FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10; rule 13)
“System and Method For Utilizing A Transport Structure In A Social Network
Environment”
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:
2
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING A TRANSPORT STRUCTURE
IN A SOCIAL NETWORK ENVIRONMENT
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 utilizing a
transport structure in a social network environment.
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
3
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.
4
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for
utilizing a transport structure in a social network environment 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, a social network of certain of the device users, 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
5
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, a device user may perform a registration procedure to
subscribe for receiving information from the distribution system. During the
registration procedure, the device user typically provides various types of
relevant information including, but not limited to, user metadata and device
metadata. The transport structures are updated to include the user metadata
provided by the device user during the foregoing registration procedure.
In certain embodiments, a transport server or another appropriate entity
in the distribution system may determine whether any device users have been
identified as members of a social network with corresponding user devices. For
example, in certain embodiments, device users may perform a social network
registration procedure to define a social network in distribution system. If a
social network has been created, then the transport server or other appropriate
entity may communicate with the user devices in the social network by utilizing
any effective means.
The transport server may obtain appropriate social network metadata
regarding the device users and the user devices in the social network. In certain
embodiments, the social network metadata may include, but is not limited to,
information from a user profile and a device profile that collectively describe any
desired attributes, preferences, or characteristics related to a user device or a
device user. The transport server preferably updates the transport structures to
include any relevant social network metadata.
The transport server or other appropriate entity then analyzes the
metadata (including the social network metadata) in the transport structures by
utilizing any appropriate techniques to create specific transport
recommendations for sending appropriate targeted advertisements or content
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items. For example, in certain embodiments, the transport server may match
advertiser characteristics from advertiser metadata with corresponding social
network characteristics from one or more device users from the social network
to produce the transport recommendations.
The transport server may transmit the transport recommendations to the
user device by utilizing any effective means. For example, the transport
recommendations may be transmitted to the user device by utilizing the
transport structures. The device user then may either accept or reject the
transmitted transport recommendations. In certain embodiments, the transport
server or other appropriate entity generates effectiveness measures based upon
whether the device user accepts or rejects the original transport
recommendations. The transport server then updates the transport structures
with the newly-calculated effectiveness measures.
In certain embodiments, the transport server may archive new information
or metadata in a metadata warehouse that is implemented in any effective
manner to provide access to the archived information and metadata at a
subsequent time. In accordance with the present invention, the various types of
metadata (including the effectiveness measures and social network metadata)
from the transport structures may be analyzed to identify specific targeted
information for transmission to the device user. An ad server or other
appropriate entity in the distribution system may then prepare and send links to
the designated media file(s) to allow the targeted device user to access the media
file(s). For at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore
provides an improved system and method for utilizing transport structures in a
social network environment.
7
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a distribution system, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a social network, 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.
1A, 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. 1A, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6A is a block diagram for one embodiment of the transport server
from FIG. 5, 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;
8
FIG. 7 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the ad server from FIG.
5, in accordance with the present invention; and
FIGS. 8A-8D are a flowchart of method steps for utilizing a transport
structure in a social network environment, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
9
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 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.
A subset of the device users are defined to form a social network with
corresponding ones of the user devices. 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 collected by the transport structures includes social
network metadata that characterizes the device users of the social network.
Referring now to FIG. 1A, a block diagram of a distribution system 110 is
shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the
FIG. 1A 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
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utilizing components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of
those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1A
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.
1A 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 one or more social networks.
In the FIG. 1A embodiment, distribution system 110 may be implemented
and supported by a distribution control entity that offers distribution services to
the 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 certain embodiments, 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, social networks (see FIG.
1B), and respective advertisers from information service 118. In addition, the
transport structures may also be utilized to transport or provide links to
11
targeted advertisements and/or electronic content for appropriate user devices
122.
In accordance with the present invention, relevant metadata from social
networks of device users may provide additional corresponding information to
the transport structures for more accurately targeting information to
appropriate device users. The present invention thus proves an improved
system and method for utilizing a transport structure in a social network
environment. Further details regarding the implementation and utilization of
transport structures in the FIG. 1A distribution system 110 are discussed below
in conjunction with FIGS. 1B-8D.
Referring now to FIG. 1B, a block diagram of a social network 150 is
shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the
FIG. 1B embodiment, social network 150 may include, but is not limited to, one
or more user devices122(a) through 122(m). In FIG. 1B, the user devices 122
may be the same or similar to correspondingly-numbered user devices 122(a)
through 122(m) from FIG. 1A.
The FIG. 1B social network 150 is presented for purposes of illustration,
and in alternate embodiments, social networks 150 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. 1B
embodiment. For example, any desired number or type of user devices 122 may
be utilized by corresponding device users to form social network 150.
In the FIG. 1B embodiment, social network 150 may be defined or created
by utilizing any effective means. For example, in certain embodiments,
becoming a member of a social network 150 may require a formal registration
procedure. In alternate embodiments, members of a given social network 150
may be expressly designated by one or more device users. In addition, in certain
embodiments, a social network 150 may be defined by analyzing relevant device
user information. For example, factors such as communication frequencies or
12
transaction frequencies may be monitored and analyzed to define a given social
network 150.
In the FIG. 1B embodiment, social network metadata may be collected
from respective members of social network 150. The social network metadata
may then be utilized to generate recommendations for potential advertising that
a given device user might wish to receive due to common interests with other
members of social network 150. The present invention thus provides various
techniques by which information/metadata collected from trusted partners in
social network 150 may be continuously collected, analyzed, warehoused,
reported, and managed to construct a more accurate profile of a device user’s
preferences, the device user’s social network 150, and the purchasing behavior
of the device user and/or the device user’s social network 150.
Evaluating the effectiveness of advertisements delivered to device users
and user devices 122 is possible through reconciliation of the advertisements
selected by the device users, the interaction between advertisements and the
device users, the referral of advertisements by device users to others within
social network 150, and the eventual purchases made by the device users. The
present invention provides an improved system that collects, compares, and
reconciles data from one or more transport structures that are served to the
user devices 122 and the social network 150. The gathered metadata and any
other information may be advantageously analyzed to gain a better
understanding of the device users, an understanding of the social network 150,
and the effectiveness of various different advertisements.
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
13
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.
1A). 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. 1A).
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, social network metadata 240 may include
information regarding one or more devices users from a social network 150 (FIG.
1B) that are associated with distribution system 110. The utilization of social
network metadata 240 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 8.
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.
In the FIG. 2A embodiment, recommendation metadata 248 may include
any appropriate information regarding advertisement recommendations that are
14
generated by analyzing social network metadata 240. 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 social network 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. 1A), 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 the implementation and utilization of the FIG. 2A
transport structure 210 are discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2B-8D.
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. 1A). Similarly,
content items 258 may include any appropriate type of electronic content
15
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. 3-8D.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment of a FIG. 1A
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,
16
compact disks, or hard disks. Additional details for the utilization of user device
122 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 4-8D.
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. 1A)
specifically for a device user of user device 122. Similarly, content 446 may
17
include targeted electronic content information that has been received via
distribution system 110 (FIG. 1A) specifically for a device user of user device
122.
In the FIG. 4 embodiment, recommendation metadata 450 may include
any appropriate information regarding advertisement recommendations that are
generated and provided to a user device by analyzing social network metadata
240 (FIG. 2A). 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-
8D.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.
1A 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
18
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. 2A), 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. 6A. 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. 1A). 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. 1A) by utilizing
metadata from one or more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2A). 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. 6-8D.
Referring now to FIG. 6A, 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. 6A 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. 6A
embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate
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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.
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 alternate embodiments, transport server memories 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, 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 644 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
20
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 648 to manage and
coordinate various functions for one or more transport structures 210 (FIG. 2A),
in accordance with the present invention. In certain embodiments, the TS
manager 648 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. 1A).
The registration module may also be utilized to define a social network 150 (FIG.
1B), as previously discussed. A TS database 652 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 648 may continually update
respective transport structure information in the TS database 652 to reflect the
current status of transport structures 210 in distribution system 110. The
transport server 518 may utilize a communication module 656 to perform bidirectional
electronic communication procedures with any appropriate remote
entity. For example, the communication module 656 may be utilized to remotely
communicate with transport structures 210 in distribution system 110.
In the FIG. 6B embodiment, recommendation metadata 248 may include
any appropriate information regarding recommended advertisements or content
for transmission to a device user. In certain embodiments, recommendation
metadata 248 may be generated by utilizing server application 644 or other
appropriate entity to analyze social network metadata 230 (FIG. 2A) from the
transport structures 210. In certain embodiments, individual recommendations
corresponding to specific members of social network 150 may be utilized.
Alternately, individual recommendations may be amalgamated to produce
collective recommendations that represent a predefined number of members
from the social network 150.
21
In the FIG. 6B embodiment, effectiveness measures 664 for each
recommended advertisement or content item may be calculated by reconciling
selected recommendations that are chosen by device users, as compared to the
original recommendations. In accordance with the present invention, the
effectiveness measures 664 may then be utilized as additional relevant targeting
criteria when choosing targeted advertisements or content for transmitting to a
particular device user.
In the FIG. 6B embodiment, transport server 518 may utilize metadata
warehouse 668 to store any type of information or metadata for subsequent
reference or utilization. For example, metadata warehouse 668 may include
various previous sets of social network metadata 240 (FIG. 2A), prior
recommendation metadata 660, and previously-calculated effectiveness
measures 664. In the FIG. 6B embodiment, miscellaneous information may
include any desired type of information or data for utilization by transport server
518. The utilization of transport server 518 is further discussed below in
conjunction with FIG. 8.
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
22
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
information or instructions from transport server 518 or transport structures
210 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, content 734, or any
other types of information. 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).
23
Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, a flowchart of method steps for utilizing a
transport structure in a social network environment is shown, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 8 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. 8 embodiment.
In step 814 of FIG. 8A, 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 (such as a transport server
518) in a distribution system 110 may create or otherwise provide the initial
transport structures 210. In step 818, 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 820, 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 824, a device user
performs a registration procedure to receive information from the distribution
system 110. During the registration procedure, the device user typically
provides relevant information including, but not limited to, user metadata 222
and device metadata 226. In step 828, the transport structures 210 are
updated to include the metadata provided by the device user during the
foregoing registration procedure. The FIG. 8A process then advances to step
832 of FIG. 8B through connecting letter “A.”
In step 832, the transport server 518 or another appropriate entity in
distribution system 110 determines whether any device users have been
identified as members of a social network 150 of user devices 122. For example,
in certain embodiments, device users may perform a social network registration
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procedure to define a social network 150 in distribution system 110. In step
836, transport server 518 or other appropriate entity communicates with the
user devices 122 in social network 150 by utilizing any effective means.
In step 840, transport server 518 may obtain appropriate social network
metadata 240 from the user devices 122 in social network 150. In the FIG. 8
embodiment, social network metadata 240 may include, but is not limited to,
information from a user profile 430 and a device profile 434 that collectively
describe any desired attributes, preferences, 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 step 844, the transport server 518 updates the transport structures
210 to include any relevant social network metadata 240. The FIG. 8B process
then advances to step 848 of FIG. 8C through connecting letter “B.” In step
848, the transport server 518 or other appropriate entity in distribution system
110 analyzes the metadata in the transport structures 210 using any
appropriate techniques to create transport recommendations. For example, in
certain embodiments, transport server 518 may match advertiser characteristics
from advertiser metadata 234 with corresponding social network characteristics
from one or more device users from the social network 150 to produce transport
recommendations.
In step 856, transport server 518 may transmit the transport
recommendations to the user device 122 by utilizing any effective means. For
example, the transport recommendations may be transmitted to the user device
by utilizing transport structure 210. In step 860, the device user either accepts
or rejects the transmitted transport recommendations. If the device user rejects
25
the transport recommendations, then the FIG. 8 process may terminate.
However, if the device user accepts the transport recommendations, then the
FIG. 8C process advances to step 864 of FIG. 8D through connecting letter “C.”
In step 864, the transport server 518 or other appropriate entity generates
effectiveness measures 664 based upon whether the device user accepts or
rejects the original transport recommendations. In step 868, transport server
518 updates the transport structures 210 by storing the calculated effectiveness
measures in recommendation metadata 248. In step 872, the transport server
518 may archive any new information or metadata in a metadata warehouse
668 that is implemented in any effective manner to provide access to the
archived information and metadata at a subsequent time.
In step 876, the various types of metadata from the transport structures
210 may be analyzed to identify specific targeted information for transmission to
the device user. An ad server 538 or other appropriate entity in distribution
system 110 may then prepare and send links to the designated media file(s) 250
for allowing the user device 122 of the targeted device user to access the media
file(s) 250. For at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore
provides an improved system and method for utilizing transport structures in a
social network environment.
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.
26
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, a subset of said device users forming a social network with
corresponding ones of said user devices; 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
including social network metadata from said subset of said device
users of said social network.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said metadata includes said social network
metadata and advertiser metadata regarding advertisers associated with said
selected information, said social network metadata including user metadata
regarding said device users and device metadata regarding said user devices,.
3. The system of claim 2 further comprising a transport server that controls
said transport structure, said transport server analyzing said metadata to
generate transport recommendations for said selected information.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said transport server transmits said
transport recommendations to said targeted ones of said device users by
utilizing said transport structure.
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5. The system of claim 4 wherein said targeted ones of said device users
evaluate said transport recommendations, said targeted ones of said device
users either accepting or rejecting said transport recommendations.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein said transport server calculates
effectiveness measures for said transport recommendations based upon whether
said targeted ones of said device users accept or reject said transport
recommendations.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said transport server archives said
metadata in a metadata warehouse for subsequent uses by said information
distribution network.
8. The system of claim 1 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.
9. The system of claim 1 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.
10. The system of claim 2 wherein said selected information is targeted to said
device users by matching aspects of said selected information and said
advertiser metadata to specific characteristics from said user metadata, said
device metadata, and said social network metadata.
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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
device user of said user device being in a social network with other
member users and corresponding member user devices in an
information distribution network; 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 user and said other member
users, said metadata including social network metadata from said
social network.
12. The user device of claim 11 wherein said metadata includes said social
network metadata and advertiser metadata regarding advertisers associated
with said selected information, said social network metadata including user
metadata regarding said device users and device metadata regarding said user
devices,.
13. The user device of claim 12 wherein a transport server controls said
transport structure, said transport server analyzing said metadata to generate
transport recommendations for said selected information.
14. The user device of claim 13 wherein said transport server transmits said
transport recommendations to said targeted ones of said social network by
utilizing said transport structure.
29
15. The user device of claim 14 wherein said targeted ones of said social
network evaluate said transport recommendations, said targeted ones of said
social network either accepting or rejecting said transport recommendations.
16. A system for implementing an information distribution network
substantially as herein described with reference to the foregoing description and
the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 19th day of March 2010.
To
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office
India