Apparatus and method for managing marketing

A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, the steps of transmitting media content to a group of set top boxes for presentation with an overlay superimposed onto the media content, receiving a first comment from a first set top box of the group of set top boxes where the first comment is presentable with the overlay and the media content by the group of set top boxes, determining a first advertisement based on the first comment, and transmitting the first advertisement to the first set top box for presentation with the overlay and the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATION

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/146,131, filed Jun. 25, 2008, by Amento et al., entitled “Method and Apparatus for Presenting Media Programs.” All sections of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to marketing and more specifically to an apparatus and method for managing marketing.

BACKGROUND

Effective marketing campaigns often rely upon a strong understanding of the audience to which they are directed. Surveys, demographic data and the like can be used by marketing personnel in their efforts to sell or otherwise market their products and services. In media programming, advertisement selection is often based upon the time of day (for example prime time) or the expected number of viewers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a server having a controller to transmit media programming to a group of set top boxes for presentation with an overlay superimposed onto the media programming, receive a first comment generated at a first set top box of the group of set top boxes during presentation of the media programming, receive a second comment generated at a second set top box of the group of set top boxes during presentation of the media programming where the first and second comments are associated with the media programming and are presentable in the overlay during presentation of the media programming, analyze the first comment to determine a first marketing parameter, transmit a first advertisement to the first set top box for presentation with the overlay where the first advertisement is determined based on the first marketing parameter, analyze the second comment to determine a second marketing parameter, transmit a second advertisement to the second set top box for presentation with the overlay, where the second advertisement is determined based on the second marketing parameter, where the first and second advertisements are different from each other and shown in temporal proximity to each other by the corresponding first and second set top boxes during presentation of the media programming.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure can be a method including transmitting media content to a group of set top boxes for presentation with an overlay superimposed onto the media content, receiving a first comment from a first set top box of the group of set top boxes where the first comment is presentable with the overlay and the media content by the group of set top boxes, determining a first advertisement based on the first comment, and transmitting the first advertisement to the first set top box for presentation with the overlay and the media content.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a computer-readable storage medium operating in a first set top box of a group of set top boxes, where the storage medium is embedded with computer instructions to present media content, present an overlay superimposed onto the media content where the overlay is presentable by a second set top box of the group of set top boxes, receive an input of a first comment at the first set top box, present the first comment in the overlay where the first comment is presentable in the overlay by the second set top box, receive a first advertisement where the first advertisement is selected based on an analysis of the first comment, and present the first advertisement with the overlay and the media content.

FIG. 1depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communication system100for delivering media content. The communication system100can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) broadcast media system. The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)110with at least one super headend office server (SHS)111which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent audio content, moving image content such as videos, still image content, or combinations thereof. The SHS server111can forward packets associated with the media content to video head-end servers (VHS)114via a network of video head-end offices (VHO)112according to a common multicast communication protocol.

The VHS114can distribute multimedia broadcast programs via an access network118to commercial and/or residential buildings102housing a gateway104(such as a common residential or commercial gateway). The access network118can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over optical links or copper twisted pairs119to buildings102. The gateway104can use common communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors106such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices108such as computers or television sets managed in some instances by a media controller107(such as an infrared or RF remote control).

The gateway104, the media processors106, and media devices108can utilize tethered interface technologies (such as coaxial or phone line wiring) or can operate over a common wireless access protocol. With these interfaces, unicast communications can be invoked between the media processors106and subsystems of the IPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices130a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing portal services over an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network132to wireline media devices108or wireless communication devices116by way of a wireless access base station117operating according to common wireless access protocols such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), or cellular communication technologies (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, and so on).

The first communication system100can also include a recipient media device135. The recipient media device135can be configured to operate in an iTV network, which can include, but is not limited to including, IPTV, interactive cable television, and interactive satellite television. Additionally, the recipient media device135can be communicatively linked to the ISP network132, the one or more computing devices130, and to other devices in the system100. Furthermore, the recipient media device135can be a STB, mobile device, personal computer, telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other device capable of requesting, receiving, and transmitting media content.

Operatively, the recipient media device135can be configured to transmit a request for media content or media programming, as well as user-generated comments associated with the media content. The media content can be video content, audio content, still image content, text content, and other types of content. For example, the content can be previews for audio and video content, advertisements, and promotional content. The various devices in the system100can be configured to relay and/or receive the requests from the recipient media device135. Such devices can include, but are not limited to including, the computing devices130, the STBs106, media devices108, and wireless communications device116. The recipient media device135can be also be configured to receive requests for media content and/or user-generated comments associated with the media content that is received at the recipient media device135. Once the requests are received, the recipient media device135can relay the media content and/or the user-generated comments to the requesting devices.

Another distinct portion of the computing devices130can function as a server (herein referred to as server130). The server130can use common computing and communication technology to perform the function of receiving and processing media content, user-generated comments, and data. The server130can be configured to have access to or maintain a client program. In one embodiment, the server130can enable the devices in the system100to access the client program and/or download the client program from the server130or otherwise. The client program itself can be configured to present an overlay that can be superimposed onto media content presented at a device utilizing the client program. Additionally, the client program can allow users to display comments on the presented media content, which can be seen amongst the users.

Once the client program has received comments from users commenting on the presented media content, the client program can transmit the media content and/or comments to the server130for processing. The server130can then be configured to determine marketing parameters of the media content based on the user-generated comments. The marketing parameters can include, but are not limited to including, demographic parameters, psychographic parameters, popularity parameters, and promotional effectiveness parameters. The content of the comments can also be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the media content. Based on the various values determined for parameters of the media content and/or the analyzed comments, the media content can be improved or otherwise altered to satisfy the needs of a target marketing segment. The improved and/or altered content can then be transmitted to a device in the system100.

Additionally, the server130can be configured to receive requests for the media content and the user-generated comments associated with the media content from the devices in the system100, such as the recipient media device135and the STBs106. Furthermore, the server130can relay and/or store the actual media content and/or the user-generated comments associated with the media content.

It will be appreciated by an artisan of ordinary skill in the art that a satellite broadcast television system can be used in place of the IPTV media system. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite115supplying media content can be intercepted by a common satellite dish receiver131coupled to the building102. Modulated signals intercepted by the satellite dish receiver131can be submitted to the media processors106for generating broadcast channels which can be presented at the media devices108. The media processors106can be equipped with a broadband port to the ISP network132to enable infrastructure services such as VoD and EPG described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system133can be used in place of the IPTV media system described above. In this embodiment the cable TV system133can provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

It follows from the above illustrations that the present disclosure can apply to any present or future interactive over-the-air or landline media content services.

FIG. 2depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system200. employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture to facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switched systems. Communication system200can be overlaid or operably coupled with communication system100as another representative embodiment of communication system100.

Communication system200can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)240, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server230, and other common network elements of an IMS network250. The IMS network250can establish communications between IMS compliant communication devices (CD)201,202, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs203,205, and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)220coupled to a PSTN network260.

IMS CDs201,202can register with the IMS network250by contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with a corresponding Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with at the HSS240. To initiate a communication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD201can submit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originating P-CSCF204which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF206. The originating S-CSCF206can submit queries to the ENUM system230to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITE to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminating communication device is IMS compliant.

The SIP URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)207to submit a query to the HSS240to identify a terminating S-CSCF214associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference202. Once identified, the I-CSCF207can submit the SIP INVITE to the terminating S-CSCF214. The terminating S-CSCF214can then identify a terminating P-CSCF216associated with the terminating CD202. The P-CSCF216then signals the CD202to establish communications.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as references203or205, the ENUM system230can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originating S-CSCF206to forward the call to the MGCF220via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF)219. The MGCF220can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD by common means over the PSTN network260.

The aforementioned communication process is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 2are interchangeable. It is further noted that communication system200can be adapted to support video conferencing by way of common protocols such as H.323. In addition, communication system200can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs201,203the multimedia and Internet services of communication system100.

The server130ofFIG. 1can be operably coupled to the second communication system200for purposes similar to those described above.

FIG. 3depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal302which can operate from the computing devices130described earlier of communication100illustrated inFIG. 1. The portal302can be used for managing services of communication systems100-200. The portal302can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with a common Internet browser such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer™ using an Internet-capable communication device such as those described forFIGS. 1-2. The portal302can be configured, for example, to access a media processor106and services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a VoD catalog, an EPG, a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored in the media processor, provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

FIG. 4depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication device400. Communication device400can serve in whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the communication devices ofFIGS. 1-2. The communication device400can comprise a wireline and/or wireless transceiver402(herein transceiver402), a user interface (UI)404, a power supply414, a location receiver416, and a controller406for managing operations thereof. The transceiver402can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, and next generation cellular wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver402can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCPIP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI404can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad408with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, joystick, mouse, or navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device400. The keypad408can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device400or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth. The keypad408can represent a numeric dialing keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a Qwerty keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI404can further include a display410such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the communication device400. In an embodiment where the display410is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad408can be presented by way of the display.

The UI404can also include an audio system412that utilizes common audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard only in the proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system412can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system412can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI404can further include an image sensor413such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply414can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the communication device400to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. The location receiver416can utilize common location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for identifying a location of the communication device400based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, thereby facilitating common location services such as navigation.

The communication device400can use the transceiver402to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi or Bluetooth access point by common power sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF). The controller406can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such a Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies.

The communication device400can be adapted to perform the functions of the media processor106, the media devices108, or the portable communication devices116ofFIG. 1, as well as the IMS CDs201-202and PSTN CDs203-205ofFIG. 2. It will be appreciated that the communication device400can also represent other common devices that can operate in communication systems100-200ofFIGS. 1-2such as a gaming console and a media player.

FIG. 5depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system500for targeted marketing, the system500being operable in portions of the communications systems ofFIGS. 1-2. The system500can include a media device502, which can be configured to deliver media content and data to display device504. The media device502can be a STB, personal computer, mobile device, or other similar device. The display device504can be a monitor, television, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), computers, or other device capable of displaying media content. System500can also include a server506. The server506can be in communication with the media device502and the other devices of the system500. Notably, the server506can include or have access to a client program, which can be configured to present an overlay that can be superimposed onto media content that is displayed and/or received at the devices in the system500. The client program can be utilized to receive comments from users utilizing the devices in the system500and to transmit the comments to the server506. While the present disclosure describes the use of a remote client program that is accessible by the media devices, the present disclosure contemplates other technique and components for presenting an overlay at a group of set top boxes so that the users of the set top boxes can experience comparable viewing at remote locations while sharing their experiences.

Additionally, the system500can include a computing device508, a communications device510, and a media device512. The computing device508can be a personal computer, laptop, or other similar device. The communications device510can include, for example, a mobile device, a cellular phone, wireless device, or other communications device. The media device512can be much like media device502and can be a STB, personal computer, mobile device, or other similar device. Also, the media device512can be operably coupled to a display device514, which like display device504, can be a monitor, television, or other display device capable of presenting media content. The devices in the system500can be configured to operate in an iTV network, which can include IPTV, satellite television, and cable television. Additionally, the devices in the system500can all be in communication with each other and the server506can act as an intermediary between the devices, although this does not have to be the case. Other arrangements are contemplated as well.

Operatively, when a user, such as a user of media device502, is watching or otherwise experiencing media content presented on the display device504, the user can utilize the client program to provide user-generated comments related to the media content or otherwise. The media content can be a video clip, audio clip, text content, still image content, advertising content, promotional content, sampling content, or other content. For example, the user can be watching an advertisement for a car and can decide to comment on the advertisement. When the user decides that he or she wants to make a comment, the user can utilize the media device502to access the client program to comment on the advertisement. The user can type in the comment or speak the comment and the client program can be configured to receive it.

The comments that are generated at each of the set top boxes and displayed in the overlay can be utilized by the server506for determining advertisements to be presented with the overlay and the media content. For example, the comments can be analyzed, including natural language synthesis techniques, to determine an advertisement that is appropriate based on the particular comment that is being made.

In one embodiment, comment analysis engine525can be utilized to facilitate the determination of the advertisement. The engine525can be resident on the server506and/or can be remotely accessible by the server. The engine525can utilize libraries, language parsing and other techniques for synthesizing the comments. Keyword searches can also be used for determining the advertisement that corresponds to the comment. In one embodiment, marketing parameters can be determined based on the comments and then remote media servers, such as servers550, can be queried for particular advertisements.

Referring now also toFIG. 6, a screenshot600illustrating a first user of a first set top box entering a comment during the presentation of media programming or content is shown. The screenshot600depicts the first user who has selected an option to make a comment on the subject matter of the programming. The option presents the user with a text box602in which the user can type in his or her comment. This comment can be shown in this form or as a balloon text coming from the avatar of the particular user as shown in the overlay. Referring now also toFIG. 7, a screenshot700which displays a second comment by a second user at a second set top box is illustratively shown. The screenshot700shows a caption box702, which displays the captured text associated with the preview that was input by the user. Referring now to the screenshot800ofFIG. 8, a third comment (from the first set top box) is received and presented in the overlay. The comments can be shown in the overlay of each of the set top boxes and/or can be shown in select overlays, such as designating recipients or showing a comment in all overlays except the overlay of the user generating the comment. The comments can be associated with the particular users making the comments, such as using an overlay that resembles an audience with audience members being identified as particular users involved in the viewing of the media programming. The present disclosure also contemplates other forms of overlays being utilized and the particular design of the GUI can vary.

Once the user-generated comments are received by the client program, the client program can associate the comment with the media content and the media device502can transmit the user-generated comment and/or the media content to the server506and or to the other devices of the system500.

When the server506receives the user-generated comment and/or other information associated with a user, the server506can be configured to determine marketing parameters of the media content based on the user-generated comment and/or attributes of the user making the comment. The marketing parameters can include, but are not limited to including, demographic parameters, psychographic parameters, popularity parameters, and promotional effectiveness parameters. The demographic parameters can be associated with the age, location, gender, race, income, and other attributes of users. Psychographic parameters can be associated with the personality, attitudes, values, lifestyle, and/or interests of the users. Popularity parameters can be utilized to indicate how popular a particular advertisement, promotion, or other media content is. Promotional effectiveness parameters can indicate how effective an advertisement or other promotion was to the user. In an embodiment, the marketing parameters can be associated with a product and/or service advertised by the media content.

In this example, the first and third comments are indirectly concerned with traveling but indicate that travel by sea is undesirable. The second comment indicates that travel by sea is desirable. Server506can analyze the various comments and determine one or more advertisements to be presented at the overlay of each of the first and second users.

For instance, as shown in screenshot900ofFIG. 9, a series of advertisements can be shown in an advertising GUI902. In this example, GUI902is a horizontal carousel GUI that allows for rotation through the various advertisements with one of the advertisements being shown more prominently as the GUI is rotated. Frame920of GUI902depicts an advertisement for traveling by air which is based on an indication by the first user of a desire to travel, while frame925is an advertisement for medication for travel sickness which is also based on the comments made by the first user. In this example, the subject matter of the advertisements can differ and can be presented in the same GUI carousel.

Screenshot900also shows a timeline901that corresponds to the presentation of the media programming. An advertisement icon904can be placed along the time line901to correspond to the temporal position of the advertising, such as if the user would like to rewind the media programming to further view the advertisement. In one embodiment, the frame920can provide for an Internet link to the entity providing the particular advertisement. In another embodiment, the frame920can be interactive such that the user can click on the advertisement or a portion thereof to receive further information (such as via an email address associated with the set top box presenting the advertisement). The advertisement icon904can be a generic advertisement and/or can be based on one of the advertisements that were presented in the GUI902, such as selecting the icon based on the frame that was viewed for the longest period of time.

Screenshot1000ofFIG. 10illustrates an advertisement GUI1002(vertical as opposed to the horizontal GUI902) which can be generated based on the second comment made by the second user at the second set top box. The second comments indicated previous sea travel by the second user so that the GUI1002can present frames with both air and sea ravel advertisements. Similarly, the time line1001can present the advertisement icon1004. As shown in screenshot1100ofFIG. 11and screenshot1200ofFIG. 12, the advertisement icons904and1004facilitate referral by the user to the advertisement by indicating its temporal position with respect to the media programming. In one embodiment, the particular advertisement shown to each set top box can be shown in the icon for that user, or, as in screenshot1300ofFIG. 13, icons for each of the advertisements presented can be shown to all of the viewers. In one embodiment, the icons can include an indicator of the particular user to whom the advertisement was presented. In another embodiment, a link or other access to the advertisement of another user can be presented to each of the users. In such an example, each of the users could see the advertisements being generated for all of the users and could access those advertisements in the event that had interest in such advertisements.

The server506can be configured to analyze the marketing parameters and/or the content of the comment to determine the effectiveness of the media content. Additionally, third party users can also analyze the comments and/or marketing parameters to identify successful advertisements, unsuccessful advertisements, popular media content, and/or other relevant information. The analyses can be stored by the server506and can be utilized to improve the media content/advertisements. The third party users can alter the media content and/or generate new substitute content if user-generated comments indicate that a particular type of media content or advertisement was ineffective. Once the altered and/or new substitute content is generated, the server506can transmit the altered or substituted content to any of the devices in the system500for presentation. The users of the devices of system500can then provide comments on the altered and/or substitute content.

The devices in the system500can also be configured to transmit requests for the media content and user-generated comments from the other devices in the system500. For example, continuing with the above example, if a user of media device502has made a comment on a particular advertisement or media program, the users of computing device508, communications device510, and media device512can request the comments and/or the media content from the media device502. The request can be received first by the server506, which can then retrieve the comments and/or media content from media device502, or the devices can also directly connect to media device502to receive the comments and/or media content.

Once the requesting devices receive the comments and/or media content from the media device502, users of the requesting devices can provide their own comments about the media content or even provide commentary on the other users' comments. Any comments generated by the requesting devices can similarly be transmitted to the server506or other devices of the system500. The server506can determine marketing parameters based on the comments coming from the requesting devices as well.

FIG. 14depicts an illustrative method1400for managing marketing that is operable in portions of the communication systems ofFIGS. 1-2andFIG. 5. Method1400can begin with step1402in which a media processor, such as an STB, can present media content provided by a media content source. The media content can be video content, audio content, still image content, text content, advertisement content, and/or other promotional content. For example, the media content can be a VOD movie, regularly scheduled programming, a song and so forth.

At step1404, the media processor can present an overlay that is superimposed onto the media content. For example, the media processor can access a client program, which can present the overlay. At step1406, the media processor can receive user information and/or a user-generated comment, such as associated with the media content. The comment can be received through use of an input interface of the client program or otherwise. The user-generated comment, for example, can indicate a user's preferences regarding the media content, a user's dislike of the media content, and a user's suggestions for improving the media content. However, the present disclosure contemplates the comments being independent of the media content being presented. In one embodiment, once the comment is received, the media processor can associate the user-generated comment with the portion of the media content, such as through use of a comment icon that is positioned along a time line corresponding to the presentation of the media content.

At step1408, the comment can be transmitted to a server where it is analyzed to determine marketing parameters. The analysis can be performed using various techniques, including natural language synthesis. An example of techniques and components that can be used to process the comments to generate the marketing parameters is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/502,100 filed on Jul. 13, 2009 by Rege et al., entitled “Method For Analyzing, Deconstructing, Reconstructing, And Repurposing Rhetorical Content”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In step1410, the server can obtain one or more advertisements that correspond to the comment that was received. For example, the server can query one or more third party marketing servers using the marketing parameter to obtain the advertisements. In step1412, a determination can be made as to whether a corresponding advertisement for the marketing parameters exists and whether it should be presented. If there is no corresponding advertisement or none is to be presented then method1400can return to step1406to receive additional comments. If on the other hand, a corresponding advertisement does exist then in step1414the media processor can receive the advertisement. For example, the third party server(s) can transmit a plurality of advertisements to the server where the server can select one or more of those advertisements and forward them to the media processor that generated the comment. The media processor can then present the advertisement(s) in step1416.

The determination of advertisements to be presented to a media processor that has generated a comment can be done based on a number of factors in addition to the marketing parameter associated with the comment. For example, viewer behavior can be monitored as a factor in selecting the advertisement. For instance, the genre of programming that is watched at a particular media processor can be used as a factor in selecting the advertisement, such as a viewer that watches hunting shows may be presented with advertisements for vacations that include hunting even where the comment only pertained to going on a vacation.

The use of the overlay allows multiple users at different locations to share in the viewing experience, including sharing comments amongst each other. Based on those comments, targeted advertising can be provided to individual users or groups of users. Different advertising can be provided to different users simultaneously or in temporal proximity and/or can be provided to different users at different times. For example, a first user can receive a first set of advertisements, a second plurality of users can receive a second set of advertisements and one or more third users can receive no advertisements. In one embodiment, the presentation of advertisements can be based in part on user preferences, such as the position and style of the advertisements in the overlay and so forth.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims described below. For example, the determination of the marketing parameters can be performed by the set top box and/or the server. In one embodiment, advertising can be transmitted from the third party marketing servers directly to the set top boxes without transmitting the advertisements to the server.

In another embodiment, the server506and other devices of the system500can be configured to filter content from the comments. For example, if obscenities are found in the comments, the server506can filter and/or replace the obscene comments with comments that are not obscene. Additionally, the server506can be configured to compare comments and advertisements for multiple services and/or products and generate a report detailing which advertisements were the most effective. The report can also illustrate which demographics, psychographics, or other parameters are most responsive to a particular advertisement, whether it be positive, negative, or otherwise.

Other suitable modifications can be applied to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims below. Accordingly, the reader is directed to the claims section for a fuller understanding of the breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

The computer system1500may include a processor1502(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory1504and a static memory1506, which communicate with each other via a bus1508. The computer system1500may further include a video display unit1510(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system1500may include an input device1512(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device1514(e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit1516, a signal generation device1518(e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device1520.

The disk drive unit1516may include a machine-readable medium1522on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software1524) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions1524may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1504, the static memory1506, and/or within the processor1502during execution thereof by the computer system1500. The main memory1504and the processor1502also may constitute machine-readable media.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containing instructions1524, or that which receives and executes instructions1524from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network environment1526can send or receive voice, video or data, and to communicate over the network1526using the instructions1524. The instructions1524may further be transmitted or received over a network1526via the network interface device1520.