Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating delivery of a package to a customer are described. The methods include receiving a delivery order, the order including a signature requirement; requesting a visual identification of an authorized receiver of the package from a user; receiving the visual identification from the user; and transmitting the visual identification to a shipping carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for automated detection of multi-user computing devices such as kiosks, public terminals, and so on. Network resource requests are obtained from a client computing device. It is determined whether the client computing device is a multi-user system based at least in part on whether the network resource requests embody characteristics associated with multi-user systems. The resulting classification is stored and may be used to customize generation of requested network resources.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for suspending and resuming transactions through wireless beacon communications. A merchant may set up a wireless beacon with employee devices. The beacons may connect to a user's device and assist the employee with determining and suspending a transaction for the user. Based on the connections between the user's device and a wireless beacon attached to an employee device, the employee device may receive an identifier for the user. The identifier may also be received from a previous check-in by the user. The employee or a user may scan one or more items that the user may wish to purchase. A transaction may be generated using the scan and may be associated with the user's identifier. Later the transaction may be recalled using the user's identifier or a transaction code identifying the transaction. Payment information for the user may also be associated with the transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for placing an order to purchase an item via the Internet. The order is placed by a user at a client system and received by a server system. The client system can display information identifying the item and, for each of multiple procurement options having information related to ordering the identified item, can display an indication of the procurement option such that selection of the displayed indication represents an ordering of the identified item using the information of the procurement option. In response to selection of a displayed indication, the client system can send to a server computer a request to order the identified item using the information of the procurement option for the selected indication.

Abstract: Provided is an information transaction apparatus including a receiving unit, a storage unit, and a transaction unit. The receiving unit receives user information on an information provider or a provider terminal from the provider terminal used by the information provider. The storage unit stores the user information received by the receiving unit in a user information memory unit. In the case of accepting an acquisition request for the user information from a user terminal used by an information user, the transaction unit controls a transaction process of providing the user information corresponding to the acquisition request to the user terminal and paying a reward to the information provider which is a transmission source of the provided user information based on factor information which affects a value of the user information stored in the user information memory unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to inventory governance in a virtual universe. A method of inventory governance in a virtual universe (VU) includes: providing an inventory for a virtual universe (VU) resident; and providing means for governing at least one aspect of the inventory, the governing means comprising at least one of: an administrative interface for establishing an authorizing relationship between the VU resident and an authorizing entity; a filtering interface for administering at least one filter to the inventory; or a monitoring interface for providing capability to monitor at least one of: the VU resident or the inventory.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems for a centralized interface where real estate agents, home buyers, and home sellers may interact with one another. The centralized interface may present information associated with a property a home seller desires to sell, features associated with a property that a home buyer desires to purchase, a real estate agent's commission rate, and information associated with the quality of the real estate agents, which may affect the price the home buyer buys or home seller sells their property.

Abstract: A pre-paid mobile phone cash wallet system. The system comprises a processor, a memory, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application receives an initiation message of a pre-paid mobile phone cash wallet, wherein the initiation message identifies a pre-paid wireless communication account, an amount of money presented, and a wallet initiation agent, creates the wallet, where a funds balance of the wallet initially comprises at least a portion of the amount of money presented, persists an association between the wallet and the wallet initiation agent in a memory, and determines a monetary reward for the wallet initiation agent.

Abstract: Mobile robotic system allows multiple users to visit authentic places without physically being there. Users with variable requirements are able to take part in controlling a single controllable device simultaneously; users take part in controlling robot's movement according to their interest. A system administrator selects and defines criteria for robot's movement; the mobile robot with video and audio devices on it is remotely controlled by a server which selects the robot's movement according to the users and system administrator criteria. The server provides information to users; the robot's location influences the content of the information. Such robotic system may be used for shopping, visiting museums and other public touristic attractions over the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention is an applications gateway that offers multiple functions and features for specific geographic venue locations, while providing easy access to advertising, purchasing, and redemption opportunities for that specific geographic venue location. Venue locations can be stadiums, shopping malls, amusement parks, open air spaces where people can congregate, and/or buildings, which most often require the presence of a concentration of people. The venue location may correlate to the location of the hand-held mobile unit or it may be a remote geographic venue location not near the location of the hand-held mobile unit. Access to the gateway application is through a hand-held mobile unit, which can include a mobile phone, smartphone device, or portable computer having a wireless radio transmission connection. (e.g. iPhone, Droid, iPad, Slate, etc.).

Abstract: The method is a method for product recognition. The method includes receiving a product search request from a user. The method also includes performing an automatic search to identify the product. The method also includes generating an automatic search result. The method also includes analyzing an automatic search result of the automatic search to verify that the automatic search result satisfies a criterion for sending to the user. The method also includes sending the product search request to a human operator in response to a determination that the automatic search result fails to satisfy the criterion. The method also includes receiving an operator search result from the human operator. The method also includes sending the operator search result to the user.

Abstract: A system for linking a shopper's online electronic shopping cart with the shopper's in-store electronic shopping cart is provided. The system includes an online website of a merchant for the purchase of goods by one or more shoppers. Each shopper is provided with an online electronic shopping cart accessible through the website and an in-store electronic shopping cart accessible at a local retail location. The online and in-store electronic shopping carts are linked by placing one or more items contained in the online shopping cart in the in-store shopping cart and vice versa. Related apparatus, methods, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system receives input from a seller agent of a first business organization and a centralized purchasing agent of a second business organization. The second business organization includes a plurality of decentralized business departments. The system generates an entitlement for an online purchasing site using the input from the seller agent and the input from the purchasing agent. The entitlement includes a validity condition and an impact condition. The system receives an input from one of the decentralized business departments, examines the validity conditions of the purchased entitlement, and in response to a determination that the validity conditions of the purchased entitlement are met, executes the impact conditions of the selected entitlement.

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 billing profile a billing profile access module that receives electronic access to the billing profile. The billing profile includes billing information of the customer. The apparatus includes a transaction module that processes a sales order using the 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 billing profile is unavailable for viewing by the customer service representative.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a system and method for providing cross-border transaction buying assistance are provided. In example embodiments, an option is presented to a cross-border buyer to purchase an item from a domestic networked commerce system using a buying agent. Based on a purchase of the item using the buying agent, instructions are sent to a seller of the item to ship the item to a domestic location corresponding to the buying agent. Once received by the buying agent, the buying agent is responsible for managing delivery of the item to the cross-border buyer from the domestic location.

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 method and system for negotiating improved terms for a product being purchased over the Internet. Once a purchaser has made a decision to buy a specific product over the Internet, the purchaser may use the services of a personal negotiating broker-agent program to beat the best available purchase transaction within a specifiable time window. The personal broker-agent program may detect an issuance of a commitment to purchase over the Internet by a purchaser. The personal broker-agent program may then make an offer to the purchaser the option of waiting a predetermined amount of time while the broker agent searches for improved items. On acceptance of the option by the purchaser, the personal broker-agent program may conduct an auction and/or search the Internet for a better deal and may evaluate the auction and/or search responses to determine the best deal. The personal broker-agent program may then execute the best deal.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for integrating e-commerce providers with third-party vendors. The method comprises receiving an order from one vendor of a plurality of vendors, wherein the order comprises a vendor identification, a fulfillment identification, and a vendor stock keeping unit (SKU), and wherein a plurality of the vendors each has a unique communication protocol; mapping the fulfillment identification to a user identification (userID) known to a provider; mapping the vendor SKU to a provider SKU; generating a provisioning call responsive to the mapping; and provisioning the SKU for the userID in a database of the provider in response to the provisioning call.

Abstract: A system for facilitating association of a consumer with a transaction agent includes a database server accessible over a communications network and configured to store data comprising either of a buyer lead pool, and selling agent lead pool. The database server is accessible by an application server having a web application that allows a consumer to indicate whether the consumer is interested in buying a property or in selling property. In the former case, the system sends a message to the listing agency whereupon the listing agent may access, or “claim,” the buyer's data, and allows non-listing agents to claim the data if the listing agent declines. In case the consumer desires to sell property, the system notifies all agents within the relevant geographic area corresponding to the property and allows a consumer to interview candidate agents.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for the facilitation of authorized in-store pickup in conjunction with online ordering. A request to process an order of an item selected by a customer and placed through a website may be received. The website may be transformed to a cart fulfillment web page including a fulfillment interface. Through the fulfillment interface, a selection of an option for in-store pickup by a third party may be received from the customer. Through the fulfillment interface, identifying information regarding the third party, pickup details associated with the in-store pickup of the item by the third party, and a preferred notification method for contacting the third party may also be received from the customer. An authorization pickup record related to the in-store pickup of the item by the third party may be generated. The authorization pickup record may be transmitted to the third party via the preferred notification method.

Abstract: A system and method of completing an activity via an agent. The agent is embodied as agent software, which facilitates and/or performs activities on behalf of a user. The agent software may have a characteristic persona that it presents to the user in the form of an avatar on a display. The agent software may be part of a computer program stored in a memory and executed by a processor of a smartphone or other computer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of creating and maintaining an online store, comprising the steps of establishing a master account at a system server; establishing a first account, the settings of the first account being stored in a database, wherein the first account is initiated through the master account; establishing a second account, the settings of the second account being stored in the database, wherein the second account is initiated through the first account, the second account having a link to an online store; relating the master, first, and second accounts such that purchases made at the online store are recorded and tracked at the master, first, and second accounts and control settings of the second account are determined through the master account; processing purchases made at the online store by the master account; and sharing revenue from the online store purchases by the master, first, and second account.

Abstract: An informational and educational blog within a platform that acts as a marketplace for booking appointments for services desired by a user comprising compiling a database of companies available for the user to search, the database comprising a profile about each company, including the category of services, the location of the company and the available appointments for the services, a search platform accessible by a user operating a computer or a mobile device, the platform allowing the user to search by a category of service, name of a company, location, or date and time available for an appointment, the platform comprising a chat option whereby the user can contact a platform agent to arrange available appointments.

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 application provides improved eyeglass frames for enhanced comfort, personalization, and aesthetics. The eyeglass frames comprise temples that are proximal to a lens supporting element and temples that are distal to the lens supporting element. The proximal and distal temples form an angle that appears as an upside down “V.” In some embodiments, the frame material is rigid and the angles are fixed. In other embodiments, the frames articulate or pivot in one or more of three locations: between the proximal temple and the frame, between the proximal and distal temples, and between the distal temple and the ear rest. In other embodiments, the frames further comprise attachment elements for attaching ornaments or functional devices.

Abstract: A method for identifying charitable organizations to receive the proceeds generated from the sale of merchandise includes communicating information to purchasers of the merchandise including a price, identities of charities to which donations can be allocated, and a donation amount. An offer to purchase the merchandise and the identities of two or more charities to which the donation is to be allocated is received.

Abstract: A computerized system and method is presented that integrates a dedicated platform for sharing real estate information with a social networking platform. Buyers can search for properties on the dedicated platform and identify certain properties as favorite (or selected) properties. The buyer also identifies their friends on a social networking platform, who then access information about the buyer's favorite properties through an app interface provided through the social networking platform. Friends and the buyer can engage in a conversation about a particular property along with an agent and a lender that work with the buyer on the dedicated platform. Users can participate in and view the conversation either through the app interface of the social networking platform or through the dedicated platform.

Abstract: A system for transacting business applications among a prospective buyer, a provider, and a third-party partner includes a server including one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs, the one or more programs including instructions to: provide for display of an interface of an online store of business applications, the online stored being accessible by the prospective buyer, the provider, and the third-party partner; in response to receiving a request for a business application from the prospective buyer, retrieve a profile of the prospective buyer; identify information of users who have similar profiles to the profile of the prospective buyer based on purchase history; analyze the purchase history of the identified users; determine a configuration of the business application based on the analysis; and provide the configuration of the business application to the prospective buyer as a recommendation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a purchase summary through email scan are described. The methods include accessing an email for a user, wherein the email includes a transaction history corresponding to a purchased item from a merchant, determining item and sales information from the transaction history, and updating a purchase summary display corresponding to the user with the item and sales information, wherein the purchase summary display includes account information corresponding to a plurality of items. The account information may include at least one of a total number of items purchased by the user, a total money spent by the user, a number of different categories of purchase by the user, and a number of different merchants purchased from by the user. Additionally, the purchase summary display may be used to offer additional items, engage in price matching, and/or sell purchased items.

Abstract: A method of providing personal service assistance in a virtual universe is disclosed. The method provides a customer avatar (CA) access to a personal assistance avatar or personal customer service representative (PCSR) avatar, hereinafter PCSR avatar. Through the PCSR avatar, the CA communicates a need or requests for personal service assistance from a business or organization. The communication of the received request is processed to identify an appropriate business, organization or vendor that meets the need or request. The identified business, organization or vendor is contacted for a representative from the business to accede to the request from the CA. The representative from the business is allowed to assume control of the PCSR avatar to conduct the session necessary for rendering the assistance or transaction. Upon completion of the session, control of the PCSR avatar is reverted to that prior to the session.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for automatically implementing item substitutions for unavailable items in a customer order. According to one embodiment, line item orders from selected customer orders may be aggregated and processed for substitution analysis. Substitutions for unavailable items of selected customer orders may then be automatically implemented based upon substitution instructions, business rules, and/or other predefined criteria.

Abstract: A user account including a personal profile is stored by a server for subsequent use. The user is provided a list of displayable entries sortable using specified criteria in a manner that allows the user to review a selection of entries and to make a change to the selection prior to submitting a transaction for processing. Responsive to a request to log into the user account, the identity of the user is verified. Once verified, the transaction is facilitated between a vendor and the user pursuant to instructions from the user. The instructions are generated based on a shopping cart screen rendered by a client device of the user. The user is sent a confirmation message regarding the transaction while the user is logged in the server. The user can be provided an account screen allowing access to information relating to user transactions and information relating to an account balance.

Abstract: Items are sold via a wireless mobile telecommunications network in which multimedia presentations describing items offered for sale are broadcast for reception by wireless mobile devices. Users of the devices can transmit responses indicating requests to buy the items or bid for them in auctions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and method that includes use of a mobile computing device having a visual display and means to run a software application installed on it that includes a front-end interface that provides a step-by-step tool to both collect information from a prospective renter, an algorithm for optimizing available property selection using the information collected by the prospect, and presentation of media and information about the property and neighborhood to the prospect in an integrated way. The application further includes communications functionality that allow communications with a data cloud that both delivers appropriate media for display by the application as well as storage of any information collected from the prospect via the application. The system then uses the information to generate reports and provide analytics to prospects, leasing agents, leasing managers and building owners based on the information most relevant and important to them.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can facilitate computer-assisted haggling and/or negotiation between multiple parties simultaneously. For example, various proxies associated with both buyers and sellers can be configured to negotiate with other proxies to buy or sell an item. The negotiations can be required to be progressive and during the negotiations a buyer or seller is, typically, allowed to withdraw his or her proposals. The architecture can include a registration component that can resolve concurrency and facilitate a registration of an agreement between two of the parties. The registration of an agreement can create a binding obligation between the parties after which other outstanding proposals can be terminated.

Abstract: A computer system implements a gifting service where a gift of a specific item is validated as a result of the gift recipient requesting a validation code be delivered to the merchant for confirmation. The validation code can be a code defined by the gift recipient or the code management system, and may include credit card PAN's, ordinary codes, or pictures of the gift recipient. Enhancements to assist merchants in certifying training of employees are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an applications gateway that offers multiple functions and features for specific geographic venue locations, while providing easy access to advertising, purchasing, and redemption opportunities for that specific geographic venue location. Venue locations can be stadiums, shopping malls, amusement parks, open air spaces where people can congregate, and/or buildings, which most often require the presence of a concentration of people. The venue location may correlate to the location of the hand-held mobile unit or it may be a remote geographic venue location not near the location of the hand-held mobile unit. Access to the gateway application is through a hand-held mobile unit, which can include a mobile phone, smartphone device, or portable computer having a wireless radio transmission connection. (e.g. iPhone, Droid, iPad, Slate, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is an applications gateway that offers multiple functions and features for specific geographic venue locations, while providing easy access to advertising, purchasing, and redemption opportunities for that specific geographic venue location. Venue locations can be stadiums, shopping malls, amusement parks, open air spaces where people can congregate, and/or buildings, which most often require the presence of a concentration of people. The venue location may correlate to the location of the hand-held mobile unit or it may be a remote geographic venue location not near the location of the hand-held mobile unit. Access to the gateway application is through a hand-held mobile unit, which can include a mobile phone, smartphone device, or portable computer having a wireless radio transmission connection. (e.g. iPhone, Droid, iPad, Slate, etc.

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 and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods provides for potential customers, having computers in communication via the internet, to be able to contact an agent for the purchase and potential delivery of one or more goods for the customers. An agent is able to contact an original or secondary customers, which could be friends, family, co-workers or the like, through either a social or business network to inquire about obtaining goods on behalf of the customers. In any case, the agent provides the customer with at least real-time image data to assure the exact good desired by the customer is acquired.

Abstract: One method herein includes forwarding an invoice for a purchase agreement made between a seller and a buyer. The method includes receiving a service selection indicating that the invoice is to be paid using an escrow system. The service selection includes a token for verification of a buyer's signatory. The method receives funding confirmation that the buyer has deposited funds into an escrow account. Based on funding confirmation, notification to ship the goods is sent. The method receives shipping confirmation confirming that the goods have been shipped. Upon receipt of the goods, a receiver is authenticated as the authorized signatory using the verification system. This authentication is based on the stored token matching a provided token. Based on verification of the receiver, the goods are released and the deposited funds from the escrow account are deposited into the seller's account.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a commercial game that poses questions to a user related to advertisements that the user views or listens to using a multimedia device such as a computer connected to the Internet. Points may be awarded to the user based on the number of questions answered correctly, the number of advertisements viewed, the length of time advertisements are viewed, the number of attempts at answering each question before providing the correct answer, or other advertiser-selected criteria. Points earned by the user are immediately redeemable for services such as subscription services, movies downloads, Pay-Per-View credits, or for any other tangible or intangible good, service, or reward representing a monetary value. If the user provides an incorrect answer to a question, the user is permitted to watch the advertisement multiple times until a correct answer is provided and points are awarded.

Abstract: The customer agent 9 transmits a search request 15a to a manager 4, which in turn transmits a search request 15b to a shop agent 5. The shop agent 5 transmits a product information service message 16a to the manager 4. The manager 4 transmits a product information service message 16b to the customer agent 9 and a product information service message 16c to a shop agent 17. Based on the thus monitored product information service message 16c, the shop agent 17 generates an associated information service message 18a and transmits it to the manager 4. The manager 4 then transmits an associated information service message 18b to the customer agent 9.

Abstract: An augmented reality shopping system in one embodiment includes a store communication network, a memory including program instructions for receiving a product location request, associating the received request with product information stored in a product database, determining the location of the product within the store, receiving shopper location information, determining a route between the determined location of the product and the shopper location based upon the shopper location information, generating route rendering data based upon the determined route, and transmitting the route rendering data through the store communication network. The system further includes a processor operably connected to the store communication network and to the memory for executing the program instructions and a mobile display device operably connected to the processor through the store communication network for rendering an overlay image using the transmitted route rendering data.

Abstract: A buyer-seller matching system that uses incentives to verify commissions from matching a buyer with a seller. The system can include a repository of information about items for purchase. Items may be located by a user over a network. Each item may be paired with incentive that is awarded if that item is purchased from a designated third party. If the user purchases the item, the seller pays the system an agreed upon fee and also issues the buyer a certification of purchase. The user may then receive the incentive from the system. The system can check to verify that it has received a fee or commission from the seller for bringing the seller a buyer of the item.

Abstract: A program for encouraging homebuyers and current homeowners to purchase more efficient HVAC equipment at the time they purchase a home or refinance a home loan is described. Realtors, bankers, lenders, mortgage brokers, and like individuals involved in the purchase or refinancing of a home present an opportunity to purchase energy efficient HVAC equipment to a client at a time when the purchase price of the equipment can be included in the mortgage or refinance loan. The realtors, bankers, lenders, mortgage brokers, and other individuals presenting the opportunity to the client act as marketers or salespeople for the program and the new equipment. These new salespeople work with a facilitator who coordinates the efforts of everyone involved in the transaction. The program provides the client with lower total homeownership costs through utility and maintenance savings.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for facilitating purchases by one person for another person. A user can take advantage of one or more social networks to facilitate purchases by proxy shoppers for the user. For example, the user can designate what products can be purchased by a proxy shopper and what stores can be used by the proxy shopper to make the purchases. The products can be listed in a registry on the user's social network. When the proxy shopper is in a designated store, the proxy shopper can purchase a designated products for the user.

Abstract: A method and system for a P2P financial transaction can connect to a card company server via a wired/wireless communication network, and a financial card with credit card functions. The method includes closing a first contract involving monetary claim/obligation between members, reporting a first claim amount or a first obligation amount to the card company server, and recording first incoming or first outgoing amounts. The method further includes establishing a second claim amount and a second obligation amount according to a second contract, reporting the second claim amount or the second obligation amount to the card company server, recording second incoming or second outgoing amounts, adding or subtracting respectively to or from the first incoming or the first outgoing amounts, and settling final incoming or outgoing, added or subtracted amounts at regular intervals.

Abstract: A method to facilitate the ordering of products offered for sale on a merchant's website by a user through an agent is provided. The method includes the steps of collecting, on the user processing device, data permitting an identification of a first merchant's website being viewed by the user and an identification of a first product presented on this website (first identification data) automatically by executing a computer program; and transferrin, from the user processing device to an agent processing device, the first identification data.

Abstract: A method for direct marketing comprising establishing a first communications link between a prospective customer using a device having a unique identification number and a communications device, automatically transmitting the unique identification number associated with the prospective customer's device to the communications device, establishing a second communications link between the communications device and a computer operably connected to a memory apparatus having a prospective customer database comprising prospective customer information associated with the unique identification number of the prospective customer's device, in which the information in the database determines prospective customer value which can be used to determine subsequent operations and marketing actions with the prospective customer.