47th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 59 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130311238 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR ACCESSORIES OF A REMOTE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT PRODUCT - Systems and methods of the present disclosure facilitate providing a marketplace for accessories of a remote monitoring and management product. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to create a first user account for a first user with a first number of points, and a second user account for a second user with a second number of points. The system may obtain a first RMM accessory item (e.g., a monitor, a data view, an antivirus definition, a search, a report, a script, a system component, a plugin, a probe, or a definition) and a corresponding price. Responsive to receiving an indication of interest, the system may transmit the first RMM accessory item to the second user, add to the first number of points a first multiplier times the price, and subtract from the second number of points a second multiplier times the price. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311239 | Generating an Optimized Pricing Plan - Generating an optimized pricing plan includes accessing a hierarchy comprising a sequence of levels, where each level includes an objective function and a set of constraints associated with the objective function. A mathematical programming model representing a pricing plan problem is determined for an item group comprising items. The following is repeated for each level of the sequence of levels: selecting a level comprising an objective function and a set of constraints associated with the objective function, determining an optimized boundary for the objective function, and adding a constraint generated from the optimized boundary to the set of constraints of a next level. An objective function of a last level of the sequence is optimized subject to the set of constraints associated with the objective function to yield an optimized result. An optimized pricing plan is generated in accordance with the optimized result. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311240 | AERIAL ROOF ESTIMATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system that allows the remote measurement of the size, geometry, pitch and orientation of the roof sections of a building and then uses the information to provide an estimate to repair or replace the roof, or to install equipment thereon. The system includes an aerial image file database that shows aerial images of buildings in a designated area according to address. The slope and orientation images are typically oblique perspective views and top plan views of the buildings in the area. The system also includes an image analysis and calibration feature that enables the viewer to closely estimate the size, geometry and orientation of the building's roof sections. The information can then be used to prepare a cost estimate for the repair or replacement of the roof or installation of roof equipment. By simply inputting the potential customer's address, the company is able to determine the size, geometry, pitch and orientation of the roof sections of the building at that address, and then quickly provide an accurate estimate to the customer. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311241 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AND VISUALLY PREDICTING AT-RISK INTEGRATED PROCESSES BASED ON AGE AND ACTIVITY - An information handling system comprises a connection via a network interface for receiving business process data from an integrated business process running at a location, the business process data comprises at least data indicating data volume for the integrated business process. The information handling system further comprises a storage device for storing data representing an aggregate of business process data for an integrated business process and account data for the enterprise user of the integrated business process, and a processor adapted to determine a qualitative integrated business process performance designation from the aggregate business process data and account data. If the processor determines that there is no data volume from the business process data and no saved changes to the integrated business process within a specified time period, then the processor allocates an at-risk integrated business process performance designation and prepares a case file for this integrated business process. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311242 | Business Process Analytics - A system for visualizing a process includes a trace manager receiving a plurality of trace sets, each trace set having a plurality of business process execution traces, each of the business process execution traces being a representation of an individual work flow, a model generator creating a model from each of the trace sets, each model being a directed graph including a work flow of an aggregate of the business process execution traces in a respective trace set, a model comparator extracting a plurality of differences between the models and creating a comparison result based on the plurality of differences, wherein the comparison result is stored to a collaborative system, and a trace set identifier configured to identify a subset of the trace set based on a selected subsection of the model, where the subset of trace set exhibits at least one difference extracted from the selected subsection of the model. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311243 | ANALYZING DEVICE - An analyzing device requires regular maintenance for maintaining a predetermined analyzing performance thereof. However, the more complex the analyzing device becomes, the more number of maintenance items are provided. For example, if a plurality of types of maintenances to be performed by removing same component, efficiency may be improved by performing the same as a whole. However, when conforming with a manual, if recommended timings to perform the maintenance are shifted delicately, there is a probability of occurrence of a case where the same components are removed several times for maintenance during a short time. At the time when an instruction to perform maintenance is issued, maintenance items to be performed are extracted, the extracted maintenance items are sorted into a recommended performance order in conformity to a preset rule such that the similar maintenance or the maintenance of the same portion or the like are performed continuously. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311244 | Computer Automated System for Selecting, Tracking, and Rating Workers - Computer automated system for selected, tracking and rating workers. One embodiment of the present invention provides, to a first user, a plurality of outputs representing a plurality of questions relating to the first user's technical skill. A plurality of inputs representing a plurality of answers to the plurality of questions is received from the first user. A technical comfort score representing the first user's comfort with technology is identified based on the plurality of answers. A determination is then made whether the technical comfort score satisfies a first criterion. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311245 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAMIFYING PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - In accordance with embodiments, mechanisms and methods are provided for gamifying personal development. The mechanisms and methods for gamifying personal development may enable embodiments to provide a technique for encouraging behaviors or skills in the work place through competitions and game theory often associated with games. The mechanisms and methods for gamifying personal development can include employees/players taking challenges and creating challenges. The mechanisms and methods for gamifying personal development can include a point economy in which the employee/player accumulates player and/or creator points, and obtains privileges may be assigned based on the number of points awarded in a particular topic area. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311246 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING, GENERATING SUGGESTIONS FOR, AND IMPROVING WEBSITES - A content and data analysis method for evaluating and improving a website, by accessing the website to be analyzed, analyzing the content and data associated with the website, scoring the website based on a multitude of criteria, and generating suggestions for improving the website. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311247 | System for Supplying Power to an Electric Vehicle on a Parking Space - A system is proposed for supplying power to an electric vehicle on a parking space, which system has, for each parking space or for a group of parking spaces, a charging station which is assigned to the parking space or the group of parking spaces and which comprises means for supplying power to the electric car, for detecting the consumed power, for identifying or detecting the vehicle for the purpose of billing for the consumed power, and a device for paying for the consumed power. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311248 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INCENTIVIZING ACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF A NFC BASED PAYMENT FORM - Aspects disclosed herein relate to providing an incentive structure associated with various actions that are tied to access and/or use of a NFC based payment form. In one example, a NFC device may be configured to determine that a usage value for a NFC device is within a threshold value of a NFC account ceiling value. The NFC device may be further configured to provide a user with one or more actions to perform and information indicating how each of the one or more actions will affect the NFC account ceiling value. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311249 | CONNECTING ELECTRIC VEHICLE OPERATORS AND ORGANIZATIONS - An organization extends an affiliation offer to electric vehicle operators. The affiliation offer communicates a set of benefits for the electric vehicle operators provided by the organization, and also communicates a set of conditions for acceptance of the affiliation offer. An acceptance of the affiliation offer is received from an electric vehicle operator, where the acceptance includes an identifier associated with that electric vehicle operator. Responsive to verifying that the electric vehicle operator is allowed to be affiliated with the organization, the electric vehicle operator is associated with the organization to provide the set of benefits. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311250 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPROVING DRIVING SAFETY - Methods and apparatus encouraging distraction-free driving using at least a server and a mobile colt Cat ion device are disclosed. The method includes implementing challenges having challenge parameters, the challenge pertaining to encouraging the distraction-free driving. The method also includes tracking trip data and measuring the trip data against the challenge parameters. The method also includes administering at least a monetary-based or non-monetary-based reward to a user who accomplishes the challenge by satisfying the challenge parameters. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311251 | System and Method for Presenting Advertisements in Conjunction with Presentation of a Bill - A system comprises an electronic display. A media processor is configured to present information at least comprising an advertisement for an establishment on the electronic display to a patron of the establishment. A power source is operable to supply an operating power to at least the electronic display and the media processor. A check presenter is configured to at least retain the electronic display and a check or bill from the establishment to the patron in which the advertisement is presented on the electronic display to the patron. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311252 | Electronic display sign and merchanise pairing - An electronic sign includes a bi-stable display portion to display primary content such as price, type of offer, etc. and another secondary display portion to display secondary content such as enterprise name, logo, eye-catching message, etc. Enterprises are enabled to adhere to their organization's color theme while conveying secondary information. Secondary content may be fixed content or may be selected from a predefined set of content. The presently described electronic sign uses a passive medium to display secondary content along with a bi-stable display for displaying primary content, resulting in an effective, low cost solution. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311253 | MOBILE DEVICE REAL ESTATE LISTING METHOD AND APPARATUS - According to some embodiments, a method and apparatus are provided to wirelessly facilitate the sale of real estate, the method and apparatus to receive data associated with a particular real estate property and an electronic signature of a seller of the particular real estate property. An executed contract based on the received data and the received electronic signature is created and in response to the executed contract, the received data is automatically transmitted, wirelessly, to an online listing service. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311254 | System and Method to Visually Present Assets and Access Platforms for the Assets - A method includes generating a display that includes an option to prohibit delivery of tangible items and, for each of a plurality of assets, information identifying the asset and an icon corresponding to an access platform associated with the asset. A first icon of a first asset is included in the display in response to determining that a first access platform associated with the first asset includes a delivery option. The first asset includes a tangible asset. The delivery option is associated with delivery of the tangible asset. The method also includes sending the display to a display device. The method further includes, in response to a selection of the option to prohibit delivery of tangible items, removing the association between the first access platform and the first asset and updating the display to reflect the removal. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311255 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING AND UPDATING LIMITED REDEMPTION COUPONS ON A MOBILE DEVICE - A method for updating a limited redemption coupon includes: storing, in a database, at least one coupon record for at least one coupon, wherein the at least one coupon record includes at least a limitation on redemption associated with the at least one coupon; updating, in the database, the limitation on redemption associated with the at least one coupon in response to a limiting event; and transmitting, by a transmitting device, the updated limitation on redemption associated with the at least one coupon to at least one mobile communication device for display on the at least one mobile communication device. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311256 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING MARKETING AND INCENTIVES FOR CUSTOMERS AND/OR BUSINESSES - A platform connects customers and businesses for purchasing goods and/or services at a first price, which is less than a second price offered to the general public. Offers are made to customers through the platform under a first payment option or a second payment option. The first payment option is a pay now option where a customer pays for the voucher before receiving it, and the business pays financial consideration to the platform for the opportunity to provide the vouchers. The second payment option is a pay later option where the business pays no financial consideration to the platform for its offers. Customers pay a periodic subscription and receive the vouchers without payment. Payment for the vouchers occurs directly with the business at the time of redemption. Businesses may also be paid commissions for attracting customers to use the platform. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311257 | PRODUCT TRIAL USE TRANSACTION - For product trial use transactions, a distribution module receives a single specified subscription fee from a subscriber and receives a selection of a first product from a plurality of products. Purchase prices of the plurality of products are not uniform. The distribution module further provides the first product to the subscriber in response to receiving the single specified subscription fee and the selection of the first product. In addition, the detection module detects a return of the first product by a specified trial end date. A transaction module automatically transacts a sale of the first product to the subscriber after the specified trial end date if the first product is not received back from the subscriber by the specified trial end date. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311258 | DIFFERENTIAL DEALS IN A THEME GROUP - Techniques are provided for offering a deal to a group of users, and for determining differential discounts for the users of the group that participate in the deal. A deal is offered to users of a group of users formed in association with a corresponding topic. Each user of the group is enabled to selectively accept the deal. The deal is confirmed with a plurality of users of the group that accepted the deal. Discounts for the deal are differentially assigned to the plurality of users based on at least one parameter such that at least two users that accepted the deal have discounts that are different from each other. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311259 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACQUIRING NEW CUSTOMERS - Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for acquiring new customers. A plurality of merchants may submit customer lists to a business acquisition coalition (BAC). The BAC may combine the customer lists to create a master customer list. A merchant may transmit a customer offer to the BAC. The BAC may create an offer list comprising customers that meet criteria of the customer offer. The BAC may remove customers from the offer list which were provided by the merchant. The BAC may transmit the customer offer to the customers on the offer list. A customer may purchase the customer offer. The BAC may transmit payment to the merchant, and transmit a commission to a providing merchant that provided the customer's information. The BAC may receive an acquisition fee from the merchant. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311260 | Reward Structures - In accordance with some implementations, a method for rewarding users in a social referral system in accordance with some implementations is disclosed. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors. The server system stores genealogy data for a plurality of users of the computer system. The server system then detects a user interaction with the computer system. The server system then determines whether the detected user interaction is associated with a reward. The server system then, in accordance with a determination that the detected user interaction is associated with a reward, determines, based on the stored genealogy data associated with the detected user interaction, a list of one or more users to receive at least a portion of the reward associated with the detected user interaction. The server system then allocates the associated reward to at least one of the one or more listed users. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311261 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECRUITING, COMMUNICATING WITH, AND PAYING PARTICIPANTS OF INTERACTIVE ADVERTISING - A method and apparatus for recruiting, communicating with, and paying participants of interactive advertising are described. The present invention is a system through which advertisers car recruit, communicate with, and pay their potential customers for their time. The system achieves these functions without the advertiser or the customer having to be in the same location—all logistics are handled through the system's web site, database, and communications interfaces. The system enables advertisers to promote interactive seminars in which they try to sell products to potential customers. Most importantly, the advertisers are able to offer their potential customers financial rewards for their time, such as 25 cents per minute to reward a customer for listening to a sales pitch. The system then provides a real-time communications link between the advertiser and customer. The system automatically bills the advertiser and rewards the customer for the time that they interact. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311262 | OFFER REDEMPTION RATE BASED SELECTION AND DISPLAY OF OFFERS - This invention relates generally to a transactions network and to a method and system for managing electronic transactions, in particular merchant offers such as voucher entries having discounts associated with them. A voucher application module stores a record of each time that a respective voucher entry of a plurality of voucher entries stored in the data store is redeemed. A score calculator calculates a redemption rate at which the voucher entry is redeemed. A ranking module ranks the voucher entries based one the scores of the voucher entries of a plurality of the merchant accounts. A notification module preferentially transmits voucher entries that are displayed in accordance with their ranking. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311263 | Personalized Discount Keys for Enterprise Online Stores - The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for generating and using discount keys associated with a particular sales person in association with sales within an enterprise online store. One example process includes operations for (i) identifying a discount key at a sales system associated with a prospective sale negotiated between a sales person and a prospective customer, (ii) determining at least one item associated with the identified discount key, (iii) determining at least one discount associated with the determined items associated with the identified discount key, (iii) facilitating completion of the prospective sale at the sales system for the prospective customer based on the at least one determined discount associated with the at least one determined item, and (iv) associating the completion of the prospective sale at the sales system with a sales account for the sales person. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311264 | CONNECTING ELECTRIC VEHICLE OPERATORS AND ORGANIZATIONS - An electric vehicle operator inputs a secret affiliation code. In response to determining that the secret affiliation code is valid and corresponds with an affiliation offer, an affiliation offer is extended to that electric vehicle operator. The affiliation offer communicates a set of benefits for the electric vehicle operator provided by an organization, and also communicates a set of conditions for acceptance of the affiliation offer. An acceptance of the affiliation offer is received from an electric vehicle operator, where the acceptance includes an identifier associated with that electric vehicle operator. Responsive to verifying that the electric vehicle operator is allowed to be affiliated with the organization, the electric vehicle operator is associated with the organization to provide the set of benefits. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311265 | ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An electronic payment system is described that includes a payer device capable of performing an electronic payment process in which an electronic payment is executed, the payer device including a positioning unit that is capable of determining the current location of the payer device, a payee device capable of receiving the electronic payment; and a payment verification unit that is capable of performing a location-based verification check. The payer device transmits its current location to the payment verification unit during the electronic payment process and the payment verification unit accepts or rejects the electronic payment based on the current location of the payer device. A corresponding method is also described. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311266 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PERSONALIZE REWARDS AND LOYALTY PROGRAMS - A computer system and method that determines personalized transaction yields for one or more payment vehicles in real-time-and can automatically process the transaction on the optimally advantageous vehicle. Embodiments of the invention disclose a system and method that can advise and instantly generate rewards bids for credit issuers and arbitrate, present, and reconcile those rewards bids for consumers. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311267 | METHODS FOR AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING USER SPECIFIC GUIDANCE - The present invention provides methods and apparatus for associating Emotional Motivators with a Product. The Emotional Motivators associated with the Products are correlated with Emotional Motivators associated with a Purchaser. Advice regarding a Purchase may be provided based upon the correlated Emotional Motivators. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311268 | VISIBILITY-BASED ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM IN 3D VIRTUAL WORLD - Embodiments of the invention may include generating a plurality of video frames that are operable to represent a world space, wherein the world space includes an advertisement. In addition, a visibility characteristic of the advertisement in the plurality of video frames may be determined. Further, the visibility characteristic may be communicated to an advertisement engine. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311269 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOMMENDING A GRAMMAR FOR A MESSAGE CAMPAIGN USED BY A MESSAGE OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM - A system and method is provided for recommending a grammar for a message campaign used by a message optimization system. A user specifies parameters for a new campaign, from which a set of statistical design budgets is calculated. The user selects a grammar structure, recommended based on the statistical design budgets, for the campaign. The n-most relevant past campaigns are identified. Semantic tags, associated with each previously used value from the n-most relevant past campaigns and each of a plurality of untested values, are identified and ranked based on past performance. The previously used values are ordered by ranked tag group and then within each tag group, while the untested values are ordered by ranked tag group and then randomly within the tag group. Recommended values are selected from the ranked list of previously used values and untested values depending on the degree of exploration/conservatism indicated by the user. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311270 | MOOD-BASED SEARCHING AND/OR ADVERTISING SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus, methods, etc. for mood-based searching and/or advertising. Some methods comprise receiving a mood-based search request including the requestor's mood. The requestor mood is limited to a predetermined mood set. A database is searched for activities subjectively suitable for the requestor mood. Such methods also comprise outputting the suitable activities. Some methods comprise receiving feedback regarding the activity ambience. If desired, some methods comprise adjusting an initial activity ambience responsive thereto. Moreover, some methods comprise adjusting variables used to derive the initial ambience markings. Furthermore methods comprise targeting advertising based on a path associated with the activities. Furthermore, some methods comprise limiting the targeted advertising to activities suitable for the requestor mood (which can comprise multiple moods and/or a mood recipe). The activities can be initially marked with moods determined from web-scraped content and semantically analyzing the same. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311271 | STRUCTURED RELEVANT KEYWORD AND INTENT SUGGESTION WITH BID AND OTHER AUCTION PARAMETERS BASED ON ADVERTISER SPECIFIC CONTEXT - Systems, computer-readable media, and methods for suggesting intents and bids for the suggested intents to a user are provided. The user may have an advertising campaign that includes one or more words. An advertisement system is configured to suggest intents and bids for intents. The intents are represented by a bundle of keywords. The advertisement system suggests bundles having similar intents to the one or more words associated with the user. A graphical user interface displays the bundles and allows the user to modify the keywords and bids. The graphical user interface is also updated with statistics associated with the bundles or keywords in the bundle. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311272 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY OPTIMIZING PROFIT FOR GUARANTEED DEAL BIDDING - A computer-implemented method of optimizing real time profit for guaranteed deal bidding includes receiving a plurality of inputs for a guaranteed deal. The computer-implemented method also includes formulating an expected profit for the guaranteed deal based on the plurality of inputs. Further, the computer-implemented method includes optimizing the expected profit dynamically by varying a bid amount. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method includes rendering an advertisement corresponding to a bidder to attain a maximum profit. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311273 | ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM WITH ADVERTISEMENT SELECTION RULES ENGINE - Embodiments of the invention may include receiving characteristics associated with an execution session of a software application, wherein the execution session of the software application includes generating a plurality of video frames by a graphics processing system. In addition, an advertisement may be determined based on the characteristics. Further, advertisement data corresponding to the advertisement may be provided to the graphics processing system, wherein the graphics processing system is operable to include the advertisement data in the plurality of video frames for display. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311274 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EDITING A WEB PAGE - A method and system for editing a web page. The method includes identifying various events, determining one or more edits, performed on a web page, corresponding to each of the events, storing the one or more edits, performed on the web page, in real time, merging the one or more edits performed on the web page with content present on the web page to form an edited web page and displaying the edited web page to the user. The system includes an electronic device, a communication interface and a memory. The system also includes a processor to identify various events, determine one or more edits performed on a web page, store the edits, merge the edits performed on the web page with content present on the web page and display edited web page. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311275 | Electronic display signs having primary display and second display - An electronic sign includes a bi-stable display portion to display primary content such as price, type of offer, etc. and another secondary display portion to display secondary content such as enterprise name, logo, eye-catching message, etc. Enterprises are enabled to adhere to their organization's color theme while conveying secondary information. Secondary content may be fixed content or may be selected from a predefined set of content. The presently described electronic sign uses a passive medium to display secondary content along with a bi-stable display for displaying primary content, resulting in an effective, low cost solution. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311276 | METHODS FOR VOICE ACTIVATED ADVERTISEMENT COMPRESSION AND DEVICES THEREOF - A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for voice activated advertisement compression includes outputting by an end user computing device one of one or more items of advertising content associated with requested content. During the outputting of the one of the one or more items of advertising content any captured audio input is converted into a converted audio input. A determination is made whether the converted audio input matches stored information associated with the one of the items of advertising content being output. An action with respect to the one of the items of advertising content being output is executed when the determination indicates a match between the converted audio input and the stored information. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311277 | Web-Based Marketplace for Product Placement and Brand Integration - The present invention describes an online, electronic marketplace for brand integration and product placement. The system provides entertainment companies the opportunity to present their available brand integration inventory, while providing advertisers and their agencies a single source to monitor brand integration options, as well as a forum in which to transact directly with entertainment providers. The system preferably leverages both historical and forward looking data. The platform enables a buyer or seller to view or offer brand integration opportunities across multiple mediums (e.g., television, film, music, video games, and the like), to search opportunities by product category, demographic, or entertainment medium, to sort opportunities by price or date, and to validate post-deal brand integration effectiveness using a defined set of product placement-specific metrics. The system provides brand integration opportunities to be bought and sold throughout an entire lifecycle (pre-production, production, post-production, broadcast/distribution and post-broadcast) of a given program. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311278 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADVERTISEMENT TRANSMISSION AND DISPLAY - The disclosure herein provides systems and methods for a media enhancement system configured to associate a secondary media signal (for example, the secondary media signal can comprise an advertisement) to a primary media signal (for example, a radio broadcast). The disclosure herein additionally provides systems and methods for a media enhancement system that enables the generating, transmitting, displaying, and/or responding to a plurality of associated and/or unassociated secondary media signals, based on a primary media content from a primary media signal, user characteristics (for example, demographic and/or geographic information), and/or third-party preferences (for example, the goals of advertisers). The secondary media signals can be used to enhance the primary media content already being provided to the user on a user device. The secondary media signals can also be used to create psychological associations or relationships with the primary media content already being provided to the user. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311279 | Methods and Systems for Advertising and Facilitating Consumer-Related Activities Including Pay-Per-Redemption Methods and Electronic Voucher Use, Storage, and Management - Methods and systems for associating advertising, promotions, redeemable rewards, payments and/or transactions to implement pay-per-redemption and similar advertising methods and for using, storing, and managing electronic vouchers. One embodiment provides a method of associating advertising with a transaction. The method may comprise determining a fee arrangement between a first entity and a second entity based on completion of transactions associated with electronic advertisements. The method may comprise providing to a recipient an electronic advertisement associated with an electronic voucher offering redemption of a benefit in return for completion of a transaction using the electronic voucher. And, the method may comprise receiving an advertising fee from the second entity according to the fee arrangement as a result of completion of a transaction using the electronic voucher. Another method comprises providing an electronic voucher from a voucher-source to a voucher-recipient, receiving an instruction to use die electronic voucher with a transaction between the voucher-recipient and a transaction-entity, completing the transaction using the electronic voucher, providing the benefit of the electronic voucher to the voucher-recipient, and associating the transaction with the voucher-source. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311280 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED MASS MEDIA COMMERCE - Systems and methods for implementing point of advertising purchasing include using mass media publications configured for or containing service, product or vendor transmittable signals, such as from radio frequency identification tags. In a preferred arrangement, a consumer perceiving an advertisement of the mass media publication may activate a reader in a portable communications device, such as a smart mobile or cellular phone, to receive information from the radio frequency signal associated with the advertisement to identify a vendor, product or service associated with the radio frequency identification. The smart mobile phone or communications device of the consumer may communicate with a system of a vendor across a network to order a product or product information from a system of the vendor over the network by using the information from the radio frequency identification. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311281 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED MASS MEDIA COMMERCE - Systems and methods for implementing point of advertising purchasing include using mass media publications configured for or containing service, product or vendor transmittable signals, such as from radio frequency identification tags. In a preferred arrangement, a consumer perceiving an advertisement of the mass media publication may activate a reader in a portable communications device, such as a smart mobile or cellular phone, to receive information from the radio frequency signal associated with the advertisement to identify a vendor, product or service associated with the radio frequency identification. The smart mobile phone or communications device of the consumer may communicate with a system of a vendor across a network to order a product or product information from a system of the vendor over the network by using the information from the radio frequency identification. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311282 | MARKETING COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Disclosed is a computer implemented marketing communication management system and method enabling a point of sale provider who offers goods and/or services for sale and who maintains a customer information database, to use a marketing management software application provided by a software provider to create, schedule delivery and analyze targeted electronic marketing communications via one or more selected electronic communication methods to all or selected subsets of the provider's subscribed customers. A non-limiting example system is specifically discussed and illustrated as adapted for use in a tanning or beauty salon business offering indoor tanning services to customers using ultraviolet or sunless tanning equipment and offering for sale to customers associated tanning products such as skin care preparations and eye protection products. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311283 | DATA MINING METHOD FOR SOCIAL NETWORK OF TERMINAL USER AND RELATED METHODS, APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS - a data mining method for a social network of a terminal user and related methods, apparatuses and systems are provided. A user identifier of a terminal may be acquired, then a communication record of a user is acquired by using the user identifier, and first social information is obtained according to the user identifier and the communication record; a data packet for accessing, by the user, a social network service is acquired according to the user identifier, and second social information is obtained according to the user identifier and the data packet; information published by the user on the Internet may be acquired according to the user identifier, and third social information is obtained according to the user identifier and the published information, and finally, a user social database is established or updated by using the first social information, the second social information and the third social information. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311284 | Assured comprehension advertising system - Methods and apparatus for providing messages ( | 2013-11-21 |
20130311285 | APPS IN ADVERTISEMENTS - Systems and methods for responding to a search query from a user are presented. In responding to a search query from a user, the user is presented with a search results page. The search results page includes both search results (relevant to the search query) and one or more advertisements. At least one of the advertisements is a specially configured advertisement that includes a corresponding app. Execution of the app is initiated through a user-actionable control in the advertisement. Unlike other advertisements that cause navigation to an advertisers landing page, the corresponding app executes within the context of the browser view/search results page. The corresponding app may be designed so that a transaction may be completed through its execution (the particular transaction depending upon the design of the app.) | 2013-11-21 |
20130311286 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING DETERMINATION OF MARKETING INFORMATION FOR ONLINE CONSUMERS BASED ON A LOCATION CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ONLINE CONSUMER - In accordance with some embodiments, a location based marketing service is operable to select and output to a user device a marketing offer (e.g., a coupon or price matching certificate) based on (i) a location characteristic of at least one of the user device and a user associated with the user device; and (ii) online activity of the user (e.g., a key word search performed by the user or a product web page visited by the user). In accordance with some embodiments, the marketing offer is redeemable at a merchant within a predetermined distance of the user, as determined by the location characteristic of the user. In accordance with one embodiment, the location characteristic of the user is determined based on an IP address of a user device associated with the user. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311287 | CONTEXT-AWARE VIDEO PLATFORM SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A video-platform server may obtain and provide context-specific metadata to remote playback devices, including identifying advertising campaigns and/or games that match one or more assets (e.g., actors, locations, articles of clothing, business establishments, or the like) that are depicted in or otherwise associated with a given video segment. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311288 | ONLINE ADVERTISING VALUATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method comprising for determining the value provided to an advertiser through the advertiser's online advertisements. The method may begin with providing an online advertisement linked to content. A macro-context may be obtained that quantifies the affinity of the content for a plurality of domains corresponding to a semantic space. A personalization vector may be obtained that quantifies the affinity of at least one aspect of a user for the plurality of domains. The user may then select the online advertisement. A match value may be calculated that quantifies the similarity between the personalization vector and the macro-context. The advertiser may then be charged a monetary amount for the user's “click.” The monetary amount may be based, at least in part, on the match value. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311289 | DISPLAY DEVICE, IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING IMAGE - Provided is a system whereby improved effects of advertisement are anticipated. An advertising system ( | 2013-11-21 |
20130311290 | Website based on user current location - This new invention will be implemented in a software system. It will be a new process that will improve user experience. This new invention allow user to find and open website based on user location. It will allow websites to serve the user based on their local needs. It will also eliminate the need of typing web address, searching site, scanning barcode etc. to open website if user is present at the location. This new invention will also provide easy information from the web about the famous places if the user is present at the location without even knowing the exact name of the location. Mobile Application will provide the user interface. Web Service will be used by Mobile Application to get the websites list by passing two parameters longitude and latitude. The Database data will be used by the Web Service to create the list. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311291 | MOBILE MESSAGING ECOSYSTEM - CONTENT MESSAGE LAYER - This disclosure relates to the use of a content message layer or a mobile device edge technology to render and measure interactive impression messages to a mobile device during a specified time and place and with discretionary control. Furthermore, the disclosure describes a new mobile message delivery and measurement channel that joins the message sender and recipient in a closed-loop progressive conversation and where messages can be rolled over in time. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311292 | MOBILE MESSAGING ECOSYSTEM - ROLLOVER MESSAGE - This disclosure relates to the use of a content message layer or a mobile device edge technology to render and measure interactive impression messages to a mobile device during a specified time and place and with discretionary control. Furthermore, the disclosure describes a new mobile message delivery and measurement channel that joins the message sender and recipient in a closed-loop progressive conversation and where messages can be rolled over in time. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311293 | MOBILE MESSAGING ECOSYSTEM - RENDERED MESSAGE - This disclosure relates to the use of a content message layer or a mobile device edge technology to render and measure interactive impression messages to a mobile device during a specified time and place and with discretionary control. Furthermore, the disclosure describes a new mobile message delivery and measurement channel that joins the message sender and recipient in a closed-loop progressive conversation and where messages can be rolled over in time. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311294 | MOBILE MESSAGING ECOSYSTEM - CLOSED LOOP - This disclosure relates to the use of a content message layer or a mobile device edge technology to render and measure interactive impression messages to a mobile device during a specified time and place and with discretionary control. Furthermore, the disclosure describes a new mobile message delivery and measurement channel that joins the message sender and recipient in a closed-loop progressive conversation and where messages can be rolled over in time. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311295 | DISPLAY CONTENT ADVERTISING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for providing advertising information to a user includes a holding device attached to a shopping cart. The holding device removably holds a mobile device. The system includes a recognizable indicia supported by the holding device. The recognizable indicia is recognizable by the mobile device. As such, the mobile device can transmit a first set of information related to the recognizable indicia to a server and receive a second set of information from the server in response. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311296 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TARGETING ADVERTISING TO A DEVICE BASED ON INSTALLED APPLICATIONS - A system for targeting advertising can include a communications interface and a processor. The communications interface can receive data associated with times of use of applications. The processor can be communicatively coupled to the communications interface and can categorize the applications by genres. The categorization is within a time of use group and is based on at least part of the retrieved data. The processor can also determine priority values associated with the genres based on levels of use of the applications during a period of time associated with the time of use group. The processor can also identify a current time and determine an advertisement according to at least one genre of the genres. The at least one genre can be associated with a highest priority value of the determined priority values. The period associated with the time of use group can correspond to the identified current time. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311297 | EMBEDDING SPONSORED CONTENT IN MOBILE APPLICATIONS - In embodiments, the present invention provides a method and system for distribution of advertising of sponsored content within an application of a mobile communication facility, wherein selection of the sponsored content is based at least on one or more predefined hardware or software characteristics of the mobile communication facility. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311298 | TARGETED AUDIO STREAM - A system and method is configured to receive a single video stream, synchronized with multiple audio streams, from a content producer. In addition, viewer information is received from a client device; and viewer profile information is retrieved. The client device is provided instructions to switch to one of the multiple audio streams that closely correspond to the viewer profile information, while maintaining the same video stream and synchronization. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311299 | INTERACTIVE PROPERTY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for interactive property communication. In various embodiments, an interactive property communication system includes two or more property communication nodes (PCNs) each adapted for coupling to an electrical service. PCNs include a radio transceiver for communications with a broker service adapted for controlling communications with one or more PCNs. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311300 | METHOD OF ADVERTISING TECHNOLOGY - There is disclosed a method of presenting advertisements on devices or apparatus ( | 2013-11-21 |
20130311301 | CONTENT EASEMENT AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR INTERNET ACCESS PROVIDERS AND PREMISE OPERATORS - Certain embodiments of a Content Easement and Management System (CEMS) described herein may enable bandwidth/Internet access providers and premise operators to empirically track and collect entrance revenues for advertising and content provided over their networks and infrastructure. Advertising content may be identified by the system and, optionally, blocked and/or replaced prior to being transmitted to a user terminal. Advertising publishers may register with the system and agree to pay a fee in exchange for permission to have their advertising content provided to the user terminal. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311302 | Method and stored program for accumulating descriptive profile data along with source information for use in targeting third-party advertisements - A method of accumulating descriptive profile data uses a databank that can be contacted by profile providers who contribute profile elements about an online visitor. The method includes keeping track of which profile provider contributed which elements, so that use of particular elements in targeting electronic third-party advertisements automatically can result in compensation. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311303 | ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM WITH AUCTION/BIDDING FOR ADVERTISEMENT PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Embodiments of the invention may include receiving a plurality of bids, wherein each bid corresponds to an advertisement placement opportunity in a plurality of video frames generated by a graphics processing system in response to instructions from a software application. In addition, a winning bid may be determined from the plurality of bids by evaluating the plurality of bids. Further, an advertisement corresponding to the winning bid may be provided to the graphics processing system, wherein the graphics processing system is operable to include the advertisement in the plurality of video frames for display. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311304 | Automated Channel Abstraction for Advertising Auctions - In a computer-implemented method of determining an abstraction of a plurality of differentiated goods available for exchange, data regarding each differentiated good is stored in a computer storage, wherein the data regarding each differentiated good includes an attribute value assigned to at least one attribute of the differentiated good. A processor of a computer determines a first abstraction of the plurality of differentiated goods based on the stored data. The first abstraction includes at least one abstract good. Each abstract good includes one or more differentiated goods. At least one abstract good of the first abstraction includes at least two distinct differentiated goods. The processor determines for each abstract good a specification for the abstract good based on the data regarding one or more differentiated goods forming the abstract good. The processor stores in the computer storage the specification determined for each abstract good. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311305 | UPDATING OLD MEDIA WITH CONFIGURABLE ENTITIES - The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can provide configurable entities in connection with electronic archival of print-based media. In accordance therewith, print-based media can be archived electronically (e.g., by imaging or scanning the print-based media) in a remastered form that provides for displaying the original work with readily modifiable entities, such as advertisements. Media or entities can be selected based upon the original advertiser, the original product, or another element or feature of the print-based media, and can also be selected based upon a profile associated with the media consumer. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311306 | PROVIDING FOCUS TO A SEARCH MODULE PRESENTED ON A DYNAMIC WEB PAGE - Techniques are described herein for providing focus to a search module presented on a dynamic web page. The search module is configured to include an interface element for performance of a web search. Focus is provided to the search module by removing other modules from the presentation of the dynamic web page upon detecting an input from a user that activates the search module. In one example, component(s) of the search module (e.g., the interface element) may also be re-located and/or re-sized to further facilitate in providing focus to the search module. In another example, other modules associated with the search module may be added to the presentation of the dynamic web page in response to detecting the input from the user that activates the search module. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311307 | CONTEXT-AWARE 2D ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM FOR GAMES - Embodiments of the invention may include, in response to instructions from a software application, generating a plurality of video frames that are operable to represent a three dimensional virtual space. In addition, a supplemental image may be included in at least one of the plurality of video frames instead of an original image instructed to be included in the plurality of video frames by the software application. Further, the plurality of video frames may be displayed, wherein the supplemental image is rendered visible. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311308 | CONTEXT-AWARE 3D ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM FOR GAMES - Embodiments of the invention may include, in response to instructions from a software application, generating a plurality of video frames that are operable to represent a three dimensional virtual space, wherein the three dimensional virtual space comprises a shape having a surface. In addition, a supplemental texture may be applied to the surface of the shape, wherein the supplemental texture is different from an original texture instructed to be applied to the surface by the software application. Further, the plurality of video frames may be displayed, wherein the supplemental texture is rendered visible. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311309 | MEDIA CONTENT BASED ADVERTISING - A method of selecting a promotional content for media content items. The method comprises providing a database hosting a plurality of uniform resource locators (URLs) each of a web document through which at least one of a plurality of media content items being available for presentation, receiving an ad request for embedding an in stream advertisement in a media content item, analyzing the ad request to extract a video content URL of a certain web document through which the media content item is made available for presentation, matching between the video content URL and at least one of the plurality of URLs to acquire at least one identifier of the media content item, selecting an in stream advertisement based on the at least one identifier, and responding to the ad request with an indication of the in stream advertisement. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311310 | RESTAURANT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING DIGITAL MENUS - A restaurant communication system including a first and second mobile devices, located in a restaurant, a server and a plurality of receiving devices. Receiving devices are located at the restaurant at locations where particular dishes are prepared. The server is positioned at a location remote to the restaurant and is wirelessly connectable to the first mobile device, the second mobile device and the receiving devices. The server has a database storing a menu with a plurality of dishes, each dish being associated with a dish image, a dish description and a location at the restaurant where this dish is prepared. An application of the first mobile device causes the dishes with images and descriptions to appear at the display, and also causes an order request to be sent to the second mobile device and to the appropriate receiving devices via the server when the user places an order. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311311 | INGREDIENT BASED FOOD ALLERGEN DETECTION SYSTEM FOR USE BY FOOD SERVICE PROVIDERS - An internet based system for analyzing menu items offered by restaurants/food providers to identify menu items which are acceptable to person is disclosed. The system includes an online system having a server in communication with a database of food ingredients for menu items offered by a food provider. The system compares the food ingredients of menu items offered by food providers and compares it with the dietary and/or allergen information of one or more people to identify menu items offered by food provider that are acceptable to the each person. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311312 | Method for transferring money - The present invention is a system and method for transmitting money from a payor to a payee, whereby the payee requests payment based on a unique identifier, said system sends an electronic authorization requests to a payor, said payor authorizes said request, and money is transferred to the payee, whereby said system does not transmit information relating to specific bank or credit card accounts of the payor. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311313 | NFC TRANSACTION PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, processes, computer program code, and means for employing the near field communication (“NFC”) functionality of mobile devices for use in payment transactions. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311314 | Generic apparatus to provide RFID reading functionality to computing device with no built in RFID reader - A generic RFID reader is provided that can function across a large range of computing devices including mobile computing devices, without customization or with minimal customization. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311315 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING GROUP BUY TRANSACTIONS - A method and a system for determining a group buy preference corresponding to a group of social media platform users, determining an appropriate retailer corresponding to the determined group buy preference, and transmitting a request for a group buy deal corresponding to the group buy preference to the appropriate retailer. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311316 | Computerized Method For Initiating a Group Buy - A method for organizing a group buy organizes a group of buyers and a seller through a website. The seller is able to list any number of items in each group buy, providing sale parameters for each of the items. Once the items are listed, buyers may enter the group buy to place bids on any or all of the listed items. The buyers may choose to bid different amounts on each item, as well as a purchase quantity for each item. Periodically a system will review the bids submitted by the buyers, forming groups to determine the highest profit that can be made based on different combinations of bids submitted by the buyers. The system calculates a highest potential profit for each item being offered and then sums said potential profits for a total profit. The group buy ends successfully if the sale parameters have been met. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311317 | METHOD FOR INTERNET BIDDING - A method of Internet bidding wherein a plurality of bidders bid on the item in a first episode of bidding until a deadline occurs. Within a time frame at the deadline, actual bidders from the plurality of bidders are identified and are displayed in a second continued episode of bidding. The time frame is such to identify serious bidders near the deadline and to compensate for Internet communication delays. The second episode of continued bidding is a bidding war among the identified bidders. In a first embodiment, bidding rounds, T | 2013-11-21 |
20130311318 | Kiosk For Recycling Electronic Devices - A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311319 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SALES GENERATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH A VEHICLE DATA SYSTEM - Embodiments of sales generation, including sales generation employing reverse lead generation using vehicle data systems and methods, are presented herein. In particular, in certain embodiments a user may utilize the vehicle data system to obtain pricing data corresponding to a desired vehicle configuration. When the user is presented with the pricing data associated with the specified vehicle configuration the user may additionally be presented with an upfront price offered by a dealer, where by providing their personal information the user may obtain the name of the dealer offering the upfront price and may additionally be offered the opportunity to purchase the desired, or similar, vehicle at the upfront price. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311320 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC REAL-TIME ITERATIVE COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS OVER THE INTERNET IN A MULTIPLE-BUYER, MULTIPLE-SELLER MARKETPLACE OPTIMIZING BOTH BUYER AND SELLER NEEDS BASED UPON THE DYNAMICS OF MARKET CONDITIONS - A method of communications network shopping by buyers of products and services for purchasing such from sellers in which buyers request an automatic reverse auctioneer or auction controller to initiate a reverse auction in real time amongst willing sellers and to it their automatic real-time iterative bidding price quotations for such products and services to be returned automatically over the network back to the controller under the iterative processing guidance of the controller to assure a best bid price quotation for the buyer; and automatically effecting buyer notification or purchase at such best price, all while the buyer may remain online, and without any manual intervention. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311321 | Oral Care Implement with Customizable Element and Related Methods - An oral care implement including a customizable element and related methods are described. A method of marketing an oral care implement and a face plate may include exposing a primary oral care implement for sale and exposing a plurality of distinct faceplates each removably attachable to the oral care implement. A user may be permitted to select at least one of the removable faceplates. Upon selection of the at least one of the removable faceplates by the user, the oral care implement and the selected faceplate may be provided to the user. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311322 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED PRODUCT OR SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS TO TRAVELERS - Computer-implemented methods and systems are disclosed for providing customized product or service recommendations to a traveler in connection with a stay at a room provided by a lodging service. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311323 | Pre-Establishing Purchasing Intent for Computer Based Commerce Systems - In accordance with some implementations, a method for using recommendations to fulfill pre-established purchasing intent is disclosed. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The server system receives a recommendation for a product or service from a first user and determines whether a second user has pre-indicated intent to purchase a product or service in a category of product or service that includes the recommended product or service. The server system then purchases the recommended product on behalf of the user without further input from the user. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311324 | Zero Click Commerce Systems - In accordance with some implementations, a method for enabling clickless purchasing is disclosed. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The server system detects commercial intent from a user of the computer system. In response to detecting commercial intent, the server system determines a product relevant to the detected commercial intent of a user. The server system sends a recommendation message to the user, wherein the recommendation message includes an option to purchase the product. The server system then receives a response message from the user, the message including authorization from the user to purchase the recommended product. The server system then purchases the recommended product on behalf of the user and delivers the purchased product to the user. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311325 | IDENTIFYING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES BASED ON A BUDGET - A system, a method, a server, a computer processing platform, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for enabling the identifying of products and services on-line based on a user budget. A financial budget is generated based on personal financial information provided by a user. Search criteria are generated based on the budget and product/service criteria provided by the user. A search engine is accessed to initiate an on-line search using the generated search criteria. Returned search results are processed to generate purchase recommendations for the user based on the budget and the product/service criteria. The purchase recommendations are sent to the user where the user may make a purchase request based on the recommendations. The purchase of a product or service may be facilitated in response to the purchase request and the budget may be updated based on the purchase. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311326 | VIRTUAL REGISTRY - Embodiments of the invention provide for a virtual registry system that automatically attaches gift credit to a registry account of the gift recipient. The virtual registry system allows users to give gifts for specific purposes using aliases that eliminate the need for sharing of confidential, personal, or secure information. The use of aliases, which serve to tie an identifier, such as an event title, telephone number, or the like to a registry account, embodiments of the invention do not require that the gift provider know any information about the financial accounts of the intended gift recipient. By attaching the gift credit amount to the registry account, subsequent purchases made using the registry account, and of the type associated with the gift credit, (e.g., purchases for a specific item on the registry) are automatically settled by applying the gift credit amount to the purchase amount. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311327 | Wish list for social networking site - Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a wish list for a social networking site. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a first user interface having a wish list button. Upon an actuation of the wish list button, a second user interface having a wish list form is provided. Information is entered into the wish list form, and one or more vendor links that correspond to the information are identified. An electronic message that includes the one or more vendor links and the information entered into the wish list form is generated. In certain situations, a child enters the information into the wish list form, and the electronic message is sent to a parent of the child. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311328 | SYSTEM AND METHODS TO PRESENT A PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE - A method and a system to present a personal shopping experience are provided. A plurality of items assigned to a category inputted by a user is identified. The plurality of items is available for sale at a plurality of corresponding locations within a pre-defined geographical area. A selection of at least one item of the plurality of items, the category, or a region within the pre-defined geographical area is received from a user. A path from a first location corresponding to a first item of the plurality of items to a second location corresponding to a second item of the plurality of items is determined. The path is within the pre-defined geographical area where the system is located. Discount information for the first item and discount information for the second item are identified. A path from the first location to the second location is displayed to the user. Discount information for the first item and the second item are provided to the user. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311329 | IMAGE-RELATED METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS - In one aspect, a user captures an image of a physical object (e.g., of a grocery item, using a smartphone). The depicted object is identified, such as by extracting fingerprint or watermark data from the imagery. Other imagery depicting that object—or depicting related objects—is identified on the web, and is displayed to the user on the smartphone screen. The user may select one or more of these images and direct that they be posted to a social network account (e.g., Pinterest) associated with the user. In another aspect, the user's location is sensed (e.g., an aisle of a department store), and a collection of images depicting nearby products is presented to the user for selection and posting to a social networking service. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311330 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR THE RECEIPT OF TRANSACTION OFFERS - In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for receiving transaction offers. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes (a) receiving information associated with a transaction; (b) storing, in a memory device, the information associated with a transaction; (c) receiving authentication information from a user to authenticate the user to enter into the transaction; and (d) enabling the user to enter into the transaction by using at least one of a magnetic swipe card writer, bar code display, or fingerprint reader. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311331 | WEB-BASED ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT - A system and method for qualifying a participant over a global network for an auction or other e-commerce transaction helps to significantly reduce or eliminate Internet commerce fraud. An auction site, for example, enlists the system to maintain funding accounts for prospective participants. When a bid is placed or a transaction is entered, the funds are reserved in the funding account including funds for a deposit if required. In the case of an auction, in the event that a bidder is not the high bidder, the reserved funds are released. At completion of the transaction, the funds may be transferred from the funding account to the seller, and the holds are released. A balance in the funding account can be established according to funds deposited in the account in an interest-bearing account or via a line of credit issued from a bank card issuing company or the like. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311332 | CUSTOMIZED MARKETING - A computer implemented marketing method comprising: characterizing a customer in real-time based on a determination of whether one or more rules have been satisfied, and providing real-time customized assistance to the customer if a characterizing threshold is met. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311333 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR FACT CHECKING WITH A CAMERA DEVICE - A fact checking system verifies the correctness of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with one or more sources. The fact checking system automatically monitors, processes, fact checks information and indicates a status of the information. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311334 | IDENTIFYING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES BASED ON A BUDGET - A system, a method, a server, a computer processing platform, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for enabling the identifying of products and services on-line based on a user budget. A financial budget is generated based on personal financial information provided by a user. Search criteria are generated based on the budget and product/service criteria provided by the user. A search engine is accessed to initiate an on-line search using the generated search criteria. Returned search results are processed to generate purchase recommendations for the user based on the budget and the product/service criteria. The purchase recommendations are sent to the user where the user may make a purchase request based on the recommendations. The purchase of a product or service may be facilitated in response to the purchase request and the budget may be updated based on the purchase. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311335 | USER INTERFACE FOR SMART COMPARISON - After marketplace listings are returned via a search, an indication of two or more of the marketplace results to pin and compare is received. A travel cost for any pinned local marketplace result to compare is calculated by determining a travel distance between the electronic device and the location in the pinned local marketplace result to compare and estimating a cost associated with traveling the travel distance. A true purchase price is calculated for each pinned local marketplace result to compare by adding the price for the product, the sales tax, and the travel cost. A true purchase price for each pinned online marketplace result to compare by adding the price for the product, the sales tax, and the shipping cost, these true purchase prices are then displayed side-by-side in the user interface. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311336 | PRICE NEGOTIATION FROM USER DEVICE - A consumer is able to negotiate directly with a merchant through the user's computing device by simply selecting a button or link. When the consumer or user locates an item of interest, the user may see a “Negotiate” or similar button or link displayed with the item and price, along with a “Purchase” or similar button. The “Negotiate” button indicates to the user that the seller or merchant is willing to negotiate a price on the item. The user can submit a proposed price, receive a counter-offer, propose a new price, purchase the item, place the item on a wish list, and/or posting a purchase or “like” to a social network or other site. | 2013-11-21 |
20130311337 | Universal consumption service - In accordance with some implementations, a method for selecting a vendor in accordance with some implementations is disclosed. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The server system detects stores one or more vendor profiles, wherein each vendor profile is associated with a particular vendor and includes one or more vendor category scores. The server system then receives a purchase request from a user of the server system, wherein the purchase request includes a product or service to be purchased. The server system then determines a vendor to supply the requested product based on the stored vendor profiles. The server system purchases the requested product from the determined vendor. The server system then arranges for delivery of the purchased product or service. | 2013-11-21 |