FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; Rule 13]
TITLE: “METHOD AND TARGETING SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES TO SET-TOP BOXES”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA SKY LIMITED, 3rd Floor, Unit 301 to 305, Windsor, Off C.S.T. Road, Mumbai – 400
098.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter is generally related to a targeting mechanism for set-top boxes, but not exclusively, to a method and a targeting system for providing entertainment services to set-top boxes.
BACKGROUND
Conventional targeting systems perform targeted campaigning for set-top boxes associated with users, based on preferences of the users. In order to determine the preferences of the users, conventional targeting systems continuously track viewing behavior of the users from the set-top boxes. Thus, to receive real-time viewing behavior of the users, the set-top boxes must have capability to continuously transmit the viewing data of the user to the conventional targeting system. This necessitates replacing one-way set-top boxes with two-way set-top boxes. Further, the two-way set-top boxes are expensive and have complex hardware configurations as compared to the one-way set-top boxes. Moreover, receiving the real-time viewing behavior of the users for accurate targeting mechanism, requires establishing a reverse communication link from the set-top box to the conventional targeting system. With increase in the number of set-top boxes to be targeted, demand for bandwidth also increases for establishing the reverse communication link for each set-top box. Thus, the conventional targeting mechanism requires more bandwidth, which is not economical.
Some of the conventional targeting mechanism addressed the aforesaid problem by maintaining user profiles including user preferences locally in the set-top boxes. In such mechanism, broadcasted campaign contents, delivered from the satellite, are stored in memory of the set-top boxes, and displayed to the user by filtering the campaign contents locally based on the user profiles. Such targeting mechanism does not require transmission of user viewing data in the reverse communication link from the set-top boxes to the targeting system, thereby saves bandwidth. However, such targeting mechanism require higher storage capability of the set-top boxes, which is not economical.
The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an

acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure discloses a method of providing entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes associated with a targeting system. The method comprises receiving, by the targeting system, tagging data from a data management server over a communication network for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes associated with one or more users. The tagging data comprises information related to a plurality of campaigns to be performed for providing the entertainment services to the plurality of set-top boxes, and information of the one or more users of the plurality of set-top boxes. Upon receiving the tagging data, the method comprises segmenting, by the targeting system, the plurality of set-top boxes into one or more set-top box groups based on the received tagging data. Thereafter, the method comprises tagging, by the targeting system, one of the plurality of campaigns to each of the one or more set-top box groups for a predefined campaign period based on the received tagging data. Further, the method comprises receiving, by the targeting system, de-tagging data from the data management server over the communication network within an expiry of the predefined campaign period. Here, the de-tagging data is received when at least one user of the one or more users subscribes to the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign. The de-tagging data comprises information of the at least one user and information of the tagged campaign performed for the at least one user. Upon receiving the de-tagging data, the method comprises de-tagging the tagged campaign from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups within the expiry of the predefined campaign period based on the received de-tagging data. The at least one subscribed set-top box is associated with the at least one user subscribed to the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign. Thereafter, the method comprises providing, by the targeting system, the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign to the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups.
Further, the present disclosure discloses a targeting system for providing entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes. The targeting system comprises a processor, and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor. In the targeting system, the processor receives tagging

data from a data management server over a communication network for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes associated with one or more users. The tagging data comprises information related to a plurality of campaigns to be performed for providing the entertainment services to the plurality of set-top boxes, and information of the one or more users of the plurality of set-top boxes. Based on the received tagging data, the processor segments the plurality of set-top boxes into one or more set-top box groups. Further, the processor tags one of the plurality of campaigns to each of the one or more set-top box groups for a predefined campaign period based on the received tagging data.
When at least one user of the one or more users subscribes to the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign, the processor receives de-tagging data from the data management server over the communication network. The processor receives the de-tagging data within an expiry of the predefined campaign period. The de-tagging data comprises information of the at least one user subscribed to the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign and information of the tagged campaign performed for the at least one user. Based on the received de-tagging data, the processor de-tags the tagged campaign from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups within the expiry of the predefined campaign period. The at least one subscribed set-top box is associated with the at least one user subscribed to the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign. Further, the processor provides the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign to the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference

like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and regarding the accompanying figures, in which:
Figs.1a-1b show exemplary environments for providing entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes associated with a targeting system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig.2 shows a block diagram of a targeting system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig.3 shows an exemplary scenario of targeting a plurality of set-top boxes associated with a user in a home environment in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig.4 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of providing entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes associated with a targeting system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig.5 shows a block diagram of an exemplary targeting system for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any flow diagrams and timing diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative device embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter

described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a method and a targeting system for providing entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes associated with the targeting system. Each set-top box may be a one-way set top box or a two-way set top box. In order to improve targeting mechanism of the plurality of set-top boxes associated with one or more users, the disclosed targeting system may receive tagging data from a data management server over a communication network. Particularly, the tagging data may comprise information related to a plurality of campaigns to be performed for providing the entertainment services to the plurality of set-top boxes, and information of the one or more users of the plurality of set-top boxes. Based on the received tagging data, the targeting system may segment the plurality of set-top boxes into one or more set-top box groups, and tag one of a plurality of campaigns to each of the one or more set-top box groups for a predefined campaign period. Further, the targeting system may receive de-tagging data from the data management server over the communication network within an expiry of the predefined campaign period. The targeting system may receive de-tagging data when at least one user of the one or more users subscribes to the entertainment services associated with the

tagged campaign. The de-tagging data may comprise information of the at least one user and information of the tagged campaign performed for the at least one user. Based on the received de-tagging data, the targeting system may de-tag the tagged campaign from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups within the expiry of the predefined campaign period. The at least one subscribed set-top box may be associated with the at least one user subscribed to the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign. Further, the targeting system may provide the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign to the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups.
The present disclosure provides entertainment services to the plurality of set-top boxes in a targeted manner without receiving set-top box data related to viewing behavior of the one or more users from the plurality of set-top boxes. As the disclosed targeting mechanism does not require transmission from the plurality of set-top boxes through dedicated communication channels, bandwidth requirements are reduced for two-way set-top boxes. Further, the disclosed targeting mechanism utilize the tagging data and the de-tagging data received from the data management server for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes. The data management server generates the tagging data and the de-tagging data based on subscription records of the one or more users and records of campaigns performed for the one or more users. Here, the data management server relies on a subscription management system for determining the subscription records of the one or more users, instead of receiving viewing information of the one or more users from the two-way set-top boxes. This eliminates requirement of receiving the set-top box data in the reverse communication link from the plurality of set-top boxes for tracking the viewing behavior of the one or more users. In this manner, the disclosed targeting mechanism overcomes limited communication capability of one-way set-top boxes.
Further, the present disclosure de-tags the tagged campaign from the at least one subscribed set-top box within the expiry of the predefined campaign period upon subscription to the entertainment services associated with the tagged campaign to avoid wasteful utilization of bandwidth for unnecessary targeting of the at least subscribed set-top box for the tagged campaign. Further, in the present disclosure, each of the one or more set-top box groups is targeted for only one campaign at a time within the predefined campaign period to enhance targeting efficiency associated with

the plurality of the set-top boxes and provide effective utilization of the bandwidth. Further, the user experience is improved by ensuring that the set-top boxes present in the one or more set-top box groups are not tagged with the same campaigns immediately after expiry of the respective predefined campaign periods.
Figs.1a-1b show exemplary environments for providing entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes associated with a targeting system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
As shown in Figs.1a-1b, the exemplary environment 100 may include a targeting system 101, a data management server 103, a plurality of set-top boxes 1071, 1072, 1073…...107n (collectively referred as plurality of set-up boxes 107) associated with the targeting system 101, and one or more users 113 associated with the plurality of set-top boxes 107. Each of the plurality of set-top boxes 107 may be one of a one-way set-top box, and a two-way set-top box. Further, each of the plurality of set-top boxes 107 may be one of a standard definition (SD) set-top box or high definition (HD) set-top box. Each of the plurality of set-top boxes 107 may be associated with the targeting system 101 via a satellite communication network. The targeting system 101 may be a mainframe server, or a cloud server. Further, the targeting system 101 may be communicatively coupled to the data management server 103 over a communication network 105.
The data management server 103 may transmit tagging data, and de-tagging data to the targeting system 101. As an example, the data management server 103 may transmit the tagging data and the de-tagging data to the targeting system 101 in a combined manner in a single flat file as illustrated in table 1. Alternatively, the data management server 103 may transmit the tagging data and the de-tagging data to the targeting system 101 in separate flat files. Further, the data management server 103 may transmit the tagging data, and the de-tagging data in one or more flat files based on number of the set-top boxes to be targeted and a predefined flat file data. As an example, three lakhs’ set-top boxes may be targeted in a day for providing different entertainment services 115, and each flat file may accommodate fifty thousand unique users’ data. Accordingly, the data management server 103 may have to transmit six number of flat files to the targeting system 101 for tagging the campaigns 111 to the three lakhs’ set-top boxes in a day.

Table 1: Flat file

Campaign Action Date User ID Campaign Bit Campaign End Date Campaign Number
20211101 00851AA2 1 20211120 37
20211115 00851AA2 0 20211120 37
20211101 00678AB5 1 20211130 38
20211120 00678AB5 0 20211130 38
The tagging data may comprise information related to a plurality of campaigns 111 to be performed for providing the entertainment services 115 to the plurality of set-top boxes 107, and information of the one or more users 113 of the plurality of set-top boxes 107. As an example, the information related to the plurality of campaigns 111 to be performed may include, but not limited to, a campaign action date, a campaign end date, a campaign bit, and a campaign number, as illustrated in table 1. As an example, the information of the one or more users 113 may include, but not limited to, user identification (ID). The campaign action date, and the campaign end date may be in “YYYYMMDD” format. The campaign action date may indicate a date on which tagging or de-tagging of the campaign to the set-top box is initiated. The campaign end date may indicate expiry of a predefined campaign period associated with the campaign. The user ID may indicate identification of the user associated with the set-top box, which needs to be targeted. The user ID may be in hexadecimal format. Further, the campaign bit may indicate a tagging status of the set-top box associated with the user ID. As an example, the campaign bit may be set to ‘1’ upon tagging the campaign to the set-top box, as illustrated in table 1. Further, the campaign bit may be reset to ‘0’ upon subscription to entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 for de-tagging the tagged campaign 111, or upon expiry of the predefined campaign period. In an embodiment, the predefined campaign periods for the plurality of campaigns 111 are different. Alternatively, the predefined campaign periods for the plurality of campaigns 111 are equal. Further, the campaign number may be a unique number associated with each campaign of the plurality of campaigns 111. The unique number may indicate which campaign from the plurality of campaigns 111 needs to be targeted to the set-top box associated with the user ID.

As shown in a first row of table 1, a campaign number ‘37’ may indicate a campaign to be tagged to a set-top box associated with a user having a user ID ‘00851AA2’. The campaign action date ‘20211101’ and the campaign bit ‘1’ may indicate that the campaign number ‘37’ has to be tagged on 1st November 2021. The campaign end date ‘20211120’ may indicate the expiry of the campaign number ‘37’. In other words, the campaign number ‘37’ may be run for maximum of twenty days campaign period, that is from 1st November 2021 up to 20th November. Further, in a second row of table 1, the campaign action date ‘20211115’ and the campaign bit ‘0’ may indicate that the campaign number ‘37’ has to be de-tagged for the user ID ‘00851AA2’ on 15th November 2021, based on subscription taken by the user. As shown in a third row of table 1, a campaign number ‘38’ may indicate a campaign to be tagged to a set-top box associated with another user having a user ID ‘00678AB5’. The campaign action date ‘20211101’ and the campaign bit ‘1’ may indicate that the campaign number ‘38’ has to be tagged on 1st November 2021. The campaign end date ‘20211130’ may indicate the expiry of the campaign number ‘38’. In other words, the campaign number ‘38’ may be run for maximum of thirty days campaign period, that is from 1st November 2021 up to 30th November. Further, in a fourth row of table 1, the campaign action date ‘20211120’ and the campaign bit ‘0’ may indicate that the campaign number ‘38’ has to be de-tagged for the user ID ‘00678AB5’on 20th November 2021, based on subscription taken by the user. As shown in table 1, the plurality of set-top boxes 107 may be targeted for different campaigns 111 at a time. This may result in efficient utilization of bandwidth during targeted campaigning of the plurality of set-top boxes 107.
The data management server 103 may generate the tagging data and the de-tagging data based on subscription records of the one or more users 113 and records of campaigns 111 performed for the one or more users 113 using predefined campaigning rules. As an example, the data management server 103 may determine that the user having the user ID ‘00851AA2’ has subscribed to entertainment services associated with the campaign number ‘37’ on 15th November 2021. Accordingly, the data management server 103 may generate the tagging data such that the user ID ‘00851AA2’ is not targeted for the same campaign number ‘37’ again. Further, the data management server 103 may determine that a user having a user ID ‘00523AC3’ (not shown in table 1) has not subscribed to entertainment services associated with the campaign number ‘39’

before 25th November 2021. Accordingly, the data management server 103 may generate the tagging data such that the user ID ‘00523AC3’is not targeted for the same campaign number ‘39’ upon expiry of the campaign number ‘39’.
As illustrated in Fig.1a, the targeting system 101 may receive the tagging data from a data management server 103 over a communication network 105 for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes 107. In response to receiving the tagging data, the targeting system 101 may segment the plurality of set-top boxes 107 into one or more set-top box groups 109 based on the received tagging data. As an example, the targeting system 101 may segment the plurality of set-top boxes 1071, 1072, 1073, 1074, 1075 (alternatively referred as 107) into one or more set-top box groups 1091, 1092, 109N (collectively referred as 109) based on the campaign number. In other words, the set-top boxes 107 associated with the user IDs having campaign number ‘1’, ‘2’, and ‘N’ in the flat files may be grouped into a first set-top box group 1091, a second set-top box group 1092, and a Nth set-top box group 109N, respectively. As illustrated in Fig.1a, the first set-top box group 1091 may include three set-top boxes 1071, 1073, and 1074, the second set-top box group 1092 may include two set-top boxes 1072, and 1075, the Nth set-top box group 109N may include two set-top boxes 107n, and 107n+2, based on the received tagging data.
In an embodiment, upon segmenting into the one or more set-top box groups 109, the targeting system 101 may tag one of the plurality of campaigns 111 to each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 for a predefined campaign period based on the received tagging data. Each campaign in the plurality of campaigns 111 may be different from each other. As an example, the targeting system 101 may tag a first campaign 1111, a second campaign 1112, and a Nth campaign 111N to the first set-top box group 1091, the second set-top box group 1092, and the Nth set-top box group 109N, respectively, as illustrated in Fig.1a. The first campaign 1111, the second campaign 1112, and the Nth campaign 111N may be different from each other. In an embodiment, the targeting system 101 may perform bulk tagging of the plurality of campaigns 111 to the one or more set-top box groups 109 utilizing global Entitlement Management Messages (EMMs). As an example, the targeting system 101 may perform bulk tagging of the first campaign 1111 to the set-top boxes 1071, 1073, 1074 in the first set-top box group 1091 upon determining that campaign bit number ‘37’ is set and ‘OPPV 4098’ is set. In a similar manner, the targeting system 101 may perform

bulk tagging of the second campaign 1112 to the set-top boxes 1072, 1075 in the second set-top box group 1092 upon determining that campaign bit number ‘38’ is set and ‘OPPV 4098’ is set.
Particularly, to tag the campaign to each of the one or more set-top box groups 109, the targeting system 101 may transmit a plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaign 111 to each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 based on the received tagging data. The targeting system 101 may transmit the plurality of first audio-visual contents to the set-top boxes 107 in the one or more set-top box groups 109 via a satellite (not shown in figure). As an example, the targeting system 101 may transmit promotional audio-visual contents associated with ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events in the first campaign 1111, promotional audio-visual contents associated with one or more upcoming movies in the second campaign 1112, and promotional audio-visual contents associated with vehicles in the Nth campaign 111N.
Prior to the tagging operation, the set-top boxes 107 in the one or more set-top box groups 109 may be associated with a default start up service for displaying default audio-visual contents on respective electronic devices (not shown in figure). However, after tagging, the set-top boxes 107 in the one or more set-top box groups 109 may display the plurality of first audio-visual contents on the respective electronic devices to respective users 113. The plurality of first audio-visual contents may be displayed on the electronic devices for promoting subscription to the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 at a discount price within the predefined campaign period. In other words, the plurality of first audio-visual contents may be displayed to the users 113 to facilitate the subscription to the entertainment services 115 at a discount price within the predefined campaign period. The electronic devices may include, but not limited to, television sets, laptops, desktops, smartphones, and the like. As an example, the promotional audio-visual contents associated with ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events may be displayed on television sets (not shown in figure) associated with the set-top boxes 1071, 1073, 1074 in the first set-top box group 1091. The promotional audio-visual contents may be displayed to the respective users 1131, 1133, 1134 to facilitate the subscription to the entertainment services 115 related to ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events at a discount price of 100 rupees. Further, the promotional audio-visual contents associated with the one or more upcoming movies may be displayed on television sets (not shown in figure) associated with the set-top boxes 1072, 1075 in

the second set-top box group 1092. The promotional audio-visual contents may be displayed to the respective users 1132, 1135 to facilitate the subscription to the entertainment services 115 related to the one or more upcoming movies events at a discount price of 80 rupees. The promotional audio-visual contents associated with vehicles may be displayed on television sets (not shown in figure) associated with the set-top boxes 107n, 107n+2 in the Nth set-top box group 109N. The promotional audio-visual contents may be displayed to the respective users 113n, 113n+2 to facilitate the subscription to the entertainment services 115 related to the vehicles at a discount price of 50 rupees.
Fig. 1b illustrates de-tagging operation performed by the targeting system 101. In an embodiment, the targeting system 101 may receive the de-tagging data from the data management server 103 over the communication network 105 within an expiry of the predefined campaign period. The de-tagging data may comprise information of the at least one user and information of the tagged campaign 111 performed for the at least one user. The targeting system 101 may receive the de-tagging data for at least one user of the one or more users 113 when the at least one user subscribes to the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111. As an example, upon viewing the promotional audio-visual contents associated with ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events, the user 1133 associated with the set-top box 1073 in the first set-top box group 1091 may subscribe to services associated with ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events at the discount price of 100 rupees. Similarly, upon viewing the promotional audio-visual contents associated with the one or more upcoming movies, the user 1135 associated with the set-top box 1075 in the second set-top box group 1092 may subscribe to services associated with the one or more upcoming movies at the discount price of 80 rupees. The users 1133 and 1135 may take subscriptions by communicating with a Subscriber Management System (SMS) in terms of messages or missed calls. Thereafter, the data management server 103, which is communicatively coupled with the SMS, may determine changes in the subscription records of the users 1133 and 1135. Further, the data management server 103 may transmit the de-tagging data for the users 1133 and 1135 to the targeting system 101 for de-tagging the campaigns 1111 and 1112 from the set-top boxes 1073 and 1075.
In an embodiment, the targeting system 101 may de-tag the tagged campaign 111 from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups 109 within the expiry of the

predefined campaign period based on the received de-tagging data. Particularly, the targeting system 101 may categorize the set-top boxes 107 within the one or more set-top box groups 109 into at least one subscribed set-top box or at least one non-subscribed set-top box based on the received de-tagging data. Further, the targeting system 101 may terminate transmitting the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 to the subscribed set-top boxes 107 within the expiry of the predefined campaign period and may continue transmitting the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 to the non-subscribed set-top boxes. Performing the de-tagging immediately after subscription to the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111, prevents unnecessary transmission of the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaign 111. This ensures that bandwidth is efficiently utilized during targeting the plurality of set-top boxes 107.
As an example, upon receiving the de-tagging data for the set-top boxes 1073 and 1075 associated with the users 1133 and 1135 from the data management server 103, the targeting system 101 may categorize the set-top box 1073 in the first set-top box group 1091 and the set-top box 1075 in the second set-top box group 1092 as the subscribed set-top box. Further, the targeting system 101 may terminate transmitting the promotional audio-visual contents associated with ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events to the set-top box 1073 in the first set-top box group 1091. Accordingly, the television set associated with the set-top box 1073 may terminate displaying promotional audio¬visual contents associated with ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events before the expiry of the predefined campaign period. In a similar manner, the targeting system 101 may terminate transmitting the promotional audio-visual contents associated with the one or more upcoming movies to the set-top box 1075 in the second set-top box group 1092. Thus, the targeting system 101 may de-tag the campaigns 1111 and 1112 from the set-top boxes 1073 and 1075, respectively, as illustrated in fig. 1b.
In an embodiment, the targeting system 101 may provide the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 to the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups 109. Particularly, the targeting system 101 may transmit a plurality of second audio¬visual contents comprised in the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign

111 to the at least one subscribed set-top box. As an example, the targeting system 101 may transmit the plurality of second audio-visual contents to the at least one subscribed set-top box through a Conditional Access System (CAS) (not shown in figure). The at least one subscribed set-top box may receive and display the plurality of second audio-visual contents on the respective electronic devices. In the example, the targeting system 101 may transmit the plurality of second audio-visual contents comprised in the ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events and the plurality of second audio-visual contents comprised in the upcoming movies to the respective subscribed set-top boxes 1073 and 1075, respectively, as illustrated in fig. 1b.
In an embodiment, the targeting system 101 may continue transmitting the plurality of first audio¬visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 to the non-subscribed set-top boxes until expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign 111 or receiving the de-tagging data for the respective non-subscribed set-top boxes from the data management server 103 upon subscription. In the example, the targeting system 101 may continue transmitting the promotional audio-visual contents associated with ‘ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’ events, the promotional audio¬visual contents associated with the one or more upcoming movies, and the promotional audio¬visual contents associated with the vehicles to non-subscribed set-top boxes 1071 and 1074 in the first set-top box group 1091, non-subscribed set-top box 1072 in the second set-top box group 1092, and non-subscribed set-top boxes 107n and 107n+2 in the Nth set-top box group 109N, respectively. The promotional audio-visual contents may be displayed until expiry of the predefined campaign period for the tagged campaigns 1111, 1112, and 1113, or receiving de-tagging data for the respective set-top boxes 1071, 1074 and 1072 from the data management server 103 upon subscription. After expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign 111, the default audio-visual contents of the default start-up service may be displayed on the electronic devices associated with the non-subscribed set-top boxes. In an embodiment, the targeting system 101 may perform bulk de-tagging of the plurality of campaigns 111 from the non-subscribed set-top boxes in the one or more set-top box groups 109 upon expiry of the predefined campaign period utilizing the global EMMs. As an example, the targeting system 101 may perform bulk de-tagging of the first campaign 1111 from the set-top boxes 1071, 1074 in the first set-top box group 1091 upon determining that campaign bit number ‘37’ is set and ‘OPPV 4098’ is unset.

Fig.2 shows a block diagram of a targeting system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
In some implementations, the targeting system 101 may include an I/O interface 201, a processor 203, and a memory 205. The I/O interface 201 may be communicatively coupled to the data management server 103 to receive tagging data 209 and de-tagging data 211. Also, the I/O interface 201 may be communicatively coupled to a content creation system to receive the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaign 111. Further, the I/O interface 201 may be communicatively coupled to the Conditional Access System (CAS) for transmitting the plurality of second audio-visual contents comprised in the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 to the subscribed set-top boxes 107.
In an embodiment, the processor 203 may receive the tagging data 209 from the data management server 103 via the I/O interface 201 for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes 107 associated with the targeting system 101. Upon receiving the tagging data 209, the processor 203 may segment the plurality of set-top boxes 107 into one or more set-top box groups 109 based on the received tagging data 209. Further, the processor 203 may tag one of the plurality of campaigns 111 to each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 for a predefined campaign period based on the received tagging data 209. Also, the processor 203 may receive the de-tagging data 211 from the data management server 103 via the I/O interface 201. Based on the received de-tagging data 211, the processor 203 may de-tag the tagged campaign 111 from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups 109 within the expiry of the predefined campaign period. Further, the processor 203 may provide the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 to the at least one subscribed set-top box.
In the targeting system 101, the memory 205 may store data 207 received through the I/O interface 201, the processor 203, and modules 217. In one embodiment, the data 207 may include the tagging data 209, the de-tagging data 211, segmented data 213, and other data 215. The tagging data 209 may store the flat files comprising information related to a plurality of campaigns 111 to be performed for providing the entertainment services 115 to the plurality of set-top boxes 107, and information of the one or more users 113 of the plurality of set-top boxes 107. Further, the de-

tagging data 211 may store the flat files comprising information of at least one user subscribed to the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111, and information of the tagged campaign 111 performed for the at least one user. The segmented data 213 may comprise information related to one or more set-top box groups 109, which comprise one or more user IDs associated with respective set-top boxes 107 in each of the one or more set-top box groups 109. Further, the other data 215 may store the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaign 111, and the plurality of second audio-visual contents comprised in the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111. The other data 215, also, may store data including temporary data and temporary files generated by the processor 203, and modules 217 for performing the various functions of the targeting system 101.
In some embodiments, the data 207 stored in the memory 205 may be processed by the modules 217 of the targeting system 101. In an example, the modules 217 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 203 configured in the targeting system 101. The modules 217 may be present outside the memory 205 as shown in fig.2 and implemented as separate hardware. As used herein, the term modules 217 may refer to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
In some embodiments, the modules 217 may include, for example, a receiver module 219, a segmentation module 221, a tagging module 223, a de-tagging module 225, a transmitter module 227, and other modules 229. The other modules 229 may be used to perform various miscellaneous functionalities of the targeting system 101. It will be appreciated that aforementioned modules 217 may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules. Furthermore, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in an implementation, the one or more modules 217 may be stored in the memory 205, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The said modules 217 when configured with the functionality defined in the present disclosure will result in a novel hardware.

In an embodiment, the receiver module 219 may receive the tagging data 209 and the de-tagging data 211 through the I/O interface 201 for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes 107 associated with the one or more users 113. As an example, for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes 1071, 1072, 1073 and 1074 associated with a user 113 in a home environment 300, the receiver module 219 of the targeting system 101 may receive the tagging flat file 301 and the de-tagging flat file 303 from the data management server 103 through the I/O interface 201, as illustrated in fig. 3. The plurality of set-top boxes 1071, 1072, 1073 and 1074 may be communicatively connected to a first television set 3051, a laptop 3052, a smart phone 3053, and a second television set 3054 in the home environment 300. The receiver module 219 may store the received tagging flat file 301, and the de-tagging flat file 303 in the memory 205 as the tagging data 209 and the de-tagging data 211 for further processing. As an example, the receiver module 219 may be associated with an antenna system, which is configured to wirelessly receive the data from the data management receiver.
In an embodiment, the segmentation module 221 may segment the plurality of set-top boxes 107 into one or more set-top box groups 109 based on the received tagging data 209. In order to segment the plurality of set-top boxes 107 into one or more set-top box groups 109, the segmentation module 221 may receive the tagging data 209 from the receiver module 219. Alternatively, the segmentation module 221 may retrieve the tagging data 209 from the memory 205. After segmenting the plurality of set-top boxes 107 into the one or more set-top box groups 109, the segmentation module 221 may store information related to the one or more set-top box groups 109 in the memory 205 as the segmented data 213. In the exemplary scenario illustrated in fig. 3, the segmentation module 221 may segment the plurality of set-top boxes 1071, 1072, 1073 and 1074 into a first set-top box group 1091, a second set-top box group 1092, a third set-top box group 1093 and a fourth set-top box group 1094.
In an embodiment, the tagging module 223 may tag one of the plurality of campaigns 111 to each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 for a predefined campaign period based on the received tagging data 209. The targeting system 101 may utilize the global EMMs to perform bulk tagging of the plurality of campaigns 111 to the one or more set-top box groups 109 upon receiving the tagging data 209. Particularly, the tagging module 223 may receive the tagging data 209 from the receiver module 219, and the information related to the one or more set-top box groups 109 from

the segmentation module 221. Alternatively, the tagging module 223 may retrieve the tagging data 209 and the segmented data 213 from the memory 205. Further, based on the tagging data 209 and the segmented data 213, the tagging module 223 may retrieve the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 from the memory 205. Further, the tagging module 223 may comprise a compression module for multiplexing the plurality of first audio¬visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111. The tagging module 223 may send the multiplexed plurality of first audio-visual content to the transmitter module 227. In the example of fig. 3, the tagging module 223 may retrieve promotional audio-visual contents associated with a first campaign 1111, a second campaign 1112, a third campaign 1113 and a fourth campaign 1114 from the memory 205 for tagging to the set-top box 1071 in the first set-top box group 1091, the set-top box 1072 in the second set-top box group 1092, the set-top box 1073 in the third set-top box group 1093 and the set-top box 1074 in the fourth set-top box group 1094, respectively. As an example, the first campaign 1111, the second campaign 1112, the third campaign 1113 and the fourth campaign 1114 may comprise the promotional audio-visual contents associated with a cricket tournament, an Olympic event, a football tournament, and an upcoming reality show respectively. The compression module may multiplex the promotional audio-visual contents associated with the cricket tournament, the Olympic event, the football tournament, and the upcoming reality show to generate the multiplexed content, which is sent to the transmitter module 227.
In an embodiment, the transmitter module 227 may transmit the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 to the set-top boxes 107 in the one or more set-top box groups 109. As an example, the transmitter module 227 may transmit the multiplexed content to the set-top box 1071 in the first set-top box group 1091, the set-top box 1072 in the second set-top box group 1092, the set-top box 1073 in the third set-top box group 1093 and the set-top box 1074 in the fourth set-top box group 1094 through a satellite (not shown in figure). Accordingly, dish television antennas associated with the set-top boxes 1071, 1072, 1073 and 1074 may receive the promotional audio-visual contents associated with the cricket tournament, the Olympic event, the football tournament, and the upcoming reality show respectively. The promotional audio-visual contents may be displayed on respective first television set 3051, the laptop 3052, the smart phone 3053 and the second television set 3054, for promoting subscription to the cricket tournament, the

Olympic event, the football tournament, and the upcoming reality show, respectively, at a discount price within one week of campaign period.
In an embodiment, the de-tagging module 225 may de-tag the tagged campaign 111 from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups 109 within the expiry of the predefined campaign period based on the received de-tagging data 211. Particularly, the de-tagging module 225 may receive the de-tagging data 211 from the receiver module 219. Alternatively, the de-tagging module 225 may retrieve the de-tagging data 211 from the memory 205. Based on the de-tagging data 211, the de-tagging module 225 may categorize the set-top boxes 107 within each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 into the at least one subscribed set-top box or at least one non-subscribed set-top box within the expiry of the predefined campaign period. Further, the de-tagging module 225 may terminate transmitting the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 to the at least one subscribed set-top box within the expiry of the predefined campaign period. Accordingly, the electronic devices associated with the at least one subscribed set-top box may terminate displaying the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaign 111 within the expiry of the predefined campaign period. As an example, the user may subscribe to the Olympic event targeted for the set-top box 1072 in the second set-top box group 1092 within one week of the campaign period. Upon subscription, the de-tagging module 225 may receive de-tagging data 211 for the set-top box 1072 from the receiver module 219. The de-tagging module 225 may direct the transmitter module 227 to terminate the transmission of the promotional audio-visual contents associated with the Olympic event to the set-top box 1072. Further, upon expiry of the predefined campaign period, the de-tagging module 225 may perform bulk de-tagging of the plurality of campaigns 111 from the non-subscribed set-top boxes in the one or more set-top box groups 109 utilizing the global EMMs.
In an embodiment, for the at least one non-subscribed set-top box, the transmitter module 227 may continue transmission of the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 until the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign 111. Upon expiry of the predefined campaign period, the processor 203 may retrieve default audio-visual contents associated with a default start up service from the memory 205 and may provide to the transmitter module 227 for transmitting to the non-subscribed set-top boxes. Consequently,

the electronic devices associated with the non-subscribed set-top boxes may display the default audio-visual contents after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign 111.
In an embodiment, the processor 203 may retrieve plurality of second audio-visual contents comprised in the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 from the memory 205, and provide to the conditional access system along with the de-tagging data 211. The conditional access system may encrypt the plurality of second audio-visual contents. Further, a transmitting antenna system associated with the conditional access system (CAS) may transmit the encrypted plurality of second audio-visual contents for providing controlled access to the subscribed set-top boxes.
In an embodiment, the processor 203 may prevent segmenting of the plurality of set-top boxes 107 and tagging of another campaign of the plurality of campaigns 111 to the plurality of set-top boxes 107 until a predefined time interval is passed after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign 111. As an example, the processor 203 may prevent segmenting and tagging of a new campaign to the set-top boxes 1071, 1072,1073 and 1074 until thirty days has been passed from the expiry of one week campaign period. This ensures that the users 113 associated with the set-top boxes 107 are not frequently targeted, which improves targeting efficiency of the set-top boxes 107 and also improves bandwidth utilization.
Fig.4 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of providing entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes associated with a targeting system 101 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
As illustrated in fig.4, the method 400 includes one or more blocks illustrating a method of providing entertainment services 115 to a plurality of set-top boxes 107 associated with a targeting system 101. The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without

departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
At block 401, the method may include receiving, by the targeting system 101, tagging data 209 from a data management server 103 over a communication network 105 for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes 107 associated with one or more users 113. Here, the tagging data 209 may comprise information related to a plurality of campaigns 111 to be performed for providing the entertainment services 115 to the plurality of set-top boxes 107, and information of the one or more users 113 of the plurality of set-top boxes 107. The tagging data 209 may be generated by the data management server 103 based on subscription records of the one or more users 113 and records of campaigns 111 performed for the one or more users 113 using predefined campaigning rules.
At block 403, the method may include segmenting, by the targeting system 101, the plurality of set-top boxes 107 into one or more set-top box groups 109 based on the received tagging data 209. The plurality of set-top boxes 107 may be segmented into one or more set-top box groups 109 so that each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 may be targeted for promoting subscription to only one entertainment service at a time. Each of the plurality of set-top boxes 107 associated with the targeting system 101 may be one of a one-way set top box and a two-way set top box.
At block 405, the method may include tagging, by the targeting system 101, one of the plurality of campaigns 111 to each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 for a predefined campaign period based on the received tagging data 209. Each of the plurality of campaigns 111 may comprise a plurality of first audio-visual contents. Particularly, each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 may be tagged with one of the plurality of campaigns 111 by transmitting the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaign 111 to each set-top box in the one or more set-top box groups 109 based on the received tagging data 209. The plurality of first audio¬visual contents comprised in the tagged campaign 111 may be transmitted for displaying the plurality of first audio-visual contents on electronic devices associated with each set-top box in the one or more set-top box groups 109. The plurality of first audio-visual contents may be displayed for promoting subscription to the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 within the predefined campaign period. Prior to the tagging, each set-top box in the one or

more set-top box groups 109 may be associated with a default start up service for displaying default audio-visual contents on electronic devices associated with the set-top box.
At block 407, the method may include receiving, by the targeting system 101, de-tagging data 211 from the data management server 103 over the communication network 105 within an expiry of the predefined campaign period. The de-tagging data 211 may be received when at least one user of the one or more users 113 subscribes to the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111. The de-tagging data 211 may comprise information of the at least one user and information of the tagged campaign 111 performed for the at least one user. The de-tagging data 211 may be generated by the data management server 103 based on subscription records of the one or more users 113 and records of campaigns 111 performed for the one or more users 113.
At block 409, the method may include de-tagging, by the targeting system 101, the tagged campaign 111 from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups 109 within the expiry of the predefined campaign period based on the received de-tagging data 211. The at least one subscribed set-top box may be associated with the at least one user subscribed to the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111. Particularly, the set-top boxes 107 within each of the one or more set-top box groups 109 may be categorized into the at least one subscribed set-top box or at least one non-subscribed set-top box within the expiry of the predefined campaign period based on the received de-tagging data 211. Further, transmitting the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 to the at least one subscribed set-top box may be terminated within the expiry of the predefined campaign period. Based on termination, displaying the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 on electronic devices associated with the at least one subscribed set-top box in the one or more set-top box groups 109 may be terminated within the expiry of the predefined campaign period. However, for the at least one non-subscribed set-top box, transmitting the plurality of first audio-visual contents comprised in the tagged campaigns 111 may be terminated after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign 111. For the at least one non-subscribed set-top box, the default audio-visual contents may be displayed on the electronic devices associated with the at least one non-subscribed set-top box after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign 111.

At block 411, the method may include providing, by the targeting system 101, the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 to the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups 109. Particularly, a plurality of second audio-visual contents comprised in the entertainment services 115 associated with the tagged campaign 111 may be transmitted to the at least one subscribed set-top box so that the plurality of second audio-visual contents may be displayed on the electronic device associated with the at least one subscribed set-top box.
Computer System
Fig.5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 500 for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the computer system 500 may be a system for providing entertainment services 115 to a plurality of set-top boxes 107 associated with the system. The computer system 500 may include a central processing unit (“CPU” or “processor”) 502. The processor 502 may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user 105 or system-generated business processes. The processor 502 may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc.
The processor 502 may be disposed in communication with one or more input/output (I/O) devices (511 and 512) via I/O interface 501. The I/O interface 501 may employ communication protocols/methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), infrared, PS/2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), Radio Frequency (RF) antennas, S-Video, Video Graphics Array (VGA), IEEE 802.n /b/g/n/x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or the like), etc. Using the I/O interface 501, the computer system 500 may communicate with one or more I/O devices 511 and 512.

In some embodiments, the processor 502 may be disposed in communication with a communication network via a network interface 503. The network interface 503 may communicate with the communication network. The network interface 503 may employ connection protocols including, without limitation, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10/100/1000 Base T), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/x, etc. The communication network can be implemented as one of the several types of networks, such as intranet or Local Area Network (LAN) and such within the organization. The communication network may either be a dedicated network or a shared network, which represents an association of several types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc., to communicate with each other. Further, the communication network may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc.
In some embodiments, the processor 502 may be disposed in communication with a memory 505 (e.g., RAM 513, ROM 514, etc. as shown in Fig. 4) via a storage interface 504. The storage interface 504 may connect to memory 505 including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), fiber channel, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.
The memory 505 may store a collection of program or database components, including, without limitation, user /application 506, an operating system 507, a web browser 508, mail client 515, mail server 516, web server 517 and the like. In some embodiments, computer system 500 may store user /application data 506, such as the data, variables, records, etc. as described in this invention. Such databases may be implemented as fault-tolerant, relational, scalable, secure databases such as OracleR or SybaseR.

The operating system 507 may facilitate resource management and operation of the computer system 500. Examples of operating systems include, without limitation, APPLE MACINTOSHR OS X, UNIXR, UNIX-like system distributions (E.G., BERKELEY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTIONTM (BSD), FREEBSDTM, NETBSDTM, OPENBSDTM, etc.), LINUX DISTRIBUTIONSTM (E.G., RED HATTM, UBUNTUTM, KUBUNTUTM, etc.), IBMTM OS/2, MICROSOFTTM WINDOWSTM (XPTM, VISTATM/7/8, 10 etc.), APPLER IOSTM, GOOGLER
ANDROIDTM, BLACKBERRYR OS, or the like. A user interface may facilitate display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components through textual or graphical facilities. For example, user interfaces may provide computer interaction interface elements on a display system operatively connected to the computer system 500, such as cursors, icons, check boxes, menus, windows, widgets, etc. Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) may be employed, including, without limitation, APPLE MACINTOSHR operating systems, IBMTM OS/2, MICROSOFTTM WINDOWSTM (XPTM, VISTATM/7/8, 10 etc.), UnixR X-Windows, web interface libraries (e.g., AJAXTM, DHTMLTM, ADOBE® FLASHTM, JAVASCRIPTTM, JAVATM, etc.), or the like.
Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present invention. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., non-transitory. Examples include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc (CD) ROMs, Digital Video Disc (DVDs), flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
Advantages of the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated herein.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method and a system for providing
entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes associated with a targeting system.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method and a system by which users associated with the plurality of the set-top boxes are targeted, without requiring storage capability to record campaign contents broadcasted from the satellite and locally filter the campaign contents based on user’s preferences comprised in user’s profile. This avoids stringent requirement of storage space at the set-top boxes for providing improved campaign targeting.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method and a system, which does not require establishing a reverse communication path from the set-top boxes to the targeting system, thereby reduces bandwidth requirement during campaign targeting.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method and a system by which one-way set top boxes are targeted, as the campaign targeting mechanism does not track viewing behavior of the user, rather rely on tagging data and the de-tagging data received from the data management server. Thus, the disclosed mechanism is not limited to two-way set top boxes, and does not require unnecessary replacement of the one-way set top boxes.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cost-effective targeting mechanism for providing entertainment services to a plurality of set-top boxes, as this saves bandwidth as well as does not require costly hardware for transmitting the user viewing behavior in the reverse path to the targeting system.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method and a system which prevents segmenting the plurality of set-top boxes and tagging a new campaign to the plurality of set-top boxes immediately after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign. Further, the disclosed method and a system de-tag the tagged campaign from subscribed set-top boxes. By avoiding frequent tagging of the campaigns, user experience is improved.
The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise. The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.
When a single device or article is described herein, it will be clear that more than one device/article (whether they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether they cooperate), it will be clear that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.
Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Environment
101 Targeting system
103 Data management server
105 Communication network
107 Plurality of Set-top boxes
109 Set-top box group
111 Campaign
113 User
115 Entertainment services
201 I/O interface
203 Processor
205 Memory
207 Data
209 Tagging data
211 De-tagging data
213 Segmented data
215 Other data
217 Modules
219 Receiver module
221 Segmentation module
223 Tagging module
225 De-tagging module
227 Transmitter module
229 Other modules
300 Home environment
301 Tagging flat file
303 De-tagging flat file

305 Electronic device
500 Computer system
501 I/O Interface
502 Processor
503 Network interface
504 Storage interface
505 Memory
506 User/Application
507 Operating system
508 Web browser
509 Transceiver
511 Input devices
512 Output devices
513 RAM
514 ROM
515 Mail client
516 Mail server
517 Web server

We claim:
1. A method of providing entertainment services (115) to a plurality of set-top boxes (107) associated with a targeting system (101), the method comprising:
receiving, by the targeting system (101), tagging data (209) from a data management server (103) over a communication network (105) for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes (107) associated with one or more users (113), wherein the tagging data (209) comprises information related to a plurality of campaigns (111) to be performed for providing the entertainment services (115) to the plurality of set-top boxes (107), and information of the one or more users (113) of the plurality of set-top boxes (107);
segmenting, by the targeting system (101), the plurality of set-top boxes (107) into one or more set-top box groups (109) based on the received tagging data (209);
tagging, by the targeting system (101), one of the plurality of campaigns (111) to each of the one or more set-top box groups (109) for a predefined campaign period based on the received tagging data (209);
receiving, by the targeting system (101), de-tagging data (211) from the data management server (103) over the communication network (105) within an expiry of the predefined campaign period, wherein the de-tagging data (211) is received when at least one user of the one or more users (113) is subscribed to the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111), wherein the de-tagging data (211) comprises information of the at least one user and information of the tagged campaign (111) performed for the at least one user;
de-tagging, by the targeting system (101), the tagged campaign (111) from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups (109) within the expiry of the predefined campaign period based on the received de-tagging data (211), wherein the at least one subscribed set-top box is associated with the at least one user subscribed to the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111); and
providing, by the targeting system (101), the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111) to the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups (109).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data management server (103) generates the tagging data (209) and the de-tagging data (211) based on subscription records of the one or more users (113) and records of campaigns (111) performed for the one or more users (113).
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more set-top box groups (109) is associated with a default start up service for displaying default audio-visual contents prior to the tagging.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein tagging one of the plurality of campaigns (111) to each of the one or more set-top box groups (109) comprises:
transmitting, by the targeting system (101), a plurality of first audio-visual contents to the set-top boxes (107) in the one or more set-top box groups (109) based on the received tagging data (209) for displaying the plurality of first audio-visual contents on electronic devices (305), wherein the electronic devices (305) are associated with the set-top boxes (107) in the one or more set-top box groups (109), wherein the plurality of first audio-visual contents is comprised in the tagged campaign (111).
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of first audio-visual contents is displayed for promoting subscription to the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111) within the predefined campaign period.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein de-tagging the tagged campaign (111) from the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups (109) comprises:
categorizing, by the targeting system (101), the set-top boxes (107) in the one or more set-top box groups (109) into the at least one subscribed set-top box or at least one non-subscribed set-top box based on the de-tagging data (211); and
terminating the transmitting the plurality of first audio-visual contents to the set-top boxes (107) in the one or more set-top box groups (109) based on the received tagging data (209) within the expiry of the predefined campaign period.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein providing the entertainment services (115)
associated with the tagged campaign (111) comprises:
transmitting a plurality of second audio-visual contents to the at least one subscribed set-top box for displaying the plurality of second audio-visual contents on the electronic device associated with the at least one subscribed set-top box, wherein the plurality of second audio¬visual contents is comprised in the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111).
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, comprises:
terminating the displaying the plurality of first audio-visual contents on an electronic device associated with the at least one non-subscribed set-top box after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign (111), and
transmitting the default audio-visual contents to the at least one non-subscribed set-top box after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign (111) for displaying the default audio-visual contents on the electronic device associated with the at least one non-subscribed set-top box.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprises preventing, by the targeting system (101), segmenting of the plurality of set-top boxes (107) and tagging of another campaign of the plurality of campaigns (111) to the plurality of set-top boxes (107) until a predefined time interval is passed after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign (111).
10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of set-top boxes (107) associated with the targeting system (101) is one of a one-way set top box and a two-way set top box.
11. A targeting system (101) for providing entertainment services (115) to a plurality of set-top boxes (107), the targeting system (101) comprising:
a processor (203); and

a memory (205) communicatively coupled to the processor (203), wherein the memory (205) stores the processor-executable instructions, which, on execution, causes the processor (203) to:
receive tagging data (209) from a data management server (103) over a communication network (105) for targeting the plurality of set-top boxes (107) associated with one or more users (113), wherein the tagging data (209) comprises information related to a plurality of campaigns (111) to be performed for providing the entertainment services (115) to the plurality of set-top boxes (107), and information of the one or more users (113) of the plurality of set-top boxes (107);
segment the plurality of set-top boxes (107) into one or more set-top box groups (109) based on the received tagging data (209);
tag one of the plurality of campaigns (111) to each of the one or more set-top box groups (109) for a predefined campaign period based on the received tagging data (209);
receive de-tagging data (211) from the data management server (103) over the communication network (105) within an expiry of the predefined campaign period, wherein the de-tagging data (211) is received when at least one user of the one or more users (113) is subscribed to the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111), wherein the de-tagging data (211) comprises information of the at least one user and information of the tagged campaign (111) performed for the at least one user;
de-tag the tagged campaign (111) from at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups (109) within the expiry of the predefined campaign period based on the received de-tagging data (211), wherein the at least one subscribed set-top box is associated with the at least one user subscribed to the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111); and
provide the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111) to the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups (109).
12. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the data management server (103) generates the tagging data (209) and the de-tagging data (211) based on subscription records of the one or more users (113) and records of campaigns (111) performed for the one or more users (113).

13. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the one or more set-top box groups (109) is associated with a default start up service for displaying default audio-visual contents prior to the tagging.
14. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processor (203) tags one of the plurality of campaigns (111) to each of the one or more set-top box groups (109) by performing one or more steps comprising:
transmitting a plurality of first audio-visual contents to the set-top boxes (107) in the one or more set-top box groups (109) based on the received tagging data (209) for displaying the plurality of first audio-visual contents on electronic devices (305), wherein the electronic devices (305) are associated with the set-top boxes (107) in the one or more set-top box groups (109), wherein the plurality of first audio-visual contents is comprised in the tagged campaign 111.
15. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plurality of first audio-visual contents is displayed for promoting subscription to the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111) within the predefined campaign period.
16. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processor (203) de-tags the tagged campaign (111) from the at least one subscribed set-top box of the one or more set-top box groups (109) by performing one or more steps comprising:
categorizing the set-top boxes (107) in the one or more set-top box groups (109) into the at least one subscribed set-top box or at least one non-subscribed set-top box based on the de-tagging data (209); and
terminating the transmitting the plurality of first audio-visual contents to the set-top boxes (107) in the one or more set-top box groups (109) based on the received tagging data (209) within the expiry of the predefined campaign period.

17. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processor (203) provides the
entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111) by performing one or
more steps comprising:
transmitting a plurality of second audio-visual contents to the at least one subscribed set-top box for displaying the plurality of second audio-visual contents on the electronic device associated with the at least one subscribed set-top box, wherein the plurality of second audio¬visual contents is comprised in the entertainment services (115) associated with the tagged campaign (111).
18. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processor (203) performs one
or more steps comprising:
terminating the displaying the plurality of first audio-visual contents on an electronic device associated with the at least one non-subscribed set-top box after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign (111), and
transmitting the default audio-visual contents to the at least one non-subscribed set-top box after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign (111) for displaying the default audio-visual contents on the electronic device associated with the at least one non-subscribed set-top box.
19. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processor (203) performs one
or more steps comprising:
preventing segmenting of the plurality of set-top boxes (107) and tagging of another campaign of the plurality of campaigns (111) to the plurality of set-top boxes (107) until a predefined time interval is passed after the expiry of the predefined campaign period of the tagged campaign (111).
20. The targeting system (101) as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of set-top
boxes (107) associated with the targeting system (101) is one of a one-way set top box and a
two-way set top box.