WO2014107559A1

WO2014107559A1 - Methods and apparatus for determining a score value for criteria associated with a gift

Info

Publication number: WO2014107559A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/010144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerald Mclaughlin
Original assignee: Branders.Com, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-01-03
Filing date: 2014-01-03
Publication date: 2014-07-10

Abstract

Various embodiment include a network based transaction system comprising a server coupled to a network, at least one client device coupled to the server through the network, the at least one client device including a display, the server coupled to a product image database storing product information and a plurality of stored images of products, and wherein the server is operable to provide to the display of the client device and interface screen that includes a description related to a particular product of the plurality of stored images of products, and to display one or more liner scales, each of the one or more liner scales including a label describing a characteristic of the associated with receiving the particular product as a gift.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A SCORE

VALUE FOR CRITERIA ASSOCIATED WITH A GIFT

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional

Application Serial Number 61/748,566, filed January 3, 2013, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A gift is often an object or a service, or in some instances an entitlement to an object or a service (such as a gift certificate or a card that has a stored value associated with the card), that is given generally without charge by one party, such as a person or persons, or an entity such as a business, to another party, such as another person or persons or another entity. In most instances, the gift giver has some reason or reasons for providing the gift, for example as a way of celebrating a birthday, or in another example a gift given as a wedding present.

In addition, businesses often provide gifts, such as door prizes, or other items for example as a free item distributed to persons at a trade show, often as part of an advertising or marketing campaign. In some instances, the item or items being distributed will include some type of logo or other markings that associate the item or items with the business making the distribution. These marked items are sometimes referred to as "promotional items" as they are intended to promote some objective, such as to provide advertisement for a given business.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present inventive subject matter are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system according to various embodiments; FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with a Product Survey in various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a diagram 210 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a first question in various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a diagram 220 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a second question in various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a diagram 240 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a third question in various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a diagram 250 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a fourth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a diagram 260 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a fifth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a diagram 270 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a sixth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a diagram 280 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a seventh question in various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a diagram 290 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding an eighth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a diagram 300 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a ninth question in various embodiments; FIG. 12 is a diagram 310 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a tenth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a diagram 320 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding an eleventh question in various embodiments;

FIG. 44 is a diagram 330 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a twelfth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a diagram 340 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a thirteenth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a diagram 350 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a fourteenth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a diagram 360 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a fifteenth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a diagram 370 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a sixteenth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 19 is a diagram 380 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a seventeenth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 20 is a diagram 390 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a seventeenth question in various embodiments;

FIG. 21 is a diagram 400 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a first question related to a second product in various embodiments; FIG. 22 illustrates an interface screen 500 operable to allow a user to indicate on a linear scale a showing of the user's desirability for receiving a given product or service as a gift; and

FIG. 23 illustrates an interface screen 600 operable to allow a user to indicate on multiple scales a showing of the user's opinion of a product relative to different characteristics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the present inventive subject matter is described below by way of various embodiments that include specific structures and methods, embodiments that include alternative structures and methods can be employed without departing from the principles of the inventive subject matter described herein.

In general, embodiments described below feature methods and apparatus for determining a score value for one or more criteria associated with a gift. In various embodiments, a series of score values, each of the score values associated with a plurality of different criteria associated with a gift or with the gift giving process are assigned to each one of a plurality of products or services. In various embodiments, an overall score for each of the plurality of products or services (hereinafter "gifts") is calculated based at least in part on the combination of the score values assigned to the criteria for a given gift, as further described herein.

Also, various embodiments include apparatus and methods for scoring one or more promotional giveaway items, products, or services that are potential items to be given as gifts.

In various embodiments, the tool to perform these processes include software applications operated for example, but not limited to one or more web pages, wherein users are able to access the web pages from a user terminal, and interact with the web pages by viewing the web pages, sending data to the web pages, and receiving data back for the web page(s) in the process in performing the various methods of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system 100 according to various embodiments.

System 100 includes one or more client devices 102A-N coupled to server 120 through network 110. Client devices 102A-N are not limited to any particular type of devices. In various embodiments, client devices 102A-N include a single client device, or a combination of client devices 102A-N. In various embodiments, the single client device or the combination of client devices include any combination of types of devices, including but not limited to personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), cellular telephones, Internet Protocol (IP) televisions, and High Definition (HD) televisions.

Client devices 102A-N include an interface 105. Interface 105 is operable to allow a client device 102A-N to communicate with server 120 through network 110. Interface 105 is not limited to any particular type of interface. In various embodiments, interface 105 is a web browser. In various embodiments, any one or more of client devices 102A-N uses a wireless connection 104 to communicate with network 110. In various embodiments, in instances where a client device included in client devices 102A-N is using the wireless connection 104, interface 105 is operable to facilitate the communications taking place over the wireless connection 104 to and from the given one of client devices 102A-N using the wireless connection 104. It would be understood that the interface 105 in a given client device 102A-N would be operable to allow the given client device 102A-N to communicate with server 120 through network 110, and thus in some embodiments is a different type of interface as would be provided in another and different one of client devices 102A-N.

In various embodiments, client devices 102A-N include a display 106.

Display 106 is not limited to any particular type of display, and can include any type of display operable to visually display some portion of the product survey tool screens. In various embodiments, display 106 is operable to allow inputs to be made at a client device, by way of illustration but not limited to having display 106 include a touch screen.

In various embodiments, any one of client devices 102A-N is operable to access a product survey tool as provided at server 120. The product survey tool is not limited to any particular type of tool and can include a tool operable to perform any of the methods and operations described herein, or the equivalents thereof. In various embodiments, any one of client devices 102A-N is operable to access a product survey tool application provided at server 120. In various embodiments, server 120 is operable to provide graphical images included as part of the product survey tool application to any one or more of client devices 102A-N. In various embodiments, the product survey tool application is provided as one or more web pages accessible by one or more of client devices 102A-N. In various embodiments, server 120 is operable to provide a different and customized product survey tool to each of the different client devices 102A-N.

In various embodiments, a product survey tool application is accessed through one of client devices 102A-N that run interface 105 to provide graphical interfaces for a user to effectively access the product survey tool, including the use of the composite image generation service provided at server 120. The client devices 102A-N communicate with the server 120 via a network 110, which in some embodiments includes the Internet. Server 120 includes in various embodiments any combination of such components including a web server 130, an application server 140, and a database server 190. It will be appreciated that these servers can run on other machines that are accessible by server 120.

In various embodiments, database server 190 is coupled to or includes one or more databases 198. Databases 198 include but are not limited to any combination of product image database 182, product receiving database 184, product database 186, logo database 188, photo archive database 192, customer database 194, and order database 196. In various embodiments, databases 198 are also stored at the server 120. However, it would be understood that one or more of databases 198 can be stored at other machines and other servers, and database data can be uploaded to the server 120 when necessary.

The application server 140 contains visualization server 150 that includes compositing engine 160, product image conversion engine 170, and artwork creation engine 180. In various embodiments, compositing engine 160 generates a composite image based on a first image provided as a promotional product in the product survey tool, and a second image associated with a particular user who is accessing the product survey tool. A first image is, for example, uploaded from a product manufacturer and represents a product depicted in the first image. A file associated with the first image is received at a product receiving database 184. The file includes information associated with the promotional product that is associated with the file, including any combination of dimensional information, choices of colors and materials available for the promotional product, information regarding what manufacturing processes are available for decorating the promotional product, warping information related to how to warp a decorative image onto one or more portions of the images of the promotional product associated with the file, and default areas where decorative images can be applied to the images of the promotional product.

In various embodiments, the file is processed by the product image conversion engine 170 for storage in a product database 186. In various

embodiments, the file includes data representing one or more images of the promotional product. In various embodiments, the data representing the one or more images of the promotional product are stored in the product image database 182. In various embodiments, the information associated with the file and the promotional product is stored in the product database 186.

The image for the promotional product can be obtained from the any number of sources. For example, an operator of a Web site that is it supported by the server 120 can employ an internal photographic (or art) department that is responsible for generating images of products that are supplied, together with pertinent product information, to the Web site operator by manufacturers of such products. In various embodiments, these internally generated photographs are stored in a photo archive database 192.

In various embodiments, the decorative image, or "second image" is any image that can be stored or uploaded into visualization server 150, and applied in a composite image to an image of at least one promotional product. In various embodiments, the decorative images are image files that are uploaded from network 110 and stored in logo database 188. The image files are not limited to any particular type or format of files, and can include any types and formats of files operable to provide data that can be utilized as a decorative image by visualization server 150. In various embodiments, the image file for the decorative image is not limited to any particular format, and in various embodiments, can be any of the following formats: Joint Photographic Experts Group format (.jpg), Microsoft Windows™ Bitmap formatted image (.bmp), and Tagged Image File Format (.tif).

In various embodiments, the artwork creation engine 180 is operable to detect information associated with the image file, such as but not limited to the number of colors and transparent areas included in an image file for a decorative image. In various embodiments, visualization server 150 generates displays of the image files on a special background operable to allow a user to edit the image file. In various embodiments, the image file including the decorative image and any associated decorative file information is stored in the customer database 194 so as to associate the image file and the decorative image with a particular client.

In various embodiments, the second image is modified by the artwork creation engine 180 according to the user's blocks in the Web browser. These image conversion processes are described in detail below. The database server 190 that communicates to the application server 140 contains databases used for the composite image generation. As stated above, the databases may be stored at another machine and accessed by the database server 190. Furthermore, the database server 190 may run at another machine and communicate with the application server 140 via the network 110.

There are various ways in which a gift giver of for example a promotional giveaway item or a gift attempts to determine what the gift is going to be. Often the gift giver will simply shop at a gift store, or any store that the gift giver believes carries items that the gift giver is considering as the possible gift. In addition, the gift giver may search for an appropriate gift on-line using for example Internet searches, either using key words or otherwise, to try to get ideas for a gift.

However, these types of searches can be very time consuming, and provides the gift giver with no certainty that the search has been optimized for the exact or most appropriate gift the gift giver is seeking to find.

In addition, the gift giver in many instances has to consider the

circumstances under which the gift is being given, and why the gift is being given. And there are multiple factors to be considered when choosing a gift. For example, a birthday gift for one's own child will have a different emphasis for example than a wedding gift for one's brother or sister. In addition, a gift may include more than one recipient. For example, a company may decide to give a gift to its employees as an end of the year bonus, and thus one gift must be chosen for several employees.

Further, in some instances a gift giver is giving a gift to persons who the gift giver may not know at all, or may not know who will receive the gift for example at the time the gift is chosen. For example, if a prize for a contest of some type is being offered, the ultimate winner of the prize (gift) may not even be known at the time the prize is chosen. In addition, gifts to be given away for example at a tradeshow will be handed out in general to complete strangers who may be attending the tradeshow but who were unknown to the gift giver (trade show exhibitor) at the time the deamination is made as to what the gift is to be.

In almost every instance the cost of the gift is an important factor in choosing what the gift is to be. This can be especially important in instances for example where dozens or hundreds of the gifts may be distributed, for example as a handout at a tradeshow. On the other hand, even when a single gift is being considered, the value of the gift will have an effect on how the gift is perceived for example by both the gift giver the by the recipient of the gift, and so can still be an important factor in selection of a gift.

In general, because of the various circumstances and factors involved in the selection of a gift, the classic methods of searching for and choosing a gift can not only be very time consuming and stressful for the gift giver, but also may not result in the optimization of the gift ultimately selected, and thus the objectives of giving the gift may not in fact be fully achieved.

The various embodiments and their equivalents as described herein concern tools and methods that reduce the time and effort required to select a more optimal gift for various circumstances, and also are more likely to result in a gift that is more optimal in view of the objectives of the gift giver and the gifting process.

Various embodiments utilize inventive concepts related to conducting product surveys related to products or services that are under consideration to be provided or disturbed as gifts, wherein the product surveys consist of one or more questions related to aspects of giving the particular product or service as a gift, or in relationship to the gift giving process itself. In various embodiments, a score value is determined for each of the various possible answers to a given question as surveyed for a particular product or service based on the answers provided for each of these possible answers in the product surveys conducted for that particular product or service.

In various embodiments, the process takes into consideration one or more important concepts with respect to developing a profile for a successful gift. Five such concepts include:

Consideration of the image and feeling the gift giver is trying to convey.

The relationship between the gift giver and the recipient(s) of the gift.

The setting in which the gift giving is being performed.

The type of business (if any) in which the gift giver is engaged.

The type of job or business (if any) in which the recipient is engaged.

In various embodiments, various rankings and scorings are used for a variety of possible products and/or services that could be a potential gift, and a profile that optimizes and guides the gift giver in arriving at an optimal or near optimal gift or selection of gifts is developed for these various products and/or services.

Using the ranking and scorings, various embodiments provide methods, and in various embodiments, apparatus that can be used by a gift giver to guide the gift giver to a decision about which gift is most appropriate for the gift giver's circumstances.

In most cases, a gift giver has some reasons or motivation for giving a gift, and often this is associated with a feeling or an image the gift giver wants to convey as part of giving the gift. For example, if a professional such as a doctor decides that he or she would like to provide a gift of some type to each of their regular patients at the end of the year, one criteria that might be important to the doctor is that the gift convey an image of professionalism, because the doctor wants these patients to believe that he or she is competent and professional when functioning as their physician. In another example, a gift being handed out as an advertisement for a comedy club may want to portray an image of being funny, so the recipient of the gift will believe that going to the comedy club will provide a fun and comedic experience.

The particular images or feeling related to a gift can be generalized in a plurality of different terms. These terms a are not limited to any particular terms, and can include any terms deemed to have value in ranking and scoring various aspects associated with the product and/or serviced be rated.

Terms that could be used for ranking and scoring products or services could include, but are not limited to:

Professionalism

Athleticism

Whimsical

Elegant

Green (Eco-friendly)

Luxurious

Sympathetic

Caring

In various embodiments, each of the gifts being rated is assigned a ranking or a score associated with each term or terms included in the ranking/scoring list. The ranking or scoring is not limited any particular ranking or scoring, and can be any ranking or scoring that assigns some type of rank or score to the gift relative to a given term or terms. For example a scoring range of 1 to 10 could be used to assign the rank or score associated with a given gift relative to the "professionalism" of the product or service (gift). Wherein for example a ranking of 1 means little or no professionalism is associated with a given gift, and the numbers from 1 to 10 representing a continuum of "increasing professionalism" associated with the gift as the numbers increase to 10, with for example 10 being the highest ranking related to professionalism for a given gift. In another embodiment, a "grade" could be assigned to a given gift that reflects the relationship of the gift to the given parameter, (such as "professionalism"), wherein for example an "A+" rating is the most professional, and an "F" grade indicates the least or lowest grade relative to "professionalism" for a given gift, and wherein a grade of "B", "C" and "D" are possible intermediate grades for the gift relative to the parameter, for example to professionalism.

It would be understood that each of the terms listed above could be rated on the same ranking or scoring system for each product or service, thus generating a ranking/scoring profile for each gift.

The ranking/scoring profile can then be used to aid a gift giver in locating possible gifts for a given gift giving scenario, and in helping the gift giver determine that they have selected a most optimal or near most optimal gift for the situation the gift is intended for relative to the image or feeling the gift giver would like to portray to the recipient through the gift.

In various embodiments, the setting in which a particular gift is being given is given a scoring value based on the particular product or service being given. For example, a scoring can be assigned to a given gift relative to how that gift ranks in a situation wherein the gift would be given out at a tradeshow. This same gift could be assigned a different scoring value when considered for example as a wedding gift. These values assigned for a given gift would then be used to help determine an overall score for the gift when considered in a given set of circumstances, an thus be used to help determine which gift is the optimized gift, or one of a set of optimized gifts that could be given in a particular setting.

By considering both the image and feeling rating for a gift in combination with for example the scorings or ratings for a gift based on the setting the gift is being given in, a gift choosing process is possible that is based on a multidimensional set of circumstances. It would be understood that the number of dimensions considered is not limited to any particular number of dimensions, and can include any number of dimensions that consider any type of characteristics that are deemed to be useful in the gift selection process.

By using scoring or ratings from a variety of characteristics associated with gifts and/or the gift giving process, inventive techniques for section of an optimal gift, or for a set of near optimal gifts is thus provided that can provide gift selection ideas in a more time efficient, less stressful means while being more likely to result in a gift selection that meets the gift giver's objectives and expectations of the gifting process itself.

The present subject matter can include obtaining information from a user, so that a product recommendation can be given. Suitable information to be obtained can include data related to the demographics of the target recipient. Other information can include data related to the time, place, and setting during which the promotional product will be distributed. A promotional product can be

recommended that is closely tailored to the situation and needs of the user, based on the information provided by the user. For example, the promotional product recommended can be different based on whether the product will be given at an event, such as trade show or sporting event, or through the mail. The promotional product recommended can be different based on whether the target audience is a group of employees, clients, family, or friends. The recommendation can vary based on the age of the recipient or can vary if the ages of a group of recipients vary.

In various embodiments, the present subject matter can provide an apparatus and method for recommending one or more products or services as gifts. More specifically, the apparatus and method can include obtaining a list of one or more gifts and providing the list of the one or more gifts to a survey taker. The survey taker can provide a series of scores, the scores being indicative of the survey taker's opinion of the desirability of the one or more gifts, or of a scoring or ranking of various aspect of the gift itself and the gift giving process associated with the gift.

The list of the one or more products can be provided to the survey taker in various ways. For example, the list of the one or more products can be provided in text format, such as descriptive text; as a photograph, such as a photograph of a product or of a product being used; or as a video, such as a promotional video of a product.

In one example, the product can be a promotional product, such as any product or service containing a logo of a seller, manufacturer or distributor. In another example, the product can be any product that can be given as a gift. The survey taker can be any person offering his or her opinion regarding a product. The survey taker can provide his or her opinion regarding which product or products have the greatest appeal for potential recipients. The survey taker will provide information regarding how desirable the product would be if received as a gift.

The information received from the survey takers can be compiled to create an appeal index. The appeal index can be organized such that the price of the product will be incorporated. The appeal index can provide a user with the products that were rated by survey takers as having the greatest appeal for potential recipients at a particular price point.

The survey taker can be from any demographic. Preferably, the survey taker will provide information regarding the demographic group to which he or she belongs. For example, information regarding the survey taker's age, gender, race, ethnicity, occupation, education, religion, income, location, and/or marital status will preferably be logged. Information regarding the demographics of the survey taker can be used to indicate the type of product that is most desirable to a certain type of person or particular demographic. For example, the method can provide a user with the product that was voted as most desirable by a group of female survey takers of a particular age.

In one example, the information regarding desirability of a product can be obtained by crowdsourcing. The information can be obtained in person, on paper, or over the internet. In one example, the survey taker can be given a photo of a product. The survey taker can be asked to place the photo of the product on a linear scale, where one end of the linear scale indicates that the person would not like to receive the item as a gift, and the other end of the linear scale indicates that the person would like to receive the item as a gift. The survey taker can be given multiple products, and can be asked to place each product on the linear scale. The linear scale can allow the survey taker to place the product along a continuum and provides the advantage of viewing which products are similarly appealing.

Similarly appealing products will appear closer to one another than products that are not similarly valued in terms of appeal. FIG. 22 illustrates an interface screen 500 operable to allow a user to indicate on a linear scale a showing of the user's desirability for receiving a given product or service as a gift. Interface screen 500 includes a block 510 that includes a description related to a particular product or service. In various embodiments, block 510 includes a picture 520 of the product or service, or some other representation of the product or service associated with a particular version of block 510. In various embodiments, interface screen 500 includes a linear scale 530 that includes a first end 532 and a second end 534. In various embodiments, first end 532 is labeled as "Would not like to receive it as a gift" and second end 534 is labeled as "I would like to receive it as a gift." Arrow 536 represents a symbolic icon that can be manipulated by a user to move along the linear scale 530, as represented by arrows 538, in order to allow a user to indicate, relative to the product or service depicted in block 510, how much the user would or would not like to receive the product or service depicted in block 510 as a gift. Placing the arrow 536 representing the product or service closer to the first end 532 would indicate that the user would not like to receive the product or service a gift, wherein the closer the user places the arrow 536 toward second end 534, a stronger preference is being indicated by the user that they would like to receive the product or service depicted in block 510 as a gift.

In various embodiments, placement can be accomplished by any means, including using a web-based interface. In various embodiments, the placement of the arrow 536 along the linear scale 530 corresponds to a score, such as a number score 550, that can then be compared and/or compounded with the scores assigned by other users for this same product or service to develop an overall score for a given product or service. This overall score in various embodiments is used to help in the gift selection process of any to the apparatus or methods described herein or the equivalents and variations thereof.

In various embodiments, a survey taker can be given a photo of a product and can be asked to place the photo on a grid, rather than a linear continuum. The popularity of a product can be indicated on the grid by placing the photo of the product in an appropriate column. Different products can be placed on the same grid, allowing an end user to see how the survey taker ranked each product in comparison to others. The grid system can allow a survey taker to place the photo on the grid whereby placement can incorporate different situations where different gifts would be more desirable. For example, the grid can allow a survey taker to indicate which gifts might be more desirable to receive at a convention or trade show, from an employer or client, or from a close friend.

In various embodiments, a survey taker can indicate the desirability of a product by giving the product a rating. The rating can be numerical, alphabetical, or achieved by use of a symbol. The survey taker can be asked to indicate whether a product would be a desirable gift. The survey taker can be asked to rank the desirability of a product in relation to others. The survey taker can be asked to place an icon representing a product in a particular area on the screen so that the placement is indicative of the desirability of the product.

FIG. 23 illustrates an interface screen 600 operable to allow a user to indicate on multiple scales a showing of the user's opinion of a product or service relative to different characteristics. In various embodiments, interface screen 600 includes a block 610 that includes a description of a product or service being rated. In various embodiments, block 610 includes a picture 612 of the product or service, or some other representation of the product or service associated with a particular version of block 610.

In various embodiments, interface screen 600 includes multiple scales 620, 630, 640, 650 that each represent a particular and different characteristic used to rate the product or serve depicted in block 610. By way of illustration, scale 620 includes a label for a characteristic 622 indicating the characteristic that is being rated on scale 620, in this illustrative case the characteristic being "Conversation Starter." Above scale 620 is a header 660 with text indicating how "appropriate" a given product or service is relative to characteristic 622. Placement of an image 628 of the product or service along scale 620, as depicted by arrows 624 is used to indicate the relative appropriateness of the product or service depicted in image 628 relative to the characteristic 622. By way of illustration, moving the image 628 more left along scale 620 would indicate that the product or service depicted in image 628 is more inappropriate as a "Conversation Starter," and moving image 628 more to the right along scale 620 would indicate that the product or service depicted in image 628 is more appropriate, or "Very Appropriate" as a "Conversation Starter."

In various embodiments, a user is able to move the image 628 along scale

620 to a placement that the user believes is appropriate for the product or service depicted in image 628 relative to characteristic 622. In various embodiments, the position of the placement of image 628 along scale 620 is translated into some type of score or ranking 626. The score or ranking 628 in various embodiments can be compared to and/or compounded with other scores or rankings provided by other user(s) for this same product or service to generate an overall score or ranking of the product or service for this particular product or service relative to the characteristic being represented by characteristic 622.

In various embodiments, the score or ranking 626 is used in any of the apparatus or methods described herein or the equivalents thereof, the help determine and to generate data that can be used in the aid of selection of an optimal or near optimal gift.

In various embodiments, different characteristics are presented on additional scales 630, 640, and 650, represented by illustrative characteristics 632

("Advertisement"), 642 ("Bonder") and 652 ("Reward") respectively. It would be understood that these characteristics 622, 632, 642, and 652 are not limited to any particular characteristics, or any particular number of characteristics , and can be any characteristics or other parameters that are being used in the process of data collection relative to a product or service. It would be further understood that for each of scales 630, 640, and 650, the operations and options as described above for scale 620 are applicable to these additional scales.

In various embodiments, data is gathered from a multitude of survey takers. Another aspect of the inventive subject matter is the compilation of data for providing information to an end user. The data can be compiled such that the end user can view the most desirable products at a particular price point or by demographic. The data can be compiled such that products that are more likely to appeal to a particular demographic are grouped together. The data can also be compiled such that the most generally appealing products are grouped together. The data can be compiled so that the end user can see how a particular survey taker ranked particular products. In one example, the data can be compiled such that products made by the same manufacturer are grouped. Grouping by manufacturer can indicate which brands are generally most desirable. The data can be grouped such that the end user can quickly see which products are generally more desirable for certain functions, situations, or relationships.

FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with a Product Survey in various embodiments. As shown in Fig. 2, a general instruction section 204 including text describing the Product Survey is included in diagram 200. In addition, a dialog box 202 is included in diagram 200. The dialog box includes various questions that require the selection or input of data in order to proceed to the product survey. By way of example, a box 206 (that may include a pull down menu) is provided to allow entry of a "Year of Birth" for the person taking the survey. In addition, a set of selectable buttons 208 is provided in order to allow entry for the gender associated with the person taking the survey. In addition, a "Begin Survey" selectable button 209 is provided. In various embodiments, once answers or selections have been provided at box 206 and buttons 208, the selectable button 209 can be selected and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with the survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 3.

FIG. 3 is a diagram 210 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a first question in various embodiments. As shown in diagram 210 a picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 214 that includes a first question "1. Can you tell what type product this is?" Question section 214 also includes selectable checkboxes that allow the first question to be answered with "if yes, continue to next question" or "if no, skip to next product." In various embodiments, if the "yes" box is checked, the "next question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 4.

In various embodiments, if the "no" checkbox is checked in question selection 214, the screen will change to a new display that will re -prompt the same first question, but for a product that is different from the product being displayed at description 212. By way of illustration, if the "no box" is checked, the display can change to another screen, such as shown in Fig. 21, wherein the diagram 400 is shown, having the same first question as was presented in Fig. 3, but wherein the product description 412 is directed to a completely different product from the product displayed in description 212. In various embodiments, once at diagram 400, the same choices and rules would apply as described for diagram 210 above.

FIG. 4 is a diagram 220 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a second question in various embodiments. As shown in diagram 220 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 230 that includes a second question "2.

Would you wait in line to get one of these if they were being given away for free?" Question section 230 also includes selectable checkboxes that allow the second question to be answered with "Yes" or 'No" In various embodiments, if the "Yes" box is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 5.

In various embodiments, the "Previous Question" selectable button 216 is selected, it will take the display back to a screen that was displayed for the previous question presented in the survey.

In various embodiments, the answer to the question "Would you wait in line to get one of these if they were being given away for free?" is used to generate a score value for the product, including but not limited to calculating a percentage of survey takes who answered "Yes" to the is question. In various embodiments, the percentage of survey takers who answered "Yes" is simply used to report out a measure of whether people like the product displayed at description 212. In various embodiments, a grade is assigned to the product being displayed based on the percentage for example of "Yes" responses. By way of illustration, if for example 90 percent of the survey takers choose "Yes" in answer to question 2, the product is assigned a "grade" of "A". Other grades for other percentages for the "Yes" answers could be applied as well. It would be understood that any given score and any predetermined level of 'Yes" results could be used to determine the grade or grades for the product illustrated in description 212.

FIG. 5 is a diagram 240 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a third question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 240 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 242 that includes a third question "3. If you got one of these for free as a giveaway, would you keep it for yourself or give it to someone else?"

Question section 242 also includes selectable checkboxes that allow the third question to be answered with "Keep it for myself or 'Give it to someone else." In various embodiments, the answer to question 3 is scored based on the number of survey taker who answer this question in one particular way, such as "Keep it for myself." In some embodiments this score is related to or correlated with how popular the item being displayed in description 212 is with respect to receiving the item as a giveaway. Scoring of the responses is not limited to any particular method or means of scoring, and can be any type of scoring that is deemed to be helpful to determining for example the level of popularity of the item as a giveaway.

In various embodiments, if one of the boxes in question section 242 is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 6.

FIG. 6 is a diagram 250 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a fourth question in various embodiments. As shown in diagram 250 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 252 that includes a fourth question "4. What image or feeling does this product convey? Pick all that apply:" As part of question section 252, the following check box choices are offered:

Trustworthy

Whimsical

Prompt

Reliable

Craftsmanship

Sophisticated

Thrifty

Eco-friendly

Friendly

Wholesome

Simple

Fresh

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 252 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In addition, one or more checkboxes can be indicated with responses to this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product for each individual checkbox choice. Therefore, in some embodiments, a score is determined for the product being displayed for each individual choice (or for example "characteristic") offered as a possible answer for question 4. In other words, a score for the product being displayed would be calculated relative to trustworthiness, and another score would be calculated relative to "whimsical," and so on for all of the characteristics listed under question 4.

Thus, individual and separate scores can be provided for a product based on multiple possible characteristics associated with each of the possible answers for question 4, wherein a score value would relate to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated is associated with the image or feeling of the given characteristic as listed for each of the checkboxes.

The score values assigned to a given product for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate potential gifts that represent a particular image or feeling the gift giver wishes to convey by giving a particular gift.

In various embodiments, when one or more of the boxes in question section 252 is/are checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 7.

FIG. 7 is a diagram 260 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a fifth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 260 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 262 that includes a fifth question "5. In what setting would this product be a good giveaway? Pick all that apply:" As part of question section 262, the following check box choices are offered:

Tradeshow

Conference

Annual Meeting

Sales Call

Fundraiser

Reunion

Dinner

Festival

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 262 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In addition, one or more checkboxes can be indicated with responses to this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product for each individual checkbox choice. Therefore, in some embodiments, a score is determined for the product being displayed for each individual choice (or for example "characteristic") offered as a possible answer for question 5.

Similar to the discussion for score values in Fig. 6, individual and separate scores can be provided for a product based on multiple possible characteristics assorted with each of the possible answers for question 5, wherein a score value would relate to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated would be a good giveaway gift as part of the particular venues indicated by the checkboxes.

The score values assigned to a given product for each of the possible answers to question 5 can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate potential gifts that represent a particular venue or setting wherein the gift giver wishes to distribute a particular gift as a giveaway.

In various embodiments, when one or more of the boxes in question section 262 is/are checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 8.

FIG. 8 is a diagram 270 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a sixth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 272 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 272 that includes a sixth question "6. In what types of weather would you use this product? Pick all that apply:" As part of question section 262, the following check box choices are offered:

Cold

Cool

Warm

Hot Sunny

Rainy

Snowy It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 272 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In addition, one or more checkboxes can be indicated with responses to this question. In various embodiments the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product for each individual checkbox choice, and thus provide a set of score values as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated is associated with a good use in particular types of weather conditions as described in the checkboxes.

The score values assigned to a given product for the listed possible answers to question 6 can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate potential gifts based on weather related or geographical locations that gift giver wishes to distribute a particular gift for use in.

In various embodiments, when one or more of the boxes in question section 272 is/are checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 9.

FIG. 9 is a diagram 280 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a seventh question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 280 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 282 that includes a seventh question "7. Which gender or genders is this product primarily for?" As part of question section 282, the following check box choices are offered: Male

Female Both

In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product for each individual checkbox choice, and thus provide a score values as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated is associated with the gift relative to the product's appropriateness for recipients of different genders.

The score values assigned to a given product for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate potential gifts based gender, or to be used as a guide to indicate the gender is not an important factor in determining who the product might be an optimal gift for.

In various embodiments, when one or more of the boxes in question section 282 is/are checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 10.

FIG. 10 is a diagram 290 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding an eight question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 290 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 292 that includes an eight question "8. If you were giving this product as a giveaway, which type of recipient would it be good for? Pick all that apply:" As part of question section 292, the following check box choices are offered:

Customer

Prospect

Employee

Guest

Relative

Student Friend

Shareholder

Donor

Volunteer

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 292 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In addition, one or more checkboxes can be indicated with responses to this question. In various embodiments the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product for each type of recipients, and thus provides a score value for each type of recipient as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated would be a good gift for the recipient types listed in the question.

The score values assigned to a given product for each recipient type as provided for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate potential gifts based the type of recipient that gift giver wishes to distribute a particular gift to.

In various embodiments, when one or more of the boxes in question section 292 is/are checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 11.

FIG. 11 is a diagram 300 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a ninth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 300 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 302 that includes a ninth question "9. Where would this product be used or displayed? Pick all that apply" As part of question section 302, the following check box choices are offered:

On the desk at work In a work shop

Bathroom

Kitchen

Garden or patio

Car

In gym

Anywhere

Other It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 302 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In addition, one or more checkboxes can be indicated with responses to this question. In various embodiments the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product for each of the possible answers provided for question 9, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated would be a good gift for use in each of the areas as listed in the question.

The score value assigned to a given product for each location for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate potential gifts based the type of area or he location where a recipient might use a particular gift.

In various embodiments, when one or more of the boxes in question section 302 is/are checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 12.

FIG. 12 is a diagram 310 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a tenth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 310 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 312 that includes a tenth question "10. Would the product be likely to break if you tried to mail it?" As part of question section 312, the following check box choices are offered:

Yes

No

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 312 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to the "Yes" or "No" checkboxes for the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated may be fragile and susceptible to breakage when shipped.

The score value assigned to a given product for the "Yes" answers for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate gifts that are suited for shipping, or to avoid gifts that might need to be shipped but that would be fragile and susceptible to breakage during shipping.

In various embodiments, when one of the boxes in question section 312 is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 13.

FIG. 13 is a diagram 320 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding an eleventh question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 320 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 322 that includes an eleventh question "11. Is this the type of product that most people would keep for more than a day or two?" As part of question section 322, the following check box choices are offered:

Yes

No It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 322 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to the "Yes" or "No" checkboxes for the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated will be kept for more than a short period of time.

The score value assigned to a given product for each location for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate gifts that will be retained by a recipient for some period of time, for example more than a day or two, which may be important if for example the gift giver is intending that the gift to be retained by the recipient over a longer period of time to remind the recipient of the gift giver's business or products.

In various embodiments, when one of the boxes in question section 322 is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 14.

FIG. 14 is a diagram 330 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a twelfth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 330 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 332 that includes a twelfth question "12. If someone wanted one of these, would they want it because mostly it is? Pick one:" As part of question section 332, the following check box choices are offered:

Interesting

Fun

Useful It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 332 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In addition, one checkbox can be indicated with responses to this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product for each of the possible reasons listed as answers n question 12, and thus provide a score value for each of the possible answers as to how why the survey takers believe that the product would be wanted by recipients as a gift.

The score values assigned to a given product for each of the reasons provided as a possible answer to this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate potential gifts based the perceived reasons why the intended recipient might want to receive the product being illustrated as a gift.

In various embodiments, when one or more of the boxes in question section 332 is/are checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 15.

FIG. 15 is a diagram 340 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a thirteenth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 340 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 342 that includes a thirteenth question "13. Is this really the type of product that someone might use as a giveaway?" As part of question section 342, the following checkbox choices are offered:

Yes

No

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 342 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to the "Yes" or "No" checkboxes for the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated will be kept for more than a short period of time.

The score value assigned to a given product for each location for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate gifts that are suited for distributing as a giveaway gift, for example at a tradeshow.

In various embodiments, when one of the boxes in question section 342 is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 16.

FIG. 16 is a diagram 350 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a fourteenth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 350 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 352 that includes a fourteenth question "14. Is this a type of party supply or decoration?" As part of question section 352, the following checkbox choices are offered: Yes

No

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 352 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to the "Yes" or "No" checkboxes for the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated is a type of party supply or decoration.

In various embodiments the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product for each type of recipient, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated is a party supply or decoration.

The score value assigned to a given product for each location for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate gifts or products that are useful as party supplies or as decorations.

In various embodiments, when one the boxes in question section 352 is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 17.

FIG. 17 is a diagram 360 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a fifteenth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 360 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 362 that includes a fifteenth question "15. Is this the type of product that some people would buy for themselves in some kind of store?" As part of question section 362, the following checkbox choices are offered:

Yes

No

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 362 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to the "Yes" or "No" checkboxes for the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated would be purchased for themselves some kind of store.

In various embodiments the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to all the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated would be purchased by the actual recipient for themselves at a store.

The score value assigned to a given product for each location for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate gift decide if they in fact want to consider this as a possible gift, or would prefer to consider other gifts that for example a potential recipient would not be likely to buy for themselves at as store.

In various embodiments, when one the boxes in question section 362 is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 18.

FIG. 18 is a diagram 370 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a sixteenth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 370 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 372 that includes a sixteenth question "16. Would this be OK to give as a giveaway to say "Congratulations"?" As part of question section 372, the following checkbox choices are offered: Yes

No

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 372 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to the "Yes" or "No" checkboxes for the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated would be appropriate as a giveaway to say "congratulations" to the recipient. The score value assigned to a given product for the answer to this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate gifts that will be appropriate for gifts in situations for example related to a graduation or a retirement of the recipient.

The score value assigned to a given product for each location for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate gift that are suited for setting wherein an expression of congratulation to the recipient is to be convey by the gift received.

In various embodiments, when one the boxes in question section 372 is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 19.

FIG. 19 is a diagram 380 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a seventeenth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 380 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 382 that includes a seventeenth question "17. Would this be OK to give as a giveaway to say "Thank You"?" As part of question section 382, the following checkbox choices are offered:

Yes

No

It would be understood that more, less, and/or other choices from those shown in question section 382 could be used as part of the possible responses for this question. In various embodiments, the number of times a given checkbox is checked with respect to the "Yes" or "No" checkboxes for the responses that are completed for this product are correlated into a score value for the product, and thus provide a score value as to how much the survey takers believe that the product being illustrated would be appropriate for a situation when a giveaway gift is intended to represent an expression of "thank you." The score value assigned to a given product for each answer for this question can later be used for example to help a gift giver locate gifts that are suitable for setting wherein an expression of thank you is intended to be expressed to the recipient by way of the gift.

In various embodiments, when one the boxes in question section 382 is checked, the "Next Question" selectable button 218 can be selected, and the screen being displayed will change to another screen associated with survey, for example but not necessarily limited to the screen shown in Fig. 20.

FIG. 20 is a diagram 380 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding the seventeenth question in various embodiments.

As shown in diagram 380 the picture and a description 212 are provided, along with a question section 382 wherein the seventeenth question "17. Would this be OK to give as a giveaway to say "Thank You"?" is illustrated as having been answered by selecting the 'Yes" checkbox.

In various embodiments, this is the last question in the survey, and so as shown in diagram 390, the "Yes" box has been checked, and a message "you have completed the questions for this product" appears at location 384.

In various embodiments, a "Give Me Another Product" selection button 386 is also made available to allow the initiation of a product survey for another product that is different from the product shown in display 212.

It would be understood that the number of questions that could be included in any given product survey is not limited to any particular number of questions. Further, it would be understood that the questions asked regarding one precut in a particular product survey do not have to be the same exact set of questions that are asked in a product survey associated with a defend product.

As previously noted, FIG. 21 includes diagram 400 illustrating an interface screen operable to allow user interface with the Product Survey regarding a first question in various embodiments. Diagram 400 illustrates a question box 414 for a product that is illustrated in diagram 412, and that is different form the product that is illustrated in the figures that include diagram 212.

Various embodiments include a program or programs stored on a non- transitory machine readable computer medium, that when executed by a processor, perform one or more in any combination of the methods described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A network based transaction system comprising:

a server coupled to a network;

at least one client device coupled to the server through the network, the at least one client device including a display;

the server coupled to a product image database storing product information and a plurality of stored images of products;

wherein the server is operable to provide to the display of the client device and interface screen that includes a description related to a particular product of the plurality of stored images of products, and to display one or more liner scales, each of the one or more liner scales including a label describing a characteristic of the associated with receiving the particular product as a gift, each of the one or more linear scales having a first end and a second end,

the interface operable to allow manipulation of an symbolic icon along each of the one or more linear scales relative to the first end and the second end, wherein the manipulation of the symbolic icon relative to the first end and the second end represents an indication of a ranking value of the particular product relative to the characteristic associated with a given one of the one or more linear scales, the server operate to generate an overall score for the desirability of the particular product as a gift or for the aspect of giving the particular product as a gift based on the ranking values indicated on each of the one or more linear scales for the particular product.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein a label associated with one of the one or more linear scales relates to a score value for the particular product as have the characteristic of a conversation starter.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a label associated with one of the one or more linear scales relates to a score value for the particular product have the characteristic of being perceived as an advertisement.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein a label associated with one of the one or more linear scales relates to a score value for the particular product have the characteristic of being perceived as a reward.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein a label associated with one of the one or more linear scales relates to a score value for the particular product have the characteristic of being associated with professionalism.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a label associated with one of the one or more linear scales relates to a score value for the particular product have the characteristic of being humorous.

7. A method comprising:

generating one or more questions related to a characteristic of a gift or related to an aspect of giving the gift;

for each of the one or more questions, generating a set of possible answers to the questions; surveying a plurality of survey takers by posing the one or more questions to the survey takers, and collecting data on the possible answers for each of the one or more questions as indicated by the survey takers relative to a particular product associated with the characteristic of the particular product as a gift or to the aspect of giving the particular product as a gift.

generating a score value for each of the possible answers to each of the one or more questions for the particular product based on the collected data, wherein the score value for each of the one or more characteristics for the particular product is based on the number of times each of the possible answers is selected by the plurality of survey takers; generating an overall score for the desirability of the particular

product as the gift or for the aspect of giving the particular product as a gift based on the overall score values for each the possible answers provided by the plurality of survey takers.

8. The method of claim 7, further including ranking the particular product against the other products based on the generated overall score value.

9. The method of claim 7, further including providing a recommendation for an optimal gift based on the generated overall score values of the particular products and the ranking of the particular product.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein one of the one or more questions includes a list of possible answers including a plurality of terms related to what image or feelings the survey taker associates with the particular product.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein one of the one or more questions includes asking the plurality of survey takers if would be willing to wait in line to get one of the particular products if the particular product were being given away for free.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein one of the one or more questions includes asking the plurality of survey takers if they received the particular product as a gift, would they keep it or give it away.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein in order to answer at least one of the one or more questions, the plurality of survey takers indicates on a linear scale a showing of the survey taker's perceived desirability for receiving the particular product as a gift.

14. A server operable to store a program on a non-transitory machine readable computer medium, that when executed perform a method comprising: generating one or more questions related to a characteristic of a gift or related to an aspect of giving the gift;

generating a score value for each of the possible answers to each of the one or more questions for the particular product based on the collected data, wherein the score value for each of the one or more characteristics for the particular product is based on the number of times each of the possible answers is selected by the plurality of survey takers;

generating an overall score for the desirability of the particular product as the gift or for the aspect of giving the particular product as a gift based on the overall score values for each the possible answers provided by the plurality of survey takers.

15. The server of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more questions relates to the characteristic of professionalism associated with the particular product.

16. The server of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more questions relates to the characteristic associated with the relationship between a gift giver and a recipient or set of recipients for the particular product.

17. The server of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more questions relates to the characteristic associated with the type of business a gift giver is engaged in.

18. The server of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more questions relates to the characteristic associated whether a survey taker would like to receive the particular gift.

19. The server of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more questions relates to whether the particular product would be kept or given away to someone else if the particular product was received as a gift.

20. The server of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more questions relates to whether you would wait in line to get one of the particular products if the particular product were being given away for free.