30th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130191145 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING WORK SCHEDULES - Disclosed are new approaches for scheduling workers at remote locations. Work assignments may be organized into shifts associated with one or more workers and one or more recipients. Tasks are associated with the shift and have an updatable status. Shifts may be replicated by cutting and pasting or by specifying a recurrence definition. The tasks associated with a shift may then be replicated. The status of tasks may be updated using a voice telephony system. The status of tasks may also be reported from a computer located on the recipient premise. Special classification activities may also be automatically specified according to rules and associated with shifts and replicated shifts. Methods for automatically associating providers with shifts are also disclosed. A family portal enabling access and provisional changes to care data for a recipient is also disclosed. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191146 | APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING RADIATION THERAPY PLAN AND METHOD THEREFOR - The present invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for comparing and evaluating therapy plan received from heterogeneous radiation therapy apparatuses. An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a receiving means, a processing means, and a display means. The receiving means receives the patient's first radiation therapy plan data, which is generated by a first radiation therapy apparatus, and also receives the patient's second radiation therapy plan data, which is generated by a second radiation therapy apparatus. The processing means processes the first and second radiation therapy plan data to generate mixed data overlaid onto the medical image of the patient. According to a configuration of the present invention, trial and error during radiation treatment may be minimized. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191147 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROMOTING MEDICATIONS - A method for promoting prescription medication, comprising: receiving, by an electronic prescribing application, a request for information regarding a medication from a healthcare provider; retrieving information for a given medication which satisfies the request, where the retrieved information includes an indicia of a financial incentive associated with the given medication; presenting the given medication, along with the indicia, on a display; receiving an indication that the given medication is to be prescribed to a patient by the healthcare provider; requesting information regarding the financial incentive from a server; receiving the information regarding the financial incentive from the server; presenting the information regarding the financial incentive on the display; and sending a prescription for the given medication electronically to a pharmacy, where the prescription includes a portion of the information regarding the financial incentive. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191148 | ADDING PROBLEM ENTRIES TO A PATIENT SUMMARY - Information including a data set indicative of a condition is categorized by changing a categorization state of the data from an active state to a past state based on a time of an update (e.g., time of an update of a diagnosis, when a file may be updated) indicative of a resolution of the condition. When a most recent entry in the data set exceeds a duration range for the condition as determined by a knowledge base, the categorization state of the data is changed from the active state to the past state. Further, it is determining whether the condition is correlated with a treatment. When the correlated treatment is being taken by a subject, changing the categorization state of the data from the active state to the past state. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191149 | LATEX DETECTION AND WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided is an apparatus that stores a formulary. The apparatus includes a memory device that stores the formulary, the formulary comprising a plurality of drug entries. A code reader interprets computer-readable codes. An interface device generates an allergy warning. After a computer-readable code that is associated with a drug entry of the plurality of drug entries is read by the code reader, the apparatus compares drug information of the drug entry to allergen information, and controls the interface device to generate the allergy warning when the drug information and the allergen information match. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191150 | MEDICAL EXAMINATION SCHEDULING SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A system and computer implemented method is provided to determine a need for a medical examination. The system includes a computerized device and a database accessible using an interface. Some data may include information about a patient that may be definable by a user. The system may also include a rules engine operated by the computerized device to manage rules and to retrieve the data from the database, retrieve the rules stored in the database relating to the need for the examination of the medical condition by a specialist practitioner, and compare the data that is retrieved with the rules to determine a need for an initial examination. Findings from the initial examination are storable in the database, and the findings are retrievable to be compared with the rules to determine a need for a subsequent examination. Medical codes associated with the findings are storable in the database | 2013-07-25 |
20130191151 | ADDING PROBLEM ENTRIES TO A PATIENT SUMMARY - Information including a data set indicative of a condition is categorized by changing a categorization state of the data from an active state to a past state based on a time of an update (e.g., time of an update of a diagnosis, when a file may be updated) indicative of a resolution of the condition. When a most recent entry in the data set exceeds a duration range for the condition as determined by a knowledge base, the categorization state of the data is changed from the active state to the past state. Further, it is determining whether the condition is correlated with a treatment. When the correlated treatment is being taken by a subject, changing the categorization state of the data from the active state to the past state. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191152 | METHOD AND SYSTSM FOR ACCESSING PATIENT DATA - Data concerning patients that have received treatment by a drug is stored and accessed to it is provided. One or more storage elements are provided that contain data concerning patients that have received the drug. The data includes data from clinical trials and data from patients prescribed the drug by a physician. A processor is programmed to search the storage elements for data on patients meeting a specified profile and to create a dataset. The dataset includes information on the patients having the specified profile, including a response of the patients to treatment using the drug. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191153 | Assessing Variation In Clinical Response Data Based On A Computational Representation Of Neural Or Psychological Processes Underlying Performance On A Brain Function Test - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for analyzing data include: receiving data regarding responses, and lack thereof, for items of a brain function test comprising at least one set of item responses; processing the data using a model that combines a brain function processing construct with hierarchical Bayesian analysis to measure differences among subsets of the data, wherein the brain function processing construct is a computer-based representation of neural or psychological processes underlying performance on the brain function test; and encoding a result of the processing on a computer-readable medium to supply the result to a computer device for use in an assessment related to the brain function test. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191154 | MEDICAL DATA SYSTEM GENERATING AUTOMATED SURGICAL REPORTS - Briefly, a medical data system collects data concurrent with performance of a medical procedure. In one example, the medical procedure is a surgery, and a surgical support system collects and presents surgical information concurrent with the surgery's progress. A graphical display in the operating room is used to capture in near real time, what happens in the operating room. Medical personnel in the operating environment use the surgical system to capture detailed information regarding the surgery. The surgical system allows the medical personnel to graphically record key data, which enables a surgical report to be promptly generated. In this way, the surgical system enables the near real time collection and presentation of surgical data, and ensures the data and the surgical report is accurate and complete. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191155 | ALLHEALTH - A system, a method and a computer program for providing a comprehensive suite of applications that offer a holistic healthcare approach across multiple domains, products and services. The system is configured to assist users to, inter alia, perform initial intakes, record assessment data, track clinical progress, offer e-prescribing capabilities, and maintain an individual's complete medical record in a secure environment. The system is HIPPA compliant and meets the standards set forth by the US Government for EHR Certification. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191156 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MEDICAL WORKER COLLABORATION - A collaborative electronic environment for medical workers. First medical worker data, describing a medical condition of a patient and (1) a diagnosis relating to the medical condition associated with a first medical worker; and/or (2) a treatment relating to the medical condition associated with the first medical worker, is maintained in a data repository. Second medical worker data describing one or more of (1) an additional diagnosis relating to the medical condition; (2) an additional treatment relating to the medical condition; (3) commentary regarding the diagnosis; and (4) commentary regarding the treatment, is received from a second medical worker, through the electronic user interface. The second medical worker data is stored in the data repository. At least some of the first medical worker data and at least some of the second medical worker data is displayed in the electronic user interface. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191157 | UNIFIED HEALTHCARE INTELLIGENCE, ANALYTICS, AND CARE MANAGEMENT - Healthcare intelligence and analytics may be improved by combining sets of disparate healthcare records and matching records between patients. The matched records may then be analyzed by identifying relevant individuals and providing information to a user containing the combined sets of healthcare records and the analysis. The information may be customized for the user after identifying the user accessing the interface. Additionally, rules may be applied to the analyzed data to enhance the data when viewed by the user. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191158 | PATIENT READMISSION PREDICTION TOOL - Facilities are provider herein for predicting potentially preventable patient readmissions after discharge from a health care provider. A patient readmission prediction model is built based on received patient data for one or more health care providers. Patient attributes discernible from that patient data are extracted and analyzed, and certain attributes are selected as being meaningful in predicting likelihood of post-discharge, potentially preventable patient readmission by patients newly admitted to a health care provider. Patient data for a newly admitted patient is obtained, and the readmission prediction model is applied against that patient data for the newly admitted patient to obtain a predictive risk score that is indicative of the likelihood that the newly admitted patient will experience a potentially preventable readmission post-discharge from the health care provider. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191159 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CUSTOMER-SELECTED CARE PATH FOR TREATMENT OF A MEDICAL CONDITION - Consumer healthcare decisions are facilitated using systems, methods and computer program products configured to generate healthcare path recommendations based a consumer engagement with a consumer interface in which consumer-reported information related to a consumer health condition is received and used to generate healthcare path recommendations. The healthcare path recommendations are customized for the consumer based on the consumer's personalized information including the consumer's engagement with the consumer interface. The customized healthcare paths include treatment options for addressing the health of the consumer and may include cost-effective providers. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191160 | Dynamic Presentation of Individualized and Populational Health Information and Treatment Solutions - The disclosure herein relates generally to the dynamic presentation of health information and treatment options. Methods and systems for automatically causing the display of a desired visual depiction of health information and treatment options are disclosed. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191161 | PATIENT DATA INPUT AND ACCESS SYSTEM THAT ENHANCES PATIENT CARE - The present disclosure provides a platform for collaborative electronic medical records creation and analysis that provides a more efficient alternative to present EMR systems for healthcare providers. The system includes a server and a user device configured to communicate with one or more EMR or HIE systems. The user device and the server are configured to provide healthcare providers easy access to their patients' data, to accurately collect or receive patient data from healthcare providers, to enable healthcare providers to better collaborate on patient treatment, to automatically provide decision support tools which are based on better quality patient data and statistically significant stored patient data, to enable healthcare providers to better control patient healthcare costs, and to enable healthcare providers to provide better overall patient care. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191162 | System and Method for Facilitating Outcome-Based Health Care - In an exemplary embodiment, a server receives from a communication device (i) an identifier of a patient and (ii) a login credential associated with an individual. The server makes a determination based on the login credential that the individual is authorized to access a patient record of the patient. Subsequent to making the determination, the server prepares an assessment based on the patient record, and provides the assessment to the communication device. The assessment includes a measurement. The server subsequently receives a measurement result from the communication device and updates the patient record based on the measurement result. The server prepares a care plan based on the patient record and provides the care plan to the communication device. The care plan includes a task. The server subsequently receives a task status from the communication device and updates the patient record based on the task status. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191163 | HEALTH RECORD WITH INBOUND AND OUTBOUND FAX FUNCTIONALITY - A method for receiving a fax into an electronic health record includes receiving a fax transmission at a fax server, generating an image file containing the fax document, generating metadata about the image file and/or the fax transmission, sending the image file and the metadata to a health information technology system, and adding or creating an electronic health record associated with the health information technology system such that the electronic health comprises the image file and/or information derived from the image file. A method for sending a fax based on an electronic health record within a health information technology is also provided. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191164 | Portable Health Communication Apparatus and Watch - A portable health communication apparatus and a watch are provided, where the portable health communication apparatus includes: a receiving module configured to receive user health information and send the user health information to a processing module; the processing module configured to update the user health information into the storage module and upload the user health information to an external device through an external communication module, where the processing module is further configured to receive user health information in the external device through the external communication module and update user health information stored in the storage module; and an information presentation module configured to present, under the control of the processing module, the user health information stored in the storage module, so that rescue personnel may rescue a user according to the user health information when an emergency occurs. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191165 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDICAL DATA COLLECTION AND DISPLAY - A method and system for managing medical data is described. Medical data is stored in a database, where the medical data is supplied by both a patient and by other members of a care team authorized by the patient to provide medical data to the database, the other members of the care team including at least one of a physician, a pharmacist, other health professional and a family member of the patient. A computing device connected to a network provides at least some portions of the medical data ( | 2013-07-25 |
20130191166 | MEDICAL SYSTEM - The medical system of the embodiment comprises a recording unit, management unit, extracting unit, searching unit, and display unit. The recording unit records medical information by associating it to the classification thereof. The management unit associates and manages a plurality of situation sections in order to differentiate medical examination situations when medical care is received and a plurality of classifications of medical information. The extracting unit extracts the classification of medical information corresponding to particular situations among a plurality of situation sections based on the plurality of situation sections associated and a plurality of classifications of medical information by the management unit. The searching unit searches the classification of medical information not recorded in the recording unit among the classifications of medical information extracted by the extracting unit. The display unit displays the classification of medical information searched by the searching unit. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191167 | INSURANCE PRODUCT - A method of determining an insurance coverage amount for an insurance plan holder having a health insurance plan using a tangible computer processor, as well as a related system and a non-transitory tangible computer readable storage medium, are provided. The method may include receiving a contribution payment amount from the insurance plan holder, the contribution payment amount including at least an investment payment portion and a premium payment portion, distributing, using the tangible computer processor, the investment payment portion and the premium payment portion between an investment account and a premium account, respectively, and determining, after the distributing, the insurance coverage amount based on an amount of funds present in the investment account and a coverage factor for a predetermined time period. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191168 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR COORDINATING INSURANCE APPLICANT INTERVIEWS - A system, method, and computer readable medium for enabling the receipt of data for an insurance application. More particularly, a mechanism enabled to configure an insurance application into a product questionnaire, to present the product questionnaire via an interface to enable an individual to input disclosure data obtained from an insurance applicant, and to provide the received disclosure data in an industry standard format. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191169 | METHOD OF FINANCING UNFUNDED LIABILITIES - A method is disclosed of financing the liabilities of sovereign governmental entities, their political subunits, and like entities (e.g., school boards, etc.), and private business entities through the use of insurance products. In one embodiment, the method may include: receiving a population data set, generating a plurality of mortality data sets, generating a financial target data set, transmitting the financial target data set to a plurality of life insurance vendors, receiving from each of at least two life insurance vendors a rate table, generating a proportional rating for each insurance vendor, generating a final rate table having a per member life insurance premium rate for each mortality data set. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191170 | KIOSK FOR PROVIDING INSURANCE SERVICES AND PRODUCTS - A public access kiosk that provides direct, real-time communication between customers and licensed insurance agents, customer service representatives, or other insurance company representatives or agents. Communication may be voice only, with or without an avatar, but also may comprise face-to-face video. The kiosk is connected to the Internet or other network, thereby providing voice, video, and other data to be transmitted in real time and providing around-the-clock, automated (semi or fully) self-service, with an option for a fully supported, face-to-face in-office agency experience. The kiosk may be used to provide insurance and other services, including but not limited to providing a “lightning quote” for insurance in five minutes or less, and in some variations, in 60 seconds or less. A “lightning quote” also may be provided through the Internet or a web site, or other means. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191171 | RESERVATION CONTAINER OBJECT AND REFERENCE THERETO - A system for managing a reservation container associated with a reservation. The system comprising a controller for executing a set of instructions and a controller-readable medium storing the set of instructions which, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to: generate a unique reservation container identifier for enabling subsequent access to the reservation container; set access attributes for the reservation container; and transmit the generated unique reservation container identifier to a service caller. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191172 | TICKET TRANSFER - A system and method transfers a ticket from one party to another through a ticketing application in a computing device. A purchased ticket may be electronically received by the user and saved to a database accessible by the computing device. The ticket may be assigned a unique fingerprint to prevent fraudulent activity. The ticketing application receives a selection of one or more tickets to be transferred to another party. A transfer recipient (having access to the ticketing application) is identified. In one embodiment, a user may request a payment amount from the transfer recipient for the transferred ticket. Once a user has identified a transfer recipient and payment amount (if applicable), the user may then confirm and/or authorize the transfer. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191173 | Mobile Ordering - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media with executable instructions stored thereon for mobile ordering. An order for a selected merchant selection can be received. A unique identifier can be associated, by a computing device, to the order. Per a request from the selected merchant, the order associated with the unique identifier can be retrieved. The order can be finalized after the order has been completed. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191174 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO ADVERTISE AND SELL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES VIA A TABLE TABLET COMPUTER - Provided is a table tablet computer for facilitating a process of ordering product items and making mobile device payments. The user may select product items via interface of the table tablet computer and send an order request to a merchant. Upon receipt of an order from the merchant, the user may send a check-out request to transfer payment for the order. Once the check-out request has been received, the merchant may transmit an invoice to the table tablet computer. The invoice may include a barcode, which may be scanned by a mobile device, a barcode scanner, an external device, or any other personal digital device of the user. The barcode may encode data associated with the order. The data associated with the order may include payment data of the merchant, the product items, and a total price of the order. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191175 | PERSONNEL ACTIVITY RECORDING TERMINAL, PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUCH A SYSTEM - A personnel management system includes a personnel activity recording terminal, a subscriber terminal for receiving subscriber assignments, a server for receiving data from the personnel activity recording terminal and the subscriber terminal, and a database for storing the data received at the server. The server is arranged to compare the data received from the personnel activity recording terminal and the subscriber assignments and to allocate assignments to personnel. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191176 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CO-ORDINATING TWO CONSECUTIVE PRODUCTION STEPS OF A PRODUCTION PROCESS - A method and apparatus are disclosed for coordinating two consecutive production steps of a production process including: a) devising a production schedule of a first manufacturing stage according to a first optimization target based on one or more first optimization parameters, in order to obtain a first optimization result; b) devising a production schedule of a second manufacturing stage according to a second optimization target based on one or more second optimization parameters, in order to obtain a second optimization result; c) assessing the optimization results with regard to an overall optimization target; d) modifying the first and second optimization parameters; and e) repeating the process of devising the production schedules of the first and second manufacturing stages according to the respective optimization target based on the modified first and/or second optimization parameters. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191177 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CUSTOMIZING A PROJECT - A method, system, and computer readable media for managing a project over a computer network is disclosed. A project selection is received. Data associated with the project is retrieved in response to the selection. Data associated with a user profile is also retrieved, and compared to the data associated with the project to detect inconsistencies between the project and the user profile. In an embodiment, substitutions are determined based on the inconsistencies and automatically incorporated into the project. Data associated with the project including the substitutions is then delivered to the user over a computer network. In another embodiment, data associated with the project and the inconsistencies is delivered to the user over a computer network. In some embodiments, data associated with alternative project inputs and/or project actions consistent with the user profile is delivered to the user for substitution into the project. In some implementations, a selection of one or more alternative project inputs and/or project actions may be received from the user over a computer network. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191178 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURE REGISTRATION, AUTHENTICATION, VALUATION AND EXCHANGE OF VIRTUAL GOODS AND OBJECTS - Systems and methods for management of virtual goods and objects including registration, authentication, market valuation and exchange thereof. Any virtual good or object may be registered via a Virtual Content Integration module which collects information about the virtual good or object from the creator thereof which, when complete, is transmitted to a Virtual Content Authentication module, where ownership information is embedded within the virtual good or object as meta data and/or cross referenced by the metadata within an authentication registry. All transactions involving the virtual good or object are transmitted through and referenced by a Virtual Content Transaction module. All transactions managed by the system and method are evaluated by a Virtual Content Exchange module which determines the real world equilibrium price of the virtual good or object based on estimated supply and demand curves to establish the parameters for and provide a commodity exchange for virtual goods and objects. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191179 | INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NETWORK TRANSACTION PLATFORM - The present invention provides an information processing method for a network transaction platform that is provided with personal consumption space of a user and that has a product information database, the method comprising: an information publishing step of publishing and residing in personal consumption space subscription information that is published by a user; an extracting step of extracting the subscription information from the personal consumption space; a matching step of matching the subscription information to product information in the product information database; and a feedback step of feeding back to the personal consumption space product information in the product information database whose matching degree to the subscription information reaches a certain predefined threshold. The present invention further discloses an information processing system for a network transaction platform. The information processing system and method for a network transaction platform as disclosed in the present invention has such advantages that users operate conveniently and rapidly and that service providers provide feedback in time and accurately. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191180 | SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING CUSTOMER FEEDBACK IN REAL-TIME - Real-time consumer feedback collection includes: receiving a unique product code from a device associated with a consumer of a product, the unique product code, when decoded, revealing an address of an on-line survey site; providing an interface within the on-line survey site for providing feedback about the product; receiving the feedback; storing the feedback; and supplying the feedback to the producer of the product. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191181 | DETERMINING WHETHER TO LAUNCH A PARTICULAR OFFERING - Survey responses are received regarding user interest in offerings of plural different types based on proposed incentives for the offerings of the plural different types. An analysis of the survey responses is performed. The analysis includes deriving measures based on the survey responses regarding user interest in the offerings of the plural different types, and computing, based on the measures, an indication of profitability regarding a particular one of the plural different types of offerings. The indication of profitability to allow for a determination of whether to launch the particular type of offering. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191182 | WORK AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD - The application provides a system for supporting facilities management services. The system comprises at least one client terminal computer, an Inspection server computer, and at least one mobile computing device. In particular, the client terminal computer comprises a display device, at least one corresponding tactile input device, and a client wireless communication module. The Inspection server computer comprises a server wireless communication module for communicating with the client terminal computer, a server wireless phone module for communicating with the mobile computing device, and a pre-determined set of inspection data lists. The system provides a user feedback data acquisition mode, an alert mode, and a site inspection mode. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191183 | Information Sharing System for On-Line Real-Time, Localized Cost Comparison for Services - A computer implemented method for providing a user with a cost comparison for neighborhood services comprising creating a database of categories of neighborhood services, the categories created by a system administrator and by users submitting categories, users also submitting prices they have actually paid for neighborhood services and the computer providing to users the prices actually paid by other users and an average of prices actually paid. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191184 | Technique To Model Business Asset State Changes In Component Business Modeling - Component Business Model (“CBM”) software that can generate and maintain a CBM of an enterprise, with the CBM software including a state change identification module and a create state diagram module. The state change identification module identifies state changes in a Business Asset of the CBM. The create state diagram module creates a state diagram for the Business Asset based upon the changes identified by the state change identification module. In some embodiments, the Business Assets of the CBM for which state diagrams are created will be the predominant assets of Participating Business Components that are involved in a Business Scenario. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191185 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING REAL-TIME AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX CUSTOMER CARE PROCESSES - A system for conducting real-time and historical analysis of complex customer care processes, comprising an event collector software module, a complex event processing software module adapted to receive events from the event collector software module, a distributed data storage layer, a business analytics software module adapted to receive and process data from the distributed data storage layer, a distributed configuration software module, and a user interface software module adapted to receive analytics results from the business analytics software module. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191186 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CAPTURING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BUSINESS OUTCOMES, PERSONS AND TECHNICAL ASSETS - A method includes building a library of service value maps (SVMs) each including a multi-layered hierarchical arrangement of elements with causal links between at least some elements of a particular layer and at least some elements of next higher layer. Each SVM includes at a topmost layer at least one desired outcome for an entity associated with the SVM, at a next lower layer capabilities that support the at least one desired outcome and, for each identified capability, at a next lower layer organization solution assets that support the capabilities. The identified solution assets and components are mapped to infrastructure elements in a lower-most layer. The method further includes assigning weights to the links between elements of a particular layer and elements of a next higher layer, where each weight has a value to indicate a contribution of an associated element to a linked-to element in the next higher layer. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191187 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR IDENTIFYING VALUE AGGREGATION POINTS FROM A SET OF SERVICE VALUE MAPS - A method provides a set of service value maps (SVMs) each having a plurality of nodes and linkages between nodes; forming a network model based on the set of SVMs and analyzing the network model to compute aggregate values for the nodes to enable an identification of a node that matches at least one criterion. Analyzing can include using a degree centrality process where a value for each node is defined as a number of outgoing edges from the node, or an eigenvalue centrality process where a value of a node is proportional to a value of those nodes that the node is connected to. Each SVM can be represented as a directed acyclic graph (DAG) where each edge between nodes is an edge in the DAG. The at least one criterion can include a highest valued node identifying a value aggregation point (VAP) of the set of SVMs. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191188 | METHOD FOR ENERGY BENCHMARKING AND DIAGNOSIS THROUGH OPTIMIZATION AND A SYSTEM THEREOF - Exemplary embodiments relate to a method for energy benchmarking a process plant having at least one component, and for diagnosing the process plant thereof. The method includes adapting a process model for the process plant determining energy consumption of the process plant based on design conditions or current operating conditions or both and performing optimization for estimating the energy benchmark. Further, the method also includes calculating indices for gap analysis and diagnosing the gap between the current energy consumption of the process plant and the estimated energy benchmark. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191189 | NON-ENFORCEMENT AUTONOMOUS PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS - Methods and systems based on Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) determine that a vehicle occupies a parking spot. A road-side system checks in the vehicle having an on-board DSRC system into a parking system. The system provides the on-board DSRC system with a parking rate and the on-board DSRC system provides the road-side system with payment data. A final parking fee is determined and is charged after the vehicle has left the parking spot. Parking rates are determined dynamically based on existing and/or expected conditions. A planning system provides a vehicle with a parking spot at a scheduled time. Navigation data is provided to the vehicle to reach the scheduled parking spot. Traffic and environmental policies are enforced by applying the methods and systems. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191190 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOTIVATING AND OPTIMIZING USAGE OF HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE/HIGH OCCUPANCY TOLL LANE BY DISPLAYING TIME BASED COST METRICS - A method and system for motivating and optimizing usage of a toll lane by displaying a time based cost metric on an electronic display. The real time electronic display can be configured on the toll lane for displaying information with respect to the toll lane to, for example, a driver on a highway. An average speed of vehicles in the toll lane and/or a non-toll lane of the highway over at least one span can be measured and the average speed can be displayed on the electronic display. A toll rate with respect to the usage of the toll lane can be determined and displayed. A time saving value and a cost per unit time with respect to the usage of the toll lane over the span can be calculated and displayed on the electronic display. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191191 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PARKING PASSES WHILE LIMITING THE PARKING PASS DEPENDING ON PARKING PASSES PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED TO A USER - A method for managing parking passes via a system for managing parking passes, including at least one device for dispensing a parking pass, and a server for centralizing the parking passes, the centralization server being connected to the or each dispensing device via a data link, the method including the following steps: inputting ( | 2013-07-25 |
20130191192 | Method and System for Conducting Transactions With Oliogopolistic Entities - A method for conducting a business transaction using a payment processing network is disclosed. The method includes sending an authorization request message including an authorization request to an issuer, where the authorization request message originates from a business consumer purchasing goods or services from an oligopolistic business entity. The issuer sends an authorization response message indicating that the authorization request is approved or not approved. Economic incentives associated with the business transaction is provided to the oligopolistic business entity or the business consumer for conducting the business transaction, wherein the incentive would not be available in a transaction between a non-oligopolistic business entity and the business consumer. A method for encouraging use of electronic payment methods is also disclosed, wherein an oligopolistic entity and a group of business consumers in an industry vertical are identified based on sales information, and an economic incentive is provided to the oligopolistic business entity after it agrees to accept electronic payment transactions for conducting business with the group of business consumers. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191193 | SHOPPING PLAN MANAGEMENT - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-program products that provide shopping plan optimization. In one embodiment of the invention, information associated with a shopping plan is retrieved by the system; the shopping plan may include a grocery or other shopping list. The system compares the information associated with the shopping plan to a database. The database may include information associated with a plurality of merchants and businesses. The system optimizes the shopping plan based at least partially on the comparison of the information associated with the shopping plan to the database. In an embodiment, the system optimizes the shopping by determining an efficient travel route based on the products and/or items in the shopping plan. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191194 | METHOD FOR INCENTIVIZING FINANCIAL SAVING AND EFFECTING A FINANCIAL BEHAVIOR CHANGE - One variation of a method for incentivizing financial saving includes: monitoring multiple financial accounts of a user; identifying a monetary transfer within the financial accounts that increases net user worth within the financial accounts; awarding a nonmonetary credit to the user based upon the monetary transfer; exchanging the credit for a user game play within a game; and issuing a prize associated with the game to the user in response to a user game play win. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191195 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO PRESENT AND PROCESS OFFERS - A user interface is provided to present offers via icons displayed near the location of the user on a map. Offers presented on the map may include active offers previously selected by the user and currently associated with the consumer account of the user for active participation, matching offers that have a set of targeting criteria which the user meets, and location-based offers that target locations in the vicinity of the location of the user. Icons for the location-based offers are presented at their respective targeting locations; and the active offers and matching offers are presented around the location of the user on the map for convenient access. A user interface allows the user to explore available offers, view information associated with the respective offers, and select offers in which to participate. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191196 | System and Method for Utilizing Consumer Capital to fund Municipal Charitable Projects - A consumer capital distribution system for providing revenue to underfunded municipal projects and charitable organizations. Consumers are provided with a member card that is linked to a charity of their choice, and a consumer loyalty program that retains store credits for any participating retailers the consumer patronizes. When the consumer makes a purchase at t participating business, a first portion of the purchase price is donated by the business to the consumer's selected charity; a second portion is contribution to a participating business retirement plan fund; and a third portion is attributed to the consumer's loyalty program account as a store credit. The system is administered by an administrative entity that enrolls new consumers, businesses and charities, and tracks the account details and donation history of each. The system and method thus help municipalities to provide revenue to projects that would otherwise go unfunded. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191197 | CUSTOMER REWARDS AND FEEDBACK SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS - A system for providing offer codes to customers, the offer codes being associated with rewards in exchange for completion of feedback surveys for a particular business following a transaction between the customer and the particular business. In various embodiments, the system is configured to provide a customer with an offer code for a particular business. In response to receiving confirmation that the customer has completed a qualifying transaction under the offer code with the particular business, the system, in various embodiments, is configured to notify the customer of an available feedback survey. In response to receiving the completed feedback survey from the customer, the system may be configured to provide compensation to the customer, which may be based at least in part on terms and conditions associated with the offer code. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191198 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO REDEEM OFFERS BASED ON A PREDETERMINED GEOGRAPHIC REGION - A computing apparatus is configured to store an offer provided to a plurality of users. The offer has a set of requirements to be met for a benefit, such as one or more purchase requirements, and a presence requirement formulated based on a time period, a geographic region, and a user limit. A user is determined to meet the presence requirement when the user is identified to be within the geographic region at a time during the time period before the current number of users who meet the presence requirement exceeds the user limit. The computing apparatus is configured to identify users who meet the presence requirement and monitor transactions in the financial payment accounts of such users to identify accounts that satisfy the purchase requirements, and configured to provide the benefit of the offer to the respective accounts that satisfy the set of requirements of the offer. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191199 | DYNAMIC OFFERS - A computer-based method of managing electronic transactions is described. A dynamic amount is dynamically determined based on historic transaction data of a plurality of first charge requests of a consumer account. A merchant offer is associated with the consumer account, including the dynamic amount. A transaction is then processed, including receiving a second charge request, and processing the second charge request based on the dynamic amount. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191200 | SECURE MERCHANT INITIATED INTERNET MARKETING WITH CONSUMER PURCHASE VALIDATION SYSTEM - The present invention provides a means for merchants to advertise and only pay on a per sale basis using a secure method of coupon validation. The system allows merchants to post an advertisement unassisted and/or without a salesperson and it protects consumers from bogus merchants and illegitimate coupons through a secure validation system. The system allows consumers to purchase coupons from a website that were made available by the merchants. The validation system enables the hosting company to allow merchants, not personally known to the hosting company, to post coupons because merchants do not receive the money for services and/or products until the hosting company receives a validation of a coupon and has allowed the consumer a certain time period for satisfaction of the services and/or products purchased with the coupon. The validation system uses unique coupon codes unknown to the merchant until the time of redemption. In the system of the present invention, the merchant does not receive payment until the coupon is redeemed (and an optional time period to file a dissatisfaction has passed). This protects the consumer from fraudulent merchants. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191201 | COORDINATED NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION - The reuse of consumer materials, such as bags, cartons, containers and the like, or the participation in more sustainable activities, such as car pooling, are tracked in conjunction with a sponsoring entity, such as a commercial establishment where the materials are reused by an individual, and that reuse is tracked and credited as an economic value. The economic value is redeemable with a participant, such a merchant where the materials are reused, or another participant merchant, or a business or employer which sponsors such reuse. The economic value may be redeemed by an individual participant, or may be donated, sold, bartered or exchanged. Groups may participate in the reuse of materials, such as by joining together where the reuse of materials by any member of the group accumulates economic value for the group or a designee of the group, such as a charity. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191202 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A REWARD POINT EXCHANGE WITH ISSUER-MERCHANT REDEMPTIONS - An online reward exchange system, including an exchange computer that interoperates with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the product. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191203 | System and Method for Discount Purchases - Described is a method, system, and apparatus for providing an online rebate. The method, system, and apparatus enable an aggregator to aggragate goods or services or both from at least one website; to present the aggregated goods or services or both on a web site in a unified manner; to direct a user to another website that offers the goods or services or both in response to an indication that the user desires to purchase at least one of the goods or services or both; and to offer a discount prior to directing the user to the other website to complete the purchase of the desired good or service or both. The discount is offered at reduced price relative to the value of the discount at the other website. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191204 | Payment Program for Use in Point-of-Sale Transactions - In some embodiments, the present application relates to card-free programs provided by a merchant to a customer, whereby the customer has access to functions such as payment options and/or loyalty program benefits without needing to present a physical card at a point of sale. For example, a customer may make a card-free purchase of goods or services from a merchant, whereby the customer need not present a card such as a debit card, credit card, loyalty card, or other physical tender to make a purchase. Further, the customer need not provide biometric data or otherwise use an electronic device or identifier to make a purchase. Alternatively or additionally, the customer may access a loyalty program without needing to provide a physical card or data associated with a card. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191205 | System and method for electronic retrieval and redemption of coupons - A system and method for retrieving and redeeming product coupons, including the following steps: a) Offering a Web-based coupon retrieval and redemption application for downloading onto a compatible registered mobile device, preferably a mobile phone; b) Once the Web-based application has been downloaded and activated, receiving a coupon prompt from the mobile phone device for at least one item of interest at the store; c) Searching a system database of the Web-based application for at least one coupon corresponding to the item; d) Retrieving and forwarding the coupon to the mobile phone device in response to the coupon prompt at the store; e) Displaying the coupon in a display window of the mobile phone device; and f) Upon selection of the coupon, initiating a system for redeeming the coupon at the store. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191206 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RATING THE VALUE OF ELECTRONIC OFFERS - Methods and systems for providing a value rating for discount coupon offers. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191207 | CROSS-MEDIUM ADVERTISING NETWORK - An online advertising system receives ads and ad exposure goals, such as a desired number of impressions or amount of presentation time, from advertisers. The online advertising system may also receive a time-based advertising purchase. A request for an ad is received for a client, and an amount of exposure is determined for each received ad across a plurality of ad mediums. The ad mediums may include both controlled ad mediums and external ad mediums. The advertising system selects an ad for presentation among the received ads based on the received ad exposure goals associated with the ads and the determined amount of exposure for each ad. The advertising system may select an ad by determining bids for each ad and conducting an auction among the ads. In such an embodiment, the advertising system may determine the bids for ads that have met their ad exposure goals to be zero. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191208 | ANALYTICAL QUANTIFICATION OF WEB-SITE COMMUNICATIONS ATTRIBUTED TO WEB MARKETING CAMPAIGNS OR PROGRAMS - A method and system for analyzing marketing campaigns for increasing visitors' interactions with a webpage is disclosed. A plurality of landing pages are created, each being associated with a different marketing campaign. Visitors that access the web site are assigned to a progression level (e.g., “Anonymous”; “Converted”; “Qualified”) based on their interactions with the web site. Specific marketing campaigns are credited with progression-level increases, based on which landing page a visitor accessed prior to a progression-level increase. Values of statistics are generated for multiple marketing campaigns based on the credits. The values of the statistics can be simultaneously presented to a user, such that the user may compare the efficacy of multiple campaigns. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191209 | REDUCING INVITATIONAL CONTENT SERVING EXPOSURE TO CAP LIMITED CAMPAIGNS - A content delivery system is provided managing a campaign using a content bundle identifying content blocks and rules for assembling the content blocks into items of invitational content. Based on the response of users to the invitational content, the invitational content to vary and evolve over time by modifying of the content bundle according to the user responses. An analysis of the responses can be performed to determine how the content bundle should be modified for users, user terminals, and other conditions. The content bundle can also specify a set of modification rules that can be used to automatically select how to modify the content bundle based on the user responses. In some cases, a content bundle can be associated with each unit of the content delivery system or each portal serviced by the content delivery system and managed separately. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191210 | GUIDE BASED CONTENT SERVICES - Systems are described for a guide of audio, video, multimedia transmission, receiving and playback with advertising and bi-directional fulfillment of goods and services over the Internet. A method of streaming content distribution includes creating data on streaming content; creating data on network locations of streaming content; creating data on access characteristics; locating a source of streaming content with a with a streaming content guide; and starting playback of streaming content from the source of streaming content. A streaming content distribution system includes a streaming content guide through which a user locates a source of streaming content and starts playback of streaming content; data on streaming content; data on network locations of streaming content; and data on access characteristics. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191211 | CUSTOMIZING PRINTED PRODUCTS BASED ON TRAVEL PATHS - A method for providing customized printed products at a printing location, including storing a collection of prestored information associated with a plurality of different travel paths, receiving a digital message from a wireless device positioned at a first location, transmitting an offer to provide a printed product at the printing location; determining a travel path between the first capture location and the printing location, selecting particular prestored information responsive to the determined travel path; and providing a customized printed product at the printing location which includes the selected particular prestored information. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191212 | Tools and Methods for Managing Consumer Behavioral Information - Apparatus are provided that includes a data communications device configured to communicate one or more offers regarding a product or service to one or more target recipients. A data segmentation engine is configured to communicate with the data communication device and to process data regarding the target recipients interaction with the one or more offers. The data segmentation engine is configured to tag the target recipients with data associated with the offer and with data regarding the target recipients interaction with the offer. A graphing engine is configured to create one or more semantic representations of behavior of the one or more target recipients, and the resulting semantic representations can include information tagged to each target recipient by the data segmentation engine. The semantic representations are used to determine which set of target recipients will be communicated with subsequent semantically-related offers. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191213 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO FORMULATE OFFERS VIA MOBILE DEVICES AND TRANSACTION DATA - A computing apparatus is configured to formulate and adjust offers to users of mobile devices that are configured to capture identification information of products, such as UPC codes. The transaction data of the user, the activities of the user capturing the identification information of products, the location of the user, and the user's reactions to the offers are used to incrementally adjust the offers according to offer rules specified by the merchants. The mobile devices can be used to initiate a checkout process for purchasing items identified by the captured identification information of the products from the physical retail store at which the user is currently located, or via an online store associated with an offer presented via the mobile device. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191214 | Adaptive Product Bundling and Pricing System and Method - A computer-implemented system and method for adaptive product bundling and pricing determines a bundle of products, or a configuration of one or more products, and a price for the bundle or configuration, based on behavioral information associated with one or more users of one or more computer-implemented systems. The product bundle or configuration prices may be further determined in accordance with inferences of price sensitivities, pricing experimentations, expectations of future transactions, inventory levels, costs, and collective price formation processes. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191215 | LOCATION-BASED APPLICATION POP UP - In one embodiment, a plurality of bids on a location are obtained, wherein each of the plurality of bids pertains to one of a plurality of applications. A pre-defined number of the plurality of applications are selected based, at least in part, upon the plurality of bids, such that a set of one or more of the plurality of applications is identified, wherein each of the plurality of bids pertains to an exclusive right for the set of one or more applications or one or more advertisements pertaining to the set of one or more applications to be provided to users present at the location. The set of one or more of the plurality of applications are associated with the location. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191216 | Method of Providing Incentives to Mobile Device Holders to Acquire Price and Location Information - Systems, apparatus and methods that give selling actors the abilities and means to acquire information from the environment in the proximity of mobile device holders and use this information to generate dynamic offers. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191217 | Dynamic Offers Subject To Mobile Device Holder Location - Systems, apparatus and methods that give selling actors the abilities and means to sell products and services by providing dynamic offers to buying actors subject to buying actors locations. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191218 | Means of Generating And Transmitting Dynamic Offers Subject To Mobile Device Holder Location - Systems, apparatus and means that give selling actors the abilities and means to sell products and services by generating and transmitting dynamic offers to buying actors subject to buying actors locations. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191219 | System and Method for User Generated Content in Media Advertisements - Allowing an app having access to hidden resources on a device to present third party media to the device user via that app such that requests included in the third party media which require access to hidden resources can be fulfilled without requiring further permission by the user. In one embodiment, a third party advertisement is presented to a user via an app that has been enabled by the user. The enabled app is pre-approved by the user, and by any authorizing organization, to access hidden resources, such as camera, recorder, and personal data. In this manner, third party requests that require access to such hidden data can control such access without requiring further action by the user. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191220 | Systems and Methods for Displaying Over-Scroll Regions on Electronic Devices - A method and system are provided for displaying advertising content on a mobile device by displaying an over-scroll region on a display of the mobile device, and displaying a first advertisement in at least a first portion of the over-scroll region. The method may include determining information associated with the over-scroll region, and selecting the first advertisement based on the information associated with the over-scroll region. The method may also include displaying a second advertisement in a second portion of the over-scroll region and selecting the second advertisement based on the information associated with the over-scroll region. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191221 | METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR INTERCUTTING ADVERTISEMENTS - The embodiments of the present invention relate to communication technologies and disclose a method, a device, and a system for intercutting advertisements according to User Equipment (user terminal) information to improve user experience and effectiveness of advertisement intercutting. The method includes: receiving a service request sent by a user terminal and forwarded by a Radio Access Network (RAN) network element, and obtaining a service corresponding to the service request; obtaining user terminal information from the RAN network element; and determining a corresponding advertisement according to the user terminal information, and sending the obtained service and the determined advertisement to the user terminal through the RAN network element. The embodiments of the present invention are applicable to precise intercut of advertisements. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191222 | SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP-BASED TRADING SYSTEM - Techniques are disclosed relating to a marketplace service for a plurality of users that includes a first user and a second user. In one embodiment, a computer system determines whether to present item information from the first user to the second user within the marketplace service, wherein the item information relates to a transaction in an item. This determination may be based on accessed relationship information indicating a social relationship between the first and second users within an information sharing service. The information sharing service may be separate from the marketplace service in some embodiments. The determination whether to present information from the first user to the second user may also be based on credit relationship information pertaining to these users. In one embodiment, the presented item information may relate to a financial instrument. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191223 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DETERMINE USER PREFERENCES FOR TARGETED OFFERS - A computing apparatus is configured to use a dynamic questionnaire, designed based on the spending patterns identified in the transaction data of a plurality of accounts, to determine the spending preferences of a user in accordance with the answers to the dynamic questionnaire and the spending patterns. Offers are customized for and targeted to the user based on the spending preferences of the user. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191224 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESERVING FUTURE PURCHASES OF GOODS AND SERVICES - A method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services or events. Electronic options are provided for desired goods or services or events. Electronic option terms and electronic option fees for the plural electronic options are dynamically and periodically adjusted in real-time. This provides optimal electronic option use and optimal electronic term and optimal electronic option fee adjustment for plural different suppliers of good or services or events provided and used with electronic options. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191225 | Notification On Conditional Dynamic Offers Subject To Mobile Device Holder Location - Systems, apparatus and methods that give selling actors the abilities and means to sell products and services by providing notifications on conditional dynamic offers to buying actors subject to buying actors locations. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191226 | PRICING AND DELIVERY OF ADVERTISING BASED ON EXPOSURE TIME - An online advertising system receives ads and ad exposure goals, such as a desired number of impressions or amount of presentation time, from advertisers. The online advertising system may also receive a time-based advertising purchase. A request for an ad is received for a client, and an amount of exposure is determined for each received ad across a plurality of ad mediums. The ad mediums may include both controlled ad mediums and external ad mediums. The advertising system selects an ad for presentation among the received ads based on the received ad exposure goals associated with the ads and the determined amount of exposure for each ad. The advertising system may select an ad by determining bids for each ad and conducting an auction among the ads. In such an embodiment, the advertising system may determine the bids for ads that have met their ad exposure goals to be zero. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191227 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ENABLE A NETWORK OF DIGITAL WALLETS - A method for authorizing a digital wallet transaction initiated by a consumer from a merchant web site or app includes providing an acceptance mark on a merchant landing page associated with the merchant web site or app for initiating the digital wallet transaction, the acceptance mark comprising a link to a host server accessing an acceptance network for authorizing payment, the acceptance network comprising a plurality of digital wallets. A wallet selector switch allows selection of a wallet, the transaction is routed to the selected wallet, a payment card and shipping address are selected and the transaction is redirected back to the merchant with purchase details for authorizing and completing the digital wallet transaction. The wallets can include federated and non-federated cobranded wallets and partner-hosted wallets. Direct provisioning with partner credentials and automatic update of consumer details is provided in a federated cobranded wallet. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191228 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMBEDDING A VIEW OF A VIRTUAL SPACE IN A BANNER AD AND ENABLING USER INTERACTION WITH THE VIRTUAL SPACE WITHIN THE BANNER AD - A system and method for providing a view of a virtual space to a user in a banner ad of a webpage. This enables an advertiser to provide content that is not merely static or scripted, but instead enabled provision of content through a web ad that represents activity within a virtual space (e.g., interactions of other users with the virtual space, content that changes based on current or recent events, etc.) in real time (or near real time). The provision of a virtual space in a web ad may be more effective than conventional web ad content. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191229 | ORDERING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESTAURANTS - A method of ordering menu items for delivery to a station at a premises, such as a table at a restaurant, includes the steps: Launch App; Scan QR code or NFC tag on table; Identify location. The location is identified using the restaurant and table identifier(s) extracted from the QR code. This location is used to identify the correct restaurant menu from the central platform database; Download menu; Add menu items to order; Confirm order; Pay order; Route order. The restaurant identifier is used to determine the appropriate EPOS adaptor based on the EPOS system in use by the specific restaurant; Transmit to restaurant. The correct communication protocol and authentication details are then used in order to route the order to the restaurant EPOS system or printer. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191230 | POINT-OF-SALE (POS) DIRECT SUPPORT OF SELF-CHECKOUT - Techniques for Point-Of-Sale (POS) direct support of Self Checkout (SCO) are provided. A checkout station is configured with software to support two different interfaces and workflows: one interface and workflow supporting SCO on the checkout station and the other interface and the other workflow supporting assisted checkout operation. The checkout station can be dynamically switched between the two modes of operation, such that the checkout station is usable within an enterprise for both cashier assisted operations for customers and for self-service checkout operations performed by customers without assistance. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191231 | PORTABLE COMPUTERIZED WIRELESS PAYMENT APPARATUS AND METHODS - A mobile user apparatus and associated methods useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range passive radio frequency transceiver that when interrogated by a reader at the point-of-sale, issues a reply including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the information stored on the mobile device is further configured to receive transaction data wirelessly in return | 2013-07-25 |
20130191232 | ENHANCED MOBILE APPLICATION FOR ASSISTING USERS AT A POINT OF TRANSACTION - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for an enhanced mobile application for assisting users at a point-of-transaction (POT). In one embodiment of the invention the POT assistance application program may determines that a user is conducting a transaction with a merchant. The user may utilize a user device to assist in the transaction. First, the user device may be paired with a POT system, such as a cash register. Once the devices are paired a communication link is created that allows the user to audibly and/or visually monitor the transaction using the user device. Furthermore, the user may flag an item for review during the transaction, silence the transaction, receive a subtotal for the transaction, select a payment method, or complete the transaction using the POT assistance application program. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191233 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING ACCESS TO BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH PRODUCTS - Systems and methods for managing access to electronic products are described. In an embodiment, a system implemented method includes receiving, from a source, a first code associated with an item; receiving, from another source, another first code and a second code associated with the item; evaluating the first code with the another first code; associating the second code with the first code based on a result from the evaluating; identifying an access key, and transmitting the access key to the second source, the access key is for accessing one or more rights associated with the item. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191234 | IMPOSING FEE STRUCTURE BASED ON CUSTOMER BEHAVIOR - Techniques for assigning values to existing and potential customers, based on their behavior, for the purpose of deciding when to impose a fee structure on the customers are provided. For example, in an embodiment, a computer algorithm receives and evaluates behavior of existing and potential customers and subsequently generates and assigns values to the existing and potential customers based on their behaviors. Based on the generated and assigned value to an individual customer, a particular fee structure is imposed on the individual customer. An assigned value may change to reflect change in the evaluated behavior of the existing or potential customer, which may cause a change in the current imposed fee structure. For example, an assigned value may increase when an individual customer's online transactions become more successful and the fee structure may change to cause the customer's fees to increase. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191235 | SYSTEM FOR REWARDING AND MOTIVATING NON-WINNING BIDDERS - A system for rewarding and motivating non-winning bidders is disclosed. The system may list an item of a seller for an auction at a first price. The system may receive a first bid for the item from a first bidder at the first price. The first bidder may be granted control of the auction based on the first bid. The system may then receive a second bid for the item from a second bidder at a second price. The second bidder may control the auction if the second bid is at least a predetermined threshold amount above the first price. The system may request a response from the first bidder to approve the second bid if the second bid is lower than the predetermined threshold amount above the first price. The system give the first bidder a reward based on the difference between the first price and the second price. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191236 | Mini-Kiosk For Recycling Electronic Devices - A mini-kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The mini-kiosk is designed to be placed on a counter-top. The mini-kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with 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 mini-kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191237 | Displaying Values Specified in a Number of Offers for a Number of Offer Variables with Respect to Price - A method for displaying values specified in a number of offers for a number of offer variables with respect to price includes receiving data for multiple offers that reflects values specified in the offers for multiple offer variables and generating a display of the received data. The display includes multiple offer variable windows that are each associated with an offer variable. Each offer variable window includes an offer price axis representing a range of offer prices and an offer variable axis substantially perpendicular to the offer price axis that represents a range of values for the offer variable associated with the offer variable window. Each offer variable window includes multiple bars. Each bar represents a value specified in offers for the offer variable associated with the offer variable window and is positioned with respect to the offer price axis according to an offer price specified in the offers. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191238 | AUTOMATED NEGOTIATION - An agreement is negotiated on behalf of a first party. A region ( | 2013-07-25 |
20130191239 | Method Of Personalizing And Merchandising Caskets At Point Of Purchase - A method of merchandising caskets by a casket seller at the point of purchase of a casket purchaser comprises displaying a plurality of untrimmed caskets from which the purchaser may select, each casket of the plurality of caskets being of a different material, color, or design, displaying a plurality of packaged casket interior trim component sets from which the purchaser may select, each set of the plurality of sets containing trim components being of a different material, color, or design, and installing the casket interior trim components of the purchaser selected set into the purchaser selected casket. The casket interior components can include one or more, or all, of a mattress cover, a pillow cover, a big body, a small body, and an overthrow, in any combination. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191240 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AT LEAST ONE CUSTOMIZED SHOE TO A USER - There is disclosed a method for providing at least one customized shoe to a user, the method comprising receiving biometric foot data corresponding to the user; receiving an order of a selected shoe model placed by the user; forwarding the biometric foot data and the order to a manufacturer of the selected shoe model for enabling the manufacturer to manufacture at least one customized shoe based on the biometric foot data and on the order and to further deliver the at least one customized shoe to the user. There is also provided a system for providing at least one customized shoe to a user. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191241 | SUBJECT MATTER INTELLIGENCE FOR BUSINESS APPLICATIONS - Heuristics may be built into retail and business applications that recognize certain conditions and provide “expert-level” suggestions for the purchaser to consider. The inputs from the purchaser may include a selection of an item for potential purchasing. After selecting an item, heuristics may be used to determine that the item is also available as part of a set, which may include additional items that were meant to be used together, often at a discount. Also, heuristics may determine that a selected item has an expiration date, and make a recommendation for a same or functionally comparable product when near the expected end of the product's lifetime. Additionally, heuristics may be used to determine that a customer belongs to a certain customer type based on a selected item, and that customers of that type may be associated with additional items that may be offered to the consumer. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191242 | Fit Recommendations - Disclosed are various embodiments for fit recommending. For example, in some embodiments, a method includes a step of inputting a user item fit corresponding to a user item and target item from a user. The method further includes the step of drawing, using a computing resource, a chain of at least one correlation between the user item fit and a target item fit corresponding to the target item. Further, the method includes the step of generating, using the computing resource, a fit recommendation for the user regarding the target item comprising the target item fit. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191243 | TERMINAL AND A CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A terminal and a control method thereof are disclosed. The terminal that may be built in or detached from a refrigerator comprises a display module displaying information on food on a screen; and a controller displaying a shopping list on food buying, providing detailed shopping information of food selected from the displayed shopping list, and transmitting and receiving information on order and payment of the corresponding food to and from an online mart linked with the terminal. | 2013-07-25 |
20130191244 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESERVING FUTURE PURCHASES OF GOODS AND SERVICES - A method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services or events. Group organizers buy a set of electronic options and post to their social network a notice of availability of the purchased set of electronic options for access to the underlying good or service or event. The group organizers invite their friends to join them to purchase the good or service or attend the event. The invited friends are allowed to exercise one or more individual options from the purchased set of electronic options to purchase the actual good or service or attend the event. This frees the group organizers from the burden of having to pay money for the good or service or event, collect money from invited friends and distribute the goods or items associated with the services or events yet promotes coordinated group activities. | 2013-07-25 |