238 results about "Zip code" patented technology

A transmitter transmits time synchronized data via a pager / WiMax / 802.x access to a receiver system, wherein the receiver system is programmed to receive data for specific geographic locations. The geographic locations may be specified by the user or by the receiver system, and includes state, zip codes, towns, counties, towns, or cardinal regions. The receiver is able to find its location when outside its cell region and is able to synchronize to the data transmitted in the new cell region. Further, the receiver system is able to remotely monitor weather data and other information at a different location via wireless Internet or voice over IP. A transceiver may also be used to receive weather or alert data. In response to receiving data, the transceiver transmits the data to low powered devices in a house using a different frequency band than the frequency band it received the data.

The invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for managing a small business' advertising. More specifically, the system creates and administers a virtual online world accessible to users (players) within a virtual environment. A player interacts with various elements of the virtual environment and during those interactions the advertising is displayed to the user. To subscribe to the virtual environment, a player provides user information through a registration process to create a user profile. The system selects and displays advertisements that are correlated to a given user. The correlation between advertisement and user in one embodiment of the invention is based on a user's zip code. Further, in order to facilitate the quick adoption of the system among small business owners, a fundraising paradigm is implemented. More specifically, people volunteer to sell advertising opportunities within a virtual environment in exchange for a share of sales revenues.

A system and related techniques automatically analyze Web search and other activity, to generate locality-selected results based on not just the user's location, but also the business or other content provider's location and the degree of local intent in the user's query. The locality or region to the user may be identified, for instance, by the presence of geographic clues or indicators in the general content of the Web site, for instance, the presence of ZIP codes, telephone numbers, town names or other semantic or other indicators which have some geographic connotation in search terms, key words or other query or semantic inputs. The user's degree of local intent may be automatically analyzed as well, for instance by the presence of terms such as “car repair” or “pizza restaurant” which may suggest the user intends to locate local goods, services or providers. The search service may then access a content database to identify ads or other media or content which match or correspond to the detected locality or region, such as ads for local restaurants, car dealerships, physicians or other services or products, and which correspond in location, working radius and degree of localness to the user's query. Because the delivery of localized search results according to the invention is specifically filtered for user-driven local intent, advertisements and other media or content may be delivered which better match the user's search objectives.

The usefulness, and consequently the performance, of advertisements are improved by allowing businesses to better target their ads to a responsive audience. Location information, such as country, region, metro area, city or town, postal zip code, telephone area code, etc. is determined (or simply accepted) and used. For example, location information may be used in a relevancy determination of an ad. As another example, location information may be used in an attribute (e.g., position) arbitration. Such location information may be associated with price information, such as a maximum price bid. Such location information may be associated with ad performance information. Ad performance information may be tracked on the basis of location information. The content of an ad creative, and / or of a landing page may be selected and / or modified using location information. Finally, tools, such as user interfaces, may be provided to allow a business to enter and / or modify location information, such as location information used for targeting and location-dependent price information.

A novel Web-based package routing, tracking and delivering system and method that uses URL / ZIP-CODE encoded bar code symbols on parcels and packages. The system comprises one or more Routing, Tracking and Delivery (RTD) Internet Server Subsystems connected to the Internet infrastructure and updated at any instant of time with package tracking information. A Package Log-In / Shipping Subsystem is located at each shipping location and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure. A Package Routing Subsystem is located at a hub station and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure. A Portable Package Delivery Subsystem is carried by each package delivery person, and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure communication link. At each remote hub station within the system, the URL / ZIP-CODE encoded bar code symbol is automatically scanned by way of the Internet infrastructure; the encoded destination Zip Code is locally recovered and used to route the package at the hub station; and the locally recovered URL is used to access the RTD Internet Server and update the location of the package within the system. The Portable Package Delivery Subsystem is used to read the URL / ZIP-CODE encoded bar code symbol near the delivery destination in order to access the RTD Internet Server and display delivery information and the like to facilitate the delivery process.

A disaster alert system and disaster alert devices for use in the system. Each disaster alert device includes a radio receiver, and a processor programmed to monitor radio transmissions from one or more central stations for disaster alerts directed to the location of the disaster alert device. Each alert device also includes an audio unit to alert personnel located at the site of the device to the precise nature of the disaster. The disaster alert devices are pre-programmed with information identifying the precise use location of the warning device. This use location information includes latitude and longitude of the use location and may also include other location information such as street address and zip code. Warnings are broadcast from central stations identifying with latitude and longitude information specific at-risk regions to which the warnings are directed which could be, for example, nationwide, statewide, countywide, or to much smaller regions, such as several houses on a single street or even a single residence. Each disaster alert device is preferably programmed to ignore all warnings directed to at-risk regions that do not include the latitude and longitude of the use location of the device.

Automated systems for "speaking" telephone numbers, zip codes and the like typically produce unrealistic results that do not sound like an actual human speaking the telephone number or zip code. By using templates together with four or more types of fragment for each alphanumeric character this problem is addressed. A fragment is a recording of a spoken alphanumeric character as spoken at a particular location within an utterance. A template is a sequence of fields, each field representing part of a sequence of alphanumeric characters. Templates comprise information about the manner in which a sequence of alphanumeric characters is to be played, such as which fragments to use and when to use pauses. Using this method alphanumeric character sequences such as telephone numbers, zip codes and the like are played with human-like intonation in real time.

Disclosed is a network accessible tool that is capable of providing map and satellite image data, as well as other photographic image data to locate, identify, measure, view, and communicate information about land over the Internet-to-Internet users. The network accessible tool includes a location tool that allows the user to locate areas on a map using geographic names, township, range and section descriptions, county names, latitude and longitude coordinates or zip codes. Network accessible tool also includes a metes and bounds tool that draws boundaries on the map and image data in response to metes and bounds descriptions that have been entered by the Internet user. The network accessible tool also includes a lat / long drawing tool that draws boundaries on the map and image data based upon latitude and longitude coordinate pairs that have been entered by the Internet user. A cursor drawing tool allows the Internet user to draw and edit boundaries on the map and image data by simply clicking the cursor on the corner points of the boundary. An acreage calculation tool is also provided that calculates the acreage of an enclosed boundary. A distance measurement tool is also provided. The cursor information tool provides information relating to the name and creation date of the map and image data in accordance with the location of the cursor on the screen. The information can be communicated by printing, downloading, or e-mailing.

A disaster alert system and disaster alert devices for use in the system. Each disaster alert device includes a radio receiver, and a processor programmed to monitor radio transmissions from one or more central stations for disaster alerts directed to the location of the disaster alert device. Each alert device also includes an audio unit to alert personnel located at the site of the device to the precise nature of the disaster. The disaster alert devices are pre-programmed with information identifying the precise use location of the warning device. This use location information includes latitude and longitude of the use location and may also include other location information such as street address and zip code. Warnings are broadcast from central stations identifying with latitude and longitude information specific at-risk regions to which the warnings are directed which could be, for example, nationwide, statewide, countywide, or to much smaller regions, such as several houses on a single street or even a single residence. Each disaster alert device is preferably programmed to ignore all warnings directed to at-risk regions that do not include the latitude and longitude of the use location of the device.

This disclosure relates to a program controlled apparatus, system and method for identifying taxable financial transactions, collecting data based on the transactions and calculating any sales and / or use taxes due on the transactions. The apparatus comprises a first database having a directory of parameters identifying all domestic government authorities by zip code, geocode, and by jurisdiction name requiring payment of taxes. A second database is provided having a directory of parameters identifying the taxability of goods and / or services for each jurisdiction identified by zip code, geocode, and jurisdiction name in the first database. Also, a third database has a directory of parameters identifying all domestic sales, use and rental tax rates for each zip code, geocode and jurisdiction name. Finally, a server is utilized with programming for determining all taxes due on each transaction request input to the apparatus according to the directory parameters maintained by the first, second and third databases.

A wireless communications system providing interactive voice response is disclosed. The system is menu-driven, and can accept information and requests from customers. In response to one type of request, the system can provide the customer with information regarding locations where pre-paid calling cards can be purchased. The system also includes provisions that provide customers with locations that are close to or within a ZIP code entered by the customer. Customers can also retrieve multiple locations.

The invention facilitates a loyalty system which is associated with pre-determined geographic locations and / or services and goods offered in a specific geographic area. The system is configured with one product platform with a modularized approach to facilitate the development of market specific rewards and communication materials. The loyalty points may be earned within a specific geographic location, then redeemed in one geographic location, a subset of locations or without restrictions. Similarly, the loyalty points may be earned in one geographic location, a subset of locations or without restrictions, then redeemed only in a specific geographic location. The geographic features of the system may be implemented using existing data that is associated with geographic areas such as, for example, zip codes, retailer identification codes, service establishment codes and / or the like. The geographic area information may be associated with the consumer, merchant, processing system and / or any other part of the overall system.

Information about emergency situations is securely collected and processed by an agency, such as the local police force. When the information is approved for distribution as an emergency alert of a particular type, the alert is transmitted to a server. The server in turn facilitates the distribution of information widely to the public, and on a locality by locality basis. The server may format the emergency alert message or information for a variety of devices and send the information to those devices to convey the information to the public. The devices may include, for example, wireless devices, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants or any other type of wireless device; computers; electronic road signs; EAS equipment; computers and webpages; and any other type of output device. The server may also act as a web portal to disseminate information to the public and to allow members of the public to sign up to receive emergency alerts in particular localities, for example by zip code, at no cost to government or the public.

A customer selects a payment source and authorizes payment by sending Short Message Service (SMS) text messages or secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS) requests from the customer's mobile phone or device. A SMS payment software-plugin is installed on a Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal and launches a price match search and can fetch customer rewards. When a customer requests to pay by SMS, the plugin is activated and the customer's mobile phone number and zip code or POS PIN are entered on the POS terminal. The POS terminal sends a request to a SMS payment system, which sends SMS text messages to the customer's mobile device. When the customer replies to the SMS message with a payment source selection and an approval code, the SMS payment system uses the selected payment source from the customer to create a transaction request to a bank authorization network.

The present teachings provide methods, compositions, and kits for reverse transcribing and amplifying small nucleic acids such as micro RNAs. High levels of multiplexing are provided by the use of a zip-coded stem-loop reverse transcription primer, along with a PCR-based pre-amplification reaction that comprises a zip-coded forward primer. Detector probes in downstream decoding PCRs can take advantage of the zip-code introduced by the stem-loop reverse transcription primer. In some embodiments, further amplification is achieved by cycling the reverse transcription reaction. The present teachings also provide compositions and kits useful for performing the reverse transcription and amplification reactions described herein.

A method of providing incentives to bidders on an auction item using a database and a system, the method including creating the consumer profile for at least one consumer, choosing at least one of the unsold items from the inventory based on the consumer information in the consumer profile, generating the incentive for the chosen unsold item based on the consumer file, the selection of consumer information of the incentive being substantially similar to the consumer information in the consumer profile, and offering the chosen unsold item and the incentive to the at least one consumer to induce purchasing of the chosen unsold item. The database has an inventory file having at least one of detailed descriptions of an inventory, a list of similar items of the inventory, and a list of complementary items of the inventory, and a consumer profile having at least one of bidding history, start bid, bid frequency, bid increment, final bid, winning bid, target product, Internet service provider, zip code, credit card type, and coupon redemption rate. The system has a first memory for storing consumer profiles having consumer information, including at least information relating to bids on the auction items, a second memory for storing unsold items in an inventory, and a third memory for storing a plurality of incentives for each unsold item, each incentive having a value based on a selection of the consumer information.

An automatic advertisement system creates and processes a digital image that includes a user's digital photograph and advertisement images from selected advertisers. The new composed images are larger than the standard photographs in size (e.g., 4″×6″, 5″×7″) to allow the user's photograph to be in the standard size and to allow space for the advertisement images. The system provides a criteria specification tool to allow advertisers to accurately specify their target audiences based on, e.g., zip code, age, education. The system also provides a criteria specification tool to allow the user to specify his / her preferences of advertisement on his / her digital photograph production. The system further provides various layouts to prevent the user from clipping out advertisement images all at once. The system further allows advertisers to track their advertising results and allows the user to maintain his / her privacy. The system can be applied to contents other than advertisement image, such as announcements, personal messages, invitation cards and so on.

A digital audio broadcast channel is used in accordance with the principles of the present invention to broadcast local content information signals included with an associated geographically identifying code (e.g., a zip code) for reception only by those receivers associated with the geographically identifying code. Preferably, local content broadcasts containing audible information are preferably compressed for transmission to increase the capacity of the channel. A disclosed receiver monitors received signals for active local broadcasting relating to that particular locality, and switches to the reception of that local content information signal instead of the normal mode of reception of a general broadcast information signal for the duration of the local content information signal. Preferably, the unique local broadcast identifier code is contained in a header of the transmitted data packets. General broadcast content information and local content information can be received substantially simultaneously such that the audio signals relating to the general broadcast content and the local content are superimposed on one another, or reception of the local information may preempt reception of general broadcast information.

The present invention generally relates to an electrical timer which automatically controls the activation and deactivation of electrical devices, such as light fixtures, appliances and the like based on the time of sunrise and / or sunset for a particular geographic location. In this regard, the sunrise and / or sunset times for a multitude of different geographic locations is collected and stored in the timer's memory in association with the relevant geographic location. Each geographic location is specified in memory by geographic indicia, such as postal zip code or telephone area code, of its location (e.g., latitude and longitude). The timer of the present invention is programmed to automatically activate and / or deactivate the device to which it is coupled (e.g., lights, appliances, etc.) at the sunset and / or sunrise times stored in memory for each date that is specified in memory.

Disclosed is a network accessible tool that is capable of providing map and satellite image data, as well as other photographic image data to locate, identify, measure, view, and communicate information about land over the Internet-to-Internet users. The network accessible tool includes a location tool that allows the user to locate areas on a map using geographic names, township, range and section descriptions, county names, latitude and longitude coordinates or zip codes. Network accessible tool also includes a metes and bounds tool that draws boundaries on the map and image data in response to metes and bounds descriptions that have been entered by the Internet user. The network accessible tool also includes a lat / long drawing tool that draws boundaries on the map and image data based upon latitude and longitude coordinate pairs that have been entered by the Internet user. A cursor drawing tool allows the Internet user to draw and edit boundaries on the map and image data by simply clicking the cursor on the corner points of the boundary. An acreage calculation tool is also provided that calculates the acreage of an enclosed boundary. A distance measurement tool is also provided. The cursor information tool provides information relating to the name and creation date of the map and image data in accordance with the location of the cursor on the screen. The information can be communicated by printing, downloading, or e-mailing.

The present invention provides methods for water conservation with AC, DC, or ambient light powered irrigation controllers without the use of complex ET (evapotranspiration) data or ET related service fees. Programming may consist of the operator entering a preliminary irrigation schedule, and entering the local zip code. The controller then periodically calculates a water budget by comparing current (non ET) local geo-environmental data with stored local geo-environmental data, and then modifies the preliminary schedule using the water budget. A number of embodiments are possible: in stand-alone controllers with a temperature sensor attached directly to the microprocessor within that controller, or as a centrally placed CBM (Central Broadcast Module) which calculates a water budget percentage which is transmitted to one or more field controllers by wired or wireless means. Alternately, a TBM (Temperature Budget Module) that is separate from the controller is connected between the controller outputs and the valves, or mounted at the valves themselves. The TBM calculates the water budget, monitors the controller outputs and shortens the duration times as calculated by the water budget ratio. Because of its flexible capabilities with stand alone AC, DC, solar, or ambient light powered controllers, as a centrally broadcast WBR in a wired or wireless configuration, or as an add-on to existing controllers or valves, its programming simplicity and close approximation to ET without its complications and cost, the present invention significantly reduces that cost, has the potential to save more water and minimize runoff than currently available ET methods.

A computer implemented system and method for payment remittance receives a payor's payment information, processes this payment information, other than a received zip code, to identify an eleven digit zip code for a payee. The system and method then accesses a database of payee records to locate a payee record corresponding to the eleven digit zip code.

A disaster alert system and disaster alert devices for use in the system. Each disaster alert device includes a radio receiver, and a processor programmed to monitor radio transmissions from one or more central stations for disaster alerts directed to the location of the disaster alert device. Each alert device also includes an audio unit to alert personnel located at the site of the device to the precise nature of the disaster. The disaster alert devices are pre-programmed with information identifying the precise use location of the warning device. This use location information includes latitude and longitude of the use location and may also include other location information such as street address and zip code. Warnings are broadcast from central stations identifying with latitude and longitude information specific at-risk regions to which the warnings are directed which could be, for example, nationwide, statewide, countywide, or to much smaller regions, such as several houses on a single street or even a single residence. Each disaster alert device is preferably programmed to ignore all warnings directed to at-risk regions that do not include the latitude and longitude of the use location of the device.

The present invention provides a mobile phone remote control system, a system for programming the remote control, and methods of programming or using the remote control. The mobile phone remote control system is configured to be selectively set up or programmed using a display screen and corresponding function buttons on the remote control. The remote control system may be used to control the channel of a media device such as a television based on an icon displayed on a screen of the mobile phone. The set up process allows channel numbers to be automatically assigned based on icons selected by a user and previously identified geographic information such as a mobile phone user address postal zip code.

A method and device that controls one or more apparatus in relation to the expected time of sunrise and sunset at the location of the apparatus. The operator enters a geographic location identifier, such as a zip code or telephone area code, and the controller computes the expected time of sunrise and sunset at the corresponding geographic location. The controller is configured to translate the entered geographic location code into the offset times, based upon the latitude and longitude of the location. The controller is able to either directly retrieve stored time offsets or it retrieves the latitude and longitude that corresponds to the entered geographic location code and determines the time offset from that latitude and longitude.

Disclosed herein is a method which allows the cell phone operator to download traffic information on the operators cell phone display with a minimum of keystrokes. The cell phone can have a option mode, voice activation or a sequence of keystrokes programmed within the cell or mobile phone to facilitate access of the cell or mobile phone to regional traffic information. This is accomplished by the cell or mobile phone service provider procuring traffic information and data from traffic information provided by an entity such as Traffic Pulse. Alternately the cell phone service provider can make internet access to a traffic information provider directly to the operator of the cell phone. Besides having to first access the internet from a cell phone, and then second navigate to a traffic information website, an operator must provide location information, such as current position through zip code, address, or longitudinal and latitudinal coordination. Cell and mobile phone technology already has the function to monitor the locations of a cell or mobile phone to access various cell phone transmitting and receiving towers in close proximity to the cell or mobile phone. This is accomplished by one example known as triangulation measurement or hyperbolic multi-lateration positioning of cell signals between cell towers or through GPS technology incorporated in the cell or mobile phone. Therefore, the use of current location information of a cell phone acquiring regional traffic data does not need to this information be input, using keystrokes on the cell phone keyboard, or by voice annunciations by the cell phone operator.

A method enabling a mobile / non-mobile device to perform location-based message filtering against a proposed list of message recipients. Identifiers indicating location characteristics are embedded in the body of a message prior to transmission. Following message transmission, location characteristics are identified / extracted from a location filtered message by a location filtering engine. Location characteristics may indicate a geographic location (e.g. address, zip code, etc.), a POI, or a boundary centered at a geographic location / POI. The location filtering engine attains location information for each device referenced in a proposed distribution list. Attained location information for each device is compared against location characteristics extracted from a corresponding location filtered message. A formal distribution list is compiled, containing all devices in the proposed distribution list with location information matching location criteria embedded in the corresponding filtered message. The present invention applies to any messaging technology that does not encrypt the actual body of a message.

A system that flexibly, retrieves, processes and distributes data across a global computer network is disclosed. Within the system, a first party identifier is captured and converted into a Linkage Key, such as a United States Postal Service Delivery point code (11-digit zip code). The Linkage Key is then used to retrieve Linkage Key indexed data from various network nodes that house components of a virtual Linkage Key indexed database. The retrieved information associated with the first party identifier is then distributed by the system to one or more network nodes to provide benefits to the first party and other network nodes.

The invention seeks to improve the effectiveness of sortation and delivery point processing of military mail on behalf of the U.S. military. A method for distributing military mail includes the steps of compiling military unit and associated delivery code information into a computer searchable military address management system database which associates a military unit zip code with a current geographic location for that unit; obtaining military unit personnel change of address information from a number of sources including a national change of address database maintained by a federal postal service and input from a military unit to which a military mail recipient belongs, which information is compiled into a computer searchable military change of address database, which information includes change of address information more recent than change of address information reflected in a federal national change of address database; and using information from the military address management system database and the military change of address database to redirect incorrectly addressed mail pieces to a military mail recipient's current address.