Patents by Inventor Thomas Gerace
Thomas Gerace 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).
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Patent number: 11210632Abstract: In a global network of computers, a method ad system of profiling a user for targeting advertisements is disclosed. The method and system obtains and/or infers demographic information from end-users using on-line means. The invention next monitors end user activity and determines keywords therefrom. The system and method profiles an end user as a function of the determined end-user activity keywords and obtained/inferred end-user demographic information. Profiles of end-users are matched against targeted profiles of advertisements which are defined by the respective advertisers. This results in targeting advertisements to end-users based on end user profiles. Advertisers bid for advertisement placement with the system. In some embodiments, the system employs Vickrey auction type bidding. Using observed user behavior and the auction results, ads are prioritized for selection and viewing placement in a manner that provides the greatest potential value to the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: RAKUTEN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour
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Patent number: 10740723Abstract: A computer system for publishing content includes a categorization member, a rating module, a user profiling assembly and a suggested-reading engine. The categorization member enables an author-user and reader-users of an authored work to categorize content of the authored work using a fixed taxonomy, keywords, tags and/or keyword combinations. The rating module enables reader-users to rate authored works and makes a determination of quality of each authored work in the system. Rating includes reader-user response activity such as number of times the reader recommends, forwards or otherwise effectively promotes the authored work. The user profiling assembly measures words and word combinations used (written or read) by a user and generates therefrom a profile of the user. The suggested-reading engine is responsive to the rating module and provides a ranked list of suggested reading (authored works) for a user.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: SKYWORD INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour, Christopher Marstall, Francois Gagnon
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Patent number: 10740722Abstract: A global computer network system includes a method and apparatus for writer compensation, a method and apparatus for reader rating and a method and apparatus for enabling readers to tip an author. The system further provides content organization according to user relationship and website community. Another feature effects content browsing by relationship of users in the system. The system provides determination of content scarcity and advertisement (ad inventory) scarcity. The system also includes user-specified comments or reader indications on system contents such as authored works and bookmarks.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: SKYWORD INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour
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Publication number: 20200051025Abstract: In a global network of computers, a method ad system of profiling a user for targeting advertisements is disclosed. The method and system obtains and/or infers demographic information from end-users using on-line means. The invention next monitors end user activity and determines keywords therefrom. The system and method profiles an end user as a function of the determined end-user activity keywords and obtained/inferred end-user demographic information. Profiles of end-users are matched against targeted profiles of advertisements which are defined by the respective advertisers. This results in targeting advertisements to end-users based on end user profiles. Advertisers bid for advertisement placement with the system. In some embodiments, the system employs Vickrey auction type bidding. Using observed user behavior and the auction results, ads are prioritized for selection and viewing placement in a manner that provides the greatest potential value to the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour
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Patent number: 10510043Abstract: A host computer site of a computer-based social network of users profiles users for targeting advertisements. The system obtains and/or infers demographic information from end-users using on-line means. The system next monitors end user activity and determines keywords therefrom. The system profiles an end user as a function of the determined end-user activity keywords and obtained/inferred end-user demographic information. Profiles of end-users are matched against targeted profiles of advertisements which are defined by respective advertisers. Using observed user behavior and other factors, ads are prioritized for selection and viewing placement. This results in (i) targeting advertisements to end-users based on end user profiles, and (ii) real-time customization of web pages viewed by end-users.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Skyword Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour
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Patent number: 10366080Abstract: A database search method and system utilize user community defined facets and facet values for refining searches. The system provides access to a database having a plurality of records in respective categories of information. Each record has one or more facets to the respective category of information, usable in connection with a search as suggested additional parameters for further refining search terms or guiding user navigation of the database. The facets and facet values are defined by a computer network community of users over time and through use of the network community portal. Another embodiment is an advertising engine that displays targeted advertisements to the user based on refined search. Another embodiment is a method that utilizes refined search to help the user with navigation of a site (e.g., website or other computer network site) as a component of a GUI.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Skyword Inc.Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour, Richard A. Meyer, David A. Sandborg, James E. Bostick, Kurt F. Wescoe, Jennifer R. Hann, Timothy R. Tresch, William Evans, Keith Kost, Lauren Sozio, Patricia Travaline, Adam Oliveri, Ralph Jenkins, David McKenna, Gregory Garay, Michael Shaheen, Teresa Shine, Carl Laneave, Aaron Reinard
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Patent number: 10026102Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Skyword Inc.Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen R. Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Patent number: 9916599Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Skyword Inc.Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen R. Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Patent number: 9773260Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Skyword Inc.Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen R. Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Patent number: 9767486Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Skyword Inc.Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen R. Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Publication number: 20170004540Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen R. Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Publication number: 20170004559Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen R. Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Publication number: 20160253616Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen R. Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Publication number: 20160255111Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen R. Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Publication number: 20160171044Abstract: A database search method and system utilize user community defined facets and facet values for refining searches. The system provides access to a database having a plurality of records in respective categories of information. Each record has one or more facets to the respective category of information, usable in connection with a search as suggested additional parameters for further refining search terms or guiding user navigation of the database. The facets and facet values are defined by a computer network community of users over time and through use of the network community portal. Another embodiment is an advertising engine that displays targeted advertisements to the user based on refined search. Another embodiment is a method that utilizes refined search to help the user with navigation of a site (e.g., website or other computer network site) as a component of a GUI.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour, Richard A. Meyer, David A. Sandborg, James E. Bostick, Kurt F. Wescoe, Jennifer R. Hann, Timothy R. Tresch, William Evans, Keith Kost, Lauren Sozio, Patricia Travaline, Adam Oliveri, Ralph Jenkins, David McKenna, Gregory Garay, Michael Shaheen, Teresa Shine, Carl Laneave, Aaron Reinard
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Patent number: 9367823Abstract: A computer method and system for ranking computer network portal users is provided. The system and method comprise a ranking module which determines rank of an individual in a community of global computer network users. The ranking module determines rank of an individual as a function of user demand. The function of user demand includes any one or combination of number of requests to be connected to the individual user, readership following of the individual user and keywords common between profiles or authored works by the individual user and those of other users. An output member is coupled to receive the determined rank from the ranking module and generates an ordered list of user names ordered by determined rank of individuals. The rank of individuals may be provided to external entities such as fraud detection systems or advertising targeting engines.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Skyword, Inc.Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, David A. Sandborg, Helen Feder, Richard A. Meyer
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Patent number: 9251279Abstract: A database search method and system utilize user community defined facets and facet values for refining searches. The system provides access to a database having a plurality of records in respective categories of information. Each record has one or more facets to the respective category of information. The system enables user input of a search term formed of a first parameter indicative of at least one category of information of the database. In response to the user input, the invention system displays (a) a set of search results, including records from the database of the at least one category of information, and (b) a listing of facets and/or facet values of the records in the search results. The listing of facets and/or facet values serve as suggested additional parameters for further refining the search terms or guiding user navigation of the database.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Skyword Inc.Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour, Richard A. Meyer, David A. Sandborg, James E. Bostick, Kurt F. Wescoe, Jennifer R. Hann, Timothy R. Tresch
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Publication number: 20090198675Abstract: A database search method and system utilize user community defined facets and facet values for refining searches. The system provides access to a database having a plurality of records in respective categories of information. Each record has one or more facets to the respective category of information. The system enables user input of a search term formed of a first parameter indicative of at least one category of information of the database. In response to the user input, the invention system displays (a) a set of search results, including records from the database of the at least one category of information, and (b) a listing of facets and/or facet values of the records in the search results. The listing of facets and/or facet values serve as suggested additional parameters for further refining the search terms or guiding user navigation of the database.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: John L. Mihalik, Thomas A. Gerace, Russell G. Barbour, Richard A. Meyer, David A. Sandborg, James E. Bostick, Kurt F. Wescoe, Jennifer R. Hann, Timothy R. Tresch, William Evans
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Publication number: 20070118802Abstract: A computer system for publishing content includes a categorization member, a rating module, a user profiling assembly and a suggested-reading engine. The categorization member enables an author-user and reader-users of an authored work to categorize content of the authored work using a fixed taxonomy, keywords, tags and/or keyword combinations. The rating module enables reader-users to rate authored works and makes a determination of quality of each authored work in the system. Rating includes reader-user response activity such as number of times the reader recommends, forwards or otherwise effectively promotes the authored work. The user profiling assembly measures words and word combinations used (written or read) by a user and generates therefrom a profile of the user. The suggested-reading engine is responsive to the rating module and provides a ranked list of suggested reading (authored works) for a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: May 24, 2007Applicant: Gather Inc.Inventors: Thomas Gerace, Russell Barbour, Christopher Marstall, Francois Gagnon
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Patent number: D622117Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventors: Thomas A. Gerace, Franklin A. Abel