Patent Publication Number: US-11037076-B1

Title: Method and system for distributing electronic ticket status information for a live event over a network to a remote subscriber portable computing device

Description:
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     The onset of the millennium has brought demands for more flexibility in managing tickets for seats at live events than ever before. For live event providers, this demand is a tall order. Historically, the live event ticket has not changed materially since TicketMaster was founded in 1976. 
     Paper tickets for live events in the past have had numerous drawbacks. Trying to make changes in seating with a paper based ticketing system is time consuming and very frustrating for the consumer. Paper based tickets do not allow live event fans any flexibility, especially during a live event. 
     For example, when a live event fan desires to sit with a group a friends, a single live event fan must often purchase the tickets for his or her friends all at the same time in order to secure a group of seats that are next to one another at the live event. If the live event fan wishes to add another friend to the group for group seating after the group ticket purchase is made, such a request usually cannot be accommodated since neighboring seats relative to the group purchase made earlier are likely to be sold to other fans. 
     Another problem in the art is that live events often do not sell out all seats to the event and many seats are left unused for most live events. Further, if a live event fan desires to go to attend several live events within a short period of time, such as within a single month, such a desire to attend live events every weekend within a one month period would often be cost prohibitive. An additional problem in the art is a single fan usually must reach out using a communication channel (i.e. texting, e-mails, phone calls, etc.) to his or her friends to determine if another friend will be attending a live event. 
     What is needed in the art is an electronic ticket management system which reduces costs for live events while increasing the flexibility of securing groups of tickets for group seating among friends at a live event. What is further needed in the art is a method and system that can help a live event fan to determine if one or more friends may be considering to attend a particular live event without the fan having to communicate to one or more friends over a communication channel independent of the electronic ticket management system. There is also a need in the art for a fan to be able to invite a friend to attend a live event when the fan is making a reservation for attending a live event. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The method and system may comprise a subscription software service that allows members of the service/system to use portable computing devices, i.e. mobile phones, to gain access to a menu of live events within their city. Users of the subscription software running on a portable computing device (PCD), such as a smart phone, can reserve a spot at the event of their choice up to a predetermined amount of time, such as, but not limited to, about six days in advance. Members of the system/service may also cancel for free [no-fee] up to a certain number of electronic tickets, such as about three tickets, and up to another window of lead time, such as, but not limited to, about 24.0 hours before the event. 
     The method and system may also track subscribers who attend live events with other subscriber and who arrange group seating arrangements. Based on these past group seating arrangements from past live events, the method and system may offer suggestions of other subscribers of the system who may want to attend a live event with a first subscriber. One unique aspect of the method and system is that it may coordinate electronically the creating of group seating arrangements of subscribers who wish to sit together during a live event. Usually, a subscriber has no control over the location of any seat assignments for the live event when using the system and method. Further, seat locations (i.e. section, row, and seat numbers) are not generally provided until the subscriber arrives at the live event for electronic check-in. However, what the subscriber does have control over is the other subscribers who may sit with subscriber in the group seating arrangement at the live event. 
     From about two hours before the event and until the live event ends, each PCD usually must check-in electronically via a geo-fence using the PCD based software and within about a predetermined distance, such as about a 2.0 mile radius, relative to the venue to receive their digital ticket on their PCD. Members who cancel within another window of time, such as about 24.0 hours of the event, or members who fail to check-in using the app on the PCD may be subject to/penalized with additional fees. 
     The system and method allows members of the software service via a software application (an “app”) running on their PCD to link their electronic tickets/passes with other members in order to be seated together as a group. Guest electronic tickets/passes to allow non-subscribers to attend the live event and be part of the group seating arrangement may also be purchased for an additional fee at some events. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment of the system, a rewards program may be provided exclusively for the members of the system, which is a software based subscription service as described above that utilizes an app running on a PCD as explained above. Members of the system using the app may be rewarded for renewing their software subscription each month, and incentivized to remain members with additional points as tenure/length of time for their membership increases. Points can be redeemed to reserve a spot at an event within a predetermined period of time, such as, but not limited to, more than about five days in advance (“early access”—for members). 
     The system&#39;s technology answers the demand for seat tickets at live events in a more flexible way relative to prior systems. The system and method described enables live event providers to secure additional attendees, while also giving members the discretion to make plans up until literally, the last minute prior to a live event. 
     A method and system for distributing electronic ticket status information over a network to a remote subscriber portable computing device for a live event within a venue may include providing an electronic ticket manager application to a subscriber for installation on the remote subscriber portable computing device. Ticket data for the live event may be received over the Internet with a transmission server. The transmission server may comprise a microprocessor and a memory that stores the remote subscriber&#39;s preferences for ticket information format and destination address. 
     The microprocessor may filter the ticket data based on past live events and other subscribers who have attended past live events with the subscriber in a group seating arrangement. The microprocessor may receive a request over the internet for details about a live event and generate an electronic reservation alert from the filtered data indicating other subscribers who have attended past live events with the subscriber and providing details about the live event. 
     The microprocessor may format the electronic reservation alert for display on the portable computing device of the remote subscriber, transmit the formatted electronic reservation alert over a wireless communication channel to the portable computing device of the remote subscriber based upon the destination address. 
     The reservation alert activates the portable computing device to display a message that suggests the subscriber may attend the live event and invite other subscribers to sit with the subscriber at the event according to a group seating arrangement comprising two or more subscribers with remote portable computing devices running the electronic ticket manager application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. For reference numerals with letter character designations such as “ 102 A” or “ 102 B”, the letter character designations may differentiate two like parts or elements present in the same figure. Letter character designations for reference numerals may be omitted when it is intended that a reference numeral to encompass all parts having the same reference numeral in all figures. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates several components of a system for distributing electronic ticket status information for a live event over a network to remote subscriber portable computing devices; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates how the system of  FIG. 1A  allows subscribers of the system to easily create group seating arrangements at live events with their portable computing devices; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program when an operator first subscribes to the software service offered by the system; 
         FIG. 2B-1  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application program that displays a listing of live events available to a subscriber of the system; 
         FIG. 2B-2  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application program that displays event information as well as a subscriber friend status indicator; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application program that produces a message about the cancellation policy for reservations made with the system; 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message that confirms a reservation to a live event has been made and also requests input if the subscriber desires to create a group seating arrangement among other subscriber friends for the live event; 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message that is generated in response to an option presented in the screen display of  FIG. 2D ; 
         FIG. 2F  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message  208 B that is generated in response to an option presented in the screen display of  FIG. 2D ; 
         FIG. 2G  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message for requesting input on a number of guest passes desired by a subscriber; 
         FIG. 2H  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message and confirmation on-screen button about the cancellation policy for reservations, including guest passes, made with the system; 
         FIG. 2I  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message that confirms a reservation to a live event has been made and displays a guest pass indicator; 
         FIG. 2J  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message that confirms a reservation to a live event has been made and also requests input if the subscriber desires to create a group seating arrangement among other subscriber friends for the live event or if the subscriber wants to leave the group seating arrangement; 
         FIG. 2K  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message that indicates the subscriber&#39;s ticket is ready when the subscriber “checks-in” at the venue as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2L  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message which lists an actual location of a seat within the venue for a live event; 
         FIG. 2M  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message displaying a subscriber&#39;s reward point balance that is tracked by the server; 
         FIG. 2N  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message listing the rewards points history of a subscriber of the system; 
         FIG. 2O  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces an optional message that informs a subscriber of an amount of time remaining to cancel a reservation without a penalty; 
         FIG. 2P  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display for a portable computing device running a ticket management application (TM-App) program that produces a message that informs a subscriber of an amount of time remaining to add additional friends to a group seating arrangement or to create a group seating arrangement at a live event in the venue; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a flow chart of a method for distributing electronic ticket status information for a live event over a network to remote subscriber portable computing devices according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a continuation-method/continuation of the flow chart relative to the method illustrated in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a continuation-method/continuation of the flow chart relative to the method illustrated in  FIG. 3B ; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a continuation-method/continuation of the flow chart relative to the method illustrated in  FIG. 3C ; 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates a continuation-method/continuation of the flow chart relative to the method illustrated in  FIG. 3D ; 
         FIG. 3F  illustrates a continuation-method/continuation of the flow chart relative to the method illustrated in  FIG. 3E ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates some details about the geo-fence that is established around the venue to establish check-in for a subscriber and what geo-fence rules may be applicable depending upon the physical location of a subscriber&#39;s POD; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a Distance Rule employed during the geo-fence portion of the check-in process for a subscriber with a PCD running the TM-App; 
         FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of an internet connected computer as illustrated in  FIG. 1A  and that can be used in the system for providing on-demand electronic seating for live events with portable computing devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting aspect of an internet connected device comprising a wireless mobile telephone which corresponds the PCDs of  FIG. 1A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as exclusive, preferred or advantageous over other aspects. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , this figure illustrates several components of a system  101  for distributing electronic ticket status information for a live event over a network  110  to remote subscriber portable computing devices  105 . The system may comprise a server  102 A that is primarily responsible for managing the electronic ticket information. The server  102 A may run/execute several different software modules such as, but not limited to, an administrative (“admin”) module  104 , an application programming interface (“API”) module  106 , and a jobs module  108 . The server  102 A may communicate with one or more portable computing devices (“PCDs”)  105  which may run or execute a ticket management application (“TM-App”)  103 . The TM-App  103  may be responsible for managing electronic tickets for a subscriber of the services provided by the system. 
     One of the unique aspects of the system  101  is the TM-App  103  may be offered as a software as a service running on each PCD  105 . The service may comprise allowing a subscriber operating his or her PCD  105  to display electronic tickets for allowing attendance to as many live events at different event venues  112  as desired by paying a service fee that is collected on a routine basis, such as, but not limited to, collecting service fees on a monthly basis. In other words, for a time-based flat fee, a subscriber with the TM-App  103  of the system  101  may attend live events as frequently as desired (i.e. weekly or even daily) by just paying the flat fee. Other flat fee arrangements for the electronic ticket subscription service via the TM-App  103  beyond monthly subscriptions are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure, such as weekly, daily, and/or annual subscriptions, just to name a few. 
     As will be explained in more detail below, a fee-based penalty and/or other penalties may be assessed against a subscriber to reduce the number of no-shows/last minute cancellations for live events made by a subscriber. A fee based penalty may be assessed against as subscriber that is above the periodic fee (i.e. monthly fee) for the subscription service. For example, if a subscriber misses a live event after making a reservation with the TM-App  103 , the TM-App  103  may charge a penalty on the order of one-half or one-third the price of admission for the missed live event. Other amounts for the fee based penalty are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The TM-App  103  provides each subscriber with ticketing information displayable on the PCD  105  so that a subscriber may attend a live event, such as, but not limited to, a music concert, a musical, a movie, a comedy show, a sporting event, a local festival, etc. Often, the TM-App  103  will not provide the seat assignment/exact location of a seat for a subscriber until the day of the live event and not until the subscriber is within a certain distance of the venue  112  as explained above in connection with the geo-fence  118  around the venue  112 . The TM-App  103  also does not permit the subscriber to select his or her seat assignment/location. The seat assignment/location is assigned by the system  101  which takes into account any requested group seating arrangements among subscriber friends. 
     Another unique aspect of the system  101  is that the TM-App  103  allows each subscriber to easily arrange group seating among friends for live events who are also subscribers of the system  101 . The system  101  via the TM-App  103  allows a subscriber easily identify other subscribers who may be attending a live event. The system via the TM-App  103  also allows a first subscriber to invite other second subscribers to attend a live event together such that the first and second subscribers may sit together in a group seating arrangement at the venue  112  for a live event. The system  101  via the TM-App  103  allows a first subscriber to also “link” or create a group seating arrangement if another second subscriber of the system  101  is already shown by the system  101  as attending a live event. 
     In other words, if a first subscriber learns that another second subscriber is already attending a live event via a status indicator presented in the TM-App  103 , the first subscriber may create a “link” within the TM-App  103  to the second subscriber who is already attending. This link creates a group seating arrangement so that the first subscriber and second subscriber of the system  101 , at a later time, may be assigned seats which are adjacent to one another once tickets are issued to the first and second subscribers via the TM-App  103 . The system  101  is not limited to group seating arrangements for two subscribers. The system  101  may offer group seating arrangements for any number of subscribers of the system  101 . 
     Another unique aspect of the system  101  is that for live events requiring tickets with seat assignments, such tickets which list the location of seats within the venue  112 , are often not assigned to a subscriber until a predetermined time prior to the live event. Such a predetermined time prior to the live event may be a few hours to a day or two prior to the live event. According to one exemplary embodiment, a subscriber may not be provided with his or her seat location until the subscriber is “checked-in” at the venue  112 . During the “check-in” process, a subscriber may learn of his/her seat location as well as the seat locations of other friend subscribers who may be adjacent to the subscriber in a group seating arrangement. 
     To become “checked-in” at the venue  112  for the live event, the TM-App  103  must sense “entry” into a geo-fence  118  that is positioned around the venue  112  by the system  101 . The geo-fence  118  may be tracked by the TM-App  103  working with the GPS unit  705  [See  FIG. 7 ] of the PCD  105 . The geo-fence  118  and the “check-in” process are elements that the system  101  uses to track attendance to a live event at a venue  112  by a subscriber. If a subscriber operating the TM-App  103  who had made a reservation does not check-in within a venue  112  using a PCD  105 , then the penalties described previously, such as a penalty fee for a no-show to a live event may be assessed against the subscriber who had made a prior reservation for attending the live event at venue  112 . 
     In this description, the term “portable computing device” (“PCD”)  105  is used to describe any device operating on a limited capacity power supply, such as a battery. Although battery operated PCDs  105  have been in use for decades, technological advances in rechargeable batteries coupled with the advent of third generation (“3G”) and fourth generation (“4G”) wireless technology have enabled numerous PCDs  105  with multiple capabilities. Therefore, a PCD  105  may be a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, a pager, a PDA, a smartphone, a navigation device, a smartbook or reader, a media player, a tablet computer, a combination of the aforementioned devices, a laptop computer with a wireless connection, and/or wearable products, among others. 
     The Administration (“Admin”) module  104  may receive the initial ticket data from computing device  1026 / 105 C of an event provider/manager. This initial ticket data may simply comprise a number of seats that the event provider will make available to the subscribers of the system  101 . At a later date, the ticket data received by the Admin module  104  from the computing device  1026 / 105 C may include the seat locations for the seats, such as the row and aisle number for each seat. The Admin module  104  may be used to manually and/or automatically monitor the demand for the ticket inventory for a live event provider. 
     The Admin module  104  may automatically generate alerts when demand (i.e. a number of reservations) approaches a current maximum for the inventor (i.e. the number of seats) within a predetermined threshold. This predetermined threshold may comprise a number of seats, such as thirty, forty, and fifty seats. The Admin module  104  may also help generate seat assignments by assigning each subscriber a seat location in accordance with any group seating requests that were made with system  101 . 
     The Application programming interface (API) module  106  may comprise the main service point running on the server  102 A for the Android operating system (“OS”) and Apple-based iOS applications running on a particular PCD  105 . The API module  106  may also be used for web hooks with third party integrations and partners as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The Jobs module  108  may run on the server  102 A. The Jobs module  108  may support a background service which schedules asynchronous tasks for automated processing and management of the system  101 . 
     The Domain Module  109  is a shared library of Services and Models that may be used by the Admin  104 , API  106 , and Jobs  108  modules. The Doman Module  109  houses data objects with stored information (Model) and business rules that control how the data can be manipulated (Service). An example of a service might be the data validation that takes place to verify that an e-mail address inputted by the user follows an appropriate format. An example of a model might be a record with all of the attributes of a user&#39;s subscription. 
     The Domain Module  109  may use one or more loyalty tracker rules to award loyalty points to each subscriber of the system  101 . A first loyalty rule may provide points based on the subscription flat fee that is paid for the service supplied by the TM-App  103 /system  101 . A second loyalty rule may provide points based on a number of consecutive time periods (i.e. consecutive number of months) a subscriber has been a member of the service enabled by the TM-App  103 . Other rules are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Exemplary Point tracking rules include the following: 
     Variables=maxAllowedTenureInMonths, baseBoost and loyaltyBoost which may be defined with the Admin module  104 . 
     Rule (1):
 
tenureMonths=min(memberTenureInMonths,maxAllowedTenureInMonths)
 
Rule (2):
 
basePoints=monthlyPrice*baseBoost
 
Rule (3):
 
points=(tenureMonths/loyaltyBoost*basePoints)+basePoints
 
     The Domain Module  109  may also track “friends” of subscribers. That is, the Domain Module  109  may track which subscribers attend live events with each particular subscriber. For example, for a first subscriber, The Domain Module  109  may track how many live events the first subscriber attends live events with a second, third, fourth and fifth subscriber. The Domain Module  109  may only retain a predetermined number of subscribers, such as on the order of three, based on their attendance records with the first subscriber. So if the third, fourth, and fifth subscribers had the highest number of attendance records with the first subscriber, then according to one exemplary embodiment, the third, fourth, and fifth subscribers would be identified as the “top three” friends of the first subscriber. However, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that any number of “top” friends may be tracked, such as, but not limited to, the top two, four, five, six, seven, etc. friends of the first subscriber. 
     In other exemplary embodiments, the Domain Module  109  may track a “friends” link between subscribers who were referred by another subscriber. X. Modules  104 - 109  may reside on a single computer server  102 A or they may each reside on separate computer servers  102 A (not illustrated in  FIG. 1A ). The server  102 A may be coupled to a communications network  110 , which may comprise the Internet. Each of the elements of the system  101  are coupled to the computer communications network  110  via communication links. The communication links illustrated in  FIG. 1A  may comprise wired and/or wireless communication links. Wireless communication links include, but are not limited to, radio-frequency (“RF”) links, such as, BLUETOOTH™ RF links, WIFI™ RF links, as well as infrared links, acoustic links, and other wireless mediums. Each of these elements of the system  101  may be coupled to one another through the computer communications network  110 . 
     The computer communications network  110  may comprise a wide area network (“WAN”), the plain-old-telephone-system (“POTS), a local area network (“LAN”), the Internet, or any combination of these and other networks. Through the network  110 , the server  102 A may communicate with the computing device  102 B/ 105 C of the live event provider [i.e. stadium/live event venue owner]. 
     The computing device  102 B/ 105 C for each live event provider has been designated with two reference numerals to demonstrate that a live event provider (i.e. owner of stadium, owner of a sports team, a movie theatre, etc.) could use either a computing device  102 B (server, laptop, desktop, etc.) or a portable computing device  105 C (tablet pc, mobile phone, etc.) to access the server  102 A via the communications network  110 . Each member PCD  105 A-B that are members of the system/service  101  running the app  103  may also communicate with the server  102 A via the communications network  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1B , this figure illustrates how the system  101  of  FIG. 1A  allows subscribers of the system  101  to easily create group seating arrangements  155  at live events with their portable computing devices  105 A,  105 B. As noted previously, since the system  101  allows a first subscriber with a first PCD  105 A to know the attending status of a second subscriber with a second PCD  105 A, the first subscriber with first PCD  105 A [or the second subscriber with second PCD  105 B] can easily set up a group seating arrangement between the first and second subscribers. The system  101  can transmit an invitation from the first subscriber to the second subscriber if the second subscriber has not currently made a reservation to the live event to be held in venue  112 . 
     Alternatively, if the second subscriber already has a reservation to the live event, the system  101  may send a link request so that the first subscriber and the second subscriber can sit in adjacent [or close to adjacent seats if the group seating arrangement  155  is greater than two subscribers and/or guest passes]. As mentioned above, the exact seat assignment for the group seating arrangement  155  is not created until a few hours prior to the live event. That is, the exact seat assignments [i.e. section, row, and seat number] are not available to the first and second subscribers until check-in with the geofence  118  [ FIG. 1A ] at the venue  112  has been established as described above. 
     This means that the system  101  may advise the first and second subscribers with PCDs  105 A,  105 B that they will be sitting together during the live event. However, the exact seat assignments [i.e. locations] will not be available until check-in with the geo-fence  118  is established at the venue  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 A for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  when an operator first subscribes to the software service offered by the system  101 . The screen display  107 A may provide a message  201  that lists the flat fee that is charged for a predetermined period of time, such as $29.00 U.S. dollars a month. As noted above, for this flat fee, a subscriber via the TM-App  103  may make reservations to numerous live events during the subscription period (i.e. here thirty days). The subscriber could make reservations to live events on daily basis and even several live events during a single day. However, the subscriber may be assessed a penalty (i.e. a flat fee penalty) for each live event in which a reservation is made and where the subscriber does not show (“no-show”) as determined by the TM-App  103  working in conjunction with the geo-fence  118  assigned to a live event venue  112 . 
       FIG. 2B-1  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 B- 1  for a portable computing device running a ticket management application program that displays a listing of live events available to a subscriber of the system  101 . According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2B-1 , three live events available to the subscriber are listed on the display  107 B- 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B-2 , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 B- 2  for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that displays event information as well as a subscriber friend status indicator  203 . This screen display  107 B- 2  is generated in response to a selection of the third event listed in screen display  107 B- 1  of  FIG. 2B-1 . 
     As noted above, one of the unique features of the system  101  is the ability of the server  102 A to track friends of a subscriber and the status of one or more friend&#39;s attendance for a particular live event. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2B-2 , the friend status indicator  203  presents information to the subscriber indicating one or more friends are attending the comedy night that is described in this display  107 B. According to this particular exemplary embodiment, that name of the friend, Ben, is displayed as a friend who is attending comedy show. As noted above, a “friend” is determined by the server based on a frequency in which the subscriber attends multiple events with the subscriber. According to this embodiment, only the single friend of Ben Bussard is displayed. However, additional friend&#39;s names could be displayed if such friends meet the threshold attendance requirements as determined by the system  101 /server  102 A. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2C , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 C for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  205  and confirmation on-screen button about the cancellation policy for reservations made with the system  101 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the message  205  states that a subscriber can cancel up to three (3) tickets per subscription period (i.e. month) for free and up to twenty-four hours before a live event. However, other time periods for the subscription period, timing before the live event, and the number of cancelled tickets permitted are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. If the subscriber agrees to the cancellation policy, the on-screen button of “Let&#39;s do this!” may be selected. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2D , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 D for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  207  that confirms a reservation to a live event has been made and also requests input if the subscriber desires to create a group seating arrangement among other subscriber friends for the live event. The screen display  107 D may show a confirmation of the reservation and an option to cancel which may be selected to cancel/stop the reservation. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2D , the subscriber may form a group seating arrangement by at least one of two ways: by selecting an option  208 A to manually add subscriber friends to a live event or by selecting an option  209 A to which see subscriber friends may already be attending the live event. As noted previously, the system  101  may track how many live events in which two or more subscribers attend together. 
     And based on this joint attendance or group seating arrangement, the system  101  may determine other subscribers who are “friends” of a particular subscriber purely based on ranking the attendance/group seating tracking. However, other exemplary embodiments are possible where the system  101  may track “friends” of the subscriber based on the subscriber advising the system  101  that particular subscribers are actual “friends” of the subscriber. Other combinations and permeations are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2E , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 E for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  209 B that is generated in response to an option  209 A presented in the screen display  107 D of  FIG. 2D . Specifically, screen display  107 E and message  209 B having a menu are generated in response to the subscriber selecting the option  209 A of  FIG. 2D  to see which of the subscriber&#39;s friends are also attending the live event in which a reservation was made. 
     The message  209 B of  FIG. 2E  may list “friends” of the subscriber and their respective attending status for the live event in which a reservation was made by the subscriber as confirmed by message  207  of  FIG. 2D . In addition to providing the attending status for a friend (either attending or not attending), message  209 B may also provide one or more options to arrange for group seating with one or more of the listed friends. For those friends not attending (i.e. such as Davis and Matt in the example of  FIG. 2E ), a subscriber may select an invite option  213  meaning that the system  101  can send messages to these friends not attending to determine if they would like to accept and sit with the subscriber friend who selected the invite option  213 . 
     For those friends already attending (i.e. such as Ben in the example of  FIG. 2E ), the subscriber may select a link option  211  so that the selected friend and the subscriber can create a group seating arrangement if the attending friend (i.e. Ben) accepts the link request. The system  101  is not limited to the format and context of the exemplary displays shown for these options  211 ,  213  and the attending status information. That is, other displays and menu combinations for this information and input requests are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure, such as, but not limited to, radio-type buttons, tables, on-screen buttons, etc. which can be selected/activated by the subscriber via the TM-App  103 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2F , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 F for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  208 B that is generated in response to an option  208 A presented in the screen display  107 D of  FIG. 2D . Specifically, screen display  107 F and message  208 B having a menu are generated in response to the subscriber selecting the option  208 A of  FIG. 2D  to quickly add (“quick-add”) friends to the the live event in which a reservation was made. 
     This message  208 B lists three subscriber friends selectable links  215  who can be quickly added to the live event in order to create a group seating arrangement. When the subscriber selects one of the links  215 , the subscriber friend will receive either a link request (if he/she has already made a reservation to the live event) or an invite request (if she/he has not made a reservation to attend the live event). Fewer or greater than three subscriber friends may be listed for this quick-add feature as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Link requests and invite requests are discussed above in connection with  FIG. 2E . 
     In addition to the selectable links  215 , the message  208 B may present an option  217 A to purchase a guest pass without providing a name of the guest and an option  219  to add a subscriber friend from a contact list stored on the portable computing device  105  (i.e. mobile phone). Guest passes may be purchased at cost by the subscriber as will be explained below in connection with  FIG. 2G . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2G , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 G for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  230  for requesting input on a number of guest passes desired by a subscriber. This message  217 B may be produced in response to the subscriber selecting the option  217 A of  FIG. 2F  for adding one or more guest passes to a reservation. As noted previously, guest passes for a live event are for non-subscribers of the system  101 . The message  217 B may comprise an input section where the subscriber may select any number of guest passes. 
     The server  102 A may set a limit on the number of guest passes available for a particular live event based on inventory, present state of group seating arrangements  155 , limits placed by the event provider, and other factors. Any limits on the number of guest passes available may be displayed in message  217 B. The message  217 B may also display the cancellation policy for the guest passes. Usually, guest passes may be cancelled similar to regular subscriber reservations: typically within a predetermined number of hours prior to the day of the event. In some exemplary embodiments, the predetermined number of hours is usually about 24.0 but other amounts are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2H , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 H for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  205  and confirmation on-screen button about the cancellation policy for reservations, including guest passes, made with the system  101 .  FIG. 2H  is similar to screen display  107 C of  FIG. 2C  but this one of  FIG. 2H  is produced after a guest pass reservation has been selected in  FIG. 2G . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2I , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 I for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message that confirms a reservation to a live event has been made and displays a guest pass indicator  235 . The guest pass indicator  235  tells the subscriber how many guest passes have been purchased for a live event. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2I , only one guest pass was purchased so the subscriber&#39;s name and/or symbol is displayed along with a parenthetical expression of “(+1)” for the guest pass indicator  235 . 
     Other graphical displays, besides the parenthetical expression, are possible for the guest pass indicator  235  and are included within the scope of this disclosure as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Screen  107 I may also receive input if the subscriber desires to create a group seating arrangement among other subscriber friends for the live event by selecting the add a subscriber friend option, similar to option  208 A of  FIG. 2D  described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2J , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 J for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  207  that confirms a reservation to a live event has been made and also requests input if the subscriber desires to create a group seating arrangement among other subscriber friends for the live event or if the subscriber wants to leave the group seating arrangement. The screen display  107 G is similar to the screen display  107 D of  FIG. 2D  except that in option  208 C for adding a friend in  FIG. 2J , the friend of “Ben” has been added compared to option  208 A of  FIG. 2D . A subscriber with option  208 C may add additional friends for the group seating arrangement listed in this display  107 J. According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2J , a group seating arrangement now exists and includes the subscriber and the subscriber&#39;s friend, Ben. 
     Alternatively, the subscriber may remove himself/herself from the group seating arrangement by selecting option  221 . When option  221  is selected to leave the group, a message may be sent to other members of the group seating arrangement. In this example, a message can be sent to the subscriber friend, Ben, to advise that the subscriber has elected to leave the group seating arrangement. As noted previously, other displays and menu combinations for this information and input requests are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure, such as, but not limited to, radio-type buttons, tables, on-screen buttons, etc. which can be selected/activated by the subscriber via the TM-App  103 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2K , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 K for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  223  that indicates the subscriber&#39;s ticket is ready when the subscriber “checks-in” at the venue  112  as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . As noted above, the subscriber “checks-in” at the venue  112  of  FIG. 1A  when the PCD  105  is physically located within the geo-fence  118  that is tracked by the GPS unit of the PCD  105  working with the TM-App  103 . 
     The message  223  of  FIG. 2K  may also remind the subscriber of the penalty: the no-show fee which may be assessed after making a reservation with the system  101  if the subscriber does not check-in at the live event within venue  112 . The exemplary screen display  107 K may also display the group seating arrangement that was created with option  208 . In this exemplary screen display  107 H of  FIG. 2K , the group seating arrangement includes two subscribers: the present subscriber and the subscriber friend named “Ben.” 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2L , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 L for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message  225  that lists an actual location of a seat within the venue  112  for a live event. The exemplary screen display  107 L with message  225  is generated in response to a subscriber “checking-in” at a venue  112  for a live event. As noted above, the subscriber “checks-in” at the venue  112  of  FIG. 1A  when the PCD  105  is physically located within the geo-fence  118  that is tracked by the GPS unit of the PCD  105  working with the TM-App  103 . 
     Message  225  may comprise a machine-readable code for conveying a seat assignment for the subscriber within the venue  112  as well as human readable information conveying the seat assignment. The machine-readable code may comprise a two-dimensional bar-code. However, other machine readable codes, like 1-D bar codes, as well as machine-to-machine relayed codes like near-field-communication (NFC) transmissions and Bluetooth transmitted codes are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. The machine-readable codes can used individually and/or in combination as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The human readable information may comprise a section number, row number, a seat number, etc. which are usually dependent on the venue  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2M , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 M for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message displaying a subscriber&#39;s rewards points balance  47  that is tracked by the server  102 A. The top section of screen display  107 M lists the subscriber PCD  105  point balance along with a link to view their point history. A member PCD  105  can navigate to  FIG. 2N  by clicking ‘POINTS HISTORY’ in the top section of screen display  107 M. The lower section of screen display  107 M may describe the rewards program, with information on how to earn and spend points. A member PCD  105  can navigate back to  FIG. 22A  by selecting screen controls in the upper left hand corner. 
     As mentioned above, the Domain Module  109  may use one or more loyalty tracker rules to award loyalty points to each subscriber of the system  101 . A first loyalty rule may provide points based on the subscription flat fee that is paid for the service supplied by the TM-App  103 . A second loyalty rule may provide points based on a number of consecutive time periods (i.e. consecutive number of months) a subscriber has been a member of the service enabled by the TM-App  103 . Other rules are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2N , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 N for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message listing the rewards points history of a subscriber of the system  101 . The history may show points earned as well as points used towards one or more rewards. As noted previously, at least one reward that may be earned with the system  101  is securing early access for making reservations to a live event. For subscribers who do not have a threshold level of points for a particular live event, such subscribers with a lower than threshold balance may need to wait for a regular reservation window and are not permitted during an early access window. The threshold level of points for early access to make a reservation for a live event may be set manually or automatically by the server  102 A. The threshold level may also be set by either an administrator of the system  101  or by the computing device  102 B/ 105 C of the event provider. 
     As noted above, a member PCD  105  can earn points by renewing their subscription to the system  101 . As a member PCD  105 &#39;s tenure increases, the number of points that they receive per subscription period [i.e. such as, but not limited to, a monthly subscription period] increases. Member PCDs  105  can spend points to gain early access to reserve a spot at an event before a general access or general availability window for a live event at a venue  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2O , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 O for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces an optional message that informs a subscriber of an amount of time remaining to cancel a reservation without a penalty. Screen display  107 O corresponds with step  381  of  FIG. 3E  described in more detail below. Screen display  107 O is optional. However, it may be helpful to subscribers in that it may help eliminate no-shows for a venue  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2P , this figure illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a screen display  107 P for a portable computing device  105  running a ticket management application (TM-App) program  103  that produces a message that informs a subscriber of an amount of time remaining to add additional friends to a group seating arrangement or to create a group seating arrangement at a live event in the venue  112 . Screen display  107 P corresponds with step  387  of  FIG. 3E  described in more detail below. Screen display  107 P is also optional. However, it may increase attendance for a live event at the venue  112  since a subscriber may think of additional friend subscribers after the initial reservation is made. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a flow chart of a method  300 A for distributing electronic ticket status information for a live event over a network  110  to remote subscriber portable computing devices  105  according to one exemplary embodiment. Block  301  is the first step of method  300 A. 
     In Step  301 , the server  102 A of  FIG. 1A  may receive ticket data from the computing device  102 B/ 105 C of the live event provider. As noted previously, a live event may comprise a music concert, a musical, a movie, a comedy show, a sporting event, a local festival, etc. Also, a live event may or may not have seat assignments. For example, for a local festival, the system  101  may provide for gate admission without any seat assignments if no seats are provided at the live event. 
     The ticket data from the event provider may comprise a number of seats that the event provider may make available for purchase by the system  101 . The ticket data may also indicate if the live event is one in which early access may be provided to subscribers with a higher loyalty balance relative to other subscribers of the system  101 . 
     The ticket data may or may not have seat assignments and/or exact locations of the seats in the venue  112 . In situations where the event provider has only provided a number of seats available without any specifics on seat location, the event provider has the advantage of waiting until about twenty-four hours prior to the live event in order release exact locations of seats available to the system  101 . In this way, the event provider may attempt to keep premium seats available for sale closer to the date of the live event and then only provide less premium seats to the system  101  if all premium seats to a venue  112  have been sold. Otherwise, if premium seats remain in the venue  112  within twenty-four hours of the live event date, the event provider can then supply premium seats and less premium seats (and any combination thereof) to the system  101 . 
     In step  303 , the system  101 , and specifically, the server  102 A, may transmit the ticket management application (TM-App)  103  over a wireless communication channel supported by the computer network  110  for installation on a remote subscriber PCD  105 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . In other exemplary embodiments, other servers  102 , such as those from the GOOGLE™ Play/App store or the Apple™ App store may transmit the TM-App  103  to the PCD  105 . In step  306 , the server  102 A may activate the TM-App  103  if periodic subscription service fees have been received. Alternatively, the TM-App  103  may allow navigation/browsing, however, any reservation attempts may be blocked for operators/users who are not current with their monthly subscription fees. Step  306  corresponds with exemplary screen display  107 A of  FIG. 2A  in which the terms and/or conditions for the subscription service are displayed to the operator of a PCD  105 . The server  102 A may create an account for each subscriber and it may track payment information such as checking account information, credit card information, debit card information etc. as well the billing address for an operator of a PCD  105  who desires to become a subscriber and agreeing to the terms and/or conditions listed in  FIG. 2A . In one or more exemplary embodiments, the TM-App  103  may allow the browsing/review of live events even if the operator of the PCD  105  has downloaded the TM-App  103  but has not registered/signed-up for services. 
     In step  309 , once the TM-App  103  has been activated in step  306 , the server  102 A via the domain module  109  may initialize a loyalty point counter that tracks at least two variables according to a formula: (1) collection of the periodic subscription fees for the TM-App  103 ; and (2) the tenure [the length of sequential payments] for a subscriber relative to the system  101 . The loyalty points tracked by the server  102 A for each PCD  105  allows the system  101  to offer preferential treatment for subscribers with higher loyalty point values relative to other subscribers of the system  101 . For example, the system  101  may allow subscribers with higher loyalty point values to secure early reservations for live events compared to subscribers with lower loyalty point values. 
     In step  312 , the system  101  may transmit a listing of one or more live events to the TM-App  103  running on a PCD  105 . Next, in step  315 , the TM-App  103  may display the listing of live events available to the subscriber on the display device for the PCD  105  as illustrated in FIG. XX. Next, the method  300 A continues to decision block  318  of the continuation-method  300 B illustrated in  FIG. 3B . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , this figure illustrates a continuation-method  300 B relative to the method  300 A of  FIG. 3A . In decision block  318 , that continues from block/step  315  of  FIG. 3A , the server  102 A determines if it has received a command to list more details for a live event that is selected by a subscriber from the screen display  107 B- 1  of  FIG. 2B-1 . If the inquiry to decision step/block  318  is negative, then the “No” branch is followed back to block  321  in which the method  300  returns back to step  315  of  FIG. 3A . 
     If the inquiry to decision block  318  is positive, then the “Yes” branch is followed to decision block  324 . In decision block  324 , the server  102 A determines if the selected live event is one with early access in which subscribers with a threshold loyalty point balance are granted early access to a live event for making reservations relative to subscribers who may have loyalty point balances below the threshold loyalty point balance. The threshold loyalty point balance may be automatically set by the system  101  or manually by an operator of the system  101 . 
     If the inquiry to decision block  324  is positive meaning that the live event selected by the subscriber is an early access type event, then the “Yes” branch is followed to decision block  327 . If the inquiry to decision block  324  is negative, then the “No” branch is followed to block  333 . 
     In decision step/block  327 , the server  102 A determines if the subscriber has the threshold loyalty point balance set/established by the system  101  for the live event. Specifically, the domain module  109  of the server  102 A may provide what the current loyalty balance is for a particular describer as described above. If the inquiry to decision step  327  is positive, meaning that the subscriber has the requisite loyalty point balance threshold for the early access event, then the “Yes” branch is followed to block  333 . 
     If the inquiry to decision block  327  is negative, then the “No” branch is followed to step  330 . In step  330 , the system  101  will allow a subscriber who does not have the requisite loyalty balance threshold set for an early access live event to make a reservation to the live event after a predetermined period of time and/or after a threshold number of tickets have been reserved for a live event. 
     Next, in step  333 , the server  102 A may then retrieve event details from its internal storage (i.e. memory), permit a reservation to the live event [as appropriate], and determine if friend(s) of the subscriber are attending the selected live event. In this step/block  333 , the server  102 A may make an inquiry with the domain module  109  which tracks subscriber friend data. 
     As noted previously, the Domain Module  109  may also track “friends” of subscribers. That is, the Domain Module  109  may track which other subscribers attend live events with each particular subscriber. For example, for a first subscriber, the Domain Module  109  may track how many live events the first subscriber attends live events with a second, third, fourth and fifth subscriber. The Domain Module  109  may only retain a predetermined number of subscribers, such as on the order of three, based on their attendance records with the first subscriber. 
     So if the third, fourth, and fifth subscribers had the highest number of attendance records with the first subscriber, then according to one exemplary embodiment, the third, fourth, and fifth subscribers would be identified as the “top three” friends of the first subscriber. However, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that any number of “top” friends may be tracked, such as, but not limited to, the top two, four, five, six, seven, etc. friends of the first subscriber based on group seating of subscribers and their checked-in status for live events at venues  112 . 
     Alternatively, or in addition to tracking the top subscriber “friends” based on attendance records, the system  101  may also track subscriber friends based on referrals that subscriber makes to non-subscribers. That is, the system  101  may track subscriber friends based on invitations/referrals that a subscriber sends to non-subscribers who are likely “real” friends with the subscriber sending the invitation. 
     Next in block  336 , the server  102 A transmits the subscriber friend data and details about the selected live event over the communications network  110  to the TM-App  103  running on the PCD  105 . Subsequently, in step  339  the TM-App  103  displays the subscriber friend data and the selected live event details such as illustrated in  FIG. 2B-2 . Particularly, see the subscriber friend indicator  203  of screen display  107 B of  FIG. 2B-2 . 
     After block  339 , the method  300 B of  FIG. 3B  continues to block  342  of method  300 C illustrated in  FIG. 3C . Referring now to  FIG. 3C , this figure illustrates a continuation-method  300 C relative to the method  300 B of  FIG. 3B . In decision block  342 , that continues from block/step  339  of  FIG. 3B , the server  102 A determines if the TM-App  103  has generated a reservation message based on the screen display as illustrated in screen display of  107 B of  FIG. 2B . If the inquiry to decision step  342  is negative, meaning that the subscriber rejected or decided against making a reservation, the “No” branch is followed in block  343  which returns the method  300  back to step  315  of  FIG. 3A . 
     If the inquiry to decision block  342  is positive, then the “Yes” branch is followed to step/block  345 . In step  345 , the server  102 A sends a message to the TM-App  103  for displaying to the subscriber which indicates the cancellation policy for the selected live event, such as illustrated in the screen display  107 C of  FIG. 2C . The cancellation policy may include cancellation/penalty fees as described above. The cancellation policy may be unique to each live event and/or it may be uniform as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In decision block  347 , the server  102 A determines if it has received a reservation confirmation from the TM-App  103  in response to the cancellation policy screen display  107 C of  FIG. 2C . If the inquiry to decision step  347  is negative, meaning the subscriber does not want to take the reservation after considering the cancellation policy, the method  300 C proceeds to block  343  in which the method returns to Step  315  of  FIG. 3A . 
     If the inquiry to decision block  347  is positive, then the “Yes” branch is followed to block  350  in which the server  102 A transmits a message to the TM-App  103  on the PCD  105  that the reservation is confirmed and the ticket for the live event will be transmitted to the PCD  105  during “check-in” at the live event. See, for example, screen display  107 D of  FIG. 2D . As noted previously, to become “checked-in” at the venue  112  for the live event, the TM-App  103  must sense “entry” into a geo-fence  118  that is positioned around the venue  112  by the system  101 . The geo-fence  118  may be tracked by the TM-App  103  working with the GPS unit of the PCD  105 . The geo-fence  118  and the “check-in” process are elements that the system  101  uses to track attendance to a live event at a venue  112  by a subscriber of the system  101 . 
     In step  353 , an option  208 A to add a subscriber friend to join the subscriber at the live event for group seating arrangement may be displayed on the display device of the PCD  105 . This add a subscriber friend option  208 A may be part of the reservation confirmation message as illustrated in the screen display  107 D of  FIG. 2D . 
     In step  356 , an option  209 A to see other friend subscribers who may be attending the live event may be displayed on the display device of the PCD  105 . This see other friend subscribers attending option  209 A may also be part of the reservation confirmation message as illustrated in the screen display  107 D of  FIG. 2D . 
     After block  356 , the method  300 C of  FIG. 3C  continues to decision block  359  of method  300 D illustrated in  FIG. 3D . Referring now to  FIG. 3D , this figure illustrates a continuation-method  300 D relative to the method  300 C of  FIG. 3D . In decision step  359 , the server  102 A determines if option  208 A or Option  209 A of screen display  107 D of  FIG. 2D  has been selected to add one or more friends for creating group seating  155  among the subscribers as shown in  FIG. 1AB . If the inquiry to decision step  359  is negative, then the “No” branch is followed to decision step  372  described below. If the inquiry to decision step  359  is positive, meaning option  208 A or option  209 A were selected, then the “Yes” branch is followed to step  361 . 
     In step  361 , the server  102 A generates a list of subscriber friends and sends a message containing the subscriber friends to the PCD  105  running the TM-App  103 . 
     Step  361  corresponds to both screen displays  107 E and  107 F of  FIGS. 2E and 2F . For screen display  107 E of  FIG. 2E , in addition to the name of the subscriber being displayed, the current attending status for the friend subscriber is also displayed. If a subscriber friend is attending the live event, a link command  211  is displayed and can be selected. If a subscriber friend is not attending the live event, an invite command  213  is displayed and can be selected. 
     For screen display  107 F of  FIG. 2F , only the names of each subscriber friend are listed. Each name maybe selectable to issue either an invite or link command to a respective subscriber. As noted previously, a link command  211  is sent to subscriber friends already attending a live event means that the subscriber sending this command to a subscriber friend already attending desires to create a group seating arrangement  155  with the subscriber friend who is already attending the live event at venue  112 . 
     An invite command  213  is sent to subscriber friends who are not currently attending a live event means that the subscriber sending this command to a subscriber friend not attending desires to create a group seating arrangement  155  with the subscriber friend who has not made a reservation yet with the system  101  for the live event at venue  112 . 
     In step  363 , the server  102 A receives a selection of a subscriber friend for creating a group seating arrangement  155 . Step  363  corresponds to the screen displays  107 E and  107 F in  FIGS. 2E and 2F . Step  363  corresponds with screen display  107 E and option  209 B when either the link command  211  or invite command  213  are selected. Step  363  also corresponds with screen display  107 F and option  208 B when any one of the subscriber friend names  215  is selected. 
     Next, in step  365 , the server  102 A generates an invite or link command for the selected subscriber friend depending upon the existing status for the selected subscriber friend. In step  367 , the server  102 A transmits the invite or link command over the computer communications network  110  to the subscriber friend running a TM-App  103  on his/her PCD  105 . 
     Subsequently, in decision step  369 , the server  102 A determines if an acceptance of an invite command  211  or link command  213  has been received over the communications network  110  from a subscriber friend. If the inquiry to decision step  369  is negative, then the “No” branch is followed to decision step  373 . 
     If the inquiry to decision step  369  is positive, then the “Yes” branch is followed to step  371  in which a pass block for a group seating arrangement  155  among subscriber friends is created. In this step  371 , the server  102 A connects the reservations of two or more subscribers together. A pass block means that the server  102 A is creating a link or block of passes that put the seats among the block together—one next to the other as illustrated in the group seating arrangement  155  of  FIG. 1B . 
     Next, in decision block/step  373 , the server  102 A determines if an option  217  such as illustrated in screen display  107 F has been selected to purchase one or more guest passes. Guest passes are for individuals who are not subscribers/members of the system  101  and do not have a TM-App  103  running on their PCD  105 . If the inquiry to decision block  373  is negative, then the “No” branch is followed to step  381  of  FIG. 3E . 
     If the inquiry to decision step  373  is positive, then the “Yes” branch is followed to step  375  of  FIG. 3E . The method  300 D of  FIG. 3D  continues to block  375  of method  300 E illustrated in  FIG. 3E . Referring now to  FIG. 3E , this figure illustrates a continuation-method  300 E relative to the method  300 E of  FIG. 3D . In step  375 , the server  102 A may generate a message for display on the PCD  105  indicating the options for adding guest passes for the selected live event. 
     For example, see screen display  107 G of  FIG. 2G  and guest pass option menu  230 . Next, in step  377 , the server  102 A may receive the selected number of guest passes for the live event that will be charged to the subscriber&#39;s account on the day of the live event when check-in opens. In step  379 , the server  102 A may receive a confirmation of the guest pass(es) purchase and then send a guest pass indicator message. This step  379  corresponds with screen display  107 H of  FIG. 2H  in which the subscriber is prompted to confirm the guest pass(es) purchase. If the subscriber confirms the purchase, then screen display  107 I of  FIG. 2I  is displayed. Screen display  107 I has a guest pass indicator  235  which indicates a number of guest passes that have been purchased by the subscriber. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2I , only one guest pass was purchased so the subscriber&#39;s name and/or symbol is displayed along with a parenthetical expression of “(+1)” for the guest pass indicator  235 . Other graphical displays, besides the parenthetical expression, are possible for the guest pass indicator  235  and are included within the scope of this disclosure as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Next in an optional step  381 , the server  102 A may transmit a message to each TM-App  103  at a predetermined time prior to the live event to advise when the opportunity to cancel the pass without any penalty may be made by the subscriber. This step  381  is optional and it may also be repeated at a few time prior to the live event to remind the subscriber of the system  101  that if he/she decides not to attend the live event, then the subscriber may cancel without a penalty up until a certain day and time. 
     In step  383 , the server  102 A may monitor the demand from its subscribers by comparing reservations made by TM-Apps  103  against the number of seats provided in the ticket inventory from the ticket data received from the event provider. In step  385 , the server  102 A may adjust its seat inventory as needed to align with its current demand being made by TM-Apps  103  of subscribers. 
     This means that if demand for tickets, such as a number of reservations made by TM-Apps  103  comes within a predetermined threshold of the seat/ticket inventory allocated from the ticket data, then the server  102 A may send a request to the event provider to purchase additional inventory based on a new predetermined threshold calculated for the live event. Also, as group seating arrangements  155  by TM-Apps  103 , the server  102 A usually must continuously monitor its seating inventory to make sure the inventory may accommodate group seating arrangements  155  as requested. As group seating arrangements  155  increase, the server  102 A may need to purchase additional ticket inventory where seats are adjacent to one another in order to accommodate any growing group seating arrangements  155 . 
     While this adjusting of inventory can be performed manually, rules may be programmed to have the server  102 A to automatically adjust inventory based on the rules and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the monitor demand step  383  and adjusting inventory step  385  may be continuously run in parallel by the server  102 A relative to all steps described herein. That is, this monitoring of ticket/pass demand relative to reservations made by each TM-App  103  may be executed by the server  102 A continuously while all other steps are executed in sequence. 
     Next, in optional step  387 , the server  102 A may transmit a message to each TM-App at predetermined time(s) advising of when the opportunity to add additional subscriber friends to a group seating arrangement  155  may end. This optional step  387  may be tied or connected to the monitoring of demand step  383  and the adjusting of inventory step  385  described above. The server  102 A may determine that a group seating arrangement  155  has reached its maximum capacity relative to its current inventory. And if that situation occurs, the server  102 A may not send out any message about adding subscriber friends to a group seating arrangement  155  since the present inventory may not permit an increase to the group seating arrangement  155  where group seats can be placed adjacent to each other. 
     Subsequently, in step  388 , the server  102 A may transmit a message at a predetermined time prior to the live event to each TM-App  103  that a subscriber can now check-in at the live event and indicate that seat assignment will be provided during check-in. Step  388  corresponds with screen display  107 K of  FIG. 2K  in which the subscriber is advised that his or her ticket is ready. Screen display  107 K may also present a listing of other friend subscribers who are scheduled to attend in accordance with the group seating arrangement  155 . 
     As noted previously, certain live events may occur without venues  112 , like outdoor festivals, and do not provide any seat assignments since there are no seats as such live events—only a maximum capacity of people permitted at the outdoor location. Thus, check-in for live events without venues  112  will not provide any seat assignment to the subscriber during the check-in process. 
     In step  389 , the server  102 A may compare pass blocks created by TM-Apps  103  for group seating arrangements  155  and the ticket inventory. Next, in step  390 , the server  102 A may assign tickets to each TM-App  103  according to the pass blocks comparison step  389  in order to create the group seating arrangements  155  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In this step  390 , the actual seat locations (i.e. row number, section number, and seat number, etc.) are assigned to each TM-App  103  and in accordance with any group seating arrangements  155 . During these two steps  389  and  390 , the server  102 A matches group seating arrangements  155  with the present inventory of seats. As noted previously, seats as well as pass blocks are not relevant for live events in which there are no seats because there is no venue  112  with seats. 
     After block  390 , the method  300 E of  FIG. 3E  continues to decision block  391  of method  300 F illustrated in  FIG. 3F . Referring now to  FIG. 3F , this figure illustrates a continuation-method  300 F relative to the method  300 E of  FIG. 3E . In decision block/step  391 , the server  102 A working with the computing device  102 C of the venue  112  determines if a subscriber with the TM-App  103  has checked-in at the venue  112 . Further details about the checking-in process are described below in connection with  FIG. 4 . 
     If the inquiry to decision step  391  is positive, meaning that the subscriber with the TM-App  103  has checked-in at the venue  112 , then the “Yes” branch is followed to step  392 . If the inquiry to decision step  391  is negative, then the “No” branch is followed to decision step  396 . 
     In step  392 , the server  102 A may then charge the subscriber&#39;s account any fees for guest passes which were purchased. In Step  393 , the server  102 A transmits the detailed ticket information over the communications network  110  to the PCD  105  running the TM-App  103 . The ticket information may comprise machine-readable information as well as human readable information. 
     Next in step  394 , the machine-readable and/or human readable information containing the ticket information is displayed on the PCD  105  running the TM-App  103 . Step  394  corresponds with screen display  107 L of  FIG. 2L . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2L , the detailed ticket information comprises machine-readable code that includes a two-dimensional bar code and human readable information comprising the section number [ 53 ], Row number [ 26 ], and seat number [ 9 ]. The detailed ticket information may also include a listing of the subscriber friends in the group seating arrangement  155 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2L , the group seating arrangement  155  has the present subscriber and the subscriber friend named, “Ben.” The method  300 F then returns/repeats. 
     In decision step  396 , which follows the “No” branch from decision step  391 , the server  102 A determines if the check-in time window for a reserved live event has closed. In this decision step  396 , the server  102 A is determining if the live event has expired and if the subscriber who made a reservation for the live event is a “no-show.” If the inquiry to decision step  396  is negative, then the “No” branch is followed back to decision step  391  described above. 
     If the inquiry to decision step  396  is positive, meaning that the live event is over and/or the time period for allowing the subscriber to check-in at the live event has expired, then the “Yes” branch is followed to step  397 . 
     In step  397 , the server  102 A may calculate any penalty fees for the no-show subscriber who did not check-in at the venue  112  for the live event with the TM-App  103  running on the PCD  105 . Next, in step  399 , the server  102 A may send a message to the TM-App  103  to inform the subscriber of the penalty fee(s) charged to the subscriber account for the no-show(s) and any guest passes. The method  300 F then returns/repeats. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , this figure illustrates some details about the geo-fence  118  that is established around the venue  112  to establish check-in for a subscriber and what geo-fence rules may be applicable depending upon the physical location of a subscriber&#39;s PCD  105 . For each live event at a venue  112 , latitude/longitude coordinates of the venue  112  are provided to the server  102 A and a distance threshold  402  for check-in is established (default is usually about 2.0 miles from the center of the latitude/longitude coordinates of the venue  112 ). When the Ticket Assignment Window opens, each member PCD  105  with a reservation to the live event receives a push notification, such as illustrated in  FIG. 2K , and can select the “Check-in” screen button on the Event Detail Page in the app  103 . 
     When the member PCD  105  completes this action, their coordinates calculated by a GPS unit within the PCD  105  are passed to the server  102 A from the TM-App  103  where a Haversine formula is used to calculate distance from the live event venue. If the PCD&#39;s  105  distance from the venue is within the acceptable radius, check-in is successful as designated by reference character  404 . If the PCD&#39;s  105  distance from the venue is greater than the acceptable radius, check-in fails as designated by reference character  406 . If the PCD&#39;s  105  velocity has tripped acceptable thresholds that day, the check-in is rejected as denoted by reference character  408 . 
     The Haversine formula, listed below, allows calculating of the distance between two points on a sphere, given their latitude and longitude. The system  101  leverages the formula as a part of our geo-fencing mechanism. The sphere is the Earth so r=3,959 miles (the radius of the Earth). 
     
       
         
           
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     When a member PCD  105  with a pass/reservation “checks-in” to a live event at a venue  112 , their location in latitude and longitude is recorded and compared to the venue&#39;s location in latitude and longitude. φ1 and φ2 of the equation above are the latitude of the PCD  105  (point 1) and latitude of the venue (point 2), in radians. λ1 and λ2 are the longitude of the member PCD  105  (point 1) and longitude of the venue (point 2), in radians. With these inputs, the system can solve for ‘d’ which is done for locations  404  and  406  of  FIG. 4 . If the distance ‘d’ is greater than the acceptable distance, the check-in attempt fails and a message then can be displayed on the PCD  105  telling the subscriber that he/she is not close enough to the venue to check-in. If ‘d’ is less than the acceptable distance, then the check-in attempt succeeds and the member PCD  105  receives a barcode and seat location. 
     Referring reference character  408  of  FIG. 4 , designated as application of a spoofing rule, the latitude and longitude of a member PCD  105 A 1  is recorded when they take an action within the app  103 . If their velocity (distance/time) is higher than an acceptable threshold, their check-in attempt may also be rejected. This would occur if the subscriber was attempting to check-in by “driving-by” the venue  112  in a vehicle, like a car, in order to circumvent any penalties for a no-show to a live event. The subscriber PCD  105 A 1  would attempt to check-in while in the vehicle, but not actually enter the venue  112 . 
     The Haversine formula would be used to calculate the distance between the member PCD  105 A 1  location  410  and the member PCD  105 A 1  location  412 , divided by the time between the actions, and compared to an acceptable threshold. The acceptable threshold is configurable, but a good frame a reference could be the speed of a car (approximately 30 mph). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a Distance Rule employed during the geo-fence portion of the check-in process for a subscriber with a PCD  105  running the TM-App  103 . When a live event provider  102 B/ 105 C of  FIG. 1  is setup in Admin module  104  ( FIG. 1 ) by a system operator, their venue&#39;s location (latitude, longitude) and the maximum allowable distance for check-in is inputted. The venue&#39;s location may be found by viewing the venue on a map, like GOOGLE-MAPS™. The default maximum allowable distance is usually set to be about 2.0 miles, but the system  101  may input a larger value for venue&#39;s in remote locations. 
     If PCD  105 A of  FIG. 5  attempts to check-in to an event in at Venue  112 , the API module  106  of server  102 A may validate their entry into the geo-fence  118 . As a part of this validation, the API module  106  may leverage code modeled after the Haversine formula to calculate the distance between PCD  105  and Venue B (Distance D). If Distance D exceeds the maximum allowable distance for check-in, the member PCD  105  check-in attempt may be rejected by the server  102 A. If Distance D is less than the maximum allowable distance for check-in, the member PCD  105  check-in attempt would succeed. This same analysis was also performed for locations  404  and  406  of  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , this figure is a functional block diagram of an internet connected, for example, a computer  102 A/ 102 B/ 102 C as illustrated in  FIG. 1A  and that can be used in the system  101  for providing on-demand electronic seating for live events with portable computing devices  105  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The exemplary operating environment for the system  101  includes a general-purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer  102 A/ 102 B/ 102 C. 
     Generally, a  102 A/ 102 B/ 102 C includes a processing unit  621 , a system memory  622 , and a system bus  623  that couples various system components including the system memory  622  to the processing unit  621 . The system bus  623  may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes a read-only memory (ROM)  624  and a random access memory (RAM)  625 . A basic input/output system (BIOS)  626 , containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer  102 , such as during start-up, is stored in ROM  624 . 
     The computer  102 A/ 102 B/ 102 C can include a hard disk drive  627 A for reading from and writing to a hard disk, not shown, a supplemental storage drive for reading from or writing to a removable supplemental storage  629  (like flash memory and/or a USB drive) and an optical disk drive  630  for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk  631  such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. Hard disk drive  627 A, supplemental storage drive  628 , and optical disk drive  630  are connected to system bus  623  by a hard disk drive interface  632 , a supplemental storage drive interface  633 , and an optical disk drive interface  634 , respectively. 
     Although the exemplary environment described herein employs hard disk  627 A, removable supplemental storage  629 , and removable optical disk  631 , it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer readable media which can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment without departing from the scope of the invention. Such uses of other forms of computer readable media besides the hardware illustrated will be used in internet connected devices such as in cellular phones  105  and/or personal digital assistants (PDAs)  105 . 
     The drives and their associated computer readable media illustrated in  FIG. 6  provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for computer or client device  102 A/ 102 B/ 102 C. A number of program modules may be stored on hard disk  627 , supplemental storage  629 , optical disk  631 , ROM  624 , or RAM  625 , including, but not limited to, the Admin module  104 ; the API module  106 ; and the Jobs module  108 . 
     Program modules may include, but are not limited to, routines, sub-routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Aspects of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a downloadable, client-side, application  103  [SEE  FIG. 1 ] which may have parts/functions executed by the  102 A/ 102 B in order to adjust electronic seating for a live event. 
     A system operator may enter commands and information into computer  102 A/ 102 B through input devices, such as a keyboard  640  and a pointing device  642 . Pointing devices may include a mouse, a trackball, and an electronic pen that can be used in conjunction with an electronic tablet. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to processing unit  621  through a serial port interface  646  that is coupled to the system bus  623 , but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port, a universal serial bus (USB), or the like. 
     The display  647  may also be connected to system bus  623  via an interface, such as a video adapter  648 . As noted above, the display  647  can comprise any type of display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. 
     The camera  675  may also be connected to system bus  623  via an interface, such as an adapter  670 . As noted previously, the camera  675  can comprise a video camera such as a webcam. The camera  675  can be a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) camera. In addition to the monitor  647  and camera  675 , the client device  102 B, comprising a computer, may include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers. 
     The computers  102 A/ 102 B/ 102 C may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as the live event provider computing device  102 B. A remote computer  102 B may be another personal computer, a server, a mobile phone  105 C, a router, a network PC, a peer device, or other common network node. While the remote computer  102 B typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the server  102 A, only a memory storage device  627 E has been illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The logical connections depicted in  FIG. 6  include a local area network (LAN)  110 A and a wide area network (WAN)  110 B. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. 
     When used in a LAN networking environment, the computers  102 A/ 102 B/ 102 C are often connected to the local area network  110 A through a network interface or adapter  653 . When used in a WAN networking environment, the computers  102 A/ 102 B/ 102 C typically includes a modem  654  or other means for establishing communications over WAN  110 B, such as the Internet. Modem  654 , which may be internal or external, is connected to system bus  623  via serial port interface  646 . In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the server  102 A, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device  627 E of remote computer  102 B. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers  102  and mobile phones  105  of  FIG. 1A  may be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , this figure is a diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting aspect of an internet connected device comprising a wireless mobile telephone  105  which corresponds with PCDs of  FIG. 1A . As shown, the mobile telephone  105  includes an on-chip system  722  that includes a digital signal processor or a central processing unit  724  and an analog signal processor  726  that are coupled together. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a display controller  728  and a touchscreen controller  730  are coupled to the digital signal processor  724 . A touchscreen display  732  external to the on-chip system  722  is coupled to the display controller  728  and the touchscreen controller  730 . 
       FIG. 7  further illustrates a video encoder  734 , e.g., a phase-alternating line (“PAL”) encoder, a sequential couleur avec memoire (“SECAM”) encoder, a national television system(s) committee (“NTSC”) encoder or any other video encoder, is coupled to the digital signal processor  724 . Further, a video amplifier  736  is coupled to the video encoder  734  and the touchscreen display  732 . A video port  738  is coupled to the video amplifier  736 . As depicted in  FIG. 7 , a universal serial bus (“USB”) controller  740  is coupled to the digital signal processor  724 . Also, a USB port  742  is coupled to the USB controller  740 . A memory  712  and a subscriber identity module (“SIM”) card  746  may also be coupled to the digital signal processor  724 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a digital camera  748  may be coupled to the digital signal processor  724 . In an exemplary aspect, the digital camera  748  is a charge-coupled device (“CCD”) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) camera. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a stereo audio CODEC  750  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  726 . Moreover, an audio amplifier  752  may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  750 . In an exemplary aspect, a first stereo speaker  754  and a second stereo speaker  756  are coupled to the audio amplifier  752 .  FIG. 7  shows that a microphone amplifier  758  may be also coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  750 . Additionally, a microphone  760  may be coupled to the microphone amplifier  758 . In a particular aspect, a frequency modulation (“FM”) radio tuner  762  may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  750 . Also, an FM antenna  764  is coupled to the FM radio tuner  762 . Further, stereo headphones  766  may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  750 . 
       FIG. 7  further illustrates a radio frequency (“RF”) transceiver  768  that may be coupled to the analog signal processor  726 . An RF switch  770  may be coupled to the RF transceiver  768  and an RF antenna  772 . The RF transceiver  768  may communicate with conventional communications networks as well as with global positioning system (“GPS”) satellites in order to obtain GPS signals for geographical coordinates. These GPS signals are helpful in tracking the geo-fence  118  noted above in connection with  FIG. 1A . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a keypad  774  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  726 . Also, a mono headset with a microphone  776  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  726 . Further, a vibrator device  778  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  726 .  FIG. 7  also shows that a power supply  780  may be coupled to the on-chip system  722 . In a particular aspect, the power supply  780  is a direct current (“DC”) power supply that provides power to the various components of the mobile telephone  105  that require power. Further, in a particular aspect, the power supply is a rechargeable DC battery or a DC power supply that is derived from an alternating current (“AC”) to DC transformer that is connected to an AC power source. 
       FIG. 7  also shows that the mobile telephone  105  may include a client application program, referenced as the TM-App  103  noted above The client application program  103  may comprise hardware and/or software. The client application program  103  may communicate with the server  102 A ( FIG. 1 ) for updating electronic seating records. While only a few mobile telephones  105  and computers  102  ( FIG. 1 ) have been illustrated with having the client side application  103  in  FIG. 1 , it is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that each of these devices  102 / 105  may have a copy of the client-side application program for managing electronic seating at a live event. The CPU  724  may be coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit  705 . The GPS unit  705  may comprise software and/or hardware and/or firmware as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The GPS unit  705  may provide geo-coordinates of the location of the PCD  105  to the TM-App  103  which uses the geo-coordinates for the check-in feature described above. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the touchscreen display  732 , the video port  738 , the USB port  742 , the camera  748 , the first stereo speaker  754 , the second stereo speaker  756 , the microphone  760 , the FM antenna  764 , the stereo headphones  766 , the RF switch  770 , the RF antenna  772 , the keypad  774 , the mono headset  776 , the vibrator  778 , and the power supply  780  are external to the on-chip system  722 . 
     In a particular aspect, one or more of the method steps described herein (such as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) may be stored in the memory  712  of the mobile phone  105  of  FIG. 7  and memory  622  of the computing device  102  of  FIG. 6  as computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be executed by the digital signal processor or central processing unit  724 , the analog signal processor  726 , or another processor, to perform the methods described herein. Further, the processors,  724 ,  726 , the memory  622 , the instructions stored therein, or a combination thereof may serve as a means for performing one or more of the method steps described herein. 
     Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor based or programmable consumer electronics, network personal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     Further, certain steps in the processes or process flows (such as in  FIG. 3 ) described in this specification naturally precede others for the invention to function as described. However, the invention is not limited to the order of the steps described if such order or sequence does not alter the functionality of the invention. That is, it is recognized that some steps may performed before, after, or parallel (substantially simultaneously with) other steps without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In some instances, certain steps may be omitted or not performed without departing from the invention. Further, words such as “thereafter”, “then”, “next”, etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the exemplary method. 
     Additionally, one of ordinary skill in programming is able to write computer code or identify appropriate hardware and/or circuits to implement the disclosed invention without difficulty based on the flow charts and associated description in this specification, for example. 
     Therefore, disclosure of a particular set of program code instructions or detailed hardware devices is not considered necessary for an adequate understanding of how to make and use the invention. The inventive functionality of the claimed computer implemented processes is explained in more detail in the above description and in conjunction with the Figures which may illustrate various process flows. 
     In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. 
     Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (“DSL”), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. 
     Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (“CD”), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (“DVD”), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Similarly, in the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although RAM and ROM may not be structural equivalents in that Random Access Memory (RAM) is volatile when power is lost, whereas Read Only Memory (ROM) is non-volatile when power is lost, in the environment of computer memory, RAM and ROM may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function.