Patent Publication Number: US-2011055011-A1

Title: System and method for supporting a consumer aggregation procedure in an electronic network

Description:
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 supporting a consumer aggregation procedure in an electronic network. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Implementing effective methods for distributing electronic information is a significant consideration for designers and manufacturers of contemporary electronic systems. However, effectively distributing electronic information utilized by electronic devices may create substantial challenges for system designers. For example, enhanced demands for increased system functionality and performance may require more system processing power and require additional software resources. An increase in processing or software requirements may also result in a corresponding detrimental economic impact due to increased production costs and operational inefficiencies. 
     Furthermore, enhanced system capability to perform various advanced distribution operations may provide additional benefits to a system user, but may also place increased demands on the control and management of various system components. For example, an electronic system that effectively manages electronic advertising information may benefit from an effective implementation because of the large amount and complexity of the digital data involved. 
     Due to growing demands on system resources and substantially increasing data magnitudes, it is apparent that developing new techniques for distributing electronic information to electronic devices is a matter of concern for related electronic technologies. Therefore, for all the foregoing reasons, developing effective techniques for distributing electronic information remains a significant consideration for designers, manufacturers, and users of contemporary electronic systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for supporting a consumer aggregation procedure in an electronic network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a distribution system automatically provides various types of appropriate information for utilization by device users of corresponding user devices. For example, the distributed information may include, but is not limited to, commercial advertising information that is targeted towards specific device users. Unlike traditional advertising techniques that support a “pull” model that requires consumers to actively access desired advertising information, the foregoing distribution system supports a “push” model that automatically selects and transmits appropriate advertising information to targeted device users based upon corresponding metadata files that define both the device users and the various advertisers. 
     In one embodiment, the distribution system may support and utilize one or more transport structures that automatically transport various types of relevant information to and from appropriate entities in the distribution system. For example, the transport structures may be utilized to gather and transfer metadata regarding the various device users, the user devices, the electronic network, 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, the information service may advantageously provide a bid server that supports a consumer aggregation procedure during which certain device users and their corresponding user devices are aggregated into one or more consumer groups. Advertisers or other appropriate entities may then bid or otherwise make offers to acquire advertising access rights to the consumer groups to more accurately and effectively target relevant advertising and other information. 
     In certain embodiments, a group aggregator may analyze information from a metadata database or other data source(s) to identify one or more consumer groups. In certain embodiments, the group aggregator may continually analyze various types of metadata to recognize group patterns for device users and their corresponding user devices. The group aggregator may keep a running tally of various predefined grouping factors to create corresponding consumer groups. In certain embodiments, consumer groups may be populated by calculating weighted sums of the grouping factors for the various device users. The grouping factors may include, but are not limited to, user metadata, device metadata, user preferences, user behavior patterns, geographic location information, Internet browsing patterns, and user purchasing behavior. 
     The group aggregator may also identify appropriate target advertisers or advertisements by using any effective techniques. For example, the group aggregator may analyze various predefined targeting factors to identify target advertisers. The targeting factors may include, but are not limited to, advertising goals, product characteristics, product pricing information, and advertisement characteristics. The group aggregator may then compare the characteristics of the consumer groups to the target advertisers/advertisements, and offer the appropriate target advertisers an opportunity to make bids for sending advertisements to the respective consumer groups. 
     In certain embodiments, a bid manager may coordinate a bidding procedure during which advertisers or other appropriate entities may bid or otherwise make offers to acquire access to one or more consumer groups. The bid manager may analyze bid information in light of specific predefined bidding rules to determine one or more bidding winners. The bidding winners may then be notified and allowed to provide advertising information for transmission to the consumer group(s) through the information service. The various device users may then individually decide whether to participate in the bulk purchase opportunity that is being offered to the consumer group(s). 
     The present invention may thus advantageously create targeted pools of consumers that have asked to see product ads regarding goods or services for which the consumers are seeking information and/or purchase opportunities. The present invention aggregates these consumers, and provides ad placement and interactive dialogue connections to the advertisers through the use of appropriate metadata. The advertisers then bid on the right to deliver their ad-sets to the consumer groups based on the collection, analysis, and aggregation of the collected metadata. For at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore provides an improved system and method for supporting a consumer aggregation procedure in an electronic network. 
    
    
     
       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 consumer group, 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; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram for one embodiment of the ad server from  FIG. 5 , in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a block diagram for one embodiment of the bid server from  FIG. 5 , in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8B  is a block diagram for one embodiment of the bid server memory from  FIG. 8A , in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to an improvement in electronic data distribution techniques. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
     The present invention comprises a system and method for 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. One or more transport structures are implemented to collect appropriate metadata from various entities in the information distribution network. A group aggregator analyzes predefined grouping factors from the collected metadata to create at least one consumer group from among the devices users. Various advertisers may then communicate with a bid manager to participate in a bidding procedure for obtaining advertising rights to provide selected information to the consumer group. 
     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 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. 
     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 accordance with the present invention, distribution system  110  may advantageously support and utilize one or more transport structures (see  FIG. 2A ) that automatically transport various types of relevant information to and from appropriate entities in distribution system  110 . For example, the transport structures may be utilized to gather and transfer metadata regarding the various device users, the user devices  122 , the network  126 , and respective advertisers from information service  118 . In addition, the transport structures may also be utilized to transport or provide links to targeted advertisements and/or electronic content for appropriate user devices  122 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, information service  118  may advantageously provide a bid server (see  FIGS. 8A-8B ) that supports a consumer aggregation procedure during which certain device users and their corresponding user devices  122  are aggregated into targeted consumer groups. Advertisers or other appropriate entities may then bid or otherwise make offers to acquire advertising rights for the consumer groups to more accurately and effectively target relevant advertising and other information. The present invention thus proves an improved system and method for supporting a consumer aggregation procedure in an electronic network. Further details regarding the implementation and utilization of transport structures in the  FIG. 1A  distribution system  110  are discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A-8B . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1B , a block diagram of a consumer group  150  is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the  FIG. 1B  embodiment, consumer group  150  may include, but is not limited to, individual device users represented by respective user devices  122 ( 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 . In the  FIG. 1B  embodiments the various user devices  122  may each perform bi-directional communications with any or all of the other user devices  122  in consumer group  150  by using any effective communication techniques. 
     The  FIG. 1B  consumer group  150  is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, consumer group  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 consumer group  150 . In the  FIG. 1B  embodiment, consumer group  150  may be defined or created by utilizing any effective techniques. 
     The present invention may thus create targeted pools of consumers that have asked to see product ads regarding goods or services for which the consumers are seeking information and/or purchase opportunities. The present invention aggregates these consumers, and provides ad placement and interactive dialogue connections to the advertisers through the use of appropriate metadata. The advertisers bid on delivering their ad-sets to the consumer groups based on the collection, analysis, and aggregation of the collected metadata. This could include paying the aggregator greater access fees or provide the consumer with better economic or value terms, or a combination of both. 
     One example is mortgage lenders. The aggregator pools metadata concerning real estate agents, buyers, and sellers to help expedite the sale for mortgage lenders who will bid for ad space that the aggregator holds for buyers looking for mortgages. The information provided by the aggregator might include, but is not limited to, consumer profiles and behavior trends that grade the level of interest in securing a mortgage, geographic information, credit information, and desired real estate values. The packaged real estate advertisement is sent to the consumer in a portfolio that is offered by the mortgage lender based upon the aggregated consumer metadata and the potential agents and/or sellers. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the device users thus have a type of consumer union opportunity to create buying blocks to leverage bulk purchases. This can occur by information service  118  ( FIG. 1 ) or other appropriate entity noticing advertiser services or goods delivery patterns that could be creating a buying block opportunity for the user/purchasers, or conversely, the advertiser can offer a bulk purchase opportunity to the information service  118  to try and form a buyers group by searching the metadata for interested subscribers. The information service  118  in both cases is a centralized aggregator to form these types of leveraged user purchases or advertiser offered bulk sales opportunities. 
     In summary, the present invention supports the ability of information service  118  to form buyer purchasing blocks (consumer groups  150 ), either through the monitoring of user requests or in forming the pooled group of buyers at the request of an advertiser. Further details regarding the implementation and utilization of consumer groups  150  in the  FIG. 1A  distribution system  110  are discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A-8B . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , a block diagram for one embodiment of a transport structure  210  is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The  FIG. 2A  embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, transport structures  210  may be implemented by utilizing components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the  FIG. 2A  embodiment. 
     In the  FIG. 2A  embodiment, 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  (see  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  (see  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 advertisements or 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, consumer group metadata  238  may include any appropriate types of information regarding the identification, population, or utilization of one or more consumer groups  150  ( FIG. 1B ) in distribution system  110 . In the  FIG. 2A  embodiment, miscellaneous information  242  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 . 
     Feedback metadata  248  in the transport structures  210  may be updated to reflect any relevant information from the user devices  122  of the targeted device users for transmission back to information service  118  or other appropriate entities. In the  FIG. 2A  embodiment, information stored in transport structures  210  may include any appropriate type of software instructions for providing intelligent functionality and control for transport structure  210 . In certain embodiments, these software instructions may interact with, or be executed by, an external entity such as a processor of a user device  122  or other appropriate electronic device. 
     Various entities in distribution system  110  may utilize the information in transport structure  210  in any appropriate manner. For example, a consumer aggregation procedure may be performed by matching compatible elements of user metadata  222 , device metadata  226 , and advertiser metadata  234  to thereby identify one or more consumer groups  150  for providing appropriate types of relevant advertising information for automatic transmission to targeted device users in the consumer groups  150 . 
     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-8B . 
     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  in a consumer group  150  ( FIG. 1B ). Similarly, content items  258  may include any appropriate type of electronic content information that has been selected for transmission to appropriate ones of the user devices  122  in a consumer group  150 . 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 consumer groups  150  is further discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 3-8B . 
     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 . In particular, CPU  314  may execute software instructions that are stored in device memory  318  of  FIG. 4  to collect, exchange, and utilize various types of relevant metadata between user device  122 , third party devices, and various appropriate entities from information service  118  ( FIG. 1A ). In addition, CPU  314  may communicate with one or more transport structures  210 . 
     In one example, a device user may be utilizing a user device  122  (such as a cellular telephone) at a commercial sales location, such as a grocery store or a gasoline station. The cellular telephone may automatically collect and exchange various types of relevant information and metadata with one or more other third party devices (such as a merchant&#39;s smart electronic cash-register device) by utilizing any effective techniques, including by exchanging transport structures  210  back and forth using appropriate handshaking techniques. 
     The cellular telephone may then transmit the metadata to an information service  118  ( FIG. 1A ) by utilizing any effective transmission techniques. For example, the metadata may be transmitted to the information service  118  either directly, or attached to a transport structure  210 . In certain embodiments, the cellular telephone may transfer the metadata/transport structure  210  to a network portal device (such as a computer) that then transmits the metadata/transport structure  210  to the information service  118 . In accordance with the present invention, the information service  118  may analyze the received metadata to more accurately provide targeted advertisements to appropriate device users. 
     The  FIG. 3  display  338  may include any effective type of display technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an appropriate screen for displaying various information to a device user. In the  FIG. 3  embodiment, I/O interface(s)  340  may include one or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information by user device  122 . In the  FIG. 3  embodiment, memory  318  may be implemented to include any combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks, compact disks, or hard disks. Additional details for the utilization of user device  122  are further discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 4-8B . 
     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&#39;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, a device location, 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 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, a user device  122  may utilize communication module  450  to perform bi-directional electronic communication procedures with any appropriate remote entity. Communication module  450  may utilize any effective communication techniques. For example, in certain embodiments, communication module  450  may perform short-distance communications in a merchandise store or other sales environment by utilizing short-range wireless techniques that are similar to known or enhanced Bluetooth® technologies. In other embodiments, communication module  450  may perform long-distance communications in a home or office environment by utilizing long-range wireless techniques that are similar to known or enhanced WiFi technologies. 
     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. 5-8B . 
     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 , one or more content sources  542 , and a bid server  546 . The  FIG. 5  embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, information service  118  may be implemented using components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the  FIG. 5  embodiment. 
     In the  FIG. 5  embodiment, controller  514  may be implemented to include any effective control means for coordinating and monitoring operating functionalities of information service  118 . For example, in certain embodiments, controller  514  may be implemented as a computer device with a corresponding control application program that manages the operation of information service  118 . Alternately, controller  514  may be implemented as a central processing unit that includes any appropriate and compatible microprocessor device for executing software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of information service  118 . 
     In the  FIG. 5  embodiment, transport server  518  may include any effective means for communicating with and controlling one or more transport structures  210  ( FIG. 2 ), in accordance with the present invention. Additional details regarding the implementation and utilization of transport server  518  are further discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 6A-6B . 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 . 
     In the  FIG. 5  embodiment, bid server  546  may include any effective means for supporting a consumer aggregation procedure that creates one or more consumer groups  150  ( FIG. 1B ), and then allows advertisers or other appropriate entities to bid or otherwise make offers to acquire advertising rights for said consumer groups  150 . One embodiment of bid server  546  is further discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 8A-8B . Additional details for the implementation and utilization of information service  118  are further discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 6A-8B . 
     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 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 transport 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 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 ). 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 bi-directional 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 . Feedback metadata  248  may include any relevant information received from device users of respective user devices  122 . 
     In the  FIG. 6B  embodiment, a metadata manager  664  or other appropriate entity may perform a metadata analysis/aggregation procedure upon metadata from transport structures  210  by utilizing any effective techniques. In certain embodiments, the metadata analysis/aggregation procedure identifies various types and categories of aggregated metadata  668  for use in creating consumer groups  150  ( FIG. 1B ). In certain embodiments, metadata manager  664  may analyze the metadata gathered from user devices  122  and corresponding device users in light of certain predefined criteria to identify specific targeting characteristics and parameters in aggregated metadata  668 . For example, targeting characteristics may include, but are not limited to, selected characteristics from user metadata  222 , device metadata  226 , network metadata  230 , and advertiser metadata  234  (see  FIG. 2A ). In the  FIG. 6B  embodiment, miscellaneous information  672  may include any desired type of information or data for utilization by transport server  518 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a block diagram for one embodiment of the ad server  538  of  FIG. 5  is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, ad server  538  includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU)  714 , a memory  718 , a display  738 , and one or more input/output interface(s) (I/O interface(s))  740 . The  FIG. 7  embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, ad server  538  may be implemented using components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the  FIG. 7  embodiment. 
     In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, CPU  714  may be implemented to include any appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of ad server  538 . The  FIG. 7  display  738  may include any effective type of display technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an appropriate screen for displaying various information to a device user. In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, I/O interface(s)  740  may include one or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information by ad server  538 . 
     In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, memory  718  may be implemented to include any combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks, compact disks, or hard disks. In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, memory  718  includes, but is not limited to, a server application  722 , a docking port  726 , ads  730 , and content  734 . 
     In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, server application  722  may include program instructions that are preferably executed by CPU  714  to perform various functions and operations for ad server  538 . The particular nature and functionality of server application  722  typically varies depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of the corresponding ad server  538 . In certain embodiments, server application  722  may analyze metadata from transport structures  210  ( FIG. 2A ) to match appropriate media files  250  ( FIG. 2B ) with targeted consumer groups  150  comprised of device users of user devices  122  ( FIG. 1B ). 
     In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, docking port  726  may include any effective interface means for ad server  538  to bi-directionally communicate with one or more transport structures  210  ( FIG. 2 ) to transfer ads  730  and/or content  734 . In the  FIG. 7  embodiment, ads  730  include advertising information that is provided to ad server  538  from any appropriate entities, such as ad sources  540  ( FIG. 5 ). Similarly, in the  FIG. 7  embodiment, content  734  includes electronic content that is provided to ad server  538  from any appropriate entities, such as content sources  542  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In certain embodiments, ad server  538  or other appropriate entity may utilize a media match formula for evaluating and quantifying the potential effectiveness of advertising from a given advertiser to a given device user or consumer group  150 . In the media match formula, an advertiser validation values may be calculated with certain match variables that include, one or more behavioral sculpting variables, one or more advertising medium variables, one or more product profile variables, and one or more advertiser connect variables. 
     Advertiser Validation is a number that is the result of utilizing the above relationship variables in the media match formula. The relationship between the user&#39;s perceptions about a product value using the user&#39;s profile beacons, the Behavioral Sculpture, divided by the product touch points defined in the Product Profile, then equals the user/product fit. The user product fit is then multiplied by taking the strength and reach of the advertiser&#39;s established use of media platforms and dividing that by the frequency and style of messaging that the advertiser has driven into the Advertiser Medium for the product, which then equals the advertiser foundation number. The multiplication of the user product fit with the advertiser foundation then equals the Advertiser Validation number, which represents a pricing constant that can be used in rate carding the users, the advertisers, and the product. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE I 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Advertising Validation (Good Will): 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Sales increases tied to messaging. 
               
               
                 Volume trends when cutting back on messaging. 
               
               
                 Consumer Choice between similar products as a percentage of industry 
               
               
                 sales (rating versus share). 
               
               
                 Advertising effect on consumer product recall. 
               
               
                 Advertising driving generic buys based upon cost versus brand-the 
               
               
                 spill over effect. 
               
               
                 The amount of complaints versus buyers acceptance, or the number of 
               
               
                 returns and/or warranty claims. 
               
               
                 Consumer interest in collateral advertiser products, brand lift. 
               
               
                 Survey of consumers. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In certain embodiments, the media match formula may be mathematically expressed in a concise manner by the following equation: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   Behavioral 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   Sculpture 
                 
                 
                   Product 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   Profile 
                 
               
               × 
               
                 
                   Advertising 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   Medium 
                 
                 
                   Advertiser 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   Connect 
                 
               
             
             = 
             
               Advertiser 
                
               
                   
               
                
               Validation 
             
           
         
       
     
     In certain embodiments, Behavioral Sculpture is the sifting of an individual&#39;s behavioral beacons through a grate of questions that is designed to identify key characteristics that can be associated with life style choices and consumer values (beacons). These questions will dynamically change based upon the respondents sequence of answers which will then constantly refine the subsequent questions to continually narrow the focus of respondents answers for each beacon. The result will be a clear identification of the desired consumption perspectives and values held by the respondent. 
     In certain embodiments, Product Profile identifies the product touch points that relate to the Behavioral Sculpture beacons (product touch points). It identifies how socially significant the identified product is. It calls out the utility and public or private usage perspective of the product. It defines the product in terms of the generally held public values related to each product. The Product Profile is set and maintained by the Network Operator to provide a constant product touch point value. 
     In certain embodiments, Advertising Medium outlines the type of advertising media that has populated the product message to the consumer. It identifies by advertising medium categories of messaging and the reach values that are already established with the product and the consumer. In certain embodiments, Advertising Connect defines the prior messaging experience between the advertiser and the consumer. It identifies frequency of messaging, style of messaging, and the existing strategy for communicating the message to the consumer. 
     With further regard to Behavioral Sculpting, the purpose is to push out advertising messages for viewing only to recipients where the advertising is relevant and of interest, and at the same time, reduce the advertising traffic that is irrelevant to other recipients. This requires intuitive distribution mapping based upon behavioral beacons from the recipient (“Behavioral Sculpting”). The recipient/device user provides the initial profile to a sponsor agency that is willing to take the time to work with the consumer (the “Client”). A better lifestyle opportunity, extended warranties and/or product discounts may also provide the consideration. These profiles are updated and refreshed based upon transactional access to the Client&#39;s behavior (constantly updating consumer meta data diaries) every quarter. 
     The Behavioral Sculptures may be layered to include not only the client but, when appropriate, the nuclear family members affected by the messaging opportunity (“Family Lacing”). Along with the Agency/Client dialogue, the Behavioral Sculptures also will track credit card purchases, movie ticket purchases, entertainment program choices, viewed publications, and website searches/surfing habits. The level of lifestyle audit will be up to the Client based on upon value received. 
     While this may sound like an invasion of privacy, these tracking activities already take place, but without the consumer&#39;s overview or advise. Consumers don&#39;t have the ability to edit the results. Here, not only will there be Client review, but also the right to approve the resulting profile. Today, social networks such as MySpace and Face Book, credit cards, and retail membership cards are all providing consumers&#39; prosumer profiles without any impressions from the actual profile subjects. A prosumer may be described as a consumer that is proactively searching for a specific product or service that the prosumer wants to immediately obtain. 
     Behavioral Sculpting provides the Client with a profile they approve and updates the profile based upon the actual Client&#39;s consumer activities. Furthermore, the Client owns the Behavioral Sculpture which is licensed for exclusive or non-exclusive use by the originating advertising agency or agency association for specific periods of time. The Client can also license these Behavioral Sculptures to programming service providers to continually generate updated viewing logs for the Client&#39;s DVR. 
     In actual implementations, all these variables of the media match formula have defined units within each category, and the units have numerically weighted values that are added up within each category and the applicable sum is plugged into the media match formula for the resulting overall pricing value/advertiser validation. The following Tables II-IV are examples of such variables with given numerical values (0 to 100) that will change based upon the advertiser messaging impact on the consumer as reflected by the Client&#39;s Behavioral Sculpture. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE II 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Advertising Medium: 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Commercial Spots are self contained unique messages independent of 
               
               
                   
                 the content surrounding them creating unique impressions. (50) 
               
               
                   
                 Sponsorship banners attached to third party content that enhances 
               
               
                   
                 Brand awareness and loyalty, but blends in with the content being 
               
               
                   
                 sponsored. (35) 
               
               
                   
                 Product integration creates random familiarity with the product, but 
               
               
                   
                 with no sales messaging or brand statement. (15) 
               
               
                   
                 Program sponsorship creates enhanced brand loyalty by creating a co- 
               
               
                   
                 branding relationship to the content itself. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Program Ownership creates a institutional tie-in for the advertiser to 
               
               
                   
                 both the content viewer and the product consumer. (100) 
               
               
                   
                 Institutional Advertising on stadiums and other social icons creates 
               
               
                   
                 institutional tie-ins creating society valued associations. (35) 
               
               
                   
                 Static advertising messaging on billboards, magazines, and coupons 
               
               
                   
                 reinforce more dynamic messaging in other mediums. (25) 
               
               
                   
                 Public dynamic messaging with digital signage in retail, highway, and 
               
               
                   
                 IP creates additional geographic messaging clusters. (25) 
               
               
                   
                 Generic advertising in the form of trade associations and group 
               
               
                   
                 distributor messaging. (35) 
               
               
                   
                 Personal advertising in the form of emails, bills, and mailers. (25) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE III 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Product Profiles: 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Product fit in behavioral sculpture. (50) 
               
               
                   
                 Personal use hidden from public view. (15) 
               
               
                   
                 Personal use to form social statement. (100) 
               
               
                   
                 Daily use in home, office, and/or in public. (15) 
               
               
                   
                 Usage is integrated with consumer behavior. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Usage is disruptive to the user. (15) 
               
               
                   
                 Bigger than life. (100) 
               
               
                   
                 Part of life. (50) 
               
               
                   
                 Incidental to life. (15) 
               
               
                   
                 Politically correct. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Conflicted (e.g., green versus energy waste). (15) 
               
               
                   
                 Similar generic products (15) 
               
               
                   
                 Unique or exclusive. (100) 
               
               
                   
                 New to market. (15) 
               
               
                   
                 Old standard staple. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Ethnic. (35) 
               
               
                   
                 Mainstream. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Keeper. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Disposable. (15) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE IV 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Advertiser Connect: 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Granular message. (100) 
               
               
                   
                 Massive message. (15) 
               
               
                   
                 One product message. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Multiple products. (35) 
               
               
                   
                 Same spokesperson. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Different spokesperson. (25) 
               
               
                   
                 Large number of messages over what period of time. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Large number of media windows and platforms. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 One message (100) 
               
               
                   
                 Serial of messages. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Authority message. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Friendly message. (35) 
               
               
                   
                 Feel good. (75) 
               
               
                   
                 Trust. (100) 
               
               
                   
                 Believe in. (50) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring now to  FIG. 8A , a block diagram for one embodiment of the bid server  546  of  FIG. 5  is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In the  FIG. 8A  embodiment, bid server  546  includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU)  814 , a bid server memory  818 , a display  838 , and one or more input/output interface(s) (I/O interface(s))  840 . The  FIG. 8A  embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, bid server  546  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. 8A  embodiment. 
     In the  FIG. 8A  embodiment, CPU  814  may be implemented to include any appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of bid server  546 . The  FIG. 8A  display  838  may include any effective type of display technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an appropriate screen for displaying various information to a device user. In the  FIG. 8A  embodiment, I/O interface(s)  840  may include one or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information by bid server  546 . In the  FIG. 8A  embodiment, bid server memory  818  may be implemented to include any combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks, compact disks, or hard disks. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8B , a block diagram for one embodiment of the  FIG. 8A  bid server memory  818  is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In alternate embodiments, marketplace memories  818  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. 8B  embodiment. 
     In the  FIG. 8B  embodiment, bid server memory  818  may include, but is not limited to, a number of software programs and data that are disclosed below. For example, bid server memory  818  may include a bid server application  844  of program instructions that are preferably executed by CPU  814  to perform various functions and operations for bid server  546 . The particular nature and functionality of bid server application  844  typically varies depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of the corresponding bid server  546 . In certain embodiments, the bid server  546  may utilize a communication module  856  to perform bi-directional electronic communication procedures with any appropriate remote entity. In the  FIG. 6B  embodiment, miscellaneous information  872  may include any desired type of information or data for utilization by bid server  546 . 
     In the  FIG. 8B  embodiment, a group aggregator  846  may analyze information from a metadata database  860  or other data source(s) to identify one or more consumer groups  150 , as discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 1B . Consumer groups  150  may be defined in any appropriate manner, including manual definition by one or more device users or other entities, or by performing an automatic group creation procedure with group aggregator  846 . In certain embodiments, group aggregator  846  may continually analyze various types of metadata (such as aggregated metadata  668  of  FIG. 6B ) to recognize group patterns for device users and their corresponding user devices  122 . 
     In the  FIG. 8B  embodiment, group aggregator  846  may keep a running tally of various predefined grouping factors to create corresponding consumer groups  150 . In certain embodiments, consumer groups  150  may be populated by calculated weighted sums of the grouping factors for various device users. The grouping factors may include, but are not limited to, user metadata  222 , device metadata  226 , user preferences, user behavior patterns, geographic location information, Internet browsing patterns, and user purchasing behavior. 
     The group aggregator  846  may also identify appropriate target advertisers or advertisements by using any effective techniques. For example, group aggregator  846  may analyze various predefined targeting factors to identify target advertisers. The targeting factors may include, but are not limited to, advertising goals, product characteristics, product pricing information, and advertisement characteristics. The group aggregator  846  may then compare the characteristics of the consumer groups  150  to the target advertisers and advertisements, and offer the appropriate target advertisers an opportunity to make bids for sending advertisements to the respective consumer groups  150 . 
     In the  FIG. 8B  embodiment, a bid manager  848  may coordinate a bidding procedure during which advertisers or other appropriate entities may bid or otherwise make offers to acquire access to one or more consumer groups  150 . In the  FIG. 8B  embodiment, bid manager  848  may analyze bid information  852  in light of specific predefined bidding rules  864  to determine one or more bidding winners. In certain embodiments, the advertising value of a consumer group  150  is proportional to the number of device users represented. In the  FIG. 8B  embodiment, the results of the bidding procedure may be stored as bid results  868 . 
     The bidding winners may then be notified and allowed to provide advertising information for transmission to the consumer group(s)  150  by information service  118  ( FIG. 1 ). The various device users may then individually decide whether to participate in the bulk purchase opportunity that is being offered to the consumer group(s)  150 . For at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore provides an improved system and method for supporting a consumer aggregation procedure in an electronic network. 
     The invention has been explained above with reference to certain embodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention may readily be implemented using certain configurations and techniques other than those described in the specific embodiments above. Additionally, the present invention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other than those described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon the discussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.