Patents Examined by Colleen A Hoar
  • Patent number: 9918197
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel system and process to provide an interactive environment for advertisers utilizing physical advertisement structures to provide their advertisements to users. Users are able to receive advertisement information associated with the advertisements on these structures along with additional information associated with the advertisements. This is also beneficial for the advertisers because this static form of advertising now becomes dynamic and interactive. Advertisers are now able to provide more detailed information regarding their products, services, etc. than what is normally available via an advertisement structure such as a billboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Lazo Inc.
    Inventor: Gonzalo Labarca
  • Patent number: 9830617
    Abstract: Electronic advertisements and other types of electronic information are distributed based on user profiles and in particular, collections of widgets. User profiles may be generated based on a combination of user entered information and information inferred or derived from user behavior and interaction patterns. The use and collection of various widgets may also be recorded by a user profile to determine a user's preferences and interests. An advertisement may be distributed by segmenting a user population according to user profile information and one or more attributes of the advertisement. Users may further interact with the widgets in a variety of ways including requesting additional information about the advertised product or service and/or requesting communications with an advertiser without compromising their privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Seppo Pyhälammi, Kaj Häggman, Tero-Markus Saarimaa
  • Patent number: 9600833
    Abstract: A duplicate keyword selection engine facilitates identification and selection of duplicate keywords that are associated with advertisements and advertising campaigns. The selection engine selects duplicate keywords from one or more sets of duplicate keywords. The duplicate keywords can be selected based on selection criterion specified by the advertiser. The selection criterion for selecting duplicate keywords for inclusion in set of duplicate keywords can be a relative attribute value that a keyword must have relative to attribute values of other keywords in the set of duplicate keywords to which the keyword belongs. For example, the selection criterion can require a duplicate keyword to have a highest attribute value relative to attribute values of the other keywords in the set of duplicate keywords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hiller, Igor Tandetnik, Art Komninos, Theodore Power, Ritcha Gupta Ranjan, Ilan Caron, Michael Loose
  • Patent number: 9280786
    Abstract: A method and a system that identify seller ads to potential buyers within a network-based commerce system are provided. The method and system may operate to receive a request including a product identification from a seller, and assign to the seller, based on a distance function and the product identification, a matching identification entry included in a set of identification entries. The request may also include financial metrics. The method and system may further include operations to identify one or more seller ads associated with the matching identification entry, as determined by a distance measured between the matching identification entry and at least one extracted identification entry extracted from a selected content page and included in the set of identification entries. The identification of the one or more seller ads may also be determined by a relevance function based on the financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Henri Moissinac, Laura Robyn Chambers, Jeffrey Wong, Jacob Aqraou
  • Patent number: 9002726
    Abstract: Electronic advertisements and other types of electronic information are distributed based on user profiles and in particular, collections of widgets. User profiles may be generated based on a combination of user entered information and information inferred or derived from user behavior and interaction patterns. The use and collection of various widgets may also be recorded by a user profile to determine a user's preferences and interests. An advertisement may be distributed by segmenting a user population according to user profile information and one or more attributes of the advertisement. Users may further interact with the widgets in a variety of ways including requesting additional information about the advertised product or service and/or requesting communications with an advertiser without compromising their privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Seppo Pyhälammi, Kaj Häggman, Tero-Markus Saarimaa
  • Patent number: 8918332
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and a user interface for automatically scheduling a media play is disclosed. The user can specify criteria for play of the media play, including times, stations, and/or external criteria such as a weather condition or the occurrence of an event. Information relevant to the entered criteria is received and assessed against the criteria to determine if the criteria are met. Responsive to the received information meeting the criteria for play of the media play, an accessor accesses the media play inventory and inserts the media play into a media feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan S. Steelberg, Chad E. Steelberg, Scott Beauchamp, Russell K. Ketchum
  • Patent number: 8914301
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for selecting relating to content selection. In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for determining appropriate content based upon various other input data, particularly for individuals on whom personal data is already known. In another aspect of the invention provides method and apparatus for analyzing feedback statistics obtained from previously delivered content in order to update new content for delivery. Another aspect of the invention is combinations of content determination with the analysis of feedback statistics, preferably in real-time, to take into account not only individual preferences, but environmental and other factors. An embodiment of the present invention is directed toward personalized advertisements, with particularly preferred embodiments described that are implemented with an Internet media platform, an interactive digital television platform, as well as cross-platform implementations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Joyce A. Book
  • Patent number: 8775239
    Abstract: A method and a system that identify seller ads to potential buyers within a network-based commerce system are provided. The method and system may operate to receive a request including a product identification from a seller, and assign to the seller, based on a distance function and the product identification, a matching identification entry included in a set of identification entries. The request may also include financial metrics. The method and system may further include operations to identify one or more seller ads associated with the matching identification entry, as determined by a distance measured between the matching identification entry and at least one extracted identification entry extracted from a selected content page and included in the set of identification entries. The identification of the one or more seller ads may also be determined by a relevance function based on the financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Henri Moissinac, Laura Robyn Chambers, Jeffrey Wong, Jacob Aqraou
  • Patent number: 8719097
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and a user interface for automatically scheduling a media play is disclosed. The user can specify criteria for play of the media play, including times, stations, and/or external criteria such as a weather condition or the occurrence of an event. Information relevant to the entered criteria is received and assessed against the criteria to determine if the criteria are met. Responsive to the received information meeting the criteria for play of the media play, an accessor accesses the media play inventory and inserts the media play into a media feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Steelberg, Ryan Steelberg, Scott Beauchamp, Russell Kevin Ketchum
  • Patent number: 8666816
    Abstract: In one embodiment, information pertaining to preferences of end users with respect to network access is received from a first entity, and properties of one of wireless access points (WAPs) are then configured based on the information pertaining to the preferences of end users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley T. Chan, Shioupyn Shen
  • Patent number: 8589223
    Abstract: A method of offering advertising services to a client for advertising a client website on the Internet comprises the steps of identifying a web host, the web host receiving client information for establishing a client account with said web host for hosting the client website; cooperating with the web host to prompt the client as to whether an advertising account is desired; and, if an advertising account is desired, using the client information received by the web host to establish the advertising account. The invention also covers a related computer system for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 680 Media, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Feeley
  • Patent number: 8566163
    Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide for generating a trade calendar. A trade calendar module launches a query comprising search criteria for searching information pertaining to trade promotions. The trade calendar module then populates a trade calendar with information responsive to the query, including each trade promotion that meets the search criteria. The trade calendar module also causes the trade calendar to be displayed the trade calendar. The trade calendar simultaneously displays marketing activities corresponding to a portion of the information in the trade calendar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Gary L. Adams, Christian J. Langpape
  • Patent number: 8515812
    Abstract: A method and a system that identify seller ads to potential buyers within a network-based commerce system are provided. The method and system may operate to receive a request including a product identification from a seller, and assign to the seller, based on a distance function and the product identification, a matching identification entry included in a set of identification entries. The request may also include financial metrics. The method and system may further include operations to identify one or more seller ads associated with the matching identification entry, as determined by a distance measured between the matching identification entry and at least one extracted identification entry extracted from a selected content page and included in the set of identification entries. The identification of the one or more seller ads may also be determined by a relevance function based on the financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Henri Moissinac, Laura Robyn Chambers, Jeffrey Wong, Jacob Aqraou
  • Patent number: 8407093
    Abstract: A method for purchase of goods and/or services comprising the steps of, (a) a user placing a personal advertisement through a service provider or vendor with a image or picture which is blurred on partially blurred as to body portions or plurality of body portions, or to which contains text which is strategically blurred, and (b) the service provider or vendor alerting the user to one or more responses to the advertisement or other message, optional with blurred and/or partially obscured images on pictures of a respondent or text by way of e-mail, television, written or printed material, SMS, EMS and/or MMS messaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Brian R. Cartmell
  • Patent number: 8392242
    Abstract: Computer systems and associated payment models are disclosed for compensating content providers, such as web site operators, that cooperatively provide user access to content. In one embodiment, when a user selects a link provided by an “originator” entity (e.g., on a web site of the originator entity) to access a “target” entity's content (e.g., content displayed on the target entity's web site), the user is charged a small transaction fee, such as 0.1 cents. A portion of this fee is paid to the originator, and a portion is paid to the target. An additional portion may be retained by a service provider that processes the link selection transaction. Embodiments are also disclosed involving different flows of monetary compensation between the user, the originator, the target, and the service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Utter, Sarah S. Bryar, Anil K. Dedhia, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 8392243
    Abstract: A POS CS includes an additional logical control logging of transaction data, transmission of the transaction data to a central CS, identification of CIDs in transactions qualifying for marketing information, and instruction of printers for printing the marketing information for a CID during a transaction involving the CID at a terminal in the POS CS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Catalina Marketing Corporation
    Inventor: Justin A. Summer
  • Patent number: 8370196
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method of providing a multimedia advertising service through a mobile communication network. In the present invention, a content server downloads ad contents to a mobile terminal along with content-displaying condition and the mobile terminal having received the ad contents displays the received ad contents according to the content-displaying condition when an event specified by the content-displaying condition occurs. Afterwards, a content-displayed history is uploaded to the content server by the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: SK Planet Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min Ju Choi, Kyeong Seok Kim, Jong Woo Choi, Jun Hyung Kim, Sung Cheol Hong, Eon Hwa Jeong, Gi Seon Nam
  • Patent number: 8315906
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and a user interface for automatically scheduling a media play is disclosed. The user can specify criteria for play of the media play, including times, stations, and/or external criteria such as a weather condition or the occurrence of an event. Information relevant to the entered criteria is received and assessed against the criteria to determine if the criteria are met. Responsive to the received information meeting the criteria for play of the media play, an accessor accesses the media play inventory and inserts the media play into a media feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Steelberg, Ryan Steelberg, Scott Beauchamp, Russell Kevin Ketchum
  • Patent number: 8311889
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are computer-implement systems and methods for identifying and analyzing content (e.g., text, images, videos, etc.) published on digital content platforms (e.g., webpages, mobile applications, etc.). Such analysis is then used to determine whether the published content is appropriate for association with (or “hosting of”) a third-party's content. In one embodiment, for example, the systems and methods presented are particularly useful for determining the appropriateness of an image published on a digital content platform, prior to providing an advertisement proximate the image. As such, merchants can avoid associating their advertised products/services with vulgar, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate images that may have a negative impact on their brand or reputation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Luminate, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristen Lagle Ruiz, Chris Waterson, James R. Everingham
  • Patent number: 8301499
    Abstract: A method and a system that identify seller ads to potential buyers within a network-based commerce system are provided. The method and system may operate to receive a request including a product identification and financial metrics from a seller, and assign to the seller, based on a distance function and the product identification, a matching identification entry included in a set of identification entries. The method and system may further include operations to identify one or more seller ads associated with the matching identification entry, as determined by a relevance function based on the financial metrics and a distance measured between the matching identification entry and at least one extracted identification entry extracted from a selected content page and included in the set of identification entries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Henri Moissinac, Laura Robyn Peile, Jeffrey Wong, Jacob Aqraou