WO2024049488A1

WO2024049488A1 - System for streaming media over a network

Info

Publication number: WO2024049488A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/080115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jiangsheng Yu
Original assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-11-18
Filing date: 2022-11-18
Publication date: 2024-03-07

Abstract

A system and method are provided for streaming a media content. The method includes separating the media content into a plurality of semantically complete media segments, creating one or more advertisement segments corresponding to a complete advertisement, streaming the plurality of semantically complete media segments of the media content to an electronic device corresponding to an Internet Protocol (IP) address, and inserting a first advertisement segment into the media stream between a first semantically complete media segment and a second semantically complete media segment.

Description

SYSTEM FOR STREAMING MEDIA OVER A NETWORK

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is related to streaming of media content (i.e., a media stream) over a computer network, and more specifically to device- adjustable insertion of advertisement in the streaming.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Advertisements are often included in media content, including multi-media content, downloaded to electronic devices, such as a phone, computer, tablet, or television, for example. Advertisers pay a fee to streaming providers to include their advertisements in a media stream. Viewers often skip over the advertisements. Length contributes to decisions by viewers to skip over advertisements. The longer the played advertisement, the more likely it is that a viewer will skip the advertisement. Advertisers want to convey key information concerning products in a manner acceptable to the viewers, but finding a method to present advertisement acceptable to viewers is difficult.

SUMMARY

[0003] Various examples are now described to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. The Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for streaming a media content, the system comprising a communication interface; a memory storing instructions; and at least one processor in communication with the communication interface and the memory. The at least one processor is configured, upon execution of the instructions, to perform the following steps: separate the media content into a plurality of semantically complete media segments; create one or more advertisement segments corresponding to a complete advertisement; stream the plurality of semantically complete media segments of the media content to an electronic device corresponding to an Internet Protocol (IP) address; and insert a first advertisement segment into the media stream between a first semantically complete media segment and a second semantically complete media segment. [0005] Optionally in the preceding aspect, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to detect an end of a semantically complete program segment in a streaming media program and insert an advertising segment of the complete advertisement in the stream of the media program content in response to the detecting.

[0006] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to receive a request via the Internet network interface for the complete advertisement, and in response to the request, stream the advertising segments to the IP address without the program content in response to the request.

[0007] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to receive a request via the communication interface for the complete advertisement, and in response to the request, stream the complete advertisement to the IP address without the media content .

[0008] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to selects the complete advertisement according to an advertisement content of the complete advertisement.

[0009] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to obtain advertisement skip information regarding user-skipping of the first advertisement segment; and cancel a further provision of the one or more advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information .

[0010] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to obtain advertisement skip information regarding user-skipping of the one or more advertisement segments, and change a duration of the one or more advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information .

[0011] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured obtain advertisement skip information regarding a received user-skipping input, and select a second complete advertisement in response to the advertisement skip information .

[0012] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to obtain advertisement skip information regarding a received user-skipping input, and change a ratio of a time duration of the inserted advertisement segments and a time duration of the first and second semantically complete media segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

[0013] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to obtain advertisement skip information corresponding to the IP address, and change one or more streaming parameters for the streaming of the one or more advertisement segments according to the advertisement skip information.

[0014] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides a service application configured to determine a skipping frequency of skipping of the one or more advertisement segments using the advertisement skip information; and change the one or more streaming parameters to reduce the skipping frequency.

[0015] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides advertisement skip information includes at least one of a date or a time of day of the advertisement skip information; and a service application configured to change the one or more streaming parameters according to the advertisement skip information and the at least one of the date or the time of day.

[0016] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides the at least one processor executing instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon has been selected by a viewer of the media stream; and provide the complete advertisement to the viewer if the ad selection icon was selected by the viewer.

[0017] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides the at least one processor executing instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; and insert a next advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer. [0018] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides the at least one processor executing instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; and insert a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer.

[0019] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides the at least one processor executing instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determine if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and insert a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer and the other advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream.

[0020] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides the at least one processor executing instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determine if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and insert a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if an icon presentation timer has not expired. [0021] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides the at least one processor executing instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determine if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and insert a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the other advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if a next complete advertisement threshold was not passed.

[0022] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides the at least one processor executing instructions to: provide an ad selection icon in the media stream; indicate an ad viewing reward in the media stream, the ad viewing reward comprising an inducement for the viewer selecting the ad selection icon; determine if the ad selection icon has been selected by the viewer; and give the reward to the viewer when the viewer has selected the ad selection icon.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer-implemented method of streaming media content. The method includes separating the media content into a plurality of semantically complete media segments; creating one or more advertisement segments corresponding to a complete advertisement; streaming the plurality of semantically complete media segments of the media content to an electronic device corresponding to an Internet Protocol (IP) address; and inserting a first advertisement segment into the media stream between a first semantically complete media segment and a second semantically complete media segment . [0024] Optionally in the preceding aspect, another implementation of the aspect provides detecting an end of the first semantically complete media segment in the media stream; and inserting the first advertisement segment into the media stream in response to the detecting.

[0025] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides detecting an end of the first semantically complete media segment in the media stream; and inserting the first advertisement segment into the media stream in response to the detecting.

[0026] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides receiving a request via the communication interface for the complete advertisement, and in response to the request, streaming the complete advertisement to the IP address without the media content.

[0027] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides selecting the complete advertisement according to an advertisement content of the complete advertisement.

[0028] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides obtaining advertisement skip information regarding user-skipping of the first advertisement segment; and canceling a further provision of the one or more advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information. [0029] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides obtaining advertisement skip information regarding user-skipping of the one or more advertisement segments; and changing a duration of the one or more advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

[0030] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides obtaining advertisement skip information regarding a received user-skipping input; and selecting a second complete advertisement in response to the advertisement skip information.

[0031] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides obtaining advertisement skip information regarding a received user-skipping input; and changing a ratio of a time duration of the inserted advertisement segments and a time duration of the first and second semantically complete media segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

[0032] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides obtaining advertisement skip information corresponding to the IP address; and changing one or more streaming parameters for the streaming of the one or more advertisement segments according to the advertisement skip information.

[0033] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides determining a skipping frequency of skipping of the one or more advertisement segments using the advertisement skip information; and changing the one or more streaming parameters to reduce the skipping frequency.

[0034] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides advertisement skip information that includes at least one of a date or a time of day of the advertisement skip information; and the method including changing the one or more streaming parameters according to the advertisement skip information and the at least one of the date or the time of day.

[0035] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides: determining if an ad selection icon has been selected by a viewer of the media stream; and providing the complete advertisement to the viewer if the ad selection icon was selected by the viewer. [0036] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; and inserting a next advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer.

[0037] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; and inserting a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer. [0038] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determining if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and inserting a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer and the other advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream.

[0039] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determining if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and inserting a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the other advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if an icon presentation timer has not expired.

[0040] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determining if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and inserting a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the other advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if a next complete advertisement threshold was not passed. [0041] Optionally in any of the preceding aspects, another implementation of the aspect provides: providing an ad selection icon in the media stream; indicating an ad viewing reward in the media stream, the ad viewing reward comprising an inducement for the viewer selecting the ad selection icon; determining if the ad selection icon has been selected by the viewer; and giving the reward to the viewer when the viewer has selected the ad selection icon.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer readable media storing computer instructions for streaming a media content that configure at least one processor, upon execution of the instructions, to perform the following steps: separating the media content into a plurality of semantically complete media segments; creating one or more advertisement segments corresponding to a complete advertisement; streaming the plurality of semantically complete media segments of the media content to an electronic device corresponding to an Internet Protocol (IP) address; and inserting a first advertisement segment into the media stream between a first semantically complete media segment and a second semantically complete media segment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Some figures illustrating example embodiments are included with the text in the detailed description.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a system for streaming media content over an electronic network in an example embodiment.

[0045] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various advertisement segment insertion examples according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of streaming media content in an example embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 4 is an illustration of streaming a media content in an example embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for streaming media content for network streaming according to an embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for streaming media content for network streaming according to an embodiment. [0050] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method 700 for inducing the viewing of the complete advertisement according to an embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a server for streaming media content according to an embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer system for implementing one or more example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and, in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description of example embodiments is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0054] The functions or algorithms described herein may be implemented in software in one embodiment. The software may consist of computer executable instructions stored on computer readable media or computer readable storage device, such as one or more non- transitory memories or other type of hardware-based storage devices, either local or networked. Further, such functions correspond to modules which may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Multiple functions may be performed in one or more modules as desired, and the embodiments described are merely examples. The software may be executed on a digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor, or other type of processor operating on a computer system, such as a personal computer, server, or other computer system, turning such computer system into a specifically programmed machine.

[0055] The functionality can be configured to perform an operation using, for instance, software, hardware, firmware, or the like. For example, the phrase “configured to” can refer to a logic circuit structure of a hardware element that is to implement the associated functionality. The phrase “configured to” can also refer to a logic circuit structure of a hardware element that is to implement the coding design of associated functionality of firmware or software. The term “module” refers to a structural element that can be implemented using any suitable hardware (e.g., a processor, among others), software (e.g., an application, among others), firmware, or any combination of hardware, software, and firmware. The term “logic” encompasses any functionality for performing a task. For instance, each operation illustrated in the flowcharts corresponds to logic for performing that operation. An operation can be performed using software, hardware, firmware, or the like. The terms “component,” “system,” and the like may refer to computer-related entities, hardware, and software in execution, firmware, or combination thereof. A component may be a process running on a processor, an object, an execution, a program, a function, a subroutine, a computer, or a combination of software and hardware. The terms “processor” and “processing circuitry” may refer to a hardware component, such as a processing unit of a computer system.

[0056] Furthermore, the claimed subject matter may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computing device to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture,” as used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable storage device or media. Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices, e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips, optical disk, compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), smart cards, flash memory devices, among others. In contrast, computer-readable media (i.e., not limited to storage media) may additionally include communication media such as transmission media for wireless signals and the like.

[0057] Disclosed herein are methods and devices for inserting and providing an advertisement segment in a media stream. The resulting media stream is provided to one or more viewers (hereinafter referred to as “viewer” for simplicity). The advertisement segment is provided between semantically complete media segments, to be less objectionable to the viewer. The advertisement is provided in between semantically complete media segments. The advertisement is provided as an advertisement segment or segments, as streaming the complete advertisement at one spot between semantically complete media segments is likely to cause viewer annoyance. The advertisement is provided to the viewer as one or more advertisement segments, wherein an advertisement segment does not exceed a predetermined length of duration.

[0058] An ad selection icon is presented along with the one or more advertisement segments. The viewer can select the ad selection icon to see the complete advertisement if the viewer has interest in the first advertisement segment. In some embodiments, the ad selection icon is presented when a first advertisement segment is provided to the viewer. In other embodiments, the ad selection icon is presented before the end of the first advertisement segment.

However, the ad selection icon can alternatively be presented after the end of the first advertisement segment, depending on traffic conditions and/or the duration of the first advertisement section. The viewer can select the ad selection icon if the viewer is interested in seeing more of the advertisement than just the first advertisement section. However, it should be understood that the ad selection icon can be included in the media stream for any time duration. In some embodiments, the ad selection icon is maintained in the media stream until either the ad selection icon is selected by the viewer, or the time for presenting the complete advertisement has elapsed.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first advertisement segment is inserted into the media stream and the first advertisement segment is the only advertisement segment presented to the viewer, unless the viewer selects the ad selection icon.

[0060] In another embodiment, multiple advertisement segments are created from the complete advertisement, and successive advertisement segments can be inserted into the media stream between successive semantically complete media segments. In this embodiment, successive advertisement segments are inserted into the media stream. The successive advertisement segments can be inserted into the media stream until the viewer selects the ad selection icon, or until all advertisement segments of the complete advertisement have been inserted into the media stream. In this embodiment, the viewer can view more than one advertisement segment. In this embodiment, the viewer can further select the ad selection icon after all advertisement segments have been viewed.

[0061] In embodiments where multiple advertisement segments are inserted into the media stream, the multiple advertisement segments are all derived from or correspond to the complete advertisement. In some embodiments, the combined multiple advertisement segments comprise less than the complete advertisement. In other embodiments, the combined multiple advertisement segments comprise the complete advertisement.

[0062] In some embodiments, an ad refusal icon can be presented to the user along with the ad selection icon. This mainly applies where multiple advertisement segments will be inserted into the media stream. By selecting the ad refusal icon, the viewer can rejection any remaining advertisement segments and the remaining advertisement segments will not be inserted into the media stream.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a system for streaming media content over the Internet. An online provider of media content stores one or more media program files (i.e., one or more items of media content) on a server 102. A user of a smartphone 104 or computer 106 accesses the media content using a web browser 108, for example, and the server 102 streams the media content over a network 110. The network 110 comprises a communication network, including a computer network. The network 110 in some examples comprises the Internet. [0064] An advertiser may pay a fee to an online provider to insert advertisements into the media stream. The media stream is subsequently interrupted to present the advertisements to the user in the media stream. This can be annoying to the user, and the user often selects to skip over the advertisement and continue with the media stream. Skipping is more likely when an advertisement is lengthy. As a result, the advertisement may not by watched by the viewer of the media stream.

[0065] It is desired that viewers be presented with a segment of an advertisement, wherein the advertisement segment is sufficiently brief, yet conveys a gist of the product or service being advertised, while not being so long that viewers will try to skip the advertisement segment.

[0066] Disclosed herein are methods and devices for providing an advertisement in a media stream. The media stream is provided to one or more viewers (hereinafter referred to as “viewer” for simplicity). The advertisement is provided in between semantically complete media segments to be less objectionable to the viewer. The advertisement is provided in between semantically complete media segments. The advertisement is provided in advertisement segments, as streaming the complete advertisement at one spot between semantically complete media segments is likely to cause viewer annoyance. The complete advertisement is provided to the viewer as one or more advertisement segments, wherein an advertisement segment does not exceed a predetermined time duration.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first advertisement segment is inserted into the media stream and the first advertisement segment is the only segment of the complete advertisement presented to the viewer, unless the viewer selects the ad selection icon 125. In another embodiment, multiple ad segments are created from the complete advertisement and successive advertisement segments can be inserted into the media stream between semantically complete media segments. In this embodiment, the viewer can view more than one advertisement segment. The successive advertisement segments can be inserted into the media stream until the viewer selects the ad selection icon 125, or until all advertisement segments of the complete advertisement have been inserted into the media stream. In this embodiment, the viewer can further select the ad selection icon after all advertisement segments have been viewed.

[0068] In some embodiments, the combined multiple advertisement segments comprise less than the complete advertisement. In other embodiments, the combined multiple advertisement segments comprise the complete advertisement.

[0069] An ad selection icon 125 is presented along with the one or more advertisement segments. The viewer can select the ad selection icon 125 to see the complete advertisement if the viewer has interest in the first advertisement segment (or any subsequent advertisement segments). In some embodiments, the ad selection icon 125 is presented when a first advertisement segment is provided to the viewer. In other embodiments, the ad selection icon 125 is presented before the end of the first advertisement segment. However, the ad selection icon can alternatively be presented after the end of the first advertisement segment, depending on traffic conditions and/or the duration of the first advertisement section. The ad selection icon 125 can be included in the media stream for any time duration. In some embodiments, the ad selection icon 125 is maintained in the media stream until either the ad selection icon is selected by the viewer, or the time for presenting the complete advertisement has elapsed.

[0070] In some embodiments, an ad skip icon 130 can be presented to the user along with the ad selection icon 125. By selecting the ad skip icon 130, the viewer can reject a currently provided advertisement segment. This also applies where multiple advertisement segments will be inserted into the media stream. By selecting the ad skip icon 130, the viewer can reject any remaining advertisement segments, and the remaining advertisement segments will therefore not be inserted into the media stream.

[0071] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various advertisement segment insertion examples according to the embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 2A shows a media stream 200 where the media stream 200 has been divided into a series of semantically complete media segments 202. The series of semantically complete media segments 202 can be streamed to a viewer, as previously discussed.

[0072] FIG. 2B shows a media stream 220 where an advertisement segment 205 has been inserted into the media stream 220 between the media segments 202. The viewer will view the advertisement segment 205 in between the two adjacent media segments 202.

[0073] FIG. 2C shows a media stream 240 where a first advertisement segment 205A follows after a first media segment 202A. An ad selection icon (not shown) is presented to the viewer at about the same time as the first ad segment 205A is presented to the viewer. In this example, the viewer selects the ad selection icon after the first advertisement segment 205 has finished and a second media segment 202B has begun playing. As a result, after the second media segment 202B has finished, then the complete advertisement 209 is inserted into the media stream 240 and presented to the viewer. After the complete advertisement 209 has finished, then a third media segment 202C can be presented to the viewer. The third media segment 202C will be delayed by the playing of the complete advertisement 209. [0074] FIG. 2D shows a media stream 260 where a first media segment 202A has been provided to the viewer, followed by a first advertisement segment 205 A. A second media segment 202B is provided to the viewer after the first advertisement segment 205A has finished. In this example, the viewer has not selected the ad selection icon, so a second advertisement segment 205B is inserted into the media stream 260.

[0075] It should be understood that all available advertisement segments 205 can be inserted into the media stream 260 if the viewer does not select the ad selection icon. In this way, multiple advertisement segments 205 can be inserted into the media stream and provided to the viewer.

[0076] In an example scenario, the first advertisement segment 202A could comprise a short description of a book that is for sale. The second advertisement segment 202B can have a different focus, such as endorsements of the book by other authors or persons of repute. A third advertisement segment 202C could focus on a sale price or other enticement, with each advertisement segment being designed to persuade the viewer in a different way.

[0077] In some embodiments, an ad cancellation button can be presented to the viewer, along with the ad selection icon. The ad cancellation button can be selected by the viewer if the viewer does not want to be presented with continuing advertisement segments.

[0078] FIG. 2E shows a media stream 280 where the ad selection icon has been presented to the viewer, but the viewer has not selected or activated the ad selection icon. As a result, advertisement segments 205 continue to be inserted into the media stream 280, between semantically complete media segments 202.

[0079] Where all advertisement segments 205 have been played, in some embodiments the combined advertisement segments 205 can comprise substantially all content of the complete advertisement 209. This is shown in the upper legend of FIG. 2E. Alternatively, the combined advertisement segments 205 comprise only a portion of the complete advertisement 209. This is shown in the lower legend of FIG. 2E.

[0080] It is desired that the viewer is presented with a segment of an advertisement. The advertisement can be subdivided into a plurality of advertisement segments. The complete advertisement can be subdivided in any manner, including subdividing the advertisement into equal segments, unequal segments, or segments that are relatively semantically complete. It should be understood that other subdivision techniques can also be employed, and are within the scope of this application and claims. The subdivision of the advertisement into the plurality of advertisement segments can be performed in any manner. The subdivision may create a first advertisement segment that comprises an actual first segment of the advertisement. Alternatively, the first advertisement segment can comprise a summary of the advertisement and may not comprise a first time -wise segment of the complete advertisement.

[0081] An advertisement segment will be sufficiently long in duration to convey at least a gist of the product or service being advertised. At the same time, an advertisement segment will not be so long that viewers will try to skip the portion, as the goal is to catch the viewer’s interest, if possible, and yet while not unduly annoying the viewer. If the advertisement segment catches the viewer’s interest, the viewer can elect to view the complete advertisement. In some embodiments, the viewer can select an ad selection icon (or other representation) included in the media stream that allows the viewer to request the complete advertisement. The representation comprises a visual representation in some embodiments, but it should be understood that the representation can also or additionally include an audio component or other aspect that signifies the ability to request the complete advertisement. When an ad selection request is received from the user via selection of the ad selection icon, the complete advertisement can be inserted into the media stream and presented to the viewer.

[0082] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method 300 of streaming media content that improves the way that advertisements are presented to a viewer. The method 300 makes the experience more acceptable and increases the likelihood of the viewer watching the advertisements.

[0083] The method 300 begins when the viewer (or user) selects media content for streaming at block 305 (e.g., using a web browser 108 or other suitable media-capable software). The media stream requested by the viewer is partitioned into media segments for streaming to the viewer’ s device. At bock 310, the media segments are streamed to the viewer’s device.

[0084] FIG. 4 is an illustration of streaming a media content in an example embodiment. A media stream 412 is provided for the viewer (such as where the media stream 412 has been requested by the viewer). The media stream 412 in some embodiments is provided by a server in the network, but alternatively could be provided by another device or devices. As stated above, the media stream 412 is partitioned into media segments 414 for streaming to the viewer’s device. The media segments 414 are semantically complete. A media segment 414 being semantically complete means that the media segment 414 is substantially complete in a way that relates to the different meanings of words or other signs or symbols. A media segment 414 being semantically complete is complete in a way that takes advantage of the connotations or associations attached to some or all of the words. A semantically complete media segment comprises a media segment having a coherent theme, meaning, or subject, for example.

[0085] A media segment 414 may be one song or one music video, for example, and the sematic end is the end of the song or video. In another example, the media segment 414 can be a video podcast or audio podcast, and the semantic end of a media segment 414 may occur when the speaker changes or when the topic changes. Consequently, a viewer or listener does not need the context of a previous media segment to understand or enjoy the next media segment. The media stream 412 may be divided into the media segments 414 by a provider or creator/provider of the media content. The media segments 414 are streamed in order by the provider or creator/provider.

[0086] A complete advertisement that is to be inserted between the media segments 414 is divided into one or more advertisement segments 416. Each advertisement segment 416 is a portion of the complete advertisement, and sequentially providing/playing the advertisement segments 416 presents the complete advertisement to the viewer. Some level of semantic completeness may be included in the advertisement segments 416, to make the advertisement segments 416 somewhat independent.

[0087] Referring again to FIG. 3, at block 315 the advertisement segments 316 (Pl, P2, P3, ... Pn) of FIG. 4 are inserted between the semantically complete media segments 414 in the media stream 412. As the media content is streamed to the viewer in the form of the semantically complete media segments 414, the advertisement segments 416 are played on the viewer’s device between the semantically complete media segments 414. [0088] Interrupting the semantically complete media segments 414 with the advertisement segments 416 according to semantic completeness may be less disruptive to the viewer, and may make the viewer more amenable to a break in the presentation of the semantically complete media segments 414. The advertisement segments 416 may have a short enough duration the viewer will let one or more of the advertisement segments 416 play, rather than taking the time to generate a viewer input (such as by manipulating a cursor) and cause the advertisement to be skipped.

[0089] The time duration of the individual advertisement segments 416 can be determined using viewer statistics. The time duration of the individual advertisement segments 416 can be determined according to the time durations of the semantically complete media segments 414, including advertisement segments 416 that achieve a desired duration ratio when compared to the semantically complete media segments 414. The duration of the advertisement segments 416 can be set to maintain a desired ratio when compared to durations of the semantically complete media segments 414. The time duration can be set the same for all viewers or can be customized for a viewer, a group of viewers, or a category of viewers (e.g., according to ages or interests, for example).

[0090] FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 of a method for streaming media content according to an embodiment.

[0091] In step 501, a media content to be streamed is separated into a plurality of semantically complete media segments, where each such media segment is semantically complete. This provides a natural insertion point for insertion of advertisements or advertisement segments.

[0092] In step 503, one or more advertisement segments are created. The advertisement segments are created from, or based on, a complete advertisement. The one or more advertisement segments can comprise a summary, portion, or brief representation of the complete advertisement. Alternatively, the one or more advertisement segments comprise only a partial representation of the complete advertisement.

[0093] In step 509, an advertisement segment is inserted into the media stream, after a semantically complete media segment. The advertisement segment will be followed by a next semantically complete media segment. In this manner, the advertisement segment is provided to the viewer, but without unduly interfering with or delaying a portion of the semantically complete media segment. This will result in less viewer aggravation. As part of the insertion of the advertisement segment, an ad selection icon is presented to the viewer, wherein the viewer can select the ad selection icon and thereby request the complete advertisement, if desired. If the viewer does not select the ad selection icon, then in one embodiment, only this single advertisement segment will be presented to the viewer.

[0094] In step 511, the method checks to see if the viewer has selected the ad selection icon (and requested the complete advertisement). If the viewer has selected the ad selection icon, then the method proceeds to step 514. Otherwise, the method branches around step 514 and the method ends.

[0095] In step 514, where the viewer has selected the ad selection icon, the complete advertisement has been selected. The complete advertisement is therefore presented to the viewer.

[0096] In this method embodiment, one advertisement segment is inserted into the media stream and presented to the viewer. The viewer selection can occur at any time while the ad selection icon is being presented to the user. In one embodiment, the ad selection icon is presented to the user from the beginning of the inserted advertisement segment and is presented until the viewer selects the ad selection icon. In another embodiment, the ad selection icon is presented to the user from the beginning of the inserted advertisement segment, and is presented until either the viewer selects the ad selection icon, or until an icon presentation timer expires. In yet another embodiment, the ad selection icon is presented to the user from the beginning of the inserted advertisement segment and is presented until either the viewer selects the ad selection icon, or until a next complete advertisement threshold is passed and it is time for a next complete advertisement to be presented to the viewer.

[0097] FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 of a method for streaming media content according to the invention.

[0098] In step 603, the media content is separated into a plurality of semantically complete media segments, as previously discussed.

[0099] In step 606, multiple advertisement segments are created, as previously discussed. [00100] In step 608, a first advertisement segment is inserted into the media stream, after a semantically complete media segment. As part of the insertion of the advertisement segment, an ad selection icon is presented to the viewer, as previously discussed. The viewer can select the ad selection icon and thereby request the complete advertisement.

[00101] In step 609, the method checks to see if the viewer has selected the ad selection icon. If the viewer has selected the ad selection icon, the method branches to step 624. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step 612.

[00102] In step 612, a next advertisement segment is inserted into the media stream after a current semantically complete media segment. The next advertisement segment can comprise a second or later advertisement segment. Like the first advertisement segment, the next advertisement segment can comprise a summary, portion, or brief representation of the complete advertisement, as previously discussed.

[00103] In step 617, the method checks to see if the viewer has selected the ad selection icon. If the viewer has selected the ad selection icon, then the method proceeds to step 624. Otherwise, the method branches to step 621.

[00104] In step 621, the method determines whether there are more advertisement segments to be inserted. If there are still more advertisement segments to be inserted, then the method branches back to 612 and the insertion of advertisement segments will continue. Otherwise, where there are no more advertisement segments to be inserted, the method exits.

[00105] In step 624, the viewer has selected the ad selection icon. The complete advertisement is therefore presented to the viewer.

[00106] In this method embodiment, one or more advertisement segments are inserted into the media stream after successive semantically complete media segments. Multiple advertisement segments can be inserted. Such advertisement segments are successively inserted into the media stream and are inserted until either the ad selection icon is selected by the viewer, or until there are no more advertisement segments to be inserted.

[00107] In one embodiment, the ad selection icon is presented until the viewer selects the ad selection icon. In another embodiment, the ad selection icon is presented to the user at the beginning of (or during) the first inserted advertisement segment and is presented until the viewer selects the ad selection icon, until all advertisement segments have been inserted, or until an icon presentation timer expires. In yet another embodiment, the ad selection icon is presented to the user from the beginning of the inserted advertisement segment and is presented until the viewer selects the ad selection icon, until all advertisement segments have been inserted, or until a next complete advertisement threshold is passed and it is time for a next complete advertisement to be presented to the viewer.

[00108] In an embodiment, as part of the selection of the ad selection icon, it is determined if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream, and a next advertisement segment is inserted if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer. In another embodiment, as part of the selection of the ad selection icon, it is determined if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream, and a subsequent advertisement segment is inserted if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer. In yet another embodiment, as part of the selection of the ad selection icon, it is determined if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream, and if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream. A subsequent advertisement segment is inserted if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer and the other advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream. In yet another embodiment, as part of the selection of the ad selection icon, it is determined if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream, and if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream. A subsequent advertisement segment is inserted if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if an icon presentation timer has not expired. In yet another embodiment, as part of the selection of the ad selection icon, it is determined if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream, and if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream. A subsequent advertisement segment is inserted if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if a next complete advertisement threshold was not passed. [00109] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method 700 for inducing the viewing of the complete advertisement. In some embodiments, the selection of the ad selection icon by the viewer results in a reward being given to the viewer as an inducement. The reward can induce the viewer to select and view the complete advertisement. The reward can induce the viewer to select and view the complete advertisement at a current time. The reward can also induce the viewer to select and view additional complete advertisements in the future.

[00110] In step 704, an ad selection icon is provided in the media stream. If the ad selection icon is selected by the viewer, the complete advertisement will subsequently be provided to the viewer in the media stream.

[00111] In step 707, an indication or description of the reward is provided to the viewer via the media stream. The ad viewing reward comprises an inducement for the viewer selecting the ad selection icon. The indication or description notifies the viewer of the benefits of viewing the complete advertisement. The indication or description will notify the viewer of an amount, quantity, and/or duration of the reward. For example, the duration of the reward could be a benefit provided over a specified number of ad viewings or ad viewing possibilities. Alternatively, the duration of the reward could be for a specific time period. Other durations are contemplated and are within the scope of the description and claims.

[00112] The reward to be offered to the viewer can be selected according to one or more of: a media content of the media stream, a provider of the media stream, viewer information about the viewer, a viewer history (or media streaming history) of the viewer, past ad selection actions by the viewer, or a subscription status or type of the viewer. It should be understood that the selection of the reward may include other or additional reward selection factors. [00113] In step 712, it is determined whether the ad selection icon has been selected. If the ad selection icon has been selected, the method proceeds to step 714. If the ad selection icon has not been selected, the method exits.

[00114] In step 714, the reward is given to the viewer as a result of the selection of the ad selection icon. This can include displaying the awarding of the reward. Further, more details of the reward can be provided to the viewer. [00115] The reward provided to the viewer can comprise one or more of: an improved video or image resolution of the media stream, an improved audio of the media stream, a pop-up display that displays the complete advertisement instead of providing the complete advertisement in the main media stream display, less frequent ad presentation for a future time period, or shorter ads for a future time period. It should be understood that other or additional rewards can be provided to the viewer.

[00116] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a server 102 for streaming media content according to an embodiment. The server 102 can be used to implement the method of streaming the media content as illustrated in any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The server 102 includes at least one processor 824, a memory 826, and a port 830 (e.g., a communication port 830) operatively coupled to a communication interface 820. The communication interface 820 may be an Internet gateway or router, for example, but can comprise other network devices or other communication devices. The memory 826 stores a service application 828 for execution by the processor 824.

[00117] The service application 828 streams media content to an electronic device corresponding to an Internet Protocol (IP) address. It should be understood that the media content can be streamed to one or more electronic devices or to groups of electronic devices. The service application 828 in some embodiments streams the media content over the Internet. However, it should be understood that the media content can be streamed via any manner of electronic or communication network, including wired networks, wireless networks, optical networks, et cetera. The media content includes media segments that are semantically complete and streamed in order in some examples. An advertisement segment(s) is inserted between semantically complete media segments in the media stream. The advertisement segments are segments of the complete advertisement in some embodiments, or comprise summaries of portions of the complete advertisement. In other embodiments, playing the advertisement segments sequentially without the media segments may comprise playing the complete advertisement.

[00118] In some examples, the service application 828 is configured to detect an end of a semantically complete media segment in media content being streamed by the server 102 and insert the advertisement segment(s) on the fly. For instance, the media content provider may include an end frame in the media content to flag a semantic end or semantic break in the media content. The service application 828 detects the frame and inserts an advertisement segment in the stream in response to the detecting.

[00119] As explained previously herein, the advertisement segments may have a short duration to avoid skipping by the viewer. In some examples, the viewer is able to select to watch the complete advertisement presentation without the media content. The viewer may decide to do this if they become interested in the advertisement. The web browser 108 of the user’s device may present a prompt (e.g., using a touch sensitive display) for selecting to receive a stream of the complete advertisement presentation. In response to the user selecting the option, the web browser 108 sends notice of the selection to the service application 828, which changes to streaming only the advertisement segments without the media segments, streaming only the advertisement segments to an electronic device corresponding to the IP address of the user’s device.

[00120] The user’s web browser 108 may store an identifier of the requested advertisement presentation on the user’s device (e.g., stored as a browser ‘cookie’ on the device). The service application 828 may read the stored identifier to select and insert similar advertisement into the streaming media content because such advertisement may be more likely to be watched by the viewer.

[00121] The service application 828 may also adjust the advertisement streaming using advertisement skip information based on user-skipping of the inserted advertisement segments. For example, the web browser 108 on the user’s device can present a “skip ad” prompt to the user. The web browser 108 tracks and stores selections by the user of the skip prompt as the advertisement skip information (e.g., as a web browser cookie). The web browser 108 may send the advertisement skip information to the service application as part of the streaming session to the IP address, or the service application 828 may read the advertisement skip information stored by the web browser 108.

[00122] The service application 828 changes one or more parameters of the advertisement segments according to the received advertisement skip information. For example, the service application 828 may change the duration of the advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information. The duration of the advertisement segments may be made shorter if the advertisement skipping information indicates a lot of skipping by the user or longer if there is no skipping or only occasional skipping by the user. In another example, the ratio of the time duration of the streaming advertisement segments to the time duration of the media segments can be made smaller by changing the time duration of one or both of the advertisement segments and the media segments.

[00123] In another example, the service application 828 may change the media content of the advertisement segments based on the advertisement skipping information. For instance, the service application 828 may change to streaming advertisement segments for a different advertisement presentation based on the advertisement skipping information.

[00124] In some examples, the advertisement skip information includes one or both of the time of day of the skipping and the date of the skipping. The advertisement skipping by a user may change based on time of day (e.g., from the middle of the day when the user may be at work to the end of the day when the user may have more time) or day of the week (e.g., from a weekday to a weekend day). The service application 828 may one or more parameters of the advertisement segments according to the advertisement skip information and one or both of the time of day or date.

[00125] According to some examples, the service application 828 may use a machine learning algorithm to automatically set one or more parameters of the advertisement segments. The service application 828 may use the advertisement skip information to determine the frequency of the skipping of the advertisement segments (e.g., a skip count for a predetermined period of time). This skipping frequency can be a feedback parameter that the machine learning algorithm tries to reduce or minimize by changing the advertisement segment parameters (e.g., the time duration of the advertisement segments). The skipping frequency can be for a user at a specific IP address, a group of users, or overall skipping frequency of skipping by viewers for the segments of a specific advertisement presentation.

[00126] The methods, systems and devices described herein provide techniques for advertisement in streaming media content based on semantic segmentation of the media content. An advertisement is inserted in the media stream in one or more advertisement segments for durations that are adjustable and may be learnable. The duration of the advertisement segments is adjusted to promote viewing of the advertisement by users.

[00127] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer system 900 for implementing one or more example embodiments. The computer system 900 can perform methods and algorithms according to example embodiments. All components need not be used in various embodiments.

[00128] One example is a computing device that may include processing circuitry (e.g., a processing unit 902), memory 904, removable storage 906, and non-removable storage 908. Although the example computing device is illustrated and described as computer 900, the computing device may be in different forms in different embodiments. For example, the computing device may be a server, a router, or a virtual router.

[00129] Although the various data storage elements are illustrated as part of the computer 900, the storage may also or alternatively include cloud-based storage accessible via a network, such as the Internet or server-based storage. Note also that an SSD may include a processor on which the parser may be run, allowing transfer of parsed, filtered data through I/O channels between the SSD and main memory.

[00130] Memory 904 may include volatile memory 910 and non-volatile memory 912. Computer 900 may include or have access to a computing environment that includes a variety of computer-readable media, such as volatile memory 910 and/or non-volatile memory 912, removable storage 906 and/or non-removable storage 908. Computer storage includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD ROM), Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions.

[00131] Computer 900 may include or have access to a computing environment that includes input interface 914 (or user interface), output interface 916, and a communication interface 918. Output interface 916 may include a display device, such as a touchscreen, that also may serve as an input device. The input interface 914 may include one or more of a touchscreen, touchpad, mouse, keyboard, camera, one or more device-specific buttons, one or more sensors integrated within or coupled via wired or wireless data connections to the computer 900, and other input devices. The computer 900 may operate in a networked environment using a communication connection to connect to one or more remote computers, such as database servers. The remote computer may include a personal computer (PC), server, router, network PC, a peer device or other common data flow network switch, or the like. The communication connection may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other networks. According to one embodiment, the various components of computer 900 are connected with a system bus 920.

[00132] Computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium are executable by the processing unit 902 of the computer 900, such as a program 922. The program 922 in some embodiments comprises software (i.e., computer-executable instructions) to implement one or more methods described herein. A hard drive, CD-ROM, and RAM are some examples of articles including a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a storage device. The terms computer-readable medium and storage device do not include carrier waves to the extent carrier waves are deemed too transitory. Storage can also include networked storage, such as a storage area network (SAN).

Computer program 922 may be used to cause processing unit 902 to perform one or more methods or algorithms described herein, such as the streaming of media content in any of the embodiments herein.

[00133] Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. For example, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for streaming a media content, the system comprising: a communication interface; a memory storing instructions; and at least one processor in communication with the communication interface and the memory, the at least one processor configured, upon execution of the instructions, to perform the following steps: separate the media content into a plurality of semantically complete media segments; create one or more advertisement segments corresponding to a complete advertisement; stream the plurality of semantically complete media segments of the media content to an electronic device corresponding to an Internet Protocol (IP) address; and insert a first advertisement segment into the media stream between a first semantically complete media segment and a second semantically complete media segment.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein a service application is configured to: detect an end of the first semantically complete media segment in the media stream; and insert the first advertisement segment into the media stream in response to the detecting.

3. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein a service application is configured to: receive a request via the communication interface for the complete advertisement; and in response to the request, stream the one or more advertisement segments to the IP address without the media content.

4. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein a service application is configured to: receive a request via the communication interface for the complete advertisement; and in response to the request, stream the complete advertisement to the IP address without the media content.

5. The system of claims 3 or 4, wherein the service application selects the complete advertisement according to an advertisement content of the complete advertisement.

6. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the service application is configured to: obtain advertisement skip information regarding user-skipping of the first advertisement segment; and cancel a further provision of the one or more advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

7. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the service application is configured to: obtain advertisement skip information regarding user-skipping of the one or more advertisement segments; and change a duration of the one or more advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

8. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the service application is configured to: obtain advertisement skip information regarding a received user-skipping input; and select a second complete advertisement in response to the advertisement skip information.

9. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the service application is configured to: obtain advertisement skip information regarding a received user-skipping input; and change a ratio of a time duration of the inserted advertisement segments and a time duration of the first and second semantically complete media segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

10. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the service application is configured to: obtain advertisement skip information corresponding to the IP address; and change one or more streaming parameters for the streaming of the one or more advertisement segments according to the advertisement skip information.

11. The system of any of claims 6-10, wherein the service application is configured to: determine a skipping frequency of skipping of the one or more advertisement segments using the advertisement skip information; and change the one or more streaming parameters to reduce the skipping frequency.

12. The system of any of claims 6-10, wherein: the advertisement skip information includes at least one of a date or a time of day of the advertisement skip information; and the service application is configured to change the one or more streaming parameters according to the advertisement skip information and the at least one of the date or the time of day.

13. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the at least one processor further executes the instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon has been selected by a viewer of the media stream; and provide the complete advertisement to the viewer if the ad selection icon was selected by the viewer.

14. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the at least one processor further executes the instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; and insert a next advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer.

15. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the at least one processor further executes the instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; and insert a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer.

16. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the at least one processor further executes the instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determine if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and insert a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer and the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream.

17. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the at least one processor further executes the instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determine if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and insert a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if an icon presentation timer has not expired.

18. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the at least one processor further executes the instructions to: determine if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determine if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and insert a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if a next complete advertisement threshold was not passed.

19. The system of any of claims 1-18, wherein the at least one processor further executes the instructions to: provide an ad selection icon in the media stream; indicate an ad viewing reward in the media stream, the ad viewing reward comprising an inducement for the viewer selecting the ad selection icon; determine if the ad selection icon has been selected by the viewer; and give the reward to the viewer when the viewer has selected the ad selection icon.

20. A computer-implemented method for streaming a media content, the method comprising: separating the media content into a plurality of semantically complete media segments; creating one or more advertisement segments corresponding to a complete advertisement; streaming the plurality of semantically complete media segments of the media content to an electronic device corresponding to an Internet Protocol (IP) address; and inserting a first advertisement segment into the media stream between a first semantically complete media segment and a second semantically complete media segment.

21. The method of claim 20, the method further comprising: detecting an end of the first semantically complete media segment in the media stream; and inserting the first advertisement segment into the media stream in response to the detecting.

22. The method of any of the preceding claims, the method further comprising: receiving a request via the communication interface for the complete advertisement; and in response to the request, streaming the one or more advertisement segments to the IP address without the media content.

23. The method of any of the preceding claims, the method further comprising: receiving a request via the communication interface for the complete advertisement; and in response to the request, streaming the complete advertisement to the IP address without the media content.

24. The method of claims 22 or 23, the method further comprising selecting the complete advertisement according to an advertisement content of the complete advertisement.

25. The method of any of claims 20-24, the method further comprising: obtaining advertisement skip information regarding user-skipping of the first advertisement segment; and canceling a further provision of the one or more advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

26. The method of any of claims 20-24, the method further comprising: obtaining advertisement skip information regarding user-skipping of the one or more advertisement segments; and changing a duration of the one or more advertisement segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

27. The method of any of claims 20-24, the method further comprising: obtaining advertisement skip information regarding a received userskipping input; and selecting a second complete advertisement in response to the advertisement skip information.

28. The method of any of claims 20-24, the method further comprising: obtaining advertisement skip information regarding a received userskipping input; and changing a ratio of a time duration of the inserted advertisement segments and a time duration of the first and second semantically complete media segments in response to the advertisement skip information.

29. The method of any of claims 20-24, the method further comprising: obtaining advertisement skip information corresponding to the IP address; and changing one or more streaming parameters for the streaming of the one or more advertisement segments according to the advertisement skip information.

30. The method of any of claims 25-29, the method further comprising: determining a skipping frequency of skipping of the one or more advertisement segments using the advertisement skip information; and changing the one or more streaming parameters to reduce the skipping frequency.

31. The method of any of claims 25-30, wherein the advertisement skip information includes at least one of a date or a time of day of the advertisement skip information; and the method further includes changing the one or more streaming parameters according to the advertisement skip information and the at least one of the date or the time of day.

32. The method of any of claims 20-31 , the method further comprising: determining if an ad selection icon has been selected by a viewer of the media stream; and providing the complete advertisement to the viewer if the ad selection icon was selected by the viewer.

33. The method of any of claims 20-31 , the method further comprising: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; and inserting a next advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer.

34. The method of any of claims 20-31 , the method further comprising: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; and inserting a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer.

35. The method of any of claims 20-31 , the method further comprising: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determining if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and inserting a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer and the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream.

36. The method of any of claims 20-31 , the method further comprising: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determining if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and inserting a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if an icon presentation timer has not expired.

37. The method of any of claims 20-31 , the method further comprising: determining if an ad selection icon was selected by a viewer of the media stream; determining if another advertisement segment of the one or more advertisement segments is available to be inserted into the media stream; and inserting a subsequent advertisement segment if the ad selection icon was not selected by the viewer, if the another advertisement segment is available to be inserted into the media stream, and if a next complete advertisement threshold was not passed.

38. The method of any of claims 20-37, further comprising: providing an ad selection icon in the media stream; indicating an ad viewing reward in the media stream, the ad viewing reward comprising an inducement for the viewer selecting the ad selection icon; determining if the ad selection icon has been selected by the viewer; and giving the reward to the viewer when the viewer has selected the ad selection icon.

39. A computer-readable media storing computer instructions for streaming a media content that configure at least one processor, upon execution of the instructions, to perform the following steps, comprising: separating the media content into a plurality of semantically complete media segments; creating one or more advertisement segments corresponding to a complete advertisement; streaming the plurality of semantically complete media segments of the media content to an electronic device corresponding to an Internet Protocol (IP) address; and inserting a first advertisement segment into the media stream between a first semantically complete media segment and a second semantically complete media segment.