Michael W Rowan

US Patent:

20080147659, Jun 19, 2008

Filed:

Dec 15, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/639678

Inventors:

Kefeng Chen - Duluth GA, US
Christopher T.M. Bailey - Atlanta GA, US
Michael J. Rowan - Wakefield MA, US
Neal Lewis Creighton - Wellesley Hills MA, US

International Classification:

G06F 7/08
G06F 17/30

US Classification:

707 7, 707 5

Abstract:

A system and method for determining behavioral similarity between users and user data to identify groups to share user impressions of ratable objects. A computerized rating system identifies a plurality of users of the network. The usage activities of users within the network is automatically monitored and compiled. By analyzing the compiled information, similarity among users is determined, and used to define a social group. An aggregate rating for each ratable computerized entity as a function of rating information received from each member of a social group is determined from recorded rating information. The computerized rating system presents on a display the aggregate rating information for a ratable computerized entity for a social group to a user who is a member of the social group.

US Patent:

20090210444, Aug 20, 2009

Filed:

Oct 17, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/253493

Inventors:

Christopher T.M. BAILEY - Atlanta GA, US
Michael J. ROWAN - Wakefield RI, US
Kefeng CHEN - Duluth GA, US

International Classification:

G06F 17/30

US Classification:

707103 R, 707E17055, 709206

Abstract:

A method for providing a computer-based service to automatically evaluate and determine authenticity of a rating. The computer system receives (a) input with rating information that includes a rating and identification data for a specified ratable object and (b) rater profile information including identification information and usage information associated with a user of the computer based service. At least one evaluation step is performed to determine a risk level associated with the rating information, the rater profile information, and an associated time frame. Based on the risk level, an evaluation outcome message is communicated to the user. The evaluation outcome message may include an acceptance message, an information request message, and a rejection message. With the acceptance message, the service accepts the rating for storage in a rating information database. With the information request message, the service implements a verification process. With the rejection message, the service rejects the rating.