Abstract: Systems and methods for selling and purchasing vehicle history reports are described. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a set of vehicles in a dealer inventory, determining a subset of the vehicles in the dealer inventory for which the dealer has not purchased a vehicle history report, presenting a summary report to a dealer, the summary report including information about at least one of the vehicles in the subset of the vehicles, receiving a selection to purchase a vehicle history report for at least one of the vehicles in the summary report, and providing the vehicle history report corresponding to the selection to the dealer.

Abstract: Entities may be matched to enhance the efficiency of various commercial activities using various system and method embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Belief propagation on a graph data structure defining a bipartite or unipartite matching opportunity is used to calculate a best matching. In embodiments, functions are implemented based upon the match, such as executing sales between matched buyers and sellers in an online auction system. In embodiments, messages with scalar values carry information about the relative value of possible matchings, initially provided as weights or values for the possible matchings. Weights may depend on, for example, bids or costs. Messages may be passed, for example over a network between processors respective to the nodes. Belief values reflecting a best matching can be continuously updated for each node responsively to the value information and received messages to rank the matches respective to each node, which progressively improve.

Abstract: Certificates can be redeemed for a physical product during an in-person exchange. This can be based upon providing to a third party, via an electronic data network, an opportunity to select a physical product to provide to a particular recipient via an in-person exchange; receiving from the third party, via an electronic data network, a selection of the physical product to provide to the particular recipient in an in-person exchange; and providing a message to the particular recipient. The message can comprise, at least in part, a certificate that can be redeemed by the particular recipient for the physical product at a retailer and can further comprise transaction-specific validation information that, when utilized by the retailer, will validate a bearer as being authorized to receive the physical product via the in-person exchange without further additional payment from the bearer to the retailer.

Abstract: A computerized multi-casting distributed urgent goods and services fulfillment system configured to triage a plurality of providers with respect to an urgent need for one or more goods and services of a seeker thereby generating a current seeker-adaptive micro-casting triaged provider pool, and further configured to successively proffer an adjustable portion of the current micro-casting triaged provider pool to the seeker.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented systems and methods for searching vehicle listings. An example method may include receiving one or more financial parameters. The method may also include generating one or more proposed transactions that may be defined, at least in part, by the one or more financial parameters. Additionally, the method may include determining, based at least in part on the one or more proposed transactions, for one or more advertised offers associated with one or more vehicles. The method may also include transmitting at least one advertised offer of the one or more advertised offers.

Abstract: This disclosure is drawn to systems, devices, apparatus, methods and/or a structure of interoperating functions related to storing and accessing information among generations of users. Specifically, the disclosure relates to generating revenue from storing and accessing information among generations of users, including individuals, entities, and/or organizations. A generation-to-generation transaction model may incentivize the collection of content, genetics, knowledge, and insights, and the distribution of such collected information to future generations that would ordinarily be lost at death (of a human) or evolution (of an entity). This collection of information may be accessed and/or mined by third parties, which may present monetization opportunities that may compensate the information owner's and his related future generations. Monetization opportunities may be negotiated with the third parties by the generation-to-generation transaction system, which may act on behalf of the users.

Abstract: The proposed embodiment provides a method and system for social collaboration and providing curated content for decision-making. The method includes creating a list for purchasing product(s) by a user and sharing the list with a plurality of users. Further, the method includes receiving product suggestions and curated content associated with the products from the plurality of users/sources, adaptively displaying the curated content to the user for decision-making, and allowing the user to purchase the product(s) based on the decision-made.

Abstract: In one implementation, users associated with user identities are enabled to access, via a collaboration session, an image provided in connection with the collaboration session on behalf of a particular user identity. In addition, a reaction to the image provided on behalf of an individual one of the other user identities is received in connection with the collaboration session, and an association between the received reaction and the image is established that links the received reaction to the image. A user associated with the particular user identity then is enabled to access the received reaction in connection with the collaboration session in a manner that reflects the link between the received reaction and the image.

Abstract: Various affinity systems and methods are provided to enable the capture of unique end-to-end purchase intent information. In some embodiments, the data collected through affinity systems and methods can be used to develop insights into the purchase making decision processes of users at any point of a shopping experience. The systems can host interaction platforms to facilitate the exchange of information, opinion, and/or suggestions on products, recommendations, and/or opinions. Further embodiments provide analysis of the captured data to derive insights regarding the appeal of products/services and the qualitative opinions of the users about the products/services.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving an indication of a request to access to a webpage that identifies service providers who are available for consultations; identifying, by one or more computers, in response to the request one or more available service providers; generating, by the one or more computers, a web page that when displayed on a display device, renders: visual representations corresponding to the identified service providers; and selectable portions of the visual representations through which the consumer selects a service provider from the identified service providers; and receiving data indicating the consumer's selection of the service provider; and establishing a communication channel between a device used by the selected service provider and the device used by the consumer.

Abstract: A system and method includes a database storing faults, each fault having an indicator corresponding to whether the associated fault is designated for self-maintenance. A monitoring system is in communication with the database and monitors operating parameters of an HVAC system at a customer location, detects or predicts a fault in the HVAC system, determines whether the fault is designated for self-maintenance, and communicates an alert corresponding to the fault to a customer device. When the alert received by the customer device indicates that the fault in the HVAC system is designated for self-maintenance, the customer device displays an identification of a replacement component associated with maintenance for the fault and a first interface to receive at least one of a first selection for a contractor to deliver the replacement component and a second selection for purchasing the replacement component through a commercial retailer.

Abstract: A method for providing online authentication codes usable to purchase good and/or services. A plurality of authentication codes that can be provided to third party receiving entities are stored in a database. The third party receiving entities provide goods and/or services that can be obtained through presentment of the authentication codes to the third party receiving entities. An electronic request is received from a third party sender via an interface to purchase and receive an authentication code that can be presented to a third party receiving entity in return for a good and/or service from the third party receiving entity. An identity of a receiving entity for the requested authentication code is received from the third party sender through an interface. Payment for the authentication code is received from the sender. The authentication code is provided to the sender after receiving the payment.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a social platform for soliciting qualified opinions and facilitating shopping, engaging shoppers, and delivering feedback. The social platform can communicate or integrate with existing sites to provide options for interacting with other qualified users. The platform can improve engagement, and increase social interaction. In some embodiments, affinity/feedback systems are provided that generate feedback for shoppers during their shopping experience. In addition to providing real-time feedback and opinions to shoppers, affinity and feedback systems can be configured to analyze and stored information on a complete purchasing experience. The complete purchasing experience can include, for example, initial identification of interest (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with example embodiments may include third party payments with non-integrated merchants. A system and method in accordance with example embodiments may utilize a plug in or application to intercept retailer data from a third party, analyze data, and present information to a customer based on the intercepted data and the analysis.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool that can communicate with a computing device such as smart phone is provided. The diagnostic tool can include a power management system that allows the dynastic tool to enter lower power state in order to prevent the power drain of vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool can also AutoID a vehicle or use a “fingerprinting” process to identify the vehicle. A crediting system is provided that can be used to credit a 3rd party for software purchased for use by the diagnostic tool or smart phone.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present invention, a facilitation token that includes authorization for a request manager to act on behalf of a resource is received from the request manager. A user-access token is also received from the request manager; the user-access token includes (i) a request, (ii) an identity of a user making the request, and (iii) permissions information. If the request is permitted by the resource, based on information in the facilitation token, the request is fulfilled.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for live updating of product codes directly from and an affiliate site. In one scenario, a live control panel is launched directly from the affiliate website in response to a selection of a control panel wizard on the affiliate website screen. A stored keyword list is identified and retrieved that was used to create the currently presented product codes on the affiliate website. At least one Vendor Website is searched for products offered for sale relating to the stored keyword list and a large number of new product codes are retrieved. The product codes along with manually activatable editing buttons which allow a user to individually select product codes are displayed. Tracking ids are inserted either before or after selection process and multiple ones of currently presented product codes are updated with new product codes selected from among the displayed product codes while the control panel is still active.

Abstract: Described are techniques for providing broker services to consumers and service providers. An estimate of when a service provider will be available to the consumer is calculated based on determining entries in a queue maintained for the service provider, the entries corresponding to consumers waiting for the service provider. An entry corresponding to the consumer is added to the queue maintained for the service provider, and the estimate is sent to a device used by the consumer; and when the consumer in the queue is at the top of the queue a real-time communication channel is established with a device used by the consumer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing custom services are disclosed. A developer interface provides standards, such as an application platform interface, for developers to use to make and test applications and services. A user interface can access downloadable or hosted services or applications to multiple users, such as, merchants, banks and networks. The system can then provide custom individual or packages of services to users based on the services requested by the user and charge the user for them on a subscription or per-use basis.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a software application running on a mobile device (e.g., a tablet or smartphone device) is provided which may be used by a sales associate in a physical store of an entity to assist a consumer in shopping for products or services. For example, the software application may be used by the associate to retrieve and display user generated content (UGC) items related to the products or services to assist the consumer in shopping. The software application may also store a browsing history for the user, and the sales associate may then transmit the browsing history to the consumer (e.g., via email or other electronic message).

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for real estate transaction management. Methods may include generating and displaying parts of one or more data sets based on data including a proposal and one more counterproposals for a transaction of real property. The method may include performing data analysis on at least part of the data of one or more of the proposal and counterproposals and generating at least one negotiation analysis data set; and providing at least part of the negotiation analysis data set to a related party. The negotiation analysis data set may be determined in dependence upon a procurement data set associated with a procurement party and representing at least part of a procurement real estate proposal for real property, and a property holder data set associated with a property holder party and representing at least part of a property holder real estate proposal for the real property.

Abstract: Techniques for providing customer assistance with real-time feedback are presented herein. A request for customer assistance is generated by a customer using an application executing on a handheld mobile smart device. The request is transmitted to an employee using another handheld mobile smart device. The request is accepted by the employee and a response is transmitted back to the customer. The response includes the employee's expected arrival time at the customer's location and a floor plan map that depicts the progress of the employee as the employee travels to the customer's location.

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: A method and system for electronically annotating an image, or preferably, specific portions of an image, with information. In one aspect, a user may generate an image, annotate the image, and upload or otherwise disseminate the annotated image to a web page or the like. Annotations are provided as labels that provide information about the image or items therein. Further users may access the labels to access the information. The labels further enable searching and contextual advertising.

Abstract: A network commerce system comprises a product sale listing searchable by a consumer and comprising one or more products provided by a third-party vendor in a pay-per-lead format. A lead module is operable to obtain a consumer lead for a third-party vendor and determine whether the obtained consumer lead meets one or more quality standards, the consumer lead comprising a lead for sale of an item, the item provided by the third-party vendor.

Abstract: A social networking system user includes objects maintained by the social networking system in a collection of objects associated with the user's user profile. The objects in a collection may be associated with a product or service offered by a system external to the social networking system. A story may be generated describing the product associated with the object added to the collection. The story may be presented to other social networking system users connected to the user. Metadata describing the product is associated with the object included in the collection and is updated. The user may be notified of the updated metadata or an action may be performed if the updated metadata satisfy one or more criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an online trading system may include a computing device comprising a processor, an information database, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to access product information on one or more products in the information database, to prompt a first user to input search information for at least one product via a user interface, to receive the search information provided by the first user input, and to search the product information based on the first user input. Systems and methods further display a search result formulated using the product information and corresponding to the first user input, and prompt the first user to input information on a specific product. The specific product is then settled to the first user either initially, or after inputs from a second user in response to the first user placing a purchase order.

Abstract: A user communicates, such as through text, a phrase or word to quickly place and pay for an order. The phrase corresponds to details of the order and one phrase can contain orders with multiple merchants. Once the phrase is communicated, a service provider or merchant determines the order from the phrase and processes the order, which may include transmitting order details to the merchant(s) and processing the payment(s) to the merchant(s) on behalf of the user.

Abstract: An online retailer may post content to a third-party web site to offer content items for sale. A user may view or preview the posted content items, and may select an item to purchase. Payment for the item may be initiated independently of any interaction of the user with a web site hosted by the online retailer. An account with the online retailer may automatically be created and credited with the purchase; alternatively, the purchase can be credited to a previously established account. The payment may be processed via an online payment processor independent of the online retailer and the third party. The item may be a digital streaming video or any other suitable type of content item. After the payment is processed, the user's computer may be authorized to permit playback through the third-party web site or on a web site hosted by the online retailer.

Abstract: In some examples, a system comprises a memory and at least one module, executing on one or more computer processors, to host an online marketplace for marketplace participants, allow a segmentation of the marketplace into at least one private group for private participants, and receive listings of items for sale exclusively to the private participants.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems associated with providing request-time auctioning of web content and web services. The auction may be performed by a request-time web content auctioning service, which may accept bids of content and/or services from content and/or service providers, and may auction these bids against offers of space on webpages in websites. The auction may, in various embodiments, be performed in real time, such as, for example, during generation of a webpage in response to a request to view a webpage from a visitor to the webpage. The auction service may, in various embodiments, also provide for the auctioning of web services for webpages, such as, for example, content filtering. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, controls for an agreement from a supplier are set up. The agreement includes a plurality of items for purchase. The controls may be used to determine a degree of touchlessness in the buying of the items. The controls may be configured at the agreement level. A requisition from a requester for a target item is received. In one embodiment, sourcing rules and ASLs may be searched to determine if a sourcing rule and ASL applies to the item. If so, then the sourcing rule and ASL may be used to determine an agreement. If a sourcing rule and ASL do not apply, agreements can be searched to determine an agreement for the target item. Once the agreement is determined, controls are determined from the agreement, where the controls govern the plurality of items of the agreement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises setting a first seed price for a network service item offered by a plurality of service providers in a computing network, and advertising a first seed price range for the network service item based on the first seed price; allocating service requests for the network service item among the service providers within a first dynamic network service fulfillment cycle, the allocating based on respective proposed costs advertised by the service providers relative to the first seed price range and further based on network-based performance capacity of the service providers in fulfilling the allocated service requests; and calculating a second seed price for a second dynamic network service fulfillment cycle contiguously following the first dynamic network service fulfillment cycle, based on the first seed price and the allocating within the first dynamic network service fulfillment cycle.

Abstract: A virtual payment system that bridges virtual payments for transactions occurring in the physical world, whereby bridges includes a virtual payment system network communicating information to at least one telephone number or e-mail address to enable a recipient to authorize payment via an alternative payment entity for at least one good or service selected by a customer at a merchant.

Abstract: Providing prioritization of user online access to an online commerce site. Third party applications using API function calls to access an online commerce site are restricted to specific services by an access rule. An access rule defines which API server on the online commerce site a specific third party application may access when using a specific API function call. In this way, the operator of the online commerce site may prioritize server access per service level agreements based on a specific third party application and API function call.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a help request signal from a first augmented reality device worn by a current consumer considering an item for purchase in a retail store. The method also includes the step of searching, with the processing device, a consumer database wherein the consumer database contains purchase histories for a plurality of past consumers. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, a past consumer in the consumer database who purchased the item. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a communication request signal to a second augmented reality device worn by the past consumer containing data indicative of a request that the past consumer communicate with the current consumer about the item. The past consumer can assist the current consumer in considering the item for purchase.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes accessing, with a user computing device, a web-based document from a first party containing a mark-up code segment pointing to a second party; and loading, using the mark-up code segment, a program for generating a shopping application for the web-based document. The loaded program is used to add to the web-based document event handlers associated with tags indicating items for sale, and a shopping cart containing information about an item for sale is generated upon triggering of one of the event handlers.

Abstract: An audio system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system includes a radio with loudspeakers for outputting a sound pattern. The radio comprises a data connection with an engine control of the vehicle. The system also includes a mobile telephone with computer functionality, including a data connection with the radio via which audio data is transferable from the mobile telephone to the radio, and further data is transferable from the radio to the mobile telephone. This results in a sound pattern being generated which is an artificial driving noise.

Abstract: A system and method enabling people, including children, to shop on-line in a safe and secure manner. A gift card having a predetermined monetary value is purchased by a parent, friend or other third party. An account is established in conjunction with a web site with a starting account balance related to the predetermined monetary value. As a user shops at the web site, their account balance is reduced as items are purchased. One or more filters are used to limit the types of products that can be purchased on the web site. Such filters may relate to a user's age, gender, hobbies or interests, price range, media maturity rating, and so forth. In the preferred embodiment, consent information is received in conjunction the COPPA (Child Online Privacy Protection Act) or other applicable law(s). The consent information includes usage options, opt-out provisions, child master records information, etc. The method further includes the step of funding the account by a third party.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting customers in retail stores are described. The method comprises obtaining one or more assistance requests from a customer mobile device. The one or more assistance requests include customer device location and assistance information. Further, the assistance information includes at least one of a customer image, a text message, a video, and an audio. The method further comprises analyzing the one or more assistance requests to obtain assistance details. The assistance details include customer data and store associate data. Further, the method comprises transmitting the customer data and the store associate data to store associate mobile devices and the customer mobile device respectively for assisting the customer.

Abstract: An approach is provided for processing transaction payments. The transaction engine receives payment information, from a device, for completing a transaction between a first party and a second party, wherein the payment information is for requesting, at least in part, a payment approval from at least one payment service provider. Next, the transaction engine determines historical transaction data associated with one or more previous transactions between the first party and the second party. Then, the transaction engine processes and/or facilitates a processing of the historical transaction data to determine whether to initiate a delivery of at least one item associated with the transaction prior to receiving a confirmation of the payment approval from the at least one payment service provider.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for generating new product codes to add to an affiliate site using automatic keyword selection from content on an affiliate site. In one scenario, a program is launched which automatically identifies words on an existing affiliate website. A keyword list is generated from these words. The keyword list is then uses to search one or more Vendor Websites for products offered for sale relating to the keyword list. A large number of product codes are returned, each including graphic data and descriptive text for products obtained in the search of the Vendor Website along with a link to the Vendor Website. The products codes are displayed in a user friendly manner that allows them to be selected, de-selected, and/or updated so as to produce a list of selected product codes which are then available to be directly transferred/added to the affiliate site without having to do a new search or exit the browser.

Abstract: A process for a language selection using one or more language preferences is disclosed. Information for presenting a language preference selection control may be sent to a user. A language preference may be received from the user and stored to a server. A cookie, which includes an indication of the language preference, may be caused to be stored to a device of a user. The stored language preference may be accessed from the cookie responsive to a communication from the user. Responsive to whether the user has logged into an account, the language preference may be retrieved from either the server or from the cookie. The retrieved language preference may be compared with languages available in an application and a most preferred language for the application may be determined based upon the comparison. Information from the application may be provided to the user in the most preferred language.

Abstract: The stages of an interaction between a potential customer (the user) and a sales representative (the agent) during a sales interaction are identified to understand the interaction factors that drive sales and, by doing so, to serve the customer better and thus increase sales. Initially, a user makes contact with an agent via a communications network. During the interaction, a dropping point is reached, i.e. the point in the interaction at which either the user or the agent ends the interaction. The dropping point and other interaction factors is analyzed. Based upon such analysis, various recommendations are made to the agents to improve the user's sales experience.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting electronic business between buyers and sellers is provided. The system and method disclose a means for at least one buyer to request and receive online bids from one or more sellers of a particular product according to a price curve or price schedule. A price schedule or curve for a product defining a product's unit price as a function of the volume of product ordered. Upon receipt of a plurality of bids from sellers, a buyer can then select a seller-supplier based at least in part on the price schedule.

Abstract: Quotes entered into an automated trading system may comprise a visible, or primary, amount, and a linked or hidden amount. The visible amount only is shown to other traders on the system but part or all of the linked amount may be dealt if the order with the quote is match is for an amount greater than the visible amount. If, after matching and deal confirmation, all the visible amount has been dealt, but some or all of the linked amount remains, a fresh order for the remaining linked amount is generated and submitted to the trading system for matching. The new quoted may be visible only or may have a visible component up to a limit specified by the maker on submission of the original quote, with the remainder being linked. Maker quotes converted to taker quotes by an auto-match routine may be resubmitted for undealt linked amounts in the same way. In one aspect of the invention, linked amounts are matched and dealt before visible amounts.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of conducting a transaction. In one aspect, the method includes: displaying a media program on a media display device; indicating, while the media program is being displayed, an item associated with the media program is available for purchase; receiving authentication information of a prospective purchaser of the item; and completing a purchase of the item in response to the authentication information. In another aspect, the method includes: receiving, from a media display device, a user authentication request that contains user login credentials; granting the user authentication request in response to the user login credentials; and sending an authentication permission to the media display device; wherein the receiving and the sending are each performed such that the user login credentials and the authentication permission are sent through one or more intermediate hops without being inspected by any of the intermediate hops.

Abstract: A method of doing business to refer the right to broker the sale of real property is disclosed. Additionally, methods and systems to measure the value of the business are disclosed. The methods and systems include determining the value of the properties and determining the value of the right to broker the properties on a networked based computer system as well as a single personal computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for tracking obligations incurred between individuals. The method may include receiving a request from a first party, where the request includes an expense incurred by the first party for the benefit of a second party. The method may also include providing a notice of the request to the second party and receiving an acceptance from the second party to assume an obligation associated with the expense. The method may further include associating the obligation with the second party and associating a benefit with the first party. The obligation and/or benefit may be substantially equal in value to the expense. The method may additionally include interfacing with a social network service to provide the social network service with information about the obligation and/or the benefit.

Abstract: A sponsorship method that includes the steps of: a) providing an electronic database including sponsorship opportunity information; b) allowing one or more potential sponsors to gain access to the sponsorship opportunity information, c) enabling the one or more potential sponsors to offer to purchase a sponsorship opportunity; d) using a data processor to determine, using one or more selection criteria, the suitability of the one or more potential sponsors to the sponsorship opportunity; and e) if the offer to purchase the sponsorship opportunity is accepted, using the data processor to generate a sponsorship agreement based on information in the electronic database and/or information entered into the electronic interface by the one or more potential sponsors.