Abstract: A method for transaction authorization with the use of a mobile phone, comprising the steps of receiving (102, 202) from the user (UR), by the communication server (CS) a voice call establishment request, to establish a voice connection to a telephone number which identifies a transaction; authorize the transaction by verifying (112, 206) the credentials of the user (UR); accepting (106, 214) or rejecting (108, 216) the voice call; sending a request (116, 220) to the user (UR) to enter necessary transaction parameters; entering (118, 222) the requested transaction parameters; verifying (120, 224), by the authorization system (AS), the validity of the entered parameter; determining (122, 226) whether the user (UR) has entered all necessary transaction parameters, including user's authorization to fund the transaction and, preferably, a password authorizing the transaction; accepting the transaction funding by the transaction party responsible for it (124, 228), and, if the amount has been accepted, sending a m

Abstract: An apparatus for processing telephone orders includes a communications module that establishes a telephonic connection between a customer service representative of a merchant and a customer, and an identification module that receives an identifier linking the customer to a customer billing profile a billing profile access module that receives electronic access to the customer billing profile. The customer billing profile includes billing information of the customer. The apparatus includes a transaction module that processes a sales order using the customer billing profile of the customer in response to a customer approval of the sales order. The sales order is for a product and/or a service offered by the merchant. The billing information of the customer billing profile is unavailable for viewing by the customer service representative.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing updated data via an image. A sales manager system provides an advertisement image of a product for display on one of a plurality of third-party websites. A request is received for the advertisement image from a third-party system that provides a third-party website. Advertisement data is assembled, including product information, seller information, and third-party system information from information that is maintained by the sales manager system. A rendered advertisement image is rendered from the assembled data. The sales manager system also updates any maintained information thus incorporating it in any subsequent rendered advertisement image.

Abstract: A customer service apparatus for providing a service to a customer when assessing and/or purchasing one or more items is provided. The customer service apparatus includes an image capture arrangement for capturing one or more images of the customer, and generating corresponding image data, and a data processing arrangement for processing the image data for generating corresponding output data. The customer service apparatus also includes an image presentation arrangement for receiving the output data from the data processing arrangement for presenting to the customer the images captured by the image capture arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for loading page generation code supplied by customers into a memory. A request for a network page is obtained from a client. The network page is associated with a network site hosted by a hosting provider on behalf of a customer. It is determined whether page generation code configured to generate at least a portion of the network page is preloaded into a memory. Such page generation code is customer supplied. The page generation code is loaded into the memory in response to the request and in response to determining that the page generation code is not preloaded into the memory. The page generation code is executed to generate the at least a portion of the network page in response to the request.

Abstract: System and methods for facilitating syndication of subscriptions with retailers are described. The retailer can manage the customer relationship and may optionally automatically renew the customer's subscription. The platform fulfilling the subscription receives payment from a retailer and provisions the renewal subscription to the customer. A customer can purchase an entitlement card from the retailer. The entitlement card can be for a subscription redeemable through a platform holder system (via entry of a token) and includes (or is assigned) an indicator of the retailer that sold the card. The indicator can be used by the platform fulfilling the subscription to provide a differentiated or customized experience for a customer based on the retailer at which the subscription was purchased. Third-party providers can use the platform to syndicate their products and services with retailers.

Abstract: A print service system including a first stage module to set non-price service terms between a buyer and print service providers, and a second stage module to produce price-based terms between the buyer and one print service provider.

Abstract: A method for peer-assisted shopping including receiving, at a first device, a transacting media container comprising base content and supplemental content related to one or more items in the base content. The method also includes receiving a selection of at least one of the one or more items. The method also includes initiating a first shopping cart within the transacting media container of the first device, the first shopping cart identifying the at least one selected item. The method also includes establishing a communication channel with a second device. The method also includes transmitting information to synchronize a second shopping cart associated with the second device with the first shopping cart.

Abstract: A device, system, and associated methods for the management of firearms for locating, tracking, monitoring, indentifying discharge, and related management tasks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a firearm is disclosed having a processor adapted for storing information and receiving and acting upon command and a location monitor adapted to provide specific geographic location information. The processor and location monitor can be integrally formed in a single electronic device. The firearm also includes a connectivity port and a connectivity cable. The system can also include a monitoring station and a configuration computer. In at least one embodiment, a firearm utilizes a processor and a GPS monitor for locating, tracking, monitoring, indentifying discharge, and related management tasks.

Abstract: Video streams are generated using a combination of Multiple Bit Rate (MBR) encoding and Scalable Video Coding (SVC). Capabilities and requests of the clients are used in determining the video streams to generate as well as what video streams to deliver to the clients. The clients are placed into groups based on a resolution capability of the client. For each resolution grouping, MBR is used for generating spatial streams and SVC is used for generating temporal and quality streams.

Abstract: A method, a data network arrangement, a computer program product and a server accomplish a service platform. The service platform has several customer interfaces whereby the customer can request a service in the service platform. The service platform prioritizes the received customer requests based on the prioritization value given to different customer events. A customer servant sees the customer requests in the order of importance that is based on the given prioritization value of each customer event. By utilizing the service platform the customer servant can concentrate on serving the customer requests in order of importance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a merchant-customer engagement system include a physical merchant location in which a customer may be tracked to determine products within the physical merchant location that the customer is interested in. A merchant may use a wearable merchant device that is configured to identify the customer via a camera that captures an image of the customer, and that image may be used to retrieve customer account information for that customer. Using the customer account information and the products that the customer is showing interest in, the wearable merchant device may be used to display merchant-customer engagement information next to a view of the customer to allow the merchant to help the customer while utilizing a variety of displayed information about the customer including, for example, past purchases, products browsed in-store and previously browsed online, time spent in an area of the physical merchant location, etc.

Abstract: A system is provided that provides customer service functions within a store location. In one implementation, an application is provided that executes on a customer's personal device (e.g., a cell phone) or other store systems (e.g., kiosks) that allows the customer to request assistance from store employees. Such requests may be made that identify a customer's location, and a customer assistance system determines appropriate employee(s) who may service the request. In one implementation, the system may be integrated with a task-based employee management system that communicates tasks to devices used by employees.

Abstract: The invention relates to electronic communication between entities via a transient contextual interaction channel (TCIC) that mirrors the real world nature of the short term interaction between two or more entities such as a consumer and business. The invention employs a mobile phone and a cloud based information system that is a real-time representation of a user's daily interaction with vendors and which provides users with the ability to acquire and respond to structured data concerning these activities.

Abstract: The network-based data processing tool facilitates selection and engagement of a real estate broker and providers of ancillary services in a confidential and secure manner. The tool includes a database that automatically stores historical commission bid data and uses that bid data to assist a user in selecting and engaging a real estate agent. To maintain confidentiality agents are only provided with knowledge of potential Buyer and Seller interest if those parties have actively requested bids from those agents. In addition, actual bid amounts are not visible to other agents. The Tool includes an anti-spoofing feature that detects if when an agent attempts to masquerade as a buyer or seller to use the tool to investigate what fees other agents are bidding.

Abstract: Platforms, systems, media, and methods that enable a direct sale of a product or a service comprising a processor configured to provide an application comprising: a software module for the user or the group of users to purchase a product directly from a manufacturer, provided that the buyer has the option to purchase the product from at least two manufacturers; a software module for selecting a shipping service for the product, provided that shipping is from the manufacturer to the user or the group of users, and provided that the user or the group of users has the option to purchase the service from at least two shipping providers; a software module for tracking the product through the manufacturing and shipping processes; and a software module for social networking comprises directly connecting to the manufacturer, the shipping provider, other users, or other group of users.

Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus notifying a presence of a vehicle includes an alarm device and a dynamic speaker. The alarm device includes an alarm generator generating an alarm sound and an acoustic tube through which the alarm sound is emitted outside of the vehicle. The dynamic speaker generates a notification sound with audible frequency. The dynamic speaker is fixed to the acoustic tube and emits the notification sound inside of the acoustic tube, such that the notification sound is generated outside of the vehicle through the acoustic tube.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product optimizes shopping for one or more desired items. An identification of a desired item, which is initially available for purchase at a first physical store, is received. An identity of a second shopper, who also wants the desired item and is currently shopping for the desired item, is received. One or more processors then determine a likelihood of the first shopper arriving at the first physical store before the second shopper purchases a last available instance of the desired item in the first physical store. In response to determining that the first shopper will arrive at the first physical store before the last available instance of the desired item has been purchased by the second shopper, the first shopper is provided with an identity of the first physical store.

Abstract: A content submission system may provide a submission format to a content creator that allows content, including but not limited to software applications, to be submitted in a content submission bundle. The content submission system may examine the received content submission bundle, and determine one or more submission formats for submitting the content to one or more electronic content marketplaces. In some embodiments, the content submission system may act as a central broker for content submissions to multiple content marketplaces. For example, the content submission system may translate the content submission bundle into the submission formats used by respective marketplaces so that the content creator/submitter need not perform this task.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing shopping information for a plurality of contacts of a social network of a user to a computing device corresponding to the user includes receiving a request from the computing device to provide shopping information for one or more contacts of the social network. The shopping information relates to one or more items offered for sale by a retailer indicative of a shopping action performed and explicitly shared by the one or more contacts. The shopping information is obtained based on the request and shopping display data is generated based on the obtained shopping information. The shopping display data is prompted to the computing device. The shopping display data prompts the computing device to display the shopping information in a graphical user interface of the computing device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring an action of an individual or a certain consumer and maintaining a database stored in a memory personal to the consumer. The database can have an indication of preferences of the consumer and a purchase history of the individual consumer. The database can be based on the monitored action of the consumer. The method can further include providing a suggested product to the consumer based on the maintained database.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods and/or apparatus for a communication network for real estate professionals are provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for utilizing voice biometrics to provide relationship-based service are presented. In some embodiments, a computing device may receive a voice sample associated with a customer of an organization. Subsequently, the computing device may determine a voice biometric confidence score based on the voice sample. The computing device then may determine a relationship between the customer and the organization based on the voice sample and the voice biometric confidence score.

Abstract: A method and system to assist and guide a customer during a shopping experience in a “brick and mortar” type store in order to provide a more pleasant, effective, and efficient shopping environment is provided. Such a method and system allows a customer to more easily locate and access specific desired items in, for example, a large retail store. The customer can also more easily compare similar items, determine if the desired item or similar items are on sale, whether such items are in stock, issue rain checks on sale items out of stock, assess detailed information on such items, and keep a running account of the costs of the items selected. Such a method and system also provides significant benefits to the retailer, including, for example, increased customer satisfaction, direct communication and interaction with the customer, as well as better inventory control and reduced operating costs.

Abstract: Systems and methods of conducting a payment transaction using a mobile phone having a camera. The systems and methods receive an image of a merchant access device and optionally location data from a mobile device of a user engaged in the transaction. The systems and methods also receive transaction information associated with the transaction and account information associated with an account of the user. The systems and methods use the information to authorize or decline the transaction.

Abstract: First business process data obtained from a first trading participant includes a set of transaction messages having a first data format in accordance with a first protocol for conducting business transactions used by the first trading participant. A virtual trading participant receives fictitious business process data from the first trading participant and acknowledging the fictitious business process data and replying to the first trading participant that the fictitious business process data has been acknowledged. Operational characteristics and a connectivity of a currently trading participant connected to a process management platform accessible via an interconnection fabric are tested, by utilizing the virtual trading participant to determine if the data defining individual business processes is in a uniform format understood by a process management platform. The virtual trading participant is utilized to ensure compatibility with an identified version of the uniform format.

Abstract: A system is provided that monitors a customer's movements, locations, product interactions, and purchase behavior within a physical retail store. Emotional reactions to physical items and the virtual display are also tracked. The customer can utilize a mobile device app to request assistance from a retail store clerk. The app determines the position of the customer's mobile device within the store, such as by using Bluetooth beacons, and then transmits this position and a request for assistance to a server computer. The server gathers information about the customer, and then transmits the information along with the request for assistance and the customer location to a sales clerk. A mobile device used by the clerk receives this information and displays the information and request to the sales clerk.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a home equity sales (HES) program enables a real estate property owner to sell a partial equity ownership interest in a real estate property. This allows the property owner to sell the interest outright to an investor and receive compensation for the sale of the interest. The property interests of the property owner and the investor are both recorded in property records relating to that particular property. The property owner may sell multiple interests in the same property and an investor may also purchase these multiple interests.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for providing enhanced customer experiences are presented. In some embodiments, a computing device may receive information about a mobile device detected within a predetermined distance of a retail location. Subsequently, the computing device may determine, based on the received information, an identity of a customer using the mobile device. The computing device also may determine one or more needs of the customer based on the identity of the customer. Thereafter, the computing device may generate routing information for the customer based on the identity of the customer and the one or more determined needs of the customer. In some instances, determining the one or more needs of the customer may include predicting at least one need of the customer based on at least one of customer product information, customer presence information, customer history information, customer account information, and customer profile information.

Abstract: A server for facilitating transactions between shoppers and sellers using uploaded content files includes anon-transitory storage device, a network interface device, and a processing device that executes a content upload module and a search module. The content upload module is configured to receive an uploaded content file from a first user computing device corresponding to an uploader and associate at least one setter of goods or services with the uploaded content file. The search module is configured to electronically provide one or more content files including the uploaded content file to a second user computing device of a shopper. Each content file has at least one associated seller. The search module is further configured to receive an indication of electronic selection of the uploaded content file and update a selection award associated with the uploaded content file or an uploader of the uploaded content file.

Abstract: An instant messaging system may be used to allow an auxiliary account to log in and manage an online shop of a primary account user. The primary account user creates an online shop in an online shop server, and associates itself with one or more auxiliary accounts in an instant messaging system. Upon authorization by primary account user to allow an auxiliary account to manage the online shop, the system records an authorization relation between the auxiliary account and the primary account. The authorization relation may be recorded in the instant messaging system. Based on the recorded authorization relation, the system allows a user of the authorized auxiliary account to manage the online shop system through the instant messaging system. An instant messaging server serving for this purpose is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a real estate information delivery system for assisting a user in choosing a neighborhood so as to purchase, rent, or lease a real estate property therewithin. The system comprises a database comprising a plurality of neighborhood entries representing neighborhoods. Each neighborhood entry is associated with a plurality of neighborhood factor scores wherein, a factor score represents a score of a predetermined neighborhood factor that potentially influences the decision pertaining to the purchasing, renting, or leasing of a real estate property within the neighborhood. The system is configured to enable a user, via a user interface, to choose a plurality of predetermined factors that form the criteria of the user in selecting a neighborhood. Each chosen factor is assigned a percentage weightage value. A calculation module calculates, for each neighborhood, the weighted average of the factor scores pertaining to the user-chosen factors.

Abstract: A method and a system to facilitate differentiated levels of service in a network-based marketplace are described. The system may include a transaction monitor to monitor activity of a user with respect to a network-based marketplace; a status generator to generate a status within the network-based marketplace, for the user based at least partially on the monitored activity; and a user service module to provide service within the network-based marketplace to the user in accordance with the determined status of the user. Users may achieve a preferred user status within the network-based marketplace. A preferred user may receive preview listings of items that are not available to users who did not achieve a preferred user status. A preferred user may also receive personalized customer service within the network-based marketplace.

Abstract: A personalized feed system is described herein that provides feeds that are tailored to the preferences of each user of a real estate website or application. A user signs up to receive a stored profile with the website, and the profile includes information such as what geographical regions the buyer is interested in, what types of homes the buyer is looking for, and so on. The personalized feed system uses this information to provide a feed specific to the buyer that notifies the buyer of listings that are of particular relevance to that buyer. The personalized feed system summarizes other real estate events that are relevant to the user in a single time-oriented feed. Buyers receive information about new and/or modified listings, sales, outstanding offers, status of a transaction, and the like, while sellers receive information about sales, new and/or modified listings, open offers, and so on.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing location-based transactions. A posting application determines to associate transaction information with a geographic location, the transaction information relating to one or more users. The posting application determines location information associated with respective devices of the one or more users. The posting application determines to transmit a notification related to the one or more transactions to the respective devices based, at least in part, on the location information.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for reducing fraud related to payment using a mobile application. A method for a mobile transaction enables a server of a third party rather than a merchant and a consumer, to verify whether the consumer of the mobile transaction is valid or not in response to a verification request related to the mobile transaction. Accordingly, since the third party can verify whether the consumer of the mobile transaction and an application for purchasing are valid or not, verification reliability with respect to a mobile payment can be improved and thus damage caused by payment fraud can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable products are provided for enabling dynamic loading of one or more digital image branding functions associated with one or more distribution rules. A distribution rule is used to target a group of end users that are selected from a dataset mapping a plurality of end-users according to one or more distribution rules. Instructions are forwarded to present an indication the digital image branding function to each member of the end users group.

Abstract: A system and method provides a user of a network-based commerce system drag and drop functionality that allows a user to purchase goods from a network-based transaction system through the use of links and images.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a first group of potential buyers of a product item is identified, and an item listing for sale of the product item is posted on a marketplace website, wherein the item listing being viewable by the first group of potential buyers. Thereafter, if it is determined that the product item has been purchased by at least one member of the first group within a predetermined time interval, the item listing is closed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the product item has not been purchased by at least one member of the first group within the predetermined time interval, a second group of potential buyers may be identified. Thereafter, the item listing may be modified to generate a modified item listing being viewable by both the first and second groups of potential buyers.

Abstract: A method and technology platform for electronic commerce use a software package including an interactive website. An Affiliate may access participating vendors and third-party sources to acquire information of interest, including product data, content, and website design templates.

Abstract: The present invention employs branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase—e.g., from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. An extensible configuration tool (“Config Tool”) is provided to simplify the continued development of such a system, as well as customization of individual Product Modules (e.g., a Life Insurance Module) by product and service providers (e.g., insurance companies and employers) and other third-party developers (before and during runtime).

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method for enhancing a wireless customer's experience by providing incentives in exchange for the consumer signing a limited period contract. The method comprises the steps of offering a new mobile phone for a subsidized price to an existing consumer, providing an additional discount on the new mobile phone in order to renew the contract at the contract commencement, providing an option for retaining their existing mobile phone that they are already accustomed and continue using the service without signing a renewal, allowing the existing consumer to choose a third party service provider for contract renewal, allowing the third party service provider for purchasing the new mobile phone from the primary wireless service provider at the subsidized price on behalf of consumer, and receiving a monetary payment from the third party service provider in exchange of contract renewal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method that enables users, such as institutional investors and financial institutions, to interactively engage in capital market transactions, including the trading of Over-the-Counter financial products, via the Internet (including the World Wide Web). The system includes a variety of servers, applications, and interfaces that enable users to interactively communicate and trade financial instruments among one another. Interactive communications supported by the system include: requesting price quotes, monitoring and reviewing quote requests, issuing price quotes, monitoring and reviewing price quotes, negotiation between users, acceptance of price quotes, reporting, portfolio management, analysis of financial information and market data, and communications among users via an automated processor.

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments, systems and methods provide for storing an indication of an initial purchase of a first new product from a supplier and by an initial purchaser and facilitating a provision to the initial purchaser of the second product by the supplier and a return of the pre-owned product from the initial purchaser to the supplier.

Abstract: A method and a system to correlate location and content. For example, data is received from a client device that includes current geographical position data identifying a geographical position of the client device. A vendor having a geographical location within a specified distance of the geographical position of the client device is identified. An offer from the vendor within the distance of the client device is returned to the client device.

Abstract: A commodity introduction system including an exhibition stand for placing a commodity; a worktable for using by a staff; a service communication device placed on the worktable for using by the staff; a client communication device placed on the exhibition stand for using by a consumer, wherein the client communication device can communicate with the service communication device so that the staff can introduce the commodity placed on the exhibition stand to the consumer via the service communication device. In the present invention, the commodity introduction system can provide an easy shopping environment to the consumer, bringing convenience to the consumer. In addition, the present invention also relates to a commodity introduction method.

Abstract: A system is described wherein a user provides pre-existing information to a data collection company, who in turn sells the data or use of the data to third parties and offers the user a portion of the sale proceeds.

Abstract: Systems and methods to deliver goods to a buyer that is dynamically located are described. The system communicates a user interface to a device that is identified as being located at a first location and associated with a customer. The user interface includes items that are identified as being located within a predetermined distance from the device. The system receives an order from the device that authorizes the purchase of an item and delivery of the item to the customer. The system automatically selects a courier from a plurality of couriers that are identified as being located at different locations. The system communicates a user interface to a courier mobile device that includes instructions to enable the courier to retrieve the item from a second location and deliver the item to the first location.

Abstract: Communications between participants over a communications link are proxied by an intermediary, such as an Integrated Order Mechanism (IOM). Participants interact with each other through the IOM. The IOM may be transparent to the participants such that they are not aware that the IOM is involved in processing communications. For example, in the context of a transaction by a customer making a purchase from a merchant over the Internet, the IOM facilitates the processing of transactions by processing requests from both the customer and the merchant. Neither the customer nor the merchant may be aware that the transactions are being handled by the IOM. Transactions may be tracked using addresses in a communications network. Address identifiers may be used to reduce the size of the addresses.