Price driven multimedia content transmission

An apparatus can include a system processor control and a system controller. The system processor can determine a subscriber content price for multimedia content based on a lead-time of electronic delivery of the multimedia content to a customer premises equipment via at least one transport provider servicing the customer premises equipment. The system controller can transmit the subscriber content price to the customer premises equipment and schedule electronic delivery of the multimedia content within the lead-time and in response to a subscriber request to deliver the multimedia content to the customer premises equipment.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for scheduling electronic delivery of multimedia content and advertisements targeted to customer premises equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to scheduling, pricing, and delivering subscriber-selected, preplanned multimedia content and advertisements targeted to customer premises equipment.

Traditional television viewing is linear. With linear television viewing, a viewer must watch scheduled television programs at a particular time and on a particular channel. However, the entertainment industry is in transition and content consumers are moving to personalized programming or nonlinear television. Personalized programming allows the content consumer to control content selection and viewing time. True personalized programming allows content customers to view whatever they want, whenever they want, as often as they want, and in an order that the content consumers desire. However, present technology offers content consumers a limited personalized programming experience with restricted selection and/or high prices. Such present technology includes Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and Video on Demand (VOD) capability.

OTT streaming is delivered over the Internet, but is unmanaged. Content delivery is plagued by “last mile” congestion. This problem is encountered with non-Quality of Service (QoS) streaming. As streaming has increased, especially during periods of peak demand or prime time, congestion impact has become worse. Such congestion occurs with any over utilized, unmanaged, data rate limited, network system. IPTV are multimedia services, such as television or video, delivered over managed IP based networks which provide the required level of Quality of Service (QoS) and experience, security, interactivity and reliability. From the consumer's viewpoint, IPTV has limited selection and is expensive.

Demand for content distribution with respect to available transport varies as a function of time, consisting of peaks and valleys. Traditionally, supply and demand issues have been addressed by applying the principles of microeconomics based on supply and demand pricing theory. However, applying such microeconomics has not solved problems associated with content delivery.

Stand Definition (SD), High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD or 4K), or higher resolution formats present increasingly significant problems for existing network infrastructure and significantly higher price to content consumers. Such high resolution formats are limited because of data rate constraints and subscriber aggregate data limits. By 2018, the number of households using streaming has been projected to increase to 50% and beyond. Even with the current relatively low percentage of streaming, peak time network congestion is causing video disruption, such as video pixilation, synchronization problems, freeze frames, etc. This video disruption will be furthered exacerbated as more households move to content streaming, higher resolution video, and as additional real-time services are further employed.

Advertising can be used as a subsidized approach to both linear and personalized programming streaming. However with current advertising/content ratios, bandwidth required to additionally transmit advertising content is increased by as much as 50%. Other challenges that effect high impact advertising exist for both linear and personalized programming. Currently, advertisers have traditionally subsidized content production and distribution through advertisements (for example, commercials). This approach has a limited capability to target an audience segment. Advertisers are unable to target advertisements to individuals or cluster groups except by relying on associated program content. Currently, commercial selection and insertion is dependent on the targeted audience of the content rather than the targeted audience of the commercial. True, direct measures of advertisement effectiveness do not exist. Changing commercials on-the-fly to reflect changes in consumer content viewing habits is difficult. Also, it is extremely difficult to measure the impact of on-the-fly advertising on individual subscribers, cluster groups, and/or geographic areas based on selected advertising profiles.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed a method and apparatus that can include a system processor control and a system controller. The system processor can determine a subscriber content price for multimedia content based on a lead-time of electronic delivery of the multimedia content to a customer premises equipment via at least one transport provider servicing the customer premises equipment. The system controller can transmit the subscriber content price to the customer premises equipment and schedule electronic delivery of the multimedia content to the customer premises equipment within the lead-time and in response to a subscriber request to deliver the multimedia content to the customer premises equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A need exists for an efficient and effective use of transport resources to smooth out subscriber demand for multimedia content. A need also exists to subsidize the subscriber's multimedia content with on demand, changeable, subscriber-preferred targeted, non-targeted and/or requested advertisements without exacerbating bandwidth demands to deliver effective targeted and requested advertisements.

The embodiments described herein overcome the limitations discussed above, as well as expanding on capabilities of existing content distribution systems. The embodiments provide for apparatuses, systems, and methods that can establish one or more pricing models for advertising and subscriber selected video content driven by 1) subscriber preferences, 2) content provider pricing, 3) advertiser pricing and cluster selection, and 4) transport pricing (broadcast and network) based on cost driven by the use of predicted excess capacity as determined by one or more pricing models of transport systems. The terms price and cost are used interchangeably herein throughout.

The embodiments can optimize bandwidth/data rate constrained transport systems, with 1) multimedia content selection and viewing time, 2) accepted amount of advertising, and 3) price under a subscriber's control. The computer-based methods, systems, and apparatuses can be used to construct a real-time pricing model for the optimal use of transport resources.

The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can provide for personalized multimedia programming that includes the consumer's selected multimedia content, specified resolution, viewing time, lead-time, and an accepted number and type of embedded advertisements. Advertisers' preferences can be incorporated for targeting selected individuals, cluster groups of individuals, and geographic areas. Traditional advertising can be targeted at specific multimedia content. The embodiments disclosed herein provide for advertising that can be targeted to a cluster of the subscriber and/or to a specific subscriber or group of subscribers. The embodiments can analyze subscriber behavior and reward the subscriber for either existing or changing behavior that can result in lower operational costs.

The embodiments can limit a subscriber's specified maximum billing period cost (for example, a not-to-exceed price) based on the subscriber's desired multimedia content for viewing and can automatically adjust various subscriber parameters with respect to content providers′, advertisers' and transporter(s)'s constraint(s).

The embodiments can further allow the subscriber to manually adjust their selected control preferences or parameters, including cost as an independent parameter, to the cost of viewing over a billing period through a web interface on a computer, the customer premises equipment (CPE), or other web accessible devices. The subscriber can also manually adjust their control parameters, including price, for individual content, content series, or selected subset of their desired personalized programming.

The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can also provide for the selection of cost-effective and resource-efficient methods of content distribution based on the use (in total or in part) of multiple broadcast and/or multiple network infrastructures, including, multicast, peer-to-peer and mesh architectures. A company implementing one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein can purchase, in bulk from an Internet Service Provider (ISP), blocks of data to supplement against the subscriber's data cap. This can be either in concert with the subscriber's existing data cap or executed as a completely separate transaction.

FIG. 1illustrates an example multimedia system101, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments. The multimedia system101can include a multimedia delivery system100to electronically delivery multimedia content to subscribers105. The multimedia delivery system100can include customer premises equipment (CPE)110, a system and services gateway120, and one or more distribution gateways130. The customer premises equipment (CPE)110can be coupled to the system and services gateway120and the distribution gateways130. The system and services gateway120and distribution gateways130can be coupled to content providers140, advertisers150, and transport providers160. Subscribers105can interact with the customer premises equipment110.

The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can use all available subscriber105, content provider140, content delivery pricing from transport providers160, and advertiser150cluster information to automatically price multimedia content. The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can select the most cost-effective use of available electronic delivery infrastructure to satisfy the multimedia content, preferences and pricing requests from subscribers105.

The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can incorporate advanced analytics techniques that can place advertising into subscriber105clusters, or direct placement to a specific subscriber105or group of subscribers105with prioritization (for example, Direct Marketing Areas (DMA)). This prioritization can be based on the value the subscriber105places on an advertising and/or the value of a subscriber105to an advertiser150. This includes the placement of the advertising in the multimedia content for maximum impact.

The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses can allow for content transmission at a predetermined time and/or adaptively as a function of the predictive and/or measured loading on network distribution (including backbone and last mile of network service). The approach to multimedia content distribution disclosed herein can select a most cost efficient transport method and transport provider160for electronic content delivery or transport, delivery and transport being used interchangeably herein. Contracts with ISPs or the transport providers160for the purchase of data transfers during periods of reduced demand or periods of excess capacity can be utilized to minimize costs associated with multimedia content electronic delivery. A lower network Quality of Service (QoS) can be acceptable for electronic delivery of non-live content (i.e., scheduled content delivery), resulting in lower transport cost with improved subscriber105experience. The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can tolerate lower network QoS to the CPE110, with multimedia content and advertising being pre-stored on the CPE110before it is assembled for display for a subscriber105. The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can allow for error detection and correction to address data dropouts.

The computer-based methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can price preplanned multimedia content of the subscriber105in bandwidth/data rate constrained digital distribution systems. Digital multimedia content files or packets can be transmitted over one or more of network and broadcast infrastructures, including multicast, torrent and/or mesh architectures, to the CPEs110of the subscribers105. When multiple network and broadcast infrastructures are utilized, the digital packets are stored locally within a CPE110of the subscriber105for re-assembly into a viewable stream by a selected display device or devices at a specified time.

The subscriber105can interact with the multimedia electronic delivery system100through a web interface contained in the CPE110. The subscriber105can communicate content selection and operational preferences to the multimedia delivery system100. In response to these selection and operational preferences (see Table 4) the multimedia delivery system100can price the content and make this information available to the subscriber105via the web interface in near real-time.

TABLE 2Subscriber Account ProfileCPE Unique IdentificationAccount Identification NumberAccount Privacy PreferencesMaximum cost for the overall billing periodControl parameters of individual subscriber profiles (Parental)Password/PIN/Thumbprint/Voice Recognition/Face Recognition/OtherCredit Card Number (for Billing only)Expiration Date (for Billing only)Validation Number (for Billing only)Subscriber Data Cap(s)WiredCellularSatelliteWi-Fi

TABLE 3Individual Subscriber Profile(s)Subscriber Account Unique Identification LinkUnique Identification NumberPersonal Identification NumberNamePreferences Table LinkSocial Media Input and ConnectionsMain Subscriber (Parental) Control Limitation - Maturity Level of ContentAllowedPrivacy Preferences (Individual Override - If over 18)Subscriber Domain Shift - Changing viewing preferences and habitsAdvertising Preferences (Non-targeted, Targeted, and Requested)Maximum allowed spending controlled by the primary subscriberIndividual Subscriber Cost Limits - Profile 1Content ClassMax Class CostAd PreferenceLead-TimeViewing DelayAmount of Allowed AdvertisingVideo Quality/ResolutionIndividual Subscriber Cost Limits - Profile 2. . .Individual Subscriber Cost Limits - Profile N

TABLE 5Subscriber HistoryUnique Subscriber Identification HashHistory Reference Number - 0Content Title IDTime/date content was selectedRequested viewing system time/dateActual content viewing system start time/dateActual content viewing system stop time/dateNumber of pausesAverage length of pausesFast Forward OperationsRewind OperationsMethod of transportTime/date the content was started for delivery to CPETime/date the content delivery was completedAmount and type of advertising acceptedList advertisements inserted - advertising position number and time/datedisplayed, directedAdvertising SkippedPrice of content when selectedPrice of content when watchedPurchase modeResolution/qualityDisplay typeContent Price Equation Type Used for Pricing ContentContent Price Equation Descriptive Parameters (Coefficients, Slope, . . . )Cluster Content Confidence IntervalCluster Content Popularity IndexTime/date of Transfer to Mobile DeviceHistory Reference Number - 1History Reference Number - 2. . .History Reference Number - N

For each Content Item Requested or Recommended

Advertisers150can pay for the attention of the subscribers105. Advertisers150can provide commercials, desired viewer cluster, and campaign objectives through the dedicated interfaces of the multimedia delivery system100. The multimedia delivery system100can use such information together with sophisticated mathematical algorithms (for example, executed by a system processor128shown inFIG. 3) to match requested clusters to the subscribers105, preferably not to multimedia content. This matching technique can provide advertisers150a more cost effective technique to reach their desired audience.

The transport providers160can provide the parameters shown in Table 7 to the system and services gateway120, through dedicated interfaces. These parameters can be used to schedule and price excess capacity of a transport provider160to lower distribution price to customer premises equipment110of subscribers105, as well as to make maximal use of a delivery network, particularly during a period when a delivery network is being underutilized, for example midnight to 6 A.M.

TABLE 7Advertiser Request and ParametersUnique Advertiser IdentificationUnique Commercial IdentifierAdvertising CategoryDemographic PreferencesGeographic PreferencesTechnical Content of AdvertiserAdvertising PriorityAssociated AdvertisingNumber of Times Advertising to be ShownMinimum Time Interval to RepeatPreferred Advertising PositionPreferred Show or Content TypeZip Code AssignmentPolitical BoundariesAdvertising QoS (AQoS)Advertising Value of Advertiser to SubscriberAdvertising Value of Subscriber to AdvertiserDirect Advertising InsertionAdvertising Demographic Group IDRedeemed Advertising Credit Coupon No. 1Redeemed Advertising Credit Coupon No. 2. . .Redeemed Advertising Credit Coupon No. NAdvertising Impact QoS (AIQoS)

The content providers140can provide information that allows the multimedia delivery system100to delivery multimedia content to the subscribers105. For example, the content providers140can provide content listing, licensing and pricing information, together with multimedia content to the multimedia delivery system100though dedicated interfaces.

FIG. 2illustrates example interoperability of components of the multimedia delivery system100, according to one or more possible embodiments. The system and services gateway120can be coupled to content providers140and advertisers150. The system and services gateway120can be further coupled to a plurality of distribution gateways130a-d. One or more of the distribution gateways130a-dcan be coupled to a broadcast gateway210. The broadcast gateway210can deliver multimedia content over broadcast infrastructure, such as over-the-air broadcast infrastructure, cable broadcast infrastructure, satellite broadcast infrastructure, and/or any other broadcast infrastructure. The distribution gateways130a-dcan allow for simultaneous, synchronous and asynchronous (not in time order) delivery of multimedia content to CPEs110of subscribers105over one or more of network and broadcast distribution infrastructures. The broadcast gateway210can determine what multimedia content is transmitted over each transmission infrastructure based on resource excess capacity, resource cost, and resource availability. The CPEs110can store such data from multiple sources and reconstructed the multimedia content in proper order for viewing with the CPE110of the subscriber105. The CPE110can be at least partially implemented with a carrier supplied customer premise equipment, a digital video recorder, a set top box, a video extender, a smart television, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, with a software application (“app”) implementation, and/or any other media device that can play the multimedia content.

Distribution gateway130acan be coupled to CPE110bvia an Internet connection and optionally coupled to mobile device220via an Internet connection. Distribution gateway130acan service a specific geographic region, for example CPE110devices within Fairfax County. Distribution gateway130bcan be coupled to CPE110cvia an Internet connection and optionally coupled to the broadcast gateway210via an Internet connection. Distribution gateway130acan service a specific geographic region, for example CPE110devices within Montgomery County. Distribution gateway130ccan be coupled to the broadcast gateway210via an Internet connection and to CPE110dvia an Internet connection. Distribution gateway130ccan service a specific geographic region, for example CPE110devices within a region of the District of Columbia. Distribution gateway130dcan be coupled to CPE110evia an Internet connection. Distribution gateway130dcan service a specific geographic region, for example CPE110devices within a different region of the District of Columbia that those CPE110devices serviced by distribution gateway130c. CPE110bcan be optionally coupled to CPE110cand CPE110dvia a peer-to-peer Internet connection. CPE110cand CPE110dcan be optionally coupled via a peer-to-peer Internet connection. The size of a specific geographic region that a particular distribution gateway130services can be a function of the location and density of CPEs110of subscribers105within a geographic region.

The system and services gateway120and the distribution gateways130can be implemented redundantly, and can work through individual failures, either in hardware of the multimedia delivery system100or Internet connectivity. A backup hot spare of the system and services gateway120can be maintained such that in the event of a failure, operations transition seamlessly to the backup hot spare.

The multimedia delivery system100can operate with many distribution gateways130. In an event of a distribution gateway130failure, the operation of the failed distribution gateway130can be spread to several nearby distribution gateways130until the failure is corrected.

In one or more possible embodiments, there can be no redundant backup for an individual CPE110, per se. However, a subscriber105can stream multimedia content using an alternate media CPE110device, for example, a digital video recorder, a set top box, a video extender, a smart television, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a software application (app) implementation, and/or any other media device that can play the multimedia content, in the event of a primary CPE110failure. Such streaming to an alternate media CPE110device can be performed at no additional cost to the subscriber105.

The system and services gateway120can price subscriber's preplanned multimedia content in bandwidth/data rate constrained digital distribution systems. Digital multimedia content files or packets can be transmitted utilizing at least one of network and broadcast infrastructures, including multicast, torrent and mesh architectures, to the CPEs110of the subscribers105. When multiple network and broadcast infrastructures are utilized, the digital packets are stored locally within the CPEs110for re-assembly into a viewable steam, preferably prior to release for viewing by a selected display device or devices at a specified time(s).

The system and services gateway120can transmit to the CPEs110a list of subscriber selected and recommended multimedia content, multimedia content that meets/does not meet subscriber cost constraints, and/or multimedia content that has/has not been downloaded to the CPE110. The system processor128can perform multimedia content recommendation based on information from Tables 1 through 6 to discover the recommended multimedia content. The system processor128can determine confidence intervals for each of the subscriber105selected and recommended multimedia content, the confidence intervals indicating a likelihood that the multimedia content from the recommended multimedia content best matches preferred subscriber105multimedia content. A list of subscriber105selected and recommended multimedia content and the confidence intervals, respectively, can be transmitted to the CPE(s)110for display to the subscriber(s)105via a user interface of the CPE(s)110.

FIG. 3illustrates an overall block diagram of the example multimedia delivery system100, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments. The system and services gateway120can include an archive gateway122, a billing & payment module124, a system controller126, and a system processor128. The system controller126can include a time reference module127. The archive gateway122can be coupled to the system controller126and the system processor128via a control, status & data bus129. The distribution gateway130can be coupled to the broadcast infrastructure210for transmission of multimedia content and advertising. The broadcast infrastructure210can include such broadcasting infrastructure as over-the air broadcast infrastructure, cable broadcast infrastructure, satellite broadcast infrastructure, cellular, and/or any other broadcast network that allows multimedia content to be transmitted to the CPEs110of the subscribers105. At least a portion of the system and services gateway120(for example, the system processor128) can be partitioned and operated simultaneously in, one or more of the following environments: local computing, mobile computing, and distributed computing and cloud-computing.

The archive gateway122can receive such information as multimedia content updates and advertising updates. The archive gateway122can transmit multimedia content and advertising to the distribution gateway130. The multimedia delivery system100can store the multimedia content in the archive gateway122(or archive cloud) for transfer to the distribution gateway130for commonly viewed multimedia content and to CPEs110of the subscribers105under agreed licensing and pricing terms and conditions.

All data from external interfaces can be handled through the multimedia delivery system100. In particular, such data from external interfaces can be sent and received by the system controller126. This data can include subscriber105parameters provided by the subscribers105, content provider140parameters provided by the content providers140, advertiser parameters provided by the advertisers150, and transport parameters provided by the transport providers160, an external time reference127, and other databases to be used to optimize the multimedia delivery system100. The external time reference can be distributed throughout the multimedia delivery system100. The external time reference can be used to maintain synchronization for deconstructing and constructing multimedia content and advertising, as well as token authorization and decryption. The system controller126can receive an external time reference127and information from other databases.

The distribution gateway130can send and receive information from the mobile device220operating as a CPE110. The distribution gateway130can send and receive, to and from the CPE110, such bidirectional information as control & status that can be either encrypted or unencrypted, and transmit such information as multimedia content via a transport provider160and advertising via a transport provider160. The distribution gateway130can transmit to the broadcast infrastructure210such information as encrypted multimedia content and advertisements, and send and receive, to and from the broadcast infrastructure210, such bidirectional information as control and status that can be either encrypted or unencrypted. The distribution gateway130can send multimedia content and advertising to the mobile device220. In one or more possible embodiments, the CPE110can send multimedia content to the mobile device220to be viewed on one or more displays310, either for storage or live streaming from the CPE110.

The broadcast infrastructure210can transmit multimedia content and advertising over one or more of the over-the air broadcast infrastructure, cable broadcast infrastructure, and satellite broadcast infrastructure. One or more possible embodiments can maintain a multi-stage process for Internet delivery of multimedia content and advertising to a subscriber105. All multimedia content and advertising, from their respective sources, can be initially transferred to a central repository, the archive gateway122. The archive gateway122can provide for long term storage or the “permanent” storage of multimedia content. The functions performed by the archive gateway122can be distributed in the distribution gateways130and/or be performed in a cloud-computing environment.

Frequently selected multimedia content can be transferred from the archive gateway122to distribution gateways130for staging. The distribution gateways130can be located throughout the country to minimize the impact to the Internet and therefore transport price(s). The multimedia content maintained on the distribution gateway130can be regularly updated to reflect new popular multimedia content becoming available, with pruning being performed on least frequently selected multimedia content that is on the distribution gateway130. The multimedia content selection maintained on a given distribution gateway130can be individually optimized and can be different from region to region. The multimedia content selection maintained on distribution gateways130can also be updated periodically and can reflect seasonal viewing preferences, for example, holiday multimedia content during holidays, horror multimedia content during Halloween, etc.

Infrequently selected multimedia content can be maintained only on the archive gateway122. The infrequently selected content, upon a request from the subscriber105, can be transferred to the distribution gateway130and placed in temporary storage of the distribution gateway130. This buffered multimedia content can then be processed as frequently viewed multimedia content for delivery to a requesting CPE110of the subscriber105, again minimizing the impact to delivery infrastructure (for example, the Internet) and price. The amount of storage maintained in the distribution gateway130can be optimized to minimize the overall capital expenditure and operational costs, trading off the cost for adding and maintaining disk storage vs. the Internet backbone impact and cost of delivering infrequently selected content that can be maintained on the archive gateway122. The optimized storage maintained on the distribution gateways130can be different from region to region.

Staged content on the distribution gateway130can be transferred to the CPE110of the subscriber105upon a request from the subscriber105. Since one or more of the embodiments encourage, via economic incentives, to have subscribers105preplan their content selection, the delivery of multimedia content to the CPE110can be performed to minimize delivery infrastructure (for example, the Internet) transport charge(s).

The system processor128can analyze the multimedia content stored on each archive gateway122and each distribution gateway130. This analysis can use the information contained in subscriber105preferences shown in Table 4 and subscriber105viewing history data shown in Table 5. Using this analysis, the system processor128can rank multimedia content by popularity, longevity, and cost to maintain the multimedia content in the repository of the archive gateway122to determine what multimedia content is stored and when it's purged from the repository of the archive gateway122. Purged multimedia content can be stored in offline storage. This process can be adjusted for seasonal and regional viewing preferences. This information and instructions are passed to the system controller126for distribution to the archive gateway122and subsequently to the distribution gateway130.

The system processor128can use information contained in CPE profile data shown in Table 1, subscriber105account profile shown in Table 2, individual subscriber105profile shown in Table 3, subscriber105preferences data show in Table 4, subscriber105history data shown in Table 5, and multimedia content metadata from external databases shown in Table 6 to discover multimedia content to recommend to the subscribers105. Such information can be used to create a community of subscribers105with common viewing interests and build a subscriber105social network. This community can provide discussion groups (similar to a book club), forums, subscriber-written reviews, and lists of curated content for and by subscribers105. These communities build subscriber105affinity and cohesiveness, which can create subscriber105“stickiness”. This stickiness translates into attention and can create added value for the advertisers150. Advertisers150can use this increased attention to add value to their commercials. Existing social networks (e.g., Facebook) can be integrated into the multimedia delivery system100.

The price for multimedia content may be determined by the system processor128as an exponential decay as a function of time as follows:
Content Provider Pricei,j(t)=(Start Pricei,j−Tail Pricei,j)*exp[−βi*(t−Start Timei)]+Tail Pricei,j
where t is a function of any instantaneous time, i identifies the specific content, j identifies content resolution, and βiidentifies the decay rate of the specific multimedia content. More complex models can be instantiated within the system processor128.

The multimedia content price to the subscriber105can be determined by the system processor128according to the equation as follows:
Subscriber Content Price=Content Provider Price+Content Delivery Price−Advertising Subsidy+Commissions on all Pricing transactions

Thus, the subscriber multimedia content price can be expressed a function of at least one of the content provider140price, the content delivery price, the advertising subsidy, and the commissions. The commissions can be associated with at least one of selecting the multimedia content, scheduling delivery of the multimedia content, pricing of delivery of the multimedia content, and inserting an advertisement into the multimedia content. The system processor128can calculate each of the terms on the right side of this equation. The system processor128can compute these quantities simultaneously and in parallel using various mathematical methods and techniques. The system processor128can process all cost/price/demand models simultaneously. An adjudication process can be executed by the system processor128that can select the best content provider140price, which can increase content demand and maximize the content provider's140revenue/profit. Initially, parameters for the adjudication process may be set by the content provider(s)140and refined by actual CPE110measurements and test marketing, or focus group data, within the system processor128. The system processor128can use the collected data to predict the Start Price (shown inFIG. 8as Start Price875on a content provider140price curve810) of multimedia content being a price of multimedia content at a time at which the multimedia content is made available for viewing, the Tail Price (shown inFIG. 8as Tail Price880on content provider140price curve810) of multimedia content being a multimedia content price which decreases as the view-delay becomes large, and βibeing an exponential decay parameter that can be for specific multimedia content or clusters of multimedia content. Then, the predicted parameters can be used to calculate the content provider140price for each particular multimedia content. The goal is to maximize the content providers'140revenue by increasing multimedia content demand by decreasing the multimedia content's price, which in turn can stimulate demand by the subscribers105. The content provider's140cost/price and investment payoff schedule can be considered in these calculations. The system processor128can simultaneously perform this costing/pricing function with advertiser150, transport provider160, and subscriber105pricing data considered.

The system processor128can calculate the Advertising Quality of Service (AQoS) and prioritize advertising to achieve a specified AQoS. The AQoS can include a minimum percentage of distinct subscribers105that have a specified advertisement displayed a minimum number of times for the multimedia system101or advertiser150specified cluster. This process can use the information contained Tables 1, 2 and 3, subscriber105viewing histories, external databases (for example, advertiser supplied databases) and advertiser150demographics of interest. Advertisers150can also purchase exclusivity or limited exclusivity during the viewing of a specified multimedia content by their selected or multimedia system101selected cluster profiles. In at least one embodiment, the subscriber105can be given a credit coupon by a product seller when associated advertising is viewed and the product is purchased to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of the subscriber105to maintain services and multimedia content provided by the multimedia system101. The feedback of advertising to a purchase, AQoS, type of advertising (targeted, non-targeted, and subscriber requested), and subscriber105interaction with the CPE110can be used by the system processor128to measure an Advertising Impact Quality of Service (AIQoS). This can be performed for both national and regional advertisers150.

Placement of an advertisement within content is based on maximum value to an advertiser150. The system processor128can determine such value and priority using subscriber105profiles, subscriber105viewing history, subscriber105account profile, individual subscriber105profiles, subscriber105preferences, advertiser requests and parameters, interactions of the subscriber105with the CPE110, and/or one or more of factors show in tables 1-6. The system processor128can transmit results of such a determination to the CPE110for assembly of an advertisement within multimedia content. These factors can include: cluster-specific and individual-specific subscriber105profiles, type of advertisement (generic cluster-specific, advertiser-specific, and subscriber-requested), time and date of a start request, value and cycle (i.e., selection of a next advertisement in a value-ordered list of advertisements can be sent to a CPE110of a subscriber105to be inserted in the multimedia content.

The system controller126can transmit this list to the CPE110. The CPE110can maintain and update this ordered list through a prioritized list of advertisements assignments for each available commercial slot, tracking of a number of times a particular advertisement is viewed within a given time interval, a last time a particular advertisement was shown to a subscriber105of the CPE110to determine when such an advertisement should be shown again to cluster-specific and individual-specific subscribers105, subscriber105demographic profile (used by advertisement insertion instruction module of the CPE110(not shown)), type of advertising accepted or requested by a subscriber105via the CPE110, a predetermined value of a cluster-specific and individual-specific subscriber105to an advertiser150in its processing, decreasing value of an advertisement with the passage of time or repeated viewings within a specified time interval to a cluster-specific or individual-specific subscriber105, and repeated viewings of multimedia content can have different advertisements inserted for each viewing of the multimedia content by cluster-specific and individual-specific subscribers105. These factors can further include an advertisement or advertising campaign as specified by an advertiser150to be inserted within multimedia content based on one or more of cluster-exclusivity, limited cluster-exclusivity, content-specific insertion for selected cluster subscriber105-profiles, individual-subscriber105profiles, advertiser150specified minimum number of times an advertisement is displayed, a minimum number of repetitions within a time interval an advertisement can be shown to a subscriber-cluster or individual subscriber105, advertiser150specified demographic-seeding instructions to perform more focused clustering for products and services, advertiser150specified regional and national insertion and display of an advertisement, advertiser150specified advertisement play time of when the advertisement is presented to a subscriber105within the multimedia content relative to the start of the multimedia content, content position (cluster-specific and individual-specific) of advertising insertion times, an advertisement actual play time within a specific multimedia content, position of the advertisement, and content checked (against the specified advertisement play time, content and position) for AQoS and AIQoS validation.

The system and services gateway120can limit a subscriber105specified maximum price for a billing period (for example, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, yearly, and/or any other billing period selected by a subscriber105) based on the subscriber's105desired multimedia content for viewing. The system and services gateway120can automatically adjust various subscriber parameters with respect to constraints of the content providers140, advertisers150, and transport provider(s)160. The system and services gateway120can automatically adjust preferences of the subscriber105to meet a subscriber105set price limit for a billing period based on selected multimedia content. The system processor128of the system and services gateway120can perform dynamic pricing that includes automatic design-to-price of personalized multimedia content programming of the subscribers105based on a willingness of the subscribers105to modify viewing choices and preferences. For example, the CPE110can allow a subscriber105to select and control modification of a preference including at least one of an allowed amount of advertising to be inserted in the multimedia content, the lead-time of electronic delivery, a multimedia content delayed viewing period, a multimedia content resolution, and targeted, non-targeted, and subscriber requested advertising types to meet the maximum price for the billing period. Such selection and modification can be based on the subscriber105, via the CPE110, selecting at least one of multimedia content for viewing, selecting a different time/date for viewing of the multimedia content, and modifying at least one of the subscriber selected preferences different from the at least one of the subscriber selected preferences modified to meet the maximum price for the billing period.

FIG. 4illustrates an example interaction between the content provider140and the system controller126, and interaction between the system controller126and internal subsystems of the multimedia delivery system100, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments. Either the system controller126(Option 1) or a content provider140(Option 2) can initiate a request for content delivery to the multimedia delivery system100. The content provider140can respond to Option 1 or Option 2 with a pricing request. This pricing request can include an identification number of the content provider140, a unique multimedia content identification number, a suggested multimedia content price, and other parameters (for example, content screenplay, available content resolution(s), content file size(s), content runtime(s), and other multimedia content descriptive information). This information can be sent to the system controller126through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The system controller126then can send this information to the system processor128.

The system processor128can analyze data of the multimedia content, including advanced analytics to analyze the screenplay for plot, and other production choices, for example actors, directors. This analysis can be used in conjunction with subscriber105cluster interests. The system processor128can provide, based on this analysis, potential content pricing, popularity, and expected content provider140revenue. This processing can take into account a domain shift associated with changing subscriber105viewing preferences and habits. The system processor128can then pass this information back to the system controller126which passes the information back to the content provider140. The information returned to the content provider140from the system processor128, via the system controller126, can include: 1) the potential subscriber105demand for the multimedia content at as a function of price, 2) the predicted popularity of the multimedia content (for example, from clustering analysis performed in the system processor128) and 3) expected revenue generated by the multimedia content as a function of time. The system processor128can analyze and optimize the multimedia content pricing and recommendation, advertising pricing and transport pricing functions either independently or all functions simultaneously/globally through the use of local and global adjudication.

The system controller126can calculate an optimum price together with a table that provides the expected demand, expected popularity and expected revenue as a function of a multimedia content price curve. This information can then be passed to a content provider140as a basis to select a multimedia content price. The content provider140can choose to select the optimum price for the multimedia content determined by the system and services gateway120or set a different price. The final selected price is sent by content provider140back to the system controller126. If the content provider140selects a multimedia content price that differs from the optimum price determined by the system and services gateway120, the system controller126can forward the new information to the system processor128for revaluation. The system processor128can reevaluate the popularity and revenue model for internal use by the multimedia delivery system100. However, even if the content provider140selects a suboptimum price, the multimedia delivery system100will use that price. The system controller126can forward this multimedia content pricing to the billing and payment module124. The interaction and operation between the system controller126, the system processor128, external interfaces (with content providers140, advertisers150, and content broadcast and network transport), the archive gateways122, and the distribution gateways130can be controlled by the system controller126.

The reevaluation of multimedia content popularity as a function of time can be necessary to maintain the archive gateways122and the distribution gateways130. The maintenance can purge less popular multimedia content, thereby freeing up storage for more popular multimedia content. Whenever new multimedia content is added to the archive gateways122or distribution gateways130, the system controller126can task the system processor128to perform a multimedia content popularity analysis to make storage available. As shown inFIG. 4, the system controller126can perform this purging process before enabling multimedia content (or advertising) transfer from a content provider140(or an Advertiser150) to the archive gateways122. Also, the system controller126can perform this purging process before enabling multimedia content (or advertising) transfer from an archive gateway122to one or more regional distribution gateways130.

The distribution gateway130can be coupled (for example, contain) to one or more of solid state and/or disk-based storage. Periodically, the system controller126can task the system processor128to analyze subscriber105multimedia content requests. Based on the received analysis, the system controller126can reallocate existing distribution gateway130multimedia content between solid state and disk-based storage to achieve lower operating cost and faster multimedia content retrieval.

FIG. 5illustrates a block diagram of an example archive gateway122, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments. The archive gateway122can include an archive control & status module510, a video ID & buffer module520, a content & advertising catalog530, video archive storage540, and a video distribution module550. The archive control & status module510can be coupled to the control, status & data bus129and a control, status & data bus501within the archive gateway122. The video ID & buffer module520can be coupled to a Virtual Private Network (VPN)505, the control, status & data bus501, the content & advertising catalog530, and the video archive storage540. The content & advertising catalog530can be coupled to the control, status & data bus501and the video distribution module550. The video archive storage540can further be coupled to the video distribution module550. The video distribution module550can further be coupled to the control, status & data bus501and the distribution gateway130.

The archive gateway122can store all active multimedia content and advertising that may be accessed in the multimedia delivery system100. This includes licensed multimedia content and active advertising. All new multimedia content and advertising can be received via the VPN505from their respective sources, the content providers140and the advertisers150. The video data can be buffered for conversion into a format used by the multimedia delivery system100and cataloged. Once this process is complete, the multimedia delivery system100formatted multimedia content can be transferred to the video archive storage540. The content & advertising catalog530can maintain an index for all multimedia content and advertising stored in the video archive storage540.

The video distribution module550can control transfer of multimedia content and advertising to the distribution gateway130. Commonly requested multimedia content (new and perennial favorites) can be stored and serviced directly from the distribution gateway130to minimize traffic on distribution infrastructure (for example, the Internet backbone). Infrequently accessed multimedia content can be serviced from the archive gateway122for delivery through the distribution gateway130. The system processor128of the distribution gateway130can regularly evaluate operations of the multimedia delivery system100to optimize storage of the distribution gateway130. Optimizing storage of the distribution gateway130can minimize overall costs by trading off storage of the distribution gateway130for distribution infrastructure transportation costs.

FIG. 6illustrates a block diagram of an example CPE110, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments. In particular, the CPE110can include a Wi-Fi/Cellular interface602, an Ethernet interface604, an environmental monitoring module606, an assembly engine608, an encryptor, decryptor, & packetizer610, a CPE control and status module612, a tuner (for example, over-the-air tuner)/cable card (for example, satellite and/or cable) module614, and internal storage616. The CPE110can further include a DVD/Blu-ray drive618, a remote control interface620, and an HDMI interface622. All of the components of the CPE110can be inter-coupled with one another. The CPE110can be coupled to an external network attached storage (NAS) device624. The remote control interface620can communicate with a remote control629. The HDMI interface622can be coupled to a local television630. The assembly engine608can retrieve at least one of multimedia content and advertisements from the internal storage616and/or the NAS device624and output the at least one of multimedia content and advertisements to a display device, such as local television630, for viewing by the subscriber105.

The CPE110can be a “set-top” box that can provide a mechanism to store and display multimedia content (and advertisements) across a variety of devices, shown inFIG. 6. The CPE110can interact with the distribution gateway130and the subscriber105to coordinate the viewing of multimedia content. Although the multimedia delivery system100can stream multimedia content, the primary mode of operation is to display multimedia content that has been pre-stored on the CPE110. An advantage of pre-storing multimedia content on the CPE110is to reduce peak distribution infrastructure bandwidth requirements and eliminate susceptibility to momentary glitches in network delivery of the multimedia content.

The CPE110can have a primary CPE110account for bill paying, overall price control, and parental controls, as well as defining underlying individual profiles for viewing preferences and selections. In addition, an individual CPE110can have multiple primary accounts that can allow for separate billing.

The CPE110can store all preloaded multimedia content in an encrypted state until the CPE110receives a subscriber105requested to display the multimedia content. After viewing, any unencrypted buffered multimedia content can be purged, again leaving only the encrypted multimedia content resident on the CPE110. The CPE110can accept broadcast delivery via tuner/cable card module614from one or more broadcast infrastructure632(for example, over-the-air, satellite, and/or cable). In addition, the CPE110can be preloaded for general resale with popular current multimedia content so the subscriber105can start using the CPE110immediately without needing to stream and/or download the multimedia content prior to viewing. The preloaded multimedia content can also include a variety of promotional videos or content.

The WiFi/cellular interface602and Ethernet interface604can provide network interfaces to the distribution gateway130via the service provider160of the subscriber105. In addition, these interfaces can be used to connect to a video extender626and one or more portable devices628to the CPE110. The video extender626can be a stripped down CPE110that allows the CPE110to transfer video content to multiple televisions, simultaneously. The CPE110can directly transfer and store multimedia content on portable devices628for subsequent display of the multimedia content. The environmental monitoring module606can monitor for vibration, intrusion, temperature, power glitches, and any other factors that may cause an electronic failure with the CPE110.

The CPE110can use, for a multicast or any one-to-many multimedia content and/or advertisements delivery system, a unique encryption key and a common or general decryption key to decrypt multimedia and/or advertising content, if required. Once the CPE110receives the unique encryption key and the general decryption key, the CPE110can decrypt the multimedia and/or advertising content with the general decryption key and re-encrypt the multimedia and/or advertising content with the unique encryption key prior to placing the multimedia content in the internal storage616or the external NAS624device. The distribution gateway130can transmit to the CPE110information required to perform the multicast decryption and unique re-encryption per CPE110prior to placing the multimedia content and/or advertisements in storage. In response to a subscriber105request to play the multimedia content with the CPE110, the distribution gateway120can transmit a unique decryption key to the CPE110that permits the CPE110to decrypt and play the multimedia content on the CPE110.

The subscriber105can initiate actions at any time during viewing of selected multimedia content with the CPE110. These actions can include Pause/Resume, Fast Forward, Rewind and AdSkip. Each action modifies assembly instruction differently subject to a set of predetermined, programmable rules. In addition, the subscriber105can vote on individual advertisements with the potential to receive subsidies to offset the price of the multimedia content.

In each subscriber-initiated action, the CPE110can save the multimedia content state and capture the Time of Day (ToD) and the elapsed time from start of multimedia content viewing Tcs. At the start of multimedia content, Tcs can equal the current ToD and at the end of content Tce can equal the then current ToD. The ToD can include the time stamp of the day count (can be referenced to Jan. 1, 2015) and time (referenced from 0000 hours) and can be locked to an external, system time reference such as the NIST Time Server. Any subscriber105initiated action can carry both a ToD and a value relative to the Tcs. The ToD can include a day count starting at a multimedia system101defined point (can be referenced to Jan. 1, 2015).

Pause/Resume can allow the subscriber105to pause multimedia content and/or advertisement viewing and then resume multimedia content viewing when ready. Fast Forward can allow the subscriber105to fast forward the multimedia content and/or advertisement to a selected point and resume viewing. Associated with the Fast Forward action is a visual and/or timing (using the Tcs) cues to allow the subscriber105to find the desired point within the multimedia content and/or advertisement and resume viewing from that point. Rewind allows the subscriber105to find and replay a previously viewed point in the multimedia content and/or advertisement. Again, associated with the Rewind action is a visual and/or timing (using the Tcs) cues to allow the subscriber105to find the desired point and replay the multimedia content and/or advertisement.

AdSkip allows the subscriber105to skip a selected advertisement. Since the subscriber105can select the number of advertisements inserted into any given multimedia content, this feature is preferably limited. AdSkip can impact the potential advertiser150subsidy, and therefore the subscriber105costs within the multimedia system101. The CPE110can provide an Advertisement Skip Button for particularly undesirable advertising. This feature can be implemented as permanent commercial skipping for the particular advertisement. This information can be transmitted back to the advertiser150. If insufficient advertising subsidy remains to meet the subscriber's105requested subsidy, the CPE110can flash up on a display the cost impact of the commercial skip, indicate that additional advertisements might be needed to be viewed to make up for the skipped advertisement, or a combination of the two.

The Pause/Resume action can be implemented with the CPE110. When the subscriber105presses and activates the Pause/Resume button on a remote of the CPE110(using a remote control), the CPE110can immediately pause the multimedia content and/or advertisement at that point, and capture and saves the content state (including the ToD and Tcs). The time of action Ta is the content elapsed time from Tcs (when the content was paused). Additionally, a ToD can be assigned to the time of action. If the Ta of the resume minus the Ta of the pause is less than or equal to a maximum allowed pause interval, then the subscriber105can resume the viewing of the multimedia content and/or advertisement. If the Ta of the resume minus the Ta of the pause is greater than this maximum allowed pause interval, then the resume functionality causes a new token to be issued by the distribution gateway150and the viewing of the multimedia content and/or advertisement resumes from the exact point of the pause. If the current ToD minus the Tcs exceeds the subscriber's105purchased viewing window, a new token purchase can be required. This decision can be provided as an option from the content provider140. The subscriber actions, including play, pause, resume, fast forward, rewind, and ad-skip, can be reported to the system processor128of the system and services gateway120based on the time of action. The CPE110can capture and report actual multimedia content and advertisement viewing statistics in real-time and/or near real-time for use by the system processor128of the system and services gateway120. In addition, all interactions with the subscriber web interface can be reported to the system processor128.

The distribution gateway130can include a content packetizer132and a control and status module134. The distribution gateway130can monitor and manage, e.g., subscriber105usage of multimedia content and data per CPE110, billing data per CPE110, key(s)/token(s) to enable individual CPEs110to record and display content, and changes in a CPE110router IP address as dynamic addresses changes. In addition, the distribution gateway130can supply a subscriber105web interface. The web interface can allow the subscriber105to select multimedia content and set preferences, to control overall monthly charges, generate advertisement insertion instructions, and provide a VPN bank to service the associated CPEs110. The content packetizer132can deliver encrypted multimedia content and advertising (either encrypted or un-encrypted) to the CPE110. In addition, the subscriber105may access the subscriber105web interface via the CPE110to request content play, request multimedia content recommendations, etc.

The distribution gateway130can have a large front end storage to hold several million hours, or more, of frequently accessed multimedia content and current advertising. In addition, the front end storage can be used to buffer archived multimedia content, from the archive gateway122, that is less frequently accessed. This approach can be done to allow all encrypted multimedia content transfers to be handled identically, whether current or archived. The actual sizing of the front end storage is an on-going process and can regularly be calculated in the system processor128to trade off and optimize cost for local storage vs. transportation infrastructure delivery prices to minimize expenses for archived or “infrequent” multimedia content access. This process can add, delete, and move multimedia content between the archive gateway122and the distribution gateway130.

The control and status module134can provide the overall coordination of the distribution gateway130. The control and status module130can ensure that a subscriber105data use monitor, a local audit function, usage tracking and billing function, a token/Key manager, the subscriber web interface, advertising control, the VPN bank, and the content packetizer132all operate together without problems.

FIG. 7illustrates an example interactive, bidirectional-exchange of information between the CPE110and the distribution gateway130, and between the CPE110and the subscriber105, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments.

All aspects of pricing can be handled outside of the CPE110. The CPE110, if requested, can display the current and projected monthly billing cycle charges. In addition, a front panel LED can be set to display different colors based on used and projected multimedia content charges set against a selected threshold of the subscriber105. As an example, green might indicate less than 75% of the selected dollar threshold utilized, yellow might indicate 76 to 100% of the selected dollar threshold utilized, and red may indicate over 100% of the selected dollar threshold utilized.

The distribution gateway130can receive, via the CPE110, a subscriber105request for multimedia content. The subscriber105can send a request for multimedia content via a website or a user interface of the CPE110. In response to such a request, the distribution gateway130can transmit to the subscriber105, via the CPE110, a plurality of prices associated with delivery of the requested multimedia content. The plurality of prices associated with the delivery can be based on a content provider140price for the multimedia content, an amount of lead-time of electronic delivery of the multimedia content, a time/date the multimedia content is viewed or scheduled to be viewed with the CPE110, resolution of the multimedia content and/or a quality of the multimedia content. The plurality of prices can include any subsidies (for example, advertisements) that the subscriber105may receive when ordering the multimedia content. In one or more embodiments, system processor128can apply an additional subsidy to the subscriber content price based upon a demonstrated proof of a product purchase after the subscriber105viewed an associated advertising. A value of the additional subsidy can be based on whether the associated advertising is at least one of targeted, non-targeted, subscriber105requested, associated with a subscriber105identified cluster, and associated with an individual subscriber105.

The subscriber105can initiate an order, via the CPE110, to schedule delivery of the multimedia content by transmitting an “order” including selection of a price for delivery from the plurality of available prices. In response to the distribution gateway130receiving the order for multimedia content, the distribution gateway130can transmit the ordered multimedia content to the CPE110during a period when a delivery network of one or more of the transport providers160is being underutilized, for example midnight to 6 A.M. The CPE110can display a multimedia content conditions status page for the subscriber105. The CPE110can display when multimedia content will be available for viewing based on paid parameters. The CPE110can display an option for the subscriber105to initiate immediate viewing of the multimedia content, instead of waiting until the previously scheduled view time, for an additional fee.

The CPE110can inform the subscriber105that multimedia content is ready for viewing on a display page listing available multimedia content. The subscriber105can request to the view the multimedia content by sending a request to the CPE110. In one or more possible embodiments, the subscriber105can hit play on the remote control629of the CPE110. In response to the subscriber105requesting to view the multimedia content, the CPE110can send a request to the distribution gateway130for a content token. As long as multimedia content viewing conditions are met, the distribution gateway130can respond to such a request by sending a token unique to a requesting particular CPE110identifier and the particular multimedia content about to be viewed by the subscriber105. The CPE110can receive such a unique token and begin display of selected multimedia content.

The multimedia system101can provide for interactive, bidirectional-exchange of control information between the subscriber's CPE110and the distribution gateway130, for example within the VPN505network infrastructure, as shown inFIG. 5. From a perspective of the subscriber105, this control can include downloaded multimedia content identification, subscriber viewing choices and preferences (general and content-specific), and additional control parameters that flow from the CPE110to the distribution gateway130. From the perspective of the distribution gateway130, this control can include pricing based on subscriber105choices and alternate pricing strategies, which can lower the price of multimedia content. Additional information (for example, billing) can also pass through the VPN505.

FIG. 8illustrates an example of subscriber105multimedia content price timing800, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments. The subscriber105multimedia content price timing800illustrates a timeline830showing timing for events from an earlier time to a later time comprising: a date/time of multimedia content is available for selection (start-time)840, a date/time that multimedia content selection850, a date/time that multimedia content is available860for viewing on the CPE110, and a date/time that multimedia content is scheduled to be viewed (view-time)870on the CPE110.

The subscriber content price sequence800can include a multimedia content provider140price curve810and a content delivery price curve820. The content provider140price curve810can decrease as a function of the length of time from a date/time of multimedia content is available for selection (start-time)840. The content provider140price curve810can decrease from a start price875that can be established at a time the multimedia content is made available for selection840. The content delivery price, as shown with curve820, can increase or decrease as function of lead-time (the length of time between the date/time of multimedia content selection850and the date/time of multimedia content is required to be available860on the CPE110).

The system processor128can determine a lead-time by taking a difference between the time of the date/time of multimedia content being available860and the date/time of multimedia content selection850. The content delivery price890can be determined at any instantaneous time on the content delivery price curve820that intersects with the date/time of multimedia content selection850. In accordance with the principles disclosed herein, the system processor128can determine the lead-time and delivery time(s) that will result in the lowest price to deliver the multimedia content to the CPE110. The system processor128can determine the lead-time as hours, days, a week, two-weeks, a month, quarterly for a year, and/or any other period of time that can optimize the delivery price of the multimedia content and as an outcome of this, optimizes the bandwidth of the delivery infrastructure provided by one or more transport providers160. The multimedia content can be delivered all at once or in segmented portions to the CPE110. The multimedia content can be delivered throughout the lead-time period to be reassembled at the CPE110upon completion of the delivery to the CPE110.

The system processor128can determine a view-delay by taking a difference between the date/time of multimedia content is planned to be viewed (view-time)870and the date/time of multimedia content is available for selection (start-time)840. The multimedia content price885can be determined at any instantaneous time on the content provider140price curve810that intersects with the date/time of multimedia content is planned to be viewed (view-time)870. The system processor128can determine a subscriber105content price by adding a content provider140price and a content delivery price for transporting the multimedia content via one or more transport providers160. The content provider140price is a function of a time at which the multimedia content is scheduled to be viewed and the actual start time for the multimedia content. The content delivery price can be a function of the lead-time of delivery via the transport provider160to the CPE110.

FIG. 9illustrates a functional block diagram of the example CPE110, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments. The top half ofFIG. 9illustrates the control and status interaction with the subscriber105and distribution gateway130. This interaction (listed in Tables 1 through 4) can include a subscriber web interface for setting up subscriber preferences, request multimedia content recommendations and selection(s), and billing. The distribution gateway130interface controls the preloading of content and advertising to the CPE110, the control of content playback and advertising insertion, and CPE110usage for customer billing. The lower left hand side ofFIG. 9illustrates the interfaces that can load content and advertising into the CPE storage616via the delivery infrastructure (for example, the Internet and/or broadcast infrastructure). The lower right hand ofFIG. 9illustrates the playback control and assembly of video streams to multiple displays responding to subscriber105requests.

The CPE110can encrypt all information passing through external display interfaces to increase the security of the CPE110. An external interface encryption key can be unique to each CPE110and particular multimedia content. The CPE110can be manufactured with a special epoxy or other adhesive to prevent integrated circuit (IC) delidding that could allow the internal decryption keys to be read.

The CPE110can maintain a log of all CPE110events to provide viewing historical feedback about/for the subscriber105. This can include a list of all content advertising viewed, graphical representation of cost/price as a function of time, price or program rating histograms, or other useful feedback. This historical feedback can be on a per profile basis or as a profile summary for the CPE110.

FIG. 10illustrates example interaction between the advertiser150and the system controller126, and between the system controller126and internal subsystems of the system and services gateway120, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments.

The advertiser150can transmit an advertising pricing request to the system controller126. In response to such a request, the system controller126can pass such information to the system processor128to initiate an advertising pricing analysis. The system processor128can analyze requested advertising parameter(s), AQoS request, and AIQoS. The system processor128can transmit advertising pricing analysis results to the system controller126. The system controller126can transmit the advertising pricing analysis results to the advertiser150. The advertiser150can approve pricing for advertising by transmitting approval to the system controller126. The system controller126can transmit such an approval to the billing and payment module124.

The system controller126can transmit a request to the advertiser150to enable/start an advertising download. The system controller126can enable the archive gateway122to receive the advertising for storage. The advertiser150can transmit the advertising and associated parameters to the archive gateway122via the system controller126. The system controller126can reallocate distribution gateway130resources based on new advertising. The system controller126can transfer the advertising from the archive gateway122to selected distribution gateway(s)210and send instructions to the distribution gateway(s)210to purge any advertisements that are no longer being used by the advertisers150.

FIG. 11illustrates an example interaction between the transport provider160and the system controller126, and between the system controller126and internal subsystems of the system and services gateway120, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments.

The transport provider160can receive a request for bandwidth resources from the system controller126. The transport provider160can evaluate the request for bandwidth and respond with a pricing bid to the system controller126. The pricing bid can include initial pricing of the bandwidth requested, available bandwidth, and any other parameters required to satisfy the request for bandwidth resources. The system controller126can initiate an analysis of delivery pricing by transmitting the delivery pricing bid to the system processor128. The system processor128can analyze potential pricing, popularity, and revenue for all participants, content providers, transport providers, and advertisers, individually and jointly. The system processor128can send results of the delivery pricing analysis to the system controller126.

The system controller126can transmit the pricing analysis results to the transport provider160. The transport provider160can evaluate the electronic delivery pricing analysis and respond to the system controller126with negotiated transport pricing. The system controller126can pass the negotiated delivery pricing to the system processor128. The system processor128can select a transport provider160, a delivery price, and a delivery schedule. The system processor128can pass the transport provider160, the delivery price, and the delivery schedule to the system controller126which transmits such information to a particular transport provider160. The particular transport provider160can respond to such information by transmitting, to the system processor128via the system controller126, an approval of the delivery price and the delivery schedule. The system processor128can schedule multimedia content delivery and pass the scheduled multimedia content delivery to the system controller126. The system controller126can pass the ultimate delivery pricing to the billing and payment module124.

FIG. 12illustrates an example subscriber web interface1200displaying preference/price impact, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments.

The subscriber web interface1200can display monthly billing cost as a function of a number of ads per hour, lead-time, content viewing delay, and advertisement preferences. Each variable can be independently displayed showing the cost/price impact of the preference selection by the subscriber105. Preferences can be set for all content, desired groupings of multimedia content, particular multimedia content for the subscriber105account, or can be further subdivided by individual profile. The subscriber105can also adjust price as an independent variable. The subscriber web interface1200can include an advertisement subsidy box1210, an advertisement slide control1220, a lead-time slide control1230, a delayed viewing period since release slide control1240, an advertisement preferences slide control1250, a subscriber maximum cost slide control1260, and a resolution and/or quality slide control1270. The subscriber105can change any of the slide controls1220,1230,1240,1250,1260, and1270and view a price result of such changes.

The subscriber web interface1200can further include subscriber selectable groupings. For example, the content class buttons1280can allow a subscriber105to set the groupings of multimedia content. The groupings can include classes of what particular multimedia content the subscriber105would make selections from. System defined content classes (for example, a default content class) can include selections for all, movie/TV, news, sports, and custom. As an example, subscriber105defined content class could include Movie/TV which would override the All Class setting for Movie/TV content. In addition, an individual multimedia content class would set a custom setting for a particular TV series which would override the Movie/TV settings for that particular series. The subscriber105web interface1200can further include account information1290for the subscriber105, such as nominal billing period hours left information, period estimated data usage information, and ISP data cap information.

The advertisement subsidy box1210can display, for the subscriber105, a maximum cost/price set by the subscriber105. The advertisement subsidy box1210can display a cost/price for particular multimedia content as a function of a number of advertisements that the subscriber105accepts to be viewed while watching the multimedia content. The advertisement slide control1220can allow the subscriber105to set a number of advertisements to be viewed within a given period of time (for example, per hour). Changes made to the advertisement slide control1220can be viewed in the advertisement subsidy box1210.

The lead-time slide control1230can allow the subscriber105to control a maximum amount of delay (lead-time) before multimedia content is to be sent to the CPE110. The delayed viewing period since release slide control1240can allow the subscriber105to control a number of days/months until the CPE110allows the subscriber105to view particular multimedia content. Advertisement preferences slide control1250can allow the subscriber105to control a number of advertisements that are inserted into the multimedia content and presented to the subscriber1250when viewing particular multimedia content. The subscriber max cost slide control1260can allow the subscriber105to adjust a maximum cost that the subscriber105will accept for a given billing period. The subscriber web interface1200can include the resolution and/or quality slide control1270to allow the subscriber105to select a resolution and/or quality for particular multimedia content. The lead-time slide control1230is illustrated as allowing a subscriber105to set the lead-time as an exemplary maximum of 3 days. However, the maximum lead-time that the lead-time slide control1230can allow the subscriber105to set can be any number of days that provides adequate flexibility to the subscriber105. For example, the lead-time slide control1230can allow the subscriber105to set the lead-time to a week, two-weeks, a month, quarterly for a year, and/or any other period of time that can optimize the delivery price of the multimedia content for the subscriber105.

The subscriber105can also manually adjust their control parameters, including cost, for specific subscriber105or system defined classes of content for their viewing experience. These classes can be defined for individual pieces of multimedia content, a content series, or selected subset of content that can include, as examples, newer television, older television, live sports, movies, etc. and/or can provide further refinements of class such as movie, action, etc.

FIG. 13illustrates a flowchart of an example method1300of scheduling delivery of multimedia content, in accordance with one or more possible embodiments. The method1300is not limited to the example blocks shown and can include any of the processes performed by the multimedia delivery system100.

The method1300can begin with block1310. The method1300can begin by determining a subscriber105content price for multimedia content. The system processor128can determine a subscriber105content price for multimedia content based on a lead-time of delivery of the multimedia content to the customer premises equipment110via at least one transport provider160servicing the customer premises equipment110. Block1310can proceed to block1320.

At block1320, the method1300can transmit the subscriber105content price. The system controller126can transmit the subscriber105content price to the customer premises equipment110. Block1320can proceed to block1330.

At block1330, the method1300can schedule delivery of the multimedia content. The system controller126can schedule delivery of the multimedia content within the lead-time in response to a subscriber105request to deliver the multimedia content to the customer premises equipment110.

Although the embodiments are directed toward the delivery of multimedia content, the teachings of the embodiments can be applied to any electronic paid content being served over a network or encrypted broadcast. The embodiments can be extended to traditional print media, on-line training, etc. One or more of the embodiments can even use a micro-payment system.

It should be understood that, notwithstanding the particular steps as shown in the figures, a variety of additional or different steps can be performed depending upon the embodiment, and one or more of the particular steps can be rearranged, repeated or eliminated entirely depending upon the embodiment. Also, some of the steps performed can be repeated on an ongoing or continuous basis simultaneously while other steps are performed. Furthermore, different steps can be performed by different elements or in a single element of the disclosed embodiments.

In this document, relational terms such as “first,” “second,” and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The phrase “at least one of” followed by a list is defined to mean one, some, or all, but not necessarily all of, the elements in the list. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” or the like does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. Also, the term “another” is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including,” “having,” and the like, as used herein, are defined as “comprising.” Furthermore, the background section is written as the inventor's own understanding of the context of some embodiments at the time of filing and includes the inventor's own recognition of any problems with existing technologies and/or problems experienced in the inventor's own work.