| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080208787 | Method and system for centralized generation of a business executable using genetic algorithms and rules distributed among multiple hardware devices - A system for generation of business executables using artificial intelligence or rules distributed among multiple hardware devices, including: a memory element of a specially programmed general-purpose computer storing a first rule or an artificial intelligence (AI) program; a generating element, in a processor for the specially programmed computer, arranged to generate at an executable using at least one of the first rule or the AI program; an interface element of the specially programmed computer, arranged to receive a second rule from a first wireless communications device (WCD), or from a general-purpose computer associated with a business entity and to store the second rule in the memory element; and a modifying element, in the processor, arranged to modify the executable using the second rule and to transmit, using the interface element, the modified executable to a wireless communications network for transmission to a second WCD. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080255941 | Method and system for generating, selecting, and running executables in a business system utilizing a combination of user defined rules and artificial intelligence - A system including: a memory element of a specially programmed general-purpose computer storing a set of rules; a generating element in a processor for the computer using at least one genetic algorithm to generate a plurality of executables; a selecting element in the processor using the set of rules to select an executable from the plurality of executables; and an interface element in the computer outputting the executable. A system including: a generating element in a processor for a specially programmed general-purpose computer arranged to generate a marketing offer using a set of rules and at least one genetic algorithm and an interface element in the computer arranged to output the marketing offer. In some aspects, the generating element is arranged to: generate, using the at least one genetic algorithm, a plurality of marketing offers; and select, using the rules, the marketing offer from the plurality of marketing offers. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080306790 | Method and apparatus for generating and transmitting an order initiation offer to a wireless communications device - A system for generating and transmitting an order initiation offer to a wireless communications device (WCD), including: an identification element, in a processor of at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, arranged to identify, using an interface element in the computer, a WCD; an eligibility element, in the processor, arranged to determine if the WCD is eligible to receive an order initiation offer; an executable element, in the processor, arrange to generate, using a set of rules or an artificial intelligence program, at least one executable, the rules and program stored in a memory for the computer; an offer element, in the processor, arranged to generate, for an eligible WCD and using the executable, an appropriate order initiation offer; and a transmission element, in the processor, arranged to transmit, using the interface element, the appropriate order initiation offer to a wireless communications network for transmission to the WCD. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080306886 | Graphical user interface adaptation system for a point of sale device - A system for controlling a graphical user interface (GUI) for a point of sale device (POSD), including: a tracking element, in a processor for at least one specially-programmed computer, to track, using an interface element in the computer, respective responses, by end users, to a plurality of implementations of at least one input/output (I/O) function by respective GUIs for at least one first POSD; a comparison element, in the processor, to compare the respective responses with a performance parameter stored in a memory unit for the computer; and a configuration element, in the processor, to configure at least one second I/O function in accordance with the comparison of the respective responses with the performance parameter and arranged to transmit, using the interface element, the at least one second I/O function configuration to at least one second POSD for implementation by respective GUIs for the at least one second POSD. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080313052 | Method and system for managing transactions initiated via a wireless communications device - A system for managing an order received from a wireless communications device (WCD), including: an order element, in a processor in at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, arranged to receive, via an interface element in the computer, a transmission, via a communication network, from the WCD, including an order for an item at a retail location; a location element, in the processor, to identify, using the interface element and the processor, that the WCD is within a predetermined location with respect to the location; a scheduling element, in the processor, to schedule preparation of the order in response to the predetermined location; an instruction element, in the processor, to generate at least one instruction for fulfilling the order and to transmit the instruction, using the interface element; and, a presentation element, at a point of sales (POS) station at the retail location, to receive and present the instruction. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080313122 | Method and system for generating an offer and transmitting the offer to a wireless communications device - A system for a system for generating and transmitting an offer to a wireless communications device (WCD) in response to an order, including: an interface element, for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, arranged to receive an order from a WCD, the order including a first item or service available from a business entity; and an offer element, in a processor for the at least one specially programmed computer. The offer element is arranged to generate, using at least one of a set of rules or an artificial intelligence program stored in a memory unit for the at least one specially programmed computer, an offer in response to the order, the offer including a second item or service available from the business entity; and transmit, using the interface element, a completion message to a wireless communications network for transmission to the WCD, the completion message including the offer. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090024481 | Method and system for generating a real time offer or a deferred offer - A system for generating a real time offer or a deferred offer, including: an interface element, for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, arranged to receive an order from an end user device (EUD), the order including an first or service available from a business entity; and an offer element, in a processor for the computer, arranged to: generate, prior to fulfillment of the order by the business entity and using at least one of a first set of rules or a first artificial intelligence program stored in a memory unit for the computer, a first offer fulfillable as part of the order; and generate, prior to fulfillment of the order by the business entity and using the processor and at least one of a second set of rules or a second artificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, a second offer fulfillable after fulfillment of the order by the business entity; and transmit, using the interface element, the first and second offers to the EUD. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090030797 | Method and apparatus for generating and transmitting an ideal order offer - A system for generating and transmitting an ideal order offer, including: an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer; a memory unit for the computer; and an offer element, in a processor for the computer. The offer element is for: receiving, using the interface element, an order from a customer, the order including at least one item or at least one service offered by a business entity; generating at least one ideal order offer using at least one of a first set of rules and a first artificial intelligence program stored in a memory unit for the computer, the at least one ideal order offer including at least one item or service not included in the order or an incentive not associated with the order; and transmitting, using the interface element, the order and the at least one ideal order for presentation to the customer. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030798 | System and method for providing incentives to an end user for referring another end user - A system for generating an incentive for an end user to refer other end users, including: first and second offer elements, in a processor for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer. The first offer element: receives, using an interface element for the computer, a first order from an end user device, generates using the processor and a set of rules or an artificial intelligence program stored in a memory unit for the computer, a first offer in response to the first order, the offer conditional upon receipt of at least one email address; and transmits, using the interface element, the first offer. The second offer element receives, using the interface element, an address in response to the first offer; generates, using the processor, at least one second offer; and transmits, using the interface element, the at least one second offer to the at least one email address. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090119168 | System and method for providing an incentive based on the hardware used to place an order - A system for providing an incentive based on the hardware used to place an order, including: an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer; and an offer element, in a processor for the general-purpose computer for: generating an offer to place an order with a business entity, the offer based upon a category for a hardware device or an identification of a hardware device; identifying, using the interface element, a hardware device included in the category or having the identification; and transmitting, using the interface element, the offer for display on the hardware device included in the category or having the identification. In one embodiment, the offer element is for generating an offer using at least one of a set of rules and a artificial intelligence program stored in a memory unit for the general-purpose computer. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090123004 | Method and system for automated volume adjustments for a marketing system - A method for adjusting volume for a marketing system, including the steps of: determining, using a processor in a general-purpose computer, a parameter associated with the marketing system; generating, using the processor, a volume control level based on the parameter; and controlling, using the processor and an interface element for the computer, an audio output portion of a sales offer from an audio component of the marketing system such that the audio output portion matches the volume control level. The general-purpose computer is arranged to perform the steps of determining, generating, and controlling. In a preferred embodiment, the parameter is an ambient noise level proximate the marketing system and determining a parameter includes measuring the ambient noise level proximate the marketing system. In a first embodiment, the parameter is a temporal parameter. A system for adjusting volume for a selling system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125380 | System and method for location based suggestive selling - A system for providing a location based offer, including: an offer element, in a processor for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer; and a memory unit for the computer. The offer element: generates, using the processor and a first set of rules or a first artificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, at least one respective offer for an item or service from at least one business entity, the offer for display on a map showing respective locations for the at least one business entity; transmits, according a second set of rules or a second artificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, the at least one respective offer to a wireless communications device (WCD) for display on a map by the WCD, the map including the respective locations; and receives, from the WCD a selection of an offer from among the at least one respective offer. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125394 | Wireless communications device as in-store assistant - A method for using a wireless communications device, including the steps of: determining, using an interface element and a processor in at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, that at least one wireless communications device (WCD) is located in a retail location; generating, using the processor, a query; outputting, using the processor and the interface element, the query for transmission to the at least one WCD; receiving, using the interface element, a reply to the query transmitted from the at least one WCD; generating, using the processor, a message responsive to the reply; and outputting, using the processor and the interface element, the message for transmission to the at least one WCD. In one embodiment, the reply is regarding locating an item and the message includes a location for the item. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125396 | System and method for generating and transmitting location based promotional offer reminders - A computer-based system for generating and transmitting a location based offer reminder, including: an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer; a memory element for the computer, the memory element storing a record of at least one communication sent to at least one wireless communications device (WCD); and a reminder element, in a processor for the computer. The reminder element is for: identifying, using the interface element, the at least one WCD as being within a prescribed geographical area; determining that a response to the communication has not been received; generating at least one reminder regarding the communication; and transmitting, using the interface element, the reminder to a wireless communications network for transmission to WCD. In one embodiment, the reminder element generates the at least one reminder using at least one of a set of rules or an artificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125411 | Wireless communications device configured to order out of stock items - A method for querying an end user, including the steps of generating, in a processor of a specially programmed general-purpose computer, a query as to whether an item is out of stock at a retail location or missing at the retail location and transmitting the query from an interface element in the general-purpose computer to a communication network for transmission to a wireless communications device located in the retail location. In some aspects, the query includes an option for payment of the order; the method generates an offer regarding an option for gaining possession of the order and transmits the offer to the communication network; or the method determines that the order is available at another retail location, different that the first retail location, generates a notification regarding the availability at the other retail location, and transmitting the notification to the network for transmission to the wireless communications device. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125442 | Wireless communications device configured for automated returns - A method for automated return of an item, including the steps of: automatically identifying, with a processor and an interface element in a specially programmed general-purpose computer, an item brought within a predetermined proximity of a retail location operated by a business entity; determining, via the processor and a memory element in the general-purpose computer, that the item was previously purchased from the business entity by a customer; and applying, using the processor, a credit for the item to an account associated with the customer. In some aspects, the item comprises an RFID tag and the memory element comprises a sales record for the item including data regarding the tag, and automatically identifying an item includes automatically detecting the tag and transmitting data identifying the tag to the interface element, and determining that the item was previously purchased includes using the data identifying the tag to select the sales record. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090132344 | System and method for scanning a coupon to initiate an order - A system for initiating an order by scanning a coupon, including: a processor for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer; an interface element for the at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer; and, an offer element, in the processor for: generating barcode data including information regarding items or services included in a fulfilled order; transmitting, using an interface element, the barcode data for output at a first point of sale (POS) device; receiving, using the interface element, the barcode data inputted via a second POS device; generating, in response to the inputted barcode data, a order offer including at least one item or service included in the fulfilled order; and transmitting, using the interface element, the order offer for output via the second POS device. A method for initiating an order by scanning a coupon | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090138342 | Method and system for providing an employee award using artificial intelligence - A system for providing an incentive for an employee, including: an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer; a memory unit for the at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer; and a processor for the at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer for: generating, using an artificial intelligence program (AIP) in the memory unit, an incentive for at least one employee of a first business entity to perform at least one desired operation; and transmitting, using the interface element, the incentive for display on a display device. In one embodiment, the desired operation includes presenting an upsell offer. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090157483 | Method and system for using artificial intelligence to generate or modify an employee prompt or a customer survey - A system for modifying a prompt or a survey, including: an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer for receiving an audio input including: a response of an employee of a business entity to a prompt presented to the employee; or a response of a customer of the business entity to a question presented to the customer following a transaction between the customer and the business entity. The system also includes: a memory unit for the computer storing an artificial intelligence program (AIP); and a processor for the computer for: storing the audio input in the memory unit; comparing the audio input to a metric; modifying the prompt or the question using the AIP and the audio input comparison; and transmitting, using the interface element, the prompt or the question for presentation, on a respective display device, to the employee or the customer. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090164304 | Method and system for using a self learning algorithm to manage a progressive discount - A system for managing a progressive incentive, including: an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer for receiving data regarding a current transaction between a customer and a business entity; and a memory unit for the specially programmed general-purpose computer for storing at least one compliance parameter and an artificial intelligence program (AIP). The system also includes a processor for the specially programmed general-purpose computer for: determining, using the data, compliance of the current transaction with at least one compliance parameter; for compliance of the current transaction with the at least one compliance parameter, augmenting, using the AIP, an incentive included in an offer previously presented to the customer, the augmented incentive to optimize revenue for the business entity or profitability of the business entity; generating a second offer including the augmented incentive; and transmitting, using the interface element, the second offer for presentation to the customer. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090164391 | Self learning method and system to revenue manage a published price in a retail environment - A computer-based self-learning system for managing a price in a retail environment, including: an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer for receiving an input related to initiation of a transaction between a customer and a first business entity; a memory unit for the at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer for storing an artificial intelligence program (AIP) and a history of at least one previous transaction between the customer and the first business entity; and a processor for the at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer for: determining, using the AIP, the input, and the history, a price for the good or service to optimize revenue for the first business entity or profitability of the first business entity. The interface element is for receiving a request for the price, and the processor is for transmitting, using the interface element, the price for display. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090171769 | Self learning method and system for managing a group reward system - A system for managing a purchase agreement, including: a memory element for at least one specially-programmed general purpose computer for storing an artificial intelligence program (AIP) and a purchase agreement between a customer and at least one business entity, the purchase agreement including at least one requirement regarding at least one retail transaction between the customer and the business entity; a processor in the specially-programmed general purpose computer for: compiling a purchasing history for the customer with respect to the business entity and the purchase agreement, the memory element for storing the purchasing history, and modifying, using the purchasing history and the AIP, the at least one requirement to increase revenue or profitability of the business entity; and an interface element in the specially-programmed general purpose computer for transmitting the modified at least one requirement for presentation to the customer. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090182677 | Upsell system embedded in a system and controlled by a third party - A method of determining compensation, including the steps of: generating, using a processor of a specially programmed general-purpose computer and a first software program stored in a memory element of the general-purpose computer and offered by a first business entity, at least one sales offer; transmitting the at least one sales offer using an interface element for the general-purpose computer; tracking, using the processor and a second software program stored in the memory element and supplied by a third business entity, the at least one sales offer and respective acceptances of sales offers from the at least one sales offer, the respective acceptances received by the interface element; determining, using the processor and the second software program, revenue from the respective acceptances; and calculating, using the processor and the second software program, compensation for use of the product or service, based on the revenue. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090198561 | Self learning method and system for managing agreements to purchase goods over time - A system for managing a purchase agreement, including: a memory element for at least one specially-programmed general purpose computer for storing an artificial intelligence program (AIP) and a purchase agreement between a customer and at least one business entity, the purchase agreement including at least one requirement regarding at least one retail transaction between the customer and the business entity; a processor in the specially-programmed general purpose computer for: compiling a purchasing history for the customer with respect to the business entity and the purchase agreement, the memory element for storing the purchasing history, and modifying, using the purchasing history and the AIP, the at least one requirement to increase revenue or profitability of the business entity; and an interface element in the specially-programmed general purpose computer for transmitting the modified at least one requirement for presentation to the customer. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090204496 | Method and system to manage multiple party rewards using a single account and artificial intelligence - A system for managing an account having at least one sub-account, including: a memory element, a processor, and an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer. The memory element stores a transaction history for the account, an incentive previously offered to the account, and an artificial intelligence program (AIP). The transaction history includes at least one transaction involving the main account or sub-accounts from the at least one sub-account. The processor is for: comparing the transaction history with a metric; generating, using the comparison of the transaction history with the metric, a desired transaction involving the account and a business entity; and modifying the incentive using the AIP and the comparison of the transaction history with the metric. Rewarding of the modified incentive is conditional upon execution of the desired transaction. The interface element is for transmitting the desired transaction and the modified incentive. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090276309 | SELF LEARNING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AN ADVERTISEMENT - A self-learning computer-based system for managing an advertisement, including: a memory element for at least one specially-programmed general purpose computer for storing: an artificial intelligence program (AIP) and a plurality of advertisements for at least one good or service offered by a first business entity; and an interface element for the at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer and a processor for the at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer for identifying a customer. The processor is for selecting an advertisement from the plurality of advertisements, using the AIP and the customer identification, and the interface element is for transmitting the selected advertisement. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20100057654 | SELF-LEARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A LOTTERY TICKET AT A POINT OF SALE DEVICE - A system for managing a purchase agreement, including: a memory element for at least one specially-programmed general purpose computer, for storing an artificial intelligence program (AIP), and a purchase agreement between a customer and at least one business entity, the purchase agreement including at least one requirement regarding at least one retail transaction between the customer and the at least one business entity; a processor in the computer for: compiling a purchasing history for the customer with respect to the at least one business entity and the purchase agreement, the memory element for storing the purchasing history and modifying, using the processor, the purchasing history, and the AIP, the at least one requirement to increase revenue or profitability of the at least one business entity; and an interface element in the computer for transmitting the modified at least one requirement for presentation to the customer. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100057661 | SELF LEARNING METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATE OR ANCILLARY PRODUCT CHOICE IN RESPONSE TO A PRODUCT SELECTION - A system including: a memory element for storing an artificial intelligence program (AIP); an interface element for receiving, from a wireless communications device (WCD), a first portion of an order; and a processor for generating, using the AIP, an offer in response to items or services in the first portion of the order. The interface element is for transmitting the offer to the WCD and receiving, from the WCD, a second portion of the order. The processor is for modifying, using the AIP, the offer in response to items or services in the first and second portions of the order by adding or modifying items, services, or incentives. The interface element is for transmitting the modified offer to the wireless communications network for transmission to the WCD. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100124986 | PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR PROVIDING A VIDEO GAME INCORPORATING VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDING - In an embodiment, products and processes permit a player to obtain funding for developing game environments. Funding sources include taxes, fees, licenses, bond issuance, loans, investors, commercial paper, convertible debt, bills, notes, debt issuance, promissory notes, venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, and treasury stock. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100173696 | Process and Apparatus for Video Game Development - In an embodiment, apparatus and methods for video games permit obtaining funding for developing game environments. A variety of possible funding sources are possible, such as venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, or treasury stock. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100173697 | MANAGEMENT ENGINE FOR CONTRACTUAL TERMS IN A VIDEO GAME - According to various embodiments, a video game allows one or more players to enter contracts, where credit cards or other financial instruments are used to secure the contracts. A player defaulting on such a contract can be subjected to penalties in the video game and/or in the real world. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100173701 | Video Game with Character Parameters Derived From Other Characters - In various embodiments, apparatus and processes permit a video game in which there are relationships between player characters, karma points employed, and death and reincarnation of player characters. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100173702 | System Permitting Funded Actions in a Video Game - Processes and products according to embodiments of the invention include video games with the possibility to obtain funding, such as through venture capital or the issuance of private shares among player characters. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100173703 | Apparatus and Process for Facilitating Binding Agreements Among Players of a Video Game - Herein described are video games which permit players to secure in-game contracts, such as by using credit cards or other financial instruments. Virtual and real world financial penalties can be applied to players and/or characters based on default of contracts. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100173713 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MASSIVELY MULTIPLAYER ONLINE GAMES - According to embodiments of the invention, processes and products permit relationships to be formed between player characters of a video game. In addition, death and reincarnation of player characters can be employed as features of the video game. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100185531 | SOFTWARE-BASED COMMERCE ENGINE DEPLOYED IN VIDEO GAME ENVIRONMENT - Disclosed herein are systems that permit players of a video game to secure contracts in-game using, e.g., credit systems such as credit cards or other financial instruments. Virtual and/or real world financial penalties can be applied to players and/or player characters who default on agreements. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100197382 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FACILITATING THE USE OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - This disclosure includes systems which generate a video game or other virtual environment, and institutions and transactions of a financial nature are facilitated by the video game. Some types of financial transactions may be guaranteed, such as by real world financial devices including credit cards. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100197409 | SYSTEM WHICH MANAGES RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CHARACTERS IN A VIDEO GAME OR OTHER VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - This disclosure includes systems which generate a video game or other virtual environment, and player characters in the video game can form relationships of various natures. Certain relationships provide benefits and/or obligations. The video game facilitates the monitoring, forming and terminating of various kinds of relationships. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100216542 | AGREEMENTS IN VIDEO GAMES PERMITTING VIRTUAL AND REAL WORLD PENALTIES OBLIGATIONS AND REMEDIES - Video game methods and apparatus permit contracts to be formed and enforced within a video game. Virtual and/or real world obligations, penalties and remedies are available for entities that are parties to or breach contracts or other obligations in virtual contracts. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100227669 | SOFTWARE-BASED SYSTEM THAT MANAGES INTERACTIONS AMONG VIDEO GAME CHARACTERS - In an online game methods and systems disclosed herein can permit characters to give help to or offer to give help to other characters. In an embodiment, the game tracks the amount of helpfulness of each character is provided. Characters may be rewarded or paid for giving help to each other. | 09-09-2010 |
