Abstract: A client apparatus is configured to communicate with a device and with a server via network. A status-information acquiring portion acquires, from the device, status information indicative of status of the device. A requesting portion makes a predetermined request to the server based on the status information. A request-status-information acquiring portion acquires, from the device, request status information indicative of a request status of the predetermined request. A determining portion determines whether the predetermined request is already made to the server, based on the request status information acquired by the request-status-information acquiring portion. A request controlling portion determines that the predetermined request should be made to the server, if the determining portion determines that the predetermined request is not yet made.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a test request is sent to a server configured to provide data to the mobile device application. Then a response to the test request is received from the server. The response is analyzed to identify a pattern in the response indicative of a communication sent via a particular communication path. An available communication path between the mobile device application and the server corresponding to the pattern is identified. Then, a mobile device application is registered with the server via the identified communication path.

Abstract: Automated systems, methods and tools that automatically extract and select portions of an image to automatically generate a premium finish mask specific to the image which require little or no human intervention are presented. Graphical user interface tools allowing a user to provide an image and to indicate regions of the image for application of premium finish are also presented.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for developing digital products. A standardized process is applied to a product development effort and an online portal provides tools to aid the product development, assessment, funding and commercializing products. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between users. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: System(s), apparatus(es) and method(s) are provided for to managing and developing an industrial system included in the industrial environment. Intelligence related to a configuration of the industrial system is collected and processed to generate information related to operational condition(s) of the industrial system. Intelligence can be collected actively or passively: In active collection, a platform that collects the intelligence retrieves configuration record(s) from the industrial system, whereas in passive collection, the platform received one or more configuration records from the industrial automation system. Collected intelligence is cast into a set of configuration units that defines industrial system and functionality thereof. In addition, a set of services configured to convey specific functionality associated with at least one configuration unit is composed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, digital manufacturing of jewelry items is provided, including a physical process and software automation for implementing the physical process. Further, models formed during the process, as well as the resultant jewelry items, are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises forming a digital model of the jewelry item, forming a physical model of the jewelry item based on the digital model, and manufacturing the jewelry item in a lost wax process using the physical model.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a method for creating a database stored on a computer-readable medium, comprising: receiving a first plurality of images of variations of a first consumer product layer, each of the first plurality of images depicting a variation of the first consumer product layer, each of the variations comprising at least one surface. The method also includes receiving a second plurality of images of variations of a second consumer product layer, each of the second plurality of images depicting a variation of the first consumer product layer, each of the variations comprising at least one surface. The method further includes providing a first depth attribute to the first consumer product layer and a second depth attribute to the second consumer product layer. The method also includes storing the first plurality of images, the second plurality of images, the texture maps, and the plurality of textures in the database.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implementing a browsing application that allows users to navigate image-based content. Images and associated descriptive attributes describing the images are stored in a database. The user may select an item of interest and an example-based proximity search function may be executed to search for similar images. Images having common descriptive attributes may be grouped together and displayed. A web browser may be implemented and users may select reduced-size images of previously viewed web pages in order to access the web page.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to design element translation. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for automated design element translation for user defined customizations for one product to an entire suite of products. Preferred embodiments of the invention are accomplished through the use of one or more web-based computing devices.

Abstract: Item configurators for websites and other applications, using a plurality of graphic layer files and graphic layer thumbnail files comprising various layers of the item desired for configuration. Generally at least some of this plurality of graphic layer files will contain some transparent pixels. The method also involves creating at least one main description file, which may be in XML format, or a CSV row and column table format, suitable for editing by spreadsheet, which describes the relationships between this plurality of graphic layer files. An interactive generic configurator program (IGCP) that is capable of reading and parsing this main description file, and displaying icons on the GUI that are representative of various user configurator selections will then be used to implement the configurator, often within a web browser over the internet. Additionally, methods of allowing unskilled users to remotely edit such configurator files using standard web browsers are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method that combines content with one or more canvas products to provide finished products for dissemination to end customers is provided. More specifically, a system and method are provided to enable a content provider to select one or more canvas products to which content would be applied, whereby the content provider may then provide web links on any of a multitude of locations to redirect an end customer to a canvas product center and/or fulfillment center to acquire finished products having content thereon. The finished product is customizable for and by any one or more content providers for a unique appearance and offering to end customers. Content providers are able to leverage the infrastructure, network and benefits of a third party while enjoying the ease of setup, minimal up-front costs and eliminate the need to invest in or carry an inventory of finished products.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to graphic correction systems and methods. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods configured to test the quality of images or other multimedia content uploaded to a web-based application and automatically performing corrections and conversions to the image or other multimedia content based at least in part on the results of the quality test.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods for integrating a calculation engine of an in-memory database with a software component are described herein. A control unit schedules and triggers jobs to be processed by an operational unit. The control unit and the operational unit are at an application level. The operational unit divides a job workload corresponding to a job trigger into work packages based on one or more parameters. The work packages are sent to a calculation engine in an in-memory database. At the in-memory database, operations are performed on the work packages and an output is generated. A log in the control unit is updated based on the output.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating an electronic framing process. A virtual framing system may access a digital image provided by or otherwise selected by a user of the virtual framing system to be examined on a pixel-by-pixel basis to identify relevant and/or dominant colors located within the digital image. By utilizing the most relevant and/or the most dominant colors of the digital image, the virtual framing system may subsequently generate recommendations to be presented to the user by comparing the most relevant and/or most dominant colors to one or more predefined design templates, such as those created by an expert designer, that are stored in a data store.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of facilitating item selection based on features. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ring design machine receives one or more selections of gemstones and one or more selections of settings and allows a user to “mix and match” gemstones and settings and view a selected gemstone in a compatible setting for that gemstone. To present the gemstone in the setting, the ring design machine presents a combination image that depicts the gemstone in the setting. The ring design machine, which may be implemented using a computer programmed by software, may present the combination image to the user in response to receiving a selection of the gemstone and a selection of the setting from the user via a network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shared collections are described. For example, a machine receives a textual description of an entry requested to be created within a collection at a network-based system. The textual description is submitted by a user of the network-based system and received from a client device of the user by a server system within the network-based system. The entry, when created, corresponds to an item listed by the network-based system. The machine generates a structured description of the entry based on the textual description of the entry requested to be created. The structured description of the entry includes a name-value pair derived from the textual description submitted by the user. The machine determines that the entry is absent from the network-based system, and creates the entry within the collection by storing the structured description of the entry in a database of the network-based system.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for internet users to custom design a product by dragging, dropping and moving different (real life like) images of items on a web page thereby forming and completing one product design which the final image is stored as one image to be later used to make and deliver the actual real life product.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for analyzing government procurement activities based on scores calculated for a customer, fulfilling organization and complexity of each procurement opportunity (e.g., contract) involved. The customer score is based on the number of opportunities and awards provided to the marketplace. The fulfilling organization score is based on the number of opportunity awards won and the frequency and recency of awarded opportunities. Compensation for the award also can be factored into customer and fulfilling organization scores. The complexity score is generated for each opportunity and is based on various attributes of the opportunity, e.g., associated industries, description, life cycle, etc. A user interface is provided for customers and fulfilling organizations to view analytics for procurement activities in each industry and contact information for each customer and fulfilling organization within the system.

Abstract: An apparatus is for ascertaining and outputting a type of spectacle lens suitable for a spectacle wearer with a visual characteristics providing device, for providing visual characteristics of the spectacle wearer, a needs providing device, for providing individual needs of the spectacle wearer, a spectacle lens type providing device, for providing a plurality of types of spectacle lenses having predetermined characteristics, a desired characteristics ascertaining device, for ascertaining desired characteristics of a type of spectacle lens using the provided visual characteristics and the provided individual needs of the spectacle wearer, an assigning device, for assigning at least one type of spectacle lens from among the plurality of types of spectacle lenses to the desired characteristics, on the basis of predetermined assignment rules, and a spectacle lens type outputting device, for outputting the at least one assigned type of spectacle lens.

Abstract: An online personalized gifting system for providing gift card related packaging formats to enhance the customer experience relating to online gift card sales.

Abstract: A valid configuration of a product is determined by a computer based on a complete product model. The initial product model includes variables with associated values, and rules, wherein the variables and rules define a configuration problem to be solved. Some variables of the initial product model are defined as scope variables. Based on the selected values for scope variables the initial product model is restricted by the computer to a simplified product model. The simplified product model is employed in order to set the values of the variables not being defined as scope variables in an iterative computer-implemented process.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method for sending a printed group greeting card to a recipient on an occasion. A user registers with a greeting card portal and selects a desired greeting card template. The user customizes the greeting card based on a requirement. The user sends invitations and notifications to several invitees for writing the messages to the recipient based on an association. The invitees write the messages in the greeting card. The user sets a start time and an end time for allowing the invitees to write the messages on the greeting card within the time period. The user finalizes the content of the greeting card. After finalizing, the portal delivers the printed group greeting card to the intended recipient.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for determining an amount of color additive to add to paint. Color measurement data is transmitted via a network is received at a server. A color formulation is identified based on the color measurement data. Historical color recommendation data is accessed from a data repository, where the data repository contains color data that is based on previous color recommendations. The color formulation is adjusted based on the historical color recommendation data, and the adjusted color formulation is transmitted from the server via the network.

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: 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: Systems and methods for managing distribution of applications are provided herein. A host server can act as an intermediary between a communications device and an app store in order to manage distribution of applications to the communications device. Thus, the host server can receive from the communications device an app request for an application that resides at the app store. The host server can examine various catalog information and provide a package that includes the application to the communications device.

Abstract: A method and system for software deployment or maintenance where procedures for software installation or maintenance are defined by a skilled individual; site-specific or confidential information is separated from operating system native commands; parameterized commands referencing a hierarchy of variables are acquired by another individual; site-specific or confidential information of the other individual is combined with parameterized commands; new operating system native commands are generated; and, the new operating system native commands are execute on a computing system to reproduce the procedures for software installation or maintenance originally defined by the skilled individual. The software deployment or maintenance procedures originally defined by the skilled individual may be applied to any number of computing systems maintained by any number of other individuals without the skilled individual's further involvement in the process.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a method. In one example, the method includes, but is not limited to, determining a location of a mobile device; and transmitting a signal to the mobile device, wherein the signal includes information related to a product sold at a store. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for promoting online sales of fashion looks and items associated therewith. In some embodiments, a method includes, upon receiving a selection of an item from a user, displaying a second look in addition to a first look. The first and second looks respectively include the item, and each look has a set of components. The method further comprises receiving a selection of one of the looks from the user. The method further comprises displaying a corresponding set of components in response to which look the user selects. Among other benefits, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a way that is more natural and convenient to customer users in the effort of promoting fashion looks and the associated items included in a respective look, thereby facilitating a better user experience, inspiring customers' imagination, and stimulating more sales.

Abstract: A color selection and coordination system including a database of predetermined color relationships implementing a data-driven color model. A starting color is associated with a first color in the color database. One or more predefined color palettes associated with the first color may be retrieved, each palette including one or more coordinating colors, the coordinating colors being predetermined based on the first color and a color coordination algorithm.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for a person to communicate customized design information for an object, such as a product at a time prior to its manufacture. A network accessible communications channel and user interface is provided that enables the person to communicate design information, including a visual representation of the product, prior to its manufacture.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing surface coverings having user input representative of a construction project, floor plans representative of the project including optional configurations of the plans, user input for selection from a plurality of the plans and options and creating data points representative of one of the plans, merging the plan and options into a set of data points representative of a final plan set, determining room surface selections from user input, deriving contiguity data from the surface areas representative of the surface selections; and optimizing price of floor materials for selected criteria based on pre-determined rules. The system and method weights traffic flow based on room configurations and determines optimal cuts of materials to minimize seams. Further, the system packs the cut materials optimally to fit standard sheet material such as carpet and vinyl.

Abstract: A computing device is equipped with a configuration engine and a solutions engine generates candidate solar power system configurations and corresponding pricing solutions, respectively. The computing device may be one of several computing devices located in a place of public accommodation, such as a retail store. Upon receiving a user selection of a candidate solar power system configuration and a pricing solution the a results engine of the computing device generates a results package for a solar power proposal that includes a signature-ready proposal that the user may execute on site.

Abstract: A system and method for the aesthetic design of a modular assemblage, comprising means for providing a client graphic user interface for receiving an input for defining parameters of the modular assemblage, and for presenting an image of the defined modular assemblage; communicating a code to a server representing the defined parameters; at the server, in dependence on the communicated code, defining a set of graphic elements corresponding to the defined modular assemblage; communicating the graphic elements from the server to the client; and displaying, at the client, the graphic elements received from the server to represent the defined modular assemblage.

Abstract: A measuring garment may be provided. The measuring garment may include at least one measurement marking for determining a measurement for a desired garment dimension. The measuring garment may be used to convey calculate and subsequently convey measurement info to a garment company for producing or providing fitted garments.

Abstract: A user device receives consumer information from a consumer, where the consumer information includes preference information, demographic information, identity information, relationship information, and location information associated with the consumer. The user device provides the consumer information to a lifestyle application platform, and receives, from the lifestyle application platform, a consumer profile for the consumer based on the consumer information. The user device receives, from the lifestyle application platform, notifications, reports, and offers, associated with an enterprise and relevant to the consumer, based on the consumer profile, and provides the notifications, reports, and offers for display to the consumer.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage is provided. The adhesive bandage compromises a strip having an upper surface and a lower surface; a wound-contacting pad disposed on the lower surface; at least one protective release tab removably disposed on the lower surface; wherein at least a portion of the upper surface is manufactured to match a particular user's skin tone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a pet food product for a pet, in which pet-specific information is provided and processed, a set of pet-specific food compositions is created from the processed information on the basis of the processed pet-specific information, and a pet food product is produced on the basis of the set of pet-specific food compositions. According to the invention, the pet food product consists of a combination of a plurality of rations, each having an assigned time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for generating memorial products using a memorial product design and ordering system (the “design system”). The design system may generally be configured to provide users with a platform, tools, design elements, automated processes, and/or the like for designing, customizing and ordering memorial products. The design system may be configured to present users with graphical or virtual representations of physical memorial products (“virtual product templates”) that may be customized by specifying product characteristics and adding various design elements. In some embodiments, the virtual product templates may be and/or may include photo-realistic and/or three-dimensional (3D) representations of the actual physical memorial products. In this manner, the design system may be configured to provide a customer with a realistic user experience from a virtual and/or online design tool.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for rapid scalable unified infrastructure system management platform are disclosed by discovery of compute nodes, network components across data centers, both public and private for a user; assessment of type, capability, VLAN, security, virtualization configuration of the discovered unified infrastructure nodes and components; configuration of nodes and components covering add, delete, modify, scale; and rapid roll out of nodes and components across data centers both public and private.

Abstract: A software system that performs the creation of compact discs (CDs) containing full product files (executables, binaries, etc.) is described. This system allows clients to produce, on demand, software CD's as required for purchases and avoid maintenance of stock of product. A method of providing software CD's also is described.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for facilitating the copying or cloning and optional modification of web page and avatar designs.

Abstract: Methods and systems can be provided for providing items manufactured on demand to users. A user request for an item can be received. The item can have 3D manufacturing instructions associated therewith. A delivery method for the item can be determined. A manufacturing apparatus can be selected to manufacture the item based on the 3D manufacturing instructions. Instructions can be sent to the manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the item based on the 3D manufacturing instructions. Delivery instructions can be provided for delivering the item according to the delivery method.

Abstract: There is provided a spectacle lens, including: specific first and second reference points, and eye point between the first and second reference points on a meridian, with each point defined on a meridian; and a power variation portion where power is continuously varied from the first reference point to the second reference point, wherein a variation rate of an addition power is substantially zero in a circle of radius 4 mm with the first reference point as a center, and/or in a circle of radius 4 mm with the eye point as a center.

Abstract: Methods and systems can be provided for providing items manufactured on demand to users. A user request for an item can be received. The item can have 3D manufacturing instructions associated therewith. A delivery method for the item can be determined. A manufacturing apparatus can be selected to manufacture the item based on the 3D manufacturing instructions. Instructions can be sent to the manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the item based on the 3D manufacturing instructions. Delivery instructions can be provided for delivering the item according to the delivery method.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to and the presentation thereof in a computer interface. Particularly, some embodiments facilitate the selection of combinations by a user. The combination may be, e.g., an engagement and a wedding ring. In some embodiments, an event-triggering architecture in the interface facilitates the selective updating of interface elements in a manner paralleling the desired process path traversed by the user.

Abstract: Techniques for automated imaging of customizable products are disclosed. In one embodiment, survey photographic images of a customizable product having one or more markers affixed upon the customizable product are received. Camera positions relative to the customizable product are automatically determined based on the plurality of survey photographic images. Associations between the determined camera positions and customizable attributes of the customizable product are stored. Non-survey photographic images of the same customizable product without at least some of the one or more markers are obtained.

Abstract: Techniques are described for describing and associating custom products. In an embodiment, a first attribute value that defines an attribute of a custom product is received from a user that is customizing the custom product. In response to receiving the first attribute value, a legal set of attribute values for a second attribute of the custom product or an accessory product may be determined. The legal set of attribute values identifies one or more attribute values of the second attribute of the custom product or accessory product that are compatible with the first attribute value. The legal set of attribute values may identify a continuous range of values where any value within the continuous range of values is compatible with the first attribute value. In an embodiment, the user may be limited to selecting accessory products having a legal attribute value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method and system for customizing sandals comprises providing a user with a series of foot sole templates embodying varying shapes and sizes from which the user selects their foot shape; providing a second template for the selected shape with a series of possible positions for the placement of a toe strap; and manufacturing the sandal according to the user selections.