System and method for converting user data from disparate sources to bitmap data

Methods and systems for converting user data from disparate sources to bitmap data are described, where user data from a plurality of different data sources are conformed to a conformed user data set using a conform mapping schema, and the conformed data set is then analyzed to create a bitmap mapping schema which provides a mapping from the conformed user data set to a bitmap data set. The conformed user data set is then converted to a bitmap data set using the bitmap mapping schema and the current user data in the conformed user data set. A query user interface (UI) may be provided to allow clients or others to query the resulting bitmap data set.

BACKGROUND

Large and complex data management systems manage large quantities of data stored in many disparate data sources, such that querying and returning results from such systems in an efficient time frame is not possible. If such systems were faster or more efficient, they could be used to efficiently perform tasks such as determining potential audiences for targeted services or advertising. It is desirable to quickly obtain a complete picture (or view) of a user's preferences and behaviors/activities across multiple products (or applications) and platforms. However, this is difficult because users interact with numerous different products and platforms, each of which collects and generates information about the users in different formats and often saves them in different servers or data sources.

Also, querying user data for millions of users can take a long time to provide the query results, e.g., 30 min. to 10+ hours, depending on the search criteria, given the enormous amount of data (e.g., over 1 terabyte per day) that must be searched.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a method and system that provides very fast query results of a large quantity of user data which includes user data across multiple products and platforms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for converting user (or guest) data from disparate sources and formats to bitmap data, which is easily and quickly searchable, e.g., less than about 5 seconds for all queries, and typically about 2 seconds (on average). In some embodiments, the number of users is greater than 1 million, greater than 10 million, or greater than 100 million users.

In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the data being associated with (or related to or indicative of) users (or guests or individuals/people), the data may be associated with any items having a plurality of attributes or characteristics desired to be searched/queried, such as machines or equipment, cars/vehicles/aircraft, real estate/property, chemical compounds, drugs, diseases, transportation systems, or any other collection of items having attributes desired to be efficiently searched/queried. In some embodiments, the term “user” herein may include such items.

The present disclosure converts user data from multiple disparate platform sources to a single conformed (or normalized) format, and converts the conformed data into bitmap data. In particular, user data is obtained from various disparate data sources and formats and converted to a “conformed” (or normalized) user data set in a conformed user data set server by Conforming Logic, which uses a Conform Mapping Schema, to provide key predetermined search attributes (or child or sub-attributes) having a common or “conformed” user data set format or “structure”.

The “conformed” user data set (having the latest conformed user data) is then converted into a quickly-searchable bitmap format by Loader Logic, which uses a Bitmap Mapping Schema to create (or populate) an output bitmap index file having a predetermined bitmap structure, e.g., Roaring bitmap, using a bitmap creation/query software, e.g., Pilosa (an open source version of Roaring), the bitmap having the latest actual user data from the conformed user data set in a bitmap format. Instead of Pilosa, other implementations of the Roaring bitmap structure may be used if desired, and other bitmap structures other than Roaring may be used if desired. The present disclosure can take any input data or any data set (or sets) and represent it in the Roaring structure/system by creating the Bitmap Mapping Schema discussed herein.

The Bitmap format may be a standard bitmap data in a standard X,Y integer bit map representation or Bit-Sliced Indexed (BSI) Bitmap format, or any other Bitmap format, or a combination thereof. Other bitmap representations may be used if desired provided they provide acceptable function and performance.

The Bitmap Mapping Schema (used by the Loader Logic to create the bitmap) is created by Analyzer Logic which receives (or reads) the conformed user data set and creates the bitmap mapping schema (or mapper library), which enables the creation of the output bitmap index (or table or database) for the conformed user data set (using the Loader Logic and bitmap creation/query software). In addition, the Analyzer logic can generate a bitmap mapping schema for any type of bitmap index or structure.

The present disclosure allows for much faster searching time than if the data was not converted to bitmap format, and allows for many different types of data to be linked and converted to bitmap format which is more efficient for searching/queries.

The present disclosure provides a system and method to normalize (or conform) the data from different sources and formats and convert the conformed data to a format that is capable of being searched extremely quickly, given the enormous amount of data (e.g., over 1 terabyte per day) that must be searched. Also, the users have multiple touchpoints with the system, e.g., desktop, apps, tablet, connected TV, and the like, and the collected data from these touchpoints are kept in independent servers or pockets. Also, there is a significant amount of duplicated data and each data set comes with information about a different set of users. The system of the present disclosure takes the data from different servers and different users and converts it to bitmaps capable of being searched very fast in real time. Thus, the system of the present disclosure provides a comprehensive, easy to use system capable of extremely fast searches on large volumes of disparate data.

FIG. 1illustrates various components of a system10for converting user data into bitmap data of the present disclosure, which includes a plurality of users (or guests), e.g., User1(30) to User N (36), which may be referred to generally herein as the user30or users30, each user30interacting with one or more computer-based user devices11, such as a tablet12, smartphone14, laptop16, desktop18, smart TV20, and other devices/sources, and one or more similar devices11associated with UserN.

The user devices11, may be connected to or communicate with each other and other devices and servers in the system (discussed herein), through a communications network60, such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), peer-to-peer network, or the internet, wired or wireless, as indicated by lines58, by sending and receiving digital data over the communications network60. If the user devices11are connected via a local or private or secured network, the user devices11may have a separate network connection to the internet for use by web browsers running on the user devices11.

In some embodiments, the user devices11may each have the appropriate software applications (Apps) and web browsers22to connect to or communicate with the internet/network60to obtain desired content in a standard client-server based configuration to obtain the needed data and files to execute the logic of the present disclosure. The user devices11may also have local digital storage located in the device itself (or connected directly thereto, such as an external USB connected hard drive, thumb drive or the like) for storing data, images, audio/video, documents, and the like, which may be accessed by the App/Browser22running on the user devices11.

Also, the computer-based user devices11may also communicate with various computer servers50-56via the network60to run various apps or access webpages or save data associated with same, e.g., Fantasy Sports Server50, Mobile App Server52, Streaming/Podcast Server54, Website Server56, which host the various platforms that the Users30interact with.

In addition, there may be data source servers66-76, e.g., registration server68, Fans Server70(or Fans Engagement Server), Clickstream Server72, Ads Server66, which track various user activity and store user data associated with the Users interaction with the various platforms, products and applications. Also, each of the servers50-56may have user “click-monitoring” software application or module62running thereon, which monitors the user clicks or interactions, e.g., Adobe® Clickstream, and collects data regarding user clicks on content links, e.g., links for article/stories, videos, audio sound-track/podcast, websites, or other content-related clickable links, including tracking multiple levels of clicks or click-throughs or navigation clicks through numerous web pages.

The data from the Clickstream App62from each of the product or platform servers50-56provide a real-time user activity data set to a Clickstream Server72having a predefined data format defined by the Clickstream product.

Also, each of the servers50-56may have an “Ads-monitoring” software application or module64which monitors the advertisements that are provided (or “served”) to the user during a user's interaction with the platforms, products and applications, e.g., Google® DoubleClick Platform, and collects data regarding user clicks on the advertisement links or images and provides data and statistics on advertisement “impressions”, which can be used to determine value for advertisers.

The data from the Ads-monitoring App/module64from each of the product or platform servers50-56, provide a real-time user activity data set to an Ads Server66having a predefined data format defined by the DoubleClick product or platform. In some embodiments, the Ads app/module may indicate that an ad has been served and the Ads Server software monitors the user activity to determine click-throughs or ad-response clicks by the users.

Also, there may be a Registration Server68, which receives user registration data from any of the products or platforms, e.g., Fantasy Sports Server50, which collect such data. For example, if User1(30) registered for Fantasy Sports team, the Registration Server68would collect the data associated with whether a user is registered for (or plays) a Fantasy game. The data stored in Registration Server68, provides a real-time user activity data set regarding user registration data having a predefined data format and labels or attributes or fields defined by the registration server software which may be resident in the Registration Server68.

Similarly, there may be a Fans Server70(or Fans Engagement Server), which receives user sports fan-related data from any of the products or platforms, e.g., Fantasy Sports Server50, ESPN Sports Mobile App Server52, which collect such data. For example, if User1(30) answered questions in his profile regarding favorite team(s) or favorite sports(s), the Fans Server70would collect the data associated with what teams or sports the user is has indicated are his favorites or are interested in following. This server may also track and save information about what fantasy teams the user plays on, what sports the users plays, and what players the user follows or plays in fantasy leagues. The data stored in the Fans Server70, provides a real-time user activity data set regarding user sports fans data having a predefined data format and labels or attributes or fields defined by the Fans Server software, which may be resident on the Fans Server70.

Accordingly, the servers66-72, may be referred to herein as “data source” servers66-74. Any other or additional data source servers that provide data or information about the user that may be used for queries or searches may be used if desired.

The present disclosure receives data from the data source servers66-72, which each may have their own unique data formats and labels/fields/attributes for the same information/data and converts them into a bitmap data set in bitmap format using Bitmap Creation (or Generation) Logic75(discussed hereafter) stored on a Bitmap Creation Logic Server74. The Bitmap Creation Logic75creates a “conformed” (or normalized) user data set (discussed hereafter), which is stored on a Conformed Data Set Server76using a Conform Mapping Schema (discussed hereinafter) stored on a Mapping Schema Server78. Then, the Bitmap Creation Logic75receives the conformed data set and converts it into a quickly-searchable “bitmap” format, using a Bitmap Mapping Schema stored on the Mapping Schema Server78to create (or populate) the Bitmap Index User Data Set file (discussed hereinafter), which is stored on a Bitmap Index User Data Set Server80, together with the use of a Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214which may be stored on a Bitmap Loading/Query tool Server82.

A client88may run queries on the bitmap index user data set stored on the bitmap index user data set server80using a Bitmap loading/query tool via a computer84having the appropriate software applications Query UI App86and web browser (as needed) to connect to or communicate with the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool Server82as needed to provide the desired queries and results.

The servers shown inFIG. 1may be any type of computer server with the necessary software or hardware (including storage capability) for performing the functions described herein. Also, the data source servers66,68,70,72(or the functions performed thereby) may be located, individually or collectively, in a separate server on the network60, or may be located, in whole or in part, within one (or more) of the product or platform servers50-56on the network60. Also, the data source servers66,68,70,72(or the functions performed thereby) may be located, individually or collectively, in a separate server on the network60, or may be located, in whole or in part, within one (or more) servers on the network60.

Referring toFIG. 2, various components (or devices or logic)200for converting user data from disparate sources into bitmap data of the present disclosure, includes the Bitmap Creation Logic75, which may be viewed as having (or calling) three main components: Conforming Logic202, Analyzer Logic208, and Loader Logic212. The Conforming Logic202receives user data from the disparate data sources66,68,70,72(having different data formats) and converts the data to a “conformed” (or normalized) user data set206on the Conformed User Data Set Server76, using a Conform (or Normalizer) Mapping Schema204stored on the Mapping Schema Server78, to provide a common or “conformed” user data set format or “structure”, having desired “attributes” (e.g., top-level or parent attributes, and child or sub-attributes) and corresponding common or “conformed” data types (e.g., string, integer, Boolean, etc.), referred to as a Conformed User Data Set206. The attributes in the Conform Mapping Schema are typically chosen based on what data is likely to want to be searched by the client88(FIG. 1).

The Analyzer Logic208receives (or reads) the Conformed User Data Set206and creates a Bitmap Mapping Schema210(or mapper library) stored on the Mapping Schema Server78(FIG. 1), which is used by the Loader Logic212to create (or populate) the bitmap index file having a predetermined bitmap structure including data fields and data mapping strategies defined in the Bitmap Mapping Schema210. In particular, the Analyzer Logic208determines fields and statistics (or metadata or data about the user data) for actual data values for all users for each of the attributes in the Conformed User Data Set206and creates “mapping strategies” needed to map the user data into bitmap format, which are stored in a Bitmap Mapping Schema. The Analyzer Logic208can generate the Bitmap Mapping Schema210for any type of bitmap index or structure (discussed more hereinafter). The Analyzer Logic208may only need to be run (or executed) when creating the initial Bitmap Mapping Schema210and when the data structure of the Conformed User Data Set206has changed, e.g., when a user data attribute or sub-attribute is added or removed from the conformed user data set206. For example, this may happen when the Client88updates the desired search attributes in the Conform Mapping Schema, such as when a new sports team is added to a league or a new web browser or user device is available on the market.

As discussed more herein, the Analyzer Logic208analyzes the conformed (normalized) user data and determines the “structure” of the user data being received, and generates statistics on the data or metadata (i.e. data about this data). The metadata represents what “type” of data is contained in each attribute/field (e.g., integer, string, range index, Boolean, floating point). If the input data is already conformed (or normalized) and data types are provided, the Analyzer Logic may only do minimal conversion work to create for the Bitmap Mapping Schema. However, if the user data is not conformed (or normalized) or only partially conformed (or partially normalized), the Analyzer Logic208may determine what the data structure is and generates the mapping strategy (or schema) in a manner that is agnostic to (or independent of) the original data structure, so that the data set can be loaded into Roaring bitmap (Pilosa). The Analyzer Logic208also determines the type of bitmap data format, such as Standard (Std) Bitmap or Bit-Sliced Index (BSI) Bitmap, as discussed herein. Also, the Analyzer Logic208may use logic based on predetermined business rules to handle or reconcile conflicting data.

The Loader Logic212receives (or reads) the latest actual conformed user data from the Conformed User Data Set206and converts (or “maps”) the conformed user data into bitmap format using the Bitmap Mapping Schema210and a Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214software, to create a Bitmap User Data Set220stored on the Bitmap Index User Data Set Server80, the Bitmap Index User Data Set220having the latest actual conformed user data from the conformed user data set stored in a bitmap format. The Bitmap Index User Data Set220may have a predetermined bitmap structure, e.g., “Roaring” bitmap, which may be created using the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214software, e.g., Pilosa (an open source version of Roaring). Any other software tool may be used for the logic214if desired, provided it provides the desired function and performance described herein. Also, any other type of bitmap format or structure other than Roaring and Pilosa may be used if desired, provided it provides the desired function and performance described herein.

If the Conform Mapping Schema204changes, e.g., when a user data attribute or sub-attribute is added or removed from the Conform Mapping Schema204, the structure of the conformed user data set206will change accordingly by the Conforming Logic202. In that case, a data structure change command (or flag) may be provided to the Bitmap Creation Logic75, which will cause it to call or run (or execute) the Analyzer Logic208, causing the Analyzer Logic208to update the Bitmap Mapping Schema210. In some embodiments, the Analyzer Logic208may provide a Done flag indicating that the Bitmap Mapping Schema has been updated.

In some embodiments, the Conforming Logic202may be automatically run daily (or multiple times a day) to update the Conformed User Data Set206and the Analyzer Logic208may be automatically run once a week or once a month to ensure the Conformed Data Set structure is up to date (in addition or instead of receiving a structure change flag from the Conforming Logic202. Other run schedules may be used if desired provided it provides user data that is acceptable for the desired searching or queries.

The Bitmap Creation Logic75may also have mapping correction/update logic230, which reviews the Mapping Schemas204,210and corrects or updates them as appropriate.

The Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214may also be used to access the Bitmap Index user data set220which has the latest user data stored in easily searchable Bitmap format (discussed hereinafter). In that case, client device/computer84may have a Query UI App86that calls or queries the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214and the Bitmap Mapping Schema210using predefined search strings and returns results about the user data in a predefined format that may be stored in the computer/device84and viewed by the client88, or communicated to other devices or servers via the network60(FIG. 1) for reporting, analysis, storage or other purposes. The Query UI App86and the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214may be combined into a single software application if desired. Also, Query UI App86may also allow the Client to edit/update the Conform Mapping Schema or the Bitmap Mapping Schema as needed to provide the desired function and performance.

Referring toFIG. 2A, a flow diagram250illustrates one embodiment of a process or logic for creating (or generating) the Bitmap Index User Data Set220, which may be implemented using the Bitmap Creation Logic75(FIGS. 1 and 2). The logic250begins at a block252, which obtains the latest version of the Conform Mapping Schema, based on current desired attributes. Next, a block254runs the Conforming Logic202(FIG. 6) to create or update the Conformed User Data Set (for Users1-N)206(FIG. 2) for each UserID using the Data Sources11and the Conform Mapping Schema204.

Next, block256determines if this is the first time providing the Bitmap Mapping Schema or if structural changes have occurred in the Conformed User Data Set or Bitmap Mapping Schema, (i.e., if the data structure of the Conform Bitmap Schema or the resulting Conformed User Data Set has changed). In some embodiments, this may be done by checking a flag from the Conforming Logic202, which indicates that the structure of the Conformed User Data Set206has changed.

If so, block258runs the Analyzer Logic208(discussed herein withFIG. 7), to create an initial or updated Bitmap Mapping Schema210using the latest Conformed User Data Set206. Next, block260runs the Loader Logic212(discussed more herein withFIG. 13) which loads the latest update of the Conformed User Data Set206(having the most recent user data values) into the Bitmap Data Set220for each UserID, using the Bitmap Mapping Schema210.

Next, block262reviews the Conform Mapping Schema204and Bitmap Mapping Schema210and determines if a mapping error exists or an update is needed. If so, block264makes the necessary correction or update to the appropriate Mapping Schema, and the logic250exits. In some embodiments, the blocks262,264may be referred to as correction/update logic which may be used to identify erroneous or incorrect mapping, or updates in attributes or attribute values and automatically correct the Bitmap Mapping Schema file or the Conform Mapping Schema file as appropriate. Such correction/update logic may use machine learning or artificial intelligence to identify mapping errors (e.g., in commonly-used fields) or identify new attributes/fields or attributes/fields values based on user activity or market availability, and may update the Bitmap Mapping Schema file or the Conform Mapping Schema file accordingly.

Other correction/update logic may be used if desired and such correction/update logic may reside in the Bitmap Creation Logic75, the Analyzer Logic208, the Loader Logic212, the Query UI App86, the Conforming Logic202or as standalone logic that interacts with the appropriate logics or servers described herein to create the desired function and performance. Also, in some embodiments, one or more of the Conforming Logic202, the Analyzer Logic208and the Loader Logic212, the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214and the Query UI App86, may be part of the Bitmap Creation Logic75, if desired.

The Bitmap Creation Logic75(and, in particular, the Conforming Logic202and the Loader Logic212) may be run on a periodic basis, e.g., weekly, daily, hourly, every minute, every second, to update the bitmap with the latest user data. Other update rates may be used if desired. Also, in some embodiments, the Conforming Logic202may load the latest user data into the Conformed User Data Set without specifying a data “type” (or “untyped” data), and the Analyzer Logic208may be used to determine the data type as part of the mapping strategy.

Referring toFIG. 3, an illustration is shown of how the Conforming Logic creates the Conformed User Data Set for each user (User1to UserN) using the Conform (or Normalizer) Mapping Schema204. In particular, the Loader Logic212receives (or retrieves) each Attribute302and Sub-Attribute304from the Conform Mapping Schema210, and the source or sources (Data Source, Field, and Logic)308for the Attribute/Child-Attribute (or Sub-Attribute) and the desired resulting conformed data type (Type)306, as indicated by a line310. Also, the Conforming Logic202may use logic314-320, based on predetermined business rules, to handle or reconcile conflicting data, as discussed herein.

When finished, the Conforming Logic202creates the Conformed User Data Set206having separate data sets or sections350-354for each of the users (User1to UserN), having the desired attributes and sub-attributes and conformed (or normalized) data format types from the Conform Mapping Schema, and values from the various data sources whose data type format have been conformed (or reconciled or normalized) based on the conformed “Type” field in the Conform Mapping Schema210.

For example, the “UserID1” attribute for User1may have numerous different sources (e.g., Registration Server68, Fans Server70, Clickstream Server72, and Ads Server66) with data values having various different formats, e.g., the Registration Server format may be a binary data type, the Fans Server format may be a String type, the Clickstream may be an SWID code stored in a String type, and the Ads Server may be an SWID code stored in binary format. The Conforming Logic202reconciles this (shown as UserID Logic314), e.g., as a string format, using the Conform Mapping Schema210, to a common format indicated in the “Type” field306of the Conform Mapping Schema210, which would get stored in the Conformed User Data Set206together with the corresponding “Attribute” and “Child Attribute” (if applicable) fields302,304, as indicated by the lines320,322,324, respectively. The UserID Logic314would also store the conformed UserID1value in a UserID1field330, shown as a header for the User1data set350.

The present disclosure creates a centralized user lookup (or UserID) based on a standardized user identity. This provides a complete view of each user across multiple sources. In particular, each set of user data that comes into the system (from the various data sources) is associated with some form of ID or UserID. Since the data is coming from disparate sources, a single user may be represented by multiple different IDs across various products/platforms. To the extent possible, the Conforming Logic links the user data to a single, standard UserID identifying the user. In some embodiments, the present disclosure may use an “ID graph”, which may be a table, database or data structure which to links various IDs to each other (along with the associated data). Also, the logic is capable of working with any type of user identity, such as a cookie, device ID, IP address, or the like. In some embodiments, for users or fans who do not sign up (or register) for any products or services, the system of the logic may use the device ID as the primary UserID.

In some embodiments, an SWID Tag (if available) may serve as the “master ID” to which other IDs are linked for a given user. SWID Tags, or SoftWare IDentification tags, are defined by the ISO/IEC 19770-2:2009 specification, published by the International Organization for Standards (ISO), and may be XML files (or other files), each of which may be associated with a specific software product. For a given SWID, the present disclosure may use the “ID graph” to determine what other ID's are known for that user. The ID graph may use probabilistic matching to associate various ID's with each other in cases where there is no direct correlation. For example, if a device ID is sent with no SWID, then the SWID for the last logged-in account for that device ID is assumed and the date is associated with that SWID. In some embodiments, when no SWID or device ID is available, or when the user is using a system or device that does not use SWIDs, the logic may use a cookie, IP address, or the like.

As another example, the user attribute “Gender” may have two different sources (Registration Server68and Fans Server70) with data values having two different formats, e.g., the Registration Server format may be a three-value string data type (M=1, F=2, U=3), and the Fans Server format312may be a Boolean type (M=1; F=0). The Conforming Logic202will reconcile this (shown as Gender Logic316) using the Conform Mapping Schema210, as a three value string M,F,U format, which would get stored in the Conformed User Data Set206for that attribute.

Similarly, the user attribute “Age” may have two different sources (Registration Server68and Fans Server70) with data values having two different formats, e.g., short integer and integer. The Conforming Logic202will reconcile this using the Conform Mapping Schema210(shown as Age Logic322), e.g., as an integer format, which would get stored in the Conformed User Data Set206for that attribute.

Similarly, the user attribute “Device ID” may have two different sources (Registration Server68and Fans Server70) with data values having two different formats, e.g., binary and string. The Conforming Logic202will reconcile this using the Conform Mapping Schema210(shown as Device ID Logic317), e.g., as a string format, which would get stored in the Conformed User Data Set206for that attribute.

In some cases, the attribute may have only one data source, such as that shown for “Content Act” (or Content Activity), which indicates whether the user clicked on any content (e.g., an article, audio, video, or other content link), which is saved in the Clickstream server. In that case, there may be a Parent Attribute and Child Attributes associated with this item, as well as logic to determine information about certain parameters (e.g., Click Path of user), and the Content Logic318, will identify the needed information from the Clickstream Server72(as indicated in the Conform Mapping Schema) and provide the conformed data and type to the Conformed User Data Set206. A similar situation may exist for the Ads Act (Advertisement Activity monitor) attribute (and child attributes) on the Ads Server66. Other logic321may exist for the other attributes and child attributes as needed.

Referring toFIG. 4, a sample Conform Mapping Schema table400is shown, including the desired Attributes302, Child or Sub-Attributes304, and conformed attribute data types306(for Attributes and Sub-Attributes). In particular, the table400shows Top-Level (or Parent) Attributes having no Sub-Attributes, e.g., user id, is_registered, gender, age, plays_fantasy, latitude, and longitude; and shows Second-Level (or Child or Sub) Attributes indicated as an “array” type, e.g., stated_teams_favorites, states_sports_favorites, device_id, location, content activity, ads_activity. Also included in the Conform Mapping Schema Table400, for illustrative purposes, is a brief sample Attribute Description402of some of the attributes and sub-attributes, and Example Values406showing sample values for some of the attributes. These fields402,410may not be in the actual Conform Mappin Schema, but are shown here for illustrative purposes.

Referring toFIG. 5, a more detailed sample of the resulting Conformed User Data Set206is shown for Users1-N, including the desired top-level conformed Attributes502(mapped from the Attributes302of the Conform Mapping Schema inFIG. 4), desired Child or Sub-Attributes504(mapped from the Sub-Attributes304of the Conform Mapping Schema inFIG. 4), conformed attribute data types506for Attributes and Sub-Attributes (mapped from the Sub-Attributes306of the Conform Mapping Schema inFIG. 4), and user data Values510. In particular, the Conformed User Data Set220inFIG. 5shows Top-Level (or Parent) Attributes502and Second-Level (or Child or Sub) Attributes504, a single column for data Type506, e.g., string, integer, Boolean, float, and the like; and the user data Values510. The Conformed User Data Set202may be a “flattened” data structure (e.g., a text file) consisting of a textual representation of user data which can be easily retrieved, reviewed and parsed by the Analyzer Logic208and Loader Logic212as needed. Any other data format for the Conformed User Data Set202may be used if desired.

Referring toFIG. 6, a flow diagram600illustrates one embodiment of a process or logic for creating the conformed user data set206(FIG. 2), which may be implemented using the Conforming Logic202(FIGS. 2 and 3). The logic600begins at a block602, which receives the Data Sources11and the Conform Mapping Schema204. Next, a block604receives the UserID sources, source fields to retrieve the UserID from, and Logic (as needed), from the Conform Schema and retrieve UserID values from the corresponding data Sources/Fields. Next, a block606reconciles the UserID values to a common format as indicated in the Conform Schema. Next, a block608saves the conformed UserID value in the Conformed User Data Set206. This sets up the User ID for this user.

Next, a block610receives, for a given Attribute, the Attribute Sources, source Fields to retrieve the Attribute from, and Logic (as needed), from the Conform Schema204and retrieves Attribute values from the corresponding data Source(s)/Field(s). Then, a block612determines if there are multiple different data formats or logic to perform. If so, a block614reconciles the values to a common format and performs logic (as needed) per the Conformed Mapping Schema for that attribute. After block614, or if the result of block612was NO, a block616saves the Attribute value in the Conformed User Data Set for the current UserID.

Next a block618determines if all the Attributes have been reviewed for a value. If not, a block620goes to the next Attribute in the list for this UserID and repeats the blocks610-616for the next Attribute until all the Attributes for a given UserID is completed. If the result of block618is Yes, all Attributes for this UserID have been updated with a value (if available), and a block622determines if all the UserIDs have been reviewed. If not, a block624goes to the next UserID and the logic returns to block604to obtain the next UserID. If the result of block622is Yes, all UserIDs have been reviewed for all of their respective attributes (if available), and the logic exits.

Referring toFIG. 7, a flow diagram700illustrates one embodiment of a process or logic for creating or updating (when needed) the Bitmap Mapping Schema file210(FIG. 2), which may be implemented using the Analyzer Logic208(FIGS. 2 and 3). As discussed with the Bitmap Creation Logic ofFIG. 2A, the Analyzer Logic208may be performed after performing the Conforming Logic202, e.g., initially and when the Conform Mapping Schema changes the structure of the Conformed User Data Set.

The Analyzer Logic208receives (or ingests) text or binary (or other format) data files as input data and outputs the Bitmap Mapping Schema210. For each user in the input user data set, e.g., the Conformed User Data Set206, the Analyzer Logic208determines what type of data is in each attribute/field. In cases where the data “Type” is not provided in the conformed data set206, the Analyzer Logic208determines if the data type is Boolean, Integer, Floating Point, Date, or String (independent of the data format received). For numbers (integers, floating point, etc.), the determines the minimum and maximum values and number of values. For Strings, the Analyzer Logic keeps track of the length (cardinality) of Strings, the number of entries and number of different values/strings, and then generates the mapping strategy to map the user data into the bitmap format. For “date” fields, the Analyzer Logic keeps track of the number of occurrences. In general, “dates” may appear in multiple formats from various different data sources. For Roaring, the Analyzer Logic208converts all “dates” into 2 integers, independent of the format of the originally ingested “date” data. Such data analysis is described further with the below logic.

In particular, the logic700begins at a block702, which receives the Conformed User Data Set206. Next, a block704receives the value and data type for the current UserID and current Attribute, from the Conformed User Data Set206.

Next, a block706determines and updates the statistics for the current Attribute based on the attribute value for this UserID and saves the result in the on the Schema Server, which may be performed by Analyzer—Data Statistics Logic800shown inFIG. 8(discussed hereinafter). Next, a block708determines if all the UserIDs for this attribute have been reviewed. If not, block710goes to the next UserID and the logic returns to block704to obtain the value and data type. If the result of block708is Yes, all UserIDs have been reviewed for the current attribute, and block712determines if all the attributes have been reviewed. If not, a block714goes to the next Attribute and the logic returns to block704to repeat steps704-708until all the Attributes for a given UserID is reviewed. If the result of block712is Yes, all Attributes for all the UserIDs have been reviewed and block716determines a Mapping Strategy for current Attribute (Field) based on Attribute value statistics which may be performed by Analyzer—Mapping Strategy Logic1000shown inFIG. 10(discussed hereinafter).

Next, once a mapping strategy has been determined for the Attribute, a block718saves the resulting “Field” name (corresponding to the source Attribute name) and corresponding Mapping Strategy and associated Metadata in the Bitmap Mapping Schema file for the current Attribute being reviewed. Next, block720determines if all the source Attributes have been mapped. If not, block722goes to the next Attribute and the logic returns to block716to repeat steps716-718until a Field and Mapping Strategy and other Metadata are assigned/determined for all the source Attributes. If the result of block720is Yes, a Field and Mapping Strategy and Metadata have been assigned/determined for all the source Attributes, and the Bitmap Mapping Schema210creation/update is complete, and the logic exits.

The resulting Bitmap Mapping Schema (and mapping strategies therein) created/updated by the Analyzer Logic208may be reviewed or edited/modified by the Client (e.g., a marketing person or other client) by editing the Bitmap Mapping Schema file (also referred to herein as the “config.” file) or the Conform Mapping Schema file, to identify or correct erroneous or incorrect mapping, or to input updates in attributes or attribute values, e.g., using the Query UI App86, as discussed more withFIG. 15.

In some embodiments, as discussed herein with the Bitmap Creation Logic75inFIG. 2A, correction/update logic (blocks262,264) may be used to identify erroneous or incorrect mapping, or updates in attributes or attribute values and automatically correct the Bitmap Mapping Schema file or the Conform Mapping Schema file, using e.g., machine learning or artificial intelligence as discussed herein.

Referring toFIG. 8, a flow diagram800illustrates one embodiment of a process or logic for implementing block706of the Analyzer Logic208for determining and updating statistics for source attributes values, which may be implemented using the Analyzer—Data Statistics Logic800. The logic800begins at a block802, which determines if the value of the attribute is true or false (or yes/no). If so, a block804marks the attribute as Boolean and the logic exits. If not, a block806determines if the value can be parsed as an integer. This may be done by calling a known parsing function or tool or routine in a routine library, such as “GO LANG” or “LANG”, with the desired data and data type to attempt to parse, e.g., integer, float, or others, and which returns two values. If the parsing function was able to parse the value in the desired data type, e.g., integer, it returns the integer number and a true flag. If the parsing function was not able to parse the value in the desired data type, e.g., integer, it returns a 0 (or Nill) value and a false flag.

If it parses as an integer, block808checks if it is a min or max value so far, and if so, the min/max values are updated/saved in the metadata. Also, an integer counter is incremented in block808. After performing block808, or if the result of block806is NO, block810determines if the value can be parsed as a floating point number (a number with numbers on both sides of the decimal point). If so, block812checks if it is a min or max value so far, and if so, the min/max values are updated/saved in the metadata. Also, a float counter is incremented in block812, and then the logic exits.

If the result of block810is NO, a block814determines if the value parses as a date. This may be done by calling a known specialized library state machine pattern-matching open source utility tool, such as “PARSE DATE”, with the desired date data to attempt to parse as a Date, and which returns two values. If the parsing function was able to parse as a date, the utility returns a date format descriptor (e.g., data or date/time, based on language used), and a Y-true value or flag. If the parsing function was not able to parse the value in the desired data type, e.g., integer, it returns a 0 (or Nill) value and a false value or flag. If the result of block810is Yes (parsable as a date), block816increments a Date counter, and the logic exits.

If the result of block814is NO, a block818determines if the value parsed as an integer in block806. If so, the logic exits as the value has already been identified as an integer. If the result of block818is NO, the value did not a Boolean value and did not parse as an integer or a floating point number, and, thus, the value is handled as a “string” type.

Next, block820determines if the string enumeration value for this string has been seen before. Block820may also calculate the string enumeration value for this string. If so, block822increments a value counter for that value and the logic800exits. If the result of block820is No, this is the first time seeing this string and block824adds the string to a string enumeration table and increments a map size counter for the attribute. Next, block826determines if map size value counter is greater than a predetermine high cardinality threshold, e.g., max. 500 values. If so, the attribute is marked as high cardinality string at block828and the logic800exits. If not, the logic800exists.

Referring toFIGS. 9A and 9B, an example of a string enumeration map/table900and a data type counter table950are shown, respectively. The string enumeration map/table900shows three example sub-tables for team name902, browser904, and video title906. In the far left column of each table shows the tally of how many different values (or strings) there were (which may in some embodiments be the string enumeration value), the center column shows the string value and the right column shows the number of users that selected that string value. In some embodiments, the tables902-906may include a separate string enumeration column which may be a unique value or code assigned to each string value. For example, for team name, there may be a table or map that provide or assigns a unique code for each sports team, e.g., Bears=32; Wolves=10; Hawks=55; Lions=20; Tigers=130; and the like, for all sports teams in all sports. In that case, the value column may be replaced by the team code, or both columns may exist.

For the Team Name table902, there were a total of 105 different string values (team names) selected by all the users, which is less than the High Cardinality (HC) Threshold of e.g., 500 values; thus, this string is not mapped as high cardinality (not HC), and can be mapped as a standard String Enumeration value. Similarly, for the Browser table904, there were a total of 10 different string values (browser names), which is less than the High Cardinality (HC) Threshold of, e.g., 500 values; thus, this string is not mapped as high cardinality (not HC), and can be mapped as a standard String Enumeration value. However, for the Video Title table906, there were a total of 2,000 different string values (video titles), which is greater than the High Cardinality (HC) Threshold of e.g., 500 values; thus, this string is mapped as High Cardinality String (HC String), and can be mapped using a known “hashing” algorithm or tool, such as Murmur32 (for 32 bit), which provides a unique integer value for each title (also referred to herein as StringHash mapping).

Referring toFIG. 9B, the data type counter table950shows an example of the type counter that is used to tally how many of each data type (non-Boolean) occurring in analyzing the user data which may be used by the Analyzer Logic to determine the mapping strategy for the conformed data set. The far left column the table950shows the attribute name (e.g., Team Name, Browser, Device ID, Title, etc.) and the next four columns show the total tally (or total count) of how many times that attribute was identified as an Integer, Floating point number, Date, and String, respectively. These values may be used to determine the mapping strategy as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the Data Statistics Logic800may use the “Type” field provided in the Conform Mapping Schema to determine certain statistics about the data, e.g., Boolean, floating point, integer, and the like. In that case, the logic800may be simplified (e.g., by not needing to parse the data values to determine data type), and may use the information in the Type field to make this determination.

Referring toFIG. 10, a flow diagram1000illustrates one embodiment of a process or logic for implementing block716of the Analyzer Logic (FIG. 7) for determining and updating the mapping strategy for attributes, which may be implemented using the Analyzer—Mapping Strategy Logic1000. The logic1000begins at a block1002, which determines if the attribute data type is has been marked as Boolean. If so, block1004maps the attribute as Boolean (BoolDirect) having a Standard (Std) Bitmap data format and the logic proceeds to block1026where the Field and Mapping Strategy are saved in the Bitmap Mapping Schema file and the logic exits. If the result of block1002is NO, block1006determines if the Date Counter is greater than the Integer Counter and if the Date Counter is greater than 99% of the total value count for that attribute. Other threshold values for the Date Counter may be used if desired. If Yes, block1008maps the attribute as DateTime having a Bit-Sliced Index (BSI) Bitmap data format (DateBSI) and the logic proceeds to block1026where the Field and Mapping Strategy are saved in the Bitmap Mapping Schema file. BSI data format is discussed in more detail hereinafter.

If the result of block1006is NO, block1010determines if the Float Counter is greater than one (1), i.e., a single occurrence of floating point may be sufficient to set it as Float. Other threshold values for the Float Counter may be used if desired, such as 2 to 100 to allow for data entry errors or ID codes having decimal points, or X % of the values may be used (similar to that used for the integer or date counters). If Yes, block1012maps the attribute as Float having a Bit-Sliced Index (BSI) Bitmap data format (IntBSI) and the logic proceeds to block1026where the Field and Mapping Strategy are saved in the Bitmap Mapping Schema file and the logic exits. If the result of block1010is NO, block1014determines if the Integer Counter is greater than 99% of the total value count for that attribute. Other threshold values for the Integer Counter may be used if desired. If Yes, block1016maps the attribute as Integer and the logic proceeds to block1026where the Field and Mapping Strategy with the corresponding Bitmap data format (Std Bitmap or BSI) are saved in the Bitmap Mapping Schema file and the logic exits.

If the result of block1014is NO, the attribute is being handled as a “String” and block1018determines if it is a High Cardinality String. If Yes, block1020maps the attribute as Hashed String having a Bit-Sliced Index (BSI) Bitmap data format (StringHashBSI) and the logic proceeds to block1026where the Field and Mapping Strategy with the corresponding Bitmap data format (Std Bitmap or BSI) are saved in the Bitmap Mapping Schema file and the logic exits. If the result of block1018is NO, the attribute is not a High Cardinality String and, thus, can be handled as an enumerated string and block1022maps the attribute as an Enumerated String having a Standard (Std) Bitmap data format (StringEnum). Next, block1024obtains the enumerated string (from a predetermined string/code mapping table, not shown) and saves the Enumerated String Value in the Bitmap Mapping Schema file. Next block1026saves the Field and Mapping Strategy for the StringEnum with the corresponding Bitmap data format (Std Bitmap or BSI) in the Bitmap Mapping Schema file and the logic exits.

Accordingly, as shown above, in some embodiments, the Analyzer Logic chooses a mapping strategy for a given Field and also determines if the Field will be mapped as a Std Bitmap or BSI data format. For convention, the present disclosure appends a “BSI” to the strategy label (seeFIG. 11) to indicate it is being mapped as a BSI format, such as StringHashBSI, IntBSI, DateBSI, SysMilliBSI and the like. In particular, dates and timestamps are mapped as BSI to allow for range searches to be performed on the data, such as the mapping strategy for “millisecond granularity” timestamps as BSI or SysMilliBSI. Strings that are enumerated (each string associated with a unique value), are mapped as Standard (or Std) Bitmap, e.g., StringEnum. Integers may be mapped as either Std Bitmap (IntDirect) or BSI (IntBSI). InFIG. 11column1108, the Fields Age and registered_DMA_id are mapped as Std Bitmap (IntDirect) (also shown inFIG. 12for Age, rows1246,1248,1250), whereas the Fields: Device_ID, St_Tm_Fav_TeamID, St_Tm_Fav_SportID, ContAct-Video_Duration are mapped as BSI (IntBSI). However, in some embodiments, age may be mapped as a BSI. Also, story title (ContAct-Story_Title), and video title (ContAct-Video_Title) may be hashed to strings and stored as integers or codes with discrete values (StringEnum) or stored as BSI (StringHashBSI) instead. If integers are mapped both ways in the user data set (for different fields), the Analyzer Logic, e.g., at the Block1016in the process1000(FIG. 10), may set the appropriate integer mapping, e.g., IntDirect or IntBSI, based on the Field.

Referring toFIG. 11, a sample of the Bitmap Mapping Schema210is shown, which shows in columns from left to right as: Source Attribute Name1102, Source Type1104, Field Name1106, Mapping Strategy1108, Fraction Length1110(max. #of places to right of decimal point), Min. Value1112, Max. Value1114, Max. Character Length1116, Values1118(associated with Rows in the Field), RowIDs1120(which Rows are used in the Field). The number of rows used for a given Field in the bitmap will depend on the mapping strategy and associated metadata (as discussed herein).

There are two “Source” columns1102,1104provided from the Conformed User Data Set206(FIG. 5). The Source Attributes column1102is derived from the Parent and Child Attribute columns502,504in the Conformed Data Set206, which are combined or collapsed into the Source Attribute column1102, and the Source Type1104, which is provided (if available) in the Conformed User Data Set206. The remaining columns1106-1120in the Bitmap Mapping Schema210are populated by the Analyzer Logic208after it analyzes the Conformed User Data Set for each of the users (or UserIDs) and characterizes the data for loading (or writing) into bitmap format, and may be referred to herein generally as “statistics” or “metadata”, which describes the data stored in the Conformed User Data Set206.

The data in the Bitmap Mapping Schema210may be used by the Loader Logic212to call the Bitmap Loading Tool214to load the user data set into the Bitmap Index220. For example, the Field Name1106, and the Row ID (which row in the field) and Column ID (which UserID) may be used to tell the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214what locations in the Bitmap Index file220to populate with 0's and 1's to create the bitmap representation of the Conformed User Data Set206. Also, certain of the columns1108-1120to the right of the Field Name may be referred to herein as “Metadata” or “Detailed Metadata”, which may be used by the Loader Logic212to create the call format needed by the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214to load the Bitmap Index file220.

For example, the “UserID” Field (or Attribute), from the Field column1106has a StringHashBSI mapping strategy1108, the values for the Field having a Max. Value of “4,294,967,295”, with a Max. Character length of 69 characters. The RowIDs1120and Values1118for each RowID are not shown as this will be mapped as an integer from a “hashing” algorithm that assigns a unique integer value for a string that has many possible values (e.g., more than 500), and that value may be used in the call to the Bitmap Loader/Query Tool214.

As another example, the “Gender” Field (or Attribute)1106has a StringEnum mapping strategy1108, the values for the Field having a Max. Character Length1116of “1” character, with specific Values of M, F, U (male, female, and unknown) (from the Values col.1118), which will use or occupy three rows, Row1, Row2, Row3, in the “Gender” Field in the Bitmap (from the RowIDs column1120). The other rows shown inFIG. 11of the Bitmap Mapping Schema210may have similar or related functions and correspondence to the Bitmap, as described further herein.

Referring toFIG. 12, an illustration is shown of how the Loader Logic212creates the output Bitmap Index table220having values from the Conformed User Data Set210in bitmap format for each user (User1to UserN), using the Bitmap Mapping Schema210. In particular, the Loader Logic212receives (or retrieves) each Source Attribute1102and the output data structure for the bitmap (Field116, Mapping Strategy1108, and Metadata1122) for the Attribute/Child-Attribute (or Sub-Attribute) from the Bitmap Mapping Schema210, as indicated by lines1220. The Loader Logic retrieves the user data values for each source Attribute from the Conformed User Data Set206, as shown by the lines1222and uses the Bitmap Mapping Schema to create and send a command or call1260(or Application Programming Interface (API) call or command), e.g., “Set Bit” or “Set Value”, to the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214to load the bitmap220. Other API call formats may be used if desired, depending on the type of Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214used to load (or set the 1's and 0's in) the bitmap.

When finished, the Loader Logic212sends the appropriate commands to cause the Bitmap Loading/Query tool214to load the data values from the Conformed User Data Set206into the Bitmap Index table220.

For example, the “UserID1” attribute for User1value1204is read by the Loader Logic212and uses it to populate the Column ID portion of an API call (or command) to the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214, which would be the Column corresponding to UserID1in the Bitmap Index Table220.

Similarly, the “Gender” Attribute1212is read by the Loader Logic212, which uses it to create the Field, Row ID, and Value portions (as appropriate) of the API call to the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214based on the Field Name1106(FIG. 11), the other Metadata1122(FIG. 11) in the Bitmap Mapping Schema210. In this case, the “Gender” Attribute1212,1232,1242, for User1, User2, User3, respectively, are mapped as a string enumeration (StringEnum) having three values (M, F, U), each value corresponding to a row in the Bitmap (Row1, Row2, Row3), as shown by regions1206,1208,1210in the Bitmap Index File Table220(or Bitmap) for User1, User2, UserN, respectively.

In particular, for the example shown inFIG. 12, for User1(corresponding to Col.1), the actual user data value for Gender is “M”, which is shown by the region1206in the Bitmap220in Column1(for UserID1) as having a bit value of “1” in Row1corresponding to “M”, and bit values of “0” for Row2and Row3, corresponding to data values of F and U, respectively. Similarly, for User2, corresponding to UserID #1234, the actual user data value for Gender is “F”, which is shown by the region1208in the Bitmap220in Column2(for UserID2) as having a bit value of “1” in Row2corresponding to “F”, and bit values of “0” for Row1and Row3, corresponding to user data values of M and U, respectively. Lastly, for UserN, corresponding to UserID #1244, the actual user data value for Gender is “M”, which is shown by the region1208in the Bitmap220in Column2(for UserID2) as having a bit value of “1” in Row1corresponding to “M”, and a bit value of “0” for Row2and Row3, corresponding to data values of F and U, respectively. A similar technique is used for the Gender values for other Users (Column IDs) in the Bitmap. Also, a similar technique may be used for the other integer direct (StringEnum) Fields in the Bitmap.

Similarly, the “Age” Attribute1212is read by the Loader Logic212, which uses it to create the Field, Row ID, and Value portions (as appropriate) of the API call to the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214based on the Field Name1106(FIG. 11), the other Metadata1122(FIG. 11) in the Bitmap Mapping Schema210. In this case, the “Age” Attribute1213,1233,1243, for User1, User2, User3, respectively, are mapped as an integer (IntDirect) having values from Age1to AgeM, each age value corresponding to a row in the Bitmap (Row1to RowM), as shown by regions1246,1248,1250in the Bitmap Index Table220(or Bitmap Index User Data Set) for User1, User2, UserN, respectively. In addition to the specific values of age, the field may have assigned a value, e.g., Unknown (value=199), for an unknown age, used if the age data is not available or not entered for that user or the age value does not make sense, such as an age typo of, e.g., 250 years old.

In particular, for the example shown inFIG. 12, for User1, the actual user data value for Age is “22”, which is shown in the Bitmap220as having a bit value of “1” in Row2corresponding to “22”, and a bit value of “0” for Row1and Row3, corresponding to data values of 19 and 31, respectively. Similarly, for User2, the actual user data value for Age is “31”, which is shown in the Bitmap220as having a bit value of “1” in Row3corresponding to “31”, and a bit value of “0” for Row1and Row2, corresponding to data values of 19 and 22, respectively. Lastly, for UserN, the actual user data value for Age is “199”, which corresponds to the unknown code, which is shown in the Bitmap220as having a bit value of “1” in RowM corresponding to “199”, and a bit value of “0” for Row1to Row3and all other rows up to RowM, corresponding to data values other than 199. A similar technique may be used for the other integer direct (IntDirect) Fields in the Bitmap.

In some embodiments, as indicated above, the Bitmap Index Table220(or file) may store numbers (e.g., integers) as a “BSI” (or Bit-Sliced Index) bitmap data format. In that case, a set of integer values may be more efficiently stored in the bitmap using a binary code across a plurality of rows (in a given Field) instead of having a row associated with each integer value. For example, if the range of potential Ages is 1-127, this range of integers can be mapped in binary code using only 7 bits (i.e., 0000000 to 1111111), and thus 7 rows, instead of using 127 rows, thereby reducing the size of the bitmap by 120 rows. Using a BSI Bitmap approach also allows the ability to efficiently search a range of values, e.g., people between the ages of 20-25, which is useful when range queries are needed. The BSI Bitmap approach can be used with any mapping strategies that provide an integer-type value.

When using a BSI Bitmap, the API call1260from the Loading Logic212to the Bitmap loading/query tool214would be a “Set Value” call, including: Field (e.g., “Age”), Column ID (for UserID, e.g., UserID=1234), and Value (for age value of the user, e.g., 33 yrs old). Thus, in that case, the API call would be: Set Value (Age, 1234, 33). The Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214selects the appropriate number of Bitmap rows (or bits) for the Field to accommodate the size range for that Field in the Bitmap Index Table220. In some embodiments, the API call may include an indication that BSI is the desired Bitmap storage format to be used for this Field or data value.

Referring toFIG. 13, a flow diagram1300illustrates one embodiment of a process or logic for implementing the Loader Logic212(FIGS. 2 and 12), of block260(FIG. 2A) of the Bitmap Creation Logic75(FIGS. 1 and 2), which loads the latest update of the Conformed User Data Set206(having the most recent user data values) into the Bitmap Index User Data Set220(or Bitmap Index Table) for each UserID, using the Bitmap Mapping Schema210. The logic1300begins at a block1304, which receives the Field, Mapping Strategy and other metadata in the Bitmap Mapping Schema210. Next, block1306retrieves the type of bitmap data format from the mapping strategy, e.g., Standard (Std) Bitmap (or X,Y integer representation) or Bit-Sliced Index (BSI) bitmap for the current field. Next, block1308checks if the data format is Std Bitmap. If so, block1310sets the API call to “Set Bit (Field, Row ID, Col. ID)”, where Field is the field for where the data bit located at the Row ID (indicating data value in the Field) and Col ID (indicating the UserID) is to be set to one (1).

Next, or if the result of block1312is NO, block1320performs the API call (or sends the command) to the Bitmap Loading tool214(e.g., Pilosa) with the appropriate command format to load the value(s) of the data into the Bitmap for the current Field. In some embodiments, the block1320may include timestamp information relating to the data stored, provided it is supported by the Bitmap Loading Tool. For example, all “Standard bitmaps” may have an added third dimension of time, referred to herein as time “slice”. Thus, for the data fields not mapped as BSI, the data may be stored using the time dimension. In that case, for each daily load of user data stored by the Loader Logic in the bitmap, the block1320may also indicate which time “slice” is associated with the user data being loading it the bitmap. The granularity of the time “slice” is based on the Loading Tool, e.g., weekly, daily, hourly, minute, second, millisecond, or the like. In some embodiments, the logic updates once per day (daily), in which case, the time “slice” data would use daily granularity (if supported by the Loading Tool). In some embodiments, the Loading Tool may not support time slicing for BSI bitmap fields. In that case, for BSI bitmap fields, the last data set loaded is the most current.

As discussed herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure may use “Roaring” bitmap for the bitmap structure, although Roaring is just one possible implementation that may be used by the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214. Roaring is a software platform that enables the creation of bitmaps or bitmap index data sets. In some embodiments, Pilosa software (an open source implementation of Roaring) may be used for the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214; however, other implementations of Roaring may also be used within the present disclosure. Pilosa may be viewed as a tool to write to (or load) the bitmap data set, and its detailed operations are not critical to understanding the present disclosure. In practice, there may be software “wrappers” built around a Pilosa stack which the Loader Logic may just use with the appropriate call functions or APIs, e.g., “Set Bit”, “Set Value”, and the like. More information about Pilosa and Roaring bitmaps may be found at the websites: https://www.pilosa.com/docs and http://roaringbitmap.org, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent needed to understand the present disclosure. In some versions of Pilosa, the term “Fields” may also be referred to as “Frames”.

Next, block1322determines if all the Fields have been written. If not, block1326goes to the next Field and the logic returns to block1304to receive data associated with the next Field for the current UserID. If the result of block1322is Yes, all Fields have been written for this UserID, and block1324determines if all UserIDs have been written. If not, block1328goes to the next UserID and the logic returns to block1304to receive data associated with the next UserID (for all the Fields). If the result of block1324is Yes, all UserIDs have been written for all of their respective Fields, the loading of the Bitmap Index User Data Set220is complete, and the logic1300exits.

Referring toFIGS. 14A and 14B, example of at least a portion of a resulting Bitmap Index Table220is shown as may be created by the system and method of the present disclosure. In particular, inFIG. 14A, Fields such as Gender, Age, Browser, Plays_Fantasy, Location_State, Location_City, Other Location Fields/Attributes, St_Tm_Fav_Name, and St_Tm_Fav_Sport are shown, together with the Mapped Format for each Field (from the Mapping Strategy in the Bitmap Mapping Schema210). Also, inFIG. 14B, Fields such as ContAct-Source, ContAct-Video_Title, CotAct-Device, Other ContAct Fields/Attributes AdsAct-Source, AdAct-AdvName, AdsActs-Device, and Other AdsActs Fields/Attributes are shown, together with the Mapped Format for each Field (from the Mapping Strategy in the Bitmap Mapping Schema210). Where the first two fields inFIG. 14A(Gender and Age) are the same as that shown inFIG. 12, and some of the other Fields shown inFIGS. 14A and 14Bare a selection of those shown inFIG. 11(Bitmap Mapping Schema). Also,FIGS. 14A and 14Bshows sample data bits set to 1 and 0 for several users (User1ID, User2ID, User3ID . . . UserNID).

Referring toFIGS. 15, 16 and 17, a flow diagram1500(FIG. 15) illustrates one embodiment of a process or logic for implementing the Query UI App Logic (FIGS. 1 and 2), which may reside on the Client Device or Computer84(FIG. 1) and which, when launched (e.g., by the Client88), receives inputs from the Client88, the Bitmap Mapping Schema210, the Bitmap Index User Data Set220and displays (or sends or provides) a Bitmap Query User Interface (UI) including search fields (or components or attributes), search conditions and tools, and provides Bitmap query results. The Logic begins at block1502, which displays a main user interface (UI) landing page1600(FIG. 16).

Referring toFIG. 16, the landing page1600screen illustration includes a Custom Audience Management Platform overview screen, which shows a listing1602of queries (or searches or segments) that have been previously searched and saved in the Query UI App86or on the Device84(or other device or server). For each segment/query in the list1602, the screen illustration (or screen shot)1600shows when the query was created1604, query name1606, query “reach”1608(i.e., size of audience), schedule for re-running query1610, and when the query schedule (if any) expires1612. In addition, the screen shot1600provides a series of selectable actions (or tools) icons1614associated with (or to perform an action on) each segment or query in the list1602. In particular, from left to right, the icons1614include edit segment1614A, copy (segment definitions)1614B, set-up schedule for query to run1614C, run query now1614D, delete query1614E, history when query was last run1614E. Also, there is a selectable “Create Audience” button1620, which allows the client to create a new query or segment (or an audience query).

Referring toFIG. 15, next, block1504determines if a segment item on the listing1602has been clicked on (or selected). If so, block1508displays the details of the query segment item selected on a separate pop-up screen (not shown). If the result of block1504is NO, block1506determines if one of the action icons1614has been selected. If so, block1507displays a UI screen for the requested action and allows the Client to perform the indicated action. If the result of block1506is NO, block1510determines if the “Create Audience” button1620has been selected. If not, the logic exits. If the result of block1510is YES, block1512displays an Audience Creation screen (FIG. 17) having selectable attributes and fields as determined by the Bitmap data and the Bitmap Mapping Schema.

Referring toFIG. 17, the landing page1700screen illustration for Create Audience1702is shown, which shows the creation of a query1720(“Female fans of Golden State Warriors over 25 yrs old”), having an Audience Description1704of: Age>25 and Gender=Female and Team NBA: Stated=Golden State Warriors. The three search components (or attributes or fields)1704A,1704B,1704C, of the query1704are also shown on the screen1700as well as the search conditions (“and”)1706,1708between each search component. The screen also provides action icons to edit1730and to delete1732for each of the search components, and a “+” icons1734to add further filters to each of the search components or a “+” icon1736to add additional search components. The resulting query can also be saved for future reference and added onto the master list1602(FIG. 16) by selecting the “Save” button1740in the lower right of the screen. The saved queries may be retrieved later to add new search components or conditions, or modify or delete existing components or conditions.

In the example ofFIG. 17, the Audience Reach1710for the query is 184,857 people, and the Audience Reach Breakdown1712is shown for each of the search components, as follows: for Age>25, audience reach1714is 44,017,091; for Gender=Female, the audience reach1716is 6,178,943; and for Team NBA: State=Golden State Warriors, the audience reach1718is 6,324,536.

Referring again toFIG. 15, after block1512displays the Create Audience screen1700, block1514receives the Audience Creation attributes/fields and conditions from the Client (as shown inFIG. 17). Next, block1516performs the Bitmap query with the selected fields and conditions. Next, the logic at block1518displays the results of the query including: Audience Description1704, Audience Reach1710, and Audience Breakdown1712.

Next, a block1520determines if an “Edit Schema” Selection has been received. If so, block1522displays a landing page on a separate pop-up screen (not shown) which allows the Client to edit/remove/add attributes/fields or associated values of the selected the Conform Mapping Schema and the Bitmap Mapping Schema, and to save the results, and then the logic exits.

Accordingly, the UI provides conditions to present to the Client88for creating the query attributes/fields and conditions and possible values. The Bitmap Mapping Schema210(or Config. File) together with the Bitmap Loading/Query Tool214(e.g., Pilosa) may be used both to load the data into the Bitmap and to create the user interface (UI). In some embodiments, the UI or App86may be implemented as a wizard-type interface if desired.

In some embodiments, the data sources may have a direct (or indirect) link to the bitmap creation logic. Also, in some embodiments, all the data sources may be normalized or conformed to the conform mapping schema before being fed to the bitmap server logic. Further, the conform schema may be used as the source for the bitmap creation logic.

The present disclosure includes systems for improving the speed of obtaining query results from a massive, disparate data set by converting data to bitmap as recited herein, querying the bitmap dataset, returning a result, wherein massive means larger than 1 million (or 10 million or 100 million) number of records (or users or items) each user or item having a plurality of attributes (e.g., 2, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000, 100,000 attributes) and disparate means from at least 3 (e.g., 3, 5, 10, 100, 1,000) different sources in at least 3 (e.g., 3, 5, 10, 100, 1,000) different data formats or types.

The system, computers, servers, devices and the like described herein have the necessary electronics, computer processing power, interfaces, memory, hardware, software, firmware, logic/state machines, databases, microprocessors, communication links, displays or other visual or audio user interfaces, printing devices, and any other input/output interfaces, to provide the functions or achieve the results described herein. Except as otherwise explicitly or implicitly indicated herein, process or method steps described herein may be implemented within software modules (or computer programs) executed on one or more general purpose computers. Specially designed hardware may alternatively be used to perform certain operations. Accordingly, any of the methods described herein may be performed by hardware, software, or any combination of these approaches. In addition, a computer-readable storage medium may store thereon instructions that when executed by a machine (such as a computer) result in performance according to any of the embodiments described herein.

In addition, computers or computer-based devices described herein may include any number of computing devices capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to: tablets, laptop computers, desktop computers, smartphones, smart TVs, set-top boxes, e-readers/players, and the like.

Although the disclosure has been described herein using exemplary techniques, algorithms, or processes for implementing the present disclosure, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other techniques, algorithms and processes or other combinations and sequences of the techniques, algorithms and processes described herein may be used or performed that achieve the same function(s) and result(s) described herein and which are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Any process descriptions, steps, or blocks in process or logic flow diagrams provided herein indicate one potential implementation, do not imply a fixed order, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the preferred embodiments of the systems and methods described herein in which functions or steps may be deleted or performed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

It should be understood that, unless otherwise explicitly or implicitly indicated herein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodiment described herein. Also, the drawings herein are not drawn to scale, unless indicated otherwise.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, but do not require, certain features, elements, or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.