Abstract: A method for conducting market research utilizing a telematics service system that provides a telematics service to a plurality of vehicles is disclosed herein. The method includes, but is not limited to, wirelessly communicating with a plurality of vehicles using the telematics service system. The method also includes obtaining information from the plurality of vehicles using the communications system. The information relates to a usage of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes utilizing the information to determine an appropriate design for a future vehicle.

Abstract: A system for collecting and analyzing structured user feedback on websites, the system including website user structured feedback form generation functionality operative to generate structured feedback forms for providing website user feedback on website user interaction with a website-based process and website user feedback analyzing functionality operative to automatically collect and analyze website user feedback entered in the structured feedback forms and to provide at least one analysis report based on feedback from a multiplicity of website users.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for personalizing interaction between an information/service/product provider using a knowledge management (KM) system that tracks data exchanged between users and the provider over multiple communication channels. User requests to an information/service/product provider can made via multiple different channels, such as by using ATMs, PDAs, cell phones, computers accessing web sites or other Web Devices, Voice Response Units (VRUs), and others. User requests submitted over these multiple channels are routed into an integrated KM system that services these requests. The user requests are serviced in such a manner that they are personalized in multiple aspects to enrich the user's experience.

Abstract: A system and a method to implement real-time respondent selection and interview. A real-time evaluator selects a respondent in real-time for interview with a user of the system, where the respondent selection is based upon criteria defined by the user. An interview manager conducts the interview between the user and the respondent and records a transcript of the interview.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for acquiring data from a user at the time of a card payment made using a payment terminal, in which: a data acquisition request is displayed (26) on a screen of the payment terminal following the completion of the payment transaction; the data is acquired (28) by the payment terminal; the acquired data is validated (30) in the terminal; and, if the data is valid, the data is transmitted (34 or 37) by the payment terminal to a consolidation server and a card removal authorisation message is displayed (36) on the screen of the terminal. The acquisition includes a maximum period parameter and the data is considered to be invalid if acquired after said maximum period and/or if acquired when the chip card is not in the payment terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for confidence-based selection of items for use in conducting a computer-implemented survey. The survey presents information about a selected plurality of items to a survey participant, to elicit survey feedback information. Information regarding the plurality of items is stored, the stored information including display information about each of the plurality of items for presentation to a survey participant. A subset of items for presentation to a survey participant is selected in accordance with a predetermined selection algorithm. Information corresponding to the selected subset of items is displayed to the survey participant via a survey user interface. Rating information is input by the survey participant via the survey user interface indicating the survey participant's preferences as to items in the presented subset of items. The rating information is utilized in various manners to affect the selection algorithm for a subsequent survey.

Abstract: A targeted marketing system and method are provided that provide a customer with customer questions, receive responses to the customer questions from the customer, and store data associated with the responses. The customer is provided with a feedback page that graphically illustrates data associated with the customer's standing in a selected peer group. The customer is provided with options operable to adjust the customer's actual demographic to a hypothetical demographic, and data associated with hypothetical demographic changes from the customer is received and processed. Hypothetical feedback information is then displayed that graphically illustrates the hypothetical standing of the customer within the selected peer group such that the customer can see the effect of the hypothetical demographic changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a management method and system for the selection of a reliable, trusted and safe certified contractor from a proprietary information database. More particularly the database will contain contractors that have undergone a thorough background investigation so that only company and individual contractors satisfying the certification requirements can be allocated to homeowners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented with which to conduct information surveys. Contemporary methods of accessing and exploiting information resources, including search techniques and category browsing, have become less effective and efficient at these tasks due to the growing infoglut and the widening knowledge gap between the content, structure, and navigational paths of information resources on the one hand, and what users know and desire of these on the other. The information survey method and apparatus disclosed herein enables a user to survey information in order to rapidly discover the area of the information resource that is most useful to them, the survey niche, and evaluate the knowledge and information found there.

Abstract: A method, software and system of developing personalities for interactive and/or automated call center applications are provided. According to teachings of the present invention, sample population questionnaires and interviews may be used to identify key personality traits. The impact of the identified key personality traits are then empirically determined. Based on the empirical determination of the key personality traits' impact on customer satisfaction, a plurality of personality profiles may be generated for evaluation. A plurality of application types and voice talents may then be employed to evaluate the impact of each personality profile on customer satisfaction, for different user populations and different types of automated systems. The personality traits for each automated system are preferably rated and reviewed to ensure a system accurately represents the identified key personality traits.

Abstract: A method for determining brand preference of a consumer includes presenting the consumer with a number of brand choices and determining a brand selected by the consumer from the number of brand choices. The method also includes determining an emotional response and a rational response of the consumer to the selected brand. The method may include generating a graph(s) indicative of the brand preference, the emotional responses, and/or the rational responses of the consumer to the selected brand. The graph(s) may be indicative of such preference and/or responses at a point in time or over a period of time. Additionally, the method may include determining the emotional and rational responses of the consumer to non-selected brands of the number of brand choices presented to the consumer.

Abstract: A reply of a survey responder is evaluated. A verbal response to a survey is received and a corresponding audio file is encoded. One or more evaluators are given access to both the audio file and a questionnaire including a question regarding a disposition of a survey responder. The evaluators select from a plurality of predefined answers to the question. A report is created based on the selected answers of the evaluators.

Abstract: The invention elicits reliable ratings of entertainment items. Appropriate users are identified to supply ratings, and they are motivated to supply reliable ones by rewards. The identification of appropriate users is based on taste signatures of the items to be rated and of the users. Other products of user effort such as reviews are also elicited.

Abstract: A measurement system assessment tool is disclosed. In particular embodiments, a method includes communicating a plurality of questions associated with a plurality of dimensions of a measurement system. The method further includes receiving a response to each of the plurality of questions, each of the plurality of responses associated with one of a plurality of dimensions of the measurement system. The method further includes determining, for each of the responses, a numerical value associated with the response. The method also includes, for each of the plurality of dimensions, selecting a subset of the plurality questions, each of the questions in the subset associated with the same respective dimension of the measurement system. The method further includes calculating, for each of the plurality of dimensions, an average score, wherein each average score comprises an average of the numerical values associated with the questions in the subset.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method. The method may include receiving a location associated with a user and a mobile device. The method may also include determining a research program for a vendor based at least in part on the location. The method may also include sending information about the research program to the mobile device. The method may also include receiving a request for participation in the research program. The method may also include sending at least one inquiry associated with the research program to the mobile device. The method may also include receiving a response to the at least one inquiry from the mobile device.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method. The method may include collecting data about individuals. The method may include identifying a pattern of data correlated with a behavior of interest in the data collected for an individual. The method may include defining the individual as a target potential customer in light of the pattern identified in the data collected for the individual.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, system, and/or computer program product predicts a success of a currently proposed project. Responsive answers to a survey questionnaire for a currently proposed project are received and used to create a predicted success score for the currently proposed project, based on a pattern of responsive answers to a predetermined combination of questions from the survey questionnaire. The predicted success score for the currently proposed project is compared with and matched to actual success scores from prior projects. If the percentage of prior projects that retained their success scores through completion exceeds a predetermined accuracy threshold, then the currently proposed project is approved for implementation.

Abstract: A poll definition comprising a plurality of poll questions and a phone list comprising a plurality of phone list entries is received over the network from a user. Each phone list entry comprises a phone number for one of a first plurality of poll targets. A first poll run is conducted as a dial-out poll run using the poll definition and the phone list, such that a first set of answers to the plurality of poll questions is received from at least some of the first plurality of poll targets. A second poll run is conducted as a call-in poll run, using the poll definition, such that a second set of answers to the plurality of poll questions is received from a second plurality of poll targets. A third poll run is conducted as a web survey, using the poll definition, such that a third set of answers to the plurality of poll questions is received from a third plurality of poll targets.

Abstract: A facility for rewarding the provision of useful item reviews is described. The facility receives a plurality of item reviews, each from a source. The facility publishes each of the plurality of received item reviews, and assesses the usefulness of the published item reviews. Based upon this assessment of usefulness, the facility selects one or more of the published item reviews, and provides rewards to the sources of these selected item reviews.

Abstract: A credibility card contains a claim about a resource, a way to identify the claimant, and a set of choices to be voted on about the claim. A resource can be information content, a product, or another item about which a claim can be made, and it may be associated with a Uniform Resource Indicator (URI). Information (e.g., a web page) that contains or describes the resource includes the credibility card, and a user viewing the information is given the chance to vote on the claims, such as by indicating agreement or disagreement with the claim. The votes are stored in a repository, which may protect the votes from being deleted. Users can view the tally of votes in order to judge the credibility of the claim or the claimant.

Abstract: The utility model relates to methods of marketing and social researches, while informing consumers and/or users in respect of a specific product or service with using telecommunications devices of communication. The method includes manufacturing of materials containing the information on carrying out a survey, their distribution among prospective consumers or users of a product or service, who are subscribers of devices of telecommunication means of communication, receipt of a message containing a request and/or confirmation of consent to participate in the survey from the subscriber's device of telecommunication means of communication, sending a message containing a query or task relating to a product or service to the subscriber's device of telecommunication means of communication, receipt of a message containing the subscriber's reply to the query or task relating to a product or service from the subscriber's device of telecommunication means of communication.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method. The method may include receiving a location associated with a mobile device. The method may also include determining at least one offer to complete at least one task based at least in part on the location. The method may also include sending the at least one offer to the mobile device. The method may also include receiving a selection of an offer by a user of the mobile device. The method may also include sending a request for data associated with the selection of the offer. The method may also include receiving data associated with the request from the mobile device. The method may also include determining acceptability of the data. The method may also include allocating compensation to the user according to the acceptability of the data.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for conducting interactive surveys that define aspects of a web page, is disclosed. One method includes generating an interactive survey user interface (UI), where the interactive survey UI provides a plurality of selectable nomenclature items for a plurality of page objects of the web page. Then, enabling selection of one nomenclature item from the plurality of selectable nomenclature items. A drag and drop operation enables the selection of the one nomenclature item and dragging to the one of the plurality of page objects to define a placement for the one nomenclature item. The selection of the one nomenclature item and the defined placement is received to build metrics from multiple survey participants, where the metrics are used to define recommendation for rendering the plurality of page objects on the web page. The recommendations identify nomenclature and placement of page objects for the design of the web page.

Abstract: A system and method for confidence-based selection of items for use in conducting a computer-implemented survey. The survey presents information about a selected plurality of items to a survey participant, to elicit survey feedback information. Information regarding the plurality of items is stored, the stored information including display information about each of the plurality of items for presentation to a survey participant. A subset of items for presentation to a survey participant is selected in accordance with a predetermined selection algorithm. Information corresponding to the selected subset of items is displayed to the survey participant via a survey user interface. Rating information is input by the survey participant via the survey user interface indicating the survey participant's preferences as to items in the presented subset of items. The rating information is utilized in various manners to affect the selection algorithm for a subsequent survey.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for creating a classification significance pattern for end users, and enabling end users to use their classification significance pattern to conduct custom searches for target information, such as information about products, services, and jobs, as well as enabling third parties, such as vendors and potential employers, to target their advertisements to groups of users meeting a certain classification. A classification significance pattern is created by having a user take a psychological test, for example, that includes a personality test, a design taste test, a recreation/travel test, a life satisfaction test, an interactive game module, or a career/job test, and having the system automatically score such test and classifying the user based on a defined abstract classification.

Abstract: An automated expert system that uses split-run and factorial design methods to determine which factors are most important in an experiment. The expert system is architected into Design, Execute and Evaluate phases, to assist a user in developing a Factorial Design experiment in which one, two or three factors are tested simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment, a database infrastructure and web client, browser-based methodology functions as the expert system (a “wizard”) to design experiments, build control groups and evaluate results, all with the goal of discovering what values for which factors will yield the optimum response from subjects.

Abstract: A method (200) of eliciting customer preference from purchasing behavior surveys clusters (210) survey respondents into two or more clusters according to a data pattern identified in a dataset (330) of responses to survey questions that include a question regarding a product purchasing decision, and questions regarding respondent attributes (such as behavioral questions) and product attributes. Clustering (210) may be performed based on responses to behavioral questions that are not endogenously linked to any control variables. A model for each cluster, relating purchasing decision responses to product attribute responses, is produced (220), and each model is used to generate (230) projected purchasing decision responses for each cluster by replacing a value relating to a response to a selected product attribute question, which may be a control variable, with an alternative value. The dataset is transformed (240) by replacing purchasing decision responses with the projected responses.

Abstract: A method for conducting a privacy ensured computerized poll includes, in a computerized anonymizing system (100), receiving a list (404) of invited participants (418) of said computerized poll, said list (404) comprising at least one address (202, 204) for each said participant (418). With said computerized anonymizing system (100), assigning each invited participant (418) in said poll at least one character string (410, 412) and transmitting to each invited participant (418) said at least one character string (410, 412) assigned to said participant (418) using said at least one address (202, 204). With said computerized anonymizing system (100), generating a list (408) comprising an entry for each said at least one character string (410, 412) assigned to one of said invited participants (418) and shuffling an order of said entries, and providing said shuffled list (408) to a poll initiator (402).

Abstract: A live, real-time interactive reality show is provided via multiple concurrent communication channels, including television broadcast, the internet, radio broadcast, cell phone airways, and landline phone lines. There are further included advice seekers and an audience that can utilize computers, televisions, cell phones, radios and landline phone lines to interact with or watch the reality show. Online web formats, including websites, blogs and other formats and cell phone applications, email, text messaging, and mobile applications may also be used to interact with or watch the reality show. The advice seekers interact in a live real-time unscripted manner. The audience may also be asked to offer advice and communicate it in real-time via a communication method, including the internet, email, text messaging, web cams, cell phones, land line phones, and mobile applications.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for collecting and combining consumer satisfaction ratings for online purchases. Users may be prompted for purchase satisfaction after an expected delivery date. Information from one or more user responses may then be compiled and used to rate online vendors.

Abstract: A decision theoretic approach to targeted solicitation, by maximizing expected profit increases, is disclosed. A decision theoretic model is used to identify a sub-population of a population to solicit, where the model is constructed to maximize an expected increase in profits. A decision tree in particular can be used as the model. The decision tree has paths from a root node to a number of leaf nodes. The decision tree has a split on a solicitation variable in every path from the root node to each leaf node. The solicitation variable has two values, a first value corresponding to a solicitation having been made, and a second value corresponding to a solicitation not having been made.

Abstract: Systems and methods for initiating and conducting an automated survey are disclosed herein. According to some implementations, a computer-readable medium may be encoded with computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions includes logic adapted to receive a notification of the occurrence of a trigger event associated with a service performed for a customer. The computer-executable instructions further include logic adapted, in response to receiving the notification, to initiate an automated survey to be offered to a survey recipient. Additional logic is adapted to conduct the automated survey. The instructions also include logic adapted to receive survey result information from the survey recipient in response to the automated survey.

Abstract: Systems and method for analyzing results of an automated survey are disclosed herein. According to some implementations, a computer implemented method comprises receiving survey result information, where the survey result information includes information extracted from an automated survey offered to a survey recipient. The computer implemented method also comprises performing an analysis of the survey result information and determining if the analysis of the survey result information warrants one or more follow-up actions with a customer.

Abstract: A user interest profile, which indicates a portion-varying level of user interest toward a first streaming media item, is determined. The user interest profile is based on a plurality of ratings inputted by a user for a plurality of respective portions of the first streaming media item. A second streaming media item is recommended to the user based on the user interest profile.

Abstract: A method and tool for enhancing customer related research with product manufacturers has been provided. Consumers are invited into a design experience by inputting personal data and product design preferences in order to create a profile. A consumer is then invited to provide specific product design preferences and they can interact with a design tool in order to co-design new products in collaboration with designers. The consumer's data is then aggregated and provided to designers and marketers who will use the information for the next stage of product development.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and communicating with individuals located within a business, wherein a business registers with a server or network and transmits messages uploaded to the server through network routers or access points having a SSIDs linked to server and provided to the business.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling access via a computer network to a subscriber server. A log-in server receives a query to connect through the computer network to the subscriber server, and the log-in server receives registrant identification data. A first session is established between the log-in server and the subscriber server to validate the registrant identification data, and to generate a session password. A second session is established between the log-in server and the subscriber server. The second session is configured to authorize, based in part on the registrant identification data, access to at least a portion of a website associated with the subscriber server.

Abstract: A method for evaluating expansion of a business where the business is located in a first geographic area. The method includes receiving information about the business, querying a business information source and a demographic information source using the information, receiving data from the business information source and the demographic information source in response to the querying, processing the data using business expansion factors to obtain a rank order, where the data comprises a plurality of potential geographic areas for expanding the business, where the plurality of potential geographic areas are evaluated on the business expansion factors to determine a similarity to the first geographic area to obtain a rank order, and presenting, in the rank order, each of the plurality of potential geographic areas.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for the integration of offline media tracking and measurement with an online audience validation system. In one embodiment, the system builds on the existing audience validation system functionality and enables advertisers and marketers to better track attendance and the consumption of offline media that is displayed at event for which tickets must be procured. In another embodiment, the system allows Advertisers and Marketers to track attendance and the exposure of ticket holders to specific media during the event and to subsequently use this information to target survey and offers to event attendees. In another embodiment, the ability to track online, mobile, and offline media affords the additional benefit to perform full conversion funnel tracking across those media that further enables CPA advertising as well.

Abstract: A machine-implemented method encourages a job seeker to revisit a job search site by (a) automatically submitting the seeker's search query to a job history database to selectively retrieve responsive job history information corresponding to the seeker's search query; (b) automatically forwarding the selectively retrieved job history information for a prediction of future job prospects; and (c) automatically generating from the future job prospects results which indicate future time points at which more or better job search results are expected to be available.

Abstract: A method for performing a market analysis may include collecting survey data, which may include evaluation data for desired outcomes, the desired outcomes consisting of attributes of one or more products or services. The desired outcome evaluation data may include importance and satisfaction data. Further, the survey data may include evaluation data for potential features. The potential features evaluation data may include desirability data indicative of the affinity survey participants have for potential features. The method may further include processing the collected survey data using a computer processor. The processing may include calculating, based on the importance and satisfaction data, opportunity scores for the individual desired outcomes. The processing may also include correlating potential features with desired outcomes. In addition, the processing may include ranking the potential features based on the collected desirability data and the calculated opportunity score.

Abstract: In one example, normalized questionnaires may be used to consistently determine an assessment regardless of which of the questionnaires is used. The normalization may include verification that a category score is consistently determined regardless of which of the questionnaires is used. The category score included in the assessment may be determined as a function of answers provided in response to each of the questions that are included in a questionnaire and that are directed to a question category. Normalization may include selection of focus questions from among the questions that are directed to the question category. Normalization may include determination of category scores, where each of the category scores is determined based on a respective answer to each one of the focus questions.

Abstract: A method and system of assessing the quality of a work through a quality review engine. The quality review system efficiently builds a ranked list of works. Competing and collaborating creators review each other's works through a variable, relative-measurement technique. Subject matter creators rate the quality of individual pieces of material, while concurrently being reviewed themselves to assess the level of expertise of each reviewer, and thus, the degree of weight that should be given to the commentary of each reviewer. Each review may itself be reviewed to assess a usefulness of the review to determine the weight the review should be given in the ranking process. Assigned reviews, monitored control works, and other fraud detection devices assure accurate rankings at a low cost.

Abstract: Analyzing merchandise information includes: receiving merchandise information input by a user; analyzing the merchandise information, including at least obtaining values corresponding to one or more characteristic attributes from the merchandise information, wherein the values corresponding to one or more characteristic attributes are used to determine whether the merchandise information is messy; determining a messiness confidence level associated with the merchandise information based at least in part on the obtained values corresponding to one or more characteristic attributes; and determining whether the messiness confidence level associated with the merchandise information exceeds a preset threshold value; in the event that the messiness confidence level exceeds the preset threshold value, sending an indication to stop publication of the merchandise information and in the event that the messiness confidence level does not exceed the preset threshold value, not sending an indication to stop publication of

Abstract: A method of obtaining a representative online polling sample is disclosed. The first step is to provide a polling web site with polling information for a user to select or otherwise interact with. However, that polling web site has a domain name that differs from the domain name of a web site the user intends to reach, the polling web site being reached when the user makes a typing or other address input error and inadvertently enters the polling web site domain name. Hence, for example, Google could harvest the many thousands of users who inadvertently type in gogle.com instead of google.com and direct them to an online polling page, instead of simply redirecting them to the google.com web site. This approach substantially eliminates coverage bias from the sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to adaptively gather audience information data are disclosed. The disclosed methods and apparatus monitor system factor(s) and select one or more sensors from a plurality of sensors positioned to gather audience measurement data based on the monitored factor(s). Thus, the disclosed methods and apparatus adapt to the conditions they face by selecting an amount and/or type of audience measurement data they gather.

Abstract: A method is described for presenting a report. The method comprises the following steps. Survey results are obtained to plurality of customer surveys for a predefined location over a data accumulation period. Each customer survey includes a plurality of attributes each having at least one weighting factor. A location average result is calculated for each of the plurality of attributes. Survey results are obtained to a plurality of peer surveys over the data accumulation period for at least one corresponding peer. Each peer survey including a plurality of attributes. Calculating a peer average result for each of the plurality of attributes. A peer difference score is determined for each of the attributes as a difference between the location average result and the peer average result for the corresponding attribute. A ranking score is determined for each attribute based on a combination of the at least one weighting factor and the peer difference score.

Abstract: There is described a computer-implemented method for evaluating a living environment having a plurality of elements therein, the method comprising: presenting, via a user interface, a first series of questions, the questions being divided into at least three first categories, each first category having at least one question associated thereto, each question having a plurality of answers with varying weights associated thereto, each first category corresponding to an aspect of the living environment; storing in a memory received answers for the first series of questions; and using a processor for: calculating, for each first category, a score as a function of received answers and associated weights; positioning the score for each first category as a point on a corresponding axis in a first multi-dimensional coordinate system, the intersection of all axes representing a score of 100% and each axis having progressively decreasing values extending from the intersection; creating a surface in the first multi-dimen

Abstract: A computer system for obtaining feedback at a location of service includes one touch screen computer terminal devices located at the location of service across multiple entities. One computer software module is for authoring a survey, the survey comprising a plurality of survey question with at least one of the survey questions having an answer value configured to trigger a notification signal. Another computer software module presents the survey at the touch screen computer terminal(s) and for obtaining respondent answers to the survey questions and another computer software module monitors the respondent answers and if any of the respondent answers have the answer value configured to trigger the notification signal, the computer software module that monitors the respondent answers triggers the notification signal. Certain statistical data is shared between multiple entities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for recommendations based on adoption curve. A method includes tracking over a period of time user popularity of a media content using a web service residing in a server, the popularity and period of time representing a life cycle of each of the media content. The method tracks over the period of time users enrolled in the web service and when in the period of time each of the users adopted the tracked media content and associates adopted media content with user profiles representing the users. The method recommends media content associated with a first user who adopted the tracked media content earlier in the period of time to a second user who may want to adopt the tracked media content subsequently in the period of time.