10th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120059645 | Methods and Apparatus for Teaching or Learning Vocabulary - Provided herein are methods and apparatus for teaching or learning vocabulary comprising providing a writing instrument and one or more vocabulary words and corresponding definitions displayed on the exterior surface of the writing instrument. Also provided herein are methods and apparatus for learning terms of art or formulas comprising a writing instrument comprising one or more terms of art or formulas and the corresponding definitions or explanations displayed on the exterior surface of the writing instrument. Methods and apparatus provided herein enable users to teach or learn vocabulary in English or other languages. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059646 | Script Detection Service - Script detection service techniques are described. In an implementation, values representing individual text characters in a string of one or more text characters are identified to determine which human writing system is associated with the individual text characters. The values are compared to a table that associates subsets of values with individual human writing systems. The values are determined to be within a particular subset of values in the table that correspond to a particular human writing system. A particular human writing system is designated as associated with the string based on the values associated with the individual text characters in the string being within the particular subset of values that corresponds with the particular human writing system. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059647 | Touchless Texting Exercise - A method, system, and computer program product are provided for touchless texting that enhances user activity. A plurality of graphical images are displayed on a computer display. An exercise motion is detected using a camera, and the motion is resolved to a selected graphical image from the plurality of graphical images. The selected graphical image is entered into an application. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059648 | Voice Activity Detector (VAD) -Based Multiple-Microphone Acoustic Noise Suppression - Acoustic noise suppression is provided in multiple-microphone systems using Voice Activity Detectors (VAD). A host system receives acoustic signals via multiple microphones. The system also receives information on the vibration of human tissue associated with human voicing activity via the VAD. In response, the system generates a transfer function representative of the received acoustic signals upon determining that voicing information is absent from the received acoustic signals during at least one specified period of time. The system removes noise from the received acoustic signals using the transfer function, thereby producing a denoised acoustic data stream. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059649 | HOWLING CANCELLER - A howling canceller which suppresses occurrence of howling even when an open loop gain exceeds “1” in the whole reproduction band. In the howling canceller, an adaptive filter ( | 2012-03-08 |
20120059650 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE OBJECTIVE EVALUATION OF THE VOICE QUALITY OF A SPEECH SIGNAL TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE BACKGROUND NOISE CONTAINED IN THE SIGNAL - A method and device are provided for the objective evaluation of voice quality of a speech signal. The device includes: a module for extracting a background noise signal, referred to as a noise signal, from the speech signal; a module for calculating the audio parameters of the noise signal; a module for classifying the background noise contained in the noise signal on the basis of the calculated audio parameters, according to a predefined set of background noise classes; and a module for evaluating the voice quality of the speech signal on the basis of at least the resulting classification relative to the background noise in the speech signal. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059651 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR TRANSCRIBING A MULTI-PARTY CONVERSATION - A mobile communications device includes a network interface for communicating over a wide-area network, an input/output interface for communicating over a PAN and a display. The communication device also includes one or more processors for executing machine-executable instructions and one or more machine-readable storage media for storing the machine-executable instructions. The instructions, when executed by the one more processors, implement a voice proximity component, a speech-to-text component and a user interface. The voice proximity component is configured to select a first user's voice from among a plurality of user voices. The first user voice belongs to a user who is in closest proximity to the mobile communication device. The speech-to-text component is configured to convert to text in real-time speech received from the first user but not the other users. The user interface is arranged for displaying the text on the display as it received over the PAN from the other mobile communication devices. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059652 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OBTAINING LANGUAGE MODELS FOR TRANSCRIBING COMMUNICATIONS - A method for transcribing a spoken communication includes acts of receiving a spoken first communication from a first sender to a first recipient, obtaining information relating to a second communication, which is different from the first communication, from a second sender to a second recipient, using the obtained information to obtain a language model, and using the language model to transcribe the spoken first communication. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059653 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OBTAINING LANGUAGE MODELS FOR TRANSCRIBING COMMUNICATIONS - A method for producing speech recognition results on a device includes receiving first speech recognition results, obtaining a language model, wherein the language model represents information stored on the device, and using the first speech recognition results and the language model to generate second speech recognition results. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059654 | SPEAKER-ADAPTIVE SYNTHESIZED VOICE - An objective is to provide a technique for accurately reproducing features of a fundamental frequency of a target-speaker's voice on the basis of only a small amount of learning data. A learning apparatus learns shift amounts from a reference source F0 pattern to a target F0 pattern of a target-speaker's voice. The learning apparatus associates a source F0 pattern of a learning text to a target F0 pattern of the same learning text by associating their peaks and troughs. For each of points on the target F0 pattern, the learning apparatus obtains shift amounts in a time-axis direction and in a frequency-axis direction from a corresponding point on the source F0 pattern in reference to a result of the association, and learns a decision tree using, as an input feature vector, linguistic information obtained by parsing the learning text, and using, as an output feature vector, the calculated shift amounts. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059655 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING INPUT TO A SPEECH-ENABLED APPLICATION PROGRAM - Some embodiments are directed to allowing a user to provide speech input intended for a speech-enabled application program into a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone, that is not connected to the computer that executes the speech-enabled application program. The mobile communications device may provide the user's speech input as audio data to a broker application executing on a server, which determines to which computer the received audio data is to be provided. When the broker application determines the computer to which the audio data is to be provided, it sends the audio data to that computer. In some embodiments, automated speech recognition may be performed on the audio data before it is provided to the computer. In such embodiments, instead of providing the audio data, the broker application may send the recognition result generated from performing automated speech recognition to the identified computer. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059656 | Speech Signal Similarity - A method for determining a similarity between a first audio source and a second audio source includes: for the first audio source, determining a first frequency of occurrence for each of a plurality of phoneme sequences and determining a first weighted frequency for each of the plurality of phoneme sequences based on the first frequency of occurrence for the phoneme sequence; for the second audio source, determining a second frequency of occurrence for each of a plurality of phoneme sequences and determining a second weighted frequency for each of the plurality of phoneme sequences based on the second frequency of occurrence for the phoneme sequence; comparing the first weighted frequency for each phoneme sequence with the second weighted frequency for the corresponding phoneme sequence; and generating a similarity score representative of a similarity between the first audio source and the second audio source based on the results of the comparing. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059657 | Radar Microphone Speech Recognition - A method for detecting and recognizing speech is provided that remotely detects body motions from a speaker during vocalization with one or more radar sensors. Specifically, the radar sensors include a transmit aperture that transmits one or more waveforms towards the speaker, and each of the waveforms has a distinct wavelength. A receiver aperture is configured to receive the scattered radio frequency energy from the speaker. Doppler signals correlated with the speaker vocalization are extracted with a receiver. Digital signal processors are configured to develop feature vectors utilizing the vocalization Doppler signals, and words associated with the feature vectors are recognized with a word classifier. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059658 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING AN INTERNET SEARCH - Embodiments of the present invention relate to searching for content on the Internet. A user may supply a search query to a device, and the device may issue the search query to a plurality of search engines, including at least one general purpose search engine and at least one site-specific search engine. In this way, the user need not separately issue search queries to each of the plurality of search engines. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059659 | Codebook Segment Merging - Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for merging entropy codebook application ranges within an audio signal. According to one embodiment, an audio signal is obtained, the audio signal including quantization indexes, identification of segments of said quantization indexes, and indexes of entropy codebooks that have been assigned to such segments, with a single entropy codebook index having been assigned to each said segment; potential merging operations in which specified segments potentially would be merged with each other are identified; bit penalties are estimated for the potential merging operations; then, the potential merging operation having the lowest estimated the penalty is performed. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059660 | Lot Identification Codes for Packaging - Lot identification codes marked on packaging comprise a fixed number of digits with substrings representing each of a date, a SKU, a lot number, and optionally a line and a checksum. The same fixed number of digits is used for the lot identification codes employed by multiple producers across an industry, or across multiple industries. The lot identification codes are therefore readily recognizable by search engines and otherwise reduce the number of steps required for consumers and others along the supply chain to obtain lot-specific information about packaged goods. Additionally, whenever an individual submits a lot identification code, it provides an opportunity to collect information about the product at that point along the supply chain. The information can link the quality of the product at the time and place of the request to the time and place of the packaging. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059661 | Maintaining and Using a Lost Item Database - In one embodiment, a system and method for monitoring lost items, includes a database configured to store lost item information, the lost item information pertaining to lost items recovered at one or more establishments; and a computing device operatively connected to the database, the computing device operable to: (i) receive lost item information for a given lost item that has been recovered at the one or more establishments; (ii) entry of a lost item record for the given lost item into the database, the lost item record includes the lost item information for the given lost item; (iii) browse or search the database to locate lost item of a current or prior patron of the one or more establishments; and (iv) facilitating transmission of an electronic recovery notification to the current or prior patron when the lost item of the current or prior patron has been located in the database. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059662 | AUTOMATED LEAD PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A computer-implemented automated lead processing system and method for lead development, the system including a lead set comprising lead data for one or more potential leads; and a table-driven customizable campaign interface for selection of a sequence of lead development steps applicable to said one or more potential leads, to initiate automated processing of said lead data in said lead set for said one or more potential leads, and to generate a monitoring record in a database of the system of said sequence of lead development steps, wherein the system is adapted on occurrence of at least one predefined trigger event to signal at least one action to be taken relating to the sequence of lead development steps, and wherein the system is adapted to display a status determination on said interface for said one or more potential leads, and automatically initiate a response to a trigger event if so desired. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059663 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PATIENT VISIT WORKFLOW - Methods and apparatus for facilitating the collection of information during a patient visit to a healthcare provider. Each of plurality of tasks to be performed during a patient visit are associated with a stages of the patient visit. One or more users are guided through the stages of the patient visit to complete the associated tasks associated with each stage. A user interface associated with an electronic health records system displays pages for each stage that enable the users to enter information during the patient visit. The amount of time that users spend entering information in the electronic health records system during each stage is tracked and is used to generate one or more reports that enable a medical practice to improve the patient visit workflow. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059664 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF PERSONAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS - A system and method for management of personal health and wellness is disclosed. The system receives an input for generating a user profile for a user, with the user profile having an initial health status goal associated therewith including target physiological parameter levels, nutritional uptake, and physical fitness activity. Physiological data, nutritional data, and physical fitness data are received by the system over a period of time on measured physiological parameters, dietary consumption, and physical activity of the user, with the system then analyzing and comparing the received data to the physiological parameters, nutritional uptake, and physical fitness activity associated with the initial health status goal. The system communicates to the user a personalized health and wellness status update that is based on the analysis of the received data and the comparison of such data to the physiological, nutritional, and physical activity metrics associated with the initial health status goal. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059665 | COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATING ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES IN AN OFFICE - A computer-based system for automating administrative procedures in an office is described. According to an embodiment, the system may include a control module in communication with a management tracker module, a provider tracker module and an administrative tracker module, as well as a database accessible by the management tracker module, a provider tracker module and an administrative tracker module. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059666 | THIRD PARTY ORDERING FROM A DRUG SAMPLE FULFILLMENT SYSTEM - A process to facilitate the fulfillment of drug samples to prescribers in several different manners. A sales representative can request actual drug samples on-line or can order on-line coupons for drug samples to be shipped to a prescriber and from which the prescriber distributes to his patient. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059667 | System and method for preventing malpractices and negligences - A system and method for server-coordinating health-cares and services between and among patients and physicians to prevent medical malpractices, delays, errors, inaccuracies, inefficiencies, mistakes, morbidity and mortality by computer servers, communication devices and teleconferencing platforms in a network or networks of severs, devices and platforms. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059668 | ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SHARING USING HYBRID ARCHITECTURE - Electronic health record sharing is provided using a hybrid architecture. A centralized architecture provides centralized service including a search service and a token ownership service. A decentralized architecture comprises electronic health record locations. Electronic health records are created at locations and patient identifying information is stored at the centralized architecture. The centralized service manages ownership of electronic health records using ownership tokens comprising unique electronic health record identifiers and unique location identifiers. A current electronic health record owner location is authorized to view and/or edit the electronic health record. Ownership is transferred via the sending location, receiving location, and centralized service. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059669 | ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM WITH NURSING RECORDS - An electronic health records system stores medical data and nursing data. The medical data is associated with a physician's findings for an encounter with a patient. The nursing data is associated with nursing care provided to the patient. The electronic health records system generates separate or linked physician and nurse interfaces that can be used to enter and review the medical and nursing data as desired. The electronic health records system also manages nurse scheduling. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059670 | Bambam: parallel comparative analysis of high-throughput sequencing data - The present invention relates to methods for evaluating and/or predicting the outcome of a clinical condition, such as cancer, metastasis, AIDS, autism, Alzheimer's, and/or Parkinson's disorder. The methods can also be used to monitor and track changes in a patient's DNA and/or RNA during and following a clinical treatment regime. The methods may also be used to evaluate protein and/or metabolite levels that correlate with such clinical conditions. The methods are also of use to ascertain the probability outcome for a patient's particular prognosis. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059671 | SYSTEM FOR REAL TIME RECORDING AND REPORTING OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSESSMENT DATA - A portable touch-sensitive system for capturing Electronic Medical Data (EMD) to create Emergency Medicine Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) that includes Graphical User Interface (GUI) menus adapted specifically for collecting and reporting medical assessments in the Emergency Room (ER) environment. For navigation, the GUI menus use text objects that can be selected, opened and moved among multiple states using simple operator pen gestures. The resulting EMR content is fully accessible without scrolling, opening or closing windows, or changing menus, making it possible to capture, in real time as the patient is talking, a EMR that fully conforms to the predetermined EMD requirements of an Emergency Medicine EMR specification. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059672 | Systems and Methods For Providing A Continuum Of Care - Disclosed herein are embodiments for providing a continuum of care. At least one embodiment includes receiving patient information for a patient, the patient information including medical information of the patient suffering from a specific medical condition and determining whether the patient qualifies for the continuum of care. Similarly, some embodiments include, in response to determining that the patient qualifies for the continuum of care, facilitating a primary patient screening to determine whether the patient has a tangential medical condition. Still some embodiments include creating a continuum of care plan for the patient that utilizes the patient information and results of the primary screening to predict a future medical care need of the patient. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059673 | FLEXIBLE GLUCOSE ANALYSIS USING VARYING TIME REPORT DELTAS AND CONFIGURABLE GLUCOSE TARGET RANGES - A diabetes data management system selects variable threshold parameters that are utilized in a report. A first low threshold glucose reading and a first high threshold glucose reading for a before meal event timeframe are selected. A second low threshold glucose reading and a second high threshold glucose reading are selected for an after meal event timeframe. The threshold readings are stored in a database. The diabetes data management system analyzes glucose behavior around meal events. The system receives a plurality of glucose readings for a time period, receives a first time range as a pre-meal analysis period for the first meal event and receives a second time range as a post-meal analysis period for the first meal event. The system creates a graph which highlights the pre-meal analysis period, the post-meal analysis period, and displays the plurality of glucose readings for the time period. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059674 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND ADMINISTRATIVE DATA - A health care patient document system and method which enable patients to enter clinical, administrative, and financial information normally completed on a clipboard in a medical office into a computerized system that stores the information. The patient is then enabled to direct the stored information to any health care provider whether the provider is enabled to receive the data electronically nor not. For those provider clinicians and organizations not enabled to receive the information electronically, the system completes the paper-based forms already in use within the organization and sends the completed form by facsimile or mail delivery. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059675 | Method for the Utilization of Privately Placed Insurance Contracts as a Cohesive Operational Process for Structurally Efficient Investing, Reified as a Tax Deferred Fund - A method performed by a computer of arranging a privately placed variable annuity, including negotiating with at least one life insurance company for a standardized annuity contract; evaluating the standardized annuity contract and a plurality of investments by a plurality of specialists; performing at least one of legal analysis, regulatory analysis, due diligence, and compliance analysis with respect to the plurality of investments; using the computer to provide efficient scalability of the product, and made concrete by embodiment as a privately placed, tax deferred fund (TDF), and the selling by at least one broker of an interest in the TDF to a qualified prospect (Investor Annuitant) who thereby gains exposure to the privately placed variable annuity based on the standardized annuity contract and the plurality of investments. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059676 | CLAIMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A claims and repair process including collecting accident information at birth of an accident, electronic communication to a remote site, and posting information for selecting repair and supplier parties, such as by a bid process. Any of a PDA, a mapping system, or a data collection system installed on the vehicle collects accident information at the accident site, on a tow truck, or at a facility. A PDA with a digital camera may be provided for collecting digital images. Wireless communications may be used to transfer accident information for expedited processing. A claims estimate may be made by a claims adjuster or claims wizard. An aggregate database may be employed by the claims wizard to facilitate damage assessment. The claims wizard may work interactively with a PDA device for improved data collection. Tow trucks may be dispatched to transport rental, damaged and repaired vehicles to reduce insured's involvement. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059677 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED, PREDICTIVE MODELING OF THE OUTCOME OF BENEFITS CLAIMS - A system for automated, predictive modeling of the outcome of a benefits claim includes a profile generator, an evaluation component, and a case management application. The profile generator executes on a computing device and retrieves a claimant profile associated with an adjudicated claim. The evaluation component executes on the computing device and generates a prediction of an outcome of a claim brought by a potential claimant of a government benefit, responsive to the retrieved claimant profile. The evaluation component generates a recommendation to file the claim for the government benefit, responsive to the generated prediction. The case management application executes on the computing device, receives the generated prediction of the outcome of the claim and the generated recommendation and displays at least one of the generated prediction and the generated recommendation. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059678 | AUTOMATION OF AUDITING CLAIMS - Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for automation of auditing claims. Data indicative of a vehicle make and model is received, the data comprising one or more make fields and one or more model fields. The one or more model fields are prepared for translation. The one or more make fields are prepared for translation by applying one or more rules from the plurality of rules. Each field of the one or more make fields is associated with one or more make model entries from a plurality of predetermined make model entries. Each field of the one or more model fields is associated with one or more make model entries from the plurality of predetermined make model entries. The data is automatically translated into one or more vehicle identifiers based on the associated make model entries. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059679 | INCREMENTAL SEARCHING IN MULTI-PASSENGER MULTI-ROUTE TRAVEL PLANNING - A multiple routes for multiple passengers are produced by ordering passenger groups and for each passenger group, constructing an individual query and sending the individual query to a travel planning system. Solutions based on the individual query are received from the travel planning system and a single individual solution is selected from the response. Constraints are added to subsequent individual queries based on previously selected individual solutions and joint travel requirements or preferences. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059680 | Systems and Methods for Facilitating Information Technology Assessments - Embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for facilitating IT assessments. According to one embodiment, a method for representing information technology impact on an enterprise is provided. The method may include characterizing each of multiple IT applications according to multiple factors; and generating an operational impact index value for each of the IT applications based at least in part on the characterization of the respective IT application. Each operational impact index value may relate to an impact index scale representing a relative impact of the respective IT application on an enterprise. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059681 | SERVICE CALL-AHEAD SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for managing service orders are disclosed herein. A computer implemented method, according to some implementations of the present disclosure, includes storing an estimated travel time (e.g., an estimated period of time for a servicer to travel from a current location to a service destination associated with a customer who is to receive a service from the servicer) and estimated time of arrival (ETA) (e.g., an estimated time of day when the servicer is expected to arrive at the service destination). The computer implemented method also includes calculating a call-ahead time for notifying the customer of the servicer's ETA at the service destination. The calculation of the call-ahead time may be based in part on a predetermined advanced-warning time period (e.g., a predetermined amount of time before the ETA for providing an advanced warning of the ETA) and the ETA. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059682 | CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT FOR A PROCEDURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF HUMAN PROCEDURE EXECUTION FAILURES - A method of continuously improving a procedure management system that generates human operating procedures. At least one failure mode (“root cause”) is defined for each human procedural execution failure. The root causes are mapped to stages of human operator execution for the human operating procedures where the plurality of root causes manifest, and to human intervention activities that the human operator failed to correctly execute (“procedure deficiency”). Each root cause is mapped to one or more procedure management components that may have generated the procedure deficiency. Recorded actual incidents of human procedural execution failures are analyzed to identify at least one assignable root cause. A procedure management component is updated to mitigate the assignable root cause, and is then used to change at least one human operating procedure or to generate a new human operating procedure to reduce an incidence of the human procedural execution failures. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059683 | EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS SYSTEM - A method for implementing a closed-loop business process management lifecycle. The method comprising producing at least one to-be process model during a process analysis phase. Storing a copy of the at least one to-be process model. Automating the at least one to-be process model during a process automation phase. Producing data logs by applications implementing the automated to-be process models. Data mining the produced data logs during a process monitoring phase, to produce emerging to-be process models and updated to-be process models of automated to-be process models. Storing the emerging to-be process models and the updated to-be process models; and selecting ones of the stored emerging and updated to-be process models to provide to a new process analysis phase. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059684 | Spatial-Temporal Optimization of Physical Asset Maintenance - A method for determining a maintenance schedule of geographically dispersed physical assets includes receiving asset data including infrastructure relationships between the assets, modeling failure risk of the assets based on spatial, temporal and network relationships, and producing the maintenance schedule according to a combination of the risk model, asset data, maintenance, and external operation constraints. The maintenance schedule may be corrective and/or strategic. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059685 | System for Generating a Housing Price Index - A computer system for automated generation of a housing price index is provided. The system can receive transaction data relating to the sale of a house or apartment and generate a hedonic price index based on the received transaction data for a specified period. The system can further be configured to continuously determine an estimate of the price index for the current period based on received new transaction data. The housing price index can be disseminated in real time, the method and system as described herein significantly reduces the risk for market manipulation and insider trading in a financial instrument relying on a housing price index. This is obtained by continuously generating an estimate of the index as deal data is generated an input into the system. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059686 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECOMMENDATION ENGINE OTIMIZATION - A system and method for a process performed on a computer for constructing recommendation-based predictive models is disclosed. The system and methods access a collection of data records comprising a composite numerical representation of a primary performance indicator or PPI. The PPI comprises an ordinal data point having a calculated ordinal data level. A set of key drivers are determined having an influence on the PPI. Each of the key drivers comprises an ordinal data point having a calculated ordinal data level. An ordinal logistical regression is utilized to calculate the probability of increasing the PPI if each of the members of the set of key drivers are independently increased by a single ordinal data level. A recommended action from a user customizable candidate set of recommendations corresponding to the key driver having the highest probability of increasing the PPI is provided. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059687 | ORGANISATIONAL TOOL - The invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for of determining and/or monitoring the strategic health of an organisation. The method includes receiving information, collating the information to form information artefacts, each information artefact having an impact on one or more aspects of the strategic health of an organisation, deriving a value for one or more of said information artefacts, and assessing a magnitude of the impact on the strategic health of the organisation based on the derived values. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059688 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMAGE QUALITY ACCREDITATION, HANDS ON CME, AND FOR CONTROL AND ANALYSIS OF ACCREDITATION AT THE ENTERPRISE LEVEL - A method and device for accreditation of a user on an imaging device is described. The method and device can also be used for providing electronic hands-on continuing medical education credits/hours based on proficiency in generating high-quality images. In addition, other medical imaging devices, such as an ultrasound system—in which image quality is dependent on the user professional's ability—can be upgraded using the disclosed methods and devices, thereby allowing the system to automatically freeze an image if it is best-quality rated. Finally, the disclosed invention provides an analysis of accreditation at the enterprise level. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059689 | MULTI-LANE FREE FLOW ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM AND ON BOARD UNIT THEREOF - An electronic toll collection (ETC) system and an on board unit (OBU) thereof are provided. The ETC system includes a toll collection module and an identification module. The toll collection module provides a pre-pay service and a post-pay service such that the OBU on a vehicle can make a toll payment in response to one of the pre-pay service and the post-pay service. The identification module captures an image of the vehicle and provides an identification service to the OBU to obtain an identification information of the vehicle. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059690 | INCENTIVIZING PARTICIPATION IN AN INNOVATION PIPELINE - Detecting and devaluing non-pertinent input in an online social network includes setting triggers for user conduct that includes evaluating a unique content submission submitted to the online social network and detecting, at a tangible host server, when a trigger is activated based on user conduct by a first user. The first user is penalized based on the user conduct. An initial weighting value is assigned to the unique content submission submitted to the online social network based on the first user evaluating the unique content submission. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059691 | Electronic Sales Incentive Distribution and Clearinghouse System - An electronic sales incentive distribution and clearinghouse system and methods of use are disclosed. One such system includes a computing system configured to receive an identification of one or more items from a customer, and, for each of the one or more items, compare the identification of the item to keywords associated with one or more product incentives to locate an incentive relating to the item; and if a keyword associated with an incentive relates to the item, prompt the customer to review and accept the incentive. The computing system is further configured to provide to the customer a shopping list of items including the item and one or more incentives including the incentive. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059692 | COMMODITY DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - According to one embodiment, a commodity data processing apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit includes a calculating section, a price-reduction executing section, and a price-reduction informing section. The calculating section calculates a total amount of selling prices of purchased commodities on the basis of commodity data of the purchased commodities stored in a storing section. The price-reduction executing section reduces, if the total amount exceeds a reference amount and a price reduction target commodity is included in the purchased commodities, a selling price of the target commodity. The price-reduction informing section generates screen data for informing that the price reduction is performed. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059693 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVENTORY AND RETURN OF LOST ITEMS - In one embodiment, a system and method for monitoring lost items includes a lost item database including a first memory operable to store lost item information and a second memory operable to store recovery item information and a processor operable to (i) receive the lost item information and the recovery item information; (ii) associate a status indicator with the lost item associated with the lost item information and the forgotten item with the recovery item information; (iii) browse or search the lost item database to compare the lost item information and the recovery item information; (iv) determine whether there is a match between the lost item information and the recovery item information; (v) facilitating transmission of an electronic recovery notification to a patron device of an establishment if there is a match; and (vi) automatically update the status indicator to indicate the lost item and the forgotten item have been recovered. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059694 | FUEL DISPENSER APPLICATION FRAMEWORK - A fuel dispenser utilizing an application framework that comprises at least two portions, the first of which is configured to communicate with all devices, including those that handle confidential or sensitive customer data, while the second portion is configured to communicate only with devices that do not handle confidential or sensitive data. The application framework also comprises two frame buffers, one of which is only accessible by the first, secure portion. Additionally, the first portion determines which frame buffer is used by a display module to transmit data to a display in order to present a graphical representation of the data. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059695 | INTEGRATED PROMOTION OF MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS FOR MOBILE DEVICES - A method and a device are disclosed for including a mobile computing device configured to download a multimedia mobile application including a standard service, a promotion of a premium or different service, the promotion being accessible from within the mobile downloadable application, and a method of subscription, such as a subscription button, to the promoted premium service. In a typical operation, a user views a list of downloadable mobile applications, such as Apple Corporation's iPhone apps, listed as icons, selects an integrated multimedia application having a standard service within the application, reads a promotion of a premium service within the selected mobile application, and subscribes to the premium service from within the application. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059696 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ADVERTISEMENTS TO USER DEVICES USING AN ADVERTISEMENT GATEWAY - An advertisement gateway that provides an interface for multiple user devices and multiple advertisement sources to communicate is presented. The advertisement gateway is capable of translating advertisement requests from a user device in a particular format into another format that is compatible with an advertisement source. Conversely, the advertisement gateway can translate advertisement responses from an advertisement source in a particular format into another format that is compatible with the requesting device. In this manner, the advertisers only have to develop an advertisement using a single protocol and format (i.e., the protocol to communicate with the advertisement source) and still be able to provide their advertisements to a wide variety of user devices. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059697 | ADVERTISING DURING ACCELERATED MEDIA PLAYBACK - A system and a method are disclosed for displaying an image during an operation of an accelerated media playback (e.g., fast-forward or reverse) such that the image appears concurrently with a cue signaling a resume point. First, a video frame within an advertisement is identified from a plurality of advertisements. The video frame contains the cue and indicates a resume point for media content. Additionally, an image is embedded on the video frame such that the video frame, the cue and the image are displayed for less than a second during accelerated media playback, such as a fast-forward operation. The presence of the action cue or resume cue presented concurrently with the advertisement assists viewers in preferentially recalling the product related to the image. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059698 | SOCIAL AGGREGATION AND SUBSTRUCTURES TARGETING AND COMMUNICATIONS - The present invention provides techniques for utilizing opportunities presented by events and social gatherings, such as online advertisement targeting and communications-related opportunities. A virtual user grouping may be formed based in part on a particular event or gathering with which the users are associated, and communications between users in the grouping may be facilitated. Furthermore, social substructures, which may be associated with the virtual grouping, may be identified. Social substructures, and associated generated templates, may be used in facilitating communications between users. Feedback from use of templates may be used in modifying and improving templates for future use. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059699 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO ADVERTISE AND SELL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES VIA CLOUD GAMING ENVIRONMENTS - Provided is a method for advertising and retailing products and services in cloud gaming environments. A game provider may configure its cloud gaming environment to display third party advertisement before, during, or after the game. The advertisement may be in the form of timeout screens, banners, gaming objects, prizes, and other forms associated with typical cloud gaming environments. Third party advertisers benefit from additional advertisement exposure in these cloud gaming environments, which tend to be dynamic and interactive, and target new audience. Advertisement interaction levels may be measure to determine effectiveness and, for example, to collect certain fees from advertisers. An interaction level of interaction may be determined based on a number of clicks on advertisement objects, duration of exposure to the advertisement, a number of players, and various other factors. Game providers may modify their cloud gaming environments to improve these interaction levels and, as a result, collect more. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059700 | INCENTIVIZED PEER-TO-PEER CONTENT AND ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - An incentivized peer-to-peer content and royalty distribution system is disclosed. This system may distribute contents including, without limitation, music files and other playable formats, videos, e-News, eZines, eBooks, software, applications, learning tools, and other types of content. The system allows users to support a product, content or artist not available through traditional distribution systems such as brick-and-mortar retailers, online retailers, and also allows users to market, promote, or solicit other users, buyers and/or promoters to license, buy or use the content they are supporting and to share in the royalties collected from the plurality of purchases occurring within the peer-to-peer, informal distribution chain. Further, the distribution system may reward users who are successful in convincing other users to license or purchase the product or content based at least in part on use and analysis of metadata associated with content transferred within an informal distribution chain. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059701 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORFACILITATING A REWARDS PROGRAM INVOLVING MULTIPLE PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS - Systems and methods are provided for linking multiple payment card accounts to a single rewards program account which include associating, in a program management computer system, a first program identifier with the single rewards program account, associating, in the program management computer system, the first program identifier with a first payment card account, associating, in the program management computer system, the first program identifier to at least a second payment card account; and storing, in the program management computer system, at least a first set of reward program rules associated with the single reward program account, the first set of reward program rules specifying at least one of a reward conversion ratio and a promotion rule. Payment transactions conducted using the first and at least second payment card accounts earning a reward amount are associated with the single rewards program account and the first set of reward program rules are applied to the payment transactions. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059702 | Systems and Methods to Rank and Select Triggers for Real-Time Offers - In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to receive an input specifying a set of users, identify a set of triggers, each of which corresponds to a set of one or more conditions which when satisfied cause transmission of a message to the set of users, rank the triggers based at least in part on transaction data of the users that was recorded by a transaction handler, and generate a ranked list of the triggers based on the ranking. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059703 | ORDERING PERSONALIZED ITEMS WITH GIFT DELIVERY - A system provides for a centralized service adding an electronic media player to a floral delivery order. A prerecorded song, still or moving image can be customizably loaded on to the player. As well, audio, still, and moving images can be uploaded by the person placing the order with a centralized service. The order is relayed to a local florist for delivery. Local merchants can register offers with the centralized service to be presented as options for the orderer. Some offers such as discount offers, can defray the expense of the media player to the orderer. Other offers, gift certificates, for example, could be chosen that would add to the cost of the overall delivered package. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059704 | PRODUCT INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD - A product information processing apparatus includes: an image importing section which imports an image imaged by an imaging section; a service label detecting section which detects a service label in which incentive content obtained from purchasing of the product is expressed in a visually unrecognizable form, from a product image imported by the image importing section; and a notifying section which notifies the incentive content of the service label detected by the service label detecting section. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059705 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED CREATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF A TARGETED ADVERTISEMENT - A process, system and computer implemented method for making and deploying a coupon through a network to a client achieved by first entering coupon data into a plurality of fields by an advertiser; transmitting the coupon data through the network to a web server device where it is then transmitted to a application server device, the application server device transforms the data into the coupon which is stored in a database, where it is stored until retrieved. The application server device retrieves the coupon when parameters defined by the web server device, application server device, or advertiser computer are met. The coupon is then deployed to the web server device where it is then deployed through the network to the customer/requestor within a geographical region defined by the advertiser. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059706 | Methods and Apparatus for Transforming User Data and Generating User Lists - Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method for managing data includes receiving user data from a data provider. The user data includes user information in a first format. The method includes transforming the user data in the first format to user data in a second format. The user data in the second format includes a subset of the user information and the second format is defined by a data subscriber. The method includes providing the user data in the second format to the data subscriber. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059707 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CLUSTER USER DATA - Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a first data set associated with a first data provider. The first data set includes a first set of data attributes associated with a first set of users. The method includes receiving a second data set associated with a second different data provider. The second data set includes a second set of data attributes associated with a second set of users. The method includes generating user cluster information based at least in part on at least one common data attribute associated with the first set of users and the second set of users. The method includes providing the user cluster information to a data purchaser. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059708 | Mapping Advertiser Intents to Keywords - In one embodiment, a method includes constructing an intent map for a plurality of products, the intent map comprising intent topics and each intent topic comprising intents, and then deriving a plurality of keywords from the intent map based on keyword templates. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059709 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING TELEPHONE CALLS - A system for tracking telephone calls made in response to advertising campaigns in electronic or other media is provided. The system permits an advertiser to associate specific and distinct telephone numbers with associated advertising campaigns. The system further modifies advertiser-provided information in response to the advertising campaign to which a potential customer responds, and includes the associated telephone number in the modified advertiser information. The system processes telephone calls made to the selected telephone numbers, and provides reports to advertisers of call data associated with the respective advertising campaigns. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059710 | Scoring Users of Network Based Users - Methods, systems and computer program products for evaluating a score for a particular user of network-based services. In one method, advertisements are provides on webpage(s) of the user. The webpage(s) may include content generated by the user. Advertising revenue generated by the webpage(s) is calculated and a score is assigned to the user based on the calculated advertising revenue. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059711 | SYSTEM FOR TARGETING ADVERTISING CONTENT TO A PLURALITY OF MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES - A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving respective requests for advertising content corresponding to a plurality of mobile communication facilities operated by a group of users, wherein the plurality includes first and second types of mobile communication facilities with different rendering capabilities; (b) receiving a datum corresponding to the group; (c) selecting from a first and second sponsor respective content based on a relevancy to the datum, wherein each content includes a first and second item requiring respective rendering capabilities; (d) receiving bids from the first and second sponsors; (e) attributing a priority to the content of the first sponsor based upon a determination that a yield associated with the first sponsor is greater than a yield associated with the second sponsor; and (f) transmitting the first and second items of the first sponsor to the first and second types of mobile communication facilities respectively. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059712 | WEB ENHANCING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A web based system with (a) a data server, (b) a web server, and (c) a client server with web browser capability is disclosed that utilizes, manipulates, and creates web content. The system uses additional web servers and other devices such as cameras, camcorders, microphones, trucks, storage units, etc. to result in innovative system capabilities. Eight specific innovative systems resulting from this invention are disclosed in this patent application: (i) web content authentication system, (ii) linguistic vocal sounds registration system, (iii) web ad authentication system, (iv) web-based functionality/interactivity system, (v) web-based expert consulting system, (vi) web-based logo branding system, (vii) web-based grocery shopping system, and (viii) a Point-N-Learn system. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059713 | Matching Advertisers and Users Based on Their Respective Intents - In one embodiment, a method includes deriving a user intent from user information associated with a user, selecting an advertiser intent that aligns with the user intent, and then advertising to the user based on the advertiser intent that aligns with the user intent. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059714 | Bundling User Lists with Ad Impressions - A computer-implemented method comprises identifying a user list where the user list includes a definition that characterizes members included in the user list, identifying available impressions that are satisfied by the definition, bundling the user list and the impressions into a bundle including determining a price to charge a consumer of the bundle, and providing the bundle to a consumer. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059715 | TECHNIQUE FOR CALL CONTEXT BASED ADVERTISING THROUGH AN INFORMATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE - In providing an information assistance service in a call by a user, the context of the call is ascertained. Context information is derived from information exchanges during the call. Inferences as to types of advertisement pertinent to the user location, event, etc. are drawn based on the context information. Pertinent advertisements, which may be further individualized based on personal preferences, are provided to the user at the conclusion of the call, or otherwise transmitted to the user via voicemail, SMS, email, WAP, paging, facsimile, instant messaging, text messaging, picture phone, video phone, etc. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059716 | Pricing Models for User-Related Data - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things computer-implemented methods for pricing user-related data including receiving, from an advertiser, a subscription to a set of data related to multiple persons. The set of data includes data related to a person and is provided by a data provider. The method includes providing access to the set of data to the advertiser. The method includes receiving offers for an advertisement slot from the advertiser and other advertisers. The advertisement slot is associated with the data related to the person. The method includes selecting at least one of the offers for the advertisement slot. The method includes debiting the advertiser having the subscription for the set of data. The method includes debiting an advertiser having the selected offer for the advertisement slot. The method includes compensating the data provider for the set of data. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059717 | User List Generation and Identification - Methods, systems, computer program products and techniques are described for presenting content. One method includes generating, by a data exchange engine executing on one or more processors, one or more user lists based on owned or permissioned data; importing, by the data exchange engine, user specific data from at least one of a browser, a third-party server, or an advertising database; generating, by the data exchange engine, one or more associations between one or more user lists and the imported user specific data, wherein the associations define whether user specific data correlates to one or more predefined definitions associated with a given user list; storing the associations; and providing user list identifying information to subscribers to a given user list in response to receipt of a content request from a user included in a respective user list. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059718 | MANAGING PAYMENT FOR SPONSORED CONTENT PRESENTED TO MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES - A system and method for targeted delivery of advertising of a first or second sponsor to a plurality of cellular phones of a first or second type by way of a competitive bid auction process includes (a) receiving a mobile subscriber characteristic from a carrier; (b) presenting to the first and second sponsor data corresponding to (1) the mobile subscriber characteristic and (2) the first type and the second type of cellular phone; (c) receiving from each sponsor advertising associated with the mobile subscriber characteristic, wherein each advertising has a different rendering capability associated therewith; (d) attributing a priority to the delivery of the advertising based upon a resultant yield determination; and (e) transmitting the appropriate advertising to the types of cellular phones having the corresponding rendering capabilities of the advertising. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059719 | ADVERTISEMENT DISTRIBUTION SERVER AND ADVERTISEMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD - An advertisement distribution server | 2012-03-08 |
20120059720 | Method of Operating a Navigation System Using Images - A navigation system comprises a processor, a geographic database and a guidance application executable on the processor. The guidance application obtains data from the geographic database and obtains a photographic image. The guidance application overlays an advertisement route highlight on said photographic image. The advertisement route highlight graphically illustrates a path corresponding to a route and a direction of travel for the route. The advertisement route highlight includes a series of advertisement decals. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059721 | PREDICTIVE GEO-TEMPORAL ADVERTISEMENT TARGETING - A method, system, and medium are provided for targeting advertisements to users of mobile devices based on geo-temporal models. Time-stamped location information is collected for a mobile device and a dynamic geo-temporal model is constructed and updated when new data is collected according to a sample design. Using the geo-temporal model, device location and instances of user interaction with the device can be predicted, and advertisements can be provided based on the predicted location. Advertisements can be cached on the mobile device for later presentation, and the sample design can be updated to improve efficiency and accuracy in the modeling system. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059722 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONETIZING USER-GENERATED WEB CONTENT - A system and method for monetizing user-generated web content are provided. The system includes a tracking engine operable to track user activity taking place a plurality of social networks. The tracking engine is in communication with an branding engine, which is notified when a user publishes content on a social network. The ad branding engine is configured to analyze user-published content and select at least one advertisement contextually related thereto. The ad branding engine incorporates the advertisement with the user-published content, and in turn, the user is compensated. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059723 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MERCHANDISE A PRODUCT BASED ON A COMPATIBILITY - Methods and systems to merchandise a product based on compatibility are disclosed. The system receives a request over a network from a user. Next, the system associates the request with a user profile that is associated with the user, retrieves an application listing from the user profile that describes a first item and associates the first item with a plurality of candidate items based on item cluster information that is generated based on content data information that is received from a content data provider. Next, the system selects a second item from the plurality of candidate items, the second item being a component of the first item. Finally, the system communicates the merchandising information over a network, to merchandize the second item. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059724 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A SAFE DRIVING AND VEHICLE RELATED ELECTRONIC COMMUNITY - An online safe driver community having driving and vehicle related information and services made available to members of the community. A method for covering costs associated with an insurance deductible. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059725 | METHODS, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR TARGETED AND CUSTOMIZED MARKETING OF CURRENT OR PENDING VEHICLE SERVICE CUSTOMERS - Methods, systems and computer program products for targeted and customized marketing to customers and, specifically in some embodiments, customers having a previous relationship with the entity implementing the marketing tool. The embodiments of the invention herein disclosed provide for efficient identification of previous customers based on their current product, service or property and/or their previous, and in some instances, ongoing financial obligation related to the current product, service or property. A replacement product, service or property is identified and a financial transaction proposal, such as a sales or lease proposal, is generated for one or more of the identified previous customers based on customers meeting criteria associated with variable parameters of the proposed transaction. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059726 | System and Method for Dynamically Pricing Electronic Advertisements - User terminals receive multimedia content, such as on-line articles, from a publisher. The user terminals collect statistical data indicating the current popularity of the content with the users, and report the statistical data back to a server associated with the publisher. The server accumulates and periodically analyzes the statistical data and dynamically generates prices for the publisher to charge the advertisers based on this information. Placing advertisements with more popular content, as determined by the statistical data, could cost the advertisers more than placing advertisements with less popular content. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059727 | SYSTEM FOR CREATING DIGITAL MEDIA IN SOCIAL VENUES AND METHODS THEREOF - Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a system for creating digital media in social venues and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for allowing patrons of a social venue to create collectible digital media, accessible to the patrons through a global computer network, and enable an administrator thereof to derive revenue streams therefrom. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of for creating digital media in social venues comprises providing a digital media creation device for creating digital media, the digital media creation device having a base, a camera and an interactive screen; allowing a user to engage the digital media creation device to create the digital media, the digital media comprising multimedia content acquired from the camera and at least one advertisement; and enabling the user to retrieve a copy of the digital media. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059728 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - The invention includes a system, apparatus, and method for storing media content within a service provider network. The system includes multi-service servers associated with access points adapted to allow end-user devices to access the service provider network. Each multi-service server includes a common storage partition adapted for storing media content and a plurality of end-user storage partitions adapted for maintaining associations to media content. The system includes media servers that communicate with the multi-service servers for providing media content to the multi-service servers. In response to a request for media content received from one of a plurality of end-user devices, the requested media content stored in the common storage partition is associated with a selected one of the end-user storage partitions associated with the end-user. The request for media content is received in response to end-user directed advertisements received at any of the plurality of end-user devices. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059729 | LOCATION AWARE MOBILE MARKETPLACE APPLICATION AND SYSTEM - A location aware mobile marketplace application and system is described, including techniques for fulfilling requests associated with a location aware mobile marketplace comprising obtaining a location of a client using client location data retrieved from the client, receiving a request associated with one or more items, each of the one or more items associated with a venue and being identified in a database, determining if the one or more items are available to be supplied in response to the request, and fulfilling the request after determining that the one or more items are available to be supplied. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059730 | INTERACTIVE ELECTRONIC MARKETPLACE - A promotional marketing method for an electronic marketplace, wherein a user gains exclusive, limited access to the marketplace upon purchase of a membership item. Systems and methods for assigning a virtual prize to a buyer within an electronic marketplace. Systems and methods for creating a product line of collectibles and shipping materials based on a theme established from an image of a graphic. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059731 | Method to Facilitate Electronic Commerce Between Buyers and Sellers Using a Buyer-Initiated System - This invention is a method of brokering a relationship between buyers and sellers via electronic means by way of an intermediary facilitating this relationship. Potential buyers of goods or services relay their requirements and desired range of pricing for a good or service to an aggregator. A potential buyer's personal contact information is hidden from any seller that would be interested in selling a buyer the requested good or service. Sellers have the option of searching a list of willing buyers of goods or services or may have this list sent to them electronically. Additionally, the requirements of buyers may be proactively used to search seller websites or databases via a web crawler. A brokerage fee to an aggregator is all that is required for a seller to gain access to a buyer via proxy. This method does not bind buyers to sellers. It allows a buyer to set a pre-determined price range based on his requirements for a good or service and a seller to make an initial connection with a buyer based on these needs. Should a buyer transact with seller, the buyer is incentivized to report the sale to the intermediary such that an additional transaction fee may be charged by the aggregator. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059732 | Online Marketplace - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for facilitating aggregated market transactions. In one aspect, a method includes receiving inventory data from sellers, where the inventory data specifies an ask price for a particular product and a discount function associated with the product. User input is received from users, where the user input requests information about a particular product. In response to the user input, data are provided that cause presentation of a product request user interface. Bids for the particular product are received from multiple users, and a final price is selected using ask prices, discount function, and bids. In turn, the particular product is allocated to a set of users that specified a bid that meets the final price. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059733 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC COMMERCE - A method for having a mobile price transaction system including comparisons. The system obtains information about prices and transactions involving products and services in real time over a wireless link. The actions include making a price comparison inquiry to a central server for the product, service, or price information. The inquiry is formatted in the central server for transmission to sources of the information such as vendors or their web sites. After receiving a response from the sources, the response is suitably formatted and is displayed on the mobile unit. The information will often be available locally on the central server, but the present invention includes commanding remote sources to provide an action such as a response, including a response at a desired time or for desired conditions. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059734 | Systems and Methods for Automated and Remote Fabrication of Fabric Awnings - Systems and methods for automating the processes of fabricating standardized and/or customized structural components, supporting remotely located customers with a commercial service, manufacturing control of a centralized production system, to digitally execute the common, repetitive and necessary steps sequenced in advance of and in support of fabrication as well as the fabrication process itself. The operation of remote computer driven peripherals executing automated marking, cutting, and joining of materials is used to transform the materials into the components matching the description of the final product that the customer is seeking to produce. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059735 | Product recommendations - A technique of product recommendations is disclosed, including: determining user characteristic information and product characteristic information for a user; determining at least one of a basic recommended product set and an auxiliary recommended product set for the user; receiving an indication associated with a type of the user's network operation; generating product recommendations based at least in part on type of the user's network operation and at least one of the basic recommended product set and the auxiliary recommended product set for the user; and presenting the generated product recommendations. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059736 | PROCESSING VALUE-ASCERTAINABLE ITEMS - Techniques are provided for allowing a merchant to process third party closed-loop instruments (such as gift cards) as if the closed-loop instruments were open-loop instruments. A customer provides card data of a third party gift card to a merchant, e.g., online or in a merchant store, for the purchase of one or more items provided by the merchant. The merchant sends the gift card data to an intermediary that deducts at least a portion of the balance of the gift card. The intermediary sends an offer for the gift card to the customer. If the customer accepts the offer, then the merchant applies the offer towards the total purchase price of the one or more items. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059737 | DISTRESSED PROPERTIES MARKETING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computerized system and method is presented that allows selling agents to market a listing agent's distressed property listings even though the selling agents work for a different broker than the listing agent. The owner of the property may restrict the selling agents that may market their property. In one embodiment, the owner selects a qualified lender, and the pool of selling agents who may market that property is limited to selling agents who are associated in the computerized system with the qualified lender. The system allows selling agents to schedule open houses for distressed properties listed by the listing agent, with the system preventing two selling agents from scheduling open houses that conflict with one another. The system tracks the marketing activity of agents, which can be used to suggest listing agents to owners, or to restrict the ability of selling agents to market properties. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059738 | System And Method For Identifying Music Samples For Recommendation By A User - A system and method for identifying music samples for recommendation by a user is provided. A music sample playing in an ambient environment is identified as selected by a recommending user. The music sample is recorded and information about the music sample is identified. A music recommendation describing the music sample is generated and includes at least a portion of the information. The music recommendation is transmitted from the recommending user to a recipient user. The portion of information from the music recommendation is integrated into a display of a music collection on a digital media player maintained by the recipient user and is displayed. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059739 | PROVIDING TIME-SENSITIVE INFORMATION FOR PURCHASE DETERMINATIONS - A method, system, and medium are provided that are directed to providing a user with time-sensitive information that is usable to determine when to purchase a product. In accordance with embodiments of the technology, exemplary steps include using historical product information to generate time-sensitive information. Moreover, in response to receiving from a user a request to receive information describing a given product, time-sensitive information is caused to be presented. For example, time-sensitive information might be usable by the user to determine when to purchase the given product and an alternative product. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059740 | BIAS OF QUERIES FOR MULTI-PASSENGER MULTI-ROUTE TRAVEL PLANNING - Determining multiple routes for multiple passenger groups, includes sending to a scheduler, multiple individual queries with a bias to produce individual solutions that meet joint travel requirements, merging results from the multiple individual queries to produce joint solutions for the passenger groups and returning the joint solutions. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059741 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR DETECTING CUSTOMER PRESENCE TO INITIATE THE ORDERING AND PURCHASE OF GOODS AND SERVICES - Methods, systems, and computer readable media for detecting customer presence to initiate the ordering and purchase of goods and services are disclosed. In one example, a system includes a detection server configured to detect the presence of a mobile device in a designated area associated with a merchant location and for initiating a menu selection application in the mobile device for placing an order for at least one product. The system further includes a merchant server configured to receive, from the mobile device, purchase order data associated with the order for the at least one product, a customer identifier associated with the mobile device, and a location identifier associated with the designated area, and for utilizing the customer identifier to send a notification message that indicates that the at least one product is available to the mobile device. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059742 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CUSTOM SERVICE MARKETS - Methods and systems for providing custom services are disclosed. A developer interface provides standards, such as an application platform interface, for developers to use to make and test applications and services. A user interface can access downloadable or hosted services or applications to multiple users, such as, merchants, banks and networks. The system can then provide custom individual or packages of services to users based on the services requested by the user and charge the user for them on a subscription or per-use basis. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059743 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC COMMERCE - A method for having a mobile price transaction system including comparisons. The system obtains information about prices and transactions involving products and services in real time over a wireless link. The actions include making a price comparison inquiry to a central server for the product, service, or price information. The inquiry is formatted in the central server for transmission to sources of the information such as vendors or their web sites. After receiving a response from the sources, the response is suitably formatted and is displayed on the mobile unit. The information will often be available locally on the central server, but the present invention includes commanding remote sources to provide an action such as a response, including a response at a desired time or for desired conditions. | 2012-03-08 |
20120059744 | Attention Economy For Attention To Messages, Tasks and Resources - A centrally tracked artificial currency is provided within the context of an enterprise. This currency serves as a unit of account, medium of exchange, and store of value in a corporate “attention economy.” Users (typically coworkers) in the enterprise are allotted a base number of currency units, which they can earn, exchange, and spend in a variety of ways to signal importance and “purchase” attention of others, or priority for other organization resources. In one aspect, senders of messages can specify an amount of currency to be associated with the message, so that recipients can see the specified amount before deciding whether to read the message. Once such a system is in use, it facilitates exchange of value based on user-created transactions regarding behavior, communication, resources, incentives, and priorities. | 2012-03-08 |