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Microsoft Files Patent for Hot-or-Not Style Fashion Rating System

Posted 06/15/09 at 02:30:35 PM  by Paul Lilly

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We're not sure what to make of this, other than maybe Microsoft is trying a wee bit too hard to be hip. Or maybe it's a reminder that pretty much anything is patentable. In any event, the software maker has filed a patent for a "Hot or Not" interface allowing viewers to rate one another's fashion sense via uploaded pics. Taken from the patent application:

"The contributor uploads self images for viewing and rating (or voting) by viewers who choose provide an opinion on different fashion and/or cosmetic looks of the contributor. The contributor takes images show the contributor presented with a number (e.g., two) of different fashion choices. The snapshots can then be processed for upload to a website or other accessible location by one or more viewers. The viewers can cast a vote for one of the images by selecting the desired image, in response to which the viewer and/or contributor will be presented with overall statistics for that set of images as to how other viewers voted, as well as a next set of photos depicting the user in a different fashion and/or cosmetic choice. This process can continue until terminated."

It's called the Online Personal Appearance Advisor and, well, we're not really sure what Microsoft might be cooking up, but we're hoping it's nothing like this.

COMMENTS:6
TAGS: microsoft, legal, patent, fashion, hot-or-not
COMMENTS
avatarSuperior systems to Hot or Not

Submitted by jcb on Thu, 06/18/2009 - 6:05pm

In the real world one would use the well-proven system "Estrada or Nada" to determine if one is hot or not.  Once again, MS is so late to the game they are embarrassing themselves. 

 

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http://www.joroto.com/products

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avatarProject Natal?

Submitted by Nycromes on Tue, 06/16/2009 - 4:30am

The description about different fashion choices reminds me of the Project Natal movie where the two girls are talking with each other using project Natal. The one girl is looking for a dress for a party and the other one has one picked out. The girl looking for the dress can then preview the dress on her avatar that looks kinda like her.  I think the reason that MS can go for this patent is the preview of different fashions, its not just a rating system like hotornot. Its a way to make decisions on fashion/looks through the use of some sort of preview. There certainly is a fine line that this could be stepping over, but I can't think of a service that does specifically this type of comparison. 

 

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avatarHow in the name of God can

Submitted by whitneymr on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 10:35pm

How in the name of God can they file a patent on something that's been in wide spread use for many years? It's time to start shooting lawyers on sight.

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avatarEpic Picture

Submitted by JonnyNYK on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 12:23pm

Epic Picture

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avatarif its something like the

Submitted by comptech08 on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 12:08pm

if its something like the pic shows they already failed because there are no negative numbers to choose.  This is also a dick move by microsoft.  That hot or not stuff has been out a long time and now there going to try to steal it all away?

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avatarwell....

Submitted by johnny3144 on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 4:41pm

well he is "hot"... look at him sweat.... must be boiling in that room.

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