US8281037B2
Active / In Force
US
⏱️ 3.0 years remaining
System and method for delivering content to users on a network
Assignee: Qualcomm Atheros Inc
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Filing: 2009-10-23
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Granted: 2012-10-02
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Expires: 2029-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for targeting content to users of a device or network of user-operated devices. In an embodiment, profile information is determined about a user's media consumption activities. One or more inputs are received from an external source to specify what content to target to the user. One or more content items are selected to target to the user based on the profile information and the one or more inputs. The selection of content items is performed without communicating the profile information outside of the user's device or network of user-operated devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Luc Julia
- 👤 Yohan Le Nerriec
- 👤 Jerome Dubreuil
- 👤 Joe Costello
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 01:01
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/40; H04N21/45; H04N21/466; H04N21/4667; G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/40; G06F16/43; G06F16/435; G06F16/437; G06F16/90; G06F16/95; G06F16/953; G06F16/9535; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; H04N21/20; H04N21/25; H04N21/258; H04N21/25866; H04N21/25891; H04N21/266; H04N21/2665; H04N21/43; H04N21/436; H04N21/43615
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
197 words
A method for targeting content to a user, the method comprising: using one or more processors to perform steps comprising: (a) determining and recording profile information, including information about a user's media consumption activities, the profile information including at least one of (i) a type of device that the user has to perform some or all of the media consumption activities, or (ii) a type, kind or count of devices that the user actually uses to perform the media consumption activities; (b) receiving, on at least one of the user's devices, a request from a third-party at an external source, the request specifying one or more inputs, including an algorithmic input; (c) selecting, on at least one of the one of the user's devices, one or more content items to target to the user, based on the profile information and the one or more inputs; wherein steps (a) through (c) are performed without communicating the user's profile information outside of a defined network of devices that are operated under control of the user; and (d) processing information that is indicative of individual instances in which the selected one or more content items are displayed to the user.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
197 words
A method for targeting content to a user, the method comprising: using one or more processors to perform steps comprising: (a) determining and recording profile information, including information about a user's media consumption activities, the profile information including at least one of (i) a type of device that the user has to perform some or all of the media consumption activities, or (ii) a type, kind or count of devices that the user actually uses to perform the media consumption activities; (b) receiving, on at least one of the user's devices, a request from a third-party at an external source, the request specifying one or more inputs, including an algorithmic input; (c) selecting, on at least one of the one of the user's devices, one or more content items to target to the user, based on the profile information and the one or more inputs; wherein steps (a) through (c) are performed without communicating the user's profile information outside of a defined network of devices that are operated under control of the user; and (d) processing information that is indicative of individual instances in which the selected one or more content items are displayed to the user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes determining information about a user's media consumption activities across multiple devices and device platform.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes determining one or more of (i) timing information that indicates a time when the media consumption activities took place, (ii) location information that identifies specific devices on which the media consumption activities took place.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes identifying media content consumed by the user that is of a type corresponding to one or more of music, video, pictures, documents, and online activity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes identifying media content that is recorded by the user.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes identifying media content that is purchased or rented by the user.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes identifying a number of devices that the user utilizes or owns.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes determining one or more of (i) a television program that the user watches, (ii) which program the user watches the most, and/or (iii) what program the user never watches.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes determining volunteer information, in which the user volunteers information about the user or the user's preferences.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the user operates a set of devices that are interconnected by a network, and wherein step (a) includes determining the profile information from media consumption activities performed on the set of interconnected devices.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 10 , wherein the set of devices include one or more devices selected from a group consisting of a personal computer, a set-top box, a roaming device, an intelligent television, a digital television recorder, a digital picture frame.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (c) includes selecting supplemental content.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the supplemental content corresponds to (i) an audio-video commercial, (ii) an audio commercial, (iii) a web advertisement, (iv) a content layover.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (c) includes selecting one or more commercials to include with a program being viewed by the user.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 14 , wherein step (c) includes selecting a commercial from a group of commercials that are provided to the user in connection with a program that is being rendered on one of the devices of the user.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (b) includes receiving one or more inputs that specify an algorithm that generates and/or uses data from one or more requests in order to perform step (c).
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (b) includes enabling the third-party to specify an algorithm for the one or more inputs, the algorithm using a result of the request in performing step (c).
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes recording information about media that the user watches and/or listens to each of the devices in the network.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes recording information about media content that the user records on one of the devices in the network.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes recording information about media that the user has purchased.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes determining profile information programmatically and automatically.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
225 words
A system for targeting content to a user, the system comprising: a memory that stores a set of instructions; one or more processors that use instructions stored in memory to provide: a profile generating subsystem that is configured to determine profile information about media consumption activities of the user; one or more interfaces to enable a third-party to specify one or more inputs, the one or more inputs including an algorithmic input; wherein the one or more interfaces include a programmatic component that enables the system to receive the one or more inputs from the third-party concurrently with a library of supplemental content items; and a content selector that is configured to select one or more content items for the user based on the profile information and the one or more inputs of the third-party, the content selector selecting content items that correspond to one or more of the supplemental content items of the library using the one or more inputs; a feedback mechanism that provides a feedback that is indicative of individual instances in which the selected content item is rendered or viewed on the system; and wherein the system is implemented by one or more devices that are owned or controlled by the user, so that the profile information is not communicated outside of devices that are owned or operated by the user.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
225 words
A system for targeting content to a user, the system comprising: a memory that stores a set of instructions; one or more processors that use instructions stored in memory to provide: a profile generating subsystem that is configured to determine profile information about media consumption activities of the user; one or more interfaces to enable a third-party to specify one or more inputs, the one or more inputs including an algorithmic input; wherein the one or more interfaces include a programmatic component that enables the system to receive the one or more inputs from the third-party concurrently with a library of supplemental content items; and a content selector that is configured to select one or more content items for the user based on the profile information and the one or more inputs of the third-party, the content selector selecting content items that correspond to one or more of the supplemental content items of the library using the one or more inputs; a feedback mechanism that provides a feedback that is indicative of individual instances in which the selected content item is rendered or viewed on the system; and wherein the system is implemented by one or more devices that are owned or controlled by the user, so that the profile information is not communicated outside of devices that are owned or operated by the user.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
73 words
The system of claim 22 , wherein the interface includes a programmatic component that enables the system to receive at least the algorithmic input from the third-party concurrently with a library of supplemental content items and a desired media content selected by the user, and wherein the content selector is configured to select content items that correspond to one or more of the supplemental content items of the library using the algorithmic input.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 22 , wherein the one or more interfaces include a programmatic component that enables the system to receive at least the algorithmic input from the third-party concurrently with a desired media content selected by the user, and wherein the content selector is configured to select one or more supplemental content items for the media content using the algorithmic input.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein the one or more interfaces are provided on a device in which the user operates to download or receive the desired program over a network.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein the device is a personal computer or a set-top box.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 22 , wherein the system is implemented on a set of devices interconnected by one or more networks, and wherein the profile generating subsystem is implemented by one or more agents that interface with each of the devices in the set of devices.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 27 , wherein the set of devices include one or more devices selected from a group consisting of a personal computer, a set-top box, a roaming device, an intelligent television, a digital television recorder, a digital picture frame.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 28 , wherein the profile generating subsystem is omniscient of media consumption activities of the user performed through the set of interconnected devices.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2015-10-02 | 2016-04-02 | 2016-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2019-10-02 | 2020-04-02 | 2020-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2023-10-02 | 2024-04-02 | 2024-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |