U.S. patent application number 15/675017 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-23 for method and apparatus for group filtered reports.
The applicant listed for this patent is CFPH, LLC. Invention is credited to Howard W. Lutnick.
Application Number | 20170337566 15/675017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39585100 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170337566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lutnick; Howard W. |
November 23, 2017 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GROUP FILTERED REPORTS
Abstract
Systems and corresponding methods are provided that, in at least
one embodiment, includes the act or acts of receiving a plurality
of first representations; receiving a second representation of a
first user; determining at least one group to which the first user
belongs; determining at least one set of members of the at least
one group; and filtering the plurality of first representations
based, at least in part, on the at least one set of members. Each
first representation represents a respective report
Inventors: |
Lutnick; Howard W.; (New
York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CFPH, LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39585100 |
Appl. No.: |
15/675017 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11616688 |
Dec 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
15675017 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 10/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20120101
G06Q030/02; G06Q 10/10 20120101 G06Q010/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a processor of a computing device that
is part of a plurality of networked devices that host an electronic
market for goods; and a memory, in which the memory stores
instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the
apparatus to: receive a plurality of orders; facilitate delivery
for each of the plurality of orders using a variety of delivery
service providers; monitor delivery timing for each of the
plurality of orders; generate first evaluation reports for each of
the delivery services providers based on the monitored timing;
collect second evaluation reports about a quality of experience for
each of the plurality of delivery service providers, in which each
second evaluation report includes user-inputted data that defines a
positive review or a negative review about the quality of
experience a delivery service provider of the plurality of delivery
service providers; store, in a database, each of the first and
second evaluation reports; receive an order from one of the
plurality of networked devices; retrieve a contact list from the
one of the plurality of networked devices; filter, via access to
the database, the first and second evaluation reports into a set of
evaluation reports from members of the contact list and that are
from in a desired geographic location; determine a social distance
for each of the members of the contact list; compute a recommended
delivery service provider based on a quantity of positive reports
in the set of evaluation reports; in response to computing the
recommended delivery service provider, populate a user interface of
the one of the plurality of networked devices with an indication of
the recommendation and at least a portion of the set of evaluation
reports sorted based on the determined social distances.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the social distance is
determined based on a social network.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which each second evaluation report
includes a written description of the quality of experience with a
delivery service provider.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, in which each second evaluation report
includes a ranking of the quality of experience with a delivery
service provider.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the instructions cause the
processor to: in response to computing the recommended delivery
service provider, automatically purchase a service provided by the
recommended delivery service provider.
6. A method comprising: receiving, by a computing device of a
plurality of networked devices that host an electronic market for
goods, a plurality of orders; facilitating, by the computing
device, delivery for each of the plurality of orders using a
variety of delivery service providers; monitoring delivery timing
for each of the plurality of orders; generating first evaluation
reports for each of the delivery services providers based on the
monitored timing; collecting, by the computing device, second
evaluation reports about a quality of experience for each of the
plurality of delivery service providers, in which each second
evaluation report includes user-inputted data that defines a
positive review or a negative review about the quality of
experience with a delivery service provider of the plurality of
delivery service providers; storing, by the computing device in a
database, each of the first and second evaluation reports;
receiving, by the computing device, an order from one of the
plurality of networked devices; retrieving, by the computing
device, a contact list from the one of the plurality of networked
devices; filtering, by the computing device via access to the
database, the first and second evaluation reports into a set of
evaluation reports from members of the contact list and that are
from in a desired geographic location; determining, by the
computing device, a social distance for each of the members of the
contact list; computing, by the computing device, a recommended
delivery service provider based on a quantity of positive reports
in the set of evaluation reports; in response to computing the
recommended delivery service provider, populating, by the computing
device, a user interface of the one of the plurality of networked
devices with an indication of the recommendation and at least a
portion of the set of evaluation reports sorted based on the
determined social distances.
7. The method of claim 6, in which the social distance is
determined based on a social network.
8. The method of claim 6, in which each second evaluation report
includes a written description of the quality of experience with a
delivery service provider.
9. The method of claim 6, in which each second evaluation report
includes a ranking of the quality of experience with a delivery
service provider.
10. The method of claim 6, further comprising: in response to
computing the recommended delivery service provider, automatically
purchasing a service provided by the recommended delivery service
provider.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] [1] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/616,688 filed Dec. 27, 2006, which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] [2] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn
to scale. In the drawings, each identical or similar component that
is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral.
For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in
every drawing. In the drawings:
[0003] [3] FIG. 1 illustrates a computer system architecture that
may be used to perform one or more acts in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0004] [4] FIG. 2 illustrates a process that may be performed in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0005] [5] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a set of database tables that may
be used in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention; and
[0006] [6] FIG. 4 illustrates a process for filtering
representations of reports that may be performed in accordance with
some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments
[0007] Systems and corresponding methods are provided that, in at
least one embodiment, includes the act or acts of receiving a
plurality of first representations; receiving a second
representation of a first user; determining at least one group to
which the first user belongs; determining at least one set of
members of the at least one group; and filtering the plurality of
first representations based, at least in part, on the at least one
set of members. Each first representation represents a respective
report.
[0008] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first
representations further represents a respective originator of the
report represented by the respective first representation. The
filtering the plurality of first representations may include
excluding from the plurality of first representations at least one
first representation that represents a report that was not
originated by at least one member of the at least one set of
members. The filtering the plurality of first representations also
may include excluding from the plurality of first representations
at least one first representation that represents a negative report
that was originated by at least one member of the at least one set
of members.
[0009] In another embodiment, each of the plurality of first
representations further represents at least one of a target and a
target type and filtering includes excluding from the plurality of
first representations at least one first representation that
represents at least one of an undesired target and an undesired
target type.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, at least one report represented
by at least one first representation of the plurality of first
representations includes at least one report on a service of a
service provider. The service may include a delivery service.
[0011] Still another embodiment has at least one report represented
by at least one first representation of the plurality of first
representations includes at least one report on a product of a
merchant.
[0012] In another embodiment, the at least one group includes a
social network of the first user and the set of members includes
the first user and at least one other member of the social network.
The first user may include a customer of at least one of a merchant
and a service provider. The first user also may include at least
one of a merchant and a service provider.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, at least one member of the at
least one group includes a reporter chosen by the first user. Still
another embodiment has at least one group that includes at least
one member having at least one desired characteristic. The at least
one desired characteristic may include at least one of a
profession, membership in an organization, and a geographic
area.
[0014] In another embodiment, the system and methods further
provide that, in at least one embodiment, includes the act or acts
of transmitting at least one third representation of the filtered
plurality of first representations.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the system and methods further
provide that, in at least one embodiment, includes the act or acts
of presenting the filtered plurality of first representations to
the first user. The act of presenting may include displaying the
filtered plurality of first representations through a video
display.
[0016] In an embodiment, the at least one second representation may
include at least one of a name, an email address, a login name, a
mailing address, a telephone number, and a user identifier.
[0017] In another embodiment, the system and methods further
provide that, in at least one embodiment, includes the act or acts
of making at least one recommendation to the first user based, at
least in part, on the filtered plurality of first
representations.
[0018] In another embodiment, the system and methods further
provide that, in at least one embodiment, includes the act or acts
of choosing at least one of a chosen product of a merchant and a
chosen service of a service provider based, at least in part, on
the filtered plurality of first representations.
[0019] In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a machine readable
medium having stored thereon a plurality of machine instructions
for controlling at least one computer system to perform a method
provides that, in at least one embodiment, includes the act or acts
of receiving a plurality of first representations; receiving a
second representation of a first user; determining at least one
group to which the first user belongs; determining at least one set
of members of the at least one group; and filtering the plurality
of first representations based, at least in part, on the at least
one set of members. Each first representation represents a
respective report. The apparatus may include a processor configured
to execute at least one instruction of the plurality of machine
instructions.
[0020] Some additional embodiments may include the following:
[0021] [7] A method comprising: receiving a plurality of first
representations, in which each first representation represents a
respective report; receiving a second representation of a first
user; determining at least one group to which the first user
belongs; determining at least one set of members of the at least
one group; and filtering the plurality of first representations
based, at least in part, on the at least one set of members.
[0022] [8] The method of paragraph 6, in which receiving the
plurality of first representations includes receiving the plurality
of first representations from a plurality of sources.
[0023] [9] The method of paragraph 7, in which the plurality of
sources includes at least one individual.
[0024] [10] The method of paragraph 8, in which the at least one
individual includes a user of at least one website.
[0025] [11] The method of paragraph 7, in which the plurality of
sources includes at least one collector of reports.
[0026] [12] The method of paragraph 10, in which the at least one
collector of reports includes at least one website.
[0027] [13] The method of paragraph 6, in which the plurality of
first representations includes at least one electronic message.
[0028] [14] The method of paragraph 12, in which the at least one
electronic message includes at least one of an email message, an
HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0029] [15] The method of paragraph 6, in which the at least one
second representation includes at least one electronic message.
[0030] [16] The method of paragraph 14, in which the at least one
electronic message includes at least one of an email message, an
HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0031] [17] The method of paragraph 6, in which each of the
plurality of first representations further represents an originator
of the report represented by the respective first
representation.
[0032] [18] The method of paragraph 16, in which filtering the
plurality of first representations includes excluding from the
plurality of first representations at least one first
representation that represents a report that was not originated by
at least one member of the at least one set of members.
[0033] [19] The method of paragraph 17, in which filtering the
plurality of first representations includes excluding from the
plurality of first representations each first representation that
represents a report that was not originated by at least one member
of the at least one set of members.
[0034] [20] The method of paragraph 17, in which filtering the
plurality of first representations includes excluding from the
plurality of first representations at least one first
representation that represents a negative report that was
originated by at least one member of the at least one set of
members.
[0035] [21] The method of paragraph 19, in which each of the
plurality of first representations further represents at least one
of a respective target and a respective target type and filtering
includes excluding from the plurality of first representations at
least one first representation that represents at least one of an
undesired target and an undesired target type.
[0036] [22] The method of paragraph 6, in which each first
representation of the plurality of first representations includes a
representation of at least one of a respective target and a
respective type of the respective report.
[0037] [23] The method of paragraph 21, in which the respective
includes at least one of a product, a merchant, a service, and a
service provider and the respective type includes at least one of a
type of product, a type of merchant, a type of service, and a type
of service provider.
[0038] [24] The method of paragraph 6, in which at least one report
represented by least one first representation of the plurality of
first representations includes an indication of at least one
purchase.
[0039] [25] The method of paragraph 6, in which at least one report
represented by at least one first representation of the plurality
of first representations includes at least one report on a service
of a service provider.
[0040] [26] The method of paragraph 24, in which the at least one
report includes at least one of a review of the service, a rating
of the service, a recommendation for the service, a recommendation
against the service, and a fact regarding the service.
[0041] [27] The method of paragraph 24, in which the service
includes a delivery service.
[0042] [28] The method of paragraph 26, in which the at least one
report includes at least one of a time taken by the delivery
service, a rating of the delivery service, a review of the delivery
service, a recommendation for the delivery service, and a
recommendation against the delivery service.
[0043] [29] The method of paragraph 6, in which at least one report
represented by at least one first representation of the plurality
of first representations includes at least one report on a product
of a merchant.
[0044] [30] The method of paragraph 28, in which the at least one
report includes at least one of a review of the product, a rating
of the product, a recommendation for the product, a recommendation
against the product, and a fact regarding the product.
[0045] [31] The method of paragraph 6, in which the at least one
group includes a social network of the first user and the set of
members includes the first user and at least one other member of
the social network.
[0046] [32] The method of paragraph 30, in which the first user
includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0047] [33] The method of paragraph 30, in which the first user
includes at least one of a merchant and a service provider.
[0048] [34] The method of paragraph 30, further comprising:
receiving a third representation of a potential member of the
social network from at least one of the first user and the at least
one other member of the social network; requesting an agreement to
join the social network from the potential member; and adding the
potential member to the social network if the potential member
agrees to join the social network.
[0049] [35] The method of paragraph 30, further comprising:
receiving a third representation of a potential member of the
social network from the potential member; requesting acceptance of
the potential member from at least one of the first user and the at
least one other member of the social network; and adding the
potential member to the social network if the at least one of the
first user and the at least one other member accepts the potential
member.
[0050] [36] The method of paragraph 30, in which each member of the
social network is related to at least one of the first user and at
least one other member of the social network.
[0051] [37] The method of paragraph 35, in which each member of the
social network is a friend of at least one of the first user and
the at least one other member of the social network.
[0052] [38] The method of paragraph 35, in which each member of the
social network is a contact of at least one of the first user and
the at least one other member of the social network.
[0053] [39] The method of paragraph 35, in which each member of the
social network is a colleague of at least one of the first user and
the at least one other member of the social network.
[0054] [40] The method of paragraph 6, in which at least one member
of the at least one group includes a reporter chosen by the first
user.
[0055] [41] The method of paragraph 39, further comprising
receiving a third representation of the reporter from the first
user.
[0056] [42] The method of paragraph 39, further comprising adding
the chosen reporter to the at least one group.
[0057] [43] The method of paragraph 39, in which the chosen
reporter is at least one of a professional reporter, a celebrity,
and a reporting organization.
[0058] [44] The method of paragraph 6, in which the at least one
group includes at least one member having at least one desired
characteristic.
[0059] [45] The method of paragraph 43, further comprising
receiving at least one third representation of the desired
characteristic from the first user.
[0060] [46] The method of paragraph 44, in which the first user
includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0061] [47] The method of paragraph 44, in which the first user
includes at least one of a merchant and a service provider.
[0062] [48] The method of paragraph 44, in which the at least one
third representation include at least one electronic message.
[0063] [49] The method of paragraph 47, in which the at least one
electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a
database message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email
message.
[0064] [50] The method of paragraph 43, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes a geographic area.
[0065] [51] The method of paragraph 49, in which the geographic
area includes at least one of a geographic area in which the first
user lives and a geographic area of a place of business of the
first user.
[0066] [52] The method of paragraph 43, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes a profession.
[0067] [53] The method of paragraph 51, in which the profession
includes a first profession in which the first user works.
[0068] [54] The method of paragraph 43, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes membership in an organization.
[0069] [55] The method of paragraph 53, in which the first user is
a member of the organization.
[0070] [56] The method of paragraph 6, further comprising
transmitting at least one third representation of the filtered
plurality of first representations.
[0071] [57] The method of paragraph 55, in which the at least one
third representation includes at least one interface through which
the filtered plurality of first representations may be viewed.
[0072] [58] The method of paragraph 56, in which the at least one
interface includes at least one of a website, a mobile device
interface, and an email message.
[0073] [59] The method of paragraph 55, in which the at least one
third representation includes an electronic message.
[0074] [60] The method of paragraph 58, in which the electronic
message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a database
message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email message.
[0075] [61] The method of paragraph 6, further comprising
presenting the filtered plurality of first representations to the
first user.
[0076] [62] The method of paragraph 60, in which presenting
includes displaying the filtered plurality of first representations
through a video display.
[0077] [63] The method of paragraph 6, in the at least one second
representation includes at least one of a name, an email address, a
login name, a mailing address, a telephone number, and a user
identifier.
[0078] [64] The method of paragraph 6, further comprising making at
least one recommendation to the first user based, at least in part,
on the filtered plurality of first representations.
[0079] [65] The method of paragraph 63, in which the at least one
recommendation includes a first recommendation for at least one of
a product of a merchant and a service of a service provider, and in
which at least one first report represented by at least one
representation of the filtered plurality of first representations
is a report on the at least one of the product and the service.
[0080] [66] The method of paragraph 64, in which the at least one
first report includes a positive report.
[0081] [67] The method of paragraph 64, in which the at least one
first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
product and the service.
[0082] [68] The method of paragraph 66, in which the high rating
includes at least one first rating that is higher than at least one
second rating given to at least one of a non-recommended product
and a non-recommended service by at least one second report
represented by at least one other representation of the plurality
of first representations.
[0083] [69] The method of paragraph 63, in which making the at
least one recommendation includes presenting at least one third
representation of at least one of a product and a service to the
first user.
[0084] [70] The method of paragraph 68, in which presenting
includes displaying the at least one third representation through a
user interface.
[0085] [71] The method of paragraph 68, in which presenting
includes displaying the at least one third representations through
a video display.
[0086] [72] The method of paragraph 6, further comprising choosing
at least one of a chosen product of a merchant and a chosen service
of a service provider based, at least in part, on the filtered
plurality of first representations.
[0087] [73] The method of paragraph 71, in which at least one first
report represented by at least one representation of the filtered
plurality of first representations is a report on the at least one
of the chosen product and the chosen service.
[0088] [74] The method of paragraph 72, in which the at least one
first report includes a positive report.
[0089] [75] The method of paragraph 72, in which the at least one
first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
chosen product and the chosen service.
[0090] [76] The method of paragraph 74, in which the high rating
includes at least one first rating that is higher than at least one
second rating given to at least one of a non-chosen product and a
non-chosen service by at least one second report represented by at
least one other representation of the plurality of first
representations.
[0091] [77] An apparatus comprising: a machine readable medium
having stored thereon a plurality of machine instructions for
controlling at least one computer system to perform a method
according to paragraph 1.
[0092] [78] The apparatus of paragraph 76, further comprising: a
processor configured to execute at least one instruction of the
plurality of machine instructions.
[0093] [79] A method comprising: receiving a plurality of first
representations, in which each first representation represents a
respective report; receiving at least one second representation of
at least one group; and filtering the plurality of first
representations based, at least in part, on the at least one second
representation.
[0094] [80] The method of paragraph 78, in which receiving the
plurality of first representations includes receiving the plurality
of first representations from a plurality of sources.
[0095] [81] The method of paragraph 79, in which the plurality of
sources includes at least one individual.
[0096] [82] The method of paragraph 80, in which the at least one
individual includes a user of at least one website.
[0097] [83] The method of paragraph 79, in which the plurality of
sources includes at least one collector of reports.
[0098] [84] The method of paragraph 82, in which the at least one
collector of reports includes at least one website.
[0099] [85] The method of paragraph 78, in which the plurality of
first representations includes at least one electronic message.
[0100] [86] The method of paragraph 84, in which the at least one
electronic message includes at least one of an email message, an
HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0101] [87] The method of paragraph 78, in which the at least one
second representation includes at least one electronic message.
[0102] [88] The method of paragraph 86, in which the at least one
electronic message includes at least one of an email message, an
HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0103] [89] The method of paragraph 78, in which each of the
plurality of first representations further represents an originator
of the report represented by the respective first
representation.
[0104] [90] The method of paragraph 88, in which filtering the
plurality of first representations includes excluding from the
plurality of first representations at least one first
representation that represents a report that was not originated by
at least one member of the at least one group.
[0105] [91] The method of paragraph 89, in which filtering the
plurality of first representations includes excluding from the
plurality of first representations each first representation that
represents a report that was not originated by at least one member
of the at least one group.
[0106] [92] The method of paragraph 89, in which filtering the
plurality of first representations includes excluding from the
plurality of first representations at least one first
representation that represents a negative report that was
originated by at least one member of the at least one group.
[0107] [93] The method of paragraph 91, in which each of the
plurality of first representations further represents at least one
of a respective target and a respective target type and filtering
includes excluding from the plurality of first representations at
least one first representation that represents at least one of an
undesired target and an undesired target type.
[0108] [94] The method of paragraph 78, in which each first
representation of the plurality of first representations includes a
representation of at least one of a respective target and a
respective type of the respective report.
[0109] [95] The method of paragraph 93, in which the respective
includes at least one of a product, a merchant, a service, and a
service provider and the respective type includes at least one of a
type of product, a type of merchant, a type of service, and a type
of service provider.
[0110] [96] The method of paragraph 78, in which at least one
report represented by least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes an indication of at
least one purchase.
[0111] [97] The method of paragraph 78, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a service of a service provider.
[0112] [98] The method of paragraph 96, in which the at least one
report includes at least one of a review of the service, a rating
of the service, a recommendation for the service, a recommendation
against the service, and a fact regarding the service.
[0113] [99] The method of paragraph 96, in which the service
includes a delivery service.
[0114] [100] The method of paragraph 98, in which the at least one
report includes at least one of a time taken by the delivery
service, a rating of the delivery service, a review of the delivery
service, a recommendation for the delivery service, and a
recommendation against the delivery service.
[0115] [101] The method of paragraph 78, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a product of a merchant.
[0116] [102] The method of paragraph 100, in which the at least one
report includes at least one of a review of the product, a rating
of the product, a recommendation for the product, a recommendation
against the product, and a fact regarding the product.
[0117] [103] The method of paragraph 78, in which the at least one
group includes at least one social network of at least one
user.
[0118] [104] The method of paragraph 102, in which the at least one
user includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a
service provider.
[0119] [105] The method of paragraph 102, in which the at least one
user includes at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0120] [106] The method of paragraph 102, further comprising:
receiving a third representation of a potential member of the at
least one social network from at least one of the at least one user
and at least one other member of the at least one social network;
requesting an agreement to join the social network from the
potential member; and adding the potential member to the social
network if the potential member agrees to join the at least one
social network.
[0121] [107] The method of paragraph 102, further comprising:
receiving a third representation of a potential member of the at
least one social network from the potential member; requesting
acceptance of the potential member from at least one of the at
least one user and at least one other member of the at least one
social network; and adding the potential member to the at least one
social network if the at least one of the at least one user and the
at least one other member accepts the potential member.
[0122] [108] The method of paragraph 102, in which each member of
the social network is related to at least one of the at least one
user and at least one other member of the at least one social
network.
[0123] [109] The method of paragraph 107, in which each member of
the social network is a friend of at least one of the at least one
user and another member of the at least one social network.
[0124] [110] The method of paragraph 107, in which each member of
the social network is a contact of at least one of the at least one
user and another member of the at least one social network.
[0125] [111] The method of paragraph 107, in which each member of
the social network is a colleague of at least one of the at least
one user and another member of the at least one social network.
[0126] [112] The method of paragraph 78, in which at least one
member of the at least one group includes a reporter chosen by at
least one user.
[0127] [113] The method of paragraph 111, further comprising
receiving a third representation of the reporter from the at least
one user.
[0128] [114] The method of paragraph 112, further comprising adding
the chosen reporter to the at least one group.
[0129] [115] The method of paragraph 112, in which the chosen
reporter is at least one of a professional reporter, a celebrity,
and a reporting organization.
[0130] [116] The method of paragraph 78, in which the at least one
group includes at least one member having at least one desired
characteristic.
[0131] [117] The method of paragraph 115, further comprising
receiving at least one third representation of the desired
characteristic from at least one user.
[0132] [118] The method of paragraph 116, in which the at least one
second representation is received from the at least one user.
[0133] [119] The method of paragraph 116, in which the at least one
user includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a
service provider.
[0134] [120] The method of paragraph 116, in which the at least one
user includes at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0135] [121] The method of paragraph 116, in which the at least one
third representation include at least one electronic message.
[0136] [122] The method of paragraph 120, in which the at least one
electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a
database message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email
message.
[0137] [123] The method of paragraph 115, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes a geographic area.
[0138] [124] The method of paragraph 122, in which the geographic
area includes at least one of a geographic area in which the at
least one user lives and a geographic area of a place of business
of the at least one user.
[0139] [125] The method of paragraph 115, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes a profession.
[0140] [126] The method of paragraph 124, in which the profession
includes a first profession in which the at least one user
works.
[0141] [127] The method of paragraph 115, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes membership in an organization.
[0142] [128] The method of paragraph 126, in which the at least one
user is a member of the organization.
[0143] [129] The method of paragraph 78, further comprising
transmitting at least one third representation of the filtered
plurality of first representations.
[0144] [130] The method of paragraph 128, in which the at least one
third representation includes at least one interface through which
a user may view the filtered plurality of first
representations.
[0145] [131] The method of paragraph 129, in which the at least one
interface includes at least one of a website, a mobile device
interface, and an email message.
[0146] [132] The method of paragraph 129, in which the at least one
third representation includes an electronic message.
[0147] [133] The method of paragraph 131, in which the electronic
message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a database
message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email message.
[0148] [134] The method of paragraph 78, further comprising
presenting the filtered plurality of first representations to at
least one user.
[0149] [135] The method of paragraph 133, in which presenting
includes displaying the filtered plurality of first representations
through a video display.
[0150] [136] The method of paragraph 78, in which the at least one
second representation includes a representation of at least one
member of the group.
[0151] [137] The method of paragraph 78, in which the at least one
second representation includes a contact list.
[0152] [138] The method of paragraph 136, in which the at least one
group includes at least one contact of the contact list.
[0153] [139] The method of paragraph 136, in which the contact list
includes at least one email contact list.
[0154] [140] The method of paragraph 78, in which for at least one
member of the at least one group, the at least one second
representation includes at least one of a name, an email address, a
login name, a mailing address, a telephone number, and a user
identifier.
[0155] [141] The method of paragraph 78, further comprising making
at least one recommendation to a user based, at least in part, on
the filtered plurality of first representations.
[0156] [142] The method of paragraph 140, in which the at least one
recommendation includes a first recommendation for at least one of
a product of a merchant and a service of a service provider, and in
which at least one first report represented by at least one
representation of the filtered plurality of first representations
is a report on the at least one of the product and the service.
[0157] [143] The method of paragraph 141, in which the at least one
first report includes a positive report.
[0158] [144] The method of paragraph 141, in which the at least one
first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
product and the service.
[0159] [145] The method of paragraph 143, in which the high rating
includes at least one first rating that is higher than at least one
second rating given to at least one of a non-recommended product
and a non-recommended service by at least one second report
represented by at least one other representation of the plurality
of first representations.
[0160] [146] The method of paragraph 140, in which making the at
least one recommendation includes presenting at least one third
representation of at least one of a product and a service to the
user.
[0161] [147] The method of paragraph 145, in which presenting
includes displaying the at least one third representation through a
user interface.
[0162] [148] The method of paragraph 145, in which presenting
includes displaying the at least one third representations through
a video display.
[0163] [149] The method of paragraph 78, further comprising
choosing at least one of a chosen product of a merchant and a
chosen service of a service provider based, at least in part, on
the filtered plurality of first representations.
[0164] [150] The method of paragraph 148, in which at least one
first report represented by at least one representation of the
filtered plurality of first representations is a report on the at
least one of the chosen product and the chosen service.
[0165] [151] The method of paragraph 149, in which the at least one
first report includes a positive report.
[0166] [152] The method of paragraph 149, in which the at least one
first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
chosen product and the chosen service.
[0167] [153] The method of paragraph 151, in which the high rating
includes at least one first rating that is higher than at least one
second rating given to at least one of a non-chosen product and a
non-chosen service by at least one second report represented by at
least one other representation of the plurality of first
representations.
[0168] [154] An apparatus comprising: a machine readable medium
having stored thereon a plurality of machine instructions for
controlling at least one computer system to perform a method
according to paragraph 78.
[0169] [155] The apparatus of paragraph 153, further comprising: a
processor configured to execute at least one instruction of the
plurality of machine instructions.
[0170] [156] A method comprising: receiving a plurality of first
representations, in which each first representation represents a
respective report and an originator of the report; and responding
to a request from a user by providing the user at least one second
representation of at least one subset of the plurality of first
representations, in which the at least one subset does not include
at least one first representation that represents an originator
that is not a member of at least one group.
[0171] [157] The method of paragraph 155, in which the at least one
subset does not include at least one first representation that
represents an originator that is a member of the at least one group
and that represents a negative report.
[0172] [158] The method of paragraph 155, in which the at least one
subset does not include any first representations that represent an
originator that is not a member of the at least one group.
[0173] [159] The method of paragraph 157, in which the at least one
subset does not include any first representation that represents an
originator that is a member of the at least one group and that
represents a negative report.
[0174] [160] The method of paragraph 155, in which receiving the
plurality of first representations includes receiving the plurality
of first representations from a plurality of sources.
[0175] [161] The method of paragraph 159, in which the plurality of
sources includes at least one individual.
[0176] [162] The method of paragraph 160, in which the at least one
individual includes at least one user of at least one website.
[0177] [163] The method of paragraph 159, in which the plurality of
sources includes at least one collector of reports.
[0178] [164] The method of paragraph 159, in which the at least one
collector of reports includes at least one website.
[0179] [165] The method of paragraph 155, in which the plurality of
first representations includes at least one electronic message.
[0180] [166] The method of paragraph 164, in which the electronic
message includes at least one of an email message, an HTTP message,
a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS message.
[0181] [167] The method of paragraph 155, in which the at least one
request includes an electronic message.
[0182] [168] The method of paragraph 166, in which the electronic
message includes at least one of an email message, an HTTP message,
a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS message.
[0183] [169] The method of paragraph 155, in which each first
representation of the plurality of first representations includes a
representation of at least one of a respective target and a
respective type of the respective report.
[0184] [170] The method of paragraph 168, in which the at least one
subset does not include at least one first representation that
represents at least one of an undesired target and an undesired
target type.
[0185] [171] The method of paragraph 155, in which at least one
first representation of the plurality of first representations
represents an indication of at last one purchase.
[0186] [172] The method of paragraph 155, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a service of a service provider.
[0187] [173] The method of paragraph 171, in which the at least one
report includes at least one rating of the service, review of the
service, a recommendation for the service, a recommendation against
the service, and a fact regarding the service.
[0188] [174] The method of paragraph 171, in which the service
includes a delivery service.
[0189] [175] The method of paragraph 173, in which the at least one
report includes at least one of a time taken by the delivery
service, a rating of the delivery service, a review of the delivery
service, a recommendation for the delivery service, and a
recommendation against the delivery service.
[0190] [176] The method of paragraph 155, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a product of a merchant.
[0191] [177] The method of paragraph 175, in which the at least one
report includes at least one of a review of the product, a rating
of the product, a recommendation for the product, a recommendation
against the product, and a fact regarding the product.
[0192] [178] The method of paragraph 155, in which the at least one
group includes a social network of an entity.
[0193] [179] The method of paragraph 177, in which the entity
includes the user.
[0194] [180] The method of paragraph 178, in which the user
includes at least one of a merchant and a service provider.
[0195] [181] The method of paragraph 178, in which the user
includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0196] [182] The method of paragraph 177, further comprising:
receiving a third representation of a potential member of the
social network from at least one of the entity and another member
of the social network; requesting an agreement to join the social
network from the potential member; and adding the potential member
to the social network if the potential member agrees to join the
social network.
[0197] [183] The method of paragraph 177, further comprising:
receiving a third representation of a potential member of the
social network from the potential member; requesting acceptance of
the potential member from at least one of the entity and another
member of the social network; and adding the potential member to
the social network if the at least one of the entity and the other
member of the social network accepts the potential member.
[0198] [184] The method of paragraph 177, in which each member of
the social network is related to at least one of the entity and
another member of the social network.
[0199] [185] The method of paragraph 183, in which each member of
the social network is a friend of at least one of the entity and
another member of the social network.
[0200] [186] The method of paragraph 183, in which each member of
the social network is a contact of at least one of the entity and
another member of the social network.
[0201] [187] The method of paragraph 183, in which each member of
the social network is a colleague of at least one of the entity and
another member of the social network.
[0202] [188] The method of paragraph 155, in which the at least one
group includes a reporter chosen by the user.
[0203] [189] The method of paragraph 187, further comprising
receiving a third representation of the chosen reporter from the
user.
[0204] [190] The method of paragraph 188, further comprising adding
the chosen reviewer to the at least one group.
[0205] [191] The method of paragraph 188, in which the chosen
reviewer is at least one of a professional reporter, a celebrity,
and a reporting organization.
[0206] [192] The method of paragraph 155, in which the at least one
group includes at least one first member having at least one
desired characteristic.
[0207] [193] The method of paragraph 191, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes a geographic area.
[0208] [194] The method of paragraph 192, in which the geographic
area includes a geographic area in which the user lives and a
geographic area of a place of business of the user.
[0209] [195] The method of paragraph 191, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes a profession.
[0210] [196] The method of paragraph 194, in which the profession
includes a first profession in which the user works.
[0211] [197] The method of paragraph 191, in which the at least one
desired characteristic includes membership in an organization.
[0212] [198] The method of paragraph 196, in which the uses is a
member of the organization.
[0213] [199] The method of paragraph 191, further comprising
receiving at least one third representation of the desired
characteristic from the user.
[0214] [200] The method of paragraph 198, in which the at least one
third representation includes at least one electronic message.
[0215] [201] The method of paragraph 199 in which the at least one
electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a
database message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email
message.
[0216] [202] The method of paragraph 155, in which providing the
users the at least one second representation includes transmitting
the at least one second representation to the user.
[0217] [203] The method of paragraph 201, in which the at least one
second representation includes at least one electronic message.
[0218] [204] The method of paragraph 202, in which the at least one
electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, an
email, a database message, a SMS message, and a MMS message.
[0219] [205] The method of paragraph 155, in which providing the
users the at least one second representation includes displaying
the at least one second representation through at least one
interface.
[0220] [206] The method of paragraph 204, in which the at least one
interface includes at least one of a website, a mobile device
interface, and an email.
[0221] [207] The method of paragraph 155, in which the at least one
group includes at least one contact from a contact list of the
user.
[0222] [208] The method of paragraph 206, in which the contact list
includes at least one email contact list.
[0223] [209] The method of paragraph 155, further comprising
receiving at least one third representation of the at least one
group from the user.
[0224] [210] The method of paragraph 208, in which for at least one
member of the at least one group, the at least one third
representation includes at least one of a name, an email address, a
login name, a mailing address, a telephone number, and a user
identifier.
[0225] [211] The method of paragraph 155, further comprising
expanding the at least one group.
[0226] [212] The method of paragraph 155, in which responding to
the request includes making at least one recommendation based, at
least in part, on the at least one subset of the plurality of first
representations.
[0227] [213] The method of paragraph 211, in which the at least one
recommendation includes a first recommendation or at least one of a
recommended product of merchant and a recommended service of a
service provider, and in which at least one first report
represented by at least one of the at least one subset of the
plurality of first representations is a report on the at least one
of the recommended product and the recommended service.
[0228] [214] The method of paragraph 212, in which the at least one
report includes a positive report.
[0229] [215] The method of paragraph 212, in which the at least one
first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
recommended product and the recommended service.
[0230] [216] The method of paragraph 214, in which the high rating
includes at least one first rating that is higher than at least one
second rating given to at least one of a non-recommended product
and a non-recommended service by at least one second report
represented by at least one other representation of the plurality
of first representations.
[0231] [217] The method of paragraph 211, in which making the at
least one recommendation includes presenting at least one third
representation of the at least one of the recommended product and
the recommended service to the user.
[0232] [218] The method of paragraph 216, in which presenting
includes displaying the at least one third recommendation through a
user interface.
[0233] [219] The method of paragraph 216, in which presenting
includes displaying the at least one third representation through a
video display.
[0234] [220] The method of paragraph 155, in which responding to
the request includes choosing at least one of a product of a chosen
merchant and a chosen service of a service provider based, at least
in part, on the subset of the plurality of first
representations.
[0235] [221] The method of paragraph 219, in which at least one
first report represented by at least one representation of the
subset of the plurality of first representations includes a report
on the at least one of the chosen product and the chosen
service.
[0236] [222] The method of paragraph 220, in which the at least one
first report includes a positive report.
[0237] [223] The method of paragraph 220, in which the at least one
first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
chosen product and the chosen service.
[0238] [224] The method of paragraph 222, in which the high rating
includes at least one first rating that is higher than at least one
second rating given to at least one of a non-chosen product and a
non-chosen service by at least one second report representation by
at least one other representation of the plurality of first
representations.
[0239] [225] An apparatus comprising: a machine readable medium
having stored thereon a plurality of machine instructions for
controlling at least one computer system to perform a method
according to paragraph 155.
[0240] [226] The apparatus of paragraph 224, further comprising: A
processor configured to execute at least one instruction of the
plurality of machine instructions.
[0241] [227] An apparatus comprising: an first element configured
to receiving a plurality of first representations, in which each
first representation represents a report, and further configured to
receive a second representation of a first user; and a second
element configured to determine at least one group to which the
first user belongs, configured to determine at least one set of
members of the at least one group, and configured to filter the
plurality of first representations based, at least in part, on the
at least one set of members.
[0242] [228] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the first
element is configured to receive the plurality of first
representations from a plurality of sources.
[0243] [229] The apparatus of paragraph 227, in which the plurality
of sources includes at least one individual.
[0244] [230] The apparatus of paragraph 228, in which the at least
one individual includes a user of at least one website.
[0245] [231] The apparatus of paragraph 227, in which the plurality
of sources includes at least one collector of reports.
[0246] [232] The apparatus of paragraph 230, in which the at least
one collector of reports includes at least one website.
[0247] [233] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the plurality
of first representations includes at least one electronic
message.
[0248] [234] The apparatus of paragraph 232, in which the at least
one electronic message includes at least one of an email message,
an HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0249] [235] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the at least
one second representation includes at least one electronic
message.
[0250] [236] The apparatus of paragraph 234, in which the at least
one electronic message includes at least one of an email message,
an HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0251] [237] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which each of the
plurality of first representations further represents an originator
of the report represented by the respective first
representation.
[0252] [238] The apparatus of paragraph 236, in which the second
element is configured to exclude from the plurality of first
representations at least one first representation that represents a
report that was not originated by at least one member of the at
least one set of members.
[0253] [239] The apparatus of paragraph 237, in which the second
element is configured to exclude from the plurality of first
representations each first representation that represents a report
that was not originated by at least one member of the at least one
set of members.
[0254] [240] The apparatus of paragraph 237, in which the second
element is configured to exclude from the plurality of first
representations at least one first representation that represents a
negative report that was originated by at least one member of the
at least one set of members.
[0255] [241] The apparatus of paragraph 239, in which each of the
plurality of first representations further represents at least one
of a respective target and a respective target type and filtering
includes excluding from the plurality of first representations at
least one first representation that represents at least one of an
undesired target and an undesired target type.
[0256] [242] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which each first
representation of the plurality of first representations includes a
representation of at least one of a respective target and a
respective type of the respective report.
[0257] [243] The apparatus of paragraph 241, in which the
respective includes at least one of a product, a merchant, a
service, and a service provider and the respective type includes at
least one of a type of product, a type of merchant, a type of
service, and a type of service provider.
[0258] [244] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which at least one
report represented by least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes an indication of at
least one purchase.
[0259] [245] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a service of a service provider.
[0260] [246] The apparatus of paragraph 244, in which the at least
one report includes at least one of a review of the service, a
rating of the service, a recommendation for the service, a
recommendation against the service, and a fact regarding the
service.
[0261] [247] The apparatus of paragraph 244, in which the service
includes a delivery service.
[0262] [248] The apparatus of paragraph 246, in which the at least
one report includes at least one of a time taken by the delivery
service, a rating of the delivery service, a review of the delivery
service, a recommendation for the delivery service, and a
recommendation against the delivery service.
[0263] [249] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a product of a merchant.
[0264] [250] The apparatus of paragraph 248, in which the at least
one report includes at least one of a review of the product, a
rating of the product, a recommendation for the product, a
recommendation against the product, and a fact regarding the
product.
[0265] [251] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the second
element is configured to determine at least one social network to
which the first user and the set of members belong.
[0266] [252] The apparatus of paragraph 250, in which the first
user includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a
service provider.
[0267] [253] The apparatus of paragraph 250, in which the first
user includes at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0268] [254] The apparatus of paragraph 250, in which the first
element is configured to receive a third representation of a
potential member of the social network from at least one of the
first user and at least one other member of the social network, is
configured to transmit a request for an agreement to join the
social network from the potential member; and is configured to
receive a response to the request for an agreement; and the second
element is configured to add the potential member to the social
network if the potential member agrees to join the social
network.
[0269] [255] The apparatus of paragraph 250, in which the first
element is configured to receive a third representation of a
potential member of the social network from the potential member,
is configured to transmit a request for acceptance of the potential
member to at least one of the first user and at least one other
member of the social network, and is configure to receive a
response to the request for acceptance; and the second element is
configured to add the potential member to the social network if the
at least one of the first user and the at least one other member
accepts the potential member.
[0270] [256] The apparatus of paragraph 250, in which each member
of the social network is related to at least one of the first user
and at least one other member of the social network.
[0271] [257] The apparatus of paragraph 255, in which each member
of the social network is a friend of at least one of the first user
and the at least one other member of the social network.
[0272] [258] The apparatus of paragraph 255, in which each member
of the social network is a contact of at least one of the first
user and the at least one other member of the social network.
[0273] [259] The apparatus of paragraph 255, in which each member
of the social network is a colleague of at least one of the first
user and the at least one other member of the social network.
[0274] [260] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which at least one
member of the at least one group includes a reporter chosen by the
first user.
[0275] [261] The apparatus of paragraph 259, in which the first
element is further configured to receive a third representation of
the reporter from the first user.
[0276] [262] The apparatus of paragraph 260, in which the second
element is further configured to add the chosen reporter to the at
least one group.
[0277] [263] The apparatus of paragraph 260, in which the chosen
reporter is at least one of a professional reporter, a celebrity,
and a reporting organization.
[0278] [264] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the at least
one group includes at least one member having at least one desired
characteristic.
[0279] [265] The apparatus of paragraph 263, in which the first
element is configured to receive at least one third representation
of the desired characteristic from the first user.
[0280] [266] The apparatus of paragraph 264, in which the first
user includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a
service provider.
[0281] [267] The apparatus of paragraph 264, in which the first
user includes at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0282] [268] The apparatus of paragraph 263, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes a geographic area.
[0283] [269] The apparatus of paragraph 267, in which the
geographic area includes at least one of a geographic area in which
the first user lives and a geographic area of a place of business
of the first user.
[0284] [270] The apparatus of paragraph 263, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes a profession.
[0285] [271] The apparatus of paragraph 269, in which the
profession includes a first profession in which the first user
works.
[0286] [272] The apparatus of paragraph 263, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes membership in an
organization.
[0287] [273] The apparatus of paragraph 271, in which the first
user is a member of the organization.
[0288] [274] The apparatus of paragraph 263, in which the at least
one third representation include at least one electronic
message.
[0289] [275] The apparatus of paragraph 273, in which the at least
one electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a
database message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email
message.
[0290] [276] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the second
element is configured to transmit at least one third representation
of the filtered plurality of first representations.
[0291] [277] The apparatus of paragraph 275, in which the at least
one third representation includes at least one interface through
which the filtered plurality of first representations may be
viewed.
[0292] [278] The apparatus of paragraph 276, in which the at least
one interface includes at least one of a website, a mobile device
interface, and an email message.
[0293] [279] The apparatus of paragraph 275, in which the at least
one third representation includes an electronic message.
[0294] [280] The apparatus of paragraph 278, in which the
electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a
database message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email
message.
[0295] [281] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in the at least one
second representation includes at least one of a name, an email
address, a login name, a mailing address, a telephone number, and a
user identifier.
[0296] [282] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the second
element is configured to generate at least one recommendation
based, at least in part, on the filtered plurality of first
representations.
[0297] [283] The apparatus of paragraph 281, in which the at least
one recommendation includes a first recommendation for at least one
of a product of a merchant and a service of a service provider, and
in which at least one first report represented by at least one
representation of the filtered plurality of first representations
is a report on the at least one of the product and the service.
[0298] [284] The apparatus of paragraph 282, in which the at least
one first report includes a positive report.
[0299] [285] The apparatus of paragraph 282, in which the at least
one first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
product and the service.
[0300] [286] The apparatus of paragraph 284, in which the high
rating includes at least one first rating that is higher than at
least one second rating given to at least one of a non-recommended
product and a non-recommended service by at least one second report
represented by at least one other representation of the plurality
of first representations.
[0301] [287] The apparatus of paragraph 281, in which the at least
one first element is configured to transmit a at least one third
representation of the recommendation to the first user.
[0302] [288] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the second
element is further configured to choose at least one of a chosen
product of a merchant and a chosen service of a service provider
based, at least in part, on the filtered plurality of first
representations.
[0303] [289] The apparatus of paragraph 287, in which at least one
first report represented by at least one representation of the
filtered plurality of first representations is a report on the at
least one of the chosen product and the chosen service.
[0304] [290] The apparatus of paragraph 288, in which the at least
one first report includes a positive report.
[0305] [291] The apparatus of paragraph 288, in which the at least
one first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
chosen product and the chosen service.
[0306] [292] The apparatus of paragraph 290, in which the high
rating includes at least one first rating that is higher than at
least one second rating given to at least one of a non-chosen
product and a non-chosen service by at least one second report
represented by at least one other representation of the plurality
of first representations.
[0307] [293] The apparatus of paragraph 226, in which the first
element includes at least one input/output device and the second
element includes at least one processor.
[0308] [294] An apparatus comprising: at least one first element
configured to receive at least one first representation of at least
one group and further configured to receive a plurality of second
representations, in which each second representation represents a
report; and at least one second element configured to filter the
plurality of second representations based, at least in part, on the
at least one group.
[0309] [295] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the first
element is configured to receive the plurality of first
representations from a plurality of sources.
[0310] [296] The apparatus of paragraph 294, in which the plurality
of sources includes at least one individual.
[0311] [297] The apparatus of paragraph 295, in which the at least
one individual includes a user of at least one website.
[0312] [298] The apparatus of paragraph 294, in which the plurality
of sources includes at least one collector of reports.
[0313] [299] The apparatus of paragraph 297, in which the at least
one collector of reports includes at least one website.
[0314] [300] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the plurality
of first representations includes at least one electronic
message.
[0315] [301] The apparatus of paragraph 299, in which the at least
one electronic message includes at least one of an email message,
an HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0316] [302] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the at least
one second representation includes at least one electronic
message.
[0317] [303] The apparatus of paragraph 301, in which the at least
one electronic message includes at least one of an email message,
an HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0318] [304] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which each of the
plurality of first representations further represents an originator
of the report represented by the respective first
representation.
[0319] [305] The apparatus of paragraph 303, in which the second
element is configured to exclude from the plurality of first
representations at least one first representation that represents a
report that was not originated by at least one member of the at
least one group.
[0320] [306] The apparatus of paragraph 304, in which the second
element is configured to exclude from the plurality of first
representations each first representation that represents a report
that was not originated by at least one member of the at least one
group.
[0321] [307] The apparatus of paragraph 304, in which the second
element is configured to exclude from the plurality of first
representations at least one first representation that represents a
negative report that was originated by at least one member of the
at least one group.
[0322] [308] The apparatus of paragraph 306, in which each of the
plurality of first representations further represents at least one
of a respective target and a respective target type and filtering
includes excluding from the plurality of first representations at
least one first representation that represents at least one of an
undesired target and an undesired target type.
[0323] [309] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which each first
representation of the plurality of first representations includes a
representation of at least one of a respective target and a
respective type of the respective report.
[0324] [310] The apparatus of paragraph 308, in which the
respective includes at least one of a product, a merchant, a
service, and a service provider and the respective type includes at
least one of a type of product, a type of merchant, a type of
service, and a type of service provider.
[0325] [311] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which at least one
report represented by least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes an indication of at
least one purchase.
[0326] [312] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a service of a service provider.
[0327] [313] The apparatus of paragraph 311, in which the at least
one report includes at least one of a review of the service, a
rating of the service, a recommendation for the service, a
recommendation against the service, and a fact regarding the
service.
[0328] [314] The apparatus of paragraph 311, in which the service
includes a delivery service.
[0329] [315] The apparatus of paragraph 313, in which the at least
one report includes at least one of a time taken by the delivery
service, a rating of the delivery service, a review of the delivery
service, a recommendation for the delivery service, and a
recommendation against the delivery service.
[0330] [316] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a product of a merchant.
[0331] [317] The apparatus of paragraph 315, in which the at least
one report includes at least one of a review of the product, a
rating of the product, a recommendation for the product, a
recommendation against the product, and a fact regarding the
product.
[0332] [318] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the at least
one group includes at least one social network of at least one
user.
[0333] [319] The apparatus of paragraph 317, in which the at least
one user includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a
service provider.
[0334] [320] The apparatus of paragraph 317, in which the at least
one user includes at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0335] [321] The apparatus of paragraph 317, in which the first
element is configured to receive a third representation of a
potential member of the social network from at least one of the at
least one user and at least one other member of the social network,
is configured to transmit a request for an agreement to join the
social network from the potential member; and is configured to
receive a response to the request for an agreement; and the second
element is configured to add the potential member to the social
network if the potential member agrees to join the social
network.
[0336] [322] The apparatus of paragraph 317, in which the first
element is configured to receive a third representation of a
potential member of the social network from the potential member,
is configured to transmit a request for acceptance of the potential
member to at least one of the at least one user and at least one
other member of the social network, and is configure to receive a
response to the request for acceptance; and the second element is
configured to add the potential member to the social network if the
at least one of the at least one user and the at least one other
member accepts the potential member.
[0337] [323] The apparatus of paragraph 317, in which each member
of the social network is related to at least one of the at least
one user and at least one other member of the at least one social
network.
[0338] [324] The apparatus of paragraph 322, in which each member
of the social network is a friend of at least one of the at least
one user and another member of the at least one social network.
[0339] [325] The apparatus of paragraph 322, in which each member
of the social network is a contact of at least one of the at least
one user and another member of the at least one social network.
[0340] [326] The apparatus of paragraph 322, in which each member
of the social network is a colleague of at least one of the at
least one user and another member of the at least one social
network.
[0341] [327] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which at least one
member of the at least one group includes a reporter chosen by at
least one user.
[0342] [328] The apparatus of paragraph 326, in which the first
element is configured to receive a third representation of the
reporter from the at least one user.
[0343] [329] The apparatus of paragraph 327, in which the second
element is configured to add the chosen reporter to the at least
one group.
[0344] [330] The apparatus of paragraph 327, in which the chosen
reporter is at least one of a professional reporter, a celebrity,
and a reporting organization.
[0345] [331] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the at least
one group includes at least one member having at least one desired
characteristic.
[0346] [332] The apparatus of paragraph 330, in which the first
element is configured to receive at least one third representation
of the desired characteristic from at least one user.
[0347] [333] The apparatus of paragraph 331, in which the first
element is configured to receive the at least one second
representation from the at least one user.
[0348] [334] The apparatus of paragraph 331, in which the at least
one user includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a
service provider.
[0349] [335] The apparatus of paragraph 331, in which the at least
one user includes at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0350] [336] The apparatus of paragraph 331, in which the at least
one third representation include at least one electronic
message.
[0351] [337] The apparatus of paragraph 335, in which the at least
one electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a
database message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email
message.
[0352] [338] The apparatus of paragraph 330, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes a geographic area.
[0353] [339] The apparatus of paragraph 337, in which the
geographic area includes at least one of a geographic area in which
the at least one user lives and a geographic area of a place of
business of the at least one user.
[0354] [340] The apparatus of paragraph 330, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes a profession.
[0355] [341] The apparatus of paragraph 339, in which the
profession includes a first profession in which the at least one
user works.
[0356] [342] The apparatus of paragraph 330, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes membership in an
organization.
[0357] [343] The apparatus of paragraph 341, in which the at least
one user is a member of the organization.
[0358] [344] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the at least
one first element is further configured to transmit at least one
third representation of the filtered plurality of first
representations.
[0359] [345] The apparatus of paragraph 343, in which the at least
one third representation includes at least one interface through
which a user may view the filtered plurality of first
representations.
[0360] [346] The apparatus of paragraph 344, in which the at least
one interface includes at least one of a website, a mobile device
interface, and an email message.
[0361] [347] The apparatus of paragraph 343, in which the at least
one third representation includes an electronic message.
[0362] [348] The apparatus of paragraph 346, in which the
electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a
database message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email
message.
[0363] [349] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the at least
one second representation includes a representation of at least one
member of the group.
[0364] [350] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the at least
one second representation includes a contact list.
[0365] [351] The apparatus of paragraph 349, in which the at least
one member of the at least one group includes at least one contact
of the contact list.
[0366] [352] The apparatus of paragraph 349, in which the contact
list includes at least one email contact list.
[0367] [353] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which for at least
one member of the at least one group, the at least one second
representation includes at least one of a name, an email address, a
login name, a mailing address, a telephone number, and a user
identifier.
[0368] [354] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the second
element is configured to generate at least one recommendation
based, at least in part, on the filtered plurality of first
representations.
[0369] [355] The apparatus of paragraph 353, in which the at least
one recommendation includes a first recommendation for at least one
of a product of a merchant and a service of a service provider, and
in which at least one first report represented by at least one
representation of the filtered plurality of first representations
is a report on the at least one of the product and the service.
[0370] [356] The apparatus of paragraph 354, in which the at least
one first report includes a positive report.
[0371] [357] The apparatus of paragraph 354, in which the at least
one first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
product and the service.
[0372] [358] The apparatus of paragraph 356, in which the high
rating includes at least one first rating that is higher than at
least one second rating given to at least one of a non-recommended
product and a non-recommended service by at least one second report
represented by at least one other representation of the plurality
of first representations.
[0373] [359] The apparatus of paragraph 353, in which the second
element is configured to transmit at least one third representation
of the at least one recommendation.
[0374] [360] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the second
element is configured to choose at least one of a chosen product of
a merchant and a chosen service of a service provider based, at
least in part, on the filtered plurality of first
representations.
[0375] [361] The apparatus of paragraph 359, in which at least one
first report represented by at least one representation of the
filtered plurality of first representations is a report on the at
least one of the chosen product and the chosen service.
[0376] [362] The apparatus of paragraph 360, in which the at least
one first report includes a positive report.
[0377] [363] The apparatus of paragraph 360, in which the at least
one first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
chosen product and the chosen service.
[0378] [364] The apparatus of paragraph 362, in which the high
rating includes at least one first rating that is higher than at
least one second rating given to at least one of a non-chosen
product and a non-chosen service by at least one second report
represented by at least one other representation of the plurality
of first representations.
[0379] [365] The apparatus of paragraph 293, in which the first
element includes at least one input/output device and the second
element includes at least one processor.
[0380] [366] An apparatus comprising: a first element configured to
receive at least one request and further configured to receive a
plurality of first representations, in which each first
representation represents a report and an originator of the report;
and configured to respond to the at least one request by
transmitting at least one second representation of at least one
subset of the plurality of first representations, in which in the
at least one subset does not include at least one first
representations that represents an originator that is not a member
of at least one group.
[0381] [367] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the at least
one subset does not include at least one first representation that
represents an originator that is a member of the at least one group
and that represents a negative report.
[0382] [368] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which each first
representation of the plurality of first representations includes a
representation of at least one of a respective target of the
respective report and a respective target type of the respective
report.
[0383] [369] The apparatus of paragraph 367, in which the at least
one subset does not include at least one first representation that
represents at least one of an undesired target and an undesired
target type.
[0384] [370] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the first
element is configured to receive the plurality of first
representations from a plurality of sources.
[0385] [371] The apparatus of paragraph 369, in which the plurality
of sources includes at least one individual.
[0386] [372] The apparatus of paragraph 370, in which the at least
one individual includes at least one user of at least one
website.
[0387] [373] The apparatus of paragraph 369, in which the plurality
of sources includes at least one collector of reports.
[0388] [374] The apparatus of paragraph 372, in which the at least
one collector of reports includes at least one website.
[0389] [375] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the plurality
of first representations includes at least one electronic
message.
[0390] [376] The apparatus of paragraph 374, in which the
electronic message includes at least one of an email message, an
HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0391] [377] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the at least
one request includes an electronic message.
[0392] [378] The apparatus of paragraph 376, in which the
electronic message includes at least one of an email message, an
HTTP message, a database message, an MMS message, and an SMS
message.
[0393] [379] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which each first
representation of the plurality of first representations includes a
representation of at least one of a respective target and a
respective type of the respective report.
[0394] [380] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the
respective includes at least one of a product, a merchant, a
service, and a service provider and the respective type includes at
least one of a type of product, a type of merchant, a type of
service, and a type of service provider.
[0395] [381] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which at least one
first representation of the plurality of first representations
comprises an indication of at last one purchase, the report
represented by the at least one first representation comprises a
purchase by a purchaser, and the originator represented by the at
least one first representation comprises the purchaser.
[0396] [382] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a service of a service provider.
[0397] [383] The apparatus of paragraph 381, in which the at least
one report includes at least one rating of the service, review of
the service, a recommendation for the service, a recommendation
against the service, and a fact regarding the service.
[0398] [384] The apparatus of paragraph 381, in which the service
includes a delivery service.
[0399] [385] The apparatus of paragraph 383, in which the at least
one report includes at least one of a time taken by the delivery
service, a rating of the delivery service, a review of the delivery
service, a recommendation for the delivery service, and a
recommendation against the delivery service.
[0400] [386] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which at least one
report represented by at least one first representation of the
plurality of first representations includes at least one report on
a product of a merchant.
[0401] [387] The apparatus of paragraph 385, in which the at least
one report includes at least one of a review of the product, a
rating of the product, a recommendation for the product, a
recommendation against the product, and a fact regarding the
product.
[0402] [388] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the at least
one group includes a social network of an entity.
[0403] [389] The apparatus of paragraph 387, in which the entity
includes a user.
[0404] [390] The apparatus of paragraph 388, in which the user
includes at least one of a merchant and a service provider.
[0405] [391] The apparatus of paragraph 388, in which the user
includes a customer of at least one of a merchant and a service
provider.
[0406] [392] The apparatus of paragraph 387, in which each member
of the social network is related to at least one of other of the
entity and another member of the social network.
[0407] [393] The apparatus of paragraph 391, in which each member
of the social network is a friend of at least one of the entity and
another member of the social network.
[0408] [394] The apparatus of paragraph 391, in which each member
of the social network is a contact of at least one of the entity
and another member of the social network.
[0409] [395] The apparatus of paragraph 391, in which each member
of the social network is a colleague of at least one of the entity
and another member of the social network.
[0410] [396] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the at least
one group includes a reporter chosen by a user.
[0411] [397] The apparatus of paragraph 395, in which the first
element is further configured to receive a third representation of
the chosen reporter from the user.
[0412] [398] The apparatus of paragraph 396, in which the first
element is further configured to add the chosen reviewer to the at
least one group.
[0413] [399] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the chosen
reviewer is at least one of a professional reporter, a celebrity,
and a reporting organization.
[0414] [400] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the at least
one group includes at least one first member having at least one
desired characteristic.
[0415] [401] The apparatus of paragraph 399, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes a geographic area.
[0416] [402] The apparatus of paragraph 400, in which the
geographic area includes a geographic area in which the user lives
and a geographic area of a place of business of the user.
[0417] [403] The apparatus of paragraph 399, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes a profession.
[0418] [404] The apparatus of paragraph 402, in which the
profession includes a first profession in which the user works.
[0419] [405] The apparatus of paragraph 399, in which the at least
one desired characteristic includes membership in an
organization.
[0420] [406] The apparatus of paragraph 404, in which the uses is a
member of the organization.
[0421] [407] The apparatus of paragraph 399, in which the first
element is further configured to receive at least one third
representation of the desired characteristic from the user.
[0422] [408] The apparatus of paragraph 406, in which the at least
one third representation includes at least one electronic
message.
[0423] [409] The apparatus of paragraph 407, in which the at least
one electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, a
database message, a SMS message, a MMS message, and an email
message.
[0424] [410] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the first
element is configured to transmit the at least one second
representation to a user.
[0425] [411] The apparatus of paragraph 409, in which the at least
one second representation includes at least one electronic
message.
[0426] [412] The apparatus of paragraph 410, in which the at least
one electronic message includes at least one of an HTTP message, an
email, a database message, a SMS message, and a MMS message.
[0427] [413] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the first
element is configured to display the at least one second
representation through at least one interface.
[0428] [414] The apparatus of paragraph 412, in which the at least
one interface includes at least one of a website, a mobile device
interface, and an email.
[0429] [415] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the at least
one group includes at least one contact from a contact list of a
user.
[0430] [416] The apparatus of paragraph 414, in which the contact
list includes at least one email contact list.
[0431] [417] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the first
element is configured to receive at least one third representation
of the at least one group from a user.
[0432] [418] The apparatus of paragraph 416, in which for at least
one member of the at least one group, the at least one third
representation includes at least one of a name, an email address, a
login name, a mailing address, a telephone number, and a user
identifier.
[0433] [419] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the first
element is configured to maintain and generate the at least one
group.
[0434] [420] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in the first element
is configured to make at least one recommendation based, at least
in part, on the at least one subset of the plurality of first
representations.
[0435] [421] The apparatus of paragraph 419, in which the at least
one recommendation includes a first recommendation or at least one
of a recommended product of merchant and a recommended service of a
service provider, and in which at least one first report
represented by at least one of the at least one subset of the
plurality of first representations is a report on the at least one
of the recommended product and the recommended service.
[0436] [422] The apparatus of paragraph 420, in which the at least
one report includes a positive report.
[0437] [423] The apparatus of 420, in which the at least one first
report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
recommended product and the recommended service.
[0438] [424] The apparatus of paragraph 421, in which the high
rating includes at least one first rating that is higher than at
least one second rating given to at least one of a non-recommended
product and a non-recommended service by at least one second report
represented by at least one other representation of the plurality
of first representations.
[0439] [425] The apparatus of paragraph 419, in which the first
element is configured to present at least one third representation
of the at least one of the recommended product and the recommended
service to a user.
[0440] [426] The apparatus of paragraph 424, in which the first
element is configured to display the at least one third
recommendation through a user interface.
[0441] [427] The apparatus of paragraph 424, in which the first
element is configured to display the at least one third
representation through a video display.
[0442] [428] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the first
element is configured to choose at least one of a product of a
chosen merchant and a chosen service of a service provider based,
at least in part, on the subset of the plurality of first
representations.
[0443] [429] The apparatus of paragraph 427, in which at least one
first report represented by at least one representation of the
subset of the plurality of first representations includes a report
on the at least one of the chosen product and the chosen
service.
[0444] [430] The apparatus of paragraph 428, in which the at least
one first report includes a positive report.
[0445] [431] The apparatus of paragraph 428, in which the at least
one first report includes a high rating of the at least one of the
chosen product and the chosen service.
[0446] [432] The apparatus of paragraph 430, in which the high
rating includes at least one first rating that is higher than at
least one second rating given to at least one of a non-chosen
product and a non-chosen service by at least one second report
representation by at least one other representation of the
plurality of first representations.
[0447] [433] The apparatus of paragraph 365, in which the first
element includes at least one computer system.
Terms
[0448] [434] A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is
mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment
described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0449] [435] The terms "including", "comprising", "having",
"containing", "involving", and variations thereof mean "including
but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise. The
terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly
specified otherwise. The term "plurality" means "two or more",
unless expressly specified otherwise. The term "herein" means "in
the present application, including anything which may be
incorporated by reference", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0450] [436] The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase
modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of
things) means any combination of one or more of those things,
unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the phrase "at
least one of a widget, a car and a wheel" means either (i) a
widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a
widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a
car and a wheel.
[0451] [437] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on",
unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase
"based on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on".
Similarly, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based on the
entirety of", "based on all of", or variations thereon, unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0452] [438] The term "e.g." and like terms mean "for example", and
thus does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in
the sentence "the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data
structure) over the Internet", the term "e.g." explains that
"instructions" are an example of "data" that the computer may send
over the Internet, and also explains that "a data structure" is an
example of "data" that the computer may send over the Internet.
However, both "instructions" and "a data structure" are merely
examples of "data", and other things besides "instructions" and "a
data structure" can be "data".
[0453] [439] The term "determining" and grammatical variants
thereof (e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, determine
an object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely
broad sense. The term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of
actions and therefore "determining" can include calculating,
computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g.,
looking up in a table, a database or another data structure),
ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include
receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing
data in a memory) and the like. Also, "determining" can include
resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.
[0454] [440] The term "determining" does not imply certainty or
absolute precision, and therefore "determining" can include
estimating, predicting, guessing and the like. The term
"determining" does not imply that mathematical processing must be
performed, and does not imply that numerical methods must be used,
and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used. The term
"determining" does not imply that any particular device must be
used. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform the
determining.
[0455] [441] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment",
"embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more
embodiments", "some embodiments", "certain embodiments", "one
embodiment", "another embodiment" and the like mean "one or more
(but not all) embodiments of the present invention", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0456] [442] The term "report" and variations thereof used herein
mean any information concerning one or more products, services,
merchants and/or service providers. In some example
implementations, a report may include a written or oral review
and/or a quantitative or qualitative assessment (e.g., four stars,
thumbs up, 98%). In some example implementations, a report may
include a positive or negative recommendation. In some example
implementations, a report may include an indication of a fact, for
example, a photograph of a product, a recording of speed (e.g.,
delivery time), a measurement of weight, a recording of color, etc.
In some further example implementations, a report may include an
indication of a purchase of a good from a merchant and/or a service
from a service provider.
[0457] [443] The term "electronic message" and variations thereof
used herein should be understood to mean any electronic
representation of information. For example an HTTP message, an SMS
message, a database message, an MMS message, a database message
(e.g., SQL message) or any other series of electrical signals that
represent information may be considered an electronic message. An
electronic message does not include information identifying a
source and/or destination such as the information typically present
in a TCP/IP header. Rather, the electronic message should be
considered the body/content of the TCP/IP packet.
[0458] [444] The term "representation" and variations thereof used
herein in reference to a thing should be understood to refer to any
indication of at least a portion of the thing. A representation of
a report, for example, may include any indication of at least a
portion of the report. In some embodiments, the thing may be
determined by a person or computing device from the representation
of the thing. In some example implementations, a representation may
include a copy of a thing in any of a variety of formats,
compressions, and/or encryptions. In another example
implementation, a representation may include an index or other
identifier of a thing, such as a position in a list, an ID number,
or a database key. A representation of a thing may be in the same
or different medium as an original thing. For example, a number "1"
may represent a sound, a color, a rating, or any other thing
depending, e.g., on the configuration of a computing system
configured to interpret the number. A representation may be divided
into a plurality of portions, such as a plurality of electronic
messages being transmitted from one location to another.
[0459] [445] The term "collector of reports" and variations thereof
used herein should be understood to mean any component or
individual or set of components or individuals that collect/store
at least one representation of a report. A collector of reports,
for example, may include a database server on which a database of
reports is stored, the database stored on the server, and a website
(i.e., a web server and/or other components used to operate a
website such as executed programs) through which a user may enter a
report that is stored on the database server.
[0460] [446] The term "monitor" and variations thereof should be
understood to mean any component or individual or set of components
or individual configured to monitor one or more events and generate
a report based, at least in part, on the one or more events. A
monitor may include an executed computer program. A monitor (e.g.,
a program executed by one or more computer systems), for example,
may monitor the time needed to perform a delivery service and
generate a report indicating that time with the customer of the
delivery service identified as the originator of the report. For a
second example, a monitor (e.g., a website) may monitor purchases
of products by a customer and generate reports indicating the
purchases with the customer identified as the originator.
[0461] [447] The term "source" and variations thereof used herein
should be understood to mean any intermediate and/or original
provider of a report. For example, in some implementations, a
source may include a person that originally generates a report
(e.g., by entering the report into a user interface). In some
implementations, a source may include a monitor. In some
implementations, a source may include a collector of reports that
may have collected reports from another collector of reports, an
originator, or a monitor. A source of a report may be the same or
different from an originator of a report.
[0462] [448] The term "originator" and variations thereof used
herein should be understood to mean an individual or organization
responsible for the creation of a report. An originator of a report
may be but is not required to be different from a source of a
report. For example, in some embodiments, an originator of a report
may be an individual who creates the report by entering it into a
user interface. In some embodiments, an originator of a report may
be an individual whose actions result in the report being created
(e.g., an individual that makes a purchase resulting in the report
being generated by a monitor, an individual that places an order
for service to be performed, such as delivery of a product, that
results in a report being generated by a monitor).
[0463] [449] The term "social network" and variations thereof used
herein should be understood to mean a set of individuals, in which
each individual of the set socially relates to the other members of
the set through some social contact, either directly or indirectly.
A social network of a particular individual refers to a social
network in which each member of the set is socially related to the
individual either directly or through other members of the set. In
some embodiments, the members may be friends, family, neighbors,
colleagues, and/or acquaintances. In some embodiments, a social
network of a particular individual may be limited to members that
are directly socially related to the individual or related through
a maximum number of other members of the set.
[0464] [450] A "user" of an embodiment of the present invention may
include individuals, organizations and/or computer systems that
receive from or transmit to any component of an embodiment of the
present invention either directly or indirectly. For example, a
user may include a visitor to a website configured in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. A user may also
include an originator of a report collected by a collector of
reports.
Forms of Sentences
[0465] [451] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of
a feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation
such as "at least one widget" covers one widget as well as more
than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the
first claim, the second claim uses a definite article "the" to
refer to the limitation (e.g., "the widget"), this does not imply
that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does
not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature
(e.g., "the widget" can cover both one widget and more than one
widget).
[0466] [452] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second",
"third" and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that
ordinal number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise)
merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish
that particular feature from another feature that is described by
the same term or by a similar term. For example, a "first widget"
may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a "second
widget". Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and
"second" before the term "widget" does not indicate any other
relationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not
indicate any other characteristics of either or both widgets. For
example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second"
before the term "widget" (1) does not indicate that either widget
comes before or after any other in order or location; (2) does not
indicate that either widget occurs or acts before or after any
other in time; and (3) does not indicate that either widget ranks
above or below any other, as in importance or quality. In addition,
the mere usage of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit
to the features identified with the ordinal numbers (e.g., "a
plurality of first widgets" indicates two or more widgets that are
distinct from other widgets). For example, the mere usage of the
ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget" does
not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets.
[0467] [453] When a single device or article is described herein,
more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may
alternatively be used in place of the single device/article that is
described. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as
being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more
than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate).
[0468] [454] Similarly, where more than one device or article is
described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single
device/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than
one device or article that is described. For example, a plurality
of computer-based devices may be substituted with a single
computer-based device. Accordingly, the various functionality that
is described as being possessed by more than one device or article
may alternatively be possessed by a single device/article.
[0469] [455] The functionality and/or the features of a single
device that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or
more other devices which are described but are not explicitly
described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other
embodiments need not include the described device itself, but
rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in
those other embodiments, have such functionality/features.
Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting
[0470] [456] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the
first page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth
at the end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting
in any way as the scope of the present invention. An Abstract has
been included in this application merely because an Abstract of not
more than 150 words is required under 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b).
[0471] [457] The title of the present application and headings of
sections provided in the present application are for convenience
only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any
way.
[0472] [458] Numerous embodiments are presented for illustrative
purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not
intended to be, limiting in any sense. One of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced with
various modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,
software, and electrical modifications. Although particular
features of the present invention may be described with reference
to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be
understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one
or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which
they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0473] [459] Devices that are described as in communication with
each other need not be in continuous communication with each other,
unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices
need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may
actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For
example, a machine in communication with another machine via the
Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long
periods of time (e.g. weeks at a time). In addition, devices that
are in communication with each other may communicate directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0474] [460] A description of an embodiment with several components
or features does not imply that all or even any of such
components/features are required. On the contrary, a variety of
optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of
possible embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no component/feature is essential or
required.
[0475] [461] Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be
described in a particular sequential order, such processes may be
configured to work in different orders. In other words, any
sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described does
not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed
in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be
performed in any order. Further, some steps may be performed
simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring
non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the
other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its
depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process
is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does
not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are
necessary to the present invention, and does not imply that the
illustrated process is preferred.
[0476] [462] Although a process may be described as including a
plurality of steps, that does not imply that all or any of the
steps are preferred, essential or required. Various other
embodiments within the scope of the present invention may include
other processes that omit some or all of the described steps.
Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step is essential or
required.
[0477] [463] Although a process or product may be described singly
or without reference to other processes or products, in some
embodiments the process or product may interact with other
processes or products. For example, such interaction may include
linking one business model to another business model. Such
interaction may be provided to enhance the flexibility or
desirability of the process.
[0478] [464] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually
exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an
enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any
category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the
enumerated list "a computer, a laptop, a PDA" does not imply that
any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive
and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list
are comprehensive of any category. Also, an enumerated list of
items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or
all of the items are equivalent to each other or readily
substituted for each other.
Computing
[0479] [465] It should be appreciated that the various processes
described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately
programmed computer systems, e.g., general purpose computers 101
and/or computing devices 103, illustrated in FIG. 1. A computing
device 103 may include a specialized or general purpose computing
device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant,
and/or any other portable or non-portable computing system that is
not a general purpose computer.
[0480] [466] A "processor" 105 means one or more microprocessors,
central processing units (CPUs), computing devices,
microcontrollers, digital signal processors, application specific
integrated circuits, or like devices or any combination thereof. A
processor may include an Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM., Centrino.RTM.,
and/or Core.RTM. processor. Typically a processor 105 will receive
instructions (e.g., from a memory or like device), and execute
those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes
defined by those instructions.
[0481] [467] Thus a description of a process is likewise a
description of an apparatus for performing the process. The
apparatus that performs the process may include, e.g., a processor
105 and those input devices and/output output devices (e.g., a
keyboard 107, mouse, trackball, microphone, touch screen, printing
device, display screen 109, speaker, network interface 111) that
are appropriate to perform the process.
[0482] [468] Further, programs (i.e., collections of instructions)
that implement such methods (as well as other types of data) may be
stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g.,
machine-readable media) in a number of manners. In some
embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in
place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software
instructions that can implement the processes of various
embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software
may be used instead of software only.
[0483] [469] In some embodiments, the processor 105 may execute an
operating system which may include, for example, the Windows-based
operating systems (e.g., Windows NT, Windows 2000 (Windows ME),
Windows XP, Windows Vista operating systems) available from the
Microsoft Corporation, MAC OS System X operating system available
from Apple Computer, one or more of the Linux-based operating
system distributions (e.g., the Enterprise Linux operating system
available from Red Hat Inc.), the Solaris operating system
available from Sun Microsystems, or UNIX operating systems
available from various sources. Many other operating systems may be
used, and the invention is not limited to any particular operating
system.
[0484] [470] The processor and operating system together may define
a computer platform for which programs stored on machine-readable
medium may be written in various programming languages, including
an object-oriented programming language, such as SmallTalk, Java,
C++, Ada, Python, or C# (C-Sharp), functional programming
languages, scripting programming languages, and/or logical
programming languages. Various aspects of the invention may be
implemented in a non-programmed environment (e.g., documents
created in HTML, XML or other format that, when viewed in a window
of a browser program, render aspects of a GUI or perform other
functions).
[0485] [471] Various embodiments of the present invention may
include in a network environment including one or more computing
systems (e.g., general purpose computers 101, other computing
devices 103) in communication through one or more communication
networks (e.g., a LAN 119, the Internet 121). The computer systems
may communicate directly or indirectly, via any wired or wireless
medium (e.g. the Internet 121, LAN 119, WAN or Ethernet, Token
Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical
communications line, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin
board systems, a satellite communications link, cellular telephone
networks, a WI-FI network, a Bluetooth communication link, a
combination of any of the above).
[0486] [472] Various aspects of the invention (e.g., program
elements stored on machine-readable media and executable by one or
more processors) may be distributed among one or more computer
systems configured to provide a service to one or more client
computer systems. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of
computing systems may be organized as a central authority connected
to a LAN of other communication network. These computing systems
may receive requests and other information from remote computing
systems through the Internet 121.
[0487] [473] In some embodiments of the present invention, one or
more computer system may act as a database server that stores
representations of reports, representations of groups, information
regarding users, and/or any other desired information. The database
server may respond to database requests such as structured query
language (SQL) queries by providing access to a database (e.g.,
searching of the database, writing to the database).
[0488] [474] In some embodiments, one or more computer systems may
act as a web server. A web server may be configured to respond to
network requests (e.g., HTTP messages) from web browsers executed
by remote computer systems. For example, a web browser 123 executed
by a computing system may direct an HTTP message through the
Internet 121 to an edge routing device 125 connected to the LAN
119. The edge routing 125 device may be configured to direct the
HTTP message to the web server through the LAN 119. The web server
may provide a response (e.g., an HTML document) to the web browser
123 through the edge routing device 125 and Internet 121. The web
server may be configured to communicate with other computer systems
(e.g., a database server) to generate responses to such a received
request.
[0489] [475] In some embodiments, a server computer or centralized
authority may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the
present invention may, in an embodiment, be practiced on one or
more computing devices without a central authority. In such an
embodiment, any functions described herein as performed by a server
or data described as stored on a general purpose computer may
instead be performed by or stored on one or more such computing
devices.
[0490] [476] The term "machine-readable medium" refers to any
medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions,
data structures) which may be read by a computer, a processor or a
like device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not
limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission
media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic
disks 113 and other persistent memory. Volatile media include
dynamic random access memory 115 (DRAM), which typically
constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial
cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that
comprise a system bus 117 coupled to the processor. Transmission
media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and
electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio
frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms
of machine-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any other magnetic
medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, a
paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a
RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or
cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other
medium from which a computer can read.
[0491] [477] Various forms of machine-readable media may be
involved in carrying data (e.g., sequences of instructions) to a
processor. For example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a
processor; (ii) carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii)
formatted and/or transmitted according to numerous formats,
standards or protocols, such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP,
Bluetooth.TM., and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and/or (iv)
encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of a variety of
ways well known in the art.
[0492] [478] Thus a description of a process is likewise a
description of a machine-readable medium storing a program for
performing the process. The machine-readable medium can store (in
any appropriate format) those program elements that are appropriate
to perform the process.
[0493] [479] Where a process is described, in some embodiments the
process may operate without any user intervention. In other
embodiments, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a
step is performed by or with the assistance of a human).
[0494] [480] Just as the description of various steps in a process
does not indicate that all the described steps are required,
embodiments of an apparatus may include one or more computer
systems operable to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the
described process.
[0495] [481] Likewise, just as the description of various steps in
a process does not indicate that all the described steps are
required, embodiments of a machine-readable medium storing a
program or data structure include a machine-readable medium storing
a program that, when executed, can cause one or more processors to
perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0496] [482] Where databases are described, it will be understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed.
Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented
herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or
elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the number and content of the entries can
be different from those described herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement processes described herein. In
addition, the databases may, in a known manner, be stored locally
or remotely from a device which accesses data in such a
database.
Continuing Applications
[0497] [483] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary
skill in the art, an enabling description of several embodiments
and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may
not be claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be
claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the
benefit of priority of the present application. Applicants may file
additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that
has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present
application.
Exemplary Embodiments
[0498] [484] Methods and apparatus related to filtering reports
based on groups are described herein. For example, some embodiments
of the present invention relate to filtering a plurality of reports
to exclude those reports that are not originated by members of a
desired group (e.g., a social network). By filtering reports in
this way, a viewer of the reports easily focus on those reports
originated by preferred sources, such as friends and relatives, and
ignore those reports originated by untrusted or unknown
sources.
[0499] [485] FIG. 2 illustrates a process 200, beginning at block
201, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention
(e.g., may be performed by a computing system as described above,
may be stored on a machine-readable medium as described above).
Process 200 includes receiving a plurality of representations,
wherein each representation represents at least one respective
report (indicated at block 203); receiving at least one
representation of a group (indicated at block 205); receiving a
request to filter the plurality of representations (indicated at
block 207); filtering the plurality of representations based, at
least in part, on the group (indicated at block 209); and providing
a representation of the filtered plurality of representations to at
least one user (indicated at block 211).
[0500] [486] As indicated at block 203, process 200 may include
receiving a plurality of representations, wherein each
representation of the plurality of representations representing a
respective report. The plurality of representations may be received
from a plurality of sources. In some embodiments, the sources may
include individuals (e.g., users of a website may enter the report
through a web browser), a monitor of an event (e.g., a website
configured to transmit a representation of a report upon a purchase
of a product through the website) and/or collectors of reports
(e.g., websites or database that may collect reports). In some
embodiments, a webcrawler may search a plurality of collectors or
reports to obtain one or more representations of the plurality of
representations. It should be recognized that some embodiments of
process 200 may not receive any representations of reports, but
rather may begin a process already in possession of a
representations of reports.
[0501] [487] In some embodiments, each representation of the
plurality of representations may include one or more electronic
messages. The electronic messages may be in any format including
standard machine readable formats such as SQL or other database
messages, MMS messages, SMS messages, email messages, and HTTP
messages. Individuals may send the representations in any format
and through any means including through a user interface such as a
website accessible through the Internet by a standard web browser,
through a mobile device interface, such as a cellular phone, and/or
through an email client. In some embodiments, a report may be
transmitted from a collector of reports or a monitor through a
database message, e.g., in response to a database query sent to the
collector of reports or as a write request to the database from the
monitor.
[0502] [488] In some embodiments, a report may be received from a
monitor after an occurrence of a trigger event (e.g., a purchase of
a product, a delivery of a good). For example, in one embodiment, a
time when an order is received from a user (e.g., entered through a
user interface by the user) and a time when the order is fulfilled
(e.g., when a product is deliver, when a service is completed) may
be monitored. A report may be generated by the monitor indicating
the time needed to fill the order. In some embodiments, the monitor
may then transmit a representation of the report to one or more
computer systems performing process 200. For a second example, a
purchase of a product or service (e.g., though a user interface by
a user) may trigger a transmission of a representation of a report
indicating the occurrence of the purchase. It should be understood
that in some embodiments, the same computer system or systems may
act as a monitor and perform part or all of process 200.
[0503] [489] In some embodiments, a representation of a report may
also represent an originator of the report. By connecting
originators to reports in such a way, a report may be attributed to
an individual who is most responsible for the report and who may
verify the report, and reports may be tracked and/or filtered based
on the originators.
[0504] [490] In some embodiments, a representation of a report may
also represent a target of the report. A target of the report may
include a product, service, service provide, and/or merchant which
the report is about. For example, a target of a report indicating a
purchase of a product may include a representation of the
product.
[0505] [491] After receiving each representation of a respective
report, at least a portion of the content of the report may be
stored, for example, on a machine-readable medium. In some
embodiments, the at least a portion of the report may be stored in
a database table on a database server. One example of a database
table in which the at least a portion of the report may be stored
according to some embodiments of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 3A. As illustrated for examples only, the at
least a portion of the report may include phrases (e.g., "I like
this product"), facts describing the target (e.g., 7 pounds),
ratings (e.g., rating 1), or an indication of whether or not a
target is recommended. In some embodiments, the at least a portion
of the content may be limited to one type of information (e.g.,
only ratings, only facts, only written phrases). As illustrated,
each at least a portion of a report may be stored in a database
table along with a unique ID that may be used to identify the
report, an identification of an originator of the report, and/or an
identification of a target of the report. It should be understood
that this table is an example only and that other embodiments may
include more or fewer database columns.
[0506] [492] As indicated in block 205, process 200 may include
receiving at least one representation of a group. As discussed with
respect to the plurality of representations of the plurality of
reports, the at least on representation of a group may include one
or more electronic messages. The electronic messages may be in any
format including standard machine readable formats such as SQL or
other database messages, MMS messages, SMS messages, email
messages, and HTTP messages. It should be recognized that some
embodiments of process 200 may not receive any representations of a
group, but rather may begin a process already in possession of the
representation of the group.
[0507] [493] In some embodiments, the group may include a social
network. For example, in some embodiments, the group may include a
social network of a user of a website or computing device. The
social network may be the social network of a customer (e.g., an
individual choosing to purchase a product or service from a
merchant or service provider) or a social network of a merchant or
service provider. In some embodiments, a representation of the
social network or other group associated with the user may include
a representation of the user.
[0508] [494] Some embodiments of the present invention may be
configured to maintain one or more groups. For example, FIG. 3B
illustrates a database table that may be used by some embodiments
of the present invention to maintain a group and/or track users. As
illustrated, each row of the table is associated with one user.
Each row includes elements indicating a unique identifier for the
user that may be used to identify the user, a name of the user, and
login information, such as a login name and password that may be
used to log the user into and/or securely identify the user to a
computer system on which some portion of the process 200 may be
performed (e.g., through a website or other user interface). In
some embodiments, alternative or additional information may be
included in such a database table, including identification
information such as an email address, a telephone number, a mailing
address, and/or any other information that may identify the user.
In some embodiments, user information may be obtained from one or
more collectors of reports and/or monitors. A database table may be
configured to store a set of information that is compatible with
user information collected by the one or more collectors of reports
and/or monitors. For example, if a first collector of reports
associates reports only with email addresses and a second collector
of reports associates reports only with names, some embodiments of
the present invention may include a database that can associate
each user with either a name or an email address.
[0509] [495] As illustrated in the table of FIG. 3B, an entry for a
user may include an element identifying at least some of the other
users in the user's social network. For example, User1 in the
illustrated table is networked to both User4 and User3, and
likewise, User3 and User4 are each networked to User1. A social
network of a user may be generated by determining the other users
to which the user is networked. A social network may also include
any number of successive levels of network users (e.g., the users
to which the other users are network). In some embodiments, the
number of successive levels may be determined by a system
administrator. In some embodiments, an indication of the number of
successive levels may be included in the representation of the
group.
[0510] [496] In some embodiments, a social network of a user may be
expanded unilaterally by the user. For example, a first user may
request that a second user be added to the first user's social
network. When the request is received, the second user may be added
to the first user's social network, for example by adding the
second user to the first user's networked users list in the table
of FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, the first user may also be added
to the second user's networked users list.
[0511] [497] In some embodiments, a social network of a user may be
expanded bilaterally. For example, a first user may request a
second user be added to the first user's social network. After
receiving that request, an embodiment of the present invention may
request acceptance from the second user (e.g., transmit a request
for agreement to being added to the first user's social network).
If the second user agrees to join the first user's social network,
such an embodiment may then add the second user to the first user's
social network (e.g., by adding the second user to the first user's
networked users list). In some embodiments, the first user may also
be added to the second user's social network.
[0512] [498] In some embodiments, a second user may request to be
added to a first user's social network. As described above, some
embodiments may add such a user unilaterally. As described above,
some embodiments may add such a user bilaterally.
[0513] [499] Limiting the expansion of a social network to
bilateral expansion may help ensure that each member of a social
network is, in fact, socially related to another member of the
social network. The social relationships between members may
include, for example, one or more of friends, family, contacts,
acquaintances, neighbors and colleagues. In some embodiments, the
social relationships may be limited to one or more of these or
other categories (e.g., a family social network, a neighborhood
social network, etc.).
[0514] [500] In some embodiments that maintain a database table
similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 3B, a representation of a
group (e.g., social network) may include a representation of a
user. As discussed above, the social network associated with that
user may be derived from the identity of the user by searching the
networked users column of the table of FIG. 3B. The representation
of the user may include any information from which the user's
identity may be derived, including, in various embodiments, a name,
an email address, a login name, a user identifier (e.g., id
number), a telephone number, a mailing address, and/or any other
information that may identify the user.
[0515] [501] In some embodiments, other ways of maintaining and/or
generating a social network may be additionally or alternatively
employed. For example, in some embodiments, a contact list (e.g.,
an email contact list such as the one used by Microsoft.RTM.
Outlook.RTM., a telephone number list maintained on a cellular
telephone) may be used to maintain and identify a user's social
network. In such embodiments, the contact list may be maintained
either on a user's personal computing device (e.g., a personal
computer, a cellular phone) and/or on a server computer. In some
embodiments, filtering of reports based on the group, as discussed
below, may occur by the user's personal computing device and/or by
the server computer.
[0516] [502] In some embodiments, a group may additionally or
alternatively include one or more chosen reporters. A chosen
reporter may include any individual or origination that originates
a report regardless of whether that chosen reporter is socially
related to any other user. In some embodiments, a chosen reporter
may include a celebrity, a professional reporter, and/or a
reporting organization (e.g., Consumer Reports.RTM.). By allowing
such chosen reporters outside of a user's social network to be
added to a group, such embodiments may allow representations of
reports from originators that may not be socially related to a user
to be included in a representation of a filtered plurality of
representations of reports if the reports are nonetheless
originated by a trusted originator.
[0517] [503] The representation of the group received by some
embodiments may include a representation of a chosen reporter. In
some embodiments, a reporter of the embodiment may choose such
reporters through a user interface. In some embodiments, choosing a
user may be similar to unilaterally adding a member to a social
network. For example, a user may choose one or more reporters,
submit a request to add those chosen reporters to a group of chosen
reporters, an embodiment of the invention may receive that request
and add the chosen reporters to a group of chosen reporters
associated with the user. In some embodiments, for example, as
illustrated in the table of FIG. 3B, such users may be added to a
list of chosen users in a database table.
[0518] [504] As another example of a method of maintaining a group,
some embodiments may maintain a group based on one or more desired
characteristics. For example, a group may include only members
having one or more desired characteristics. In such embodiments, a
representation of a group may include a representation of the one
or more desired characteristics. In some embodiments the desired
characteristics may include a geographic location such as a place
of business or a place in which a user lives, a profession such as
a profession in which a user who transmits the representation of
the desired characteristic works, a membership in an organization
such as an organization (e.g., company club, etc.) in which a user
who transmits the representations of the desired characteristic is
a member, and/or any other desired characteristics, including
demographic information such as gender, income, marital status,
etc.
[0519] [505] As illustrated in the table of FIG. 3B,
characteristics associated with each user may be recorded in a
database table. In some embodiments, for example, a user of such a
computer system (e.g., a user of a website or other user interface)
may be asked to provide such characteristics upon signing up with
the computer system through a user interface (e.g., a website). The
table of FIG. 3B may be searched to find users having desired
characteristics by searching this list of characteristics for the
desired characteristics.
[0520] [506] As indicated in block 207, process 200 may include
receiving a request to filter the plurality of representations from
a user. In some embodiments, a user may transmit such a request
through a user interface, for example, by clicking on a button or
link on a website or a button of a portable computing device. In
some embodiments, receiving the request and the representation of
the group may be part of a single act rather than separate acts.
For example, the request may include the representation of the
group.
[0521] [507] As indicated in block 209, process 200 may include
filtering the plurality of representations based, at lease in part,
on the group. In some embodiments, filtering the plurality of
representations may include excluding representations that
represent reports not originated by a member of the group from a
new representation of reports. FIG. 4 illustrates a process 400
that begins at block 401 and may be performed to filter the
plurality of representations in accordance with some embodiments of
the present invention. Process 400 includes determining members of
the group (indicated at block 403), determining which
representations of the plurality of representations represent a
respective report originated by at least one of the members of the
group (indicated at block 405), and generating a representation of
the determined respective reports or representations of reports
(indicated at block 407).
[0522] [508] As indicated in block 403, process 400 may include
determining members of the group. As described above, members of a
group may be determined in some embodiments by reference to a
database table such as the table illustrated in FIG. 3B (e.g.,
through a database query). In other embodiments, members of the
group may be determined in any method from any information, for
example, from a different database table, from a contact list, etc.
These determined members make up a set of members.
[0523] [509] As indicated in block 405, process 400 may include
determining which representations of the plurality of
representations of reports represent reports originated by any of
the members of the set of members. For example, this may be
performed by comparing the originator of each report (e.g., from
the database table of FIG. 3A) to the set of members. In some
embodiments, this may be performed through one or more database
queries.
[0524] [510] As indicated in block 407, process 400 may include
generating a representation of these determined (i.e., filtered)
respective reports or representations of reports. In some
embodiments, the representation may include a representation of
each of the plurality of representations having an originator that
is a member of the group. The representation may be comprised of
one or more electronic messages. The electronic messages may be in
any format including standard machine readable formats such as SQL
or other database messages, MMS messages, SMS messages, email
messages, and HTTP messages. Process 400 may end at block 409.
[0525] [511] In some embodiments, a process of filtering the
representations may include filtering representations of negative
reports. Such embodiments may include additional acts of
determining if a report is positive (e.g., a high rating, a
recommendation for a thing, etc.) or negative (a low rating, a
recommendation against a thing, etc.). The representations of the
negative reports may be excluded from the representation of the
determined plurality of representations (e.g., at block 407).
[0526] [512] Returning to FIG. 2, as indicated in block 211,
process 200 may include providing the representation of the
filtered plurality of representations to the at least one user. In
some embodiments, the representation may be provided by
transmitting one or more electronic messages to one or more
computing systems. In some embodiments, the representation may
include or be provided through a user interface, such as a user
interface transmitted through the Internet or another communication
network. For example, the user interface may include a website, a
mobile device interface, and/or an email message. In some
embodiments, the representation may be provided to the user by
presenting the representation through a video display screen (e.g.,
a computer monitor, a portable device display) Process 200 may end
at block 213.
[0527] [513] Some embodiments of the invention may include an act
of making a recommendation to the user based on the filtered
plurality of representations. The recommendation may be provided to
the user instead of or in addition to the representation of the
filtered plurality of representations. The recommendation may
include a recommendation for a product, merchant, service and/or
service provider. The product, merchant, service, and/or service
provider may be a target of at least one report represented by at
least one representation of the filtered plurality of
representations. The at least one report may be a positive report
(e.g., a recommendation for a product, a high rating). In some
embodiments, the recommendation may be for a target associated with
the largest number of positive reports represented by the filtered
plurality of representations. The recommendation may be for a
target associated with a highest rating or highest aggregate rating
of all the targets associated with the filtered plurality of
representations.
[0528] [514] Some embodiments of the present invention may include
an act of choosing a product, service, merchant, and/or service
provider based, at least in part, on the filtered plurality of
representations. The product, service, merchant, and/or service
provider may be chosen instead of or in addition to the making of a
recommendation and/or the transmission/presentation of the filtered
plurality of representations. The chosen product, merchant,
service, and/or service provider may be a target of at least one
report represented by at least one representation of the filtered
plurality of representations. The target, for example, may be
purchased from a merchant or service provider automatically, or a
service or product may be purchased from a target automatically. In
some embodiments, a user, after receiving a recommendation and/or a
representation of the filtered plurality of representations may
choose one or more of the targets represented by the filtered
plurality of representations through a user interface, such as a
website. In some embodiments, the chosen target may be associated
with the largest number of positive reports represented by the
filtered plurality of representations. The target may be associated
with a highest rating or highest aggregate rating of all the
targets associated with the filtered plurality of
representations.
[0529] [515] Some embodiments of the present invention may include
an act of sorting the filtered plurality of representations. In
some embodiments, for example, sorting may be performed, for
example, based on a degree of a recommendation (e.g., the highest
and/or lowest ratings may be placed first in a list of reports). In
some embodiments, for example, sorting may be performed, for
example, based on an originator's social distance from a user
(e.g., reports generated by originators most closely related to the
user in a social network may be listed before reports from other
members of the social network).
[0530] [516] In some embodiments of the present invention, a
representation of the filtered plurality of reports may include a
representation of all of the plurality of reports (or all of the
plurality of reports about a target or target type). In such
embodiments, the representation of the filtered plurality of
reports may include a group identifier for each report. The group
identifier may indicate which reports were originated by member of
the group (e.g., a star in a website representation of the reports
may be placed next to each report originated by a member of the
group.) In some embodiments, the group identifier may include a
social distance identifier. The social distance identifier may
indicate a social distance between a user of an embodiment and the
originator of a respective report (e.g., five stars may be placed
next to reports originated by the closes members of a social
network, few stars may be placed next to further members of the
social network, and no stars may be placed next to reports not
originated by members of the social network). In some embodiments,
a group identifier or social network identifier may include a
change to a font (e.g., bolded, underlined, or larger fonts may
indicate an originator that is a member of the group).
Example in the Delivery Domain
[0531] [517] As one example of the present invention in operation,
consider choosing a delivery service provider (e.g., UPS) from a
market website (e.g., eBay). The market website may allow a
plurality of merchants to sell products to a plurality of customers
over the Internet. A plurality of third-party delivery service
providers may offer the service of delivering products from the
merchants to the customers.
[0532] [518] In one example of such a website, a customer may
choose which delivery service provider to use. After delivery is
complete, the customer may be asked to provide a report regarding
the delivery service (e.g., a rating, a written description, a
recommendation for or against, etc.). Additionally or
alternatively, the time when the order is placed with the delivery
service provider and the time when the product is delivered to the
customer may be monitored and a report (e.g., with the customer as
the originator) may be generated indicating the time taken to
provide the delivery service. In some implementations, the
customer's own choice of using one delivery service provider may be
monitored and a report may be generated indicating that choice with
the customer identified as an originator.
[0533] [519] Customers using such a market website may be able to
view previous customer reports before choosing which delivery
service provider to choose. To narrow the reports to those that may
be most relevant or important to these customers, the reports may
be filtered based on some desired group (e.g., a social network) so
that only those reports that are associated with originators in the
group are viewed. In some implementations, the website may
recommend one delivery service provider that has been used most by
members of the group, recommended most by members of the group,
and/or received a highest aggregate rating from members of the
group. In some embodiments, the delivery service provider may be
chosen automatically based on the reports of users in the
group.
[0534] [520] In some embodiments, the market website may maintain a
social network as described above by responding to user input, such
a requests to add members to a social network. In some embodiments,
the social network or other group may be determined from a contact
list in an email program. In such embodiments, the reports stored
by the system may be filtered to only those that are associated
with an email address or other contact identifier in the contact
list.
[0535] [521] In other embodiments, a merchant may choose the
delivery service provider rather than the customer. The merchant
may receive filtered reports or recommendations based on users in
the merchant's social network, a customer's social network or some
third individuals social network or group (e.g., people that live
near the customer, prior customers of the merchant) to make the
choice of which delivery service provider to use. In some
implementations, the website may choose the delivery service
provider automatically.
[0536] [522] Although the previous example was given in reference
to reports regarding delivery service providers, it should be
understood that the present invention is not limited to that set of
reports. Rather, the present invention may be used with any
product, merchant, service provider, and/or merchant.
[0537] [523] Furthermore, although the previous example was
described in terms of a single type of target (e.g., a delivery
service provider), some embodiments may include multiple types of
targets. The targets may include any combination of product,
service, service providers, and/or merchants. To accommodate
multiple types of targets, some embodiments of the present
invention may track a target type. For example, a table such as the
table illustrated in FIG. 3C illustrates one database table that
may be used in tracking types of targets. In this example, two
laptops and a delivery service provider are the types of targets
that have been reported on.
[0538] [524] In such an embodiment, the types of targets may be
determined by a system administrator or an originator of a report.
For example, an administrator or originator may choose a target
type through a user interface when generating or receiving a
report. The database entries may then be generated to associate the
reports with a target type. The available types of targets that may
be chosen through the user interface may be determined by the
administrator.
[0539] [525] In some embodiments, a request to filter the plurality
of representations, as indicated in block 207 described above, may
include a representation of a desired target type. The process of
filtering reports, as indicated in block 209 and process 400, may
exclude reports associated with target types that do not match the
desired target type.
[0540] [526] In some embodiments, target types may be further
divided into subtypes. For example, a main type may include
computers, and a subtype may include laptop computers. In such
embodiments, users may request reports at a desired level of
specificity (e.g., reports for a specific product, reports for a
specific subtype of product, or reports for a broad type of
product). In some embodiments, any number of subtype levels may be
included.
[0541] [527] Having thus described several aspects of at least one
embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various
alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to
those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and
improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are
intended to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
Guidelines for Interpreting the Present Application
[0542] [527] The following sections provide a guide to interpreting
the present application.
[528] Terms
[0543] [529] The term "product" means any machine, manufacture
and/or composition of matter, unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0544] [530] The term "process" means any process, algorithm,
method or the like, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0545] [531] Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or
otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all
references to a "step" or "steps" of a process have an inherent
antecedent basis in the mere recitation of the term `process` or a
like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a `step` or
`steps` of a process has sufficient antecedent basis.
[0546] [532] The term "invention" and the like mean "the one or
more inventions disclosed in this application", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0547] [533] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment",
"embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more
embodiments", "some embodiments", "certain embodiments", "one
embodiment", "another embodiment" and the like mean "one or more
(but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0548] [534] The term "variation" of an invention means an
embodiment of the invention, unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0549] [535] A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is
mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment
described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0550] [539] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations
thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0551] [537] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more",
unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0552] [538] The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0553] [539] The term "herein" means "in the present application,
including anything which may be incorporated by reference", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0554] [540] The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase
modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of
things) means any combination of one or more of those things,
unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the phrase "at
least one of a widget, a car and a wheel" means either (i) a
widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a
widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a
car and a wheel. The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase
modifies a plurality of things does not mean "one of each of" the
plurality of things.
[0555] [541] Numerical terms such as "one", "two", etc. when used
as cardinal numbers to indicate quantity of something (e.g., one
widget, two widgets), mean the quantity indicated by that numerical
term, but do not mean at least the quantity indicated by that
numerical term. For example, the phrase "one widget" does not mean
"at least one widget", and therefore the phrase "one widget" does
not cover, e.g., two widgets.
[0556] [542] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on",
unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase
"based on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on".
The phrase "based at least on" is equivalent to the phrase "based
at least in part on".
[0557] [543] The term "represent" and like terms are not exclusive,
unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term
"represents" do not mean "represents only", unless expressly
specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "the data
represents a credit card number" describes both "the data
represents only a credit card number" and "the data represents a
credit card number and the data also represents something
else".
[0558] [544] The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a
clause or other set of words that express only the intended result,
objective or consequence of something that is previously and
explicitly recited. Thus, when the term "whereby" is used in a
claim, the clause or other words that the term "whereby" modifies
do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or
otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.
[0559] [545] The term "e.g." and like terms mean "for example", and
thus does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in
the sentence "the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data
structure) over the Internet", the term "e.g." explains that
"instructions" are an example of "data" that the computer may send
over the Internet, and also explains that "a data structure" is an
example of "data" that the computer may send over the Internet.
However, both "instructions" and "a data structure" are merely
examples of "data", and other things besides "instructions" and "a
data structure" can be "data".
[0560] [546] The term "respective" and like terms mean "taken
individually". Thus if two or more things have "respective"
characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristic,
and these characteristics can be different from each other but need
not be. For example, the phrase "each of two machines has a
respective function" means that the first such machine has a
function and the second such machine has a function as well. The
function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the
function of the second machine.
[0561] [547] The term "i.e." and like terms mean "that is", and
thus limits the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the
sentence "the computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the
Internet", the term "i.e." explains that "instructions" are the
"data" that the computer sends over the Internet.
[0562] [548] Any given numerical range shall include whole and
fractions of numbers within the range. For example, the range "1 to
10" shall be interpreted to specifically include whole numbers
between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers
(e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).
[0563] [549] Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous
(e.g., because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases
are synonymous), instances of one such term/phrase does not mean
instances of another such term/phrase must have a different
meaning. For example, where a statement renders the meaning of
"including" to be synonymous with "including but not limited to",
the mere usage of the phrase "including but not limited to" does
not mean that the term "including" means something other than
"including but not limited to".
[550] Determining
[0564] [551] The term "determining" and grammatical variants
thereof (e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, determine
an object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely
broad sense. The term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of
actions and therefore "determining" can include calculating,
computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g.,
looking up in a table, a database or another data structure),
ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include
receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing
data in a memory) and the like. Also, "determining" can include
resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.
[0565] [552] The term "determining" does not imply certainty or
absolute precision, and therefore "determining" can include
estimating, extrapolating, predicting, guessing and the like.
[0566] [553] The term "determining" does not imply that
mathematical processing must be performed, and does not imply that
numerical methods must be used, and does not imply that an
algorithm or process is used.
[0567] [554] The term "determining" does not imply that any
particular device must be used. For example, a computer need not
necessarily perform the determining.
[555] Forms of Sentences
[0568] [556] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of
a feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation
such as "at least one widget" covers one widget as well as more
than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the
first claim, the second claim uses a definite article "the" to
refer to the limitation (e.g., "the widget"), this does not imply
that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does
not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature
(e.g., "the widget" can cover both one widget and more than one
widget).
[0569] [557] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second",
"third" and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that
ordinal number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise)
merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish
that particular feature from another feature that is described by
the same term or by a similar term. For example, a "first widget"
may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a "second
widget". Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and
"second" before the term "widget" does not indicate any other
relationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not
indicate any other characteristics of either or both widgets. For
example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second"
before the term "widget" (1) does not indicate that either widget
comes before or after any other in order or location; (2) does not
indicate that either widget occurs or acts before or after any
other in time; and (3) does not indicate that either widget ranks
above or below any other, as in importance or quality. In addition,
the mere usage of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit
to the features identified with the ordinal numbers. For example,
the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before
the term "widget" does not indicate that there must be no more than
two widgets.
[0570] [558] When a single device, article or other product is
described herein, more than one device/article (whether or not they
cooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single
device/article that is described. Accordingly, the functionality
that is described as being possessed by a device may alternatively
be possessed by more than one device/article (whether or not they
cooperate).
[0571] [559] Similarly, where more than one device, article or
other product is described herein (whether or not they cooperate),
a single device/article may alternatively be used in place of the
more than one device or article that is described. For example, a
plurality of computer-based devices may be substituted with a
single computer-based device. Accordingly, the various
functionality that is described as being possessed by more than one
device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single
device/article.
[0572] [560] The functionality and/or the features of a single
device that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or
more other devices which are described but are not explicitly
described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other
embodiments need not include the described device itself, but
rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in
those other embodiments, have such functionality/features.
[561] Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting
[0573] [562] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the
first page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth
at the end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting
in any way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s). An Abstract
has been included in this application merely because an Abstract of
not more than 150 words is required under 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b).
[0574] [563] The title of the present application and headings of
sections provided in the present application are for convenience
only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any
way.
[0575] [564] Numerous embodiments are described in the present
application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The
described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting
in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely
applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the
disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various
modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,
software, and electrical modifications. Although particular
features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it
should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in
the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference
to which they are described, unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0576] [565] No embodiment of method steps or product elements
described in the present application constitutes the invention
claimed herein, or is essential to the invention claimed herein, or
is coextensive with the invention claimed herein, except where it
is either expressly stated to be so in this specification or
expressly recited in a claim.
[0577] [566] All words in every claim have the broadest scope of
meaning they would have been given by a person of ordinary skill in
the art as of the priority date. No term used in any claim is
specially defined or limited by this application except where
expressly so stated either in this specification or in a claim.
[0578] [567] The preambles of the claims that follow recite
purposes, benefits and possible uses of the claimed invention only
and do not limit the claimed invention.
[0579] [568] The present disclosure is not a literal description of
all embodiments of the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure
is not a listing of features of the invention(s) which must be
present in all embodiments.
[0580] [569] Devices that are described as in communication with
each other need not be in continuous communication with each other,
unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices
need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may
actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For
example, a machine in communication with another machine via the
Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long period
of time (e.g. weeks at a time). In addition, devices that are in
communication with each other may communicate directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0581] [570] A description of an embodiment with several components
or features does not imply that all or even any of such
components/features are required. On the contrary, a variety of
optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of
possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no component/feature is essential or
required.
[0582] [571] Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be
described or claimed in a particular sequential order, such
processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other
words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly
described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement
that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes
described herein may be performed in any order possible. Further,
some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described
or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step
is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a
process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the
illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and
modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process
or any of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not
imply that the illustrated process is preferred.
[0583] [572] Although a process may be described as including a
plurality of steps, that does not imply that all or any of the
steps are preferred, essential or required. Various other
embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include
other processes that omit some or all of the described steps.
Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step is essential or
required.
[0584] [573] Although a process may be described singly or without
reference to other products or methods, in an embodiment the
process may interact with other products or methods. For example,
such interaction may include linking one business model to another
business model. Such interaction may be provided to enhance the
flexibility or desirability of the process.
[0585] [574] Although a product may be described as including a
plurality of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or
features, that does not indicate that any or all of the plurality
are preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments
within the scope of the described invention(s) include other
products that omit some or all of the described plurality.
[0586] [575] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually
exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an
enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any
category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the
enumerated list "a computer, a laptop, a PDA" does not imply that
any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive
and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list
are comprehensive of any category.
[0587] [576] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are
equivalent to each other or readily substituted for each other.
[0588] [577] All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply
that the invention or any embodiments were made or performed, as
the case may be.
[578] Computing
[0589] [579] It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art that the various processes described herein may be
implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose
computers, special purpose computers and computing devices.
Typically a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or
more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) will
receive instructions (e.g., from a memory or like device), and
execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more
processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may be
embodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more
scripts.
[0590] [580] A "processor" means one or more microprocessors,
central processing units (CPUs), computing devices,
microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or like devices or any
combination thereof, regardless of the architecture (e.g.,
chip-level multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC, CISC, Microprocessor
without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipelining configuration,
simultaneous multithreading).
[0591] [581] Thus a description of a process is likewise a
description of an apparatus for performing the process. The
apparatus that performs the process can include, e.g., a processor
and those input devices and output devices that are appropriate to
perform the process.
[0592] [582] Further, programs that implement such methods (as well
as other types of data) may be stored and transmitted using a
variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of
manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom
hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, some or
all of the software instructions that can implement the processes
of various embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and
software may be used instead of software only.
[0593] [583] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any
medium, a plurality of the same, or a combination of different
media, that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions, data
structures) which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like
device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not
limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission
media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic
disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic
random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main
memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and
fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus
coupled to the processor. Transmission media may include or convey
acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as
those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data
communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,
for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic
tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical
medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with
patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any
other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0594] [584] Various forms of computer readable media may be
involved in carrying data (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a
processor. For example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a
processor; (ii) carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii)
formatted and/or transmitted according to numerous formats,
standards or protocols, such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP,
Bluetooth.quadrature., and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and/or (iv)
encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of a variety of
ways well known in the art.
[0595] [585] Thus a description of a process is likewise a
description of a computer-readable medium storing a program for
performing the process. The computer-readable medium can store (in
any appropriate format) those program elements which are
appropriate to perform the method.
[0596] [586] Just as the description of various steps in a process
does not indicate that all the described steps are required,
embodiments of an apparatus include a computer/computing device
operable to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0597] [587] Likewise, just as the description of various steps in
a process does not indicate that all the described steps are
required, embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a
program or data structure include a computer-readable medium
storing a program that, when executed, can cause a processor to
perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0598] [588] Where databases are described, it will be understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed.
Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented
herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or
elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the number and content of the entries can
be different from those described herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement various processes, such as the
described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known
manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device which accesses
data in such a database.
[0599] [589] Various embodiments can be configured to work in a
network environment including a computer that is in communication
(e.g., via a communications network) with one or more devices. The
computer may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly,
via any wired or wireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or
Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio
channel, an optical communications line, commercial on-line service
providers, bulletin board systems, a satellite communications link,
a combination of any of the above). Each of the devices may
themselves comprise computers or other computing devices, such as
those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. or Centrino.TM.
processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any
number and type of devices may be in communication with the
computer.
[0600] [590] In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized
authority may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the
present invention may, in an embodiment, be practiced on one or
more devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment,
any functions described herein as performed by the server computer
or data described as stored on the server computer may instead be
performed by or stored on one or more such devices.
[0601] [591] Where a process is described, in an embodiment the
process may operate without any user intervention. In another
embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a
step is performed by or with the assistance of a human).
[592] Continuing Applications
[0602] [593] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary
skill in the art, an enabling description of several embodiments
and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may
not be claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be
claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the
benefit of priority of the present application.
[0603] [594] Applicants intend to file additional applications to
pursue patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and
enabled but not claimed in the present application.
[595] 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, Paragraph 6
[0604] [596] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes
the phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35
U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 6, applies to that limitation.
[0605] [597] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not
include the phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that
35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation,
regardless of whether that limitation recites a function without
recitation of structure, material or acts for performing that
function. For example, in a claim, the mere use of the phrase "step
of" or the phrase "steps of" in referring to one or more steps of
the claim or of another claim does not mean that 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).
[0606] [598] With respect to a means or a step for performing a
specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112,
paragraph 6, the corresponding structure, material or acts
described in the specification, and equivalents thereof, may
perform additional functions as well as the specified function.
[0607] [599] Computers, processors, computing devices and like
products are structures that can perform a wide variety of
functions. Such products can be operable to perform a specified
function by executing one or more programs, such as a program
stored in a memory device of that product or in a memory device
which that product accesses. Unless expressly specified otherwise,
such a program need not be based on any particular algorithm, such
as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed in the present
application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art
that a specified function may be implemented via different
algorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a
mere design choice for carrying out the specified function.
[0608] [600] Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for
performing a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, paragraph 6, structure corresponding to a specified
function includes any product programmed to perform the specified
function. Such structure includes programmed products which perform
the function, regardless of whether such product is programmed with
(i) a disclosed algorithm for performing the function, (ii) an
algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a
different algorithm for performing the function.
[0609] [601] Where there is recited a means for performing a
function hat is a method, one structure for performing this method
includes a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that
is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to
perform that function.
[0610] [602] Also includes a computing device (e.g., a general
purpose computer) that is programmed and/or configured with
appropriate hardware to perform that function via other algorithms
as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[603] Disclaimer
[0611] [604] Numerous references to a particular embodiment does
not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of additional, different
embodiments, and similarly references to the description of
embodiments which all include a particular feature does not
indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of embodiments which do not
include that particular feature. A clear disclaimer or disavowal in
the present application shall be prefaced by the phrase "does not
include" or by the phrase "cannot perform".
[605] INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0612] [606] Any patent, patent application or other document
referred to herein is incorporated by reference into this patent
application as part of the present disclosure, but only for
purposes of written description in accordance with 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, paragraph 1 and enablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, paragraph 1, and should in no way be used to limit,
define, or otherwise construe any term of the present application
where the present application, without such incorporation by
reference, would not have failed to provide an ascertainable
meaning, but rather would have allowed an ascertainable meaning for
such term to be provided. Thus, the person of ordinary skill in the
art need not have been in any way limited by any embodiments
provided in the reference
[0613] [607] Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of
itself, imply any endorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence
in any statements, opinions, arguments or characterizations
contained in any incorporated patent, patent application or other
document, unless explicitly specified otherwise in this patent
application.
[608] PROSECUTION HISTORY
[0614] [609] In interpreting the present application (which
includes the claims), one of ordinary skill in the art shall refer
to the prosecution history of the present application, but not to
the prosecution history of any other patent or patent application,
regardless of whether there are other patent applications that are
considered related to the present application, and regardless of
whether there are other patent applications that share a claim of
priority with the present application.
* * * * *