Targeted content delivery system in an interactive television network

摘要

An opt-in based system for displaying targeted content (e.g. advertisements) to a viewer is described. Viewer profiles and content profiles are automatically generated from forms filled out by viewers and content providers respectively. In a preferred client-based embodiment, content that best matches a viewer profile is downloaded from a server and stored on the corresponding viewer's set top box. When a trigger signifying a content-insertion break (e.g. a commercial break) is detected, locally stored targeted content is selected and displayed to the viewer via the set top box. In a server-based embodiment, content that best matches a viewer profile is embedded in program content and sent to a viewing unit for display to the viewer.