Abstract: A system and method for storage and retrieval of information subject to authorization by a data controller that allows information for purchasing and other information exchange to occur only for authorized parties. A data subject place information abbot the data subject into a data repository controlled by a data controller. The data controller authorizes a data recipient to obtain that data subject data when authorized by a data subject. Such transactions as purchases of goods and services and applying for college admission are the types of transactions contemplated. The data repository places client software on the computer of the data recipient thereby signifying that the data recipient is authorized. Thereafter, the data recipient can receive information about the data subject when the data subject accepts and offer from the data recipient.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for recommending bundles of items to users. A bundle can include an item that is substitutable for an item selected by a user and one or more related items that complement the substitutable item. For example, if a user has selected a wireless device on a page of a network application, a bundle recommendation can be provided that includes a similar wireless device and related accessories, a compatible service plan, and the like. Recommending bundles of items can be beneficial for providing users with access to items that they might like to purchase together, without requiring users to separately find each item.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an approach is provided for estimating how a particular user would rate a particular item from a plurality of items. The approach is applicable to any type of items, including rental items such as movies, music and games, and the invention is not limited to any particular type of item. One or more items from the plurality of items that have ratings similar to the particular item are identified. One or more other users are identified that have given ratings to the one or more items that are substantially similar to ratings given by the particular user to the one or more items. An estimation is made of how the particular user would rate the particular item based upon ratings for the particular item given by the one or more other users.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing real-time, two-way transactional capabilities on the Web. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for enabling object routing, the method comprising the steps of creating a virtual information store containing information entries and attributes associating each of the information entries and the attributes with an object identity, and assigning a unique network address to each of the object identities. A method is also disclosed for enabling service management of the value-added network service, to perform OAM&P functions on the services network.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating the transfer of intellectual property are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method of facilitating the transfer of intellectual property includes obtaining at a computer system of a first entity information concerning intellectual property in which an interest is available for transfer (the “available intellectual property”) from a second entity. The method further includes transferring the interest in the available intellectual property by concluding an agreement between the first and second entities. The agreement is representative of an acceptance of an offer concerning the transferring of the interest in the available intellectual property and consideration for the transferring of the interest. At least a portion of the interest in the available intellectual property that is transferred to the first entity is intended to be transferred from the first entity to a third entity.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating the transfer of intellectual property are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method of facilitating the transfer of intellectual property includes obtaining at a computer system of a first entity information concerning intellectual property in which an interest is available for transfer (the “available intellectual property”) from a second entity. The method further includes transferring the interest in the available intellectual property by concluding an agreement between the first and second entities. The agreement is representative of an acceptance of an offer concerning the transferring of the interest in the available intellectual property and consideration for the transferring of the interest. At least a portion of the interest in the available intellectual property that is transferred to the first entity is intended to be transferred from the first entity to a third entity.

Abstract: A method for distributing a digital image of a customer includes receiving a request from a customer to a human representative (i.e., a “roving” photographer) for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. An image of the customer is captured by the “roving” photographer at the site in response to the received request. The image is transmitted to a remote processor. An electronic request is received from the customer to view the transmitted image, and the image is transmitted from the remote processor to the customer's communication device. If the customer decides to purchase the image, a transaction is finalized by receiving payment data from the customer, and the final image is provided to the customer. A commission is then paid to the photographer for the transaction. In another embodiment, the cost is at least partially subsidized by advertisement pushed to the customer's communication device.

Abstract: A map display apparatus and method for a navigation changes a map scale dynamically to help the driver visualize the environment of the destination when the vehicle is approaching the destination. The map scale is changed dynamically to display the destination along with at least one map attribute near the destination to provide more information to the driver. The navigation system includes, among others, a searching unit and a scale changing unit to change the map scale to display the destination along with at least one map attribute when the vehicle is approaching the destination. The navigation system also includes a priority table to prioritize the map attributes and the searching unit searches the map attributes near the destination according to order in the priority table.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes providing an online marketplace to developers of web applications that may be downloaded from the marketplace to a client computing device for execution by a browser executing on the client device and receiving a request from a party to the marketplace to list a proposed web application for sale in the marketplace. One or more processors of a computer system automatically determine the permissions requested by the proposed web application and automatically determine if the permissions match one or more predetermined permissions. If the permissions match one or more predetermined permissions, then the proposed application is flagged for a manual vetting process before listing the proposed application in the marketplace, and if they do not match, then the proposed application is listed in the marketplace without manual review of the application.

Abstract: A system for allocating resources which are anticipated to be available in an on-demand computing at some time in the future, wherein a producer trending agent (PTA) lists resources according to a trend prediction of resource availability in the past, a consumer trending agent (CTA) places bids for listed resources according to previous resource usage trends, and an arbitration system (REAS) matches the bids with the listings to determine if a match exists. If so, a binding contract for consumption of the matched listed resources is established. The PTA also produce tier-based dynamic incentive (TDI) schema which divides potential bidders into tiers, and offers additional resource incentives according to the tiers. Both PTA and CTA dynamically update their available/usage trends, listings and bids, over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for evaluating offers that are received in response to a request of a user. The system and method of the present invention use fuzzy logic to evaluate the offers. The evaluation provides a degree of satisfaction based on the information provided by the user.

Abstract: A custom store web page uses an external administrator to provide configuration data for a custom store web page. The configuration data can include virtual bundles of products for sale.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable a server system to identify a workload capability factor for a distributed device and use the workload capability factor to determine an incentive for the distributed device. In one embodiment, a distributed processing system includes a server configured to be coupled to one or more distributed devices. The server may include a workload database configured to store at least one workload project, a capability database configured to store one or more workload capability factors associated with one or more distributed devices, and a control system configured to use the one or more workload capability factors from the capability database to perform at least one workload project from the workload database. The least one workload capability factor may also be used to determine an incentive for the one or more distributed devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing complete electronic commerce (“E-Commerce”) transactions and solutions for a marketing company's products via the World Wide Web, including facilities for signing up new customers and recruiting, training and supporting new Independent Business Owners through an interactive online process. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the combination of a marketing business with a membership buying opportunity using both electronic commerce and face-to-face transactions. The present invention is also directed to a system and method for combining a marketing business with a membership buying opportunity, so that Independent Business Owners participating in the marketing plan can introduce customers to a membership buying opportunity and earn bonuses or commissions based on the purchases by those members, while Members in the buying opportunity can consume products or, at their option, qualify to become Independent Business Owners.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining bearing and distance measurements between a mobile device and an object using Rf based measurements. The mobile device communicates with a control in the object to determine the relative bearing between the mobile device and the object with respect to magnetic north and, optionally, the distance between the mobile device and the object. An indicator on the mobile device aid in directing s the user of the mobile device toward the object as the mobile device is moved relative to the object. The mobile device can be a key fob and the object can be a vehicle.

Abstract: A selection system (100) that selects fluid process systems is comprised of an interface (101, 103) and a processing system (102). The processing system (102) directs the interface (101, 103) to transfer a first signal that indicates user prompts. The interface (101, 103) receives a second signal that indicates user inputs provided responsive to the user prompts. The user inputs indicate fluid process information. The processing system (102) processes the fluid process information to select a first one of the fluid process systems. The processing system (102) obtains first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems. The processing system (102) directs the interface (101, 103) to transfer a third signal that indicates the first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting a graphical user interface on a mobile device according to a navigational application. A presentation is initiated of a graphical user interface on a mobile device according to a navigational application. The graphical user interface includes a first area displaying one or more selectable objects. The graphical user interface also includes a second area displaying a map in perspective view that preserves a predetermined form. The first area and the second area are non-overlapping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting a lowest bidding vendor from a plurality of vendors of a customized good or service, including receiving a set of vendor's attributes from each of the plurality of vendors representing their respective capabilities, and receiving an invitation-for-bid data from the buyer defining a custom job for which the buyer desires price quotes or bids. The vendor attributes or the invitation-for-bid, or both, are received through a web browser. The invitation-for-bid is compared to each of the vendor's attributes according to certain standard or optional selection criteria to generate a vendor selection pool of vendors qualified to bid on the job. Each vendor in the vendor selection pool receives a vendor's invitation-for-bid. A bid is received from at least one vendor in the vendor selection pool, the lowest price bid is identified, the buyer is informed of the identity of the selected vendor, and solicited for approval of the selected vendor.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus in a vehicle acquires use history information relative to electronic money payment from an electronic money payment apparatus such as an IC card or a cellular phone. The use history information includes detail information such as position information, a name, and a corresponding terminal ID with respect to an electronic money used facility, in which electronic money payment is made. The detail information is used as a key word to designate a position of the electronic money used facility. The designated position of the used facility can be then displayed as a mark for indicating an electronic money used facility on a map displayed in a display device. This enables a discernible display of the position of the electronic money used facility.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptive commerce is disclosed. Adaptive commerce enables recommendations of products or services based on usage behaviors and commercial contextual information. Commercial contextual information may include the business environment of the recommendation recipient, purchase histories, and product or service attributes. Bundles of products and/or services, or specific product or service configurations may be recommended. Corresponding prices may be determined in accordance with behavioral inferences and commercial contextual information.