136 results about "Business location" patented technology

A method and system for distributing electronic coupons offered by businesses via the wireless devices operated by potential customers in a region. The invention includes a wireless communication device and a central server capable of communicating via a wireless communication network The central server is connected to a search engine, a business database containing the names and locations of businesses located in the region offering discounted coupons for goods and services to its potential customers. Connected to the central server is a discount coupon database and a map database that contains coupon information, a graphic file of the coupon, and the businesses location information. When the potential customer desires a discount coupon for a particular service or goods in the region, the potential customer contacts the central server, which instructs the search engine to conduct a search based on the criteria submitted by the potential customer. The search engine produces a list of businesses currently offering discount coupons that is then transmitted to the potential customer.

An Internet search engine ranks search results based on popularity with mobile-device users. Geo-position data from cell phones and other mobile devices are collected into a device geo-position database. The geo-position data is compared to locations of businesses in a business database. When a mobile device's geo-position moves inside a business location, a traffic counter for that business location in the business database is updated. When an Internet user performs a local search, the result set is sorted based on a rank that is at least partially determined by the traffic counters. The popularity-ranked search results indicate which businesses received the most mobile-device visits, an indication of the business's overall popularity. The popularity ranking may be adjusted for business size by dividing the traffic counter by the square footage of the business and sorting the result set based on the mobile-device visits, or repeat visits, per square foot.

The present invention features an intelligent in-store couponing system comprising an operating computer for controlling the functions of the intelligent in-store couponing system; a coupon database capable of storing coupons and coupon data or information; a coupon management module for managing the coupons and their delivery; and at least one coupon delivery system capable of delivering a coupon to a customer in a usable format at the point-of-sale and / or point-of-decision. The in-store couponing system is preferably computer network-based and controlled by personnel at an individual business location or business chain, or by an administrative body controlling one or more of the functions of a business location or chain. The in-store couponing system may further be interfaced or integrated with an in-store media broadcasting and / or customer entrance detection and tracking system to provide ad-driven in-store couponing.

A system aggregates entity location information from multiple documents distributed among multiple locations in a network. The system searches the entity location information to identify a first set of entities located within the entirety of a first geographic region selected by a user. The system provides a first digital map to the user via a network, the first digital map including the first geographic region and further including visual representations of the first set of identified entities and their associated geographic locations.

The present invention involves a Universal Geographic Database (“UGD”). The UGD is an automated, central or distributed, registry of real-world locations and location-related information for businesses and other entities, analogous to the registry of domain names for Internet and web sites. By this central registry, businesses and other entities are facilitated to post their location and location-related information in a single place, for all users who need or want it; and users can refer to this single place, via the Internet, Web, and other telecommunications devices, to obtain accurate, complete and timely location and location-based information about the registered businesses and other entities. Each record of the UGD is keyed by a proprietary location address (PLA) based on the World Geographic Referencing System (WGRS), and optionally may have one or more proprietary location addresses (PLAs), which also may serve as keys. Associated with the PLA keys, each UGD record generally includes the full name for the business or other entity, its street address, and miscellaneous contact information (e.g., telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address, internet website address, wireless website address). Other more dynamic, customized information (e.g., store hours, credit cards accepted, inventory, prices, specials, hours, parking) also may be available in the UGD record or linked to the UGD record. Users of any device or service can access the UGD through one or more location name servers (LNS), which can provide access to the UGD or other location-based information linked to the UGD or LNS. Based on the WGRS, PLAs provide, in addition to unique keys for UGD records, a user-friendly notation for location naming in the real-world and on all types of location-sensitive electronic devices, from web phones to in-car navigation systems. Given the UGD, these ULA / PLAs are as important to real-world businesses as their domain names because these WGRS addresses drive real-world commerce to physical business locations just as domain names drive e-commerce Internet or web sites.

A system aggregates entity location information from multiple documents distributed among multiple locations in a network. The system searches the entity location information to identify a first set of entities located within the entirety of a first geographic region selected by a user. The system provides a first digital map to the user via a network, the first digital map including the first geographic region and further including visual representations of the first set of identified entities and their associated geographic locations.

The present invention features a network-based in-store media broadcasting system comprising one or more, and preferably, a plurality of client player devices placed at a plurality of business locations, each of the client player devices being independently supported and in communication with the internal audio / visual system installed in the business location; a customizable broadcast supported on each of the client player devices and comprising informational content thereon (music, advertisements, etc.) that is specific to the particular business location; a central server system comprising one or more central servers in communication with each of the independent client player devices; and a network configuration connecting the client player devices to the central server network to provide an exchange of information between the two. The in-store media broadcasting system also comprises several proprietary software application modules functioning to allow the in-store media broadcasting system to operate. The present invention also features a unique method of doing business to provide in-store media broadcasting to one or more business locations. Not only is the business model capable of providing in-store media broadcasting, but a national radio-advertising platform or network focusing on major retailers and service providers throughout the country is also contemplated. The present invention system and service gives retailers and service providers the ability to broadcast customized music and messaging to their customers. In addition, the radio-advertising network provides a targeted advertising venue for consumer marketing companies and, unlike any other media, allows them to advertise products to select and targeted customers at the point of sale.

The present invention features an enterprise media distribution system or network-based in-store media broadcasting system comprising one or more, and preferably, a plurality of business chains, each business chain comprising a plurality of business locations; a media distribution platform or framework comprising one or more client player devices placed at each business location, each of the client player devices being independently supported and in communication with an internal audio / visual system installed and existing within in the respective business locations; independent customizable media broadcasts supported on each of the client player devices and comprising audio, visual, and / or informational media content thereon that may be specific to each of the particular business locations in which the client player device(s) is / are located; a chain network having at least one chain server, such as updating and caching servers, for servicing each respective business chain, said chain server in communication with each client player device in the respective business chain; a central server system comprising one or more central servers in communication with each of the chain servers in each business chain; a network configuration connecting each client player device to the chain servers to provide an exchange of information between the two; and a network configuration connecting the chain servers to the central server system to provide an exchange of information between the two.

The present invention relates generally to arranging for free or discounted transportation to an advertiser's business location. More specifically, the invention involves automatically comparing the cost of transportation and the potential profit from a completed transaction using a number of real-time calculations. For example, the calculation may consider various factors including a consumer's current location, the consumer's most likely route and form of transportation (such as train, personal car, taxi, rental car, or shared vehicle), the consumer's daily agenda, the price competing advertisers are willing to pay for the customer to be delivered to alternate locations, and other costs. In this regard, the customer's obstacles to entering a business location are reduced while routing and cost calculations are automatically handled based on the demand for the advertiser's goods and potential profit margins.

Generally described, the invention provides for an indicia that is associated with a pick up notice left at a pick up location. This indicia is “linked” to the parcel(s) that were intended for pick up at the location, which may be done by a handheld portable data acquisition device that includes a scanning or reading means, allowing information to be acquired from the pick up notice as well as from the parcels, and stored on the handheld portable data acquisition device. Parcel's that do not comply with a carrier's business rules are left at the business location, along with the pick up notice. The indicia is then used to access information about the parcels that were left behind and arrange for re-pick up or alternate pick up instructions, including canceling pick up. The indicia may also be used to track parcels that were picked up as well as to make alternate delivery arrangements for the picked up parcels.

A financial transaction is facilitated without unlocking a mobile device, where the lock screen wallpaper of a mobile device is dynamically set to an image having a scanning code (e.g., a QR code, a barcode, etc.) for use at a business location that the user is currently located.

An online merchandising and promotion system is disclosed that closely simulates an interior space of an actual place of business in a virtual reality world. As consumers use avatars to explore the simulated space, they become simultaneously familiar with both the simulated and actual places of business, and thereafter can shop at both locations with equal ease. Previous familiarity with the actual place of business can motivate a consumer to visit the corresponding simulated location. In preferred embodiments, users can purchase virtual and / or real goods at the simulated place of business. Some simulated spaces enable avatars to socialize with each other, thereby prolonging their shopping and / or their exposure to advertising. In various embodiments, avatars can work to earn money, and / or avatars can earn virtual money by making real money purchases. Avatars can also gain status, and can compete with each other based on wealth, virtual possessions, and / or status.

A system and method for storing and managing copyright licensing. There is provided a device for monitoring a business's performance of music or other copyrighted works to determine if the business has a license for performing the works. The device is generally employed by a user to record a sample of the work, as well as identifying information about the business, to assist in determining the licensing status of the business. A business location identification process obtains the information gathered from the device to identify the business where the device is located. A copyrighted work identification process obtains the recording of the copyrighted work from the device and identifies the particular copyrighted work. The business information is transmitted to a copyright license database that determines the licensing status of the business. If the business is not on the list, the business name is transmitted to a database of unlicensed businesses.

Methods and systems that record the location of a user and transmit targeted content to a user based upon their current and past location information. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a database of targeted content, a database of location information, a database of user information, a database searching algorithm, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. The location information is analyzed to determine the routes taken by the user, businesses visited by the user, and other behaviors of the user. Targeted content is sent to the mobile device of the user and whether the user visits the physical locations associated with the targeted content is monitored. Once it is verified that the user has visited the physical location, then any associated promotional offers may be authorized. Payment systems, phone exchange systems, and other features may also be integrated to provide detailed conversion tracking to producers of targeted content and business owners.

A system is disclosed for implementing a corporate business continuity plan in which a plurality of governance rules are maintained and updated for one or more business locations. The governance rules establish business continuity responsibilities that are, in turn, assigned to designated employees for periodic or occasional action. Each designated employee is responsible for performing their assigned business continuity responsibilities and submitting statuses of such responsibilities to the system according to established timelines. One or more business continuity readiness indicators are then generated based on the submitted statuses.

The present invention features a network-based in-store media broadcasting system comprising one or more, and preferably, a plurality of client player devices placed at a plurality of business locations, each of the client player devices being independently supported and in communication with the internal audio / visual system installed in the business location; a customizable broadcast supported on each of the client player devices and comprising informational content thereon (music, advertisements, etc.) that is specific to the particular business location; a central server system comprising one or more central servers in communication with each of the independent client player devices; and a network configuration connecting the client player devices to the central server network to provide an exchange of information between the two. The in-store media broadcasting system also comprises several proprietary software application modules functioning to allow the in-store media broadcasting system to operate. The present invention also features a unique method of doing business to provide in-store media broadcasting to one or more business locations. Not only is the business model capable of providing in-store media broadcasting, but a national radio-advertising platform or network focusing on major retailers and service providers throughout the country is also contemplated. The present invention system and service gives retailers and service providers the ability to broadcast customized music and messaging to their customers. In addition, the radio-advertising network provides a targeted advertising venue for consumer marketing companies and, unlike any other media, allows them to advertise products to select and targeted customers at the point of sale.

The present invention relates to methods for facilitating capital investment decisions and transactions concerning development, expansion, consolidation, location, relocation, merger, acquisition, and / or disposition of business operations and / or facilities using computer interface inquiries. The inventive method allows a user to select and compare business locations based on demographic and / or economic criteria and to optionally determine financial factors associated with operating a business in selected locations. In particular, the invention is directed to a method for deciding whether, where, and to what extent to invest capital for the development, expansion, consolidation, location, or relocation of a business, business operation, or business facility. For example, the invention provides a method for selecting locations for expansion or relocation of a business operation or business facility.

A diagnostic tool suite is made available to technicians servicing equipment at residential and business locations using a portable device such as a PDA. The PDA runs a main engine that can execute diagnostic modules, with each diagnostic module corresponding to a particular appliance or device that requires troubleshooting, repair, diagnosis, maintenance or installation. The diagnostic modules use a limited number of templates to define possible screen layouts for each screen displayed to the technician. Additionally, the diagnostic module includes a diagnostic flow definition file wherein each record corresponds to a screen displayed to a technician. The main engine uses the template information and the diagnostic flow definition records to fully define a screen to display to a technician. In this way, an extensible, modular, non-specific diagnostic tool suite is available to a technician. To simplify creation of the diagnostic definition files, a graphical user development tool is provided that allows a non-skilled user to select a template definition, to be prompted for definitions of the fields in that template and to create the diagnostic definition file incorporating the user's input.

The present invention relates to a mobile device, network server and method for evaluating a correlation between advertisement information and the behavior of a user having received the advertisement information to verify the effectiveness of providing advertisement information to a user directly without having a user to take a survey. The method comprises providing advertisement information to the user, maintaining an association between said advertisement information and business location data indicative of at least one location of a business, obtaining mobile device location data about the current location of a mobile device of the user, comparing said mobile device location data with said business location data, and if the comparing step determines that said mobile device location matches with a business location indicated in said business location data, registering the match.

Methods and apparatus are provided for integrating online and offline commerce. In one exemplary embodiment, a customer may select a first item from goods or services offered by a web site accessible from a vendor's place of business, select a second item from a source separate from the web site (e.g., from stock maintained at the vendor's place of business), and purchase both the first and second items in a single transaction. The vendor then initiates shipment of the first item from a separate location.

A data processing system for automatically queuing a patron. A patron registers for a queue at a merchant's place of business by using a Personal Communication Device (PCD) and is placed in a queue. Subsequent to being placed in the queue, the patron waits for an event to occur. When the event occurs, the patron is notified by way of the PCD. The patron acknowledges notification via the PCD and is removed from the queue.

The present invention relates to a system and method for capturing data from vehicles and processing the captured vehicle data to generate a set of demographic data based on the set of captured demographic data. Specifically, the invention captures video or image data of one or more vehicles at a business location. Additional data may be gathered and transmitted with the image data. The captured data may then be compressed and sent to a remote server for further processing. The data is processed to identify a set of salient objects and to generate a set of demographic data from the identified set of objects. The demographic data is then associated one or more customer records.

Various embodiments of a system, methods, server, client, and graphical user interface to displaying on map interface, place(s) associated with particular location of place wherein places including current, nearest, nearby, category specific, searched and any combination thereof for enabling user to select or identify specific place or place of business on map and view associated standardized and integrated payment user interface with / in said selected or identified place or place icon or place user interface which enable user to make entered or inputted or selected or displayed or pre-set or default or pushed particular amount of payment from user's account to said selected or identified place associated automatically identified merchant's account, without the user having to enter the account information related to merchant.

A personal refueling station for a personal-sized electric vehicle has a polygonal base structure housing a refueling system and a plurality of flat panels hinged thereto which open to form a flat surface and close up to an upright pyramid for storage. The flat panels have solar PV arrays mounted on their inside surfaces which generate electricity from sunlight in the open position. The electricity is used to generate hydrogen for hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles, or is stored for recharging non-hydrogen electric vehicles. Alternatively, hydrogen or electricity may be provided from an external renewable power source. The station can also have utility hookups to provide excess hydrogen or electricity to an external energy usage, such as a home, business, or other station. The personal refueling station has a compact design that can be installed at home or business locations. It is designed to accommodate a personal-use electric vehicle such as an electric car or cart or a personal VTOL hovercraft. It can be used in a stationary location or transported for remote use, as well as operated by remote control.

Disclosed is a portable interactive modular selling room that recreates the home environment in a retail business location to help educate the user for sales and training purposes. The plug and play selling system utilizes standard electrical connectors to allow for seamless integration within a store without the need of electricians or construction contractors. Encompassing all five senses in an interactive environment develops an intellectual and emotional connection with the user which allows the product implementation to demonstrate features and value in a more meaningful and engaging manner over traditional retail environments. The computer system implemented inside of the system encompasses an interaction engine which utilizes sensors and monitoring equipment to record and analyze the user to provide real-time responses and also feedback to a central database for future interaction development. Increased customer satisfaction improves sales which allows for the sales system to remain economically viable.

A method of marketing goods and / or services using discount purchasing incentives. The method provides customized discount coupon cards, books, or similar media, designed and arranged to carry and display a list of participating vendors, the cards containing a number of opportunities to redeem or otherwise utilize the designated discount at each respective vendor's place of business, or website. A graphical user interface and plurality of coupon carrying media support the ability of a consumer to personally customize any number of discounted purchase offers by choosing from a list of categories and sub-categories of manufacturer or retailer discount offers displayed on a network, such as the world wide web. After selecting offers that have been posted by local or national merchants, the specific discount information may be transmitted to an offer database, whereupon customized discount coupon cards, books, or other offer carrying media may be created for distribution to the consumer. Each customized card, or book etc., may be designed to display the specific offers chosen by the consumer and is transmitted to an in-house or outsourced printer, or encoder, for creation. The consumer's choices, geographic location, and other demographic information may be stored in a selections database designed to transmit the coupon utilization and ultimate sales information back to the manufacturers and retailers that provided the original discount offers.

A method for engaging social network users comprises the steps of searching for relevant keywords across social networks, blogs, forums, and the like; filtering conversations that contain relevant keywords to show only conversations near a business location; and responding to location-based conversations, driving potential customers to a call-to-landing page, whereby one has a one-on-one conversation at or about a specific geographic location with people having a conversation relevant to a particular business.