13th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120078634 | VOICE DIALOGUE SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A voice dialogue system executing an operation by a voice dialogue with a user, includes a history storage unit storing an operation name of the operation executed by the voice dialogue system and an operation history corresponding to a number of execution times of the executed operation; a voice storage unit storing voice data corresponding to the operation name; a detection unit detecting a voice skip signal indicating skipping an user's voice input; an acquisition unit acquiring the operation name of the operation having a high priority based on the number of execution times from said history storage unit, when said detection unit detects the voice skip signal; and a generation unit reading the voice data corresponding to the acquired operation name from said voice storage unit, and generating a voice signal corresponding to the read voice data. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078635 | VOICE CONTROL SYSTEM - One embodiment of a voice control system includes a first electronic device communicatively coupled to a server and configured to receive a speech recognition file from the server. The speech recognition file may include a speech recognition algorithm for converting one or more voice commands into text and a database including one or more entries comprising one or more voice commands and one or more executable commands associated with the one or more voice commands. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078636 | EVIDENCE DIFFUSION AMONG CANDIDATE ANSWERS DURING QUESTION ANSWERING - Diffusing evidence among candidate answers during question answering may identify a relationship between a first candidate answer and a second candidate answer, wherein the candidate answers are generated by a question-answering computer process, the candidate answers have associated supporting evidence, and the candidate answers have associated confidence scores. All or some of the evidence may be transferred from the first candidate answer to the second candidate answer based on the identified relationship. A new confidence score may be computed for the second candidate answer based on the transferred evidence. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078637 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING AND CONTROLLING SPEECH RECOGNITION AND ENROLLMENT - A method and an apparatus for performing and controlling speech recognition and enrolment are provided. The method for performing speech recognition and enrolment includes: receiving a Speech Enrolment Start Request and a Speech Recognition Request sent from a media gateway controller (MGC); performing speech recognition and enrolment according to the Speech Enrolment Start Request and the Speech Recognition Request, and obtaining a recognition and enrolment result; and feeding back the recognition and enrolment result to the MGC. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078638 | CENTRALIZED BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION - A communications system includes a receiver and at least one transmitter. The receiver receives, from different intermediate systems, biometric samples from parties attempting to obtain services from the intermediate systems and information characterizing the expected identifies of the parties. The at least one transmitter transmits, to the intermediate systems, verification that the biometric samples match pre-registered biometric information obtained from a storage device such that the expected identities of the parties is verified as the identities of the parties. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078639 | System and Method for Voice Authentication Over a Computer Network - Systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable media are provided for voice authentication. The method includes receiving a speech sample from a user through an Internet browser for authentication as part of a request for a restricted-access resource, performing a comparison of the received speech sample to a previously established speech profile associated with the user, transmitting an authentication to the network client if the comparison is equal to or greater than a certainty threshold, and transmitting a denial to the network client if the comparison is less than the certainty threshold. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078640 | AUDIO ENCODING DEVICE, AUDIO ENCODING METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM STORING AUDIO-ENCODING COMPUTER PROGRAM - An audio encoding device includes, a time-frequency transformer that transforms signals of channels, a first spatial-information determiner that generates a frequency signal of a third channel, a second spatial-information determiner that generates a frequency signal of the third channel, a similarity calculator that calculates a similarity between the frequency signal of the at least one first channel and the frequency signal of the at least one second channel, a phase-difference calculator that calculates a phase difference between the frequency signal of the at least one first channel and the signal of the at least one second channel, a controller that controls determination of the first spatial information when the similarity and the phase difference satisfy a predetermined determination condition, a channel-signal encoder that encodes the frequency signal of the third channel, and a spatial-information encoder that encodes the first spatial information or the second spatial information. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078641 | COMPRESSION CODING AND DECODING METHOD, CODER, DECODER, AND CODING DEVICE - The embodiments of the present invention relate to a compression coding and decoding method, a coder, a decoder and a coding device. The compression coding method includes: extracting sign information of an input signal to obtain an absolute value signal of the input signal; obtaining a residual signal of the absolute value signal by using a prediction coefficient, where the prediction coefficient is obtained by prediction and analysis that are performed according to a signal characteristic of the absolute value signal of the input signal; and multiplexing the residual signal, the sign information and a coding parameter to output a coding code stream, after the residual signal, the sign information and the coding parameter are respectively coded, so as to improve compression efficiency of a voice and audio signal. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078642 | ENCODING METHOD AND ENCODING DEVICE, DECODING METHOD AND DECODING DEVICE AND TRANSCODING METHOD AND TRANSCODER FOR MULTI-OBJECT AUDIO SIGNALS - A method of encoding a multi-object audio signal and an encoding apparatus, a decoding method and a decoding apparatus, and a transcoding method and a transcoder are provided. A multi-object audio signal encoding apparatus may encode object signals obtained by excluding ForeGround Objects (FGOs) from a plurality of input object signals, and may encode the FGOs, thereby providing a listener with a satisfactory sound quality. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078643 | GEOGRAPHIC GOVERNANCE OF DATA OVER CLOUDS - Methods and systems for controlling a geographic region of data in cloud computing are described. A method implemented in a computer infrastructure including a combination of hardware and software includes: receiving a request from a local computing device to save data on a network including a plurality of data storage locations in a plurality of different geographic regions; determining a specified geographic region of the plurality of different geographic regions by analyzing at least one of: (i) file attributes associated with the data, and (ii) predefined rules; identifying one of the plurality of data storage locations within the specified geographic region based on the determining step; and routing the data to the identified one of the plurality of data storage locations within the specified geographic region. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078644 | DONATION IMPACT CALCULATOR - The invention provides a method for conveying information to a donor about a prospective donation, the method comprising: a) providing a donor with a list containing a plurality of types of non-monetary contributions; b) prompting the donor to enter at least one of the types of non-monetary contributions and to set a number of each at a user interface; c) determining the benefit that may be derived from each of the entered types of non-monetary contributions and number of each; and d) informing the donor of such benefit. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078645 | NET UTILITY DETERMINATION BASED ON PRODUCT REPLACEMENT AND SERVICE PLAN COVERAGE DECISIONS - Example embodiments relate to net utility determinations based on product replacement and coverage decisions of a customer. In example embodiments, a number of net utility values corresponding to each possible product replacement decision and each possible coverage decision in each of a plurality of time periods is determined. An expected net utility attributable to the customer over the plurality of time periods is then determined based on the determined utility values. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078646 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR REAL TIME HEALTHCARE BILLING AND COLLECTION - A system and a method for real time or near real time healthcare billing, adjudication and collection of payments is presented to reduce revenue cycle time. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes one or a plurality of mobile devices, computing devices, kiosks, servers, networks and software to provide a medium for real time collaboration between the provider and the coder/coding engine. The method consists of transferring the diagnosis codes and the procedure codes in real time while they are being entered by the provider to the coder/coding engine and the coder/coding engine collaborating with the provider in creating charges for the encounter in real time during the encounter, followed by creating claim(s) for the encounter and submitting to the payer(s) in real time or near real time at the end of the encounter and the collection of the patient's obligation based on the payer(s) explanation of benefits. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078647 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED PERINATAL WORKFLOW - Certain examples provide systems and methods for improved perinatal workflow. Certain examples provide a clinical dock interaction display system. The system includes a memory to buffer live streaming data for one or more patients. The system includes a user interface to display and receive input with respect to a list of one or more patients one or more associated with a clinician; a control to facilitate user selection of one or more patients from the list; and live streaming data received from one or more monitors for one or more selected patients, wherein the user interface is to facilitate user selection of a patient for a more detailed patient view. The system includes an alert for one or more selected patients to be triggered based on a defined criterion. The system includes a processor to process data for output via the user interface and to process user input. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078648 | Method and apparatus for analyzing data on medical agents and devices - The present invention relates to an itemized analytical tool which creates a series of standardized and objective metrics related to each individual step in the overall process of pharmaceutical development and delivery. The individual steps can be divided into two main sections: pre and post regulatory approval. Pre-approval data analysis relates to the various steps involved in clinical trials, while post-approval analysis relates the multiple steps related to everyday use. The data analytics take into account the various contributions individual stakeholders and institutions play in determining overall safety and effectiveness of medical agents. The agent-specific data can in turn be cross referenced with individual patient and disease specific data, in order to provide customizable decision support. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078649 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND RECORDING PATIENT COMPLIANCE - A method includes storing a schedule of medicine with an electronic device; entering the medicine consumed by the patient; storing the medicine consumed by the patient; and flowing information regarding the medicine consumed by the patient. The information can be flowed to a medical professional. The electronic device can be a hand-held device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078650 | Dedicated System for Medical Processing and Research - Generally, a kiosk system includes a housing configured to hold: a processing device; an articulation arm; a display device for the input of data into the processing device; a housing cover connected to the housing and configured for movement to an open position and to a closed position; wherein the display device is mounted to the articulation arm; and wherein the articulation arm is configured to extend from the housing when the housing cover is in the open position and to move in a plurality of vertical and horizontal directions for a user of the kiosk system to access the display device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078651 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE COMPARISON OF HEALTH CARE PROCEDURE COSTS BETWEEN PROVIDERS - A method is provided for the ranking of health care providers, the method comprising: identification of a user and logging of the user into a database having user information stored therein; entering of additional user demographic information necessary for a comparison of health care provider services; selecting a desired medical procedure for comparison between providers; presenting to the user of a facility ranking for the desired medical procedure based upon quality and cost; storage of ranking information for future retrieval by the user; and forwarding the ranking information to an insurance carrier to which the user subscribes. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078652 | HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, a healthcare information system includes a measurement type storage unit, input unit, measurement type determination unit, acquisition unit, and measurement value storage unit. The measurement type storage unit stores a plurality of measurement types and healthcare information in association with each other. The input unit inputs healthcare information associated with a monitoring object person. The measurement type determination unit determines a measurement type associated with the input healthcare information in the measurement type storage unit. The acquisition unit acquires a measurement value of the monitoring object person associated with the determined measurement type via a healthcare device. The measurement value storage unit stores the acquired measurement value. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078653 | Computer System and Method for Training, Certifying or Monitoring Human Clinical Raters - A method and system are disclosed for computerized training, monitoring, certification or re-certification of human raters in clinical trials. The invention provides an interactive computerized interview that can be compared scores obtained by human raters to monitor and train clinical raters on a continuing basis in order to reduce rater drift and variance during clinical trials. Remediation can be automatically flagged or provided to improve a deviating rater's performance. Computerized assessment of symptom severity is provided without the need for human clinical raters. The system and method enable screening of prospective patients for inclusion or exclusion from a clinical trial by automatically obtaining computerized ratings of symptom severity. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078654 | COMPUTERIZED METHOD TO ALERT AND REMIND PATIENTS OR CLIENTS OF THEIR APPOINTMENTS - Method for providing doctor's offices and their patients a communication link at strategic times prior to their doctor's appointment to avoid unintentionally no-shows or missed appointments. It allows the doctor's office to do so without extra labor or equipment. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078655 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE MATRIX-BASED DOSAGE SCHEDULING - An online system for scheduling tablet dosage is described. The system comprises a server accessible via a network by at least one client. An application is hosted on the server. The application comprises a user interface configured to receive a designation of a tablet to be ordered. The user interface is further configured to display a scheduling matrix comprising a plurality of cells. Each cell of the matrix is configured to receive a tablet quantity designation. The application is further configured to generate a dosing schedule based on the tablet quantities entered into the scheduling matrix. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078656 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING HEALTHCARE RISK RELATED EVENTS - A system for predicting healthcare financial risk including the process of accessing patient data associated with one or more patents, accessing geographic and healthcare system data, filtering the patient data, geographic data, and healthcare system data into clean data, and applying a predictive risk model to the clean data to generate patient profile data and to identify a portion of the patients associated with a level of predicted financial risk. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078657 | Genetic Data Analysis and Database Tools - A computerized tool and method for delivery of pharmacogenetic and pharmacological information, comprising a core system having algorithms and databases for storing, collating, accessing, cross-referencing, and interpreting genetic and pharmacologic data, with a graphical user interface for a client network of providers of laboratory genetic testing services to access the core services under contract. The system includes “paypoints” in support of improved business models. Included are mechanisms for ‘pass through’ third party and insurance reimbursement for interpretive reports, insurance reimbursement for on-line access to pharmacogenetic information at the point of care, tools for market segmentation, and a conversion tool for capturing new subscribers. Also disclosed are tools and predictive algorithms for preventing drug-drug and drug-gene adverse drug reactions. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078658 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING AN EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD TREATMENT - The invention relates to a method and apparatus for optimizing an extracorporeal blood treatment using an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with a device for optimizing the extracorporeal blood treatment, and a computer program to be executed on a processor for carrying out a method for optimizing the extracorporeal blood treatment. The method and apparatus are characterized in that at least one machine-specific treatment parameter for carrying out the treatment using the respective dialyzer or filter is determined with a computing unit for different types of dialyzers or filters. The computing unit determines the costs resulting from the determined machine-specific treatment parameters when using the respective dialyzer or filter. The determined costs for different types of dialyzers or filters are then displayed on a display unit. The doctor can then select the dialyzer or filter to keep the costs as low as possible. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078659 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING CLINICAL RESEARCH - A method of facilitating clinical research. The method includes receiving at least one research criteria and at least one comparison criteria, e.g., demographical information, patient characteristic, patient health, type of drug, drug classification, insurance type, etc. A database storing medical records associated with patients may be accessed. Information within the database may be filtered based on the research criteria to identify a group of patients. The information within medical records of the group of patients is processed to generate processed information, wherein the information is associated with the at least one comparison criteria. The processed information is output, e.g., to a memory component for storage, to a display for rendering, etc. The processing may include purging confidential information associated with the group of patients according to HIPAA. A number may be assigned to each patient within the group of patients for identification thereof. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078660 | WEB-BASED TOOL TO PREPARE FOR AND SELECT AN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM - A web-based tool is provided that helps a healthcare provider to prepare for a transition to an EHR system and to select an EHR system that is appropriate for the healthcare provider's practice. A server provides questionnaire webpages to the healthcare provider. The questionnaire webpages include questionnaires to be completed by the healthcare provider. The server receives responses to the questionnaires. The server can generate an EHR transition plan based on the responses. In addition, the server can generate a request for proposal (RFP). The RFP contains a description of an appropriate EHR system. The server generates the description of the appropriate EHR system based on the responses. The RFP also contains a request by the healthcare provider for a proposal to provide the appropriate EHR system to the healthcare provider. The server then sends the RFP to vendors selected by the healthcare provider. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078661 | Health Care Facility Management and Information System - A method, system, computer program product and apparatus related to managing and disseminating information in a health care facility is disclosed. The system may comprise a plurality of input devices, a processor connected to the input devices and a plurality of electronic output devices connected to the processor. The output devices may include a master patient information display, an electronic patient room information display, a master precaution display, a patient hourly rounding display and an individual room precaution display. The method may comprise receiving from at least one input device data associated with a plurality of patients, and displaying for each patient the information, based on the data received, that is associated with each patient, and then updating on each output device the information when it changes. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078662 | DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY FILLING OUT AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES REPORT FORM - This invention is a device, system, and method for digitally filling out, completing, and transmitting an emergency medical services report form. The computerized emergency medical services report form is designed to mimic the emergency medical services report form that the user is already accustomed to completing during an incident. The user completes the digital form by entering the incident data into the form via a touch screen or keyboard. Because the digital form is essentially identical to the paper form, the users do not require a significant amount of additional training on how to fill out the digital form. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078663 | UNIVERSAL PATIENT RECORD CONVERSION TOOL - A system includes a health care provider computer operatively connected over a network to a web server, the web server providing a health care provider portal and an applet. The applet is configured to convert patient records in a first format to patient records in a second format. The first format may be associated with a practice management system, may be an electronic health record format, may be a personal health record format, or other type of format. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078664 | SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATION OF HEALTH CARE DATA - A computer system that extracts health care data from one or more health care payors to identify meaningful relationships or patterns in treatments to compare the effectiveness of various treatment of specific diseases is provided. This computer system includes a computer and a staging database. The computer is configured to communicate with one or more payor computer systems of a type that includes one or more databases storing records of the health care data from one or more payors over the Internet. The staging database is in communication with the computer and is configured to receive the health care data from each of the payor computer systems. The health care data from each of the payor computer systems is configured to be converted into a normalized format. The normalized data is the made available to determine comparative effectiveness of various treatments of specific diseases. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078665 | ANIMATED TIMELINE - When presenting information to a user via a display, an animated timeline ( | 2012-03-29 |
20120078666 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSURING CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - Disclosed herein are insurance systems and methods to provide insurance for contingent liabilities. An insurance system can customize an insurance product for a company to cover a contingent liability, wherein the cost of the insurance product considers various factors, including, for example, likelihood of the contingency associated with the contingent liability, the estimated value of the obligation potentially arising from the contingent liability, and the estimated timeframe until the contingency is resolved. Purchasing the insurance product can enable the company to more accurately reflect its financial position in a balance statement and, thus, to more appropriately disburse funds to shareholders. Other embodiments of the insurance systems and methods are also disclosed. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078667 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER AIDED EVENT AND VENUE SETUP AND MODELING AND INTERACTIVE MAPS - Described are systems and methods for designing certain aspects of an event venue and for communicating information regarding the event and the event venue to others. Certain embodiments provide a dynamic seat map via which an operator can assign certain characteristics to specific seats and/or seating sections. Certain embodiments generate interactive maps for users, via which information from a plurality of sources may be integrated and visually displayed. The user may specify certain criteria, and the interactive map may identify to the user seats and/or sections that match such criteria. Certain embodiments provide an interactive seat map via which users can select seats and share information. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078668 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR QUEUING ACCESS TO NETWORK RESOURCES - One embodiment of the present invention provides apparatus and methods for queuing access by large numbers of Internet or other network-based users to networked systems and resources with limited capacity. In one example embodiment, a queuing system provides user access to network resources, such as that of a ticketing system. A ticket queue queues a request received from a client system. A request processing module causes the client system to repeatedly transmit messages to the system during a first period, and in response to determining that the client system has ceased transmitting messages during the first period, the request is remove from the queue and/or cause the request goes unfulfilled. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078669 | COMPUTER-ASSISTED DATA COLLECTION, ORGANIZATION AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A work information system includes a user interface; an analysis system connected to the user interface, the analysis system comprising a plurality of analysis modules including an interactively-developed analysis module; a self-learning database connected to the analysis system; a solution development and design system connected to the self-learning database, where the solution development and design system includes modules for generating reports reflecting skills/knowledge; performance capacity; motivation self-concept; expectation/feedback; tools/processes; and rewards/motivation/incentive; an implementation system connected to the solution development and design system, the implementation system including modules for training; job aids; toolbox; policy; procedures; and a user defined module; an evaluation system; and a feedback system connecting each of the evaluation system, implementation system, solution design and development system, self-learning database, and analysis system to all precedent systems in the work information system. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078670 | OPERATION INFORMATION OUTPUT DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION INFORMATION OUTPUT DEVICE, MONITORING DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MONITORING DEVICE, AND CONTROL PROGRAM - An operation information output device includes: a power data acquirer that acquires time-series data of a physical quantity consumed or generated when production equipment executes a process; a single-cycle detector that detects time-series data of predetermined duration from the time-series data acquired by the power data acquirer, and an operation information acquirer that acquires operation information of the production equipment by use of the time-series data detected by the single-cycle detector, hence it becomes possible to easily calculate and determine detailed operation information. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078671 | Intelligent Automated Dispatch And Mobile Resources Management System - A method, system, and computer program product for automated operation of a vehicle fleet. A request to dispatch a vehicle to a particular location is automatically received. The location of a vehicle to be dispatched is automatically determined. Instructions are automatically sent to that vehicle to proceed to the particular location. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078672 | Efficient Automated Ride Sharing System - An automated method for establishing ride-sharing routes is disclosed. A plurality of requests for transportation between a plurality of start locations and a plurality of end locations is received. A route is determined that includes the plurality of start locations and plurality of end locations as a function of at least one of the following criteria: a service level agreement with at least one transportation requestor, real time traffic conditions real time weather conditions, and distance between the first start location and the last end location. A mobile resource is selected that satisfies at least one of the criteria relied on to determine the route. The determined route information is transmitted to the selected mobile resource. Confirmation of the transmitted route information is received from the selected mobile resource. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078673 | DYNAMIC QUEUEING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure describes a dynamic queueing and management system. The system utilizes the desired completion time in determining where to place new orders into the queue of orders to be fulfilled. If the desired completion time changes, the position of the corresponding order is adjusted within the queue. In some embodiments, the desired completion time is determined based on the location of the customer, either within the store or en route to the store. The queueing and management system may also separate the order input function from the order fulfillment and delivery functions. This may optimize each part of the process and allow faster service. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078674 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR END-TO-END PROCESS EXECUTION - The present invention provides a method and system for end-to-end process execution. The method includes generating a model for a business process to be executed, wherein the business process comprises a first type of activity and a second type of activity. On initiation of a business process instance of the business process, the first type of activity is executed by a business process engine. Further, the second type of activity is dynamically assigned to a first user for execution on an application external to the business process engine based on a set of predefined factors, provided the second type of activity is a manual activity. The method further includes monitoring execution of the second type of activity by the business process engine and displaying status of each activity in the business process instance to a second user. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078675 | Traffic Based Labor Allocation Method And System - A method and system for distributing labor based upon determinations of traffic in a facility, such as a store. Daily traffic forecast information is obtained for each day within a given time period from a source of such information. Calendar and event information for the facility for each day within the given time period is determined. Baseline days are selected from historical traffic data, and baseline averages and percentages for a predetermined time interval are also selected. The distribution of traffic for each day within the given time period at each time interval is determined using the baseline percentages for each time interval. Labor data is distributed. Labor recommendations are provided at each time interval for the given time period based on the distribution of traffic for each day, and at least one of other user-defined workforce requirements. The results of any or all of these steps are displayed to a user. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078676 | MEETING ROOM SCHEDULING SYSTEM INCLUDING ROOM OCCUPANCY SENSOR AND RELATED METHODS - A meeting room scheduling system may include at least one room occupancy sensor configured to be positioned within the meeting room and a controller coupled to the at least one room occupancy sensor. The controller may be configured to schedule periodic meetings for the meeting room with a requested meeting time, and determine actual occupancy times of the meeting room over a plurality of the periodic meetings based upon the at least one room occupancy sensor. The controller may also be configured to reschedule remaining ones of the periodic meetings with a rescheduled meeting time based upon the determined actual occupancy times being different than the requested meeting time. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078677 | UNIFIED MODEL FOR AUTHORING AND EXECUTING FLOW-BASED AND CONSTRAINT-BASED WORKFLOWS - Designing and executing a workflow having flow-based and constraint-based regions. A user selects one or more activities to be part of a constraint-based region. Each constraint-based region has a constraint associated therewith. The workflow is executed by executing the flow-based region and the constraint-based region. The flow-based region executes sequentially. The constraint is evaluated, and the constraint-based region executes responsive to the evaluated constraint. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078678 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS IN WORKFLOW PROCESSES - A system and method for estimation and analysis of operational parameters in workflow processes in order to establish effect of parameters on one or more critical parameters is provided. The method includes creating a Bayesian network including one or more operational nodes representing one or more operational parameters and one or more critical nodes representing one or more critical parameters. The method further includes generating an evidence set based on market events and deducing inferences based on the generated evidence set and Bayesian engine. Inferences are deduced by determining possible discrete states of operational parameters associated with one or more target nodes and their probability distribution values. Deduced inferences are then validated to confirm strength of probability distribution values. Forecasting for a selected operational parameter is performed by obtaining probability distribution of independent parameters and then performing forecasting for the selected parameter using Bayesian locally weighted regression model. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078679 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONTROLLING WORKFLOW - A facility is described for enabling workflow applications. The facility receives a request to identify an optimized resource list that identifies resources capable of performing a workflow process task. The workflow process task can be associated with a document type relating to a document associated with a workflow envelope. The workflow envelope can store multiple documents of at different document types. The facility includes a workflow engine and a simulation engine. The workflow engine performs workflow process tasks based on the tasks identified in the workflow envelope. The simulation engine can employ modeling and historical data from a workflow metrics data source to generate the optimized resource list and identify identifying resources matching the workflow process tasks identified in the workflow envelope. The simulation engine can be used to model the workflow process to adapt, modify or otherwise control the workflow. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078680 | Electrical Engineering And Capacity Management System And Method - An electrical system and method are provided that has a software system that provides the electrical engineer or designer the capability to design and document the complete electrical infrastructure within a facility and be made available to a facility operations group to monitor and manage capacity, consumption and risk. Furthermore it provides information technology personnel or project/change management system the ability to understand the capabilities of the electrical system as well as include financial metrics for finance as well as all parties to understand the cost of the facility from an operations, capital and power consumption perspective. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078681 | MULTI-HIERARCHICAL CUSTOMER AND PRODUCT PROFILING FOR ENHANCED RETAIL OFFERINGS - The current subject matter provides the ability to infer a richer customer profile using purchase transaction data in conjunction with various hierarchical groupings of products as well as an ability to characterize products such that they can be used to enrich customer profiles. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078682 | CONSUMER RECEIPT INFORMATION METHODOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS - This is generally related to techniques for collecting and processing consumer document information. Consumers can transmit documents, such as receipts, to a host system. To transmit the documents, the documents can be scanned with a desktop scanner and transmitted via a web interface, forwarded via e-mail, photographed and transmitted via a mobile phone's e-mail or MMS capability, transmitted via a dedicated smart phone application, etc. Images of the document can be stored in a central archive, such that the consumer can access online images of their documents at any time and from any place. Submitted receipts can be interpreted by the host system to determine receipt information such as merchant, payment method, date, price, coupons, items purchased and/or returned, and the like. The interpreted information can be used to produce a wide range of reports that can be of value to the consumer, the host system, and/or merchants. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078683 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ADVICE TO SERVICE PROVIDER - A method for providing advice to a service provider includes; a) accessing customer, network, and service data stored in disparate data sources, the data relating to services provided to customers by a service provider over a network infrastructure, a virtualization platform presenting the disparate data in a common logical view; b) processing the data in an analytics platform using a service advisor algorithm to form conclusions and predictions regarding management of customer churn and generate advice; and c) formulating results from the processing to enable the service provider to consider the data, conclusions, predictions, and advice in relation to reduction of customer churn. The service advisor algorithm may also be used for personalization of service provided to customers, targeted marketing of services to customers or non-customers, and management of the network infrastructure. An apparatus for providing advice to a service provider includes the virtualization and analytics platforms. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078684 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPRESENTING A LEVEL OF INTEREST IN AN AVAILABLE ITEM - A method and apparatus for representing a level of interest in at least one available item includes determining a release date for one or more applications and calculating a level of interest for each of the one or more applications. Calculating the level of interest includes searching media for discussion of each of the one or more applications. The method and apparatus further include generating a user interface configured to represent the level of interest in the one or more applications based on the determined release date, and providing the user interface to a mobile device. Additionally, in optional aspects, a personalized level of interest may be calculated based on access to user information for one or more available items. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078685 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING AND DESIGNING AN ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE USING DESIGN STRATEGIES - According to various embodiments of the invention, systems and methods are provided for analyzing and designing architectural structures. Such embodiments may be utilized by architects and engineers as tools that assist in designing architectural structures that achieve specific design goals, such as those related to sustainability. For example, an embodiment may comprise a system that: (i) provides a sustainability analysis on an architectural structure design created using a computer-assisted design (CAD) tool, and then (ii) applies a design option to that design (e.g., changes to orientation of building on a project site, size of fenestrations on the structure, choice of wall insulation, etc.) to improve its sustainability. In addition, various embodiments may be accessed through a web-based platform, which provides a user with easier access and better collaboration between and among design team members. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078686 | PARKING STATUS SYSTEM - A parking status system merges images of a street, a lot, or a garage with representations of parked vehicles and the status of each parking space shown in a street image. A user retrieves the merged image with the vehicles parking in select spaces through a wireless communications network from the parking management computer system. The user then verifies payment status of multiple parking spaces simultaneously as the user patrols a beat on foot or in a vehicle. The present invention operates upon existing web browsers. The present invention allows a user to select any view within 360 degrees of the user's position in different sizes and while in motion. The present invention refreshes the status of parking meters and subscriber vehicles at a regular interval. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078687 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOWEST COST AGGREGATE ENERGY DEMAND REDUCTION - A method, apparatus and computer program product for determining lowest cost aggregate energy demand reduction at multiple network levels such as distribution and feeder networks. An algorithm for an optimal incentive mechanism offered to energy customers (e.g. of a utility power entity) that accounts for heterogeneous customer flexibility in load reduction, with the demand response realized via the utility's rebate signal and, accounts for temporal aspects of demand shift in response for rebates. A mathematical formulation of a cost minimization problem is solved to provide incentives for customers to reduce their demand. A gradient descent algorithm is used to solve for the optimal incentives customized for individual end users. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078688 | Method of Delivering Goods and Services Via Media - A method for distributing a prescription pharmaceutical product includes recording a unique identifier in a database that identifies a medium and a prescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium. The database is provisioned with criteria that establish different potential values for the medium. Thus, the medium has a variable value that varies according to the criteria provisioned in the database. A holder of the medium then presents the medium to a provider of the prescription pharmaceutical product. Upon receipt the medium, the provider communicates the unique identifier associated with the medium. Based on the unique identifier of the medium and the variable value criteria provisioned in the database, the value of the medium is determined and communicated to the provider. The holder then utilizes the determined value to purchase the prescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078689 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS OF SUBSIDIZING THE COST OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES BY ALLOWING THE DEVICE MANUFACTURER TO CONTROL DIGITAL ADVERTISING ON THE DEVICE - Systems, methods and devices for reducing a price of an electronic device by allowing a device manufacturer to control digital advertising on the electronic device are disclosed. Such systems, methods, and devices may include presenting content on a display, the content having an embedded commercial. Further, embodiments may include detecting the embedded commercial with a screening engine and a screening circuit and providing the screening engine and screening circuit with device advertisement (AD) content by the AD content engine. Additional embodiments may include replacing the embedded commercial with the device AD content by the screening engine and screening circuit. Moreover, selecting the device AD is based on user information by the AD content engine as well as tracking the viewing of the AD content by a tracking module. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078690 | POWER ALLOCATION CONTROLLER - Methods and systems may include an apparatus having a power line interface and a controller with management logic. The management logic can manage the power delivery policies of devices connected to the power line interface based on changes in the power delivery capability of the apparatus. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078691 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING MULTIMEDIA CONTENT EDITING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS - Methods and systems for managing content are described. One system includes a multimedia management frontend accessible to providers of multimedia content. The multimedia management frontend operates on one or more computing systems and is configured to receive multimedia content from a provider and expose multimedia content editing tools to the provider, the tools including a user interface configured to display information related to the multimedia content and receive from the provider provider-selected preferences as well as identification of one or more objects of interest in the multimedia content. The system also includes a scheduler configured to receive the multimedia content from the multimedia frontend. The system further includes a plurality of computing systems communicatively interconnected to the scheduler, the plurality of computing systems configured to receive multimedia content from the scheduler and generate metadata associated with the multimedia content based on the provider-selected preferences received at the multimedia frontend. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078692 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ONLINE CALL MEASUREMENT - Systems and methods for call measurement services. The system is operatively coupled to a communication network. An advertisement accessible via the communication network is provided, wherein the advertisement includes an inbound address. The call measurement system includes a routing system operatively coupled to the communication network and configured to receiving an originating voice communication corresponding to the inbound address. The system also includes an address database operatively coupled to the routing system. The address database stores an outbound address corresponding to the inbound address. The routing system is also configured to connect the originating voice communication to the outbound address. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078693 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONICALLY CURCULATING A CURRENCY - Persistent, electronically anchored currency notes (PEAC notes) may be generated by a transaction provider and maintained in a datastore. Each PEAC note may be associated with a respective unique identifier and asset held by a custodian. The transaction provider may provide for assigning ownership of the PEAC notes to various entities and/or transferring ownership therebetween. Ownership transfers may be performed by the transaction provider while maintaining the PEAC notes in the datastore and/or maintaining the asset(s) associated therewith with their respective custodian(s). The transaction provider may keep records of ownership transfers and/or may provide datastructures for tracking payments (e.g., invoice datastructures). Information about each PEAC note be publically available through the transaction provider. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078694 | ANALYTICS SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISCOUNT INSTRUMENTS - The invention provides systems and methods for collecting point-of-sale (POS) data, and then using this data to determine the effectiveness of a given promotion. By collecting transaction data at the POS that includes a merchant identifier and a promotion identifier (among other data), a variety calculations may be performed to determine the effectiveness of the promotion. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078695 | Universal Bonus/Rewards Card - A universal rewards system for consolidating reward and bonus programs across a series of programs in which a consumer participates. The system includes at least one computer having a computer-readable medium with program instructions stored thereon to cause the processor to receive data streams regarding participating merchants, determine and/or identify qualified transactions, identify appropriate rewards/bonuses, and identify participating consumers, generate data regarding the qualified transactions and the appropriate rewards/bonuses, and transmit information regarding the qualified transactions and issuance of the appropriate rewards/bonuses. The system also includes an identification device for distribution to the participating consumers. The identification device is a single device, eliminating the need for the consumer to carry a multitude of identification devices, that includes identifying information unique to the participating consumer, is configured for universal acceptance by each of the participating merchants and, wherein at least some of the participating merchants offer diverse goods and/or services. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078696 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS AND PROVIDING AN INCENTIVE TO PURCHASE TRAVEL SERVICES - Generating a commission for a passport photo provider by identifying a group of people that are about to travel in the near future, providing the customers with an incentive to purchase a travel service and a token to identify the passport photo provider, the customer purchasing a travel service, and the travel service provider transmitting a commission to the passport photo provider. The incentive is a discount on a travel service, such as travel insurance. The token is a uniform resource locator (URL) with a file path on the end for identifying the source of the incentive or a coupon code. The token and the incentive are printed on a brochure that also contains passport photos. If the customer makes a subsequent purchase of travel services, the passport photo provider receives an additional commission. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078697 | Systems and Methods to Program Operations for Interaction with Users - In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to represent offer rules based on requirements for the detection of predefined types of events and actions scheduled to be performed in response to the detection of each occurrence of the events. The events are independent from each other in processing and are linked via prerequisite conditions to formulate the requirements of an offer campaign. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078698 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESERVING FUTURE PURCHASES OF GOODS AND SERVICES - A method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services or events including plural electronic options with associated option fees for the goods or services or events. The plural electronic options include electronic option terms established by one or more suppliers who can supply the goods or services or events. The purchase of the electronic option is accepted according to electronic option terms established by the desired supplier. The option terms may vary greatly among the individual suppliers and no two suppliers may use the same option terms. Demographic information is collected from purchasers of electronic options and used to allow other suppliers of goods or services or events to target such purchasers. Various fees are generated for display, purchase, exercise or non-exercise of electronic options. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078699 | Systems and Methods to Program Operations for Interaction with Users - In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to represent offer rules based on requirements for the detection of predefined types of events and actions scheduled to be performed in response to the detection of each occurrence of the events. The events are independent from each other in processing and are linked via prerequisite conditions to formulate the requirements of an offer campaign. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078700 | System and Method for Displaying and Selling Goods and Services in a Retail Environment Employing Electronic Shopper Aids - A system and method for supporting existing merchants and malls to better serve customers by providing easy access to merchandise and sales assistants over a communication network in order to display items dynamically and to provide expert information on products. The shopping experience is enhanced by a portable client identification to allow ease of shopping and checkout. For items purchased that need installation or service or support, access to live experts is provided. Direct connection to service providers is available over the network. If a shopper does not find the desired merchandise he is referred to another merchant who has the product with the referring merchant receiving a commission or other consideration. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078701 | Systems and Methods to Provide Services Based on Transaction Activities - Systems and methods are provided to structure services in tiers and provide services as rewards in accordance with the tiers. In one aspect, a system stores information identifying an account holder's account and information identifying features that are associated with the account. Account features include a plurality of services that are organized in tiers and any given tier determines the benefits the account holder is entitled to in connection with a set of services associated with the account feature. The account holder's account is associated with an original tier and the system monitors subsequent transactions to determine a tier that the user is entitled to based on the transactions. The tier includes all of the services that the user was previously entitled to in addition to any new services associated with a tier change. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078702 | WIRELESS ELECTRONIC COUPONING TECHNIQUE - An electronic couponing technique includes transferring coupon information, which may include a coupon ID (identification) to a first portable terminal and storing same therein. The portable terminal displays a representation of the transferred coupon information on a display thereof The stored coupon information may be transferred from the portable terminal to another terminal for redemption. The stored coupon information may also be transferred from the portable terminal to another portable terminal. Various schemes may be used to transfer the coupon information including a Bluetooth low-range radio link or an optical bar code scanner scanning an optical bar code or an infrared link or a wireless link from the portable terminal. The Internet or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) may also be used in transferring the coupon information to and from the various terminals. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078703 | ACCESS TO MEDIA BITES - Accessing media data in bites, including: receiving a request from a client to access a media item, and determining an address of the requested media item, wherein the address indicates a location where the media item is stored; determining an identification number of a piece of the media item selected by the client; updating the address of the media item by combining the address with the identification number of the piece of the media item selected by the client; valuating the piece of the media item selected by the client, and sending a valuated price to the client; and providing access to the requested media item using the updated address of the media item when a payment for the valuated price is received from the client. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078704 | INTERNET-BASED METHODS OF OFFERING ADVERTISING - The present invention provides methods of offering advertisements on the Internet, and systems for implementing these methods. These methods offer users an accrued financial incentive to purchase products and services from advertisers. In some embodiments, a method of offering advertisements on the Internet comprises: providing one or more advertisements at an Internet site; allowing for a user to click or view the advertisements; increasing the user's account balance after an advertisement is viewed; and offering cash or a non-cash equivalent to a winning user having the highest relative value of an account balance within a selected pool of account balances. Certain embodiments of this invention relate to an Internet business known as Mascot Race. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078705 | ONLINE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCT DISCOUNTS - An online advertising system and method including displaying e-tailers offering a product for sale; displaying a price for the specified product for each e-tailer that offers the product for sale; aggregating information about which e-tailers have an existing revenue sharing arrangement involving the product and the amount of revenue the e-tailers are willing to share with consumers; calculating a price discount for each e-tailer with the existing revenue sharing arrangement, based on the product and an amount of revenue each e-tailer is willing to share; calculating a final price for the product for each e-tailer responsive to the amount of revenue respective e-tailers are willing to share with consumers and the price of the product; and displaying the one or more e-tailers offering the specified product in a list ordered according to the final prices for said specified product calculated for each of the e-tailers. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078706 | LOCATION PREDICTION PROTOCOL (LPP) - In accordance with the invention, embodiments of an ad placement device are described. The ad placement engine calculates a probability parameter that is indicative of a user's likelihood of making a purchase in response to a mobile advertisement. The probability parameter is calculated based on a variety of parameters. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078707 | Measuring Inline Ad Performance for Third-Party Ad Serving - A method, apparatus, and computer program product for measuring inline internet ad performance for third-party ad serving. The method comprises receiving an original third-party internet ad and recoding the original third-party internet ad for producing a recoded third-party internet ad where the recoded third-party internet ad comprises ad instrumentation code. In real-time, as the internet ad is composited and rendered, the instrumentation code measures the response latency of the server or servers in the third-party network using the ad instrumentation code. In some cases, the original third-party internet ad comprises ad code using a markup language such as HTML language, and/or JavaScript language (e.g. in ad code segments). The recoding comprises recoding an ad code segment of the ad by transforming the ad code segment into a JavaScript literal, which in exemplary embodiments includes emitting a specialized document.write( ) call. Response latency measurements are collected and included in a latency table. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078708 | System and Method for Recording and Analyzing Internet Browser Traffic Independent of Individual or Specific Digital Platforms or Websites - Systems, techniques and methods for tracking a browser session path and content providing for the reconstruction of the full path and content of a browser session. Techniques for observing, recording, storing and analyzing the total path and content of Internet browser sessions on a device as they relate to consumer/user activity for use in reporting and predicting marketing trends and understanding behavior are disclosed. The system observes, records, stores and analyzes: activity within a browser session, activity within all browser sessions on a device, activity of a user or group of users over time, session activity without invasive efforts and/or invasive codes and/or use of potential privacy invading codes/cookies on a user's computer. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078709 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ONLINE ADVERTISING OBJECTS USING TEXTUAL METADATA TAGS - A method for managing online advertising placements includes associating a plurality of textual metadata tags with at least one advertising placement, and generating a bid recommendation for the at least one advertising placement associated with the plurality of textual metadata tags. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078710 | DYNAMIC SEARCH ENGINE RESULTS EMPLOYING USER BEHAVIOR - A method and apparatus for dynamically modifying search results “on the fly” based on the behavior of the user currently conducting a search. In one embodiment, data regarding user behavior is gathered from virtually any activity, including clicks on links, dwell times, downloads, transactions and cursor movements. Subordinate keywords are generated to reflect the intent of the user as inferred from the user's behavior. Subordinate keywords, as opposed to traditional primary keywords, are keywords that are identified as important to the search, but are not necessarily essential for a matched document. They are automatically generated by the system from a variety of places, such as documents clicked on by the user as well as documents that are skipped. The system uses the subordinate keywords to dynamically re-rank matched documents and advertisements to best reflect the inferred intent of the user in order to continuously provide the most relevant results. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078711 | AUTOMATED LOCAL ADVERTISING INTERFACE - Systems, methods, and computer program products for automating local content are described. In some implementations, an ad manager and a business table can be provided by a backend system. The business table can store, for example, user information, user account information including billing information, campaign related information and advertisement data associated with one or more local business advertisers as well as geo-targeting information. Based on the information stored in the business table, the ad manager can tailor a specific online advertising campaign on behalf of a local business advertiser. Where new or updated information is found, the ad manager can initiate campaign management updates to one or more business ad listings associated with the local business advertiser. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078712 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING AND DELIVERY OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - Methods and systems for providing multimedia content are disclosed. One method includes applying a container to multimedia content using one or more computing systems, the container defining an interface through which metadata external to the multimedia content is linked with one or more portions of the multimedia content. The method also includes constructing a set of text metadata describing an audio portion of the multimedia content, and generating a set of object metadata describing at least a portion of one or more objects appearing in the multimedia content. The method further includes, upon receiving a request for playback of the multimedia content, providing the text metadata and the object metadata associated with the container for synchronized use during playback of the multimedia content via the container. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078713 | System and method for effectively providing targeted information to a user community - A system for implementing an information distribution network includes an information service that is configured to provide information distribution services through the information distribution network. User devices are utilized by device users to communicate with the information service for receiving the information distribution services. A subset of the device users is defined to form a user community with corresponding ones of the user devices. The community members of the defined user community may generate feedback metadata regarding advertisements that are received from the information service. The information service may then effectively utilize the feedback metadata to accurately target future advertisements to community members of the user community. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078714 | Method for Implementing Online Advertising - A system and method for implementing electronic advertising which provides content to users based on observing behavior of certain trendsetters within a member population. The trendsetters are determined by studying historical adoption behavior of individuals within the member population, or h reference to known indicia, | 2012-03-29 |
20120078715 | ADVERTISING SERVICE BASED ON CONTENT AND USER LOG MINING - A system and method are disclosed for providing documents related to a search request. The search request may include a search query of one or more keywords, or the search request may be a demographic search query including one or more demographic attributes. An index containing data crawled from publisher's websites, demographic information of registered users, along with the search history of the registered users can be created. Once a search request is received, the search request can be compared to the information stored in the index, and one or more documents related to the request can be provided. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078716 | Consumer-Focused Marketing And Consumer Task Management - An organization may identify target groups of consumers based on credit data meeting one or more pre-defined criteria and offer the identified individuals products and/or services that include favorable rates, benefits and/or incentives related to activities regularly engaged in by the individuals. Credit data may be mined from, for example, a credit bureau to identify individuals with credit scores in various percentiles as compared to all other consumers in a particular market or geographic region. Various types of transaction data associated with these individuals may then be obtained and analyzed to determine activities (e.g., tasks, chores, errands, activities, etc.) repeatedly engaged in by at least some percentage of the identified individuals, which may then be used as bases for offering certain products and/or services that include incentives or benefits more-specifically tailored to potential interests. The organization may also identify and select channels of communication for presenting product and/or service offerings to a target group of individuals based on recognized transaction patterns of the group. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078717 | System and method for effectively performing an advertisement selection procedure - A system and method for implementing an information distribution network includes an information service that is configured to provide information distribution services through the information distribution network. User devices are utilized by device users to communicate with the information service for receiving the information distribution services. Transport structures are implemented for communicating with various network entities in the information distribution network to collect appropriate metadata. An advertisement selector utilizes an advertisement selection algorithm for evaluating the collected metadata during the advertisement selection procedure to thereby identify targeted advertisements for providing to user devices through the information distribution network. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078718 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR GENERATING RECOMMENDATIONS AND RELATED METHODS - A communications system may include an electronic device associated with a given user, and a communications network. The communications system may also include a modeling server configured to communicate with the electronic device via the communications network. The modeling server may also be configured to generate a purchase probability distribution using a statistical model based upon prior purchase information for the given user and prior purchase information for a plurality of other users. The modeling server may also be configured to determine new purchase recommendations for the given user using the purchase probability distribution, and provide the new purchase recommendations to the electronic device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078719 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLUSTER AUGMENTATION OF SEARCH RESULTS - Systems and associated methods for clustering a plurality of nodes based on connectivity among the plurality of nodes, determining relevant content of the clusters, and applying knowledge regarding the relevant content are described. The nodes can include for example web-based documents such as web pages. The clusters can include for example groups of web pages that are linked together, as via hyperlinks. The relevant content can include one or more topics associated with the web page, as for example determined via text mining. Applying the knowledge regarding the relevant content can include for example using the one or more topics associated with the web pages to augment search results and/or conduct contextual advertising. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078720 | VIRTUAL DESKTOP SERVICE WITH TARGETED ADVERTISEMENT - Presenting advertisements in graphical user interfaces associated with virtual computers based on user profiles and information about user activities on the virtual computers. A computer device for instantiating the virtual computers analyses user profiles and the user activity information. Based on the analysis, the computer device selects advertisements for presentation to users. The computer device includes the selected advertisements in data objects for transmittal to user terminals of the users. The user terminals generate user interface elements for displaying the graphical user interfaces based on the received data objects. The users may take actions based on the advertisements presented in the graphical user interfaces. By presenting the advertisements, the service provider of computer virtual desktop service may collect monetary compensation from advertisers. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078721 | Product Interest Targeting - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for facilitating aggregated product requests. In one aspect, a method includes receiving product request data from a plurality of users and determining that an offer request condition has occurred, where the offer request condition specifies a condition under which offers are requested from advertisers. In response to occurrence of the offer request condition, offer request data are provided to advertisers. The offer request data specify a quantity of users from which product request data were received. Offer data are received from advertisers. The offer data specify an offer associated with the particular product and an amount that an advertiser will pay for distribution of the offer. An offer is selected to be provided to the users and presentation data that cause presentation of the selected offer are provided. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078722 | Remotely controlled water treatment system and a method of remotely controlling a water treatment system - A water treatment system, such as a water softener, is remotely operated and a method of remotely controlling a water treatment system. In a first embodiment, the water treatment system having a web server is delivered and installed on the users LAN. The user PC is redirected by a remote server to the water treatment system by use of the water treatment system MAC address, IP protocol address and user information. In this manner, the user is able to control the water treatment system and communicate with the remote server. In a second and third embodiment, the water treatment system and user PC communicate indirectly via the remote server. In the second embodiment, the water treatment system is provided with a wireless network interface to couple to the remote server. In the third embodiment, the water treatment system is provided with an internet interface. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078723 | Method and Apparatus for Geographic-Based Communictions Service - A geographic-based communications service system has a mobile unit for transmitting/receiving information, and access points connected to a network. The access points are arranged in a known geographic locations and transmit and receive information from the mobile unit. When one of the access points detects the presence of the mobile unit, it sends a signal to the network indicating the location of the mobile unit and the content information requested by the mobile unit. Based on the signal received from the access point, the network communicates with information providers connected to the network and provides data to the mobile unit through the access point corresponding to the location of the mobile unit. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078724 | System and method for utilizing a morphing procedure in an information distribution network - A system and method for implementing an information distribution network includes an information service that is configured to provide information distribution services through the information distribution network. User devices are utilized by device users to communicate with the information service for receiving the information distribution services. Transport structures are implemented for communicating with various network entities in the information distribution network to collect appropriate metadata for targeting selected information to the device users. The transport structures automatically and dynamically perform morphing procedures during which the transport structures are sequentially attached to a plurality of host entities on a one-by-one basis for collecting corresponding metadata. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078725 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTEXTUAL ADVERTISEMENT RECOMMENDATION ACROSS MULTIPLE DEVICES OF CONTENT DELIVERY - The present invention includes a method and a system for recommending at least one advertisement to a user. The recommendation is provided based on the interaction with at least two devices. The user is identified when an interactive session is initiated by the user on a device of the at least two devices. Thereafter, a contextual profile of the identified user is selected from a database. The contextual profile is associated with one or more contextual sub-profiles. Further, each contextual sub-profile is associated with a corresponding device. Furthermore, one or more contextual attributes are dynamically captured from the interactive session. Thereafter, at least one of the contextual profile and the captured contextual attributes is mapped with a plurality of pre-stored advertisements. Subsequently, at least one advertisement is suggested on the device based on the mapping. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078726 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED LOCAL ACCESS TO COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND LOCAL SOCIAL NETWORKING - A system and method for mobile interactive communication on a local social networking platform is presented. In particular, the invention comprises a plurality of mobile user interfaces disposed in a communicative relation with at least one local network, such as WLAN, LAN, WIFI hotspot, etc. Each of the mobile devices or interfaces are structured to execute, access or run a social networking application which, in at least one embodiment, is capable of automatically receiving and displaying promotional media communicated by or on behalf of a nearby commercial establishment, wherein the commercial establishment is located within a user-selected promotional range. A number of mobile devices connected to either common or different local networks may also communicate to one another (via chat, voice or video chat, send images, data, etc.) so long as the mobile devices are disposed within a user-selected communication range. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078727 | Facilitation of user management of unsolicited server operations via modification thereof - A trust architecture, including an intermediary for use therewith, which may be referred to as a Personal Privacy Stronghold (“PPS”), is disclosed which facilitates user management, including control, enablement, extension and augmentation, of unsolicited server operations, allowing the user to control such operations without compromising their ability to use other functionality. Such stateful operations may be used, for example, to monitor and track the user's Internet activities. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078728 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS OF SUBSIDIZING THE COST OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES BY ALLOWING THE DEVICE MANUFACTURER TO CONTROL DIGITAL ADVERTISING ON THE DEVICE - Systems, methods and devices for reducing a price of an electronic device by allowing a device manufacturer to control digital advertising on the electronic device are disclosed. Such systems, methods, and devices may include presenting content on a display, the content having an embedded commercial. Further, embodiments may include detecting the embedded commercial with a screening engine and a screening circuit and providing the screening engine and screening circuit with device advertisement (AD) content by the AD content engine. Additional embodiments may include replacing the embedded commercial with the device AD content by the screening engine and screening circuit. Moreover, selecting the device AD is based on user information by the AD content engine as well as tracking the viewing of the AD content by a tracking module. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078729 | COMPENSATION MODEL FOR NETWORK SERVICES - A compensation model is disclosed for compensating a network service provider. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078730 | Automatic Internet Search Advertising Campaign Variable Optimization for Aiding Advertising Agency Efficiencies - A method, computer readable medium, and advertising server network for automatic internet advertising campaign variable optimization. The advertising server network comprises a module for receiving an advertising campaign specification containing a keyword template. The keyword template contains a plurality of keywords or bid phrases (which are selected to correspond to a particular business type). Then, based on one or more selected keywords, a module serves for collecting historical and/or forecasted keyword click data using a historical dataset. The keywords and click data are used as inputs into a linear programming optimization problem, which linear programming optimization technique is employed for calculating a bid amount for bidding on one or more display positions. The bid is optimized based an objective function subject to policy constraints. Given an optimized bid, a module places the bid using an auction server. A winning bid then secures a particular position on the internet advertising impression. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078731 | System and Method of Browsing Electronic Catalogs from Multiple Merchants - A system and method of browsing electronic catalogs from a plurality of merchants. The electronic catalog system emulates the portability and usability of a traditional paper and ink catalog, especially when realized on a tablet or mobile device. Product data feeds from multiple merchants are collected and processed to build a product database. A server retrieves product data and serves it to users browsing the electronic catalogs. Users can request more detailed information and order products through the server and merchant websites. Users communicate with the server and merchant websites either through a standalone software application or via a standard web browser. Merchants are able to update the contents of their electronic catalogs through a merchant portal. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078732 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOBILE BILL PRESENTMENT AND PAYMENT MESSAGING AND MARKETING - A computer system and method for operating a computer system for a secure mobile bill presentment and payment system that enables bill payments to be made by a user of a mobile device, such as a cellular phone, smart phone, PDA, notebook, tablet or other network connected mobile device, a biller to send product or service messages or related information to enrolled customers in the mobile bill payment computer system, and for a biller to create a marketing broadcast for a product or service that an enrolled customer can purchase via the computer system. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078733 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - A system for telematic management of advertising campaigns comprises a central server connected to a database that contains identification data of advertising sites associated with a plurality of operators, the identification data comprising operating parameters associated with each one of the sites; a plurality of user stations, suitable to interact with the central server via a telematic network and comprising a data entry interface for defining an advertising campaign; a processing engine, located at the central server, which is configured to associate automatically with the advertising campaign, on the basis of the definition data of the advertising campaign and of the identification data, one or more of the advertising sites. | 2012-03-29 |