Abstract: Low-cost, robust, and high performance microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) acoustic sensors are described. Described MEMS acoustic sensors can comprise a set of etch release structures in the acoustic sensor membrane that facilitates rapid and/or uniform etch release of the acoustic sensor membrane. In addition, MEMS acoustic sensors can comprise a set of membrane position control structures of the acoustic sensor membrane that can reduce the bending stress of the acoustic sensor membrane. MEMS acoustic sensors can further comprise a three layer acoustic sensor membrane that provides increased robustness. Further design flexibility and improvements are described that provide increased robustness and/or cost savings, and a low cost fabrication process for MEMS acoustic sensors is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the relevance of search results given by, and favorable user experience with, a search engine by automatically detecting and removing search listings which are unusually infrequently selected by users from among other search listings. Data representing presentation of individual search listings as part of search results and data representing selection of such search listing by a user are accumulated and analyzed to evaluate performance of the search listing. Rates of selection of search listings are compared to rates of selections of search listings in similar and different positions within search results sets. Search listings with unusually low selection rates are marked from removal from the search database and/or are demoted from generalizing matching mechanisms to more specific matching mechanisms. Parameters of the accumulation and performance evaluation are adjusted according to the search volume of the search listing.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for managing promotion and reward arrangements between affiliated entities, the system comprising a promotion link generator for creating a link in a site owner computer system coupled to a network, the link corresponding to a promotion in an affiliate. A reward estimator calculates and tracks any site owner points awarded to the user for completing the qualifying activity required by the promotion in the affiliate system. The reward estimator may also process site owner remuneration from the affiliate for user qualifying activity or for referrals, with or without any awards for the user. Communications means enable transfer data between the site owner and affiliate in a secure manner.