U.S. patent application number 16/186268 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-14 for computer systems configured to instruct to perform actions regarding uncovered benefits and methods of use thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hashim Investments, Inc.. Invention is credited to Aaron Hashim.
Application Number | 20190080268 16/186268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64050950 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190080268 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hashim; Aaron |
March 14, 2019 |
COMPUTER SYSTEMS CONFIGURED TO INSTRUCT TO PERFORM ACTIONS
REGARDING UNCOVERED BENEFITS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
Abstract
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a system
that includes one or more computers configured to cause to display
a graphical user interface associated with an entity to a user to
request personal identifying data from the user; search a
repository database to identify matched uncovered information
regarding one or more matched uncovered benefits that are matched
with the user; where the one or more matched uncovered benefits of
the user include uncovered asset, uncovered claim, or uncovered
entitlement; cause to reconfigure the graphical user interface to
form a reconfigured graphical user interface that is configured to
display the matched uncovered information to the user; receive, via
the reconfigured graphical user interface, from the user, a request
for at least one action regarding the one or more matched uncovered
benefits; instruct at least one intermediary routine to perform the
at least one action without having the user to contact a third
party.
Inventors: |
Hashim; Aaron; (Bakersfield,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hashim Investments, Inc. |
Keller |
TX |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
64050950 |
Appl. No.: |
16/186268 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15216290 |
Jul 21, 2016 |
10127505 |
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16186268 |
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14056730 |
Oct 17, 2013 |
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15216290 |
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13182936 |
Jul 14, 2011 |
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14056730 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/951 20190101;
G06Q 10/0631 20130101; G06F 40/30 20200101; G06F 9/451 20180201;
H04L 67/306 20130101; H04L 67/42 20130101; G06F 40/205
20200101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20060101
G06Q010/06; G06F 9/451 20060101 G06F009/451; G06F 3/0484 20060101
G06F003/0484; G06F 17/27 20060101 G06F017/27; G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30; H04L 29/06 20060101 H04L029/06 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: causing, by one or
more computers, to display a graphical user interface associated
with an entity on a computing device associated with a user;
wherein the graphical user interface is configured to request
personal identifying data from the user; receiving, by the one or
more computers, from the user, via the graphical user interface,
the personal identifying data of the user; searching, by the one or
more computers, on behalf of the user, at least one electronic
repository database to identify matched uncovered information
regarding one or more matched uncovered benefits that are matched
with the user based at least in part on the personal identifying
data of the user; wherein the one or more matched uncovered
benefits of the user comprise at least one of: 1) at least one
uncovered asset of the user, 2) at least one uncovered claim
available to be claimed by the user, or 3) at least one uncovered
entitlement available to the user; causing, by the one or more
computers, to reconfigure the graphical user interface to form a
reconfigured graphical user interface that is configured to display
the matched uncovered information regarding the one or more matched
uncovered benefits of the user to the user; receiving, by the one
or more computers, via the reconfigured graphical user interface,
from the user, a request for at least one action regarding the one
or more matched uncovered benefits; instructing, by the one or more
computers, at least one intermediary subroutine to perform the at
least one action identified in the received request without having
the user to contact a third party to take the at least one action
regarding the one or more matched uncovered benefits of the user;
and wherein the third party is distinct from the entity.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the personal identifying data of
the user comprises a first personal identifying data piece; and
wherein the method further comprises: obtaining, by the one or more
computers, independently from the user, a second personal
identifying data piece about the user; and searching, by the one or
more computers, on behalf of the user, the at least one electronic
repository database to identify the matched uncovered information
regarding the one or more matched uncovered benefits that are
matched with the user based at least in part on the first personal
identifying data piece, the second personal identifying data piece,
or both.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification of the matched
uncovered information regarding the one or more matched uncovered
benefits comprises: matching uncovered information in the at least
one electronic repository database to the user based at least in
part on a close-variation determination of the uncovered
information to the personal identifying data of the user.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the close-variation determination
is based at least in part on one of: i) a phonetic variation, ii) a
semantic variation, iii) a misspelling variation, or iv) a
predetermined variation.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the matching the uncovered
information of the at least one electronic repository database to
the user comprises: parsing the uncovered information to identify
at least one candidate personal identifying data piece; and
matching the uncovered information of the at least one electronic
repository database to the user based at least in part on the
close-variation determination of the at least one candidate
personal identifying data piece to the personal identifying data of
the user.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the second personal identifying
data piece about the user comprises a name history of the user.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the second personal identifying
data piece about the user comprises an address history of the
user.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the searching of the at least one
electronic repository database to identify the matched uncovered
information regarding the one or more matched uncovered benefits of
the user comprises: causing, by the one or more computers, an
execution of at least one electronic search query to search, on
behalf of the user, the at least one electronic repository database
to identify the matched uncovered information regarding the one or
more matched uncovered benefits of the user.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the user is a recipient of a
service provided by the entity.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the service is a
subscription-based service.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one repository
database is unrelated to the entity.
12. A system, comprising: one or more computers; wherein the one or
more computers comprise: a non-transient memory, having at least
one region storing executable program code; at least one processor;
wherein, when the at least one processor executes the executable
program code, the one or more computers are configured to: cause to
display a graphical user interface associated with an entity on a
computing device associated with a user; wherein the graphical user
interface is configured to request personal identifying data from
the user; receive, from the user, via the graphical user interface,
the personal identifying data of the user; search, on behalf of the
user, at least one electronic repository database to identify
matched uncovered information regarding one or more matched
uncovered benefits that are matched with the user based at least in
part on the personal identifying data of the user; wherein the one
or more matched uncovered benefits of the user comprise at least
one of: 1) at least one uncovered asset of the user, 2) at least
one uncovered claim available to be claimed by the user, or 3) at
least one uncovered entitlement available to the user; cause to
reconfigure the graphical user interface to form a reconfigured
graphical user interface that is configured to display the matched
uncovered information to the user; receive, via the reconfigured
graphical user interface, from the user, a request for at least one
action regarding the matched uncovered information regarding the
one or more matched uncovered benefits of the user; instruct at
least one intermediary routine to perform the at least one action
identified in the received request without having the user to
contact a third party to take the at least one action regarding the
one or more matched uncovered benefits of the user; and wherein the
third party is distinct from the entity.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the personal identifying data
of the user comprises a first personal identifying data piece; and
wherein the one or more computers are further configured to:
obtain, independently from the user, a second personal identifying
data piece about the user; and search, on behalf of the user, the
at least one electronic repository database to identify the matched
uncovered information regarding the one or more matched uncovered
benefits that are matched with the user based at least in part on
the first personal identifying data piece, the second personal
identifying data piece, or both.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the identification of the
matched uncovered information regarding the one or more matched
uncovered benefits comprises: matching uncovered information of the
at least one electronic repository database to the user based at
least in part on a close-variation determination of the uncovered
information to the personal identifying data of the user.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the close-variation
determination is based at least in part on one of: i) a phonetic
variation, ii) a semantic variation, iii) a misspelling variation,
or iv) a predetermined variation.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the matching the uncovered
information of the at least one electronic repository database to
the user comprises: parsing the uncovered information to identify
at least one candidate personal identifying data piece; and
matching the uncovered information of the at least one electronic
repository database to the user based at least in part on the
close-variation determination of the at least one candidate
personal identifying data piece to the personal identifying data of
the user.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the second personal identifying
data piece about the user comprises a name history of the user.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the second personal identifying
data piece about the user comprises an address history of the
user.
19. The system of claim 12, wherein the search of the at least one
electronic repository database to identify the matched uncovered
information regarding the one or more matched uncovered benefits of
the user comprises: causing an execution of at least one electronic
search query to search, on behalf of the user, the at least one
electronic repository database to identify the matched uncovered
information regarding the one or more matched uncovered benefits of
the user.
20. The system of claim 12, wherein the user is a recipient of a
service provided by the entity.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the service is a
subscription-based service.
22. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one repository
database is unrelated to the entity.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.
10,127,505, entitled "COMPUTER METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BUILDING AND
MAINTAINING SUBSCRIBER RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND LOYALTY IN A
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE MODEL", filed on Jul. 21, 2016, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/056,730, entitled
"COMPUTER METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BUILDING AND MAINTAINING
SUBSCRIBER RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND LOYALTY IN A SUBSCRIPTION
SERVICE MODEL", filed on Oct. 17, 2013, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/182,936, entitled "COMPUTER METHODS
AND SYSTEMS FOR BUILDING AND MAINTAINING SUBSCRIBER RECRUITMENT,
RETENTION AND LOYALTY IN A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE MODEL," filed on
Jul. 14, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to computer methods and
systems for building and maintaining subscriber recruitment,
retention and loyalty in a subscription service model.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Typically, in the subscription service model, companies look
into incentivizing its potential and current subscribers to build
and maintain subscriber recruitment, retention and loyalty.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] In some embodiments, the instant invention provides
benefit(s) to subscribers of a subscription entity by informing
them of unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements
as part of a subscription in order to build and maintain
subscription recruitment, retention and loyalty.
[0005] In some embodiments, the instant invention includes a
computer-implemented method having steps of: providing, by at least
one first programmed computer, at least one benefit to at least one
subscriber of at least one subscription entity, where the at least
one benefit includes uncovered information about at least one of
unclaimed asset, available asset, claim, and entitlement for the at
least one subscriber and where the uncovered information is
obtained, at least in part, by: storing, by at least one second
programmed computer, in at least one subscriber database, at least
one record containing personal data of the at least one subscriber;
searching, by at least third programmed computer, at least one
repository database, based, at least in part, on at least a portion
of the stored personal data of the at least one subscriber, to
uncover for the at least one subscriber at least one of: i)
unclaimed asset, ii) available asset, iii) claim, and iv)
entitlement; where the at least one repository database contains
information about at least one of unclaimed asset, available asset,
claim, and entitlement for a plurality of person; receiving, by at
least fourth programmed computer, the uncovered information for the
at least one subscriber; and alerting the at least one subscriber
to the uncovered information.
[0006] In some embodiments, the instant invention further includes
parsing, by at least one fifth programmed computer, the information
about at least one of unclaimed asset, available asset, claim, and
entitlement for the plurality of person from the at least one
repository database to match the parsed information to the at least
a portion of the stored personal data of the at least one
subscriber.
[0007] In some embodiments, the at least portion of the stored
personal data of the at least one subscriber includes at least the
name of the at least one subscriber and at least one address where
the at least one subscriber lives or has lived.
[0008] In some embodiments, subscriber retention of the at least
one subscription entity is based, at least in part, on the at least
one provided benefit.
[0009] In some embodiments, subscriber enrollment of the at least
one subscription entity is based, at least in part, on the at least
one provided benefit.
[0010] In some embodiments, the step of searching, by the at least
third programmed computer, is performed by a third party.
[0011] In some embodiments, at least two computers of the at least
one first through fourth computers are the same. In some
embodiments, at least two computers of the at least one first
through fourth computers are different. In some embodiments, at
least two computers of the at least one first through fifth
computers are the same. In some embodiments, at least two computers
of the at least one first through fifth computers are
different.
[0012] In some embodiments, the instant invention includes a
computer system, having at least the following components: a)
memory having at least one region for storing computer executable
program code; and b) at least one processor for executing the
computer executable program code stored in the memory, where the
computer executable program code includes: code to provide at least
one benefit to at least one subscriber of at least one subscription
entity, where the at least one benefit includes uncovered
information about at least one of unclaimed asset, available asset,
claim, and entitlement for the at least one subscriber and where
the uncovered information is obtained, at least in part, by
employing: code to store, in at least one subscriber database, at
least one record containing personal data of the at least one
subscriber; code to search at least one repository database based,
at least in part, on at least a portion of the stored personal data
of the at least one subscriber, to uncover for the at least one
subscriber at least one of: i) unclaimed asset, ii) available
asset, iii) claim, and iv) entitlement; where the at least one
repository database includes information about at least one of
unclaimed asset, available asset, claim, and entitlement for a
plurality of person; code to receive the uncovered information for
the at least one subscriber; and code to alert the at least one
subscriber to the uncovered information.
[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one processor of the
system of the instant invention further execute code to parse the
information about at least one of unclaimed asset, available asset,
claim, and entitlement for the plurality of person from the at
least one repository database to match the parsed information to
the at least a portion of the stored personal data of the at least
one subscriber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] The figures constitute a part of this specification and
include illustrative embodiments of the present invention and
illustrate various objects and features thereof. Further, the
figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be
exaggerated to show details of particular components. In addition,
any measurements, specifications and the like shown in the figures
are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Among those benefits and improvements that have been
disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying figures. Detailed embodiments of the present
invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood
that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the
invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each
of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of
the invention which are intended to be illustrative, and not
restrictive.
[0022] Subscription entity. An entity that provides at least one
offering to a recipient (e.g., another entity or a person) that has
agreed (contractually and/or otherwise) to receive and/or use the
at least one offering during a period of time. In one specific
example, the subscription entity periodically provide the at least
one offering to the recipient.
[0023] Subscriber. An entity or a person who has agreed
(contractually and/or otherwise) to receive and/or use at least one
offering of a subscription entity during a period of time. In one
specific example, subscriber's receipt and/or use of at least one
offering from a subscription entity during a period of time is
based at least in part on a monetary compensation paid by either
the subscriber to the subscription entity or by the subscription
entity to the subscriber. In another specific example, subscriber's
receipt and/or use of at least one offering from a subscription
entity during a period of time is based at least in part on a
non-monetary compensation provided by either the subscriber to the
subscription entity or by the subscription entity to the
subscriber. In yet another specific example, subscriber's receipt
and/or use of at least one offering from a subscription entity
during a period of time is not based at least in part on either
monetary or non-monetary compensation provided by either the
subscriber to the subscription entity or by the subscription entity
to the subscriber.
[0024] Subscription. At least one offering which is provided by a
subscription entity to a subscriber who has agreed (contractually
and/or otherwise) to receive and/or use such offering during a
period of time. In one specific example, the subscription is at
least one offering which is periodically provided by a subscription
entity to a subscriber who has agreed (contractually and/or
otherwise) to receive and/or use such offering during a period of
time.
[0025] Benefit. A service and/or product that either is a part of a
subscription or an additional service and/or product which is,
complementary or non-complementary, provided by a subscription
entity to a subscriber.
[0026] In some embodiments, the instant invention provides
benefit(s) to subscribers of identity monitoring agencies through
building and maintaining subscriber recruitment, retention and
loyalty by informing subscribers of unclaimed or available assets,
claims and/or entitlements. In some embodiments, claims mean any
and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, and all other
claims of every kind and nature in law or equity, whether arising
under state, federal, international, administrative and/or other
law.
[0027] In some embodiments, examples of unclaimed or available
assets, claims and/or entitlements can be unclaimed or lost money
(e.g., Federal, State, County, City and private pre escheat money)
that is linked to individuals and available to be claimed by
them.
[0028] In some embodiments, examples of unclaimed or available
assets, claims and/or entitlements can be homeowner or personal
exemptions such as (a) various exemptions that depend on where a
home is located and if it is person's primary residence; and/or (b)
exemptions based on personal characteristics such as a particular
town may have reduce fees for residents who are over the age of 65
(e.g., senior residents of Bakersfield, Calif., are entitled to
receive a half of annual trash fee back valued at $ 90.)
[0029] In some embodiments, examples of unclaimed or available
assets, claims and/or entitlements can be class action member
letters, unused gift cards, etc.
[0030] In some embodiments, the instant invention produces a
subscriber retention in a range of about 10-25% of subscribers who
would otherwise leave. In some embodiments, the instant invention
produces a subscriber retention in a range of about 5-25% of
subscribers who would otherwise leave. In some embodiments, the
instant invention produces a subscriber retention in a range of
about 5-10% of subscribers who would otherwise leave. In some
embodiments, the instant invention produces a subscriber retention
in a range of about 5-15% of subscribers who would otherwise leave.
In some embodiments, the instant invention produces a subscriber
retention in a range of about 10-30% of subscribers who would
otherwise leave. In some embodiments, the instant invention
produces a subscriber retention in a range of about 5-50% of
subscribers who would otherwise leave. In some embodiments, the
instant invention produces a subscriber retention in a range of
about 5-75% of subscribers who would otherwise leave. In some
embodiments, the instant invention produces a subscriber retention
in a range of about 25-75% of subscribers who would otherwise
leave. In some embodiments, the instant invention produces a
subscriber retention in a range of about 25-50% of subscribers who
would otherwise leave. In some embodiments, the instant invention
produces a subscriber retention in a range of about 50-75% of
subscribers who would otherwise leave.
[0031] In some embodiments of the instant invention, information
regarding any discovered unclaimed or available assets, claims
and/or entitlements is a benefit of subscribing to an offering
provided by a subscription entity. In one specific example, the
subscription to the provided offering is totally unrelated to
unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements of
subscribers (e.g., credit monitoring or identity monitoring). In
another specific example, the subscription to the provided offering
is related to unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or
entitlements of subscribers.
[0032] In some embodiments of the instant invention, if subscribers
decide to claim any discovered unclaimed or available assets,
claims and/or entitlements, subscribers can then be charged based
on the value of discovered unclaimed or available assets, claims
and/or entitlements. In some embodiments of the instant invention,
if subscribers decide to claim any discovered unclaimed or
available assets, claims and/or entitlements, subscribers can then
be charged based on the recovered value of discovered unclaimed or
available assets, claims and/or entitlements. In some embodiments
of the instant invention, if subscribers decide to claim any
discovered unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or
entitlements, subscribers can then be charged based on criteria
which are not tied to value of discovered unclaimed or available
assets, claims and/or entitlements (e.g., a flat fee per processed
claim).
[0033] In some embodiments of the instant invention, if the
searching for and/or claiming of unclaimed or available assets,
claims and/or entitlements is performed by a computer system of a
third party and not by a entity who offers the subscription
service, the third party may charge the subscription entity. In
some embodiments, the third party's fees are assessed from the
subscription entity per notification provided to subscriber(s) of
the subscription entity (e.g., a flat fee per hit of discovered
information).
[0034] In some embodiments, the third party's fees are assessed
from the subscription entity based on a percent of new subscribers
of the subscription entity for whom information of unclaimed or
available assets, claims and/or entitlements have been found. In
some embodiments, the third party's fees are assessed from the
subscription entity based on assumption that the third party's
computer searching discovers unclaimed or available assets, claims
and/or entitlements for about 5 to about 13 percent of new
subscribers of the subscription entity. In some embodiments, the
third party's fees are assessed from the subscription entity based
on assumption that the third party's computer searching discovers
unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements for about
5 to about 25 percent of new subscribers of the subscription
entity. In some embodiments, the third party's fees are assessed
from the subscription entity based on assumption that the third
party's computer searching discovers unclaimed or available assets,
claims and/or entitlements for about 15 to about 25 percent of new
subscribers of the subscription entity. In some embodiments, the
third party's fees are assessed from the subscription entity based
on assumption that the third party's computer searching discovers
unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements for about
20 to about 50 percent of new subscribers of the subscription
entity.
[0035] In some embodiments, the third party's fees are assessed
from the subscription entity based on a flat fee per each new
subscriber of the subscription entity. In some embodiments, the
third party's fees are assessed from the subscription entity based
on fees that depend on a number of new and/or retained subscribers
of the subscription entity. In some embodiments, the third party's
fees are assessed from the subscription entity based on fees that
depend on a number of months that new and/or existing subscribers
of the subscription entity maintain the subscription longer than
subscribers to whom benefit(s) of informing and/or claiming
unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements have not
been provided. In some embodiments, the third party's fees are
assessed from the subscription entity based on a combination of two
or more of the following: a flat fee per each new subscriber; a
percent of new subscribers for whom information of unclaimed or
available assets, claims and/or entitlements have been found; a
number of new and/or retained subscribers of the subscription
entity; and a number of months that new and/or existing subscribers
of the subscription entity maintain the subscription longer than
subscribers to whom benefit(s) of informing and/or claiming
unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements have not
been provided.
[0036] In some embodiments, in the case of a credit rating agency,
the instant invention can cross references information in a credit
file of its subscriber with outside information related to
unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements and
obtained through a variety of sources (public records, private
records, demographic information etc.)
[0037] In some embodiments, the instant invention allows a
subscriber to customize information that he or she wants to receive
about unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or
entitlements.
[0038] In some embodiments, the instant invention can provide an
indicator on a webpage that alerts subscribers/subscribers to
information related to discovered unclaimed or available assets,
claims and/or entitlements.
[0039] Examples of Operating Environments
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an environment in which
the present invention may operate. However, not all of these
components may be required to practice the invention, and
variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be
made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
In some embodiment, the system of the instant invention hosts a
large number of members and concurrent transactions. In other
embodiments, the system of the instant invention is based on a
scalable computer and network architecture that incorporates varies
strategies for assessing the data, caching, searching, and database
connection pooling. An example of the scalable architecture is an
architecture that is capable of operating multiple servers.
[0041] In embodiments, members of the inventive computer system
102-104 (e.g. user (e.g. traders etc.) include virtually any
computing device capable of receiving and sending a message over a
network, such as network 105, to and from another computing device,
such as servers 106 and 107, each other, and the like. In
embodiments, the set of such devices includes devices that
typically connect using a wired communications medium such as
personal computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, and the like. In
embodiments, the set of such devices also includes devices that
typically connect using a wireless communications medium such as
cell phones, smart phones, pagers, walkie talkies, radio frequency
(RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, CBs, integrated devices
combining one or more of the preceding devices, or virtually any
mobile device, and the like. Similarly, in embodiments, client
devices 102-104 are any device that is capable of connecting using
a wired or wireless communication medium such as a PDA, POCKET PC,
wearable computer, and any other device that is equipped to
communicate over a wired and/or wireless communication medium.
[0042] In embodiments, each member device within member devices
102-104 may include a browser application that is configured to
receive and to send web pages, and the like. In embodiments, the
browser application may be configured to receive and display
graphics, text, multimedia, and the like, employing virtually any
web based language, including, but not limited to Standard
Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), such as HyperText Markup
Language (HTML), a wireless application protocol (WAP), a Handheld
Device Markup Language (HDML), such as Wireless Markup Language
(WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, and the like. In embodiments, the
invention is programmed in either Java or .Net.
[0043] In embodiments, member devices 102-104 may be further
configured to receive a message from the another computing device
employing another mechanism, including, but not limited to email,
Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS),
instant messaging (IM), internet relay chat (IRC), mIRC, Jabber,
and the like.
[0044] In embodiments, network 105 may be configured to couple one
computing device to another computing device to enable them to
communicate. In embodiments, network 105 may be enabled to employ
any form of computer readable media for communicating information
from one electronic device to another. Also, in embodiments,
network 105 may include a wireless interface, and/or a wired
interface, such as the Internet, in addition to local area networks
(LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct connections, such as
through a universal serial bus (USB) port, other forms of
computer-readable media, or any combination thereof. In
embodiments, on an interconnected set of LANs, including those
based on differing architectures and protocols, a router may act as
a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to
another.
[0045] Also, in some embodiments, communication links within LANs
typically include twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while
communication links between networks may utilize analog telephone
lines, full or fractional dedicated digital lines including T1, T2,
T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital
Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links including satellite links,
or other communications links known to those skilled in the art.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, remote computers and other
related electronic devices could be remotely connected to either
LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephone link. In essence,
in some embodiments, network 105 includes any communication method
by which information may travel between client devices 102-104, and
servers 106 and 107.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of the computer
and network architecture that supports the present invention. The
member devices 202a, 202b thru 202n shown (e.g. traders' desktops)
each comprises a computer-readable medium, such as a random access
memory (RAM) 208 coupled to a processor 210 or FLASH memory. The
processor 210 may execute computer-executable program instructions
stored in memory 208. Such processors comprise a microprocessor, an
ASIC, and state machines. Such processors comprise, or may be in
communication with, media, for example computer-readable media,
which stores instructions that, when executed by the processor,
cause the processor to perform the steps described herein.
Embodiments of computer-readable media may include, but are not
limited to, an electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or
transmission device capable of providing a processor, such as the
processor 210 of client 202a, with computer-readable instructions.
Other examples of suitable media may include, but are not limited
to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM,
RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor, all optical media, all
magnetic tape or other magnetic media, or any other medium from
which a computer processor can read instructions. Also, various
other forms of computer-readable media may transmit or carry
instructions to a computer, including a router, private or public
network, or other transmission device or channel, both wired and
wireless. The instructions may comprise code from any
computer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#,
Visual Basic, Java, Python, Perl, and JavaScript.
[0047] Member devices 202a-n may also comprise a number of external
or internal devices such as a mouse, a CD-ROM, DVD, a keyboard, a
display, or other input or output devices. Examples of client
devices 202a-n may be personal computers, digital assistants,
personal digital assistants, cellular phones, mobile phones, smart
phones, pagers, digital tablets, laptop computers, Internet
appliances, and other processor-based devices. In general, a client
device 202a are be any type of processor-based platform that is
connected to a network 206 and that interacts with one or more
application programs. Client devices 202a-n may operate on any
operating system capable of supporting a browser or browser-enabled
application, such as Microsoft.TM., Windows.TM., or Linux. The
client devices 202a-n shown may include, for example, personal
computers executing a browser application program such as Microsoft
Corporation's Internet Explorer.TM., Apple Computer, Inc.'s
Safari.TM., Mozilla Firefox, and Opera.
[0048] Through the client devices 202a-n, users (e.g. traders,
etc.) 212a-n communicate over the network 206 with each other and
with other systems and devices coupled to the network 206. As shown
in FIG. 2, server devices 204 and 213 may be also coupled to the
network 206.
[0049] Examples of Various Implementations
[0050] In some embodiments, as illustrated by a flowchart of FIG.
3, the instant invention is implemented as follows. As illustrated
by block 301, when a subscriber of, for instance, credit report or
identity monitoring agency (an subscription entity) logs into a
website of the agency, the subscriber can be presented with an
indicator, a web page, or other similar visual representation that
allows the subscriber to be informed about any of his or hers
unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements. Table 1
provides an exemplary list of US-based credit report or identity
monitoring agencies who can generate revenue by building and
maintaining subscriber recruitment, retention and loyalty by
employing the instance invention.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Identity Monitoring Agencies As Subscription
Entities 1 CSIdentity 2 One Technologies 3 Affinion 4 Intersections
5 LifeLock 6 Experian 7 Transunion 8 Equafax 9 National Credit
Report 10 Mighty Net (credit 11 Adaptive Marketing 12 Consumer
Direct 13 Assurant 14 Kroll 15 Intellius 16 Trusted ID 17 Debix 18
Info Armor 19 Encore Marketing 20 Identity IQ 21 ID Analytics 22
Modern Ad Media 23 Manage My Score 24 Equadata 25 Merchants
Information 16 Pre-Paid Legal
[0051] In some embodiments, upon login, the subscriber is directed
to the agency's general webpage that contains a jump link or tab,
or other similar functionality (e.g., indicator) block 301) which
provides information about uncovering subscriber's unclaimed or
available assets, claims and/or entitlements. In some embodiments,
upon login, the subscriber is directed to the agency's general
webpage that contains a jump link or tab, or other similar
functionality (e.g., indicator) which, upon activation, directs the
subscriber to a specific portion of the agency's website that is
related to functionality for uncovering subscriber's unclaimed or
available assets, claims and/or entitlements.
[0052] In some embodiments, the page with functionality for
uncovering subscriber's unclaimed or available assets, claims
and/or entitlements (block 301) is a result of programmed
instructions that allows the agency's computer(s) (e.g., a
programmed Processing Engine server, 302) to receive information
and request from, for example, a subscriber and to query for
information that is related to subscriber's potential unclaimed or
available assets, claims and/or entitlements. In some embodiments,
the programmed instructions can query for information that is
related to subscriber's potential unclaimed or available assets,
claims and/or entitlements without the subscriber's direct request
and perform its functionality based on some predetermined
programmed trigger condition(s) that results in an alert to the
subscriber about his or her potential unclaimed or available
assets, claims and/or entitlements.
[0053] In some embodiments, the programmed instructions of the
Processing Engine server (block 302) queries one or more databases
(e.g., "Subscriber" database, block 304) for any information about
that the agency may have already gathered about subscriber's
potential unclaimed or available assets claims and/or
entitlements.
[0054] In some embodiments, the programmed instructions of the
Processing Engine server (block 302) can query an intermediary
subroutine and/or computer (e.g., "Information Matcher," block 303)
for additional/updated information of unclaimed or available
assets, claims and/or entitlements based on subscriber's personal
information (e.g., past address history, etc.). In its turn, the
"Information Matcher" subroutine and/or computer queries one or
more electronic source/repository database (block 305) for any new
and/or updated information about unclaimed or available assets,
claims and/or entitlements. In some embodiments, if any new or
updated information is available, the "Information Matcher"
subroutine and/or computer updates or creates record(s) in, for
example, the Subscriber database (block 304) and/or returns the
newly discovered information to the Processing Engine server (block
302).
[0055] In some embodiments, the "Information Matcher" subroutine
and/or computer performs its searching based on, for example, the
following "address history" matching algorithm:
[0056] 1) For example, if subscriber's personal information
includes "William Smith at 123 First ave." and the "Information
Matcher" (block 303) finds "Willie Smith" at the same address, the
"Information Matcher" (block 303) would treat it as a hit and would
create/update corresponding record(s) in the Subscriber database
(block 304) and/or alert the Processing Engine server (block
302).
[0057] 2) For example, if subscriber's personal information
includes "Willie Johnson 123 First Avenue" and the "Information
Matcher" (block 303) finds "Willie Johnson 123 First Ave." (e.g.,
the same address but transcribed differently) or "Willie Johnson 12
First Avenue" (e.g., certain allowed error deviation), the
"Information Matcher" (block 303) would treat it as a hit and would
create/update corresponding record(s) in the Subscriber database
(block 304) and/or alert the Processing Engine server (block
302).
[0058] In some embodiments, the instant invention automatically
fixes and checks variations to catch the close case
errors/variations. In some embodiments, the instant invention
automatically fixes and checks variations to catch the close case
errors/variations based on one or more suitable phonetic and/or
semantic language techniques to identify close variations based on
predetermined requirements/conditions (e.g., variations one
character, variations in 1-3 characters, variations in 1-10
characters, variation in 1-5 words, variations in abbreviations,
etc.)
[0059] In some embodiments, the programmed instructions of the
Processing Engine server then alert to and/or provide new and/or
updated information to the subscriber through, for example, the
Processing Engine page.
[0060] In some embodiments, the "Information Matcher" (block 303)
is a component of the Processing Engine server (block 302).
[0061] In some embodiments, subscribers' personal information in
the Subscriber database (block 304) does not contain information
about unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements
about unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or entitlements of
subscribers. In some embodiments, the repository database(s) (block
305) with information about unclaimed or available assets, claims
and/or entitlements resides together or within the same database as
the Subscriber database (block 304).
[0062] In some embodiments, as illustrated by a flowchart of FIG.
4, the instant invention is implemented as follows. As illustrated
by block 401, a subscriber of, for instance, credit report or
identity monitoring agency (a subscription entity) can request the
agency to take an action with respect to any identified unclaimed
or available assets, claims and/or entitlements (e.g., sending an
inquiry to an institution that controls subscriber's unclaimed
asset and/or claiming the unclaimed asset(s), apply for
entitlement(s), etc.). In some embodiments, upon receiving such
recovery request, the Processing Engine server (block 402), by
programmed instructions, performs actions that the subscriber has
requested. In some embodiments, upon receiving such recovery
request, the Processing Engine server (block 402), by programmed
instructions, instructs an intermediary subroutine and/or computer
(e.g., "Executor," block 403) to performs actions that the
subscriber has requested with respect to the subscriber's
identified unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or
entitlements. In some embodiments, the Processing Engine server
(block 402) and/or the "Executor" (block 403) can store any
information about their activities related to subscriber's
identified unclaimed or available assets, claims and/or
entitlements in one or more databases (e.g., "Subscriber" database,
block 404).
[0063] In some embodiments, the "Executor" (block 403) is a
component of the Processing Engine server (block 402).
[0064] In some embodiments, as illustrated by a flowchart of FIG.
5, the instant invention is implemented as follows. As illustrated
by block 501, a subscriber of, for instance, credit report or
identity monitoring agency can provide his or her personal
information to the agency or the agency can gather subscriber's
personal information from one or more own electronic source and/or
from one of more third party electronic sources. In some
embodiments, upon receiving such personal information of the
subscriber, the Processing Engine server (block 502), by programmed
instructions, parses subscriber's personal information and forwards
the parsed information to (and/or creates record(s) in) Subscriber
Database (block 503). In some embodiments, upon receiving such
personal information of the subscriber, the Processing Engine
server (block 502), by programmed instructions, can look up
additional information from 3rd party information source(s) (e.g.,
address history). In some embodiments, upon receiving such personal
information of the subscriber, the Processing Engine server (block
502), by programmed instructions, can update subscriber's record(s)
in one or more databases (e.g., "Subscriber" Database, block
503).
[0065] In some embodiments, as illustrated by a flowchart of FIG.
6, the instant invention is implemented as follows. As illustrated
by block 601, a subscriber of, for instance, credit report or
identity monitoring agency (a subscription entity) can request the
agency to take an action with respect to any identified unclaimed
or available assets, claims and/or entitlements (e.g., sending an
inquiry to an institution that controls subscriber's unclaimed
asset and/or claiming the unclaimed asset(s), apply for
entitlement(s), etc.). In some embodiments, upon receiving such
recovery request, the Processing Engine server (block 602), by
programmed instructions, performs actions that the subscriber has
requested. In some embodiments, upon receiving such recovery
request, the Processing Engine server, by programmed instructions,
instructs an intermediary subroutine and/or computer (e.g.,
"Executor," block 603) to performs actions that the subscriber has
requested with respect to the subscriber's identified unclaimed or
available assets, claims and/or entitlements. In some embodiments,
the "Executor" (block 603) performs actions that the subscriber has
requested and returns results (e.g., a confirmation of a submitted
claim, a confirmation of delivery, an acknowledgement of
entitlement, etc.) to the Processing Engine server (block 602). In
some embodiments, the "Executor" (block 603) is a component of the
Processing Engine server (block 602).
[0066] In some embodiments, the instant invention includes a
computer-implemented method having steps of: providing, by at least
one first programmed computer, at least one benefit to at least one
subscriber of at least one subscription entity, where the at least
one benefit includes uncovered information about at least one of
unclaimed asset, available asset, claim, and entitlement for the at
least one subscriber and where the uncovered information is
obtained, at least in part, by: storing, by at least one second
programmed computer, in at least one subscriber database, at least
one record containing personal data of the at least one subscriber;
searching, by at least third programmed computer, at least one
repository database, based, at least in part, on at least a portion
of the stored personal data of the at least one subscriber, to
uncover for the at least one subscriber at least one of: i)
unclaimed asset, ii) available asset, iii) claim, and iv)
entitlement; where the at least one repository database contains
information about at least one of unclaimed asset, available asset,
claim, and entitlement for a plurality of person; receiving, by at
least fourth programmed computer, the uncovered information for the
at least one subscriber; and alerting the at least one subscriber
to the uncovered information.
[0067] In some embodiments, the instant invention further includes
parsing, by at least one fifth programmed computer, the information
about at least one of unclaimed asset, available asset, claim, and
entitlement for the plurality of person from the at least one
repository database to match the parsed information to the at least
a portion of the stored personal data of the at least one
subscriber.
[0068] In some embodiments, the at least portion of the stored
personal data of the at least one subscriber includes at least the
name of the at least one subscriber and at least one address where
the at least one subscriber lives or has lived.
[0069] In some embodiments, subscriber retention of the at least
one subscription entity is based, at least in part, on the at least
one provided benefit.
[0070] In some embodiments, subscriber enrollment of the at least
one subscription entity is based, at least in part, on the at least
one provided benefit.
[0071] In some embodiments, the step of searching, by the at least
third programmed computer, is performed by a third party.
[0072] In some embodiments, at least two computers of the at least
one first through fourth computers are the same. In some
embodiments, at least two computers of the at least one first
through fourth computers are different. In some embodiments, at
least two computers of the at least one first through fifth
computers are the same. In some embodiments, at least two computers
of the at least one first through fifth computers are
different.
[0073] In some embodiments, the instant invention includes a
computer system, having at least the following components: a)
memory having at least one region for storing computer executable
program code; and b) at least one processor for executing the
computer executable program code stored in the memory, where the
computer executable program code includes: code to provide at least
one benefit to at least one subscriber of at least one subscription
entity, where the at least one benefit includes uncovered
information about at least one of unclaimed asset, available asset,
claim, and entitlement for the at least one subscriber and where
the uncovered information is obtained, at least in part, by
employing: code to store, in at least one subscriber database, at
least one record containing personal data of the at least one
subscriber; code to search at least one repository database based,
at least in part, on at least a portion of the stored personal data
of the at least one subscriber, to uncover for the at least one
subscriber at least one of: i) unclaimed asset, ii) available
asset, iii) claim, and iv) entitlement; where the at least one
repository database includes information about at least one of
unclaimed asset, available asset, claim, and entitlement for a
plurality of person; code to receive the uncovered information for
the at least one subscriber; and code to alert the at least one
subscriber to the uncovered information.
[0074] In some embodiments, the at least one processor of the
system of the instant invention further execute code to parse the
information about at least one of unclaimed asset, available asset,
claim, and entitlement for the plurality of person from the at
least one repository database to match the parsed information to
the at least a portion of the stored personal data of the at least
one subscriber.
[0075] While a number of embodiments of the present invention have
been described, it is understood that these embodiments are
illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications
may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For
example, certain methods may have been described herein as being
"computer implementable" or "computer implemented". In this regard,
it is noted that while such methods can be implemented using a
computer, the methods do not necessarily have to be implemented
using a computer. Also, to the extent that such methods are
implemented using a computer, not every step must necessarily be
implemented using a computer. Further still, the various steps may
be carried out in any desired order (and any desired steps may be
added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).
* * * * *