U.S. patent application number 13/076278 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for systems and methods for attribution of a conversion to an impression via a demand side platform.
Invention is credited to Yehuda Ari Buchalter, Roland C. Cozzolino, Leo T. Craig, Paul M. Mason, Gregory D. Williams.
Application Number | 20110246267 13/076278 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44710722 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110246267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Gregory D. ; et
al. |
October 6, 2011 |
Systems and Methods for Attribution of a Conversion to an
Impression Via a Demand Side Platform
Abstract
The present invention is directed towards methods and systems
for attribution of a conversion to an impression via a demand side
service executing on one or more servers. The demand side service
may match conversion events that occurred within a period of time
of advertisements to impressions corresponding to the
advertisements. The demand side service may identify a plurality of
event records for the conversion events matched to the impressions.
The demand side service may match an event of an event record from
the plurality of event records corresponding to an advertiser and a
user, to a plurality of impressions matched by the demand side
service for the advertiser and the user. The demand side service
may select an impression from the plurality of impressions with a
time stamp less than a time stamp of a conversion event of the
event record. The demand side service may further store an
attribution of the selected impression with the conversion event of
the event record.
Inventors: |
Williams; Gregory D.; (New
York, NY) ; Mason; Paul M.; (Brooklyn, NY) ;
Buchalter; Yehuda Ari; (Forest Hill, NY) ; Craig; Leo
T.; (Herndon, VA) ; Cozzolino; Roland C.;
(East Williston, NY) |
Family ID: |
44710722 |
Appl. No.: |
13/076278 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61319547 |
Mar 31, 2010 |
|
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|
61319561 |
Mar 31, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/08 20130101;
G06Q 30/0241 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0255 20130101;
G06Q 30/0275 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.4 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A method for attribution of a conversion to an impression via a
demand side service, the method comprising: (a) identifying, by a
demand side service executing on one or more servers, a plurality
of event records for conversion events that occurred within a
period of time of advertisements matched to impressions by the
demand side service; (b) matching, by the demand side service, an
event of an event record from the plurality of event records
corresponding to an advertiser and a user, to a plurality of
impressions matched by the demand side service for the advertiser
and the user; (c) selecting, by the demand side service, an
impression from the plurality of impressions with a time stamp less
than a time stamp of a conversion event of the event record; and
(d) storing, by the demand side service, an attribution of the
selected impression with the conversion event of the event
record.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) further comprises
identifying, by the demand side service, event records
corresponding to a user click within the period of time.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) further comprises
identifying, by the demand side service, event records
corresponding to a user view within the period of time.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) further comprises
identifying, by the demand side service, the plurality of event
records for conversion events that occurred within a predetermined
number of days.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises
matching, by the demand side service, the event of a post view
conversion to the plurality of impressions.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises
matching, by the demand side service, the event of a post click
conversion to the plurality of impressions.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises
matching, by the demand side service, the event records having an
advertiser identifier and a user identifier matching the advertiser
identifier and the user identifier of records for the plurality of
impressions.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) further comprises
selecting, by the demand side service, the impression from the
plurality of impressions with the time stamp closest to the time
stamp of the event record.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein step (d) further comprises
calculating, by the demand side service, a time lag for attribution
by subtracting the time stamp of the impression from the event time
stamp.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining, by the
demand side service, whether the time lag for attribution is within
an attribution window for a campaign of the advertiser
corresponding to the impression.
11. A system for attribution of a conversion to an impression via a
demand side service, the system comprising: a demand side service
executing on one or more servers, the demand side service matching
advertisements to impression opportunities; and an events database
comprising a plurality of event records for conversion events that
occurred within a period of time of advertisements matched to
impression opportunities by the demand side service; wherein an
attribution component of the demand side service matches an event
of an event record from the plurality of event records of the
events database corresponding to an advertiser and a user to a
plurality of impressions matched by the demand side service for the
advertiser and the user, and selects an impression from the
plurality of impressions with a time stamp less than a time stamp
of a conversion event of the event record; and wherein the
attribution component stores an association of the selected
impression with the conversion event of the event record.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the demand side service
identifies event records corresponding to a user click within the
period of time.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the demand side service
identifies event records corresponding to a user view within the
period of time.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the demand side service
identifies the plurality of event records for conversion events
that occurred within a predetermined number of days.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the attribution component
matches the event of a post view conversion to the plurality of
impressions.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the attribution component
matches the event of a post click conversion to the plurality of
impressions.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the attribution component
matches the event records having an advertiser identifier and a
user identifier matching the advertiser identifier and the user
identifier of records for the plurality of impressions.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the attribution component
selects the impression from the plurality of impressions with the
time stamp closest to the time stamp of the event record.
19. The system of claim 11, wherein the attribution component
calculates a time lag for attribution by subtracting the time stamp
of the impression from the event time stamp.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the attribution component
determines whether the time lag for attribution is within an
attribution window for a campaign of the advertiser corresponding
to the impression.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This present application claims priority to and is a
Non-provisional Application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/319,547 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A
DEMAND SIDE PLATFORM", filed on Mar. 31, 2010 and U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/319,561 entitled "SYSTEMS AND
METHODS FOR INTEGRATION OF A DEMAND SIDE PLATFORM", filed on Mar.
31, 2010, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
file or records of the Patent and Trademark Office, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for
trading online advertising space. In particular, this disclosure
relates to systems and methods for attributing a conversion to an
impression via a demand side service.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] Online publishers typically provide or allocate portions of
their web pages for advertising purposes. These areas are sometimes
referred to as impression opportunities. Some of the impression
opportunities are available for advertising products, services, or
businesses not directly provided by or related to the online
publishers. In some embodiments, these impression opportunities are
available to advertisers for a price. These impression
opportunities are sometimes made available directly to advertisers
or through one or more advertising networks (sometimes referred to
as "ad networks") operating as middlemen. In some embodiments,
advertising exchanges provide a platform for buying and selling
advertising impressions by consolidating and managing impression
opportunities across a plurality of publishers. Advertisers
interested in impression opportunities may comprise an individual,
company or other client entity, which may be further represented by
one or more advertising agencies. An advertising agency may design
and/or implement an advertising campaign on behalf of a client and
procure or buy impression opportunities based on the advertising
campaign. As online activity trends upwards and advertisers are
looking for the right media to maximize their online exposure,
trading in impression opportunities have become increasingly
sophisticated.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] In various aspects, the present application is directed to
methods and systems for providing a demand side platform, which
integrates multiple pools of impression opportunities from multiple
exchanges for bidding by advertisers. In some embodiments, the
system includes a platform, sometimes referred to as a demand side
platform (DSP). The DSP may provide an advertiser access to a
plurality of impression opportunities provided via different
providers, such as ad exchanges. The DSP may function as an
interface between the plurality of providers (or sellers) and the
advertisers (buyers). The DSP may process information associated
with the various impression opportunities and normalize these into
appropriate parameters for comparison against goals and constraints
set by advertisers. In some embodiments, the DSP may statistically
and/or intelligently process past and present information to help
the advertiser customize, determine or develop an ad campaign
against the goals and constraints set by the advertisers. Based on
the ad campaign, the DSP may determine a bidding process or rule
set. The DSP may determine whether to bid for an impression
opportunity based on its normalized parameters. The DSP may
dynamically update the bidding rule set based on bidding outcomes
and/or market dynamics.
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention is related to method
for matching, by a demand side service, an advertisement with an
impression of a plurality of impressions available across a
plurality of impression opportunity providers. The method may
include receiving, by a demand side service executing on one or
more servers, a request to bid for placement of an advertisement on
one or more impression opportunities from a plurality of impression
opportunities available across a plurality of impression
opportunity providers. The demand side service may determine an
impression opportunity from the plurality of impression
opportunities to bid on. The demand side service may communicate,
via a network, one or more bids via an interface to an impression
opportunity provider of the plurality of impression opportunity
providers. The demand side service may complete a transaction to
procure the impression opportunity from the impression opportunity
provider responsive to a winning bid from the one or more bids.
[0007] In some embodiments, the demand side service provides to a
requestor of the request a single interface for bidding on
impression opportunities across different impression opportunity
providers. The demand side service may provide to a requestor of
the request a single interface for bidding on impression
opportunities across different data interfaces to each of the
plurality of impression opportunity providers. The demand side
service may receive the request comprising a goal for an ad
campaign. In certain embodiments, the demand side service receives
the request comprising a constraint for placement of the
advertisement.
[0008] In certain embodiments, the demand side service determines
the impression opportunity to bid on based on a goal of an ad
campaign specified by the request. The demand side service may
determine the impression opportunity to bid on based on a
constraint specified by the request. A bidding engine of the demand
side service may determine a price of a bid based on one or more
bidding rules. The demand side service may automatically deliver
the advertisement to the procured impression opportunity. The
demand side service may determine an estimate of daily impression
opportunities across the plurality of impression opportunity
providers.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention is related to a
system for matching, by a demand side platform, an advertisement
with an impression of a plurality of impressions available across a
plurality of impression opportunity providers. The system may
include a demand side platform executing on one or more servers.
The demand side platform may match advertisements with impressions
from a plurality of impression opportunities offered by a plurality
of impression opportunity providers. A bidder of the demand side
platform may receive a request to bid on one or more impressions
for placement of an advertisement for an advertiser. The bidder may
determine an impression opportunity of the plurality of impression
opportunities to bid on. In certain embodiments, the bidder
communicates one or more bids via an interface to an impression
opportunity provider of the plurality of impression opportunity
providers. The bidder may complete, responsive to a winning bid of
the one or more bids, a transaction to procure the impression
opportunity from the impression opportunity provider.
[0010] In some embodiments, the demand side platform provides to a
requestor of the request a single interface for bidding on
impression opportunities across different impression opportunity
providers. The demand side service may provide to a requestor of
the request a single interface for bidding on impression
opportunities across different data interfaces to each of the
plurality of impression opportunity providers. The demand side
service may receive the request comprising a goal for an ad
campaign. The demand side service may receive the request
comprising a constraint for placement of the advertisement.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the bidder determines the impression
opportunity to bid on based on a goal of an ad campaign specified
by the request. The bidder may determine the impression opportunity
to bid on based on a constraint specified by the request. The
bidder may determine a price of a bid based on one or more bidding
rules. The bidder may automatically provide for delivery of the
advertisement to the procured impression opportunity. The demand
side platform may determine an estimate of daily impression
opportunities across the plurality of impression opportunity
providers.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is related to
methods and systems for integrating multiple pools of impression
opportunities from multiple advertising exchanges for bidding by
advertisers. The methods and systems include receiving, via an
interface of a demand side platform (DSP), at least one constraint
and at least one goal for an online advertising campaign from a
user. A bidding module of the demand side platform receives an
impression opportunity for bidding, the impression opportunity
accompanied by a first set of data delivered via a first
advertising exchange. The bidding module receives another
impression opportunity for bidding, this impression opportunity
accompanied by a second set of data delivered via a second
advertising exchange. The bidding module may normalize the first
set of data and the second set of data. An engine of the demand
side platform may determine to bid on either impression
opportunities based on the normalized first and second sets of data
and/or any bidding goals of the campaign.
[0013] In certain aspects, the present disclosure is related to
methods and systems for attributing an user event to an impression
opportunity. The impression opportunity may be procured through a
DSP. The impression opportunity may be served and tracked via the
DSP. The DSP may associate each impression opportunity with a
creative tag. The DSP may associate each user event with an event
tag. The DSP may associate an event tag with a creative tag based
at least in part on proximity of an user event corresponding to the
event tag to an availability of an impression opportunity
corresponding to the creative tag. The DSP may attribute an user
event to a viewing of an impression opportunity based on one or
more event tags and creative tags. The DSP may attribute an user
event to a click or other action to an impression opportunity based
on one or more event tags and creative tags.
[0014] In one aspect, the present invention is related to a method
for attribution of a conversion to an impression via a demand side
service. A demand side service, executing on one or more servers,
may match conversion events that occurred within a period of time
of advertisements to impressions corresponding to the
advertisements. The method may include identifying, by the demand
side service, a plurality of event records for the conversion
events matched to the impressions. The demand side service may
match an event of an event record from the plurality of event
records corresponding to an advertiser and a user, to a plurality
of impressions matched by the demand side service for the
advertiser and the user. The demand side service may select an
impression from the plurality of impressions with a time stamp less
than a time stamp of a conversion event of the event record. The
demand side service may further store an attribution of the
selected impression with the conversion event of the event
record.
[0015] In some embodiments, the demand side service identifies
event records corresponding to a user click within the period of
time. The demand side service may identify event records
corresponding to a user view within the period of time. The demand
side service may identify a plurality of event records for
conversion events that occurred within a predetermined number of
days. The demand side service may match the event of a post view
conversion to the plurality of impressions. In certain embodiments,
the demand side service matches the event of a post click
conversion to the plurality of impressions. The demand side service
may match the event records having an advertiser identifier and a
user identifier matching the advertiser identifier and the user
identifier of records for the plurality of impressions.
[0016] In some embodiments, the demand side service selects the
impression from the plurality of impressions with the time stamp
closest to the time stamp of the event record. The demand side
service may calculate a time lag for attribution by subtracting the
time stamp of the impression from the event time stamp. The demand
side service may determine whether the time lag for attribution is
within an attribution window for a campaign of the advertiser
corresponding to the impression.
[0017] In another aspect, the present invention is related to a
system for attribution of a conversion to an impression via a
demand side service. The system may include a demand side service
executing on one or more servers. The demand side service may match
advertisements to impression opportunities. An events database may
include a plurality of event records for conversion events that
occurred within a period of time of advertisements matched to
impression opportunities by the demand side service. An attribution
component of the demand side service may match an event of an event
record from the plurality of event records of the events database
corresponding to an advertiser and a user, to a plurality of
impressions matched by the demand side service for the advertiser
and the user. The attribution component may select an impression
from the plurality of impressions with a time stamp less than a
time stamp of a conversion event of the event record. The
attribution component may store an association of the selected
impression with the conversion event of the event record.
[0018] In some embodiments, the demand side service identifies
event records corresponding to a user click within the period of
time. The demand side service may identify event records
corresponding to a user view within the period of time. The demand
side service may identify a plurality of event records for
conversion events that occurred within a predetermined number of
days. In certain embodiments, the attribution component matches the
event of a post view conversion to the plurality of
impressions.
[0019] In some embodiments, the attribution component matches the
event of a post click conversion to the plurality of impressions.
The attribution component may match the event records having an
advertiser identifier and a user identifier matching the advertiser
identifier and the user identifier of records for the plurality of
impressions. The attribution component may select the impression
from the plurality of impressions with the time stamp closest to
the time stamp of the event record. The attribution component may
also calculate a time lag for attribution by subtracting the time
stamp of the impression from the event time stamp. In certain
embodiments, the attribution component determines whether the time
lag for attribution is within an attribution window for a campaign
of the advertiser corresponding to the impression.
[0020] In some aspects, the present solution is directed to a
method for identifying a user by a demand side platform across a
plurality of different advertiser exchanges. The method includes
establishing, by a demand side platform executing on one or more
server, a cookie mapping for a user. The cookie mapping may include
a mapping of user identifiers for the user from one or more
advertisement exchanges to a user identifier assigned by the demand
side platform for the user. The method may include storing, by the
demand side platform to the cookie mapping, a first mapping to the
user identifier of the demand side platform, the first mapping
comprising a first user id received by a bidder from a first
advertisement exchange of a plurality of advertisement exchanges
and a first exchange id for the first advertisement exchange. A
bidder may insert into a bid for an impression opportunity to a
second advertisement exchange a pixel. The pixel comprising a key
to the cookie mapping and a second user id for the user and a
second exchange id. The second user id may be received by the
bidder from a second advertisement exchange of the plurality of
advertisement exchanges.
[0021] In some embodiments, the demand side platform establishes
the cookie mapping to identify user data for the user collected
from the plurality of advertisement exchanges. Each of the
plurality of advertisement exchanges may identify the user with a
different user identifier. A pixel server of the demand side
platform may establish the cookie mapping responsive to not finding
a mapping of the first exchange id to the user identifier. The
demand side platform may store to the first mapping in the cookie
mapping a timestamp of when the first mapping was created. The
demand side platform may insert the key to the cookie mapping in
the pixel if the second advertisement exchange includes the second
user id in a bid request. The demand side platform may encode the
second user id and second exchange id into a uniform resource
locator of the pixel. A pixel server of the demand side platform
receive a call from the pixel and decode the second user id and
second exchange id from a string parameter of a query of the call
from the pixel. The pixel server may decode the second user id and
second exchange id from the string parameter. The pixel server may
store to the cookie mapping, a second mapping to the user
identifier of the demand side platform. The second mapping may
comprise a second user id received by the bidder from a second
advertisement exchange of the plurality of advertisement exchanges
and a second exchange id for the second advertisement exchange.
[0022] In some aspects, the present solution is directed to a
method for identifying user data for a user from a plurality of
different advertiser exchanges. The method includes establishing,
by a demand side platform executing on one or more server, a cookie
for a user. The cookie mapping user identifiers for the user from
one or more advertisement exchanges to a user identifier assigned
by the demand side platform for the user. A bidder of the demand
side platform receives a biddable request from a first
advertisement exchange of a plurality of advertisement exchanges.
The biddable request comprising a first user identifier of the user
for the first advertisement exchange. The bidder identifies the
user identifier of the demand side platform for the user from the
mapping of the cookie of the first user identifier to the user
identifier. The bidder may questing, using the user identifier from
the cookie, a user database for data of the user collected from one
or more of the plurality of advertisement exchanges.
[0023] In some embodiments, a pixel server of the demand side
platform may maintain the cookie to map each of the different user
identifiers from each of the plurality of advertisement exchanges
to the user identifier of the user assigned by the demand side
platform. The demand side platform may maintain the user identifier
of the user valid only for the demand side platform. The bidder may
receiver a first user identifier of the user valid only for
transactions with the first advertisement exchange. The bidder may
identify that the cookie for the user is in a cache of the demand
side platform. Using the user identifier the bidder may obtain any
one or more of the following from the user database: user profile,
user preferences, logs of user actions and geographic information.
Using the user identifier, the bidder may obtain information of the
user from a third-party provider. The bidder wait for a
predetermined time for query results from the user database and if
not received within the predetermined time, bid via the first
advertisement exchange without user data. If received within the
predetermine time, the bidder may use the user information received
from the user database responsive to the query to determine a bid
for the first advertisement exchange. The bidder may also user
information collected from a second advertisement exchange received
from the user database responsive to the query to determine a bid
for the first advertisement exchange.
[0024] In some aspects, the present solution is directed to a
method for maintaining anonymity of segment data from a third party
provider while performing segment targeting via a demand side
platform. The method may include receiving, by a demand side
platform executing on one or more servers, one or more segment
identifiers for segment data of a data supplier. Each of the one or
more segment identifiers comprising a random integer uniquely
assigned to a specific segment of the segment data. The demand side
platform may provide a pixel for segmented targeting of an
impression opportunity for an advertisement exchange. The demand
side platform may use or receive from the data supplier, a tracking
agent to associate data collected via the demand side platform with
the segment identifier. A bidder of the demand side platform
executes or provides a placement of an advertisement matched to an
impression opportunity. The placement includes the tracking agent
and the pixel. The demand side platform may receive segment data
from the data supplier based on execution of the tracking agent.
The segment data corresponds to the segment identifier for the
placement.
[0025] In some embodiments, the demand side platform receives a
segment mapping dictionary comprising a mapping of the one or more
segment identifiers to a corresponding segment of the segment data.
In some embodiments, the demand side platform provides the pixel
comprising a remarketing pixel associated with the segment
identifier. In some embodiments, the demand side platform receives
from the data supplier, the tracking agent in the form of a pixel
or a cookie. In some embodiments, the demand side platform
generates a unique placement id. The placement id may be used to
associate segment data with placement data. The demand side
platform may receive segment data on a per user basis. The demand
side platform may receive segment data on a real-time basis via an
interface to the data supplier. The demand side platform may
receive segment data on a real-time basis responsive to activation
of the tracking agent. The demand side platform, may receive
segment data on an offline basis via import of a file of a
predetermined type.
[0026] In some aspects, the present solution is related to another
method for maintaining anonymity of a user corresponding to segment
data from a third party provider via a demand side platform. The
method includes receiving, by a demand side platform executing on
one or more servers, a segment mapping dictionary for segment data
of a data supplier. The demand side platform may provide a demand
side platform pixel for an impression via an advertisement
exchange. The demand side platform receives from the data supplier
a data supplier pixel for segment matching. The demand side
platform identifies via the segment mapping dictionary a segment
identifier for the impression using the demand side platform pixel
and data supplier pixel. A bidder of the demand side platform uses
segment data corresponding to the segment identifier to determine
to bid on a second impression of a plurality of impressions across
a plurality of advertisement exchanges.
[0027] In some embodiments, the segment mapping dictionary
comprises a plurality of segment identifiers and each of the
plurality of segment identifiers comprising a random integer
uniquely assigned to a specific segment of the plurality of
segments of the segment data. The demand side platform may provide
the demand side platform pixel comprising a remarketing pixel
associated with the segment identifier. The data supplier pixel may
comprise a non-segment pixel. A bidder of the demand side platform
may execute a placement of an advertisement matched to the
impression. The placement may include the data supplier pixel and
the demand side platform pixel. The demand side platform may
receive segment data for a user associated with the impression. The
segment data corresponds to the segment identifier. The demand side
platform may receive segment data responsive to activating the data
supplier pixel. The demand side platform may generate a placement
identifier for the impression. The placement identifier may be
inserted in the data supplier pixel. The demand side platform may
join segment data for the impression from the data supplier with
placement data of the impression tracked by the demand side
platform. The bidder may determine whether to make a bid on a
second impression based on the joined segment data and placement
data.
[0028] In some aspects, the present solution is directed to a
method for bidding using segment data from a third party provider
via a demand side platform. The method includes receiving, by a
demand side platform executing on one or more servers, a biddable
request from a first exchange of a plurality of exchange. The
exchange may identify a remarketing pixel corresponding to a
segment identifier. The demand side platform identifies a segment
identifier corresponding to the remarketing pixel. The demand side
platform may obtain segment data corresponding to the segment
identifier. A bidder of the demand side platform may use the
segment data to determine a bid on the first exchange.
[0029] In some aspects, the present solution is directed to a
method for bidding using segment data from a third party provider
via a demand side platform. The method may include receiving, by a
demand side platform executing on one or more servers, a biddable
impression opportunity from a first exchange of a plurality of
exchanges. The first exchange to the demand side platform may
communicate that the impression opportunity is directed to a user
identified by a remarketing pixel. The demand side platform may
identifying that the remarketing pixel corresponds to a segment
targeted by the demand side platform. A bidder of the demand side
platform may place a bid on the impression opportunity responsive
to the identification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and
advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better
understood by referring to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1A is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a
network environment comprising client machines in communication
with remote machines;
[0032] FIGS. 1B and 1C are block diagrams depicting embodiments of
computing devices useful in connection with the methods and systems
described herein;
[0033] FIGS. 2A-2D are block diagrams depicting embodiments of
systems and methods for providing a demand side platform; and
[0034] FIG. 2E is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a
method for integrating multiple pools of impression opportunities
from multiple advertising exchanges for bidding by advertisers;
[0035] FIG. 2F is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a
transaction environment for providing a normalized interface to a
plurality of exchanges;
[0036] FIG. 2G is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a
system for matching, by a demand side platform, an advertisement
with an impression of a plurality of impressions available across a
plurality of impression opportunity providers;
[0037] FIG. 2H is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a
different data related to bid requests for a plurality of
impression opportunity providers;
[0038] FIG. 2I is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a
different data related to bid response for a plurality of
impression opportunity providers;
[0039] FIG. 2J is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of
defining goals and constraints for a campaign;
[0040] FIG. 2K is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a
method for matching, by a demand side platform, an advertisement
with an impression of a plurality of impressions available across a
plurality of impression opportunity providers;
[0041] FIG. 3A is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of an
attribution process;
[0042] FIG. 3B-3D are block diagrams depicting an embodiment of a
system and method for attribution processing;
[0043] FIG. 3E is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of fact
tables generated by an attribution process;
[0044] FIG. 3F is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a
method for attributing a conversion event to an impression via a
demand side service;
[0045] FIG. 4A is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a
system for using server-side cookies;
[0046] FIG. 4B is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a
method for using server-side cookies;
[0047] FIG. 5A is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a
system for evaluating and executing an ad campaign;
[0048] FIG. 5B is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a
segment backtesting process;
[0049] FIG. 5C is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a
segment targeting process;
[0050] FIG. 5D is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a
method maintaining anonymity of segment data from a third party
provider while performing segment targeting via a demand side
platform; and
[0051] FIG. 5E is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a
method for segment targeting by a demand side platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] For purposes of reading the description of the various
embodiments below, the following [0053] Section A describes a
network environment and computing environment which may be useful
for practicing embodiments described herein; [0054] Section B
describes embodiments of systems and methods for providing a demand
side platform; [0055] Section C describes embodiments of systems
and methods for attribution of a conversion to an impression
opportunity; [0056] Section D describes embodiments of systems and
methods for integration and anonymization of supplier data [0057]
Section E describes embodiments of systems and methods for using
server side cookies for user identification and user data
collection; and [0058] Section F describes embodiments of systems
and methods for using packed names in third-party data
interfaces.
A. Computing and Network Environment
[0059] Prior to discussing specific embodiments of the present
solution, it may be helpful to describe aspects of the operating
environment as well as associated system components (e.g., hardware
elements) in connection with the methods and systems described
herein. Referring to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of a network
environment is depicted. In brief overview, the network environment
includes one or more clients 102a-102n (also generally referred to
as local machine(s) 102, client(s) 102, client node(s) 102, client
machine(s) 102, client computer(s) 102, client device(s) 102,
endpoint(s) 102, or endpoint node(s) 102) in communication with one
or more servers 106a-106n (also generally referred to as server(s)
106, node 106, or remote machine(s) 106) via one or more networks
104. In some embodiments, a client 102 has the capacity to function
as both a client node seeking access to resources provided by a
server and as a server providing access to hosted resources for
other clients 102a-102n.
[0060] Although FIG. 1A shows a network 104 between the clients 102
and the servers 106, the clients 102 and the servers 106 may be on
the same network 104. The network 104 can be a local-area network
(LAN), such as a company Intranet, a metropolitan area network
(MAN), or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet or the
World Wide Web. In some embodiments, there are multiple networks
104 between the clients 102 and the servers 106. In one of these
embodiments, a network 104' (not shown) may be a private network
and a network 104 may be a public network. In another of these
embodiments, a network 104 may be a private network and a network
104' a public network. In still another of these embodiments,
networks 104 and 104' may both be private networks.
[0061] The network 104 may be any type and/or form of network and
may include any of the following: a point-to-point network, a
broadcast network, a wide area network, a local area network, a
telecommunications network, a data communication network, a
computer network, an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) network, a
SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) network, a SDH (Synchronous
Digital Hierarchy) network, a wireless network and a wireline
network. In some embodiments, the network 104 may comprise a
wireless link, such as an infrared channel or satellite band. The
topology of the network 104 may be a bus, star, or ring network
topology. The network 104 may be of any such network topology as
known to those ordinarily skilled in the art capable of supporting
the operations described herein. The network may comprise mobile
telephone networks utilizing any protocol or protocols used to
communicate among mobile devices, including AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, GSM,
GPRS or UMTS. In some embodiments, different types of data may be
transmitted via different protocols. In other embodiments, the same
types of data may be transmitted via different protocols.
[0062] In some embodiments, the system may include multiple,
logically-grouped servers 106. In one of these embodiments, the
logical group of servers may be referred to as a server farm 38 or
a machine farm 38. In another of these embodiments, the servers 106
may be geographically dispersed. In other embodiments, a machine
farm 38 may be administered as a single entity. In still other
embodiments, the machine farm 38 includes a plurality of machine
farms 38. The servers 106 within each machine farm 38 can be
heterogeneous--one or more of the servers 106 or machines 106 can
operate according to one type of operating system platform (e.g.,
WINDOWS NT, manufactured by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash.),
while one or more of the other servers 106 can operate on according
to another type of operating system platform (e.g., Unix or
Linux).
[0063] In one embodiment, servers 106 in the machine farm 38 may be
stored in high-density rack systems, along with associated storage
systems, and located in an enterprise data center. In this
embodiment, consolidating the servers 106 in this way may improve
system manageability, data security, the physical security of the
system, and system performance by locating servers 106 and high
performance storage systems on localized high performance networks.
Centralizing the servers 106 and storage systems and coupling them
with advanced system management tools allows more efficient use of
server resources.
[0064] The servers 106 of each machine farm 38 do not need to be
physically proximate to another server 106 in the same machine farm
38. Thus, the group of servers 106 logically grouped as a machine
farm 38 may be interconnected using a wide-area network (WAN)
connection or a metropolitan-area network (MAN) connection. For
example, a machine farm 38 may include servers 106 physically
located in different continents or different regions of a
continent, country, state, city, campus, or room. Data transmission
speeds between servers 106 in the machine farm 38 can be increased
if the servers 106 are connected using a local-area network (LAN)
connection or some form of direct connection. Additionally, a
heterogeneous machine farm 38 may include one or more servers 106
operating according to a type of operating system, while one or
more other servers 106 execute one or more types of hypervisors
rather than operating systems. In these embodiments, hypervisors
may be used to emulate virtual hardware, partition physical
hardware, virtualize physical hardware, and execute virtual
machines that provide access to computing environments. Hypervisors
may include those manufactured by VMWare, Inc., of Palo Alto,
Calif.; the Xen hypervisor, an open source product whose
development is overseen by Citrix Systems, Inc.; the VirtualServer
or virtual PC hypervisors provided by Microsoft or others.
[0065] In order to manage a machine farm 38, at least one aspect of
the performance of servers 106 in the machine farm 38 should be
monitored. Typically, the load placed on each server 106 or the
status of sessions running on each server 106 is monitored. In some
embodiments, a centralized service may provide management for
machine farm 38. The centralized service may gather and store
information about a plurality of servers 106, respond to requests
for access to resources hosted by servers 106, and enable the
establishment of connections between client machines 102 and
servers 106.
[0066] Management of the machine farm 38 may be de-centralized. For
example, one or more servers 106 may comprise components,
subsystems and modules to support one or more management services
for the machine farm 38. In one of these embodiments, one or more
servers 106 provide functionality for management of dynamic data,
including techniques for handling failover, data replication, and
increasing the robustness of the machine farm 38. Each server 106
may communicate with a persistent store and, in some embodiments,
with a dynamic store.
[0067] Server 106 may be a file server, application server, web
server, proxy server, appliance, network appliance, gateway,
gateway, gateway server, virtualization server, deployment server,
SSL VPN server, or firewall. In one embodiment, the server 106 may
be referred to as a remote machine or a node. In another
embodiment, a plurality of nodes 290 may be in the path between any
two communicating servers.
[0068] In one embodiment, the server 106 provides the functionality
of a web server. In another embodiment, the server 106a receives
requests from the client 102, forwards the requests to a second
server 206b and responds to the request by the client 102 with a
response to the request from the server 106b. In still another
embodiment, the server 106 acquires an enumeration of applications
available to the client 102 and address information associated with
a server 106' hosting an application identified by the enumeration
of applications. In yet another embodiment, the server 106 presents
the response to the request to the client 102 using a web
interface. In one embodiment, the client 102 communicates directly
with the server 106 to access the identified application. In
another embodiment, the client 102 receives output data, such as
display data, generated by an execution of the identified
application on the server 106.
[0069] The client 102 and server 106 may be deployed as and/or
executed on any type and form of computing device, such as a
computer, network device or appliance capable of communicating on
any type and form of network and performing the operations
described herein. FIGS. 1B and 1C depict block diagrams of a
computing device 100 useful for practicing an embodiment of the
client 102 or a server 106. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, each
computing device 100 includes a central processing unit 121, and a
main memory unit 122. As shown in FIG. 1B, a computing device 100
may include a storage device 128, an installation device 116, a
network interface 118, an I/O controller 123, display devices
124a-102n, a keyboard 126 and a pointing device 127, such as a
mouse. The storage device 128 may include, without limitation, an
operating system, software, and a software of a demand side
platform 120. As shown in FIG. 1C, each computing device 100 may
also include additional optional elements, such as a memory port
103, a bridge 170, one or more input/output devices 130a-130n
(generally referred to using reference numeral 130), and a cache
memory 140 in communication with the central processing unit
121.
[0070] The central processing unit 121 is any logic circuitry that
responds to and processes instructions fetched from the main memory
unit 122. In many embodiments, the central processing unit 121 is
provided by a microprocessor unit, such as: those manufactured by
Intel Corporation of Mountain View, Calif.; those manufactured by
Motorola Corporation of Schaumburg, Ill.; those manufactured by
Transmeta Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif.; the RS/6000
processor, those manufactured by International Business Machines of
White Plains, N.Y.; or those manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices
of Sunnyvale, Calif. The computing device 100 may be based on any
of these processors, or any other processor capable of operating as
described herein.
[0071] Main memory unit 122 may be one or more memory chips capable
of storing data and allowing any storage location to be directly
accessed by the microprocessor 121, such as Static random access
memory (SRAM), Burst SRAM or SynchBurst SRAM (BSRAM), Dynamic
random access memory (DRAM), Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM DRAM),
Enhanced DRAM (EDRAM), Extended Data Output RAM (EDO RAM), Extended
Data Output DRAM (EDO DRAM), Burst Extended Data Output DRAM (BEDO
DRAM), Enhanced DRAM (EDRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), JEDEC SRAM,
PC 100 SDRAM, Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced SDRAM
(ESDRAM), SyncLink DRAM (SLDRAM), Direct Rambus DRAM (DRDRAM), or
Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM). The main memory 122 may be based on any
of the above described memory chips, or any other available memory
chips capable of operating as described herein. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1B, the processor 121 communicates with main memory
122 via a system bus 150 (described in more detail below). FIG. 1C
depicts an embodiment of a computing device 100 in which the
processor communicates directly with main memory 122 via a memory
port 103. For example, in FIG. 1C the main memory 122 may be
DRDRAM.
[0072] FIG. 1C depicts an embodiment in which the main processor
121 communicates directly with cache memory 140 via a secondary
bus, sometimes referred to as a backside bus. In other embodiments,
the main processor 121 communicates with cache memory 140 using the
system bus 150. Cache memory 140 typically has a faster response
time than main memory 122 and is typically provided by SRAM, BSRAM,
or EDRAM. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the processor 121
communicates with various I/O devices 130 via a local system bus
150. Various buses may be used to connect the central processing
unit 121 to any of the I/O devices 130, including a VESA VL bus, an
ISA bus, an EISA bus, a MicroChannel Architecture (MCA) bus, a PCI
bus, a PCI-X bus, a PCI-Express bus, or a NuBus. For embodiments in
which the I/O device is a video display 124, the processor 121 may
use an Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) to communicate with the display
124. FIG. 1C depicts an embodiment of a computer 100 in which the
main processor 121 communicates directly with I/O device 130b via
HYPERTRANSPORT, RAPIDIO, or INFINIBAND communications technology.
FIG. 1C also depicts an embodiment in which local busses and direct
communication are mixed: the processor 121 communicates with I/O
device 130a using a local interconnect bus while communicating with
I/O device 130b directly.
[0073] A wide variety of I/O devices 130a-130n may be present in
the computing device 100. Input devices include keyboards, mice,
trackpads, trackballs, microphones, dials, and drawing tablets.
Output devices include video displays, speakers, inkjet printers,
laser printers, and dye-sublimation printers. The I/O devices may
be controlled by an I/O controller 123 as shown in FIG. 1B. The I/O
controller may control one or more I/O devices such as a keyboard
126 and a pointing device 127, e.g., a mouse or optical pen.
Furthermore, an I/O device may also provide storage and/or an
installation medium 116 for the computing device 100. In still
other embodiments, the computing device 100 may provide USB
connections (not shown) to receive handheld USB storage devices
such as the USB Flash Drive line of devices manufactured by
Twintech Industry, Inc. of Los Alamitos, Calif.
[0074] Referring again to FIG. 1B, the computing device 100 may
support any suitable installation device 116, such as a floppy disk
drive for receiving floppy disks such as 3.5-inch, 5.25-inch disks
or ZIP disks, a CD-ROM drive, a CD-R/RW drive, a DVD-ROM drive, a
flash memory drive, tape drives of various formats, USB device,
hard-drive or any other device suitable for installing software and
programs. The computing device 100 may further comprise a storage
device, such as one or more hard disk drives or redundant arrays of
independent disks, for storing an operating system and other
related software, and for storing application software programs
such as any program related to the software 120 for the demand side
platform. Optionally, any of the installation devices 116 could
also be used as the storage device. Additionally, the operating
system and the software can be run from a bootable medium, for
example, a bootable CD, such as KNOPPIX, a bootable CD for
GNU/Linux that is available as a GNU/Linux distribution from
knoppix.net.
[0075] Furthermore, the computing device 100 may include a network
interface 118 to interface to the network 104 through a variety of
connections including, but not limited to, standard telephone
lines, LAN or WAN links (e.g., 802.11, T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25, SNA,
DECNET), broadband connections (e.g., ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM,
Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet-over-SONET), wireless connections, or
some combination of any or all of the above. Connections can be
established using a variety of communication protocols (e.g.,
TCP/IP, IPX, SPX, NetBIOS, Ethernet, ARCNET, SONET, SDH, Fiber
Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), RS232, IEEE 802.11, IEEE
802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, CDMA, GSM, WiMax and direct
asynchronous connections). In one embodiment, the computing device
100 communicates with other computing devices 100' via any type
and/or form of gateway or tunneling protocol such as Secure Socket
Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS), or the Citrix
Gateway Protocol manufactured by Citrix Systems, Inc. of Ft.
Lauderdale, Fla. The network interface 118 may comprise a built-in
network adapter, network interface card, PCMCIA network card, card
bus network adapter, wireless network adapter, USB network adapter,
modem or any other device suitable for interfacing the computing
device 100 to any type of network capable of communication and
performing the operations described herein.
[0076] In some embodiments, the computing device 100 may comprise
or be connected to multiple display devices 124a-124n, which each
may be of the same or different type and/or form. As such, any of
the I/O devices 130a-130n and/or the I/O controller 123 may
comprise any type and/or form of suitable hardware, software, or
combination of hardware and software to support, enable or provide
for the connection and use of multiple display devices 124a-124n by
the computing device 100. For example, the computing device 100 may
include any type and/or form of video adapter, video card, driver,
and/or library to interface, communicate, connect or otherwise use
the display devices 124a-124n. In one embodiment, a video adapter
may comprise multiple connectors to interface to multiple display
devices 124a-124n. In other embodiments, the computing device 100
may include multiple video adapters, with each video adapter
connected to one or more of the display devices 124a-124n. In some
embodiments, any portion of the operating system of the computing
device 100 may be configured for using multiple displays 124a-124n.
In other embodiments, one or more of the display devices 124a-124n
may be provided by one or more other computing devices, such as
computing devices 100a and 100b connected to the computing device
100, for example, via a network. These embodiments may include any
type of software designed and constructed to use another computer's
display device as a second display device 124a for the computing
device 100. One ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize and
appreciate the various ways and embodiments that a computing device
100 may be configured to have multiple display devices
124a-124n.
[0077] In further embodiments, an I/O device 130 may be a bridge
between the system bus 150 and an external communication bus, such
as a USB bus, an Apple Desktop Bus, an RS-232 serial connection, a
SCSI bus, a FireWire bus, a FireWire 800 bus, an Ethernet bus, an
AppleTalk bus, a Gigabit Ethernet bus, an Asynchronous Transfer
Mode bus, a HIPPI bus, a Super HIPPI bus, a SerialPlus bus, a
SCl/LAMP bus, a FibreChannel bus, a Serial Attached small computer
system interface bus, or a HDMI bus.
[0078] A computing device 100 of the sort depicted in FIGS. 1B and
1C typically operates under the control of operating systems, which
control scheduling of tasks and access to system resources. The
computing device 100 can be running any operating system such as
any of the versions of the MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating systems, the
different releases of the Unix and Linux operating systems, any
version of the MAC OS for Macintosh computers, any embedded
operating system, any real-time operating system, any open source
operating system, any proprietary operating system, any operating
systems for mobile computing devices, or any other operating system
capable of running on the computing device and performing the
operations described herein. Typical operating systems include, but
are not limited to: WINDOWS 3.x, WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS 98, WINDOWS
2000, WINDOWS NT 3.51, WINDOWS NT 4.0, WINDOWS CE, WINDOWS MOBILE,
WINDOWS XP, and WINDOWS VISTA, all of which are manufactured by
Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.; MAC OS, manufactured by
Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif.; OS/2, manufactured by
International Business Machines of Armonk, N.Y.; and Linux, a
freely-available operating system distributed by Caldera Corp. of
Salt Lake City, Utah, or any type and/or form of a Unix operating
system, among others.
[0079] The computer system 100 can be any workstation, telephone,
desktop computer, laptop or notebook computer, server, handheld
computer, mobile telephone or other portable telecommunications
device, media playing device, a gaming system, mobile computing
device, or any other type and/or form of computing,
telecommunications or media device that is capable of
communication. The computer system 100 has sufficient processor
power and memory capacity to perform the operations described
herein. For example, the computer system 100 may comprise a device
of the IPOD family of devices manufactured by Apple Computer of
Cupertino, Calif., a PLAYSTATION 2, PLAYSTATION 3, or PERSONAL
PLAYSTATION PORTABLE (PSP) device manufactured by the Sony
Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a NINTENDO DS, NINTENDO GAMEBOY,
NINTENDO GAMEBOY ADVANCED or NINTENDO REVOLUTION device
manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, or an XBOX or
XBOX 360 device manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation of
Redmond, Wash.
[0080] In some embodiments, the computing device 100 may have
different processors, operating systems, and input devices
consistent with the device. For example, in one embodiment, the
computing device 100 is a TREO 180, 270, 600, 650, 680, 700p, 700w,
or 750 smart phone manufactured by Palm, Inc. In some of these
embodiments, the TREO smart phone is operated under the control of
the PalmOS operating system and includes a stylus input device as
well as a five-way navigator device.
[0081] In other embodiments the computing device 100 is a mobile
device, such as a JAVA-enabled cellular telephone or personal
digital assistant (PDA), such as the i55sr, i58sr, i85s, i88s,
i90c, i95cl, or the im1100, all of which are manufactured by
Motorola Corp. of Schaumburg, Ill., the 6035 or the 7135,
manufactured by Kyocera of Kyoto, Japan, or the i300 or i330,
manufactured by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., of Seoul, Korea. In
some embodiments, the computing device 100 is a mobile device
manufactured by Nokia of Finland, or by Sony Ericsson Mobile
Communications AB of Lund, Sweden.
[0082] In still other embodiments, the computing device 100 is a
Blackberry handheld or smart phone, such as the devices
manufactured by Research In Motion Limited, including the
Blackberry 7100 series, 8700 series, 7700 series, 7200 series, the
Blackberry 7520, or the Blackberry Pearl 8100. In yet other
embodiments, the computing device 100 is a smart phone, Pocket PC,
Pocket PC Phone, or other handheld mobile device supporting
Microsoft Windows Mobile Software. Moreover, the computing device
100 can be any workstation, desktop computer, laptop or notebook
computer, server, handheld computer, mobile telephone, any other
computer, or other form of computing or telecommunications device
that is capable of communication and that has sufficient processor
power and memory capacity to perform the operations described
herein.
[0083] In some embodiments, the computing device 100 is a digital
audio player. In one of these embodiments, the computing device 100
is a digital audio player such as the Apple IPOD, IPOD Touch, IPOD
NANO, and IPOD SHUFFLE lines of devices, manufactured by Apple
Computer of Cupertino, Calif. In another of these embodiments, the
digital audio player may function as both a portable media player
and as a mass storage device. In other embodiments, the computing
device 100 is a digital audio player such as the
DigitalAudimpression opportunity layer Select MP3 players,
manufactured by Samsung Electronics America, of Ridgefield Park,
N.J., or the Motorola m500 or m25 Digital Audio Players,
manufactured by Motorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. In still other
embodiments, the computing device 100 is a portable media player,
such as the Zen Vision W, the Zen Vision series, the Zen Portable
Media Center devices, or the Digital MP3 line of MP3 players,
manufactured by Creative Technologies Ltd. In yet other
embodiments, the computing device 100 is a portable media player or
digital audio player supporting file formats including, but not
limited to, MP3, WAV, M4A/AAC, WMA Protected AAC, RIFF, Audible
audiobook, Apple Lossless audio file formats and .mov, .m4v, and
.mp4MPEG-4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) video file formats.
[0084] In some embodiments, the communications device 102 includes
a combination of devices, such as a mobile phone combined with a
digital audio player or portable media player. In one of these
embodiments, the communications device 102 is a smartphone, for
example, an iPhone manufactured by Apple Computer, or a Blackberry
device, manufactured by Research In Motion Limited. In yet another
embodiment, the communications device 102 is a laptop or desktop
computer equipped with a web browser and a microphone and speaker
system, such as a telephony headset. In these embodiments, the
communications devices 102 are web-enabled and can receive and
initiate phone calls. In other embodiments, the communications
device 102 is a Motorola RAZR or Motorola ROKR line of combination
digital audio players and mobile phones.
[0085] In some embodiments, the status of one or more machines 102,
106 in the network 104 is monitored, generally as part of network
management. In one of these embodiments, the status of a machine
may include an identification of load information (e.g., the number
of processes on the machine, CPU and memory utilization), of port
information (e.g., the number of available communication ports and
the port addresses), or of session status (e.g., the duration and
type of processes, and whether a process is active or idle). In
another of these embodiments, this information may be identified by
a plurality of metrics, and the plurality of metrics can be applied
at least in part towards decisions in load distribution, network
traffic management, and network failure recovery as well as any
aspects of operations of the present solution described herein.
Aspects of the operating environments and components described
above will become apparent in the context of the systems and
methods disclosed herein.
B. Demand Side Platform
[0086] Online publishers typically provide or allocate areas or
portions of their web pages for advertising (or "ad") purposes.
These areas or portions are generally differentiated from content
created or published by the publishers. These areas or portions are
hereafter sometimes generally referred to as impression
opportunities. Some of these impression opportunities are available
for advertising products, services, or businesses not directly
provided by or related to the online publishers. In some
embodiments, these impression opportunities are available to
advertisers for a price.
[0087] Impression opportunities may include any form or type of
space or region on a web page. This space or region may overlap
with or reside within (or as part of) content on the page (e.g.,
locations for banners, ad blocks, sponsored listings, margin ads
and flash displays). Impression opportunities may be temporal,
e.g., associated with a time slot (e.g., screening of a sponsored
video footage prior to a requested screening, or available on a
part of a day referred to as a day part). In some embodiments, an
impression opportunity may sometimes not directly reside on a
webpage. For example and in one embodiment, an impression
opportunity may be generated from a webpage, such as due to an user
action or some other trigger. For example, a pop-up may be
generated when a webpage is loaded onto a browser. A window display
or other widget may be generated responsive to a mouse-over. In
some embodiments, an impression opportunity may include one or more
elements such as a banner and an animated flash display extending
from the banner boundary. In some embodiments, elements that may
individually qualify as an impression opportunity may be
collectively packaged as a single impression opportunity. In some
embodiments, an impression opportunity is sometimes referred to as
"inventory" (e.g., of a publisher).
[0088] Impression opportunities are sometimes offered directly to
advertisers. In some embodiments, publishers may offer impression
opportunities through one or more ad networks and/or ad exchanges.
An ad network or ad exchange may consolidate and/or manage
impression opportunities on behalf of a publisher. An ad network or
ad exchange may consolidate and/or manage impression opportunities
across a plurality of publishers. In particular, an ad exchange may
provide a platform for buying and selling advertising impressions.
An ad exchange may provide services (e.g., for trading impression
opportunities) beyond that of ad networks. In some embodiments, ad
networks and ad exchanges have distinct features as defined by the
Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). Ad exchanges may include, but
is not limited to Microsoft AdECN, Yahoo Right Media, and
DoubleClick, a Google subsidiary.
[0089] In some embodiments, an ad exchange operates as a platform,
interface or mediator for matching an impression opportunity buyer
with a seller. As the online ad market becomes more automated and
exchange-driven, ad exchanges may provide better efficiency and
value to buyers and sellers than ad networks. As an ad exchange
attempts to broker a transaction, the buy side (e.g., advertiser or
ad agency) may make a bid and the sell side (e.g., publisher) may
set a floor for accepting a bid or accept the highest bid from
multiple sellers. Due to the benefits provided by ad exchanges, ad
exchanges may command a relatively large share of the profit from
transacting an impression opportunity. This may be especially true
as ad rates or impression opportunity rates drop. In some cases, ad
agencies may see their margins drop, e.g., to 10% or lower. Taking
more control of the buying process, such as by using the methods
and systems disclosed herein, may change such a trend.
[0090] Moreover, in some embodiments, an ad exchange brokering a
transaction between a seller and multiple buyers may provide more
value to the seller than to the buyers. In other embodiments, an ad
exchange may represent only a limited pool of impression
opportunities to a buyer. Furthermore, an ad exchange may offer
less competitive terms to a buyer for a given impression
opportunity as compared to another ad exchange. The transaction
interface provided by an ad exchange to a buyer may include unique
and/or proprietary processes, specific configuration of impression
opportunity-related information, non-uniform transaction terms
and/or parameters. Due to the non-uniform transaction interface
provided by each ad exchange, a seller may not be able to determine
a preferred ad exchange(s) to work with. This can be true in
general, for a particular ad campaign, or for a particular
impression opportunity bid. In some embodiments, the systems and
methods disclosed herein provide a single interface for a buyer
(e.g., an ad agency) to access a plurality of ad exchanges, and
integrate multiple pools of impression opportunities from these ad
exchanges for bidding by the buyer.
[0091] Embodiments of the methods and systems of a demand side
platform disclosed herein may address the issues described above.
The platform of the present disclosure provides the following one
or more features and/or combination of the features that
characterize the platform as a demand side platform: [0092] (a) the
platform integrates and interfaces to multiple exchanges to provide
normalized access to a cross-exchange spectrum of disparate and
different supply sources; [0093] (b) the platform integrates and
interfaces to third party ad servers for reporting on performance
and/or operations; [0094] (c) the platform calculates daily
impression estimates for the multiple exchanges and campaigns;
[0095] (d) the platform provides an interface to match buyer demand
to supplier supply by matching against the inventory of
impressions; [0096] (e) the platform provides a system to trade
demand to supply to connect a plurality of buyers (demand) across a
plurality of disparate sellers (supply) [0097] (f) the platform
provides reporting of performance of an ad campaign of a buyer
across a cross-exchange spectrum of suppliers. [0098] (g) the
platform provides flighting: a period of time in which a defined
bid price, daily spend goal and frequency cap are defined.
[0099] Embodiments of the demand side platform may include any
combination of the above-mentioned features. With these embodiments
of the demand side platform, the present disclosure provides
performance, simplicity, processing algorithms and reporting not
previously offered in a single integrated solution and service.
Embodiments of the demand side platform may be offered, delivered
or deployed as a software, a service or a managed service,
application or platform. Embodiments of the demand side platform
may be offered, delivered or deployed as an outsourced service. In
some embodiments, the demand side platform may be offered,
delivered or deployed as a combination of managed and outsourced
service.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 2A, embodiments of a system for a
demand side platform which may integrate multiple pools of
impression opportunities from multiple ad exchanges for bidding is
shown. In brief summary, the system shows one or more impression
opportunities available and/or delivered via one or more ad
exchanges for bidding by one or more ad agencies. Each ad agency
may represent one or more clients. The system further includes a
Demand Side Platform (DSP) for interfacing between the one or more
ad agencies and the one or more ad exchanges. The DSP determining
for the ad agencies and/or the clients which impression opportunity
to bid and how to bid based on information provided from the buy
side and sell side.
[0101] In further details of FIG. 2A, each ad agency may represent
one or more clients. Client entities interested in impression
opportunities may comprise an individual, company, organization or
a groups of individual with shared interests. An ad agency may
design and/or implement an ad campaign on behalf of a client. The
ad agency may further procure or buy impression opportunities based
on the advertising campaign on behalf of the client. In some
embodiments, an ad agency and/or one or more clients the agency
represents may collectively or individually be referred to as an
advertiser. In one of these embodiments, an advertiser includes an
ad agency and a client the agency represents. A client may be an
advertiser that directly uses the DSP to procure impression
opportunities, e.g., without using an ad agency. In some
embodiments, an ad agency may use a DSP to concurrently and/or
independently run ad campaigns for one or more clients. In some
embodiments, an ad exchange may interface with an advertiser via a
DSP. In other embodiments, an ad exchange may interface directly
with an advertiser that uses a DSP to process information provided
by the ad exchange.
[0102] A DSP may be implemented in hardware or a combination of
hardware and software. The DSP may be built and/or configured for
supporting or providing impression opportunity analyses and/or
transactions. In some embodiments, a DSP is built and configured
for providing buy side services for impression opportunities. A DSP
may provide automation for impression opportunity workflow (e.g.,
designing ad campaigns and applying these to multiple ad
exchanges), supply integration (e.g., interfacing with multiple ad
exchanges and other supply partners to normalize pools of
impression opportunity for analysis and bidding), and insight and
analytics (e.g., quantitative analysis in determining outgoing bids
and reviewing performance).
[0103] The DSP may include any module, script, program, agent,
state machine, component or set of executable instructions
executing on one or more machines or servers 106. The DSP
technology stack may incorporate open source and/or commercial code
platforms, including but not limited to: Flex/Catalysts (e.g.,
implemented in the DSP user interface and middleware in some
embodiments), Perl (e.g., implemented in the application layer and
business logic in some embodiments), C/C++(e.g., implemented in the
bidding module and/or brain engine in some embodiments),
Netezza/PostGreSQL (e.g., implemented in DSP data warehousing or
data marts in some embodiments). These code platforms, as
implemented in the DSP system, can support agile and interactive
development of the system. In some embodiments, the DSP includes a
self-monitoring and/or self-healing framework. The DSP may include
application programming interfaces (APIs) into some or all
subsystems of the DSP.
[0104] The one or more machines or servers 106 providing the DSP
may include one or more server farms 38, for example incorporating
features of server farms 38 described above in connection with FIG.
1A. The DSP hardware may interface with other network components
via any type or form of communication protocol, including standard,
proprietary and custom protocols. The DSP may have components
operating at one or more layers of the network stack, such as the
transport layer. The DSP may operate as an intermediary, logically
and/or physically, between one or more ad exchanges and one or more
advertisers (e.g., ad agencies).
[0105] In certain embodiments, a DSP may be referred as a demand
side service. In some embodiments, the DSP may include one or more
services, subsystems, modules and/or applications hosted by a
provider and/or an advertiser. For example and in one embodiment,
the DSP may include a service or application engine hosted on one
or more servers of the advertiser and/or a third party. The third
party may be a server farm or hardware provider and/or service
provider. The DSP may include a service, module and/or application
dedicated for an advertiser, e.g., to interface that advertiser
with one or more ad exchanges. For example and in one embodiment, a
DSP may include services, applications and/or hardware leased
and/or owned by an advertiser. In some embodiments, an ad exchange
may provide a DSP or some features of a DSP to an advertiser, e.g.,
for ad campaign planning. Any of the systems and/or features
associated with a DSP may be provided to advertisers and/or ad
exchanges for a fee, e.g., on a per use basis (e.g., online
access), for an access/lease period (e.g., software license),
and/or for purchase (e.g., custom or configured hardware).
[0106] The DSP may provide an advertiser access to a plurality of
impression opportunities provided via different providers (e.g.,
publishers). The plurality of impression opportunities may include
one or more pools of impression opportunities. For example and in
one embodiment, a pool of impression opportunities may include
impression opportunities from a publisher, a group of publishers,
an ad exchange, and/or an ad network. In some embodiments, a pool
of impression opportunities comprises impression opportunities
across discrete and disparate supply sources. Certain ad networks
and/or ad exchanges may control, distribute, offer, administer or
otherwise manage one or more pools of impression opportunities. In
some embodiments, certain impression opportunities or pools of
impression opportunities may only be available via a specific ad
network or ad exchange. The DSP may function as an interface
between a plurality of impression opportunity providers (or
sellers) and an advertiser (buyer). The DSP may offer a single
interface, point of access, and/or relationship to a buyer, e.g.,
to simplify transactions and/or analyses associated with a
plurality of sellers. In some embodiments, the pools of impression
opportunities may correspond to different types or categories of
impression opportunities, e.g., impression opportunities associated
with a segment, channel, particular type of website or premium
level, mouse-over vs. page-embedded impression opportunities,
etc.
[0107] The DSP may process or analyze information associated with
various impression opportunities and normalize these into metrics
for comparison against goals set by advertisers. The DSP may
normalize the information across impression opportunities, pools of
impression opportunities, and/or ad exchanges. In some embodiments,
the DSP may statistically and/or intelligently process or analyze
the information to help an advertiser customize, determine or
develop an advertising campaign based on the advertiser's goals.
The DSP may dynamically update the metrics to help an advertiser
adjust or implement advertising campaigns based on the goals. For
example, the DSP may determine (e.g., via an impression calculator
and/or a bidding module of the DSP) an estimate of daily impression
opportunities across the plurality of impression opportunity
providers to identify an appropriate advertising campaign strategy.
The methods and systems described herein may use the normalized
metrics to bid for impression opportunities, e.g., according to the
advertising campaigns developed.
[0108] In some embodiments, a DSP may provide services to one or
more advertisers in parallel, in sequence, on demand or otherwise.
For example and in one embodiment, a single DSP may perform
analysis and/or transactions for one or more advertisers
concurrently and/or sequentially. An analysis may include any type
or form of data processing, such as any statistical, algorithmic or
other intelligent computation, profiling and/or prediction of
impression opportunity information that may be useful in the
formulation of ad strategy, campaign and/or bidding across one or
more ad exchanges. A transaction may include any type or form of
operation associated with bidding, trading, and/or procuring
impression opportunities. Each analysis and/or transaction may be
independent of another analysis and/or transaction of the same or
different advertiser. For example, in some embodiments, an analysis
may account for one or more transactions taking place at the same
time. In certain embodiments, a transaction may affect or compete
with another transaction. A transaction may be assigned a different
priority and/or be configured relative to another transaction,
e.g., to potentially effect a certain result or a different result.
In one embodiment, such as between transactions of a same
advertiser, a transaction (e.g., impression opportunity bid) may be
processed to optimize or improve the chances or outcome of another
transaction. In another embodiment, such as between transactions of
different advertisers and/or ad campaigns, a transaction may be
processed blindly, fairly and/or independently of another
transaction.
[0109] In some embodiments, a plurality of DSPs may operate in
parallel. In some embodiments, the plurality of DSP supporting
different advertisers. A transaction may affect or compete with
another transaction from another advertiser or DSP. In certain
embodiments, an advertiser may operate a plurality of DSPs in
parallel, either using the same ad campaigns or using different ad
campaigns. For example and in one embodiment, an advertiser may be
evaluating one DSP against another, or comparing one ad campaign
against another. A different DSP may help the same advertiser
(e.g., ad agency and/or client) develop a different ad campaign. A
different DSP may provide the same advertiser access to different
ad exchanges and/or information.
[0110] As a single interface across a plurality of ad exchanges, a
DSP can receive and process any type or form of information
supplied via the ad exchanges. For example, and as depicted in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2G, each ad exchange and/or publisher may
supply different types of information, similar information in a
different format, data structure or granularity, using different
communication protocols or standards, and at different time
instances or intervals. In some embodiments, the information
provided via some ad exchanges may conform at least in part to some
standards. In certain embodiments, the information provided by an
ad exchange may be specific to the ad exchange's custom or
semi-custom interface. The availability and type of information
provided via ad exchanges may vary, e.g., from publisher to
publisher. In some embodiments, an ad exchange may process and/or
convey information from different publishers differently. Some ad
exchanges and/or publishers may provide support for requesting or
querying different types or granularity of data. Information
provided via ad exchanges may include supply data with respect to
impression opportunities, and user data.
[0111] User data may include any type or form of data related to a
user of a webpage, website, web session and/or web application.
Such user information may include geolocation or geographical
(sometimes generally referred to as "geo") information, system
data, remarketing information, and third-party segment information.
Geo information may include information including but not limited
to information related to the user network, internet protocol (IP)
address, access point (e.g., wifi hotspot), geographical location
and mobile tracking, and demographic and other geographical
information system (GIS) data linked to the user location. System
data may include any user information stored or tracked by the
publisher or network, including but not limited to user
preferences, browsing and transaction history, and user device
information. Some of these information may be tracked by cookies
and/or Adware.
[0112] Third-party segment information may include information
identifying specific audience segments with certain online shopping
habits. A number of companies, such as BlueKai, Exelate and Axciom,
may provide such insights into the in-market shopping profiles of
advertisers site audiences. Third-party segment information may
include information related to a conversion (e.g., pattern of user
behavior and/or advertising characteristics leading to a newsletter
sign-up, registration, transaction, etc) as well as behavioral
targeting data sourced or bought from ad networks. Advertisers can
use pre-existing segments or use the information provided to create
custom audience segments, identify matching impression
opportunities and reach prospects.
[0113] Remarketing information may include information including
but not limited to information related to tracking a user after the
user has left a publisher's site with a goal of driving the user
back to a client's site to complete an action or transaction.
Remarketing information may identify user or user attributes
indicating past or potential success in remarketing efforts. In
addition to the above, user data may include "IXI" data that
provides measures of user wealth, income, spending, credit,
investment style, share-of-wallet and share-of-market.
[0114] Supply data may include any type or form of data related to
impression opportunities. Supply data may include information
related to, but not limited to the network, publisher, channel, ad
size and daypart. Network data may include information including
but not limited to information related to the size, characteristics
and audience reach of an ad network associated with an impression
opportunity. Publisher data may include information including but
not limited to information related to the content and web traffic
of a publisher or website offering an impression opportunity.
Publisher data may include an identifier of the publisher and/or
website. Ad size may indicate the size of the impression
opportunity using any type or form of measure, e.g., digital image
dimensions by pixels, such as 300.times.250. Daypart information
specifies portions of the days during which the impression
opportunity is offered, e.g., 12 pm-6 pm, 6 pm-9 pm, primetime,
morning segment, late night, etc. Weekpart information may specify
between weekend and weekday. Other time-specific parts may be
provided or defined.
[0115] Channel data may include information including but not
limited to information related to the type and reach of a media
channel associated with an impression opportunity. A channel may be
a category of media content targeting a specific audience. For
example, channels may include categories such as news, finance,
women, men, etc. In some embodiments, a channel may be a media
type, for example, rich media, in-stream video, search, banner,
text links, e-mail spam, opt-in e-mail advertising, other trackable
media. Media type channels may also include podcasts, mobile device
content and RSS feeds.
[0116] A DSP can receive a variety of sell-side information
received via ad exchanges and normalize the information for a buyer
or advertiser. The DSP may have custom interfaces for communicating
with each ad exchange, e.g., as depicted in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2G. Each custom interface may include standard and/or custom
modules for receiving portions of information from the
corresponding ad exchange. Each custom interface may support the
appropriate communication protocol conversion or translation. Each
custom interface may include filters for removing redundant and/or
unsupported data received from an ad exchange or other third party
providers (e.g., BlueKai). Each custom interface may include any
type or form of extract, translate and load (ETL) capabilities to
create a set of data or parameters in normalized, standard or
generic (hereafter generally referred to as "normalized") form for
the corresponding ad exchange. The normalized set of parameters may
include one or more of geo, system, REM, third-party segment, IXI,
publisher (ID), channel, ad size, weekpart and daypart data
pertaining to an impression opportunity.
[0117] Referring now to FIG. 2B and in some embodiments, each set
of sell-side information received by a DSP may be associated with
an impression opportunity. In other embodiments, each set of
sell-side information received by a DSP is associated with a pool
of impression opportunities, a publisher, an ad network, or an ad
exchange. In some embodiments, the DSP includes at least one
bidding engine or module (e.g., a MathBid module) for initiating
bids to any of the ad exchanges, ad networks, supply partners
and/or publishers. A bidding engine or module is sometimes referred
to as a bidder. A DSP may include any number of high performance
bidding modules. In some embodiments, the DSP bidding modules can
operate at 500,000 queries per second. A bidding module may be
configured to bid on every impression opportunity or on selected
impression opportunities. A bidding module may bid on one or more
impression opportunities for placement of an advertisement. A
bidding module may be configured to bid one or more times on an
impression opportunity based on the corresponding impression
opportunity provider's response to the bid. A bidding module may be
configured to bid one or more times on an impression opportunity to
try to achieve a successful bid.
[0118] In certain embodiments, a bidding module may include or
incorporate the one or more custom interfaces described above. The
bidding module may receive sets of sell-side information via the
custom interfaces. The bidding module(s) may integrate all supply
sources across real time, different APIs and bid sheet
environments. The custom interfaces may normalize each set of sell
side information into sets of data that can be processed by the
bidding module and/or a brain engine of the DSP. The normalized
sets of data may be stored in a data warehouse in some embodiments.
The bidding modules may include a uber or master bidder, e.g., as
depicted in FIGS. 2C and 2D. The master bidder may execute on brain
engine instructions and/or generated rule sets. The master bidder
may load balance bids across one or more of the other biding
modules (sometimes generally referred to as "bidders"). The brain
engine may constantly update the bidders (e.g., via the master
bidder) as statistically significant variables are recognized
and/or pockets of performing media or impression opportunities are
unlocked.
[0119] The data warehouse may include a database management module
for logging, tracking and managing the normalized sets of data. The
database management module may be implemented in hardware or a
combination of hardware and software. The database management
module may be built and configured for storing, retrieving,
organizing and managing impression opportunity-related information,
including normalized sets of data or parameters. In some
embodiments, the database management module is built and configured
for efficient and/or fast storing, retrieving, organizing and
managing impression opportunity-related information. The database
management module may include any module, script, program, agent,
component or set of executable instructions executing on one or
more machines or servers 106.
[0120] The data warehouse may include one or more storage devices,
incorporating features from embodiments of storage devices 128,
122, 140 described above in connection with FIGS. 1B and 1C.
Moreover, the data warehouse may include data structures for
storing and organizing the sets of normalized data. In certain
embodiments, the data warehouse includes or operates with a
reporting module for processing routine reporting or requests for
information. In some embodiments, the DSP system includes a
massively parallel data warehouse, e.g., for processing high levels
of impression opportunity transactions and/or analysis. In one
embodiment, the DSP data warehouse has a capacity of 20TB or more.
The DSP data warehouse may be built or configured to support
massive data sets for reporting, optimization and insights. The DSP
data warehouse may be built or configured to integrate with
third-party systems and/or other data warehouses.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 2C, one embodiment of a platform
architecture for the DSP system is shown. In brief summary, the DSP
system includes an interface layer, a core layer, an optimization
layer, an integration layer and a data layer. The data layer may
include the DSP data warehouse discussed above. Bidding modules are
depicted as the uber bidder and bidders in the core layer. The core
layers may also include a cookies module and a MathTag module. The
cookie module may generate and/or provide cookies to generate user
data. The cookie module may communicate with server-side cookies to
receive user data. The MathTag module may provide functionality for
managing pixels and/or tracking code. The MathTag module may
provide functionality for serving and/or tracking pixels or REM
segment users.
[0122] The DSP integration layer may include a number of modules,
including but not limited to Supply and Workflow Integration (SWI),
creative management and data integration. In some embodiments, the
SWI module processes and/or integrates supply data (from impression
opportunity sellers such as ad exchanges). The SWI module may also
process and/or integrate workflow data. These data can include
third-party analytics data, trafficking data and
non-real-time-bidding (non-RTB) data. These data may include system
data, such as campaign management data. The SWI module may
interface with the DSP data warehouse to retrieve data for
processing and/or store data processed by the SWI module. The DSP
integration layer may include a creative management module for
storing, creating, updating, organizing, or otherwise managing
creatives. The creative management module may manage a library of
creatives.
[0123] The data integration module may process and/or integrate any
type or form of data from first, second and/or third parties, such
as an advertiser (e.g., ad agency and/or client), a publisher, an
ad exchange, ad network, third-parties like BlueKai, etc. The data
integration module may comprise, interoperate or interface with the
one or more custom interfaces described above and in connection
with FIG. 2G. The data integration module may operate with a ETL
module to extract and normalize data from various sources. The data
integration module may provide specific data on demand. In some
embodiments, the data integration module may provide custom data
feeds to requestors. One or more of the integration layer modules
may operate with each other and/or with the DSP data warehouse to
provide data for use in the optimization layer and/or provide data
requested by any requestor.
[0124] The DSP may include a brain engine for performing operations
based on any portion of the data discussed above. In some
embodiments, the brain engine may perform operations using data
collected or generated by the core layer. The brain engine may be
implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software.
The brain engine module may include any module, script, program,
agent, component or set of executable instructions executing on one
or more machines or servers 106. The brain engine may be built and
configured for quickly processing massive data sets, applying
machine learning against that data and deploying learnt real-time
data into bidders. The brain engine may be implemented in the
optimization layer of the DSP system.
[0125] The brain engine may include one or more processors, e.g.,
executing in parallel or substantially in parallel. In some
embodiments, the brain engine includes a plurality of processing
cores. In some embodiments, the brain engine includes distributed
processing (e.g., across multiple server farms). The capability for
parallel processing can for example, support multi-scenario
analysis in modeling a bidding process. In some embodiments, the
brain engine incorporates cloud computing features. In some
embodiments, the DSP platform includes a distributed brain engine
or a plurality of brain engines. The DSP platform may include a
plurality of brain engines that can operate in a coordinated or
collaborative fashion. In other embodiments, the DSP platform may
include a plurality of brain engines that can operate
independently.
[0126] In one embodiment, the brain engine includes a left brain
component for performing yield optimization (e.g., bidding success,
competitive bid prices, REM success, low CPM, etc). In some
embodiments, the left brain component can determine the Fair Market
Value (FMV) of impressions based on variables obtained via requests
(e.g. HTTP) to supply partners and/or from third party data. In
some embodiments, the left brain component can determine FMV (fair
market value) based on the data of past bidding and campaign
performance and operational data stores in the data warehouse. The
brain engine may includes a right brain component for handling
operations such as targeting (e.g., targeting segments, channels,
dayparts), pacing (e.g., controlling spend rate with respect to
bidding) and market dynamics (e.g., updating bid rules according to
bid results and/or market information). In some embodiments, the
right brain component can adjust FMV bids based on targeting,
pacing and/or market dynamics.
[0127] In some embodiments, the brain engine may be built and
configured for one or more of: (i) retrieving appropriate sets of
normalized data from the data warehouse and/or the bidding module,
(ii) comparing and ranking impression opportunities based on the
sets of normalized data, (iii) grouping impression opportunities,
e.g., based on the comparison and/or ranking, (iv) generating one
or more rules for bidding on impression opportunities, (v)
generating an initial bidding prediction based on the one or more
rules and/or sets of normalized data, (vi) adapts the one or more
rules based on bidding results, and (vii) optimizes the one or more
rules. The brain engine may generate an initial set of bidding
rules for the bidding module to bid for impression opportunities.
In some embodiments, the bidding module executes one or more
initial bids without using any bidding rules. The bidding module
may forward or summarize bidding results to the brain engine for
developing and/or refining bidding rules. In some embodiments, the
brain engine exports a rule set optimized according to bidding
results. The brain engine may export or provide the rule set to the
bidding module. In certain embodiments, the brain engine
dynamically updates the bidding rules based on new bidding results.
The brain engine may dynamically update bidding rules for an ad
campaign to the bidding module. The brain engine may, in some
embodiments, export an updated rule set to the bidding module based
on one or more of: an export schedule, a change or substantial
change in the bidding rules, a change in the corresponding ad
campaign, or some other triggering event.
[0128] Referring again to FIG. 2A, the brain engine generates
bidding rules for an online ad campaign based in part on
constraints and/or goals provided by an advertiser. In some
embodiments, a client or advertiser provides one or more goals for
an ad campaign. Goals may include a budget cap or target for an
effective cost per Action (eCPA or CPA). An eCPA may be used as a
measure of the effectiveness of impression opportunities procured
by the advertiser. For example, an ad campaign may involve multiple
bids over a plurality of impression opportunities. To determine the
eCPA, the bid price for successful bids may be summed over a period
of time and divided by the number of desired user actions (e.g., a
form submission or purchase) linked to an advertisement
successfully bid. The larger the number of desired user actions,
the more successful the ad campaign is as the eCPA lowered. Ad
campaign goals may also specify the budget for the ad campaign over
a period of time. Budget spending for an ad campaign may be capped
at $100,000 per month for bidding on impression opportunities.
Therefore bidding may be paced (e.g., by the DSP) so that the
budget is not exceeded.
[0129] Goals may also be set based at least in part on bidding
success rate, conversion rate for remarketing efforts, rate of user
actions, number of actions from unique users, and click through
rate (CTR--which can be a way of measuring the success of an online
ad campaign, obtained by dividing the number of users who clicked
on an ad on a web page by the number of impression delivered). Such
goals may also be set to target certain preferred websites,
demographics, dayparts, etc. For example, in one embodiment, a
campaign goal or objective may be to increase online order volume
at or below a target eCPA. In another embodiment, campaign goals or
objectives include attracting a more engaged audience as measured
by CTR while maintaining a fixed cost per click through (CPC). In
another embodiment, campaign goals or objectives may include
achieving aggressive order volume targets at or above a return on
investment (ROI) hurdle. An advertiser may define any type or form
of constraints for an ad campaign. For example and in various
embodiments, constraints may limit the ad campaign to certain
geographical regions, such as the US only. In one embodiment, only
user actions (such as registrations) completed by users residing in
the US are desired. The ad campaign may prefer websites hosted in
the US and/or targeting a US audience. Some advertisers may require
exclusion of impression opportunities offered with user generated
content (UGC). UGC, sometimes also known as consumer generated
media (CGM), may refer to any online material, such as blogs and
online comments, created by non-media professionals. In certain
embodiments, advertisers may specific a frequency limit on the
number of bids per time period. An advertiser may also limit the
number of campaign flights over a time period, such as three
flights per day. A flight may refer to a period of time in which a
defined bid price, daily spend goal and frequency cap are defined.
An ad campaign may specify one or more flights, and the bid prices,
daily spend goals and frequencies at which a specific set of ads
are served during these flights.
[0130] Based at least in part on the goals and/or constraints, an
advertiser may define or design an ad campaign. The DSP can provide
a simple and intuitive interface to help advertisers develop and/or
run an ad campaign. The DSP may provide an interface for the
advertiser to specify, define, compose, develop, test, refine,
modify and/or design an ad campaign, for example, as depicted in
FIG. 2G. The DSP may provide an interface for the advertiser to
manually and/or automatically bid on an impression opportunity. In
some embodiments, the DSP system provides this interface in the
user interface (UI) layer. The interface provides access to and
presentation of any of the functionality and services of the DSP.
An advertiser may use the interface to select or specify ad
exchanges for inclusion in the ad campaign. An advertiser may
specify the goals and/or constraints for any ad campaign via the
interface. In addition, an advertiser may access any information
provided by the ad exchanges and/or publishers via the interface.
These information may be processed (e.g., reformatted, organized,
analyzed, normalized, etc) and may be presented in a way that is
more user friendly and/or easily understood.
[0131] The interface may be any type or form of interface, such as
a graphical user interface (GUI) and/or a command line interface.
The interface may be a web interface or an application/software
interface. Portions of the interface and interface content may be
provided by a locally-executing application (e.g., software
program) on a client machine 102. Portions of the interface and
interface content may be remotely transmitted from a server 106 to
a client machine 102 for presentation (e.g., on a browser executing
on the client machine 102). The interface may include any number of
widgets. A widget may comprise any one or more elements of a user
interface which may be actionable or changeable by the user and/or
which may convey information or content. Interface widgets may
comprise any type and form of executable instructions that may be
executable in one or more environments. Each widget may be designed
and constructed to execute or operate in association with an
application and/or within a web-page displayed by a browser. One or
more widgets may operate together to form any element of the
interface, such as a dashboard.
[0132] In some embodiments, using any type and form of web browser
such as Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Konqueror, Opera, Flock, Internet
Explorer, Epiphany, K-Meleon and AOL Explorer, an advertiser can
create an account and access DSP services remotely. In certain
embodiments, an advertiser may access DSP services locally and/or
remotely via an application executing on a device operated by the
advertiser. The advertiser can compose their ad campaign using
digital content stored on the machine the advertiser is operating
or by accessing a remote storage location. Since DSP components may
be distributed across networks, each component may communicate with
another component using any type and form of interface, protocol,
inter or intra process communications, messaging, etc. In some
embodiments, the interface communicates with a DSP Server using
JavaScript Object Notation, (JSON) format, e.g., as specified in
RFC 4627. For example and in one embodiment, the DSP system may
include a direct application programming interface (API) to support
JSON or other formats. In some embodiments, Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) and/or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
may be used as the communications protocol. DSP services, including
web services, may be accessed through the provided interface via
any type and form of web browsers and/or applications that can
connect to a network. In certain embodiments, DSP services are
provided via a website or portal for online access. In some
embodiments, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic protocol or
Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol is used by the DSP
platform, portal or website to provide secure communications with
web browsers and application. Any type and form of security
mechanisms and/or protocols may be used to provide a secure session
or connection with the DSP platform, portal, service or website.
Embodiments of the systems described herein may include any type or
form of high speed connection with the DSP platform, portal or
website, such as one or more T1 lines and/or higher bandwidth
lines.
[0133] In some embodiments, the interface facilitates creation of
online display ad campaigns. By way of illustration and not
intended to be limiting in any way, the following description shows
how an advertiser may create a REM online display campaign using
the interface. In connection with the ad campaign, goal-based
optimization, marketing options based on core plans, and/or the
ability to target or buy audiences may be provided as part of DSP
services. The advertiser can use the interface to perform any of:
(i) create a new REM campaign for an existing advertiser, or select
from a list of pre-existing campaigns (e.g., under the Campaign
Settings section of the interface), (ii) configure start/end date,
price, spend and frequency (e.g., under the Campaign Settings
section of the interface), (iii) select a pixel to use in a REM
target segment campaign (e.g., under the Pixels section of the
interface), (iv) enter an ad tag creative to be used in the
campaign (e.g., under the Creatives section of the interface), and
(vii) launch the REM campaign. A creative, as referenced above, may
represent online ads that are referenced via ad tags. These online
ads may be used to remarket to users.
[0134] In some embodiments, a pixel, as referenced above, is an
image that is placed on an advertiser's page or pages and used to
target a REM segment. In some embodiments, a pixel is a unique
tracking element which is used to serve ads to a visitor when they
are on other web sites. The pixel can be of any size, such as
1.times.1. The pixel may represent, include or incorporate any type
or form of script or program code. The script or program code may
be activated when the pixel and/or the host webpage is loaded onto
a browser or device. This pixel may install a tracking device on a
consumer's device used to visit the advertiser's page or website.
REM may target known consumers who have taken a specific action at
a site as they travel to other sites across the internet. A
successful REM may reach these consumers by serving them compelling
ads based on their previous actions.
[0135] In certain embodiments, the DSP interface is designed to
allow an advertiser to enter any type or form data as it becomes
available to the advertiser. The interface may include a dashboard
that provides a listing of ad campaigns in the DSP system
associated with an advertiser. The dashboard may indicate the
status of each campaign dynamically in real-time or with updates at
defined instants. In some embodiments, an advertiser can perform
any of the following from the Dashboard: adding a new campaign,
editing an existing campaign, launching a campaign or stopping a
campaign that is currently running. Campaigns may be listed in
chronological order (e.g., newest to oldest), or in any order. In
some embodiments, the interface can display any type or form of
campaign data, such as Campaign Name, Advertiser, Campaign Type,
Start/End Date, Status (e.g., Not Ready to Launch, Ready to Launch,
Scheduled Pause, Manual Pause, Running, Completed, etc). The
interface may also include Action Buttons or widgets for performing
specific actions (e.g., Edit Campaign, Launch Campaign and Pause
Campaign).
[0136] The display can present additional details of any listed
campaigns, e.g., upon user demand. For example and in one
embodiment, a user may view additional details regarding the status
of steps required to create a launch-ready Campaign. In certain
embodiments, the interface includes three sections for defining or
configuring an ad campaign: Campaign Settings, Pixels and Creative.
In one embodiments, a campaign is ready for launching when these
three sections are complete. An advertiser may create a new
campaign in the Campaign Settings section. To edit a campaign, a
user may select the campaign and identify the section(s) for
editing. In some embodiments, a campaign is editable if the
campaign's status is "Not Ready to Launch" or is paused (e.g.,
manually or through scheduling). In one embodiment, a user can
manually pause a campaign that has already launched (e.g.,
performing impression opportunity monitoring and/or bidding) via
the dashboard (e.g., a "Pause Campaign" Action Button). After
making edits, an advertiser can launch an edited campaign (e.g.,
via a "Launch Campaign" Action Button). In some embodiments, a
Launch Confirmation screen allows a user to review some of the
settings before launching a campaign.
[0137] In some embodiment, once a campaign is launched, the
corresponding status may be "Running" or "Scheduled Pause" (e.g.,
if the start date is in the future). A campaign will continue until
(i) the campaign is manually paused by a user, (ii) the campaign is
scheduled to pause by placement of a gap between flight dates, or
(iii) the campaign has completed one or more flights, or its run of
flights.
[0138] A user may include any type and form of configuration
setting for a campaign via the interface. In some embodiments, a
user (e.g., from an a agency) may identify a client (e.g., from a
plurality of clients) for which the user is creating a campaign.
The user may specify or select the type of campaign (e.g., REM,
prospecting) to create or launch. The user may specify or select a
third-party ad server (e.g., Atlas and DART for Advertisers (DFA),
3PAS), e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2G. The user may also specify or
select one or more of: the advertiser site, targeted unique visitor
count (e.g., per month), spending goals (e.g., daily spend goals),
targeted segment (e.g., defined by third-party analytics such as
Exelate and Axciom), types of completed actions, types of
impression opportunity, types of published content, channels, day
parts, week parts, ad size preferences, bid range and targets.
[0139] A user may include any type and form of configuration
setting for a flight via the interface. For example, a user can
specify the start and end dates/times for a campaign flight. A user
can create multiple or additional flights via the interface. A user
can extend a campaign or test different bid prices, daily spends
and frequency caps against each other. Any type or form of flight
details can be presented on demand via the interface, e.g.,
responsive to a mouse-over, presenting a visual reference of a
flight. Any of the specifications or settings described herein may
be entered into data structure for evaluation, verification,
calculation or checks. For example and in one embodiment, price,
daily spend and frequency goals and/or caps for a flight may be
entered into a budget matrix of the interface. Specifications
classified as a goal (e.g., daily spend goal) is specified as a
target to the DSP and may not be guaranteed. Specifications
classified as a range, limit, floor or cap may be guaranteed.
[0140] In some cases, an ad agency may represent a client. The ad
agency may have a CPM price agreement with the client for an ad
campaign. The ad agency may specify this CPM (or Advertiser IO
Price) via the DPS interface, for example to determine or calculate
the maximum bid for the ad campaign. A user may specify a bid price
via the interface. The range of the bid price may be determined or
capped by the Advertiser IO Price. In some embodiments, the DPS may
calculate a Daily Estimated Available Impressions (e.g., At Cost)
using an algorithm that approximates the total pool of available
number impressions. The DPS may comprise or communicate with an
impression calculator that determines an estimate of daily
impression opportunities available across one or more providers. In
certain embodiments, the Daily Estimated Available Impressions
(DEAI) represents the total possible impressions, e.g., at the set
price and frequency cap. In other embodiments, the DEAI represents
the number of estimated impressions at the set price and frequency
cap. The DPS may calculate the DEAI based on the number of monthly
unique users to the Advertiser Site. By way of illustration, the
DPS may determine the flight spending by multiplying Daily Spend
Goal by the number of days in the flight. The DPS may determine the
campaign budget based on the flight spending of flights in the
campaign.
[0141] An advertiser may specify a frequency cap for serving the
advertiser's ads. The advertiser may have an option of choosing how
often ads are served per number of Hours, Days, or other time
period. An advertiser may specify or choose to have the ads served
ASAP, evenly distributed, according to other distribution profiles
or via the DSP's recommended or optimized settings. An advertiser
can save any portion of the settings or specifications disclosed
herein at any point of time.
[0142] An advertiser may select or create any type or form of REM
targeting segment pixel for a campaign. The advertiser may add one
or more ads for the campaign. Each ad may be referenced by an ad
tag. Each ad may be served from an ad server which may be specified
via the interface. In some embodiments, some ads may be uploaded
into the DPS via the interface. In certain embodiments, ads may be
designed, customized and/or modified via the DPS interface. An
advertiser can specify one or more ad sizes. In some embodiments,
standard ad sizes may be specified or automatically configured. In
one embodiment, the DPS may automatically resize and/or crop an ad
to match an ad size offered by an impression opportunity.
[0143] In some embodiments, the brain engine of the DSP processes
some or all of the data provided via the UI, core and/or
integration layers. The brain engine may use any of these data for
campaign creation, trafficking management, yield management and/or
generating analytics. In some embodiments, trafficking refers to
running campaigns by sending ad tags to publishers and/or ad
exchanges. Yield management may refer to analysis or evaluation of
campaigns to obtain measures of online advertising success. Online
advertising success may be measured in any one or a combination of
cost, budget-management, user actions or conversions, increased
audience awareness of advertiser products and/or services, bidding
success rate and/or efficiency, order volume and revenue. Online
advertising success may incorporate metrics such as CPM, CPI, CPC,
CTR, CPA, ROI, cost per lead or registration (CPL) and cost per
sale (CPS).
[0144] The DSP system may be designed and built for scalability.
Some estimates have reported that over thirteen billion impression
opportunities may be available per day. Accordingly, the DSP system
can operate to analyze and/or handle transactions for large volumes
of impression opportunities efficiently and effectively. In
addition, the DSP can interface with any number or type of ad
exchanges and/or ad networks, including but not limited to
RightMedia, Google AdX, AdECN, Adsdaq, Adbrite, Valueclick, Admeld,
SpotXchange, AdNexus, AdBidcentral, Traffiq, OpenX, BidPlace,
Facebook, Pubmatic and Yahoo APT. In some embodiments, the systems
and methods described herein can source for new ad exchanges and/or
ad networks online (hereafter sometimes referred to as "supply
partners"), and incorporate new interfaces for these or adapt
existing interfaces for reuse on these supply partners. The DSP
platform can interface with biddable media sources of any level of
sophistication, including but not limited to real-time bidding, API
based platforms, and UI/bidsheet interfaces.
[0145] In various embodiments, the DSP platform can handle one or
more bidding transactions (or bids) within short periods of time
(e.g., 30 ms). During a short period of time, the DSP platform can
communicate or submit one or more bids for an advertiser to one or
more impression opportunities for the placement of an
advertisement. These periods of time may be dependent on, or
relative to network latency and/or load times for a page or image
(e.g., on a web page). In some embodiments, the DSP platform
includes direct connections to some or all supply sources, which
can enable low bid latency. For example and in one embodiment, a
user action may trigger loading of a web page having an impression
opportunity. In another embodiment, a user action may trigger
loading of an application interface having an impression
opportunity. In some embodiments, the impression opportunity is
offered for bidding (e.g., via one or more ad exchanges) responsive
to the user action. In other embodiments, the impression
opportunity is preemptively offered for bidding prior to a user
action or schedule action. During any portion of the time from
offer of the impression opportunity until the complete loading of
the page or interface, a DSP may perform any of the impression
opportunity analysis, determination of whether to bid, bidding rule
adjustments, actual bidding, delivery of ad to publisher, payment
of a successful bid, etc. The DSP may consider the impression
opportunity in connection with one or more other impression
opportunities to determine which impression opportunities to bid on
at any instant of time and/or at what bid prices. For an impression
opportunity that is offered via multiple ad exchanges, the DSP may
also determine the ad exchange(s) to submit a bid to.
[0146] The DSP, including the brain engine, may incorporate any
standard, proprietary and/or custom algorithms and/or software for
executing on hardware from the DSP provider, advertisers and/or DSP
partners. The algorithms and/or software may incorporate any type
or form of predictive modeling, simulation methods, and
computational techniques, e.g., from physics, statistics, game
theory, and algorithmic securities trading. The algorithms and/or
software integrated in the DSP platform may be refined or tuned via
any number of real-world or simulated campaigns.
[0147] The DSP, via the interface and/or brain engine, may operate
across any number of exchanges, accounting for differences in
available data sets, variable naming, and bid types (CPM, CPC,
etc). The DSP, via the interface and/or brain engine, may
incorporate any number and/or type of variables, including
third-party data (e.g., from Exelate service). The DSP may identify
any important groupings within those variables. The DSP, via the
brain engine, may recognize and account for interactions between
variables (e.g., Monday impressions perform poorly, but Monday in
News channel works well except for dialup connections). The DSP,
via the brain engine, may adaptively adjust bidding rules based on
interactions between variables.
[0148] The DSP, via the brain engine, may optimize bidding
operations towards any definable or measurable buyer goal (e.g.,
click count, orders, post-order activity, ROI, etc). The DSP, via
the brain engine, may auto-update predictions and/or bidding rules
as more data becomes available. The DSP, via the brain engine, may
determine and implement competitive bidding, e.g., by adjusting
bids according to recent bidding results and parameters. The brain
engine may continually or dynamically re-test predictions and/or
rule sets to ensure ongoing accuracy of predictions, competitive
bidding prices, consistency with advertiser goals and/or
constraints. In some embodiments, the brain engine can identify
anomalous activity, e.g., via profiling impression opportunity
transactions and/or user actions. Based on the anomalous activity,
the brain engine may adjust the bidding process or rule set, the
DSP's interaction with any ad exchange or publisher, or any other
aspect of the ad campaign.
[0149] By way of illustration and not intended to be limiting in
any way, the brain engine of the DSP system can generate estimates
for metrics such as CPM for different categories of impression
opportunities. For example, pools of impression opportunities may
be integrated and normalized into a single pool of impression
opportunity supply. In some embodiments, the brain engine predicts
the impression pool size for a particular day or other time period
through analysis of available data. Based on this pool, the
estimated CPM may be $1.37, for example. This pool may be further
divided into impression opportunities suitable for REM (e.g., 4% of
all impression opportunities, CPM=$5.53) and prospecting (e.g., 96%
of all impression opportunities, CPM=$1.20). The prospecting
impression opportunities may be further classified according to
segments (e.g., 5% from BlueKai segment at $2.24, 7% from Exelate
segment at $2.17, etc). Each segment may be further classified into
channels (e.g., 8% from news at $1.14, 11% from women at $1.31,
etc). Each channel may be further classified into dayparts (e.g.,
13% from the 12 pm-6 pm slot at $0.86). In some embodiments, the
REM impression opportunities may be further classified according to
ad size (e.g., 2% are 728.times.90 ads at a CPM of $2.24), and
further classified according to weekpart (e.g., 1% of impression
opportunities applies to weekend at a CPM of $4.90). Based on this
impression opportunity pool analysis, the DSP system can help an
advertiser tailor a campaign and/or match demand (e.g., for
specific inventory types) with the available supply of impression
opportunities.
[0150] In some embodiments, the DSP platform can provide
comprehensive reporting capabilities. Reporting capabilities
includes support for internal clients (e.g., DSP administrators and
developers) as well as external client (e.g., ad agencies).
Reporting may be provided via the DSP interface and/or delivered
directly to a requestor, e.g., via email. Reporting capabilities
include operational reporting as well as any type or form of
insight and analytics. In some embodiments, operational reporting
includes any type or form of statistics, logs, records, summaries
and/or alerts pertaining to the operation of the DSP system,
running of a campaign, execution of a flight and/or status of a
bid. Insights and analytics may include any type or form of
information or data processed or derived from operational data,
supply partners, third-party sources and/or advertisers. The DSP
platform can provide real-time analytics, e.g., via a feedback loop
in which the brain engine constantly updates bidding modules as
statistically significant variables are discovered and/or pockets
of performing media are unlocked.
[0151] A business intelligence (BI) suite may provide insights and
analytics capabilities. A BI suite may provide an external
presentation layer as part of the DSP reporting capabilities. For
example and in one embodiment, the BI suite may provide insight and
analytics to ad agencies using the DSP platform. A BI suite may
apply analysis and intelligence on data inputs incorporated from
various sources and applications. A BI suite may provide a range of
features such as interactive dashboards, proactive intelligence
delivery and alerts, ad hoc queries and analysis, operational and
volume reporting, online analytical processing (OLAP) analysis and
presentation, dynamic predictive intelligence, disconnected
analytics, unified metadata processing and ETL from any data
source.
[0152] In some embodiments, the DSP can provide site or audience
analysis as part of its insight and analytics capabilities. In
various embodiments, the DSP's BI, insight and analytics
capabilities may be implemented in the optimization layer. In some
embodiments, the DSP's insight and analytics capabilities can
estimate, determine and/or recommend optimal frequencies (e.g., of
flights, bidding), rank responsive of regions or target segments,
identify the relative success of ad channels and/or publishers
(e.g., with respect to order volume and/or user actions), and
characterize or classify conversions. In certain embodiments, the
DSP can provide analysis pertaining to creatives. For example and
in some embodiments, the DSP can profile or summarize the
attributes of creatives applied in ad campaigns. The DSP may
determine which creative concepts are driving performance in terms
of sales and/or different types of user actions.
[0153] In certain embodiments, the DSP can provide attribution and
segmentation analysis. This may include determining an optimal
timelag window for attribution, bidding, presenting an ad,
executing flights, or running a campaign. The DSP may determine the
economics (e.g., ROI, CPM, etc) at an ideal timelag window. The DSP
brain engine may determine the characteristics and/or profiles of
conversion segments. The DSP brain engine may attribute success of
certain metrics to particular segments, channels, ad flights,
campaigns, etc. In some embodiments, the DSP can forecast spending
levels. For example and in some embodiments, the DSP can predict
what CPA (or other metric) can be achieved according to certain
budget levels. The brain engine of the DSP can adjust or scale the
forecasts based on changes in different budgeting aspects.
[0154] In some embodiments, the DSP system provides distributed
processing for its subsystem components. FIG. 2D depicts one
embodiment of this distributed DSP platform. In certain
embodiments, a plurality of data centers may house brain engines,
pixel management technology, bidding modules, data warehouses,
offsite backup, system fault tolerance support, application
failover clusters, etc. Some data centers or server farms 38 may
include an application cluster comprising a brain engine, an uber
bidder, bidders, a local data store or warehouse. Client requests,
including ad campaign creation, requests for reports, campaign
execution and campaign simulation, may be distributed via global
load balancing (e.g., via a central server) to one or more data
centers for processing.
[0155] Some of the DSP data centers or application clusters may be
connected by private transit interconnects or links. Some of the
DSP data centers or application clusters may be secure by
firewalls. In some embodiments, the DSP platform includes direct
links to major peering points, e.g., peer and internet exchange
(PAIX), New York International Internet Exchange (NYIIX), etc. Some
of all of the DSP distributed system may be monitored via a
distributed or central Network Operations Center. In some
embodiments, the distributed DSP platform provides fault tolerant
operation and/or failover. The distributed DSP platform may provide
dynamic, real-time scalability. The distributed DSP platform can be
customized ore reconfigured to meet evolving needs. In various
embodiments, the distributed DSP platform can provide high system
availability and/or high system performance.
[0156] Referring now to FIG. 2E, a flow diagram depicts embodiments
of steps taken in a method 250 for integrating multiple pools of
impression opportunities from multiple advertising exchanges for
bidding by advertisers. The method includes receiving, via an
interface of a demand side platform (DSP), at least one constraint
and at least one goal for an online advertising campaign from a
user (251). A bidding module of the demand side platform receives a
first impression opportunity for bidding, the first impression
opportunity accompanied by a first set of data delivered via a
first advertising exchange (253). The bidding module receives a
second impression opportunity for bidding, the second impression
opportunity accompanied by a second set of data delivered via a
second advertising exchange (255). The bidding module normalizes
the first set of data and the second set of data (257). An engine
of the demand side platform determines to bid on the first
impression opportunity or the second impression opportunity based
on the normalized first and second sets of data (259).
[0157] Referring now to FIG. 2E, and in greater detail, the method
includes receiving, via an interface of a DSP, at least one
constraint and at least one goal for an online advertising campaign
from a user (step 251). In some embodiments, a user (e.g., of an ad
agency), enters or otherwise inputs at least one constraint and
goal for an ad campaign via an interface provided by the DSP. These
constraints and/or goals may incorporate features of the
constraints and/or goals discussed above in connection with FIGS.
2A and 2B.
[0158] The user may enter additional information with respect to
the campaign, such as parameters or settings of any type or form
described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2C. For example, the
user may specify the advertiser or client for the campaign. The
user may specify any one or more of: the type of campaign, the
advertiser site, targeted unique visitor count, spending goals,
targeted segment, types of completed actions, types of impression
opportunity, types of published content, channels, day parts, week
parts, ad size preferences, bid range and targets. The user may
include any type and form of configuration setting for a flight,
such as the start and end dates/times. The user may specify a
frequency cap and/or profile for serving the advertiser's ads. The
user may select or create a REM pixel and/or ads for the
campaign.
[0159] The user may enter any of these information, constraint(s)
and/or goal(s) using a form, script and/or command line submission.
The user may provide any of these information and/or selection via
a web or application interface. In some embodiments, the user may
request the DSP to recommend at least one constraint, goal, setting
and/or parameter for the campaign. The DSP may determine a
recommendation of a constraint, goal, setting and/or parameter
based at least in part on other information provided by the user,
available in the DSP warehouse and/or from third-party sources. The
DSP may calculate estimates for metrics such as campaign budget,
based at least in part on other information provided by the user,
available in the DSP warehouse and/or from third-party sources. In
some embodiments, the DSP may predict a measure of success for the
campaign based in part on estimated impression opportunity
availability and/or past statistics.
[0160] In further details of 253, a bidding module of the DSP
receives an impression opportunity for bidding. The impression
opportunity is accompanied by a set of data delivered via an
advertising exchange. The bidding module may receive a set of data
specific to the ad exchange. The bidding module may receive the set
of data associated with or describing the impression opportunity.
The bidding module may receive the impression opportunity in
real-time as the impression opportunity is about to be presented to
a user. The bidding module may receive the impression opportunity
before a user can cause it to be presented to the user.
[0161] In further details of 255, the bidding module receives
another impression opportunity for bidding. This impression
opportunity is accompanied by a another set of data delivered via
another advertising exchange. This set of data may be specific to
the corresponding ad exchange. The bidding module may recognize or
determine that this set of data is presented or organized
differently from the earlier set of data. The bidding module may
recognize or determine that this set of data includes more (or
less) information than the earlier set of data. In some
embodiments, the bidding module determines that this impression
opportunity is the same as the other impression opportunity,
although the accompanying data sets may differ in some aspects.
[0162] In further details of 257, the bidding module normalizes the
two sets of data. The bidding module may apply any type or form of
ETL, filtering, protocol translation, data integration, mapping,
reformatting or other processing techniques to normalize the two
sets of data. The bidding module may compare the types of data
between the two sets of data in determining how to perform the
normalization. The bidding module may request for additional data
for each set of data from the corresponding ad exchange and/or
retrieve additional data from a data warehouse of the DSP.
[0163] In further details of 259, an engine of the demand side
platform determines to bid on one of the first impression
opportunities based on the normalized sets of data. The engine may
process one or more of the constraints, goals, parameters, settings
and/or normalized sets of data to determine whether to bid on
either impression opportunities. The engine may generate an initial
set of one or more rules from one or more of the constraints,
goals, parameters, settings and/or normalized sets of data to
determine whether to bid on either impression opportunities. The
engine may determine to whether to bid on either impression
opportunities based on the initial set of rules. The engine may
predict an outcome for a bid. The engine may determine what price
to use for a bid. In some embodiments, the engine determines not to
bid. In other embodiments, the engine determines to bid on one or
both of the impression opportunities.
[0164] In some embodiments, the engine submits a bid to one of the
impression opportunities. The DSP may deliver a REM pixel and/or ad
for the impression opportunities. If the bid is accepted, the DSP
may process payment for the bid. In some embodiments, the outcome
of the bid is updated into the DSP's data warehouse. The DSP may
adjust or change the initial rule set based on the outcome of the
bid.
[0165] Referring now to FIG. 2F, embodiments of analysis and
normalization of data and interfaces across a plurality of
disparate and different supply sources, referred to as
cross-exchange integration and normalization, is depicted. FIG. 2F
depicts, in one of the embodiments, a transaction system and
environment for cross-exchange interfacing and bidding.
[0166] In brief overview of FIG. 2F, an embodiment of the
transactional bid environment is depicted. The transaction bid
environment includes a connection manager, exchange interpreter,
decisioning/decisioner, predictor, brain engine and transaction
level data aggregation and reporting, Each of the above modules may
comprise any type and form of executable instructions executing on
any one or more computing devices.
[0167] The connection manager comprises logic, functions and
operations for initiating and maintaining connections and
communications to each of the disparate and discrete exchanges. The
connection manager may be designed and constructed to communicate
and interface to each exchange based on the technology, API,
protocols and command and data communications specific to each
exchange.
[0168] The exchange interpreter comprises logic, functions and
operations for normalizing the input and output data and
information from each of the exchanges. The exchange interpreter
identifies and maps the input and output data from the exchanges to
a common, single interface and data set to be used by the demand
side platform and/or bid transaction system. In some embodiments,
the exchange interpreter includes the ETL features to normalize and
load the exchange inputs (bid requests) and bid environment outputs
(bid response).
[0169] The decisioning or decision module comprises logic,
functions and operations for identifying creatives or forms of
advertisements available for auction based on bid request, traffic
rules and budget rules. The traffic rules may comprise any type and
form of policies or rules for deciding on bidding based on the
publisher, user, location, geo data, network information of the
traffic and any other information about the source of the
advertisement to the destination of delivery of the advertisement.
The budget rules may comprise any type and form of policies or
rules for deciding on bidding based on any constraints or goals of
the campaign, including budget and flighting.
[0170] The predict module may comprise logic, functions and
operations to calculate, identify and/or present the probability of
click and conversion for a set of creatives. The brain engine
generates the bid based on decisioning, prediction and campaign
metadata. The transactional environment provides one or more
reporting modules that provide performance and operation metrics,
information and data on any level of granularity from transaction
level to campaign level to exchange level. Each reporting module
may provide performance and operation metrics, information and data
on any aggregation of agency, campaigns, transactions, exchanges
including cross-transaction, cross-campaign and cross-exchange
information. The reporting module may provide performance and
operation metrics, information and data on any of the traffic and
budget rules and the performance and operation of any of the
modules, including bidder, predictor and decisioning modules.
[0171] Referring now to FIG. 2G, an embodiment of a DSP 120 is
depicted. In brief overview, the DSP may include an interface for
requestors to request campaigns be executed for bidding via the
bidder on impression opportunities provided by a plurality of
impression opportunity providers, sometimes referred to as
exchanges. Each of the different exchanges may have different data
formats, protocols and parameters used by the exchange interface
for bidding, such as different data formats, protocols and
parameters for a bid request and bid response. The DSP may have a
plurality of exchange interfaces that are designed and constructed
to interface to or communicate with the interface of each of the
plurality of exchanges. The DSP may include a normalizer to provide
a normalized set of data from the plurality of different data and
data formats provided by the different exchanges. The bidder may
use the normalized set of data for bid requests and bid responses
communicated with an exchange. The bidder may operate responsive to
a campaign set up via an interface that allows a requestor to setup
campaign goals and constraints. Using a single interface to setup
and request execution of a campaign, the bidder may execute the
campaign to trade or match a plurality of advertisement placements
to a plurality of impressions across a plurality of different
exchanges.
[0172] In further details, each of the exchange interfaces may
comprise any type and form of executable instructions that are
designed and constructed to interface to, communicate with and/or
transact with a predetermined exchange and the interface provided
by such an exchange. Each exchange interface may be designed and
constructed to use formats, data, parameters and protocols
recognized and used by the exchange, such as any of those depicted
in FIGS. 2H and 2I described below. Each exchange interface may be
designed and constructed to handle bid requests and bid responses
or otherwise perform a bid related transaction with the exchange.
Each exchange interface may identify and process data received by
the exchange to store to a database for use by the bidder in
further bidding determinations. Each exchange interface may store
the data sent to and/or received from an exchange to the database
in a desired manner for normalization or otherwise to a normalized
data storage or structure storing the data. In some cases, a single
multi-interface exchange interface may be designed and constructed
to interface to and/or communicate and transact with the plurality
of exchanges.
[0173] Referring to FIGS. 2H and 2I, these diagrams depict the
different interfaces of bid requests and responses across a set of
example embodiments of exchanges. FIG. 2H depicts generally a set
of parameters that may be used in bid requests across a plurality
of different exchanges (e.g., Exh A thru Exh N). FIG. 2I depicts
generally a set of parameters that may be used in bid responses
across a plurality of different exchanges (e.g., Exh A thru Exh N).
Each of the exchange interfaces may be designed and constructed to
handle the request parameters depicted in FIG. 2H for bid requests
from a corresponding exchange and the response parameters depicted
in FIG. 2I for bid responses from the corresponding exchange.
[0174] In FIG. 2H, a table of parameters P1-PN are identified
across a plurality of exchanges Ech A-Ech N for bid requests. Each
of the exchanges may have an API format or interface, such as a
Jason (JSON) interface, HTTP Post interface or an HTTP Get
Interface identified in parameter P1 in the table. Some of these
API formats may use query string parameters in the Get or Post.
Some of these API formats may be text based. Some of these API
formats may be XML based. Some of these API formats may use Google
protocol buffer. Protocol buffers is Google's language-neutral,
platform-neutral, extensible mechanism for serializing structured
data, similar to XML. One define how the data is to be structured
once, then special generated source code is used to write and read
the structured data to and from a variety of data streams and using
a variety of languages, such Java, C++, or Python. Each of the
exchanges pay have an identified, predetermined to expected
response time, such as those identified by parameter P2 in the
parameter table. In accordance with their identified API format,
the exchanges pay receive and/or pass parameters via the request.
Each of the exchanges may support some of the same parameters while
some exchanges do not support the same parameters. Exchanges
supporting the same parameters may use the same or different
variable names or id for such parameters. An exchange may support
or use other or additional parameters not used by another
exchange.
[0175] Some of the exchanges may have an identified, predetermined
or expected response time, such as those identified by parameter P2
in the parameter table. Each of the exchanges may use a differently
named parameter or variable for a request identifier and user
identifier, such as those identified in parameters P3 and P4. Each
of the exchanges may use the named parameter or variable for a
visitor or user's IP address, such as those identified in parameter
P6. Each of the exchanges may use various variables for parameters
identifying the size of the ad, such as ad width and height
identified in parameters P26 and P27. Each of the exchanges may use
various variables for browser or user agent identification such as
parameter P9. Each of the exchanges may use various variables for
identifying the page url for the bid request or impression such as
parameter P11.
[0176] In some cases, some of the exchanges support a certain set
of parameters while others do not. For example, in view of
parameter table in FIG. 2H, not all the exchanges support or have
variables for parameters P5, P7, P8, P10, P12-P25, and P28-P31.
Some of these parameters include external user identification or id
(P5), time zone identification (P6), language identification (P7)
and identification of a site URL (P10). Parameters P12-P25 used by
some of the exchanges may identify and use different variable for
the following: Referrer (of Page URL), Cookie, Category, Publisher,
Tagged, Sited, Age (of user), Gender (of user), Country (of user),
Region (of user), DMA, City, Antitype (js, html) and AdType. Each
of the exchanges may support or use other, additional or optional
parameters, such as those identified in parameters PN.
[0177] In FIG. 2I, a table of parameters P1-PN are identified
across a plurality of exchanges Ech A-Ech N for bid responses. Each
of the exchanges may have an API format or interface, such as a
Jason (JSON) interface, HTTP Post interface, text interface or an
HTTP Get Interface identified in parameter P1 in the table. Some of
these API formats may use Google protocol buffer. Each of the
exchanges may support or identify variables for the creative such
as those identified in parameter P6. Some of the exchanges may have
an identified, predetermined or expected response size, such as
those identified by parameter P2 in the parameter table. In some
cases, some of the exchanges support a certain set of parameters
while others do not. For example, in view of parameter table in
FIG. 2I, not all the exchanges support or have variables for
parameters P3-P5 and P7-P15. Parameters P3-P5 and P7-P15 used by
some of the exchanges may identify and use different variable for
the following: CPM, Creative, Creative ID, Creative Attribute,
Click-thru URL, Request ID, Transaction ID, Brand Type,
Notification URL, and Piggyback Cookie.
[0178] Referring back to FIG. 2H, the DSP normalizes the interfaces
to each of the plurality of exchanges. As the DSP is aware of and
understands the similarities and difference between each of the
exchanges, the DSP can normalize these similarities and differences
such that a single interface for establishing and executing a
campaign across the exchanges. The normalization may occur in
multiple ways, such as providing a data abstraction, data interface
and/or data structures, such as a unified or normalized data
interface, in the DSP that represents the common parameters across
the exchanges. When the DSP interfaces with the exchange, the DSP
may translate these normalized data structures to the parameters
and variable names expected by the specific exchange. For those
parameters not common across all the supported exchanges, the DSP
may include logic, functions or operations to provide values for
those parameters that are appropriate for the transaction when
interacting with the exchange. The values for these parameters may
be data tracked or managed by the DSP and stored in a DSP database,
such as a user database or an exchange related database. Likewise,
when receiving responses from the exchange, the DSP may translate
the common exchange parameters into the unified or normalized data
interface and non-common parameters are tracked and managed by the
DSP, such as via a user or exchange database.
[0179] By normalizing the data for the exchanges and providing one
interface to run a campaign that executes across the plurality of
exchanges, the DSP platform provides a cross-exchange system with a
single interface to trade demand for impression placement with
supply of impression opportunities. From one or more campaigns of
an advertiser, a first portion of the demand of the campaign to
place advertisements may be traded with or matched to a first set
or pool of impression opportunities of a first exchange, a second
portion of demand of the campaign to place advertisements may be
traded with or matched to a second set or pool of impression
opportunities of second exchange, and so on. For example, a first
advertisement of the advertiser for a first campaign may be
delivered to a first impression opportunity of a first exchange
while a second advertisement for the first campaign may be
delivered to a second impression opportunity of a second exchange,
and so on. As such, a single campaign may be executed across
different exchanges and pools of impression opportunities.
[0180] An advertiser may run a plurality of campaigns that are
executed across the same set or different set of multiple exchanges
than previous campaigns of the advertiser or campaigns of other
advertisers. As the DSP is a multi-user service or platform that
supports a plurality of campaigns executing from the same advertise
and different advertisers at the same time, the DSP provides a
trading platform of matching a plurality of demand for
advertisement placements of a plurality of advertisers to a
plurality of pools of impression opportunities across a plurality
of exchanges. As such, a plurality of campaigns may be executed
across different exchanges and pools of impression
opportunities.
[0181] One or more campaigns executed across the plurality of
exchanges may be established, requested and/or executed via a
common, unified or normalized user interface. Although the
exchanges have different bid request and response parameters and
different API formats and interfaces, the DSP platform provides a
common or unified user interface, sometimes referred to a single
interface, to the user to provide an efficient and easy input
mechanism to setup and run campaigns for these different exchanges.
The unified user interface removes these differences in the
interface to the exchange so that the user can provide a campaign
strategy via the unified interface that works across the exchanges
without the user dealing with these differences. In one aspect, the
unified user interface allows the user to setup and run a campaign
agnostically to the pool of exchanges accessible via the DSP.
[0182] A user may establish a campaign and campaign strategy with
specified goals and constraints. These goals and constraints are
applied by the DSP to execution of the campaign across the
plurality of exchanges. Although placements of impressions will be
transacted with different exchanges for the campaign, the DSP
applies the common or single set of goals and constraints specified
for the campaign to the aggregated set of placements for the
campaign across the different exchanges. For constraints, the DSP
applies the specified constraints to bidding and placement of
impressions on an exchange in the terms and format of the interface
of the corresponding exchange. For a campaign, the DSP tracks and
manages the plurality of bid transactions across the different
exchanges. The DSP compares and tracks the campaign results in
progress to the campaign goals. The DSP uses these comparisons and
tracking as input and/or to adjust the remaining execution of the
campaign.
[0183] The DSP, such as via bidder, may track statistics regarding
number of available impression opportunities across the exchanges,
number of bids and/or number of procured impression from the
impression opportunities. Based on historical data and trends, the
DSP may calculate and provide a daily estimate of a number of
impression opportunities available in the aggregate across all
available exchanges. Based on historical data and trends, the DSP
may calculate and provide a daily estimate of a number of
impression opportunities available across each of the exchanges.
The DSP may provides an estimated number of impression
opportunities for an exchange or aggregate of exchanges for any
predetermined time period, such as impression opportunities
expected for a week or month. Based on historical data and trends,
the DSP may calculate and provide an estimated number of impression
procurements over a predetermined time period for each of the
exchanges and/or the aggregate of exchanges. Any of the estimated
calculation of impression statistics, such as a daily impression
calculation, may be published or posted via the user interface or
may be queried via an API.
[0184] In some embodiments, the DSP calculates or determine a Daily
Estimated Available Impressions for a campaign. The daily estimated
available impressions is calculated to approximate the total pool
of available number impressions, such as those available at the
cost specified by a campaign. This may be based on the number of
monthly unique users to the Advertiser Site. The Daily Estimated
Available Impressions may be the total possible impressions, not
the number of estimated impressions at the set price and frequency
cap. The daily estimated available impressions may be calculated to
approximate the total pool of available number impressions for the
goal and constraints specified by the campaign.
[0185] Furthermore, the DSP may be configured to report information
on operation and performance of the campaign across a plurality of
exchanges to one or more Ad Servers identified by a user. As such,
the execution of the campaign across exchanges may still be
reported to a single identified Ad Server. This provides for a more
efficient administrative and single interface point for reporting
to an Ad Server the activity from a plurality of campaigns running
through the DSP across a plurality of exchanges.
[0186] The DSP via the user interface may allow the user to setup
campaigns, specify campaign goals and constraints. The DSP may
support flighting, which comprises defining the goals and
constraints via one or more flight configurations. A flight is
period of time in which defined bid price, daily spend goal and
frequency cap are defined. In some embodiments, to define a flight,
the user enters an Advertiser IO Price. The Advertiser IO Price is
the CPM (cost per impression, such as costs of advertising per
thousand potential customers reached by a given advertisement)
price agreement between your agency and your client advertiser for
the remarketing portion of the campaign. This amount may be used to
calculate the maximum bid allowed in the Bid Price. For the flight
budget, the user may specify Price, Daily Spend and Frequency cap.
Once a Bid Price is specified (the range of which is determined by
the Advertiser IO Price specified), the Daily Estimated Available
Impressions (At Cost) is calculated using a algorithm that
approximates the total pool of available number impressions. This
may be based on the number of monthly unique users to the
Advertiser Site. The Daily Estimated Available Impressions may be
the total possible impressions, not the number of estimated
impressions at the set price and frequency cap. The user may
specify a desired Daily Spend Goal which should be less than or
equal to the Cost of the Daily Estimated Available Imps. Upon
specifying a Daily Spend amount, the Flight Spend will be
calculated by multiplying Daily Spend Goal by the number of days in
the flight. The user may also set a Frequency Cap for the serving
of ads. The user may have the option of choosing how often ads are
served per number of Hours or Days. Also, the user may specify to
have ads served ASAP or evenly throughout the chosen time measure.
In some embodiments, the user may specify for the DSP to optimize
Frequency Cap. In these embodiments, the DSP determines the
frequency at which to increase the chances of meeting the flight
spend goals (based on the bid price and daily spend goal). The
Campaign Budget may be the sum of chosen Daily Spend of all flights
in the campaign.
[0187] Referring now to FIG. 2J, an embodiment of a unified or
common interface for setting up or establishing a campaign with
goals and/or constraints to be executed across a plurality of
exchanges is depicted. In brief overview, a user may add a campaign
and strategy for the campaign via the user interface. The campaign
strategy may define campaign goals and constraints for guiding,
instructing or otherwise providing directives for bid management to
the DSP and the bidder in executing the campaign. A user may
specify a campaign strategy name, start and end dates and a budget
in dollars for the campaign. The user may specify constraints in
terms of budget pacing--how to spend the budget over a
predetermined time period (e.g., spend per day). The user may
specify a goal type based on audience, engagement or response. The
user may specify a goal value for the specified goal type and a
maximum bid. The user may specify a bid aggressiveness via a scale
from less aggressive to more aggressive. The user may specify a
frequency for the campaign such as how many placements per day and
when those placements should occur. The user may specify the supply
sources or exchanges to use for the campaign. The user may identify
what type of sites to run or not run campaigns.
[0188] For a campaign, one or more goals may be specified by a
user. The goals may include a total budget or spend for the
campaign. A type of goal may be one of the following: audience,
engagement or response. The audience goal type may be a focus on
reaching a certain number or type of audience. For an audience goal
type, the goal type may further include a spend or reach goal. A
spend type of audience goal may be to spend a certain amount of
dollars, such as to spend dollars more effectively when reaching an
audience. A spend type of audience goal may be to reach a certain
number and/or type of audience via the campaign at the expense of
being less effective with campaign dollars. The engagement goal
type may be based on the billing mechanism or revenue model for
charging for an ad, such as cost per click (CPC) or cost per
engagement (CPE) models for determined performance of your
campaign. Engagement may be defined when a user response to the ad
through the act of experiencing the features of the ad format. The
response type goal may be based on a number of responses via the
advertisement A response type goal may include a cost per
acquisition (CPA), in which payment is based on leads generated for
a site. Based on the goal type selected, the user may further
specific a goal value and a maximum bid. The goal value and maximum
bid may be based on the type of goal selected, for example, the
value of a CPA goal may be the goal value and the advertisement is
willing to spend a maximum bid per unit specified by the goal
type.
[0189] The bid management of the campaign strategy may specify one
or more constraints, which may include temporal constraints,
frequency bidding constraints, and budget spend and per placement
constraints. The bid management may include constraints on sites
for placements and/or supply sources (e.g., exchanges) that may be
used for bidding or placing ads. The user may specify a constraint
of a budget pace in which a predetermined amount of dollars of the
total budget may be spent on per hourly, daily, weekly or monthly
basis and at certain time during the time period, such as soon as
possible during the time period or spread evenly across the time
period. The user may specify a constraint of a placement frequency
or cap in which a predetermined amount of placements may be placed
on a per hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis and at certain time
during the time period, such as soon as possible during the time
period of spread evenly across the time period. The user may
specify a constraint on which aggressive the bidder should be in
placing bids for placement of an ad. The user may specify a
constraint on any scale from being least aggressive to most
aggressive. The user may specify a constraint of sites in which
placements may occur, which may range from user selected sites to
DSP selected sites and from less safe sites to more safe sites. The
user may specify a constraint of exchanges in which placements may
occur, such as only on user selected exchanges to all DSP supported
exchanges.
[0190] Referring now to FIG. 2K, a flow diagram depicts embodiments
of steps taken in a method 280 for matching, by a demand side
service, an advertisement with an impression of a plurality of
impressions available across a plurality of impression opportunity
providers. The method includes receiving, by a demand side service
executing on one or more servers, a request to bid for placement of
an advertisement on one or more impression opportunities from a
plurality of impression opportunities available across a plurality
of impression opportunity providers (281). The demand side service
provides to a requestor of the request a single interface for
bidding on impression opportunities across different impression
opportunity providers (283). The demand side service determines an
impression opportunity from the plurality of impression
opportunities to bid on (285). The demand side service
communicates, via a network, one or more bids via an interface to
an impression opportunity provider of the plurality of impression
opportunity providers (287). The demand side service completes a
transaction to procure the impression opportunity from the
impression opportunity provider responsive to a winning bid from
the one or more bids (289).
[0191] Referring now to FIG. 2K, and in greater detail, the method
includes receiving, by a demand side service executing on one or
more servers, a request to bid for placement of an advertisement on
one or more impression opportunities from a plurality of impression
opportunities available across a plurality of impression
opportunity providers (281). An advertiser or client may configure
a bid, or request a bid for placement of an advertisement through
the DSP. The advertiser or client may make a request for placement
of an advertisement for an ad campaign. The advertiser or client
may select or configure an ad campaign via the DSP user interface
as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2C and 2J As
discussed, the advertiser or client may provide one or more goals,
constraints, ad pixels and/or ad tag creatives for populating,
configuring and launching an ad campaign. Accordingly, the received
request may include one or more goals for an ad campaign. The DSP
may also receive the request including one or more constraints for
placement of the advertisement or execution of the ad campaign The
advertiser or client may, in some embodiments, send a request to
configure or activate one or more flights for the ad campaign.
[0192] The DSP may provide access to impression opportunities from
a plurality of impression opportunity providers such as ad
exchanges. The advertiser or client may identify, select or place
selection constraints on the DSP for selecting impression
opportunity providers or placing bids with impression opportunity
providers. The DSP may receive the request to bid for placement of
an advertisement via an active ad campaign. The DSP may receive the
request to bid for placement of an advertisement based on a
pre-selected and/or configured flight.
[0193] The DSP may receive notification from one or more impression
opportunity providers on the availability of one or more impression
opportunities. In some embodiments, the DSP receives biddable
request from an exchange. The DSP may process and/or convey the
availability of the one or more impression opportunities to one or
more ad campaigns, e.g., to solicit a request for a bid. In
response to the availability of the one or more impression
opportunities, a bidder on behalf of an ad campaign may request or
issue a bid on at least one of the one or more impression
opportunities. In some embodiments or situations, such as when
available impression opportunities do not meet the constraint(s)
and/or goal(s) of an ad campaign, the bidder may determine not to
issue a request to bid. In certain embodiments, the DSP may receive
more than one request to bid on an impression opportunity, for
example, from multiple ad campaigns or advertisers. The bidder of
the DSP may make a plurality of bids on an impression opportunity
for a plurality of campaigns.
[0194] In further details of 283, the demand side service provides
to a requestor of the request a common or unified interface
referred to as a single interface for bidding on impression
opportunities across multiple impression opportunity providers. The
requestor may be an advertiser, client, ad campaign, flight, or a
bidding engine operating on behalf of any of these entities. The
DSP may provide an interface for configuring an ad campaign and one
or more ad flights to access one or more impression opportunity
providers. The DSP may provide an interface to an advertiser or
client to receive or view any form or type of statistics,
analytics, historical records, estimates and/or projections related
to impression opportunities, bids and/or conversions. The DSP may
provide any of these information via the interface to help an
advertiser or client design or select an ad campaign. The DSP may
provide any of these information via the interface to help the
requestor make a particular bid, or execute a particular bidding
strategy. The interface may incorporate any of the interface
features described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2C and 2J.
[0195] In some embodiments, the demand side service or DSP provides
to a requestor of the request a single interface for bidding on
impression opportunities across different data interfaces to the
plurality of impression opportunity providers. The DSP may include
one or more interfaces to the one or more impression opportunity
providers. These interfaces may include one or more custom
interfaces and incorporate any of the features described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2D. In certain embodiments, some of these
interfaces communicate with the respective providers using
different protocols, standards, data format, and communication
frequency (e.g., frequency of impression opportunity updates, bid
submission, etc). The DSP may normalize the data received from each
provider. The normalization process may incorporate any of the
normalization features described above, such as in connection with
FIGS. 2A-2G and method 250.
[0196] Referring now to 285, the demand side service determines an
impression opportunity from the plurality of impression
opportunities to bid on. The DSP may determine an impression
opportunity to bid on via one or more of the following: a brain
engine of the DSP, a bidding engine of the DSP, and an ad campaign.
The DSP may determine an impression opportunity to bid on based on
one or more of the following: an ad campaign, and the request for
placement of the advertisement, historical records (e.g., prior
success rate and client preferences). For example, the DSP may
determine the impression opportunity to bid on based on a goal
and/or constraint of an ad campaign. The DSP may determine an
impression opportunity to bid on based on a goal and/or constraint
specified by the request. Some of the various types of goals and
constraints are described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2F and
2J. For example, the DSP may select an impression opportunity from
the plurality of impression opportunities based on demographics
that may be exposed to the impression. The DSP may select an
impression opportunity based on one or more of: a specified budget,
spend rate, bid frequency, day part, week part, ad campaign
progress, and number of available providers. The bidding engine may
generate or provide bidding rules which correspond to the goals
and/or constraints of a campaign and/or any flights of the
campaign. The bidding engine may use these bidding rules in placing
bids to exchanges.
[0197] The DSP may determine one or more impression opportunities
to bid on based on an estimate of daily impression opportunities
across the plurality of impression opportunity providers. An
impression calculator of the DSP (e.g., residing in the bidding
engine) may calculate, aggregate, estimate and/or project the
number and types of daily impression opportunities across one or
more impression opportunity providers. The DSP may determine
whether to bid on an impression opportunity based on the provider
of the impression opportunity, the frequency of availability of a
type of impression, the total number of available impression
opportunities, the type of impression opportunities (e.g.,
corresponding to a segment, channel, daypart, etc). In certain
embodiments, the DSP may bid for an impression via different
impression opportunities offered by different providers. The DSP
may bid for an impression via one provider but not another
provider, for example, based on constraints, historical data and/or
client preferences configured in an ad campaign.
[0198] In further details of 287, the demand side service
communicates one or more bids via an interface to an impression
opportunity provider of the plurality of impression opportunity
providers. The DSP or service may communicate a bid via a general
or custom interface to one or more impression opportunity
providers. The DSP may communicate the bid using any form or type
of communication protocols. The protocols for communication may be
standard, custom or proprietary. In some embodiments, the DSP
communicates, via the interface, instructions for generating one or
more bids to an intermediary. The intermediary may use the
instructions to submit a bid on behalf of the DSP, e.g., in real
time, or when an impression opportunity arises. The DSP may use any
of the request and response parameters specified in FIGS. 2H and 2I
corresponding to particular exchange.
[0199] The DSP may configure the communication or bid to address
latency issues in the network(s). For example, the DSP may attempt
to respond faster to an impression opportunity, compress the
communication and/or direct the communication through preferred
intermediaries to reduce communications latency. The DSP may
address security and/or reliability issues when communicating a
bid, for example, by using encryption, establishing a dedicated
communications link and/or negotiating a preferred service level
with a provider.
[0200] In certain embodiments, prior to submitting a bid, a bidding
engine of the demand side service determines a price of a bid based
on one or more bidding rules. The brain engine of the DSP may
provide the one or more bidding rules to the bidding engine based
on one or more of: a configuration of an ad campaign and flight.
The brain engine of the DSP may generate and/or update the one or
more bidding rules based on constraints and goals specified by the
client or ad campaign. The brain engine of the DSP may generate
and/or update the one or more bidding rules based on historical
data, for example past successful bid prices and success rate. The
brain engine of the DSP may generate and/or update the one or more
bidding rules based on the spend rate, budget, and spending profile
over one or more flights. In some embodiments, the bidding engine
determines not to submit a bid to an impression opportunity based
on any of the factors discussed above.
[0201] In some embodiments, the bidding engine matches a bid to a
provider based on the impression opportunity selected for bidding.
The bidding engine may match a bid to a specific interface provided
for an impression opportunity provider, based on the impression
opportunity selected for bidding. The bidding engine may direct a
bid to an interface with the matching provider. In some
embodiments, a routing agent of the DSP communicates a bid to the
DSP interface of a matching provider.
[0202] A provider receiving a bid may respond to a bid, indicating
whether the bid was successful. The provider may provide additional
information about a failed bid, for example, the bid price of the
winning bid. The provider may provide additional information about
a winning bid, for example, transaction fees, the location of the
impression relative to a webpage, and information about the layout
of the webpage hosting the impression. The bidding engine may
monitor the interface to each provider for a response to a
submitted bid. The interface may convey the bid response to the
bidding engine. In response to a failed bid, the brain engine may
update the one or more rules provided to the bidding engine. The
bidding engine may determine whether to submit another bid, if the
target impression opportunity is not already won. The bidding
engine may determine a new price for a follow-up bid to the same
impression opportunity. The bidding engine may submit and monitor
one or more bids through multiple providers for the same impression
opportunity. The bidding engine may submit one or more successive
bids for the same impression opportunity during an availability
period for bidding. In some embodiment, a bidding engine may
automatically and/or successively bid, starting from a floor price
up to a ceiling price, in an attempt to get a winning bid.
[0203] Referring now to 289, the demand side service completes a
transaction to procure the impression opportunity from the
impression opportunity provider responsive to a winning bid from
the one or more bids. The DSP may complete the transaction via the
interface assigned to the impression opportunity provider. In some
embodiments, the DSP may update the communications link or
establish a new communications link with the provider to complete
the transaction. For example, the DSP may establish a link to
transmit payment information. The DSP may establish a link between
an ad server and the provider (e.g., ad exchange) to deliver the
advertisement. In certain embodiments, the DSP establishes a link
between the ad server and the publisher to deliver the
advertisement.
[0204] The DSP may automatically deliver an advertisement to the
procured impression opportunity. In the request and response
protocol with and/or interface to the exchange, the DSP may
identify or provide information for the ad or the ad to the
exchange for delivery or placement to the procured impression
opportunity. The DSP may deliver a creative or identification of
the creative (e.g., the advertisement) to the exchange for the
procured impression opportunity. The DSP may deliver a pixel to the
procured impression opportunity. The DSP may deliver an ad creative
tag to the procured impression opportunity. The DSP may select one
of a plurality of advertisements to the procured impression
opportunity based on information received from the provider. For
example, the DSP may select an advertisement based on the layout,
style and/or color scheme of the webpage or site hosting or
providing the impression. In some embodiments, the DSP directs the
procured impression opportunity to access an ad server. The DSP may
complete the transaction within a short timeframe to minimize
latency for populating the impression with the advertisement. In
certain embodiments, the DSP may provide an advertisement to a
provider for local storage, prior to bidding. The provider may
locally access the advertisement responsive to a winning bid.
C. Attribution of a Conversion to an Impression Opportunity
[0205] In another aspect, the present invention is related to
methods and systems for attributing an user event to an impression
opportunity. The impression opportunity may be procured through a
DSP. The impression opportunity may be served and tracked via the
DSP. The DSP may associate or track each impression opportunity
with a creative tag. The DSP may associate or track each user event
with an event tag. The DSP may associate or match an event tag with
a creative tag based at least in part on proximity of an user event
corresponding to the event tag to an availability of an impression
opportunity corresponding to the creative tag. The DSP may
attribute an user event to a viewing of an impression opportunity
based on one or more event tags and creative tags. The DSP may
attribute an user event to a click or other action to an impression
opportunity based on one or more event tags and creative tags.
[0206] Attribution may be defined as a process to associate a
conversion or user event to an impression opportunity or
advertisement. A conversion or user event may be any event defined
as a significant, desired and/or successful event as determined by
an advertiser. A conversion or user event may include but is not
limited to an order, a pre-order, a purchase, a registration, a
newsletter sign-up, a credit card sign-up, a notification request,
a request for more information, loading or saving an item into a
user's shopping cart, responding to a survey, initiating an online
or telephonic query to an operator, performing a price check,
requesting and/or downloading informational material, and
requesting and/or using a discount code or coupon. In some
embodiments, events may be classified into different levels (e.g.,
of significance or importance). Pixels or tracking code may be used
to track events and/or advertising activities. Accordingly,
attribution may refer to a process to associate a pixeled
conversion or user event to pixel activities (e.g., impression
views, clicks, landing pages) from a campaign. Attribution may
provide a mechanism for monitoring or determining campaign
performance and/or for conducting analysis activities. Attribution
may indicate causality between an advertisement and a purchase or
other user event.
[0207] The systems and methods described herein can provide for
various types of attribution, including post view attribution (PVA)
and post click attribution (PCA). In some embodiments, PVA is the
process of taking some or all event records and matching these
event records by advertiser and unique user identifier (UUID) to
impressions. In other words, an event record identifying an
advertiser and a user can be matched with one or more impressions
identifying the same advertiser and user. Event records spanning
any period of time may be processed. In one embodiment, thirty (30)
days of prior impressions (e.g., with respect to a user event) can
be included in an attribution process. The process (e.g., performed
by the brain engine) may identify matching event records
corresponding to the same user and/or advertiser. In some
embodiments, one event can be mapped to multiple impressions. The
process may select the impression having a date-time stamp closest
to and less than (e.g., occurs or stamped before) the event.
Matched user events may be referred to as Post View (PV) Attributed
Events. In some embodiments, the impression date-time is determined
or subtracted from event date-time to yield a PV timelag. The
attributed event may be logged in an event table (e.g., in the data
warehouse) with the PV timelag. In certain embodiments, the
attributed event may be logged in the event table without a PV
timelag.
[0208] In some embodiments, PCA is a process of taking non-click PV
Attributed Event records by advertiser and UUID, and matching these
records to PV Attributed Events associated with a click. In some
other embodiments, PCA is a process for taking some or all event
records and matching these event records by advertiser and UUID to
impressions accompanied by a click. A click may be a mouse-click or
any other user action that triggers some response from an ad. A
user action may comprise actuation of any input device or
controller, such as a remote control, mouse, track ball, touch pad,
touch screen, keyboard and joystick. Any time period, such as up to
30 days of prior click events, can be included in the attribution
process. The process may identify record matches and may select the
closest click event whose date time stamp is less than the event.
This click event is sometimes referred to as a Post Click (PC)
Attributed Event. The click event date-time may be subtracted from
event date time to generate a PC timelag. Each attributed event may
be logged in the event table with or without the PC timelag.
[0209] A conversion may be identified as a post view conversion. In
one embodiment, a post view conversion is a campaign merit or
success event that follows a user view of an impression within a
defined period of time. An availability of the impression to a user
may be considered a "user view"; the user may or may not have
consciously or subconsciously viewed the impression advertisement.
This period of time may be identified or defined at the campaign
level. This period may set a window for which the DSP provider
(e.g., MediaMath) or system can get `credit` or be attributed for
the conversion by facilitating the impression or advertisement.
[0210] In some embodiments, a conversion may be identified as a
post click conversion. In certain embodiments, a post click
conversion is a campaign merit or success event that follows a user
click on an impression within a defined period of time. In at least
some embodiments, click conversions are a subset of PV Conversions
by definition as the user would have viewed the impression to click
on it. This period of time may be identified at the campaign level.
This period may define the window for which the DSP provider or
system can assume `credit` or be attributed for the conversion. The
window for a post click may typically be longer than the window for
post view. PV and PC conversions may be calculated and/or reported
from the DSP system, independent of each other.
[0211] By way of illustration and not intended to be limiting, an
attribution process may include any one or more of the following
steps or stages: (i) process Event(s) to Impression(s) to calculate
matches and PV timelag, (ii) process non-click Event(s) to click
Event(s) to calculate matches and PC timelag, (iii) identify a
`Merit (event) Pixel` at the campaign level, (iii) identify the PC
window and PV window for the `Merit Pixel` at the campaign level,
and (iv) where an Event Pixel identifier is matched with a Merit
Event pixel identifier, PC and PV conversions may be counted within
the respective windows.
[0212] Referring to FIG. 3A, a block diagram architectural overview
of an attribution process is depicted. Various types of media may
be categorized as display advertising, search-related, and others.
These media categories may be associated with user actions
resulting in, or progressing to a landing page, funnel, and/or
conversion. In some embodiments, the goal of an attribution process
includes accurately identifying which impression, landing page and
funnel pages are associated on a one-to-one basis with a
conversion. The brain engine may filter or remove non-DSP-generated
events from the attribution process, e.g., to provide accurate
attribution reports based on DSP-facilitated conversions. An
advertiser using the DSP system can keep track of daily
transactions by clients, ad campaigns, creatives, etc.
[0213] In some embodiments, pixels, tags, cookies or tracking code
installed on an advertiser's site is activated and information
(e.g., user information) is collected for some or all impressions
(e.g., display events or search events). A PV window may be defined
(e.g., a seven day period) for analysis by the attribution process.
When a conversion transaction occurs for a UUID, the brain engine
may scan the PV window for all impression events related to the
UUID. The brain engine may then filter out impression events that
are not associated with the corresponding advertiser identifier. In
another embodiment, when a conversion transaction occurs for an
advertiser, the brain engine may scan the PV window for all
impression events related to the advertiser. The brain engine may
then filter out impression events that are not associated with the
corresponding UUID. In one embodiment, a non-filtered impression
event most recent to the conversion may receive credit for the
conversion (e.g., attributed to the conversion).
[0214] In some embodiments, creative tags (sometimes referred to as
"creative MathTags") and/or (user event) event tags (sometimes
referred to as "event MathTags") may be used in the attribution
process. For example and in one embodiment, a creative MathTag may
be, or provide at least some features of a pixel, cookie or
tracking code. An event tag may be, or provide at least some
features of an user event record. Thus, attribution may refer to a
process of relating an event MathTag to a creative MathTag to link
an impression seen by a user to an event completed by a user. An
attribution window may refer to a time period during which an
impression is served and during which an event can be attributed to
the impression. In many campaigns, a post-view and post-click
window can be defined (e.g., by the advertiser via the DSP
interface).
[0215] The attribution process may include a number of rules and/or
components. By way of illustration, each event MathTag or creative
MathTag may be associated with a user. A user may be identified by
a UUID which can be any type or form of identifier. For example,
the UUID may be any alphanumeric string, such as
496ed7ef-0d3a-4aec-bf10-d45cfba39a9d. A user identified in the
event MathTag data may be presented with one or more impressions
(e.g., via the DSP). Each event MathTag or creative MathTag may
have an associated timestamp. A user may see the one or more
impressions before a user event occurs (e.g., Event
Timestamp>impression Timestamp). A user may see one or more
impressions after a user event occurs (Event
Timestamp<impression Timestamp), which may or may not be
significant. Each event MathTag or impression MathTag may be
associated with an advertiser. A user may see one or more
impressions from one or more advertisers. A user may perform an
action (event) on one or more advertisers' websites. A timelag may
refer to the difference between the event Timestamp and impression
Timestamp. In some embodiments, a Timelag should be positive. After
attribution, information about the impression can be attached to
the attributed event's record. This information may be retrieved
from creative MathTag fields associated with the impression and may
be copied or processed into event MathTag fields associated with
the event. Affected fields may include any one or more of, but is
not limited to, source, campaign, creative_id, line_item_id,
publisher_id, price and price_type.
[0216] In some embodiments, if a user sees an impression served via
a DSP, a user event is attributed to the most recent impression
presented before the user event. This aspect of the attribution may
be illustrated, in an non-limiting embodiment, by the following
pseudo code:
TABLE-US-00001 If Event Advertiser = IMP Advertiser AND Event User
= IMP User AND Event Timestamp > IMP Timestamp Then Event source
= IMP source Event campaign = IMP campaign Event creative_id = IMP
creative_id Event line_item_id = IMP line_item_id Event
publisher_id = IMP publisher_id Event price = IMP price Event
price_type = IMP price_type Timelag = Event Timestamp - IMP
Timestamp (in seconds)
[0217] In some embodiments, attribution is a feature provided by an
audience analysis module of the brain engine. The audience analysis
module is sometimes referred to as an attribution module or
component of the brain engine or DSP. Audience analysis, including
attribution, may provide deeper insights into the user population
exposed to online advertising. The goals of the audience analysis,
including attribution, includes providing advertisers and
interested parties with the ability to group audiences into
segments based on intelligent analysis of available data in order
to purchase media differently (bid or traditional buys) and/or
provide advertiser insights acting as the agency advocate, for
example. The audience analysis module may use MathTags to provide
such user insights. For example, creative MathTags can be used to
log geographic and other attributes for every exposure to a user.
Event MathTags can be used to log attributes of a user performing
an action on a client's advertising site. The DSP system may be
configured to dynamically pass numeric and alphanumeric values via
event MathTags and/or creative MathTags. In one embodiment,
examples of dynamically-passed values includes Order Numbers, Cart
Size and Revenue. DSP modules providing reporting and yield
analysis features can access any of these Creative MathTag and
event MathTag data for processing (e.g., client reporting and for
decisioning).
[0218] MathTag values may be dynamically passed to the audience
analysis module for processing. The audience analysis module may
generate any type or form of data structure (e.g., table, lists,
chart, database) that can be used for client reporting and for
decisioning. For example and in one embodiment, an audience
analysis table may be generated and maintained in the mm_reporting
database. This table may include attribution data. In some
embodiments, the output of an attribution process is directed into
an audience analysis table.
[0219] In one embodiment, Table 1 shows MathTag fields that may be
used in performing audience analysis. Table 1 also provides an
example of valid dimension names and/or other field values. In
another embodiment, these fields are the minimum required fields
for audience analysis. In yet another embodiment, the shaded fields
are the minimum required fields for audience analysis.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Data Structure for audience analysis
##STR00001##
[0220] In some embodiments, the shaded fields in Table 2 are part
of a primary key. Audience analysis data may be generated,
presented or summarized for the primary key. In certain
embodiments, granularity at the UUID level may not be needed for
presenting audience analysis data. The asterixed field(s), e.g.,
mt_count, may refer to metrics. The other fields (e.g.,
non-shaded), may include user level data and/or dimension fields.
In one illustrative embodiment, the audience analysis module
receives, from application and data sources, six dynamic MathTag
values, three numeric values (v0, v1, v2) and three string values
16 characters in length (s0, s1, s2). Passed values s0, s1 and s2
may be treated as dimensions. Passed values v0, v1, and v2 may be
treated as metrics that can be aggregated. If the v0, v1, and v2
values cannot be aggregated or summed, the DSP may change the tag
implementation and pass the values as s0, s1 or s2.
[0221] The audience analysis module or data structure may receive
any type or form of data from creative MathTags. For each creative
MathTag record, the values for audience analysis may be subject to
the following illustrative rules: [0222] the "primary key" fields
are populated from creative MathTag log values [0223]
mm_pixpgetyp=`imp` [0224] timelag=NULL [0225] v0=NULL [0226]
v1=NULL [0227] v2=NULL [0228] mt_count=NULL
[0229] In some embodiments, for each unique primary key, the
audience analysis module may insert a creative MathTag record in
the audience analysis data structure with the following
illustrative dimension and metric values: [0230]
dimension_name=NULL [0231] dimension_value=NULL [0232]
mt_count=[COUNT OF cMTs FOR THE PRIMARY KEY]
[0233] In some embodiments, for each unique combination of primary
key, dimension name and dimension value, the audience analysis
module may insert a creative MathTag record in the audience
analysis data structure with the following illustrative dimension
and metric values: [0234] dimension_name=[DIMENSION_NAME] [0235]
dimension_value=[DIMENSION_VALUE] [0236] mt_count=[COUNT OF cMTs
FOR THE COMBO OF PRIMARY KEY, DIMENSION NAME, DIMENSION VALUE]
[0237] In some embodiments, the audience analysis module may
populate the audience analysis data structure with event MathTags.
For each event MathTag record, the values for audience analysis may
be subject to the following illustrative rules: [0238] the eMT
"primary key" fields may be populated from the attributed event
MathTags log values [0239] mm_pixpgetyp=[PIXEL PAGE TYPE]**may be
treated as part of the primary key [0240] timelag=[ATTRIBUTION
TIMELAG]**may be treated as part of the primary key [0241]
mt_count=NULL
[0242] In some embodiments, for each unique primary key, the
audience analysis module may insert an event MathTag record in the
audience analysis data structure with the following illustrative
dimension and metric values: [0243] dimension_name=NULL [0244]
dimension_value=NULL [0245] v0=[SUM OF PASSED VALUES v0 FOR THE
PRIMARY KEY] [0246] v1=[SUM OF PASSED VALUES v0 FOR THE PRIMARY
KEY] [0247] v2=[SUM OF PASSED VALUES v0 FOR THE PRIMARY KEY] [0248]
mt_count=[COUNT OF eMTs FOR THE PRIMARY KEY]
[0249] In some embodiments, for each unique combination of primary
key, dimension name and dimension value, the audience analysis
module may insert an event MathTag record in the audience analysis
data structure with the following illustrative dimension and metric
values: [0250] dimension_name=[DIMENSION_NAME] [0251]
dimension_value=[DIMENSION_VALUE] [0252] v0=[SUM OF PASSED VALUES
v0 FOR THE COMBO OF PRIMARY KEY, DIMENSION NAME, DIMENSION VALUE]
[0253] v1=[SUM OF PASSED VALUES v0 FOR THE COMBO OF PRIMARY KEY,
DIMENSION NAME, DIMENSION VALUE] [0254] v2=[SUM OF PASSED VALUES v0
FOR THE COMBO OF PRIMARY KEY, DIMENSION NAME, DIMENSION VALUE]
[0255] mt_count=[COUNT OF eMTs FOR THE COMBO OF PRIMARY KEY,
DIMENSION NAME, DIMENSION VALUE]
[0256] In some embodiments, Table 2 provides an example of an
embodiment of records for audience analysis
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Example of Records for audience analysis
interval source mm_advsym mm_campaign mm_pixpgetyp mm_pixshrtnme
creative_id creative_name lineitem_id Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX
IMP NULL 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX
PROA C1_RMX IMP NULL 8950 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug.
18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R .
. . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234
!C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R,
!PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT
TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA
C1_RMX LPG PROA- 8950 R, !PROA, 1234 HP !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug.
18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX IMP NULL 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R
. . . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX IMP NULL 8950 R, !PROA, 1234
!C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R,
!PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT
TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 18, 2008 RMX PROA
C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 18, 2008
RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug.
18, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX LPG PROA- 8950 R, !PROA, 1234 HP
!C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 19, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R,
!PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 19, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT
TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 19, 2008 RMX PROA
C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 19, 2008
RMX PROA C1_RMX MRT TY 123 R, !PROA, 1234 !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug.
19, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX LPG PROA- 123 R, !PROA, 1234 HP !C108_RMX,
!R . . . Aug. 19, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX LPG PROA- 123 R, !PROA, 1234
HP !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 19, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX LPG PROA- 8950
R, !PROA, 1234 HP !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 19, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX
LPG PROA- 123 R, !PROA, 1234 HP !C108_RMX, !R . . . Aug. 19, 2008
RMX PROA C1_RMX LPG PROA- 123 R, !PROA, 1234 HP !C108_RMX, !R . . .
Aug. 19, 2008 RMX PROA C1_RMX LPG PROA- 8950 R, !PROA, 1234 HP
!C108_RMX, !R . . . interval lineitem_name publisher_id timelag
dimension_name dimension_value v0 v1 v2 mt_count Aug. 18, 2008
PROA, !GRC, !C108 null NULL NULL NULL NULL null null 868904 RMX, !
Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null NULL NULL NULL NULL null null
98562 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 60 NULL NULL
25.96 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 60
NULL NULL 57.69 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108
null 120 NULL NULL 23.96 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA,
!GRC, !C108 null 65 NULL NULL 97.96 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 18,
2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 123 60 NULL NULL 65.56 null null 1 RMX, !
Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null NULL ISP TWC NULL null null
134945 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null NULL ISP PacBell
NULL null null 1000 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 5
State NY 25.96 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108
null 60 State NY 57.69 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA, !GRC,
!C108 null 60 State NE 23.96 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008 PROA,
!GRC, !C108 null 60 State CA 97.96 null null 6 RMX, ! Aug. 18, 2008
PROA, !GRC, !C108 456 60 ISP Comcast 65.56 null null 3 RMX, ! Aug.
19, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 60 s0 EAO2153 29.99 null null 1
RMX, ! Aug. 19, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 60 s0 EAO21459 24.99
null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 19, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 120 s0
EAO8733 19.99 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 19, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108
null 65 s0 EAO8793 12 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 19, 2008 PROA, !GRC,
!C108 null 60 s0 EAO9475 9.99 null null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 19, 2008
PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 60 s1 NY 8965.55 null null 32 RMX, ! Aug.
19, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 30 s1 NY 489.65 null null 8 RMX, !
Aug. 19, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 5 s1 CA 4567.71 null null 25
RMX, ! Aug. 19, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 60 s1 NY 24.99 null
null 1 RMX, ! Aug. 19, 2008 PROA, !GRC, !C108 null 60 s1 TX 1600.23
null null 1 RMX, !
[0257] In some embodiments, the fields creative_name and
line_item_name in the audience analysis data structure may be
populated from ad exchange source tables (e.g., rmx_pixel_daily and
adx_table.sub.--1) via the DSP reporting interfaces and/or
databases (e.g., mm_reporting database). In certain embodiments,
the fields line_item_id and creative_id in audience_analysis are
respectively matched with creative_id and line_item_id fields in ad
exchange source tables. In some embodiments, a
mt_passed_values_reference table in the mm_reporting database may
be generated or maintained to store the definitions or meanings of
the value ids (v0, s0, etc.) for each campaign. Table 3 shows an
example of one embodiment of a mt_passed_values_reference data
structure. Table 4 shows an example of one embodiment of records
for a mt_passed_values_reference data structure.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Data Structure for
mt_passed_values_reference FIELD DATA TYPE NULLABLE mm_advsym
varchar(4) no mm_campaign varchar(16) yes type varchar(2) no
reference varchar(255) no
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Example Records for
mt_passed_values_reference mm_advsym mm_campaign type reference
AXPG Aug-GftCrd v0 Cart Size AXPG Aug-GftCrd v1 Cart Value AXPG
Aug-GftCrd v2 null AXPG Aug-GftCrd s0 Order Number AXPG Aug-GftCrd
s1 State AXPG Aug-GftCrd s2 ISP
[0258] In some embodiments, MathTags are structured to reference
identifiers of certain information so a lookup based on identifiers
may be required to fulfill reporting needs. In some embodiments,
the audience analysis module can respond to any ad hoc or schedule
queries. For ad hoc queries, the audience analysis module may be
configured to respond within a set period of time, e.g., 15
minutes. Audience analysis data may be periodically generated.
e.g., audience analysis data for the prior day may be available at
daily intervals by 12:00 pm.
[0259] In some embodiments, at least part of the attribution
process is performed by a database management and/or processing
module, portions of which may be operating with the brain engine
and/or residing in the brain engine. In some embodiments,
functionality for the database management and/or processing module
is provided by or configured from hardware and/or software provided
by Oracle Systems. The database management and/or processing module
may sometimes be referred to as oracle module. FIGS. 3B-3D show one
embodiment of systems and methods for communicating MathTag data
from log files to the oracle module for attribution processing. The
oracle module may generate output fact tables which may include or
be used to generate attribution reports. FIG. 3E shows one
embodiment of fact tables generated by the attribution process.
[0260] The oracle module can receive MathTag data via any way, for
example, via spreadsheet formats or data structures. In one
illustrative embodiment, the DSP system parses MathTag log files
into .csv format. These .csv files can be imported into the
attribution process. In one embodiment, the DSP system generates
one or more .csv files per day. The DSP system may create one or
more .csv files for each pixel page type (e.g., mm_pixpgetyp). The
DSP system may name the csv file in a certain convention for
processing, e.g., mathtag_[pixgetyp].csv Table 5 shows one
embodiment of a parsed MathTag log file data structure in csv
format. The data structure may include geo attributes for use in
the attribution process. The geo attributes may be appended to each
MathTag record based on IP address, for example. Table 6 shows one
embodiment of valid mm_pixpgetyp values and filenames.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Parsed MathTag Log File Structure (csv)
FIELD DATA TYPE NULLABLE timestamp int(11) no ip_addr varchar(15)
no uuid varchar(100) no source varchar(3) yes mm_advsym char(4) no
mm_campaign_name varchar(50) yes mm_pixpgetyp char(3) no
mm_pixshrtnme varchar(50) yes creative_id int(11) yes line_item_id
int(11) yes publisher_id int(11) yes price double yes price_type
varchar(16) yes v0 double yes v1 double yes v2 double yes s0
varchar(50) yes s1 varchar(50) yes s2 varchar(50) yes country
varchar(50) yes region varchar(50) yes city varchar(50) yes zipcode
varchar(9) yes dma varchar(16) yes area_code varchar(16) yes isp
varchar(50) yes netspeed varchar(50) yes browser varchar(255)
yes
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Valid Pixel Types (mm_pixpgetyp) for MathTag
Log Parsing PIXEL TYPES FILENAME imp mathtag_imp.csv lpg
mathtag_lpg.csv lpc mathtag_lpc.csv mrt mathtag_mrt.csv fun
(includes fun, fp0-fp9) mathtag_fun.csv red (includes red, rei)
mathtag_red.csv other (includes mrd, mro, mrc, win)
mathtag_other.csv junk (invalid pixels like `inp`)
mathtag_badpix.csv
[0261] In some embodiments, prior to attribution, the oracle module
may generate a fact_directional_site_analysis table to maintain and
present all event MathTags and/or event MathTags data. This table
can be used to show the geo data for some or all client site
activities using unattributed and attributed pixel page types.
Table 7 shows one embodiment of a structure for the
fact_directional_site_analysis table. In some embodiments, valid
pixel types include but are not limited to: MRT, LPG, LPC, FUN and
OTHER. This directional table may include all or some of the pixel
types.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 fact_directional_site_analysis FIELD DATA
TYPE NULLABLE timestamp int(11) no datetime datetime default (0)
ip_addr varchar(15) no uuid varchar(255) no mm_advsym char(4) no
mm_pixpgetyp varchar(4) no mm_pixshrtnme varchar(50) yes v0
decimal(24) yes v1 decimal(24) yes v2 decimal(24) yes s0
varchar(50) yes s1 varchar(50) yes s2 varchar(50) yes ri
varchar(50) yes browser varchar(255) yes other varchar(255) yes
batch_id int(11) no
[0262] In some embodiments, the oracle module may populate a
temporary unattributed event audit table,
tbl_audit_unattributed_events. The oracle module may determine a
count of unattributed events to update or generate a
tbl_audit_unattributed_events table. This table may be used to
validate attribution processes. Table 8 shows one embodiment of the
structure of the tbl_audit_unattributed_events structure table.
Event MathTag records may be inserted into the
tbl_audit_unattributed_events table when the event cannot be
attributed during processing. The tbl_audit_unattributed_events
table may include records for each event MathTag pixel page type
(MRT, LPG, LPC, etc). After validation of the attribution
processes, the table may be discarded as it loses its value.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 tbl_audit_unattributed_events FIELD DATA
TYPE NULLABLE timestamp int(11) no datetime datetime default (0)
ip_addr varchar(15) no uuid varchar(255) no mm_advsym char(4) no
mm_pixpgetyp varchar(4) no mm_pixshrtnme varchar(50) yes v0
decimal(24) yes v1 decimal(24) yes v2 decimal(24) yes s0
varchar(50) yes s1 varchar(50) yes s2 varchar(50) yes ri
varchar(50) yes browser varchar(255) yes other varchar(255) yes
load_source varchar(25) yes batch_id int(11) no
[0263] In some embodiments, the oracle module generates one or more
fact_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution tables after attribution. This table
can maintain and present attributed event MathTags by pixel page
type. One embodiment of a fact_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution structure is
depicted in Table 9.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 9 fact_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution FIELD DATA TYPE
NULLABLE timestamp int(11) no datetime datetime default (0) ip_addr
varchar(15) no uuid varchar(255) no mm_advsym char(4) no
mm_pixpgetyp varchar(4) no mm_pixshrtnme varchar(50) yes
creative_id int(11) yes creative_name varchar(255) yes line_item_id
int(11) yes line_item_name varchar(255) yes publisher_id int(11)
yes price double yes price_type varchar(16) yes timelag int(11) yes
v0 decimal(24) yes v1 decimal(24) yes v2 decimal(24) yes s0
varchar(50) yes s1 varchar(50) yes s2 varchar(50) yes ri
varchar(50) yes browser varchar(255) yes other varchar(255) yes
batch_id int(11) no
[0264] In some embodiments, the oracle module generates a
fact_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution table for each valid event MathTag
pixel page type. Valid pixel page types may include, but are not
limited to: MRT, LPG, LPC, FUN and OTHER. The oracle module may
determine a count of attributed events to update one or more
fact_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution tables. After attribution, values from
the attributed impression may be appended to the event MathTag
records. In one embodiment, fields carried from the impression to
the event MathTag record may include any one or more of: source,
campaign_name, creative_id, line_item_id, publisher_id, price, and
price_type. After attribution, the event MathTags may receive and
incorporate a calculated timelag (timelag=event MathTag
timestamp-attributed creative MathTag timestamp). In one
embodiment, timelag values are positive values.
[0265] After attribution, the brain engine may perform creative
name lookup using a creative_name lookup table. The DSP system may
maintain and update a creative_name lookup table that includes
distinct creative_ids, creative_name and unpacked fields. For each
attributed event, the brain engine may update the creative_name
field of the event into the fact_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution table by
incorporating and/or joining the creative_id and mm_date field
values between the fact table and the creative_name lookup
table.
[0266] After attribution, the brain engine may perform
line_item_name lookup using a line_item_name lookup table. The DSP
system may maintain and update, e.g., on a daily basis, the
line_item_name lookup table. This table may include distinct
line_item_ids, line_item_name and unpacked fields. For each
attributed event, the brain engine may populate the line_item_name
field of the event into the fact_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution table by
incorporating and/or joining the line_item_id and mm_date field
values between the fact table and the line_item_name lookup
table.
[0267] After attribution, the brain engine may replicate each
fact_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution table from mm_stg to mm_wh. The brain
engine may replicate the fact_directional_site_analysis table from
mm_stg to mm_wh. After replication, the brain engine may generate
views that join the Digital Envoy geoIP data to the fact tables.
The brain engine may persist or update the Digital Envoy data in a
tblex_geo_map data structure. In some embodiments, the output views
may include the illustrative table structures shown in Table 10 and
Table 11.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 10 view_[PIXPGETYP]_attribution_geo FIELD DATA
TYPE NULLABLE timestamp int(110 no mm_date datetime no ip_addr
varchar(15) no uuid varchar(255) no mm_advsym char(4) no
mm_pixpgetyp varchar(4) no mm_pixshrtnme varchar(50) yes
creative_id int(11) yes creative_name varchar(255) yes line_item_id
int(11) yes line_item_name varchar(255) yes publisher_id int(11)
yes price double yes price_type varchar(16) yes timelag int(11) yes
timelag_bin varchar(25) yes v0 decimal(24) yes v1 decimal(24) yes
v2 decimal(24) yes s0 varchar(50) yes s1 varchar(50) yes s2
varchar(50) yes ri_imp int(11) yes ri_event int(11) yes time_of_day
varchar(25) yes browser varchar(50) yes browser_version varchar(50)
yes browser_OS_CPU varchar(50) yes browse_security varchar(50) yes
browser_other varchar(50) yes other_event varchar(255) yes
other_imp varchar(255) yes country varchar(50) yes region
varchar(50) yes city varchar(50) yes conn_speed varchar(25) yes
country_conf int(11) yes region_conf int(11) yes city_conf int(11)
yes metro_code int(11) yes latitude int(11) yes longitude int(11)
yes country_code int(11) yes region_code int(11) yes city_code
int(11) yes continent_code ber(3) yes two_letter_country char(2)
yes domain_name varchar(100) yes area_code int(11) yes zip_code
int(11) yes gmt_offset int(11) yes in_dst varchar(8) yes
zip_code_text varchar(15) yes zip_country varchar(12) yes isp_name
varchar(100) yes homebiz_type varchar(50) yes proxy_type
varchar(50) yes rank int(11) yes households int(11) yes women
int(11) yes w18_34 int(11) yes w35_49 int(11) yes men int(11) yes
m18_34 int(11) yes m35_49 int(11) yes teens int(11) yes kids
int(11) yes naics_code int(11) yes batch_id int(11) no
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 11 view_directional_site_analysis_geo FIELD
DATA TYPE NULLABLE timestamp int(11) no mm_date datetime no ip_addr
varchar(15) no uuid varchar(255) no mm_advsym char(4) no
mm_pixpgetyp varchar(4) no mm_pixshrtnme varchar(50) yes v0
decimal(24) yes v1 decimal(24) yes v2 decimal(24) yes s0
varchar(50) yes s1 varchar(50) yes s2 varchar(50) yes ri int(11)
yes time_of_day varchar(25) yes browser varchar(50) yes
browser_version varchar(50) yes browser_OS_CPU varchar(50) yes
browser_security varchar(50) yes browser_other varchar(50) yes
other varchar(255) yes country varchar(50) yes region varchar(50)
yes city varchar(50) yes conn_speed varchar(25) yes country_conf
int(11) yes region_conf int(11) yes city_conf int(11) yes
metro_code int(11) yes latitude int(11) yes longitude int(11) yes
country_code int(11) yes region_code int(11) yes city_code int(11)
yes continent_code ber(3) yes two_letter_country char(2) yes
domain_name varchar(100) yes area_code int(11) yes zip_code int(11)
yes gmt_offset int(11) yes in_dst varchar(8) yes zip_code_text
varchar(15) yes zip_country varchar(12) yes isp_name varchar(100)
yes homebiz_type varchar(50) yes proxy_type varchar(50) yes rank
int(11) yes households int(11) yes women int(11) yes w18_34 int(11)
yes w35_49 int(11) yes men int(11) yes m18_34 int(11) yes m35_49
int(11) yes teens int(11) yes kids int(11) yes naics_code int(11)
yes batch_id int(11) no
[0268] The brain engine may generate an output tbl_audit_analysis
and/or tbl_mathtag_audit tables to persist aggregated creative
MathTag and event MathTag information for auditing. The oracle
module may determine a count of impressions and/or events from the
csv files to update one or both of these tables. Table 12 shows one
embodiment of a data structure for the tbl_mathtag_audit table.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 12 Data Structure for tbl_mathtag_audit FIELD
DATA TYPE NULLABLE mm_date date no mm_exchange char(3) yes
mm_advertiser char(4) no mm_campaign varchar(50) yes mm_pagetype
char(3) no mt_count_prestage int(11) default (0)
mt_count_preattribution int(11) default (0) mt_count_attributed
int(11) default (0) mt_count_directional int(11) default (0)
[0269] In some embodiments, the tbl_mathtag_audit and/or
tbl_audit_analysis table summarizes creative MathTag and event
MathTag record counts (e.g., pre-attribution and post-attribution)
for audit purposes. The brain engine may populate the
mt_daily_analysis_attribution table following completed attribution
processes. The primary key of this table may be a combination of
the mm_date, mm_advertiser, and mm_pagetype field values. The
mm_exchange field may be required for creative MathTag records and
`null` for event MathTag records. The mm_campaign field may be
required for creative MathTag records and `null` for event MathTag
records. The brain engine may populate the mt_count_prestage field
with counts from tblex_mathtag_[PAGETYPE]. Values in the
mt_count_prestage field may match the counts in the
mysql.mm_reporting.mt_daily_analysis table, when compared by key
fields (interval, source, etc).
[0270] The brain engine may populate the mt_count_preattribution
field with counts from a tbl_[PAGETYPE]_attribution_set_X_Y data
structure. Values in the mt_count_preattribution data structure
should exactly match the counts in the mt_count_prestage column.
The brain engine may populate mt_count_attributed with counts from
fact_[PAGETYPE]_attribution tables for event MathTag records. The
brain engine may use `null` for creative MathTag records. Values in
mt_count_attributed may be compared to PC and PV numbers in the
mm_reporting database's ad exchange data. When compared across key
fields, the event MathTag counts could be greater than the exchange
data. The brain engine may populate mt_count_directional with
counts from fact_directional_imp_analysis for creative MathTag
records and fact_directional_site_analysis for event MathTag
records. Values in mt_count_directional may exactly match values in
the mt_count_prestage and mt_count_preattribution columns.
[0271] Referring now to FIG. 3F, one embodiment of a method for
attribution of a conversion event to an impression via a demand
side service is depicted. In brief overview, a demand side service,
executing on one or more servers, may match conversion events that
occurred within a period of time of advertisements, to impressions
corresponding to the advertisements. The method includes
identifying, by the demand side service, a plurality of event
records for the conversion events matched to the impressions (321).
The demand side service matches an event of an event record from
the plurality of event records corresponding to an advertiser and a
user, to a plurality of impressions matched by the demand side
service for the advertiser and the user (323). The demand side
service selects an impression from the plurality of impressions
with a time stamp less than a time stamp of a conversion event of
the event record (325). The demand side service stores an
attribution of the selected impression with the conversion event of
the event record (327).
[0272] In further details of (321), the demand side service
identifies a plurality of event records for the conversion events
matched to the impressions. A demand side service is sometimes
referred to as a demand side platform (DSP). In some embodiments, a
DSP provide features and processes which constitute the demand side
service. The demand side service may execute on one or more
servers. For example, the demand side service may include one or
more modules (e.g., attribution component, bidding engine, ad
exchange interfaces, and brain engine) distributed across one or
more servers over a network. A demand side service may identify one
or more conversion or user events. The demand side service may be
notified of a user event by one or more entities, such as
publishers, ad exchanges, ad servers, advertisers, clients or
impression opportunity providers. For example, a user event, such
as a completed sale of an advertised product, may be consummated at
a client or advertiser's website. The client or advertiser may
notify the demand side service in response to the user event.
[0273] In some embodiments, each user event triggers a notification
back to the demand side service. The notification may be sent to
the demand side service in real time, e.g., as each user event
occurs. In certain embodiments, the notification may be sent in
batch, e.g., as a consolidated log of one or more events, which may
be sent periodically or upon request by the demand side service. In
some embodiments, one particular type of user event may be tracked,
satisfied and/or reported by a particular entity, while another
entity may track, satisfy and/or report another type of user event.
For example and in one embodiment, a client website may complete
and report a sale while an ad server may respond to and report a
user's request for more information. The demand side service may
receive a logfile, update or other report of one or more user
events. The demand side service may provide one or more interfaces
for receiving notifications from the one or more entities. The
demand side service may use the one or more interfaces to process,
normalize and/or consolidate notifications of various types of user
events from the one or more entities. The demand side service may
describe and/or store each user or conversion event in a record.
The demand side service may organize and/or store a plurality of
records in any type or form of format or data structure, e.g., in a
spreadsheet format. In some embodiments, an events database stores
and/or maintains one or more records. The events database may
reside in the demand side service or reside externally in
communication with the demand side service.
[0274] In some embodiments, the demand side service matches
conversion events to impressions. Although described generally and
illustratively in terms of the demand side service, the demand side
service may include an attribution component for performing some of
the steps in an attribution process. The demand side service may
match one or more impressions to conversion events that occurred
within a period of time of advertisements corresponding to the one
or more impressions. The period of time may be predetermined by the
demand side service, a user or an administrator of the demand side
service. The period of time may be determined, for example, to be a
certain number of days, weeks, hours or minutes relative to the
first appearance of the impression. In one embodiment, the demand
side service may determine the period of time as a predetermined
number of days, for example, two days.
[0275] In some embodiments, the demand side service may identify
and/or monitor event records that correspond to one or more types
of user actions (e.g., a click). The demand side service may
identify and/or monitor event records that correspond to a user
click occurring within the determined period of time. The demand
side service may identify event records of events that occur within
the determined time period from a user click or other user action.
In certain embodiments, the demand side service identifies event
records that correspond to a user view of the impression or
advertiser. The demand side service may identify event records
corresponding to a user view occurring within the determined period
of time. The demand side service may determine a user view as any
appearance of an impression to a user. In one embodiment, the
demand side service determines that a user view occurred upon
loading of the advertisement. In another embodiment, the demand
side service assumes that a user view occurred if a user is
potentially exposed to the impression for at least a certain period
of time. In still another embodiment, the demand side service
assumes that a user view occurred if the user's cursor had moved
over the advertisement. Tin certain embodiments, the demand side
service may determine that a user view occurred regardless of
whether the user actually viewed the corresponding
advertisement.
[0276] Referring to (323), the demand side service matches an event
of an event record from the plurality of event records
corresponding to an advertiser and a user, to a plurality of
impressions matched by the demand side service for the advertiser
and the user. The demand side service may match a user event to one
or more impressions identified with an advertiser. The demand side
service may identify the advertiser from a tag (e.g., a creative
MathTag) of the impression, advertisement or creative. The demand
side service may incorporate or associate the tag with each
advertisement or creative sent to populate an impression. The tag
may include an identifier of the advertisement. The tag may further
include an identifier of the user being presented with the
impression or advertisement. For example, the publisher of the
impression may update the received tag with user information,
including a user identifier (e.g., UUID). In another embodiment,
the demand side service receives user information (e.g., from the
corresponding publisher or ad exchange) and updates the tag with a
user identifier prior to sending to the publisher.
[0277] In some embodiments, the demand side service identifies a
user event or conversion event with a tag (e.g., an event MathTag).
The tag may be incorporated into the event record of the user
event. The demand side service may identify a corresponding
advertiser for the user event. The demand side service may match an
impression with a user event responsive to both identifying a
common user, e.g., via the respective event and creative tags. The
demand side service may match an impression with a user event
responsive to both identifying a common advertiser, e.g., via the
respective event and creative tags. The demand side service may
match an event record having an advertiser identifier and a user
identifier matching the advertiser identifier and the user
identifier of an impression. The demand side service may match an
event record with a plurality of impressions if the advertiser
identifier and the user identifier of the record and these
impressions match.
[0278] In some embodiments, the demand side service matches the
event of a post view conversion to a plurality of impressions. In
some other embodiments, the demand side service matches the event
of a post click conversion to the plurality of impressions. The
demand side service may use any type or form of algorithm or method
for the matching, including the use of regular expression matching,
direct matching of identifiers, and keying into a hash record of
the user events. In some embodiments, the demand side service only
matches the event of a post view conversion to an impression. In
certain embodiments, the demand side service only matches the event
of a post click conversion to an impression.
[0279] In further details of (325), the demand side service selects
an impression from the plurality of impressions with a time stamp
less than a time stamp of a conversion event of the event record.
The demand side service may attribute the conversion event to the
selected impression. The demand side service may select an
impression from one or more impressions matched to a user event
from (323). The demand side service may select the impression if
the impression's time stamp is less than a time stamp of a
conversion event of the event record. In some embodiments, the
demand side service may select more than one impressions, and
attribute the selected impressions to the user event. In certain
embodiments, the demand side service selects an impression from the
plurality of matched impressions with a time stamp closest to the
time stamp of the event record.
[0280] Referring to (327), the demand side service stores an
attribution of the selected impression with the conversion event of
the event record. The demand side service may calculate a time lag
for attribution by subtracting the time stamp of the impression
from the event time stamp. The demand side service may calculate a
time lag for attribution by subtracting the time stamp of each
matched impression from the event time stamp. The demand side
service may determine that the impression with the shortest or
smallest time lag caused or lead to the conversion event. The
demand side service may determine that multiple impressions with
the shortest or smallest time lag(s) caused or led to the
conversion event.
[0281] The demand side service may determine, from an ad campaign
corresponding to the attributed impression, an attribution window.
In certain embodiments, the attribution window differs from (e.g.,
is smaller than) the period of time referenced in (321). In other
embodiments, the attribution window and the period of time
referenced in (321) are the same. In some embodiments, the demand
side service determines if the time lag for attribution is within
an attribution window for a campaign of the advertiser
corresponding to the impression. Where multiple time lags for
attribution are calculated, the demand side service may determine
whether each time lag (or the longest time lag) for attribution is
within the attribution window. The demand side service may
determine that a conversion event is attributed to one or more
impressions with a time lag within the attribution window.
[0282] The demand side service may store an attribution of the
selected impression with the conversion event of the event record.
The demand side service may store the attribution in the conversion
event's event record. In some embodiments, the demand side service
may store the attribution of each conversion event in a fact table.
The demand side service may use the attribution information to
assess the effectiveness of an advertisement in a particular
channel, segment, publisher, daypart, weekpart, user, etc. In some
embodiments, the demand side service uses the attribution
information to update one or more rules for bidding on impression
opportunities. The demand side service may use the attribution
information to update an ad campaign, and/or to design a new
campaign.
D. Use of Server Side Cookies for User Identification and User Data
Collection
[0283] Fragments of data for a unique user may be gathered at
different times, from different ad sites, and/or via different ad
exchanges and sources. These data may be useful when combined for
evaluating and/or executing ad campaigns. A DSP may provide or use
cookies or other tracking agents to track user behavior and action
across one or more ad exchanges. The DSP may track the user in
relation to one or more impression opportunities provided across
one or more ad exchanges. The DSP may gather information about user
behavior and action from the cookies or tracking agents. Using this
information, the DSP may generate a log of actions by each unique
user across all ad exchanges. The DSP may use the unique user
information in a number of ways, such as attributing a user action
to an impression opportunity served via the DSP.
[0284] The DSP may provide and maintain a user database (hereafter
sometimes referred to as "UDB") for storing user information,
including information obtained from cookies and other tracking
agents. The DSP data warehouse may incorporate the UDB in some
embodiments. In other embodiments, the DSP may provide separate
storage elements for the UDB, such as using storage area networks
(SAN) and any embodiment of the storage elements 122, 128, 140
described above in connection with FIGS. 1B and 1C. The UDB may be
configured or structured for storing any type or form of user data,
such as user profiles and preferences, logs of user actions, geo
information, as well as user information from third-party providers
such as BlueKai. The UDB may stores any user data (including
fourth-party data) under the DSP UUID. In some embodiments, the UDB
stores and/or maintains User-ID Mapping information between each
exchange and the DSP.
[0285] In some embodiments, a creative pixel referred to as a
MathTag Pixel is used to perform ID mapping between an ad exchange
and a DSP. A bidder may insert a query string parameter into a
creative MathTag that is embedded into a response to a requesting
ad exchange: [0286] mm_mop=base64(exchangeId:exchangeUserId) If the
ad exchange does not pass a user ID in the bid request, the bidder
may not insert a mm_map key into the pixel tag. The user ID may be
encoded, e.g., using Base-64 encoding. Upon receiving the pixel
request, the pixel server may look for the mm_map_name-value pair
from the request's query string. If the mm_map_name-value pair is
found, the value may be decoded, and the Exchange-ID and
Exchange-UserID values retrieved. The DSP may check a cookie
mapping to see if a user ID mapping between the ad exchange
(defined by the Exchange-ID) and the DSP is already established. In
one embodiment, a mapping cookie has the following illustrative
format, where timestamp is the value of the time when the mapping
was created:
TABLE-US-00014 [0286]
mm_mop=<exchange-id-1>:<timestamp-1>[|<exchange-
id-2>:<timestamp-2>[...]] If the Exchange-ID is not found
in the cookie, the mapping is inserted into the UDB:
udb_prod.Mapping_E<Exchange-ID>_MM.insert( { "_id":
<Exchange-UserID>, "mm" : <MM-UserID> } );
[0287] In some embodiments, the naming convention of mapping table
(collection) is: "Mapping_E<Exchange-ID>MM". For example and
in one embodiment, if the ad exchange's ID is 2 in the DSP system,
then the mapping collection for the exchange user-ID to DSP user-ID
is "Mapping_E2_MM". If the Exchange-ID is not found in the cookie,
"<Exchange-ID>:<current-time>" is added into the
mapping cookie. In some embodiments, if the Exchange-ID is found in
the cookie, but the timestamp is very old (such as over 30 days),
the DSP may want to update or refresh the mapping:
TABLE-US-00015 udb_prod.Mapping_E<Exchange-ID>_MM.update( {
"_id": <Exchange-UserID> }, { $set: { { "mm" :
<MM-UserID> } }, true );
[0288] The UDB may be designed and constructed based on various
assumptions and/or facts. For example and in one embodiment, user
profile data may be relatively static. Since user profile data may
not be updated frequently, they may be highly cacheable. The brain
engine may analyze user profile data to make better real-time
decisions on optimizing the bidding strategy for a biddable
impression. However, the brain engine may optionally elect to
ignore some or all user data in making decisions depending on the
volume of processing and/or the time for making a bid. User traffic
may show high level of repeatability. For example, a user may
generate multiple (sometimes many) ad requests within a certain
(e.g., short) time frame. In some embodiments, user data may be
generated primarily from one bidding module and/or ad exchange due
to a matching of various ad exchange and user characteristics. In
some embodiments, the DSP may provide a user-aware load balancer
that directs requests from a user to a bidding module or ad
exchange.
[0289] By way of illustration, the following describes one
embodiment of a method for collecting and/or processing user data.
An event MathTag may be used to assign user data into a user record
in the UDB. The DSP's pixel server may add a user to a list of
monitored users. For example and in one embodiment, an advertiser
may insert or locate a MathTag (e.g., event MathTag) on the
advertiser's Thank-you page (or other web page). A user may make a
purchase on advertiser's site traverse to the Thank-you page of the
advertiser site. The user's browser may send a pixel request (e.g.,
MathTag message) to the pixel server (e.g., of the DSP). The pixel
server may decide to add the user to a list, such as a list of
users that purchased a certain item. The list-id may be 12345. The
pixel server may send an update to the UDB including the updated
list. The pixel server may send an update to the UDB responsive to
the updated list. The UDB may incorporate the list or any portion
of the list into the UDB database. The pixel server may send an
identifier of the user, as referenced by the ad exchange (e.g.,
ECUID) in the ad exchange's domain space, to the UDB. The UDB may
process each user according to each specific case. For example, a
user may not have been previously identified in the UDB. The UDB
may determine not to create a new record into the database if the
user does not accept cookies that track the user.
[0290] By way of illustration, the following describes another
embodiment of a method for collecting and/or processing user data.
The UDB may attempt to map the user, as identified by an ad
exchange (e.g., ECUID), with the UUID of the DSP. The ad exchange
may pass a biddable request to a bidder. An ECUID may be included
in the request, identifying a user. The bidder may check the
bidder's cache (either internal (in-memory) or external
(mem-cached)) to see if mapping between the ECUID and an MMUID
exists. If so, the bidder may use this mapping. If otherwise, the
bidder may query the UDB for user-ID mapping information, such as
from a "UID_Mapping<ExchangeName>" collection data structure.
In some embodiments, if the UDB does not respond within a
predefined time window, the bidder may timeout. The bidder may
continue to process the request without a MMUID. If a mapping is
found, the bidder may use the mapping as well as store the mapping
in cache. If mapping is not found, the bidder may store an
indication in cache that mapping between ECUID and MMUID does not
exist (e.g., to prevent repeated lookup from UDB).
[0291] If a bidder decides to bid for an impression, the bidder may
transmit a pixel with the bid response (including a creative). The
pixel may communicate with the pixel server. The bidder may include
the user's ECUID in a URL of the pixel. The pixel may include a
validation mechanism (e.g., CRC16 check-sum) to prevent the URL
from being altered. In some embodiments, upon receiving a
build-mapping pixel call, the pixel server may insert a (ECUID,
MMUID) mapping into the "UID_Mapping<ExchangeName>"
collection data structure. The UDB may process each user according
to each specific case. For example, the UDB may determine not to
create a new record into the database if the user does not accept
cookies that track the user.
[0292] By way of illustration, the following describes still
another embodiment of a method for collecting and/or processing
user data. The UDB may attempt to use user data that are in the
DSP's namespace. An ad exchange may pass a biddable request
(including a ECUID) to a bidder. The bidder may successfully
retrieve a UUID using ECUID, from either the bidder's cache or from
the UDB. The bidder may check its cache (either internal
(in-memory) or external (memcached)) for the user data via the
MMUID. If user data can be found from cache, the bidder will use
the user data. Otherwise, the bidder may query the UDB for the user
data, by using the MMUID. If user data can be found in UDB, the
bidder may use the user data. The bidder may cache any response
from UBD. In some embodiments, if the UDB does not respond within a
predefined time window, the bidder may timeout. The bidder may
continue to process the request without using user data.
[0293] By way of illustration, the following describes yet another
embodiment of a method for collecting and/or processing user data.
The UDB may attempt to use fourth party data. The UDB may import or
incorporate fourth party data into the UDB. This can occur, for
example, via by a backend process (e.g., batch update) or by bidder
initiation (e.g., real-time update). In the case of a real-time
update, the bidder may request for user data via a background
thread. If the bidder does not find fourth party data in the user
record received from UDB, the bidder may send a (real-time) query
request to the fourth party provider, identifying the user using
the UUID or an ID assigned by the provider. Responsive to receiving
a response from the provider, the bidder may save the fourth party
data into the UDB. The bidder may save the fourth party data into
the UDB under the provider's namespace. In some embodiments, the
bidder may use the fourth party data as follows. If fourth party
data is present in a user record (under each provider's namespace),
the bidder may use the user data in the bidder's bid selection
process.
[0294] In some embodiments, a bidder may query the UDB in an
asynchronous manner. The bidder may do a very aggressive timeout on
the queries it makes. The UDB may be locates in one data-center
only. Caching may prevent excessive network latencies and timeouts.
In some embodiments, a request may be served without using user
profile data. In certain embodiments, if a response from the UBD is
received, the bidder may put the user date from the response into
its cache. In some embodiments, the bidder may assume that user
profile data are quite static. In some embodiments, a user
appearing via an ad exchange may continue to make himself/herself
available to the ad exchange for a certain time window. Therefore,
although the bidder may have timed-out on the user's first request,
the bidder may likely have the user data available (via cache) by
the 2nd or 3rd request.
[0295] In some embodiments, since user data are quite static, the
DSP system may perform data replication, e.g., replicate the UDB at
data centers to reduce network latency.
[0296] A Master-Slave system of UDB is one embodiment of such a
setup. The DSP system may provide proper levels of memory for
caching user data to improve performance. For example, 1 GB memory
for caching user data of about 1 million unique users should be
large enough to provide a good cache hit ratio. In some
embodiments, a memcached instance located between the bidder and
the UDB can supply a large cache. The memcached may reside in the
same subnetwork that one or more bidders reside.
[0297] In some embodiments, the DSP system may pre-populate a
Bidder's cache, e.g., to ensure that a bidder does not timeout and
miss any impressions from users that are in an important list
(e.g., a very narrowly targeted remarketing campaign). A program
can be configured to schedule and initiate the pre-population. A
bidder may be configured to cache a user record in for a longer
time span (e.g., 24 hours).
[0298] In some embodiments, the UDB is designed and configured as a
high performance, document-oriented, schema-free distributed
database. The UDB may be designed and configured for storing high
volume, low-value but high query performance data (e.g., cookie
data). In some embodiments, UDB is implemented using MongoDB. For
example and in certain embodiments, communication between DSP
modules such as bidders and pixel server(s)) can be implemented
using a MongoDB C++ driver. Query/insert may be implemented using
JSON objects. The MongoDB C++ driver can perform translation
between c++(JSON) object and the BSON (binary-encoded serialization
of JSON-like documents) data used in MongoDB.
[0299] By way of illustration, one embodiment of the data
structures for an UDB is:
TABLE-US-00016 struct ListEntry { unsigned int _id : 20; // list-ID
unsigned int _day : 12; // day-stamp when user was added to the
list }; struct ListData { char _provider[8]; // fixed size buffer!
e.g., "mm", "bk" (blue kai), etc vector<ListEntry> _lists; };
struct User { string _id; // MM's UUID, 128-bit binary data int
_ver; // version of the data fmt time_t _lmt; // last modification
time. vector<ListData> _data; // list data };
BSON Data Structure in Mongo:
TABLE-US-00017 [0300] { "_id": String, // MM's UUID, 16-byte
(128-bit), binary. "v": int, // version # of the format "lmt": int,
// last modify time of this user record. 32-bit time_t value. "mm":
[int] // namespace of MM user data, an array of integer. //
4th-party data can be added under their own namespace. }
[0301] By way of illustration, one embodiment of a method of
implementing and administering a UDB using MonDB is shown below. An
administrator account may be created for the UDB: [0302] >use
admin [0303] >db.addUser("mmadmin", "M3d1@m@7hR0ckz!") Create
udb_prod: [0304] >use udb_prod; [0305]
>db.createCollection(`Users`, {size: 2000000000, autoIndexId:
true}); [0306] >db.Users.getIndexes( ); //make sure index is
created Create regular user accounts for udb_prod: [0307] >use
udb_prod; [0308] >db.addUser("bidder", "udBB1dD3rc00L"); //for
bidder [0309] >db.addUser("mt2", "udBmTtw0fly$"); //for
pixel-server (aka MT2) Create udb_test: [0310] >use udb_test;
[0311] >db.createCollection(`Users`); Create a user account for
setup replication on master and slave DBs: [0312] >use local
[0313] >db.addUser(`repl`, `m3d1@m@7hr3pl`); Create both
udb_prod and udb_test into the slave. Update the "udb_local" script
to start mongo as a slave: [0314] extra_opts="--slave--source
ewr-udb-n1.mediamath.com:$bind_port--only udb_prod" Mongo command
line arguments for replication: [0315] --master master mode [0316]
--slave slave mode [0317] --source arg when slave: specify master
as <server:port> [0318] --only arg when slave: specify a
single database to replicate [0319] --pairwith arg address of
server to pair with [0320] --arbiter arg address of arbiter server
[0321] --autoresync automatically resync if slave data is stale
[0322] --oplogSize arg size limit (in MB) for op log [0323]
--opIdMem arg size limit (in bytes) for in memory storage of op ids
Stop UDB from mongo shell: [0324] $/opt/mongodb/bin/mongo--port
27172 [0325] >db.shutdownServer( ) Repair UDB (e.g., in the
event of a crash or abruptive termination of the mongod process):
From mongo shell (to repair a specific database--referenced by
db):
TABLE-US-00018 [0325] > db.repairDatabase( ); From command line
(to repair all databases): $ /opt/mongodb/bin/mongod --repair
Report server status: > db.serverStatus( ) { "uptime" : 6239,
"globalLock" : { "totalTime" : 6239264837, "lockTime" : 11279716,
"ratio" : 0.0018078597871193395 }, "mem" : { "resident" : 917,
"virtual" : 65295, "mapped" : 34832 }, "connections" : { "current"
: 2999, "available" : 17001 }, "ok" : 1 }
[0326] Referring now to FIG. 4A, an embodiment of a demand side
platform (DSP) for using server-side cookies to identify and
integrate user data across exchanges for use by the DSP in bidding
and operation of the platform. In brief overview, the DSP of FIG.
4A includes a pixel server, a bidder and interfaces in
communication with a plurality of exchanges, such as Exchange A
thru Exchange C (e.g., Exh A-Exh C). Each of the exchanges may use
their own user identifiers that are valid only in the domain space
of the exchange. Each of the exchanges may provide user data to the
DSP, such as user data 420A from exchange A, user data 420B from
exchange B and user data 420C from exchange C. Each exchange may
provide cookies or cookies information to identify the user and/or
user data of the exchange, such as cookie A 405A for exchange A,
cookie B 405B for exchange B and cookie C 405C for exchange C. The
DSP may create and establish a user and user identifier 409 for a
user valid in the DSP domain space. The DSP may create a DSP cookie
411 to identify and track this user. A map manager 430 of the DSP
may establish a cookie mapping 412 to map the DSP cookie and user
to the user id and cookies of each of the exchanges. The DSP may
store user data from each of the exchanges to a user database 420
that can be queried by the DSP using the cookie mapping 412. The
DSP may establish a map key 411 as a reference to the user's cookie
mapping maintained by the DSP, such as via Pixel Server 402. The
bidder may place this key in a pixel in a bidding communication
with an exchange. The communication may include the user id and
exchange id for the exchange.
[0327] The DSP may include a pixel server 402 for management or
processing of pixels. The pixel server may include any type and
form of executable instructions that execute on a device. The pixel
server may operate within the DSP or external to the DSP. The pixel
server may generate or provides any type and form of pixel. The
pixel server may recognize or process any type and form of pixel.
The pixel server may receive pixel calls from activated or
triggered pixels. The pixel server may comprise logic, operations
or functions to process the pixel calls and store, track and manage
information tracked via the processed pixel. In some embodiments,
the pixel server may establish, track and managing the cookie
mappings described herein. In some embodiments, the pixel server
may include the map manager. In some embodiments, the pixel server
may store user data or data provided via a pixel to the user
database 420.
[0328] Each of the exchanges may establish, maintain, process and
track a user in the exchange via a user identifier. A user
identifier for an exchange is unique to that exchange. For example,
exchange A may have user identifier A for a user while exchange B
and C have user identifiers B and C for the same user. The user
identifier for an exchange may be accepted, authenticated or is
otherwise valid in the domain of the exchange issuing or providing
the user identifier. For example, only servers and services of
exchange A will accept, authenticate, recognize or find valid user
identifier A for the user for exchange A.
[0329] Each of the exchanges may establish and provide a cookie 405
for identifying, tracking and managing user identifiers and user
data for the exchange. Each of the exchanges may provide a cookie
unique to that exchange or containing information unique to that
exchange. For example, exchange A may issue cookie A 405A for a
user while exchanges B and C issue cookies B 405B and 405C for the
same user. The cookies, generally referred to as cookie 405, may
include exchange identifier, user identifier and user data
420A-C.
[0330] User data 420A-420C from an exchange may comprise any
information received, tracked or provided to, from or via the
exchange. User data may include information identifying
characteristics of the user, such as age, gender, geographical
data, categories of interest, user actions, user purchases, etc.
The user data may include any data identified via the request and
response parameters described in connection with FIGS. 2H and 21
above. Each of the exchanges may provide different user data for
the same user than other exchanges.
[0331] The DSP may collect, store, track and manage the plurality
of user data 420A-420C for a user received from the plurality of
exchanges to a user database 420. As such, in some embodiments, the
user database 420 represents a set of data for the user from
different exchanges. In some aspects, the user database provides an
aggregated view of the user from the collection of user data across
the plurality of exchanges. The user database 420 may comprise a
collection of data representing or provide a user profile. The user
database 420 may be used by the bidder in making bidding rules,
determining bids or otherwise for executing a campaign. Upon facing
or receiving an impression opportunity for a user from an exchange,
the bidder may use the collective or aggregative information of the
user from user database to determine for what, if any, campaign of
the DSP to make a bid on the impression opportunity.
[0332] The cross-exchange user database 420 allows the bidder to
use data from one exchange to make bids on another exchange. For
example, although a second exchange does not support or provide a
certain piece or type of user data, the bidder may be influenced in
the bidder's bidding with the second exchange by the certain piece
or type of user data provided by the first exchange for the user.
The cross-exchange user database 420 allows the bidder to use data
from a plurality of exchanges to make bids on any one exchange. The
bidder may obtain user data from the user database received for the
user from a plurality of exchanges. Any data in the user database
may used by the bidder to make bidding decisions on any one of the
exchanges.
[0333] A map manager 430 may create, establish and maintain a DSP
cookie and cookie mapping for each user. The map manager may
comprise any type and form of executable instructions executing or
executable on a device. The map manager may be part of any
component of the DSP. The map manager may be part of the pixel
server or otherwise executed by the pixel server.
[0334] The map manager 430 may map the plurality of cookies from an
exchange for a particular user to a DSP user identifier 409,
referred to sometimes as MMUID, for the user. The DSP cookie 409
may be referred to as the mapping cookie which includes the cookie
mapping. The cookie mapping 412 may comprise any data arranged in
any manner that identifies an exchange id, a cookie id for the
exchange represented by the exchange id and a timestamp of when the
cookie was received. The cookie mapping may include a user
identifier for the particular user on the exchange. For a user, the
cookie mapping may identify the plurality of exchanges for which
the DSP has established a mapping for the user. As such, the cookie
mapping 412 may map an exchange id, exchange user id, cookie and
timestamp for a plurality of exchanges identifying the user. In
some embodiments, the cookie mapping or portions thereof are stored
in the user database 420.
[0335] The DSP cookie 410 may map the DSP user 409 to the plurality
of exchange user ids and cookies for each of the exchanges
applicable to the user. The DSP cookie map the DSP user to any
third party data separate from an exchange and stored in the user
database. The map manager may provide a unique key referred to as
map key 411 as a reference or handle to an instance of the DSP
cookie and cookie mapping for a particular user. The map manager
may use the timestamp value to identify when a mapping may be
stale, old or expired.
[0336] When an exchange passes a biddable request to the bidder,
the exchange includes a an exchange user id in the request. The
bidder checks to see if the mapping between the exchange user id
and DSP user id exists. If the bidder does not find the mapping,
the bidder includes a pixel into the bid response (e.g., creative)
when bidding on the impression. The pixel is to the pixel server
and the exchange user id is included in the pixel url. The pixel is
a build-mapping pixel call to the pixels server. Upon receiving the
build-mapping pixel call, the pixel server inserts the exchange
user id and DSP user id combination into the cookie mapping. If the
bidder finds the mapping between the exchange user id and DSP user
id, the bidder queries the user database using the DSP user id. If
the user database does not return a result in a predefined time
window, the bidder will timeout and continue processing the request
without using user data. If the user database returns a result in
the predefined time window, the user uses the user data in bidding.
If the bidder queries the user database for fourth party (4p) data
(data passed from a third-party to other companies (fourth-parties)
and does not find such data, the bidder may send a query request to
the 4P provider by user id (DSP user id or provider's user id).
After receiving a response from the 4P provider, the data is stored
into the user database under the provider's namespace. If the
bidder find 4P data in the user database, the bidder will such data
in the bidder's bid selection process.
[0337] Referring now to FIG. 4B, embodiments of steps of a method
for using server-side cookies in DSP operations is depicted. In
brief overview, at step 450, the DSP establishes a cookie mapping
for a DSP user. At step 455, the DSP inserts a build-mapping pixel
into bid for impression to exchange. At step 460, the pixel server
received the build-mapping pixel call from the activated pixel. At
step 465, the pixel server stores mapping to the cookie mapping. At
step 460, the DSP stores user data from the exchange to the user
database. At step 475, the bidder receives biddable request from
exchange. At step 480, the bidder uses cookie mapping to identify
DSP user and corresponding user data. At step 485, the bidder
queries the user database to use user data for bid selection
process.
[0338] In further details, at step 450, the DSP, such as via
bidder, pixel server or any other component, may establish a DSP
cookie for a DSP user. The DSP may identify a user and establish a
DSP user identifier unique to the user within the DSP or otherwise
valid in the namespace of the DSP. The DSP may store the DSP cookie
in the user database. The DSP may establish a user namespace within
the user database. Under the user namespace, user data from an
exchange, from third party data providers and from fourth party
data providers may be stored in associated with the user. The DSP
cookie may be provided to the user via the exchange if the user
accepts such cookies. The DSP may not establish the DSP user id
until the DSP cookie is accepted by the user or the user'
device.
[0339] In some embodiments, a user is added to the DSP responsive
to the pixel server. For example, an advertiser places a DSP pixel
or tag on a web page related to a conversion event or a
predetermined user activity. The user visits the advertiser's web
page or otherwise takes the predetermined user activity. The pixel
or tag is activated and makes a pixel call or sends a pixel request
to the pixel server. Response to the pixel call or request, the
pixel server decides to add the user to the user list of the DSP.
The pixel server may send an update to the user database to add the
user by DSP user id to the user database. In some embodiments, the
pixel server may send a request to the user database to add a new
user. Response to the request, the user database creates a DSP user
id for the user and may pass the DSP user id back to the pixel
server. Responsive to a new user, the DSP such as via user
database, may establish a DSP and a cookie mapping in which maps
can added.
[0340] At step 455, the bidder may place a map-building pixel into
a bid request for an impression to an exchange. The bidder may
received a biddable request from an exchange. The request may
include a user identifier for the exchange. The bidder may checks a
cache to see if mapping between exchange user id and DSP user id
exists. If yes, then the bidder uses the DSP user id. If not, the
bidder queries the user database for the mapping. If the user
database does not return a result in a predefined time window, the
bidder will timeout and continue processing without the DSP user
id. If a mapping id returned within the predetermined time window,
bidder uses the mapping. The bidder may store the mapping to the
cache. If the mapping is not found in the user database, the bidder
places a mark or indicator in the cache that the mapping does not
exist.
[0341] If the bidder devices to bid for an impression, the bidder
places or includes a pixel in the bid response, such as part of or
included in the ad or creative. The bidder may piggyback a pixel or
pixel tag into the bid response. The pixel url may encode the
exchange user id. The bidder may insert a query string parameter
into the DSP tag that is embedded into the response to the
requesting exchange. The data for the query string parameter may be
encoded using base-64 encoding. The data may include encoded
exchange identifier and corresponding exchange user identifier. If
the exchange does not pass an exchange user identifier into a
biddable request, the bidder does not insert the map key into the
pixel tag. Otherwise, the bidder includes the map key with the
response, such as part of the query string parameters of the
request. When the advertised or creative is delivered via the
impression, the pixel may be activated or triggered resulting in a
call to the pixel server.
[0342] At step 460, the pixel server may receive a call from the
DSP pixel or tag. The pixel server may receive the pixel request
comprising the pixel url and/or the query string parameters. The
pixel server may look for the map key in the request's query
string, such as via a name-value pair designated or intended to
carry the map key. If the map key is found in the request, the
pixel server may decode the encoded data values from the pixel
request. The pixel server may use base 64 decoding to decode the
base 64 encoded data. The pixel server checks the cookie mapping to
see if the mapping for the exchange to the DSP has already been
established (e.g., is the exchange id found in the user's cookie
mapping). The mapping cookie corresponding to the user may include
a list of exchange id and timestamps of when the mapping was
created. If the mapping exists, then the pixel server checks the
timestamp to determine if the mapping is stale, obsolete or expired
in accordance with any policies of the DSP or corresponding
exchange. If so, the pixel server may update or re-establish the
mapping between the exchange and DSP and use an updated timestamp.
Otherwise, the pixel server may maintain the cookie mapping as
is.
[0343] At step 465, if the exchange id is not found in the cookie
mapping, the pixel server may create a mapping entry in the cookie
mapping to map the exchange to the DSP for the user. The pixel
server may send a request to the user database to add the mapping
to the user cookie. The request may include the exchange id and
current time. The request may provide the DSP user id or MMUID of
the corresponding user. The request may identify the exchange user
id corresponding to the user for the exchange identified by the
exchange id. In some embodiments, the pixel server may update the
cookie mapping in cache. In some embodiments, the pixel server may
send database inserts/updates to the user database to update or
create the cookie mapping.
[0344] At step 470, any user data from an exchange, third party
and/or from a fourth party may be stored in the user database and
associated with the DSP user id and corresponding cookie mapping.
The user data may be received by the DSP via any DSP cookie or
exchange cookie, such as via name-value data in such cookies. The
user data may be received by the DSP via any biddable request from
an exchange. The user data may be received by DSP or exchange pixel
calls to the pixel server. The pixel calls may pass or identify any
user data. The user data may be received by an online or offline
attribution process, such as those described herein. The user data
may be queried and received via any database external to the DSP,
such as by a query via an API to an exchange, third-party or
fourth-party service or data provider. The query may be a real-time
query.
[0345] At step 475, the bidder may receive a biddable request from
any one of the exchanges. The bidder may receive the biddable
request from the exchange responsive to a request from the DSP or
bidder for such biddable requests. The bidder may receive a
biddable request for a user currently identified by the DSP via a
DSP user id. The bidder may receive a biddable request for which
there is an existing and corresponding cookie mapping. The bidder
may receive a biddable request for an exchange having an exchange
id mapped to the DSP via a cookie mapping. The bidder may receive a
request including any of those embodiments described in connection
with FIGS. 2H and 2I.
[0346] At step 480, upon receipt of the biddable request, the
bidder may use the cookie mapping to find the DSP user id
corresponding to this user from this exchange request. The bidder
may perform a lookup via the cookie mapping. The cookie mapping may
be stored in the cache and/or user database. The bidder may query
for the cookie mapping responsive to determining the bidder may or
will bid on the biddable request. The bidder may retrieve the DSP
user id by exchange user id from a cookie mapping either in the
cache or the user database. With an exchange id and exchange user
id, the bidder may identify the DSP user id for the user via the
cookie mapping, The bidder may query the cookie mapping or query
the user database for the DSP user id with a defined timeout
period. If the DSP user id is not found or determined within the
defined timeout period, the bidder may not use the user data in the
bidding selection process.
[0347] At step 485, with the DSP user id, the bidder may query the
cache to determine if the cache hold users data corresponding to
the DSP user id. If the cache does have the corresponding user
data, the bidder may use the cached user data. If the cache does
not have the user data, the bidder may query the user database
using the DSP user id to obtain corresponding user data. The bidder
may query for certain portions of user data by parameter or
attribute name. For example, the bidder may query the user profile
for certain user attributes that are useful, applicable or
desirable for bidding on the exchange in which the bidder will
bid.
E. Integration and Anonymization of Supplier Data
[0348] A DSP can support a number of process flows for evaluating
and/or executing an ad campaign. In some embodiments, some of the
process flows integrate third party provider information (e.g.,
insights and analytics) for segment targeting. A target segment may
feature a set of characteristics. These characteristics may include
user characteristics, such as user profile, preferences, behavior,
and history. The characteristics may include site characteristics,
such as ad network, publisher, content, etc. The characteristics
may include impression characteristics, such as channel, dayparts,
weekparts, REM or prospecting classifications, and ad size
information. As discussed, third party providers can include
suppliers such as BlueKai, Exelate, etc.
[0349] Third party providers (hereafter sometimes generally
referred to as "suppliers" or "partner") may limit access to the
data that they provide (e.g., segment data) via any means. For
example, suppliers can implement authenticated access,
limited-access windows, data encryption, dynamically-updated
mapping dictionaries to match third-party data with data derived
from ad server and other sources, etc. In certain embodiments,
certain aspects of segment information may be closely-guarded and
may be provided in a fragmented but coordinated way. Some suppliers
may identify one or more segment candidates (e.g., impression
opportunities) from a plurality of segments to a DSP for tracking
without identifying the corresponding segment of each candidate.
The suppliers may provide identifiers and/or segment mapping
dictionaries to match tracked data with supplier data. Some or all
of these measures may be referred to as anonymizing supplier data.
In some embodiments, some suppliers may require anonymization to
share data with a DSP or other partner.
[0350] In some embodiments, anonymization involves merging
closely-guarded supplier data with DSP-collected data, to generate
segment-specific profiles or reports, but not disclosing the
supplier data separately. Anonymization may include disclosing
segments covered by a plurality of impressions, but not segments
covered by individual impressions. Anonymization may include
disclosing segment data generated for a plurality of impressions,
but not segment data specific to any individual impression. In
certain embodiments, anonymization may include identifying segments
covered by a plurality of impressions and users, but not segments
associated with an individual user. In another embodiment,
anonymization may include reporting segment profiles or reports for
a plurality of users but not disclosing segment data pertaining to
any particular user. In yet another embodiments, anonymization may
include providing a DSP with anonymous segment identifiers which
are not descriptive of the segments themselves. Anonymization may
sometimes refer to the use of one or more mapping dictionaries to
associate data collected by the DSP with segment data from a
supplier. In some embodiments, anonymization is a means for a
supplier to protect its detailed delineation or definition of a
particular segment. In some of these embodiments, ad campaign
results from the various available segments are, however, available
for comparison to identify effective segments to pursue.
[0351] Referring to FIG. 5A, one embodiment of a system for
evaluating and executing an ad campaign is depicted. In brief
summary, the system shows three stages, two of these stages
involving integration of supplier data. In a first stage, a DSP may
create a cookie pool for running an unrestricted, untargeted
campaign. In some embodiments, the cookie pool is segment-agnostic.
No information specific to any segments are collected in these
embodiments. The untargeted campaign may be used to determine
metrics and measures for use as a baseline against targeted
segments. The untargeted campaign may be used to assess certain
campaign settings or parameters. The untargeted campaign may be
used to assess the supply of available or projected impression
opportunities.
[0352] One embodiment of anonymizing supplier data is shown within
stage 2, sometimes referred to as a segment backtesting process. In
some embodiments, a segment backtesting process incorporates data
collected via DSP MathTags, pixels and/or cookies, as well as
supplier data. The DSP system integrates data collected via these
sources to provide a more thorough and in-depth analysis of the
market dynamics related to any particular impression
opportunity.
[0353] In some embodiments, a supplier may provide pixels or
cookies for use by the DSP. The DSP may associate or incorporate
these pixels or cookies with MathTags to collect data from pools of
impression opportunities. These pixels or cookies may associate
data collected from a site via the DSP with a segment identifier.
In some embodiments, the supplier may identify a pixel or cookie as
belonging to a particular segment. This segment information may not
be directly disclosed to or available to the DSP. In some
embodiments, the segment identifier is a random integer (RI)
uniquely assigned to a specific segment and is referred to as a DSP
RI. The suppliers may provide third-party segment-specific data.
The suppliers may identify the segment-specific data with a
supplier segment identifier. In some embodiments, the supplier
segment identifier is a random integer uniquely assigned to a
specific segment, and is referred to as a third-party RI. The
suppliers may generate and/or provide mapping dictionaries. A
mapping dictionary may associate or match a DSP RI with a
third-party RI corresponding to the same segment. A DSP may
associate, consolidate or process the collected data with supplier
data using a mapping dictionary to produce segment-specific
insights and analytics.
[0354] By separating or profiling a converter pool into segments
(e.g., using the dictionary), a DSP can determine performing
segments for targeting in an ad campaign. In some embodiments, a
DSP may execute a campaign using a stage 3 process, also known as
segment targeting process. In the segment targeting process, the
supplier may provide the DSP with segment-specific pixels or
cookies. The supplier may identify impression opportunities from
the targeted segment to the DSP for bidding.
[0355] Referring now to FIG. 5B, an embodiment of a segment
backtesting process is depicted. A user action may activate a pixel
associated with an impression. In some embodiments, the pixel is a
supplier-provided tag. The pixel may communicate with a pixel
server via a URL. The pixel server may be provided by the supplier.
In some embodiments, the pixel is attached to or included in a DSP
MathTag. A generic tag or pixel not targeting any segments may be
used across one or more campaigns. The generic tag or pixel may
provide a means to join or associate a corresponding impression
with segment-related data from the supplier. In some embodiments,
when an impression is served, loaded or displayed, the pixel
communicates with the pixel server. The DSP may generate or provide
a placement identifier for the impression or advertisement. The
pixel may identify the impression or advertisement to the pixel
server using a placement identifier of the impression or
advertisement. Upon activation, the tag or pixel may request
segment-related data from the supplier for the corresponding
impression by providing site and/or placement information of the
impression. The supplier may determine that the corresponding
impression is associated with one or more segments.
[0356] In some embodiments, the DSP identifies each user, e.g., via
a UUID. The pixel may identify the user to the pixel server, for
example, upon activation of the pixel. The supplier or pixel server
may determine if data pertaining to the user is available. The
supplier or pixel server may determine if the user has been
previously identified by the supplier, e.g., in a cookie pool
maintained by the supplier. The supplier or pixel server may
determine if segment data corresponding to the user is available.
The supplier may provide data from the one or more segments to the
DSP in response to the request. Activation of a supplier tag or
pixel may be represented in one embodiment as a URL connection
to:
[0357] http://adadvisor.net/adscores/g.pixel?sid=<site
value>&_ri=<mm placement id>&_cx=<mm context
flag>
[0358] where:
[0359] <site value> is a static value assigned by the
supplier to identify each customer.
[0360] <mm placement id> is a dynamic value populated by the
DSP per placement. This is a random, unique number used to join
segment data with the DSP placement data.
[0361] <mm context flag> is a static value assigned by the
DSP to identify the context of the supplier tag. [0362] 001 may
indicate a supplier tag in media [0363] 002 may indicate a supplier
tag on a page
[0364] The supplier may identify a segment based on information
collected (e.g., about the advertiser site and/or user) by the
pixel. The supplier may provide a dictionary to map a corresponding
DSP tag, cookie or MathTag to the pixel. The supplier may provide a
dictionary to map a corresponding DSP tag, cookie or MathTag to the
segment of the pixel. In some embodiments, the supplier may provide
segment information, such as the types of segments to the DSP. The
supplier may provide the available types of segments to the DSP in
the form of a dictionary of segment identifiers. In some
embodiments, the DSP may determine that an impression and/or user
corresponds to a particular segment identified by a DSP segment
identifier. The DSP may identify the segment of an impression to
the supplier, e.g., via the supplier pixel. The DSP may identify
the segment to the supplier in order to procure data corresponding
to the identified segment.
[0365] In some embodiments, the dictionary may associate data
collected by the MathTag, pixel or cookie with the identified
segment. The pixel server and/or the supplier may communicate with
the ad server for additional information. The supplier may identify
the segment based on the additional information. In some
embodiments, the pixel server and/or the supplier may associate the
additional information with the identified segment. The supplier
may provide the collected information and/or additional information
of the identified segment to the DSP. The supplier can provide a
look-up file or mapping dictionary (e.g., in .txt or .csv format)
that maps the DSP segment identifier with a segment name (e.g.,
"Leisure Travel") provided by the supplier.
[0366] In some embodiments, the DSP collects segment data from
supplier. In some embodiments, activation of a creative MathTag,
attached to the same advertisement as the pixel, also activates the
pixel. The DSP may collect segment data from the supplier on a per
user basis. The supplier may match one or more segments to the
impression. The supplier may identify the one or more matched
segments based on one or more of: an identifier of the user,
information about the impression, information about the
advertisement site; information about the context (e.g., webpage or
media) of the impression, and identification of one or more
segments by the DSP. The DSP can receive segment data in real-time,
responsive to pixel activation (or firing), and/or via offline data
sharing processes. In one embodiment, the latter may include
maintaining a log of tag activation and transferring the log to the
DSP in an offline process. In some embodiments, the DSP receives
real-time matched segments responsive to an activated tag. The tag
activation may be represented in one embodiment as a URL connection
to: [0367] http://data.mathtag.com/dp/dps/TARG/<mm context
flag>/imp? [0368] px=%{score}!%{zip}!%{indiv1.age}!%{indiv1.
gender}!%{indiv1.timestamp} [0369]
!%{indiv2.age}!%{indiv2.gender}!%{indiv2.timestamp}&ri=<mm
placement id> [0370] where [0371] <mm context flag> may be
a static value assigned by the DSP to identify the context of the
supplier tag. This value may be sent on the supplier request tag.
[0372] %{score}!%{indiv1.age}!% . . . may be a bang delimited (!)
list of supplier values. [0373] <mm placement id> may be a
dynamic value populated by the DSP per placement. This value may be
sent on the supplier request tag.
[0374] A supplier can perform an infrastructure test, e.g., check
that the supplier's setup can properly operate with the DSP in any
of the steps described.
[0375] The DSP may generate a model based on the consolidated
segment data. The DSP may generate insights specific to segments.
The DSP may determine the performance of one or more identified
segments. In some embodiments, the DSP collects segment data on a
per user basis. Accordingly, the DSP can generate a model and/or
insights for a specific user. Responsive to the model and/or
insights, the DSP may target one or more segments to bid on.
[0376] Referring now to FIG. 5C in conjunction with FIG. 5A, an
embodiment of a segment targeting process is depicted. A DSP may
use or provide MathTags or pixels, or specify cookies provided by
an ad exchange, to target a specific segment. In some embodiments,
one MathTag is assigned per segment per ad exchange. In some
embodiments, these MathTags are REM pixels. In certain embodiments,
when an impression is served, the DSP generates a request to a
supplier to provide segment data corresponding to the REM pixel.
The DSP or the supplier may provide a lookup or dictionary between
a REM pixel or REM pixel URL and a segment. One embodiment of a
lookup data structure or table is shown below:
TABLE-US-00019 Segment Remarketing Pixel 001
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_001 002
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_002 003
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_003 004
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_004 005
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_005 006
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_006 007
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_007 008
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_008 009
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_009 010
http://action.mathtag.com/cnt?id=ti_010
[0377] By way of illustration, stages 2 and 3 of the process is
described below with respect to a user cookie, although any user
tracking agent, tag or pixel is similarly applicable. A user may
trigger a MathTag at a site. In some embodiments, a MathTag
corresponding to an impression is triggered when the impression is
served. A user cookie, in some embodiments, may be set with a REM
pixel (e.g., segment-specific) when the MathTag is triggered.
Responsive to triggering the MathTag (e.g., in stage 2), the
MathTag may request the supplier to identify one or more segments
associated with the impression, site and/or user. Based on the
identification, the DSP may identify, provide or generate a REM
pixel to attach to the user cookie. The DSP and/or supplier may use
a lookup table that maps each segment to an appropriate REM pixel.
The DSP and/or supplier may use a lookup table that maps each
segment to a URL. In some embodiments, the supplier makes a
container call to the DSP to select or generate the REM pixel. The
DSP may select or generate a REM pixel that triggers a remarketing
action using a URL mapped to the identified segment. In some
embodiments, the DSP provides the REM pixel to the supplier. The
DSP or supplier may attach the REM pixel to the user's cookie. The
DSP may ensure that the corresponding ad exchange recognizes or
tracks the REM pixel.
[0378] In certain embodiments, the ad exchange may identify the
user navigating to various sites or webpages, e.g., in stage 3. The
ad exchange may trigger the REM pixel when it detects the user
cookie, for example, at another site monitored by the ad exchange.
The site may be associated with the particular segment identified
earlier. The REM pixel may trigger a remarketing action with the
DSP via a URL configured in the REM pixel. The ad exchange may
offer an impression opportunity at the site. In some embodiments,
the DSP determines, via the triggering REM pixel, to bid on the
impression opportunity. The DSP determines, via the triggering REM
pixel, to identify or provide a target advertisement in connection
with the bid. The DSP may send a bid to the ad exchange for the
impression opportunity. If the ad exchange accepts the bid, the ad
exchange conveys the ad from the DSP to the user site.
[0379] In some embodiments, the DSP runs a multi-exchange campaign
targeting one or more segments. The DSP may determine that certain
segments are effective and target these segments at higher
volume.
[0380] One embodiment of variable declarations describing a REM
pixel includes the following:
[0381] var mm_context_flag=%{context flag};
[0382] var mm_ri2=%{mm placement id};
[0383] var targ_score=%{score};
[0384] var targ_zip=%{zip};
[0385] var targ_indiv1_age=%{indiv1.age};
[0386] var targ_indiv1_gender=%{indiv1.gender};
[0387] var targ_indiv1_timestamp=%{indiv1.timestamp};
[0388] var targ_indiv2_age=%{indiv2.age};
[0389] var targ_indiv2_gender=%{indiv2.gender};
[0390] var targ_indiv2_timestamp=%{indiv2.timestamp};
[0391] Referring now to FIG. 5D, one embodiment of a method for
maintaining anonymity of segment data from a third party provider
while performing segment targeting via a demand side platform is
depicted. In brief overview, a demand side platform executing on
one or more servers receives one or more segment identifiers for
segment data of a data supplier (501). Each of the one or more
segment identifiers includes a random integer uniquely assigned to
a specific segment of the segment data. The demand side platform
provides a pixel for segmented targeting of an impression
opportunity for an advertisement exchange (503). The demand side
platform receives a tracking agent from the data supplier to
associate data collected via the demand side platform with the
segment identifier (505). A bidder of the demand side platform
executes a placement of an advertisement matched to an impression
opportunity, the placement comprising the tracking agent and the
pixel (507). The demand side platform receives segment data from
the data supplier based on execution of the tracking agent (509).
The segment data corresponds to the segment identifier for the
placement.
[0392] In further details of (501), a demand side platform
executing on one or more servers receives one or more segment
identifiers for segment data of a data supplier. In some
embodiments, the DSP receives a segment identifier from a plurality
of data suppliers. Each data supplier may provide third-party data
specific to one or more segments. In some embodiments, the data
supplier may alternatively or additionally provide
non-segment-specific data. In some embodiments, the DSP collects
segment data from each data supplier. The DSP may collect segment
data from the supplier on a per user basis. The DSP can receive
segment data in real-time, responsive to pixel or MathTag
activation (or firing), and/or via offline data sharing processes.
In one embodiment, the latter may include maintaining a log of tag
activation and transferring the log to the DSP in an offline
process. In some embodiments, the DSP receives matched segments in
real-time responsive to an activated pixel or tag (e.g., MathTag).
A pixel or tag may be activated when an impression is served. A
pixel or tag may be activated responsive to a user action.
[0393] In some embodiments, the data supplier identifies
segment-specific data with a supplier-specific segment identifier.
Each of the one or more segment identifiers may include a random
integer uniquely assigned to a specific segment of the segment
data. In various embodiments, a segment identifier may include any
type or form of identifiers including alphanumeric names, strings
or values. Each segment may be assigned a unique segment
identifier. In some embodiments, one or more data suppliers may use
the same segment identifier for data associated with a specific
segment.
[0394] The DSP may identify data that the DSP collected (in
association with an impression) with a DSP-specific segment
identifier, e.g., to be matched against a segment of the supplier.
The DSP may collect data using a pixel or creative MathTag attached
to an impression. For example, a creative MathTags can be used to
log geographic and other attributes for every exposure to a user.
Event MathTags can be used to log attributes of a user performing
an action on a client's advertising site. The DSP system may be
configured to dynamically receive numeric and alphanumeric values
from event MathTags and/or creative MathTags. In one embodiment,
examples of dynamically-passed values includes Order Numbers, Cart
Size and Revenue. In some embodiments, such as with anonymization,
the DSP-specific segment identifier is different from a segment
identifier provided by a data supplier. In yet other embodiments,
the DSP-specific segment identifier is the same as a corresponding
supplier-specific segment identifier. A data supplier may generate
a segment mapping dictionary based on the segments from which the
data supplier supplies data. The data supplier may generate the
segment mapping dictionary based in part from segment-related
information (i.e., DSP segment identifiers) provided by the DSP.
The DSP may receive a segment mapping dictionary from each data
supplier.
[0395] In some embodiments, the dictionary includes a mapping of a
DSP-specific segment identifier to a supplier-specific segment
identifier. In one embodiment, the dictionary includes a mapping of
a DSP-specific and/or supplier-specific segment identifiers to the
corresponding segments. The segment mapping dictionary may include
a mapping of the one or more segment identifiers to a corresponding
segment of the segment data. The DSP may associate DSP-collected
data with supplier-provided data using the mapping dictionary. The
DSP may produce segment-specific insights and analytics from the
association. The supplier can provide the dictionary in the form of
a look-up file or mapping dictionary (e.g., in .txt or .csv format)
that maps a DSP segment identifier with a segment name (e.g.,
"Leisure Travel") provided by the data supplier. In some
embodiments, the dictionary maps each segment identifier to a URL
provided by the DSP.
[0396] Referring to (503), the demand side platform provides a
pixel for segmented targeting of an impression opportunity for an
advertisement exchange. The pixel may be any form or type of cookie
or tag, or include features of cookies or tags. In certain
embodiments, the pixel is a MathTag. The DSP may attach one or more
pixels for attaching or incorporating into an impression. The DSP
may use the pixel to collect data from an impression, site and/or
user. A pixel may communicate with a pixel server via a URL for
example.
[0397] The DSP may serve, to a publisher or site, an impression
embedded with a supplier-provided pixel, tag or cookie for
collecting data. The pixel may execute when an impression is
loaded, e.g., to a web page. In some embodiments, activation of a
pixel includes a URL connection to a pixel server. The pixel may
send collected data to the DSP via a destination identified by the
URL. The DSP and/or supplier may identify one or more segments for
association with the user, impression and/or site based on
information collected by the pixel. The DSP and/or supplier may
identify one or more segments using the dictionary described
above.
[0398] In further details of (505), the demand side platform
receives a tracking agent from the data supplier to associate data
collected via the demand side platform with the segment identifier.
The tracking agent may be any type or form of tag, cookie or pixel.
The DSP may receive from the data supplier the tracking agent
responsive to serving an impression. In another embodiment, the DSP
receives from the data supplier the tracking agent before placing a
bid on an impression opportunity. In some embodiments, the DSP
attaches or incorporates the supplier pixel to the tracking agent.
In certain embodiments, the tracking agent provides features
different from that of a pixel or cookie. In some embodiments, the
tracking agent is associated with a segment identifier.
[0399] In some embodiments, the data supplier provides as the
tracking agent a segment-generic pixel for attaching or
incorporating into an impression. The data supplier or DSP may use
a generic tag or pixel that is not targeting any segments, across
one or more impressions and/or campaigns.
[0400] The supplier may use the pixel for collecting and/or
matching information related to the impression to one or more
segments. In some embodiments, the supplier may identify each pixel
as belonging to a particular segment. The DSP may associate, attach
or incorporate the pixel to the advertisement or impression. In
certain embodiments, the DSP may associate, attach or incorporate
the pixel to a creative MathTag provided by the DSP
[0401] Referring to (507), a bidder of the demand side platform
executes a placement of an advertisement matched to an impression
opportunity. A publisher may offer an impression opportunity for
bid, e.g., as a user is navigating to a webpage. The ad exchange
may accept a bid from the DSP for the impression opportunity. The
DSP may convey an advertisement to populate the impression
opportunity. This is sometimes referred to as placing an ad. The
placement of the advertisement may include the tracking agent and
the pixel. The bidder may attach the tracking agent and/or the
supplier pixel with the advertisement. In some embodiments, the DSP
generates a placement identifier for the placement. The DSP may
generate the placement identifier as a random and/or unique number.
The placement identifier may be used to associate segment data
(e.g., provided by the supplier) with the placement and/or
impression.
[0402] In further details of (509), the demand side platform
receives segment data from the data supplier based on execution of
the tracking agent. The segment data may correspond to the segment
identifier for the placement. The data supplier may determine what
data to send to the DSP upon execution of the tracking agent. The
data supplier may determine which segment(s) the corresponding
user, impression and/or site is associated with. The data supplier
may determine the segments based on information collected by the
tracking agent regarding the user, impression, site, etc.
Responsive to the determination, the data supplier may send or
provide corresponding segment data to the DSP.
[0403] In some embodiments, the DSP receives segment data on a per
user basis. The DSP may receive segment data on a real-time or
substantially real time basis via an interface to the data
supplier. In some embodiments, the DSP receives segment data on a
real-time basis or substantially real time basis responsive to
activation of the tracking agent. The tracking agent may, for
example, be activated by a user action such as a click or mouse
over. The tracking agent may, in some embodiments, be activated
responsive to the display of the advertisement. In some
embodiments, the DSP receives segment data on an offline basis via
import of a file of a predetermined type, e.g., a logfile or
spreadsheet. The DSP may make a request for the file import on a
periodic basis, for example.
[0404] The DSP may generate a model based on the consolidated
segment data. The DSP may generate insights specific to segments.
The DSP may determine the performance of one or more identified
segments across one or more ad campaigns. In some embodiments, the
DSP runs a multi-exchange campaign across one or more segments. The
DSP may determine that certain segments are effective and may
target these segments at a higher volume.
[0405] Referring now to FIG. 5E, an embodiment of steps of a method
for segment targeting by the DSP is depicted. In brief overview, at
step 551, the DSP receives segment data of a data supplier such as
via a segment mapping dictionary, corresponding to a user. The DSP
may create a model based on the segment data to determine one or
more segments to target. At step 552, the DSP provides one tag or
pixel per segment per exchange, each referred to as a remarketing
pixel. At step 553, a lookup is established between the remarketing
pixels and a plurality of segments. Each of the segments may be
mapped to a unique remarketing pixel. At step 554, the DSP triggers
a request for a remarketing pixel to attach to a cookie of the
user. At step 555, the data supplier receives the request and
selects a remarketing pixel based on the lookup. At step 556, the
DSP bids on an impression opportunity when the user is identified
by an ad exchange based on the remarketing pixel.
[0406] At step 551, the DSP may receive segment data of a data
supplier. The data supplier may determine what segment data to send
to the DSP using a segment mapping dictionary from the data
supplier. The dictionary may comprise any embodiments of the
dictionary described above in connection with FIGS. 5A-5D. The
received segment data may correspond to a single user. The
dictionary may be updated on a periodic basis by the data supplier.
Each of the one or more segment identifiers may comprise a random
integer uniquely assigned to a specific segment of the segment
data. A segment mapping dictionary may include a mapping of the one
or more segment identifiers to a corresponding segment of the
segment data. The DSP may receive or obtain the segment data online
or in real-time via an API call, pixel call or tag request. The
data supplier may push or trigger an event to the DSP for updates
or changes to the segment data. The DSP may receive or obtain the
segment data via an upload, download or another file transfer
method. The DSP may create a model based on the segment data to
determine one or more segments to target. The DSP may determine,
based on the model, that one or more segments are expected to be
more successful than the others, for example.
[0407] At step 552, the DSP provides one tag or pixel per segment
per exchange, each referred to as a remarketing pixel. The DSP may
provide a remarketing pixel for each targeted segment. The DSP may
provide the remarketing pixel on a per exchange basis for each
segment. For example, exchange 1 may have a first remarketing pixel
for segment id 1, a second remarketing pixel for segment id 2 and a
third remarketing pixel for segment id 3, while exchange 2 has its
own set of remarketing pixels for each of the same segment ids.
Each remarketing pixel may identify or include a call to a URL
provided by the DSP. The URL may include one or more query
parameters. A call to the URL may initiate one or more actions by
the DSP. In one embodiment, a call to the URL may initiate a bid
for an available impression opportunity.
[0408] At step 553, a lookup is established between the remarketing
pixels and a plurality of segments. Each of the segments may be
mapped to a remarketing pixel. The lookup may comprise any form or
data structure, such as a table, file or other object. In some
embodiments, the DSP establishes the lookup. The DSP may send the
lookup to the data supplier or advertiser, which may further update
the lookup. In some embodiments, the data supplier or advertiser
establishes the lookup. The data supplier or advertiser may send
the lookup to the DSP. In some embodiments, the DSP maintains the
lookup. In some embodiments, the data supplier or advertise
maintains the lookup.
[0409] In some embodiment, the lookup maps each segment to
information for configuring a remarketing pixel. The information
may include a segment-specific URL for including in each
remarketing pixel. The data supplier may use the lookup to create a
remarketing pixel specific to each segment. In some embodiments,
each URL may be linked to particular instructions or executing
modules in the DSP.
[0410] At step 554, the DSP triggers a request for a remarketing
pixel to attach to a user's cookie. The DSP may request the
supplier to determine whether to attach a remarketing pixel to a
user's cookie. The DSP may trigger the request responsive to an
available impression opportunity. The DSP may trigger the request
responsive to serving an impression. The DSP may trigger the
request responsive to an activation of a MathTag of the DSP. The
DSP may request the supplier to determine whether a particular user
belongs to a target segment. The DSP may request the supplier to
determine whether a particular user belongs to a target segment
responsive to serving an impression to the user. The DSP may make
the one or more remarketing pixels available to the supplier to
attach to the user's cookie.
[0411] The DSP may determine if the user has one or more cookies
for hosting the remarketing pixel. In some embodiments, the DSP may
create a cookie for the user to host a remarketing pixel. In one
embodiment, the DSP may request the data supplier or ad exchange to
create a cookie for the user to host a remarketing pixel. In some
embodiments, a particular cookie is created, or a new cookie
created, specifically for hosting the remarketing pixel.
[0412] At step 555, the data supplier receives the request. The
data supplier may select a remarketing pixel based on the lookup.
When the data supplier or advertiser receives a pixel request, such
as from delivering an impression to a user, the data supplier or
advertiser may perform a lookup of the remarketing pixel based on
the applicable segment. The data supplier may collect data related
to the impression, user and/or the corresponding site. The data
supplier may determine that the impression and/or user corresponds
to one or more segments. The data supplier may determine that the
one or more segments includes a segment targeted by the DSP. The
data supplier may perform a lookup of the remarketing pixel
corresponding to the targeted segment. The data supplier may set
the user's cookie(s) with the corresponding remarketing pixel. The
data supplier may insert or provide information corresponding to
the remarketing pixel in the user's cookies. In some embodiments,
the user's cookie may identify segment identifiers and/or segment
data.
[0413] The DSP may ensure that the ad exchange can detect or
recognize the remarketing pixel in the user's cookie. The DSP may
provide the ad exchange with a list of the remarketing pixel to
monitor. In some embodiments, the DSP may inform the ad exchange to
track one or more active remarketing pixels. In some embodiments,
no other ad exchange may detect or recognize the remarketing pixel.
In other embodiments, some other exchanges may detect or recognize
the remarketing pixel. For example, the DSP may convey the
remarketing pixel to a plurality of ad exchanges. When an
impression opportunity is available, one the plurality of ad
exchanges may communicate to the DSP that the impression
opportunity is directed to a user identified by a remarketing
pixel. In some embodiments, one the plurality of ad exchanges may
inform the DSP when the remarketing pixel is detected.
[0414] At step 556, the DSP bids on an impression opportunity when
the user is identified by an ad exchange based on the remarketing
pixel. The user may navigate to another site or webpage. In some
embodiments, the user may disappear from the domains monitored by
the ad exchange, e.g., by moving into a domain not monitored by the
exchange, or by signing out from the web. The ad exchange may
monitor one or more sites for the presence of the user via the
user's cookie(s). The ad exchange may monitor one or more sites for
the presence of the remarketing pixel by monitoring all user
cookies identified at the one or more sites.
[0415] Responsive to an identification of the remarketing pixel,
the ad exchange may communicate this to the DSP. In some
embodiments, the ad exchange may activate the remarketing pixel. In
other embodiments, the DSP may activate the remarketing pixel. The
DSP may verify that the remarketing pixel belongs to an active
campaign before activating the remarketing pixel. The DSP may
verify that the remarketing pixel corresponds to a targeted segment
before activating the remarketing pixel. In certain embodiments,
upon identification and/or verification of the remarketing pixel,
the DSP may trigger one or more operations. The one or more
operations may be triggered according to a URL included in the
remarketing pixel, for example. Accessing the URL may execute one
or more instructions at the DSP.
[0416] The DSP may, for example, initiate a bidding process based
on the remarketing pixel. The DSP may determine that an impression
opportunity is available (e.g., to the user), corresponding to the
detection of the remarketing pixel. The DSP may determine that the
impression opportunity warrants a higher bid due to its association
with a targeted segment. In some embodiments, the remarketing pixel
may trigger the data supplier to provide additional information
(e.g., segment data) to the DSP for determining how and whether to
bid. The remarketing pixel may identify to the DSP, e.g., via the
URL, information for influencing the bidding process. In some
embodiments, the remarketing pixel may collect data associated with
the user (e.g., user preference, history, transactions), and may
provide this data to the DSP. Responsive to the remarketing pixel,
the DSP may determine a price to bid for the impression
opportunity. The DSP may send one or more bids for the impression
opportunity responsive to the remarketing pixel.
F. Use of Packed Names in Third-Party Data Interfaces
[0417] Each ad exchanges may provide one or more interfaces for
specifying, defining, displaying, retrieving or reporting data
related to impression opportunities, user data,
third-party-provided information, ad campaigns and/or ad
transactions. The interfaces provided by one ad exchange may have
fields, parameters or dimensions (hereafter sometimes generally
referred to as "dimensions") that may be different from interfaces
of another ad exchange. Some ad exchange interfaces may support
custom dimensions. A DSP, or an advertiser using such an interface
may define, specify or configure the interface to provide and/or
receive additional dimensions.
[0418] A custom dimension may be useful to complement the standard
dimensions provided by an interface. As described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2E, it is useful to normalize the data
received across one or more ad exchanges. Data sent to a plurality
of ad exchanges may also be normalized or standardized across the
plurality of ad exchanges, e.g., to include a standard set of
parameters and/or instructions. Custom dimensions can be defined
and added to default or standard interfaces of specific ad
exchanges so that the interfaces across ad exchanges can appear or
operate more uniformly from a DSP or advertiser's point of view. In
some embodiments, reporting tools, provided by an ad exchange or a
third-party provider (e.g., Exelate) have interfaces that are
non-uniform relative to another provider. As a way for clients or
partners of such reporting tools to customize data retrieval and/or
reporting, these providers may offer custom dimensions.
[0419] In some embodiments, a custom dimension may be added to
currently available dimensions. In certain embodiments, currently
available dimensions may be customized. To normalize interfaces
and/or data across a plurality of ad exchanges and/or reporting
tools (hereafter sometimes generally referred to as "third-party
interfaces"), a DSP provider may configure and/or add custom
dimensions to certain interfaces. Each DSP interface (e.g., bidding
modules) may include additional translational and/or mapping
elements to operate with the custom dimensions.
[0420] In some embodiments, managing a large number of custom
dimensions may be relatively complex and/or inefficient. Some
third-party interfaces may support a limited number of custom
dimensions. Some third-party interfaces may charge more or demand
more profit-sharing in providing additional custom dimensions. In
certain embodiments, third-party interfaces may be prone to
over-loading and/or interface problems (e.g.,
missing/incomplete/corrupted data, data misdirection, and increased
latency in reporting, data transfer or data retrieval) as the
number of custom dimensions increases. In some embodiments, it is
important, necessary, beneficial or crucial to perform transactions
with third-party interfaces efficiently, e.g., real-time bidding of
impression opportunities.
[0421] A method for using packed names in each custom dimension is
disclosed herein. One or more dimensions may be packed or
incorporated into a single dimension. One or more dimension names
may be incorporated into a name for a custom dimension. One or more
parameters, fields, values, configuration, settings or commands may
be incorporated into a custom dimension for reporting, retrieval,
execution and/or transmission. For example and in one embodiment, a
custom dimension incorporating a collection of data can be pulled
for reporting any subset of the incorporated data. Each third-party
interface may be configured or programmed to parse and/or separate
a plurality of dimensions embedded into a custom dimension. In some
embodiments, a hierarchy of dimensions may be incorporated into a
single dimension. The method of packing a plurality of dimensions
into one dimension may be referred to as "packed names"
[0422] In some embodiments, packed names can be applied across a
plurality of third-party interfaces. In some of these embodiments,
shared keys and/or identifiers may be used to access similar
dimensions across interfaces. A plurality of dimensions may be
incorporated, concatenated, consolidated, or grouped into one
dimension using any type or form of encoding and/or text-string
manipulation techniques. In some embodiments, each custom dimension
may include human-readable textual strings of any type or form
(e.g., alpha-numeric and/or special characters). Some dimensions
(e.g., of media management user interfaces) may be configured for
human input, modification and/or comprehension.
[0423] In some embodiments, a plurality of dimensions may be
concatenated together into a single string using any type or form
of string delimiter or dimension separator (hereafter sometimes
generally referred to as "delimiter"). A delimiter can be any one
or more characters of any type (e.g., alpha-numeric and/or special
characters). A delimiter may be selected or configured such that
the delimiter can be clearly distinguished from dimensions. A
delimiter may be selected or configured such that the delimiter is
not likely to be confused with any portion of a dimension during
parsing or processing. Some third-part interfaces (e.g., ad
exchanges) may share a delimiter or use different delimiters.
[0424] A concatenated string of dimensions separated by delimiters
may be referred to as a packed name. A DSP may configure or require
a packed name to be machine or database parse-able. For example and
in one embodiments, when a packed name reported as one attribute
(e.g., one dimension) is loaded into the DSP interface, the packed
name can be parsed to show multiple dimensions in an internal
reporting system of the DSP. In some embodiments, a plurality of
campaigns can be implemented by sharing limited interface resources
(e.g., dimensions). Additional and/or customized hierarchies and
organization of campaigns can be configured for on an existing
interface. For example and in one embodiment, dimensions of three
campaigns can be concatenated and executed concurrently as a single
object (e.g., campaign). Therefore, a single "campaign" external
object may represent multiple real life campaigns.
[0425] The DSP and third-party interfaces may be configured with a
plurality of types of packed names. Types of packed names or
dimensions may include, but is not limited to: line item or
placement, creative and pixel. A line item packed name may include
any type or form of information related to an ad campaign, flight,
or ad bidding configuration. For example and in one embodiment, a
line item packed name includes the following string:
Advertiser,!Agent,!Campaign,!CreationGroup,!PubRestr,!Bid_Descrp,!Bid_Stra-
tegy,!Bid_Dim, !Targ1,!Targ2,!PH1,!PH2,!PriceMeth
[0426] A creative packed name may include any type or form of
information related to a creative, including concept, design, use
and deployment. For example and in one embodiment, a creative
packed name includes the following string:
Exchange,!advertiser,!campaign,!concept1,!concept2,!concept3,!productsym,-
!responsecateg,!filetype,
!dimension,!creativetargeting1,!creativetargeting2,!ch1,!ch2,!3P_join!
[0427] A pixel packed name may include any type or form of
information related to a pixel, including pixel design, use and
deployment. For example and in one embodiment, a pixel packed name
includes the following string:
advertiser,!sequence,!pagetype,!pixeltype,!timelag-window,!subtractionID,-
!friendly page
name,!security,!tag-type,!agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA
[0428] In some embodiments, packed names are configured for at
least some portion of third-party interfaces in a uniform or
substantially uniform way. For example and in one embodiment,
custom interfaces using standard packed names may be applied across
third-party interfaces so that DSP interfaces can be configured and
operate uniformly (e.g., instead of using custom bidding modules).
In some embodiments, a single DSP interface can communicate with a
plurality of third-party interfaces using standard packed names.
Packed name conventions can be used or extended to other
interfaces. For example and in one embodiment, when a DSP receives
reports from a third-party ad server, the e-mail subject line may
follow packed name conventions in order to match the DSP's
reporting interface.
[0429] By way of illustration and not intended to be limiting in
any way, Table 13 shows one embodiment of attributes and other
details related to a number of packed names. As an example, two ad
exchanges or interfaces (RMX and ADX) are referenced. The RMX
interface uses ",!" as a delimiter. The ADX interface uses ":!" as
a delimiter. Among the attributes, Field name may refer to each
custom dimension. The Friendly name attribute may refer to a
shortened name, identifier or alias of the packed name and/or the
field name. The Max size attribute may refer to the size of the
packed name or dimension and may be in any unit (e.g., bytes,
characters). The Packed Name ID attributed may refer to the type of
packed name. The Position may refer to a position of the packed
name relative to another packed name. For example, the packed names
may be processed in sequence according to the position indicator.
The packing Convention attribute may refer to how dimensions are
arranged in the packed name. The Inputs attribute may refer to
source(s) that provides the dimension information.
TABLE-US-00020 Packed Friendly Name Notes for standard usage,
abbreviations, Field Name Name Max Size ID Position Packing
Convention Inputs formats, etc For RMX SLI/ADX Placement Packed
Names mm_advsym Advertiser 4 Line item 1 Advertiser, !Agent,
!Campaign, !Creation Pre-defined - Unique 4 character Group,
!PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, e.g. TRST, symbol for Advertiser -
!Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, VIRM, COFX created in Packed
!Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price Name Symbol Meth Registration form
mm_agentsym Agent 3 Line item 2 Advertiser, !Agent, !Campaign,
!Creation Pre-defined - Unique 3 character Group, !PubRestr,
!Bid_Descrp, e.g. DIG, symbol for Agency !Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim,
!Targ1, AVE, COP representing Advertiser - !Targ2, !PH1, !PH2,
!Price created in Packed Meth Name Symbol Registration form
mm_campaign Campaign 12 Line item 3 Advertiser, !Agent, !Campaign,
!Creation User defined - Identifies campaign Group, !PubRestr,
!Bid_Descrp, e.g. March-April, !Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1,
Flight 1 !Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price Pop-Pix Meth mm_grouping
CreationGroup 2 Line item 4 Advertiser, !Agent, !Campaign,
!Creation User defined - Instance of line item, Group, !PubRestr,
!Bid_Descrp, 1 for initial increments by one for !Bid_Strategy,
!Bid_Dim, !Targ1, line item, each iteration of line !Targ2, !PH1,
!PH2, !Price add 1 every item - `1` for initial LI, `2` Meth time a
if targeting is changed, change is `3` if FC is then made changed,
etc mm_pubrestr Publisher 12 Line item 5 Advertiser, !Agent,
!Campaign, !Creation Pre-defined - Global (no restr), SBP
Restriction Group, !PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, e.g. Global, (RMX
Sandbox Pub), !Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, SBP, ex (exclude) in
!Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price ex[BlgPubName (include). Generally Meth
(s)]+, only name big pubs, in[BigPubName but add a `+` to indicate
(s)]+ other, smaller pubs. E.G. `exAdtegrity+` Think about
introducing symbols for pubs mm_biddescrp Bid 32 Line item 6
Advertiser, !Agent, !Campaign, !Creation User defined - Describes
status of line Description Group, !PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, e.g. item
- `QA`, `Launch`, !Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, LaunchofCPC,
`Discovery` - if !Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price EBM introducing a
change Meth Discovery describe e.g. `LaunchofCPAon3-15` or `Daypart
4-15` mm_bidstrat Bid 3 Line item 7 Advertiser, !Agent, !Campaign,
!Creation Pre-defined - `EBM` for Exchange Bid Strategy Group,
!PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, EBM, REM, Management, `REM` for
!Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, CTX Re-Marketing, `CTX` for
!Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price Contextual Meth mm_biddim Bid 9 Line
item 8 Advertiser, !Agent, !Campaign, !Creation Pred-defined - One
RMX SLI applies Dimension Group, !PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, All, to
`All` sizes - One ADX !Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, 120 .times.
600, placement needs to be !Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price 160 .times.
600, created per size Meth 300 .times. 250, 468 .times. 60, 728
.times. 90 mm_targ1 Target 1 12 Line item 9 Advertiser, !Agent,
!Campaign, !Creation User defined - Describes targeting rule Group,
!PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, e.g. fc = 4, e.g. `NYC-only`, `fc = 4`
!Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, NYC-only (freq cap of 4 .times.
24) !Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price Meth mm_targ2 Target 2 12 Line item
10 Advertiser, !Agent, !Campaign, !Creation User defined -
Describes add'l Group, !PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, e.g. 2-7 am
targeting rule !Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, !Targ2, !PH1, !PH2,
!Price Meth mm_targroi Target ROI 32 Line item 11 Advertiser,
!Agent, !Campaign, !Creation Pre-defined - Describes target Group,
!PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, as input in metrics for bid, as
!Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, ADX/RMX - defined in ADX/RMX -
!Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price e.g. gCTR e.g. CPC target in RMX Meth
.2, gCPC .5, requires goal input for gCPA 10 CPC (gCPC) and CTR
(gCTR), or gCPA. mm_priceval Price/Bid 32 Line item 12 Advertiser,
!Agent, !Campaign, !Creation Pre-defined - Bid amount for line item
- Amount Group, !PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, as input in e.g. `4` for a
$4 dCPM !Bid_Strategy, !Bid_Dim, !Targ1, ADX/RMX bid in RMX, `2`
for a !Targ2, !PH1, !PH2, !Price max CPM bid in ADX Meth
mm_pricemeth Pricing 4 Line item 13 Advertiser, !Agent, !Campaign,
!Creation Pre-defined - Describes the Pricing Methodology Group,
!PubRestr, !Bid_Descrp, RMX: CPA, Metholodogy set in !Bid_Strategy,
!Bid_Dim, !Targ1, CPC, CPM, RMX or ADX (bCPM = !Targ2, !PH1, !PH2,
!Price dCPM|ADX: budget goal via CPM Meth bCPM, bids. aCPM = tries
to aCPM, reach CPA goal with cCPM, CPM bid, using CPA iCPM, target
and budget. mCPM cCPM = tries to reach CPC goal with CPM bid, using
CPC target and budget. iCPM = tries for impression goal with CPM,
using bid and budget) For Creative Packed Names mm_exch Exchange 2
Creative 1 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, Pre-defined - Defines
which Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3, `A` for ADX, exchange
is being used - !productsym, !responsecateg, !file `R` for RMX `A`
for ADX, `R` for type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1, RMX
!creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join mm_advsym_c advertiser 4
Creative 2 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, Pre-defined - Unique 4
character Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3, e.g. TRST, symbol
for Advertiser - !productsym, !responsecateg, !file VIRM, COFX same
as Line Item. type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1,
!creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join mm_campaign_c campaign 12
Creative 3 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, User defined -
Describes campaign - Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3, e.g.
March-April, e.g. `March-April`- !productsym, !responsecateg, !file
Flight 1 same as for line item type, !dimension,
!creativetargeting1, Pop-Pix !creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2,
!3P_join mm_concpt1 Creative 12 Creative 4 Exchange, !advertiser,
!campaign, User defined - Describes key concept concept Name
!concept1, !concept2, !concept3, e.g. Golf element defined by label
1 !productsym, !responsecateg, !file MM, e.g. the color `blue`
type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1, used prominently
!creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join mm_concpt2 Creative 12
Creative 5 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, User defined -
Describes key concept concept Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3,
e.g. element defined by label 2 !productsym, !responsecateg, !file
Capture MM, e.g. the color `blue` type, !dimension,
!creativetargeting1, used prominently !creativetargeting2, !ch1,
!ch2, !3P_join mm_concpt3 Creative 12 Creative 6 Exchange,
!advertiser, !campaign, User defined - Describes key concept
concept Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3, e.g. $650 element
defined by label 3 !productsym, !responsecateg, !file pkdg MM, e.g.
the color `blue` type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1, used
prominently !creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join mm_prodsym
Product 6 Creative 7 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, Pre-defined
- Product symbol for Symbol Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3,
e.g. product being marketed !productsym, !responsecateg, !file
RESORT, type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1, PUBENT
!creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join mm_resp Response 2
Creative 8 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, Pre-defined - `BD` for
brand, `BR` for Category Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3, BD,
BR, BL branded response, `BL` !productsym, !responsecateg, !file
for blend type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1,
!creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join mm_filetype filetype 3
Creative 9 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, Pre-defined - Creative
file type Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3, SWF, IMG
!productsym, !responsecateg, !file type, !dimension,
!creativetargeting1, !creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join
mm_dimension dimension 9 Creative 10 Exchange, !advertiser,
!campaign, Pre-defined - Specifies W .times. H - Name !concept1,
!concept2, !concept3, 120 .times. 600, `120 .times. 600`,
!productsym, !responsecateg, !file 160 .times. 600, `160 .times.
600`, `300 .times. 250`, type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1, 300
.times. 250, `468 .times. 60`, `728 .times. 90`
!creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, 468 .times. 60, !3P_join 728
.times. 90 mm_crtag1 creativetargeting1 18 Creative 11 Exchange,
!advertiser, !campaign, User-defined - Describes targeting set Name
!concept1, !concept2, !concept3, e.g. at creative level
!productsym, !responsecateg, !file `Mozilla` type, !dimension,
!creativetargeting1, !creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join
mm_crtag2 creativetargeting2 18 Creative 12 Exchange, !advertiser,
!campaign, User-defined - Describes targeting set Name !concept1,
!concept2, !concept3, e.g. `CA- at creative level !productsym,
!responsecateg, !file only` type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1,
!creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join mm_ch1 Creative 32
Creative 13 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, TBD Placeholder for
Placeholder 1 Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3, additional
fields !productsym, !responsecateg, !file type, !dimension,
!creativetargeting1, !creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, !3P_join
mm_ch2 Creative 32 Creative 14 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign,
TBD Placeholder for Placeholder 1 Name !concept1, !concept2,
!concept3, additional fields !productsym, !responsecateg, !file
type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1, !creativetargeting2, !ch1,
!ch2, !3P_join mm_3pjoin agency_creative_name_in_atlasorDFA 64
Creative 15 Exchange, !advertiser, !campaign, Pre-defined -
Creative name from Name !concept1, !concept2, !concept3, code DFA
or Atlas - match !productsym, !responsecateg, !file representing
table with codes type, !dimension, !creativetargeting1, name in 3rd
created for creative !creativetargeting2, !ch1, !ch2, party system
names or ids, code !3P_join inserted here For ADX/RMX Pixel Packed
Names (In some embodiments, 50 character limit. e.g., due to RMX
constraint) mmx_advsym Advertiser 4 Pixels 1 advertiser, !sequence,
!pagetype, Pre-defined - Unique 4 character !pixeltype, !timelag-
e.g. TRST, symbol for Advertiser window, !subtractionID, !friendly
VIRM, COFX page name, !security, !tag- type,
!agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA mmx_pixseq sequence 4 Pixels 2
advertiser, !sequence, !pagetype, User defined - Pixel order allows
for !pixeltype, !timelag- e.g. 1A, 1B, easy sorting by window,
!subtractionID, !friendly 2A, 3A importance - 1A, 1B, page name,
!security, !tag- 1C, 1D.A, 1D.B
type, !agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA (several funnel pages,
different landing page outcomes) mmx_pixpgetyp pagetype 3 Pixels 3
advertiser, !sequence, !pagetype, Pre-defined - Funnel (FUN),
Landing !pixeltype, !timelag- MRT, MRO, Page (LPG), window,
!subtractionID, !friendly MRD, FUN, Remarketing Direct page name,
!security, !tag- LPG, RED, RED), Remarketing type,
!agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA REI, REP Indirect (REM), Merit
(MRT), REP mmx_pixtype pixeltype 3 Pixels 4 advertiser, !sequence,
!pagetype, Pre-defined - `SEG` - RMX !pixeltype, !timelag- RMX:
TRK, remarketing pixel. window, !subtractionID, !friendly SEG,
?CRE? `TRK` - RMX page name, !security, !tag- Merit only:
conversion pixel. think type, !agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA PVO,
PCO, about TRK only = PV PCS, PVS, setting or changing to PCP|ADX:
PVT ADX mmx_pixwindow timelag- 4 Pixels 5 advertiser, !sequence,
!pagetype, Pre-defined - `unl` for unlimited, or window !pixeltype,
!timelag- unl or Xd define actual number of window, !subtractionID,
!friendly (30 d) or Xh days/hours, etc page name, !security, !tag-
(36 h) type, !agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA mmx_pixsub
subtraction 2 Pixels 6 advertiser, !sequence, !pagetype,
Pre-defined - 4 digit subtraction ID for ID !pixeltype, !timelag- 4
digits subtracting PC counts window, !subtractionID, !friendly from
PV pixels in RMX, page name, !security, !tag- unique by ?campaign?
type, !agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA mmx_pixshrtnme short page 18
Pixels 7 advertiser, !sequence, !pagetype, Pre-defined - Allows for
easy name !pixeltype, !timelag- TY, HP, TP, understanding of what
window, !subtractionID, !friendly BP (brand page the pixel lives on
- page name, !security, !tag- page), LGI should be short as type,
!agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA (login), LGO possible while
(logout) remaining intuitable mmx_pixsecrty security 2 Pixels 8
advertiser, !sequence, !pagetype, Pre-defined - Secure or
Non-secure !pixeltype, !timelag- S, N window, !subtractionID,
!friendly page name, !security, !tag- type,
!agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA mmx_pixtagtype tag-type 2 Pixels 9
advertiser, !sequence, !pagetype, Pre-defined - Javascript or Image
!pixeltype, !timelag- J, I window, !subtractionID, !friendly page
name, !security, !tag- type, !agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA
mmx_pix3Pnme agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA 64 Pixels 10
advertiser, !sequence, !pagetype, Pre-defined - Pixel name from DFA
!pixeltype, !timelag- code or Atlas - match table window,
!subtractionID, !friendly representing with codes created for page
name, !security, !tag- name in 3rd pixel names or ids, type,
!agency_pixel_name_in_atlasorDFA party system code inserted here
Packed Names for Reporting 3P Reports mm_3padserve 1
3PAdServer:!3Padvertiser:!3Pcampaign: !3Ptagid:!3Ptagname 3P
Reports mm_3padv 2 3PAdServer:!3Padvertiser:!3Pcampaign:
!3Ptagid:!3Ptagname 3P Reports mm_3pcmpgn 3
3PAdServer:!3Padvertiser:!3Pcampaign: !3Ptagid:!3Ptagname 3P
Reports mm_3ptagid 4 3PAdServer:!3Padvertiser:!3Pcampaign:
!3Ptagid:!3Ptagname 3P Reports mm_3ptagname 5
3PAdServer:!3Padvertiser:!3Pcampaign: !3Ptagid:!3Ptagname
[0430] It should be understood that the systems described above may
provide multiple ones of any or each of those components and these
components may be provided on either a standalone machine or, in
some embodiments, on multiple machines in a distributed system. In
addition, the systems and methods described above may be provided
as one or more computer-readable programs or executable
instructions embodied on or in one or more articles of manufacture.
The article of manufacture may be a floppy disk, a hard disk, a
CD-ROM, a flash memory card, a PROM, a RAM, a ROM, or a magnetic
tape. In general, the computer-readable programs may be implemented
in any programming language, such as LISP, PERL, C, C++, C#,
PROLOG, or in any byte code language such as JAVA. The software
programs or executable instructions may be stored on or in one or
more articles of manufacture as object code.
[0431] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *
References