FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10; rule 13)
“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EFFECTIVELY UTILIZING A TRANSPORT OPERATOR IN AN ELECTRONIC NETWORK”
1. Sony Corporation of the address: 1-7-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0075, Japan.
2. 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:
1
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EFFECTIVELY UTILIZING A TRANSPORT OPERATOR 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 effectively utilizing a transport operator 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 device
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 devices.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for effectively utilizing a
transport operator 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.
2
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, and respective advertisers from an information service. In addition, the
transport structures may also be utilized to transport targeted advertisements and/or electronic
content to appropriate user devices.
In accordance with the present invention, the distribution system effectively utilizes a
transport operator from a transport server for providing a robust and coordinated means to
manage and support various distribution services. For example, the transport operator may
generate and display a dashboard graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a system
administrator to track and interact with the movement and activity of all the transport structures
under its control. The transport operator controls each transport structure’s initial launch,
ongoing transport movements, and authorizes the loading and unloading of information,
advertising, and content at licensed docking ports.
The transport operator may also maintain storage repositories in local regions around
the globe for receiving, working on, and staging the pickup, transport, and delivery of
information, advertising, and content to and from authorized recipients. In addition, the
transport operator provides routing instructions to the transport structures based upon the
most economical transport routes, bit transfer rates, and negotiates these terms with Internet
Service Providers (ISPs) and fiber-optic bandwidth providers for the most cost-effective
transport of information, advertising, and content.
In certain embodiments, the transport operator maintains comprehensive metadata logs
for each transport structure, including its current inventory of information, advertising, and
content, it's docking ports, loading and off loading of information, advertising, content, bit
rates, and the routes and transmission pipelines traveled. The transport operator also
functions as an aggregator of device users for direct commercial messaging from advertisers
based upon user-licensed profiles which are constantly updated with private consumer
information provided to the transport operator from user devices and continually uploaded to
the transport structures.
The transport operator may then release this consumer information (pursuant to the
device user's licensed authorization) to the advertisers that fit the consumer's requested
product or service needs. The transport operator may negotiate with the advertisers a price for
accessing the consumer, including best product pricing, best product or service terms, and
best cost-per-thousand (CPM) as the fee to the transport operator.
The transport operator may also package for the device users both the commercial
messaging and the device users’ predictive or intuitive content choices for advertiser-supplied
viewing, if enough device users are aggregated in a commercial messaging pod and a like3
content match occurs to trigger the packaged release. For at least the foregoing reasons, the
present invention therefore provides an improved system and method for effectively utilizing a
transport operator 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. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a transport structure, 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. 6A is a block diagram for one embodiment of the transport server from FIGS. 5 and 7,
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6B is a block diagram for one embodiment of the transport server memory from FIG.
6A, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram for an alternate embodiment of the information service from FIG.
1, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a repository from FIG. 5, in accordance
with the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the transport operator from FIG. 6B, in
accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is a block diagram for one embodiment of transport operator data, in accordance
with 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 and method for effectively utilizing a transport
operator in an electronic network, and includes an information service that is configured to
provide information distribution services by performing an information distribution procedure
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through an electronic network. User devices are provided for device users to communicate with
the information service for receiving the information distribution services. Transport structures
are utilized for communicating with the user devices to provide selected content and advertising
information from the information service to targeted ones of the device users. The transport
operator performs various appropriate transport management functions to effectively support the
foregoing information distribution procedure.
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 both the device users and the
various advertisers. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, distribution system 110 may be implemented and
supported by a distribution control entity that offers distribution services to both advertisers 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
utilize a transport operator (see FIG. 6B) to control and manage one or more transport structures
(see FIG. 2) that automatically transport various types of relevant information to and from
appropriate entities in distribution system 110. The transport operator may be implemented in
any effective manner. For example, in certain embodiments, the transport operator may be
implemented as part of information service 118 or as an entity elsewhere in network 126. In
certain embodiments, transport operator may utilize the transport structures 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 targeted advertisements and/or electronic content to appropriate user
devices 122. The present invention thus proves an improved system and method for utilizing a
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transport operator to perform a distribution procedure. Further details regarding the
implementation and utilization of a transport operator in the FIG. 1 distribution system 110 are
discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2-10.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment of a transport structure 210
is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The FIG. 2 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. 2 embodiment.
In the FIG. 2 embodiment, task instructions 212 may include any appropriate instructions
or other information that indicate specific tasks, operations, functions, or steps for performance
by transport structure 210. For example, in certain embodiments, task instructions 212 may
include detailed instructions describing the type of information that transport structure 210 is
directed to collect and/or distribute. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, navigation instructions 216 may
include any appropriate instructions or other information that provide specific navigational
directions or limitations for transport structure 210. For example, in certain embodiments,
navigation instructions 216 may define at least one navigation path that is defined by one or more
origin points and one or more destination points.
In the FIG. 2 embodiment, data handler 218 may include any appropriate means for
allowing transport structure 210 to bi-directionally communicate with other devices in
distribution system 110 (FIG. 1) for uploading or downloading desired information. In the FIG. 2
embodiment, transport structure 210 may utilize format module 220 to allow transport structure
210 to successfully communicate and utilize any different type of data or transmission formats,
paths, or architectures.
In the FIG. 2 embodiment, metadata file 222 may include any type of collected and
modifiable information related to any relevant entities coupled to distribution system 110. In the
FIG. 2 embodiment, metadata file 222 may include, but is not limited to, user metadata, device
metadata, network metadata, advertiser metadata, and content renderer metadata. In the FIG. 2
embodiment, user metadata may include information regarding one or more device users of user
devices 122 (FIG. 1), and device metadata may include information regarding one or more user
devices 122. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, network metadata may include information regarding
various attributes or entities of electronic network 126 (FIG. 1). In the FIG. 2 embodiment,
advertiser metadata may include information regarding one or more advertisers that are
associated with distribution system 110. Similarly, content renderer metadata may include
information regarding one or more content renderers that are associated with distribution system
110.
Various entities in distribution system 110 may utilize the information in metadata file 222
in any appropriate manner. For example, an ad targeting procedure may be performed by
matching compatible elements of user metadata, device metadata, and advertiser metadata to
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thereby identify appropriate types of relevant advertising information for automatic transmission
to targeted device users via transport structures 210.
In the FIG. 2 embodiment, advertisements (ads) 224 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 228 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 228 may include, but is not limited to, video data, audio
data, graphics, text, movies, music recordings, and computer programs.
In the FIG. 2 embodiment, transport structure 210 may utilize communication module 232
for performing bi-directional electronic communication procedures with remote devices in
distribution system 110. For example, in certain embodiments, communication module 232 may
be utilized to communicate with a transport server (see FIG. 6) of information service 118. In the
FIG. 2 embodiment, miscellaneous 234 information may include any additional information or
data for utilization or for transfer by transport service 210.
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. 6A) may manage the origination and operation of transport structures
210. Further details regarding control of the FIG. 2 transport structure 210 are discussed below
in conjunction with FIGS. 3-10.
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
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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. 4-10.
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, 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 from one or more transport structures
210 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
from one or more transport structures 210 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 utilization of the FIG. 4 user memory 318 are discussed below in
conjunction with FIGS. 5-10.
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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 aggregator 538, one or more ad sources 540, one or more content sources 542, and one or
more repositories 546. 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 FIGS. 6A and 6B. In the
FIG. 5 embodiment, ad source(s) 540 may include one or more appropriate entities for providing
advertisement information for dissemination by the transport structures 210 (FIG. 2) 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 by the transport structures 210 through
distribution system 110. For example, content sources 542 may include various commercial
enterprises, specific advertisers, or content producers. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, aggregator 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 one or more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2).
In the FIG. 5 embodiment, repositories 546 may include appropriate means for storing any
type of information or data for distribution system 110 (FIG. 1). One embodiment of a repository
546 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 8. Additional details for the
implementation and utilization of information service 118 are further discussed below in
conjunction with FIGS. 6-10.
Referring now to FIG. 6A, a block diagram for one embodiment of the transport server 518
of FIGS. 5 and 7 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In the FIG. 6A embodiment,
9
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. 6A 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. 6A embodiment.
In the FIG. 6A 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. 6A 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. 6A 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. 6A 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. Additional details regarding the implementation
and utilization of transport server 518 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 6B-
10.
Referring now to FIG. 6B, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG. 6A transport
server memory 618 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In the FIG. 6B
embodiment, transport server memory 618 includes, but is not limited to, a server application
622, a transport structure (TS) manager 626, a home port 630, a transport database 634, a
communication module 636, a transport operator 640, and miscellaneous information 642. In
alternate embodiments, transport server memory 618 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. 6B embodiment.
In the FIG. 6B embodiment, server application 622 may include program instructions that
are preferably executed by CPU 614 (FIG. 6A) to perform various functions and operations for
transport server 518. The particular nature and functionality of server application 622 typically
varies depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of the
corresponding transport server 518.
In the FIG. 6B embodiment, the transport server 518 may utilize TS manager 626 to
manage and coordinate various functions for one or more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2), in
accordance with the present invention. In certain embodiments, TS manager 626 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
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110 (FIG. 1). In the FIG. 6B embodiment, home port 630 may be utilized to connect to and bidirectionally
communicate with transport structures 210.
In the FIG. 6B embodiment, transport database 634 may includes any appropriate
information for providing distribution services to various entities in distribution system 110. In
certain embodiments, transport operator 640 may continually update respective transport
information in transport database 634 to reflect the current status and past activity of
distribution system 110. In the FIG. 6B embodiment, transport server 518 may utilize
communication module 636 to perform bi-directional electronic communication procedures with
any appropriate remote entity. For example, communication module 638 may be utilized to
remotely communicate with transport structures 210 in distribution system 110.
In the FIG. 6B embodiment, transport operator 640 may perform any appropriate or
desired management or control functions for distribution system 110 (FIG. 1). Further details
regarding the implementation and functionality of transport operator 640 are further discussed
below in conjunction with FIGS. 9-10. In the FIG. 6B embodiment, miscellaneous information
642 may include any appropriate additional information or data for utilization by transport server
518. Additional details regarding the implementation and utilization of the FIG. 6B transport
server 518 are discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram for an alternate embodiment of the FIG. 1
information service 118 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, information service 118 may include, but is not limited to, one or more
user devices 122, a transport server 518, a metadata server 730, one or more advertiser
workstations 734, a bid server 738, an ad server 740, a storage server 744, and one or more
rendering servers 748. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, certain elements of information service 118
communicate through an electronic pipeline 718.
In alternate embodiments, information service 118 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. 7 embodiment. For example, in certain
embodiments, some or all of the servers shown in the FIG. 7 embodiment may be implemented as
respective banks of similar servers in order to accommodate a greater amount of data
transmission and data processing by information service 118.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, certain elements of distribution system 110 communicate
through an electronic pipeline 718 that may be implemented in any effective manner. For
example, pipeline 718 may be implemented as one or more system busses or electronic paths that
support communications through distribution system 110 by utilizing any appropriate hard-wired
or wireless techniques. In addition, in certain embodiments, pipeline 718 may be implemented by
concurrently utilizing a plurality of different types of electronic communication methods.
During typical operation of the FIG. 7 information service 118, user devices 122 initially
subscribe for distribution services from distribution system 110 by communicating with transport
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server 518 via any appropriate means. During the registration procedure, device users enter an
agreement to allow distribution system 110 to collect and utilize certain specified user
information that depends upon what level of privacy is preferred by the individual device users.
The user devices 122 utilize a backbone library to create user metadata that defines the
respective user information by utilizing a format and nomenclature that is consistent throughout
distribution system 110. The user devices 122 then store the user metadata onto storage server
744.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, advertisers utilize respective advertiser workstation A (734(a))
through advertiser workstation N (734(n)) to similarly create appropriate advertiser metadata that
defines advertiser information regarding the respective advertisers. In particular, advertiser
workstations 734 access the backbone library via pipeline 718 to create advertiser metadata that
defines the respective advertiser information by utilizing a format and nomenclature that is
consistent throughout distribution system 110. The advertiser workstations 734 may then store
the advertiser metadata onto storage server 744 through pipeline 718. In alternate embodiments,
any desired number of advertiser workstations 734 may be supported by information service 118.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, metadata server 730 combines the user metadata and the
advertiser metadata into a combined metadata file that is typically stored on storage server 744
over pipeline 718. Metadata server 730 may also periodically update the user and advertiser
information in the metadata file to reflect current conditions or the occurrence of new events. In
the FIG. 7 embodiment, the various advertiser workstations 734 may then access and analyze the
metadata file through pipeline 718 to create respective bid metadata that reflect advertising bids
from the various advertisers to transmit advertising information to appropriate user devices 122.
The advertiser workstations 734 then send their bid metadata to bid server 738 via pipeline 718.
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, bid server 738 analyzes the respective bid metadata from the
various advertiser workstations 734 according to predefined bidding criteria to generate bid
results that indicate one or more “winning” advertisers. The predefined bidding criteria may
comprise any appropriate information, including, but not limited to, the relevance of advertised
product(s) to a specific device user, the amount of the bids offered by advertisers, and the relative
cost of advertised product(s).
In the FIG. 7 embodiment, bid server 738 sends the bid results to the advertiser
workstations 734 over pipeline 718. In response, the winning advertiser(s) send the appropriate
advertising information (ads) to ad server 740 via pipeline 718. Upon receiving the
advertisements from the advertiser workstations 734, ad server 740 automatically
pushes/transmits the advertising to the appropriate targeted user device(s) 122 by utilizing one or
more appropriate transport structures 210 (FIG. 2). In certain embodiments, user devices 122
may communicate with various transport structures 210 via a distributed computer network like
the Internet. Finally, the user device(s) 122 may display the pushed ads to corresponding device
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users in any appropriate manner. Further details regarding the implementation and utilization of
information service 118 are discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 8-10.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a block diagram for one embodiment of a repository 538 from FIG.
5 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, repository 538
includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) 814, a memory 818, a display 838,
and one or more input/output interface(s) (I/O interface(s)) 840. The FIG. 8 embodiment is
presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, repository 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. 8 embodiment.
In the FIG. 8 embodiment, CPU 814 may be implemented to include any appropriate and
compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes software instructions to thereby
control and manage the operation of repository 538. The FIG. 8 display 838 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. 8 embodiment, I/O interface(s) 840 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. 8 embodiment, memory 818 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. 8 embodiment, memory 818 includes, but is not limited
to, a repository application 822, metadata 826, ads 830, and content 834.
In the FIG. 8 embodiment, repository application 822 may include program instructions
that are preferably executed by CPU 814 to perform various functions and operations for
repository 538. The particular nature and functionality of repository application 822 typically
varies depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of the
corresponding repository 538.
In the FIG. 8 embodiment, metadata 826 may include information or data associated with
any entity or process in distribution system 110 (FIG. 1) In the FIG. 8 embodiment, ads 830
include advertising information that is provided to repository 538 from any appropriate entities,
such as ad sources 540 (FIG. 5). Similarly, in the FIG. 8 embodiment, content 834 include
electronic content that is provided to repository 538 from any appropriate entities, such as
content sources 542 (FIG. 5). In accordance with the present invention, multiple instances of
repository 538 may be locally implemented at appropriate locations to facilitate rapid access and
economical transfers of information and data throughout distribution system 110.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG. 6B transport
operator 640 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The FIG. 9 embodiment is
presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, transport operator 640 may
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be implemented by utilizing components and functionalities in addition to, or instead of, certain
of those components and functionalities discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 9 embodiment.
In the FIG. 9 embodiment, a transport operator (TO) controller 912 manages and
coordinates overall operations for transport operator 640. The FIG. 9 transport operator 640 may
utilize a repository manager 916 for operating and managing one or more storage repositories 538
to locally store appropriate information and data, as discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 5
and 8. In the FIG. 9 embodiment, a transport structure (TS) routing module 918 may analyze
various relevant metadata to determine the most economical and efficient transport routes in
distribution system 110 for transporting specific information to targeted device users.
In the FIG. 9 embodiment, a transport structure (TS) monitor 920 continuously monitors
and records the activities of all transport structures 210 in distribution system 110. The FIG. 9
transport operator 640 utilizes a transmission fee calculator 922 to determine appropriate
transmission fees to be paid for transporting information and data through distribution system
110. In certain embodiments, predefined fee factors such as the number of transport
occurrences, specific transport routes, and the transferred file sizes may be utilized to calculate
appropriate transmission fees.
In the FIG. 9 embodiment, a metadata analyzer 924 may analyze any appropriate types of
metadata or other information to match content providers and advertisers with appropriate
targeted device users. In addition, metadata analyzer 924 may utilize the metadata to create
categories or communities of device users that are predicted to have interest in receiving
corresponding content or advertising through distribution system 110. In the FIG. 9
embodiment, a transport fee calculator 928 may determine appropriate transport fees for charging
device users of user devices 122 to receive targeted advertising and content through distribution
system 110.
The FIG. 9 transport operator 840 may utilize a transport trigger module 932 to monitor
current levels of targeted device users for determining whether a sufficiently large number of
targeted device users currently exists to financially justify transmitting targeted ads and/or
content to those device users. When a pre-defined transmission trigger threshold is reached, then
transport trigger module 932 may authorize transport operator 840 to transmit appropriate
information to the targeted device users.
In the FIG. 9 embodiment, a dashboard manager 934 may be utilized to generate and
manage a dashboard graphical user interface (dashboard GUI) that displays any relevant
information pertaining to activities of distribution system 110. For example, the dashboard GUI
may display information related to any of the functions of transport operator 640 for observation
by and interaction with a system administrator. In addition, information from transport operator
data 1010 (see FIG. 10) may also be displayed on the dashboard GUI.
In the FIG. 9 embodiment, a data defect manager 938 may remove and quarantine
erroneous or defective metadata files or other harmful information from transport structures 210
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or elsewhere in distribution system 110. The data defect manager 938 may then either repair or
destroy and replace the defective files. Further details regarding the utilization of the FIG. 9
transport operator 640 are discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 10.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a block diagram for one embodiment of transport operator data
1010 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The FIG. 10 embodiment is presented
for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, transport operator data 1010 may be
implemented by utilizing elements and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those
elements and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 10 embodiment.
The FIG. 10 transport operator data 1010 includes, but is not limited to, various types of
information that is collected or utilized by transport operator 640 to perform corresponding
management and control functions for distribution system 110. Transport operator data 1010
may be stored in any appropriate location(s) in distribution system 110. For example, transport
operator data 1010 may be stored in transport database 634 (FIG. 6B) of transport server 518.
In the FIG. 10 embodiment, transport structure (TS) navigation history 1022 may include
any relevant information regarding the navigation of transport structures 210 in distribution
system 110. In the FIG. 10 embodiment, transport structure (TS) upload/download rights 1026
include predefined authorized downloading and uploading functions and any downloading and/or
uploading restrictions for transport structures 210. In the FIG. 10 embodiment, transport
structure (TS) logs 1030 include records of any or all activities of the transport structures 210 in
distribution system 110.
In the FIG. 10 embodiment, transport structure (TS) database 1034 includes identification
and authorization information for each of the transport structures 210 in distribution system
110. In the FIG. 10 embodiment, predicted user communities 1036 include information that
categorizes device users of user devices 122 into communities that are predicted to have interest
in corresponding types of advertising and/or content.
In the FIG. 10 embodiment, docking specification archives 1040 includes appropriate
technical information regarding docking and navigating to and from different entities in
distribution system 110. Transport operator 640 may therefore readily refer to docking
specification archives 1040 to obtain required information for communicating between transport
structures 210 and the various devices in distribution system 110. Miscellaneous information
1042 may include any other information or data for utilization by transport operator 640.
From the foregoing it can be seen that the transport operator 640 provides a robust and
coordinated means for managing operations in distribution system 110 (FIG.1). For example,
transport operator 640 supports a dashboard GUI that uses metadata to track the movement
and activity of all the transport structures 210 under its control. Transport operator 640
controls each transport structure’s 210 initial launch, ongoing transport movements, and
authorizes the loading and unloading of information, advertising, and content at licensed
docking ports.
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The transport operator 640 also maintains work repositories 538 in local regions
around the globe for receiving, working on, and staging the pickup, transport, and delivery of
information, advertising, and content to and from authorized recipients. In addition, transport
operator 640 provides routing instructions to transport structures 210 based upon the most
economical transport routes, bit transfer rates, and negotiates these terms with Internet
Service Providers (ISPs) and fiber-optic bandwidth providers for the most cost-effective
transport of information, advertising, and content.
The transport operator 640 maintains comprehensive metadata logs for each transport
structure 210, including its current inventory of information, advertising, and content, it's
docking ports, loading and off-loading of information, advertising, and content, bit rates, and
the routes and pipelines traveled. The transport operator 640 functions as an aggregator of
device users for direct commercial messaging from advertisers based upon user-licensed
profiles which are constantly updated with private consumer information provided to the
transport operator 640 from user devices 122 and continually uploaded to the transport
structures 210.
The transport operator 640 then releases this information (pursuant to the device user's
licensed authorization) to the advertisers that fit the consumer's requested product or service
needs. The transport operator 640 negotiates with the advertisers a price for accessing the
consumer, including best product pricing, best product or service terms, and best cost-perthousand
(CPM) as the fee to the transport operator 640.
The transport operator 640 can also package for the device users both the commercial
messaging and the device users’ predictive or intuitive content choices for advertiser-supplied
viewing, if enough device users are aggregated in a commercial messaging pod and a likecontent
match occurs to trigger the packaged release. For at least the foregoing reasons, the
present invention provides an improved system and method for effectively utilizing a transport
operator 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.
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WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A system for supporting an information distribution procedure, comprising:
an information service that is configured to provide information distribution services by
performing said information distribution procedure through an electronic network;
user devices that device users utilize to communicate with said information service for
receiving said information distribution services; and
a transport operator that performs transport management functions to support said
information distribution procedure.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising transport structures that communicate with said
user devices, said transport structures collecting metadata for providing selected information
from said information service to targeted ones of said device users.
3. The system of claim 2 further comprising storage repositories that are distributed
throughout said electronic network to provide local access for said transport structure to obtain
or deposit required metadata, advertising information, and electronic content, said storage
repositories being controlled by a repository manager of said transport operator, said selected
information including said advertising information and said electronic content.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said transport operator is implemented on a transport
server, said transport operator including a dashboard manager that generates and displays a
dashboard graphical user interface that a system administrator uses to view and control
operating parameters of said information distribution procedure.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein said transport operator includes a routing module that
determines optimal transport routes for transporting said selected information to said device
users.
6. The system of claim 2 wherein said transport operator includes a transport structure
monitor that continuously monitors and records activities of said transport structures, said
transport operator including a transmission fee calculator that determine appropriate
transmission fees to be paid for transporting said selected information, said transport operator
including a transport fee calculator that determines appropriate transport fees to charge said
device users for receiving said selected information. .
7. The system of claim 2 wherein said transport operator includes a metadata analyzer that
analyzes said metadata to match said selected information with said targeted ones of said device
users, said metadata analyzer also analyzing said metadata to create communities of said device
users that are predicted to have an interest in receiving said selected information.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said transport operator includes a transport trigger module
to monitor current levels of targeted device users for determining whether a sufficiently large
17
number of said targeted device users currently exist to financially justify transmitting said
selected information, said transport trigger module authorizing said transport operator to
transmit said selected information when a pre-defined transmission trigger threshold is reached.
9. The system of claim 2 wherein said transport operator includes a data defect manager that
removes and quarantines erroneous or defective information from said transport structures, said
data defect manager then either repairing or destroying and replacing said defective or erroneous
information.
10. The system of claim 2 wherein said transport operator maintains and updates transport
operator data for supporting said information distribution procedure, said transport operator data
including transport structure navigation histories of said transport structures, transport
structure logs of all activities of said transport structures, and transport structure
upload/download rights regarding predefined authorized downloading and uploading functions
and any downloading and/or uploading restrictions for said transport structures.
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;
a transport structure that that communicates with said user device, said transport
structure collecting metadata for targeting selected information from said
information service to a device user of said user device; and
a communication module that receives one or more advertisements from said information
service, said one or more advertisements being targeted at said device user by
utilizing said metadata, said communication module also communicating with a
transport operator that performs transport management functions to support said
information distribution procedure.
12. The user device of claim 11 wherein said selected information includes advertising
information and electronic content.
13. The user device of claim 11 further comprising storage repositories that are distributed
throughout said electronic network to provide local access for said transport structure to obtain
or deposit required metadata, information, advertising, and content, said storage repositories
being controlled by a repository manager of said transport operator.
14. The user device of claim 11 wherein said transport operator is implemented on a transport
server, said transport operator including a dashboard manager that generates and displays a
dashboard graphical user interface that a system administrator uses to view and control
operating parameters of said information distribution procedure.
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15. The user device of claim 11 wherein said transport operator includes a routing module that
determines optimal transport routes for transporting said selected information to said device
users.
16. A system substantially as herein described with reference to the foregoing description and
the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 3rd day of March 2010
To
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office
India