Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130054366 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING ADS DIRECTED TO PERSONAS HAVING ASSOCIATED CHARACTERISTICS - A system and method for directing self-targeted advertising to users who are interested in receiving it. A user creates or adopts one or more personas that define a number of characteristics that the user has or wants to be associated with. The characteristics of the personas can be used by advertisers to define members of a target audience. Each persona included in a target audience has an address or identifier to which ads are sent. In one embodiment, users are shown a user interface screen with icons representing a number of brands. The user provides input that indicates whether they have different opinions of the brands. Based on the input received, an estimate is made of the likelihood that the user has a number of characteristics. The user can arrange the icons representing the brands on the user interface screen to indicate if the user likes or dislikes the brand. | 02-28-2013 |
20130144710 | CONSUMER DRIVEN ADVERTISING SYSTEM - A system and method for directing self-targeted advertising to users who are interested in receiving it. A user creates or adopts one or more personas that define a number of characteristics that the user has or wants to be associated with. The characteristics of the personas can be used by advertisers to define members of a target audience. Each persona included in a target audience has an address or identifier to which ads are sent. In one embodiment, users are shown a user interface screen with icons representing a number of brands. The user provides input that indicates whether they have different opinions of the brands. Based on the input received, an estimate is made of the likelihood that the user has a number of characteristics. The user can arrange the icons representing the brands on the user interface screen to indicate if the user likes or dislikes the brand. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144711 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING ADS TO PERSONAS BASED ON DETERMINED USER CHARACTERISTICS - A system and method for directing self-targeted advertising to users who are interested in receiving it. A user creates or adopts one or more personas that define a number of characteristics that the user has or wants to be associated with. The characteristics of the personas can be used by advertisers to define members of a target audience. Each persona included in a target audience has an address or identifier to which ads are sent. In one embodiment, users are shown a user interface screen with icons representing a number of brands. The user provides input that indicates whether they have different opinions of the brands. Based on the input received, an estimate is made of the likelihood that the user has a number of characteristics. The user can arrange the icons representing the brands on the user interface screen to indicate if the user likes or dislikes the brand. | 06-06-2013 |
20130161381 | CONSUMER SELF-PROFILING GUI, ANALYSIS AND RAPID INFORMATION PRESENTATION TOOLS - An input and processing system allows user input information such as user affinity to efficiently determine user characteristics from content as well as novel input of commands such as copy/paste on a small mobile device screen among other computing devices. A client/server is also made more efficient due to the enhanced gathering of information. Also disclosed is a system for rapid presentation of information such as barcodes at barcode scanners. A system can request multiple barcodes, coupons or the like by detecting a signal from a scanner that information presented has been read. | 06-27-2013 |
20130167085 | CONSUMER SELF-PROFILING GUI, ANALYSIS AND RAPID INFORMATION PRESENTATION TOOLS - An input and processing system allows user input information such as user affinity to efficiently determine user characteristics from content as well as novel input of commands such as copy/paste on a small mobile device screen among other computing devices. A client/server is also made more efficient due to the enhanced gathering of information. Also disclosed is a system for rapid presentation of information such as barcodes at barcode scanners. A system can request multiple barcodes, coupons or the like by detecting a signal from a scanner that information presented has been read. | 06-27-2013 |
20140359471 | CONSUMER SELF-PROFILING GUI, ANALYSIS AND RAPID INFORMATION PRESENTATION TOOLS - An input and processing system allows user input information such as user affinity to efficiently determine user characteristics from content as well as novel input of commands such as copy/paste on a small mobile device screen among other computing devices. A client/server is also made more efficient due to the enhanced gathering of information. Also disclosed is a system for rapid presentation of information such as barcodes at barcode scanners. A system can request multiple barcodes, coupons or the like by detecting a signal from a scanner that information presented has been read. | 12-04-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090180781 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FREE SPACE OPTICAL COMMUNICATION - Free space optical communication methods and systems, according to various aspects are described. The methods and systems are characterized by transmission of data through free space with a digitized optical signal acquired using wavelength modulation, and by discrimination between bit states in the digitized optical signal using a spectroscopic absorption feature of a chemical substance. | 07-16-2009 |
20100142665 | Methods of Processing A Wireless Communication Signal, Wireless Communication Synchronization Methods, and A Radio Frequency Ideentification Device Communication Method - Wireless communications devices, methods of processing a wireless communication signal, wireless communication synchronization methods and a radio frequency identification device communication method are described. In one aspect, a wireless communication device includes an antenna configured to receive electromagnetic energy corresponding to a wireless communication signal outputted using an interrogator and to output electrical energy corresponding to the received electromagnetic energy, communication circuitry coupled with the antenna and configured to sample the electrical energy to process the wireless communication signal, synchronization circuitry coupled with the antenna and the communication circuitry and configured to generate a clock signal to control sampling of the electrical energy using the communication circuitry, wherein the synchronization circuitry is configured to generate a plurality of transitions within the clock signal responsive to a plurality of transitions of the electrical energy during a first data period and wherein the synchronization circuitry is configured to generate a plurality of transitions within the clock signal during a second data period including generating at least one of the transitions independent of transitions of the electrical energy. | 06-10-2010 |
20100289451 | Battery Charging Control Methods, Electric Vehicle Charging Methods, Battery Charging Apparatuses And Rechargeable Battery Systems - Battery charging control methods, electric vehicle charging methods, battery charging apparatuses and rechargeable battery systems are described. According to one aspect, a battery charging control method includes accessing information regarding a presence of at least one of a surplus and a deficiency of electrical energy upon an electrical power distribution system at a plurality of different moments in time, and using the information, controlling an adjustment of an amount of the electrical energy provided from the electrical power distribution system to a rechargeable battery to charge the rechargeable battery. | 11-18-2010 |
20110245987 | GRID REGULATION SERVICES FOR ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES BASED ON GRID FREQUENCY - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). | 10-06-2011 |
20120200160 | GRID REGULATION SERVICES FOR ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES BASED ON GRID FREQUENCY - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value). | 08-09-2012 |
20130268132 | GRID REGULATION SERVICES FOR ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES BASED ON GRID FREQUENCY - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value). | 10-10-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100106332 | Using bi-directional communications in a market-based resource allocation system - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106641 | Using one-way communications in a market-based resource allocation system - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values. | 04-29-2010 |
20100179862 | NESTED, HIERARCHICAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION SCHEMA FOR MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF AN ELECTRIC POWER GRID - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a system is disclosed comprising a first feeder network configured to deliver electrical power to a first plurality of customers. The first feeder network is controlled by a first market-based pricing system that computes a first feeder network price of electrical power at first periodic intervals. The system of this embodiment further comprises a second feeder network configured to deliver electrical power to a second plurality of customers. The second feeder network is controlled by a second market-based pricing system that computes a second feeder network price of electrical power at second periodic intervals. In this exemplary embodiment, the first feeder network and the second feeder network are part of a same distribution network, and the first feeder network price of electrical power is different than the second feeder network price of electrical power. | 07-15-2010 |
20110270452 | SCHEDULING AND MODELING THE OPERATION OF CONTROLLABLE AND NON-CONTROLLABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling and scheduling power distribution in a power network, such as household power network. One disclosed embodiment is a system comprising a central controller and a control device coupled to a household appliance. The central controller can comprise computing hardware coupled to a wireless transceiver. The central controller can be configured to generate and transmit control signals for controlling the operational state of the household appliance according to the schedule. Furthermore, the control device can be configured to receive the transmitted control signals from the central controller and to control the operational state of the household appliance in response to the control signals. | 11-03-2011 |
20120278220 | FORWARD-LOOKING TRANSACTIVE PRICING SCHEMES FOR USE IN A MARKET-BASED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for generating a bid value for purchasing electricity in a market-based resource allocation system. In this embodiment, a desired performance value indicative of a user's desired performance level for an electrical device is received. Price information from an electricity futures market is received. A bid value for purchasing electricity from a local resource allocation market sufficient to operate the electrical device at the desired performance level is computed. In this embodiment, the computing is performed based at least in part on the desired performance value and based at least in part on the price information from the electricity futures market. | 11-01-2012 |
20120278221 | PREVENTING CONFLICTS AMONG BID CURVES USED WITH TRANSACTIVE CONTROLLERS IN A MARKET-BASED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for operating a transactive thermostatic controller configured to submit bids to a market-based resource allocation system. According to the exemplary method, a first bid curve is determined, the first bid curve indicating a first set of bid prices for corresponding temperatures and being associated with a cooling mode of operation for a heating and cooling system. A second bid curve is also determined, the second bid curve indicating a second set of bid prices for corresponding temperatures and being associated with a heating mode of operation for a heating and cooling system. In this embodiment, the first bid curve, the second bid curve, or both the first bid curve and the second bid curve are modified to prevent overlap of any portion of the first bid curve and the second bid curve. | 11-01-2012 |
20130218743 | FORWARD-LOOKING TRANSACTIVE PRICING SCHEMES FOR USE IN A MARKET-BASED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for generating a bid value for purchasing electricity in a market-based resource allocation system. In this embodiment, a desired performance value indicative of a user's desired performance level for an electrical device is received. Price information from an electricity futures market is received. A bid value for purchasing electricity from a local resource allocation market sufficient to operate the electrical device at the desired performance level is computed. In this embodiment, the computing is performed based at least in part on the desired performance value and based at least in part on the price information from the electricity futures market. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218744 | FORWARD-LOOKING TRANSACTIVE PRICING SCHEMES FOR USE IN A MARKET-BASED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for generating a bid value for purchasing electricity in a market-based resource allocation system. In this embodiment, a desired performance value indicative of a user's desired performance level for an electrical device is received. Price information from an electricity futures market is received. A bid value for purchasing electricity from a local resource allocation market sufficient to operate the electrical device at the desired performance level is computed. In this embodiment, the computing is performed based at least in part on the desired performance value and based at least in part on the price information from the electricity futures market. | 08-22-2013 |
20130254090 | FORWARD-LOOKING TRANSACTIVE PRICING SCHEMES FOR USE IN A MARKET-BASED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for generating a bid value for purchasing electricity in a market-based resource allocation system. In this embodiment, a desired performance value indicative of a user's desired performance level for an electrical device is received. Price information from an electricity futures market is received. A bid value for purchasing electricity from a local resource allocation market sufficient to operate the electrical device at the desired performance level is computed. In this embodiment, the computing is performed based at least in part on the desired performance value and based at least in part on the price information from the electricity futures market. | 09-26-2013 |
20130325691 | USING BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN A MARKET-BASED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325692 | USING BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN A MARKET-BASED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values. | 12-05-2013 |
20140188689 | DISTRIBUTED HIERARCHICAL CONTROL ARCHITECTURE FOR INTEGRATING SMART GRID ASSETS DURING NORMAL AND DISRUPTED OPERATIONS - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for facilitating operation and control of a resource distribution system (such as a power grid). Among the disclosed embodiments is a distributed hierarchical control architecture (DHCA) that enables smart grid assets to effectively contribute to grid operations in a controllable manner, while helping to ensure system stability and equitably rewarding their contribution. Embodiments of the disclosed architecture can help unify the dispatch of these resources to provide both market-based and balancing services. | 07-03-2014 |