Scheduling trigger apparatus and method

摘要

Apparatus and methods for embedding and associating triggers within a promotion or other similar content element with the event being promoted are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, consumer premises equipment (CPE) such as a digital set-top box is used to interface between the user and an external network (such as an HFC cable network) and facilitate the user selecting and scheduling viewing or recording of a subsequent event (e.g., broadcast movie) via the promotion itself. The trigger(s) within the promotion allow the user to contemporaneously select the promoted event for viewing, recording, etc. without any further action. The trigger(s) then initiates tuning of the user's receiver to the scheduled event at the appropriate date and time. This approach obviates additional actions by the user (such as programming their DVR), and also permits the user to commit to viewing the event when their interest level is highest; i.e., contemporaneous with the promotion.

主权项

1. In a content delivery network, a method of associating one or more content elements with a trigger element, comprising:
providing at least one content element configured to transfer to a user over said information network to user computer premises equipment (CPE); providing at least one promotion, said at least one promotion being directly or indirectly related to said at least one content element; associating at least one trigger element with said at least one promotion, said at least one trigger element being configured to trigger said CPE to take a specified action relating to said content element; receiving from said CPE a selection of said at least one promotion; in response to receiving said selection, storing said at least one trigger element on at least one entity remote to said CPE, said storing comprising particularly associating said at least one trigger element to said CPE; and utilizing said stored trigger element particularly associated with said CPE to invoke said specified action at said CPE via said remote entity.