21st week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 61 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120130722 | MULTIPLE DESCRIPTION AUDIO CODING AND DECODING METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention provide a multiple description audio coding and decoding method, apparatus, and system. The audio coding method includes: dividing residual signals indicating current audio signal information into multiple frequency band parts having different frequencies; respectively coding the multiple frequency band parts by using multiple description coding (MDC) methods with different speech quality; and combining each of description signal parts that are generated after coding is performed by using different MDC methods to form multiple description bit streams of the residual signals. According to the present invention, multiple description coding and decoding methods with different speech quality are used for different frequency bands, which reduces the bit rate of multiple description coding and decoding, improves the effect of multiple description coding and decoding, and hence enhances the quality of audio transmission. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130723 | MANAGEMENT OF DATA VIA COOPERATIVE METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method for managing data in a central repository for a plurality of users over a communications network is disclosed. The method includes assigning a reputation score to a first user based on the interactions of the first user that were logged, the use by other users that was logged and the opinions that were received, assigning permissions to the first user based at least partially on the reputation score of the first user and a reputation score of a business entity to which the first user is associated, allowing the first user to access the central repository, allowing the first user to upload data to the central repository and modify a content model of data in the central repository, and associating a reputation score to data uploaded by the first user based on the reputation score of the first user. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130724 | Detecting Anomalous User Activity - Systems, methods and articles for determining anomalous user activity are disclosed. Data representing a transaction activity corresponding to a plurality of user transactions can be received and user transactions can be grouped according to types of user transactions. The transaction activity can be determined to be anomalous in relation to the grouped user transactions based on a predetermined parameter. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130725 | AUTOMATIC UPGRADE SCHEDULING - Automatic system upgrades are provided to a customer by a service provider based on the customer's preferences and parameters. The automatic upgrade system may manage customer preferences for the scheduling of automatic upgrades according to parameters such as date, time, and capacity. The upgrade system may automatically provide system upgrades to customer systems according to the customer preferences taking into account system health and status, customer parameters, and customer priority as determined by the service provider. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130726 | PRODUCT PRICING OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM - A product pricing system determines a product price. The system receives product pricing constraints and multinomial logit (“MNL”) calibration parameters. The system then generates a calibrated MNL model using the calibration parameters and encodes the MNL model and the product pricing constraints into a mixed-integer program (“MIP”). The system then solves the MIP to generate the product price. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130727 | COMMUTER REWARD SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods and systems are disclosed for rewarding a commuter. A value of a characteristic of a commute by the commuter along a route from a first location to a second location is determined. The value of the characteristic is compared with a reference value for the characteristic for travel by the commuter along the route from the first location to the second location to determine that the determined value deviates from the reference value by more than a threshold amount. A reward to the commuter is generated in response to determining that the determined value deviates from the reference value by more than the threshold amount. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130728 | SEMANTICALLY ENABLED, DATA SENSITIVE NEGOTIATION AND COLLABORATION ENGINE - A computer implemented method, system, and/or computer program product facilitates fulfillment of a term of a contract between a healthcare provider and a healthcare authorizer. A healthcare provider profile that describes a first set of business priorities for a healthcare provider and a healthcare authorizer profile that describes a second set of business priorities for a healthcare authorizer are created. A request is received from the healthcare provider for the healthcare authorizer to fulfill a term of a contract between the healthcare provider and the healthcare authorizer. Confidential data is received from the healthcare provider and the healthcare authorizer. A solution that fulfils the request is then generated, based on the contract, the healthcare provider profile, the healthcare authorizer profile, and the confidential data. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130729 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATION OF EXAM RECORD UPDATES AND RELEVANCE - An example method includes receiving an update message regarding a first exam record; updating the first exam record based on the message; matching one or more additional exam records to the first exam record based on one or more predefined exam attributes; selecting one of the exam first record and the one or more additional exam records as an eligible exam record; hiding display of the one or more exam records not selected as the eligible exam record; displaying the eligible exam record; receiving an additional update message for the first exam record; evaluating the additional update message to determine applicability of the update message to the matching one or more additional exam records; and selecting one or more of the first exam record and the matching one or more additional exam records as one or more eligible exam records based on evaluating the additional update message. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130730 | MULTI-DEPARTMENT HEALTHCARE REAL-TIME DASHBOARD - An example operation metrics collection and processing system is to mine a data set including patient and exam workflow data from information source(s) according to an operational metric for a workflow of interest. The method includes mining a data set for information related to one or more healthcare operational metrics; displaying information regarding one or more scheduled procedures and associated equipment involving one or more selected patients; accepting an input of one or more conditions to affect interpretation of the information; determining a completion time for an event associated with one of the one or more scheduled procedures; evaluating a delay associated with the event with respect to the input of one or more conditions; calculating at least one healthcare operational metric based on the completion time, the delay, and the input; and outputting the at least one healthcare operational metric for display and analysis. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130731 | SCHEDULED FUNDS TRANSFER PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The SCHEDULED FUNDS TRANSFER PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (hereinafter “SFT PLATFORM”) transforms user account information, fund transfer configuration inputs via SFT PLATFORM components into fund transfer transaction record and fund transfer to a transfer-to account. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving a fund transfer scheduling request and fund transfer configuration parameters from a user, said fund transfer configuration parameters including a fund transfer trigger condition, a fund transferor's account and a fund transferee's account; verifying eligibility of the fund transfer scheduling request based on the fund transfer configuration parameters; determining the fund transfer trigger condition occurs; initiating a fund transfer transaction from the fund transferor's account to the fund transferee's account; and generating a fund transfer transaction record based on the initiated fund transfer transaction. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130732 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATION OF PERSONALIZED HEALTH PLANS - Personalized, health and performance programs are generated for individuals based on various biomarkers and performance and lifestyle assessments. In one embodiment, a diagnostic test of blood or other biological specimen(s) is used to determine key biological marker levels. Information and assessments of the user's physical performance, life style and health and wellness goals is also collected and provided to an expert system that matches the biomarker levels and assessments to a knowledgebase of scientific knowledge about biomarker levels and health and fitness outcomes. Personal recommendations and advice on nutrition and exercise is then generated, which may be used to help individuals reach their diet, fitness, and wellness goals and improve their physical and mental performance and well being in measurable ways. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130733 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING VALUE-BASED INSURANCE DESIGN AND BENEFITS - Systems and methods for the cost-effective implementation of health care. Systems and methods are provided whereby subscribers to a health plan, upon qualification, may participate in health plan administrations that utilize evidence-based approaches to improve both employee health and reduce overall healthcare costs. Subscribers suffering from a medical condition may be identified and provided with a condition/disease management program to follow. If subscribers to the health plan comply with the condition/disease management program, they are provided with incentives related to that specific medical condition. In some examples, subscribers may enter the system through the term of the healthcare plan, thus providing a dynamic mechanism for administration and delivery of cost-efficient healthcare. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130734 | MEDICAL DATA AND MEDICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND COMMUNICATION - A computing device configured for integrating applications for medical data processing is described. The computing device includes a processor and executable instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The computing device embeds an archive application within an integration application. The computing device also embeds a viewer application within the integration application. The computing device further embeds a report generation application within the integration application. The computing device manages a medical workflow by controlling the archive application, the viewer application and the report generation application. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130735 | DRUG, TEST AND DEVICE CENTRIC CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT, ANALYTIC AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Disclosed is a system for communicating information relating to the utilization of drugs, tests and devices to diagnose and treat disease which comprises a user interface, a data processor, a hard drive, a modem, a first module for screening clinical and laboratory data relating to a patient to rank a drug, test, and/or device used by a user. The system further comprises a second module for notifying a user of a patient's response to that employed in said first module and a third module for re-evaluating a patient's response to the drug, test, and/or device, employed in the first module. Additionally, a fourth module can automatically select a relevant database related to the use of the drug, test, and/or device, and for ranking a patient's response to the third module; and a fifth module for collecting and storing a patient's data from the first, second, third and fourth modules. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130736 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS INVOLVING PHYSICIAN PAYMENT DATA - Methods and systems of managing physician payment data (PPD) may involve a data compilation system for compiling physician payment data from multiple sources; a data processing system for processing the compiled physician payment data; a data management system for creating a searchable database from the processed physician payment data; and a data distribution system for providing access to the searchable database. Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include a computer-implemented system for automated data compilation, processing, management, analysis, and distribution, such as facilitating online input, output, access and retrieval of PPD using software accessed via a network portal on the Internet. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130737 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRUBUTOR REPORTING AND ANALYSIS - In various embodiments, a research and development system that gathers feedback from patients and healthcare providers with respect to the their experience with various aspects of a supplier's products in order to tabulate, consolidate, compare and analyze the data received rapidly and efficiently, and which can be used on successive iterations to determine future products and services. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130738 | System Management Dashboard - A system and method for acquiring, compiling and displaying data indicative of healthcare data workflow within an integrated healthcare enterprise simplifies the monitoring and identification of inefficiencies such as bottlenecks in the enterprise. Information gathered from enterprise system components and data files are used to measure individual component performance. System alerts and messaging capabilities allow an enterprise administrator to remedy potential bottlenecks before problems arise. Remedial measures may be programmed into the system to automatically remedy inefficiencies as they are identified. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130739 | Unsupervised Telemedical Office for Remote &/or Autonomous & Automated Medical Care of Patients - Methods and systems creating Telemedical offices to remotely &/or automatically perform patient identification & intake, vitals measuring & recording, symptom reporting, live & delayed consultation by medical professionals, various and unlimited outpatient medical testing, live &/or automated diagnostic, referral, prescribing, treatment, billing, payment processing and record keeping services remotely by live & time-shifted medical professionals, medical and non-medical sensors, robotics (the robotics are not patented, but are used as a tool in the invention to help deliver the the services), autonomous systems and automated systems. The positive identification and teleconferencing capabilities also enable uses beyond the scope of medicine that also require positive identification prior to or during videoconferencing. The invention results in improved quality in medical service delivery, broad distribution of medical services and efficiencies in financial and time resources. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130740 | Method and System to Exchange Information About Diseases - An online system and method enabling users to exchange information and establish collaboration in scientific projects on rare diseases is described. The website allows users to create a list of symptoms for a patient with a rare disease who is under their care. The patient's list of symptoms is then used to find other patients sharing a similar list of symptoms. A matching system creates a match report that ranks patients with similar symptoms. Once a list of potential matches is available, the user may take the initiative of contacting other colleagues with similar clinical cases under their care, for the purpose of exchanging information and/or establishing collaboration in scientific projects about a particular rare disease. A database containing information on rare diseases, along with other services, is also provided to the users at the website. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130741 | INTEGRATED PATIENT INFORMATION VIEWER INTERFACE - An example an integrated patient information viewer includes a header portion to be arranged to convey identification information for a patient to a user at a glance; a timeline arranged to provide a longitudinal visualization of a patient's record; a user viewspace to display a chronological view of patient encounters and associated documents; and a document workspace to store one or more patient documents based on user placement. The timeline is to be navigable to display different portions of the patient's record based on user input, is to provide visual indicators of clusters of patient encounters, and is to expand to provide further detail on a patient encounter based on user input. The viewspace is to enable a user to one or more documents for display and comparison. The one or more patient documents are to be retrievable for display and comparison in the user viewspace. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130742 | Advanced Electronic Communication Method and System for an Established Doctor-Patient Relationship - A method and system is provided to enable an internet-based, advanced, electronic communication service between an established patient, already in a previously established doctor-patient relationship, and his/her doctor(s) to facilitate participation in an electronic consultation via an electronic communication connection. The method and system includes initiating connection with a central computer by the patient- and doctor-users; collecting and recording user entered information; creating a unique identifier for each user; and registering the user; collecting and recording medical record information for the patient-user from the doctor-user; creating an electronic relationship between the doctor-user and patient-user; validating the relationship; if said validating step is true, then: opening an electronic connection between the doctor-user, patient-user and computer; transferring question data from the patient-user to the doctor-user through the computer and transferring answer data from the doctor-user back to the patient-user through the computer; and storing the data on the computer. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130743 | Computer-Implemented Method for Medical Diagnosis Support - The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for medical diagnosis support for patient data of a patient through a data processing system, wherein the data processing system comprises a graphical user interface and a database containing rules for calculating diagnosis risks. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130744 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING PHONE-IN PRESCRIPTIONS - An apparatus and method are disclosed for processing phone-in prescription requests. The apparatus is in the form of a prescription processing network that includes a prescription processing system and a communication device remotely located from the prescription processing system. The communication device is used to establish a communication channel with the prescription processing system and submit a prescription request over the communication channel. A pharmacist, associated with the prescription processing system, prepares a completed prescription form based, at least in part, on the submitted prescription request. The prescription processing network also includes a pharmacy for receiving the completed prescription form, and filling the prescription request based on the completed prescription form. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130745 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM FOR DELIVERING RELEVANT MEDICAL INFORMATION - A system, method, and computer-readable medium for delivering relevant medical information are disclosed. Such a method for delivering relevant medical information includes determining that a medical order has been scheduled or completed for a patient, identifying the patient that is the subject of the medical order, finding prior medical records of the patient, automatically determining relevant medical records from the prior medical records of the patient based upon the medical order, and delivering the relevant medical records to one or more remote computers. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130746 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GAINING APPROVAL TO CONDUCT CLINICAL TRIALS AND STUDIES - The present invention implements a computer-based system and procedure for the efficient and effective preparation for conducting at least one clinical trial. The various methods are deployed using a Software As A Service (“SaaS”) platform, allowing access to the system by all relevant participants. Each authorized participant in a proposed clinical trial may access a customized and customizable view of the data necessary to gain approval for conducting a clinical trial and interact with the other participants electronically, prior to initiation of a clinical trial or study. The various documents needed for the clinical trial or study, as well as the various compliance documents needed to satisfy regulatory agencies are all available for review via the Internet. By utilizing present invention, greater protection is offered for the human subjects of the clinical trials. Further, the invention offers increased productivity for sponsors, investigators, and the study participants. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130747 | SECURE ON-LINE AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING PRESCRIPTION DRUG FULFILLMENT - A method of processing drug prescriptions via a communications network includes registering doctors, pharmacies and patients as participants such that each registered participant's identity is uniquely defined and determinable. Registered doctors from which prescriptions are received via the communications network have their identities authenticated. Each of the received prescriptions indicates a respective registered patient's identity for whom the prescription is intended. Registered patients from which orders are received via the communications network also have their identities authenticated. Each of the received orders indicates the prescription being ordered. The method also includes forwarding the orders to registered pharmacies via the communications network. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130748 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ONLINE MEDICAL RECORDS - A method for providing a consumer with the ability to access and collect health records associated with the consumer through use of a consumer account is provided. The method includes assigning a destination address individually associated with the consumer account for receiving communications from at least one healthcare provider, associating access information with the consumer account for the consumer to use to access a secure web site, the communications including a health record associated with the consumer for which the consumer has requested and given permission to the healthcare provider to send, storing a representation of the health record, and providing the consumer with secure access to the web site using the access information and providing on the web site an interface to the health records of the consumer for the consumer to use. The destination address can be a phone number or an email address. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130749 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING PERSONAL/INDIVIDUAL HEALTH RECORDS - A system and method for generating and/or updating a personal/individual health record. Inputs of data to the system may come from diverse sources including, but not limited to, patient questionnaires, insurance company (or other payor) claims data, hospitals, clinics and other institutional providers, and individual physicians and physicians' offices. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130750 | AUTOMATED INSURER INSURED INTERACTIONS - A computerized immediate settlement insurance claim payment system comprising insurance policy issuing functionality for issuing an insurance policy to an insured, and associating the policy with an insurance card to be presented by the insured in association with a card reader to cover the cost of an insurance event, the policy including a chargeback provision allowing the insurer to charge back payments made to the insured via an identified credit card of the insured; automatic insurance claim verification functionality operative to verify the right of the insured to receive payment from the insurer by verifying at least one of the value of the payment, the type and location of the recipient; insurance claim documentation requesting functionality operative to request from the insured documentation of the insured event; and chargeback functionality operative to charge back, in the absence of documentation, at least part of the payment via the identified credit card. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130751 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING THE REPORTING OF AN INJURY CLAIM TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method of operating an insurance claim management system provides for receiving, in a claim reporting system, information related to a report of a injury claim, the information being provided by an insurance medical liaison located at a location at which the injured worker's injury has been evaluated. The information may also be indicative of an evaluation, by the insurance medical liaison, of at least one of a work-related injury and an injured worker. The method further provides for establishing a record in the claim reporting system for the claim based at least in part on the information received from the insurance medical liaison. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130752 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ELECTRONIC ACCOUNTS IN RESPONSE TO DISABILITY DATA - A computer system includes a data storage device that stores a database. The database contains data relating to insurance policies that cover insured individuals. The computer system also includes an input device that is configured to receive data that indicates an employment status for the individuals. A processor is programmed to receive the data that indicates employment status and to adjust data that represents at least one attribute of the insurance policies in response to the employment status data. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130753 | GPS Pathfinder Cell Phone and Method - A device and system for use in emergency management operations before and after a disaster. The system can also be readily customized for use in other markets and scenarios that are outside of disaster response. The device incorporates a GPS and/or a radio and/or cell phones with very simplified, pre-programmed instructions which are uploaded automatically in the device's memory via wireless technology prior to the unit's first use at a disaster site. Radios on the units can enable the searchers to audibly communicate with each other without cell towers. The system can be employed by cleanup teams, insurance adjusters, and any number of pre- or post-teams both focused on short and long term recovery operations. The system can also export data gathered in the field, as well as integrate this data with other pre-existing software via software APIs contained within the system and cell phone software. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130754 | Novel Method and Apparatus For Repricing a Reimbursement Claim Against a Contract - A method for repricing a reimbursement claim under at least one contract is provided herein. The method may include a combination of steps such as: converting each contract into a series of contractual terms; converting a claim into a series of claim lines, containing claim codes, unit numbers and corresponding charges for the claim codes; comparing claim codes and contractual terms and identifying matches therebetween; determining any priority conditions associated to the matching contractual terms, and eliminate any matching contractual terms that are excluded by the priority conditions; calculating the reimbursement amount for the claim by determining the reimbursement charges for the non-excluded matching contractual terms; and determining and making any adjustments depending upon any discount terms for the entire reimbursement amount. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130755 | Risk mitigation in a virtual world - Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, a system includes a computer-simulated environment wherein a participant is able to take part. The system also includes a risk management element of the computer-simulated environment, and a computer storage medium operable to save a record of the arrangement. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130756 | AUGMENTATION OF A USER PARTICIPATION OF A SALES AND OPERATIONS PLAN THROUGH AN OFF THE SHELF SPREADSHEET APPLICATION WITH A PLUG-IN - In one embodiment, a method of a server device includes determining a date to send an e-mail alert based on a flexible calendar of a sales and operations plan. The method also includes recording a response of a user to the e-mail alert. The method further includes tracking a participation of the sales and operations plan based on the response of the user to the e-mail alert. The method also includes generating a report based on the participation. In addition, the method includes generating a reminder when the participation is below a threshold of the participation. The method also includes increasing the participation of the sales and operations plan such that a percentage of the response of the user is increased. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130757 | FRAMEWORK FOR VIRTUAL TEAM EFFECTIVENESS - A framework method for virtual team effectiveness. The method includes identifying members of the virtual team for a common project; determining a level of objective agreement (OA) among the virtual team members wherein OA is a shared understanding by the virtual team members of the objectives of the virtual team; determining a level of contextual appreciation (CA) among the virtual team members wherein CA is a shared understanding of an operating context under which the virtual team members operate; determining a level of style alignment (SA) among the virtual team members wherein SA is the alignment of workplace behavioral traits of the virtual team members; determining a qualitative measure of virtual team effectiveness (VTE) according to the relationship: VTE=OA*CA*SA. Also disclosed is a service method and a computer program product. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130758 | Content Hierarchy - Systems and methods for automating and increasing the efficiency of business processes using a hierarchical content structure. In one embodiment, A method comprises providing a plurality of business information items, defining a hierarchical content structure of the business information items, associating access rights for a first role with a first one of the business information items, and automatically enabling access by positions associated with the first role to the first one of the business information items and business information items below the first one of the business information items in the hierarchical content structure. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130759 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RISK OPTIMIZED, SPATIALLY SENSITIVE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT - A preventative maintenance method and a system for estimating the risk of failure of an asset based on intrinsic parameters such as failure history combined with causative factors like weather and independent external risk factors such as vandalism and risk of flooding. The present invention may further have a system for estimating the risk of failure of an asset based on intrinsic parameters, such as failure history combined with causative factors such as weather and independent external risk factors like vandalism and risk of flooding having a location based asset/service failure risk estimator, an external risk estimates database for feeding and an integrated failure risk database, the external risk estimates database feeding the integrated failure risk database. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130760 | ADJUSTING A POINT PREDICTION THAT IS PART OF THE LONG-TERM PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE BASED FORECAST - Illustrated is a system and method for modeling and predicting call center service calls to plan staffing needs based upon historical call center volume data and product life cycle data for the product being serviced by the call center. It includes identifying adjusted historical monthly call volume data. Additionally, the system and method includes transforming the adjusted historical monthly call volume data, using a forecasting algorithm, into a long-term trend and season effect forecast. Further, the system and method includes transforming the adjusted historical monthly call volume data, using a regression algorithm, into a long-term product life cycle based forecast. Additionally, the system and method includes adjusting a point prediction, based on the long-term product life cycle based forecast to create a long-term adjusted monthly forecast, the point prediction adjusted where it exceeds a data point in a bound forecast generated from the long-term trend and season effect forecast. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130761 | VENDOR-CENTRIC ITINERANT CART - This invention proposes a systematic approach to itinerant selling wherein a vendor-centric view is adopted for inventory control, authenticated access to loading and vending of retail items within local regulatory frameworks. By providing precise information of every item, location and time at which the item was sold, and quantity sold, this invention is able to maintain detailed transactional logs, which can be used later for establishing compliance and resolving disputes. By providing means to identify unique carts, assign unique codes for every action performed in the system and addressing operational difficulties such as need to relocate from congested places of business, this invention provides an end-to-end solution for authorized itinerant sales. Additionally, per-item analysis is available by using unique identifiers on the items and enabling location-determination of the cart and its inventory for maintaining appropriate checks and balances in the system. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130762 | Building directory aided navigation - A navigation system utilizes building directories to aid navigation. A mobile device, such as a mobile phone, captures an image of a building directory. The building directory includes information regarding the names and/or locations of tenants. An image recognition algorithm is performed on the captured image to extract information from the building directory. The extracted information is used to access a map database. The mobile device may display directions or a map to guide the user to a selected destination. In addition, the captured image may be used to build the map database or update the map database. Finally, the captured image may be matched with stored images of the building directory to determine the current location of the mobile device. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130763 | Method and System of Selecting Representatives Based On Various Criteria - Systems and methods of providing customer support by matching consumers and pre-qualified service representatives are disclosed. Customer-to-business transactions can be facilitated by pre-qualifying both consumers and service representatives and matching the consumers to the corresponding representatives. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, using information provided by the consumers, such as language spoken, expertise, rating, response time, etc., a matching system can determine a list of single, pre-qualified service representatives that matches or meets the needs of the consumers. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130764 | Methods For Organization Transition and Realignment - Methods of transitioning and realigning an existing organization structure into a new organization structure, are provided. An exemplary method includes defining activities to support major functions of a new organization structure, developing a listing of tasks to accomplish for each of the activities and associated roles, determining a total demand on each role based on associated tasks each role is responsible for performing across associated functions, determining a number of qualified personnel having a required competency available to fulfill each of the roles, determining a skills gap in transitioning to the new organization structure, determining a number of organization members for each role having a predetermined competency level and an interest in the respective role, and determining a difference between resource requirements and the qualified resource supply available and willing to fulfill the requirements of the new organization structure to define a resource requirement gap for the new organization structure. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130765 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONSTRAINT-BASED STAFF SCHEDULING - A constraint-based framework models and solves the problem of assigning staff to various work-shifts or work-assignments, for example a day shift and a night shift, for a pre-defined scheduling horizon, for example three months. A work-schedule is produced, which is defined as a list of staff-shift or staff-assignment combinations that meet the various criteria set by the staff and the healthcare facility on how the staff need to work. The staff then uses this work-schedule to perform the needed activities for the amount of time specified by the scheduling horizon. The scheduling problem is modeled with the help of constraints and variables to express the physical constraints specified by the staff on their work schedules and the needs of the healthcare facility. By embedding the scheduling model within a software program, a work-schedule is produced quickly that meets the requirements of the staff and the healthcare facility. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130766 | DEVICE-INDEPENDENT ATTENDANCE PROMPTING TOOL FOR ELECTRONICALLY-SCHEDULED EVENTS - In one embodiment, a system for motivating electronically-scheduled event attendance can include a set of attendance listening components, an attendance prompt, and an attendance prompting tool. The attendance listening components can monitor activities performed in a networked environment. The attendance prompt can represent an electronic message and feedback mechanism that is provided on an electronic device. The attendance prompting tool can interject the attendance prompt into an activity identified by an attendance listening component as being performed by a user-selected member of the networked environment. The attendance prompt can be associated with an electronically-scheduled event the user-selected member is to attend. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130767 | Methods and Systems Involving Power System Grid Management - A distribution control center includes a processor operative to receive damaged asset data, the damaged asset data including an identification and assessment of at least one damaged asset of a power grid, process the damaged asset data to associate a repair time with the damaged asset, generate a proposed switch plan, process the proposed switch plan to identify the damaged asset in the proposed switch plan and assigning a priority for repairing the damaged asset, generate switch plan modification data, modify the proposed switch plan to define a modified switch plan, and output the modified switch plan. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130768 | WORK FORCE PLANNING ANALYTICS SYSTEM - A system is disclosed which is configured to perform work force planning analytics for an organisation having an organisational structure and a work force. The system includes a processing module configured to receive input parameters for determining a work force demand, including a definition of the organisational structure and one or more of a productivity metric, a utilization metric, a determining factor metric and a desired span of control metric. The processing module is also configured to receive one or more input parameters for determining a work force supply, including an input of the work force. The system also includes an analytics module, executed by a processor, configured to determine a forecast work force gap utilizing the input parameters for determining a work force demand and supply. The system also includes a user interface configured to provide a view of the forecast work force gap. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130769 | METHODS FOR CONDUCTING MARKET RESEARCH UTILIZING A TELEMATICS SERVICE SYSTEM - A method for conducting market research utilizing a telematics service system that provides a telematics service to a plurality of vehicles is disclosed herein. The method includes, but is not limited to, wirelessly communicating with a plurality of vehicles using the telematics service system. The method also includes obtaining information from the plurality of vehicles using the communications system. The information relates to a usage of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes utilizing the information to determine an appropriate design for a future vehicle. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130770 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO MONITOR HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN STUDENTS' HOUSING - A method and apparatus for collection of ethnographic data from a building housing a population, which includes modern surveillance equipment, marketing and other testing materials, and may comprise an agreement between the dormitory and a dormitory sponsor to collect ethnographic data and provide test products and other materials in a dormitory equipped as a real-world social laboratory. This synergy between dormitory sponsorship, dormitory management, and students allows for easy, organized and cost effective experimentation and data mining of the valuable student demographic with incentive to the parties involved. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130771 | Chat Categorization and Agent Performance Modeling - Chat categorization uses semi-supervised clustering to provide Voice of the Customer (VOC) analytics over unstructured data via an historical understanding of topic categories discussed to derive an automated methodology of topic categorization for new data; application of semi-supervised clustering (SSC) for VOC analytics; generation of seed data for SSC; and a voting algorithm for use in the absence of domain knowledge/manual tagged data. Customer service interactions are mined and quality of these interactions is measured by “Customer's Vote” which, in turn, is determined by the customer's experience during the interaction and the quality of customer issue resolution. Key features of the interaction that drive a positive experience and resolution are automatically learned via machine learning driven algorithms based on historical data. This, in turn, is used to coach/teach the system/service representative on future interactions. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130772 | METHOD FOR MANAGING LISTING PRICES IN AN ECOMMERCE ENVIRONMENT - A computer-implemented method for managing listing prices in an ecommerce environment. The method includes receiving from a user information, including price information, pertaining to a user's listing on an ecommerce web site, receiving from the user at least one search term that is not a valid UPC, ISBN, EAN, eBay Product ID, or ASIN, searching the ecommerce web site using the search term(s) received from the user and retrieving from the ecommerce web site at least one item listing relevant to the search term(s), and using an algorithm that utilizes the price of the at least one item retrieved from the ecommerce web site to determine a new price for the user's listing. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130773 | System and method for determining applicants' working process with an administrative agency based on past data collection and analysis of past administrative agents performance - A computer implemented process for predicting a next course of action to increase the probability of allowance of an application that is before an administrative agent in an administrative agency. Specifically, the system comprising: a computer system for automatically analyzing and providing recommendations to the applicants; a receiving data module, in communication with the computer system, designed to receive data related the past performance of the administrative agents actions; analyzing data module, in communication with the computer system and the receiving data module, and designed to analyze all data related to the past performance of an administrative agents actions; and a display module, in communication with the analyzing data module, and designed to display to a user a report of the past performance of the administrative agent, related administrative agents performance, and complete administrative agency performance. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130774 | ANALYZING PERFORMANCE USING VIDEO ANALYTICS - A method of analyzing performance comprises capturing video data of an interaction between a customer and a worker. The method further comprises analyzing the video data to determine performance metrics for the interaction. The method further comprises generating a scorecard of the performance metrics. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130775 | METHOD OF PROCESSING A TRANSACTION FOR A PARKING SESSION - A method for processing a transaction for a parking session between a parking supplier and a payment provider on behalf of a user, wherein the user facilitates the transaction through a mobile computing device connected to a remote server, including, on the mobile computing device of the user, the steps of: storing a user identifier, first receiving a parking identifier, then sending the user identifier and the parking identifier to the server. The method also includes, on the server, the steps of: receiving the user identifier and the parking identifier, retrieving parking information based on the parking identifier; retrieving user information based on the user identifier, and processing a transaction between the payment provider and parking supplier, wherein the transaction amount is based on the duration of the parking session, wherein the parking session has a start time and an end time. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130776 | TOLL FEE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, TRAFFIC INFORMATION RECEIVING-ROUTING SYSTEM USING THE TOLL FEE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND TRAFFIC INFORMATION RECEIVING METHOD OF THE SAME - A system for receiving traffic information from a toll gate server to provide route guidance to a driver of a vehicle and a method thereof are provided. The traffic information receiving-routing system includes a toll fee information communication system and ah path guide terminal. The toll fee information communication system is configured to communicate with a toll gate server to pay a toll fee when a vehicle approaches to a toll gate, and request traffic information to the toll gate server according to a traffic information request signal to receive the traffic information from the toll gate server. The path guide terminal is configured to generate and transmit the toll fee request signal to the toll fee information communication system when the toll fee information communication system pays a toll fee, receive the traffic information from the toll fee information communication system to guide a path or convey a traffic situation. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130777 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND PAYING FOR VEHICAL PARKING SPACES, PROVIDING ADVERTISING, AND COLLECTION OF DATA - A parking location indictor, payment and advertisement system has a server. A wireless device is in communication with the server, the wireless device having at least one processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor, the memory storing program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: display a virtual parking meter on the wireless device; send signals from the wireless device to the server to transfer a designated monetary value for a selected parking time interval; and initiate a countdown from the selected parking time interval upon transfer of the designated monetary value. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130778 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING AND MANAGING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - A method and system is provided which can analyze customer data, including information about current products and agreements of the customer. The customer data can be used to predict various unknown parameters, including product usage data. The customer data and predicted data can be used to generate various alert conditions. For example, an alert can be generated when a product's predicted usage data for a future time indicates that usage terms of a related agreement will be exceeded. Also for example, an alert can be generated when a replacement product or agreement can be provided to a customer at an attractive price. An interactive deal sheet for an alert can be generated. The interactive deal sheet can allow a user to view various replacement products and agreements, and to perform additional calculations and comparisons based on inputted parameters. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130779 | Content-Aware Insertion of Advertisements within a Graphical Framebuffer or Present Surface - A system and method are disclosed for managing the display of graphical content within a user interface window of a display. A first set of messaging content data is processed to render a first set of graphics data in a target area of the display. The presence of a second set of rendered graphics data is detected and defined as a target area of the display. The second set of rendered graphics data in the target area of the display is replaced by the first set of rendered graphics data. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130780 | PROMOTION ANALYZER SYSTEM - A method performed by a server device, may include receiving information about a customer order, associated with a particular service or product provider, from an ordering system; determining whether the customer order is eligible for a promotion based on the received information where the promotion includes a reward to a customer for placing the customer order; and requesting balance information associated with the customer order from a billing system, when the customer order is eligible for the promotion. The method may further include receiving a balance amount, associated with the customer order, from the billing system; determining whether the balance amount is less than a balance threshold; and sending a message to a fulfillment system to fulfill the promotion, when the balance amount is less than the balance threshold. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130781 | CLOUD SERVICE INFORMATION OVERLAY - In some embodiments, the invention involves collecting service health information from a plurality of cloud service provider associated with a customer. Once the service health information is collected, aggregating information from multiple providers, when necessary, and providing a service health report to the customer. The customer has agreements with both the service providers and information collector to receive a level of service health information regarding services provided. The information collector may have agreements with the service providers to retrieve or receive the requested service health information for the customers via a pre-agreed upon protocol. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130782 | Cloud Contact Information System - A method of communication, includes providing a mobile device having a user web browser; transmitting a request from a user of the mobile device via the user web browser to a contact application stored in a shared pool of configurable computing resources; and transmitting first data from the mobile device to a central server to automatically establish a user account in the central server. The first data includes an unique identifier specific to the mobile device. The method also includes selecting, by the user, at least one of a first desired contact and an event. Information related to the at least one of the first desired contact and event is displayed on a communication device. The method further includes storing at least one of first contact data and first event data in a user account on the central server. The first contact data and the first event data are selected based upon, at least in part, selections made by the user. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130783 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMMEDIATE ISSUANCE OF TRANSACTION CARDS - A system and method for substantially immediate issuance of transaction cards includes at least one unassigned transaction card including a storage medium having a card number encoded thereupon. The system also includes a computing system configured to receive application information from an applicant that has been provided said unassigned transaction card, and to activate the unassigned transaction card so that access to monetary funds is extended to the applicant through said unassigned transaction card, upon an evaluation of said application information indicating that the applicant has been approved for access to the monetary funds. The unassigned transaction card bears no visible marking presenting information concerning the applicant and encodes no information concerning said applicant upon the storage medium of said unassigned transaction card. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130784 | PROMOTING GROUP DEALS ON THE INTERNET - A system and method of promoting group deals on the Internet, which includes providing an Internet-based platform, the platform including a step for individuals to join, wherein individuals who join are designated as members of the Internet-based platform. The system also provides a step for members to invite merchants to join the platform and to offer deals on the platform. Members receive awards for influencing members to join as well as for influencing other members to purchase deals. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130785 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDEEMING REWARDS IN PAYMENT OF A TRANSACTION ACCOUNT - A transaction aggregator aggregates a plurality of transaction account charges for a user transaction account. The transaction charges are received from merchants for acquisitions made by a user. The user is offered an option to make at least a partial payment to the user transaction account by redeeming rewards from at least one user reward account associated with a rewards issuer. A reward redemption instruction is received from the user, the reward redemption instruction designating the redemption of rewards from at least one user reward account. The user reward account(s) designated by the user is caused to redeem the rewards by decreasing the rewards in the user reward account and conveying corresponding consideration to the transaction aggregator. A credit is provided on the user transaction account for an amount corresponding to the value of the rewards decreased in the user reward account(s). | 2012-05-24 |
20120130786 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR ISSUING AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS LINKED TRANSACTION ACCOUNT - An enrolling system verifies an enrollee, counter-offers a second transaction account in response to a decline of a first account, wherein the second transaction account includes more restrictions than a first transaction account, associates an enrollee's main and overdraft account, and issues a transaction account. Enrolling in the second transaction account may include enrolling in a second transaction account automatic payment program; and/or associating a demand deposit account to the second transaction account. The method may also include relaxing use restrictions of the transaction account based upon at least one of: receiving payment of a pre-selected amount, receiving payments over a pre-selected period, and receiving payment on or before a pre-selected date. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130787 | Multi-Purse Prepaid Consumer Discount Card Systems and Methods - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a multi-purse consumer discount card. The systems and methods may use transaction data to provide one or more negotiated discount rates to a consumer. For example, an amount may be credited to a consumer's purse for a merchant based on that consumer's transaction volume for that merchant. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130788 | Promotional processing system - A system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption provides customers making online purchases the advantage of automatically retrieving and redeeming all applicable rebates and coupons during an online purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. In one embodiment, the system makes purchases from merchants or manufacturers using all applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. In another embodiment, the system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. It also makes it possible to retrieve manufacturer's and merchant's coupons prior to an online purchasing activity for subsequent submission to an online merchant during a subsequent purchasing activity. In addition, the system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130789 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING AN ONLINE PURCHASE TRANSACTION WITH REWARDS - A system and method for implementation of product searches via a search engine over a networked computer system such as the Internet. In particular, a user may execute a search for product offers that are accompanied with reward components (e.g. reward points, rebates, coupons, etc.) and/or those that allow payment in whole or in part with payment components (e.g. reward points, rebates, coupons, etc.). | 2012-05-24 |
20120130790 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LOCATION- AND HISTORY-BASED DISTRIBUTION OF OFFERS TO MOBILE DEVICES - A method of distributing context based offers to a mobile device based on device location and user transaction history is disclosed. The geographic location of a mobile device associated with a user is disclosed. At least one merchant proximate to the geographic location is identified. A user account associated with the user is analyzed in order to identify at least one previous transaction between the user and the at least one merchant. Upon identifying at least one previous transaction, an offer for goods or services associated with the at least one merchant is distributed to the mobile device. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130791 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING LOCATION-BASED INCENTIVES - Location-based incentives may be provided to users via wireless client devices wirelessly. Redemption requests may be verified based on geolocation information related to the client devices that received the incentives at the times that redemptions are requested. The use of such geolocation information to verify redemption requests may provide a separate layer of verification to inhibit fraud by users and/or merchants, and/or provided other enhancements. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130792 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF REDEEMING COUPONS AND PREVENTING WEB-BASED COUPON FRAUD - A web-based system and method are provided for electronic coupon fraud prevention. The system receives electronic coupon parameters from a coupon provider via a host website. Access is selectively providing to electronic coupons by members based on the parameters and member access criteria. The member selects coupons via the website which are then stored in a member account. Transaction data is received from a merchant point of sale, and the system determines which coupons may be available for use in the transaction based on the coupon parameters and the transaction data. A first set of coupon data is provided to the point of sale associated with electronic coupons which have been determined to be available, and a second set of electronic coupon data is received from the point of sale associated with electronic coupons which have been redeemed by the merchant in association with the financial transaction. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130793 | Method and System for Discounted Offer and Sale of Goods and Services - A method of discount retailing wherein a link is embedded in a host web page to a transaction for presenting an offer of a service or product sold by a vendor. In response to a purchaser expressing interest by selecting the link, the purchaser is redirected to a landing page that relates to the transaction and is maintained by a discount and clearing service provider website. In response to confirmation of interest by the purchaser, the discount and clearing service provider website conveys a voucher to the purchaser, who presents the voucher to the vendor and receives the selected service or product at a partially discounted price with proof of purchase. The purchaser presents the proof of purchase to the discount and clearing service provider and receives a balance of the discount. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130794 | Method and System for Managing Customer Relationships - According to one embodiment, the method comprising the steps of creating, by a first user of the social networking site, at least one first profile associated with a business; creating, by a second user of the social networking site, at least one profile associated with a potential customer; generating, by the first or a third user of the social networking site, at least one machine readable token associated with the first profile; displaying the at least one machine readable token in an intended business context; capturing, by the second user, the at least one machine readable token with a mobile device; submitting, by the second user, information regarding the captured machine readable token to the social networking site; and automatically creating a link on the social networking site between the first profile and the second profile in response to the submitted information. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130795 | ON DEMAND DISCOUNT SYSTEM AND METHODS - A discount distribution system includes a discount generation unit having a processor and a memory with a program executing in the memory that performs the steps of gathering information pertaining to a product by an information gathering unit, generating a plurality of discounts associated with the product based on the information gathered, storing each of the generated discounts and associated product information in the memory of the discount generation unit, displaying a plurality of selected discounts on a display on an initiator device in response to a triggering event, distributing at least one of the plurality of discounts to a plurality of client devices based on a request from the initiator device. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130796 | Systems and Methods to Advertise a Physical Business Location with Digital Location-Based Coupons - Methods and systems that record the location of a user and transmit targeted content to a user based upon their current and past location information. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a database of targeted content, a database of location information, a database of user information, a database searching algorithm, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. The location information is analyzed to determine the routes taken by the user, businesses visited by the user, and other behaviors of the user. Targeted content is sent to the mobile device of the user and whether the user visits the physical locations associated with the targeted content is monitored. Payment systems, phone exchange systems, and other features may also be integrated to provide detailed conversion tracking to producers of targeted content and business owners. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130797 | DISCOUNT PAYMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM USING A TEMPORARY CARD NUMBER - Disclosed is a method and system for making payment with discounted prices by using temporary card numbers. The method comprises the steps of: (a) at least one discount means being selected by a user of a mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal transmitting temporary card number issue information including the selected discount means to a temporary card number issue device, wherein the mobile terminal in advance stores a plurality of discount means that can substantially discount a transacted price; (b) the temporary card number issue device selecting and storing temporary card numbers corresponding to the temporary card number issue information and transmitting the selected temporary card numbers to the mobile terminal; (c) the mobile terminal transmitting payment information including the temporary card numbers and payment means information including information on a payment means for paying the transacted price to a credit authorization terminal (CAT) if a payment request is received from the user only for a predetermined time period from when the temporary card numbers are received, and extinguishing the temporary card numbers after the predetermined time period from when the temporary card numbers are received; and (d) the CAT receiving the payment information from the mobile terminal, transmitting a request for a transaction authorization to the payment company server by using the payment information, and receiving the transaction authorization from the payment company server. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130798 | MODEL SEQUENCING FOR MANAGING ADVERTISING PRICING - Methods and systems for determining a price for an advertising placement. One method includes setting a desired placement location for an advertising placement; determining a predicted number of views at the desired placement location for the advertising placement using a views model; determining a predicted cost at the desired placement location for the advertising placement using a cost model, the cost model using the predicted number of views determined by the views model as input; and outputting a price for the advertising placement based on at least one of the predicted number of views and the predicted cost at the desired placement location. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130799 | SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINATION OF ADVERTISEMENT EFFECTIVENESS - A system and method for determination of advertisement effectiveness is presented. The method can comprise obtaining records for domain elements, for each domain element, developing a model and populating the model based on the obtained records, for a record of a first domain element of the plurality of domain elements, searching a second domain element for another record matching the record of the one domain element, when a match is found, correlating a time stamp in the record with a time stamp in the other record and when correlated, determining a confidence level indicating the advertisement effectiveness. In one aspect, determining a confidence level further comprises searching a third domain element, obtaining a search result, and incorporating the search result in the confidence level. In one aspect, searching a third domain element further comprises performing a secondary search. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130800 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING ADVERTISING EFFECTIVENESS USING NEUROLOGICAL DATA - Example methods, systems and machine readable instructions are disclosed for assessing advertising effectiveness based on neurological data. An example method includes analyzing neuro-response data from a panelist exposed to media to determine a first score representative of an attention level of the panelist, a second score representative of an emotional engagement of the panelist, and a third score representative of memory activity of the panelist. In addition, the example method includes calculating a persuasion metric, a novelty metric and an awareness metric based on the first, second and third scores. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130801 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOBILE ADVERTISING - System and method for advertising on mobile devices, wherein an application installed on the device is linked with a device side component capable of requesting an advertisement, displaying the advertisement, and reporting the user reaction to the advertisement, assisted by an advertising server, such that the effort to implement advertisement support on the part of the application developer may be reduced (e.g., minimized) compared to other typical advertising systems and methods. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130802 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DESIGN AN ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN - Methods and apparatus are disclosed to tailor an advertising campaign. A disclosed example method involves receiving, by a processor, an indication of user exposure to a first advertisement, selecting, by the processor, a survey prompt based on the indication of user exposure to the advertisement, and sending the survey prompt for presentation in a web-based challenge prompt. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130803 | Secure and Extensible Pay Per Action Online Advertising - Systems and methods are provided to allow advertisers to make ads available to publishers through an advertising system. The advertising system provides tamper proof tracking of conversion activity between publishers and advertisers. Further, advertisers can define plural different conversions to be associated with a single ad click through. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130804 | PREDICTION OF COST AND INCOME ESTIMATES ASSOCIATED WITH A BID RANKING MODEL - Prediction of cost and income estimates associated with a bid ranking model is disclosed, including: receiving a search keyword estimate prediction request, wherein the request comprises a search keyword, a bid price associated with the search keyword, and a prediction period; determining an average click through rate associated with the search keyword associated with the prediction period for a ranking position; determining a traffic value associated with the search keyword associated with the prediction period; determining an average cost per click associated with the search keyword associated with the prediction period for the ranking position; determining a number of impressions associated with the search keyword for the ranking position; and determining a cost estimate and an income estimate associated with the search keyword associated with the prediction period. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130805 | SELECTING MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS FOR PRESENTATION BASED ON THEIR PREDICTED PLAYTIMES - Advertisers provide bids for presenting temporal media ads along with content presented to users. The bids presented comprise a cost per unit time of presentation of the temporal media ad. Advertisers specify target audience and target media content for presenting their ads. A candidate set of ads is selected for presentation to the user along with requested content based on the temporal media ad targeting criteria. Machine learning techniques are used for predicting playtimes of ads based on features extracted from user attributes, content, and time of presentation. A winning temporal media ad is selected from the candidate set of ads based on predicted playtimes of ads in the candidate set of ads. An auction scheme is used for selecting a winning temporal media ad from the candidate ads. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130806 | CONTEXTUALLY SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITY BASED ADVERTISING - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates contextually specific opportunity-based advertising. During operation, the system collects contextual information associated with a consumer, and determines a current activity and/or a future activity in which the consumer is engaged based on the contextual information. The system then predicts one or more upcoming advertisement opportunities associated with the consumer based on the determined activities, and presents the predicted opportunities to one or more advertisers, thereby allowing the advertisers to determine a bid amount for presenting an advertisement at the predicted opportunities. The system further selects at least one advertisement to present based on one or more of the following: the bid amount, the collected contextual information, an occurrence probability of the predicted advertisement opportunities, content of the advertisement, metadata associated with the advertisement; and presents the advertisement to the consumer. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130807 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A SELF PLACEMENT MEDIA ENHANCEMENT WIDGET - The present invention is and includes a device, system and method for providing an image enhancement widget. The device, system and method include a javascript component that, upon execution, obtains at least one subject of primary content on a networked page, and at least one permission for enhancement of the primary content, ones of a plurality of content produced remotely from the javascript component and according to the javascript component, and an enhancement widget. The enhancement widget may be a flash widget. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130808 | SELECTION COMPRESSION - A method of generating a compressed video stream, comprising: providing a plurality of display commands which represents a display; generating a plurality of quantized transform coefficients from said display commands, wherein said quantization is different for different display commands; and creating a compressed video stream utilization said coefficients. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130809 | Social CRM - A method and system is disclosed for conducting electronic commerce within a social media environment. A user of a social media site elects to perform an activity associated with a social commerce site. Once the social commerce activity has been performed, its corresponding value is processed with social commerce reputation data associated with the user to generate a social commerce reputation score for the user. The resulting social commerce reputation score is then compared to the requirements associated with different social commerce reputation badges. The social commerce reputation badge that matches the user's current social commerce reputation score is then displayed as a graphical image within the social commerce site along with the user's associated social commerce reputation data. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130810 | Advertising With Digital Media Content - A method is provided for dynamically adding customized advertisements with media content on digital media storage devices. A user may provide identification data to an automated machine or salesperson selling the media content at a retail location. Based upon the identification of the user, advertisements may be selected to be added to the media content. The selection of advertisements may be based upon previous transaction data, the genre of the media content, or characteristics identified for the user. Users may also select to change the quantity of advertisements to view based upon fees paid by the user for the media content. The user may pay additional fees to view less advertisements and the user may pay fewer fees and have more advertisements included with the media content. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130811 | PRESENTING SPONSORED CONTENT ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY - A computer-implemented method for positioning targeted sponsored content on a cellular phone includes the steps of (a) assessing a likelihood of an interaction by a user of the cellular phone with a sponsored content, wherein the assessment is based on a plurality of user characteristics associated with the cellular phone, such as a purchase of a good or a service, a payment history associated with the user; and a predefined hardware or software characteristic of the cellular phone; (b) prioritizing the placement of the sponsored content within one of a plurality of predefined areas of a graphical user interface of the cellular phone over the placement of other sponsored content within the same area, wherein the prioritization is based on the assessment of the likelihood of the interaction of the user of the cellular phone with the sponsored content; and (c) presenting the sponsored content within the one of a plurality of predefined areas of the graphical user interface of the cellular phone. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130812 | PRESENTATION OF SPONSORED CONTENT ON MOBILE DEVICE BASED ON TRANSACTION EVENT - A system and method for positioning targeted sponsored content on a mobile communication facility, comprising (a) receiving data corresponding to a transaction event having occurred via the interaction of a user with the mobile communication facility, wherein the transaction event includes transmission of data representative of a first product or a first service being purchased by the user and a second product or a second service declined for purchase by the user; (b) selecting advertising content based at least upon a relevance between an advertisement for the declined second product or second service and the purchased first product or first service in the transaction event, wherein the relevance is further based on information relating to compatibility of the advertising content, second product, or second service with the mobile communication facility; and (c) presenting the selected advertising content on a display of the mobile communication facility. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130813 | SELECTING ADVERTISEMENTS FOR USERS VIA A TARGETING DATABASE - A data processing system collects messages to create user profiles for users of user devices. The messages are collected from various systems and include data regarding user events on user devices. The user profiles are stored in a targeting database. In response to a request for information corresponding to a user device, a user profile is identified using data from the request and information from the profile is provided to the requester. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130814 | System and method for search engine result ranking - Search engine reliance on link-based ranking algorithms has been shown to delay the visibility of fresh content added to the World Wide Web (Web), relative to established content. Fresh content abstracts are randomly inserted into top ranked search results to achieve more even visibility coverage of the Web and improve overall search quality. Searcher behavior is monitored to infer a rank for the fresh content, and for established content. Rank that is so inferred is termed “ResultRank.” ResultRank is used to compliment link-based ranking schemes to improve web visibility and avoid a bias toward established links. Searcher satisfaction is monitored during this process since the quality of fresh content is unknown. A search engine extended enterprise metric (R metric) is introduced and designed to monitor aggregate searcher satisfaction. ResultRank and the R metric are used to complement existing ranking and pricing algorithms for sponsored results as well. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130815 | Apparatus, System and Method for Selecting a Media Enhancement - The present invention is and includes a device, system and method for providing an image enhancement widget. The device, system and method include a javascript component that, upon execution, obtains at least one subject of primary content on a networked page, and at least one permission for enhancement of the primary content, ones of a plurality of content produced remotely from the javascript component and according to the javascript component, and an enhancement widget. The enhancement widget may be a flash widget. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130816 | SEARCH SYSTEM, SEARCH METHOD, SEARCH PROGRAM AND RECORDING MEDIUM - While giving priority to a keyword designated by a seller, it is possible to reduce the extent of mismatch between the keyword designated by the seller and a keyword input as a search condition by a user. An advertisement main-search section ( | 2012-05-24 |
20120130817 | Method for Delivery of Relevant Consumer Content Based on Consumer Journey Patterns - A method providing highly relevant offers based on an individual's historic journey patterns prior to a future journey in order to influence the individual's behavior during a journey or when the individual departs from or arrives at predetermined headquarters or locations that are discerned using location-based and/or timing-based technologies. Other information can be used to discern and/or enhance the individual's journey patterns. An individual's journey pattern information includes location, route, timing, and/or duration information about one or more journey cycles by an individual, for example, two or more, three or more, four or more, or five or more journey cycles of the individual. A single journey cycle can include a time window at the same or similar time periods, for example, at the same or similar time in a day, at the same or similar time in a week, month, and/or year. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130818 | ADVERTISEMENT OUTPUT CONTROL DEVICE, ADVERTISEMENT OUTPUT CONTROL METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - An advertisement output control device provided with an advertisement distribution unit ( | 2012-05-24 |
20120130819 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED CONTENT USING EMOTIONAL PREFERENCE - A system and method for providing customized content using emotional preference is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a web analytics server, at least one website server and at least one user device all communicating through a network. The web analytics server collects a user's emotional preference and monitors a user's activity on a website. In one embodiment, the system further comprises an advertisement server that customizes advertisement using the information provided. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a recommendation engine and a product provider server. The recommendation engine recommends products from the product provider server and provides a link such that the user can purchase the product online. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130820 | PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE CONTENT IN A WINDOWED ENVIRONMENT - Embodiments of the invention relate to an architecture or extension to a window manager. In particular, the extension can provide for a window rotation feature that can be exposed as a rotate button. Additionally or alternatively, the rotation feature can be activated based upon a diverse set of conditions, events, and/or commands. Upon activation of the rotation feature, the window manager can rotate a window about an axis to expose a secondary surface that can be populated with alternative content that is distinct from the content of the primary surface of the window. In addition, the architecture provides techniques for identifying both double-sided graphical objects and potentially double-sided objects. | 2012-05-24 |
20120130821 | POINT-OF-SALE PURCHASE PERSONALIZED MESSAGE - A method, apparatus, system, article of manufacture, and computer program product provide a personalized promotional message. A request is received for the message. The request includes a keyword that denotes personalized attributes and a token that denotes a name of a consumer and is a component position in a script product. Based on the request, media components are concatenated to produce the personalized promotional message that is transmitted and received by the consumer. | 2012-05-24 |