Patents by Inventor Esther M. Friend

Esther M. Friend has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150178392
    Abstract: A method and system of improving user experience in a human assisted search system is described. The disclosed method and system allows a search system to provide a personalized response to a user by utilizing interconnecting characteristics determined by the search system to be used. A search request or “query” may be processed automatically and/or utilizing the assistance of a human assistant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: CHACHA SEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jockisch, Michael B. Burroughs, Esther M. Friend, Scott A. Jones, Mark Stephen Malseed, Eugene M. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 8782069
    Abstract: A system and method of providing information to improve efficiency of human searchers obtaining information on behalf of users is described. A first responder to a request is provided with specialized tools for responding to a request. An initial evaluation of a query may be used to determine the responder and the type of tools which will be provided initially. A toolset which allows rapid responses based on data resources, common queries, and contextual information of a user, a request, partially matching queries and previous responses to previous queries is used to improve the probability that a first responder may provide a suitable response to a query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ChaCha Search, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jockish, Michael B. Burroughs, Esther M. Friend, Scott A. Jones, Mark Stephen Malseed, Eugene Murphy ODonnell
  • Publication number: 20120185484
    Abstract: A system and method of directing queries to human assistants who may be users of an information search system is described. An area of interest of a user is identified based on queries and/or other activities of the user. When a request is received analysis of available human assistants is performed to determine a suitable human assistant to aid in production of a response includes directing a task to a user associated with the type of request received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ChaCha Search, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Jones, Jeffrey Jockisch, Esther M. Friend, Eugene M. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20110145057
    Abstract: A system and method for providing coupon targeting delivers a message responsive to a user request and for compensating workers performing diverse tasks assigns point values to various tasks. The response message, which may be an SMS or IM message, includes a list of offers in an order based on a ranking of the offers. A user may select a listed offer and receive information detailing the offer and redemption information. Redemption may be tracked using electronic monitoring. Compensation associated with results from the tasks performed is determined and aggregated over a time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: ChaCha Search, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Jones, Esther M. Friend, Blake R. Matheny
  • Publication number: 20110010367
    Abstract: A system and method of providing information to improve efficiency of human searchers obtaining information on behalf of users is described. A first responder to a request is provided with specialized tools for responding to a request. An initial evaluation of a query may be used to determine the responder and the type of tools which will be provided initially. A toolset which allows rapid responses based on data resources, common queries, and contextual information of a user, a request, partially matching queries and previous responses to previous queries is used to improve the probability that a first responder may provide a suitable response to a query.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ChaCha Search, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jockish, Michael B. Burroughs, Esther M. Friend, Scott A. Jones, Mark Stephen Malseed, Eugene Murphy ODonnell