Patents Assigned to Ultris, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6434549
    Abstract: A system for machine- and human-mediated exchange of information, provided in response to receipt of an information query. The received query is first assigned to a selected category or classification, by a human classifier or through automatic parsing of the statement of the query by a computer. A search for a positive response to the query is performed automatically, using an information repository (including, but not limited to, one or more databases) that corresponds to the query classification. If the repository provides no positive response, the system allows a group of one or more human responders having relevant information to bid on providing a positive response to the query. A responder can also route the query to other responders. Optionally, a responder cost bid is compared with a user-supplied upper limit on cost. If a bid is accepted and the responder is selected, the responder provides a positive response to the query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Ultris, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Linetsky, David Rubin