Patents by Inventor Paul C. Ning

Paul C. Ning 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).

  • Patent number: 11741490
    Abstract: A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: GROUPON, INC.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 11695725
    Abstract: An information source, such as an advertiser or product vendor, transfers information to contacts for which the information source has no contact data. The information source stores information in an information database which communicates the information to a referrer which has the desired contact data. The referrer uses a communication device to transfer the information to one or more contacts using contact data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: GROUPON, INC.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Publication number: 20220029946
    Abstract: An information source, such as an advertiser or product vendor, transfers information to contacts for which the information source has no contact data. The information source stores information in an information database which communicates the information to a referrer which has the desired contact data. The referrer uses a communication device to transfer the information to one or more contacts using contact data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: James F. KRAMER, Paul C. NING
  • Publication number: 20220020050
    Abstract: Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Publication number: 20210406944
    Abstract: A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: James F. KRAMER, Paul C. NING
  • Patent number: 11138626
    Abstract: Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: GROUPON, INC.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 11108724
    Abstract: An information source, such as an advertiser or product vendor, transfers information to contacts for which the information source has no contact data. The information source stores information in an information database which communicates the information to a referrer which has the desired contact data. The referrer uses a communication device to transfer the information to one or more contacts using contact data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Groupon, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 11100527
    Abstract: A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Groupon, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Publication number: 20210019786
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a service to promoters, including venues and advertising sponsors, who wish to provide promotions. The service includes making promoter promotions accessible by the mobile phones of members associated with an organization. Typically a promotion and member are matched based on the member's geographical position, which may be reported by the member or determined automatically during a transaction, a promotion redemption, or by a position sensor in their mobile phone. A promotion and member are optionally matched by the member's traits and behaviors. In addition to accessing promotions, members have mobile access to real-time information about the venues, such as the demographics of venue attendees and media posted by attendees concerning venue characteristics. Using the system, venues can determine who is shopping nearby and can send promotions to their phones, and members can know before going which venues have promotions and their preferred attendee demographic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Publication number: 20200357014
    Abstract: A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 10776826
    Abstract: Various systems are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Groupon, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 10672019
    Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing for identifying mobile devices and transmitting electronic messages to the mobile devices. An exemplary method comprises receiving input defining a target demographic category of user profiles to which to direct an electronic message and a target location category that defines a tracked location pattern that, upon being satisfied, results in transmission of the electronic message, receiving GPS device locations from a communication device, identifying a user profile associated with the communications device, determining that the user profile is classified to the target demographic category, determining that the tracked location pattern is satisfied, and upon determining that the user profile is classified to the target demographic category of user profiles, and the tracked location pattern is satisfied, causing transmission of the electronic message indicative of the particular offer to the at least one mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Groupon, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 10664860
    Abstract: A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Groupon, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Publication number: 20190220884
    Abstract: A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Publication number: 20190213624
    Abstract: A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Publication number: 20190215292
    Abstract: An information source, such as an advertiser or product vendor, transfers information to contacts for which the information source has no contact data. The information source stores information in an information database which communicates the information to a referrer which has the desired contact data. The referrer uses a communication device to transfer the information to one or more contacts using contact data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Publication number: 20190205913
    Abstract: Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 10116612
    Abstract: A referrer device configured to perform operations such as detecting an electronic request to provide information from an information source to a contact communication device. The contact data for a contact associated with the contact communication device is accessible by the referrer device. However, the contact data is not accessible by the information source. The operations can further include encoding a referral container file with programming instructions configured to, upon execution by a processor of the contact communication device, cause the contact communication device to electronically request the information from the information source via a communications network without providing the contact data to the information source. The operations can further include embedding the referral container file in an electronic message and transmitting, via a network communication interface of the referrer device, the electronic message to the contact communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GROUPON, INC.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 10102539
    Abstract: A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GROUPON, INC.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning
  • Patent number: 10096039
    Abstract: Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: GROUPON, INC.
    Inventors: James F. Kramer, Paul C. Ning