Item Configuration Or Customization Patents (Class 705/26.5)
  • Patent number: 8744927
    Abstract: A customized method of determining proportional amounts of at least two or more hair treatment solutions in order to color a head of hair of a salon customer uses an algorithm to calculate changes to a formula based on selections made by a user of the system. The formula is managed through a salon operating system provided to a plurality of salon color stylists or users of the system. The algorithm for the reduction or increase of standard color formula is based on predefined application area base color amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Ross Neill, Walter Claudio Zungri
  • Publication number: 20140149246
    Abstract: A method and system for entity customization in a hierarchical service provider, multi-tenant system is disclosed. The method disclosed uniquely identifies plurality of participants in the hierarchical system as a root service provider, sub-provider or a tenant. Further, the method enables identification of entities as customizable or non-customizable and authorizes the participants to customize the respective entity. The method enables to define scope of the entity that indicates whether the entity is applicable to a tenant or a provider or a sub-provider or a combination of these. The method enables identification of non-customizable or mandatory attributes within an entity. Further, the method aggregates customizations through the hierarchy and applies them for a specific tenant or a provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Rajesh Venkatesan, Madhava Venkatesh Raghavan, Sezhiyan Navarasu
  • Patent number: 8738464
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and computer systems for ordering customized furniture pieces to be upholstered and an upholstery covering. In particular, the methods of the present invention relate to calculating the amount of a covering needed based on the fabric repeat size in the case of a fabric covering, or based on hide inconsistencies in the case of a leather covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Furnésh, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Gargiulo
  • Patent number: 8738466
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for dynamically generating a network site for a topic. A set of search terms that are associated with one or more search engines are obtained. A respective set of items in an item catalog that are relevant for each of the search terms are identified. A respective network site is established for each of the search terms when the respective set of items includes at least a predefined number of items. The respective network site offers at least some of the respective items for sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Kirby
  • Patent number: 8738465
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to techniques for grabbing affiliate links from sites of other affiliates or merchants sites directly to be used in the creation of an affiliate site along other affiliate links Once grabbed, a tracking id—associated with the affiliate of the site from where the affiliate link was grabbed—is replaced by the tracking id of the new affiliate. In one scenario, the grabbed affiliate link is included in a product database together with other product codes, all of which include graphic data and descriptive text associated with products obtained in a search. The product database is then made available by way of export file or uploaded to a server where it can be later retrieved and used to populate an affiliate site of the new affiliate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: David Greaves, Thomas Creaven
  • Patent number: 8737974
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: DeWayne Allan Sennett, Brian Kevin Daly, Venson M. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20140143083
    Abstract: A framework for managing service components associated with a service subscribed to by a customer in a cloud infrastructure system is disclosed. The framework generates a subscription order for the customer based upon receiving a selection of service components from the customer. The framework identifies resource metrics associated with the service components selected by the customer and generates a subscription order for the customer based upon the service components and the resource metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Anjani Kalyan Prathipati, Ramkrishna Chatterjee, Ramesh Vasudevan, Gopalan Arun
  • Publication number: 20140143085
    Abstract: System and method for shopping for products based on color of the product, time of product listing, and/or location of the seller of the product. Seller submits a representation of the product to be listed with an Internet-based shopping site that may include an image of the product. The site may determine one or more color of the product based on a submitted image by examining image pixels. The pixels examined may be chosen to accurately reflect the color of the product rather than the color of an image background or other image element. The color may include a set of the significant colors of the product or a single most significant or average color of the product. Shoppers may then search for products based on a color selected from a to color search interface, a time selected from a time search interface, and/or a location selected from a location search interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ETSY, INC.
    Inventors: Jared Tarbell, Robert Kalin
  • Publication number: 20140143084
    Abstract: A plurality of information processing apparatuses are each assigned an apparatus identification code and a group identification code. In a database of a server apparatus, when or before each of the information processing apparatuses is sold to a customer, a correspondence relationship between the apparatus identification code and the group identification code assigned to the information processing apparatus is stored. When having communicated with any one of the information processing apparatuses sold to a customer, the server apparatus acquires from the database a group identification code corresponding to the apparatus identification code received from the information processing apparatus, and provides a service based on the acquired group identification code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi HAMAGUCHI, Yuhei OZAWA, Ryota NARITA
  • Publication number: 20140143082
    Abstract: A method and system is configured to receive information specifying an entity. The system is configured to generate at least one customized design for a retail item based on a template design and the received information. The template design comprises at least one element that is configured to be modified based on the received information, and the at least one element is one of a text object, image object, or color that is modified to correspond to text, an image, or a color associated with the specified entity. The system is configured to transmit the at least one customized design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: E RETAILING ASSOCIATES LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin E. LARSON
  • Patent number: 8732026
    Abstract: A method for processing complex orders is disclosed. The method includes generating a customer portal view including a list of products and services associated with an account, a list of quotes associated with the account, a list of orders associated with the account, and a plurality of user-selectable options. The plurality of user-selectable options includes a move option to transfer a service profile by defaulting the existing services at an old location to a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Siebel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Caballero, Mark David Lewis, Carlos Alejandro Sandrea
  • Publication number: 20140136359
    Abstract: A pillow apparatus, social media network and methods for ordering and designing the pillow apparatus is provided. The pillow apparatus including a first pillow including a receiving pillow pocket in an interior portion thereof, and an opening at a side surface of the pillow corresponding to the receiving pillow pocket; a second pillow formed of a different size than that of the first pillow; and a connection portion configured to couple the first pillow and the second pillow together, wherein the second pillow is insertable into and housed within the receiving pillow pocket of the first pillow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Diane Gross
  • Patent number: 8725124
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Enterproid HK Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Jong Kein Toy, Alexander Allan Trewby, David Wei Zhu
  • Patent number: 8725590
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a customized user plan based on corresponding creator plans and user data. The creator plans is generated by experts in their respective fields, by businesses, and by users of the system. The creator plans is available for selection or purchase by users. A system may propose creator plans to a user. Once the one or more creator plans are identified for a particular user, the system generates a customized user plan based on these creator plans and corresponding user data, such as user input, user state, and privacy settings. External data and other plans of this and other users may also be used in generating the customized user plan. A single customized user plan may integrate multiple creator plans and set multiple goals for the user. The user plan may be dynamically generated and updated based on, for example, changes to the user data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: LookingNew, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph Lipscher, Thomas Estermyer, Marc Falzon, Michael Gerrity
  • Patent number: 8725589
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a transaction card that may have multiple layers contained therein. The layers may include a metal sub-assembly core. The transaction card may be engraved, prior to providing to a cardholder, with a replica of the cardholder's actual signature. Additional items may be personalized upon the transaction card. The transaction card may also be incorporated into a system whereupon the transaction card may be triggered to perform an action such as emitting an audible tone or an electronic communication being sent to the cardholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Dori K. Skelding, Walter Brent Reinhard, William Frederick Mann, III
  • Patent number: 8725591
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of reusing advertising material that includes selecting a reused advertising material that was once displayed on a billboard and selecting product that includes the reused the advertising material. The reused advertising material has attributes that include a defined subject matter, the location where the advertising material was displayed and the date of display of the advertising material. The product includes a certification of the attributes identified for the advertising material included in the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Jillian Brown
  • Publication number: 20140129369
    Abstract: A system for customizing information in e-procurement process, including a selecting system adapted for selecting item(s) to be procured from catalog database, which further includes a suggesting system adapted for suggesting if the item being selected by the user is a custom made item and providing a link or button for customization for the custom made item, and a customization system adapted for customizing information in the e-procurement process by generating a category-specific web-based form based at least upon one or more pre-configured decision rules. The system helps to order custom required goods, which aids in providing custom requirements and specifications through web-based forms at the time of ordering and thus avoids mentioning of custom requirements each and every time when the item is ordered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: PRASAD GUPTE, BIKASH MOHANTY
  • Publication number: 20140129370
    Abstract: A software application providing a social, interactive panoramic shopping experience from pictures along with being able to reconfigure parts of the image based on a chroma key color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: James L. Mabrey, Robert Brooks, JR., Jarrod Brooks, Thomas Wendt
  • Publication number: 20140129368
    Abstract: A method and system for performing online intervention based on a life situation. The method includes receiving an input from a first user, the input including a situational parameter; retrieving a product based on the situational parameter; enabling selection of a product from the list of products; affixing a personalized message to the product; and transmitting the product to the second user. The system includes an electronic device, a communication interface, a memory and a processor to receive an input, to retrieve a product based on a situational parameter, to enabling selection of a product from the list of products, to affix a personalized message to the product and to transmit the product to the second user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Jadav Manirao SAMPATH
  • Publication number: 20140129329
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a server includes a first acquiring unit, a second acquiring unit, an analyzing unit, and an output unit. The first acquiring unit is configured to acquire recognition information includes a product identification information for identifying the product. The second acquiring unit is configured to acquire combination information including the product identification information of the product to be combined with an object image including an object. The analyzing unit is configured to calculate product priorities for respective products by analyzing the recognition information and the combination information. The output unit is configured to output information based on the product priorities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Masahiro Sekine, Masashi Nishiyama, Kaoru Sugita, Hidetaka Ohira, Goh Itoh
  • Patent number: 8719115
    Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a system and method to provide customized combination packages is disclosed. The method includes receiving a selection of a plurality of items from a potential buyer, the selection of the plurality of items creating a customized combination package. Available transaction history for past transactions of similar items to the items of the customized combination package is provided to the potential buyer. An offer from the potential buyer is then received and provided to a seller selling the plurality of items for consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Ayon Sinha, Shaocheng Gong
  • Patent number: 8719007
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine readable and executable instructions are provided for determining offer terms from text. A method for determining offer terms from text can include mapping keywords to a domain of a procurement event, and receiving, to a computing device, an offer text associated with the procurement event. Event-specific entities are identified, by the computing device, in the offer text. The computing device determines the domain of the procurement event from the identified event-specific entities, and using the mapped keywords corresponding to the determined domain, determines offer components from the offer text, extracts offer parameters from the offer text, and constructs the offer structure using the identified event-specific entities, derived offer components, and extracted offer parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mehmet Oguz Sayal, Kemal Guler, Burcu Aydin
  • Publication number: 20140122288
    Abstract: A transaction card customization system that includes a customer user interface that is generatable based on a customization parameter indicative of at least one of a customer context and a product context of the user interface. An administrative user interface is described that facilitates an administrative user establishing a consumer user interface based on a customer context and/or product context. In turn, a locator is generated that includes the customization parameter indicative of the customer context and/or product context. As such, upon a user utilizing the locator to navigate to a custom card design server, a payload including the customization parameter is received at the custom card design server and used to generate the customer user interface based on the indicated customer context and/or product context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CPI Card Group - Colorado, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Christopher Beck
  • Publication number: 20140122289
    Abstract: A transaction card customization system that includes a customer user interface that is generatable based on a customization parameter indicative of at least one of a customer context and a product context of the user interface. An administrative user interface is described that facilitates an administrative user establishing a consumer user interface based on a customer context and/or product context. In turn, a locator is generated that includes the customization parameter indicative of the customer context and/or product context. As such, upon a user utilizing the locator to navigate to a custom card design server, a payload including the customization parameter is received at the custom card design server and used to generate the customer user interface based on the indicated customer context and/or product context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CPI Card Group - Colorado, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Christopher Beck
  • Publication number: 20140122287
    Abstract: A business method and policy set that links fields from data sources distributed across multiple servers and owned by multiple users into a single data supply chain that that enables real time actions upon achievement of threshold conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Stanley Benjamin Smith
  • Patent number: 8712866
    Abstract: A system and method for ordering a print of a digitally represented still image on a calendar using a remote computer is provided. The system includes a remote computer connected to a photofinisher through a network. A computer readable medium is located on the photofinisher and has computer-executable instructions for performing the method that includes selecting an image using the remote computer and displaying the image in an image tray pane. A calendar workspace pane includes separate calendar image windows associated with each of the calendar pages. One of the images displayed in the image tray pane is associated with one or more of the calendar image windows. A calendar print order data file is established, which includes the association of the selected image with one or more of the calendar image windows. The computer-executable instructions are in HTML and JavaScript.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM North America Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Moore, Johnathan Nick, Mike Anello
  • Patent number: 8712846
    Abstract: Targeted products are offered over a communications network. Product data for a plurality of products from a plurality of distributors for the products is received. Customer data from a plurality of customers comprising personal information about customers is received. Using the data, at least one user-specific product offering from the plurality of products is generated. Automated messages comprising the at least one user-specific product offering to the one or more customers are then sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Robert S. Alvin
  • Patent number: 8712916
    Abstract: Techniques described herein overcome many of the issues that have previously made the printing of a single copy of a book from a digital version unattractive and infeasible. According to one embodiment of the invention, an automated mechanism such as a computer program automatically determines whether the spine thickness of a to-be-printed copy of a digital version of a book will exceed the specified maximum spine thickness that a specified binding or other finishing device can handle. In response to determining that the spine thickness will exceed the specified maximum spine thickness, the automated mechanism automatically splits the digital version of the book into two or more volumes such that, for each volume, the spine thickness of the printed version of that volume will be no greater than the specified maximum spine thickness that the specified binding or other finishing device can handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kurt Knodt
  • Publication number: 20140114793
    Abstract: A method is provided by which one or more vendors utilize text messaging to collect or identify customization content from one or more purchasers and/or content contributors, so that the vendors can incorporate or associate the customization content into one or more products or services customized by the purchasers and/or content contributors. According to this method, vendors utilize or provide one or more software components executed on one or more servers, computer systems or devices, or available as a remotely accessible service, to enable purchasers and/or content contributors to submit, select, and/or identify content for the customization of the products or services via text messages sent from text-message-enabled computers, servers or devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Silver
  • Publication number: 20140114794
    Abstract: A method for mobile device automobile accessory selection including operating a mobile device to display a plurality of accessory icons on a computer screen, each icon representing a particular automobile upgrade, where each accessory icon has linked information including pricing information that will appear as a pop-up window when activated. A gridded icon with a plurality of grid locations is displayed on the computer screen, where each grid location is adapted to accept a relocated accessory icon, where the gridded icon has the shape of a car overlayed with a representation of a smart phone and the smart phone includes the plurality of grid locations. An accessory icon is selected by relocating it to one of the plurality of grid locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Glen Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140114717
    Abstract: Technology is described for modifying a task frequency. The method may include setting a task price for a task based on task details and statistical price data. The task frequency of the task can be modified. Another operation can be computing a pro-rata value created due to modifying the task frequency. The pro-rata value can be divided between a service provider and a customer to provide a monetary benefit to either the service provider or to the customer using the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Moose Loop Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Ken R. Davis, Fraser M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140114795
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for soliciting orders for customized apparel. The apparel can be appendage apparel, such as footwear, gloves, or head gear, or non-appendage apparel such as jackets. The present method includes providing an order form accessible through at least one computer by one or more users. The present method further includes providing one or more possible design parameters, requesting the user to customize the apparel by entering at least one of the parameters on the order form. The user submits the order form through the computer and receives apparel according to the order form. The parameters may include size, material, model, style, color, material treatment, or personalization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Litke, Michael Redwood, Saunders N. Whittlesey
  • Patent number: 8706590
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for presenting value exchange in conjunction with financial solution recommendations or offers. The value component, is not limited to monetary value but may, in specific embodiments, also include, convenience value, emotional value or the like. The value component allows the customer to make informed decisions on which financial solution recommendations or offers to select. Further, the value component may be uniquely and dynamically customized (i.e., determined on-the-fly) for the customer based on inputs received from the customer and/or customer profile data. In addition, the value component may reflect average value realized for the demographic group applicable to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Stefani R. Benefield, Eric E. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20140108187
    Abstract: A method for provisioning subscribers, products, and services in a broadband network includes establishing a directory system for storing information about a plurality of subscribers. The directory system includes a subscriber namespace and a device namespace. A subscriber is added by instantiating a subscriber object for the subscriber in the subscriber namespace. Each available service has its own state in the directory system to provide a multi-state provisioning system that permits granular management services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Sachidanada Kangovi
  • Publication number: 20140108188
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for multi-vendor printing including maintaining a data store that includes information about service level agreements with partner systems, wherein a partner system enables customers to order a plurality of customized print products, and wherein a service level agreement designates maximum delays for manufacturing customer print orders, and characteristics of print vendors, receiving a customer print order from one of the partner systems, the print order specifying a customized print product, determining a latest ship date for the customized print product, selecting one of the print vendors to manufacture the customized print product, and receiving updates from the selected print vendor and relaying the received updates to the partner system that issued the customer print order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Reischling Press, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Comstock, Gregory Gaskill Dent, Jianming Zhang, Christopher Cunningham, Marcus van Kempen
  • Patent number: 8700496
    Abstract: Gift giving is disclosed, including: receiving a characteristic of an intended gift recipient and a gift amount; and generating a custom catalog of gifts that includes gift items selected based at least in part on the characteristic and the gift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: NI Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: John Poisson
  • Patent number: 8700196
    Abstract: A method for providing finishing parameters related to an ophthalmic lens adapted to a spectacle frame in which generic finishing parameters (GFP) are provided (S11) for an ophthalmic lens adapted to a spectacle frame, the generic finishing parameters (GFP) being associated to a first identifier (ID1); a request (REQ1) is received (S12) from a distant entity, indicating an association between the first identifier (ID1) and a second identifier (ID2) assigned to the chosen finishing entity (CFE); specific finishing parameters (SFP) specific to the chosen finishing entity are generated (S13), the specific finishing parameters (SFP) being obtained by associating the generic finishing parameters (GFP) with specific parameters corresponding to the chosen finishing entity (CFE); a second request (REQ2) associated with at least the first identifier (ID1) is received (S14); and, upon receipt of the second request (REQ2), the specific finishing parameters (SFP) are sent (S15) to the chosen finishing entity (CFE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Philippe Clara, Laurent Cussac
  • Patent number: 8700482
    Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus comprising a server operable to generate a customized virtual catalog including a plurality of composite images, wherein at least one of the plurality of composite images includes an image of a promotional product decorated using a decorative image associated with a client requesting access to the customized virtual catalog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Branders.com, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Sipes, Gerald McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8694893
    Abstract: A constraint based product configurator determines a structure that is adapted to be associated with one or more components and determines if an arbitrary association is possible for the structure. If an arbitrary association is possible, the configurator associates a component with the structure and generates a component association choice for the association. The component association choice is an identity of the structure and the corresponding first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Claire M. Bagley, Gao Chen, Martin P. Plotkin
  • Patent number: 8694391
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for configuring products, such as branded promotional products, where products may be divided into items and processes. Item parameters and process parameters may be separately specified and linked together to create a unique product where a product identifier (e.g., SKU) may be dynamically created when the product is sourced, quoted, ordered or otherwise accessed. For example, an item may involve a product to which an imprint or logo is to be affixed. A process may involve a screening printing process or other process for affixing a customer's artwork, logo or identifier. In addition, the method and system of the present invention may be applied to other applications, such as office supplies, furniture, aviation supplies, marine supplies, interior design, beauty salon and spa supplies, medical office supplies, restaurant and bar supplies, gift shops and clothing boutique, and other industries where products and services may be ordered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: David Verchere
  • Patent number: 8689732
    Abstract: A system for creating a wood like appearance on a synthetic component including a sales client device, a network, computer instructions for creating a work order, a tray with scannable tray identifier to hold a synthetic component, a production client device connected to the network with computer instructions for applying a base coat, a glaze, and a top coat to the synthetic component as it automatically moves on a conveyer system a portion of which is connected to the production client device. A scannable tray identifier with a plurality of sensors link the tray identifier to the work order for authenticating and validating the location of the tray on the conveyor system, or initiating an alerting device. The system has a plurality of temperature control environments to simultaneously control heating of the synthetic component while spraying, drying and UV curing with spray treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Glasscraft Door Company
    Inventors: John B. Plummer, Matthew James O'Shea, Joseph Gene Denley
  • Publication number: 20140095341
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a custom media bundle are provided. In some embodiments, a quantity of media to be included in a custom media bundle is determined based on a user profile. A media content collection is selected, and from the media content collection a set of media assets containing a number of media assets corresponding the determined quantity is selected. A custom media bundle is generated that includes the selected set of media assets. In response to a user selection, one or more financial transactions are performed to grant the user access to the set of media assets of the custom media bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Steven Woods, Kenneth Murphy
  • Publication number: 20140095342
    Abstract: A system for creating image and or text-based projects from a mobile application includes a server having access to least one processor, a data repository, and a non-transitory physical medium. Software running from the medium provides a first function for establishing a client server connection between the server and at least one user-operated mobile computing device connected to the network, a second function for initiating an active data session with the user through a graphics user interface (GUI), a third function for capturing a visual likeness of one or more ordered image and or text-based projects, a fourth function for presenting the likeness of the one or more ordered image and or text based projects as the primary indicator of an ordered project, and a fifth function for enabling navigation of and digital expansion of the one or more ordered projects indicated in display on the mobile computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Interactive Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ryan Gowen, Caleb Timothy Elston, Michael David Demers, Mark Dodwell, Alexander Joseph Hofsteede, David Robert Kasper
  • Publication number: 20140095344
    Abstract: A software system may be used to define configurable products for use in a selling application module by sellers of products to define custom configuration of products to satisfy customer needs. During periodic points in time, a subset of all configuration of these configurable products may be offered for sale by sellers user special price terms and conditions. Catalogs of sale products may provide a mechanism for configuring only products that are included within sale products. A catalog manager module may assist in preparing a catalog of product data and related configuration rules associated with only products included within a particular catalog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Presentation Specialist Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Christenson, Craig Christensen, David Griebenow, Jim Roettger
  • Publication number: 20140095343
    Abstract: A system is provided that searches and matches data. The system receives a payload including one or more data values, where the one or more data values represent an item configuration. The system further generates a match key for the payload that includes at least one data value of the one or more data values. The system further compares the match key with one or more match keys stored in a match repository. The system further retrieves a configuration item identity from the match repository when the match key matches a match key stored in the match repository, where the configuration item identity represents a previously ordered item configuration. The system further generates a new configuration item identity when the match key does not match a match key stored in the match repository, where the new configuration item identity represents the item configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas DANIEL, Kshitij RANJAN, William BRAND, Michael LIZIO, Stephanie MERENDA
  • Publication number: 20140089128
    Abstract: Techniques for delivering a video message from a purchaser of an order to a recipient of the order are described. An order for one or more items is received, the order specifying a recipient and having an association with a purchaser. The order further specifies to deliver a video message from the purchaser to the recipient. Embodiments receive a video message from the purchaser. The order for the one or more items is fulfilled. Embodiments transmit at least an indication of the video message to the recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Stauffer, Patricia Elaine Colley, Kimberly J. Cullen, Jesse James Garrett, Peter David Merholz, Dane Robert Petersen, Margaret Ann Shear, Kristin Anne Miller, Jonathan Hunt Warner, Christopher Adam Wronski
  • Patent number: 8677624
    Abstract: A ring including a shank having platforms at predetermined locations on an outer surface of the shank, where the platforms identify preferred positions for setting gemstones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Mardkha
  • Publication number: 20140081796
    Abstract: Software replaces album art stored in metadata of a music file with a personalized picture that is displayed when the music file is played on a music player device. The personalized picture may be selected from diverse sources such as social media sites or hard drives on computers. The personalized music file may be gifted to intended recipients and downloaded to their music player devices. The personalized picture is displayed when the personalized music file is played on the music player device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicants: Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Jason Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140081797
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: TouchTunes Music Corporation
    Inventors: Ed RIVERA, Michael TOOKER, Francois GUY, Francois BEAUMIER, Charles BATTLE, Mounir KHENFIR, Charles GARNEAU
  • Publication number: 20140076241
    Abstract: A modular system and method is provided that enables the consumer to design/build his or her own bird feeder based on interchangeable modular components that include multiple bases of different styles, multiple nutrient reservoirs of different styles, and one or more additional components, each having different styles. The system and method provides an on-line store that allows consumers to view the various styles for each component and to select their own base, reservoir, etc. Once the desired components have been selected on-line, a bill of materials listing the components is printed at a manufacturing facility where the selected components are pulled from a common inventory, assembled into a custom feeder and shipped to the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: William VAUGHN, Karolyn Warfel