Patents Issued in January 30, 2018
  • Patent number: 9881276
    Abstract: Ultrasonic tracking of a worker's hands may be used to monitor performance of assigned tasks. An inventory system includes inventory bins configured to store inventory items, an ultrasonic unit, ultrasonic transducers, and a management module. The ultrasonic unit is configured to be worn by a user in proximity to the user's hand and to periodically emit ultrasonic sound pulses. The ultrasonic transducers are arranged relative to the inventory bins and configured to receive the emitted pulses. The management module is operatively coupled with the ultrasonic transducers and configured to process signals generated by the ultrasonic transducers to identify an inventory bin based on proximity of the ultrasonic unit relative to the identified inventory bin. The management module monitors performance of an assigned task based on the identified inventory bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Evan Cohn
  • Patent number: 9881277
    Abstract: Inventory management systems and related methods employ radio frequency based tracking of a worker's hands to monitor performance of inventory tasks. An inventory management system includes inventory bins, a user-wearable unit configured to be worn in proximity to a user's hand, fixed RF antennas configured to transmit at least one RF interrogation signal and receive at least one RF response signal, a RF transceiver operatively coupled with the fixed RF antennas, and a management module operatively coupled with the RF transceiver. The user-wearable unit includes an RF transceiver configured to transmit RF response signals in response to reception of the at least one RF interrogation signal. The management module is configured to process signals generated by the RF transceiver to track locations of the user-wearable unit and identify an inventory bin based on proximity of the user-wearable unit to the identified inventory bin to monitor performance of an inventory system task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tye Michael Brady
  • Patent number: 9881278
    Abstract: A system and method is presented for gathering data concerning harvests. Data tickets are generated at a point of origination (i.e., the field), local storage, processing, or a customer location. Data tickets may also be generated for supplies delivered to the field. Implements attached to a vehicle in the field (e.g., a tractor) may provide data over a vehicle communication bus about how a field processing task was performed. Data may be extracted from the bus to use in preparing a field processing ticket, possibly in combination with manual entry from field personnel. A harvest data tracking system, based on data tickets, may be used to track the complete life cycle of crop production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Conservis Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick P. Christie, Michael Borman, Joe Tevis
  • Patent number: 9881279
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a human resource management platform that includes applications targeted to solve a variety of human resource and benefits administration management problems. Applications of the human resource management platform include business applications such as benefits administration that may provide a single solution for facilitating employee benefits management and organizational efficiencies through automation of benefit management functions, measurement of benefit provider effectiveness, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ADP, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Cooper, Colin J. Turner
  • Patent number: 9881280
    Abstract: A method is performed on a handheld device that involves receiving a search term and searching through stored text message information of multiple text messages for the search term. A listing of text message conversations are listed on the display where each listed conversation has at least one text message whose text message information was found to include the search term. And, in response to a user selection of one of the conversations, a sequence of text messages within the one selected conversation is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Justin Edward Santamaria, Bryan Prusha, Marcel Van Os
  • Patent number: 9881281
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for collaboratively planning an event via a collaborative event planning application. The collaborative event planning application may be accessed via user terminals connected to a network such as the Internet. Individual aspects such as theme, date, location, attire, travel, and lodging pertinent to the event and group discussion may be edited by a host, designated co-hosts, and invitees. Hosts and invitees may also make decisions regarding the event by voting. The collaborative event planning application may also periodically suggest vendors and provide notifications and recommendations based on the event details and preferences of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Jennifer L. Burka
  • Patent number: 9881282
    Abstract: Meeting and conferencing systems and methods are implemented in a variety of manners. Consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a meeting system is implemented that includes a computer server arrangement with at least one processor. The computer server arrangement is configured to provide a web-based meeting-group subscription option to potential meeting participants. A meeting scheduling data is received over a web-accessible virtual meeting interface. The meeting scheduling data includes group identification information and meeting time information. In response to the group identification information, participant identification information is retrieved for participants that subscribe to a meeting group identified by the group identification information. In response to the meeting time information and the participant identifying information, audio connections are established for participants of the meeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: 8x8, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramprakash Narayanaswamy
  • Patent number: 9881283
    Abstract: A service data record system and a POS system with the service data record system are provided. The service data record system transmits a data of an electronic device to a remote monitoring device. The electronic device includes plural electronic units and a power unit. The service data record system includes a power device, a remote monitoring interface and a micro processing unit. The micro processing unit is connected with the electronic device, the remote monitoring interface and the power device. By the micro processing unit, the electronic data set of the electronic unit may be externally transmitted to the remote monitoring device. Moreover, the pre-designate event of the electronic device may be externally transmitted to the remote monitoring device. According to the pre-designate event, it is convenient for a service engineer to make the preparation before repair or maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: FLYTECH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tai-Seng Lam, Hsiao-Hui Lee, Shuei-Jin Tsai
  • Patent number: 9881284
    Abstract: A mini-kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The mini-kiosk is designed to be placed on a counter-top. The mini-kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The mini-kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ecoATM, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Bowles
  • Patent number: 9881285
    Abstract: A method and system for automated settlement and on-line debiting of a financial transaction, such as an emergency-cash transaction, is provided. A bank customer enters a foreign-branch bank and indicates a need for emergency cash. The customer is given a telephone by which the customer communicates with an interactive-voice response system in the customer's language. The system bridges the customer with the customer's home bank, which approves the requested emergency cash. A network in communication with the voice response system and with the issuer automatically initiates an on-line debiting of an account of the customer. The network also initiates and carries out settlement between the acquirer and the issuer by way of settlement accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Citicorp Credit Services, Inc. (USA)
    Inventors: Ronald Padalino, Nigel Pinnell, Philip C. Shinn, Wigberto Yu
  • Patent number: 9881286
    Abstract: A vehicle charging control apparatus includes: a unit which presents unit prices of charging power; a unit which issues an instruction for preferentially charging a vehicle for which allowable time is short in proportion to request amount; and a unit which determines whether there is another allowable time which is associated with the request amount and meets a condition that the other allowable time is longer than the allowable time and the unit price associated with the other allowable time is lower than the unit price associated with the request amount and the allowable time. The unit prices are set lower when associated with a longer allowable time and also set lower when associated with a smaller request amount. When the other allowable time meets the condition, the other allowable time and the unit price associated with the other allowable time are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiichi Naito, Masaki Kiyono, Mikiya Nakata
  • Patent number: 9881287
    Abstract: A mobile payment register can generate a first user interface on a display. The first user interface is adapted to accept an input to process a first operation by a first user associated with a payment transaction. The payment transaction requires inputs into the mobile payment register by at least two users. The mobile payment register detects, via a sensor, a re-orientation motion. The re-orientation motion can cause the display to change from a first orientation substantially facing the first user to a second orientation substantially facing a second user. In response to detecting the re-orientation motion, the display can replace at least a portion of the first user interface with at least a portion of a second user interface such that input elements on the second user interface are able to accept an input from the second user to authorize or modify the payment transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 9881288
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, techniques for utilizing an enhanced user interface to create interactive layouts. For instance, a merchant device may present a user interface to a merchant, where the merchant can use the user interface to create a layout of a physical establishment. The merchant device can then receive inputs indicating respective locations of designated sections and objects within the physical establishment, and update the layout to include graphical elements corresponding to the designated sections and the objects at the respective locations. After creating the layout, the merchant device can send data corresponding to the layout to a payment service. The payment service can analyze the layout to determine locations within the physical establishment for placing designated sections and objects. Additionally, the payment service can send the merchant device messages that indicate the locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Bell, Brian Partridge, Ghassan Abu-Ghaida, Alfred Bautista, Amar Dhingra, Kevin Yien
  • Patent number: 9881289
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method and a hardware and software system for collecting data from retch point of sale. The hardware connects to a wide variety of barcode scanners and receipt printers. Collected data is transmitted to a cloud-based infrastructure backend system using a wireless inter net connection built into the hardware. The collected data can be processed to extract item-level transaction information, and estimate the price and in-stock status of items in particular shops. A search engine can be provided using this data, which allows a customer to discover which nearby shop has an item of interest in stock. A targeted advertising system that complements this search service is also presented. The data can be used by retailers and manufacturers for business analysis and optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: POMO SEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Mark Joseph Cummins, Ian Cummins
  • Patent number: 9881290
    Abstract: A point-of-sale system includes a stand that supports a tablet computer. The tablet computer can run a merchant application to provide the typical functionality for a point-of-sale system. The stand can be rotatable to face either the merchant or the customer. The stand can incorporate a card reader. The tablet computer can be connected through a hub to other peripheral components, such as a controllable cash drawer, a printer and/or a bar code reader. The cash drawer can include a slidable drawer having sliding rails that are hidden from a top view of the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Edwards, Lukas Skoog, Amish Babu, Jesse Dorogusker
  • Patent number: 9881291
    Abstract: An operation management apparatus includes a searching unit and a transmitting unit. According to a request from a register terminal, the searching unit searches for operation instruction information to be printed by the register terminal from a storage storing the operation instruction information showing contents of an operation instruction. The transmitting unit transmits to the register terminal print instruction information so that the register terminal prints the operation instruction information searched by the searching unit and confirmation information to notify that the operation instruction information is confirmed or that the contents of the operation instruction shown in the operation instruction information is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Inamori
  • Patent number: 9881292
    Abstract: A mobile scanner gun system processes a POS sale transaction and performs real-time daily store level inventory management. The system includes a main body portion extending toward a handle portion and forms an interior cavity and an aperture with a lens. A plurality of Universal Serial Bus (USB) mobile input devices are attached to the mobile scanner gun, including a barcode scanner and payment card input devices including a “Magnetic Stripe Reader” (MSR) and a “Europay, MasterCard and Visa” (EMV) reader, both with USB access to a PIN Entry Device (PED) and a “Near Field Communications” (NFC) reader through a specialized universal serial bus wiring harness. The specialized universal series bus wiring harness is adapted to be attached to and communicate with the mobile tablet device for communicating with a system integrated therein that enables store level real-time inventory management and a fully functioning POS capability for selling merchandise in a retail sales environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: RETAIL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruce J. Hicks, Brian K. McWhirter
  • Patent number: 9881293
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a user identification module of an electronic receipt system in electronic communication with a point of sale terminal, a user identifier transmitted from a mobile communication device to a near-field communication enabled communication device associated with the point of sale terminal. The method also includes verifying, by a validation module of the electronic receipt system, an enrollment status of the user identifier; and based on results of the verifying, transmitting, by a transfer module of the electronic receipt system, the user identifier and data characterizing an electronic receipt to a receipt storage module of the electronic receipt system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: FLEXRECEIPTS INC.
    Inventors: Jay Pravin Patel, Tomas E. Diaz, Sachin Chand Jaitly
  • Patent number: 9881294
    Abstract: A nontraditional transaction device, for example a mobile device, may be employed to complete a transaction. The mobile device may utilize radio frequency (RF) communication and/or authentication to facilitate completion of a transaction. Secondary identification information, for example voice recognition data, biometric recognition data, or alphanumeric data, may be utilized for secondary end user authentication. For security reasons, the mobile device account data may transmitted after the secondary identification information is verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CHARTOLEAUX KG LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
    Inventors: Fred Bishop, Peter D. Saunders
  • Patent number: 9881295
    Abstract: A method for making a payment using a mobile device. The method includes capturing a facial image of a payee using a camera of the mobile device, wherein the payment is due from the user of the mobile device to the payee, retrieving an identifier of the payee based on the facial image, retrieving payment recipient identification information of the payee from a registered payee list based on the identifier, displaying, on the mobile device, a composite image comprising the facial image of the payee and the payment recipient identification information of the payee, receiving an input from the user authorizing the payment from a financial account of the user to the payee, and initiating the payment from the financial account to the payee based on the payment recipient identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventor: Satish Buddhavarapu
  • Patent number: 9881296
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for processing a payment request. A mobile device associated with a payor may generate a user interface having two screen portions. The first screen portion may be configured to display received and sent messages and further configured to receive a command to transmit a message. The second screen portion may be configured to access a third-party application and configured to populate a new message with a payload. The mobile device may receive an inputted amount in the second screen portion representing the payment amount. The mobile device may transmit a request including the payor's identification and the payment amount to a third-party Payment Processing System (PPS) and receive a payload from the PPS. The mobile device may populate and transmit a message to the recipient that contains the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Paulin, Peter Westen, Shawn Welch, Daniel Federman, Michael Gershunovsky, Ayokunle Omojola
  • Patent number: 9881297
    Abstract: Systems, methods, processes, computer program code and means for conducting a payment transaction are provided which include activating a payment application of a mobile device, generating, using the payment application, an optical image representing payment account information associated with the payment application, said payment account information including at least one of a payment account number, an expiry date of the payment account number, and a dynamic verification code generated by the payment application; and presenting the optical image to a merchant transaction terminal for scanning to conduct the payment transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Arthur D. Kranzley, John R. Wankmueller
  • Patent number: 9881298
    Abstract: A credit card system is provided which has the added feature of providing additional limited use credit card numbers and/or cards. These numbers and/or cards can be used for a single or limited use transaction, thereby reducing the potential for fraudulent reuse of these numbers and/or cards. The credit card system finds application to “card remote” transactions such as by phone or Internet. Additionally, when a single use or limited use credit card is used for “card present” transactions, so called “skimming” fraud is eliminated. Various other features enhance the credit card system, which will allow secure trade without the use of elaborate encryption techniques. Methods for limiting, distributing and using a limited use card number, controlling the validity of a limited use credit card number, conducting a limited use credit card number transaction and providing remote access devices for accessing a limited use credit card number are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ORBIS PATENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel I. Flitcroft, Graham O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9881299
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for receiving data from a giver at a first time, the data being used to identify a merchant at which a gift from the giver to a recipient is redeemable. The system presents a group of merchants associated with the data to the giver, each merchant of the group of merchants offering a promotion in connection with the gift. The system receives from the giver a selection of a chosen merchant from the group of merchants, the chosen merchant having an associated promotion. The system then generates a policy comprising the gift, the chosen merchant, and the associated promotion such that upon receiving an indication of a triggering event caused by the recipient, the system can apply the gift and the associated promotion according to the policy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: GIFTYA LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Isaacson, Ryan C. Durham, Jason Wolfe, Lewis C. Amicone, III, Patrick Ledbetter, Adam Ludwig
  • Patent number: 9881300
    Abstract: Technologies for split key security include a payment device to generate a key encryption key and a first key encryption key part. The payment device generates a second key encryption key part based on the key encryption key and the first key encryption key part and deletes the key encryption key in response to generating the second key encryption key part. Further, the payment device stores the first key encryption key part to a secure memory of a security co-processor of the payment device and the second key encryption key part to a secure memory of a secondary processor of the payment device. The secondary processor is electrically coupled to a backup energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Reese, Raviprakash Nagaraj, Leonard Goodell, James L. Fafrak
  • Patent number: 9881301
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, and including a method for conversion tracking. The method comprises anonymously linking plural identifiers, each identifier associated with a user and specific requesting source. Anonymously linking includes linking different identifiers associated with different requesting sources used by the user to access content. Anonymously linking includes linking the different identifiers using an identifier that does not include any personally identifiable information, and storing impression, click and interaction data for the user in association with respective identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Vinod Kumar Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 9881302
    Abstract: Techniques and arrangements for capturing payments in cases involving a failed authorization. In some instances, a point-of-sale (POS) device may process a transaction while operating in an offline mode, and then send information regarding the transaction to a remote service after transitioning to an online mode. The remote service may attempt to authorize a payment instrument tendered to satisfy a cost of the transaction. In instances in which the payment instrument is declined, one or multiple payment-capture techniques may be utilized to capture a payment that satisfies at least a portion of the cost of the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Square, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wells White, Paul Botros, Christopher Lang Mocko, Zhimin Ren, Jianliang Zhao
  • Patent number: 9881303
    Abstract: A system or method may be provided to facilitate automatic user authentication for electronic transactions. In particular, the system or method may automatically authenticate a customer such that the customer may make complete hands free payments without the intervention of the customer or the merchant. The automatic authentication may include a check-in process and a payment authentication process. When a customer enters a designated area of a merchant, a BLE beacon device of the merchant may automatically check the customer in at the designated area of the merchant. After the customer is checked in at the merchant's designated area, the merchant may identify the customer who is about to make a payment from a plurality of other customers who also are checked in at the merchant via Bluetooth proximity and facial recognition in parallel. Thus, the customer may automatically be authenticated to make payments by facial recognition or Bluetooth proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventors: Nikant Vohra, Priyanshu Agarwal, Tushar Raibhandare, Prasanna Annamalai, Anupam Pahuja
  • Patent number: 9881304
    Abstract: An API transaction risk assessment equipment is disclosed that receives an API transaction request through a data network from an application processed by a source node, and generates a risk assessment score based on context information that characterizes the API transaction request. The risk assessment score indicates a level of trustworthiness of the API transaction request for processing by an application on a destination node. The API transaction risk assessment equipment then controls deliverability of the API transaction request through the data network to the destination node for processing based on the risk assessment score. Corresponding methods by API transaction risk assessment equipment are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth William Scott Morrison, Thomas E. Hamilton, III, James D. Reno
  • Patent number: 9881305
    Abstract: Introduced here is a technology that enables effective fraud detection and protection in financial transactions by use of a communication signal capability associated with payment cards. The technology eliminates the uncertainty inherent in card transactions as to the authenticity of a payment card. In various embodiments, methods and systems are disclosed for placing context-based restrictions on the payment card to assist in eliminating the uncertainty in card transactions. The payment card can include any electronic card having an embedded smart chip (e.g., BLE, WiFi, GPRS, 4G, LTE, etc.). The context-based restrictions can include a geographical restriction, a timing restriction, a purchase amount restriction, a merchant-category-code restriction, a particular merchant restriction, or a proximity restriction. The context-based restrictions can be placed on the payment card through communication with a computing device (e.g., smartphone, computing tablet, laptop, desktop, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SQUARE, INC.
    Inventors: John Lewis, Alexander W. Odawa, Michael Stratton
  • Patent number: 9881306
    Abstract: A wireless device is enabled to receive a financial account card that is inserted into a card slot of the wireless device. The wireless device reads card data from the financial account card when it is inserted into the slot and programs an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag or a memory included in the wireless device. The wireless device may then be used to provide payment by transmitting the card data via radio frequency to a nearby RFID reader using the RFID tag. The financial account card may also be ejected from the wireless device and swiped by a magnetic card reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Capital One Financial Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory M. Gannon
  • Patent number: 9881307
    Abstract: A modular learning system for certifying learning applications is provided. When the system receives a request to certify a learning application from a learning application authoring user, the system provides a certifying user an interface to view the learning application and determine whether the learning application meets standards for certification. The certifying user provides a certification for the learning application and the system determines a fee for the certification service. The learning application author pays the fee and a certification is associated with the learning application. A certification badge may also be generated for display with the learning application to indicate compliance of the learning application with the certification standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: MONK AKARSHALA DESIGN PRIVATE LIMITED, MONK AKARSHALA INC.
    Inventor: Samridh Kapoor
  • Patent number: 9881308
    Abstract: A method and system to facilitate an online promotion in a network-based marketplace. A user-provided election to participate in the online promotion is recorded on a client machine associated with a user. Responsive to a trigger event, a determination of the user-provided election as recorded on the client machine associated with the user is made. The determination causes a presentation of the online promotion if so elected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy A. Lee, Justin Christopher Early, Kevin McSpadden, Greg Pedone
  • Patent number: 9881309
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein may be used to recommend an item to a consumer. The methods may comprise determining, based on a collaborative filtering algorithm, a consumer relevance value associated with an item, and transmitting, based on the consumer relevance value, information associated with the item to a consumer. A collaborative filtering algorithm may receive as an input at least one of: a transaction history associated with the consumer, a demographic of the consumer, a consumer profile, a type of transaction account, a transaction account associated with the consumer, a period of time that the consumer has held a transaction account, a size of wallet, a share of wallet, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Chau, Terrence Fischer, Anthony Mavromatis, Andrew K. Smith, Venkat Varadachary, Henry Yuan
  • Patent number: 9881310
    Abstract: An eliciting system is provided. The eliciting system may embody a method for collecting market research data by eliciting customer input through an interactive, competitive game format. The eliciting system may provide the game format by including a controllable object, a control unit and a display platform, wherein the display platform provides a plurality of scan codes presented in an eye-catching manner. The control unit provides a user interface and is adapted to remotely control the controllable object as it hovers over the display platform. The controllable object may provide a scanner for reading the plurality of scan codes. Each scan code may provide a market association with a good and/or service. Each market association scanned by the scanner is represented on the user interface, whereby the user of the control unit can view and approve of or disapprove of it, while the user controls the controllable object hovering over the display platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Register, Dionne Trottie-Register, Charmaine Trottie
  • Patent number: 9881311
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a request for a product. Two or more fingerprints are selected, where each fingerprint includes digital data describing a corresponding virtual customer. By a computer processor, a first fingerprint is loaded to emulate a first virtual customer. A first price query is submitted to a vendor's web service for the product, where the first price query uses the loaded first fingerprint. A second fingerprint is loaded to emulate a second virtual customer. A second price query is submitted to the vendor's web service for the product, where the second price query uses the loaded second fingerprint. Two or more prices are received from the vendor's web service, including a first price received in response to the first price query and a second price received in response to the second price query. A lowest price is selected from among the prices received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Giblin, John Rooney
  • Patent number: 9881312
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a radio communication system may be provided. The radio communication system may include: a portable device; a beacon receiving device; and a server. The portable device may include: a transmitter configured to repeatedly transmit signals; and a receiver configured to receive data from the server. The beacon receiving device may include: a receiver configured to receive signals from the portable device; and a transmitter configured to transmit an indication to the server based on the received signal. The server may include: a receiver configured to receive the indication from the beacon receiving device; and a transmitter configured to transmit data to the portable device based on the indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Min-Liang Tan, Sze Wei Joel Hong, Chee Oei Chan, Kah Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9881313
    Abstract: A computing device receives one or more questions. The computing device determines at least one of an urgency factor, an importance factor, and a difficulty level associated with the received one or more questions and determines at least one of an availability factor, a skill factor, and a quality level associated with the received one or more questions. The computing device determines an incentive based on the determined at least one of an urgency factor, an importance factor, and a difficulty level associated with the received one or more questions, and the determined at least one of an availability factor, a skill factor, and a quality level associated with the received one or more questions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Amit P. Bohra, Krishna Kummamuru, Abhishek Shivkumar
  • Patent number: 9881314
    Abstract: A method comprising calculating a third party solicitation fee for a third party, receiving, from a third party server, a third party solicitation on behalf of the third party, sending the third party solicitation to a user apparatus in response to the receipt of the third party solicitation, the third party solicitation comprising a request for a specified action, receiving information indicative of the user apparatus performing the specified action, and decreasing the third party solicitation fee based, at least in part, on the receipt of the information indicative of the user apparatus performing the specified action is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Brook Eaton, Richard Collin
  • Patent number: 9881315
    Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for a customizable redemption header for merchant offers, such as online coupons, across browser instances are provided. In some embodiments, a user may open a merchant website in a first browser instance executing on a user device. An offers website may provide offers, such as online coupons, in a second browser instance executing on a user device. When a user selects an offer, an offer identifier may be stored in a browser-accessible storage device. The modification to the browser-accessible storage may be detected and a customizable redemption header having an offer redemption identifier, e.g., a coupon code, and instructions may be provided on the merchant webpage in response to the detection. Additionally, the customizable redemption header may provide user feedback requests upon submission of the coupon code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: RetailMeNot, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas James Shiffert, Jagjit Singh Bath, Mike Paul Cravey, Greg Militello
  • Patent number: 9881316
    Abstract: A method for testing a new workflowed item associated with a workflow process in a content management system (CMS) is provided. The method may include adding a workflow stage to the workflow process in the content management system (CMS). The method may also include adding a test associated with the workflow stage. The method may further include determining if a criteria threshold is met based on the test associated with the workflow stage. Additionally, the method may include publishing the new workflowed item based on the criteria threshold being met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Baldwin, Laurence A. Hey, Eric Martinez de Morentin, Matthew J. Ponsford
  • Patent number: 9881317
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a customer guiding information management unit configured to obtain a content ID used to identify an application introduction source site and an individual identification ID used to identify a user terminal which has accessed the introduction source site and manage the content ID and the individual identification ID as customer guiding information, and a result measurement unit configured to obtain information including an individual identification ID of a user terminal which has downloaded an application, compare the information with the customer guiding information managed by the customer guiding information management unit, and measure a result of the introduction source site identified by the content ID included in the customer guiding information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: FeliCa Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Junichi Oki, Hiroyuki Nagasawa, Kenichi Motodate
  • Patent number: 9881318
    Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to attributing or associating a user's actions with respect to web page content to the multivariate test parameters. For example, a user's purchase of a product after clicking on an ad in the web page content may be attributed to multivariate test parameters corresponding to the placement of the ad, the size of the ad image, whether a border is placed around the ad, any number of attributes associated with the ad, the content in which the ad is placed, etc. In certain embodiments, a user's actions may occur at a device that is separate from the publisher device. Techniques described herein may attribute or associate such actions with a publisher's web page content such that publishers may be made aware of the effectiveness of the placement, layout, orientation, etc., of their web page content based on how users reacted to such attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasanna Krishnamoorthy, Matthew Hamilton Battles
  • Patent number: 9881319
    Abstract: An application executing on a mobile device, such as an application associated with a social networking system provides a link to install a third-party application. The link may be presented in an advertisement, and the link is used to retrieve data comprising a client application for execution by the mobile device. To track installations, the client application stores an indication that the client application was installed in a shared memory location on the mobile device, as native applications do not have access to cookies. A social networking application executing on the mobile device retrieves the indication the client application was installed from the shared memory location and communicates it to a social networking system for storing in a user profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah Liu, Nipun Mathur, Teck Chia, Vijaye Raji
  • Patent number: 9881320
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for targeting segments of customers. A system maps users to targeting segments based on a respective purchase history of the users, and receives a segment identifier from a server, the segment identifier to be associated with a targeting segment from the targeting segments for anonymously identifying the targeting segment. Next, the system associates the segment identifier with the targeting segment and users mapped to the targeting segment, and sends, to the server, the segment identifier and unique user identifiers of the users mapped to the targeting segment associated with the segment identifier, the unique user identifiers masking respective identities of the users from the server and the segment identifier masking an identity of the targeting segment associated with the segment identifier. The system then instructs the server to deliver selected invitational content to at least one unique user identifier associated with the segment identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Alsina, David T. Wilson, Sagar A. Joshi, Subash Sundaresan
  • Patent number: 9881321
    Abstract: A method for identifying bundled software and an apparatus therefor. The method comprises: detecting a user interface for software installation; acquiring text information on the user interface; determining whether bundled software exists; and, based upon the determination, extracting the name and amount of bundled software from the text information and prompting the name and the amount of the bundled software. The embodiments may identify bundled software before installing software and avoid starting the bundled software process, having the effect of anti-bundling on the bundled software in advance. By extracting the name of the bundled software, acquiring the amount of bundled software, and prompting the name and amount of the bundled software, a user is able to determine whether to install the bundled software according to his or her requirements, thereby improving the autonomous right of selection of the user in the process of installing software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: IYUNTIAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunpeng Peng, Ling Guo
  • Patent number: 9881322
    Abstract: Transferring data between mobile computing device by converting contact information stored in a proprietary format on the first mobile computing device to a nonproprietary graphical format, transferring the contact information in the nonproprietary graphical format from the first mobile computing device to a second mobile computing device and storing the contact information in the nonproprietary graphical format on the second mobile computing device. The contact information stored in the nonproprietary graphical format on the second mobile computing device can be converted to the proprietary format and stored on the second mobile computing device. The transfer of the contact information can be performed in response to an indication that the users of the first and second mobile computing devices have had contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: BCARD, INC.
    Inventor: Brett Turner
  • Patent number: 9881323
    Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention provide advertisements or other content for a webpage. An example is providing portions of an advertisement as separate items in multiple formats, multiple positions, and/or from multiple locations so that at least some of the advertisement is still displayed to a requesting user even though advertisement-blocking mechanisms are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: TWC PATENT TRUST LLT
    Inventors: Dan Agronow, Lori Lodwick, Tom Cona
  • Patent number: 9881324
    Abstract: A wireless communication device declares one of a plurality of extended instant messaging states and transmits the declared states to a presence information server. Declared extended instant messaging states for destination devices are received, and an enhanced instant message based on declared extended instant messaging states is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Luis Estable, Risvan Coskun, Robert D. Oliver, Haining Zhang
  • Patent number: 9881325
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing review and ratings information and for crowd-sourcing reviews and ratings in real-time based on activity of an entity to be rated. The system may include a storage device, a voice server, and a ratings server. The method may include receiving a notification of an action initiated by the entity being rated, receiving identifying information associated with the entity, outputting the identifying information on a display device, and prompting for a rating for the entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: James Edward Conley