Issued Patents -- Internet and eCommerce Systems

STRESS RELIEF SYSTEMS (PDF , Text Only, Figure 1)
A stress relief system comprising segmented sexual aid tools comprising a plurality of interchangeable components, all of which fit together so that a user may customize the shape, firth and length of the sexual aid tool. The system further comprises monetization and internet sales in e-commerce of sexual aid tools utilizing custom orders and rapid fabrication of such interchangeable components.

EFFICIENT INFORMATION TRANSFER SYSTEMS� (PDF , �Text only, Figure 1)
This invention relates to providing a system for improved user productivity and administrative management capability enabling control of software application functionality. Productivity is enabled with a single drag-and-drop operation for moving data in email attachments to web-enabled databases. In commercial work environments, where multiple computer software applications must collaborate with assistance of a user, it is desirable to have an environment facilitating efficiency of user input for accomplishing tasks, particularly in efficient transferring, particularly using a drag-and-drop point/select/command device, particularly using only one user motion for each transfer, of multiple data files from an email application into a browser-accessible database.

INNOVATION MARKETPLACE SYSTEMS� (PDF , �Text only, Figure 1)
This invention relates to a ready system for providing secure innovation-maturation marketplace systems that increase innovation-maturation efficiencies while safely exposing innovative concepts to expert-ranking information, and while providing expert-innovation rankers with opportunities to enhance and monetize their innovation ranking-credentials.

Web Page Optimization Systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A system for improved web page generation and display, relating to providing a system for dynamically creating web pages on demand which can be indexed by Internet-based search engine indexing programs from contents stored in one or more databases. Further, index rankings created from the dynamically created pages are optimized using random, but contextually appropriate text replacement, within the web page URL link references and web-page content, and source code ordering.

Interactive Internet Shopping and Data Integration Method and System (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A method and system for interactively shopping for groceries, especially on an Internet web site, where the user may create a shopping list, shop for items from the list at a selected grocery store, arrange for pick up or delivery of the selected items, and provide payment. A user may also download a created shopping list to a handheld computing device (e.g., PDA) or print the list with reference to the layout of a particular grocery store. Users are required to register and provide specific demographic information (useful to manufacturers and stores) to be eligible to receive the benefits of use of the web site, such as menu creation, coupon downloads, menu planning, and recipe input. Shopping lists may be created from a single input screen using standard language text. Products may be automatically suggested to the user based on best regular price or retailer's specials. Recipes may be altered to meet numbers of servings or to comply with dietary requirements.

Sports Matchmaker Systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
The Sports Matchmaker System provides an improved method for arranging sporting events and non-sporting events between unacquainted people. It provides a system for matching persons publicly offering to participate in particular sporting or social events with other persons desiring to participate in similar sporting or social events. The system also provides various means for communicating between the offering party and the accepting party to complete the event. The system also provides methods for arranging event venues for sporting and social events.

INTERACTIVE GRAPHICS-BASED PLANNING SYSTEMS (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
This invention relates to providing a system for project planning and scheduling which supports simplified, interactive, graphics-based project planning and scheduling using new planning concepts, new scheduling concepts and new graphics-based software systems. Further, this invention permits an inexperienced user to simultaneously plan and schedule a project including establishing appropriate relationship (or dependency) links between activities, also commonly referred to as tasks, and between activities and milestones. This invention offers the simplest possible scheme of thought that can tie together activities, relationships and milestones, with or without deadlines, to yield a complete, correct network project schedule in the shortest possible time.

Virtual Event Attendance Systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
Virtual attendance at a life event is accomplished by inviting guests to attend the life event, providing an event hall for attendance by a first group of invited guests, and providing remote access to at least one portion of the life event for a second group of invited guests. The remote access preferably includes a bi-directional link providing real-time interaction between the first group and the second group of the invited guests. Management of such a virtual attendance system is preferably accomplished by storing a list of guests invited to remotely attend the life event, registering invited guests on the list, accepting payment from invited guests on the list, and outputting a Uniform Resource Locator (an address of a Web site preferably having at least one real-time video link to the event hall) associated with the life event to the invited guests on the list, only if payment is accepted.

Buying method for retail establishments (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A system for improving and streamlining the evaluation and purchase of products from salespeople by buyers. In particular, methods for successfully managing interactions between buyers and sellers in high volume retail environments by implementing a standardized product offer proposal method and subsequent controls on the buying decision-making process. It utilizes existing tools and new software to improve buyer's efficiency by consolidating the software systems tools into a single standardized user interface and improves seller's efficiency by providing product offering proposal preparation and presentation tools as well as buyer appointment scheduling tools and generates revenue by buyers as an integral part of the buying process.

Interactive internet shopping and data integration method and system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A method and system for interactively shopping for groceries, especially on an Internet web site (108), where the user may create a shopping list, shop for items from the list at a selected Grocery Storey store, arrange for pick up or delivery of the selected items and payment, or to download the list to a PDA (407) or for printing with the store's layout for use in the store. Users are required to register and provide specific demographic information (Figure 37) (useful to Manufacturers and stores) to be eligible to receive the benefits of use of the web site, such as menu creation, coupon downloads, menu planning, and recipe input. Shopping lists may be created from a single input screen using standard language text; and products may be automatically suggested to the user based on best regular price or retailer's specials. Recipes may be altered to meet numbers of servings or dietary requirements and changes stored for future use.

POINT-OF-SALE INVESTMENT SYSTEMS (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
As a positive alternative to lottery gambling, this invention permits consumers to elect to make small investments through lottery terminals. The investments are preferably made in a stock market based investment such as an Equity Index Annuity. Consumers may make investments anonymously and then consolidate them later into an account which may be managed in a manner similar to other investments. Subject to the policies regarding early redemption, consumers may also withdraw the invested amounts plus any associated gains.

Voice Messaging Systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A voice messaging system sends a notification to a receiving unit that a message has been recorded and immediate attention is required for the proper person to listen to the message. Upon listening to the message a return notification may be sent to the unit from which the message originated to alert the sender that the message has been heard, and optionally that the listener has a return message. Additionally, the voice messaging system can provide patient status information (e.g., condition, course of treatment) telephonically in a confidential manner to a loved one. The system can also provide after-care information to a patient after hospital discharge.

Web Page Optimization Systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
This invention relates to providing a system for improved web page generation and display. More particularly this invention relates to providing a system for dynamically creating web pages on demand, which are can be indexed by Internet-based search engine indexing programs, from contents stored in one or more databases. Further, index rankings created from the dynamically created pages are optimized using random, but contextually appropriate text replacement, within the web page URL link references and web-page content, and source code ordering.

FINANCIAL DECISION SYSTEMS (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
The financial decision system provides for real-time calculation of buying pressure and selling pressure for any tradable instrument market. Additionally, it provides real-time visual simultaneous plots and charts of buying pressure and selling pressure. Further, the system automatically presents buy and sell indicators and expert commentary based on automatically detected market trend changes. The system automatically analyzes market trends and changes in multiple timeframes simultaneously to identify, in real time, multiple confirmations of suggested trading actions, such as buying or selling. The system also encompasses training materials and methods necessary for teaching concepts and methods of usage to improve the likelihood of success for new users.

SPORTS MATCHMAKER SYSTEMS (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
The Sports Matchmaker System provides an improved method for arranging sporting events and non-sporting events between unacquainted people (202). It provides a system (300) for matching persons publicly offering (612) to participate in particular sporting or social events with persons desiring to participate in similar sporting or social events. The system also provides various means for communicating between the offering party and the accepting party to complete the event. The system also provides methods for arranging event venues (605) for sporting and social events. The system further provides means for connecting users to commercial sponsors (614).

REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEMS (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A system that allows a user to install a remote control transmitter to transmit a control signal in response to the driver flashing the high-beam headlights in a vehicle without cutting and splicing wires in the vehicle electrical system. Pluggable light system components such as the light bulb housing, the light bulb socket, and/or the headlight fuse are structured and arranged to contain a radio frequency transmitter that draws power from the existing electrical circuits. A method of use is also disclosed.

SPORTS MATCHMAKER SYSTEMS (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
The Sports Matchmaker System provides an improved method for arranging sporting events and non-sporting events between unacquainted people. It provides a system for matching persons publicly offering to participate in particular sporting or social events with persons desiring to participate in similar sporting or social events. The system also provides various means for communicating between the offering party and the accepting party to complete the event. The system also provides methods for arranging event venues for sporting and social events.

Receipt Card Systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
The receipt card system provides a system and method for accumulating and storing transaction line-item detail on behalf of consumers. The system permits consumers to view stored transaction line-item detail in a variety of ways using a web browser interface. It also includes a means for consumers to download transaction line-item detail into a personal financial management system. Transaction line-item detail is captured at each participating merchant's location at the time of transaction associated with a consumer and essentially automatically transferred to a centralized database. The system and method are essentially voluntary for both merchants and consumers.

CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CREATING AND MAINTAINING A DATABASE OF INFORMATION UTILIZING USER EXPERIENCES (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A system for automatically creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user knowledge about sales related subjects (Fig. 4) . Described is an internet-based system for assisting/motivating a population of users interested in information about certain categories of sales related subjects to automatically maintain the database content and to improve the usefulness and quality of the database information without any substantial management by the website owner-manager. The user opinions are primarily in the form of both comments and ratings of which sales-related subjects best provide assistance in completing a sale. Also a system for permitting users to access selected Junctions of the system for creating and viewing subjects from within other software applications.

Remote Control Systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A system that allows a user to install a remote control transmitter to transmit a control signal in response to the driver flashing the high-beam headlights in a vehicle without cutting and splicing wires in the vehicle electrical system. Pluggable light system components such as the light bulb housing, the light bulb socket, and/or the headlight fuse are structured and arranged to contain a radio frequency transmitter that draws power from the existing electrical circuits. A method of use is also disclosed.

WEB PAGE MONITORING AND COLLABORATION SYSTEM (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
This invention relates to providing a system for improved methods of promoting, forming and managing Internet-based communities on the Internet through and within standard web pages without requiring the installation of additional software on a user’s computer or on web sites where the system is implemented by using the latest software tools, presentation techniques and Internet communication methods (504). Additionally, this invention provides real time monitoring of user counts (508) to all visitors and web pate owners when a page with the embedded URL is accessed (520). In particular, this invention permits web page visitors to initiate and participate in anonymous and hoc chat sessions initiated from a selected web page (522). Additionally, this invention provides a web-based location which permits Internet users to join and participate in Internet-based communities and the related activities such as messaging other members, participating in member chat sessions and web resource sharing without the need to install software.

Point-of-sale investment systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
As a positive alternative to lottery gambling, this invention permits consumers to elect to make small investments through lottery terminals. The investments are preferably made in a stock market based investment such as an Equity Index Annuity. Consumers may make investments anonymously and then consolidate them later into an account which may be managed in a manner similar to other investments. Subject to the policies regarding early redemption, consumers may also withdraw the invested amounts plus any associated gains.

COLLABORATIVE MARKETING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
Collaborative management systems for creating and streamlining effective and privacy-protected partner marketing opportunities for companies. They permit companies to become members of a partnership network of companies to gain exposure to customers of some of the other members companies’ customers, yet keep their own customer database private. Each member agrees to introduce other member companies to their customers and can request to be introduced to the customers of the other members as part of a defined event awareness initiative which may be implemented through email, direct mail or any other communication method. Provided are systems to promote rapid and continued growth of the partnership network and therefore marketing opportunities for members including cost sharing, event awareness initiative scheduling, planning and execution, and results tracking. The systems simplify, automate, standardize and leverage marketing partnership processes and are also intended to create and manage multiple networks of participating companies.

Financial visualization and analysis systems (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A method and system of financial analysis for use by trained and untrained users which provides improved visualization, understanding, and analysis of companies' financial performances. Particularly, it allows the end user to prepare a sophisticated financial analysis by creating an effective bridge between financial analysis and the underlying financial information. It uses interfaces similar to digital video editors to permit sequential analysis with annotation of financial data in the same manner as editing and compositing film or video materials. It presents the financial data and related non-financial data in a visual analog format for discussion and analysis by one or more users. The income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows are analyzed as a whole rather than separately as individualized statements. And it provides for direct interfaces with all underlying financial and related data. The analysis steps created by a user may be captured and recorded for later play back, communication and analysis. A recorded analysis may be a modifiable allowing analysis, input and comment by other individuals to form a comparative analysis that is an analytical sum of all contributors.

Database scattering system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A computer system for providing load balancing and scalable access to a network database system by providing multiple database instances with each instance being substantially identical in data content, database structure, and primary key system. Requests from users are received by the system, examined to determine their nature as transactional or non-transactional and, in the case of non-transactional queries, scattered among the multiple database instances. Such scattering of queries permits multiple instances of the database to be serving responses to multiple users at substantially the same time. In the case of transactional queries, the system automatically propagates the transactional query to all instances of the database to maintain homogeneity.

Web page monitoring and collaboration system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
This invention relates to providing a system for improved methods of promoting, forming and managing Internet-based communities on the Internet through and within standard web pages without requiring the installation of additional software on a user's computer or on web sites where the system is implemented by using the latest software tools, presentation techniques and Internet communication methods. Additionally, this invention provides real time monitoring of user counts to all visitors and web page owners when a page with the embedded URL is accessed. In particular, this invention permits web page visitors to initiate and participate in anonymous ad hoc chat sessions initiated from a selected web page. Additionally, this invention provides a web-based location which permits Internet users to join and participate in Internet-based communities and the related activities such as messaging other members, participating in member chat sessions and web resource sharing without the need to install software.

Content management system for creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user experiences (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A system for automatically creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user knowledge about sales related subjects. Described is an Internet-based system for assisting/motivating a population of users interested in information about certain categories of sales related subjects to automatically maintain the database content and to improve the usefulness and quality of the database information without any substantial management by the website owner-manager. The user opinions are primarily in the form of both comments and ratings of which sales-related subjects best provide assistance in completing a sale. Also a system for permitting users to access selected functions of the system for creating and viewing subjects from within other software applications.

Broadband communication system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A broadband communication system which conceals broadband transceivers in architectural elements that appear to be standard stock architectural elements. It provides connectivity without negatively impacting aesthetics, and is easily integrated with the other systems and architectural features of a building.

INTERACTIVE INTERNET SHOPPING AND DATA INTEGRATION METHOD AND SYSTEM (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A method and system for interactively shopping for groceries, especially on an Internet web site (108), where the user may create a shopping list, shop for items from the list at a selected Grocery Storey store, arrange for pick up or delivery of the selected items and payment, or to download the list to a PDA (407) or for printing with the store's layout for use in the store. Users are required to register and provide specific demographic information (Figure 37) (useful to Manufacturers and stores) to be eligible to receive the benefits of use of the web site, such as menu creation, coupon downloads, menu planning, and recipe input. Shopping lists may be created from a single input screen using standard language text; and products may be automatically suggested to the user based on best regular price or retailer's specials. Recipes may be altered to meet numbers of servings or dietary requirements and changes stored for future use.

DATABASE SCATTERING SYSTEM (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A computer system for providing load balancing and scalable access to a network database system by providing multiple database instances with each instance being substantially identical in data content, database structure, and primary key system (183). Requests from users are received by the system, examined to determine their nature as transactional or non-transactional and, in the case of non-transactional queries (153), scattered among the multiple database instances. Such scattering of queries permits multiple instances of the database to be serving responses to multiple users at substantially the same time. In the case of transactional queries (157), the system automatically propagates the transactional query to all instances of the database to maintain homogeneity.

Electronic advertising display and public internet access system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A computer controlled digital electronic display system for disseminating targeted public advertising, at select times and in select locations, in combination with a system for providing publicly available Internet access. It is designed to provide wireless connectivity between portable consumer electronics and the Internet. Also described is a business method for the placement of revenue generating Internet services including wireless based transactions, funded essentially by advertising revenue.

Interpreter certification system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A method for testing and certifying interpreter's knowledge in specific industries and language pairs. Certification is accomplished through testing, training, service observation and customer feedback. Certification testing is conducted using tests developed for a specific industry and language pair. Testing is conducted telephonically strictly adhering to a fixed protocol. Test scoring is accomplished using a dictionary of terms for each industry and language pair which indicates level of accuracy for each possible interpretation.

Interactive internet shopping and data integration method and system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A method and system for interactively shopping for groceries, especially on an Internet web site, where the user may create a shopping list, shop for items from the list at a selected Grocery Storey store, arrange for pick up or delivery of the selected items and payment, or to download the list to a PDA or for printing with the store's layout for use in the store. Users are required to register and provide specific demographic information (useful to Manufacturers and stores) to be eligible to receive the benefits of use of the web site, such as menu creation, coupon downloads, menu planning, and recipe input. Shopping lists may be created from a single input screen using standard language text; and products may be automatically suggested to the user based on best regular price or retailer's specials. Recipes may be altered to meet numbers of servings or dietary requirements and changes stored for future use.

Event chair cover system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A system for attaching accessories to a chair back. The chair-band system provides a material-covered elastic band with one or more removable attachment systems in the face of the band that allow for accessories, such as decorations, to be attached to the band. It also provides a chair-band that stretches to fit over the back of a chair and grip it tightly. The accessories are connected to an attacher that attaches to the band. In addition, the system provides for a business method for using elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers, with the following steps: warehousing a large plurality of elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers; permitting each customer to select an appropriate number and kind of such elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers; renting or delivering to such customer such appropriate number and kind of such bands and either one of the following: such decorations, attachers and bands, or specially providing for such customer custom decorations usable with such attachers and bands.

LOGBOOK DATABASE SYSTEM (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A method and system for recording the actions and activities (as for a logbook) of a person, persons, machines, or other animate or inanimate objects using portable or stationary devices. These devices are (1) directly connected, or wired or (2) are connected wirelessly to a local (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). The actiosn or activity are either immediately transmitted to the local or wide area network and received and recorded on a server system, or recorded and held in the wired/wireless device and then transmitted to the server system at a later date. Once recorded on the server system, the actions and activities are accessible to wired or wireless devices via local or wide area networks or available to other server systems. They can be reviewed and acknoledged by an authoritative entity through the use of an electronic signature facility.

Logbook database system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A method and system for recording the actions and activities (as for a logbook) of a person, persons, machines, or other animate or inanimate objects using portable or stationary devices. These devices are (1) directly connected, or wired, or (2) are connected wirelessly to a local (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). The actions or activity are either immediately transmitted to the local or wide area network and received and recorded on a server system, or recorded and held in the wired/wireless device and then transmitted to the server system at a later date. Once recorded on the server system, the actions and activities are accessible to wired or wireless devices via local or wide area networks or available to other server systems. They can be reviewed and acknowledged by an authoritative entity through the use of an electronic signature facility.

System for creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user opinions (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
A system for automatically creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user opinions about subjects, particularly exceptional experiences. Described is an Internet system assisting/motivating a population of users interested in information about certain categories of subjects to automatically maintain the database content and to improve the usefulness and quality of the database information without any substantial management by the website owner-manager. The user opinions are primarily in the form of both comments and ratings about which natural-language terms best describe a particular subject, enabling user searches of the subject database to be by way of preferred such descriptive natural-language terms, which terms are further preferred to be evaluative and approving.

Interactive internet advertising and e-commerce method and system (PDF , Text only, Figure 1)
The present invention includes a method and system for interactive Internet advertising and e-commerce. The method and system delivers advertisements to viewers wherein a viewer is rewarded for viewing advertisements by being offered the opportunity to win prizes, request information from the advertiser or link directly to the advertiser's e-commerce site. In one embodiment the advertisements are delivered in series as interstitial, full-screen or full browser window, static or dynamic ads. In a further embodiment, the viewers are offered the opportunity to win prizes, request information, or link to the advertiser's web site only after viewing the ad for a period of time without having these opportunities.