Abstract: A computer-implemented process aiding a customer scan and rapid checkout process can include monitoring a shopping cart basket weight. The process includes monitoring, in a computerized processor installed to a shopping cart of a customer, a signal from a weight device configured to monitor the shopping cart basket weight. The process further includes automatically generating a basket weight output value based upon the shopping cart basket weight. The basket weight output value includes one of a check against an expected weight of an item from a database, a billing statement total for a bulk good, a check against an expected total order weight to confirm presence of an un-scanned item in the shopping cart basket, and a check against unsafe use of the shopping cart. The process further includes providing a message based upon the basket weight output value.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a database system is presented. A database system comprises a load balancer and a database partitioned into a first and second shard. Coupled to the load balancer are a first plurality of database servers and a second plurality of database servers. Each of the first plurality of database servers contains a copy of the first shard of the database. Each of the second plurality of database servers contains a copy of the second shard of the database. Each server in the first plurality of database servers arranged in a server set with a server in the second plurality of database servers. Queries sent to a database server in the first plurality of database servers are forwarded to the corresponding server in the server set of the second plurality. Other embodiments also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining consistency across a decentralized database cluster is presented. A database cluster can contain a plurality of database servers, each hosting a copy of the same database. In a system without a centralized coordinating server, a message queue can be used to simultaneously provide updates to each database server in the database cluster. A When a database server receives an index update message, it adds message to a queue indicating it has received the message and watches an index update node. Once every server in the cluster has added a message to the queue, it is known that every database server has received the message. The update can be performed for each server and the changes committed simultaneously. In such a manner, all database servers in the cluster perform an update at approximately the same time. Other embodiments also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for dynamically varying traffic routing modes in a distributed database system is presented. A database system comprises a load balancer and a database partitioned into a first and second shard. Coupled to the load balancer are a first plurality of database servers and a second plurality of database servers. Each of the first plurality of database servers contains a copy of the first shard of the database. Each of the second plurality of database servers contains a copy of the second shard of the database. Each server in the first plurality of database servers sends queries to a server in the second plurality of database servers using a round-robin system in which servers in the second plurality of database servers take turns processing incoming queries, as a method of distributing load among the multiple servers. Other embodiments also are disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to cashier scheduling for a store based on electronic data representative of transactions at a point-of-sale terminal in the store. Exemplary embodiments can compare the electronic data representative of transactions at the point-of-sale terminal to target point-of-sale terminal data for the point-of-sale terminal in the store to generate delta values. Exemplary embodiments can determine exception data based on the delta values. The exception data can correspond to the delta values that fail to satisfy a specified criteria. Exemplary embodiments can adjust scheduling parameters for a prospective scheduling period based on the exception data.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a customized user experience is presented. A system can include one or more processing modules and one more non-transitory storage modules. The usage history of a user can be tracked at an eCommerce retailer. Static information about the user can also be tracked. Thereafter, using the usage history, the static information, and the available promotions of the retailer, a probability of conversion can be calculated for each promotion. Thereafter, the promotion being displayed to the user can be based on the probability of conversion. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a database system is presented. A database cluster can comprise multiple database servers. Each database server is configured to regularly compile various statistics upon the occurrence of a triggering event. These statistics can be stored along with the statistics of each database server in the cluster of database servers. Upon the occurrence of various conditions, corrective actions can be implemented. The conditions can include the inability to achieve performance thresholds. The conditions also can include not meeting the performance of other database servers in the cluster. The corrective action can include removing a server temporarily from the cluster or rebooting the server. In addition, a database server can cause the corrective action on other database servers in the cluster. Other embodiments also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining consistency across a decentralized database cluster is presented. When a database server receives an index update message, it adds a message to a queue indicating it has received the message and watches an index update node. Once every server in the cluster has added a message to the queue or a timer has expired, it is known that every active database server has received the message. The update can be performed for each server and the changes committed simultaneously. In such a manner, all database servers in the cluster perform an update at approximately the same time. When a database server is unable to complete an update, it enters a fallen behind mode and performs updates more often, as configured in a configuration database. Other embodiments also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a database system is presented. A database system comprises a load balancer and a database partitioned into a first and second shard. Coupled to the load balancer are a first plurality of database servers and a second plurality of database servers. Each of the first plurality of database servers contains a copy of the first shard of the database. Each of the second plurality of database servers contains a copy of the second shard of the database. Queries are sent to a database server in the first plurality of database servers based on a suitability score of the database server determined by characteristics of each server and a current status of each server, where the query is sent to the server in the first plurality with the highest suitability score. Other embodiments also are disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure are related to an antenna system including radiating elements and reflectors. The reflectors can be disposed with respect to the radiating elements to reflect radiation from the radiating elements to generate a coverage area that exceeds the coverage area generated by the radiating elements without the reflectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing search results, particularly product records from a product database. Tokens of a query are identified. Product records including one or more tokens in values associated with the attributes thereof are identified. A score is generated for attributes of products including a token (an attribute-token score). The attribute-token score is based on a frequency of occurrence of the token in the attribute value and a length of the attribute value in which it occurs. The attribute-token scores for the token are summed to generated a score. The token score for a token may be scaled in a non-linear fashion such that the scaled value approaches a saturation value, which may be an inverse document frequency (IDF) score for the token. The scaled values may then be summed to generate a score for the document that is used to rank the search results.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to performing an operation in a computing environment that is prohibited by a security application governing the computing environment. Exemplary embodiments can generate a security bypass environment in a computing environment governed by the security application to provide a bypass to the security application. In exemplary embodiments, a request to perform the operation can be received via the security bypass environment and the operation can be performed through the security bypass environment in response to satisfaction of access control criteria specified for the security bypass environment so that the performance of the operation bypasses the security application.

Abstract: A system and method for compiling search results is presented herein. A method can include gathering user behavior data, filtering the user behavior data, performing update calculations on the filtered user behavior data, using a decaying function to aggregate the filtered user behavior data; and facilitating the presentation of aggregated user behavior data. The user behavior data can include the user history for a plurality of users at an Internet-accessible site. The site can be an eCommerce site and the user history can include purchase and browsing history that can be used to determine a popularity of items sold by the eCommerce site. Facilitating the presentation can include displaying products in order of popularity. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: In different embodiments of the present invention, systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media allow a user to analyze software application modules, during development of the software. The present invention may be used to analyze the software application modules, to identify vulnerabilities and to provide the user with actionable intelligence that may be used to improve the security of the software application modules. The actionable intelligence may include a list or groupings of the vulnerabilities ranked based on severability, type, and/or location.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reprinting a paper copy of a receipt at a physical store location. The receipt printing may be based off of an electronic receipt. A customer may provide receipt identification to a returns associate at a POS terminal in a store location. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be reprinted. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the POS terminal where a paper copy of the receipt is printed for the returns associate. A modified receipt may be printed which includes receipt information for additional transactions. A modified receipt may be printed which includes additional information regarding items on the receipt.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing a shopping agenda are disclosed. The techniques include receiving an electronic shopping list containing one or more items, each item indicating a product sold by a retailer. The techniques further include obtaining a store map, the store map being indicative of a layout of a store associated with the retailer. The techniques further include determining one or more product waypoints based on the one or more items in the electronic shopping list and the store map, each product waypoint of the one or more product waypoints corresponding to one of the one or more items and being indicative of a location of the product indicated by the item in the store. The techniques also include determining a route traveling through each of the one or more product waypoints and providing the route for display.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing reviews is disclosed herein. User-generated content (UGC) such as on-line reviews of products can be broken up in to different features of the products being reviewed. The UGC is analyzed to find each mention of each feature. Then each mention is analyzed to determine a polarity of each mention. The polarities are aggregated into an overall feature score that tallies the polarity across all reviews. Such a feature score can be calculated for each feature. Thereafter, the feature scores for each feature can be displayed to the user, along with the actual UGC used to determine the feature scores. The display can be in text form or graphical. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing reviews is disclosed herein. User-generated content (UGC) such as on-line reviews of products can be broken up in to different features of the products being reviewed. The UGC is analyzed to find each mention of each feature. Then a tag cloud or other visual indicia of the features is created. The tag cloud or other visual indicia displays a certain subset of the features, with an indication of how often certain features are discussed. The indication of how often features are discussed can be the font size of the tag cloud or other visual indicia. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time curated category and social media advertising is presented. A system can include a modulator module, a syncer module, a ranking module, a database interface, and a sharing module. The syncer is configured to monitor the modulator module to ensure that new custom-curated shelves or collections are accounted for. The ranking module is configured to track the ranking of each product in a shelf such that the products are listed according to rankings. The database interface allows the system to display relevant information regarding each item in a shelf. The sharing module is configured to interface with social media services to promote shelves. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and displaying reviews is disclosed herein. A set of reviews is analyzed to determine what features are analyzed in the set of reviews. For each review, the features being discussed along with the feature score of the feature. In addition, each sentence of each review is noted to determine the feature being discussed and the feature score of the feature. Thereafter, the reviews can be displayed in various manners. For example, a graphical display such as a pie chart is displayed to show proportion of positive to negative to neutral reviews. In addition, the sentences or other excerpts of each review can be displayed in a different manner such that a user can more easily see which excerpts discuss a feature. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating and displaying feature scores is disclosed herein. User generated content (UGC) such as on-line reviews can be used to generate a score for each feature of a product or service being reviewed. After a feature set is produced, UGC is analyzed to find each mention of each feature. Then each mention is analyzed to determine a polarity of each mention. The polarities are aggregated into an overall feature score that tallies the polarity across all reviews. The overall feature score can then be displayed to the user. The display can be in text form or graphical. A user is able to control which feature scores are viewable. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of providing, with a processing device of a commerce server, sales assistance to a consumer shopping in a retail store and considering a first item for purchase. The method also includes the step of receiving, at the processing device, a receipt signal containing a list of items purchased by the consumer. The method also includes the step of determining, with the processing device, if the first item is among the list of items purchased by the consumer to track the effectiveness of the providing step.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for generating reminders to shoppers to purchase products. Using a customer's current location, products stocked at that location are identified and compared to the customer's purchase history. Items regularly purchased by the customer found among the products stocked at the location are identified. Upon departing the location without adding the product to an electronic shopping cart an alert may be generated to remind the customer to purchase the product. In some embodiment, an alert is generate for a product found in the purchase history if an elapsed time since purchase of the product exceeds an expiration period or purchase period for that product. The methods disclosed herein may be used in the context of a self-checkout using an electronic shopping cart and navigational aids to facilitate retrieval of items on a shopping list.

Abstract: A system and method of forecasting using low-rank matrix completion is presented. Sales data is gathered. The data is divided into four different matrices, with two matrices covering a similar time period one year apart and another matrix covering a time period of similar length to the time period to be forecast. Matrix completion methods are performed on the four matrices in various orders. Two matrices are combined to form one sub-problem, then two matrices are combined to form a second sub-problem. The two sub-problems are solved using a matrix completion method to create a forecast of the time period in question. The matrix completion method can involve solving a nuclear norm least squares problem, then using an expectation maximization algorithm to create a forecast. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for performing classification of documents or performing other tasks based on rules. A rule generator receives a request for a rule that will receive as an input a document and output an outcome such as a classification of the document, addition of the document to a whitelist or blacklist, or occurrence of some other outcome. The rules are applied to a document and the document and outcome of the rules are presented to a rater. A rating of the accuracy of the outcome is received from the rater and the rating is propagated to quality metrics of rules that contributed to the outcome. Rules with a quality metric above a threshold may be added to a production rule set. Rules with a quality metric below a threshold may be removed.

Abstract: A system and method for scrolling through a media file is presented. Playback of a media file is initiated. An instruction is received an instruction to enter an expanded view mode. The expanded view mode can include an information view mode and a poster mode. In the information view mode, a variety of information about the media file is displayed, including a synopsis, cast information, and the like. In the poster mode, a variety of graphical images are displayed, each representing a different media file and configured to resemble a movie poster. The media files can be trailers or other type of previews. There can be a method for a user to add a preview to a wishlist or order the media file represented by the preview. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for an integrated loyalty program and game mechanic. When a customer makes a purchase of physical products from a merchant, membership in the merchant's loyalty program can be rewarded with a digital (virtual) asset for use in a computer game. The merchant can also advertise digital assets as loyalty program rewards in the game to persuade customers to purchase physical products from the merchant. In one aspect, the game is maintained by the merchant. In another aspect, the merchant enters into a partnership with an owner of a third party game.

Abstract: The current disclosure extends to normalizing UPCs so the normalized UPCs can be readily compared against each other and used for item lookups in a local cache. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a UPC cache on a user's mobile device, such as a smartphone. In such embodiments, a UPC that is normalized following processes set forth in the present disclosure may act as a cache key for related product information stored in the cache. By conducting item lookups in a local cache, requests for that data can be served faster than if the data were stored on a remote server.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for delivering customer specified receipt types at checkout. A customer specifies receipt delivery preferences at a mobile device (e.g., specifying delivery of a digital receipt and/or a paper receipt at checkout). The mobile device sends the customer's receipt delivery preferences to a receipt preferences database server for storage in a receipt preferences database. During a sales transaction, a point-of-sale (“POS”) system refers to the receipt preferences database (or a relevant portion thereof) to access the customer's receipt delivery preferences. Based on the customer's receipt delivery preferences, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system delivers appropriate types of receipts (e.g. digital and/or paper) to the customer.

Abstract: A plurality of items is positioned in a volume scanned by a three-dimensional non-optical imaging system. The imaging system generates a three-dimensional voxel image of the volume. Voxel regions are identified and surfaces of voxel regions are analyzed to identify a symbol printed thereon. The symbols are resolved into product identifiers, which are then added to a transaction and payment for the transaction is processed. The imaging system may be a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, computed tomography (CT) scanning system, terahertz (T wave) imaging system, or other imaging system.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes a tag-type identifier. This tag-type identifier can represent data encoder-relevant tag-type information and/or printer-relevant tag-type information as desired. This identifier can comprise an optical or electronic code such as a numeric, binary, or hexadecimal code. This code can be stored within the RFID tag's integrated circuit (for example, within the integrated circuit's stored EPC field). These teachings also provide for recovering from an unassigned RFID tag its tag-type identifier and using that tag-type identifier to facilitate automatically processing the RFID tag when assigning the RFID tag to a corresponding item. This can comprise utilizing the tag-type identifier to determine corresponding assignment-facilitation information to use when assigning the RFID tag. Examples in these regards, include, for example, an RFID tag encoder power setting or position, a printer setting, or a label layout.

Abstract: Ranking search results based on color including evaluating whether a color term in a search query was intended to identify an actual color and returning different search results based on that determination. When an actual color was intended, an initial product ranking is updated based on color similarity of the product. In some embodiments, a color similarity score is calculated using a color difference formula, a cosine similarity measurement is determined of a cosine of an angle between a query vector and a title vector, and the color is considered to have been intended to identify the actual color when the cosine similarity measurement is less than a threshold value. In particular embodiments, the query vector includes individual terms of the search query and a number of occurrences of each individual term. Different embodiments include computer implemented systems and methods.

Abstract: A system and method of determining the location of a RFID reader is disclosed. The system comprises a first RFID reader, and at least one other RFID reader, and a processor. The RFID readers associate unique RFID tag information with at least one antenna that reads the information. The processor receives RFID data from the first RFID reader and the at least one other RFID reader and determines the location of the first RFID reader relative to the at least one other RFID reader based on the association of unique RFID tag information with at least one antenna of at least two readers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to positioning a new item in search results that may additionally include previously-released items. Items in a search result may be ranked by popularity scores. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a new item may receive a popularity score boost to compensate for that item's relative lack of history in comparison to the previously-released items. Embodiments of the present disclosure utilize outside data sources to rank the items. Outside data sources may include social media, knowledge bases, and like platforms to leverage available outside data to complement internal data.

Abstract: The present invention extends to systems, methods, and computer program products for recommending food items based on personal information and nutritional content. A registered customer has members in a customer group. The registered customer provides nutritional information for members of the group (e.g., family members) to a merchant computer system. The merchant computer system uses the nutritional information to recommend food items to the customer. As a customer shops, the merchant computer system compares the nutritional content of the shopping cart items with nutritional needs of the customer. Recommendations are furnished to the customer based on the shopping cart content and the nutritional needs of the customer.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting an deployment of goods for shipping purposes is presented. An affinity network representing the deployment of goods is created. A first and second set of goods in the affinity network are created, the first set of goods representing an initial set of goods to be placed in a first location and the second set of goods representing a set of goods that are constrained to be placed in a second location. An objective function is iteratively operated to determine an optimum deployment of goods between the first location and second location. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Delivering a page including a plurality of modules is disclosed. A plurality of candidate modules are selected. A corresponding module score for each of the modules in the plurality of candidate modules is evaluated. A plurality of modules is selected from the plurality of candidate modules to be displayed on a page. The position of each module on the page is based at least in part on that module's module score.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method can comprise accessing one or more neighborhood data structures, at least a portion of the one or more neighborhood data structures are active. In many embodiments, the one or more neighborhood data structures each comprise a label comprising a record identifier, the record identifier corresponding to a specified record of the one or more records, a neighborhood comprising a list of record identifiers for other records linked to the specified record of the one or more records by a pairwise link, and a message for each of the other records linked to the specified record of the one or more records, the message comprising the label and an activity state indicator, the activity state indicator indicating if the neighborhood data structure is active. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for mapping a shopping space are provided. A system for mapping a shopping space includes a plurality of motorized transport units, a store map database, and a central computer system. The central computer system being configured to divide the map of the shopping space into a plurality of sections, assign a unique section identifier to each of the plurality of sections in the shopping space, associate a blocked tag with each section inaccessible to the plurality of motorized transport units, associate an accessible tag with each section accessible by at least one of the plurality of motorized transport units, for each section having an accessible tag, allow an access restriction setting to be configured, and provide navigation instructions to the plurality of motorized transport units based on access restriction settings of each section of the shopping space stored.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for suggesting recipes. Within the method, one or more point-of-sale transactions may be conducted. The transactions may involve a computer system and a customer possessing a mobile computing device. The computer system may store receipt data documenting the transactions. The computer system may also receive a request from the mobile computing device for one or more recipes, analyze the receipt data to identify at least one of the food patterns and food preferences of the customer, and identify one or more recipes corresponding to at least one of the food patterns and food preferences. The computer system may then pass the one or more recipes to the mobile computing device.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for training a classification model to predict categories. In one implementation, a method identifies category mappings generated for dominant queries associated with a query log. The method identifies mappings between a first set of queries and categories shown for the first set of queries, and identifies mappings between a second set of queries and clicked products for the second set of queries. A classification model is trained based on the mappings generated for dominant queries, the mappings between queries and the shown categories, and the mappings between queries and the clicked products.

Abstract: A system and method for attribute extraction from product titles is presented. A set of product titles are read by an embodiment. The product titles are separated into a sequence of tokens, the tokens being determined by the presence of a separator character. The sequences of tokens are labeled according to a specific encoding scheme to denote attributes of a title, such as brand name and other features. The characteristics of the attributes within the title are determined to build a sequence labeling algorithm. The results of the encoding is compared to a normalization dictionary comparing standardized attributes. A blacklist can be consulted to further refine the method. A further validation can be performed to catch any remaining mistakes. Thereafter, a database entry can be made to associate the attribute with the item. A training set can be used to initialize the learning model. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for training a classification model to predict categories. In one implementation, a method identifies category mappings generated for dominant queries associated with a query log. The method identifies mappings between a first set of queries and categories shown for the first set of queries, and identifies mappings between a second set of queries and clicked products for the second set of queries. A classification model is trained based on the mappings generated for dominant queries, the mappings between queries and the shown categories, and the mappings between queries and the clicked products.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for improving search relevance. In one implementation, a method identifies a first group of mappings generated for dominant queries associated with a query log. The method also identifies a second group of mappings that includes mappings between a first set of queries and categories shown for the first set of queries, and mappings between a second set of queries and clicked products for the second set of queries. Upon receipt of a query, the method applies the second group of mappings for the received query if the category mappings for the received query are in the second group of mappings. Alternatively, the method applies the first group of mappings for the received query if the category mappings for the received query are in the first group of mappings but not in the second group of mappings.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for establishing an attribute template for a customer for distribution to third party recipients. In operation, customer information is received and placed as attributes in a template that is then made available to predetermined recipients.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for training a classification model to predict categories. In one implementation, a method identifies category mappings generated for dominant queries associated with a query log. The method identifies mappings between a first set of queries and categories shown for the first set of queries, and identifies mappings between a second set of queries and clicked products for the second set of queries. A classification model is trained based on the mappings generated for dominant queries, the mappings between queries and the shown categories, and the mappings between queries and the clicked products.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a router having a first I/O terminal and a second I/O terminal, wherein the first I/O terminal is configured to be in communication with at least one client via a first network, wherein the second I/O terminal is configured to be in communication with a plurality of remote servers via a second network, and wherein the router is configured to receive, at the first I/O terminal via the first network, a web services request from the at least one client, identify, based on the web services request from the at least one client, a group of the plurality of remote servers that are capable of fulfilling the web services request, and transmit, in parallel via the second I/O terminal and the to second network, the received web services request to each one of the plurality of remote servers within the group.

Abstract: A system is provided that implements a more systematic process for obtaining business knowledge that is more efficient and timely. The process automatically reads business documents and produces a business ontology. In one implementation, the process dissects documents into sentences or collection of words that most resembles a sentence. Natural language processing algorithms may be used to identify the role of term within a sentence. Terms and associations resulting from the document analysis are used to specify a business ontology which can be then used to provide input to a software design process, among other business uses.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure are related to an antenna system including radiating elements and reflectors. The reflectors can be disposed with respect to the radiating elements to reflect radiation from the radiating elements to generate a coverage area that exceeds the coverage area generated by the radiating elements without the reflectors.

Abstract: A method including receiving, from a mobile device, a payment method and a payment amount. The method also can include validating the payment amount. The method additionally can include generating a gift card for the payment amount. The gift card can include a gift card identifier. The method further can include sending the gift card identifier to the mobile device. The method additionally can include facilitating displaying the gift card identifier on the mobile device. The gift card can be devoid of being generated as part of a gift-card purchase transaction. Other embodiments are provided.