System and method for initializing a recommendation system based on a remote configuration file

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing recommendations for a specific user to one or more users. A recommendation server having a memory and a processor in communication with the memory may be used to generate recommendations based at least in part on demographic information received from the user device and present the generated recommendations to the user. After generating the recommendations, the server may delete the received demographic information so that the demographic information can only be stored on the user device.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 679,546, filed on June 1, 2018. The entire contents of this referenced external material and all other referenced external materials are incorporated herein by reference. When the definition or use of a term in a reference incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of the same term provided herein, the definition of the term provided herein shall prevail. Technical Field

[0002] The field of the invention is recommender systems and methods. Background Art

[0003] The following description includes information that may be helpful in understanding the invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any patent publication explicitly or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] Online stores and user-generated media platforms use recommender systems to increase the number of item views. Such systems usually rely on centrally stored data about user preferences and intrinsic properties of items (i.e. content-based recommenders) or preferences of other users (i.e. collaborative filtering recommenders).

[0005] Recommender performance can be further improved by adding demographic information about the user and contextual information about the use of the recommender system. However, demographic information about the user is sensitive information. This limits how demographic information about the user is collected and stored, and limits the willingness of the user to provide this information for storage in a location beyond the user's control.

[0006] The most common method is to ask users to create a personal account and provide this information during the account creation process. This information is then typically stored on servers associated with the company.

[0007] For recommender systems for vehicular content distribution networks, since accounts have limited usage time, especially during short trips on airplanes or other means of transportation, a system that requires account creation to enable recommendations may cause great inconvenience and prohibit its use.

[0008] All patent publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual patent publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. When a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0009] Therefore, there remains a need for systems and methods for recommending content by which users no longer need to create a user account and provide personal information that is stored in the system. Summary of the invention

[0010] The subject matter of the present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for generating user-specific (eg, personalized) content recommendations for each user. Preferably, such systems and methods are used in conjunction with an in-vehicle network.

[0011] The contemplated systems and methods utilize a recommendation server communicatively connected to a processor, wherein the server or processor is configured to receive demographic information about a user from a user's device. Using this information, the processor can generate and present recommended content based at least in part on the received demographic information. After the recommended content is sent to the user's device, the user's demographic information is preferably deleted from the server so that the user's demographic information is not centrally stored but remains on the user's device.

[0012] Prior to deletion, it is contemplated that the system may create a user profile based at least in part on the received demographic information of the user. This user profile may then be used in place of the user's demographic information or may be combined with the user's demographic information to generate one or more content recommendations for the user. The user profile may be transmitted to the user's device for storage. After the user profile is transmitted to the user's device, the user profile is preferably deleted from the server.

[0013] It is also contemplated that the processor may update the user profile based on the user's interaction with the system, and cause the updated user profile to be sent to and stored on the user device. Likewise, the updated user profile is preferably sent to the user device and then deleted from the server. Such user interactions may include, for example, (i) the user selecting content, (ii) the user viewing content, (iii) the user liking content, (iv) the user adding content to a playlist, and (v) the user skipping content.

[0014] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the detailed description of preferred embodiments and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a recommendation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Throughout the following discussion, reference will be made to servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed by computing devices. It should be understood that the use of such terms is considered to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer-readable tangible, non-transitory medium. For example, a server may include one or more computers that act as a network server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner that performs the described tasks, duties, or functions.

[0017] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is also considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, then even if not explicitly stated, the inventive subject matter is considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, and D.

[0018] Although the discussion herein focuses on aircraft, it is contemplated that the systems and methods discussed herein may similarly be used on ships, trains, buses, and other vehicles.

[0019] The present subject matter describes systems and methods for providing content recommendations to multiple users without centrally storing each user's personal information.

[0020] The contemplated systems and methods advantageously combine the following features: (i) no personal data needs to be stored in the in-vehicle content distribution network; and (ii) the user profile is initialized using only demographic elements received from the user at the same time (e.g., when the user connects the mobile device to the in-vehicle content distribution network). In this way, such systems and methods have the following technical effects: no centralized storage of user information is required, while effectively providing personalized recommendations to users based on their demographics and interactions with the system.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In one embodiment shown, the system 100 is configured to provide user-specific content recommendations to one or more users, preferably all of which are connected to an in-vehicle network. The system 100 includes a recommendation server 120 having a processor 122 and a memory 124 communicatively connected to the recommendation server 120. The server 120 is preferably configured to receive demographic information from the user's mobile or other portable computing device 110A as well as other users' devices and possible in-flight entertainment devices disposed within the vehicle. Preferably, such information is sent via an in-vehicle wireless network 130, although a wired network may also be used.

[0022] The server 120 invites / requests one or more users to install the software program on the user device 110A. In some embodiments, this may occur on a separate network outside the vehicle, such as before the user enters the vehicle. Contemplated user devices include, for example, smart phones, tablets, smart watches, e-readers, etc. In the event that the user uses an in-vehicle entertainment device 110B, such as those typically with a display screen, which is set in the seat back of an airplane or other means of transportation, it is contemplated that the software program may be pre-installed on the device 110B, and the information / recommendation content may be displayed on the display screen.

[0023] After the software program is installed on the user device 110A, the server 120 requests the user to create an account. During or after the account creation process, the system 100 may explicitly request demographic elements, or obtain demographic elements by, for example, automatically mining the user device 110A.

[0024] When the user connects user device 110A to in-vehicle content distribution network 130, the software program automatically sends relevant information from the user account on user device 110A to recommendation server 120. Such information may include, for example, user demographic information and / or a user profile stored on user device 110A.

[0025] The processor 122 is preferably configured to generate one or more recommendations based at least in part on the received demographic information and / or user profile and present the generated one or more recommendations to the user on the user device 110A. After generating the one or more recommendations, the processor 122 may cause the received demographic information / user profile to be deleted from the server 120. In this way, such systems and methods advantageously ensure that personal data from the user is not stored on the server 120 or within the system 100, but is instead stored locally on the user device 110A.

[0026] Therefore, it is conceivable that if the user deletes the application from the user device 110A (and the personal data stored in the user device 110A), then all of the user's personal data in the vehicle network will also be deleted, because the information is not centrally stored in the server 120.

[0027] Additionally, there is no need to track users as they move from one vehicular network to another or across multiple vehicular networks, as the user profile is reinitialized with each move.

[0028] In some embodiments, processor 122 may be configured to create a user profile based at least in part on demographic information received from user device 110A. The user profile may then be sent to user device 110A via the vehicle network and then deleted from server 120.

[0029] In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the processor 122 may be configured to receive a user profile from the user device 110A and generate and present recommendations based at least in part on the received user profile. It is also contemplated that the processor 122 may update the user profile based on the user's interaction with the system 100 and cause the updated user profile to be sent to and stored on the user device 110A. Such user interactions may include, for example, (i) the user selecting content, (ii) the user viewing content, (iii) the user liking content, (iv) the user adding content to a playlist, and (v) the user skipping content. It may also include the time a user spent on a piece of content and / or whether a user requested more information about a piece of content.

[0030] As used herein, and unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term "connected to" is intended to include direct connections (where two elements connected to each other are in contact with each other) and indirect connections (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "connected to" and "connected with..." are used synonymously.

[0031] In some embodiments, the number of the expression composition for describing and claiming some embodiments of the present invention, such as concentration, reaction conditions and other properties should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in some cases. Therefore, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and the appended claims are approximate values, which can vary according to the desired characteristics that a particular embodiment attempts to obtain. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be interpreted according to the number of significant figures reported and by applying common rounding techniques. Although the numerical range and parameters of the wide range of some embodiments of the present invention are approximate values, the numerical values ​​listed in the specific examples should be reported in a manner as accurately as possible. The numerical values ​​presented in some embodiments of the present invention may include certain errors, which are necessarily caused by the standard deviation in their respective test measurements.

[0032] Unless the context indicates otherwise, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as including their endpoints, and open ranges should be interpreted as including only commercially feasible values. Likewise, unless the context indicates otherwise, all lists of values ​​should be interpreted as including intermediate values.

[0033] As used in the specification herein and the claims that follow, the meanings of "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, "in..." includes "in..." and "on..." unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] The enumeration of numerical ranges herein is intended only to be used as a convenient way to refer to each individual value in the range, respectively. Unless otherwise noted herein, each individual value in the range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually listed herein. Unless otherwise noted herein or clearly contradictory to the context, all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided for certain embodiments herein is intended only to better illustrate the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention otherwise claimed. Any language in the specification should not be interpreted as representing any unclaimed element essential to the implementation of the present invention.

[0035] The grouping of the alternative elements or embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each group member can be mentioned and protected individually, or each group member can be protected in any combination with other members or other elements in the group found herein. For reasons of convenience and / or patentability, one or more group members can be included in the group or deleted from the group. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, this specification is considered to include the modified group at this time, thereby realizing the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0036] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, without departing from the inventive concept of this document, in addition to the modifications already described, further modifications may be made. Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention is not limited except by the spirit of the appended claims. In addition, when interpreting the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprise" and "include" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the elements, components or steps mentioned may exist or be used simultaneously, or the elements, components or steps mentioned may be combined with the elements, components or steps not explicitly mentioned. When the specification and claims relate to at least one of the following groups, the group includes A, B, C ... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, rather than A plus B, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A system for providing recommendations for specific users using a vehicle network of a transportation tool, comprising: An in-vehicle network, comprising a recommendation server having a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory are communicatively connected to each other, the in-vehicle network further comprising a group of in-vehicle entertainment devices disposed on the seat backs of the vehicle, each of the in-vehicle entertainment devices comprising a display screen; The recommendation server is configured to automatically receive demographic information from the user device via the in-vehicle network when the user device is connected to the in-vehicle network; the processor being configured to create a user profile based solely on the demographic information received in real time from the user device and to transmit the user profile to the user device via the in-vehicle network; wherein the processor is configured to generate content recommendations based at least in part on the received demographic information and / or the received user profile, and cause the content recommendations to be displayed (i) on a display screen of one of the in-vehicle entertainment devices, or (ii) on a display screen of the user device; The processor is further configured to update the user profile based on user interactions with the in-vehicle entertainment device of the in-vehicle network, the user interactions comprising (i) user selecting content, (ii) user viewing content, (iii) user liking content, (iv) user adding content to a playlist, and (v) user skipping content; After displaying the content recommendation, the processor then deletes the demographic information received from the recommendation server such that the received demographic information is not stored in the recommendation server; as well as After sending the user profile to the user device, the processor then deletes the user profile from the recommendation server so that the user profile is not stored at the recommendation server.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The demographic information is stored only on the user device.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processor causes the recommendation to be presented on the display screen.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processor causes the recommendation to be presented on the user device.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processor is further configured to receive the user profile from the user device and to generate and present the recommendation based at least in part on the received user profile.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The processor deletes the user profile after generating the recommendation.

7. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The processor is further configured to cause the updated user profile to be sent to the user device and stored on the user device.

8. A method for providing recommendations for a specific user in a vehicle network, comprising: providing a recommendation server having a processor and a memory, the processor being communicatively connected to the memory; automatically receiving demographic information from a user device when the user device is connected to the in-vehicle network, the user device comprising a second memory, wherein the demographic information is stored in the second memory, the user device being connected to the in-vehicle network; temporarily storing the received demographic information in the memory; analyzing and generating, with the processor, one or more recommendations based at least in part on demographic information received from the user device; the processor causing the one or more recommendations to be presented on the user device; creating a user profile using the processor and based solely on the demographic information received in real time from the user device, wherein the user profile is temporarily stored in the memory; sending the user profile to the user device; the processor deleting the received demographic information from the memory after presenting one or more of the recommendations so that the received demographic information is not stored in the recommendation server; The processor sends a command to delete the user profile from the memory after sending the user profile to the user device so that the user profile is not stored in the recommendation server.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: receiving the user profile from the user device; updating the user profile using the processor and based on user interaction with the system; and sending the updated user profile to the user device; the user's interaction comprising one or more of: (i) the user selecting content, (ii) the user viewing content, (iii) the user liking content, (iv) the user adding content to a playlist, and (v) the user skipping content; analyzing and generating, with the processor, one or more recommendations based at least in part on the updated user profile; as well as The processor causes the one or more recommendations to be presented on the user device; and causing the updated user profile to be transmitted to the user device; and After transmitting the updated user profile to the user device, the processor then sends a command to cause the updated user profile to be deleted from the memory so that the updated user profile is not stored on the recommendation server.

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