WO2016164918A1

WO2016164918A1 - Systems and methods for providing miscellaneous services

Info

Publication number: WO2016164918A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/026975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Douglas Patricio QUEZADA
Original assignee: Quezada Douglas Patricio
Priority date: 2015-04-10
Filing date: 2016-04-11
Publication date: 2016-10-13

Abstract

The present application may provide systems and methods for controlling proxy users. Other embodiments may provide a computer implemented method for controlling proxies, the method being implemented by one or more processors of a server and comprising the steps of: receiving, at the server from a sender device at a first geographic location a request including information about a proxy device in second geographic location; selecting, by the server, from a pool of candidate devices at the second geographic location, the proxy device in response to receiving the request; issuing, by the server, to the proxy device, a task to be completed; and communicating, by the server, to the sender, visual information from the proxy device the task is completed.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Related Application Information

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application No. 62/145,938, filed on Apr. 10, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Background

Field of Invention

[0002] Embodiments relate to systems for providing services.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In an embodiment, the present application provides systems for downloadable mobile application software and provides temporary use of online non-downloadable software which enables a user to access available individuals in another location, filter them by qualifications and precise geographic locations, select the individual who best meets the needs of the user, instruct that individual to go to a specific location and provide the user with a real time, live video feed from that location via mobile phone, wearable mobile device or other mobile video technology, participate in that video feed, further instruct that individual to act on behalf of that user, and rate the individual.

[0004] In another embodiment, the present application provides systems for downloadable mobile application software and provides temporary use of online non-downloadable software enables a user to make himself or herself available to others in different locations, to be filtered by the qualifications and precise geographic location of the user, and if selected, to go to a specific location, to provide the selecting party with a real time, live video feed from that location via mobile phone, wearable mobile device or other mobile video technology, to take further instructions from the selecting party to act on behalf of that party, and to rate the selecting party.

[0005] In other embodiments, the present application provides systems for routing video feeds, SMS messages, calls, and/or push notifications to persons in different locations so that a person in one location can set up a real time, live video feed of that location and share it with the person in the other location, and the parties can otherwise communicate

[0006] Some embodiments provide a computer implemented method for controlling proxies, the method being implemented by one or more processors of a server and comprising the steps of: receiving, at the server from a sender device at a first geographic location a request including information about a proxy device in second geographic location; selecting, by the server, from a pool of candidate devices at the second geographic location, the proxy device in response to receiving the request; issuing, by the server, to the proxy device, a task to be completed; and communicating, by the server, to the sender, visual information from the proxy device the task is completed.

[0007] Some embodiments provide a computer implemented method for offering miscellaneous services, the method being implemented by one or more processors of a server and comprising the steps of: connecting a first processor controlled by a user to the server; displaying, via a second processor, a location of the user and a resume of the user for viewing by a second user; relaying a task from the second processor controlled by the second user; and creating a data link between the first processor and second processor for relaying information over an extended period of time; wherein information being relayed comprises video data.

[0008] Some embodiments provide a system for controlling proxies comprising: a first processor for selecting a proxy and issuing tasks, the first processor being controlled by a first user; a server for storing information sent from the first processor and providing processing support for executing tasks sent from the first processor; and a second processor for receiving tasks from the first processor; wherein the second processor relays video to the first.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

[0010] Fig. 1 depicts a sample screen shot of a loading page;

[0011] Fig. 2 depicts a sample screen shot of a home page;

[0012] Fig. 3 depicts a sample screen shot of a sender's home page;

[0013] Fig. 4 depicts a sample screen shot of an additional information page;

[0014] Fig. 5 depicts a sample screen shot of a profile page;

[0015] Fig. 6 depicts a sample screen shot of a setting page;

[0016] Fig. 7 depicts a sample screen shot of a map page;

[0017] Fig. 8 depicts a sample screen shot of a receiver's resume page; [0018] Fig. 9 depicts a sample screen shot of a receiver's resume page;

[0019] Fig. 10 depicts a sample screen shot of a activation page;

[0020] Fig. 11 depicts a sample screen shot of a standby page;

[0021] Fig. 12 depicts a sample screen shot of a receiver home page;

[0022] Fig. 13 depicts a sample screen shot of a map page; and

[0023] Fig. 14 depicts an example computer system that may be used in implementing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Embodiments

[0024] Exemplary embodiments are discussed in detail below. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. In describing and illustrating the exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. It is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. The examples and embodiments described herein are non-limiting examples.

[0025] As used herein, the term "a" refers to one or more. The terms "including," "for example," "such as," "e.g.," "may be" and the like, are meant to include, but not be limited to, the listed examples.

[0026] The term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computing platform" may comprise one or more processors.

[0027] Receivers: these are users, who may use the application to act as proxies for a sender. Receivers may provide a variety of services which may or may not be based on their skills.

[0028] Sender: These are users, who may use the application to give direction to receivers.

[0029] A first receiver type: a class of receivers which are used primarily for video purposes. For example, these receivers may be used by senders to view areas far away from them, for example, hotels, factory lines, and meetings. [0030] A second receiver type: a class of receivers which are used primarily for physical tasks. For example, these receivers may be used by senders to move groceries and assist in moving.

[0031] A third receiver type: a class of receivers which are used primarily for specific tasks which may require someone with a specialized background. Examples of specialized backgrounds include, for example, speaking a variety of languages, having some level of medical expertise, and various others technical backgrounds. For example, these receivers may be used in the same ways as second receiver type and first receiver types, however, they are able to provide additional input.

[0032] Resume: the ranking and credentials of a sender or receiver.

[0033] The systems and processes described herein may be created using the following development technologies CSSm HTML, MySQL, PHP, JavaScript, XML (in all of its dialects and extended forms i.e. : XUL, SVG, RSS, Atom, SOAP, XHTML, etc.), UIKit, Xcode, Objective- C, Cocoa, j Query, JSON, C#, VB, C++, ASP, Python, Ruby, Perl, and Markdown. Additionally, other development technologies well known to those skilled in the art may also be used to create the systems and processes described herein.

[0034] One embodiment of the present application may enable a system such as described to be implemented using commercially available handsets and devices. Examples of devices that may be operated by senders or receivers include multifunctional cellular devices, and wireless network enabled devices such as laptops, netbooks or tables. As such, specialized devices or components are not needed.

[0035] One or more embodiments described herein provide that methods, techniques and actions performed by a computing device are performed programmaticaily, or as a computer-implemented method. Programmaticaily means through the use of code, or computer-executable instmctions. A programmaticaily performed step may or may not be automatic.

[0036] One or more embodiments described herein may be implemented using programmatic modules or components. A programmatic module or component may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, or a software component or a hardware component capable of performing one or more stated tasks or functions. As used herein, a module or component can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules or components. Alternatively, a module or component can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs or machines.

[0037] Furthermore, one or more embodiments described herein may be implemented through the use of instructions that are executable by one or more processors. These instmctions may be carried on a computer-readable medium. Machines shown or described with figures below provide examples of processing resources and computer-readable mediums on which instructions for implementing embodiments of the invention can be carried and/or executed. In particular, the numerous machines shown with embodiments of the invention include processor(s) and various forms of memory for holding data and instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediums include permanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers or servers. Other examples of computer storage mediums include portable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash memory (such as earned on many cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs)), and magnetic memory. Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g. mobile devices such as cell phones) are ail examples of machines and devices that utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums. Additionally, embodiments may be implemented in the form of computer-programs, or a non-transitory computer usable carrier medium capable of carrying such a program.

[0038] In other embodiments, antennas and other systems known in the art for receiving, amplifying, and then further relaying information may be used to implement various techniques used and described herein.

[0039] Basic systems are understood for requesting services, for example, in US Patent No. 6,356,838 or US Patent Application Publication No. 20110313804, incorporated by reference herein. According to some embodiments, the services provided are miscellaneous and may vary greatly. In these embodiments, the sender may create their own task and phrase it according to the sender's preference. Although in other embodiments, the services provided may be selected from a predetermined list of services.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the sender may select filtered receivers based on a variety of criteria, for example, a first receiver type, second receiver type, or third receiver type. Thereby allowing the sender to find the appropriate receiver for the required task.

[0041] In order to perform these services, the sender may first need to select a geographic location where they wish to have a task preformed. These geographic locations may be selected based on a variety of different parameters chosen by the sender, for example zip codes, GPS coordinates, street addresses, and other geographical identifiers. The sender may then be able to view all the receivers they may choose from within the area selected, in other embodiments, a server selects the receiver. In some embodiments, the location information is routed through a server. [0042] Once a receiver has been selected, the task to be performed may be sent to the receiver to allow them to decide if they wish to accept, and become active. If active, a video recording device may be turned on which records/sends video either directly, or through the server to the sender. In certain embodiments, the video is stored on the server. In some embodiments, the video recording device is a smart phone or mobile device, in other embodiments equipment may be used in conjunction with the receiver's smart device, for instance Bluetooth enabled cameras, haptic feedback devices, microphones and speakers. The sender may send information to the receiver through the haptic feedback devices or speakers, and other devices which the receiver may have.

[0043] The sender may then choose to monitor all the information from the receiver and direct the receiver accordingly.

[0044] Once the task is complete and verified by the Receiver Management Team, the sender is immediately billed and the receiver is directly paid, with a percent being kept as payment, at which point the sender may rate and even bookmark that specific receiver, and vice versa. Receivers may be required to be certified by the Receiver Management Team and get connected with the network of senders, offering their location and services on-demand to users who need it.

Application

[0045] For exemplary purposes the following example illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present application for use as a mobile application.

[0046] Once the application is started, the user is brought to a loading page (figure 1) while the application begins loading and connects to external servers.

[0047] Once loaded and fully connected, the user is brought to a home page (figure 2) which gives the user three options. The first choice is to sign up for an account, as shown with the "sign up" text (100). In order to sign up for a sender account, the user may enter some or all of the required information, which may range from credit and/or debit information, to various personal information such as birthdates, names, and other information which may be to a specific sender account. In order to create an receiver account, the user may be required to add in the same information as the sender, and in addition go through a screening process, which may be done in person at a physical facility or remotely. The second option is enter the application as a sender, as shown by the sender (handler) button (102). Or third, as a receiver, as shown by the receiver (asset) button (104). [0048] If a user chooses to utilize the application as a sender, they are brought to the sender's home page (figure 3). The user may then select what type of receiver they wish to use by selecting from three categories, a first receiver type (106), second receiver type (108), or third receiver type (not shown). The selection process may be done by scrolling through the receiver type list (110). If the sender selects the third receiver type, the application may prompt the sender to select additional information (figure 4), for instance, the sender may select what languages the receiver may speak from the language list (112), what level of education the receiver has, from the education list (114), and/or what kind of technical education the receiver may have, from the specialty list (116).

[0049] The application may also contain a control bar (118) which allows the sender to select from the sender's home page (120), the user's profile (122), and the user's settings (124). Each of the pages may contain the control bar (118). The sender and receiver accounts of the user may be linked if desired, in these instance, changes made in the profile page (figure 5) or setting page (figure 6) may affect both accounts.

[0050] In the profile page (figure 5) the user can edit and manage their specific account. The user can view information tied directly to the user's account through the info tab (126), or the user can manage and edit a specific profile account under the account tab (128). The type of information which may be edited includes language, education, profession, experience, and other miscellaneous information. A user may select specific payments as well as return methods in the payment method tab (130), some methods of returns include credit, for a receiver. Another feature which may be included is a credit section (132), there the user has the option of loading credit onto the account through various payment means (e.g., credit card, Google Wallet, etc.), and managing the credit in general. A reward tab (134) allows, receivers in particular, to manage rewards acquired based on performance. A wearable device tab (136) allows the user to manage external wearable devices. A headset tab (138) allows for the user to manage a headset. A history tab (140) shows information collected from previous encounters, both as a sender and receiver. Information which may be shown includes requests, payment, duration, and other basic data. Search history data (what's typed and entered into the input fields) is anonymously collected and used in determining user preferences and suggestions (of which the user can submit an opt-out request), thereby allowing the system to make recommendations on which receivers would be useful. A support tab (142) allows a user to send feedback, pictures and comments to a support team, and call, text, or video chat with a support team staff member, and in some embodiments, the support tab may lead to an FAQ page.

[0051] In the settings page (figure 6), the user can modify and prioritize the page search results through the sort by tab (144). The sort by tab (144) allows the user to further sort potential receivers/senders based on the price they charge/willing to pay and further, by their location. Other features which may be included in a setting page in order to improve convenience may be a language + Region tab (146) which allows the user to select a default language and regional unit settings. The user may further select the preferred map app for the Map page under the Map App tab (148) (e.g., Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze etc.). The settings page (figure 6), may further contain two quick settings, first, to turn on or off the feature that enables for automatic search in the immediate vicinity upon app launch in the Launch Near Me switch (150). The other quick setting option feature allows a user, particularly a receiver, to control haptic feedback, through the haptic feedback switch (152) either from the device being used or from an additional device, for example, the wearable device or headset, which may be coupled with the processor which the user is using. An about tab (154) gives the user the ability to review the software and company info. A Software + Updates tab (156) allows for in-app updates to the app itself, and to the extended wearable devices. A clear history tab (158) allows for the user to clear the data from the profile page. Finally, a rest tab (160) allows the user to reset their account back to the original settings and information.

[0052] If the sender has not enabled the launch near me function, the sender will need to enter geographical information in the search bar (162), on the sender's home page (figure 3). Once the search is initiated the sender is forwarded a map page (figure 7), which shows the locations of various receivers (164). The sender is then able to select one of the receivers which will display basic information, in some embodiments, this may include the billing rate (166), name (168), and photo (170). More information about the receiver may be displayed if the sender wants, by pushing an information expansion button (172). This opens receiver's resume page (figure 8, figure 9, 174) which displays all of the receiver's account information. In addition, the rating (176) of the receiver may be displayed.

[0053] Once the sender has reviewed the information, they may then select whether to activate the receiver or not, as shown in the activate page (178), in figure 10. Before activating the receiver, the sender may be required to enter a specific task for the receiver to perform in a description bar (180). The sender will then be sent to a standby page (figure 11), where they will wait for the receiver to determine if they wish to take the job.

[0054] If the receiver decides to accept the job, their video device will be activated, and begin transmitting to a server, which may then relay the video to the sender. In some embodiments, the video link between the sender and receiver may be direct. The present example is not limited to just video information, and may include sound, and controls for haptic feedback, which may go from either the sender to the receiver and vice versa.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the receiver may be in control of when to begin charging for services, in other embodiments charging is controlled by the server, in further embodiments the sender controls when charging begins, or in combination.

[0056] If the user decides to utilize the application as a receiver, by selecting the receiver button (104) from the home page (figure 2), the user is brought to the receiver home page (figure 12). There the receiver may select what type of receiver they wish to be utilized by selecting a receiver type from the receiver type list (182). Once the receiver selects the receiver type, they may begin waiting for a sender. Once selected, the receiver is directed to a map page (figure 13), where sender's request (184) and rating (186) are displayed. The receiver is then given a limited time interval (188) to decide whether to accept the job or not. If the receiver decides to accept the job they may hit the job accept button (190), and then receive further instructions.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the receiver may make purchases on behalf of the sender. Purchase costs may be taken directly from the sender, taken from the receiver which is then later reimbursed, or initially paid for by the server. In embodiments where the receiver makes the initial payment, one example of verifying a purchase may be to take a photo of a paper receipt, which will then be sent to the server, which will then incorporate the initial payment into the sender's charge.

Band

[0058] In some embodiment, the application may be used in conjunction with a receiver band which contains a marker that indicates when a receiver is active. This in turn allows the band to double as a credential for the receiver. In a preferred embodiment, the marker is a light, or logo which lights up.

[0059] The receiver band may also be used as a haptic feedback device which may give additional information to the receiver from the sender. For example, the receiver band may contain anywhere from 1 to 20 vibrators disposed around the receiver band. In preferred embodiments, there are 4 vibrators equidistantly disposed around the receiver band. Depending on the number of sensors various patterns may be implemented in order to give the receiver more specific instructions. For example, the sender may hit a panic button which would cause all the vibrators to activate simultaneously. Haptic feedback devices are known in the art and disclosed, in for example US Patent Application Publication No. 20080120029 Al herein incorporated by reference.

[0060] In other embodiments, the receiver band may double as a payment method. For example, if the receiver is purchasing an item for the sender, the band may use near field communication (NFC), or other methods as known in the art to send the information necessary to make the purchase. For example, the band may also have Bluetooth or RFID capabilities to communicate with one or more processors.

[0061] In embodiments where the receiver is allowed to purchase for the sender via the receiver band, the server will first verify and charge the sender's account. Once the fee has been collected the server will then authorize payment from an account controlled by the server.

Examples of use:

[0062] In one scenario, a sender or someone who knows the sender needs assistance moving groceries. For example, someone who would need assistance with moving groceries may be the sender's elderly mother. The sender may then select a second receiver type in the vicinity of the sender's elderly mother, and issue a task which states "move groceries". If the receiver accepts, they may connect further with the sender to get any additional information necessary. Once the receiver accepts the task, their video device will activate, which will allow the sender to monitor the receiver's performance at the sender's leisure. After the task has been accomplished to the sender's satisfaction, the task is terminated and the sender is charged for the receiver's time.

[0063] In another scenario, a sender wishes to check in on someone. For example, the sender's elderly mother. The sender may then select a first receiver type or a third receiver type in the vicinity of the sender's elderly mother, and issue a task which states "check-up on someone". A third receiver type may be preferable, because the sender might wish to have someone who has experience assisting the elderly, for example a nurse. If the receiver accepts, they may connect further with the sender to get any additional information necessary. Once the receiver accepts the task, their video device will activate, which will allow the sender to monitor the receiver's performance at the sender's leisure. Once the receiver reaches the sender's elderly mother, the sender may tell the receiver to inspect certain areas, and telling the receiver where they should point their video device. If the receiver was a nurse, the sender may allow the receiver to use their expertise to ensure the sender's elderly mother is alright. After the task has been accomplished to the sender's satisfaction, the task is terminated and the sender is charged for the receiver's time.

[0064] In another scenario, a sender is sick and needs fluids or over the counter medicine. The sender may then select a receiver which they feels may best accomplish their needs. If the receiver accepts, they may connect further with the sender to get any additional information necessary. Once the receiver accepts the task, their video device will activate, which will allow the sender to monitor the receiver's performance at the sender's leisure. The sender may then direct the receiver around the store in order to determine which items the sender needs. The receiver will then purchase the goods and deliver them to the sender. After the task has been accomplished to the sender's satisfaction, the task is terminated and the sender is charged for the receiver's time.

Illustrative Computer System

[0065] FIG. 14 depicts an illustrative computer system that may be used in implementing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 14 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a computer system 700 that may be used in computing devices such as, e.g., but not limited to, standalone or client or server devices. Figure 14 depicts an illustrative

embodiment of a computer system that may be used for example, as a client device, a server device, a reciever device, or a sender device, etc. The present invention (or any part(s) or function(s) thereof) may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In fact, in one illustrative embodiment, the invention may be directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. An example of a computer system 700 is shown in Figure 14, depicting an illustrative embodiment of a block diagram of an illustrative computer system useful for implementing the present invention.

Specifically, Figure 14 illustrates an example computer 700, which in an illustrative

embodiment may be, e.g., (but not limited to) a personal computer (PC) system running an operating system such as, e.g., (but not limited to) MICROSOFT® WINDOWS®

NT/98/2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10, etc. available from MICROSOFT® Corporation of Redmond, WA, U.S.A. or an Apple computer executing MAC® OS or iOS from Apple® of Cupertino, CA, U.S.A. However, the invention is not limited to these platforms. Instead, the invention may be implemented on any appropriate computer system running any appropriate operating system. In one illustrative embodiment, the present invention may be implemented on a computer system operating as discussed herein. An illustrative computer system, computer 700 is shown in Figure 14. Other components of the invention, such as, e.g., (but not limited to) a computing device, a communications device, a telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an iPhone, a 3G/4G/LTE wireless device, a wireless device, a personal computer (PC), a handheld PC, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a mobile device, a netbook, a handheld device, a portable device, an interactive television device (iTV), a digital video recorder (DVR), client workstations, thin clients, thick clients, fat clients, proxy servers, network communication servers, remote access devices, client computers, server computers, peer-to-peer devices, routers, web servers, data, media, audio, video, telephony or streaming technology servers, etc., may also be implemented using a computer such as that shown in Figure 14. In an illustrative embodiment, services may be provided on demand using, e.g., an interactive television device (iTV), a video on demand system (VOD), via a digital video recorder (DVR), and/or other on demand viewing system.

[0066] The computer system 700 may include one or more processors, such as, e.g., but not limited to, processor(s) 704. The processor(s) 704 may be connected to a communication infrastructure 706 (e.g., but not limited to, a communications bus, cross-over bar, interconnect, or network, etc.). Processor 704 may include any type of processor, microprocessor, or processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions (e.g., for example, a field

programmable gate array (FPGA)). Processor 704 may comprise a single device (e.g., for example, a single core) and/or a group of devices (e.g., multi-core). The processor 704 may include logic configured to execute computer-executable instructions configured to implement one or more embodiments described above. The instructions may reside in main memory 708 or secondary memory 710. Processors 704 may also include multiple independent cores, such as a dual-core processor or a multi-core processor. Processors 704 may also include one or more graphics processing units (GPU) which may be in the form of a dedicated graphics card, an integrated graphics solution, and/or a hybrid graphics solution. Various illustrative software embodiments may be described in terms of this illustrative computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the invention using other computer systems and/or architectures.

[0067] Computer system 700 may include a display interface 702 that may forward, e.g., but not limited to, graphics, text, and other data, etc., from the communication infrastructure 706 (or from a frame buffer, etc., not shown) for display on the display unit 701. The display unit 701 may be, for example, a television, a computer monitor, or a mobile phone screen. The output may also be provided as sound through a speaker.

[0068] The computer system 700 may also include, e.g., but is not limited to, a main memory 708, random access memory (RAM), and a secondary memory 710, etc. Main memory 708, random access memory (RAM), and a secondary memory 710, etc., may be a computer-readable medium that may be configured to store instructions configured to implement one or more embodiments and may comprise a random-access memory (RAM) that may include RAM devices, such as Dynamic RAM (DRAM) devices, flash memory devices, Static RAM (SRAM) devices, etc.

[0069] The secondary memory 710 may include, for example, (but is not limited to) a hard disk drive 712 and/or a removable storage drive 714, representing a floppy diskette drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a compact disk drive CD-ROM, flash memory, etc. The removable storage drive 714 may, e.g., but is not limited to, read from and/or write to a removable storage unit 718 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 718, also called a program storage device or a computer program product, may represent, e.g., but is not limited to, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, compact disk, etc. which may be read from and written to removable storage drive 714. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 718 may include a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

[0070] In alternative illustrative embodiments, secondary memory 710 may include other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 700. Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit 722 and an interface 720. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as, e.g., but not limited to, those found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as, e.g., but not limited to, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 722 and interfaces 720, which may allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 722 to computer system 700.

[0071] Computer 700 may also include an input device 703 which may include any mechanism or combination of mechanisms that may permit information to be input into computer system 700 from, e.g., a user. Input device 703 may include logic configured to receive information for computer system 700 from, e.g. a user. Examples of input device 703 may include, e.g., but not limited to, a mouse, pen-based pointing device, or other pointing device such as a digitizer, a touch sensitive display device, and/or a keyboard or other data entry device (none of which are labeled). Other input devices 703 may include, e.g., but not limited to, a biometric input device, a video source, an audio source, a microphone, a web cam, a video camera, and/or other camera.

[0072] Computer 700 may also include output devices 715 which may include any mechanism or combination of mechanisms that may output information from computer system 700. Output device 715 may include logic configured to output information from computer system 700. Embodiments of output device 715 may include, e.g., but not limited to, display 701, and display interface 702, including displays, printers, speakers, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), plasma displays, light-emitting diode (LED) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), printers, vacuum florescent displays (VFDs), surface-conduction electron-emitter displays (SEDs), field emission displays (FEDs), etc. Computer 700 may include input/output (I/O) devices such as, e.g., (but not limited to) input device 703, communications interface 724, cable 728 and communications path 726, etc. These devices may include, e.g., but are not limited to, a network interface card, and/or modems.

[0073] Communications interface 724 may allow software and data to be transferred between computer system 700 and external devices.

[0074] In this document, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer readable medium" may be used to generally refer to media such as, e.g., but not limited to, removable storage drive 714, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 712, flash memories, removable discs, non-removable discs, etc. In addition, it should be noted that various electromagnetic radiation, such as wireless communication, electrical communication carried over an electrically conductive wire (e.g., but not limited to twisted pair, CAT5, etc.) or an optical medium (e.g., but not limited to, optical fiber) and the like may be encoded to carry computer-executable instructions and/or computer data that embodiments of the invention on e.g., a communication network. These computer program products may provide software to computer system 700. It should be noted that a computer-readable medium that comprises computer-executable instructions for execution in a processor may be configured to store various embodiments of the present invention. References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example

embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

[0075] Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an illustrative embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. The various embodiments described herein may be combined and/or features of the embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments.

[0076] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating, " "determining," or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0077] Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses for performing the operations herein. An apparatus may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose device selectively activated or reconfigured by a program stored in the device.

[0078] Embodiments may be embodied in many different ways as a software component. For example, it may be a stand-alone software package, or it may be a software package

incorporated as a "tool" in a larger software product, such as, for example, a scientific modeling product. It may be downloadable from a network, for example, a website, as a stand-alone product or as an add-in package for installation in an existing software application. It may also be available as a client-server software application, or as a web-enabled software application. Computer system 700 may be used to create a general purpose computer. A general purpose computer may be specialized by storing programming logic that enables one or more processors to perform the techniques indicated herein.

Claims

Claims:

1. A computer implemented method for controlling proxies, the method being implemented by one or more processors of a server and comprising the steps of:

a. receiving, at the server from a sender device at a first geographic location a request including information about a proxy device in second geographic location;

b. selecting, by the server, from a pool of candidate devices at the second geographic location, the proxy device in response to receiving the request;

c. issuing, by the server, to the proxy device, a task to be completed; and

d. communicating, by the server, to the sender, visual information from the proxy device the task is completed.

2. A computer implemented method for offering miscellaneous services, the method being implemented by one or more processors of a server and comprising the steps of:

a. connecting a first processor controlled by a user to the server;

b. displaying, via a second processor, a location of the user and a resume of the user for viewing by a second user;

c. relaying a task from the second processor controlled by the second user; and d. creating a data link between the first processor and second processor for relaying information over an extended period of time;

wherein information being relayed comprises video data.

3. A system for controlling proxies comprising: a first processor for selecting a proxy and issuing tasks, the first processor being controlled by a first user; a server for storing information sent from the first processor and providing processing support for executing tasks sent from the first processor; and a second processor for receiving tasks from the first processor; wherein the second processor relays video to the first.