Abstract: A server transmits information, to a plurality of subscribers having mobile devices, concerning bars or nightclubs located within a predetermined distance from each subscriber. Subscribers receive information concerning special offers available at particular establishments. The system also enables subscribers to identify other subscribers, located at establishments in the vicinity, and to communicate with them. By tracking the location of each subscriber, the system can tailor offers, or sequences of offers, to subscribers who are near particular establishments, and/or who have particular preferences, and it can accumulate data from which to generate statistics which help operators of such establishments to maximize profitability.

Abstract: A server transmits information, to a plurality of subscribers having mobile devices, concerning bars or nightclubs located within a predetermined distance from each subscriber. Subscribers receive information concerning special offers available at particular establishments. The system also enables subscribers to identify other subscribers, located at establishments in the vicinity, and to communicate with them. By tracking the location of each subscriber, the system can tailor offers to subscribers who are near particular establishments, and/or who have particular preferences, and it can accumulate data from which to generate statistics which help operators of such establishments to maximize profitability.

Abstract: A slide kit creation system and method allows reviewers of a slide kit to insert non-textual comments, such as audio comments, to be associated with selected slides. In one embodiment, audio comments are transmitted to a host computer by telephone, and may be posted on the host computer for access by other reviewers. The audio comments may also be transcribed in text form. In another embodiment, comments may be associated with various portions of a video, in the same manner. A video navigation bar is coded to indicate which portions of the video are associated with comments. Alternatively, certain attributes of the video can be altered to indicate the presence of comments associated with specific scenes of the video.

Abstract: An online system allows multiple participants, in geographically diverse locations, to consider and vote upon a motion or other document. The system enables the participants to post questions and comments, and to propose that a motion be broken up into clauses, and to vote both on the proposed manner of breakup of the motion, and on the motion itself. The votes of the participants may be weighted in accordance with rules which are previously set. The participants may vote to link certain clauses, such that linked clauses may be treated in accordance with certain rules to which the participants shall have agreed.

Abstract: A slide kit contains slides having citations. The slides are loaded into memory, and the citations are automatically parsed. The system automatically connects to external databases to obtain and download texts associated with the citations, so that the user can review the slides together with such texts. The system also allows the user to select slides from a list of citations, so as to determine which slides contain a particular citation. In another embodiment, the system enables the user to define a search which is executed among the texts associated with citations contained in the slide kit. Thus, in general, the result of the search may include slides which may or may not themselves contain the search terms. In this way, the user may retrieve slides based on their general relevance, without regard to the specific words shown on the slides.

Abstract: A slide kit creation system and method allows reviewers of a slide kit to insert non-textual comments, such as audio comments, to be associated with selected slides. In one embodiment, audio comments are transmitted to a host computer by telephone, and may be posted on the host computer for access by other reviewers. The audio comments may also be transcribed in text form. In another embodiment, comments may be associated with various portions of a video, in the same manner. A video navigation bar is coded to indicate which portions of the video are associated with comments. Alternatively, certain attributes of the video can be altered to indicate the presence of comments associated with specific scenes of the video.

Abstract: A slide kit creation system and method allows reviewers of a slide kit to insert non-textual comments, such as audio comments, to be associated with selected slides. In one embodiment, audio comments are transmitted to a host computer by telephone, and may be posted on the host computer for access by other reviewers. The audio comments may also be transcribed in text form. In another embodiment, comments may be associated with various portions of a video, in the same manner. A video navigation bar is coded to indicate which portions of the video are associated with comments. Alternatively, certain attributes of the video can be altered to indicate the presence of comments associated with specific scenes of the video.

Abstract: A slide kit creation system and method allows reviewers of a slide kit to insert non-textual comments, such as audio comments, to be associated with selected slides. In one embodiment, audio comments are transmitted to a host computer by telephone, and may be posted on the host computer for access by other reviewers. The audio comments may also be transcribed in text form. In another embodiment, comments may be associated with various portions of a video, in the same manner. A video navigation bar is coded to indicate which portions of the video are associated with comments. Alternatively, certain attributes of the video can be altered to indicate the presence of comments associated with specific scenes of the video.

Abstract: A computer-based system facilitates exchange of information between users and expert respondents. The users post questions on a topic to a computer bulletin board or forum, using a telephone and modem connection to a remote server. The respondents contact the server by telephone, and receive a list of questions that have been posted. The respondents then dictate answers orally, by telephone, and the answers are recorded and stored by the server as sound files. The stored answers can later be played back by users who connect to the server through their personal computers. The answers can also be transcribed into text files for viewing by the users. Thus, a user can both hear the recorded voice of the respondent and see the stored text of the respondent's answer. The system makes it easy for respondents to answer questions, or provide comments, especially in cases where a respondent is not familiar with computer technology, or where a respondent is not conveniently located near a computer.

Abstract: An automated system assists a user in locating and purchasing goods or services sold by a plurality of vendors. The system includes a programmed computer which is linked to a database. The database contains information about a large number of different products and/or services, arranged in various categories. For each product or service, the database contains information on price, vendor, specifications and/or availability. In operating the system, the user first indicates the general type of product or service desired. The system responds by displaying a template giving specifications for the type of product or service selected. The user then fills in one or more blank spaces in the template, to tell the system the minimum desired specifications for the product or service. The computer then searches the database to retrieve all products or services, within the product or service category selected, having the specifications required by the user.