Abstract: Methods and systems for generating an interactive communication session with a live consultant that comprises: receiving a request to communicate with a live consultant concerning at least one item for purchase. In response to the request, an interactive communication session is generated between the live consultant and a customer. The interactive communication session transmits live video images of the live consultant and the at least item to the remote device. Live video images of a customer are transmitted and received. At least one test is applied on the at least one item. The results generated by the at least one a test is transmitted.

Abstract: Sharing media content between entities. A computing device detects and connects to another computing device within a predefined proximity. Media content items and associated metadata are selected and exchanged between the connected computing devices. A subsequent purchase opportunity is provided to the users to purchase the exchanged media content items.

Abstract: Effecting an electronic payment from customers to vendors over the Internet is disclosed. A vendor offers a product to potential customer over the Internet. A customer browsers the Internet and the customer has a mobile cellular phone configured to receive premium rate mobile terminating text messages. Transaction details are transmitted from the vendor to the browsing customer. Order details are then transmitted from the browsing customer to the vendor that require a payment to be made by the customer. In order to effect payment, a plurality of premium rate text messages are transmitted to the mobile cellular phone.

Abstract: With respect to one order information piece in security transaction, processing of reception, transaction condition confirmation, transaction settlement and result transmission is executed serially. A transaction system is configured so as to divide a transaction including a plurality of transaction requests into predetermined units and execute resultant processing units in parallel. When such division is conducted, the sequential property is ensured. For example, the progress situation of processing is stored in a database every processing and every step. Issues, terminals, markets and servers are included as predetermined units.

Abstract: Method, system and program product comprise requesting to join a trading network of a website. Said trading network is established for commercial and social activity. Said request is transferred to a share network engine to be posted on an out of network board to be viewable by all consumer members and merchant members. Said request is acceptable by any member of said trading network. An acceptance of said request is received from said share network engine. At least a voucher for a product or service provided by at least one merchant member of said trading network is received. Information is transferred to said share network engine to be at least posted on a board of said trading network.

Abstract: A method for providing payer information on a payer device includes providing a payer device that includes at least one physical state change component moveably coupled to the payer device. Payer information is received over a network. The payer information is then determined to be associated with a physical state change instruction in a non-transitory, machine-readable medium of the payer device. The at least one physical state change component is then actuated according to the physical state change instruction to provide the payer information to a payer by changing the physical state of the payer device.

Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate programmatic access to a network-based commerce facility via a network are described. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a request from a third party application via a programmatic access application. The request generates a call function to perform an action pertaining to electronic commerce to allow one or more indirect transactions between the network-based commerce facility and a user via the respective third-party application. In responsive to the request, the method performs the action pertaining to the electronic commerce and communicates from a result of the action from the network-based commerce facility to the third party application in a programmatically accessible format.

Abstract: A system causes an image of a product and a ratings dashboard to be presented on a client computing device. Interaction with the ratings dashboard causes a quick review summary for the product to be presented. The quick review summary for the product provides a top line visual summary of review information provided by product reviewers which information includes a visualization of at least a number of product reviewers that have given the product each of a plurality of overall product reviewer ratings and a visualization of an average overall product reviewer rating of at least one characteristic of the product. Interaction with the quick review summary for the product may be used to cause a presentation of a more detailed summary of the product reviewer information for the product or information related to all product reviewer reviews for the product which information is further capable of being at least one of sorted and filtered.

Abstract: A method of facilitating transactions between a first party and a second party. The method comprises, receiving from the first party a first indication of interest for the transaction subject, generating a response and an response reveal date in response to receiving the first indication of interest, and transmitting the response to the first party on or after the response reveal date.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for obtaining shipping services information over a network by a telephone call center receiving orders for merchandise. Instructions are received at the telephone call center, which permits the telephone call center to access the shipping information for shipment of the merchandise. The telephone call center sends the request over the network to the server for the shipping services information. Thereafter, the server sends the requested shipping services information to the telephone call center. The shipping service information may be in the format of a label, which may be attached to a package for shipment of the merchandise.

Abstract: A notary application services kit is provided herein. In some embodiments, a notary services application kit comprises a step by step instruction sheet for using items provided in the kit; an application for notary; a check addressed to a state or county office which processes the application for notary; and a voucher for redemption of at least one of a notary bond, seal, or journal.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for providing optimized in-store customer experience is provided. Accordingly, a list of a plurality of customers from which a selection is made to initiate a customer session is provided to a mobile device of a user. A selection of a customer from the list of the plurality of customers is received. The selection initiates the customer session for the selected customer. Customer data including a customer profile of the customer that includes sizing and preference information of the selected customer is accessed. The mobile device presents a user interface for the customer session that presents products for customer review and access to the customer data.

Abstract: Example systems and methods involve an information processing apparatus configured to transmit transmission data to one or more of a plurality of other information processing apparatuses, the transmission data including icon-related data for an icon associated with content data executed by the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus is also configured to receive reception data from one or more of the plurality of other information processing apparatuses, the reception data from each respective other information processing apparatus including icon-related data for an icon associated with content data executed by the respective other information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus cumulatively stores icon-related data included in the reception data received from the one or more of the plurality of other information processing apparatuses.

Abstract: The following disclosure relates generally to techniques for generating useful content based on user interactions, such as by enabling users to submit questions to and otherwise interact with an answer-providing service. In some situations, one or more interfaces are provided to allow users to specify a variety of types of questions for the answer-providing service, such as via a GUI and/or using a messaging interface based on email or other types of electronic messages. When communications occur via electronic messages, the answer-providing service may in some situations generate and include unique tracking identifiers in electronic messages sent to users, so that the users can reply back to the messages in order to provide a command to the answer-providing service that includes a tracking identifier previously sent to the user and thus verify that the command is sent by someone with access to the electronic messages of the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing buyers with a unique purchasing experience based on buyer groups is disclosed. In one embodiment, a web service is provided. The web service lists a plurality of sellers. A list of products and related information based on buyer group of a buyer is displayed. Further, the web service facilitates a sale of one or more of the products based on buyer group of the buyer. Then a seller delivers the received order and receives buyer's feedback for the sale.

Abstract: An automated system that routes real estate leads, both from online sources and more traditional sources, to an agent who will be able to respond to the customer(s) associated with the lead in a very short time, perhaps a matter of minutes. A primary advantage associated with at least one embodiment of the present invention is that the response to real estate leads is shortened by a very large order of magnitude, as conventional response time may typically be in the range of several hours to several days.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, exchanging value between a service buyer and a service provider. The technology involves establishing a virtual funds account associated with the service buyer. A request for services is received from the service buyer, which includes an amount that the service buyer is willing to pay for the services. An indication that the service provider will perform the services for the service buyer is received, and a hold is placed in the buyer's virtual funds account on an amount of virtual funds corresponding to the amount that the service buyer is willing to pay for the services.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating provisioning of in-vehicle services is provided. Trip-identifying information may be obtained from a user-provided device. The trip-identifying information may identify a trip that is to occur on the vehicle. A list of in-vehicle services, which are available for the trip on the vehicle, may be determined based on the trip-identifying information. The list of in-vehicle services may be provided to the user-provided device. A selection of at least one in-vehicle service that is to be provided during the trip may be received from the user-provided device. A request for the at least one in-vehicle service may be generated based on the selection.

Abstract: A tasking system for manufacturing an electronic unit is provided. The tasking system is connected to a network platform, the electronic unit includes at least a board circuit and an IC chip corresponded to an IC program. The tasking system includes a task assignment side, a first task processing side and a second task processing side. The task assignment side is connected to the network platform for proving a task requesting table and publishes the task requesting table to the network platform, wherein the task requesting table is corresponded to the electronic unit. The first task processing side is connected to the network platform. The first task processing side constructs the IC chip in accordance with the task requesting table. The second task processing side is connected to the network platform, and the second task processing side constructs the board circuit in accordance with the task requesting table.

Abstract: There are provided systems and method for matching buyers and sellers based on business oriented parameters. An exemplary method may include receiving at least one seller attribute for a seller of a business, at least one business attribute for the business, and at least one buyer attribute for each of a plurality of buyers of the business, determining at least one seller parameter from the at least one seller attribute, determining the at least one business parameter from the at least one business attribute, determining at least one buyer parameter from the at least one buyer attribute, and comparing, using one or more hardware processors of a server, the at least one seller parameter and the at least one business parameter to the at least one buyer parameter for the each of the plurality of buyers to obtain a list of matches for the business and the plurality of buyers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for providing a competitive sales environment in a virtual world. In one embodiment, the invention comprises receiving a request for product or service information from a consumer avatar, querying a database of vendors based on the request for product or service information, identifying at least one vendor relevant to the request for product or service information, notifying the at least one vendor of the request, and making available to the consumer avatar a sales environment based on the request for product or service information.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing an avatar marketplace within which an avatar can enter into personal decision contracts with other avatars to receive goods or services on behalf of the individuals or entities represented by the avatars. An avatar acts as a digital representation of a user by continually searching for information and analyzing the information to provide recommendations of decisions the user may make. The personal decision contracts entered into by the avatar can be commitments to follow a decision recommended by the avatar at a future time. Such contracts can be entered into with other entities or avatars. The avatar can maintain a score that represents the level of trust that the user has in the avatar which is based on how often the user complies with his commitments in a personal decision contract.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method determines determine an adequacy of a process to sell an entity responsive to competition, fairness, thoroughness, and good faith. A computer evaluates a sale of an entity by rating solicitation efforts associated with potential buyers of the entity (audience), by rating information about the entity prepared for potential buyers, by rating time frames surrounding the sale (timing), by rating circumstances associated with a transfer of the entity, and by rating a negotiation and execution efforts associated with the sale of the entity. Each criteria investigated is provided a weighting factor, where the weighting factor for the audience and transfer is around 0.25, the factor for the information and negotiation and execution is around 0.20, and the weighting factor for the timing is around 0.10.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of managing access to a trading network is provided. A first network login request for a first user is received from a client application. The first network login request includes first authentication information. Based at least on the first authentication information, the first network login request is approved, which authorizes the first user to access the trading network. One or more associated users for which the first user is authorized to act as a proxy is identifying from a plurality of users. User profile information for one of the associated users is obtained and communicated to the client application. The user profile information includes information regarding the second user that can be used to allow the first user to engage in trading activity via the trading network on behalf of the second user.

Abstract: A computer identifies a plurality of available network connections, wherein at least one of the identified network connections is contractually available to the computer under terms of a monthly data plan. The computer determines, based, at least in part, on characteristics of each network connection of the plurality of network connections and anticipated bandwidth consumption of the computer, a network connection to connect to from the plurality of network connections. The computer connects to the determined network connection. The computer determines, based, at least in part, on anticipated bandwidth consumption of the computer and contractual terms of the monthly data plan, an amount of excess bandwidth available for sale.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: A method for exchanging data concerning an electronic transaction between two entities, includes: a step which consists in determining and booking an origin address (TPOA) in conformity with a bidirectional mobile telephony (GSM) digital messaging service protocol (SMS); a step which consists in sending in accordance with the protocol (SMS), an offer message (OFFRE_SMS) of the transaction (TR), the offer message (OFFRE_SMS) being sent from the first entity (MW) and addressed to the second entity (CL); and a step which consists in sending, from the second entity (CL) and addressed to the first entity (MW), a reply message comprising an information (REP) representing acceptance or rejection of the transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements are provided. A method for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements, comprises acquiring a request for the service solution from a consumer via a conversational interface, and issuing a query to a service knowledge base to obtain a set of service knowledge representation items from the service knowledge base and analyzing each service knowledge representation item to determine whether a custom-fit service solution can be developed.

Abstract: In various implementations, customer service may be provided using a pager and/or user device. Signal(s) associated with a pager and/or user device may be received. One or more metrics may be determined at least partially based on the received signals. The metric(s) may be monitored. In various implementations, a management system of a location may receive a signal from a pager and/or user device indicating that an event has occurred at the location. A time the signal is received by the management system may be determined. One or more time-related metrics may be determined based at least partially on the received signal, the determined time, or both.

Abstract: In this nonprovisional utility patent application, we describe a system and method for enabling micro check-in, which is defined as the process by which a user can selectively reveal her location at a service point in order to obtain specific services from a service provider. The invention is characterized by three unique, novel, traits: (a) the check-in (location revelation) happens at a fine resolution not possible by GPS-based sensors, (b) definition of specific service points, and (c) provision of a service or utility at the service point or elsewhere by the service provider. This represents the novelty of the invention with respect to the prior art, and also allow several new uses described in this application. In one embodiment we describe a system and method for ordering food from a restaurant table using a smartphone. We also describe several other embodiments for a variety of domains.

Abstract: A method of brokering real estates between at least one potential real estate investor and at least one potential tenant performed on a system comprising an internet based platform accessible by at least one tenant and at least one investor with use of at least one user terminal wherein the method comprises the steps of entering and storing tenant data into a first database wherein tenant data comprises at least one parameter characterizing the tenant's desired real estate; entering investor data wherein said investor data comprises at least one parameter characterizing the investor's desired real estate; and analyzing said tenant data and said investor data and displaying matching data to bring a potential tenant and investor together for an investment project.

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. Order forms may be pre-filled for the transactions. For example, the IOM may obtain customer information from a database and use the customer information to complete the customer fields on a merchant web page containing an order form.

Abstract: A point-of-sale terminal, which receives, stores, transmits, authorizes, reconciles and calculates electronic transactions of data. It is also an on-line document delivery system which allows access, download, viewing and printing from a client's desktop, receive and send documents via facsimile to any location, and do virtually any other transaction offered by the System from home, office or from almost anywhere in the world at any time. This point-of-sale terminal is designed to provide access to documents through a graphical interface.

Abstract: A product catalog system includes a product catalog having product offers received from various merchants. The product catalog system includes an analysis module that determines, for each merchant that provides product offers, which product offers are for products that are likely to be variants of one another based in part on titles of the products and assigns sets of product offers that are likely to be variants a merchant cluster identifier. The analysis module groups the product offers into product catalog entries based on the particular product that the offers are for. The analysis module determines which products are variants based on associations between the product catalog entries and the merchant cluster identifiers of the product offers included in the product catalog entries.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a drop ship process may include receiving a drop ship order for an item from a vendor, the item being ordered by a customer of the vendor. The method may also include performing a supplier drop ship process in response to receiving the drop ship order. The method may further include providing a plug point associated with the supplier, the plug point being connectable through an intermediary to an interface, wherein the supplier drop ship process is monitorable through the interface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a platform, method, and device for managing an application, and belongs to the field of the Internet. The platform includes a mall and a store, where the mall includes: a management module configured to record and maintain information of an application store, application information, and user information; an application store creation module configured to create the application store according to store implementation logic, so that the application store presents an application according to the implementation logic; and a transaction management module configured to complete billing and charging of the application according to information maintained by the management module; and the store includes: a store interface management module configured to manage and present the application, so that the application is presented in a set presentation manner.

Abstract: A computer system includes a processor, a display, one or more input devices allowing a user to input commands into the computer system and a browser which allows the user of the system to browse remote web pages. The computer system is programmed to use the browser to visit a website in response to one or more user commands entered into at least one of the user input devices. Multiple strings are extracted from the visited web page. The probability that the visited web page is one of a predetermined set of types of web pages is determined as a function of whether the strings correspond to a stored list of strings. If the probability is greater than a threshold, an indication is provided on the display that an online loan may be available to the user of the computer system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a context based payment system. Electronic currency or coupons can be made dependent on context, and the context can be one of location or geography, time, date, distance, sound, or other devices. The value of the currency exists only if a pre-condition is fulfilled. For example, if the currency is location dependent, the value only exists in a defined area (currency value area). The goods or the service in the value-system are also context dependent, that is, they can only be sold or offered in a defined area (product value area). Accordingly, if the product value area and the currency value area overlap, a purchase and payment can be made.

Abstract: Systems and methods for individualized distribution of digital content to purchasers via portable kiosks are described. The systems contain a storage device for storing the digital content and distribution devices for distributing the digital content to a user. The distribution devices can be configured to be portable so that users who are not mobile can access the distribution device. As well, the users can use a receiving device containing unique identification data to receive and access the digital content. Such a system is extremely useful for users who are not mobile and whose use of the distribution devices needs to be controlled, such as detainees in a corrections facility. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing social purchases include hardware and software configured to receive a purchase instruction from a purchaser that includes an item and a merchant associated with the item. The purchase instruction is determined to be associated with a social purchase request that may be predefined or provided along with the purchase instruction. In response to determining the associated social purchase request, a social purchase solicitation including the item is provided to a plurality of friends connected to the purchaser through a social network on their associated social network profiles. The social purchase solicitation is monitored for social purchase opinions directed to the item by the plurality of friends through the social network profiles. A payment request to make a payment from the purchaser to the merchant is sent in response to the social purchase opinions including a predetermined number of positive opinions directed to the item.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable storage media, and apparatuses for dynamically generating a gallery of available designs for a particular kit configuration including a plurality of different products are presented.

Abstract: A universal shopping cart is provided that obtains and orders products and services from different merchants located on the Internet. The consumer completes all of their shopping on the shopping site and is not directed to another merchant's site to complete an order. The universal shopping cart provides a monitoring service that allows the consumer to monitor a product for specified criteria. The order injection system places orders for products contained within the universal shopping cart from affiliated and non-affiliated merchants. Specific ordering details required from merchants external to the shopping site are hidden from the consumer. For external merchant sites that require a consumer account before allowing the product to be purchased, the shopping site creates a new consumer account without intervention from the consumer. Once the products are ordered, the consumer may keep track of the ordered products from the shopping site.

Abstract: An online computerized platform and method are presented for aiding members of a network related to real estate transactions. In some aspects users that are prospective buyers or renters can establish a user-centric network of service providers relating to real estate, including agents, loan entities, legal and labor services, and other relevant contacts in a custom network for such users. Directed automated and user-driven actions can define the network for a given member of the community of users so that the user's experience is user-centric rather than centered around the offerings of a given vendor such as around real estate or loan or service offerings.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating a synchronous sales stack for a customer dialog. A user can visit a Web site and load selections into a checkout basket to prepare to purchase desired products and/or services. The user can select a live chat feature, which invokes an instant message, audio or video dialog with a sales representative. The sales representative can initiate a synchronous sales stack with the user, by which the user and sales representative can share a common view of purchase selections and potential alternatives or add-ons to the selections, as they are made. The customer and sales representative can continue their dialog as possible selections are explored, and the resulting sales stack is updated in real-time. When the user is satisfied with their selections, the sales stack can be stored as the customer's finalized checkout basket and the transaction can be completed.

Abstract: A method of tracking and communicating information about a person to a provider of goods or services is disclosed. A GPS enabled mobile phone is used to search for nearby sites of providers of a specific service. Once a service provider is selected, a route to that provider is advised and as the person travels towards the provider the separation between them is determined. As one or more geofences are broken during the journey warning messages are sent to the service provider indicating the pending arrival. The method is particularly useful where the service is to be provided to a disabled person as their accessibility needs can be identified in the message.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for live video advice for at least one customer using an advice system which comprises at least one customer system having a customer computer, a network as well as a vendor system connected to the customer system over the network, wherein the vendor system comprises a server system and a plurality of adviser systems connected to the server system and each having an adviser computer and a camera, wherein the method comprises the steps: receiving an advice inquiry from the customer system by the server system transmitted over the network; selecting one of a plurality of replacement backgrounds which are available on the vendor system by the vendor system, in particular in response to the advice inquiry, selecting an advice system for the live advice; taking live video information using the camera of the selected adviser system and replacing the background contained in the taken live video information by the selected replacement background for forming a live adviser video; a

Abstract: A solution is provided for a method for a user to shop online in a three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) setting by receiving a request at a shopping server to view a shopping location, having at least one store, and displaying the shopping location to the user's computer in a 3D interactive simulation view via a web browser to emulate a real-life shopping experience for the user. The server then obtains a request to enter into one of the stores and displays the store website to the user in the same web browser. The store website has one or more enhanced VR features. The server then receives a request to view at least one product and the product is presented in a 3D interactive simulation view to emulate a real-life viewing of the product.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes an electronic commerce platform for a user to buy and sell goods and services, as well as a social network platform for a user to socially interact with other users. The combination of these two activities enables the user to solicit information online from other users of the system prior to buying or selling a product or service. The user can also share purchase information as well as information about favorite products, services, sellers, etc. with other users. This interconnected relationship between social connections and buying and selling activities support an entire new set of information available to the community of users of the system and greatly improves their purchasing and selling decision making processes.

Abstract: A system and method for online management of restaurant orders may comprise of a server computer for storing data related to a plurality of vendors; a client computer for sending a request for vendor product to the server computer; and a vendor point of sale system, at a specific location, for interfacing with the server computer and for processing the request.

Abstract: Buyer, vendor and third party computer systems are disclosed together with a related method for enabling a prospective Buyer to browse a Vendor's website purchase goods or services. The Buyer's computer system automatically extracts purchase information from which the Vendor can identify the Buyer's purchase. The Buyer's computer system may transmit, under control of the Buyer, confirmation to the Vendor that a third party has been instructed to pay the Vendor for the Buyer's purchase. A third party's computer system may transmit to the Vendor confirmation of receipt of an instruction from a Buyer to pay a Vendor for goods or services.