Indian Patent Office Chennai
19 July 2010 11:05 EDP User : RPK Home Logout

Complete Specification
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10; rule 13)
“System and Method For Dynamically Updating A Transport Structure In An
Electronic Network”
Sony Corporation of the address: 1-7-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0075, Japan
and Sony Electronics Inc. of the address: 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge, New Jersey
07656, United States of America.
The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and
the manner in which it has to be performed:
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY UPDATING
A TRANSPORT STRUCTURE IN AN ELECTRONIC NETWORK
BACKGROUND SECTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to techniques for distributing electronic
information, and relates more particularly to a system and method for
dynamically updating a transport structure in an electronic network.
2. Description of the Background Art
Implementing effective methods for distributing electronic information is a
significant consideration for designers and manufacturers of contemporary
electronic systems. However, effectively distributing electronic information
utilized by electronic devices may create substantial challenges for system
designers. For example, enhanced demands for increased system functionality
and performance may require more system processing power and require
additional software resources. An increase in processing or software
requirements may also result in a corresponding detrimental economic impact
due to increased production costs and operational inefficiencies.
Furthermore, enhanced system capability to perform various advanced
distribution operations may provide additional benefits to a system user, but
may also place increased demands on the control and management of various
system components. For example, an electronic system that effectively manages
electronic advertising information may benefit from an effective implementation
because of the large amount and complexity of the digital data involved.
Due to growing demands on system resources and substantially
increasing data magnitudes, it is apparent that developing new techniques for
distributing electronic information to electronic devices is a matter of concern
for related electronic technologies. Therefore, for all the foregoing reasons,
developing effective techniques for distributing electronic information remains a
significant consideration for designers, manufacturers, and users of
contemporary electronic systems.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for
dynamically updating a transport structure in an electronic network are
disclosed. In one embodiment, a distribution system automatically provides
various types of appropriate information for utilization by device users of
corresponding user devices. For example, the distributed information may
include, but is not limited to, commercial advertising information that is
targeted towards specific device users. Unlike traditional advertising techniques
that support a “pull” model that requires consumers to actively access desired
advertising information, the foregoing distribution system supports a “push”
model that automatically selects and transmits appropriate advertising
information to targeted device users based upon corresponding metadata files
that define both the device users and the various advertisers.
In one embodiment, the distribution system may support and utilize one
or more transport structures that automatically transport various types of
relevant information to and from appropriate entities in the distribution system.
For example, the transport structures may be utilized to gather and transfer
metadata regarding the various device users, the user devices, the electronic
network, third parties, and respective advertisers from an information service.
In addition, the transport structures may also be utilized to provide links to
targeted advertisements and/or electronic content to appropriate user devices.
In certain embodiments, one or more transport structures are initially
created in any effective manner. For example, the transport structures may be
embedded in user devices during manufacture, and then activated by device
users. Alternately, an appropriate entity in the distribution system may create
or otherwise provide the initial transport structures. Advertiser metadata from
one or more advertisers may be added to the transport structures in any
effective manner to represent relevant characteristics and advertising goals of
the corresponding advertisers.
In addition, appropriate media files may be created to include information
for dissemination to targeted device users through the distribution system. The
media files may include any desired information, such as advertisements and/or
content items. Next, one or more device users may perform a registration
procedure to subscribe for receiving information from the distribution system.
During the registration procedure, the device users typically provide various
types of relevant information including, but not limited to, user metadata and
device metadata. The transport structures are updated to include the metadata
provided by the device users during the foregoing registration procedure.
In certain embodiments, one or more third parties may perform a thirdparty
registration procedure to receive distribution services from the distribution
system. The third-party registration procedure may be performed at any time,
either in advance or when services are actually required from the distribution
system. If one or more third parties have requested services from the
distribution system, then the transport structures are updated to include
relevant third party metadata, including third party requests for specific tasks
or functions.
In certain embodiments, an ad server or other appropriate entity in the
distribution system analyzes the transport structures using any appropriate
techniques to identify targeted device users for received one or more
corresponding media files. The ad server or other appropriate entity in the
distribution system then prepares and sends links to the designated media
file(s) to the user devices of the targeted device users. Finally, usage metadata
stored in the transport structures is updated to reflect any relevant information
related to the foregoing transmission of media file(s) to the user devices of the
targeted device users.
The present invention may perform ongoing dynamic metadata updates of
any of the contents of the transport structures at any desired or appropriate
time. Similarly, the specific metadata categories/fields of the transport
structures may be edited to accommodate alterations in various metadata. For
at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore provides an
improved system and method for dynamically updating transport structures in
an electronic network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a distribution system, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a block diagram for one embodiment of a transport structure,
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2B is a block diagram for one embodiment of a media file, in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a user device from FIG.
1, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the user memory from
FIG. 3, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the information service
from FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the transport server from
FIG. 5, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the ad server from FIG.
5, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram for a transmission path, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 9A-9B are a flowchart of method steps for performing an
information distribution procedure, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in electronic data
distribution techniques. The following description is presented to enable one of
ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the
context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to
the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the
generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but
is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features
described herein.
The present invention comprises a system for implementing an
information distribution network, and includes an information service that is
configured to provide information distribution services through the information
distribution network. User devices are utilized by device users to communicate
with the information service for receiving the information distribution services.
Transport structures are implemented for communicating with various network
entities in the information distribution network. The transport structures
collect appropriate metadata for providing selected information from the
information service to targeted ones of the device users. The metadata in the
transport structures is dynamically updatable to accurately represent the
network entities in the information distribution network.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a distribution system 110 is
shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the
FIG. 1 embodiment, distribution system 110 may include, but is not limited to,
one or more user devices 122, an information service 118, and a network 126.
In alternate embodiments, distribution system 110 may be implemented by
utilizing components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of
those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1
embodiment.
In accordance with the present invention, distribution system 110
advantageously supports a distribution procedure that automatically provides
various types of appropriate information for utilization by device users of
corresponding user devices 122. For example, the distributed information may
include, but is not limited to, commercial advertising information that is
specifically targeted towards appropriate device users of user devices 122.
Unlike traditional advertising techniques that support a “pull” model that
requires consumers to actively access desired advertising information, the FIG.
1 distribution system 110 supports a “push” model that automatically selects
and transmits appropriate advertising information to targeted device users
based upon corresponding metadata that defines the device users and the
various advertisers, and may also represent potential third parties.
In the FIG. 1 embodiment, distribution system 110 may be implemented
and supported by a distribution control entity that offers distribution services to
the advertisers, third parties, and device users in return for financial or other
compensation. The distribution control entity may be a commercial enterprise
that maintains and controls key elements of distribution system 110 such as
the information service 118.
In accordance with the present invention, distribution system 110 may
advantageously support and utilize one or more transport structures (see FIG.
2A) that automatically transport various types of relevant information to and
from appropriate entities in distribution system 110. For example, the transport
structures may be utilized to gather and transfer metadata regarding the various
device users, the user devices 122, the network 126, and respective advertisers
from information service 118. In addition, the transport structures may also be
utilized to transport or provide links to targeted advertisements and/or
electronic content for appropriate user devices 122.
In certain embodiments, appropriate entities may dynamically update
corresponding metadata in the transport structures at any time. The present
invention thus proves an improved system and method for dynamically updating
a transport structure to perform a distribution procedure. Further details
regarding the implementation and utilization of transport structures in the FIG.
1 distribution system 110 are discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-9B.
Referring now to FIG. 2A, a block diagram for one embodiment of a
transport structure 210 is shown, in accordance with the present invention.
The FIG. 2A embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in
alternate embodiments, transport structures 210 may be implemented by
utilizing components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of
those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 2A
embodiment.
In the FIG. 2A embodiment, each of the metadata categories/fields
includes information from one or more devices or entities from respective
corresponding metadata-source types. For example, user metadata 222 may
include information regarding one or more device users of user devices 122 (FIG.
1). In certain embodiments, user metadata 222 may be selectively compiled
from one or more appropriate user profiles 430 (FIG. 4). Similarly, device
metadata 226 may include information regarding one or more user devices 122.
In certain embodiments, device metadata 226 may be selectively compiled from
one or more appropriate device profiles 434 (FIG. 4). In the FIG. 2A
embodiment, network metadata 230 may include information regarding various
attributes or entities of electronic network 126 (FIG. 1).
In the FIG. 2A embodiment, advertiser metadata 234 may include
information regarding one or more advertisers that are associated with
distribution system 110. In certain embodiments, the advertisers may be
associated with ad sources 540 (FIG. 5). Similarly, content renderer metadata
238 may include information regarding one or more content renderers that are
associated with distribution system 110. In certain embodiments, the content
renderers may be associated with content sources 542 (FIG. 5).
In the FIG. 2A embodiment, third party metadata 240 may include
information regarding one or more third parties that are associated with
distribution system 110. The utilization of third parties is further discussed
below in conjunction with FIGS. 8 and 9. Miscellaneous information 942 may
include any additional data or other appropriate information. Media link 246
may include appropriate information to indicate a location or a connection
means for accessing one or more media files, as discussed below in conjunction
with FIG. 2B.
Various entities in distribution system 110 may utilize the information in
transport structure 210 in any appropriate manner. For example, an ad
targeting procedure may be performed by matching compatible elements of user
metadata 922, device metadata 926, advertiser metadata 934, and third party
metadata 240 to thereby identify appropriate types of relevant advertising
information for automatic transmission to targeted device users.
Transport structures 210 may be originated in any effective manner from
any appropriate source. For example, transport structures 210 may be
embedded in user devices 122 (FIG. 1), and activated by device users if desired.
Alternately, various entities in network 126 or information service 118 may
create or activate transport structures 210. For example, a transport server (see
FIG. 6) may manage the origination and operation of transport structures 210.
Further details regarding the implementation and utilization of the FIG. 2A
transport structure 210 are discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2B-9B.
Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block diagram for one embodiment of a media
file 250 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The FIG. 2B
embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate
embodiments, media file 250 may be implemented by utilizing components and
configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and
configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 2B embodiment. For
example, the FIG. 2B media file 250 is shown as a separate entity that is
accessible by utilizing the media link 246 of FIG. 2A. However, in alternate
embodiments, media file 250 may be implemented as an integral part of
transport structure 210 of FIG. 2A.
In the FIG. 2B embodiment, advertisements (ads) 254 may include any
appropriate type of targeted advertising information that has been selected for
transmission to appropriate ones of the user devices 122 (FIG. 1). Similarly,
content items 258 may include any appropriate type of electronic content
information that has been selected for transmission to appropriate ones of the
user devices 122. For example, content 258 may include, but is not limited to,
video data, audio data, graphics, text, movies, music recordings, and computer
programs. Further information for providing appropriate media files 250 to
targeted device users is further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 3-9B.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment of a FIG. 1
user device 122 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In the FIG.
3 embodiment, user device 122 includes, but is not limited to, a central
processing unit (CPU) 314, a memory 318, a display 338, and one or more
input/output interface(s) (I/O interface(s)) 340. The FIG. 3 embodiment is
presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, a user
device 122 may be implemented using components and configurations in
addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations
discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 3 embodiment. In addition, user device
122 may be implemented as any type of portable or non-portable electronic
device, including, but not limited to, a desktop computer, a personal digital
assistant, a cellular telephone, a settop box, or a laptop computer.
In the FIG. 3 embodiment, CPU 314 may be implemented to include any
appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes
software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of user device
122. The FIG. 3 display 338 may include any effective type of display technology
including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an
appropriate screen for displaying various information to a device user. In the
FIG. 3 embodiment, I/O interface(s) 340 may include one or more input and/or
output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information
by user device 122. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, memory 318 may be
implemented to include any combination of desired storage devices, including,
but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and
various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks,
compact disks, or hard disks. Additional details for the utilization of user device
122 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 4-9B.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG. 3
user memory 318 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In
alternate embodiments, user memories 318 may be implemented by utilizing
components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those
components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 4
embodiment.
In the FIG. 4 embodiment, device application 422 may include program
instructions that are preferably executed by CPU 314 to perform various
functions and operations for user device 122. The particular nature and
functionality of device application 422 typically varies depending upon factors
such as the specific type and particular functionality of the corresponding user
device 122. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, user device 122 utilizes data module 426
to manage a user profile 430 and a device profile 434 that collectively describe
any desired attributes or characteristics related to user device 122 or a device
user of user device 122. For example, user profile 430 may include, but is not
limited to, information regarding a device user’s name, gender, age, religion,
hobbies, interests, occupation, marital status, residence, income, Internet
browsing history, geographic location, and credit-card transaction records.
Similarly, device profile 434 may include, but is not limited to, a device type, a
device manufacturer, supported device functionalities, and a device
configuration.
In the FIG. 4 embodiment, docking port 438 may include any appropriate
type of interface means to facilitate bi-directional communications between one
or more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2) and a user device 122. In the FIG. 4
embodiment, advertisements (ads) 442 may include targeted advertising
information that has been received via distribution system 110 (FIG. 1)
specifically for a device user of user device 122. Similarly, content 446 may
include targeted electronic content information that has been received via
distribution system 110 (FIG. 1) specifically for a device user of user device 122.
In the FIG. 4 embodiment, a user device 122 may utilize communication
module 450 to perform bi-directional electronic communication procedures with
any appropriate remote entity. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, miscellaneous
information 454 may include any appropriate additional information or data for
utilization by user device 122. For example, in certain embodiments,
miscellaneous information 454 may include various types of metadata relating
to other entities in distribution system 110 that was downloaded from one or
more transport structures 210. Further details regarding the implementation
and utilization of the FIG. 4 user memory 318 are discussed below in
conjunction with FIGS. 5-9B.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG. 1
information service 118 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In
the FIG. 5 embodiment, information service 118 includes, but is not limited to, a
controller 514, a transport server 518, an ad server 538, one or more ad sources
540, and one or more content sources 542. The FIG. 5 embodiment is presented
for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, information service
118 may be implemented using components and configurations in addition to,
or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in
conjunction with the FIG. 5 embodiment.
In the FIG. 5 embodiment, controller 514 may be implemented to include
any effective control means for coordinating operating functionalities of
information service 118. For example, in certain embodiments, controller 514
may be implemented as a computer device with a corresponding control
application program that manages the operation of information service 118.
Alternately, controller 514 may be implemented as a central processing unit that
includes any appropriate and compatible microprocessor device for executing
software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of
information service 118.
In the FIG. 5 embodiment, transport server 518 may include any effective
means for communicating with and controlling one or more transport structures
210 (FIG. 2), in accordance with the present invention. Additional details
regarding the implementation and utilization of transport server 518 are further
discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 6. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, ad
source(s) 540 may include one or more appropriate entities for providing
advertisement information for dissemination through distribution system 110
(FIG. 1). For example, ad sources 540 may include various commercial
enterprises, specific advertisers, or advertising developers.
In the FIG. 5 embodiment, content source(s) 542 may include one or more
appropriate entities for providing electronic content for dissemination through
distribution system 110. For example, content sources 542 may include various
commercial enterprises, specific advertisers, or content producers. In the FIG. 5
embodiment, ad server 538 may include any effective means for identifying and
aggregating appropriate advertising information and/or electronic content for
providing to targeted device users of user devices 122 (FIG. 1) by utilizing
metadata from one or more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2). One embodiment
of ad server 538 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 7.
Additional details for the implementation and utilization of information service
118 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 6-9B.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram for one embodiment of the
transport server 518 of FIG. 5 is shown, in accordance with the present
invention. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, transport server 518 includes, but is not
limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) 614, a memory 618, a display 638,
and one or more input/output interface(s) (I/O interface(s)) 640. The FIG. 6
embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate
embodiments, transport servers 518 may be implemented using components
and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and
configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment.
In the FIG. 6 embodiment, CPU 614 may be implemented to include any
appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes
software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of transport
server 518. The FIG. 6 display 638 may include any effective type of display
technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display
device with an appropriate screen for displaying various information to a device
user. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, I/O interface(s) 640 may include one or more
input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of
information by user device 122. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, transport server
memory 618 may be implemented to include any combination of desired storage
devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access
memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks,
memory sticks, compact disks, or hard disks.
In the FIG. 6B embodiment, transport server memory 618 may include,
but is not limited to, a number of software programs and data that are disclosed
below. For example, transport server memory 618 may include a server
application of program instructions that are preferably executed by CPU 614 to
perform various functions and operations for transport server 518. The
particular nature and functionality of server application typically varies
depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of
the corresponding transport server 518.
The transport server 518 may utilize a TS manager to manage and
coordinate various functions for one or more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2),
in accordance with the present invention. In certain embodiments, the TS
manager may include a registration module for coordinating registration
procedures to register device users of user devices 122 for participating in
various authorized distribution services from distribution system 110 (FIG. 1).
A TS database may include any appropriate information regarding the transport
structures 210 that provide distribution services to various entities in
distribution system 110.
In certain embodiments, the TS manager may continually update
respective transport structure information in the TS database to reflect the
current status of transport structures 210 in distribution system 110. The
transport server 518 may utilize a communication module to perform bidirectional
electronic communication procedures with any appropriate remote
entity. For example, the communication module may be utilized to remotely
communicate with transport structures 210 in distribution system 110.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram for one embodiment of the ad
server 538 of FIG. 5 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In the
FIG. 7 embodiment, ad server 538 includes, but is not limited to, a central
processing unit (CPU) 714, a memory 718, a display 738, and one or more
input/output interface(s) (I/O interface(s)) 740. The FIG. 7 embodiment is
presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, ad server
538 may be implemented using components and configurations in addition to,
or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in
conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, CPU 714 may be implemented to include any
appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes
software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of ad server
538. The FIG. 7 display 738 may include any effective type of display technology
including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an
appropriate screen for displaying various information to a device user. In the
FIG. 7 embodiment, I/O interface(s) 740 may include one or more input and/or
output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information
by ad server 538.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, memory 718 may be implemented to include
any combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to, readonly
memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of nonvolatile
memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks, compact disks, or hard
disks. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, memory 718 includes, but is not limited to, a
server application 722, a docking port 726, ads 730, and content 734.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, server application 722 may include program
instructions that are preferably executed by CPU 714 to perform various
functions and operations for ad server 538. The particular nature and
functionality of server application 722 typically varies depending upon factors
such as the specific type and particular functionality of the corresponding ad
server 538. In certain embodiments, server application 722 may analyze
metadata from transport structures 210 (FIG. 2A) to match appropriate media
files 250 (FIG. 2B) with targeted device users of user devices 122 (FIG. 3).
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, docking port 726 may include any effective
interface means for ad server 538 to bi-directionally communicate with one or
more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2) to transfer ads 730 and/or content 734.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, ads 730 include advertising information that is
provided to ad server 538 from any appropriate entities, such as ad sources 540
(FIG. 5). Similarly, in the FIG. 7 embodiment, content 734 includes electronic
content that is provided to ad server 538 from any appropriate entities, such as
content sources 542 (FIG. 5). Additional details for the implementation and
utilization of ad server 538 are further discussed below in conjunction with
FIGS. 8-9B.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a block diagram for one embodiment of a
transmission path 810 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The
FIG. 8 embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate
embodiments, transmission paths 810 may be implemented by utilizing
components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those
components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 8
embodiment.
In certain embodiments, the FIG. 8 transmission path 810 may be
implemented a part of any type of information distribution system. For
example, transmission path 810 may be implemented as part of the distribution
system 110 of FIG. 1. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, transport structures 210(a)
and 210(b) are shown traveling along transmission path 810. The transport
structures 210 may navigate in any manner to and from any appropriate
entities.
In the FIG. 8 embodiment, at least one user device 122 and at least one
advertiser 814 have populated the transport structures 210 with corresponding
user metadata 222 and advertiser metadata 234 as discussed above in
conjunction with FIG. 2A. In accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, a third party A 822(a), a third party B 822(b), and a third party C
822(c) are also in communication with transmission path 810.
In the FIG. 8 embodiment, the third parties 822 may include any desired
entity or functionality. For example, a third party 822 may include a
commercial entity that subscribes to information service 118 (see FIG. 1) for
targeting messages to potential customers based upon relevant factors, such as
their geographic location. As another example, a third party 822 may also
include clients of a social networking platform that wish to receive targeted
information from information service 118 or other appropriate source.
In the FIG. 8 embodiment, third parties 822 may advantageously access
transport structures 210 along transmission path 810 to evaluate relevant
information such as user metadata 234 (FIG. 2A). In the FIG. 8 embodiment,
third parties 822 may then add third party metadata 240 (FIG. 2A) or other
information to the transport structures 210 to enable or affirmatively request
desired material to be provided to targeted device users. In the FIG. 8
embodiment, ad server 538 may then analyze the various information/metadata
in transport structures 210 to thereby select and send appropriate targeted
information to one or more user devices 122.
The present invention therefore allows advertisers 814 and third parties
822 to establish targeting goals independent of the particular media files 250
(FIG. 2B) and the specific platform, while also allowing ad networks to establish
placement inventory based upon criteria outside of media parameters. The
transport structures 210 thus provide a modular and scaleable file standard (or
wrapper or header), in which the media and metadata are both dynamic
variables and can act independently.
In certain embodiments, the transport structures 210 are only tied to the
media file 250 (FIG. 2B) for the period of time that the media is scheduled or
available to be viewed. Certain fields in the transport structures 210 are user
specific, such as age, zip code, and gender. Other fields dictate on which
platform and formats the media is allowed to be viewed (e.g. PSN, IPTV, mobile,
HD, SD, etc). Still other fields are left available for third party developers to
utilize in writing new applications which derive benefit or intelligence from the
metadata stored in the transport structures 210.
Both the specific fields and particular metadata of transport structures
210 can be modified while moving through the network, both before and after
the media is viewed. As the viewers/users consume, interact or view the media,
additional information may be added or overwritten to the transport structures
210, thereby providing a more real-time perspective and enhanced value to the
transport structures 210. The metadata in the transport structures 210 may
then be made available to be read by advertising networks or other appropriate
entities for future targeting on other platforms to the same consumer or new
ads/media served to the same platform.
Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B, a flowchart of method steps for performing
an information distribution procedure is shown, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 9 flowchart is presented for
purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, the present invention
may utilize steps and sequences other than those steps and sequences
discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 9 embodiment.
In step 914 of FIG. 9A, one or more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2A) are
initially created in any effective manner. For example, transport structures 210
may be embedded in user devices 122 during manufacture, and then activated
by device users. Alternately, an appropriate entity in a distribution system 110
may create or otherwise provide the initial transport structures 210. In step
918, advertiser metadata 234 from one or more advertisers 814 may be added to
the transport structures 210 in any desired manner to represent relevant
characteristics and advertising goals of the corresponding advertisers 814.
In step 920, appropriate media files 250 may be created to include
information for dissemination to targeted device users through distribution
system 110. The media files 250 may include any desired information, such as
advertisements 254 and/or content items 258. In step 924, one or more device
users perform a registration procedure to receive information from the
distribution system 110. During the registration procedure, the device users
typically provide relevant information including, but not limited to, user
metadata 222 and device metadata 226. In step 928, the transport structures
210 are updated to include the metadata provided by the device users during
the foregoing registration procedure. The FIG. 9A process then advances to step
932 of FIG. 9B through connecting letter “A.”
In step 932, the transport structures 210 or another appropriate entity in
distribution system 110 determine whether any third parties 822 have
performed a third-party registration procedure to receive services from the
distribution system 110. The third-party registration procedure may be
performed at any time, either in advance or when services are actually required
from the distribution system 110. In step 936, if one or more third parties 822
have requested services from distribution system 110, then the transport
structures 210 are updated to include relevant third party metadata, including
third party requests for specific tasks or functions.
In step 940, an ad server 538 or other appropriate entity in distribution
system 110 analyzes the transport structures 210 using any appropriate
techniques to identify targeted device users for received one or more
corresponding media files 250. In step 944, the ad server 538 or other
appropriate entity in distribution system 110 prepares and sends links to the
designated media file(s) 250 to user devices 122 of the targeted device users.
Finally, in step 948, usage metadata 248 in the transport structures 210 is
updated to reflect any relevant information related to the foregoing transmission
of media file(s) 250 to the user devices 122 of the targeted device users.
For purposes of illustration, the FIG. 9 embodiment discusses updating
transport structures 210 at specific times in the distribution process. For
example, advertiser metadata 234 and user metadata 222 are described as
being inserted into the transport structures 210 initially, and third party
metadata 240 is described as being inserted at a somewhat later point.
However, the present invention readily contemplates any network entity
performing ongoing dynamic metadata updates of any of the contents of the
transport structures 210 at any desired or appropriate time. Similarly, the
specific metadata categories/fields of the transport structures 210 may also be
edited to accommodate alterations in various metadata. For at least the
foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore provides an improved system
and method for dynamically updating transport structures 210 in an electronic
network.
The invention has been explained above with reference to certain
embodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in
light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention may readily be
implemented using certain configurations and techniques other than those
described in the specific embodiments above. Additionally, the present
invention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other than those
described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon the discussed
embodiments are intended to be covered by the present invention, which is
limited only by the appended claims.
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A system for implementing an information distribution network,
comprising:
an information service that is configured to provide information
distribution services through said information distribution network;
user devices that device users utilize to communicate with said
information service for receiving said information distribution
services; and
a transport structure that communicates with network entities in said
information distribution network, said transport structure collecting
metadata for providing selected information from said information
service to targeted ones of said device users, said metadata being
dynamically updatable to accurately represent said network entities
in said information distribution network.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said metadata includes user metadata
regarding said device users, device metadata regarding said user devices, and
advertiser metadata regarding advertisers associated with said selected
information.
3. The system of claim 2 further comprising one or more third parties, said
third parties accessing said transport structure to insert third party metadata
for identifying and providing third party information to said targeted ones of said
device users.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said transport structure includes a media
link to a media file that contains said selected information that includes
advertising information and electronic content.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein said transport structure includes usage
metadata that is updated with transfer information corresponding to each
transfer of said selected information to said user devices.
6. The system of claim 2 wherein said transport structure moves through
said information distribution network to collect said metadata, said transport
structure also providing media links for said selected information to said
targeted ones of said device users, said user metadata including a personal
name, gender, age, religion, hobbies, interests, occupation, marital status,
residence, income, Internet browsing history, and credit-card transaction
records of said device users.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said information service utilizes a push
technique to automatically select and transmit only said selected information
that is relevant to said device users in light of specific characteristics provided in
said metadata, said selected information being targeted to said device users by
matching aspects of said selected information, said advertiser metadata, and
said third party metadata to specific characteristics from said user metadata
and said device metadata.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said transport structure includes user
metadata, device metadata, network metadata, advertiser metadata, content
renderer metadata, third party metadata, usage metadata, and one or more
media links to said selected information.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said device users perform a registration
procedure with said information service to participate in said information
distribution services, said device users providing user metadata to said
information service during said registration procedure.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said selected information is aggregated and
provided to said user devices by an ad server of said information service.
11. A user device for supporting an information distribution procedure,
comprising:
a device application that said user device utilizes to communicate with an
information service for receiving information distribution services
through an information distribution network; and
a transport structure that communicates with network entities in said
information distribution network, said transport structure collecting
metadata for targeting selected information from said information
service to said device user, said metadata being dynamically
updatable to accurately represent said network entities in said
information distribution network.
12. The user device of claim 11 wherein said metadata includes user
metadata regarding said device user, device metadata regarding said user
device, and advertiser metadata regarding advertisers associated with said
selected information.
13. The user device of claim 12 wherein one or more third parties in said
information distribution network access said transport structure to insert third
party metadata for identifying and providing third party information to said
device user.
14. The user device of claim 11 wherein said transport structure includes a
media link to a media file that contains said selected information, said selected
information in said media file including advertising information and electronic
content.
15. The user device of claim 11 wherein said transport structure includes
usage metadata that is updated with transfer information corresponding to each
transfer of said selected information to said user device.
16. A system for implementing an information distribution network
substantially as herein described with reference to the foregoing description and
the accompanying drawings.