progr~~ing stream.
2 55 Thus, for example, where a given avail window includes t}iree breaks (each of which may include a series of spots), the s~~edu~ed. asset(s) for the first break is inserted. in response to the ~'~rst cue, the scheduled asset(s) for the second break. is inserted in response to the second cue, and t.be scheduled asset(s) for the third. break is inserted in response to the third cue. If a cue is missed, all subseqi~ent assets N'Vithan an avail window may be thr~~
off schedule.
It will be appreciated that such static, daily scheduling can be problematic.
l~ or example, the progranirr#lng schedule can often change due to breaking news, ripple effects from schedule over-runs earlier in the day or the nature of the programming.
For example, certain 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 higli value programming event such as a certain sporting event ngns over the expected prOgrain length, it may sometimes OceLgr that assets intended for another progTam or valued for a smaller audience may be shown When a higber value or betterytailored asset could have been used if a more dynamic scheduling regime were available. The present invention allows for such dynamic scheduling as will be discussed in more detail below. The invention can also accommodate evolvl~ig standards in the field of dynamic scheduling.

C. The Conventional Asset Delivery ~laracll m C;onventl0nal broadcast networks may include a.sset-supported and. premium coflitent channels/networks. As noted above, prograinmln~ content generally comes at a substantial cost. I'hat is, the programming providers expect to be compensated for the progra~iming that they provide which h~.s generally been developed. or acquired at significant cost. That compensation may be generated by asset delivery r~~~~iuesx by fees paid by users for preniiu~~ channels, or some combinatioti of the two. In some cases, fu~iding may come ft0m another sotirce sucb as public ftmding or intemal marketing departments.
ln. the case of afiset6supported networks, the conventional paradigm involves time-slot buys. Specifically, asset providers generally identify a particular program or timem slot on a particular network -vvhere they desire their assets to ~e aired. The cost for the airing of the asset depends on a number of factors, but one primary factor is the size of the aiidience for the programming in connection writh Nvhlch the asset is aired. 'I'husy the standard pricing ~iodel is based on the cost per thousand viewers (CPM), though other factors such as demographics or audience composition are involved a~.~
discussed beloW.
The size of the audience is ~enerallv determined based on ratiiigs. The most common benclunark for establishing these ratings is the system of Nielseii Media Research Corporation (Nielser.). One technique used by Nielsen involves monitoring the viewing habits of a presumably statistically relevant sampling of the universe of users. Based on an analysis of the sample group, the Nielsen system can esti~iate -what portion of the audience particular programs received and, from this, an estiniated audience size for the program can be projected. Thus, the historical performance of the particular prograin, for example, as estimated by the Nielsen system, may be used to set asset delivery pnees for future breaks 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 revenues. This is graphically depicted in Fig, 4, which generally illustrates this phenomenon, although. it is not based. on actLaal iiurr#bers. As shown in T'1g. 4, it is ofteii the case that three or four programa-riar~g networks oiat of many available programming networks gamer very large shares wliereas the remaining prograrnmir~g networks have small or negligible share, Indeed, in some cases, many programming networks will have a share that is so small that it is difficult to statistically characterize based on typical Nielsen saniplirg group sizes.
In these cases, substantial asset revenues may be generated in connection Witli the small itur~ber of programming networks having a significant share while very little reveraue is generated with respect to the other programming netWorks. I'hzs is tr#..~~
even though the other programming networks, in the aggregate, may have a significant number of users in absolute terms. Thus, the conventional paradigm often fails to generate r~~~~lues commensurate 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 present invention.
As noted above, the pricing for asset delivery depends on the size of the ~~~"ir~g audience ~~id certain other factors. One of those factors relates to the demographics of interest to the asset provider. Ir3. this regard, a given progrwn will geiierally have a number of different ratings for different demographic categories. That is, the progrc-im generally has not only a hoijsehold rating, which is measured against the universe of all households with televasic~iis, but also a rating for different z1em0graphlc cat~~ones (e.g., males 18a24), measured against the universe of all. members of the category who have tele vis~ons. rI"hus, the program may have a rating of 1(1%) overEill and a rat~iig of 2 (2%) for a particular categOr;r. Typically, when asset providers buy a tlme-slot, pricinc, is based on a rating or ratings for the categories of interest to the asset provider. This results in significant inefficiencies due to poor matching of the audience to the desired demographics.
Conventionally, asset insertion is accomplished at the headend. This is illustrated in Fig. 3. In the illustrated system 300, the headend 302 includes a program feed 304 and 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, a satellite dish, a VOD
server or fiber feed from a studio or the like. 'l~e asset so-Lirce 306 may include a tape library or other storage system for storing lsreDrecorded. assets. A platform associated with tl~~ headend 302 as in this case, denoted a selector 308 -- inserts progranunir~g from the program feed 304 and assets ftom the asset source 306 into the video stream of an individual channel 310. '1"his is done for each channel to define the overall content 312 that is distributed to subscribers (or at least t~.~ a ~~ode filter).
Typically, although not necessarily, the selector 308 effectively toggles between the progr~. feed 304 aiid the asset source 306 such that the- progranimlng and assets are inserted in al.t.ematlng, raonm time overlapping fashlorf.. 'Tlius, as shown in Fig. 3, a particular channel may include a time segment 314 of programming followed by a cue tone 316 (which may occur, for ~xaniple, during a programming segment, or during a time period of an asset provided with the programming stream, just prior to an insertion opportunity) to identiAr 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 channel. At the ~onclusion. of the break 318, the selector 308 returns to the prograni feed to insert a further programming segment 314.
An example of a timeline in this regard is shown lrf, Fig. 15.
This content 312 or a filtered portion thereof is delivered to CPEs 322. In the illustrated enibOdiment the CPE 322 is depicted as including a signal processing component 324 and a television set 326. It will be appreciated that these compoiients 324 and 326 may be embodied in a single device and the nature of the functionality may vary.
ln the case of a digital cable user, the signal processing component 324 may be incorporated into a set top box (STB) for decoding digital signals. ~-ach boxes are typically capable of bi-directl.onal messaging with the beadend 302 Which 'Will be a significant cc~tislderation in relation to functionality described belowo 11. SYSTEM OVl=?RYIE.W
A. The Ta~~~-t~~-.~,~~~t ~~eli~rer y U,n~.rlror~rrgera~
Against this backdrop described in the context of the c0iiventional asset delivery paradigm, a system embodying the present invention is described below. The inventive system, in the embodiments described below, allows for delivery of targeted assets such as advertising so as to address certain shortcomings or inefficiencies of conventional broadcast network.s. Cgenerallyy, such targeting entails delivering assets to desired groups of individuals or individuals having desi"red characteristics. These characteristics or audience classification parameters may be defined based on personal information, demographic infarrnation, ps~chograp:~~~ information, geographic inforna.tion4 or any other information that ~nay be relevant to an asset provider in identifying a target audience. Preferably, such targeting is program indefsendetit in recognition that programming is ,a. highly imperfect nz~ch~~sm for targeting of assets. For exaniple, even if user analysis indicates that a particular program has an audience comprised sixty percent of women, and wesmeii comprise the target audience for a. particular asset, airing on that program will restilt in a forty percent mismatch. 'I'hat is, forty percent of the users potentially reached may not be of interest to thc, 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 granularities including very fine granularities.
For example, it may be desired to target a group, such as based oii a geographical grouping, a, household characterization or even an individual user characterization. The present invention accommodates program independent targeting, targeting with a high degree of granularity and. targeting based on a variety of d~f-ferent audience ~lassifica.tions.
Figs. 5 and ~~~lustrate two different contexts of targeted a-sset delivery supported in a.ccorda~~~e with the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 5 illustrates the delivery of different assets, in this case ads, to diff6rent users watching the same programming channel, which may be referred to as spot optimization. As showli, three different users 500-502 are depicted as watching the same programming, in this case, denoted "Movie of the Week,}Y At a given break 504, the users 500-5Ã92 each receive a differeiit asset package. Specifically, user 500 receives a digital music player ad and a movie promo, user 501 receives a luxury car ad and a health insurance ad, and user 502 receives a minivan ad and a department store ad. Altematelg%4 a single asset provider (e.g., a motor vehicle company) may purchase a. spot and then provide different asset options for the spot (e.g., sports car, minivans, pickup trucks, etc.). Similarly, separate advertisers may collectively purchase a spot and then provide ads for their respective products (e.g., where the target audiences of the advertisers are complementary). It will be appreciated that these different asset. packages inay be targeted to different audience demographics, In this manner, assets are better tailored to particiilar viewers of a ~~~~ii progra~~ who may fall into different demographic groups. I'hu;s, spot optimization refers to the delivery of different assets (by one or multiple asset providers) in a given spot. In this regard, the progrwnming content could be repeated multiple (e.g., tl~~~~) times as shoWny or there could be one copy of the programming content with different sets of assets that can be accessed, for example, by switching to an asset channel.
Fig. 6 illtistrat.es a rlif.ferent context of the present invention, which rriay be termed auÃ~~~~ice aggregation. In this case, three different users 600LL602 viewing different programs associated with different channels may receive the same asset or asset package.
In this case, each of the aasers 600-602 receives a package including a digital music player ad and a movie promo in connection with brealcfi associated with their respective channels. Though the users 600y602 are sho,,N-n as receiving the same asset package for purposes of illustration, it is likely that differ~~it users will receive different c~.~rribanations of assets due to differences in classification pararrt,eters. In this manner, users over multiple channels (some or all users of each channel) can be aggregated (relative to a given asset and time window) to define an aggregated audience having significant user numbers matching a targeted audience classification. Among other things, such audience aggregation allows for the possibility of aggregating users over a number of low share channels to define a slgnlfi~~~t asset delivery opprsrt.imity, perhaps on the order of that associated with one of the high share networks. "I'his can be accomplished, ln. accordance with the present invention, tising existing equipment (i.e., an existing CPE).
Such an aggregated audience is graphically illustrated in Fig. 7, though this illustration is not based on actual nuinbers, "I'hus, audience aggregation refers to the delivery of the sw ne asset in different spots to define an aggregated audlence. These different spots may occur within a time window corresponding to overlapping (conflicting) progranis on different chc-innels. In this manner, it is likely that these spots, ev~ii if at different times withiii the window, will not be received by the swne users.
Such targeting including both spot optimization and audience aggregation can be implemented tisir~g a variety of architectures in accordance with the present invention.
'I'hus, for example, as illustrated in. Fig. 8, targeted asset insertion can.1'ie implemented at the CPEs. This may involve a fonva.rd4andastOre functiona.litv. As illustrated in Fig. 8, 3 0 the CPE 800 receives a programming stream 802 and an asset delivery stream 804 1`rom the headend 808. These strearns 802 and 804 may be provided via a common signal link such as a coaxial cable or via separate cOrnm~~catlons links. For example, the asset delivery stream 804 iraay be transmitted to the CPE 800 via a designated segment, e.g., a dedicated frequency range, of the available bandwidth or via a programming chaimel that is opportunistically available for asset delivery, e,g., wtien it is otherwise off air. The asset delivery stream 804 may be provided on a ~~iitinuous or intermittent basis a-nd may be provided ~oncurrent~y with the programniing stream 802. In the illustrated example, the programmiiig stream 802 is processed by a program decoding unit, such as an ST13, and programming is displayed on television set 814. Alternatively, the progransming streafl-n 802 may be stored in progranimang storage 815 for CPE insertion, In the illustrated implementation, the asset, together with metadata identifying, for example, any audience class~~catioai par~incters of the targeted audience, is stored in a des~~~iated storage space 806 of the CPE 800. For example, such storage may be available in connection witli certain digital video recorder (U)VR) wiits or other set top boxes with adequate storage. A selector 8 10 is implemented as a processor running logic on the CPE 800. The selector 810 functions analogously to the headend selector described above to identify breaks 816 and insert appropriate assets. In this case, the assets may be selected based on classification parameters of the household or, more preferably, a user within the household, Such inforrnation may be stored at tlie CPE 800 or may be determined based on an. ~~ialysis of viewing habits such &s a click stream from a remote control as will be described in more detail below. Certain aspects of the present inveaita~~ can be implemented in such a CPE insertion environment.
In Fig. 9, a different architecture is employed. ~~ecifica~lv, in Fig. 9, asset options are transmitted from headend 910 synchronously with a given break on a given ch~~~~~l for Wkiich targeted asset options are supported. The CPE 900 includes a channel selector 902, which is operative to switch to an asset channel associated with a desired asset at the beginning of a break and to return to the progTammi~~ channel at the end of the break, 'r'Ã~~ ~hamie1 selector 902 may hop between channels (between asset channels or between an asset cha.~in~~ and the programming cliannel) during a break to select the most appropriate assets. In this regard, logic resident on the CPE 900 controls such hopping to avoid switching to a channel where an asset is already in progress.
As described below, tllis logic can be readily ianplem~iited, as the schedule of assets on each asset channel is known. Preferably, all of this is implemented invisibly -frsm the perspective of the user of set 904. The different options may be provided, at least in part, in cOm-icetion with asset channels 906 or other bandwidth segments (separate from progra~~~~ing channels 908) dedicated for use in providing such options. Ira addition, certain asset options may be inserted into the current programming channel 908.
Associated functionality is described in detail below. The architecture of l'ig, 9 has the advantage of not requiring substantial storage resources at the CPE 900 such that it can be immediately implemented on a wide scale basis us~~~~ equipment that is already in the As a further a.ltemative} the determination of which asset to show may be made at the headend. For example, an asse-t may k}e selected based on voting as described below, aiid iiiserted at the headend. into the programming chfannel without options on other asset cliannei.s. 'I'lias would achieve a degree of targeting but without spot optimization opportunities as described above. Still furtlier, options may be provided on other asset chai1nels} but the selection as between those charmels may be deterrfliined by the headend.
For example, information about a household or user (e.g., brand of car owned, magazines subscribed to, etc.) stored on the headend or otherwise accessible ftom. the headend (e.g.9 a third party database iiieluding detailed demographlc>"purchasing information) may be used to match an asset to a household or user. That information, which may be termed `dmarlceting labels," may be used by the headend to control which asset is selected by the CPE. For example, the Cl'r" may be instructed that it is associated with an ``ACME
preferred" customer. When an asset is disseminated with ACME prefeiTed metadata, the CPE may be caused to select that asset (at least if that user is currently present, thereby overriding (or significantly factoring . with) aiiy other audience classification considerations. However, it will be appreciated that such. operati~ii may entail certain concems relating to sensitive informat~or.z. or may compromise audience classification based targeting in other respects.
A significant opportunity thus exists to better target users whom asset providers may be willing to pay to reactz and to better reach hardRto-reach lisers, =~owevera a number of challenges remain with respect to achieving these objectives including: how to provide asset opt1Qiis within raetNvork bandwidth llmitataoiis aaid without requiring substantial storage requirements and new equipment at the user's premises;
liow to obtain stifficient information for effective targeting while addressing privacy concerns; how to address a variety of business related issues, such as pricing of asset delivery, resulting from availability of asset options and attendant contingent delivery; aaid how to operate effectively within the context of existing network structure and systems (e.g., across node switches, using existing traffic aiid 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, speci~'ic implementations of a targeted asset system are discussed in the context of a cable television network. ThoLagh the system enhances viewing for both analog and digital users, certain functionality is conveniently implemented using existing STBs. It will be appreciated tliat, wliile these represerat particularly advantageous and commercially valuable implementations, the ~~~~ention is not limited to these specific implementations or network coiitexts.

B. SN~stem Architecture In one implementation, the system of the present inveflltion ir#-volves the transmission of asset options in time alignment or ~ynebronlzati0n with other assets on a programming channel, where the asset options are at least partially provided via separate ba~idwidth segments, e.g. channels at least temporarily dedicated to targeted asset rlelivery. Alt~oug1i such options may typically be transmitted in alignment with a break in programming, it may be desired to provide options opposite continuing prograinmlrag (e.g., so that. only subscribers in a specified geographic area get a weather announcement, an emergency ann~~i-neement, election results or other local information while others get ~ininterrupted programming). Selection as between the available options is implemented at the user's premises, as ~v an sTB in this implementatlon, In this manner, asset options are made available f-or better targeting, without the requirement for stibstantial storage resources or erluiprnent upgrades at the user's premises (e.g., as might be required for a forward-and-store architectiare). Indeed, existing STBs can be configured to execute logic for implementing the system described below by downloading and/or preloading 25. appropriate logic.
Because asset options are synchronously trwismitted in this implementation, it is desirable to be efficient in identifying avai lable bandwidth and in using that bandwidth.
Various ~`-unctionality for improved bandwidth identification, e.g., i.dentl~ing banz~~idtki that is opportunistically available in relation to a node svvratch, is described later in this discussion. Efficient use of available bandwidth involves both optimizing the duty cycle or asset density of an available bandwidth segment (i.e., how much time, of the time a bandwidth segment is available for use in transmitting asset options, is the segment actually used for transmitting options) and the value of the options transmitted. The fOrrner factor is addressed, among other things, by improved scheduling of targeted asset delivery on the asset channels in relation to scheduled breaks of the programming channels.
'1'lie latter factor is addressed in part by populating the available bandwidth spots with assets that are most desired based on current network conditions. 'rhese most desired assets can be determined in a variety of ways including based on conventional ratings. In the specific implementation described below, the most desired assets are determined via a process lier~in terrned voting. Fig. 10 illustrates an associated messaging sequence 1000 in this regard as between a CPE 1002 such as an STB, a network platform -for asset insertion such as a headend 1004 and a traffic aiid billing (T&B) system 1006 used in the illustrated example for obtaining asset delivery orders or contracts and billing for asset delivery. It will be appreciated that the functionality of the T&B system 1006 may be split between multiple systems nm~ing on multiple platforyns and the T&B system 1006 may be operated by the network operator or may be separately operated.
The illustrated sequence begins by loading contract inforrnatgon 1 008 from the T&B system 1006 onto the headend 1004. An interl`a~e associated 'Aith system allows asset providers to execute contracts for dissemination of assets based on traditional time-slot buys (for a given program or given time on a ~iv~ii network) or based on a certain audience classification information (e.g., desired demographics, psychographics, geography, an(1,%or audience size). In the latter case, the asset provider or network. may identify audience classification iral"oraziatiora associated with a target audience, "1':he T&B
system 1 006 uses this inforniati0n to compile the contract information 1008, which identifies the asset that is to be delivered together with delivery parameters regarding when and to whom., the asset is to be delivered.
The illustrated headend 1 004 uses the ~~~itract information 1Ã108 together with a schedule of breaks for individual networks to compile an asset option list 1010 oa~ a char-nel-by-channel and break-ybv-break basls. That is, the list 1010 lists the universe of asset options that are available for voting purposes for a given break on a given programming channel together with associated metadata identifying the target audience for the asset, e.g., based Ort, audience class~~catiorf, infrarrnat.ion., '1'he transmitted list 101Ã1 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 c1~winels e.g., based on an input indicating the current charEr~el or the most likely or frequent channels used by a particular user or group of users. The list 1Ã11 0 is transmitted from the headend 1004 to the CPE 1002 in advaiice of a.13r~ak for which options are listed.
Based on the list 1010, the CPE 1002 submits a. vote 1012 back to the headend 1004. More specifically, the (;P1; 10Ã12 first ideii:kifies the classification pa.rairf,eters for the curreitt tiser(s) and perhaps the curTent channel being watched, identifies the assets that are available for an upcoming break (for the curreiit channel or multiple cla~itrs.els) as well as the target audietice for those assets and determines a "fit" of one or more of those asset options to the current classification. I:ra one implementation, each of the assets is attributed a fit score for the user(s), e.g., based on a comparison of the audience clafisificatia~~i parameters of the asset to the putative audience classification parameters of the current user(s). This may involve how well an. individual user classification parameter matches a corresponding target audience parameter and/or how many of the target atgdi~~~~~ parameters are matched by the user's classification parwneters. Based on these fit scores, the ClI:fa 102 issues the vote 1012 indicating the most appropriate asset(s).
Any suitable 1n1`omiatgor~ can be used to provide this indication. For ~xainpleg all scores for all available asset options (for the current channel or multiple channels) may be included in the vote 1012eAlterraatively, the vote 1012 may identify~ a subset of one or more options selected or deselected by the CPE 1002, with or without scoring information 2 Ã1 indicating a degree of the match and may further include channel information. In ar~e implementation, the headend 1004 instructs CPEs (1002) to return fit scores for the top n asset options for a given spot, where n is dynamically configurable based on any relevant t'actor such as netw~.~r~:. traffic levels wid size of the audience.
Preferably, this voting occurs shortly before the break at issue such that the voting iraore accurately reflects the currerit status of network. users. lra one implementation, votes are only submitted lor the progranimlng channel to which the CPE is set, and votes are submitted periodically, e.g., every fifteen. ininutes.
The headend 1 004 compiles votes 1012 1'~~~~ ~ ~l ;s l. ~1~~ to determine a set of selected asset options 1 014 for a given break on a supported programming chaiuiel. As will be understood from the description below, such votes 1012 may be obtained from all relevant and participating CPEs 1002 (who may be representative of a larger audience including analog or otherwise nonyparklcipatlng users) or a statistical sampling thereol: In addition, the headend 1004 detennlnes the amount of bandwidth, e.g., the number of dedicated asset option channels that are available for transmission of options in support of a givergbreak for a given prograrau-ning channel.
13ased on all of this information, the headend 1004 assembles a flotilla of assets, e,,g., the asset options having the highest vote values or the highest weighted vote values where such weighting takes into account value per user or other infomiation beyond classification fit. St~ch a flotilla may iiielude asset options gnserted on the current programining channel as Nvell as on asset channels, though different insertion. processes and components may be involved for programming channel and asset channel insertion.
11 will be appreciated that some assets may be assembled i-nd.~~~~id~iitly or la.rgelv independently of voting, for example, certain public service spots or where a ceatairt, provider has paid a premiurrf, for guaranteed delivery. Also, in spot Ã~~~~~~izat~~~ contexts wyliere a single asset provider biiv s a spot and then provides multiple asset options -for that spot, voting may be unnecessary (though voting may still be used to select the options).
In one implementation, the flotilla is assembled into sets of asset options for each dedicated asset channel, where the time 1~ngt1i of each set matches the length of the break, such that channel hopping within a break is unnecessary. Altemativelvs the CPE
- 1002 ~iav navigate between the asset channels to access desired assets ~krithin a break, (provisled that asset starts on the relevant asset channels are synchronized).
However, it will be appreciated that the flotilla matrix (where columns ~iiclude options for a given spot and rows correspond to channels) need not be rectangular. Stated differently, some chatmels may be used to provide asset options for only a portion of the break, i.e., may be used at the start of the break for one or more spots ~~~t 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 rr~~tadc-ita identifying the target audience in the illustrated implementation. It Wi11 be appreciated that it may be unnecessary to include the metadata at this step if the CPE
1002 has retained t~~e asset option list 1010. 'Fhis list 1014 (which includes sets of asset options for each ded~cate'd contact options channel used to support, at least in part, the break at isstie is preferably transmitted shoitlv in advance of transmission of the asset 30. 1016.
'I.he CPE 1002 receives the list of selected asset options 1014 and associated m~~~data,and selects which of the available options to deliver to the user(s).
For example, this may involve a comparifion of the current audience classification parameter values (which may or may not be the saine as those used for purposes of voting) to the metadata associated with each of the asset options. The selected asset option is used to selectively switch the CPE 1002 to the corresponding dedicated asset 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 coinprised of the asset receiving the highest nuinber or value of votes, may be inserted into the progranunirag channel so that switching is not required for maliv users. Assumlaig that the voting CPEs are at. least somewhat representative of the universe of all users, a slgniI~carit degree of targeting is therehy achieved even for analog or othenvise nrsn4particilaatitig users. In this regard, the voters serve as proxies for nor3-voting users. I'he CPE 1002 retums to the progra~iming channel at the ~onclusloli of the break.
Preferably, all of this is transparent frrsm. the perspective of the user(s), i.e., preferably no user input is required. "I'he system may be designed so that any user input overrides the targeting system. For example, if the user changes channels during a break, the change will be implem~tited as if the targeting system was not in effect (e.g., a command to advance to the next channel will set the CPE to the channel immediately above the current programming channel, Arithout regard to any options ctureritly available for that. chumel, regardless of the dedicated asset channel that is currently sourcing the television output).
ln this svstem architecture, as in forwa:rd-and-store arehltectures or any other option where selections between asset options are implemented at the (;PEj there will be some uncertainty as to how many users or households received any particular asset option in the alas~lice of reporting. This may be tolerable I`Torn a business perspective. In the absence of reporting, the audience size r~ia}y he estlmated. based on voting data, conventional ratings analysis ~~id other tools. Indeed., in the conventional asset delivery paradigm, asset providers accept Nielsen rating estia~iates and demogaphlc 1nI`s~T.T.nation together with market aiial;rsls to gauge return on investment. However, this uncertainty is less than optimal in any asset delivery envlromr~ent ~id may be particularly probleinatl~
in the context of audience aggregation across multiple progranunang nehvorks, potentially including programming netvrc~rk-s that are difficult to measure by conventional m~aiis.
`rhe systein of the present invention preferably implements a reporting system by which individual CPEs 1002 report back to the h~~~~iid I004 what asset or assets were delivered at the CPE 1002 and, optionally, to whom (in terins of audience cla.sslfication).

Ad d1t~onally, the reports may indicate Wlier~ (on what programming channel) the asset was delivered and how much (if any) of the asset was cc~iisumed. The full click stream may be reported to enable remote analysis thereof, e.g., for viewing habits, demog:raphic or otlier inf0nnation. Such reports 10 18 may be provided by all participatiilg CPEs 1002 or by a statistical sampling thereof. 'Tlrese reports 101.8 may be generated on a break--bym br~~~ basis, periodically (e.g., every 15 minutes) or may be aggregated prior to transmissioii to the headend 1004. Reports maNr be transmitted soon after delivery ol'the assets at issue or may be a.ceiirniilated, e.g., for transmission at a time of day where messaging ~~idwidth is more available. Moreover, such reporting may be coordinated as between the CPEs 1002 so as to spread the messagiiig load due to reporting.
In any case, the repoits 1018 can be used to provide billing 1nforrrflatlOn 1020 to theT&B system 1006 for valuing the delivery of the various asset options. For example, the billing grkl`orrnataon 10/1-~ can be used by the T&B system 1006 to detemrine how large an audience received each option and how well that audience matched the target audience. For example, as noted above, a flit score may be generated for particular asset options based on a a~~~parisort, of the audience classif~cati~ti to the target audience. 'T'his score may be on any scale, e.g., 1m 100. Goodness of fit may be determined based on this raw score or based on characterization of this score such as "excellent,"
"good," etc.
Agaiii, this may depend on how well an individual audience classi~`lcatiorE
parameter of a user matches a corresponding target audience paranreter andlor how many of the target audience parameters are matched by the user's audience classification parameters. This information may in turrg be provided to the asset provider, at least in an aggregated form.
In this mminer, the network operator can bill based on guaranteed delivery of targeted messages or scale the billing rate (or increase delivery) based on goodiiess of fit as well as audience sAze. 'fhe reports (and/or votes) 1018 can also provide a quick and detailed measurerr~~iit of aiser distribution over the network that ca~. be used to accurately gauge Tatings, share, demographics of audiences and the like. Moreover, this lnfamratlon can be used to provide future aiid~~~~e estimation information 1022, for example, to estimate the total target universe based on audience classification parameters.
It will thus be appreciated that the present in~entioal allows a network operator such as an MSO to sell asset delivery under the conventional asset delivery (timemslot) buy paradigm or under the new commercial impression paradigm or both. For exwnple, a particular MSO may choose to sell asset delivery space for the major networks (or for these networks during prime time) under the old time-slot buy paradigm while using the commercial impression paradigm to aggregate users over multiple low market share networks. Another MSO may choose to retain the basic timeTslot buy paradlg..
while accommodating asset providers who inay wish to fill a gi~~ii slot iNith multiple options targeted to different demographics. Another MSO may choose to retain the basic timeLL
s10t buy paradigm durliig prime time across all networks 'while usinc, the targeted imp*resslon paradigm to aggregate tisers at other tinzes of the day. Moreover, an MSO
niay choose to use targeted advertising for spot optimization in some cases (e.g., on large share nemorks) and for audience aggregation in other cases (e.g., for lower share networks). The targeted impression paradigm may be used by such MSOs only for this limited purpose.
Figtare 12 is a flow chart illustrating an associated process 1204. An asset provider (or agent thereof) can initiate the illustrated process 1200 by accessing (1202) a contracting platform as will ~e described below. Alterrgatlvely, an asset provider can work wltli the sales department or other personnel of a system operator or other party who accesses such a platform. As a still further alterraatavey an automated buying system may be employed to interface with such a platforrn via a, system-to-system interface. This platl'a~nn may provide a graphical user interface by which an asset provider can design a dissemination strategy and enter into a corresponding coiitract for dissemination of an.
asset. The asset provider can then use the. interface to select (1204) to execute either a time-slot buy strategy or a targeted impression. buy strategy. 1n. the case of a time-slot buy strategy, the asset provider can tli~~i use the user interface to sp~ci-f-v (1206) a netNvork and time-slot or other program parameter ldert~~~ing the desired air times and frequency for delivery of the asset. "I'hufi, for example, an asset provider may elect to air the asset in connectiorl wlth. 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 speciAT that the asset is to be, for example, aired during the first spot vathln the break, the last spot within the break or otherwise designate the specific asset delivery slote Once the time-slots for the asset have thus been specified, the MSO causes the asset to be embedded (1208) into the specified programming channel asset strewn. The asset is then available to be consumed. by all users of the programming chaiinel. The MSO then bills (1210) the asset. provider, typically based on associated ratings information. For example, the billing rate may be established in advance based on previous rating information for the prograni in question, or the best available ratings inforna~~on for the particular airing of the prograin mav be used to bill the asset provider.
It will thus be appreciated that the conventional time-slot buy paradlgni is limited to delivery to all users for a par~~~~~~lar tirm.eyslot a~i a particular network and does not allow for targeting of particular users of a given network or targeting users distributed over multiple ~~~tworlÃs in a single buy.
In the case of tar~~~ed impression buys, the asset provider can use the user interface as described in more detail below to spes~if~, (1212) audience class~~cat~~~i and other disseininati0~~ parameters. In the case of audience classification parameters, the asset provider may specify the gender, age rwige, income range, geographical location, lifestyle interest or other information of a targeted audience. The additional dissemination parameters may relate to delivery 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 specify an audience size of 100,000 in a particular demographic group and further specify that the asset is not delivered to any tiser who has already received the asset a lsred.eter~ined number of times.
Based c~~~ this information, the targeted asset system of the present invention is operative to target appropriate users. For example, tllis may involve targeting only selected aisers of a majOr network. Additionally or al~~mative1v, this may involve aggregating (1214) users across multiple networks to satisfy the audience specifications.
For exaniple, selected Lasers from multiple programming channels may receive the asset within a designated time period in order to provide an audience of the desired. size, Wheze the audience is composed of users matching the desgred. audience classification. jl'he user interface preferably estimates the target universe based on the audience classification and disseininatic~~ pararneters such that ~l-ie asset provider receives an indication of the likely audience size.
The agar~gation. sy s~em may also be used to do time of day buys. For example, an asset provider could specify aiid~~~~~ classification parameters for a target audience and further specify a time and channel for airing of the asset. CPEs tuned to that channel can then select the asset based on the voting process as described herein. Also, asset providers may designate audience cla.ssi:~cat10n. parameters and a run time or time raaige, but not the programming channel. In this manner, significant flexibility is enabled for designing adisserninati0n strategy. It is also possible for a net~vork operator to disable some of these strategy options, e.g., for business reasons.
Based on this iiiput information, the targeted asset system of the present invention is operative to provide the asset as an option during one or more timeRslots of one or more breaks. In the case of spot optimization, multiple asset options may be disseminated together with informata~~~ ~~entifying the target audience so that the most appropriate asset can be delivered at individual CPEs. In the case of audience aggregation, the asset may be provided as an option in connection with multiple breaks on multiple programmiiig channels. The system then receives and processes (12 18) reports regarding actual delivery of the asset by CPEs and information indicating how well the ac~-ual audience fit the classi~`~cation, parameters of the ta.rget. audience. The asset provider can then be billed (1220) based on guaranteed delivery and goodness of fit based on actual report infonnat~ono It will thus be appreciated that a new asset delivery paradigm is defined by which assets are targeted to specific users rather than being associated with particular programs. This enables both better targeting of individual users for a given program and improved reac}i to target users on low-share networks.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various steps in the messaging s~qu~~~~e are directed to matching assets to users based on classification parameters, allowing lor goodness of fit ~~~~~~~nations based on such matching or otherwise depending on communicating audience classification inforrnation across the network. It is preferable to implement such messaging in a rr#arm. er that is respectful of user privacy ~on~ems and relevant regulatory regimes.
In the illustrated system, this is addressed by implementing the system free from persistent storage of a user profile or other sensitive information including, for example, personally identifiable inforna~ion (Pll). Specifically, it may be desired to protect as sensitive information subject matter extending beyond the established definition of PI::I:.
As one ~xainple in this regard, it may be desired to protect MAC addresses even though such addresses are tiot presently considered to be included Witlii~ the definition of P11 in the United States. Similarly, geographical information may be generalized, e.g., from a particular residence location to a block centroid, thereby de-persona.~~~ing and anotiymazing such information. Generally, any information tha~. may entail privacy coneems or identify r#etwor~. usage infor=~nation may be considered sensitive information.

More particularly, the system learns of cua~ent aietwOrk conditioiis prior to transmission of asset options vga. votes that identify assets without any sensitive inl"ormatlon. Reports znay also be limited to identifying assets that have been delivered (which assets are associated with target audience parameters) or characterization of the fit of audience classification parameters of a user(s) to a target audience definition.
Even if it is desired to associate reports with particular users, e.g., to account for ad skipping as discussed below, such association may be based on an identification code or address not including Pll. ln any event, identification codes or any other information deemed sensitive can be zrrzmedlately stripped a.~~d discarded or hashed, and atidlence classification information can be used. only in anonymous and aggregated ~'s~rin, to address aray privacy concerns. With regard to hashing, sensitive information such as a MAC or IP
address (which may be included in a slesignated header field) caii be i~an tliraugh a hash function atid reattached to the header, for example, to enable anonymous identification of messages from the same origin as may be desired. Moreover, users can be notified of the targeted asset system and allowed to opt in or opt out such that participating users have positively assented to participate.
Much of the discussion above has referenced audience classification parameters as relating to individuals as opposed to households. Fig. llA illustrates a theoretical example of a CPE 1101 including a television set 1100 and an STB 1102 that are associated with multiple users 1103-1.1116. Arrow 1107 represents a user irflput streams sucli as a click stream from a remote control, over time. A first iaser 11.052 in this case a child, iases the television 1.1,0Ã1 during a first time period -- for example, in the rraomlng.
Second and tliird users 1103 and 1104 (designated "father" and "mother") use the television tlurincy time periods 1109 ~id 1110, which may be, for ~~arnpleA in the afternoon or evenin.g. A babysitter 1106 uses the television during a night time period in this example.
This illaistrates a number of challenges related to targeted asset delivery.
First, because there are multiple users 1103-1106, targeting based on household demographics would have limited effectiveness. For example, it may be assumed that the ellild 1105 a~id father 1.103 in many cases would not be targeted by the same asset providers.
Moreover, in some cases, multiple users may watch. the same television at the same time as indicated by the overlap of time periods 11 09-1. 110. In addition, in some cases such as illustrated by the babysitter 1106 an unexpected user (from the perspective of the targeted asset system) may use the television set 1100.
These noted difficulties are associated with a number of objJectives that are preferably addressed by the targeted asset system of the present invention.
First, the system should preferably be operative to distinguish betA~~en multiple users of a single set and, in the context of tl-ie system described above, vote and report to the network accordingly. Second, the system should preferably react over time to changing conditions such as the traiisiti0ns from use by father 1103 to tise by both. father an. d mother 1103 and 1104 to use by only mother 1104. 'L"he system should also preferably have some ability to characterize unexpected users such as the babysitter 1106. l-n that case, the system may have no other infora-na.tlon to go on other than the click stream 11.07. 'T'he systerrt, may also identify tiyne periods wlierey apparently, no user is present, though the set l.l00 may still be on.
Preferably, the system also operates free from persistent storage of any user profile or sensitive information so 'that no third party has a meaningful opportunity to misappropriate such information or discover th~ pnvate network usage pattems of any of the users 1 l03-11~~ via the targeted asset system. Privacy coneems can alterraatavel~ be addressed by obtaining consent from users, In this matter, sensitive inf~nnatiran including P11 can be transmitted across the network and persistently stored for use in targeting.
`I'}ias may allow for compiling a detailed user profile, e.g., at the headend.
Assets can then be selected based on the user profile and, in certain implementations, addressed to specific C 7l;s.
l.n certain ii-nplementations, the present in-vertior~ monitors the click stream over a time window and applies a mathematical irt,odel. to match a patt~m de~`ir~~d by the click stream to predefined audience classification parameters that may relate to demogTaphlc or psychographic categories. It will be appreciated that the click stream 'Aill indicate progranis selected by users, voluane and other information that ~~ay have some correlation, at least in a statistical sense, to the classification parameters. In addition, factors such as the frequency of channel changes and the length of time that the user lingers on a particular asset may be relevant to deterrninlng a value of a~i audience classification parameter. The system caaalso itlentif-y instances where there is apparently no user present.

In a first irfliplemer~~~~~on, logic associated with the CPE 11 0 1 uses probabilistic modeling, fuzzy logic ancPor machine learning to progressively estimate the audience classification pararneter values of a current user or users based on the click stream 1107.
'I'his process niay optionally be supplemental based on stored 1iifom-iatgor~
(preferably free of sensitive inforrnation) concerrglng the household that may, for ~xainpley affcct probabilities associated with Pa.rtacialar inputs. In this manner, each user input event (which izivolves one or inore items of change of statLis and/'or duration information) cati be used to update a current estimate of the audience classi~~cati~.~n.
paxanieters based on associated probability values. 'r:~e fuzzy logic rfl}ay i~ivolve -u.~zy data sets and probabilistic algOrg~bms that accommodate est~~nations based on inputs of varying and limited predictive value.
In a second implemei}tatiorqy the click stream is modeled as an, incomplete or noisy signal ti-tat can be processed to obtain audience classification parainet.er information.
More specifically, a series of clicks over time or associated infornation can be viewed as a time-based signal. This input signal is assumed to reflect a desired signature or lsattem that can be correlated to audience classification parameters. However, the signal is assumed to be incomplete or noisy - a ~onurt,on problem in signal.
processin.g.
Accordingly, filtering techniques are employed to estimate the ``true9' signal from the input stream and associated algorithms correlate that signal to the desired audi~~~~e classification inforTraati0ii. For example, a, nonlinear adaptive filter may be used in this regard.
In either of these noted examples, certain preferred characteristics apply.
First, the inputs into the system are primarily a click stream and stored aggregated or statistical data, substantially free of any sensitive information. This addresses privacy concerns as noted above but also provides substantial flexibility to assess new environments such as uiiexpected users. In addition, the system preferably has afdr~~tUriess such that recent inputs axe more importa~it thaii older la~ptits. Either of the noted examples accommodates this objective. It will be appreciated that such forgetfulness allows the systeira to adapt to change, e.g., from a first user to multiple users to a second user. In addition, such forgetfulness limits the amount of viewing information that is available in the system at any one time, thereby further addressing privacy concems, and limits the time period during which such lrf,fonrflatlon could conceivably be dlscovered. For example, information may be deleted and settings may be reset to default values periodically, for example, when the STB is uripltagged.
A block diagram of a system implementing stich a user classification system is shown irt, Fig. 11 B. 'F'he illustrated system is implemented in a CPE 1120 including a user input module 1122 and a classification module 1.124. The user input module receives user inputs, e.g., from a remote control or television control buttons, that may indicate chan-nel selections, volume settings and the like. These i~~puts are used together with programming information (wliach allows for correlation of channel selectioiis to progr~imzng and,%Or associated audience profiles) for a number of functions.
In this regard, the presence detector 1126 deter~ines whether it is likely that a user is presen~. -for all or a portion of an asset tlifit is delivered. For example, a long time period without any user inputs may indicate that no user is present and paying attention or a volume setting of zero may indicate that the asset was not effectively delivered.e The classifier 1128 develops audience classification parameters for one or more users of a household as discussed above. I'he user ideflitl~`~er 1130 is operative to estimate which user, of the classified users, is currently 'presente "rogether, these modules 1126, 1128 and 1130 provide audience classification information that c,an. be used to vote (or elect not to vote) and/or generate reports (or elect not to generate reports).
Additionally or alterriatively; inform ation regarding households or individual users 2 ~ cati be obtaifliecl from a third party database or by analyzing click stream data to correlate such data to partictilar attributes of interest to advertisers. In this regard, certain. third I p art~r databases such as credit agency databases may include det~.lle~.
demographic or personal information useful for asset targetirig. T'hese databases can be used to match housaliolds or users to appropriate assets at a central location such as a headend.
Marketing labels, as discussed herein, can then be tised to cause the desired set top boxes to select and deliver the appropriate assets, which ca~. be transmitted in broadcast mode.
As noted above, one of the audience classifications that may be used for targeting is locat.ion, 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 different geographic zones (e.g., targeting different car ads to users having different supposed income levels baseÃ10n location). ~lt~matively, an asset provider may wish to use a certaiai level of "fit" or ' G4~~~dness of fit" of an audience location classification parameter with other classification parameters to determi~~~
the fit of an asset. In certain ~n-tplementatlons, the present invention detemiines the location of a particular CPE and uses the location information to target assets to the particular CPE. It will be appreciated that an indication of the location of aCI'I; contains information that may be considered sensltive. The present invention also creates, extracts anclt'or receives the location information in a manner that addresses these privacy concerns.
This ina;r also be accomplished by geiierali~ing or otherwise filtering out sensitive ii~`ormatgort, from the location information sent across the network. This may ~e accomplished by providing filtering or soitflng features at the C'PI; or at the headend. For example, information that may be usefW in the reporting process (i.e. to determine the number of successful deliveries within a specified location zone) may be sent upstr~~rn.
with little or no sensitive information ziicluded. Additionally, such, location infbrmatiora can be generalized so as to not be personally idePtlfiable. For example, all users on a given 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 ~one).
Irg one implementation, logic associated with the CP1; sends an identifier upstreaTn to the headend where the id~iitifier is cross-reI`eren~ed against a list of billing addresses.
The billing address that matches the identifier is then translated, for example, using GIS
iiiI`or~iatgon, into a set of coordinates (e.g., C aftefilan geographic coordinates) and those coordinates or an associated geographic zone identifier are sent back to the CPE for storage as part of its location information. Altematively, a list may be broadcast. In this case, a list iiielutling location information for multiple or all network users is broadcast and each CPI_; selects its own information. Asset providers can also associate ta.rget ls~catioii information with an asset. For example, in connection with a contract interface as specified below, asset providers caii define target asset delivery zones.
Preferably this can be done via a graphical interface (e.g., displaying a map), ~~id the defined zones can match, to a fine level of granularity, ta.rgqÃ~d areas of interest Witho3at being limited to node ~eas or other network topology. Moreover, sueb zones can have complex shapes including discontiguous portions. Preferably the zones can then be expressed in -tÃ^rTns that allow for convenient transmission in asset metadata and comparison to user locations 3 0 e.g., in terrns of grid elemeiits or area cells.

In another implementation, individual geographic regions are associated with unique identifiers and new regions can be defined based on the Union of existing regions.
,I.his can be extended to a gra.~iularity identifying individual CPEs at its most fine level.

Higher levels including numerous C1'Es~ay be used for voting and reporting to address privacy coneems.
Upon receipt of an asset option list or an asset delivery request (ADR), the C1 'k~
parses the ADR and determines whether the. location of the ~PE' is included in the locations targeted by the asset referenced in the ADR. For example, this inay involve a point in pol d gora or other point in area algorittirra, a radius analysis, or a comparison to a network of defined grid or cells such as a quadtree data structure. The CPF, niay t.hen, vote for assets to be received based on criteria including whether the location of that particular CPE is targeted by the asset.
I ~l After displaying an asset option, the CPE may also use its location infOrrnatlon in the reporting process to enhance the delivery data sent ~ipstream. The -process by which the CPE uses its location information removes substantially all sensitive lnforrnatgon from the location information. For example, the CPE may report that an asset targeted to a particular group of locations was delivered to one of the locations in the group. The CPE
in this ~xai-nple would not report the location to which asset was actually delivered. This location targeting functionality is described in detail below.
Similarly, it is often desired to associate tags with asset selections. Such tags are additional information that is superimposed on or appended to such assets. For example, a tag may provide informatioii regarding a local store or other busiiiess location at the conclusion of an asset that is distributed on a. broader lsasise Conventionally, such tags have been appended to ads prior to insertion at the Fzead.end and have been limited to coarse targeting. ln. accordance with the present iaiveiition, tags may be targeted to users in paa-t~cular zones,1c~cations or areas, such as neighborh~ods. Tags may also be targeted based on other audience classificatiort, parameters sueb. as age, gender, income level, ~tc.
215 For exaraiple, tags at the end of a department store ad may advertise specials on particular ltenis of interest to patticular demographics. Specifically, a tag may be included in an asset flotilla and conditionally inserted based on logic contained within the CPE. Tlius the tags are separate units that caii be targeted like other assets, however, with conditional logic such that they are associated Nvitli the corresponding asset.
The present invention may use information relating to the location of a particular CPE 1120 to target a tag to a particular CPE 1120. For example, the CPE 1120 may contain infOrnation relating to its location in the forrn of Cartesian coordinates as discussed above. If an asset indicates that a tag may be delivered Wltli it or instead of it, the CPE 1 120 determines whether there is, associated with any of the poteaitaal tags, a location criterion that is met by the location ~iiformatgon contained in the partlctilar CPE
1120. For example, a tag may i~ielu~e a location criterion defining a particular neighborhood, l:f the CPE 1120 is located Ãn, that nelghborhoodv the CPE 1101 may choose to deliver the tag, assuinirag that otl-ier criterla. necessary for the delivery of the tag are met. Other criteria may include the time available in the given break, other demographic information, and information relating to the national or non-1~cali~ed asset.
As briefly noted above, targetiiig ma-yr also be implemented based on marketing labels. Specifically, the headend may acquire iiiforrgiation or marketing labels regarding a user or household from a. varle'tv of sources. These marketing labels may indicate that a user buys expensive cars, is a male 1 ~~~~ years old, or otlier information of potential interest to an asset provider. In some cases, this information 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 surmised based on viewing laattems or the like'), such as the location of the CPE (e.g., S'FB).
'rhe location of a CPE may be considered an audience classification parameter tliats for many CPEs, does not vary with tfrrke, I:ra other cases, the marketing labels may be more specific or otherwise different than the audience classi~cation. In any event, the headend may in1`orin the CP171 as to What kind of userihouseh0ld it is in ternifi of marketing labels, An asset provlder caii then target an asset based on the marketing labels and the asset will be delivered by CPEs where targeting matches. This can be used in audience aggregation and spot optimization contexts.
'I'hu:s, the targeted asset system of the preseiit inveiitlon allows for targeting of assets in a broadcast network based on any relevant audience classification, whether ~5 deterrnlned based on user inputs such as a click stream, based on marketing labels or other inforinatic~ii pushed to the customer premises eqtiipa~~ents based on demographic or otlier information stored or processed at the headend, or based on combinations of the above or other inforrnation. In this regard, it is therel"ore possible to use, in the context of a broadcast network, targeting concepts that have previously been limited to other contexts such as direct mail. For example, such targeting may make use of ~'~nancial.
inforrrzataon, previous purchase information, periodical subscription in.:l'ormatlor~ and the like. Moreover, classification systems developed in other ~ont.exts, may be leveraged to ~nbance the value of targeting achieved in accordance with the present invention.

An overview of the system has thus been provided, including introductory discussions of rn~jor components of the system, which provides a system context for understanding the operation of those caniponents. The various components %riII
now be described in greater detail in the following sections. Before specific reference is made to location-based targeting, the mEkjor components of the system wriII be discussed, including iraeasurement and voting, ~~idwldth optiinizations dynamic scheduling, and reporting.
Location-based targeting will then be described in relation to these system compofl-ients.
Then ~~eM'PIar~v syste~. implementations will be described, including applications of location-based targeting therein.
III. COMPONENT OVERVIEW
A. Measurement and. Voting As discussed above, in order to provide targeted assets to users of a television network, signals received from at least a portion of the CPEs may be utilized to select asset options for delivery ands{or to determine the size and composition of the viewing audIeaice. For example, a neMrork- operator may receive signals from all or a sampling of network users. This sampling is preferably both statistically significant (in terrns of sampling size) and valid in terrns of being sufficiently random to be reliably representative of the universe of all relevant users. In some cases, the network operator 2 0 may receive signals only from users who have "opted in" or agreed to participate in the targeted asset system, and this gr~~ip of users may not be statistically significant or relevatit. In many cases, however, these signals may indicate channels ~-urretitly being viewed and1or the audience classification of current users. In this regard, a two-way ~~~~iunication path Izehveen a network platform stich as a headend and C;PEs, such as STBs, of one or more households may be provided over a network interface.
I-zg. I3 iIIustrates communications between a network platf-orm or platforms operating a targeted asset system in accordance with the present invention and a CPE
1308. In this regard, the Islatfomz 1304 may iaicIude various combinations of the components discussed above in relation to Figs. 1-I2. Generally, the platform includes a headend that is operative to communicate with CPI1 over a network interface n 1 o. T~e CIII; 1308 may include a set top box (STB). As will be appreciated, each user in the network may have stia~b an STB or a sub-set (less than all) OI'tlae viewers may have such STBs. Some users may have an STB but only use it some of the time, e.g., oiiIy when watching HDTV programming. Moreover, s0~~e users raiay have a.rs. STB but choose not to participate in the t~~eted asset system. In any event, at least a portion of tl-ie netWork, viewers have a CPE 1308 that is operative to receive signals via the network ititerface 1310 as well as provide signals to the platforrn 1304 via the network interface 131 0 for purposes of the targeted asset delivery system. Further, the p1atforn 1304 may be in communication witb. a traffic and billing platform 1360 which may act as an iiiterrnediarv between asset providers 1370 and the network operator. I-n this regard, the T&B platfor-n 1360 may receive target audience parameters and other constraints from the asset providers 1370 as well as provide billing fnfor~rraatioii to such asset providers 1 370 based on the delivery of such assets. The T&B platform 1360 may also manage the flow of targeted assets.
Generally, sa~~ials recel~ed. from a CPE 1308 are utilized by the present system for at least three separate applications, which in some instances may also be comblned, 'I`hese applications may be termed ~~easurement, voting and reporting.
Reporting is described in more detail below. Measurement relates to tl-ie use of the signals to identify the audience size and, optionally, the classification composition of the audience. This 1nfonnatlOra assists in estimating the universe of users available for targeting, including an estimate of the size and ~omISos1tiOn of an audience that may be aggregated over multiple channels (e.g,, including low share channels) to 1`orin a substantial aggregated audience.
Accordingly, a targeted asset may be provided for the aggregated audience to enhance the number of users who receive the asset. Voting involves the use of signals received f-rom CPI;s 1308 to provide an asset based on asset indications from the CPEs. In any case, assets may be selected a~id iaiserted into one or more traiismitted data streams based on signals received from one or more CPEs 1308.
With regard to audience measurement, ~the two-oAray communication between the platform 1.304 and CPE 1308 allows for gathering information which may indicate, at least iinplicitly, information regarding audi~iice size and audience classification composition. In this regard, individual CPEs 1.:I08 may periodically or upon request provide a signal to the platforrn 1304 indicating, for example, that an.
individual CPE
1308 is active and what channel is currentl;r being displayed by the CPE 1308.
"lhls iiiformationY wl-iieb may be provided in connection with voting, reporting on other messages (e.g., messages dedicated to measurement) can be used to infer audience size and composition. Wholly apart from the targeted asset system, such irfortraatia~~~ may be useful to support ratings and share information or fOr any other audience measurement objective. Such information may also be utilized to tailor transmissions to the CPE 1308 and reduce bandwidth and processing requirements.
Referring briefly to Fig. 7, it is noted that of the available programming channels, four prograrr~rnlng chwiiiels have the largest individual share of users (e.g., the four mqjor networks). However, there are numerous other users in the network albeit in smaller shares of the total. on a charinel-bym~hannel basis. By providin, g a ~~~inon set of asset opti~iis to the users of two or more of the programining channels having a small market share (or even to users of progr~imang channels with large shares), aii aggregated.
audience ~nay be created. That is, a common asset option or set of asset options rrac-iy be provided to an aggregated group frc~~~ multiple programrnarEg channels. Once combined, the effective market share of an aggregated audience composed of users from small share cham-iels may approximate the market share of, for example, one of the four major networks.
While the aggregation of the users of multiple programming channels into an aggregated audience 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 programming channel at di~`erent tlmes. I'his is s~~~~ in Fig.
15 where two different programming channels (e.g.9 1 502 and 1504), which may be combined into a virtual channel, have different scheduled breaks 1512, 1514. In this regard, an asset may be delivered on the first channel 1502 prior to when the sanie asset is delivered on the seca~id channel 1504. ~-lowever, this common asset may still be provided within a predetermi~~ed time window (e.g., between 7 p.m. aiid 8 p.m.). In this regard, the asset may be delivered to the aggregated market share (or a subset thereof) within defined 2-5 constraints regarding delivery time. Alternatively, the size of such an aggregated ~~idience rnay be estimated in advance based on previous reporting, ratings and census data, or aiiy other technique. Thus mea.siir~~~~~~t or ~otiaig is not necessary to accomplish targeting, though sucli detailed asset information 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 increased market share of the aggregated audience(s) in relation to any one of the subsumed programmiiig channels, as well as allowing an asset provider to more ~ff-ectivel~ target a curreiit viewing audience.

Another application that is supported by signals from CPEs is the provision of targeted assets to current users of one or more channels within the network, e.g., based on voting. Such an application is illustrated in lig. 14, where, in one arrangement, signals received from C P:I ;s 1410 (Oaal~ one shown) may be utilized to select assets (e.g., a break asset and/or programming) for at least one programming channel 1450. In this regard, such assets may be dynamically selected for insertion into the data stream of the programming channel 1450, for exayraple, during a break or other designated time ~eriod.
In a fwther arrangement, unused bandwidth of tile network is utilized to provide parallel asset streams during a break or designated time period of the targeted channel 1450. Ira the context of a break, multiple asset channels 1460A-I~= ma~r be useÃ~. to provide asset options during a siail;le break, ~vhereira each asset channel 1460A-N may provide options directed to different groups of viewers arad/Or otherwise carry dlt-fer~nt assets (e.go, users having similar aaidience classification parameters may receive different assets due to a desired sequencing of packaged assets as discussed below).
In such an. arrangement, the CPE 1410 may be operative to select b~tween.
altemate asset channels 1460AmN. In addition to targeted audience aggregation, such a system may be desirable to enhance revÃ;nÃaes or impact for programming, including large share programming (spot optimization). That is, a single break may be apportioned to two or more different asset providers, or, a siiigle asset provider may provide altemate assets where the a1~ernate assets tar~~t different groups of users. "I"hough discussed herein as being directed to providing different break or inter'stfltlal assets to different groups of users, it shoialÃ1. ~~ ~ioteÃ1 that the system may also be utilized to provide dlffereait programraiing assets.
An associated asset targeting system implementing a voting process is illustrated in Fig. 14. 'f1~e asset targeting system of Fig. 1.4 has a platforan 1404, which includes a structure of the r#Ã^twÃark-. (1.e., tapsxream from the users/households) that is operative to communicate with C P:1=;s 1410 (only one sl~ov~rn) within the network. The illustrated CR1=;
1410 includes a signal processing device 1408, which in the present illustration is embodied in an. ST13. ~~enerally, the platform 1404 is operative to commw-iica~e with the CPE 1410 via a network interface 1440. I n order to provide parallel asset channels 1460A-N during a break of a prograinmirig channel, e.g., channel 1450, the platform 1404 is in communication with one or more of the following components: a schedule database 1420, an available asset option database 1422, voting database 1424, a flotilla constructor 1426, a channel arbitrator 1428, and an inserter 1430. Of note, the listed components 1 ~20v 1 4:10 do not have to be located at a csra~~on network location. That is, the various components of the pl~.~t1`om-i 1 404 may be distri~~~~~~ over separate locations within the r~~twork- and may be interconnected by any appropriate conima1n1cat10n interfaces.
Generally, the schedule database 1420 includes inI'~~nation regarding the timing of breaks. for oaie or more programming channels, the asset option database 1 422 includes available asset metadata. identifying the. asset and ta.r,~~~ed audience classification parameters, and the vot~~ig database 1424 includes votlfl-ig information obtained from oiie or more CPEs for use in targeting assets. The actual assets are generally included in separate storage (not shown). The flotilla constructor 1426 is utilized to poptil~~e a lareak.
of a programming channel andr`or asset channels 1460AWN with selected assets.
The channel arbitrator 1428 is utilized to arbitrate the use of limited bandwidth (e.g., available asset channels 1460A-N) when a. conflict arises between breaks of two or more supported programming channels. Finally, the inserter 1430 is utilized to insert selected assets or targeted assets iiito an asset stream (e.g., of a programming channel 1450 and/or one or more asset channels 1460A.-N) prior to transmitting the str~arn across the network interface 1440, As will be discussed herein, the system. is operat~~ ~to provide asset cha~iiels 1460AnN to support asset options for breaks of multiple programming channels within the r~~tworko 2Ã1 In order to provide asset channels 146QA-"~t for one or more prograinming channels, t1-ie timing of the breaks on ttie relevant progrananflng channels is determined.
For instance, Fig. 15 illustrates three programming channels that may be provided by the network operator to a household via a networlb. interface. As will be appreciated, many niore channels may also be provided. The channels 1502, 1 504 and 1 506 comprise three programming streams for Nvh1ch targeted assets are provided. U'sers may switch between each of these channels 1502, 1504 and 15ÃI6 (and generally many more) to select ~etweeri programming optlons. Each channel 1502, 1504 and 1506 includes a break- 1512, and 1516, respectively, during the programming period shovm. During breaks one or more asset spots are typically available. That is, a sequence of shorter assets may be used to fill the 90-s~cor3d break. For example, two, three or four spots may be defined on a single channel for a single break. It will be appreciated that 90 seconds is used as aii example ant10ther break lengths are possible and likely. Different nurnbers of spots may '48 be provided for the same break on different channels and a different number of chmmels may be used for different portions of the break.
In order to provide notice of upcoming breaks or insertion opportunities wlthiii a break, programming streams often include a cue tone signal 1530 (or a cue message in digital networks) a predetermined time before tl-ic beginning of each break or insertion opportunity. '1`~~~~ cue tone signals 1530 have historically been utilized to allow local asset providers to insert localized assets into a network feed. Further, van~~~ channels may provide window start times and window end ~imds during which one or more breaks will occur. '1'hese start and end times define an avail window. Again, this information has historically been provided to allow local asset providers to insert local assets into a broadcast stream. This in1`orrriatiorz may also be utilized by the targeted asset system to determine when a lsr~alc will occur during program-niliig. Accordingly, the system inay be operative to monitor programming channels, e.g., 1502, 1504 aiid 1506, for elle tone signals 1530 as well as obtain and store information regarding window start and end times (e.g., in the schedule database 1420). The available window l.ntormata~n may be received 1`rom the T&B system and may be manually entered.
I~iie to the limited bar~.~.~rl~.tl~. available for providing targeted asset dela~y~r~s it may be desirable to ld~i-itlfy one or more characterlstgcs associated with each pragrar~ing channel 1502, 1504 and 1 506 when determining which channel(s) should receive targeted asset delivery for conflicting breaks or how available bandwidth should be apportioned ~-iong the conflicting programming c-hannels. In this regard, it will be noted that breaks oti different channels are often at least partially overlapping. For instance, the break 1514 of cliannel 1504 partially overlaps the break 1516 on channel 1506. Accordingly, it may '~e desirable to arbitrate the limited resources available for '2 5 tar~~~ed. asset delivery ~~hveer# the two channels 1.504 and 1506.
For instance, the arbitrator 1428 (See F1.g. 14) may rl~termlr~e that the first channel 1506 does not ciirreritly have enough users to warrant use of any available bandwidth to provide tar~~~~~d asset delivery. Al~ema#ively, the available bandwidth may be split laet.ween the first and secoa-id channels 1504, 1506 such that targeting asset delivery may be provided for each break- 1.514, 1,516, As a further altemative, the available asset ch~iinel~ may be split between supporting the first and second channels 1504, 1506, for exwnple, in proportion to their respective audience sizes. It is noted that it may be possible to use a given asset channel in support of only a portion of a break, for example, in connection with partially overlapping breaks, though this involves certain practical difficulties related to scheduling and flotilla construction. This may also require knowledge of the underlying break structure, e.g., to ensure that the viewer is not retumed to tl}e second half of a sixty-second asset. 'Fhis inforflnation "Nrill generally not be available to the CPEI. Also, different numbers of asset channels may be available at different time periods of a break. Signals received from CII:E;s, e.g., recent or historical signals, may be utilized for arbitration purposes. Further, it will be appreciated that in some instances one or more chaiiiiels may include aligned breaks. For instance, channels having a cominan OArnershzp entity (e,g., ESPN and ABC) may have aligned breaks for certaiii programming. Accordingly, bandwidth for targeted asset delivery for these common c1iaiiziels may be shared.
Referring again to Fig. l. 4, the use of signals from LI-le CR1=; 1410 may allow for providing assets that are tailored to current users or otherwise providing different assets to different groups of users. hi this regard., an asset that has targeting parameters that match the classification parameters of the greatest number or value of users may be provided within the broadcast stream of a supported programming chamiel 1450 during a break. It is noted that the most appropriate asset may thereby be provided to analog or otl-ienvise nonparticipating users (assuming the voters are representative of the relevant user universe), yielding a degree of targeting even. for them. 1'wior~over, some targeting benefit can be achieved for a large number of programming channels, even channels that may not be suppcarted'~y asset channels with respect to a giveii. break.
Altematiwelv or additionally, different assets may be provided on the asset channels 1460A-N during the break of a programmlrig chaniiel. During a. break.
where asset channels 1460A-N are available, a CPl! 1410 of a particular household may, based on a determination implemented at the C;'PE 1410, switch to one of the asset chatmels 1460A-r that ~~~italns appropriate assets. Accordingly, such assets of the asset channel 1460/4 yN may be displayed during the break. During the break-, the C',1'E
1410 may stay on one asset ch~~iiel 1 460AR~ (in the ca.se of a break Wlth multiple spots in sequence) or may navigate through the break selecting thb most appropriate assets. After t1-ie bre~.~.g the CPE 1410 may switch back to the original programming channel (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 same break. As will be appreciated, this allows asset providers to target different groups during the sa-me brea.14.. Further it .50 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 milltiple asset op#a0ns'). Each asset provider may, for example, thereby pay for an audience that better matches its target.
"I"h~ ~iuniber of asset channels available for targeted asset delivery may be limited by the available ~aiidwidth (e.g., unused channels) of a given network operator. As discussed below, the system may make use of channels that are opportunistically avai1ab1e, e.g., c1iaiziiels that are used for VO1) at night may be available to support asset options during the day, or unused. bandwidth within a node switch area may be used for this purpose. Mg. 16A illustrates the use s~ffour asset channels 1601 m1604 for providing assets during a break 1610 ol`*a lsrogrammir~a channel 1600. As shown, a~~~
each asset channel 1601-16fl4y the break 1610 may be separated into one or more asset slots that may have differetit durations. 1=1:~~ever, in the case of Fig. 1 6A, tl-ie start and end times of the asset sets A-C, D-E, F-H and I-K carried by the asset channels 1. 601 -1 604 are aligned wgth. the start and end tiines of the break 1610. Each of the asset channels 1601-1604 may carry an asset that is targeted to a specific audience classification of the users of the pragr~~in~ channel 1600 or tl-ie users of additional programming channels having a break aligned with the break 16 10 of the lsr~~Tammia~~ channel 1600.
It should be noted that flotillas need not be rectangular as shown in Fig, 16A.
That is, due to conflicts betNveen breaks or the intermittent availability of certain asset channels as discussed above, the total aiumber of assdt channels used to stilsla~rt a given programming channel may change during a break. '1'kias is illustrated in Fig.
16B. As shown, assets A-~+,Y are pro-vad~d dunrag a break 1 670 on asset channels 1 671 -1 675 and the supported programming chaainel 1676. In this case, channels 1674 and 1 675 (as well as progr~nu-ning chamie1 1676) provide assets tliroughoait the break 1670.
Channel 1673 does not provide assets ~intil sornetatr~e after the lzrealc begins. Channel 1672 provides assets from the beginning o1'the break, but ceases to provide assets prior to the end of the break 1670. Cha~ine1 1671 starts providing assets after the start of the lsrea.s:. 1670 and ceases providing assets prior to the end of the break 1670. It Nvil1 be appreciated that complex flotilla shapes may be implemented.
Referring again to Fig. 16A, each asset channel 1 C 01-1 604 includes a different combination of assets A-K that may be targeted to different viewers of the channel 1600 during a gBven. break 1.610. Collectively, the assets A-K carried by the asset channels 1601 m 1604 define a flotilla 1650 that includes assets that ~nay be targeted to different groups of users. The most appropriate assets for a given user may be on different ones of the chaiiiiels 1 601 -1 6~4 at different times during the brealc 1610. These can be delivered to the user by channel hopping during the break with due consideration given to the fact that spots on different cha,ainels 1601 -1644 may not have the same start and end times.
[1ow the various spots in the flotilla 1650 are ~~pulated Mth assets is described in more detail below.
The four asset channels 1 601-1 604 may be utilized to provide multiple asset options for dillerent prograinmlr~~ channels. For instance referring to Fig.
15, pr0gramrning cha-ntxels 1,502 and 1 506 have temporally distinct breaks 1,512 and 1516.
Accordingly, the system may provide a.1"`~rst four-channel asset flotilla having a flirst set of assets during the first break, 1512 for the first channel 1502. Likewise a second foair-~harnel asset flotilla having a second set of assets may be provided during the second break 1516 for the second channel 1506. In this regard, use of the bandwidth available for asset channels may be shared between programming channels 1502 and 1506.
In cases where breaks overlap (e.g., breaks 1514 and 1516), one channel may be selected for targeted asset delivery, or, the available bandWidth for the asset channels may be split laetween, the cO~iflicting 13reaks. For example, each programming channel may be supported by a two-channel asset -flotalla or oaie programming channel may be supported by three asset channels and the other programming chaiiiiel supported by only one asset chariiiel, for example, due to relative audience sizes or asset delivery valties. Arbitration of available bandwidth between con-flicting channels is handled by the channel arbitrator 1428jas will be morefiully discussed herein.
Selection of assets to fill a break of a progranirnln,~ channel, or to fill the available spots within each asset channel of a flotilla. may be based. on votes of users of the programming clzannel. "1'hat is, assets may be selected by the flotilla constructor 1426 (See Fig. 14) in response to signals received from CPEs 141.0 within the nehvork. As shown inl1 iv- 13, the process of selecting and providing targeted assets based on signals from CPEs includes four general steps. Initially, the platl'orrn 1304 provides (1320) a.ra.
asset option list of proposed assets to the CPEs 1308 in tkle network. This may be based on asset provider contracts and associated ADRs, 'Next, each CPE 1308 votes (1330) on the most appropriate asset or assets from the asset option list. That is, each provides a signal to t.he tietwork. 1304 that indicates the best matching asset(s) for the partictilar CPE 1308 based on a comparison of target ln-formation to audience classification 1nfonna~~on. Based on the votes (1330) from one or more CPEs 1308} the platform 1304 selects targeted assets from the available assets and generates (1340) an asset view list and an asset flotilla, 'whlch is provided to each voting CPE
1308. For example, the asset view list many indicate channels where assets are available and provide associated audience classification information (if necessary) to assist in asset selection. E.ach C'PE 1308 a~iay theii receive the view list and flotilla.
The process by which the votes are used to populate the ~anous asset spots in a flotilla may involve a number of considerations. Referring again to Fig. 1 6A4 the flotilla defines a matrix of assets illustrated as including a horizontal time axis and a vertical axis of asset channels. In the simple case where all the assets correspond to spots of the same length (e.g., all sl} second spots ~id the same number of asset channels are iised through0Lit the break) the matrix would define a neat arrangement of rows and columns.
The flotilla constructor would then be operative, among other tliangs, to map assets to row and column addresses of the matrix, for example, based on their vote rankings.
Some of the considerations that. may be involved in this regard include the following. First, t he programming channel 1600 itself may be populated 'Aith an asset sequence determined based on voting and may be treated as part of the flotilla. The assets inserted into the pro,granuning channel will be delivered to analog and otherwise nonparticipating users, as well as to participating users whose CPEs select that asset sequence, and may t1lerefor~ be expected to constitute the largest user segment of the flotilla. Accordingly, assets with higher vote rankings may be inserted on the programming channel 1600, In additionv in the case of break-s ancliidirag more than two spots, first and last spots i-nay be deemed more valuable by asset providers th~i middle spots.
Accordingly, higher vote ranking assets may be favored for first and last spots, resulting in population of the matrix more on a col~inn-~by colum-n basis as a. l"unctiora of votes rather than on a row-by-row basis. However, and somewhat by contrast, it may be desired to time stagger the highest vote ranking assets, for example, so that a given user may have the opportunity to view both the top voted asset and the second-mOst voted asset.
'1'he process o1' populating the ~~.otilla matrix may also take into account demographics deterrniiied irfldeper~~~iit of the voting process. 1'hus, as noted above, if twelve spots are included in the flotilla, the spots may be apportioned to reflect, for example, the demographic composition of the program audience --- e.g., t-vvomthirds female and one-third male, or two-thirds female 18m34 years old and orflewtYaird Beanale 34 and over - or the weighted average of the program audience (e.g., resulting in a disproportionate channel allocation for audience segments or assets deemed to have an exceptionally high or low per user value). Such information may be based, for example, on conventional ratings information.
Moreover, this flotilla population process may take into account system liniitations. For example, if the system is implemented without the ability to navigate t~et~veen or a preference against navigating between dgl~erent channels durifl~~ a given break, or if it is desired to minimize hops during a break, then the flotilla may be const:riiÃ;ted so that a given channel has assets int~~ided for a consistelit audience classification throughout a break. That is, votes may be tabulated on a classification dependent basis and then corresponding rows may be populated based on the votes.
Additionally, in connection with packaged assets having a desired sequencing, such sequencing may be considered in. flotilla construction.
The flotilla constructioai process may also take into account the desirability of effectively navigating thrOaagYa.a.~ entire break, Nvhich may entail multiple channel hops.
For example, it has been noted asset options may be included on the progrwnming channel as well as on asset channels. Ii~~ever, the underlying structure of the assets interleaved into the prograrnming conteait is generally not known.
Accordingly, either information regarding such underlying structure can be provided throug~i appropriate signaling, or retums to the programming channel during a bre~. can be precluded so as to avoid switching to arf, asset in progress.
It is also desirable that each cListOmer premises equipment device be able to navigate across a break selecting assets that are appropriate for the current user. For example, a flotilla may include a number of coluirans correspondent to a sequence of asset spots for a break. If one column included all assets, directed to ch~ldren, non-childrera users would be left without an appropriate asset optaon. for that spot. Thus, options for a~,r~iding such sit.aatioiis include making sure that a widely targeted asset is available in each column or time period, or that the union of the subsets defined by the targeting constraints for each asset in. a ~~lumti or time period represents the largest possible subset oI'the universe of users. Of course, tl-iis ma;, conflict with other flotilla construction goals and aii optimal solution may need to be arbitratedo In addition, where a.ii issue arises as to Which assets to include in a flotilla, the identity of the relevant asset providers may be ~onsidered (e.g., a larger volume asset provider or an asset provider who has paid for a higher level of service may be given preference).
It will be appreciated that a variety of factors may be reflected in an algorithm for using the vote information to populate a flotilla. For example, Gantt chai-t logic or other conditional scheduling logic may be implemented in this regard.
Altematively, asset options may be provided via aforward9a.ncl~~tore architecture in the case of CPEs with substantial storage resources, e.g., 1v3VRs, I:n this re,Rard, aii asset may be inserted into a designated bandwidth s~~me~~t and d~vmloaclecl via the 1.0 network interface to the storage of the CPF". Accordingly, the CPE may then selectively insert the asset from the storag'e into a subsequent break. Further, in this architecture, the assets of the stored options mid associated metadata may incl~ide mi expiration time.
Assets may be discarded (e.g., deleted) upon expiration regardless of whether they have been delivered. Irk this architecture, it will be appreciated that the transmission of assets does not have a real-time component, so the available bandwidth may vary cl~~ig transmis:~ion, Moreover, a thirty second asset may be transmitted in five seconds or over thirty minutes. The available assets may be broadcast to all CPEs with individual CI'Es oraiv storing appropriate assets. In addition, due to storage limitations, a CPE may delete an asset of interest and re-record it later.
In contrast, in the asset channel architecture, the flotilla is transmitted in synchronization with the associated break and require little or no storage at the CRE. In either case, once ~i asset from the storage or flotilla is displayed, eacb.
(T1; 1308 may provide (1350) an asset delivery notification (ADN) to the network platform indicating that the particular asset was delivered. "1he platforrrs. 1304 may tb.eii provide aggregated or compiled inf-orr~iatiora regarding the total number of users that received a given asset. The information may be analyzed. intemally by a network operator or, perhaps, provided to asset providers. Accordingly, individual asset providers may be billed in accordance with how many users received ~~iverf asset. Each of these steps 1320-1350 is more fully discussed herein.
As noted, slorals from the iiidividual C~~E-lfi 1308 may be utilized for targeted asset system purposes. However, it will be appreciated that while it is possible to receive vote signals from each C l'E1308 in a network, such f-ull n~~Nvork 'pOlliiig' may result in large bandwidtli requirements. In one alter~iate implementation, statistical sampling is utilized to reduce tl~e bandwidth requirements betwecn the network 1.304 and the CPEs 1308. As will l~e appreciated, sampling of a statistically significant and relevant portion of the CPEs 1308 will provide a useful representation ~nf the channels currently being us,ed. as well as a. usef-ul represeratation of the most appropriate assets for the users using those chaa1nels, In order to provide statistical sampling f-or the network, a sub-set of less than all of the CPEs 0 04 may provide signals to the network platform 13 04. For instance, in a first arratigement, each C:PE 1308 may include a random number generator.
Periodically, such a. random number generator may generate an output. If this output meets a predeterrnlned criteria (e.g., a number ~tidi~~g with 5), the CPE 1308 may provide a signal to the network 1304 in relation to an option list. Altematlvely, the platforin 1304 may be operative to randomly select a subset of CPEs 1308 to receive a request for iraforrnation.
In any case, it is pr~f-erable that the subset of C'I':Fs 1308 be large enough in comparison. to the total q-iumber of CPEs 1308 to provide a. statistically accurate overview of current network conditions. However, where a fully representative sampling is iiot available, attenclant.
uncertainties can be addressed throug1~ business rules, e.g., providing a reduced price or greater dissemination to account for the uncertainty.
In addition to statistically saTnpling the active CPEs 1304 for information relating tr) the present audience and the present audience characteristics, the CP:Es 1304 may use bandwiÃlth, e.g., in an opportunistic mamier, to transmit information.
Information from CPE's 1304 may be transmitted when bandwidth is available, or otherwise during opportunistic times. The information so transinltted may include infrsrrnatiorfl that is not time varying such as lnforrnation relatirf.g to the locations of CPkss. 'I'he iiiforr~iation traitsmltted mav also include timeyvarying lnforanatlon such as characteristics (otller than location) of a viewer presently watching a television attached to a CPE.
Referring again to Fig. 14, as iioted, a network operator initially provides an asset option list (the same as list 1010 of Fig. 10) to at lea.st the C11Es 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 breaks. In this regard, it will be appreciated that a platforni 1404 within the network, see Fig. 14, may be operative to obtain schedule in#"orrrfla.tion for all programming channels that have been identified to be supported by targeted assets. The platform 1404 may then use the schedule inforrnation to c.ommt:~~~cate with C;PP"s 1410 over the netwark- interface 1440 prior to a break. In particular, the platforn 1404 may be operative to provide the asset option list to CPEs 1 41 0,1'or example, periodically.
Figs. 17A-17B illustrate exemplary asset option lists 1700. Specifically, l;
lg. 17A
shows assets listed on a per break, per channel basis. Fig. 17B shows assets listed for multiple breaks (specifying audience classification paraneters and;
optionally, channels including aggregated audiences w1io may be associated witlz an identifier in the channels column) in a single list. Plach asset option 171OAR-.N' ln, the list 1700 of Fig. 17A is available for viewing during a stil.ss~qu~~it break. 1n,thls regard, an asset provider may have requested that each such asset option 1 71 OATN be made available for a particular time window a~id/or for a particular channel (i.e., which may include an aggregated audience). Furthen-nore, the asset option list 17Ã10 may include one or more coiistraints 1 71 2AmN for each available asset option 171 0A-~*.~. Such constraints 1 71 2A-'~t may include, without limltatiori, audience classification parameter information such as the desired age range, gender, geographic location andlor household. income of the target audience for each asset 171Ã1AyN. Once the list 1710A-N of asset options is sent to a CPE ; 1410, the CPE 1410 reviews the asset options and votes on the suitability of providing those asset options to a current user of the CPE 1410. In the case of Fig. 17B, CPEs may vote with. respect to all asset options matching the ctarrent programniarg channel or another channel deemed relevant.
'1'his process is illustrated in Fig. 18. As shown, the CPE initially receives (18 10) an asset option list corres~onding to the assets that are available for at least one upcoming break. The CPE then selects (1820) current classification ziiforr~iation, wlileh includes lstatatl~~ information assoclated. with one or more users of the household.
'1'he CPE then ldentlfzes (18:10) constraints for a first asset w1t1i1~ the list and scores (1840) the asset according to the suitability of tt~e asset for insertion at a subsequent break. In general, the asset options are scored (1840) based on the constraints of the asset as well as the audience classification lnl`orrnat~on. For instance, an asset bavl~ig an age constraint (at least for the age parameter) specifying users between the ages of 50 and 60 may be scored low or not at all (at least for the age parameter) in relation to an audience classification indicating a current viewer is between the ages of 18 and 39. In one arrangement, the more closely the asset targeting constraints (which may be expressed in terns of audience classification paraineters) and the audience classification information for a user match, the higher the score for that asset. Likewise, the greater the divergence between the tc-irgeting constraints and the audience classification in~'a~nnation, the lower the score for that asset. In another arrangement, a simple positive (i.e.9 matching targeting constraints and audience classification) or negative (i.e., mismatch of targeting constraints and audience classification) may be provided.
A determination is then made as to whether there are additional assets for scoring.
If so, the i~entlficatiorf, (1830) and scoring (1840) steps are repeated for each asset. Once each relevant asset within the asset option list has been scored (1840), the scores are transmitted (1850) to the network operator via tFie rzetwork interface. For exanple, the CPE may be instructed to retiim scores for the top N assets for a given break or spot, where N is dynamically configtirable. By retuming scores to the network operator rather than providing audience classification lnl`r~rinat.ion for a particular user, 1nf~rrnataon regarding a current network audience is gathered without. exposing se~.sitlve information to the network.
Generally, scores from the individual CPEs are tallied to form a composite score.
The composite score indicates the degree to which, independent of a specific user, a particular asset would be suitable for viewing by a current audience during a subsequent t~~eak. Irt, this regard, a network controller may rank the assets according to their composite scores for subseqtient insertion during a break.
A number of factors in addition to vote scores may be relevant in this regard.
First, CPEs may express a negative preference or exclusion. For exwnple, in ~on-nect~~n with a child user, certain subject matter ~iay be excluded. This may be implemented by h~virac, the asset provider, a network operator or another party such as a regulatory entity enter an "adult only" or similar corzstraint in connection with the asset metadata. An appropriate field may be provided in connection wltli a CJU1 of a contract placemelit ~latf'a~rm as described below. In this Tnanner, offensive asset delivery can be reduced or avoided for sensitive users. Asset providers or networks (to the extent that laws or regulations allow) may also define exclusions. Thus, an asset provider may indicate that ari asset should or should not be run in connection With certain types of programs (e.g., that. it should not be run in con-nectl~n wltli a "G" rated program). As a furtl~~~ example, a political cw}dldate may enter an. exclusion to avoid airing assets on a news netWorlà or other network perceived to have a conflicting political base or agenda (or the network may exclude assets from that candidate). Commodity codes may also be used in this ~~~~rd. 'l'hus, assets may be associated with commodity codes relating to the subject .58 matter of the asset. These codes may be used by asset providers, network operators or others to avoid undesired association (e.g., successive ads for competitive products).
Similarly, networks having a religious affiliation may exclude assets deemed repugnant.
Many more examples may be envisioned in this regard. Moreover, negative preferences or exclusioiis may be specific to users or households and may be implemented at the CPE.
P'or ~xaniple, parental control or idiosyncratic concerras may be addressed in this manner.
It will thus be appreciated that exclusions or negative preferences may be entered by a variety of entities via a variety of interfaces and may be reflected in asset metadata, voting metadata, selection aI.goritl~ins or other places.
An additional factor that may be considered in relation to voting far~d asset selection relates to the concepts of asset frequency and progress. Frequency defines the number of times that an asset provider desires an asset to Yae slio~~~ra at a given CPE (or, in the presciit coiitext, to a particular user) during a given time period (may be a week, a month, during a whole cam~~ip or other period). Progress measures how well a given C:PE (or user) is doing in achieving this target. These factors may be used in voting and asset selection. For example, if i~iad~quate progress has been made to date by a user for a specific asset, that user's CPE will be more likely to vote for the asset at issue and to select it if available. Moreover, these -factors may be considered at the headend. For example, if a large number of users are behind in teiins of progress, that asset may be inserted in a flotilla r~oardless of voting and may ~e designated for obligatory delivery by at least the appropriate users.
More specifically, the flotilla constructor 1.426 (See Fig. 141) may create a view list and/or populate a flotilla for a subsequent break. As shown in Fig. 1 6A, the flotilla includes mtiltilsle slots A-K, e,g., of varying length, in flotilla 1650. In one arrangement, the entire flotilla 1650 may be populated with assets based on the overall vote scores of the assets. For iiistance, the assets from the asset option list having the highest scores may be selected, The combined length of any s~~~~ence of assets selected for a given asset charnirl will match the length of the break 1610. Alterrt,atavel}r, each asset channel may be populated with assets based on the gr scores as well as one or more demographic constraints.
For instance, duriiig a maj'or sporting event it may be anticipated (or verified from vote inforraiation) that a majority of the expected users of the relevant programminc, channel are males. Accordingly, three of the asset channels 1501-1 6l}4 may be populated with assets targeted to males. A1~ematively, a designated proportion of the overall spots A-K may be dedicated to assets targeted to males, or voting may siniplyr be allowed to proceed, presumably resultiiig in a large proportion of ~the inserted assets being male targeted assets (though it may be desired to'reserve some spots for minority classification users). In this regard, the highest scoring assets directed to male vIeWers may be selected.
Further, the tbree asset channels 160I T I603 (or individual spots) may be directed to sub-groups of male viewer (e.ge, based 0~i age and.ior income). In contrast, the fourth asset chan-nel 1604 (or a set of spots~ may be populated with assets directed towards female viewers to provide asset delivery to a previously non-represented portion of the audience or all, spots may be allocated based on voting, whlcl~ ~nay or may not apportion the spots as described. As will !~e appreciated, assets may be selected 1'or the fourth asset channel 1604 to iiielude5 for example, the highest scoring assets from the asset option list that have a constraint indicating that the asset is targeted towards females. Once the flotilla is populated, the CPE of each household may select a particular asset channel.
for viewing duri~~ the break or may switch betWeen.assets contained on different asset channels within the flotilla based on audience classification information of the current user of the CPE.
It will be appreciated that otlier considerations may be involved in flotilla construction. For example, asset providers often desire to place assets in the first or the last spot within a break (hence, breaks are often 60 seconds long so as to include only first and last 3Ã1 second spots). Moreover, asset providers may require a partictilar asset sequencing or pay a premium for a ~~~taIn placement regardless of voting ranke Accordingl;r, significant care may be requ1red. in populating a flotilla wltl-i respect to rank or ot}ier I-actor.s, ~5 'C'c~ enable the CPE to switch to a designated asse~. channel for a break (or, for certain implementations, between asset options within the flotilla during a break) metadata may I~e provided in connection with eacb. asset channel(s) an~~~~
~~ogrwnmin~
channel(s). As will be appreciated, each individual asset channel is a portion of an asset s~~eani having a predetermined bandwidth, 'I'hese asset channels may be further broken into in-band and out-of-band portions. Generally, the in-band portion of the signal supports the delivery of an asset stream (e,ga, video). Triggers may be transmitted via the out-of-band portion of a ~haranel. Further, such out-of-band portions of the bandwidth may be utilized for the delivery of the asset option list as well as a return path for use in collecting votes and reporting ifliforr~iat~on from the CPE. More generally, it will be appreciated that in the various cases referenced herein wI}ere messaging occurs betAveen the CPI1 and a network platform, any appropriate messaging channels may be used including separate IP or telephony charnei.s.
The metadata for par~~~~~ar assets may be included in the out~of-band portion of an associated asset channel and may be in the form of text messages. For instance, these text messages may be DCII text messages/headers that are multiplexed into tlle out~of-band portion of each. asset chaiine1. In this regard, the CPEI may review the metadata of each asset channel to identify which asset chaiuieI writains asset most closely aligned with an audience classiIicataozi of a current user.
Based on the metadata, tlie CPE may select indi~idiaal assets or asset sets depending on the implementation. Thus, in certain implementations, the CPE may select an asset for the first time-slot of a break that best corresponds to the audience classification of the current user. This process may be repeated for each time-slot within a break. Alterrs.a~ively, an asset flotilla may include a single metadata set for each asset channel and the CPE may simply select one asset channel for an entire break.
Referring to Figs. 14 aiid 19, the process of selecting assets for insertion into one or mOre asset channels is described. Iriitiallyy, the platfrarrn 1 404 identifies (1910) break-s in channels that are targeted for asset delivery. In this regard, the platform 1404 may access the schedule database 1420, wliich includes scheduling data for programming channels, to identify upcoming breaks. Further, the process may include identifying (1920) overlapping breaks of progTaminIrag channels. If there is a conflict bet"Ar~en two breaks identified for targeted assets, an arbitration process may be ImISIemented (1930) by the arbitrator I41-8. If no conflict exists, asset channels may be allocated (I940) to provide multiple asset options for ~i upcoming break. Accordingly, voting data may then be received (1950). for example from the voting data database 1424 (which stores data compiled from received votes), for an iipcoming time period that includes the upcoming break.
Based on the voting data, the platform 1404 may access the asset options database 1422 to populate (I960) the asset channels that form the flotilla with assets for the upeÃaming break. Once the flotilla is populated (I960), it may be broadcast in synchronization with a break for which targeted asset delivery is provided. In this regard, the method may include inserting (1970) the flotilla into allocated asset channels and, perhaps, in the programming channel. As will be appreciated this step may include providing metadata in connection with the programming channel, asset channels or other baiidWidtb such that a CPE is aware that asset cbantiels having altemate assets are available and can select therefrom. For example, metadata on the prograrnmg~g channel may indicate to the (fPE Wh~ch asset channels are available such that the CPE
may moiiitor the available asset channels and select assets based on the audience classification of a current user and the asset chanitel metadata.
Referring to Fig. 20, an arbitration process 2000 is illustrated. As noted above, in ss3rne instances two progranimi~~ channels identified for targeted assets ma:y have conflicting breaks. For iiistayzce, referring briefly to Fig. 15 it is noted that channels 1504 and 1.506 have cs~nflictiiig (i.ea, non7aligned and overlapping) breaks 1514 mzd 1516. It should be noted. tbat the exact timing of breaks cannot be determined with great precision and sucb. timing is generally not known until a cue occurs. As disc-ussed below, this timing cati be estimated based on historical data to obtain a statistical probability function ideiitifjing when breaks will occur. Accordingly, in cases wliere limited b~~~~idth. is available for providing ta.rgeted asset delivery, it ~nay be desirable to arbitrate between channels apparently having conflicting breaks. This may allow, for exaxqple, asset providers to target one or more demographic groups that are better represented by one of the conflicting channels, to target the channel having a greater nuznber of users or to proportionally allocate the bandwidth based on such factors. In this regard, the process may include monitoring (2010) a plurality of progTarzm}~~g channels for which targeted asset delivery is provided and ~~entz~ing (2020) a first upcoming break on the first channel and a second ia~coming break on the second channel, where the first and second ~ipcoming breaks are only partially over1appitig.
2- 5 In the illustrated implementation, iiiforrgiation associated lAit.h a current statLas of at least one, ~id niore preferably both, of the first and second channels is obtained (2030).
This information is utilized to arbitrate (2040) between the first and sec nd.
channels in.
order to provide targeted asset delivery for at least one of tY~~ ~~~~iiels.
For instance, the information may include information associated with a size of a current audience for one or both of the first and secÃ~iid channels. It may also include audience classification infortnation. In this regard, it may be desirable to arbitrate (2040) between the first and second channel based on audience size; that is, to provide targeted asset delivery only or mostly for the channel having a larger viewing audience. Altematively or additionally, .62 audience classification infonnati0~ for t~~~ current users of the first and/or second channels may be obtained (it will often be desired to maximize revenues andq in this regard, an asset wit~i a smaller target audience but a higher CPM may be selected for a given spot over an asset with a larger audience btit lower CPM). As a further example, attemate flotillas may be constructed for a break ba.sed on voting aflid then the highest revenue f-loti~la may be in:serted. Audience classification infonna~~~~ may be int'~~~ed, for example, from t~~e votes of CPEs of the first and second channels in responding to recently serit asset opti0iis lists. Likewise, arbitration (2040) may be made based og~ a desired audience classification parameter (e.g., high income individuals) irrespective of the overall size of the viewing audiences of the first and second channels. In this regard, the channel I~~~~ing a greater perceiita~~ or number of users of a desired classification may be selected. For example, an asset for a certain. luxua-y car may have more value if delivered to a small audience, provided that that audience includes more prospective buyers. In this r~gud it is noted that flotilla optimization may involve maximizing factors other than vote scores, e.g., asset delivery revenues. Similarly, the criteria utilized for arbitration (2040) nia.y be selected by asset provaders. Once a channel is selected.
based on the arbitration (2040), targeted asset delivery may be provided (2050) to the selected ~~~nnel., Of course, both channels may be supported with smaller flotillas.

B. Bant~~idthO5tira~~ izatiÃ~~
Bandwidth available for traiismiss~~~ of asset optaoiis is generally limited, ~ccordiDgIy, the asset targeting system can be er~an~ed by optimizing the use of each asset channel and identifying additional ~andwiclt~ for exploitation. With regard to optimiz~~-ig the use of each asset channel, scheduling information s~ich. as start times and end times ~~~ ~~eak-s may be obtained for each ~ro,~ranimang channel. That is, network-s may define avail vAndows and this infonnat~~~~ may be accessed for use by the targeted asset delivery system. This information may be utilized to determine approximately when one or more breaks will occur on a. gave,n programming channÃ^l. Accordingly, such information may be utilized for targeting and arbitration ptirposes. For instance, referring to Fig. 15, it will be noted that channel 1506 includes separate avail windows 1550 and 1560 that correspond to tdvo separate breaks 1516, 1562. However, in some instances a paTticular channel may not provide separate avail window information for separate ~~eaks. F'or instance, for channel 1502, an avail window 1570 extends over the entire length of a programming period of the chan-nel 1502. In these cases, multiple breaks a~iay be defined within a single window. Thus, the first break may be indicated by afirS~ cue tone (or message) for a windoWa a second break may be indicated by a second cue tone within a window, etc, It will be appreciated that, if a cue tone is missed in the conventional avail window context, the assets of a115ubserluergt breaks may be affected.
As avail window irgfoimation does nc~~L correspond directly to break start and end times, 1n1'oranatiOn about the avail windows 1550, 1560 and 1 570 may not ala~~e allow for idert,~if-'ylng when breaks will occur antl/or if breaks on different channels will be overlappingo Accordingly, a process is provided for narrowing avail windows such that available bandwidth for targeted asset delivery may be more effectively utilized and/or allocated. Referring to Fig. 2-15 the process (2100) begins by obtaining (2110) ne~.-wo-rk provided avail ~vindow information for a programming period of at least a first programming channel, The avail window irformatitan identifies at least a first time period during which one break occ,urS, More generally, avail window information may be obtained (2110) for a plurality of channels (e.g., chaiiiiels 1502y 1504 and 1506). Once the network provided window information is obtained (2110), historical information associated Witli the progranlming period of the pro~Tammin~ channel(s) is procured (2120). For example, the system of the present invention may gather actual break times and statistically process this inl`Omiat10n. The historical information is analyzed to ader~~if-y (2 13 Ã~) historical rÃ.m times for one or more breaks of the programming period for the programreiing channel(s). In this regard, the system may begin with only the available window information or with baseline estimates of break times (which may be wrong). In either case, the system can then 1eam break- times by monitoring breaks on channels of interest. The system may be seeded with some historical information.
For instance, it may be determined that for a specified 30 miiiute programming period of a si~com, that a first break may start bet:,,kr~en foair and six minutes after the hour or 1ia1f-hour and end between six and eight mgn~~~~s after the hour or half hour. Likewise, the beginning and ending times of other breaks during the programming may be determined. :I3a~ed on the historical information, the avail windows for a given channel may be narrowed (2140) to better correspond %Aith historic bre~. start times and end tinies. For ins~aiices an average start time for a break may be at five minutes after the hour, however, the start time may vary between four aaid six minutes.
Accordingly, the avail window start time may be set at three and a half minutes after the hour to provide a buffer period. An end time for the avail window may likewise be set to extend beyond an exp~~~~dfhistor~~ end time for the br~ak. In this regard, a single ~va~~
~rindow (e.g., avail window 1570 of channel 1502) may be shortened. to correspond more closely Witli a break (e.g., break 1512) and1or broken into temporally sepaxate time periods that correspond witli separate breakso As noted above, probability functions can be generated to describe when break.s will occur, aaid the best allocation of available bandwidth can be based on these probabilities. In some cases, breaks will not occur when expected and, therefore, unexpected conflicts may arise. It is expected that arbitration processes caii be implemented with little lead time in these cases. ln any event, if asset channels are lÃl unava.llali1es targeted assets will still be available on the programming channel.
As will be appreciated, bv narrowing the windows on two or more programmitig channels, it may be detertnined that breaks of those channels are non-overla~~ing. This may allow for providing targeted. asset delivery using all available asset channels for both programming channels, Alternatively, it may be determined that breaks of first and second chatuiels are partially taverlapping and that arbitration between the channels is required. ira any case, once the asset windows are narrowed, the system may limit monitoring for each programming channel to the narrowed avail time windows.
Narr~~~~~ the avail windows improves use of the available bandwidth. In this manner, asset options can be enhanced by a process of asset bandwidth multiplexing.
Thus, a given asset channel may support asset options for a first prta~arnming chamiei at a first time, for a second programming channel at a second time, and so on. This multiplexing is enhanced by narrowing the avail windows on a statistical basis as discussed above.
Asset options can be further improved bv increasing the available bat}dwidth.
This is illustrated in k-ig. 16C. The network ba~dwidtli includes programming channel bandwidth 1650 wl-ticla may be divided into a number of prograinmirag channels, dedicated asset channel bandwidth 1652 which, as described above mav include a number of channels that are dedicated to delivery of asset options, a~id opportuflilstic asset channel bandWidtli 1654 which includes channels that, altlioaagh not dedicated to delivering asset options, may be available for this purpose from time to time. The system of the present invention is operative to identify and exploit the opportunistic asset channels. For exan-iple, certain channels in a cable television network may be used at certain titnes to deliver video on demand ~ontent. When these channels are not being used to deliver video on demand cc~ii~enty they may be exploited by the present invention to provide additional asset options. Similarly, as discussed above, networks often include node switches that utilize available bandwidth to deliver programming channels only upon demand by users within the node area. In these cases, Wliere the node area users have not demanded prograniming channels that fully utilized the available bandwld.th., channels may be opportunistically available for transmission of asset options.
In Flg. 16C, the dedicated asset channel bandwidth 1652 is illustrated as iticludir~~
five dedicated asset channels. In addition, for the illustrated time period, the network is shown as including opport:tanlstic asset channel bandwidth 1654 including four additional opportunistic asset channels. The illustrated breaks of 1656, 1658, 1660y 1661 aiid 1663 T O llltistrate a variety of ways in which the bandwidth 1652 aiicl 1 654 may be utilized. Thus, breaks 1656 and 1658 occur at non~~~~~~lalyping times. Accordingly, each break 1656 or 1658 can be supported by all of the dedicated asset channels and, in this case, do not utilize the opportunistically available asset channels 1654 (though the opportunistic asset chatmels may be utilized to support a broader array of targeting options).
Breaks 1660 and 1661 overlap and thus present a conflict with regard to scheduliiig of the dedicated asset channels 1652. In the illustrated example, the dedicated asset channels are apportioned as between breaks 1660 and 1661, for example, in proportion to the size of the atidlence on those charuiels. Alterrqatlvelys the available asset options may be supplemented by using the opportunistic asset channel 16-54 as indicated in phantom., Finally, for break 1663qall of the dedicated asset channels 1652 and some of the opportunistic asset channels 1654 are utilized to support an aticreased range of asset optioiis in support of the break 1663.

C. Dynamic Scheduli As noted above, the system allows for dynamically inserting assets in support of one or more programming chan-nels based on current network conditions. '1"hat is, assets may be selected. for lsrograrrmin~ channels in view of etirrent network conditions as opposed to being selected ahead of time based on expected netdvork conditions.
A
process 2200 directed to dynaniie insertion of assets with respect to a break of a. television programming is illtistrated in Fig. 22. As shown, the process begins by monitoring 2210 a programming channel, for exwnple, to deterrnlne a current prograni or current audience size. l:t will be appreclated. that a number of programming channels may be monitored.
In any case, status information regarding acurr~i-it status of at least one programming channel is procured (2220). Such procurement ma;, include the receipt of signals from one or more CPEs (e.g., STBs) within the broadcast raetwork. Tn this regard, such status inforrnation may be received in substantially realntime or at least within a time period that corresponds closely with the break for which targeted assets are provided.
'nie status inforinatiori may include, without liinitationy the curreiit prograins, the size of the current audience for one or more progranlmir~g 'channels, audience classification information regarding the audience of a current programming channel, anct`or the geographic composition of ~ii audience of a c-Lirrerit programming channel and, of ~ourse, votes witli regard to classification including geography. Such information is preferably acquired, if 10' at all, with due care to address privacy concems. Based on such current status infoainatiOrfly asset insertion options may be identified (2230) for an upcoming programming period of one or more programming channels. For instance, asset options may be selected based on current network conditions. In one arrangement, an asset insertion schedi~~e for a subsequent pr0graniming period may be developed (2240) based on the cuiTent network conditions. By way of example, a-n asset tYotilia for a subsequent break ~nay be populated with assets based on current networ~ conditions.
Accordingly, the selected assets may be inserted (21250) into the subsequent break.
Such a process may ensure that high 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 curT~iit programming period, higher value assets may be utilized to populate breaks. Such conditions may exist when, for example, programming with I1igh asset delivery value and a large expected audience extends beyond a predetermined prograrrniing period into a subsequent pr0gran~~~~~~g period Aith low asset delivery value (e.g., a sporting eveitt goes into overtime). Pr~~~ouslyo assets directed to 2 5 the subsequent low value programming period might be aired to the larger than expected viewing audience based on their pre-scheduled delivery times resulting in reduced revenue opportunities. The present system allows for dynamic (e.g., jus.tyinytime) asset scheduling or, at least, overriding pre-scheduled delivery based on changing nà twork-cOnditions.
D. Repotting It would be possible to implement the targeted asset sy:stein of the present invention without receiving reports from CPEs indicating which assets, from among the asset options, were delivered to the user(s). That is, although there would be considerable uncertainty as to what assets were delivered to whom, assets could be priced based on what can be inferred regarding current net-work conditions due to the voting process.
Such pricino may be impro-~~ed in ceatain respects in relation to ratings or sharembased pricing under the conventional a.sse-t delivery paradigm. Altematively;
pricing may be based ~iitareiv on demographic rating ~nforrr#at~on sticb. as Nielsen data together with a.
record of asset insertioti to build an estimate of the number of users Wkio received an asset. For example, this may work in connection with programming channels that have good rating information.
~lowever, in connection with the CPE selection model of the present ~n-ventgon, it is desirable to obtain repoi~t information ~oncernir~g actual delivery of assets. 'rhat is, because the asset selection occurs at the CPE (in either a forwardnandystore or syfl~ch-ror~~~ed trarismission. architecture) improved certainty r~guding the size and audience classification values for actual delivery of assets can be enhanced by way of a reporting process. As described below, the present invention provides an appropriate reporting process in this regard and provides a mechanism for using such report information to enable billing based on guaranteed delivery anc,%or a goodness of fit of the acttial audience to the target audience. In addition to improving the quality of billing information and information available for analysis of asset effectiveness aiid return on.
investment, this reporting information provides for near real time (in some reporting implementations) audience measurement with a high degree of accuracy. In this rega.rd;
the r~po~ing may be preferred over voting a.s a measurem~iit tool because reports provide a positive, after-the-fact indication of -actu~l audience size. Accordili,~ly, such a~iforanatiorf, may allow for improved ratings and share data. For example, such data may, be licensed to networks or ratizigs measurement entities.
Fig. 23A illustrates a reporting system 23()0 in accordaiiee with the present invention. "Fhe reporting system 2300 is operative to allow at least some users of a pait~~~pating user group, generally identified by reference numeral 2302, to report actual asset delivery. In the illustrated implemeiitatiorfl, such report information is transmitted to a iietwork- platform such as a headend 2304. The report infornatiora. may be furtlier processed by an operations center 2306 and a traffic and billing system 2308.
More specifically, report infsrrnation is generated by individual CI'Es 2314 each of which includes a report processing module 2316, an asset selector module 2818 and a user monitoring module 2320. The user monitoring module 2320 monitors inputs ftam a curr~~~t user and anaIvzes the inputs to determi~~~ putative audience classification parameter values for the user. Thus, for ~xaniple, module 2320 may analyze a click stream. from a remote control together wlth. information usefal for matching a pattem of that click stream to probable audience classification paratneter valties, These classi:l~cation parameters may t1ieii be used by the asset selector module 2318 to select an asset or asset sequence from available asset option.s.
'rhus, as described above, multiple asset seqtiences may be available on the programming channel and separate asset channels. Metadata disseminated with or in advance of these assets may identify a target audience for the assets in terms of audience classi~cat~~~l parameter values. Accordingly, the module 2318 can select an asset from the available options for delivery to the user (s) by matching putative audience clafisz~catloti pa:raineter values of the user to target audience classificatioai parameter values of the asset options. Once an appropriate asset option has been identified, delivery is executed by switching to tlle corresp0iidiiig asset chaainel (or remaining r~i-i the programrnlng channel) as appropriate.
The report processing module 2316 is operative to report to the head~~~~ 2304 information regarding assets actually delivered and in some implementations, certaiii audience classification parameter values of the user (s) to whom the asset was delivered.
Accordingly, in such implementations, the report processing module 2316 receives asset delivery irgformatzon. f-rorrE module 2318 and putative audience classification pararneter inforznation for the user (s) ftom the user monltorlna module 2320. This ireforrnation is used to populate various fields of a report file. In other iniplementations, audience classification information is not included inthe report. However, it may be presumed t1ia~
the asset was delivered to a user or users matching the*target paranieters.
Mrsreovera such a presumption may be supported by a goodness of fit parameter included in the report.
Thus, audience classification irt,l-`ortraation may be inferred even where the report is devoid of sensitive lnforxnation.
In a preferred implementation of the present invention, the reportiitg system may opera:te in a standard mode or an. exposed mode. In the standard mode, the transmitted report file 2312 is substan:tiall~r free of any sensitive irforrnataon. "rhu:s, for example, the file 2312 ~nay identify the assets actually delivered, on what channel arg.d., optionally, goodness of fit measures as described above. The file 2312 may also include an identification code for the user at least in its header field. This identification code and aiiy other information that may be deemed sensitive ~'~~om a privacy perspective may be deleted or hashed as an early step in. report processing. In the illustrated impIerrflerfltat~ona a sanitizing module 2313 deletes or hashes such inI`orinatla~n before further processing at the headend 2304. Additionally, in the standard mode, the report irforrnation may be anonymized and aggregated by module 2313 prior to fuither processing, for example, for piirpOses of pijblisliirag audience size and demographics or estimating the target urliverse for future br0adcastsa In the exposed mode, a report file 23 10 may include more information including setisitiv~ information. For example, information such as raani~, age, gender, income and the like for a iiser may be included in the file 2310, In this regard, various levels of ex,posed mode may be defined crsrrespondIng to various levels of allowed potentially sensitive information. This iriformation may be useful, for example, for comparison with estimated values to monitor system performance and to diagnose errors. This information also allows Ior demonstratioti that targeting works. It will be appreciated that operation in the exposed mode may be limited to a small number of users who have consented to inclusion of poteritially sensitive iiifarr~iat~on in report ~`~les. In this regard, there may be individual control of participation in exposed mode operation (and at what level of exposed mode) at the CPE level.
The report files pass through the i~eadend 2304 and are processed by a:ai operations ?0 center 2306. The operations center 2306 is operative to perfor~i a number of fanctions iticluding processing report irforrnat.ion. for submission to billing and diagnostic tunct~~iis as noted above. The operations center 2306 the.r~ forwards the processed r~port.
information to tl-ie traffic and billing system 2308. The traffic and billing system 2308 iises the processed report inI'Orrrs.ation to provide measurement information to asset providers with respect to delivered assets, to assign appropriate billing values for delivered assets, and to est~~nate tlie. target universe in cornecti~~i with developing new asset delivery contracts.
In order to reduce the bandwidth requflremeiits associated with reporting, a statistical reporting process may be implemented similar to the statistical voting process described above. In particulaxo rather than having all CPEs report delivery with respect to all breaks, it may be desirable to obtain reports from a statistical sampliaig oI'the audience 2302. For example, the CPE of each user may include a random number geiierator to generate a number in connection with each reporting opportunity. Associated logic may be configured such that the CPE will only transmit a report file when certain numbers are generated, e.g., numbers ending with the digit "5". Altematively, the CPE may generate reports only upon interrogation by the headend 2304 or the headend 2304 may be configured to interrogate only a sarrApllng o f the audletice 2302. Such statistical reporting is graphgcdlly depicted in Fig. 23 where users selected to report with respect to a given reporting opportunity are associated with solid line links and deselected users are associated with a broken line links. Moreover, reporting may be batched such that all reports for a time period, e.g., 24 ~~ours or seven days, may be collected in a single report transmlsszon. Such transmissions may be timed, for ~~ainpley to coincide with low messaging traffic time periods of the netwOrk. Also, the reports from different ~ .PF',s may be spread over time as described below, The reporting system 2300 m.ay optionally be configured to implement asset skip functionality. In certain cases, it may be possible for users to skip assets as by fast forwarding through tlze asset delivery time period. In these cases, the asset provider suffers a diminution of return on its i_nvestmert,t.. Specifically, as noted above, a progran-imlng asset is provided at considerable cost. In the case of asset supported netwo rks, this cost is subsidized in whole or in part by asset delivery revenues, 'Fhat is, asset providers pay for the opportunity to deliver cornrr}.erclal impressions to users. In the context of the system of the present invention, the cost of these assets can be readily translated into a cost per consumer per asset. That is, because the number of targeted lr~ipresslons is known from the reporting information, and tlie cost per asset is known frorn the contact irifor~iatlon, a cost per user per asset ca,ii be directly calculated, W1~~n a user skips an asset, the value to the asset provider is darr~inisl~ed by this amount.
In the illustrated system 2300, asset skipping events can be detected and this lnfor~nation can be reported. The iiijurecl asset provider can t.hen. be compensated for this diminution in value anct/or the user can be billed to compensate for such asset skipping.
For example, in the latter regard, programming assets ca.n be delivered at a discoiint to users Wh0 agree to accept delivery of assets. In VOI) or DVR contexts, atl}er users can skip those assets. This facilitates asset delivery support in certain contexts that have previously been limited, as a practical matier, to pay-per-vlew. For ~xwnple, movies or r~ear-terin (e.g., ~iext day) re-z uns of network prograinming provided via a forward-and-stOre architecture may be asset supported as asset providers will have reas~~iable -issurarEce that their assets have been delivered.

In this regard, the illustrated system 2300 optionally iiicludes an asset skip module 2322. 'The asset skip module 2322 is operative to identify asset skip events (full or partial) and to report this in{ormation to the nebvo.rk. For example, asset skip events may be identified based on n-ionitori~g a click stream from a remote control or otherwise monitoring the video sta~earn delivered to the user, As shoNkm irt, Fig. 23B, appropriate information may be included in this r~garÃ1. in a report file 2311. For purposes of illustration, tbe file 23 11 iriÃ;lÃiÃl.es four types of report lnfonnation 2311AnD. 231 IA
identifies the break or spot at assue, Field 2311B indicates the asset option that was selected by the CPE. For example, the selected asset may be iÃ1.entil:~'~ed by reference to aii.
associated asset channel. This information is usel.'ul to identify the injur~d asset provider so that the asset provider may optionally be compensated for the asset skip.
Field 2311 C
identifies certai~i audience classification 1~arameter values for the user, which may be included, for eaÃainple, in exposed mode operation. Finally, field 2311D
includes a skip flag to indicate w hether or not the asset was skiIs~ed, 'I'his field 2311D
allows for compensating asset providers and appropriately billi~~g users in relation to asset skipping.
Fig. 24 lllÃistrates the various network com~on~iits of a reporting system 2400, as well as their connection to other ftmctional components of the overall targeted billing system. The illustrated system includes a headend controller 2402, aii operations center 2404 and aT&B fiystain 2416. In conveii:t~~nal networks without targeted asset delivery, the traffic and billing system generally serves a number of i~-unctions. Among these, a trafficking function involves order entry and assigning assets to spots. In this rega.rd; an asset delivery schedule is built such that the headend knows to insert a Isaxticular asset upon receiving an identified cu.e. Another function relates to billing.
~,T~.en the 1~eadenÃ1.
inserts an asset, it generates an as run log. These as run logs are useÃ1. by the traffic and '11- 5 billing system to generate affidavits verifying delivery of the assets for purposes of billing. In the case of conventional networks, this is a straightforward process because the headend knows wliat was inserted and therefore Nvhat was delivered.
Moreover, conventional networks do nOt directly measure delivery.
In the case of a targeted asset delivery system in accordance with the present inveiitiÃsns this is somewhat more complicated. Order entry involves audience s0 aggregation, spot optimization and other concepts as described herein. An interface for 1`acilitatincly this process is described in detail below. With regard to billing, it is desired to provide the"r&:Ci system 2416 with information analogous to the conventional as nm logs (plus report information), but delivery infornation originates from the CPEs, Moreover, knowledge of what asset was del.lvered in connection with what programinlng channel generallv requires: ~) a report from the CPE indicating what asset channel was employed for what spot; 2) what asset was inserted on that asset channel for that spot;
and 3) what programming channel that asset chan-nel was associated with for that spot.
The illustrated headend controller 2402 generates as-run logs 2414 for all asset charu-iels identifyiiig the targeted assets that have been transmitted via the asset channels.
Thiis, in step A of the illustrated system 2400, the as-run logs 2414 from the headend controller 2402 are processed by the operations center 2404. This processing provides a network based accounting for tis~ by the T&B system 2416 of all targeted assets that were inserted by the asset server 2412 on the asset channels. In step 13, virtual charanels are correlated to programming c1~~inels based on inf~rmation from the targeted asset database 2406. In step C of the illustrated system 2400, report information is processed.
Specifically, an Asset Dellvery Notification (AD~T) 2410 including repoxt.
1nfomiation is obtained in connection with each asset delivery by the CPE7,fior a represeaitatlve sampling thereof This information identifies at least the spot or break and the asset or asset channel selected. As noted above, all digital set top boxes can be configured to either return or not return ADNs.
The as run logs 241.4 togetlier with the AI3N-s 21410 and targeted asset database information provide a clear picture of what targeted a-ssets were played with respect to each progranunirag channel and how many digital set top boxes actually delivered the assets. "r'hls infoa-inatiar~ can be used to generat.e affidavits 2420 veraf~-flng actual asset delivery. As discussed in more detail below, this enables a new asset delivery paradigm involving a guaranteed delivery of targeted impressions.
Pig. 25 generally illustrates a customer premises side process 2500 for implementing the reporting functionality. The illustrated process 2500 is initiated by mor3itoririg (2502) asset delivery. That is, the CPE monitors tYie c1iaiiiiels selected in connection with a given break .for purposes of reporting asset delivery. A
determination is then made (2504) as to whether the CPE will operate in the standard mode or the exposed mode and, in the latter case, w1iat level of exposed mode, eeg., fully exposed or partially exposed. As noted above, expOse . d mode operation will generally be limited to users Nvh0 have speclficall jassented to such operation. For operation in the standard mode, the CPE reports (2506) asset delivery and, perhaps, a goodness of fit measure free from any sensitive information. In the exposed mode, the CPE determines (2508) a greater level of infOrrnata~n for reportiiig to the network. Such information may include sensitive information regarding the user. In either case, the CPE may run (2510) a statistical reporting module so as to make a determination (2512) as to whether to generate a r~port, Such statistical reporting reduces the banclNkidth requirements associated with reporting. If no report is to be generated, the system rettirns to monitoring (2502) asset delivery.
On the other hand, where a report is to be delivered, a report spreading module may be run (2514). The report spreading module is operative to iiisure that reports from all r~portinc, CPE are not generated at the saine time, Thus, -for example, the report spreazlirac, module may determine a particular time delay in connection with reporting delivery for a particular break. This time delay may be pred~~~~ed and may be difterent for differetzt C Plj;s, Alternatively, the delay may be vaxiable and may be cleterrninecl, for example, based on the output of a random number generator. As a still furtlier altemative, reports may be stored up for delivery at a time of day (e.g,, during the night) when bandwidth is expected to be more available. In that case, different CPEs may still report at different times. Re-porks may be stored for a longer period prior to transmission.
Reports are then generated (2516) and transmitted as determined by the report spreading module. "Fh~ system then continues monitoring (2502) asset delivery.
Fig. 26 illustrates a network side process 2600 in connection 'Adth the reporting futict~onality. The illustrated. process 2600 is initiated by receiving (2602) asset reports indicating actual asset delivery. As noted above, the reports may include an ideratif~catla~ii code and otlier information deemed sensitive from a privacy perspective. Such z~iformation may be deleted or hashed as an early step in report processing, In addition, a determination is made (2604) whether the reports reflect standard mode or exposed mode operation. For ~xainple; a field may be included in the reports to identify exposed mode or standard mode operation, or the conterit of the various reportiiig fields may be analyzed to determine whetlzer they reflect standard mode or exposed mode operation. In the case of standard mode reports, the report iraforiraat~~n may be anonymized and aggregated prior to further processing. Exposed mode reports may be used to execute (2606) certain diagnostics. For example, actual user identification information included in the exposed mode report may be compared to putative audience classification parameter values (indicated by asset selection) to examine the accuracy of the user identification logic.

Altema~ively, in the exposed mode, the report may simply include an identifier that. can be used to access information regarding a user or household stored at the headend. lra the case of statistical reporting, both the standard mode and the exposed mode records may be used to detenrair~~ ~2608~ audieiice parameters. As discussed above, in order to reduce bandwidth requirements associated with reporting, less than all CPEs, for example, a statistical sampling thereof, may provide reports. Accordingly, a statistical model may be used to determine the atidience size and the size of various audience segments based on the report data.
13Al~~~~ parameters and aoodiiess of fit anfora-nation may then be determined (2612) based on the report information. The billing parameters will generally include information regarding the size of the audience to whom an asset was delivered.
'1'lie goodness of fit ini`orrnatlon relates to laow well the actual audience matched the target audience of the asset provider. In this regard, a premium 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 not as good. Based. on this information, the T&B system can then generate billing records (2614), It will be appreciated that such billing reflects guaranteed delivery of targeted impressions with compensation for less than optimal delivery.
As noted above, a platform and associated graphical user interface may be provided for receiving asset contract information. As will be described in more detail below, asset providers can use this interface to specify targeting information such as geographic information, demographic inl:iormatloti, i-un-time 1nfOrflnation, rim 1`recluency lnformatzoD, run sequence information aiid other information that. def-ines asset delivery constraints. Similarly, constraint inl`om-iat~on may be provided from other sources. This contract inforr~-iat~on may also inclaid~ certain pricing iii#'ormatlon including pricing 25. parameters related to goodness of fit. Moreover, in accordance Arith the prescrit inventaoti, repoi-t inforraiation can be utilized as desciibed above for purposes of traffic and billing. All of this requires a degree of ititegration between the T&B
system, which may be a conventional product developed ln. the context of the conventional asset delivery paradigm, and the targeted asset delivery system of the present invention., which allows for implementation of a novel asset delivery paradigm.
Among other things, this integration requires appropriate configuration of the T&B system, appropriate configuration of the taxgeted asset delivery system, and a definition of an appropriate messaging protocol wid messaging fields for transfer of informatiozi between the T&B system and the targeted asset delivery system.
With respect to the T&B system, the system may be configured to recognize new fields of traffic and billing data related to targeted asset delivery. 'I'hese fields may be associated with: the use of reporting data, as contrasted to ratings or share datav to determine billing values; the use of goodness of fit parameters to deternine billi~~g parameters; and the use of report inforrnation in estimating the target imiverse for subsequent 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 ~Aith asset delivery contracts.
The targeted asset system receives a variety of asset contract ir~forrnatioit via a defined graphical user interface. 'r'his asset contract information may set variou;~
constraints related to the target audience, goodness of fit parameters and the like. In addition, the graphical. user interface may be operative to project, in substantially real time, an estimated target universe associated with the defined contract parameters, Consequently, integration of the targeted asset delivery system with the T&B
system may ir#-vYoiv~~ configuring the targeted asset delivery system such that inputs entered via the graphical user interface are mapped to the appropriate fields r~copized by the targeted asset delivery system. In addition, such, integration may involve r~cogn.
izing report information forwarded ~'rom the targeted asset delivery system for use in estimating the target universe. Generally, the T& B system is modified to included logic in this regard ~or tisirgc, the inforrnatiran from the targeted asset delivery system to Droject a target universe as a function of vaxidus contract information entered by the asset provider via graphical user interface.
In addition, the interface between the targeted asset system and the T&B
system 15 may be expanded in relation to conventional interfaces to ace,~inmodate the targeted asset delivery fuiieti0naiity as set forth above. That is, because billing is based ~~i a targeted impressions, additional asset delivery report information is reqllired by the T&B system to compute billing parameters. Similarly, inf`carrrF,ation f-rom the targeted asset system is required to inform the T&B systern in estimating a target universe. Moreover, contract information defining targeting constraints is passed ftom the T&B system to the targeted asset system. Accordingly, a variety of fields are defined for transmission between the systems as described above. These fields are accommodated by expanding the messaging interface between the systems. In addition, an appropriate messaging protocol is defined for accommodating this expanded messaging asset.
Fig. 27 illustrates a process 2700 for interfacing the systems in this regard.
The illustrated process 2700 is initiated by providing (2702) a T&B s}ystein. As Tioted above, the starting point for providing the T&B system may involve lising acon~entlonal T&B
system developed in the coritext of the cr~~iventional timeNslot buy asset delivery paradigm. Fields and a format for receipt of report data may tl3en be established (2704) and inte grated into the T&B s;rstem. In addition, certain fields and formats may be provided for exporting information I'T0in the T&B system to the targeted asset delivery system, for example, for use in targeting assets, In Ã~~~ration, contract inI~~rmation including targeting constraints for particular assets is exported (2705) from the T&B
system to the targeted asset delivery system. Assets are delivered in accordance with the constraints as described above. Dellvenr report data is then obtained (2706) by the T&B
system. Thas report data may be transmitted from CPEs and processed by an operations center prior to delivery to the. T&B system as described above. In addition, the T&B
system accesses (2708) contract information relating to a relevant asset delivery contract.
'I'his inl`ortnataon may specafy certain billing parameters as a function of audience size and goodness of fit infarmati0n. The T&B system is then operative to determine (2710) billing data. based on the contract information and the ~eport data and to generate (2712) appropriate bills.
An overview of the system has thus been provided to assist in understanding the l~catioti targeting functionality set forth below. Additional details of the system are set fOrtli i~. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/331,835, entitled "Targeted Impresszon Model for Broadcast Network Asset. Delivery," which is incorporated herein by reference.
25.
IV. LOCATION TARGETING
As ref~~enced above, assets may be advantageously targeted to specific locations, so users in those locations may receive assets specifically ~eant to be received and consumed in those locations. I:n the past, node level switching was available to direct assets stich as ads or other programming to particular nodes in the cable network. Node level switching is an example of geographical targeting based on network topology because the placement of nodes in a network is Iaaxt. of the topology of that network.
Switching at the node or headend is useful for coarse geographical targeting or targeting a geographical region that corresponds with an area covered by a particular r~ehvrsrk element such as a node or a headend. lr~ addition, multiple nodes may accept a particular asset so combinations of network topolOg~-defined areas may be targeted as well. Such targeting may be based on location alone or in combination with other classification parameters as discussed above.
~lowever, in accordance with the present invention, location targeting can be implemei}ted insl~~endeait of network topology, for example, using user equipment device selection, delivery and reporting processes as discussed above. By way of overview, location targeting is accomplished by using la~catioai criteria for an asset like other targeting criteria discussed above. That is, an asset provider specifies a target location zone using a targeting interface just as the asset provider would speciAr a target deiraograplile group or the like. Based oia tliese targeting criteria, including the location criteria, an asset list may be distributed to some or all CPEs, which, in turn, submit votes.
13ased on the votes, flotillas of assets may be constructed and inserted into available bandwidth (e.g., asset cliaraiels anc,>or the current programming channel), and the locatiort, of such assets may be identified by metadata transmissions. Individual CPEs can then deliver appropriate assets (e.g., based on targeting criteria, including location criteria) and sorne or all of the (;:Pl~:s may generate. reports regarding assets actually delivered as described above, It will be appreciated that variations of this process may be used, especially in the case of location targeting. For example, in some cases, location may be the only critenon used for targeting. 'I`his r~iay occur, for example, in a spot optimization coiitextv where an advertiser purchases a spot but wishes to deliver locationTspecific ads, or 1.~catlonwspeclfic tags associated with an ad for general distribution, to provide lnfonnation (e.g., contact information or promotional ln-forrnat~on) for a local retail outlet. Location targeting is not limited to specifications provided by advertisers. For example, a network operator may wish to target its stilsscrlbers on a location dependent basis. This may be done, for exarnlaleq to target specific promotions to areas where competing service providers have begun offering services or are otherwise targeting the network operation subscriber base.
In such cases, voting aiid reporting may be deemed unessential and may be skipped or ignored. Rather, the localized asset or tag may simply be distributed with metadata so as to enable (T]"Is to select the appropriate content.

In the case of localized tags associated with general dlstribut~o-n ads, an asset provider may or may not desire to designate l~catlort, as a voting parameter.
For example, in the case of fine location targeting, voting based on locatloii criteria might result in low vote totals for aiiy localized asset or tag, even though the content might otherwise be well matched to a large portion of the potential audience. "I'his may be addressed in a number of ways. For ~xaniple, the asset provider may omit the location criteria as a voting criteria (e.g., the location criteria. may be included only as delivery criteria in the case of available bandwi(I.th to submit znultiple or all localized assets or tags), or the l~catioyz criteria may be designated as secondary criteria (to be used only w'hen there ls.1~andwidth available for r~iiltiple localized assets). Alternatively, t1-ic location criteria may "l~e used as delivery criteria only in a hybrid synchro~oufi/~'s~nva:rd-and-store system.
For example, tags associated with a general distribution may be disseminated with la~caÃ.la~ii metadata prirar to a spot and stored by appropriate CPEs. Th~ general distribution ad may then be voted on as described above. If the general distribution ad is disseminated, it may be selected by the CPE for delivery and the tag may ~e delivered with the ad.
In any event, the locatiort, targeting functionality described below involves allowing asset providers or other parties to specify location criteria, allowing CPEs to know their own positions, and allowing CPEs to compare their positions to the location criteria. Each of these is addressed in tum below.

A. 5 ecifvln Target Location Criteria Specifying target location criteria may be accoinplished via the same interface system used to specify other criteria. This interface system is generally described below, followed by a discussion OI'the specific location f,ancti0nality.
Fig. 28A is a block diagram of exemplary targeted coiiterat interface configuration 3600. Targeted content interface ~~n-figti.rati~~~ 3600. may be used to interface with mi asset provider, such as ~~~ advertiser. "I'ar,~~~ed content interface conI~gurataon, 3600 may provide the advertiser with an interface to a system that targets content for broadcast r~~rworks, such as the system described above. In. this regard, advertiser interface 3601 may include processor 3602 that provides graphical user interface ("GUI") 3604 to an advertiser. For example, processor 3602 may be a genera.l-purpose computer coaifigured with a monitor to display GUI 3604. GUI 3604 may provide 1nI'a~n-nation to the advertiser with respect to generating art, ad campaign (e.g., a television commercial campaign).

Examples of such information may include demographics, monetary budget, desired time, and/or broadcast network program.
Additionally, GUI 3604 may receive 1nI'ormationI~om the advertiser pertaining to desired/selected ad campalgns. For example, an iril'orrriatioil content provider may ~ choose to display certain ads to a particular viewing audience at a given time of day. The advertiser may also wish to eiiter a maximum budget and/or a cost per ad impression (i.e., delivered ad, although typically measured in cost per thousand, or "CPM").
Generally, the cost associated with the ad may lae set by the MSO after negotiation. The a(ivertiser may enter this information into GI._.~I 3604 such that processor 3602 may, ariiorig other things, transfer the information to traffic/billing system 3610 via interface 3603.
Interface 360:3 niay be coril"`igured for providing communications betweeii advertiser interface 3601 and. tra~~`gc:b1ll1ng system 3610. For example, interface 3603 may communicatively couple to interface 3611 of traffic/billing system 3610 via communication llnl. 3615. Communication link 3615 may be an Intemet link as is used to transport communications via Interriet protocol (e.g., "I'C;Pr`1P). As such, CiLJI 3604 may be configured as aii applet that operates within a Web browser, such as Microsoft's Iritemet Explorer. In such an embodiment, GUI 3604 may download inforrriatiori from traffic/billing system. 3610 that enables an a(I.wertiser to manase an ad campa~gn.
The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to a particular type of communications between the advertiser and traffic/billing system 3 610. For ex~.ple, comraii-ira~catiori link 3615 may be a server connection and/or a virtual private network connection. ln such an embodiment, GUI 3604 may be associated with a customized software application that allows communications between the advertiser and traffic/billing system 3610, The software application may be controlled by instructioiis 3614 stored with storage element 3613 of traffic/billing system 3610. For example, instructions 3614 ~iay direct processor 3612 to deliver mi applacatioii to advertiser interface 3601 such that Gt;l 3604 is displayed therewith.
Processor 3612 may also be configured for coiitrollirig billiiig operations I`or an advertiser. For exarriple, processor 3612 may communicate ~vith an operations center.
The operations center may convey infOranatiOri pertaining to delivered ads of a particular campaign that the advertiser has entered with trafl"'icibllliirg system 3610 (i.e., via GUI
3604). Based on. this information of content s~gment traffic, processor 3612 may generate costs associated witli delivered ads (e.g., impressions). As such, a bill may be generated:I~or the advertiser and delivered to the provider via communicatiofli link 3615 or other meaaisY such as traditional mailing, email anct%or withdrawal from a deposit account.
Preferably, Iiowever, billing is performed by the MSO. In that regard, processor 3612 may present the iiiformation to the MSO such that a bill may be generated for the advertiser.

In the context of location ta.rgeting, billii}g boundaries may be coiisidered in relation to specified location zones for ad (or other asset) targeting. The traffic/billing svstem 3610 aenerally covers a defined geographic area. This area may iticlude a nuinber of Desigiiated Market Areas (DMAs) used for audience measurement and other purposes aiid may define a complex shape, e.g., including discontiguous segments.
'I"hat is, the system 3610 tyIiÃca11y will generate bills 1`or advertisers based on dissemination of ads for the defined geographic area, If the advertiser wishes to disseminate an ad on a broader basis, this ~~ii be accomplished by establishing rnultipl~ contracts with multiple systems that ~~~ierat~ ~nultlple bills. In some cases, an advertiser may wish to target ads to a zone that extends across a traffic/billing system boundary. This can be accommodated in a number of ways. For ~xainp1e, the lc~catioai targeting logic may be implemented such that an advertiser caiinot define a zone that extends across a traffic/billing system bouncla.ry, Consequeiitly, an advertiser desiring to define a zone extending across such a boundary can establish multiple contracts with multiple systems, each of which includes location targeting information defining a portion of the desired targeting zone.
Altematively, the location targeting logic caai allow an advertiser to deIalie a targeting zone extending across a traffic/billing system boundary. In such a case, the logic co-Lald catase multiple bills to be generated corresponding to the multiple traffic/billing systems implicated. As a I`-urther altemativc, the location targeting logic could cause a single bill to be generated in. sticIr cases for the advertiser's convenience. In this regard, separate network operators associated with the separate traffic/billing systems may settle accounts in relation to such bIllings. It will be appreciated that an interface between the separate traffic/billing systems may be d~~~~ed to a~cornrnr~dat~
such functionality.
Fig. 28B is exeinplar~ GUI 3604 of targeted content interface configuration 360() of Fig. 28A. In this embodiment, GUI 3604 provides a resource that enables the adveitiser to initiate an advertasi~~~ cai-npaI.gn. For example, an acl'vertiser may wish to generate an ad. campaign for commercial brealcs withiii broadcast network content (e,g., televisiofl~ ~omniercial breaks). GL7~ 3604 allows the advertiser to generate the ad campaign for ads by entering certain can-ipaigii parameters (e.g., cost per impression 3636, billing information 3637, maximum cost per impression 3639, campaign dates 3642, andr'Ãsr various demographic infÃarnat~on 3631). Costs associated with each ad may be negotiated with the MSO prior to the ad ca:a~~~~gn, An c-idvertis,er may provide ads to a system that targets the ad.s to certain CPEs, such as CPEs 2810 described hereinabove. For exaniple, an advertiser iraay provide ads to an ad server. The advertiser may then establish desired delivery attributes (e.g., demographic information 3631, such as age, gender, income, andfor time of day) for delivery for the ads via GUI 3604. 'r'hat is, the advertiser may associate various attributes of C~PF' users to ads suuli that the ads are delivered accordingly (e.g., based on votes cast by the CPEs as described hereinabove).. AdditiÃsnally, the advertiser znay include infoiinatiOn regarding the maximum cost per impression (e.g., maximum cost per delivered ad) and/ Or duration of the ad campaigns.
GUI 3604 may be impiemented as an interfacing application delivered, for example, to the advertiser by a server based system (e.g., traffic/billing system 3610).
Al~ematively, GUI 3604 may be implemented as a web site in Which. an.
advertiser interfaces through, for example, a Web brs~Nvser, such as Microsoft In~emet Explorer. In either case, GIJT 3604 may provide information to traffic/billing system 3610 regarding certain ca~~paggn information (e.g., demographics, billing information, etc.).
Similarly, G[7~ 3604 may provide information to advertiser regarding costs associated wg~~ the ad ca~paigns, For example, GUI 3604 may receive anformationfrom trafficrbillirig system 3610 regarding theriumber of impressions (e.g., deliveries of ads to individual CPEs) and the costs associated with those ~inpress~ons.
NA'hi1e one embodiment has been sho,%rn and described herein, those skilled in. the art should readily recognize tha~ the inorentaoii is not intended to be limited to the illLastrated embodiment. For example, GUI 3604 may be implemented in other ways that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art are familiar with implementing such interfaces in a variety o~~ways.
Fig. 28C illustrates G~.~I 3645 in an altematibre embodiment to GUI 3604. In this ~rribsadiment9 GUI 364~ incorporates audience estimation information. For ex~~~~, a system used for targeting ads to CPEs, such as system 2800 of Fig. 28, may estimate the number of audience inembers based on CPE usage. 17his audience estimation may be incorporated into GUI 3645 sÃich that an advertiser may designate where ads should be delivered as well as budget for delivered ads.
GUI 3645 may enable the advertiser to select various featu.res that cor-respond to audience inembers. For example, the advertiser may input a certain audience profile based on gender 365ÃI, income level 3651, age 3652, geographic region 3653 (e.g., zip code, cityY suburb, neighborhood, individual dwelling, state or custom l~cata~~~ zone as described above, etc.), as well as other pararrt,eters (e.g., channel inclusion 3656, channel exclusion 3657, prog-ram exclusion 3655, etc.) to designate delivery of a particular ad.
I3as~d on these parameters, the system may estimate an "audience universe"
(e.g., a riiimber of audience members fitting that profile) and allocate a cost for tl~e ad. Audience estamatioii is sl~owri and described below.
Intuitively, the advertiser may ~iiter a certain audience profile according to variotis audieiicu parameters age 3652, income level 3651, gender 3650, etc. The parameters of program exclusion 3655 inay enable the advertiser to exclude various programs, or broadcast network- cor#tent. For example, by entering a certain broadcast network content prograni title, the advertiser may deselect insertion of art, ad from that broadcast network content program.

Similarly, andIvlclu~l network channels may be included (i.e., channel inclusion 3656) or excluded (i.e., channel exclusion 3657) by the entry of certain channel information within designated fields. Such may eiiable the advertiser to designate which channels receive ads. For ~xaniple, an advertiser wishing to deliver ads relating to lingerie would likely rqot wish to deliver such content segments to viewers watching children's programming. As such, the advertiser may use CTUI 3645 to exclude such ads from viewers of the children's programming. In a similar fashion, the ad provider may wish to include cefl-tairfl other chaamels that would be preferential Ibr a particular ad campaign, For example, the ad provider may wish to deliver ads relating to men's shaving products (e.g., shaving cream, razors, etc.) to viewers of a sports network.
In addition to the audience selection parameters mentioned, GUI 3645 may include other parameters that an advertiser may use to generate a campaign of ads. For example, tl}e advertiser niay select days oI'the week 3660 and the number of weeks 3661 in. which the ads are to be delivered to the designated audience profile. In this regard, advertiser may also select the start and end dates 3662 aaid the start and end times 3663 of the selected days. As well, the advertiser may select the frequency 3659 during this campaign in which the ads are to be delivered to the designated audience profile.
Optional features may include "skipping" certain times in which the ads are to be delivered. For example, an advertiser may desire delivery of an ad during a.
certain week 5. while skippirig other weeks wittiira a campaign start date and end date.
'I'he advertiser may therefore enter the weeks to be skipped in the skip weeks field 3664.
The system may also use these selected. campaign parameters to estimate the eaiidzence universe. For example, the system may retrieve a pnon information corresponding to entered campaign parameters. That is, the system may retrieve the nurnber of audience nzernbers using (:PEs at times that correspond to the campaign parameters. For example, the system may develop such predictive information based on prior voting and report information. As discussed above, the system has access to a large volume of information, based on such votiiig and reports, regarding audience size and composition that is indexed to progamming chamiel and time. Accordingly, the system is well equipped to estimate th~ audience universe. Indeed, in many respects, the system has capabilities that exceed. traditional ratings based systems. This information may be displayed in audience universe estimate 3658. Additionally, GUII 3645 may include cost allocation paraincters for which the system may generate bills for the advertiser. For example, each ad lAithin a ~~ver~ campaign may have a "cost per impression"
3665, As such, the system may use an audience universe estimate 3658 and multiply the cost per impression for an individual ad to estimate a total cost for a given ad campaigxi..
Generally, t~oughy the price of an ad is based on a universe estimate (i.e., number of ati~~~~~e members) times a frequency of the ad times ttie cost of the ad.
Other in-fornation for GUI 3645 may include items such as client identification 3667 atid the particular market 3668 for the client. For example, a co~~paiiv such as Intel C:orpe ma:~~ be identified as a high technology company desiring to display ads to a certain group of consumers, such as cOllege-educated individuals between the ages of 28 and 42.
Ari Iritel representative may use GUII~ 364 5 to tailor an ad canipa.ign that delivers ads relatiqig to Intel processors that enhances deliveryaY of such ads to the desired audience.
The system may therefore use the market information as a "filter" for certain broadcast netW ork. ck~aniiels having at least a viewership component that matches a, desired audience. In this regard, aggregation of ~PE users may be achieved.

Fig. 29 is a flowchart of exemplary targeted coai~ent interface process 3700.
In this embodiment, far~ interface is provided for an asset provider, in process element 3701, For example, a syst.ern used for targeting ads to CPEs, s~~ch as system 2800 of Fig. 28, may provide a cÃ~nununi~ative interface, such as GUI 3604 of Fig. 36B to an advert.isero With the communicative interface, the advertiser may corrsmur~~~a-te information pertaining to campaigns for selected ads. That is, advertiser may provide user attributes to be associated with ads. 'I'he provider inay also provide a~~ountbilling information such that costs associated with campa~gns may be provided thereto.
The system may receive ttie information about the ads from the interface, in process element. 3702. The system may then associate ir~~~~nat~on with the ads of the advertiser, in process elemeflit 3703. For example, such information rnay include demographic attributes (e.g., age, gender, income level, location of CPE or STB etc.) of desired targets. As such, the system may target delivery of the ads based on.
the infoarnaticarfl9 in process element 3704. That is, the system may provide ads in connection with broadcast network cotitent as described her~~iiabove (e. ga, on dedicated asset channels, in the programming channel, etc.).
Thc~ system may deliver the broadcast nemjorl~ content and ads to CPEs, which select appropriate ads. For ~~ainples attributes of CPE users may be inferred and matched to targeting criteria for an ad. As such, one group of CPE users may receive broadcast content associated with a first ad while a second group of CPE users receive broadcast content associated with a second ad (e.g., that dif-fers fr~~~ the first ad).
Regardless, each ad that is delivered to a CPE user may be deemed an impression. The CPEs, aipon delivering the ad, inay report back to the system that the segment was delivered, As such, the system may determine the number of target impressions delivered, in process element '25 3705.
Based on the number of impressions, the system may associate costs with ads, in process element '1706. For example, each ad may 'lla~e a predetermined cost associated with the segment. The total cost for the ad campaign is therefore the ~lum'~er of impressions times the associated cost per impression. This i~lfomiatgon may then be communicated to the advertiser such that payment can be made.
The interface may also include elements for specifying a targeted area. As noted above, the present system allows for great flexibility in designating a targeted area and, in particula.r, is not limited to broadcast network ~~~~~locly. While this allows for improved targeting, it c-ils0 entails certain complications related to the definition ol`~~~ targeted area.
Some areas correspond aiig to existing demarcations may be easily defined, such as by identift7ang towns, neighborhoods, zip codes or the like. For example, particular advertisers may wish to target geographical areas that are not specifically defined in.
relation to the advertiser's business or business location, e,g., upto,%Nn N.1anhatkan, the triy sta~e area, the District of Columbia, etc. Such geographical zones may be predefined for seiecti~ii by an advet-kiser in relation to the interf-'ace, ~imilc-irly, other geographical zones, not necessarily being rec0giiized outside of the system, may be predefiiied for selection by an advet-tiser in relation to the interface. For example, based on demographic analysis or intelllc-ence developed through ad contracting, vote tall;rinia and delivery report a-nalysis, the system may develop predefined (in relation to a given ad contract process) zones having characteristics of potential interest to classes of advertisers, e.g., luxw=~
consumer zones, senior citizen zones, stLiden~ zones, discount shopper zones or young professional zones. Similarly, geographically defined zones may be correlated to audience size and classification such that, if an advertiser wishes to target 100,000 females between ages 1 ~~34, this may be accomplished based on geographic targeting without requiring any geographic expertise. Additionally, other areas may be del:~ned by entering a small ai-noaant of infornati0n, for ~~ainpleY a location (e.g., of a retail outlet) and a proximity parameter (e.g., a 5 mile radius). In such cases, the interface elements 2 0 used to specify the location criteria may iiiclude text boxes, drop down menus and the like, Moreover, it will be appreciated that definition of location zones is iiot limited to such a graphical user interface. For example, in some cases, it may be convenient to define a geograpllical zone by loading or accessing ~cLastomer or other mailing list or otherwise by re-ferenc~ to an extemal data source or ~'ale. In this regard, each address on a mailing list may defi~~e a segment of a composite geographical zone or any location element (e.g,, a grid cell as discussed in more detail below) having a least a preselected nuinber of hits from a mailing list may be flagged for inclusion in a geographical zone.
Similarly, in the case of defining a zone by way of a radius from a business outlet or ot1ier location, such a definition, as noted above, may simply involve an address and a radius and can easily be provided by phone (e.g., to sales personnel of the network operator) or other means.

I-lov~ever, in other cases, an asset provider may wish to target a custom or arbitrary geographical area. The present invention provides a system I'or targeting assets to geographical areas in a manner that is independent of network topology. In one implementation, the system includes asset filtering at the CP:E level in reIat~o-n to the location of the CPE. As such, the system may target individual CPEs, groups of CPEs or geographical areas, in a manner that is independent of the network topology.
Such targeting may be I'a.cIlitated by a graphical user interface, including a map, such that the user can draw the target area in relation to the map, e.g., using a touch screen, a mouse, a stvlÃis or a drawing tool. Such a map may allow for zooming in or zooming out to a.ccora-niodate fine or coarse area definition. These inputs may then be processed to translate the inputs into an intemal I`orrnat, for example, using a hierarchy of defined area, elements. For ~~~inpley Fig. 30 includes a number of streets 4I02-4103 that are included in a ZIP code 4106 that is in tLam included with a nun ber of other ZIP codes within a region 4112. Such information regarding subscribers associated Witb the STBs may be obtained from an MSO. Because the system uses informatioii. from the MSO, it is capable of distributing ads to the correct feggorg, ZIP code, or street.
Ftirthermore, the system may comprise (on a lower level) individual street addresses. However, it may be desired to generalize such inI'orrnation, e.g., to a block centroid, so that sensitive information is not available to advertisers or ot~ier parties to whom a subscriber may not want the information released. Similarl;r, the geographical area corresponding to the coverage of a traf'~'ac;bglling system of other universe of location available for targeting may be divi.rIed into predefined subse ts, e.g., grid clernert,ts. IrA this marraer, the size of the grid elements may be selected to accommodate a desired level of targeting granularity.
The size of the grid elements may also be selected so as to provide privacy protection in relation to the location information employed, e.g., so that location information can be conveyed in the form of a grid element identity, whI6 is not personally identifiable or specific to any particular persor,househoId. Moreover, such granularity is readily scalable (e.g., by changing the cell size or combining cells) to conform. to any regulations that may apply with respect to a given jurisdiction.
1ÃI The chart. 4100 in Fig. 30 is an exarn~le of a. hierarchical geography ~lassi~ ~cation., Although the chart 4100 and elements (e.g., streets ~ 102y4I 0'j, ZIP codes 4106, 4108, 4109, region 41121) a.re shown here having a hierarchical struct-Lire, those skilled in the art shÃ~~~ld readily recognize that the invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiment. Rather, the geographical elements or struct.ares may be represented in a number of possible al~emate structures. F'or example, it may be convenient to utilize census divisions such as blocks, block groups, census tracts, metro areas, etc. Similarly, political divisions such as counties, wards, precincts and the like may be utilized.e For example, as shown in Fig. 31Ay a geographical region, such as the State of New York, may be represented by a grid of coordinates 4202. The grid of coordinates 4202 may be viewed by an asset provider on a GUI displayed ~~i a computer screen. 42134.
'I'l~e asset provider may then select a region of aii arbitrary shape (e.g., rectangle 4206, circles 4208 and 4210) on the grid to represent bis preference for geographical. targeting of an asset. It should be noted that, -the shapes of the targeted regions, may be arbitrary and rriay include areas that are not part of the grid (e.g,, the circles 4208 and 4210 include some of the states of Connecticut and New Jersey). f''~reas not part of the grid may be discarded or may be applied. to another grid. Because the system is independent of netNvork topology considerations such as locations of nodes or locations served by headends, the targeted areas may include areas served by multiple parts of the network or by other networks, and may exclude many other parts of the network(s).
Furthermore, the areas selected by the asset provider may be areas that are deemed to be inclusion areas or exclusion areas, respectively selectiiig those areas for asset delivery or selecting those areas to which the asset should not be del avered. For example, circle 4208 may be an inclusion area and 4210 may be an exclusion area, allowing an asset provider to target an annular region that is within a range of distances from. a central location.
The targeting systean may be implemented such that a network operator or other party is able to place limitations on the targeting zones that may be defined.
For example, the network operator may wish to place minimum or maximum size limits on zones or may wish to limit zone shapes to a certain set of predefined shapes (e.g., to avoid the need for ciimbersome zone defiraltiOras)e Such limitations can be effected in any appropriate manner such as by providing error messages when a limit is violated or enabling selection of zones only from a~~~~ig "legal" shape options. Moreover, the location targeting functionality or all targeting functionality may be excl~ided ~'rorn certain geographic areas, e,g., school campuses, corporate campuses, retirement communities, etc. Such exclusions may be implemented in. conriection. with a graphical user i-nierface as discussed above.
The caaordiiia.te system sh~~,vn in Figure :sl.A. is a Cartesian coordinate system, however, many other coordinate systems may also be used separately or in combination.

For example a radial coordinate slvsterrg could determine distances from particular landmc-irks as well as arcs aiid eircles. Additionally, shapes may be used that correspond to real feattires as well as arbitrary shapes. For example, the bowidarl.es of county lines, major roadways, streams and lakes, or other useful delineations may be used in defining the shapes available to asset providers for defining a target geographical area.
Any appropriate cOord~iiate syst~rn and associated projection methodology may be employed in connection with d~~i-iing location zones and CPE or other user equipment device l~cati0iis. 'I'hat is, the interface noted above involves representation of an area of the Pla.rth's surface on a twoRdimensional screen. As is well known, any projection of'th~
Earth's surface onto a flat surface will involve some distortion of the true topology of the Earth's surface. (;artographers have developed ri~~iy different projection techniques to address this problem, and different ones of these techniques have difference relative advantages in r~iatlon to preserving properties of shapes (over a localized a.rea)s preserving direction, preserving difitances, etc.Accordlngly, the coordinate system and projection technique may be selected to preserve any qualities deemed important to a network operator or advertisers.
Several practical considerations niatigate the affects of projection distortion in the noted application, 1"''irst, distortion affects become more pronounced as the size of the area to be mapped increases. "Fhese offsets t vpicall v are not linear, and modeling them can involve complex mathematics, However, over small areas, linear approximations can be used with little error. ln. the context of tarclyeted advertising, it is expected tllat accuracy will be most crucial when targeting zones are sa~iall and wall be less cr~lcaal w1ieri targeting in coarse. ~onsequeaitlyY for m~iv targeted advertasi~~g applications, it is expected that many different coordinate systems and prqjection techniques will yield adequate results and such selection may be based on other considerations such as reducing computational complexity and. processing, resources. In this regard, it is expected that typical targeted advertising applications will reqllire resolution no more fine than that required to ideaitify a residence and, in many cases, groups of residences or neighborhoods. As a result, it is expected that distortion errors on the order of 10 nieters will generally have little or no impact, and, in some cases, errors lA411 be tolerable at least until they are Nvell in excess of 100 meters.

In addition, cable markets typically exist within a narrow range of latitudes.
Mapping models can. take advantage of this assumption, since distortion with certain common projections increases with distance from the equator. Extreme pola.r latitudes are unlikely to be critical in many targeted advertising applicatlorEs, In consideration of all of tl~e above, it is expected that a ~~~iventional planar projection onto a Cartesian coordinate grid will be suitable for many targeted advertising applications.
In particular, siieh a projection can be executed in relation to a cylindrical coordinate system where the axis of the cylinder extends through the Earth's poles. Such a prQjection is expected to have adequate accuracy for the noted applications, while advantageolisly allowing for simple processing and req-Liiring minimal processing resources to implement location comparison algorithins as described below. 1-lowever, it is anticipated that otlier coordinate systems anci. projections may be preferred for certain targeted advertising applications.
It should be noted that the same coordinate system and projection processes need not be used for all purposes in the targeted advertising syst.em, For example, as noted above, a cylindrical coordinate system may be used to define a planar projection map for a user interface. This does not rr~eaii that if an advertiser wishes to target a circular area defined by a point and a radius that the ta rgeted area must be distorted from a circular area relative to the Ea-rth's surface (spherical projection) to reflect the distortion inherent in the noted cylindrical prqiectiorflo That is, the circular area may be defined as a true circle in relation to the 1?,arth's surface (in which case it would appear distorted on the user interface), or it may be defined as an iinperfect circle in relatic3n. to the EArth's surface in order to appear as a true circle 0~i the user interface. In one iinplemeaitationy it has been decided to define circular geographic advertising zones as true circles in relation to the Earth's surface, resulting in slightly imperfect circle representations on the user interface. This is believed to more accurately reflect the desires of the advertisers who define such zones.
Mor~over, different platforms of ihe system may define geographic zones in different ways. For example, a user equipment device may expediently compare its location to a circular zone defined by a point and a radius. In a particular implementation, another network platform, such as a headend or a traffic and billing system platform, may represeti:t that zone as a distorted circle (due to a projection process) or as a set of rectangular cells appra~~~matiitg the circular zone. Translation between these different representa~~~i-is of a given area may be implemented automatically. In addition, the error resulting from this translation process can be precisely determined and correlated to numbers with affected network users. Those users can even be identified if desiredo It is therefore expected that prqjJection related errors can be minimized and, if desired, can be addressed by appropriate logic.
NVhile the noted graphical user interface provides a useful mechanism for use in deIini~~ geographical zones, it will be appreciated that many location targeting ob~jectidres can be satisfied without usiiig such asi anterface. For example, many advertisers desire to advertise based on census divisions, political divisions, proximity to a retail outlet or other geographical bases that do not require graph1cal. mapping. In such cases, the divisions may be identified directly or other arzl'ora~iation may be input directly without using a graphical interface as described above. For ~xainple, such information may be transferred as data files, textual inputs, dialogue box ~~~puts, drop-down rnerau selections, etc.

B. CPE Location Information As noted above, in 0rie implernentation, voting andt'or ad delivery decisions are based on ~~~inparasen of the targeting location criteria to the location of the CPE. Thus, in this implementation, the CPE knows its location. Tl-iis can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, the CIDI; location can be programmed into the CRC; beIore the CIPl; is provided to the net-~,Nrork user. However, tl-iis may be cumbersome, does not 2 Q address equipment alreadv in the field and does not accommodate moving of equipment.
With regard to moving of equipment, this encompasses botli. the occasional movement of essentially fixed equipment (e.g., movement of a set top box in connection with a change of residence) and routine movement of mobile devices.
Alterrflatlvelyy CPE location iiiI'orniation may be provisioned from a sotjrce extemal to the natwork. For example, the CPE or subscriber may access a Geographical Information System (GIS) or other site to obtain geog raIrhical coordinates corresponding to a street address of the CPE. However, as will be discussed below, it may be preferred to store locc-it.iori information at the CPE in a format other than geographical coordinates.
In still other cases, the CPE or other user equipment device may be capable of determining its position. For example, a variety oI Isersonal computing devices (including certain cell phones or portable hard drive based devices) have or may soon.have GPS or other positioning system capabilities. Additionally, some devices may be positioned via telephony system technologies such as cell ID, cell sector, microcell, TDOA, AOA, aGPS, etc. Moreover, a number of systems have been proposed or developed for locating 11' devices, for example, in conn~ction' with positioning VOIP devices to meet goverrment r~gulations for routing of emergency calls to PSAPs and otherwise providing device location information. Accordingly, user equipment device location information inay l~~ obtained in various ways involving various communications pathways.
Fi& 34A illustrates a location provisioning system 4500 and associated process wkier~in C;:PE. location is provided through the broadcast network. 'I'he process is initiated by transmission (4501) of a C 1DE identification from the CPE 4502 to the targeting systern 4504. "1"lae targeting system 4504 may be resad~~~t at a headend, at a separate platfOrrn and/Or may be distributed over multiple platforrns. The tarcFet.ing system 4S04 transmits (4503) tlie C13E ID to an MSO who can correlate the CPE ID to a street address of the associated network tiser. This street address is provided (4505) back to the targeting system 4504.
It will be appreciated that this address may be directly related to a grid element or region used by the targeting system. 4504. However, in the illustrated implementation, the address is trarasinitted (4507) to a GIS platfonn 4508, which retums (4509) corresponding geographical coordinates or a geocode.
"!"hls geocode nia.y then be transmitted (4511) to the CPE 4502. However, it may be preferred to provide processed location information to the CPE. For example, the geocode may be generalized (e.g., to the coordinates) to avoid use of personally identifiable ~nfoiination. ~-'~lterr3.atively; the geocode may be correlated to a grid structure used for specifying targe't location criteria. 1n this regard, the format of the CPE location gnforrnataon provisioned by the targeting systein 4504 may be a func11~~~ of the metliodology employed to match CPE location information to the targeting location criteria as described below.
Fig. 34B illustrates an altemative system 4520 for provisioning location information. In this case, a user equipment device 451-6 is capable of det.ermlrzna its owri position. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the device 4526 obtains location iiiformatior~ based on gignals 4521 from a satellite based location system 4522. Although only a single satellite is illustrated, it will be appreciated that determining location inl`orination generally involves contact with at least three satellites for two-d a~ens~ona1 location information and four satellites for three-4mens~~nal location information (including altitude). As noted above, it may be desired to express the device location ~nfom-iat~on in ternis of a grid element or the like rather than in terms of a raw geocode.
Such a grid is not limited to a Cartesian coordinate systea~~ but may be defined in relation to any coordinate system. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, lÃ~catiort.
information 4523 is transmitted from the device 4526 to the targeting system 4524. Such location information 4523 may be encrypted or transmitted in comporierit 1`orrn to address privacy coneems. The targeting system 4524 receives the location inforflnatiorf. 4523 and provides processed location 1nfornatioii. 4525 back to the device 4526, For example, the targeting system 4524 may match coordinates to a cell of a grid or ~thenvis~ correlate the location information 4M to the process location infonnation 4525. Alterrflatively, this matching of the raw l~catiozi iiiformation to processed location infora~iation may be performed by location processing logic 4528 resident on the user equipment device 4526.
Fig. 34C shows a flarther alternative system 4530 for provisioning location infonnation regarding a user equipment device 4536: In this case, the targeting system 4534 obtains location information 4535 from a location platform 4532. For example, the location platform 4532 ma~ ~e a location gateway of a mobile telephone iietwork. Sucha location platforrfli 4532 may receive l~catiorf, input ~~m a variety of sources. Thus, for example, the platl`or~ 4532 may receive mobile device inputs 4531 from mobile devices capable of determining their oNNm position as well as telephony network inputs 4533 from any of a variety of network based positioning systems as discussed above. The location information of 4535 may be provided, for example, in the forrn of geographical coordinates together with an uncertainty. The targeting system 4534, as above, expresses the location ir#-formatgon 4535 in terms of a grid cell or other location id~~itifier used for purposes of the targeted advertising system. 'I'his process location information 4537 is provided to the user equipment device 4536.
It will be appreciated that it may be desired to occasionally update l~catiort, infonnation for a user equipment device. The frequency of ~ipdating such information r~iay be a futictlon of the type of user equipment device. Thus, for example, in the case of stationary custonzer preniases equipment, it ~nay be suffi~~~iit to update device location c~iily upon a change of address of the subscriber. T1ius, the targeting system may receive an address change notification for a particular device and, in res~onseo push tipdated location information to the user equipment device. In the case ofimobile devices such as mobile telephones and portable hard drive based devices, location infonnation may need to be updated more frequently. Thus, in the case of mobile telephones, a location platr'or~~ may receive updated location infonnatlor~ on aperiodflc basis, in response to a polling process, a ~ower-on signal, a cell hand-off procedure or the like. The targeting system may register with the location platform to receive such updates as they become available or may otherwise request updates on a periodic basas, ln the case of user equipmerit devices capable of determining their ow-n positions, position 1nforrnati0n may '~~. updated continually. Altemat1ve1y, suclz devices nia}y report location information to the targeting system c-irad receive processed, location information periodically or upon determining that updated location lnforination is needed due to a change in position determined by ira0nltoring raw location in1`orms:taoti. In any event, once the device location inrormatlon is obtained at the user equipment device by one of these technlqties, the device location can be compared to targeting criteria, as described belaw.
A variety of other mechanisms can be used for providing location information to the user equipment devices. For example, a user equipment device may query a netw-ork platform to obtain the device's location by entering a MAC address or otl-ier identifier.
Alternatively, the network may periodically push a table of device location information, e.g,3 indexed to MAC addresses or other device identifiers, to nchvork devices. In this case, individual devices may access the table, retrieve the relevant information ~.d then discard the table so as to avoid persistent storage of extraneous infor-na.tion. As a further alterriatlveY an installer or other person may. carry a GPS or otl-ier locating device and load location information into the device. Any suitable process for providing the location atzformation may '~e utilized in this regard.

C. Location Mat~h' "T.~e CIP1=, or other user equipment device can th~ii use its stored location information to identif~r appropriate assets, e.g., in a. voting context or as psit of an ad delivery decision. In the present implementation, this involves a comparison of the CPE
lr~catirsr~ inforrnatlari to the location targeting criteria specified by the metadata associated with an asset., Any appropriate comparison tec,hnl~~~e can be employad in this regard.
For example, in the case of an ad ta.rgeted. to CPEs within a given radius of a specified location, the distance 1 Semy~en the C1'E1 location and the specified location can be compared to the given radius. Such a comparison can be executed according to the followlng equation:

(Xd ----xd 2 + ~.~)d--- Yd 2< P"2 where Xd and Yd axe the coordinates of the device, ,~, and Y, are the center coordinates of the specified location, and r is the s~ecified. radi-Lis. The coordinates may be absolute geocode coordinates or reference coordinates for a grid element.
If the location targeting criteria defines a polygon, ~variety of pointmin6polygon algorithms can be employed. For example, in the case of a square, the location of the device Xd, Yd inav be compared to the locations of two diagonally opposed vertices (xvlryvl and xv2 d`' YvA where xvJ < Xv2 AN-D yvt < Yv2s as fol I i7ws:

Xvl < Xa < Xv2 AND yvl < yd {'- yvz ~~~~~lar logical constraints can be defined for other polygons. For these or more complex shapes, a ~oundany can be expressed mathematically. A. ray can then be defined extending from the CPE location (e.g., from the CPE location north to the traffic/billing system boundary). For zones defined by a single continuous peripheral boundary, intersections between the ray and ~oi-mdary ~aii be identified such that an odd ~iumber of intersections indicates an in-zon~ status of the CPE location, and an eve~.
number of iiitersections indicates an outyof-,~one status. That is, each boundary crossing effects a change in status -from inside the zone to outside or vice versa, If the ray extends ~~~ond the boundary of any pernissib1e zone (thus indicating a ray end status of outside the zone), then the status of the CPE location is a function of whether the total number of bouiidary crossings along the ray is an eve rs or odd number. Further ~xarnples of point~
"0 ~i-i~~~lyg0n algorithms and specific implementations thereof can be found in Haines, Eric, "Point in Polygon Strategies," in Grgphics Gems IV, Paul Heckbert (editor)a Academic Press, 1994, ISBN 0123361559, whicb is incorporated herein by reference.
As a further aItemative, a quadtree data structure, hierarchical grid. data fonnat or the like may be tised to efficiently define target areas. 'L`hus, for example, the broadcast network service area may be divided into four quadrants. Each of these quadrants may be divided into quadrants, and so on, uritil the desired :~eve1Ã~~ ~~catioii granularity is defined.
The finest level of aranularity is the lowest or first level of the data structure. At the second level, each element is composed of foarr elements of the first level and so on. This structure can then be used to define a target area. For exarnple, grid elements iii~luded in a target area may be flagged in the mapping logic. If all four level 1 grid elements Ã;orresporEdang to a given level 2 element are flagged, then the ~evel. 2 element is flagged a~id the level 1elements are unfl~~~ed. The same 4pplies at higher levels.
This allows for efficient definition of complex shapes.

This is illustrated in Fig. 3 1B where a portion of boundaries 4208 and 42 10 from Fig. 31A are sl~own. The area included within the boundaries 4208 and 4210 of the illustrated segment is approxir~~~ed. by level 1 elements 4240, level 2 elements 4242, level. 3 elements 4244, level 4 elements 4246 and level 5 elements 4248. At the boundary, whether an el~~ent. is flagged caai be deteraiiir~~~ by one or more rules, such as the element must be wholly within the boundary or a majority of the element must be within the boundary.

:In this manner, any area m n everi complex areas or areas composed of discontiguous elements - - can be efficiently defined and can be defined in relation to a c z~ion grid str-uctu.re, Moreover, such complex areas cwi be represented compactly, thus reducing the amount of data that must be transmitted across the network.
As described above, each CPE can know its position in terrns of its corresponding element at each level of the grid structure. Matching a CPE location to a targeted zone then simply involves finding a match of a C P1; location element to a target zone element at any level of the gT1d structure. Moreover, it will be appreciated that, due to the geometric nature of tl-iis grid strt.gcture, the entire area of a broadcast network can be defined to a fine level of granularr.ty with few grid levels.

As depicted in Fig. 33, the GUI 4400 used to specify location taxgetang criteria may be configured to provide an asset provider with feedback about the audience size within the selected area, The GUI 4400 may, therefore, provide a total audience universe estimate 4404 next to the geographical grid 4406 for t1ie. asset provider to view while making selections. Tlae -1t,;l 4400, in this example, calculates an anticipated audience size based on the geographical area selected, gliereby providing an asset provider with a gauge of how expensive a particular advertisement cam~~algn may be. Other filters flnay be included in the ClUl 4400 to allow the asset provider to deterinine, for example, the number of males 4408 b~~Nveen the ages of 25 and 34 (eeg., 4410) within the geograpmeal areas selected. Therefore, the GLJI 4400 may provide feedback of the potential audience universe 4404 within a particular geographical area at any level of audience classification desired.

Moreover, the GUI 4400 may include other information to assist advertisers in develo~ing a targeting model. Thus, for example, the GUI 4400 mav include infonnatiesn identifying population cancentratiraiis, conceiitratioris of particular demographic groups, predefined location zones and the lgkeo This informat1on may be presented in any appropriate form such as color coding, legends, text, etc. Moreover, the information may be accessed in interactive fashion. Thus an advertiser wishing to la~entifv coricentratiolis of a. particular demographic ~,rroup, a particular neighborhood or zip codes r~av enter corres~~~idiiig anfor~iatiort, via pull-dsswn menus, a "where are they?"
dialog box or other appropriate input devices.
After the asset provider has inputted information relating to a targeted geographical area, the GU1440Q or so~Nvare presenting the targeting application forwards the information describing the grid location, size, and type of each shape to the ad ~~ivlng;data management system 4220. 'I"his information is converted ziito geometry metadata (e.g., identifying grid (Fig. 31A) elements, coordinates defining a polygon, a p0iiit and radius, etc.) and the ad buylflig,/data management system associates this geometry metadata with a particular ad from the ad database 4224. 'T`I~e ad buying/data maiiagerr~ent system 4220 creates metadata from the particular ad in the ad database 4224 and transmits it wltli the geometry metadata througli the delivery network 4228 to the CRI; 42332- (e.g., in an ad list submitted prior to transmission of the ad or metadata submitted together with the ad). Because the delivery network may be a broadcast network, some CPEs 4232 may receive ad metadata and geometry metadata that is not appropriate for that particular CPE 4232. The delivery network may or may not employ filtering within a. network such as headend filtering or node filtering as descr.i.bed a1~ove.
Ir~ the illustrated embodiment, the CPE 4232 receives the ad metadata and processes it with respect to 1nÃ~wm location parameters stored inside the CPE 4232. 'I'hus5 t1le CPE
4232 performs an CPEalevel filtering.
The CPE-1eve1 filtering, as discussed above, may depend oii, the type of metadata provided by the ad buying/data management system. For example, the geometry metadata provided may include two comers defining a r~ctarzgle 4206. 'I.he CPE

a~iay construct a set of coordinates within the rectangle 4206 that are incl~ided. in the rectangle 4206. Assuming that the rectangle 4206 defines an area to be included in the delivery area, the CPE 4232 may then detemiine whether its coordinates (represented by the coordinates 4234) lie within a set of coordinates defined by the rectangle 4232.
Similarly, t1-ie metadata sent by the ad buying/data management system may include points defining a trapezoid or other polygon. iknother type of metadata may include a point and a radius defining a circle (e.g., 4208 and 4210). The central coordinate pair may correspond to automotive dealership, spot-ting/eveiits center or other central location of interest to the asset provider. Geometry metadata may include complex metadata such as the shapes described above or other more complex shapes. Geometry metadata may also include a list of pOIi,Is or otlier I'O~i-ns of encoded lists such as a raster scan, Ilul`tman codiiig, or run-le~~gth coding. Ftirthea-more, as discussed above, the metad,a:t~ may identify flagged elements at nitiltiple levels of a quadtree data structure.
In addition, any combination of metadata may be included as asset providers may desire particular flexibility in determining a tar~~~ed. area.e Indeed, any manner of representing the targeted geography may be included.
Additionally, ~i asset provider may be interested in designating different levels of fit reqijired between the location of the CPE (e.g., coordinates 4234) and the geometry metadata. For example, an asset provider may require that an asset be delivered only if the CPI~ 4232 is within a particular county, but may be willing to pay a premium if the asset is delivered. within a particular radius of their retail outlet.e In another example, the asset provider may draw two circles sucki as 4208 and 4210, defining a prem~~~
area with circle 4210 and a nonnpremgur~ area 4208. Furtl-iermrare, multiple geometry metadata may include overlapping areas stielr as several contiguous counties, but may exclude a cei-kain portion or portions of the multi-county area. In such a case, the criteria that must be* met includes a location criterion of the CPE 4232 being included in the multi-county area and a location criterion of the CPE 4232 being excluded from a particular region of that area, for the asset to be delivered.
Figure 3 ) 2 depicts an exemplary state d aagrara} 4300 oI'the code for an CPE
423 2.
.I`l~~ CPE 4232 contains ara area of code or software (e.g., block diagrwn 4300) and a CID:E, hardware interface 4302. The CPE 42132 may perl=orrn targeting fimetions in.
manner that is consistent witli the rest of the system as herein described, such as through voting, deterTnining a goodness of fit, delivery and reporting. For example, the CPE
4232 may receive an asset list (ADR ~`~le 4304) and deterrnln~ a fit ~etw~~~i a l~ca~~~~~ 4306 of the ADR 4305 and the location classification parameter 4308 (e.g., stored location coordinates in the CPE). It will be noted, in this regard, that geography may be considered by the targeting system in constructing asset lists. For example, if multiple headends are managed in a single targeting system, and an asset is targeted to a geographic zone that only overlaps a subset of those headends, that asset may only be included in the asset lists disseminated by that subs~t'of headends. The CI'E
4232 may then provide a r~.~;. 4312 or goodness of fit parameter relating to the ADR or asset list, and combine this rank with ranks (e.g., ranks 4314 and 4316) determined based on other criteria and other ~lassa~`~cation pa.r~~ters. The CPE 4232 may then use these ranks to provide an ordered ADR list 4320, or aii ordered asset list.
In relation to the ADRs, a CPE need not persistently store ~eo~rapbiefal targeting infori-na~~on. Specifically, a number of ads may include information defining targeted geographical zones. This 8n~~rmatioii, even if expressed compactly, may include significant amounts of data. l'~ avoid iinnecessary use of storage resources, this location ir~~~~~iat~on can be used to ~~rfoami a matching function as described, above and then discarded. "I'bis is, the location infrannation carf, be accessed and compared to the CPP"
location to detemii~~e whether or not there is a match. In either case, the location information can be discarded.

These lists become part of an ADR pool 4324 from which the top AD.Rs 4326 may be tised to fomi a vote 4330. The vote 4330 may be provided to the broadcast network by the CPE 4232 in a manner described above, such as througli statistical voting sampling, or dLi~ing an opportunistic time. The ADR pool 4324 may also be used by the CPI14232 to select a path 4334 or other plan of viewing assets during an avail window.
During such an avail window, the CPE 4232 may navigate through an asset flotilla to deliver assets taxgeted to the CPE 4232 by asset groviders. A viewlist 4338 may be used. by the CPE
4232 to compile a report that signifies a ~~~cular asset was delivered 4340. A-n asset delivery notice (ADN 4344) may then be created and transmitted to the ~~etwork by the C;:l3 E' 42 32.

The clicks~~earra 4350 of a viewer is created when that viewer selects programming or a channel on the CPE 4232 or otb.~nvifi~ provides volume or other inptits. The clicks~~eatn 4350 may be used along with information about prograrnming demographics 4352 retrieved from a program guide file 4354 to Ã~~~errnine demographics st~ch as age and gender of the viewer presently watching the progTamming. Such a process is further described above. `rhe set of vieNver demographics may be used to determine a. rank 4316 of an ADR 4305 based on the viewer's fit to the age;
~ender 4356 contained in the ADR 4305.
Furthermore, information inferred from the ~~ickstream 4350 may also be included in the viewlist 4338. 'I'lie CPE 4232 may use the viewlist 4338 (as well as informa~ion.

from the ADR pool 4324) to construct a path 4334, For exatnple, the C PE 4232 may determine from the viewlist 4338 that the viewer is presently watching a sports network a~id t}ierefore may determine a particular path 4334 that is appropriate based on the present ~hann~~ being watched.
Location may, in some instances be treated just as other classification parameters are treated by the CPE 4232. For example, targeted classifications may just as easily include location criteria as age, geiidea=, or income criteria in. a manner as described above.
'T'hus, the location criteria may be treated interchangeably and analogously with. other demographic, psychographic, or marketing criteria 4332, Location criteria may also be treated differently from other criteria, For exasnpIes the location of the CPE 4232 may not change as often as the demographics or psychographics of the iiser presently watching the television set. In such a case, location information about the CPE 4232 may be determined only periodically (e.g., a reboot of the CPE 4232), and may be stored by the CPE 4232 for quick reI`erence, e.g., as a geographic coordinate pair or geocode or as a grid element identifier. In addition, if the CIPI?, 423.2- determines that a particular asset may never be delivered by the (e.g., because of a. strict exclusion of the particular location classification parameter of the C-I'E, 4232), the ~.`~PIs 4232 may discard the asset metadata or ADR related to the asset and discontinue further inquiry into the goodness of fit of the other classification parameters of the CPE 4232 and,"or the viewer.
The location paranieters within the CPE 4232 may be used with any type of asset delivery architecture, including forward a-nd store architectures, asset channel navigation architectures, analog architectures, or any combination there0f. For ~xanip1e, a CPE 4232 may store a first asset and/or ADR that is I'o~~axded to it because a location parameter in the CPE 4232 matches a location criterion in the asset, regardless of whether the CPE
4232 is presently being watched, because it may often be assumed that the location parameter of the CPE 4232 does not change between uses of tI~e CPEI.
Similarly, in advaaace of ~i asset flotilla being presented to the CPE 4232, the CPE 4232 may know which assets in the flotalla may or may not be delivered, regardless of who is using the CPE ~~hen the flotilla actually arrives, Location Ira.rarneters of the target CI'E 423.2 may also be used when an asset or ADR is delivered for real-tame filtering of the asset or ADR. Therefore, location may be used both in a rea1-time manner as well as a ~on-real-time manner as a laver of filtering, and the partlcul~r- nature of location criteria/foci and location parameters may be advantageously used by the system.

LOcation. classification paraTneters 4308 may be stored by the CPEI 4232 for use in ranking an asset or an ADR 4305. "f'he CPE 4232 may receive such. location classification parameters 4308 from the flietwork as a response to the CPE
423'z providing ia~enti.t.-icatgon ~nforrfliation. On receipt of the CPE identification information by an element within the network (eag., a. customer database) the netNvorlC may detennlne the location classification parameter 4308 fr0rn information stored in the database. Such inforanation ma.y include the billing address of the customer. T'he location cla:ssil:-icatgon parameter 4308 preferably does not include any individually identifiable iiifonnation or other sensitive information. For ~xa~nple, the location classification parwnetea~ 4308 may laielude a pair of coordinates on a grid (e.g., (Xn, Yn)) that correspond to multiple users or households. 'I'his grid may be a proprietary grid to further conceal ~ty sensitive information in the location classification parameter, or may be in inore readily recognizable set of coordinates such as longitude aiid latit-ude. '1'he location classificatiÃ~~~
parameter 4308 is sent tlu-ough tlie network to the CPE 4232 where it is received and stored. Alt~matively, the location classification parameter 4308 may be lnclilded within a list of location class~~catiort, parameters 4348, and may be correlated with a list of C1DE
1dentlfiers. This list 4348 may be broadcast by the netWork so that an CPE
4232 may receive the list 4348 and retrieve its owrf, location classification parameter 4308. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other svstems or methods may be used to communicate with the CPE 4232 and provide the CPE 4.232 with its location classification parameter 4308.

When a CPE 4232 reports to the network a delivery of an asset through an AD'N
4344, or other foka~~ of notification of a particular asset delivery, the CPE
4232 may include information specific to the CPE 4232, ~nclias~~nc, the location of the CPE 4232.
l-lowever such a report may raise privacy ~oneems as a subscriber may not wish for an advertiser, or another party, to know that a particular subscriber was either targeted for such an asset, or that such an asset was a.ctually viewed. :ln this exaniple, the subscriber may find it acceptable for the CPE 4232 to report tbrough the ADN 4344 that an asset was su~cessfLilly delivered to a CPE 4232 and viewer that met all of the classification parameters included witli the asset (or otherwise provide goodness of fit iliformatlon).
Thus, the actual l~catiOri or household where the asset was delivered does not need. to be disclosed in the ADN 4344 or report, md sensitive irifor-natiran does not need to be disclosed., It will thus be appreciated that the location targeting functionality can be fully integrated with the functionality of the overall targeting system as described above.
Targeting can thus be based on location atid other classification parameters saich as demographics. Moreover, location targeting can be implemented in ~~~iiection with audience aggregation and spot optimization models, synchronous and forwarrl-arkd-store architectures and with voting and reporting functionality. Especially in this case of spot optimization (as is the case for other classification paraincters)Y voting need not always be executed for location targeting (e.g., where there is sufficient ~andmidth to provide a11 asset options for a spot within a given broadcast area). In such cases, the targeting criteria can be provided to9ether with the asset such that the device can select and deliver the appropriate asset. However, it will be appreciated, as noted above, that the functionality associated with implementing location targeting may sometimes vary from that associated with other targeting. For example, location information for a user ~qu1pinent device may be pr~~idecl. from the network- or a locatio'n system, whereas other kinds of inforriiatgon may be inferred from a cllclÃstrea.in. Moreover, location is generally device dependent rather than user dependent and may not cha nge as often as other classification parameters for certain devices.
V. TAG TARGETING
It is often desired to associate tags with ads in order to better tailor the ad message to a targeted individual hotisehold or group. As noted above, such tags may simply be handled as a separate asset (witli appropriate logic to maintain the associatioil with the related asset) and targeted to the desired audieiice segments as discussed above.
Hovueorer, it is often desired to overlay the tag with the asset such that the asset is seamlessly associated wltli the asset or such that asset graphics and/or audio continue uninterrupted through at least a portlort, of the time period Wliere the tag is delivered.
Examples of the use of tags are illustrated by Figs. 3 )5W37.
Figs. 35A935D illustrate a siinple tagging application. The illustrated Figures represent frames of an ad. The last frameq represented by Fig. 35D, is displayed at the conclusion of the ad spot. Thus, a general distribution ad, such as a national ad, is modified by the tag illustrated in Fig. 35D, to provide localized, personalized or otherwise differentiated content, in this case, infarrnation regarding a local dealership. This type of system is valuable to advertisers as it allows for corr3.~ination of the benefits of high quality national scale advertisements with localized information of interest to consumers.
7'he system is also valuable to system operators as they can derive revenues from both, in ~ this case, the automobile manufacturer and the local dealership.
Figs. 36A and 36B illustrate the use of dlffer~~~~ tags in connection with the s~e ad. In this case, ~i automobile ad is modified by the inclusion of ad tags to identify two diI'.f.'erent dealerships. It will be appreciated that it would be desirable to deliver these different ad tags in different geographic areas, e.g., proximate to the respective dealerships. It is also noted that the tags, in the case oI`Figs. 36A and 36B, are overlayed with the ad. This is desirable for a ~iumber of reasons, including increased ad appeal and avoiding the need Ior extended, spot len~th to accommodate the tag. The present invention accominodates this functionality by utilizing digital overlay devices With appropriate controls to manage and synchronize the output oI'these devices to ads.
Figso 37A and 37B illustrate a I`~.arther tag implementatlorf. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the same tag is utilized in connecta~~l w-it1i different ads. It will t1ius be appreciated that a variety of dil`I`erent, ad-tag combinations can be generated in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, targeting of the ads and tags may involve different criteria. For example, in a spot optimization. context, an automobile ma.~iuI'act.arer may target different ads to different audience segments based on, e.g., demographics. 'I'hus, a -firsx demographic group may receive a sports car ad, whereas another demographic group may receive a luxury car ad. In either case, the tag may be targeted based on location, e.g., proximity to a glven. dealershi.p.
It should be noted that tag targetiflig is not limited to location. For ~xarnpIe, a 215 d~partirient. store may associate different tags wit1i an ad to highlight different promotions, e.g., a white sale or a sale on power tools. It may be desired to target those tags to different demographic segrraents (in addition to or in place of targeting based on geographic zones as disctissed immediately aISove). Thus, it will be appreciated that tags may be targeted based on any of the criteria discussed above associated with asset :30 targeting, though tag targeting and asset targeting may be independent.
The following discussion describes three different tag systems that may be denoted the Simple TagTM system, the Smart PagTM system and the Brilliant `I'agTM
system. jl"hese systems have different relative advantages relating to case of l.0"s implementation and sophistication of targeting, and any one of these systems may be advantageous for a particular application. Moreover, as discussed below, the systems can be combined to provide hybrid tarRetin~7_ as mav be desired. It Arill be appreciated that these systems are provided to illustrate a variety of implementations in accordance with the present invention, but other implemeiitations are possible within the.
scope of the present invention.

Fig. 38 illustrates a Sarraple `1'~~TNI system 4900. The system 4900 is implemented in connection with a cable television network that includes a regional headend 4902 and a number of local hubs 4904. 'Fhe syst~t-n 490Ã1 enables a system operator to insert high 10- ~u alitv tags or overlays and does not reqtiire any dedicated logic at user ~quipmelit devices at the households 4906. In tl-iis case, tag targeting is based on location and} more specifically, on network, subdivision location. '1`he granularity of the targeting will depend on where the system is deployed. ,lra this regard, the system may be deployed at the regional headend 49Ã121, at the hubs 4904, at zones (groups of nodes) or at nodes. In some network architectures, finer granularit:y may be allowed, for example, in connection with nodes of switched digital iietworks. Furthermore, it should be noted, as will be discussed in more detail below, that location targeting ~ia}y ~e performed on the basis of locations independent of network topology with minimal logic resident at the user equipment devices.
2Ã1 In the illustrated embodiment, tag targeting is linplerraented at the hubs 4904.
Thus, all viewers serviced by each hub will see the same tag. Each of the illustrated hubs 4904 includes an ad. tag overlay device 4908 and a tag controller 4910. As will be described in more detail below, these components 4908 and 4910 are operative to insert tags in connection with associated ads where the tags are specifically selected for that 1iu'~
area. Alternatively, if stii:ficaent bandwidth is available, the regional 1~eaclend 4902 could provide clifferent tag versions of the same networks to the hubs 4904. In that. case, overlay equipment would not be required at each of the hubs 4904.
1~ag. 39 illustrates tag tar~etgiig compOrier#ts 5000 that may be impleinented in caiinection Witli each of the hubs. '1'he illustrated components 5000 include a tag controller 5010, lnel~idir~g an SCTE 30 interface part 5018, a digital overlay device 5008, a DP1 splicer 5012, a DPI ad Server 5014 and a cable system 5016. The tag controller 5010 receives content via interface 5009 from a content distribution system (not sl~~~Nn,).
This content includes the tag contdrit} which may be in the forrn of text, graphics (still frarne or video) anÃl,'or audio content. In addition, the tag controller 501Ã1 receives traffic infortnatlÃ~~ -via interface 5011 from a traffic andbillgng system such as described above.
This traffic 1nfOn-natian generally includes ad sc1~eduling information.
The DPI Splicer 5012 receives the ads from the I3IIT Ad Server 5014. I'h~ tag coiitroller 5010 is operative for establishing SCTE 30 cOrunwlic~,~tiolrs via interface 5001 with the DPI ad splicer 5012, wblch, in tum., exchanges communications via interface 5003 with the ad. server 5014. In addition, the tag controller 5010 is operative to distribute and mafl~~~~ tag content on the digital overlay device 5008, as will be described below. In this regard, ad triggers (carried in the network in the form of SCTE

messages) are provided to the DPI splicer 5012 via interface 5005 from a broadcast content sotir~~ (not shodNm), 'I'he splicer 5012 cominwiacates with the cÃ~iitroller 5010 via interface 5001 in response to the cue message inf`Ormation. When the controller 5010 determines that a tag needs to be inserted, it communicates 'With the splicer 5012 via interface 5007. 'I`he splicer 5012 then provides a tag trigger to the overlay device 5008 via interface 5017o Finally, the controller 5010 receives tag verification data from the digital overlay device 5008 and provides tag verifications 5011 to the traffic and billing system. Altematgvely or additionally, tag verifications may be sent from the user equipment devices of the cable system 5016 to the controller 5010 via interface 5019, which, in tum, provides verifications (in raw or aggregated form) to the traffic and billing system. In this manner, the traffic and billing system, ca~. account for actual delivery of tags in providir~g affidavits to advertisers and generating bills.
The digital overlay device 5008 receives tag content via interface 5013 from the tag controller 5010 and programming and aÃi content as well as tag triggers via zliterfa~~
5017 from the 1~~31 Splicer 5012. 'Ch~ overlay device 50Ã38 uses this trigger infarrnatiorq to overlay appropriate tag content on the appropriate network at the time specifieÃl. in the trigger. ln ge~ieral., this will izivol~e asso'clating the tag cotiter~~
N."rith a designated ad, though tags may be provided in connection with other programming. lt will be appreciated that no audio delav is required in this regarcl.. The overlay is terrnlnated at the time specified in the trigger by the digital overlay device 5008. The network 'With the 30' overlayed tag is then output to the cable system 501.6 via ititerfa~~ 5021 for delivery to individual user equapinent devices.
Fig. 40 shows an altemative iinplerrfler~tation 5100 of the Simple TagTM
system, In particular, the functionality of the digital overlc-iy device and the D:I~l ad splicer are combined into a single component 5104, As in the example s1escrilsed above, the tag controller 5102 is operative to receive tag content via interface 5101 from a content z1.istribiition system and receive traffic ir}fr~rination 5103 from the traffic and billing system. In this case, the controller 51.I2 establishes SCTE 30 communications via interface 5105 with the splicer overlay device 5104 and distributes tag contelit to ttte splicer overlay device 5104. The tag controller 5102 also receives tag verification data from the splicer overlV device 51.ÃI4 via interface 5107 and provides tag verifications via interface 5103 to the traffic and billing system, 'I"he tag controller 5102 also provides triggers to the device 5104 over the interface 5105. Again, t~c, verifications may be 10. provided by the user equipment devices of cable svstcm 5108 to the tag controller 5102 via iaiterface 5109, which, in turri, can provide veri1acat1ori information to the traffic asid billing system in raw or aggregated form via interface 5103.
As noted above, component 5104 combines the functionality of the digital overlay device and the DPI ad spl~cer. In this regard, the device 5104 performs standard DPI ad.
spli~ing, receives tag content via interface 5107 from the tag controller 5102, receives trigger infOrrnat~~~ via interface 5105 from the tag controller 5 102) in the fomi of SCTE
35 messages with custom descriptors and overlays appropriate tag content on the appropriate network at the time specified in ttie trigger. 'Fhe splicer/overlay device 5104 also terminates the tag overlay at the time specified by the trigger. Finally, the splicer/overlay device 51Ã34 outputs the network, including the ad together with the associated tag 5113 to the cable system 5108 for delivery to ind1vidtia1 aiser equipment devices. In the illustrated example, the ad server 5106 and the splicer/overlay device 51 ~~ each have an output interface such as Gigabit Etherrget., IPTV or any other appropriate interface.
Fig. 41 illustrates a Sma.rt. TagTM System in accordance with the present in~ention.
Again, the system 5200 is ~~~~~emeiited in cotiiiect~on with a network that includes a ~ecyional headend 5202 and a nLamber of local hubs 5204. Eacb. of tt~e hubs 5204 is associated with a number of subscriber households 5206. Again, each hub 5204 includes a ta~ coyztraller 5208 and an overlay deva~~ 52 10.
However, in this case, each of the hub areas is divided into a number of location zones 5212. For example, each of these zones may encompass a number of nodes, analogous to a Service Group. In addition, the user equipment device(s) associated with each hous~~~~ld ~~~~~ includes an application operative to transmit votes 5210 to the hi-ib 5208. These votes 5210 can be analogous to the votes described above in coranectaoti with asset targeting, though it should be appreciated that targeting of assets and targeting oftags may be independent of one another and may be processed on different ~latforms.
As described above in connection with the voting process for targeting of assets, information, such as a list of tags ~id associated targeting parameters, may be distributed to taser equipment devices in advance of an ad for which a tag is to be associated. The pser equipment device receives this inf-ornatgon and transmits the vote 5210 ident~~~ing one or more tags, for ~xaniple, together with a go0dtie:ss of fit score. All of the user equipment devices, or a sampling thereof, for each zone 5212 may submit votes in this regard.
"I'he hub 5204 processes these votes to select a tag for association with a given ad on a given channel for each zone 52112. In this regard, all households within a zone area receive the saTne tag. However, the households 51-06 in different zones 5212 may receive different tags based on the voting.
7'hus, in. the illustrated implementation, the tag controller 5208 is operative to broadcast tag descriptions to user equipment devices, to receive and process votes and to inform the overlay device 5210 of the appropriate titg for each zone 5212.
"I'he user equipment devices in the illustrated implementation are operative to determine user or household classification inforrnation, receive the tag description information from the tag controller 5208 and use t.he classification information and the description inforrnation to vote for one or more appropriate tags. As described above, the classification information may be determined based on user inputs, such as a remote control click stream ancilor other informat~on.
Fig. 42 further illustrates the Smart T~gTM functionality. 1n this case, there are t~ro zones 5302 A and B assrs~iated. with a hub 5304. The tag coiitroller 5306 broadcasts descriptive iraf0nnation. for the tags to user equipment devices of at least some households 5308 connected to the hub 5304. As noted above, these user equipment devices include a classifier capable of developing and/or storing a profile for a corresponding user or househol.d. The user equipment devices utilize this classification inforrnation to vote for one or more appropriate tagso In the illustrated example, in zone 15i~2A, four user equipment devices voted for tag I while two user equipm~iit devices voted for tag two. By contrast, in zone 2 530213, five user equipment devices voted for tag 2 while one user equipment device voted for tag 1. As a result, the tag controller 5' )06 may direct the digital overlay device to insert tag I
-it, the appropriate time for zone I and to insei-~ tag 2 at the appropriate time for zone 2 53Q2B.

In the case of the illustrated system, every user equipment device in zone I

will receive tag I while every iaser equipment device in zone 2 5302B will receive tag 2.
T'~~ illustrated example assumes that two different outputs are generated in the hub 5304:
one for z0iie 1. 5302A and one for zone 2 530213. It will be appreciated that, if a tag is targeted strictly ~~~ ~~etwork s~~bdavisio~ location, voting would be unnecessary as the tag controller 5306 ~oLild assign the correct tag for each network sa~bdgvisgon zone. However, if targeting is based on location parameters that are independent of network subdivisions, voting may still be useI`-ul. Of course, voting will be ifs~fuI for targeting pc-irameters other than location such as marketing ariIonn~~ion or promotions.
It will be appreciated that the illustrated system represents an improvement in targeting in relation to the SimIsie 'I'agTM system described above.
Specifically, while the granularity of targeting is still limited to network subdivisions (in this case, zones), the tag inserted for each. zone is based on current netkkrork conditions. As a result, a better matching of the tag to the targeted group may be achgeved. Nonetheless, as the above example illustrates, some user equipment devices will receive a tag other than that for which they voted. Tlaat is, some tis~~ equipment devices will not receive the most 2- 0 suitable tag. This result may be tolerable for many appI~catIons, Indeed, this restiI~ may be viewed as entirely desirable, given that the result can be achieved with minimal tag targeting logic associated with the user equipment devices. However, where better targeting is desired, the Bril~iai-it TagTM system may be utilized.
Fig. 43 illustrates a Brilliant TagTM system implementation. Again, the system 5400 is implemented in coiinection with a ~~twor~. that, includes a regional headend 5402 associated with a niim~~~ of hLibs 5404. In the illustrated network, each of ttie hubs 5404 is associated with a number of zones 5406, each of which, in turn, is associated with a number of subscriber hotisehoIrls 5408. At least some of the households 5408 include one or more user equap~~ent devices that are operative to traiismIt votes 5409 to a targeting system 5410 associated with the hub 5404, as described above.
In the case of the illustrated Brilliant TagTM system 5400, the user equipment devices are operative to insert tags in association with ads. :I:n this manner, different user ~quipment devices, even within a glveii zone 5406, can render different tags in cotinecti0n with the same ad on the same channel at the same time.
Accordingly, the illustrated system. 5410 is operative to broadcast tag descriptions to the user equipment devices, to receive and process votes, to broadcast rfliultlple tag ~ assets (e.g., based on the votes) to each user equipment device within a given zone 5406 and to broadcast tag triggers to the iiser equipment devices. Alternatively, in connection with a forward and store architecture, the tags may be transmitted to the user equipment devices in advance of the ad together with targeting information for the tag.
Such an implementation may be executed with or without voting.
In the illustrated implementation, the user equipment devices are operative to store or develop classi.t.-iuation information for a user or household, tÃ) receive tag description 1nfOnnatlOrfl from the targeting system 5410, to vote for one or more tags, to receive the tag triggers and to retider the appropriate tag at the appropriate time on the appr~pna,te channel. These tags can include text, audio, and./ar graphics (still-frame or video) depending on the storage and. graphi~~ overlay capabilities ol'tl~e user equipment devices.
~~catise tag insertion is executed at the user equipment devices in the illustrated embodiment, it will ba appreciated that the system 5400 cannot infer accurate delivery inforrnation based on broadcastiaig of the tags. Accordingly, it is desirable to receive report inl'~nnatiÃ~ii from the user equipment devices. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, at least some of the user equipment devices are further operative for reporting (in relation to at least some tag deliveries) tag delivery to the targeting system 5410, which, in tum, provides reporting inforinat~on (in raw or aggregated form) to the traffic and billing system.
It will be appreciated that the illustrated system 5400 does not require any additional overlay device in order to perform tagging. However, combinations of the above ~ioted systems may be utilized. For ~xainples a Smart TagTM system could be deployed in the hiib 5404 to overlay a. roughly targeted high resolution graphic image while a Brilllaflit Ta,~TIll system could be implemeiited at the user equipment device to add a highly targeted text based tag. The combination of the two systems thus provides the highest quality of graphics and the most precisely targeted text message for tags associated with a given ad.
A variety of ~iictlonality may be implemented in connection with the tag systems described above. As iiOted above, the bandwidth available for tag distribution may be limited. It is desirable to populate this bandwidth with tags that are well targeted to the current audience or otherwise selected to maximize value. Tl-iis may be accomplished, in part, throug1i a voting process as described above, ~~eci:~~Ã~allyo a list of available tags may be distributed to at least some user apartment devices in advance of the ad slot for which tags are available. At least some (preferably, a statistically significant sampling) of those user eq~~~ynent devices may stibmit votese These votes may identify one or more appropriate tags as detemiined by comparison of targeting parameters associated with the tags with classification paratneter values for a current user or users. I'lae class~~cat.ion.
parameter values may be determi~~ed by a classifier using, among otlier thiaigs, a click stream entered by tl-ie user or Lisers.
:I:n adciztiori5 at least some of the user ~quipm, ent devices may generate reports identifying the tags delivered by the user equipment devices. In some cases, especially where the user equipnieiit device is not actively involved in inserting the tag, the user equipmeiit device may become aware of the tag delivered based a~~ a water mark or metadata associated with tag. Additionally or altemative1yp reports may be generated and a headband or other network platform involved in tag dast-ra~-ution. For example, -where both the user equipment device a~id a network p1atfonra are involved in inserting a tag, reports may be geAierated from both user equipment devices and one or more netw-ork platforms.
Relatedly, a hybrid tag may be generated f.rom content inserted at multiple locations. For ~~~-np1e, a part of the tag cc~iitent may be generated at a headband or other network pl~..tforrai and another pai-t of the tag content may be generated at a separate network platform or at the user equipment device. '17his may be desirable, for exatnples when it is desired to construct a tag including highLLquality gTaphacs as 'well as highly targeted content.. 7"he high-~quality g~~phics may be generated at a network platform and highly targeted text may be delivered to -user equipment devices. This represelits a significant improvement in relation to certain prior tag systems that were limited to lower rl~iality graphics overlapped at the end of an ad.
The tag systems as described above are not limited to operation in conventional broadcast mode. For example, tags may be utilized in ~onnectioan with VOD or time shifted prograrquning. In the latter regard, networks and network operators are inereasingl~ ~na~ing programming available on a time shifted basis, for exarriple$ the day after the origiiial run of the programming. In such cases, it may be desired to customize the ads and/or the tags in relation to the time shifted contexte For example, the ads and/or tags may be customized based on the time of day of the tlme-shifted programming. This can be accomplished using the tag targeting systems as described above.
In such time-shifted cases, as well as in other cases, the tag to be used in connection with the programming content (as well w any a:sset associated with the tag) may be traiismitted to the user equipment device in synchronization with the programming content or separate therefrom. For example, it may be desired to transmit tags in advance of the timeLLof-dell~~~~ for the tags, e.g., for storage on a DVRhard drive or in ariv other suitable memory associated with a. user equipment device, e.g., a. flash drive. This may facilitate the use of tags that are very specifically targeted to individual households or users based on location or otlier targeting criteria. For ~xainple, m any dlfferent tags may be transmitted with very specific targeting criteria. These tags can be transmitted over a significant period of ti~e as bandwidth is available, thus redÃaci~~g bandwidth related limitations on the number of tags that may be utilized.
Individual user equipment devices can analyze the targeting criteria as received and store only appropriate, or potentially appropriate, tags, thus reducing storage related limitations on the number of tags that may be utilized. Accordingly, highly targeted tags cati be implemented in a practical manner.
The tag systems as described above can also be used in connection with IPTV or other systenis that allow for delivery of individualized content streams to specific user equiFm~iit devices. l:rt, such cases, paiticu1ar ad/tag combinations can be directly delivered to individti,al user equipment devices. As a xesult, records regarding delivery of tags to user equipment devices can be generated by the network platforrn that addresses the combination to t1ie user equipment device.
In addition, tl}~ capabilities of user ~quipmeiit devices may be considered in relatioti, to the tags distributed to the devices. ior example, classes of devices may be defined depending on the capabilities of the devices. These classes of devices may be used as a voting criterion or otherwise considered in selecting tags for distribution. Also, the tags distributed to devices may be based in part on settings associated with the devices. For example, a device may have a setting reflecting a preferred language of the iiser. This setting may be used as a voting criteri~n or otherwise considered in selecting a language of the tag to be distributed. Similarly, if the tags are distributed in inultiple languages, the setting on the box may be used to select ~vvhich tag to insert.

IlI

Billing f-or tag delivery may be combined with other billing. Specificallv, network operators may desire to bill advertisers based on the delivery of tags. It will be appreciat.ed in that advertisers are also built based ~ii delivery of associated assets that niay be implemented by a separate system. Advertisers may desire to have these bills combined. In this regard, the traffic and billing system can combine billings for tying delivery and for asset delivery. It is noted in this regard that the tag targeting system is generally aware rsI'the association Iaetweeri a tag and the related assets.
This relationship can be used to link the related billing values. In any event, the tag may be associated witli a particular advertiser tlius etiablir~g associatfloig oI'the tag billing with the appropriate bill.
Moreover, the potential audieiice for a tag may be estimated by the traffic and billincl, system or a targeted advertising system ad sales interface. In this regard, the advertiser may enter various targeting parameters as discussed above in connection witli establishing a tag contract. Based on these targeting= Iaaraineters, the traffic and billing system carf, estimate in substantially real-time the likely audience for the tag. This estimation may be based on intelligence built up based on. voting, reporting or other data related to previous tag campaigns.
Contracts for the delivery of the tags may be purchased and sold in a variety of different ways. For example, this may be accompllslZed. through the traffic and billing system (e,ge, a campaign management system) as described above or through a separate sales interface, e.g., associated with the targeted advertising system. It is noted, in this regard, that in some cases the tags will benefit a party other than the advertiser who has purchased a spot in connection with which the tag is delivered, e,g,, the spot may be purchased by an automobile manuIacttirer and the tag may priticilSally benefit a local dealer. In other cases, the tag may b~~~efit the sa.r~~~ party who purchased the associated spot, e.g., in the case of a department store ad with targeted tags to promote specific special offers as a function of user classification paraineters. As a result, a business model associated with the tags may or may not generate separate bills to separate parties in connection with various aiUtag coriibinatlons. Ivloreover, as an.
importaiit attribute of the tag targeting system is its ability to provide more finely targeted information in connection Witb ads havino a more general distributic~ii, the delivery of tags in terrns of ai-idience size a:aid composition will often not be commensurate with that of associated ads, thus indicating the desirability for separate accou-ntinge In additioii, as noted above, various implementations of the tag targeting system are possible relating, for example, to wlietFier the tags are inserted at the user equipment device or elsewhere a.iid whether ~~ports~ are generated by user equipment devices.
Depending on the implementation, different information may be available (e.g., the presence or absence of goodness of fit anl'orination based on reports from user equipment devices) frora~ different sources (reports forTn user equipment devices or I'rorÃi network insertion platforms). Wlia~e a traffic and billing systerri may be adapted to accorriraioÃiate such diIt'erenÃ;es in implementation, it may be preferable in some cases to liandle purchases of tag delivery aiid billing therefore to a separate ~~~paagii manager.
I Q Moreover, tag space -- which may have time, bandwidth (e.g., channel), location (e.g., relative to a television screen), geographic location, user classification andlor other dimensions LL LL may be sold by auction. For example, using a graphical user interface as described above (modified to include a field for bids), an advertiser may enter a bid for any tag space available for bidding. Such tag space may be defined by a network operator or agent thereof, or may be defined by the advertiser by populating the various fields available on the user interface. A bidding time period may be de~~ried.g for example, extending sLibject to 'pract~cal limitations up to ttie time for delivery of the tag.
Advertisers may view the status of their bids oii~lirie or may be notified (e.g., by e-maal, phone, etc.) if a bid has been exceeded by a. competing bid. In cases where a giv~i-I tag 20- space (e.g., in temis oI'timej cha,niiel and screen space) as defined by a network operator or advertisers, is available on an apportioned, non-conflicting basis (e.g., in terms of different geographic areas or aus~~~~~~~ ~lasszAcatioii), there may be more than one successful bid. In this manner, tag space caribe efficiently allocated.
I'he foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furt.Ii.errnore, the descrilatiorà is not intended to limit the.
invention to the fari-n disclosed hereIrflo . Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge rsI'tlae relevant art, a.re wit~~in the scope of the present inveritiort,, I'he embodiments ÃI.eseribed hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes kn~%,vra of practiciiig the iiiveiitiori aiid to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other einbodimerits aaid with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention, It is iritendeÃI that the appended claims be construed to include altemative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims (54)

1. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

first providing a first platform for transmitting non-local assets in first time periods dedicated to delivery of non-local assets and inserting local assets in second time period dedicated to delivery of local assets;
second providing a plurality of second network platforms, each of said second network platforms being operative for receiving content from said first network platform and selectively providing portions of said content for delivery at one or more user equipment devices;
third providing, from a first one of said second network platforms to at least a first one of said user equipment devices, a first combined content segment for said asset delivery spot, said first combined content segment comprising an asset of said assets and a tag; and fourth providing, from a second one of said second network platforms to at least a second one of said user equipment devices different than said first one, a second combined content segment comprising an asset of said assets and a tag;
wherein said first combined content segment is different than said second combined content segment.

2. A method as set forth in Claim 1, wherein at least one of said second network devices comprises a hub associated with a number of user equipment devices.

3. A method as set forth in Claim 1, where in at least one of said second network devices is co-located with a user equipment device.

4. A method as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said first and second combined content segments are provided to said first and second ones of said second network platforms prior to a time of delivery of said first and second combined content segments by said first and second ones of said user equipment devices.

5. A method as set forth in Claim 1, further comprising the step of providing report information to a billing system of a broadcast network, said report information providing an indication concerning delivery of a tag.

6. A method as set forth in Claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting an indication regarding a suitability of at least one of said tags from a user equipment device to a network platform.

7. A method as set forth in Claim 1, said first one of said user equipment devices and said second one of said user equipment devices are each disposed in a first broadcast network subdivision, said first broadcast network subdivision defining an area wherein all user equipment devices receive the same broadcast content on a given bandwidth segment, said method further comprising delivering, at a first time, said first combined content segment at said first one of said user equipment devices, said first user equipment device being associated with a first bandwidth segment of said broadcast network at said first time, and delivering, at said first time, a said second combined content segment at said second one of said user equipment devices, said second one of said user equipment devices being associated with said first bandwidth segment of said broadcast network at said first time.

8. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

providing a billing system for billing asset providers for delivery of assets within a broadcast area of a broadcast network;

selectively delivering a tag, for association with an asset, to less than all of the current users of a given bandwidth segment of said broadcast network; and providing report information to said billing system, said report information providing an indication concerning actual delivery of said tag.

9. A method as set forth in Claim 8, wherein said step of providing report information comprises transmitting said report information from a network platform separate from user equipment devices of said broadcast network.

10. A method as set forth in Claim 8, wherein said step of providing report information comprises transmitting said report information from one or more user equipment devices of said broadcast network.

11. A method as set forth in Claim 8, wherein said step of selectively delivering a tag comprises using a user classification parameter to make a decision regarding delivery of said tag.

12. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

providing a network platform for processing assets for delivery to user equipment devices in said broadcast network;
obtaining a number of assets at said network platforms;
obtaining a number of tags for association with said assets at said network platform;

establishing a first combined content segment by overlaying one of said tags on one of said assets;

establishing a second combined content segment by overlaying one of said tags on one of said assets, wherein said first combined content segment is different than said second combined content segment;
delivering said first combined content segment to a first subset of the current users of a given bandwidth segment of said broadcast network; and delivering said second combined content segment to a second subset, different than said first subset, of the current users of a given bandwidth segment of said broadcast network.

13. A method as set forth in Claim 12, wherein at least one of said first and second combined content segments is delivered using a bandwidth segment separate from said given bandwidth segment.

14. A method as set forth in Claim 12, wherein said first subset of the current users are disposed within the same broadcast network subdivision as said second subset of the current users, said broadcast network subdivision defining an area wherein all user equipment devices receive the same broadcast content on said given bandwidth segment.

15. A method as set forth in Claim 12, further comprising the step of receiving report information from at least some users of said first and second subsets of the current users, said report information providing an indication concerning actual delivery of a tag.

16. A method as set forth in Claim 12, further comprising the step of receiving communications from at least some users of said first and second subsets of the current users, each said communication including an indication regarding a suitability of one or more of said tags for delivery at an associated user equipment device.

17. A method as set forth in Claim 12, wherein said steps of delivering said first combined content segment and delivering said second combined content segment comprise selecting said first and second combined content segments at user equipment devices.

18. A method as set forth in Claim 12, wherein said steps of delivering said first combined content segment and delivering said second combined content segment comprise selecting said first and second combined content segments based on user classification information.

19. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

providing a number of tags for association with assets in said broadcast network;
receiving communications from user equipment devices, each said communication including an indication regarding a suitability of one or more of said tags for delivery at an associated user equipment device; and based on said communications, transmitting one or more of said tags to at least some of said user equipment devices.

20. A method as set forth in Claim 19, further comprising the step of transmitting to user equipment devices a list of identifying tags and associated targeting information.

21. A method as set forth in Claim 19, wherein said step of transmitting comprises inserting at least one of said tags into a bandwidth segment separate from a current bandwidth segment of an associated user equipment device.

22. A method as set forth in Claim 19, wherein said step of transmitting comprises transmitting, at a first time, a first tag to a first user equipment device in a first broadcast network subdivision, said first user equipment device being associated with a first bandwidth segment of said broadcast network at said first time and said first broadcast network subdivision defining an area wherein all user equipment devices receive the same broadcast content on a given bandwidth segment, and delivering, at said first time, a second tag to a second user equipment device in said first broadcast network subdivision, said second user equipment device being associated with said first bandwidth segment of said broadcast network at said first time.

23. A method for use in targeting content in a broadcast network comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a user equipment device, information regarding a plurality of tags potentially available for delivery at a user equipment device;
identifying, at said user equipment device based on said information, at least one of said tags suitable for delivery at said user equipment device; and transmitting an indication regarding said identified one of said tags from said user equipment device to a network platform.

24. A method as set forth in Claim 23, further comprising the step of transmitting to user equipment devices a list of identifying tags wid associated targeting information.

25. A method as set forth in Claim 23, wherein said step of transmitting comprises inserting at least one of said tags into a bandwidth segment separate from a current bandwidth segment of an associated user equipment device.

26. A method as set forth in Claim 23, wherein said step of transmitting comprises transmitting, at a first time, a first tag to a first user equipment device in a first broadcast network subdivision, said first user equipment device being associated with a first bandwidth segment of said broadcast network at said first time and said first broadcast network subdivision defining an area wherein all user equipment devices receive the same broadcast content on a given bandwidth segment, and delivering, at said first time, a second tag to a second user equipment device in said first broadcast network subdivision, said second user equipment device being associated with said first bandwidth segment of said broadcast network at said first time.

27. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a user equipment device, a plurality of tags for selective delivery at said user equipment device;

receiving, at said user equipment device, an asset for delivery at said user equipment device;

selecting, at said user equipment device, one of said tags for association with said asset; and delivering, at said user equipment device, said selected tag in association with said selected asset.

28. A method as set forth in Claim 27, further comprising transmitting, from said user equipment device to a network platform, report information including an indication regarding delivery of said selected tag.

29. A method as set forth in Claim 27, wherein said step of selecting comprises identifying said one of said tags based on user classification information associated with user equipment device.

30. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

first transmitting, from a network platform to a user equipment device, an asset for delivery at said user equipment device;

second transmitting, from said network platform to said user equipment device, a plurality of tags for selective delivery at said user equipment device; and third transmitting, from said network platform to said user equipment device, targeting information for use by said user equipment device for selecting one of said tags for association with said asset.

31. A method as set forth in Claim 30, further comprising the steps of receiving information from a number of user equipment devices regarding a suitability of one or more tags, wherein said step of second transmitting is performed responsive to said step of receiving.

32. A method as set forth in Claim 30, wherein said step of second transmitting is executed prior to said step of first transmitting.

33. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

first delivering, at a first time, a first combined content segment at a first user equipment device in a first broadcast network subdivision, said first user equipment device being associated with a first bandwidth segment of said broadcast network at said first time, said first combined content segment including an asset and a associated tag, and said first broadcast network subdivision defining an area wherein all user equipment devices receive the same broadcast content on a given bandwidth segment; and second delivering, at said first time, a second combined content segment at a second user equipment device in said first broadcast network subdivision, said second user equipment device being associated with said first bandwidth segment of said broadcast network at said first time.

34. A method as set forth in Claim 33, wherein said asset of said first combined content segment is different than said asset of said second combined content segment.

35. A method as set forth in Claim 33, wherein said associated tag of said first combined content segment is different than a tag of said second combined content segment.

36. A method as set forth in Claim 33, wherein said step of first delivering comprises inserting said first combined content segment into said first bandwidth segment.

37. A method as set forth in Claim 33, wherein said step of first delivering comprises inserting said first combined content segment into a second bandwidth segment separate from said first bandwidth segment.

38. A method as set forth in Claim 33, wherein said step of first delivering comprises selecting said first combined content segment based on targeting information related to audience classification parameters.

39. A method as set forth in Claim 33, wherein said step of first delivering is executed at said first user equipment device.

40. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

providing a number of tags for selective association with assets for delivery at user equipment devices of said broadcast network; and selecting a tag for association with an asset at a first user equipment device based on a user classification associated with said first user equipment device, said user classification being substantially independent of a location of said first user equipment device.

41. A method as set forth in Claim 40, wherein said step of selecting is executed at said first user equipment device.

42. A method as set forth in Claim 40, further comprising the step of reporting information regarding delivery of said tag to a network platform.

43. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising the steps of:

making a first selection of a set of tags for delivery to a set of user equipment devices in a network subdivision; and making a second selection of a subset less than all of said set of tags for delivery to a subset less than all of said set of user equipment devices in said network subdivision.

44. A method as set forth in Claim 43, wherein said subset of user equipment devices delivers a tag of said set of tags and a different tag of said subset of tags.

45. A method as set forth in Claim 44, wherein said delivered tag of said set includes graphics and said delivered different tag of said subset includes text.

46. A method as set forth in Claim 45, wherein said selected different tag of said subset is overlaid on said selected tag of said set.

47. An apparatus for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising:
a network platform for processing assets for delivery to user equipment devices in said broadcast network;
an input interface structure, associated with said network platform, for receiving a number of assets and a number of tags for association with said assets;
an overlay device for establishing a first combined content segment by overlaying one of said tags on one of said assets and establishing a second combined content segment by overlaying one of said tags on one of said assets, wherein said first combined content segment is different than said second combined content segment; and an output interface structure, associated with said network platform, for delivering said first combined content segment to a first subset of said current users of a given bandwidth segment of said broadcast network and delivering said second combined content segment to a second subset, different than said first subset, of the current users of said given bandwidth segment of said broadcast network.

48. An apparatus as set forth in Claim 47, wherein said output interface structure is operative for inserting at least one of said first combined content segment and said second combined content segment into a bandwidth segment separate from said given bandwidth segment.

49. An apparatus as set forth in Claim 47, wherein a first user of said first subset of users and a second user of said second subset of users are in the same network subdivision, said network subddivision defining an area wherein all user equipment devices receive the same content on a given bandwidth segment.

50. An apparatus as set forth in Claim 47, further comprising a processor for receiving input information from user equipment devices indicating a suitability of tags and selecting said first and second combined content segments based on said input information.

51. An apparatus as set forth in Claim 47, further comprising a processor operative for associating targeting information related to user classification information with said first and second combined content segments.

52. An apparatus for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising:
input interface structure, associated with a user equipment device, for receiving a plurality of tags for selective delivery at, said user equipment device and receiving an asset for delivery at said user equipment device;
a processor, associated with said user equipment device, for selecting one of said tags for association with said asset; and delivery structure, associated with said user equipment device, for delivering said selected tag in association with said selected asset.

53. An apparatus as set forth in Claim 52, wherein said processor is operative for transmitting report information regarding delivery of said selected tag to a network platform.

54. An apparatus as set forth in Claim 52, wherein said processor is operative for selecting said one of said tags based on user classification information associated with said user equipment device.