24th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 66 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110145024 | COMPUTERIZED PLATFORM FOR SELLING TICKETS FOR SPORTING EVENTS THAT TAKE PLACE IN A STADIUM - A system for ordering tickets for sporting events that are taking place in a stadium is provided herein. In an early bird stage, a seat allocation function calculates an amount of seats in the stadium for each fan club and offers it as a service order. Parameters of the seat allocation function are constant and variable for each ticket order. A seat allocation is performed for each specified combination of the sporting event of the team that the fan admires versus other teams. The ticket order is provided as a service order to fans who wish to reserve a seat and to pay official price for the ticket in case the team the fan admires will play in the specified sporting event. A ticket is sold in an official price for every ticket service order, and seats for each fan club are being allocated in separate zones of the stadium. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145025 | MULTI-DESTINATION TRIP SELECTION - A method of selecting at least one trip from a plurality of possible trips, each of the plurality of possible trips being for travel from an origin location and comprising stops at a plurality of destinations. The method is performed in computer apparatus configured to execute the method. The method comprises: determining a fare for each of a plurality of different leg options for each leg, each leg being between one of: the origin location and a destination; and two destinations; selecting a plurality of candidate leg options for each leg based on comparative amounts of the determined fares, the plurality of candidate leg options being fewer in number than the plurality of different leg options; and determining at least one trip based on the plurality of candidate leg options for each leg. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145026 | SOFTWARE-CENTRIC METHODOLOGY FOR VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF FAULT MODELS - A method for verifying and improving a vehicle fault model is disclosed. The method includes analyzing the available field failure data that includes vehicle symptoms and failures for many vehicles. The method performs an analysis using the field failure data that includes using subject matter expert knowledge to determine the most significant failure modes and the most significant symptoms. The method also includes learning simulation parameters from the field failure data and simulating faults using the learned simulation parameters. The method further includes verifying and validating the fault model based on the most significant failure modes and the most significant symptoms from the what-if analysis and the faults identifies by the simulation, and using a diagnostic reasoner to analyze the revised fault model to generate estimated faults. The method then compares the estimated faults to the simulated faults to determine true detection and false alarm rates for a benefit analysis. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145027 | SYSTEM FOR VISUALLY PROCESSING AND PRESENTING COST ESTIMATES - A system and method for visually processing and presenting cost estimates includes a CPU; primary input hardware for entering data and commands to the CPU; output hardware including a display for displaying information; a memory unit having a stored 2D/3D puzzle database, a stored assembly information record list database, and a stored item information record list database. Drawing board windows, puzzle takeoff windows, item takeoff windows, and assembly takeoff windows allow an operator to create puzzles by drawing or importing images and associate assemblies or material items with them, and by dragging and dropping (copying and pasting) selected puzzles to a drawing board window create a more complex image comprising all previously selected puzzles and generating a cost estimate containing all the assemblies and items associated with the puzzles dragged and dropped (copied and pasted) to the drawing board, without the need for third-party imaging or estimating software. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145028 | ESTABLISHMENT AND SUSTENANCE OF KNOWLEDGE CONTINUITY PROCESS - A system and method for establishment and sustenance of Knowledge Continuity Process in a phase wise manner within an organization and/or among multiple organizations comprising knowledge drivers, business drivers, a leadoff team, a knowledge expert team, a knowledge administrator, knowledge distillation and diffusion, learning's from the past archive, business leagues, expert knowledge base, knowledge delivery characterized in that said system and method comprising: identifying a predetermined stage “n” of the organization; forming the leadoff team of individuals from the organization and from knowledge vendor; linking the knowledge drivers with the business drivers by said leadoff team; measuring a stage ‘n+1’ of the organization by individuals of the knowledge vendor; and providing a continuous improvement. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145029 | TRACKING AND REPORTING CONSTRUCTION, COMPLETION, AND INSPECTION STATUS - A user interface enables a user to associate a poly-line representation of a facility floor plan, having a plurality of shapes that correspond to contiguous areas of the facility floor plan, with a database of business parameters relating to condition of the contiguous areas. A report generator generates a visual representation of the facility floor plan that maps the business parameters of the database onto the contiguous areas of the poly-line representation and that modifies the visual representation in accordance with updated business parameters values of the database. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145030 | Method and system for determining optimal or near optimal product quantities - A computer-implemented method for determining optimal or near-optimal product order quantities for receipt on one or more predetermined days is disclosed. The method includes: obtaining inventory data for each of a range of products over a predetermined time period including the one or more predetermined days; generating and storing a representation of an Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) curve for each of the range of products using the inventory data, each of the EOQ curve representations generated specifically for one of said one or more predetermined days and each comprising a plurality of data sets each including a product order quantity and an associated cost; and iteratively: selecting products from the range of products and determining potential order quantities for each of the selected products; for each selected product, retrieving the cost associated with the determined potential order quantity of the product from a respective stored EOQ curve representation; determining a total cost for ordering the selected products in the potential order quantities; and storing the currently selected set of products and associated potential order quantities if the total cost is less than a previously determined total cost. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145031 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT OF A BUSINESS PROCESS - A method and system for workflow management in a business process environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes determining respective attributes of a plurality of business documents received via an input device of the computing device, and receiving a set of business rules associated with the plurality of business documents. The set of business rules are based on the attributes of the plurality of business documents. The method also includes forming a plurality of queue filters for segregating a set of transactions associated with the plurality of business documents based on the set of business rules, and forming a plurality of queues based on the plurality of queue filters and at least one activity associated with the set of transactions. Further, the method includes generating on a display of the computing device, a list of agents assigned for each of the plurality of queues. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145032 | Workforce management system for forecasting and scheduling work items that cross intervals - A forecast and plan generation process for a workforce management (WFM) system implements an algorithm to calculate staffing requirements when average handling time (AHT) is longer than a data collection statistics period and/or a work item is in progress of being handled in more than one interval. A schedule generation process schedules an agent for intervals after a work item is provided/connected to the agent, preferably up to an including an interval when the work item terminates (based on the AHT of the work item and a simulated arrival time of the work item). Additional agents are scheduled for new work items that are forecasted to arrive in an interval, in addition to the agents that may already be connected to a contact. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145033 | System and Method for Communicating Vending Information - A system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145034 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING PROJECT DELAY - An approach is provided for determining an estimated completion time for a task and/or a project. A plurality of electronic communications of a plurality of users are accessed, wherein the electronic communications relate to a common project engaged in by the users. Timing information is extracted from the electronic communications. For each of the users, an average delay period is computed using the extracted timing information. An estimated delay value is generated for the project based on the computed average delay periods. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145035 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODELING, EXECUTING, AND MONITORING ACTIVITIES - A method to manage a plurality of activities that includes, for example, determining a dependency between a state of a first activity of the plurality of activities and a state of a second activity of the plurality of activities, the dependency requiring that the state of the second activity change from a first state to a second state for a non-violating change in the state of the first activity from a third state to a fourth state to occur; monitoring the first activity and the second activity to detect a violation of the dependency; and taking a remedial action responsive to the detecting of the violation. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145036 | CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN ROUTE-BASED PROJECTS - Managing change in the design of a route-based project. Receiving data (a ticket) regarding a proposed change to the design of a route-based project. Associating the ticket with a project in a geographic information system (GIS). Communicating the ticket to an Analyst. Receiving spatializing data regarding the ticket. The ticket and spatializing data comprising a spatialized ticket. Communicating the spatialized ticket to a Quality Control Administrator. Receiving quality control approval of the spatialized ticket. Communicating the quality control approved ticket to at least one reviewer. Receiving recommendation from reviewers. The recommendations and the quality control approved ticket comprising a reviewed ticket. Communicating the reviewed ticket to at least one approver. Receiving approval from the approver. The approval and the reviewed ticket comprising an approved ticket. Committing the change described in the approved ticket to the GIS. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145037 | Document management method and apparatus to process a workflow task by parallel or serially processing subtasks thereof - A method to facilitate workflow processing in a business enterprise comprising identifying a principal task in a workflow process; splitting the principal task into two or more subtasks according actual practices of the business enterprise wherein the splitting includes determining which subtasks are to be created, which are to be parallel-processed and which are to be serially-processed; naming the subtasks; specifying an order of completion of the subtasks, i.e., parallel-processed or serially-processed; assigning the subtasks to one or more users for processing; notifying the users of subtask assignment; providing an indication of status of completion of the subtasks; reporting completion of the subtasks to the task manager; optionally altering or modifying the preceding steps; completing the principal task according to results of the subtasks; enabling a user to check status of subtasks; and releasing the principal task in a workflow of other tasks. A corresponding system is also disclosed. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145038 | Prediction Market Systems and Methods - The present disclosure provides a method and system for predicting markets, including providing a plurality of prediction questions by an administrator over a network interface, displaying a first screen whereby a user may choose between a plurality of tabs containing a plurality of prediction question topics, displaying a second screen showing the prediction questions, displaying a third screen showing a single prediction question, upon request by a user, and optionally, awarding points to the user. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145039 | COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF DETERMINING MATCHES BETWEEN SEARCHERS AND PROVIDERS - The inventive subject matter is generally directed to matching a party with another party based on profiling of the parties, and optionally an industry category, for parameters that are relevant to making a match. In certain embodiments, the inventive subject matter facilitates matches between searchers and service providers based on assignment of searchers and service providers to predefined Buyer Types or Service Provider Types based on questionnaires, surveys, and other input and feedback mechanisms. In a further aspect, the inventive subject matter is directed to a system for valuing and monetizing a set of leads to offer to a party. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to mobile applications for matching searchers with providers based on awareness of the locations of the parties. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145040 | CONTENT RECOMMENDATION - Content recommendation techniques are described. In an implementation, content preferences for a group are determined by identifying an intersection of content preferences for individual users in the group. Content that is currently available for presentation is recommended based on the intersection by comparing the content preferences for the group with metadata for the content that is available for presentation. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145041 | SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN USERS AND GLOBAL MEDIA-COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A system of communication between users via a global media-communication network including a subsystem for storage and playback of media-products, a subsystem for defining an emotional profile of a user, a subsystem for user feedback and playback of media-products in real time mode, a subsystem for storage of chosen preferences, a subsystem for fixing and storage of changes in emotional state, a subsystem for correcting of an emotional state; a subsystem for finding other users with similar emotional profile, a subsystem for forming of the image of user's face; a subsystem for defining a degree of emotional satiation of the user, a subsystem for forming and a typical day of the user, a subsystem for processing data associated with emotional features of a virtual village, a subsystem for calculation of ratings of authors and entertainment services, a subsystem for calculation of revenues of the owner of entertainment service and payments to an author, a subsystem of forecasting and planning costs of the future entertainment services, a subsystem for offering new services to the consumer, a subsystem for a direct media-channel between the artist and consumer in real time mode, a subsystem of revealing and forecasting needs of the user, and a subsystem for controlling the speed and content of transmitting a media product. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145042 | VEHICLE FUEL EFFICIENCY OPTIMIZATION BASED ON VEHICLE USAGE PATTERNS - An invention for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern is provided. The invention analyzes vehicle usage patterns to discern if the vehicle is being operated in a fuel-efficient manner. Patterns of inefficient operation are detected and conveyed to the user to inform the user of the impact of his/her inefficient operation. In these embodiments, a fuel efficiency tool provides this capability. Specifically, the fuel efficiency tool comprises: an analysis component configured to analyze a set of vehicle usage patterns of a vehicle, and a calculation component configured to calculate a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the set of vehicle usage patterns. The fuel efficiency tool further comprises a notification component configured to provide a notification to a user of the vehicle indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for at least one of the set of vehicle usage patterns. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145043 | Method and System for Improving the Truthfulness, Reliability, and Segmentation of Opinion Research Panels - An example relates to survey analysis, survey panel members analysis, accuracy metrics, reliability analysis, and statistical analysis, to come up with confidence levels, and get an overall reliability of survey panel members, based on a score and percentile, and give incentives to the panel members, based on their reliability scores, to encourage them to be more reliable and truthful in the surveys, including their background and their demographics, increasing the values of the survey results drastically. In addition, this covers many separate embodiments: methods for improving and “incentivizing” truthful behavior in consumer panels; using Trustscore to measure and reward consistency and truthfulness; tag surveys to segment panels; and Doublecheck'd as a tool, to utilize the best responses through asking panel members twice (or more) with the same survey, and only including results from the members who answer the same both (or more) times. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145044 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A VIRTUAL VALUE ITEM FOR A PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN - Systems and methods for managing a promotional campaign are provided. In one embodiment, a promotional campaign engine communicates in real-time with a participant's mobile computing device, receives an electronic campaign entry from the mobile computing device, and based on a rule set, generates a virtual value item in an established stored value system based on the rule set. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145045 | MONETARY DISTRIBUTION OF BEHAVIORAL DEMOGRAPHICS AND FAN-SUPPORTED DISTRIBUTION OF COMMERCIAL CONTENT - A method includes identifying a media file for distribution and identifying a plurality of commercial messages as possible content that can be associated with the media file when it is distributed. Votes from a plurality of customers can be received, with each vote reflecting a customer's preference for at least one of the plurality of commercial messages. The votes can be calculated and at least one preferred commercial message can be designated based on the calculation. At least one preferred commercial message can be associated with the media file to create a combined media file and the combined media file can be distributed and/or made available for distribution. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145046 | REWARD SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTION OF ADVERTISEMENTS - An advertiser distributes advertisements to a consumer. Subsequently, a computing system associated with the advertiser receives reward requests from the consumers when the consumers have consumed the advertisements and from participating merchants when the consumers perform transactions with the participating merchants. In response to receiving the reward requests, monetary rewards are credited to rewards accounts. The rewards accounts exclusively contain money from monetary rewards credited to the rewards accounts by the advertiser. The consumers are able to use money in the rewards accounts for purchases from participating merchants and non-participating merchants. By providing monetary rewards for consuming advertisements, the consumer is incentivized to consume the advertisements. In other words, the consumer is able to build a balance in the rewards account by consuming advertisements. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145047 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING CREDITS FROM THIRD PARTIES FOR REDEMPTION AT MEMBER RETAILERS - According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device is adapted to receive and upload digital credits for later application as part of payment for purchases at particular retailer. The electronic device comprises a memory to store an incoming credit email message, and a processor that, in response to receipt of the credit email message and selection of a link contained on the credit email message, establishes communication with a storage area remote from the electronic device in order to upload a digital credit into an account of a registered user using the electronic device. The storage area is accessible by a plurality of retailers to allow the retailers, when the registered user of the electronic device is present at the retailer, to fetch and apply the digital credit to purchases at the retailer. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145048 | System & Method for Presenting Content To Captive Audiences - Marketing/advertising presentations are customized for transit passengers, such as commercial airline passengers. The passengers offer a good captive audience during long-duration trips since there is little opportunity for distraction. The passengers' attention and participation can be guaranteed by offering differing levels of incentives (e.g. reduced fare, upgraded seats, product/service discounts, etc.). | 2011-06-16 |
20110145049 | DISPENSING DIGITAL OBJECTS TO AN ELECTRONIC WALLET - A configuration system and method is disclosed that includes a unified and integrated configuration that is composed of a payment system, an advertising system, and an identity management system such that the unified system has all of the benefits of the individual systems as well as several additional synergistic benefits. Also described are specific configurations including the system's access point architecture, visual wallet simulator user interface, security architecture, coupon handling as well as the system's structure and means for delivering them as targeted advertising, business card handling, membership card handling for the purposes of login management, receipt handling, and the editors and grammars provided for customizing the different types of objects in the system as well as the creation of new custom objects with custom behaviors. The configurations are operable on-line as well as through physical presence transactions. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145050 | Activity-Based Compatibility Testing For Preliminarily Matched Users Via Interactive Social Media - Matchmaking between a plurality of users is facilitated. This may include providing a virtual space to the users that enables the user to interact in an immersive manner. Matches may be proposed between users, and then activities to be attempted by the matched users may be provided. The activities may be conducted via interactive, electronic social media. The interactive, electronic social media may include the virtual space and/or electronic social media hosted or provided by one or more third-parties. Based on the performance of matched users during an activity, user information may be released to the matched users. As such, before a user is provided with some information related to another user, the user must first participate in an interactive activity with the other user. This may facilitate deeper interactions between matched users. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145051 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUGGESTING PRODUCTS FOR PURCHASE FROM A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Techniques for suggesting products for purchase from a retail establishment using a mobile device allow a user to receive, on the user's mobile device, product suggestions and offers that are relevant to one or more products that the user has already scanned for purchase in the retail establishment, that are relevant to the user's shopping history, and/or that are relevant to the user's current location within the retail establishment as measured via the mobile device. While the mobile device is used to scan products into an electronic shopping cart, the server may analyze the current contents of the cart to generate a suggestion or offer for a product which the user may be likely to decide to purchase. If the user accepts the product suggestion, the purchase facilitating server may transact the user's purchase of the suggested product via the mobile device while the user is within the retail establishment. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145052 | CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS INTEGRATED WITH SOCIAL NETWORKS - Consumption management systems and methods integrated with social networks are provided. The system includes a member management system and a social network system. The member management system receives consumption data of a client, and generates a consumption message according to the consumption data. The member management system transmits the consumption message to the social network system via a network, such that the information regarding the consumption message is published for the client in the social network system. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145053 | SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various systems, methods, apparatus and techniques for conducting interactions between and among consumers and sellers use a networked configuration of devices, where the network includes servers and memory storage apparatus. Consumers can provide various types of information and data via the network to be stored for later retrieval and to assist the sellers in helping consumers find discounted products and services and conduct shopping efficiently. Moreover, consumers can use the networked resources and information to create a consumer community and social networking apparatus, sharing recipes, ideas, experiences and the like. Marketing and promotional programs can be implemented via such networked participants and can be personalized to consumers based on information they have provided and data collected regarding consumer behavior and actions. Also, informational materials such as catalogs can be made available on the network and easily updated, changed, etc. by sellers. Consumers can download saved information using in-store devices that assist in shopping, comparing prices, tracking purchases and selections and in delivering information and discounts directly to consumers while shopping so that personalization of the shopping experience can be adjusted and delivered immediately. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145054 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY CAPTURING DIGITAL COUPONS WITH PRINTING AND REDEMPTION AT A TARGETED RETAILER - According to an embodiment of the invention, a method is performed in which a print configuration for an electronic device is saved. Therefore, a virtual print driver is installed (or activated) on the electronic device. The virtual print driver operates so that, when a digital coupon image is selected for printing, the digital coupon image is captured and re-transmitted over a network for remote storage in lieu of the digital coupon image being printed locally. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145055 | BRANDED CONTENT LADEN COMMERCIAL PORTALS - In one embodiment, the present disclosure contemplates a computer system, which, upon being programmed, is configured to perform a method comprising identifying an entity associated with a user of a user computer connected to the computer system; and providing an Internet Portal to the user computer on behalf of the entity such that the entity appears to the user as the provider or primary benefactor of the Internet Portal. In another embodiment, the present disclosure contemplates a method which comprises contacting supporters and potential supporters of an entity, marketing the entity to the supporters and potential supporters as a provider or primary benefactor of an Internet Portal, and providing the Internet Portal on behalf of the entity to each user of the Internet Portal such that the entity appears to each user as the provider or primary benefactor of the Internet Portal. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145056 | INTERACTIVE ONLINE CLOSED LOOP MARKETING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An interactive online closed loop marketing system and method for marketing of a technical product or service product to companies and/or users of a plurality of network management systems is provided. A database populated with anonymous aggregate IT asset inventory information, user information, and company information (gathered and aggregated through the network management systems) is queried by a third party to evaluate and analyze the potential market for the technical product or service. The system and method further permit the third party to develop a survey and deliver the survey to users of the network management system via the network management system thereby permitting the third party to further quantify and analyze the potential market opportunity. Additionally, the system and method permit the third party to target advertising for the product or service directly to end users via the network management system while tracking the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145057 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PROVIDING OFFERS BY MESSAGING SERVICES - A system and method for providing coupon targeting delivers a message responsive to a user request and for compensating workers performing diverse tasks assigns point values to various tasks. The response message, which may be an SMS or IM message, includes a list of offers in an order based on a ranking of the offers. A user may select a listed offer and receive information detailing the offer and redemption information. Redemption may be tracked using electronic monitoring. Compensation associated with results from the tasks performed is determined and aggregated over a time interval. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145058 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR KEYWORD VALUATION - A system for keyword valuation is described. An example system includes a communications module, a valuation model selector, and a keyword value calculator. The communications module may be configured to receive a request for a value of a keyword. The valuation model selector may be configured to select a valuation model to be applied for determining the value of the keyword, based on an observed number of clicks associated with the keyword. The keyword value calculator may be configured to calculate the value of the keyword by applying the selected valuation model. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145059 | Allocating Advertising Space in a Network of Displays - Systems and methods for allocating space for advertisements in a network of electronic display devices are provided. Attribute information indicating retailer and categories of products available for purchase in the vicinity of a display device is maintained for each device in a database. Advertisers may upload advertisement messages to a server specifying information such as budget, price per impression, preferred billboards and/or other constraints. One or more keywords or other descriptors are specified for each advertisement message. The system then generates an advertising campaign specifying where the advertisement message is to be output and send the messages to the specified displays. The output may consist of various forms including video, audio, printed incentive, interactive data transfers and/or combinations of these. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145060 | BROADCASTING METHOD OF ADVERTISEMENT - There is provided a method of broadcasting advertisements comprising calculating online scheduling values in proportion to preferences of users in each area of advertisement display devices for advertisement items; calculating a standard deviation between the online scheduling values of the advertisement display devices; selecting an advertisement item having a maximum standard deviation; selecting an advertisement display device having a maximum online scheduling value; transmitting the selected advertisement item to the selected advertisement display device; and excluding advertisement display devices for the selected advertisement item and advertisement items for the selected advertisement display device. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145061 | Individualized Marketing to Improve Capacity Utilization - Suppliers of goods and/or services subject to shifts in capacity utilization design and implement marketing campaigns around utilization forecasts, targeting marketing expenditures on periods of excess capacity rather than periods without excess capacity, and in some embodiments also to alter variables such as pricing, consumer targeting, or even the intensity of the campaign itself on a dynamic basis in response to changing market conditions. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145062 | DETERMINING USE OF A DISPLAY CHARACTERISTIC - A display characteristic determination machine receives a request to display seller-related content that references an item available for sale. The display characteristic determination machine identifies a display characteristic available from a web server, determines that the seller-related content is to be displayed using the display characteristic, and communicates to the web server that the seller-related content is to be displayed using the display characteristic and with primary content. The display characteristic determination machine may function as an allocation device to allocate use of the display characteristic. This functionality may be scaled, for example, to include determining use of multiple display characteristics, available from multiple web servers, by multiple instances of seller-related content requested for display by multiple sellers of multiple items. The display characteristic determination machine, therefore, may function as a “broker” for display characteristics available from multiple web servers. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145063 | TARGETING APPLICATIONS WITH ADVERTISEMENTS - Collecting application execution data by a push service and targeting application programs with advertisements based on the collected data. Statistics such as activity, popularity, and frequency of execution for each of the application programs are generated based on the collected data. The statistics are matched to advertising campaigns to select application programs relevant to the advertising campaigns. Advertisers are charged for delivering the advertisements based on the selected application programs. For example, advertisements delivered to frequently executed application programs are more expensive than advertisements delivered to application programs that are rarely executed. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145064 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING CONTENT ASSOCIATED WITH MULTIPLE BRAND CATEGORIES WITHIN A SOCIAL MEDIA SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to aspects of an Internet-accessible brand management system (BMS) that allows marketers (e.g., corporations, organizations, etc.) to efficiently organize, create, maintain, and display content associated with many brand categories or brand items within a brand category on a single social media system (SMS) page/account, or alternatively, across many SMS pages or accounts with one or more common content themes. Administrators/developers of individual marketing pages or accounts (global and local) may update their pages through the BMS using standard configurable templates. The system may integrate content from one or more developers to create content for varying pages (for example, by incorporating some global content into local pages according to configurable rules, or vice versa). Subsequently, when a social media system user requests content associated with a particular brand category or brand item within that category on a social media system, the brand management system renders the updated, requested marketing page associated with that category, but within a global marketer page, or with common marketer content also provided. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145065 | CONSUMER TARGETED ADVERTISING THROUGH NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE - In one embodiment, a method for determining a consumer's interest in products and services is disclosed. Once the consumer's interests are determined advertisers can refine their advertisements to meet the consumer's specific needs and demands. A method for providing targeted information begins by receiving data comprising at least one of a consumer's product or service interests. The data is inspected to determine at least one consumer product or service interest. The at least one determined product or service interest is compared with a plurality of providers of products or services. Finally information is conveyed to the consumer from to at least one of the plurality of providers of products or services to the consumer based upon the comparison of the determined at least one product or service interest and the plurality of providers of products or services. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145066 | GENERATING KEYWORD-BASED REQUESTS FOR CONTENT - Systems and methods are provided for dynamically ordering advertisements received from at least one advertisement supplier. In one embodiment, a method includes sending a request to at least a first advertisement supplier; receiving one or more advertisements from the at least first advertisement supplier; identifying a prioritizing parameter associated with each of the one or more advertisements; and dynamically ordering the one or more advertisements from the at least first advertisement supplier into two or more positions of a response based on the prioritizing parameter. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145067 | Associative Search Engine - This invention relates to an advertisement machine which provides advertisements to a user searching for desired information within a data network. The machine receives, from a user, a search request including a search argument corresponding to the desired information and searches, based upon the received search argument, a first database having data network related information to generate search results. It also correlating the received search argument to a particular advertisement in a second database having advertisement related information. The search results together with the particular advertisement are provided by the machine to the user. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145068 | ASSOCIATING RENDERED ADVERTISEMENTS WITH DIGITAL CONTENT - A system and method for associating rendered advertisements with digital content is described. In some examples, the system receives an image of a rendered advertisement, information associated with digital content, and information associating the rendered advertisement with the digital content via a web portal. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145069 | Targeted Consumer Advertising - Targeted advertising is disclosed. Advertiser-set targeted consumer advertising is saved with interest, location, and time as selection parameters for the targeted consumer. Immediate consumer-triggered interest information is received from a client apparatus of a consumer, and location information determining the present location of the client apparatus is also received. The immediate consumer-triggered interest information indicates immediate interest of the consumer in some good and/or service and/or brand and resulting from consumer interaction with a user interface of the client apparatus. It is searched, in response to receiving the immediate consumer triggered interest information, for such advertiser-set targeted consumer advertising whose interest selection parameter matches the interest information, whose location selection parameter matches the location information, and whose time selection parameter matches the present time. The found instant targeted consumer advertising is transmitted to the client apparatus. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145070 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING, DISTRIBUTING, AND MONETIZING USER-GENERATED CONTENT IN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for monetizing user-generated content in a retail environment may include enabling users to upload respective user-generated content via a communications network. User-generated content may be selected from one of the uploaded user-generated content submitted by one of the users. Sponsor content may be received from a sponsor for displaying in association with the selected user-generated content. A sponsored advertisement inclusive of the selected user-generated content and sponsor content may be generated and an identifier associated with the sponsored advertisement may be inserted into a playlist of content segment advertisements for display on at least one electronic display in a retail store according to the playlist. The sponsored advertisement and playlist may be distributed to the at least one electronic display for display of the sponsored advertisement on the electronic display(s) according to the playlist. Payment may be collected from the sponsor for sponsoring the sponsored advertisement. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145071 | Domestic Billboard Apparatus and Communication Method Using the Same - A domestic billboard apparatus, communication, and business methods using the same are disclosed. The apparatus provides for viewing of content of personal interest to a household member such as family photographs, and along with that enables communication of advertisement flyers and messages related to products and services. The apparatus further provides for alternate means of communication from public services with a household such as pictorial representation of emergency procedures. The business methods using the apparatus relate to sales promotion, advertisement of products and services, and goodwill. The disclosure has potential for reduction of paper flyers contributing to environmental protection. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145072 | System and Method for Producing And Displaying Content Representing A Brand Persona - A computer implemented method for producing and displaying content representing a brand persona, the method including the steps of providing at least one consumer database containing a plurality of consumer profiles with consumer preference identifying data stored on a data storage device, providing at least one brand database containing details of brand clients, each having one or more branding parameters stored on a data storage device, providing at least one content database containing a plurality of pieces of content provided by at least one content provider with each piece of content having one or more content profile identifiers stored on a data storage device, a brand specific interface accessible by at least one consumer, the brand specific interface generated by a data processor by matching at least one branding parameter of a brand client with one or more pieces of content and displaying the pieces of content on a branded interface presented to a consumer at no cost to the consumer whilst charging an advertising fee to the brand client and paying a content provision fee to the content provider, the content provided without the branding disrupting or interrupting the content. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145073 | MULTI-FUNCTION KIOSK SYSTEM - A kiosk includes a first display and a second display. An interactive interface is also included to allow a user to interact with the kiosk and select content for display on the second display. A computing device is operatively coupled to the first display, second display and interactive interface for storing content for display on the first and second displays and for responding to input by the user on the interactive interface. A connection, operatively coupled to the computing device, is provided for interacting with a user's portable device. The first display, second display, interactive interface, computing device, and connection are enclosed and supported in an enclosure. Advertising content is stored on the computing device for display on the first display, and interactive content is stored on the computing device for display on the second display. A network of the kiosks includes a central server and a plurality of the kiosks operatively connected to the central server to provide two-way data flow between the central server and a kiosk and between a kiosk and the central server. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145074 | APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL ADVERTISING, FINANCING AND MANAGEMENT PLATFORM - An advertising, financing and management platform (“ECO AD PLATFORM”) transforms pollution offset inputs via ECO AD PLATFORM components into carbon credit outputs. A pollution offset request may be obtained from a consumer for a specified environment-impacting activity. Environment-impacting activity parameters associated with the environment-impacting activity may be discerned. An environment impact purchase offset amount may be calculated using the discerned environment-impacting activity parameters. The calculated environment impact purchase offset amount may be provided to an offset paying target, and an offset payment may be obtained from the offset paying target. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145075 | TARGETED CONSUMER ADVERTISING - Implementation of micropayments regarding targeted consumer advertising is disclosed. Fees for consumers for receiving targeted consumer advertisements of targeted consumer advertising are recorded. Consumer-specific micropayment orders are issued, each consumer-specific micropayment order fixing a sum on the basis of the consumer's recorded fees. A commission invoice for the targeted consumer advertising is issued to an advertiser. A consumer fee invoice fixing a sum total of the consumer-specific micropayment orders is issued to the advertiser. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145076 | Mobile Campaign Creation - In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for analyzing a mobile content website, generating keywords that represent relevant terms used on the content website, and presenting a marketing program associated with the keywords to a mobile content sponsor. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145077 | SETTLEMENT TERMINAL, CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR, AND POS TERMINAL - According to one embodiment, a settlement terminal includes a card reading unit, an input unit, a card settlement unit, a cumulative storing unit, and a display unit. The card reading unit reads information stored in a card for settlement. The input unit inputs transaction information. The card settlement unit settles, using the card information read by the card reading unit and the transaction information input by the input unit, a commercial transaction related to the transaction information by card. The cumulative storing unit cumulatively stores predetermined numerical value information generated every time the commercial transaction is settled by card by the card settlement unit. The display unit displays a standby screen on which the start of the commercial transaction is received and a cumulative value of the numerical value information stored in the cumulative storing unit is shown. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145078 | DATACODE READING APPARATUS - Moving image data output from an image sensing device is input. An image display output unit processes the moving image data and displays it on the display screen of a display as a real-time moving image. A decode processing notification unit displays the moving image data output from the image sensing device on the display screen of the display as a still image for a predetermined time from decoding of the datacode by a decoding unit. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145079 | WIRELESS NETWORK ACCESS PREPAYMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method of providing network access includes entering network access information into a merchant device at a merchant location. The information relates to a request from a customer to obtain network access. The method also includes causing the information to be transmitted to a host computer system from the merchant device, receiving a payment from the customer, receiving activation confirmation from the host computer system at the merchant device, and providing a presentation instrument to the customer. The presentation instrument may be used by the customer to obtain network access. The method further includes using the presentation instrument to settle a transaction with the customer for merchandise. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145080 | Anonymous Pharmacy Order Processing - In an illustrative implementation, an anonymous pharmacy order processing system includes means for protecting downstream systems from exposure to confidential identity information, thereby protecting a customer's privacy. In a preferred embodiment, a pharmacy system can generate a generic identifier corresponding to a prescription. The pharmacy system optionally sends the generic identifier to a point of sale system. The point of sale system receives the generic identifier and sends a sale confirmation to the pharmacy system. Furthermore, the point of sale system sends transaction information, including the generic identifier to a transaction system. The pharmacy system receives the sale confirmation and sends a correction transaction with an actual item identifier to the transaction system. The transaction system propagates sales including the generic item identifier to an audit system. Furthermore, the transaction system sends an inventory correction including the actual item identifier to an inventory system. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145081 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED DATA FOR CO-BRAND PAYMENT CARD TRANSACTIONS - A method and system for processing a financial transaction using an enhanced payment card through a multi-party payment card interchange network are provided. An authorization request message generated at a point of sale (POS) device associated with a merchant is received at a computer associated with the interchange network. The authorization request message includes a card identifier and relates to a transaction initiated by the cardholder with the merchant using the enhanced payment card. The transaction is electronically identified as involving the enhanced payment card by matching the received card identifier to a list of card identifiers stored within a database. A product code identifying the transaction as an enhanced payment card transaction is electronically added to the authorization request message. The merchant is instructed to transmit to the interchange computer an addendum file including enhanced transaction data for the enhanced payment card transaction. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145082 | MERCHANT ALERTS INCORPORATING RECEIPT DATA - One embodiment of the invention is directed to a system comprising a server and a consumer device in operative communication with the server. The server comprises a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor. The computer readable medium comprises computer readable program code embodied therein. The computer readable program code is adapted to be executed by the processor to receive an authorization request message for a transaction conducted by a consumer with a merchant, send the authorization request message to an issuer, modify an authorization response message to include receipt preference data, and send the authorization response message comprising the receipt data to the merchant, wherein the merchant generates a receipt for the consumer according to the receipt preference data. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145083 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ISSUING DIGITAL RECEIPTS FOR PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS OVER A NETWORK - A system and method for providing digital receipts for purchase transactions are provided. The method includes the steps receiving information for a first credit card account for executing a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; charging an amount of the transaction to the first credit card account; and transmitting a receipt to a predetermined location of the customer. The predetermined location may be an e-mail address of the customer or a server residing on the network. By receiving digital receipts, a customer or end-user will be able to digitally store these receipts and view or print the receipts out when necessary. Furthermore, the customer will be able to manage the receipts with conventional software packages. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145084 | ONLINE NEGOTIATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computer system and method carried out by the system for assisting parties in negotiation the sale price of real estate or personal property is disclosed wherein a web server receives a property listing from a seller at an asking price, receives a bid from a buyer at an offer price, compares the asking price to the offer price and determines whether the difference between the offer price and asking price is within a first, second, or third predetermined % value and notifies the parties whether they are cold, warm, hot, or matched. If there is a match, an agreement of sale may be generated. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145085 | SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PROCESSING PRINT JOBS - A system for assessing environmental impact of processing print jobs includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor and comprises one or more programming instructions for: electronically receiving a campaign specification data structure including at least one job specification; operatively selecting a plurality of vendors from a database. Each of the selected vendors is capable of performing a job as operatively specified by the at least one job specification of the campaign specification data structure. The computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor and also includes one or more programming instructions for generating a plurality of environmental impact assessments corresponding to the campaign specification data structure. Each of the plurality of environmental impact assessments is operatively associated with one of the selected capable vendors. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145086 | METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR SUPPORTING PURCHASES OF GOODS AND SERVICES VIA PREPAID TELECOMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS - Apparatus and method for detecting in real-time when a User of a prepaid telecommunications account tries to complete a data, voice or financial transaction to purchase a product or service but cannot, due to insufficient funds in the Prepaid Account. The system then determines whether the Account is eligible to receive a Facilitation according to predetermined criteria and, if so, either (1) automatically authorizes the transaction to be completed based on a Facilitation amount, subsequently recorded by the system to satisfy the insufficiency, or (2) instantly communicates to the User an offer to do so, and if the User accepts the offer, authorizes the transaction and records the Facilitation amount. The transaction can then be completed without significant interruption. A mechanism is provided such that on the next Topping-Up event(s) of the User's Account, the Facilitation amount is debited from the User's Account for return to the Facilitator. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145087 | REAL TIME ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An auction system and method, which identifies at least one lot to be auctioned, having a plurality of units within the lot and associated auction parameters; transmits a remaining quantity of units within the lot from a central server to a plurality of remote locations; receives bid identifications for remaining units within the lot at the contemporaneous offering price from the plurality of remote locations; and decrements the offering price over time. The decrement may be adaptive to a bid activity pattern, and the bid activity pattern may be stored in a database. A local server may be provided to communicate between the central server and remote locations while changing the format of the information communicated. The packets preferably include compressed information, and preferably include quantity remaining information for a plurality of auction lots. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145088 | Method of Direct-to-Consumer Reverse Logistics - A method of reverse logistics using an auction to sell products directly to consumers from a store instead of using a third party reclamation company. One or more methods of auctioning one or more typically unsalable items directly to purchasers from a retail store including the steps of providing a communications multi-network having at least one logic engine, at least one star communication network through which non-location data is transferred to said logic engine, and at least one mesh communication network through which location data is transferred to said logic engine. The method further includes the steps of locating products for purchase that are eligible to be auctioned, the scanning of product codes of each auctionable product, tracking the scanning device in the store, transmitting auctionable product data through the star communication network, sorting auctionable products into at least one bundled lot for sale, producing a unique identifier for each bundled lot, initiating a direct-to-consumer auction for the sale of each bundled lot, and auctioning each bundled lot to a best bidder in the auction. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145089 | REAL-TIME RIDE SHARE SYSTEM - A method of organizing the sharing of vehicle trips includes receiving a ride request from one or more riders, wherein the ride request includes a rider location and a rider destination, identifying a beginning waypoint and an ending waypoint for vehicle travel, determining a vehicle route based on the beginning and ending waypoints, choosing a rider whose rider location or rider destination is geographically closest to the determined vehicle route, presenting the rider location and rider destination of the chosen rider to the driver, and if the driver accepts, sending a notification to the chosen rider alerting the chosen rider of the acceptance. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145090 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PLACING AN ORDER FOR A CUSTOM STAMP USING AN IDENTIFIER - A method of placing an order for a custom stamp, including purchasing a standard stamp mount where each stamp mount has associated with it a separate discreet identifier. Under control of a client system, information for ordering the custom stamp is displayed and a request to order the custom stamp is sent using the separate discreet identifier to a server system. Under control of the server system, the request is received and additional information previously stored and identified by the identifier is retrieved. Under control of the client system, a custom impression is designed and previewed. Under control of an ordering component of the server system, the request is received and identifying information to identify a purchaser is requested. An order to produce the custom impression for the purchaser is generated. Under control of a manufacturing component of the server system, the generated order to complete the purchase of the custom impression is fulfilled, and the custom impression is mailed to the purchaser. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145091 | METHOD, MEDIUM, AND SYSTEM FOR UNIVERSAL SHOPPING CART ORDER INJECTION AND PAYMENT DETERMINATION - A universal shopping cart is provided that obtains and orders products and services from different merchants located on the Internet. The consumer completes all of their shopping on the shopping site and is not directed to another merchant's site to complete an order. The universal shopping cart provides a monitoring service that allows the consumer to monitor a product for specified criteria. The order injection system places orders for products contained within the universal shopping cart from affiliated and non-affiliated merchants. Specific ordering details required from merchants external to the shopping site are hidden from the consumer. For external merchant sites that require a consumer account before allowing the product to be purchased, the shopping site creates a new consumer account without intervention from the consumer. Once the products are ordered, the consumer may keep track of the ordered products from the shopping site. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145092 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIRMING PURCHASES OF PRODUCTS FROM A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Techniques for confirming purchases of products from a retail establishment using a mobile device allow for loss prevention personnel at a retail establishment to confirm that users exiting the retail establishment in possession of physical products have legitimately purchased those products via their mobile devices while within the retail establishment. When a purchase facilitating server, in communication with a user's mobile device, transacts the user's purchase of one or more products within the retail establishment, the purchase facilitating server may generate a purchase confirmation as a receipt of the transaction. The receipt may include a purchase confirmation code and/or one or more visual indicators of an estimated likelihood of theft associated with the corresponding transaction. The receipt may be transmitted to a loss prevention device at the retail establishment, for use by loss prevention personnel in matching against the user's physical cart before the user exits the retail establishment. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145093 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PURCHASING PRODUCTS FROM A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Techniques for purchasing products from a retail establishment using a mobile device allow a user to transact a purchase of physical products within a retail establishment site, without need for significant interaction with personnel of the retail establishment to transact the purchase. The user may install a software application on the mobile device to communicate with a purchase facilitating server. An image acquisition component of the mobile device may be used to obtain an image of indicia, such as a bar code, on a product to be purchased within the retail establishment. Image recognition may be performed on the indicia to identify the product to be purchased, the user may submit payment information via the mobile device, and the purchase facilitating server may transact the user's purchase of the product. The purchase facilitating server may transmit a purchase confirmation to the mobile device as a receipt of the user's purchase. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145094 | CLOUD SERVICING BROKERING - The present invention provides a solution to perform pricing and brokering of Cloud services. Illustrative pricing/charging plans include “pay as you go (subscription)” and “pay for what you use (dynamic)”. The present invention also provides a way to display a price next to service. In general, a broker agent (hereinafter referred to as “agent”) executes within the environment and queries available and acceptable Cloud resources from a plurality of providers. Based on resources, published rates, and rate projections, the broker schedules, reschedules, moves, and otherwise manages Cloud jobs based on job criteria and optimized execution cost. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145095 | Order Fulfillment Method - A business-to-business transaction clearinghouse integrates the traditional point-to-point business supply chain at the clearinghouse. The clearinghouse provides cost effective access to a wide variety of members and includes value-added services. Members of the clearinghouse can include trading members, members that help the trading members ship their products, and banking members. The clearinghouse facilitates business among the trading members by providing a single point of contact for all transactions. The clearinghouse can be specific to an industry, such as the chemical industry. Multiple industry specific clearinghouses may form a network clearinghouses to effectively create one larger and more general business-to-business electronic commerce community. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145096 | REMOTE SERVICING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention provide methods to manage communication between a local and remote computing system communicating with each other through a network. In some embodiments, a method includes broadcasting a poll across a network to a plurality of remote computing systems in response to user interaction at the local computing system, as well as establishing video conferencing between one of the plurality of remote computing systems and the local computing system in response to the one of the plurality of remote computing systems answering the poll. In alternative embodiments, a method includes automatically establishing video conferencing between a local computing system and a remote computing system in response to receiving a poll from the local computing system, as well as automatically establishing control of at least a portion of the local computing system from the remote computing system. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145097 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTACTS WITHIN AN ONLINE STATIONERY SYSTEM - A system and method are described for managing a contacts database within an online stationery service. For example, a system implemented within an online stationery service according to one embodiment comprises: a contacts import module to read contacts data from one or more local or online contacts databases, convert the contacts data to a formal usable within the online stationery service, detect conflicts between the contacts data and existing contacts already stored within a contacts database on the online stationery service, resolve the conflicts, and store the contacts data within the contacts database on the online stationery service; a stationery service contacts manager to manage the set of contacts data within the stationery service contacts database in response to user input; a stationery personalization engine providing an end user with a set of selectable stationery templates, the stationery personalization engine receiving an indication that an end user has selected a particular one of the stationery templates, and generating personalized stationery with the selected template based on user input; the stationery service contacts manager identifying address information for each of a set of user-selected contacts to receive the personalized stationery; and a print module to generate and transmit a print job to print the personalized stationery and envelopes containing the address information for the user-selected contacts; wherein the online stationery service mails the printed stationery in the printed envelopes on behalf of the end user. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145098 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTACTS WITHIN AN ONLINE STATIONERY SYSTEM - A system and method are described for managing a contacts database within an online stationery service. For example, a system implemented within an online stationery service according to one embodiment comprises: a stationery service contacts manager to manage a set of contacts data within a stationery service contacts database in response to user input; a stationery personalization engine providing an end user with a set of selectable stationery templates, the stationery personalization engine receiving an indication that an end user has selected a particular one of the stationery templates, and generating personalized stationery with the selected template based on user input; the stationery service contacts manager providing address information for each of a set of user-selected contacts to receive a the personalized stationery by non-electronic mail; and a print module to generate a print job to print the personalized stationery and envelopes containing the address information for the user-selected contacts, the print module transmitting a link to an external print service for uniquely identifying the print job, the external print service accessing the link from the online stationery service using the link; wherein the external print service mails the printed stationery in the printed envelopes on behalf of the end user. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145099 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTACTS WITHIN AN ONLINE STATIONERY SYSTEM - A graphical user interface, system and method are described for managing a contacts database within an online stationery service. For example, one embodiment of the invention comprises a graphical user interface comprising: a first region for displaying the listing of contacts received from the stationery service contacts manager, the contacts within the listing of contacts selectable via a user input device; a second region comprising a series of data field for entering a new contact via a user input device; a third region displaying a list of contacts to whom the online stationery service will mail stationery directly on behalf of the end user, the contacts within the third region selected from the first region or entered in the second region; and a print module to generate a print job to print the personalized stationery and envelopes containing the address information for the user-selected contacts. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145100 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESING PERSONALIZED STATIONERY DESIGNS AND SELECTING FULFILLMENT ORDER SITES - A system and method are described for digitally processing a stationery order and for selecting an optimum fulfillment site for fulfilling the stationery order. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: providing an end user with a set of selectable stationery templates, the stationery personalization engine receiving an indication that an end user has selected a particular one of the stationery templates; collecting personalization data from the user, the personalization data including personalized messages, one or more stationery formatting options selected by the user, and names and addresses of stationery recipients; applying the personalization data to the stationery templates to generate a personalized stationery design; identifying a set of eligible fulfillment sites for printing the stationery design based on a first set of variables; and identifying an optimal fulfillment site from the set of eligible fulfillment sites based on a second set of variables. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145101 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR MANAGING CONTACTS AND CALENDARS WITHIN AN ONLINE CARD SYSTEM - A system, method and graphical user interface (GUI) are described for managing a contacts and calendar database within an online stationery/card service. For example, a system implemented by an online stationery/card service allowing a user to personalize and send non-electronic stationery/cards is described, the system comprising: a graphical user interface for personalizing and sending non-electronic stationery/cards comprising: a reminder list comprised a plurality of reminder entries, each of the reminder entries identifying an upcoming event including events generated based on a specified relationship between the user and one or more contacts stored in a contacts database of the user; a recommendation region comprising a plurality of stationery/card design recommendations, the recommendation region populated with stationery/card designs associated with a specified one or the one or more entries in the reminder list, including the events generated based on the specified relationship between the user and each of the contacts; and a stationery/card personalization engine executed in response to the user selecting one of the stationery/card design recommendations from the recommendation region, the stationery personalization engine providing the end user with a set of personalization options related to the selected stationery/card design, and generating personalized stationery with the selected stationery/card design based on user input. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145102 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INITIATING APPLICATION PROCESSES BY DATA CAPTURE FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS - Systems, apparatus and methods for implementing transaction applications using a handheld document data capture device are described herein. The handheld device captures information from a rendered document. The captured information is processed to identify an electronic document corresponding to the rendered document. Information captured from the rendered document by the handheld capture device is used to perform a transaction. In one embodiment, a portable scanner is used to select items from a catalog. Information scanned from the catalog is used to identify the catalog, the items to be purchased, and complete an order via the Internet. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145103 | Service Brokering using Domain Name Servers - Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide techniques for locating a service using DNS search techniques. For example, an IP address of a customer's end user device ( | 2011-06-16 |
20110145104 | METHOD AND DEVICE UTILIZING POLYMORPHIC DATA IN E-COMMERCE - An aspect of the present invention includes a protocol for conveying data during an e-commerce session with a polymorphic response, comprising initiating a session with a message from a buyer application to a broker application and a session identifier assigned by the broker application; conducting the session between the buyer application and a supplier application; and concluding the session with a additional message which includes a schema identifier for the additional message, resolvable in a context of a system identifier; and a polymorphic response comprising a type and a version, wherein the polymorphic response includes additional data elements corresponding to values assigned to the type and version. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145105 | VIEWING SHOPPING INFORMATION ON A NETWORK BASED SOCIAL PLATFORM - A system for viewing shopping information on a social networking platform is disclosed. At the social networking platform, the system receives a request from a user device corresponding to a first user of the social networking platform to view a list of a second user of the social networking platform. The list may include items offered for transaction on a network-based commerce server. In response to receiving the request from the user device, the system forwards the request to the network-based commerce server, and then receives updated information for at least one item on the list from the network-based corner server. Then, the system communicates the updated information received from the network-based commerce server to the user device. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145106 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLABORATIVE AND PRIVATE SESSIONS - Examples of a method and system for collaborative and private sessions are provided. A cursor movement request may be received from at least two users of a plurality of users of a collaborative session during a time period. The cursor may move on a common interface according to the cursor movement request from a first user selected from the at least two users that has satisfied a movement criterion. A completion criterion and a private session parameter may be designated for a private session. A number of user interactions may be processed from a participant of the private session. The private shopping session may be terminated for the participant when the completion criterion is satisfied. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145107 | ON-LINE MAIL PROCESSING SYSTEM AND MOBILE DEVICE APPLICATION THEREFOR - A method for determining the postage associated with the delivery of an article including the steps of receiving an acquired image of the article over a network from a web enabled device (ii) comparing the acquired digital imaged to a plurality of stored digital images to ermine the identity of the acquired digital image, (iii) determining at least one characteristic of the identified digital image useful to determine a delivery cost associated with the identified digital image of the identified article, (iv) calculating the estimated cost of delivering the identified article to a destination address, and, (v) transmitting the estimated cost to the web enabled device. The method also determines the postage associated with the delivery of an article by means of a wireless communication network using a wireless mobile device having an optical imaging device. Furthermore, a system also determines the postage associated with the identified article. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145108 | METHOD FOR OBTAINING INFORMATION RELATING TO A PRODUCT, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, SERVER AND SYSTEM RELATED THERETO - The present invention relates to a method, an electronic device, a server and a system to easily and quickly obtain product information of a product selected by a user from a picture or movie. The method for obtaining information comprises the steps displaying at least one image to a user by a display section of said electronic device; selecting a product by registering a position on said display section associated with said product; and retrieving product information from a storage section using said registered position. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145109 | ON-LINE SAVINGS ACCOUNT - An on-line savings page for managing a savings account includes a list of items the user is saving for, where each item has a specified priority. A savings rate for each item is determined by the savings account based on the priority and total savings rate. The user is notified of any changes in the savings account, such as price changes, inventory changes, etc., as well as relevant information related to the item, such as sales, offers, recalls, etc. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145110 | INDEX INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD ACCORDING TO CHARGING PERIOD IN SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT SYSTEM - An index management device of a service level agreement system includes: an external link processor for receiving a customized service request for requesting a different service per subscriber received by a subscriber subscription management system; a quality manager for extracting needed information from output information from the external link processor; an index management interface for checking a characteristic of the output information from the quality manager and an information management method; a table storage unit for storing index information of the service level agreement system; and an index manager for managing the index information stored in the table storage unit according to the customized service request and a request from the index management interface. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145111 | DYNAMIC PAYMENT METHODS AND DEVICES - Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide techniques for facilitating the selection of a billing gateway ( | 2011-06-16 |
20110145112 | FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTIVE ACCRUAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALCULATING AND FACILITATING COMPLIANCE WITH TAXES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS - A computer-based system and method calculates and facilitates revenue accrual, for making larger, less frequent payments of estimated taxes or other obligations. Payer preferences are applied to satisfy variable payment intervals, amounts, and available resources. The obligation, required payments, and set-aside schedules are recalculated as needed, under payer and/or system control. Excess accruals are minimized; set-aside schedules are configurable. The system may be self-contained, handheld, or accessed remotely. Automatic datalinks move information and command fund transfers from the payer's bank, to accrue funds and make payments to other accounts. A service host may support a plurality of payers to make set-asides and payments at various levels as needed, on an individual or batch basis, including individual taxpayer enrollment for batch file tax payments by service providers. Some embodiments can be embedded to enhance the capabilities of other systems. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145113 | Portable electronic checkbook with security identification protocols - A portable electronic checkbook having a security identification scanner to prevent its use by an unauthorized person, the electronic checkbook having a cassette slidably receivable therein containing check quality paper, and a means for activating the checkbook, entering data with respect to a check to be written and printing and dispensing the check subject to identification verification, | 2011-06-16 |
20110145114 | COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED SYSTEM FOR SELF-MANAGED INCENTIVE PROGRAM - This invention is directed to a computer implemented system and method for enabling a user to create a self-managed incentive program. A provider system coupled to a communication network is provided for access by a plurality of authorized users associated with a plurality of client organizations. A hierarchy module having a plurality of information fields to be completed by a user, the information fields including fields for receiving data concerning the user's personnel and divisions, an incentive program module that allows a user to establish one or more incentive programs in respect to the personnel and divisions in accordance with user selected criteria. The hierarchy module and the incentive program module are operated by a corporate user without the requirement for assistance of a system provider. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145115 | CUSTOMIZED CONTENT BILLING MANAGEMENT SERVER AND METHOD - Provided is a customized billing method for content service. A content service billing method in a billing management server for charging a fee for use of content service provided to a user via a communication network includes collecting billing information for calculating a content service use fee for a user from a network switch and a policy control server, and calculating the content service use fee using the collected billing information. Accordingly, customized billing considering communication network performance, service quality, and content properties is feasible. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145116 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING PAYMENT DUE NOTIFICATIONS - Systems and methods for generating payment due notifications are provided. A payor and a payee of the payor may be identified by a payment service provider system. At least one notification control parameter associated with communicating payment due notifications to the payor may be identified. Based at least in part upon evaluating a payment history associated with one or more payments made to the payee on behalf of the payor, a payment frequency pattern may be determined. Based at least in part on a portion of the payment history and the determined payment frequency pattern, a next expected payment date may be calculated. In accordance with the at least one notification control parameter, a payment due notification including an identity of the payee and the next expected payment date may be generated. The payment due notification may be transmitted to the payor. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145117 | Clearing System That Determines Settlement Prices of Derivatives in Financial Portfolios - Methods, systems and apparatuses are described for credit default swap (CDS) settlement pricing. The method includes receiving at least quoted prices and/or executed prices, and using them to calculate a settlement price of CDSs in a portfolio. The calculation of the settlement price may also consider other information, such as recovery rate, hazard rate function, etc. The invention also may include an electronic trading platform that is fully integrated with a central counterparty clearing facility for CDSs. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145118 | ASSET ACQUISITION, MANAGEMENT AND OCCUPATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Asset acquisition, management and/or occupation systems and methods are disclosed. One of the methods of acquiring an asset includes a first party approving the asset selected by a second party and the first party purchasing the asset. The method includes the first party and the second party agreeing that the second party has an option or right to purchase, lease, license, or settle or not settle the purchase of the asset from the first party at or before a predetermined time. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145119 | METHOD FOR STANDARDIZING AND OPTIMIZING FINANCIAL SERVICES WITH THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING - A method for standardizing and optimizing financial services with the use of electronic data processing, wherein the personal data of a customer is collected according to a predefined, harmonized data acquisition system, and taking as a basis the scientific findings and the set of standards derived from these scientific findings, the personal requirements are determined in a repeatable manner by means of a computer program, and wherein a needs-based recommendation that is backed by scientific findings is displayed in writing and/or graphically on a display and/or is printed out by a printer. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145120 | Presentation and Analysis of Docket Information and Financial Information - Aggregation, analysis, and presentation of financial and docket information in a common interface are described. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145121 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AND PROCESSING INSTALLMENT PLANS AT A TERMINAL - According to some embodiments, a central controller receives a selection signal. If the selection signal indicates acceptance of any installment plan, use of the accepted installment plan for the financial account is authorized. Thereafter, bills may be generated that reflect installment charges to be paid. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145122 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONSUMER INTERACTION BASED ON SPEND CAPACITY - Share of Wallet (“SoW”) is a modeling approach that utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a consumer's spending capability, tradeline history including balance transfers, and balance information. These outputs can be appended to data profiles of customers and prospects and can be utilized to support decisions involving prospecting, new applicant evaluation, and customer management across the lifecycle. In addition to credit card companies, SoW outputs may be useful to companies issuing, for example: private label cards, life insurance, on-line brokerages, mutual funds, car sales/leases, hospitals, and home equity lines of credit or loans. “Best customer” models can correlate SoW outputs with various customer groups. A SoW score focusing on a consumer's spending capacity can be used in the same manner as a credit bureau score. | 2011-06-16 |
20110145123 | CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP POST CREDIT EVENT - Methods, systems and apparatuses are described for determining that a credit event has occurred for an entity; determining an upfront price and a bond price for a credit default swap deliverable (CDSD) contract associated with the entity; determining a first weighting for the upfront price and a second weighting for the bond price; and calculating a settlement price for the CDSD contract that is a function of the first weighting, the second weighting, the upfront price, and the bond price. | 2011-06-16 |