Time-adapted content delivery system and method

Abstract

A system for coordinated playback of time-shifted content with time-adapted complimentary content is provided. The time-shifted content may be played back from storage media, both local and remote. Time-shifting may occur by independent playback such as from optical discs and other memory devices, as well as from user manipulation of features in a playback system based upon real-time or near real-time content distribution. The content is identified, along with timing information identifying where in the content the playback is occurring. Time-adapted complimentary content may then be selected and transmitted to the playback system. Such time-adapted content may include advertisement, product and service offerings, complimentary information, audio and/or video content, and so forth.

1 . A system for delivery of digital content, comprising:
 a content identification component configured to identify digital content played back in a time-shifted manner; and   a content delivery component configured to transmit time-adapted content based upon the identified time-shifted digital content.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the content delivery component is configured to transmit the time-adapted content during the time-shifted playback of the digital content. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the time-adapted content is synchronized with the time-shifted digital content. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the content delivery component also delivers the time-shifted digital content. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the digital content is identified by reference to metadata stored or transmitted with the digital content. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the digital content is identified by reference to a digital watermark in the digital content. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the digital content is identified by reference to a digital fingerprint generated based upon the digital content. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the time-adapted content comprises a time-adapted transactional offer relevant to the time-shifted digital content. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the time-shifted digital content is stored on a receiver or playback system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the time-shifted digital content is stored at least partially on a system remote from the receiver and playback system. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the content identification component at least partially comprises a component of a receiver or playback system. 
     
     
         12 . A method for delivery of digital content, comprising:
 determining an identity of digital content played back in a time-shifted manner; and   transmitting time-adapted content based upon the identified time-shifted digital content.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the identity of the content is determined at least partially by analysis of the time-shifted digital content by a component of a receiver or playback system. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the identity of the content is determined at least partially by analysis of the time-shifted digital content to determine identifying data, and by comparison of the identifying data with a database of known content. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the time-adapted content is transmitted during time-shifted playback of the digital content. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the time-adapted content is adapted by reference to at least one of the time and date of time-shifted playback of the time-shifted content. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the time-shifted content is time-shifted by interaction of the user with a remote control device of a receiver or playback system. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the time-adapted content is transmitted to be displayed or played back with the digital content in a synchronized manner. 
     
     
         19 . A method for delivery of digital content, comprising:
 determining an identity of digital content played back in a time-shifted manner; and   transmitting time-adapted content based upon the identified time-shifted digital content during time-shifted playback of the digital content for play back with the time-shifted digital content.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the time-adapted content is selected to be synchronized with time-shifted playback with the time-shifted digital content.