| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20110040592 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING PRICING OPTIONS IN A CONSULTATION SYSTEM - In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for providing pricing options in a consultation system is provided. In one embodiment, user input from a user is received. The user input is directed to a question the user intends to post to the consultation system. Pricing factors are determined in part from the user input. A pricing option is then determined by analyzing the pricing factors with pricing attribute data whereby the pricing attribute data may be based on current consultation system dynamics, user history, and completed transactions on the consultation system. The determined pricing option is presented. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110040662 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATION OF NEW CHANNELS IN A CONSULTATION SYSTEM - In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for creating a new channel on a consultation system is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a selection to create a new channel is received from a device of a creator. Data directed to creating the new channel is also received. The data may include category information for the new channel. The new channel is created based on the received data. In one embodiment, the new channel is a new category. In another embodiment, the new channel is an affiliate relationship. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110040694 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXPERT QUALITY CONTROL - In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for providing expert quality control on a consultation system is provided. Feedback is received for an expert. The feedback may be from users of the consultation system, other experts on the consultation system, or third-parties with relevant expertise and may comprise direct and indirect feedback. Adjustment factors are recorded for the expert. The adjustment factors comprise public and non-public actions associated with the expert. The expert is then evaluated using the feedback and the adjustment factors. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110041173 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXPERT VERIFICATION - In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for verifying experts on a consultation system is provided. Identity and credential information is received at a web server from a potential expert. A selection of a category that the potential expert wants to be admitted is also received. The identity information and at least a portion of the credential information may be verified. The potential expert is accepted as an expert based in part on a result of the verifying of the identity and credential information. Once accepted, an account associated with the potential expert is activated to allow the potential expert to become an expert and to allow the expert to provide answers on the consultation system when the potential expert is accepted. | 02-17-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20110273526 | Video Call Handling - Solutions for facilitating enhanced video calling functionality. Embodiments include functionality for handling video calling through a communications hub. According to some embodiments, the communications hub is a user supersystem having multiple clients, each with an integrated camera and display, capable of seamlessly handing off video call functionality among the clients. Other embodiments integrate other functionality of the communications hub (e.g., web browsing, multimedia, etc.) into the video call environment. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110273576 | Video Recording Environment - Solutions for providing an interactive and intuitive video environment. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as an interactive multimedia system, including various features relating to video capture and processing. In some cases, a “live video thumbnail” is provided as part of a media album application, for example, to entice users to capture video (e.g., a photo or video file) using components of the user supersystem. Other implementations facilitate video processing functionality, such as “best frame” selection and auto-cropping of video data. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276885 | MULTI-CLIENT LOCAL NETWORK BASE STATION - Systems and methods are described for providing integrated, interactive communications services among multiple client devices in a local network. In one embodiment, a supersystem provides interactive communications services within a local network through a tablet, a handset, and a base station. The tablet includes a first client and a first user interface configured to provide interactivity with first communications services. The handset includes a second client and a second user interface configured to provide interactivity with second communications services. The first and second clients are in communication with the local network and with each other (e.g., either directly, or through the base station or other path). The base station includes interface subsystems configured to removably couple with the tablet and/or handset. The supersystem may allow multiple client devices to be used in an integrative fashion to provide home management, messaging, videoconferencing, cloud network interaction, media sharing, and/or other functionality. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276896 | Multi-User Integrated Task List - Solutions for providing integrated task list functionality. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as a communications hub to generate, display, and/or handle user-based tasks for a family group. For example, tasks may be assigned to one or more members of the family and associated with various types of dates, rewards, audits, etc. Family members may then interact with the tasks through the communications hub and/or through other devices (e.g., cell phones, etc.). | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276903 | Integrated Multi-Modal Chat - Solutions for providing context-driven communications mode determinations. Some such solutions use a communications hub located in a home (e.g., a user supersystem) to facilitate context-driven, multi-modal communications. For example, a tablet system may be used as a graphical communications hub in a family's home, used by the family to communicate to and from the home via multiple communications modes (e.g., family chat, family activities, user-based messaging, etc.) over one or more communications channels. Determination of an appropriate mode for communications may be driven by contextual (rather that channel-based) factors relating to the communications. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276904 | DOODLE-IN-CHAT-CONTEXT - Solutions for providing integrated media services, e.g., in the context of communications services offered through a user supersystem configured as an interactive graphical communications hub. For example, interactions with a messaging interface may provide access to media creation functionality, including doodle functionality, in the context of the messaging and/or in the context of other media. In one implementation, the communications interface allows a user to doodle in the context of an image file (e.g., a photo) while in the context of a chat application. | 11-10-2011 |
