U.S. patent application number 12/908788 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for system and method of providing recommendations.
Invention is credited to David M. Lifson.
Application Number | 20110035295 12/908788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42314178 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110035295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lifson; David M. |
February 10, 2011 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS
Abstract
A method of providing recommendations is disclosed and includes
receiving input from a visitor of an online site. The input
indicates a request to receive data related to an offering from an
expert associated with the offering. In some embodiments, the
method also includes sending a communication to the expert in
response to the request. The communication requests data related to
the offering.
Inventors: |
Lifson; David M.; (Seattle,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP
2040 Main Street, Fourteenth Floor
Irvine
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
42314178 |
Appl. No.: |
12/908788 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12792649 |
Jun 2, 2010 |
7831483 |
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12908788 |
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11854490 |
Sep 12, 2007 |
7756756 |
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12792649 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.61 ;
705/26.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0633 20130101;
G06Q 30/0631 20130101; G06Q 30/0623 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.61 ;
705/26.7 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A system for providing recommendations, the system comprising: a
data store; and a computing device in communication with the data
store and that is operative to: cause display of a user interface
comprising information associated with an offering available for
purchase; receive input from a visitor indicating a request to
receive data related to the offering from an expert associated with
the offering; and send a communication to the expert in response to
the request, wherein the communication requests data related to the
offering.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the offering comprises at least
one of a product, a service and a subscription.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is further
operative to receive responsive data from the expert.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the computing device is further
operative to cause display of the responsive data received from the
expert.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is further
operative to send the communication to each of a plurality of
experts according to a communication preference received from the
expert prior to the request.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is further
operative to receive feedback regarding the expert from the
visitor.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is further
operative to select an expert associated with an offering based at
least in part on feedback received from visitors regarding the
expert.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the expert is associated with an
offering category that is associated with the offering.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising associating the expert
with an offering category based at least in part on a number of
responses by the expert to visitor requests related to offerings
associated with the offering category.
10. The system of claim 8, further comprising associating the
expert with an offering category based at least in part on visitor
feedback regarding responses by the expert to visitor requests
related to offerings associated with the offering category.
11. A computer-implemented method for providing recommendations,
the computer-implemented method comprising: as implemented by one
or more computing devices configured with specific executable
instructions, causing display of a user interface comprising
information identifying an offering; receiving input from a visitor
indicating a request to receive data related to the offering from
an expert associated with the offering; and sending a communication
to the expert in response to the request, wherein the communication
requests data related to the offering.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further
comprising: receiving responsive data from the expert; and causing
display of the responsive data received from the expert.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising
receiving feedback regarding the expert from the visitor.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the input
includes a question related to the offering.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the expert
has been previously designated by a vendor associated with the
offering.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the user
interface comprises ratings associated with at least one expert,
wherein the ratings indicate at least one of: trust levels,
expertise levels and comment quality levels.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the
communication to the expert include at least one of a text message,
an instant messaging communication, an e-mail message, and a call
from an interactive voice response system.
18. A computer-readable medium having a computer-executable
component for providing product recommendations, the
computer-executable component comprising: a user interface
component for: causing display of a user interface comprising
information associated with a product; and receiving input from a
visitor indicating a request to receive data related to the product
from an expert associated with the product, wherein a communication
is sent to the expert in response to the request, wherein the
communication requests data related to the product.
19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the user
interface component is further configured to cause display of
responsive data received from the expert.
20. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the input
includes a question related to the product.
21. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the user
interface component is further configured to receive feedback
regarding the expert from the visitor.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims benefit of
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/792,649, filed Jun.
2, 2010 and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING
RECOMMENDATIONS," which is a divisional of and claims benefit of
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/854,490, filed Sep.
12, 2007 and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING
RECOMMENDATIONS," both of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to providing
recommendations related to offerings available via an online
site.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Products, services, subscriptions, and other offerings are
available via online sites. Online sites can provide
recommendations of similar or related products based on what other
customers have purchased or viewed. Nonetheless, these generic
recommendations may not be effective to persuade a visitor to the
online site to make a purchase. For example, the use of generic
recommendations can often produce lists of recommendations that are
too long to be useful to the visitor. Hence, there is a need for an
improved system and method of providing recommendations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a general diagram of a particular embodiment of a
system to provide recommendations;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a general diagram of a second particular
embodiment of a system to provide recommendations;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a
method of providing recommendations;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a second particular embodiment
of a method of providing recommendations;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a third particular embodiment of
a method of providing recommendations;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a fourth particular embodiment
of a method of providing recommendations;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a fifth particular embodiment of
a method of providing recommendations;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a sixth particular embodiment of
a method of providing recommendations;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a seventh particular embodiment
of a method of providing recommendations;
[0013] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface to provide recommendations;
[0014] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a second particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface to provide recommendations;
[0015] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a third particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface to provide recommendations;
[0016] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a fourth particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface to provide recommendations;
[0017] FIG. 14 is a diagram of a fifth particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface to provide recommendations; and
[0018] FIG. 15 is a diagram of a sixth particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface to provide recommendations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A system to provide recommendations is disclosed and
includes a server system including processing logic and memory
accessible to the processing logic. The memory includes
instructions executable by the processing logic to provide an
online site adapted to offer an electronic catalog for sale and to
receive input from a visitor indicating a request to receive data
related to an offering from a member of a social network associated
with the visitor (e.g., an "ask-a-friend" request). The memory also
includes instructions executable by the processing logic to send a
communication to the member of the social network in response to
the request, where the communication requests data related to the
offering.
[0020] In another particular embodiment, a system to provide
recommendations is disclosed and includes a server system including
processing logic and memory accessible to the processing logic. The
memory includes instructions executable by the processing logic to
provide an online site adapted to offer a product for sale and to
receive input from a visitor indicating a request to receive data
related to the product from an expert associated with the product.
The memory includes instructions executable by the processing logic
to send a communication to the expert in response to the request,
where the communication requests data related to the product.
[0021] In another particular embodiment, a method of providing
recommendations is disclosed and includes receiving input from a
visitor of an online site. The input indicates a request to receive
data related to an offering from a member of a social network
associated with the visitor. The offering is available for purchase
via the online site. The method also includes sending a
communication to the member of the social network in response to
the request. The communication requests data related to the
offering.
[0022] In another particular embodiment, a computer-readable medium
is disclosed having processor-readable instructions that are
executable by processing logic to perform a method, where the
method includes receiving input from a visitor via an online site,
the input indicating a request to receive data related to a product
from a plurality of members of a social network associated with the
visitor; and sending a communication to each of the plurality of
members in response to the request. Each communication requests
data related to the product.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a particular embodiment of a system to
provide recommendations is illustrated and designated generally
100. The system 100 includes a server system 102 that is adapted to
provide an online site offering goods, services, subscriptions, or
any combination thereof, via an Internet Protocol (IP) network 104,
such as the Internet. The IP network 104 can be accessible to
various computers, such as a visitor computer 106, an expert
computer 108, a computing device of a member of visitor's social
network, such as the friend computer 110, or any combination
thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the IP network 104 is
accessible to one or more web-enabled mobile communication devices
via the mobile phone network 118. For example, the IP network 104
can be accessible to a friend phone 112, an expert phone 114, a
customer phone 116, or any combination thereof.
[0024] In a particular embodiment, the server system 102 is adapted
to provide an online site via the IP network 104. The online site
offers an electronic catalog of products, services, subscriptions,
or any combination thereof, to customers or other visitors. A
visitor can register with the online site and create one or more
social networks, each of which can include one or more members.
When the visitor registers with the online site, the online site
can prompt the visitor for contact information associated with one
or more members of a social network that is to be associated with
the visitor. Such contact information can include names or other
identifications, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, mobile phone
numbers, IP addresses, other contact information, or any
combination thereof. The contact information can be received from
the visitor computer 106, for example. In another embodiment, the
server system is adapted to import the contact information from a
contact list at the visitor computer 106, from an address book or
other contact list at the visitor phone 116, from an online social
networking site or other additional site provided by the IP network
104, or any combination thereof.
[0025] A visitor can select a product, service or other offering
via the online site. The server system 102 is adapted to provide a
detail page, such as a product-detail page, in response to the
selection. The detail page includes a selectable indicator of an
option to receive data related to the product from a member of a
visitor's social network (e.g., an "ask-a-friend" indicator).
Examples of such detail pages are illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. The
server system 102 is adapted to receive a selection of an
ask-a-friend or similar indicator from a visitor via the product
detail page. In response to the selection of the indicator, the
server system 102 is adapted to identify at least one social
network associated with the visitor and retrieve contact
information, communication preferences, other data, or any
combination thereof, related to members the social network(s) of
the visitor. The server system 102 is adapted to send a
communication regarding the product or other offering to one or
more members of the social networks) of the visitor. In one
embodiment, the member(s) can be selected by the visitor via a
graphical user interface (GUI), such as the GUI illustrated in FIG.
11.
[0026] The server system 102 is adapted to send communications to
one or more communications devices associated with the member(s) of
the visitor's social network(s), such as the friend computer 110
and the friend phone 112. The communications can be sent via text
message, e-mail message, instant messaging (IM) service, via
interactive voice response (IVR) call, via other communication
means, or any combination thereof. One or more of the
communications can be sent according to communications preferences
of one or more of the members.
[0027] The server system 102 is adapted to receive responsive data
from the member(s) of the social network(s) to whom communications
have been sent. Responsive data includes, for example, data
indicating that the member does not wish to comment on the
offering, data indicating that the member previously purchased the
offering, data indicating that the member purchased a similar
offering, data indicating that the member is interested in the
offering, data indicating that the member is interested in a
category of the offering, data indicating that the member is
interested in a similar offering, data indicating that the member
is interested in a related offering, data indicating that the
member has previously purchased a related offering, data indicating
that the member has previously commented on the offering, data
indicating an opinion of the member about the offering, or any
combination thereof.
[0028] The server system 102 is adapted to output the responsive
data via the online site, for instance, via the detail page viewed
by the visitor. In one embodiment, responsive data of one or more
of the member(s) that is output to a visitor includes a rating
pre-designated by the visitor. For example, a rating can indicate a
level of trust associated with a member in general, with respect to
a product category, with respect to other factors, or any
combination thereof. The visitor can edit the ratings based on the
responsive data. In another embodiment, the server system 102 is
adapted to output behavioral data related to a member in addition
to responsive data. Behavioral data includes, for examples, product
purchases, product inquiries, product reviews, or any combination
thereof.
[0029] The server system 102 is adapted to determine whether
responsive data has been received from a member of a social network
indicating that the member wishes not to receive future
communications with respect to products, services, subscriptions,
other offerings, or any combination thereof, which are viewed by
the visitor of the online site. The server system 102 is adapted to
remove the member from the social network associated with the
visitor in response to an opt-out request.
[0030] In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the server
system 102 is adapted to send a polling message to each member of a
social network of a customer or other visitor of the online site.
For example, in response to a selection of an ask-a-friend
indicator, the server system 102 can be adapted to send a
communication to each member of a social network asking whether
they have a favorable view of a product, service or subscription.
The communication can indicate a polling period during which
responses will be collected. The server system 102 is adapted to
collect polling results and output the polling results to the
visitor via the online site. The server system 102 is adapted to
notify the visitor of an end of the polling period. The server
system 102 can be adapted to output polling results to the visitor
via e-mail, short messaging service (SMS), interactive voice
response (IVR) system, instant messaging (IM) system, or other
communication mode.
[0031] In a particular embodiment, the server system 102 is adapted
to include with a detail page a selectable indicator of an option
to receive data related to the product from an expert associated
with the product (e.g., an "ask-an-expert" indicator). In response
to a selection of the indicator, the server system is adapted to
retrieve contact information, communications preferences, other
data, or any combination thereof, corresponding to one or more
experts associated with a product, service, subscription, or other
offering being viewed by a visitor via the online site. The server
system 102 is adapted to construct a communication and to send the
communication to the expert(s). The server system 102 is adapted to
send communications to the expert computer 108, the expert phone
114, or any combination thereof, according to communications
preferences associated with each expert.
[0032] In one embodiment, server system 102 is adapted to receive a
question from the visitor that is to be sent with a communication
to the expert(s). The server system 102 is adapted to determine
whether the expert has previously answered a similar question. If
the question has been answered, the server system 102 is adapted to
output the previous answer via the online site and not send the
communication to the expert(s).
[0033] The server system 102 is also adapted to receive responsive
data from an expert to whom a communication has been sent. Further,
the server system 102 is adapted to output the responsive data via
a detail page or other page of the online site. The server system
102 is adapted to receive ratings from a visitor with respect to
the expert based at least partially on the responsive data. Ratings
can be stored in association with expert data and can be output
with future responsive data received from the expert and can be
output to the visitor that designated the trust level or other
rating.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a second particular embodiment of a
system to provide recommendations is illustrated and designated
generally 200. The system 200 includes a server system 202 that is
adapted to provide an online site offering goods, services,
subscriptions, other offerings, or any combination thereof, via an
Internet Protocol (IP) network 244, such as the Internet. The IP
network 244 can be accessible to various computers, such as a
customer computer 250, an expert computer 248, a computing device
of a member of a customer's social network, such as the friend
computer 246, or any combination thereof. In an illustrative
embodiment, the IP network 244 is accessible to one or more
web-enabled mobile communication devices via one or more mobile
phone networks 258. For example, the IP network 244 can be
accessible to a friend phone 252, an expert phone 254, a customer
phone 256, or any combination thereof. In another illustrative
embodiment, the server system 202 communicates with a public
switched telephone network (PSTN) 259 via the IP network 244.
[0035] In one embodiment, the server system 202 includes a single
computer server, such as a web server. Alternatively, the server
system 202 includes multiple servers that independently or
redundantly include logic and memory adapted to provide one or more
functions with respect to fulfilling electronic commerce-based
transactions. The server system 202 includes processing logic 204,
such as one or more processors, and memory 206 that is accessible
to the processing logic 204, such as memory devices at one or more
servers of the server system 202. The server system 202 also
includes at least one network interface 208 to facilitate
communication between the server system 202 and the IP network
244.
[0036] The memory 206 can include various modules 210-242 that are
adapted to provide various functions of the server system 202 with
respect to providing recommendations. The modules 210-242 can
include processor-readable instructions that are executable by the
processing logic 204, such as instructions included in one or more
applications, operating systems, or other computer programs. In
other embodiments, the modules 210-242 include any combination of
instructions and hardware logic. The modules 210-242 can be
distributed independently or redundantly among memory at one or
more servers of the server system 202.
[0037] For example, the memory 206 includes a website module 210
that is executable by the processing logic 204 to provide an online
site via the IP network 244. The online site 210 offers an
electronic catalog of products, services, subscriptions, other
offerings, or any combination thereof, to customers or other
visitors. The memory 206 includes a catalog module 212 to store
data related to the products, services, subscriptions, other
offerings, or any combination thereof, that are offered via the
online site. The website module 210 is executable by the processing
logic 204 to provide a search process via the online site, which
allows visitors to search the data stored by the catalog module 212
and which returns one or more search results in response to a
search.
[0038] The memory includes a social network database 214 to store
social network information associated with various customers or
other visitors that are registered with the online site. For
example, when a visitor registers with the online site, the website
module 210 is executable by the processing logic 204 to prompt the
visitor for contact information associated with one or more members
of a social network that is to be associated with the visitor. Such
contact information can include names or other identifications,
e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, mobile phone numbers, IP
addresses, other contact information, or any combination thereof.
The website module 210 is executable by the processing logic 204 to
receive contact information that is entered via the customer
computer 250, for example. In another embodiment, the website
module 210 is executable by the processing logic 204 to import the
contact information from a contact list at the customer computer
250, from an address book or other contact list at the customer
phone 256, from an online social networking site or other
additional site provided by the IP network 244, or any combination
thereof. The social network database 214 can store one or more
social networks associated with a visitor. In an illustrative
embodiment, members of social networks can overlap. The social
network database 214 can also store communications preferences of
one or more members of a visitor's social network.
[0039] Further, the memory 206 includes a graphical user interface
(GUI) module 216 that is executable by the processing logic 204 to
provide various graphical user interfaces including interactive
graphical elements via the online site. For example, the GUI module
216 can be executable by the processing logic 204 to provide a
detail page, such as a product-detail page, via the online site in
response to a selection of a product from search results or another
page of the online site. The GUI module 216 is executable by the
processing logic 204 to include with the detail page a selectable
indicator of an option to receive data related to the product from
a member of a visitor's social network (e.g., an "ask-a-friend"
indicator). Examples of such detail pages are illustrated in FIGS.
10-14.
[0040] The GUI module 216 is executable by the processing logic 204
to receive a selection of an ask-a-friend or similar indicator from
a visitor via the product detail page. The memory includes a query
module 218 that is executable by the processing logic 204 to query
the social network database 214 to retrieve contact information,
communication preferences, other data, or any combination thereof,
related to members of one or more social networks of the visitor.
In one embodiment, the GUI module 216 is executable by the
processing logic 204 to output a list of selectable members of one
or more social networks associated with the visitor and to receive
selections of one or more members to whom a communication regarding
the product is to be sent. An example of such a GUI is illustrated
in FIG. 11.
[0041] In a particular embodiment, the memory 206 includes a
question module 240 that is executable by the processing logic 204
to prompt the visitor for a question to be submitted to the
member(s) to whom a communication regarding the product is to be
sent. The memory 206 includes an answer database 242 that stores
answers received from such members. When a question is received
from the visitor, the question module 240 is executable by the
processing logic 204 to determine whether the answer database 242
stores an answer to the question from one or more of the members to
whom a communication regarding the product is to be sent.
Previously stored answers can be displayed via the product detail
page.
[0042] The memory 206 includes a communication module 219 that is
executable by the processing logic 204 to construct a communication
regarding the product in response to a selection of the
ask-a-friend indicator and to send the communication to one or more
members of the social network(s) of the visitor, while observing
communications preferences of one or more of the members. In an
illustrative embodiment, the communication module 219 is executable
by the processing logic 204 to construct a communication that
includes selectable indicators or response options. In one
embodiment, a question submitted by the visitor can be included in
a communication. The communication module 219 or the question
module 240 can be executable by the processing logic 204 to tag the
communication, such that an answer to the question can be
associated with the answering member and stored at the answer
database for future use. An example of such a communication is
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0043] The memory 206 includes a text module 220 that is executable
by the processing logic 204 to send communications to the friend
phone 252, or other device of a member of a social network, via a
short messaging service (SMS) or other text messaging service.
Further, the memory 206 includes an interactive voice response
(IVR) module 222 that is executable by the processing logic 204 to
send interactive voice communications to the friend phone 252, or
other device of a member of a social network. In addition, the
memory 206 includes an e-mail module 224 that is executable by the
processing logic 204 to send communications to the friend phone
252, friend computer 250, other device of a member of a social
network, or any combination thereof, via electronic mail. Moreover,
the memory 206 includes an instant messaging (IM) module 226 that
is executable by the processing logic 204 to send communications to
the friend phone 252, friend computer 250, other device of a member
of a social network, or any combination thereof, via an IM service.
In other embodiments, the server system 202 can be adapted to send
communications to members of social networks via the
public-switched telephone network 259.
[0044] The memory 206 includes a response data module 228 that is
executable by the processing logic 204 to receive responsive data
from a member of a social network to whom a communication has been
sent. The GUI module 216 is executable by the processing logic 204
to output the responsive data via the detail page or other GUI of
the online site. In a particular embodiment, the memory 206
includes a feedback module 230 that is executable by the processing
logic 204 to receive ratings from a visitor associated with the
social network that includes the members whose responsive data is
output via the online site. For example, the ratings can indicate a
level of trust associated with a member in general, with respect to
a product category, with respect to other factors, or any
combination thereof. In another example, the feedback module 230 is
executable by the processing logic 204 to determine a rating
associated with a member based on a plurality of inputs from the
visitor over time, such as inputs indicating whether a member's
response was helpful or not helpful. In one embodiment, the
feedback module 230 is executable by the processing logic 204 to
designate a member of a social network as an expert with respect to
a category of offering after a pre-defined number of positive
inputs by the visitor, by one or more other visitors, or a
combination thereof, with respect to offerings within the category.
Ratings can be stored in association with member data at the social
network database 214 and can be output with future responsive data
received from the member and can be output to the visitor that
designated the trust level or other rating.
[0045] In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the memory 206
includes a polling module 232 that is executable by the processing
logic 204 to send a polling message to each member of a social
network of a customer or other visitor of the online site. For
example, in response to a selection of an ask-a-friend indicator,
the polling module 232 is executable by the processing logic 204 to
send a communication to each member of a social network asking
whether they have a favorable view of a product, service,
subscription or other offering. The communication can indicate a
polling period during which responses will be collected. The
polling module 232 is executable by the processing logic 204 to
collect polling results and output the polling results to the
visitor via the online site.
[0046] The memory 206 includes a notification module 234 that is
executable by the processing logic 204 to notify the visitor of an
end of a polling period. The notification module 234 can also be
executable by the processing logic 204 to notify the members of the
social network of the end of the polling period and that no further
poll responses will be accepted. In addition, the notification
module 234 can also be executable by the processing logic 204 to
output polling results to the visitor via e-mail, SMS, IVR, IM or
other communication mode.
[0047] The memory 206 includes an opt-out module 236 that is
executable by the processing logic 204 to determine whether
responsive data has been received from a member of a social network
indicating that the member wishes not to receive future
communications with respect to products, services, subscriptions,
other offerings, or any combination thereof, which are viewed by
the visitor of the online site. The opt-out module 236 is
executable by the processing logic 204 to remove the member from
the social network associated with the visitor at the social
network database 214.
[0048] In a particular embodiment, the GUI module 216 is executable
by the processing logic 204 to include with a detail page a
selectable indicator of an option to receive data related to the
product from an expert associated with the product (e.g., an
"ask-an-expert" indicator). In response to a selection of the
indicator, the query module 218 is executable by the processing
logic 204 to query an expert database 238 to retrieve contact
information, communications preferences, other data, or any
combination thereof, corresponding to one or more experts
associated with a product, service, subscription, or other offering
being viewed by a visitor via the online site. In one example, an
expert can be pre-designated, such as an expert associated with a
vendor of an offering. In another example, the expert can be
determined based on positive inputs from the visitor, from one or
more other visitors, or a combination thereof. For instance, an
individual may be associated with a social network of the visitor
before being designated as an expert. The communication module 219
is executable by the processing logic 204 to construct a
communication and to send the communication to the expert(s). The
text module 220, the IVR module 222, the e-mail module 224, and the
IM module 226, are executable by the processing logic 204 to send
communications to the expert computer 248, the expert phone 254, or
any combination thereof, according to communications preferences
associated with each expert.
[0049] In one embodiment, the memory 206 includes a question module
240 that is executable by the processing logic 204 to receive a
question from the visitor that is to be sent with a communication
to the expert(s). The query module 218 is executable by the
processing logic 204 to query an answer database 242 to determine
whether the expert has previously answered a similar question. If
the question has been answered, the GUI module 216 is executable by
the processing logic to output the previous answer via the online
site and not send the communication to the expert(s).
[0050] The response data module 228 is executable by the processing
logic 204 to receive responsive data from an expert to whom a
communication has been sent. The GUI module 216 is executable by
the processing logic 204 to output the responsive data via the
detail page or other GUI of the online site. The responsive data
can be stored at the answer database 242. In a particular
embodiment, the feedback module 230 is executable by the processing
logic 204 to receive ratings from a visitor with respect to the
expert based at least partially on the responsive data. Ratings can
be stored in association with expert data at the expert database
238 and can be output with future responsive data received from the
expert and can be output to the visitor that designated the trust
level or other rating.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, a particular embodiment of a method of
providing recommendations is illustrated. At block 300, a server
system provides an online site to a visitor, such as a customer,
via a computing device, mobile phone, or other device. The online
site provides a catalog of goods, services, subscriptions, other
offerings, or any combination thereof, for purchase. Moving to
block 302, the server system receives a selection of an offering
from the visitor via the online site. Proceeding to block 304, the
server system displays a detail page related to the offering via
the online site.
[0052] Continuing to block 306, the server system receives input
indicating a request for data related to the offering from one or
more members of a social network associated with the visitor. In
one embodiment, the input includes a selection of an "ask-a-friend"
indicator or a similar selectable indicator provided with the
detail page. Advancing to block 308, a list, or other graphical
presentation, identifying members of at least one social network is
displayed via the online site. The identifications of the members
are selectable. At block 310, the server system receives selections
of one or more members from the list.
[0053] Moving to block 312, the server system determines
communications preferences associated with one or more of the
selected member(s). For instance, some members may prefer to be
contacted via e-mail, some via text message, others via instant
messaging, others by phone call, and still others may have no
communications preferences. Proceeding to block 314, the server
system sends a communication to each selected member, according to
communications preferences associated with the selected member. An
example embodiment of such a communication is illustrated in FIG.
15.
[0054] Continuing to block 316, the server system receives
responsive data from one or more member to whom a communication was
sent. Advancing to decision 318, the server system determines
whether responsive data from any member includes an opt-out
request. If the server system does not receive an opt-out request,
the method moves to block 322. On the other hand, if the server
system receives an opt-out request, the method moves to block 320,
and the server system disassociates the member making the request
from future communications regarding the category of the offering.
The method then proceeds to block 322.
[0055] At block 322, the server system collects and organizes the
responsive data. For example, the server system may organize
responsive data according to which members have purchased the
offering and which members have not purchased the offering.
Continuing to block 324, the server system outputs the organized
data to the visitor via the detail page or another graphical
interface of the online site. The method terminates at 326.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, a second particular embodiment of a
method of providing recommendations is illustrated. At block 400, a
server system provides an online site to a visitor. The online site
provides a catalog of goods, services, subscriptions, other
offerings, or any combination thereof, for purchase. Moving to
block 402, the server system receives registration information from
the visitor. Proceeding to block 404, the server system prompts the
visitor for data related to one or more social networks that are to
be associated with the visitor. For instance, the server system
prompts the visitor for contact information of one or more members
that are to be associated with the social network(s).
[0057] Continuing to decision 406, the server system determines
whether it has received a command to import social network data
from another source, such as a computing device or mobile phone of
the visitor, or from another online site, such as a social
networking site. If the server system has received a command to
import social network data from another source, the method advances
to block 408, and the server system imports the social network data
from another online site or a visitor device. The method then moves
to block 412. Conversely, if the server system does not receive a
command to import social network data from another source, the
method advances to block 410, and the server system receives the
social network from the visitor via a social network setup process
provided via the online site. The method then moves to block
412.
[0058] Moving to block 412, the server system receives a selection
of an offering, such as a product, from the visitor via the online
site. Proceeding to block 414, the server system displays a product
detail page via the online site. Continuing to block 416, the
server system receives input indicating a selection of an
"ask-a-friend" indicator or a similar selectable indicator provided
with the product detail page. Advancing to block 418, the server
system sends a communication to one or more members of a social
network associated with the visitor. An example embodiment of such
a communication is illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0059] Continuing to block 420, the server system receives
responsive data from one or more members to whom a communication
was sent. At block 422, the server system outputs the responsive
data via the detail page or another graphical interface of the
online site. Moving to decision 424, the server system determines
whether it is to edit rating information associated with one or
more members whose responsive data has been output via the product
detail page. For instance, the server system can determine whether
it has received a request from the visitor to designate ratings.
Alternatively, the server system can determine whether it has
received input from the visitor indicating whether responsive data
from a particular member was helpful or not helpful, whereupon the
server system can automatically adjust a rating associated with the
particular member. If the server system determines that it is to
edit rating information, the method proceeds to block 426, and the
server system stores the re-designated or re-calculated rating
information. The method terminates at 428.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, a third particular embodiment of a
method of providing recommendations is illustrated. At block 500, a
server system provides an online site to a visitor, such as a
customer or a potential customer, via a computing device, mobile
phone, or other device. The online site provides a catalog of
goods, services, subscriptions, other offerings, or any combination
thereof, for purchase. Moving to block 502, the server system
receives a selection of an offering, such as a product, from the
visitor via the online site. Proceeding to block 504, the server
system displays a product detail page via the online site.
[0061] Continuing to block 506, the server system receives input
indicating a request for data related to the offering from one or
more members of a social network associated with the visitor. In
one embodiment, the input includes a selection of an "ask-a-friend"
indicator or a similar selectable indicator provided with the
detail page. Advancing to block 508, the server system sends a
polling message to members of at least one social network
associated with the visitor. In one embodiment, the polling message
asks each member whether he or she has a favorable or unfavorable
view of the product. In another embodiment, the polling message
asks each member whether he or she has or has not purchased the
product.
[0062] Continuing to block 510, the server system receives
responsive data from one or more member to whom a communication was
sent. Advancing to decision 512, the server system determines
whether a polling period has ended. When the polling period ends,
the method moves to block 514, and the server system collects and
organizes the responsive data. For example, the server system may
organize responsive data according to which members have purchased
the offering and which members have not purchased the offering.
Continuing to block 516, the server system notifies the visitor
that the polling data is ready to view. For instance, if the
visitor has logged off the online site, the server system can send
an e-mail or other notification to the visitor indicating that the
polling period has ended or that polling results are complete.
Proceeding to block 518, the server system outputs the polling
results to the visitor. The polling results can be output via the
online site if the visitor has waited for the results, or when the
visitor logs back in. In other embodiments, the polling results can
be output to the visitor with the notification sent at 516. The
method terminates at 520.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 6, a fourth particular embodiment of a
method of providing recommendations is illustrated. At block 600, a
server system provides an online site to a visitor via a
web-enabled phone. The online site provides a catalog of goods,
services, subscriptions, other offerings, or any combination
thereof, for purchase. Moving to block 602, the server system
receives registration from the visitor via the online site.
Proceeding to block 604, the server system imports a contact list
or phone book from the web-enabled phone and stores the data as
social network data associated with the visitor.
[0064] Continuing to block 606, the server system receives a
selection of an offering, such as a product, from the visitor via
the online site. Advancing to block 608, the server system sends a
product detail page to the web-enabled phone. Continuing to block
610, the server system receives input indicating a selection of an
"ask-a-friend" indicator or a similar selectable indicator provided
with the product detail page.
[0065] Advancing to decision 612, the server system determines
whether it is to communicate with a member of the social network of
the visitor via the web-enabled visitor phone. If so, the method
moves to block 614, and the server system can send an instruction
to the web-enabled phone to dial the member, such that the visitor
can speak with the member directly about the product. Whereas, if
the server system is not to communicate via the visitor phone, the
server system sends a communication to one or more members of the
social network associated with the visitor. In one embodiment, the
communication includes a message indicating the product and asking
the member(s) to contact the visitor phone via a call, an e-mail, a
text message, or any combination thereof. The method terminates at
618.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 7, a fifth particular embodiment of a
method of providing recommendations is illustrated. At block 700, a
server system provides an online site to a visitor, such as a
customer, via a computing device, mobile phone, or other device.
The online site provides a catalog of goods, services,
subscriptions, other offerings, or any combination thereof, for
purchase. Moving to block 702, the server system receives a
selection of an offering, such as a product, from the visitor via
the online site. Proceeding to block 704, the server system
displays a product detail page via the online site.
[0067] Continuing to block 706, the server system receives input
indicating a request for data related to the offering from one or
more members associated with a social network of the visitor. In
one embodiment, the input includes a selection of an "ask-a-friend"
indicator or a similar selectable indicator provided with the
detail page. Advancing to block 708, the server system prompts the
visitor and receives a question regarding the product.
[0068] At block 710, the server system checks a database for a
previous answer given by each member for a same or similar
question. Moving to decision node 712, the server system determines
whether it has found one or more previous answers. If a previous
answer has been found, the method proceeds to block 714, upon which
the server system retrieves the previous answer and outputs the
previous answer via the online site. Continuing to decision node
715, the server system determines whether there are one or more
other members for whom previous answers were not found. If the
server system determines that there are no such other members, the
method terminates at 724.
[0069] Returning to decision node 712, if no previous answer is
found for at least one member, the method proceeds to block 716,
and the server system sends a communication to the member(s) for
whom previous answers have not been found. Continuing to block 718,
the server system receives responsive data from one or more members
to whom a communication was sent. Advancing to block 720, the
server system collects and organizes the responsive data. For
example, the server system may organize responsive data according
to which members have a favorable opinion and which members have an
unfavorable opinion with respect to the product. At block 722, the
server system outputs the organized data to the visitor via the
detail page or another graphical interface of the online site. The
method terminates at 724.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, a fifth particular embodiment of a
method of providing recommendations is illustrated. At block 800, a
server system provides an online site to a visitor, such as a
customer, via a computing device, mobile phone, or other device.
The online site provides a catalog of goods, services,
subscriptions, other offerings, or any combination thereof, for
purchase. Moving to block 802, the server system receives a
selection of an offering, such as a product, from the visitor via
the online site. Proceeding to block 804, the server system
displays a product detail page via the online site.
[0071] Continuing to block 806, the server system receives input
indicating a request for data related to the offering from one or
more experts associated with the product or with a category of the
product. In one embodiment, the input includes a selection of an
"ask-an-expert" indicator or a similar selectable indicator
provided with the detail page. Advancing to block 808, the server
system determines communications preferences associated with the
expert(s). For instance, some experts may prefer to be contacted
via e-mail, some via text message, others via instant messaging,
others by phone call, and still others may have no communications
preferences. Proceeding to block 810, the server system sends a
communication to each expert, according to communications
preferences associated with the expert.
[0072] Continuing to block 812, the server system receives
responsive data from one or more experts to whom a communication
was sent. Advancing to block 814, the server system collects and
organizes the responsive data. For example, the server system may
organize responsive data according to which experts have a
favorable opinion and which experts have an unfavorable opinion
with respect to the product. At block 816, the server system
outputs the organized data to the visitor via the detail page or
another graphical interface of the online site. The method
terminates at 818.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 9, a sixth particular embodiment of a
method of providing recommendations is illustrated. At block 900, a
server system provides an online site to a visitor, such as a
customer, via a computing device, mobile phone, or other device of
the customer. The online site provides a catalog of goods,
services, subscriptions, other offerings, or any combination
thereof, for purchase. Moving to block 902, the server system
receives a selection of an offering, such as a product, from the
visitor via the online site. Proceeding to block 904, the server
system displays a product detail page via the online site.
[0074] Continuing to block 906, the server system receives input
indicating a request for data related to the offering from one or
more experts associated with the product or with a category of the
product. In one embodiment, the input includes a selection of an
"ask-an-expert" indicator or a similar selectable indicator
provided with the detail page. Advancing to block 908, the server
system prompts the visitor and receives a question regarding the
product.
[0075] At block 910, the server system checks a database for a
previous answer given by the expert for a same or similar question.
Moving to decision node 912, the server system determines whether
it has found a previous answer. If a previous answer has been
found, the method proceeds to block 914, upon which the server
system retrieves the previous answer and outputs the previous
answer via the online site. On the other hand, if no previous
answer is found, the method proceeds to block 916, and the server
system sends a communication to one or more experts.
[0076] Continuing to block 918, the server system receives
responsive data from one or more experts to whom a communication
was sent. Advancing to block 920, the server system collects and
organizes the responsive data. For example, the server system may
organize responsive data according to which experts have a
favorable opinion and which experts have an unfavorable opinion
with respect to the product. At block 922, the server system
outputs the organized data to the visitor via the detail page or
another graphical interface of the online site. The method
terminates at 924.
[0077] In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein may be
performed as described. In other embodiments, certain aspects of
the methods may be performed in alternate sequences or
simultaneously. In addition, registration, social network setup,
selection of an offering, or any combination thereof, may occur in
a single session or in different sessions with the online site.
Further, while the methods are largely described with reference to
products, the methods may be applied to products, services,
subscriptions, other online offerings, or any combination
thereof.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 10, a particular embodiment of a graphical
user interface (GUI) to provide recommendations is illustrated and
designated generally 1000. The GUI 1000 includes a detail page
related to a product 1002. The detail page includes an
"ask-a-friend" indicator 1004, an "ask-an-expert" indicator 1006,
or any combination thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the GUI
includes one or more images 1008 associated with the product 1002;
unfiltered recommendations 1010, such as recommendations based on
products purchased by other customers that viewed the product 1002;
and technical details or specifications 1012 related to the product
1002.
[0079] The ask-a-friend indicator 1004 is selectable to send
communications to one or more members of a social network
associated with a visitor viewing the GUI 1000 and to receive
responsive data from the member(s) via the GUI 1000. The
ask-an-expert indicator 1006 is selectable to send communications
to one or more experts associated with the product 1002 (or a
category of the product 1002) and to receive responsive data from
the expert(s) via the GUI 1000. In one embodiment, the expert(s)
may include a representative of a vendor associated with the
product 1002.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 11, a second particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface (GUI) to provide recommendations is
illustrated and designated generally 1100. The GUI 1100 includes a
detail page related to a product 1002. The detail page includes an
"ask-a-friend" indicator 1004, an "ask-an-expert" indicator 906, or
any combination thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the GUI
1100 includes one or more images 1008 associated with the product
1002.
[0081] In an illustrative embodiment, the ask-a-friend indicator
1004 is selectable to send communications to one or more members of
a social network associated with a visitor viewing the GUI 1100 and
to receive responsive data from the member(s) via the GUI 1100. In
response to a selection of the ask-a-friend indicator 1004, the GUI
1100 may display a list of members associated with the social
network. The list includes a plurality of selectable
identifications 1110 of the members. A rating 1112 may be displayed
in conjunction with one or more of the member identifications 1110.
In a particular, non-limiting embodiment, selectable indicators
1114 of options to call a specific member of the social network can
be displayed. For instance, the selectable indicator 1114 can be
selectable to instruct a web-enabled phone of the visitor to dial a
contact number of the member. The GUI 1100 includes a submit
indicator 1116, or similar indicator, that is selectable to
indicate that the visitor would like communications to be sent to
the selected members. The GUI 1100 also includes a cancel indicator
1118, or similar indicator, that is selectable to indicate that the
visitor no longer wishes to contact a member of the social
network.
[0082] The ask-an-expert indicator 1006 is selectable to send
communications to one or more experts associated with the product
1002 (or a category of the product 1002) and to receive responsive
data from the expert(s) via the GUI 1100. In one embodiment, the
expert(s) may include a representative of a vendor associated with
the product 1002. In an illustrative embodiment, a list of
selectable experts may be displayed via the GUI 1100.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 12, a third particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface (GUI) to provide recommendations is
illustrated and designated generally 1200. The GUI 1200 includes a
detail page related to a product 902. The detail page includes an
"ask-a-friend" indicator 1004, an "ask-an-expert" indicator 1006,
or any combination thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the GUI
includes one or more images 1008 associated with the product
1002.
[0084] In an illustrative embodiment, the ask-a-friend indicator
1004 is selectable to send communications to one or more members of
a social network associated with a visitor viewing the GUI 1200 and
to receive responsive data from the member(s) via the GUI 1200. The
GUI 1200 may display responsive data from the members of the social
network to whom communications were sent. The responsive data can
be organized into categories, such as responsive data from members
who bought the product 1210 and responsive data from members who
did not buy the product 1212. Responsive data can include an
identification of the member 1214 and a message indicating the
responsive data received 1216.
[0085] The ask-an-expert indicator 1006 is selectable to send
communications to one or more experts associated with the product
1002 (or a category of the product 1002) and to receive responsive
data from the expert(s) via the GUI 1200. In one embodiment, the
expert(s) may include a representative of a vendor associated with
the product 1002.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 13, a fourth particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface (GUI) to provide recommendations is
illustrated and designated generally 1300. The GUI 1300 includes a
detail page related to a product 1002. The detail page includes an
"ask-a-friend" indicator 1004, an "ask-an-expert" indicator 1006,
or any combination thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the GUI
includes one or more images 1008 associated with the product
1002.
[0087] In an illustrative embodiment, the ask-a-friend indicator
1004 is selectable to send communications to one or more members of
a social network associated with a visitor viewing the GUI 1300 and
to receive responsive data from the member(s) via the GUI 1300. The
ask-an-expert indicator 1006 is selectable to send communications
to one or more experts associated with the product 1002 (or a
category of the product 1002) and to receive responsive data from
the expert(s) via the GUI 1300. In one embodiment, the expert(s)
may include a representative of a vendor associated with the
product 1002.
[0088] In response to a selection of the ask-an-expert button 1006,
the GUI 1300 can provide a question region 1312. The question
region 1312 identifies an expert 1314 associated with the product
1002. The question region 1312 also includes a text box 1316 in
which the visitor can input a question to be answered by the
expert. The question region 1312 also includes one or more
indicators 1318 that are selectable to submit the question, cancel
the ask-an-expert function, execute other functions, or any
combination thereof.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 14, a fifth particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface (GUI) to provide recommendations is
illustrated and designated generally 1400. The GUI 1400 includes a
detail page related to a product 1002. The detail page includes an
"ask-a-friend" indicator 1004, an "ask-an-expert" indicator 1006,
or any combination thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the GUI
includes one or more images 1008 associated with the product
1002.
[0090] In an illustrative embodiment, the ask-a-friend indicator
1004 is selectable to send communications to one or more members of
a social network associated with a visitor viewing the GUI 1400 and
to receive responsive data from the member(s) via the GUI 1400. The
ask-an-expert indicator 1006 is selectable to send communications
to one or more experts associated with the product 1002 (or a
category of the product 1002) and to receive responsive data from
the expert(s) via the GUI 1400. In one embodiment, the expert(s)
may include a representative of a vendor associated with the
product 1002.
[0091] In response to a selection of the ask-an-expert button 1006,
the GUI 1400 can provide an answer region 1412. The answer region
1412 identifies an expert 1414 associated with the product 1002.
The answer region 1412 also includes an answer 1416 to a question
sent to the expert by the visitor via the GUI 1400, as illustrated
in FIG. 13.
[0092] FIG. 15 is a diagram of a sixth particular embodiment of a
graphical user interface (GUI) to provide recommendations. The GUI
is an example of a communication 1500 that is sent to a member of a
social network associated with a visitor to an online site, in
response to the visitor selecting an ask-a-friend indicator, such
as the indicator 1004 illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. The communication
1500 includes a plurality of selectable responses 1502 regarding a
product, service, subscription, or other offering at the online
site. At least one of the selectable responses 1502 can include a
field 1504 to input additional information when the selectable
response 1502 is selected. The communication 1500 also includes a
text box 1506 to input an opinion or other message to be output to
the visitor of the online site.
[0093] In conjunction with the configuration of structure described
herein, a system and method of providing recommendations are
provided, which allow a visitor to an online site to receive
opinions of social network members or experts, with respect to an
offering that is available for purchase via the online site. In one
embodiment, such opinions can be obtained in response to each
selection of an ask-a-friend or ask-an-expert indicator. These
real-time or near-real-time opinions can provide greater utility to
the visitor than stock responses, reviews or recommendations, as
opinions about a product, for instance, may change over time.
Additionally, the visitor can obtain opinions from friends and
experts that the visitor believes to have actual knowledge about a
category of products or other offerings.
[0094] Although the present specification describes components and
functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with
reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosed
embodiments are not limited to such standards and protocols. For
example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network
transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples
of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded
by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same
functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having
the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are
considered equivalents thereof.
[0095] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the
various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as
a complete description of all of the elements and features of
apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods
described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those
of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other
embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such
that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally,
the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn
to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be
exaggerated, while other proportions may be reduced. Accordingly,
the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive.
[0096] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to
herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention"
merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit
the scope of this application to any particular invention or
inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have
been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated
that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or
similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent
adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of
the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically
described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art
upon reviewing the description.
[0097] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37
C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that
it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of
the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description,
various features may be grouped together or described in a single
embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This
disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that
the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the
features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following
claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each
claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject
matter.
[0098] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the
scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
* * * * *