Systems and methods for providing electronic cues for time-based media

Systems, methods, and devices for media electronic cues that involve determining a position of the media electronic within the display screen displaying time-based media and a time for displaying the media electronic based on the playback time of the media, its content, product placement data, and so on. The electronic cue may be a visual cue, and auditory cue, or a combination thereof.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate to time-based media, and in particular, systems and methods for generating and providing electronic cues for time-based media playing on a computing device.

INTRODUCTION

Electronic cues may trigger a signal or marker to prompt for user attention. Examples of electronic cues include a visual rendering within a display frame such as an advertisement, animation, and search box, as well as an auditory cue such as music, noise, and so on. As an illustrative example, an electronic cue may be an advertisement. Advertising is a significant revenue source for many media industries including for example television, film, and Internet video. Known advertisements or other electronic cues displayed concurrently within a media display frame may block the view of the displayed media or interrupt and suspend playback of the media in order to prompt for user attention. The value of an advertising campaign to an advertiser depends in part on how well the campaign is targeted to the appropriate audience and how many viewers are exposed to and act upon the advertisements. This may apply to other electronic cues, as its value depends in part on how well the electronic cue prompts for user attention, is targeted to the appropriate audience and how many viewers are exposed to and act upon the prompt. For example, displaying a coffee advertisement to a single adult may provide more value to the advertiser than displaying the same advertisement to a thousand young children. The value of a campaign may also depend in part on the timing of delivery for the advertisement and placement thereof. There is a need for an improved system for providing electronic cues, such as advertisement, which can better target audience members with improved timing and prompts.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, embodiments described herein may provide a method for providing one or more electronic cues for time-based media on a display of a client device, the method comprising: assembling a first expandable electronic cue for display together with the media, wherein the first expandable electronic cue is associated with a first predetermined media timecode, wherein the first predetermined media timecode corresponds to a playtime of the media at playback; using a processor, determining a first display screen position for the first expandable electronic cue within a display frame of the media, wherein the first display screen position is based upon the first predetermined media timecode; and triggering display of the first expandable electronic cue at the first display screen position.

In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic cue may be an advertisement and the method may further comprise: receiving a plurality of ad campaign specifications; receiving a listing of product placement information for the media, wherein the listing identifies a product placement and a corresponding media timecode; maintaining a listing of available advertisements; generating a sublisting of available advertisements by matching the listing of product placement information to the listing of available advertisements and filtering based on the ad campaign specifications; selecting the first expandable advertisement from the sublisting of available advertisement as, wherein the first expandable advertisement is associated with the product placement; and setting the first predetermined media timecode to be the corresponding media timecode. Instead of a listing of product placements, in some embodiments there may be provided a listing of content items, each associated with content reference within the media at different times. The content may be a reference to an event, a person, a place, and so on. The electronic cue may be associated with the content referenced at the particular timecode the electronic cue is linked to.

In accordance with some embodiments, the expandable electronic cue may comprise an icon portion and a fly-out portion, the method further comprising hiding the fly-out portion until a pre-determined user interaction is detected

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise detecting a user interaction and recording, in a memory, the detected user interaction in association the first expandable electronic cue.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise triggering the display of the first expandable electronic cue at the predetermined media timecode at playback of the media.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise: determining a position grid corresponding to a display of a timeline for the media, the position grid comprising a plurality of timeline positions corresponding to a plurality of video timecodes in the playback of the media; and determining the first display screen position for the first expandable electronic cue relative to the media based upon a timeline position of the plurality of timeline positions.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise detecting the pre-determined user interaction and extending the fly-out portion of the first extendable electronic cue.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise hiding the fly-out portion after a discontinuation of the user interaction is detected.

In accordance with some embodiments, the first display screen position may overlap the timeline position.

In accordance with some embodiments, the display size of the first expandable electronic cue may be in the range of about 1% and 10% of a display size of the media.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise assembling a second expandable electronic cue for display together with the media, wherein the second expandable electronic cue is associated with a second predetermined media timecode, wherein the second predetermined media timecode corresponds to a playtime of the media at playback; using the processor, determining a second display screen position for the second expandable electronic cue relative to the media based upon the second predetermined media timecode; and triggering display of the second expandable electronic cue at the second display screen position.

In accordance with some embodiments, the first predetermined media timecode is earlier than the second predetermined media timecode.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise displaying a timeline for the media, wherein the timeline comprises a plurality of timeline positions corresponding to a plurality of media timecodes for the media; and determining the first display screen position for the first expandable electronic cue relative to the media based upon a first timeline position corresponding to the first predetermined media timecode; determining the second display screen position for the second expandable electronic cue relative to the media based upon a second timeline position corresponding to the second predetermined media timecode.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving a plurality of user interactions corresponding to a plurality of users; recording in memory interaction metrics based on the plurality of user interactions, assembling the first expandable electronic cue based on the interaction metrics.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving user demographics, and assembling the first expandable electronic cue by matching the user demographics to the interaction metrics.

In accordance with some embodiments, user demographics may comprise location data and historical behavior data.

In another aspect, embodiments described herein may provide a computing system for providing electronic cues comprising a processor coupled to a computer readable memory comprising computer executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to: assemble a first expandable electronic cue for display together with the media, wherein the first expandable electronic cue is associated with a first predetermined media timecode, wherein the first predetermined media timecode corresponds to a playtime of the media at playback; determine a first display screen position for the first expandable electronic cue within a display frame of the media, wherein the first display screen position is based upon the first predetermined media timecode; and trigger display of the first expandable electronic cue at the first display screen position.

In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic cue may be an advertisement, and the processor may be further configured to: receive a plurality of ad campaign specifications; receive a listing of product placement information for the media, wherein the listing identifies a product placement and a corresponding media timecode; maintain a listing of available advertisements; generate a sublisting of available advertisements by matching the listing of product placement information to the listing of available advertisements and filtering based on the ad campaign specifications; select the first expandable advertisement from the sublisting of available advertisement, wherein the first expandable advertisement is associated with the product placement; and set the first predetermined media timecode to be the corresponding media timecode.

In another aspect, embodiments described herein may provide a client computing system comprising a processor coupled to a computer readable memory comprising computer executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to: receive a first expandable electronic cue for display together with the media, wherein the first expandable electronic cue is associated with a first predetermined media timecode, wherein the first predetermined media timecode corresponds to a playtime of the video at playback; receive a first display screen position for the first expandable electronic cue within a display frame of the media, wherein the first display screen position is based upon the first predetermined media timecode; display the first expandable electronic cue together with the video at the first predetermined media timecode, wherein the first expandable electronic cue is displayed at the first display screen position; and collect and transmit user demographic and behavior data based on the first expandable electronic cue.

In accordance with some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to: determine a position grid corresponding to a display of a timeline for the media, the position grid comprising a plurality of timeline positions corresponding to a plurality of video timecodes in the playback of the media; and determine the first display screen position for the first expandable electronic cue relative to the media based upon a timeline position of the plurality of timeline positions.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. These embodiments may be implemented in computer programs executing on programmable computers, each computer including at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory or non-volatile memory or other data storage elements or a combination thereof), and at least one communication interface. For example, and without limitation, the various programmable computers may be a server, network appliance, set-top box, embedded device, computer expansion module, personal computer, laptop, personal data assistant, cellular telephone, gaming consoles, smartphone device, UMPC tablets and wireless hypermedia device or any other computing device capable of being configured to carry out the methods described herein.

Furthermore, the systems and methods of the described embodiments are capable of being distributed in a computer program product including a physical, non-transitory computer readable medium that bears computer usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided in various forms, including one or more diskettes, compact disks, tapes, chips, magnetic and electronic storage media, and the like. The computer useable instructions may also be in various forms, including compiled and non-compiled code.

Embodiments described herein relate to providing electronic cues during playback of time-based media. Time-based media may include multiple media frames, where each media frame is associated with a timecode corresponding to a playtime of the media frame at playback of the time-based media. Electronic cues may be provided at specific timecodes corresponding to media frames of the time-based media. Electronic cues may trigger a signal or marker to prompt for user attention. Examples of electronic cues include a visual rendering within a display screen displaying the media frame, such as an advertisement, animation, and search box. The visual rendering may include text, images, video, hyperlinks, embedded applications, search boxes, and so on. The electronic cue may provide information about content of the media, product, services, alerts, and so on. Electronic cues may also be auditory cues such as music, noise, speech, and so on. As an illustrative example, an electronic cue may be an advertisement. The advertisements may overlay on a video playing on a computing device, such as a web based device, network connected device, or IPTV, for example. The advertisement may be an electronic cue because when it suddenly displays within a video frame it may act as a prompt for user attention. Provision of the advertisements and other electronic cues within a display screen for playback of time-based media may be accomplished without invading the users viewing experience (time or space). Other systems and methods may obstruct the view of the media content or interrupt play with a pre-roll, mid-roll or post-roll. An advertisement may be a form of communication used to encourage, persuade or provide information to an audience, such as a commercial offering, link to additional content, paid and unpaid product promotional messages, political perspective, ideological statement, or other information. An advertisement may include text, images, audio, video, hyperlinks, embedded applications, and so on. An advertisement may provide information about product, services, content of the media, and so on. The embodiments described herein provide improved methods and systems for providing electronic cues that may be nonintrusive, minimally interrupting, minimally obstructive of viewer's experience, targeted, dynamic, interactive, relevant, and so on.

The systems and method described herein relate to providing electronic cues, such as advertisements, for simultaneous display with time-based media. Time-based media may include a variety of electronic media content such videos, videogames, slideshows, animations, and so on. The time-based media may include media frames each with corresponding timecodes for playback of the media. The media may include event triggers that may also be referred to as timecodes. For example, the media may be a video game with different music and video components linked to a timeline. The video game may also have involve different events, such as a player virtually meeting another character in the game, where that event may be in turn linked to a timecode when it occurs to trigger the display of an electronic cue. Examples may be described herein in relation to video, but other forms of media content may also be used.

The embodiments described herein may involve assembling a first expandable electronic cue for display together with the time-based media. The time-based media may include a plurality of media frames, where each media frame is associated with a timecode corresponding to a playtime of the media frame at playback of the time-based media. The expandable electronic cue is associated with a first predetermined media timecode, where the first predetermined media timecode corresponds to a timecode associated with a media frame of the plurality of media frames for the time-based media. A display screen position for the expandable electronic cue is determined, where the display screen position is located within a display frame of the media and is based upon the first predetermined media timecode. The embodiments described herein may involve triggering display of the expandable electronic cue at the first display screen position location.

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown an example of a system100for providing electronic cues to one or more user devices110. System100is operable to connect to one or more user devices110, one or more client devices115, a campaign server120, a video (media) content server130, a (electronic cue and/or media) content server135, a product placement server140, and one or more networks145. Video is a non-limiting example of time-based media and other forms of media content may also be used.

Referring now toFIG. 2, there is shown an example user device110display screen displaying a video150and expandable electronic cues160,170. As noted herein, a video150is an example of media content, and other forms of time-based media content may also be used in the example embodiments described herein. User device110may be any networked computing device capable of receiving user interaction including a display (or which can output to a display) a processor and memory, such as a personal computer, workstation, server, portable computer, mobile device, personal digital assistant, laptop, smart phone, WAP phone, an interactive television, a smart television, video display terminals, tablet, gaming consoles, an electronic reading device, and portable electronic devices or a combination of these.

User device110may display one or more videos150using a video player180and a display screen. Some video players180may include one or more of playback controls190, a timeline200, a playback position scrubber210and a display of a current timecode220. For example, video player180may be implemented as a standalone software application, such as an applet running inside a web browser (e.g. programmed using Flash™, HTML5, or Silverlight™), local application, and so on. The video may be delivered to user device110as a streaming video or a download, for example. If the video is a download then the player used to playback video may be connected to a network to send and receive data regarding the electronic cue and the user interactivity.

In some cases, user device110for displaying video150may be a television equipped to receive user interaction via an input device such as a remote control or a keyboard.

User device110may be configured to receive any number of different user interactions. For example, user device110may be configured to process mouse inputs (e.g. movement, button clicks, hovers, scroll wheel rotations etc.), remote or wired button presses, touchscreen inputs (e.g. taps, swipes, drags, gestures) and so on. In some cases, user device110may respond to user inputs by adjusting the playback of the video (e.g. playing, pausing, fast forwarding or rewinding), changing video (e.g. switching to the next video, switching to a previous video) or interacting with electronic cues160,170.

Electronic cues160,170may be configured to display simultaneously during the playback of video150. Each electronic cue160,170may be associated with a predetermined timecode during the playback of video150. The timecode may correspond to a timecode of a video frame of the video150, such that the electronic cue160,170is displayed or otherwise presented when the video frame is displayed during playback of video150. That is, electronic cue160,170may be synchronizes with a video frame through the timecode to trigger simultaneously display. For example, a video may be a series of image frames, where each frame has an associated timecode corresponding to its playtime during playback of the video. When the playback of the video reaches a timecode associated with an electronic cue160,170, the electronic cue160,170may be triggered for display along with the corresponding image frame. In the example shown, an electronic cue235(shown with broken lines) may not yet be displayed because the timecode in the playback of video150has not yet reached the predetermined timecode associated with electronic cue235. The predetermined timecode may identify a time related to existing product placement database(s) and may also be chosen to maximize effectiveness in situations where no product placement data is available.

The electronic cue160,170,235may relate or positively correlate to content displayed within a video frame and the electronic cue160,170,235may be linked to the video frame through the predetermined timecode. Instead of a listing of product placements, in some embodiments there may be provided a listing of content items, each associated with content referenced within the media at different times. The content may be a reference to an event, a person, a place, and so on referenced within a video frame and a particular timecode. The content may be of a particular type or category and the category as a whole may be linked to electronic cues. The electronic cue may be associated with the content referenced at the particular timecode the electronic cue is linked to. For example, the electronic cue may provide further information relating to the content, or may provide a link to a website about the content, or may receive input data about the content, and so on. As an illustrative example, the content may depict the Rocky Mountains and the electronic cue may provide information about the area or a discount offer for a hotel in the area.

As shown inFIG. 2, there may be multiple electronic cues160,170,235displayed at different positions within the media. The different positions may be based on the time each electronic cue160,170,235is displayed. In this example, each electronic cues160,170,235is displayed along a timeline based on the time the electronic cue160,170,235is displayed. In other examples, a first electronic cue160may be displayed in one corner, a second electronic cue170may be displayed at a different time in another corner, and a third electronic cue235may be displayed at a different time in another corner.

Any one or more of the elements of system100may participate in triggering the display of an electronic cue160,170,235on user device110during the playback of video150. In some cases, advertisement campaign server120or ad content server135may trigger the display of an electronic cue160,170,235when it detects a timecode in the playback of video150which corresponds to the predetermined timecode associated with the electronic cue160,170,235. For example, the campaign server120or content server135may send an electronic cue160,170,235to user device110at the predetermined timecode (associated with the electronic cue160,170,235) in the playback of video150.

In some cases, some or all of the electronic cues160,170,235associated with the video150may be sent to the user device110in advance of displaying the electronic cue160,170,235. The electronic cue160,170,235may be dynamically assembled in near real time and provided for display with the video. When the timecode in the playback of video150corresponds to a predetermined timecode associated with an electronic cue160,170,235, campaign server120, video content server130or content server135may trigger user device110to display or otherwise present the electronic cue160,170,235.

In some cases, some or all of the electronic cues160,170,235associated with the video150may include metadata or instructions to display or present the electronic cue160,170,235at their associated predetermined timecodes that may be sent to the user device110in advance of displaying the video. The metadata may be assembled and sent in near real time. Accordingly, system100provides dynamic update capabilities to modify electronic cue160,170,235specifications and configurations. System100assembles the electronic cue160,170,235in near real time so that electronic cue160,170,235are dynamically updated to reflect those modifications as the campaign evolves. One or more of campaign server120, video content server130or content server135may send user device110a plurality of dynamically assembled electronic cue160,170,235along with their associated predetermined timecodes in advance of user device110displaying the video, or in response to the user device110initiating the display of the video.

In some cases, user device110may receive all or a portion of video150with timecodes associated with electronic cue160,170,235. User device110may be configured to request an electronic cue160,170,235from one or more of the elements of system100at the associated timecode in the playback of the video prior to reaching that timecode. System100can then trigger the display of the assembled electronic cue160,170,235on user device110along with the playback of the video150.

In some cases, an electronic cue160,170,235may only be triggered for display when the timecode is exactly at (or within a certain time proximity to) its associated predetermined timecode. For example, if an electronic cue160,170,235is associated with the timecode 3:00 (i.e. 3 minutes) of video150, then when the playback of video150hits 3:00, the electronic cue160,170,235may be triggered for display or presentation on the user device110.

In some cases, an electronic cue160,170,235may be triggered for display whenever the timecode in the playback of the video is greater than or equal to the electronic cue's160,170,235associated predetermined timecode. If a user causes the video150to skip past a predetermined timecode associated with an electronic cue160,170,235, the electronic cue160,170,235may be triggered for display as soon as the playback timecode is passed.

The electronic cue160,170,235may remain on the display for the remainder of the video or may disappear after a period of time has elapsed. That is, an electronic cue160,170,235may in some cases display continuously after it is triggered for display. For example, once an electronic cue160,170,235is triggered, it may continue to display on user device110until a new video begins playing. In some cases, an electronic cue160,170,235may display for a limited duration after it is triggered. For example, once an electronic cue160,170,235is triggered, it may continue to display on user device110for a prescribed period of time then disappear. The prescribed period of time may be specific to an electronic cue160,170,235, to the video150or to the user device110for example.

One or more electronic cue160,170,235may be displayed concurrently. For example, during the playback of the video150more than one electronic cue160,170,235may be displayed. Multiple timecodes of the video will be associated with different electronic cue160,170,235. If the electronic cue160,170,235are all configured to display continuously after being triggered, then the number of concurrently displayed electronic cue160,170,235may increment by one as each electronic cue160,170,235is triggered.

In some cases, an electronic cue160,170,235may be configured to respond to user interactions. For example, the electronic cue160,170,235may be an expandable electronic cue170which expands and/or contracts in response to user interaction. In the example shown, electronic cue170includes an icon portion230and a flyout portion240. The flyout portion240may be configured to remain hidden until a pre-determined user interaction is detected. In the example shown, positioning the cursor250over the icon portion230may be the user interaction which has caused flyout portion240to display. The expandable electronic cue170may show only the icon portion230to only cover a small portion of the video until a user shows interest through a user interaction. When a user interaction is detected the expandable electronic cue170may expand to show the flyout portion240. The flyout portion240may provide additional detail about the electronic cue170including a link to an electronic offer, additional content and so on.

The icon portion230and the flyout portion240may be configured in various configurations and formats. For example, the icon portion230may comprise a static or animated company logo, message, image, text or promotional offer (e.g. “50% off”) or consist of predetermined, generic iconography related to additional content should no product promotional message be available. Similarly, flyout portion230may comprise a static or animated company logo or promotional offer or promote the availability of additional content. After electronic cue170is triggered and displayed, a user may become intrigued by the imagery or message in the icon portion230. Out of interest, the user may then choose to interact with the icon portion230(e.g. by clicking on it or hovering a cursor over it, or other interactions, such as interactions that do not involve a mouse such as the case for gaming consoles, tablets or smartphones) to cause the display of flyout portion240. The icon portion230and the flyout portion240may be interactive with the user interactions.

Flyout portion240may become visible in any of a number of ways. For example, flyout portion240may simply appear or may animate into position. In the example shown, the flyout portion240is positioned to the right of icon portion230and sized roughly the same as icon portion230. In some cases, flyout portion240may be positioned in a different orientation relative to the icon portion230and may be larger or smaller than icon portion230. Flyout portion240may touch or overlap icon portion230, or the two portions230,240may be separated.

In some cases the display screen position for the display of an electronic cue160,170,235may be determined based upon the predetermined timecode associated with the electronic cue160,170,235and the playtime (i.e. time length or duration) of the video.

In a simple example, advertisements may be positioned along a predefined path (e.g. a straight line at the bottom of the video), from left to right, according to their percentage position in the playback of the video (such as for example

(Predetermined⁢⁢Associated⁢⁢Timecode)(Playtime⁢⁢of⁢⁢the⁢⁢Video))
As an example, an electronic cue that is associated with a timecode that is positioned one quarter of the video time duration from the beginning of the video may be displayed at a position that is one quarter along the predefined path.

In some cases the display screen position for the display or presentation of an electronic cue may be determined according to any one or more mathematical formula which includes the predetermined timecode associated with the advertisement and the playtime of the video. For example, the display screen position for the display of electronic cue associated with a video may track an irregular path around the perimeter of the video. As another example, the positions may track a timeline200of the video. As another example, the positions may track the corners of the electronic cue. Other position structures and orientations may be used.

In some cases the display screen position for the display of an electronic cue may be arbitrarily defined. For example, the display screen position for electronic cue associated with a video may be determined using a predefined table of display screen positions cross-referenced against a percentage position in the playback of the video (for example

In some cases, playback of video150may include the display of a timeline200. Timeline200may be displayed overlapping video150or to the side. Timeline200may be vertically aligned, horizontally aligned (as shown), curved (e.g. like a clock face) or following a complex path or not displayed at all.

Timeline200may include a number of timeline positions, where each timeline position corresponds to a video timecode in the playback of video150. For example, from left to right, each timeline position along timeline200may linearly correspond to video timecodes in the playback of video150from video start to video finish. In some cases, timeline200may include a playback position scrubber210which is continuously or periodically repositioned to the timeline position corresponding to the current timecode in the playback of video150.

In some cases, the position of electronic cues160,170,230may be determined based upon the timeline position along timeline200which corresponds to the predetermined timecode associated with each electronic cue160,170,235. For example, electronic cue160may be positioned centered and above the timeline position corresponding to the predetermined timecode associated with electronic cue160. An example display is shown inFIG. 2. For example, the electronic cue160may be an icon positioned along the timeline200of the video150. The electronic cue170may have an icon portion230and a flyout portion240positioned along the timeline200. The electronic cue160may be discrete so as not to interfere with the display of the video150but still enabling receipt of data regarding user interactions with the electronic cue160,170and display of information by the electronic cue160,170. The data regarding user interactions with the electronic cue160,170may be collected in near real time and analyzed by system100to dynamically update and modify the electronic cues160,170,235based on the calculated metrics. The system100is operable to dynamically alter the content of the electronic cue160,170,235linked to the various timecodes represented in the timeline200during playback of video150. A video150may have different electronic cues displayed or presented depending on the time, date, user device110, user behavior, etc.

In some cases the video content that the user/viewer was watching suspends play when they choose to interact with the flyout portion240using any of the methods described herein. For example, the user may be automatically linked to a sponsor's web site, additional content, micro site or social network page where a flyout offer can be fulfilled. Once completed the viewer can returns to the video at exactly the same place where it was suspended. In other cases, a flyout offer may change where the video150resumes from. For example, the video150may relate to a non-linear, branching narrative and the viewer may choose their own adventure or path through the video150using the flyout portion240, and may not return to the initial time and frame of the video150that they left the video150at, and instead may return to a selected time in the plot. As another example, the video150may be restarted. This may address concern that the user will miss video150content by responding to an offer presented by the electronic cue160,170,235at any point during the playback, unless the link relates to choosing the storyline from multiple possible plot points, or distance learning such as a “learn more about X” link, and so on.

The electronic cue160,170,235may be operable to collect user input, such as user interactions, text, button activations, and other types of input. For example, an electronic cue160,170,235may include comprise a text field and a submit button. The user may press the submit button (or enter key etc.) to submit the information (e.g. user input) entered within the text field to a third party destination, such as server1, database, etc. The user input may be received from contest entry, subscription services, search, and so on. For example, the electronic cue160,170,235may include a search box with a text field for receiving search queries. The icon portion230may include a logo indicating the provider of the search feature and when the user hovers over or clicks the icon portion230then flyout portion240may display. The flyout portion240may include the search text field for receiving the search query. The search results may be presented within the same display window as the150or within a different display window.

As noted herein, the electronic cue160,170,235may be expandable and may include an icon portion230and a flyout portion240. The flyout portion240could be larger or smaller than the icon portion230. The flyout portion240may replace the video viewing experience, and may cover the display of the video150. The large flyout portion240may be used in both non-linear branching narratives and gaming, as an example. A user may hover over, click, or otherwise interact with the flyout portion240, and flyout portion240becomes a new video layer and plays content, such as new time-based media. This new time based media may also be associated with electronic cues. When the content ends or the user closes this new video layer, then user returns to the video150that contained the expandable electronic cue160,170,235. The original video150may be paused until the user returns to and restarts the original video150.

The electronic cue160,170,235may be a visual cue displayed during playback of video150but may also be an auditory cue, or a combination thereof. The auditory cue may be used to draw attention to the fact that an electronic cue160,170,235has been inserted into the video150. This may help draw attention to the electronic cue160,170,235. The auditory cue volume may be less than the video150into which it is inserted to preserve the video viewing experience. The electronic cue160,170,235may also be implemented as an animation. The animation may display multiple logos such as when an advertisement for a brand that may have multiple products, wherein each logo corresponds to a different product or feature of a product. As an example, an electronic cue160,170,235for a vehicle may appear in the video150. When the user hovers over the electronic cue160,170,235then the icon portion230of the electronic cue160,170,235spins/animates to display a logo for a particular type of vehicle and the flyout portion240may appear with a specific call to action. In addition, an icon portion230and a flyout portion240may animate after a per-determined amount of time without needing user interaction. The electronic cue160,170,235may also be associated with a voice over IP (VoIP) application. The icon portion230may refer a logo or text for a provider of the VoIP and the flyout portion240may provide a link to make VoIP call via the provider and may insert a phone number, username, or other contact information to make the call. As another example, may provide an electronic cue160,170,235“click to call” function where a user interaction with the icon portion230may initiate a VoIP program and may insert related phone number or other contact into the VoIP application to trigger call. A user may press a “call” button to initiate the call. The VoIP function may be used for a help desk, customer service, contests, “call for more info” offers, direct response videos, live webcast call-in, and so on.

The electronic cue160,170,235may be used to implement an advertisement campaign. An interactive advertising client may implement “opt-in” advertising, such that a user is required to opt-in to a campaign in order to receive advertisements. A user will be able to turn off the functionality of an electronic cue160,170,235that provides advertising.

The electronic cue160,170,235may also be used to implement a loyalty program. The user may sign up for a loyalty program via provider system and may sign in, each time they watch videos150related to the provider system. Users who have signed in are segmented within the database, identified as members and, served electronic cue160,170,235that are identified as generating points (i.e., gift box icon, coin icon). A user hovers over or clicks the loyalty electronic cue160,170,235, the electronic cue160,170,235animates to show the icon portion230with the logo of the sponsor while the fly-out portion240appears with a call to action. Users may accumulate points with hover/click function. The loyalty points can be redeemed through a third party redemption company.

The electronic cue160,170,235may also be used to provide feedback related to the time-based media such as by submitting comments, ratings, reviews, and so on in relation to distinct timecodes with the video150during playback. The electronic cue160,170,235may prompt for user feedback in relation to different video frames at different timecodes. As an example, this feature may be used by video editors to test certain scenes of a video and receive feedback on specific scenes to determine whether they should be cut or not from the final version of the video150. Other example electronic cues160,170,235and use cases may be provided by embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3shows an example server1illustrating exemplary hardware components of campaign server120and other computing devices and components used by the system, such as video content server130, content server135and product placement server140. These are non-limiting examples components of campaign server120and fewer or additional components may be included. Server1includes a connection with a network16such as wired or wireless connection to the Internet or other type of computer or telecommunication networks, which may correspond with the network(s)145shown inFIG. 1. Server1typically includes a memory2, a secondary storage device10, a processor12, an input device14, a display device8, and an output device6.

Memory2may include random access memory (RAM) or similar types of memory, and it may store one or more applications4for execution by processor12. Applications4may correspond with software modules comprising computer executable instructions to perform processing for the functions described below. Secondary storage device10may include a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD drive, DVD drive, Blu-ray drive, or other types of non-volatile data storage. Processor12may execute applications, computer readable instructions or programs stored in memory2or secondary storage10, or received from the Internet or other network16. Input device14may include any device for entering information into server1, such as a keyboard, key pad, cursor-control device, touch-screen, camera, or microphone. Display device8may include any type of device for presenting visual information such as, for example, a computer monitor, flat-screen display, projector or display panel. Output device6may include any type of device for presenting a hard copy of information, such as a printer, and may also include other types of output devices such as speakers for playing auditory cues, for example. In some cases, server1may include multiple processors, applications, software modules, second storage devices, network connections, input devices, output devices, and display devices.

Although server1is depicted with various components in this example, in other example embodiments the server1may contain additional or different components. In addition, although aspects of an implementation consistent with the present invention are described as being stored in memory, these aspects can also be stored on or read from other types of computer program products or computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, including hard disks, floppy disks, or CDs, DVDs; a carrier wave from the Internet or other network; or other forms of RAM or ROM. The computer-readable media may include instructions for controlling server1and/or processor12to perform a particular method.

Referring again toFIG. 1, an example campaign server120is shown comprising a data integration module260, relevance module270, a campaign setup module280, a tracking module290, a campaign monitoring module300, and a video mapping system265.

As an illustrative example, electronic cue160,170,235will be described as an advertisement. Data integration module260may receive video information from one or more video content servers130, and product placement information from one or more product placement servers140. In some cases, video content server(s)130may be a publisher of video content, or interact with hardware serving video content from a publisher. The video content may also be published by one or more other publishers in the same or different formats (e.g. television or internet streaming). Hulu® is an example of a video content server which publishes videos which were formerly published by other video content servers (e.g. televised by cable, satellite or IP TV providers). Other examples include Rogers™, Bell™, NBC™, FOx™, CBS™, etc.

Product placement server(s)140may be a provider of product placement information comprising an indexed tabulation of videos, product placements and timecodes corresponding to the product placements in those videos. A product placement may be a visual or auditory reference to a product or a brand. Videos may be live, television, film, and so on. For example, product placement server140may provide product placement information indicating each timecode position in each indexed video where an Apple® product is shown, used, or spoken of. AC Nielsons®, BBM Canada® and TNS Global® are three examples of product placement servers.

Data integration module260may process video information received from video content server(s)130and product placement information from product placement server(s)140to identify product placements (and in some cases their timecodes) found in videos published by each video content server130.

Data integration module260may identify the correspondence between the video identifiers used by the video content server(s)130and the videos identifiers used by product placement servers140. In some cases, video content server130may provide data integration module260with a library list of videos including unique video identifiers. These unique video identifiers, however, may be different from video timecodes used in the product placement information from the product placement servers140. In that case, data integration module260may determine the correspondence between the videos published by video content server130and the videos identified in the product placement information using one or more of knowledge of the video identifier naming conventions, series and/or episode titles, air date and video network names, for example.

Data integration module260may interact with video mapping system265to generate a listing of advertisement options for particular videos. Video mapping system265may contain a database mapping of processed product placement information and video information for efficient retrieval and subsequent use. The video mapping system265may scrub and normalize data for comparison and benchmarking. The video information may include a listing of video inventory and a listing of all available electronic cue160,170,235(e.g. advertisements). The video mapping system265may output a sublist of videos for particular electronic cue160,170,235. An electronic cue160,170,235and video timecode pairing is recorded. The electronic cue160,170,235may be dynamically generated to ensure up-to-date content is used.

Relevance module270may determine the relevance of an electronic cue160,170,235to one or more of a brand, campaign and a viewer. In some cases the relevance module270may determine the relevance of a video to a brand. The brand relevance evaluation may be based upon one or more of the genre of the video (e.g. documentary, action, drama, or comedy), the topic category or categories (e.g. snowboarding, love story, or crime fighting) and the product placements in the video. For example, the relevance module270may determine that a snowboarding documentary which features no product placements for Microsoft®, its products or its competitors has low relevance to the Microsoft® brand. On the other hand, the relevance module270may determine that a football drama which features a number of product placements for Nike® shoes is highly relevant to the Nike® brand. The relevance module270will also consider different factors such as the user demographics, video viewing projections, ad campaign specifications. The relevance module270is operable to interact with the video mapping system265to generate sublists of videos and electronic cue160,170,235, as well as rank the items on the sublists. Feedback may be received from user interactions to update and modify the list and ranking in real-time.

In some cases, the relevance module270may determine the relevance of a video to a particular viewer. The viewer relevance evaluation may be based upon the demographics of the user, their geographic location and their historical behavior (e.g. website visits, online purchases, television, media consumption purchases), for example. For example, the relevance module270may consider the Twilight® brand to be highly relevant to viewers that are 12-16 years old, located in the USA and which have a browsing history including Twilight® fan websites.

In some cases, the relevance module270may determine the relevance of a particular timecode in a video to a brand. The timecode relevance evaluation may be based upon the timecodes of product placements in the video. For example, the relevance module270may consider timecodes within 30 seconds of a brand's product placement in a video to be highly relevant to a brand. On the other hand, the relevance module270may consider timecodes 2 hours away from a relevant product placement in a video to be less relevant, for example.

Campaign setup module280may store campaign specifications relating to electronic cues160,170,235for clients and provide an interface where clients can setup and edit their campaign preferences and specifications, and the electronic cues160,170,235of their campaign. In some cases, campaign setup module280may permit a client to choose their electronic cue160,170,235and dynamically update the contents of the electronic cue160,170,235based on user interaction with the electronic cue160,170,235, for example. The campaign setup module280may generate and provide metrics regarding the campaign so that client can dynamically update specifications in response. For example, the client may be able to choose to use an expandable electronic cue160,170,235as describe with reference toFIG. 2. In some cases, client device115may send campaign setup module280media content for an icon portion230and a flyout portion240of an expandable electronic cue160,170,235. Campaign setup module280may then assemble the expandable electronic cue160,170,235using the media content. Once assembled, the electronic cue160,170,235may be subsequently delivered to user device110by campaign server120, or by ad content server135. In the latter case, campaign server120may deliver the expandable electronic cue160,170,235to ad content server135in advance. In some cases, other electronic cue160,170,235types may be available for selection by the client. For example, =campaign server120may provide a list of selectable electronic cue160,170,235types, formats, with or without audio, and user-interactivities. The content of the electronic cue160,170,235may also change and be updated to selected new phrases, icons, configurations, text, etc.

Campaign setup module280may store viewer targeting parameters specified by a client for their campaign specification. In some cases, only viewers which meet the specified parameters may be eligible to receive the electronic cue160,170,235. For example, a client (e.g. a cosmetics company) may choose to limit their electronic cue160,170,235to viewers of particular demographics (e.g. females only) from particular geographies (e.g. North America only), and to those exhibit particular behaviors (e.g. visit cosmetics websites regularly). This may represent one way that a client can help tailor their campaign to their viewers. The computed metrics may provide that a particular city responds well then the ad content could be tailored specifically to that demographic, behavior and locale.

The campaign setup module280may also store video and timecode targeting parameters specified by a client for their campaign specification. In some cases, the client's electronic cue160,170,235may only be displayed with the chosen videos, and only at the chosen timecodes (if selected). For example, a client may choose to limit their electronic cue160,170,235to videos which fall into certain categories, genres and/or topics. In some cases, clients may be able to choose specific videos with which their electronic cue160,170,235should display. The relevance module270may evaluate which videos are relevant to the campaign's brand and interact with video mapping system265to provide a shortened list of videos for the client to select from for their electronic cue160,170,235.

In some cases the campaign setup module280may permit a client to specify whether their electronic cue160,170,235should display at or near the timestamp of a relevant product placement in a video or else at a different arbitrary time (e.g. from the start of the movie). For example, the client may be able to specify that the display of their electronic cue160,170,235be triggered five seconds before the timecode of the most relevant product placement in the selected list of videos.

The campaign setup module280may also permit a client to specify one or more of the start and end dates for their campaign, the maximum number of electronic cue160,170,235exposures, the maximum number of engagements and the maximum number of click throughs. An electronic cue160,170,235exposure may be registered when the electronic cue160,170,235is displayed or otherwise presented to a user (e.g. media consumer). An electronic cue160,170,235engagement may be registered when a user interacts with an electronic cue160,170,235in a specific way. For example, an engagement of expandable electronic cue170ofFIG. 1might be registered when a user interacts with the icon portion230causing the flyout portion240to display. User interactions which can cause the flyout portion240to display may be limited to a predetermined one or more user interactions (e.g. a mouse click or a cursor hover). A click through may be registered when a user clicks or otherwise interacts (e.g. presses a button, or hovers a cursor) with an electronic cue160,170,235such that the advertiser's website, popup, or mini-site is displayed for example.

The campaign setup module280may also provide price determination and payment functionality. For example, the price of a campaign to a client may comprise one or more a fixed price component (e.g. one-time fee), a variable price component (e.g. per exposure, engagement, click-through, and/or day) and a bid price component. In some cases, a video may be selected for use with more campaigns than the video can support. For example, if an advertisement from every campaign that selected a particular video was displayed during the playback of that video, the electronic cue160,170,235may be too cluttered and/or they may be too distracting for the video viewers. In some cases then, the campaign setup module280may provide a real time bidding system.

The real time bidding system may be integral to campaign setup module280, or it may be provided by a separate module within campaign server120or by a separate third party server. In some cases the real time bidding system may permit clients to bid for priority over certain aspects of their campaign. For example, clients may be able to bid for priority or exclusive display of their electronic cue160,170,235in association with a particular video, timecode or product placement. In some cases, especially where a campaign has chosen an entire category, genre or topic of videos, the client may be able to bid for priority or exclusive display of their electronic cue160,170,235in videos with a certain level of popularity (e.g. greater than one million viewers per month). In some cases, a campaign may be able to bid for priority or exclusive display of their electronic cue160,170,235to viewers meeting specific demographic and geographic criteria (e.g. North American and female). In some cases, a client may place bids for priority or exclusive display of their electronic cue160,170,235between specified starting and ending dates. In some cases, a client may bid on a predetermined number of viewer impressions across all media present within an existing media network.

The campaign tracking module290may track the number of impressions, engagements, click-throughs and other user interactions with an electronic cue160,170,235. In some cases, the campaign tracking module290may track the number of times users resume a video after click-through (which may in some cases cause the video to pause). In some cases, the campaign tracking module290may track the number or value of purchases made following a click-through to an advertiser's webpage.

The campaign tracking module290may receive user demographics which include social media behavior. Electronic cues160,170,235may be tailored to specific individuals that have high rankings for social media influence. The rankings may be generated by third party systems and records, and then provided to system100. The system100may receive endorsement data to suggest specific users for targeted advertisements. The social media behavior information may include information relating to whether the electronic cue and video was shared to other users, and whether other users interacted with the electronic cue, and how many other users where indirectly led to the electronic cue.

The campaign monitoring module300may use tracking information collected by campaign tracking module290to provide reporting functionality for campaigns. In some cases, campaign monitoring module300may determine one or more performance scores based upon data from the campaign monitoring module300. For example, the performance score may equal the number of click-throughs, conversion ratio of call to actions (i.e. the entered sweeps, printed coupon signed up for newsletter, and so on, or the value of purchases following click-throughs over a period of time. In another example, the performance score may be an arbitrary scoring system based upon purchases, click-throughs, engagements and impressions (e.g. one score point for an impression, two for an engagement, three for a click-through, and one point for each dollar spent). The performance score may be a combination of weighted factors.

The one or more performance scores may be displayed in a ticker. In some cases the ticker display may include a plus/minus difference in comparison with a performance score from a previous period (e.g. from the previous day). In some cases, the ticker display may include a plus/minus difference in comparison with a target performance score.

In some cases, the campaign monitoring module300may provide a real time or near real time visualization of data from campaign tracking module290. Campaign monitoring module300may provide data visualization for one or more of impressions, engagements, click-throughs, and resulting purchases. In some cases, campaign monitoring module300may help to visualize the effects of changes to a campaign in real time or near real time. This may permit clients to rapidly efficiently modify their campaign to maximize performance.

Campaign monitoring module300may receive real time updates to campaign specification to tailor the electronic cues in near real time. For example if specific ad content is showing high interactivity then an increased number of electronic cues may be configured with that same content.

For example,FIG. 4shows an example visualization310. The example visualization310is in the form of a funnel animation. In this example, the electronic cue that is the subject of the animation registers three phases: impressions (e.g. the advertisement is displayed), engagements (e.g. the electronic cue expands upon interaction) and click-throughs (e.g. the expanded portion of the electronic cue is clicked on or otherwise interacted with). In the example visualization310, users are represented by circles320. Each circle320may represent one or more users. In some cases, the circles320may be shown appearing and entering the topmost section of the funnel as users are exposed to the advertisement that is the subject of the campaign (e.g. the electronic cue is displayed on user devices110). As users interact with the electronic cue, engagements are registered and circles320representing those users travel to the engagement section of the funnel. When users further interact with the electronic cue, (e.g. click on a flyout portion redirecting them to a provider's webpage), then a click-through is registered and the circles320representing those users travel to the click-throughs portion of the funnel. The visualization may also illustrate other user interactions such as flyouts, click through, site purchases, revenue, sweeps entry, questionnaire, coupon, order a sample, order product, purchase, book a test drive, revenue. The funnel metaphor is an example of one visualization and other formats of visualizations may be used.

Referring again toFIG. 1, campaign monitoring module300may also provide historical analysis tools. In some cases, campaign monitoring module300may provide historical comparisons of data subsets. For example, campaign monitoring module300may compare minimum, maximum, or average values of any subset of data collected by campaign tracking module290. In some cases, the historical analysis tools may compare the performance of a campaign by subdividing the data according to one or more of the campaign parameters selected in the campaign setup module280. For example, the historical analysis tools may compare the performance of a campaign module by subdividing the data according to one or more of the media content in the electronic cue, the viewer targeting criteria, the video targeting criteria and the timecode targeting criteria. By monitoring this in near real time the advertiser has the ability to further refine their message and increase viewer engagement.

FIG. 5shows an example process500according to at least some embodiments. In some cases, the process steps shown in the example process500may be executed in a different order than shown. At502ad content server135may collect demographics and behavioral information from user device110. For example, ad content server135may collect information such as age, gender, geographic location, web browsing history and purchase history from user device110. For this illustrative example, the electronic cue may implement an advertisement.

At504, campaign server120may receive video information from video content server(s)130and product placement information from product placement server(s)140. For example, campaign server120may receive a library list of videos from video content server(s)130and a list of product placements by video from product placement server(s)140. In some cases, data integration module300of campaign server120may identify the correspondence between the videos provided by the video content servers130and the videos identified in the product placement information from the product placement servers140. The video information may include publishers list of video inventory, video categories, product placement, timecodes, specific video data, and so on. The campaign server120may scrub the video and product placement data and interact with the video matching system265to generate a sublist of videos corresponding to electronic cues.

The video matching system265is operable to perform a transformative process on the listings to generate a sublist to select an electronic cue.

The video matching system265is operable to match the paid product placement information (such as ACN in North America and TNS in Europe, Australia, and Asia for example) with the video library available from publisher system for content videos, such as videos rebroadcast on demand from web broadcast rights owners (such as MSN, YouTube, Yahoo, AOL). This inventory of paid product placement information is then available in a manual or automated real time bidding exchange such that a brand owner can purchase an in video display or other dynamic advertisement synchronized with the actual time the product appears as a prop, mention or in scene background.

The video matching system265is operable to scrub third party and web broadcast rights owners to identify common data variables such as for example: the network the show was originally broadcast; program name; episode; original air data; product identifiers, and start time of show. This data from both source types may be matched by matching algorithms and available for further processing.

The video matching system265is operable to pin point key placement moments with additional variables that enable the calculation of the exact moment the product placement occurs such as: exact timecode in the video when the product placement occurred; type of placement (placement intensity is indicated by; High: prop used in the scene, Medium: a mention by the characters, or Low: a very subtle visible background in scene—or combinations of these types); duration of the moment the product placement occurred (in seconds).

Once the received and processed data is standardized, corrected and missing variables completed and matched from both sources it can then be further transformed. For example, one transformation may be calculated by start time minus time of placement provides a placement moment. This is the amount of time into the video the placement occurred. This placement moment triggers the electronic cue to display at the corresponding timecode. The video matching system265is operable to calculate the duration (in seconds) the placement occurred so the electronic cue may be removed after exposure and the redisplayed at the end of the video.

The electronic cue is exposed at the moment of the product placement and the viewer can choose to interact with the electronic cue to enable further transformations. If the flyout portion of the electronic cue is activated and a link to an electronic offer is activated then the video pauses at that moment and the viewer is directed to the electronic offer on the brands' website, campaign micro site or social network (i.e. Facebook) where the brand owner can convert the viewer based on the campaign objectives (i.e. enter contest, share with friends, print/request coupon, purchase product). The client device is then redirected to the video to resume from the moment the video paused. The flyout portion may include information about the electronic cue, campaign, content of media, plot information, sweeps entry, questionnaire, coupon, order a sample form, order product form, purchase form, book a test drive, and so on.

At506, client device115may send campaign specification information to campaign server120and to ad content server135. In some cases, client device115may send basic campaign parameters such as campaign start and end dates, as well as viewer targeting parameters to ad content server135and the number of electronic cues to display for the campaign. Alternatively, client device115may send this information to campaign server120. In some cases campaign server120may send this information to content server135. The information may be transformed and processed at the various stages.

In some cases, client device115may send campaign server120electronic cue selections including electronic cue type (e.g. expandable, or fixed banner) and associated media (e.g. pictures, audio or video) for including in the electronic cue. Client device115may also send campaign server120video and timecode targeting parameters, comprising one or more of video, category, genre, and timecode selections.

Campaign server120may identify a list of videos and timecodes based upon the video and timecode parameters from client device115, the video information from video content server(s)130and the product placement information from product placement server(s)140, and the campaign specification. For example, campaign server120may identify videos from the video libraries of video content server(s)130, and identify timecodes within those videos which include product placements relevant to the campaign specification. A listing may be generated for provision to other system100components.

At508, campaign server120may send to ad content server135a list of videos and/or timecodes which are considered suitable for the campaign specification. The campaign server120may select the electronic cue and videos from this list and timecodes.

At510, the user device110may send a request to video content server130to view a video. For example, user device110may load a webpage including an embedded video player. In another example, user device110may choose a channel to view on their television or internet application or other connected computing device.

Content server135may be notified of the video requested by user device110either from user device110or from video content server130, for example. Content server135my then identify one or more electronic cues (which may comprise an electronic cue submitted by client device115) based upon the list(s) of videos and/or timecodes from ad content server135. The video mapping system265may generate the list using electronic cue, product placement, video inventory, as well as the user's collected demographics and behavior information. For example, ad content server135may identify electronic cues from campaigns for which campaign server120has sent a video and/or timecode list. The campaign may specify a particular video on that list.

In some cases, content server135may send a request to campaign server120for electronic cues that should be displayed with the video requested by the user device. Campaign server120may then identify one or more electronic cues that are relevant to the video based upon campaign parameters stored at campaign server120. In this case, campaign server120may send ad content server135a reply including electronic cue and/or timecodes for display with the video.

At512, video content server130may send at least some of the selected video to user device110and ad content server135may send the identified electronic cue to user device110. The exact timing of the delivery of the electronic cue depends on the triggering algorithm for this advertisement and the timecode. For example, ad content server135may send the identified electronic cue to user device110immediately along with display triggering instructions (e.g. comprising a timecode), or ad content server135may wait to send the identified electronic cue to user device110until it is to be displayed.

For example, an electronic cue submitted by client device115as part of the campaign may be sent to user device110and user device110interacts with the electronic cue thus registering an engagement or user interaction. At514, campaign server120may record the engagement and user interaction with the electronic cue by user device110.

At516, campaign server120may send client device115a report, or data visualization for the campaign, which may include the registered engagement and other user interactions. The data may include transformed and processed data regarding the interactions and demographics, and historical behavior.

At518, client device115may send to campaign server120and content server135updated campaign specification information. For example, in reaction to the report or the data visualization received at516, the client device115may submit updated video, timecode or viewer targeting parameters. In some cases, client device115may update the advertisement media content (e.g. graphics, audio, video). For example, client device115may update the media content to display a different offer (e.g. “75% off”) or a different message in hopes that the new message or offer will attract more user interaction, or based on data analysis regarding other advertisements.

Campaign server120may identify a new or updated list of videos and/or timecodes based upon the updated campaign specification information. At520, campaign server120may send the updated list(s) to content server135, which list custom server120may now use when selecting electronic cues for user device110and other user devices.

These steps may be repeated and returned to depending on the length of the campaign and the received user interactions and updates. The electronic cues may be changed over the campaign and system100provides dynamic near real time assembly of the electronic cues to capture updates. The system100collects data regarding the videos, products, electronic cues, user interactions, demographics, third party statistics, pricing modules to provide a dynamic electronic cue implementation. The system100enables near real time review and processing of the data to continuously update the campaign specification and content.

As another example,FIG. 6is diagram showing an example data flow in accordance with embodiments described herein. As an additional example,FIG. 7is diagram showing an example campaign set up in accordance with embodiments described herein. As another further example,FIG. 8is diagram showing example system integration in accordance with embodiments described herein. The details of which are similar to those described in relation to the other figures.FIGS. 6-8use advertisements as an example of an electronic cue.