Abstract: A method and system for displaying footwear information. The method and system utilize a database on a computer readable medium, the database including a plurality of footwear representations including various measurement parameters. A user inputs a selection of a reference footwear model. A footwear representation of the reference footwear model is loaded from the database along with footwear representations for a plurality of additional models of footwear. The footwear representation for the reference footwear model and the footwear representations for the additional models of footwear are compared to identify at least one of the additional models of footwear having similar measurement parameters as the reference footwear model. Additional models identified are presented to the user as a recommendation.

Abstract: A system accepts event criteria for at least one ticket and at least one event; accepts price criteria for the ticket(s) and the event(s); displays an interactive graphics-based event venue map illustrating a location of all sections at a venue with at least one ticket meeting the event and price criteria; accepts section selection criteria, at least one section being selected from the interactive graphics-based event venue map; displays ticket information to allow a user to drill down to a specific ticket, cause a location of the specific ticket to be displayed in the interactive venue map; and enable a capability to utilize the interactive venue map to choose a section of interest, causing corresponding ticket information to be displayed in the web browsing language.

Abstract: A system and method consistent with the present disclosure includes collecting a plurality of information associated with components sold by a plurality of vendors. In response from a requester requesting component recommendations from a system and method consistent with the present disclosure, retrieving the collected component information of the components relevant to the request. Finally, communicating the retrieved component information as component recommendations to the requester.

Abstract: Vehicle ownership impact evaluations are implemented by a host system having logic executable thereon. The logic calculates mileage indicative of a roundtrip for a commute received from a user. The logic also acquires terrain data for the commute from a database containing topological information. The logic uses the routing information, in conjunction with a timestamp associated with input from the user, to access a database containing climate information for a geography identified from the routing information, and determines an estimated climate for a time of year via the timestamp. The logic receives an identifier for a vehicle from the user, and retrieves specification data for the vehicle via the identifier. The logic further applies the specification data to the mileage, the estimated climate, the terrain data, and a base energy price, and calculates estimated costs for the commute in terms of energy consumed for the round trip by the vehicle.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an information management application that provides users with the ability to create and customize matrix displays of information relating to a particular product or service for navigation by other users is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated selection of formulations and/or formulation components by specifying product characteristics. In particular, the system and method serve customers within market segments that use selected components as raw materials for manufacture of specialty products and that require an understanding of how the selected components effect performance. For example, such products as electronic circuits, coatings, adhesives, sealants, inks, polishes, cleaners, and detergents fall within the profile of such products.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate to a transaction generation method, a transaction generation device, and a computer program product for generating a transaction. A transaction generation method is provided. The method includes receiving an unnegotiated request including preset product criteria information, generating a transaction preorder corresponding to the unnegotiated request, generating a reverse negotiation identifier, receiving an expected transaction request, searching for product characteristic information, searching for a preset product criteria information, comparing the searched product characteristic information and the preset product criteria information, and in the event that the searched product characteristic information and the preset product criteria information match, marking a supplier counterparty as a selected counterparty.

Abstract: To provide a search device which enables a user to understand a desired product or service even when there are a plurality of types of representation systems for an attribute of the product or service. Attribute storage means (60) stores, in association with identification information of a product or a service, first attribute information representing an attribute of the product or the service by a first representation system. Correspondence relationship storage means (60) stores a correspondence relationship between the first attribute information and second attribute information representing the above-mentioned attribute by a second representation system. Search result acquisition means (62) acquires a search result based on the second attribute information included in a search condition, and storage contents of the correspondence relationship storage means and the attribute storage means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for facilitating the selection, purchasing and ordering glass products. The apparatus includes a processor which is controlled by software to facilitate a selection process which integrates the comparison of glass products and their properties, as well as, including particular properties of particular components of a glass product. The apparatus can work with a user input device and is programmed to display graphics associated with selections and potential selections for glass products. The system and method providing selection menus for display on a display device and an animation graphic associated with a selection presented to the user. The system, apparatus, and method integrates the glass product selection information, and makes selections for the user, based on the user's previous choices and specified target performances to present to the user potential glass products.

Abstract: As part of the general search functionality in the context of a comparison shopping site, a skip by popularity functionality evaluates each keyword submitted to a search engine. The skip by popularity functionality then determines whether the keyword or keywords submitted are highly relevant to a specific attribute or category. When a relevance threshold with respect to a specific attribute or category is met, certain criteria may be applied to test whether the user can be skipped over intermediate navigational steps and immediately delivered to the highly relevant category or attribute or even to a comparison shopping page for a specific product. Skip by popularity functionality may be used to determine and select the single most popular product associated with the keyword as determined either by users, or according to some other suitable determination scheme.

Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for managing, marketing, and selling an inventory of unique items. In more detail, the computer program, method, and system provide for the managing, marketing, and selling of an inventory of unique items, such as small-quantity or single-quantity items that are difficult and/or time-consuming to individually register and categorize.

Abstract: A method of searching for a product or service and presenting the results in a calendar type view; wherein the search is instigated in a request which includes a plurality of parameters, such as a city pair and/or a date, and one or more upsell criteria; the method comprising the steps of: determining via a computer search, results which meet at least one parameter and one or more upsell criteria to thereby determine a flight domain; progressively determining the flight domain via a computer to produce refined results; limiting the number of results in the flight domain based on the at least one parameter, one or more upsell criteria and first one of a plurality of abstraction levels to thereby obtain the refined results, which refined results have lowest prices; and presenting the refined results in a view such as a calendar matrix view.

Abstract: A method for creating and managing a restaurant menu can be disclosed. The method can include establishing a restaurant menu; adding one or more menu items to the menu; associating menu item description information with the one or more menu items; and associating menu item location information with the one or more menu items. The menu can be searchable and at least one of the item description information or item location information can be used to display the results of menu searches on a map-based interface.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method is provided using a computing device that has a sensor for custom golf club fitting. Here, a hand dimension is detected using the sensor of the computing device. The hand dimension correlates to a grip size of a golf club. A query is composed with a parameter based on the detected hand dimension. The query is then communicated to an online platform that facilitates sales of golf clubs. In response to the query, an inventory of a number of the golf clubs having the grip size is received from the online platform. The inventory is then provided for display on the computing device.

Abstract: A method, system and software product provides a comprehensive toilet repair product selector guide. A search engine is made available to consumers, retail sellers and others in an “on-line” format. Such a method, system and software product will provide the user with prompts and guidance for diagnosing toilet problems, improving toilet performance and realizing water savings. The method, system and software product of the present invention would be accessible using mobile encoding technology, personal digital assistants (such as “smart phones” and the like) and other personal computing devices.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to computer implemented real estate services. Specifically, this invention relates to a computer implemented system and method for automatically matching users with real estate (e.g., apartments, rental units, condos, houses) that both fit a user's criteria, but also for which the system has received pre-approval for based on one or more criteria associated with the user (e.g., credit scores).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a purchase request to a dealer immediately. A Data Center system has a system database accessible to a plurality of dealers. A potential buyer submits a purchase request over a computer network to the Data Center system. The purchase request may include product identification data and buyer location information. The Data Center system identifies at least one appropriate dealer to receive the purchase request. The Data Center creates a purchase request record from the data and information provided in the purchase request. The Data Center then communicates the purchase request to the appropriate dealer by immediately storing the purchase request record into the system database such that the purchase request is accessible only to the at least one identified dealer. The purchase request becomes available to the at least one identified dealer immediately upon the creation of the purchase request record.

Abstract: In a B-to B transaction performed via a telecommunication network, a supplier can obtain the opportunity of having a new business customer while a buyer can figure out a reasonable price of an item to be purchased, thereby reducing useless sourcing cost. Information indicative of items each buyer purchased in the past is stored correlated with each buyer in a purchase assistance device, which assists each buyer in purchases of items via electronic business transaction from any one of a plurality of suppliers, the items having a specification desired by each buyer. Further, information on similar items having the same specification is stored in the purchase assistance device correlated with the items that each buyer purchased. In response to a question about items a buyer purchased in the past, the information on similar items is presented to the buyer in the purchase assistance device, together with the information about the item.

Abstract: A product information communication system comprising a product, a product identification device retained relative to the product, product identifying information retained in electronic memory regarding the product, and a communication network permitting electronic access to the product details including the retained product identifying information. Identifying information can be accessed by wireless communication and rendered available by a central server with electronic access to product identifying information. Product details can include product characteristics, functions, construction, maintenance, performance, usage, warranty information, and instructions. Electronic tracking, analysis, and recommendation regarding product usage by sensors can be selectively induced.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for a designer garment tracking platform. A set of garment profiles is received, each garment profile defining a garment being offered for sale by an associated garment designer profile. A set of new stylist projects is received, each including data indicative of one or more garment profiles, a model profile for a model, and a media event. The set of garment profiles is updated based on the received set of new stylist project. Data indicative of a request from a consumer's computing device to view a requested set of garment profiles associated with a particular media event, a particular stylist profile, a particular model profile, a particular garment designer profile, or any combination thereof, is received. A web page to the consumer's computing device comprising data indicative of the requested set of garment profiles.

Abstract: The present invention is a garment sizing system that that identifies the correct garment size for a particular garment type for a plurality of brands. In an embodiment, the garment sizing system is a client-server system that uses at least one server to host a website, garment sizing software, and at least one database. The consumers access the website over a communication network using networked devices. The database is populated with garment data such as garment type, brand name, brand line, retailers that sell that sell the brand, garment size, and dimensional garment measurements. Using the website, the consumer inputs the consumer's body measurement or the size of a specific garment that is known to fit the consumer, and the system retrieves and displays from the database the correct sizes for a specific garment type from a variety of brands based on the inputted data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining an offer for a sale of a desired product or a service are provided. The method includes iteratively transmitting a first signal including a first data message using a mobile transceiver device. Each of the first data messages includes information relating to the desired product or service. The method further includes receiving at least one of the first signals having the first data message and determining whether a product or service provider has the desired product or service available for sale. Finally, the method includes transmitting a second signal including a second data message to the mobile transceiver device. The second data message includes an offer to sell the desired product or service.

Abstract: Systems and methods match buyers and sellers of goods and/or services online. More specifically, a website facilitates a search by consumers of retailers for goods and/or services. In addition, the website facilitates the advertising of goods and/or services by retailers. Specifically, a user of the system may search for particular products and services, and/or businesses. Interactive maps provide a user with location information of businesses and/or service providers that fit one or more criteria searched by the user. Icons may be generated on the map, whereupon users may obtain information relating to products or services searched for by selecting the icons. Further information may also be obtained relating to the businesses, service providers, products and/or services of the businesses and/or service providers. Users may select to buy particular products and/or services directly from the businesses and/or service providers, or may tag products and/or services for viewing at a later time.

Abstract: A catalog based price search method comprises, among other things, associating a price search data with a particular data classifier of the set of data classifiers using a processor; creating a database having the price search data associated with the particular data classifier of the set of data classifiers, and different price search data associated with different data classifiers of the set of data classifiers; automatically rendering a structured view in a structured format of the set of data classifiers having the particular data classifier and different data classifiers; and processing a payment of an interested party when the structured view develops a patron base above a threshold value; and offering a subscription service on the structured view associated with the interested party when the patron base is above the threshold value.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a method and apparatus whereby a single action may control fulfillment services are described. Various embodiments may include an inventory management system associated with a fulfillment services provider. The inventory management system may be configured to implement a fulfillment services management interface configured to generate a user interface providing an indication of item(s) listed for sale by a merchant. In various embodiments, order fulfillment services for such items may not be provided by a fulfillment services provider. Additionally, the user interface may provide a single action user interface element for the merchant to register the one or more items for fulfillment by a fulfillment services provider. The inventory management system may, in response to receiving an indication of activation of the single action user interface element, register the item(s) for fulfillment by the fulfillment services provider.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing products. An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, a method includes but is not limited to identifying a weak attribute of a component in the product; and generating a recommendation related to the weak attribute of the component. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the description, claims, and drawings that form the present disclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically determining substitution chains that are valid during a rules-based ATP check for an order item. In one implementation, a system is provided that includes an interface for interfacing with a plurality of data storage devices in at least one of which a plurality of stock items are stored as data. The system also includes an execution memory storing software and a buffer for temporarily storing data. A processor coupled to the interface and the execution memory may carry out an availability check in which a replacement chain describing replacements is stored in the buffer. The replacement chain may be determined by one or more of rules defining substitutions.

Abstract: A method of locating a relevant product belonging to a category of related products sharing predetermined product attributes is provided. At a client computer, a search topic associated with the category arrives from a user along with user-profile data like demographic, geographic, and situational data. A server locates at information locations some related products within the category, each having the pre-determined set of product attributes having associated content. For each product attribute, the content associated therewith in one of the located products is compared against content associated with the product attribute in each other located product and is assigned a relative score based on the comparison. The shared set of product attributes is prioritized based in part upon relevance of a product attribute to user profile data and the located products are ranked based on the prioritizing and the score of content associated with the product attributes.

Abstract: A personalized multi-dimensional avatar (PMDA) to represent individuals are used for dynamically searching for elements in a computer-based commerce system that matches a subject element to a target element. In one aspect, permissioning preferences of the represented individual control contacting the represented individual and/or using the PMDA specifications. In another aspect, desired items and sources of the items are identified to individuals. In another aspect, the PMDAs are used to identify desired customers.

Abstract: A system and methods for mapping price and location of tickets in an event venue are described. An interactive event venue seat map is provided by a network-based system that implements an online marketplace for tickets for upcoming events. The interactive event venue seat map enables sellers to view pricing information and transaction information for both sold and current event listings for any section or zone in an event venue. The interactive event venue seat map allows sellers to browse and click on sections to see sold and listed data for any section and zone in the event venue and to compare a proposed sale price to available pricing information of sold and current event listings in comparable sections. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides a a method for tailoring food and/or beverage products to consumer requirements, comprising the steps of providing to a target person a set of a plurality of different food product samples of the same food product category, each product sample having at least two organoleptic properties, and the food product samples differing from each other with regard to at least one organoleptic property, wherein each organoleptic property is present, preferably in differing strengths, in at least two food product samples, receiving liking values representing a liking for the consumed product samples from the target person, via a first communication interface designed for electronic communication, and computing a target person-specific prioritization ranking as to the organoleptic properties by a computing system, functionally connected to the first communication interface preferably via a network and designed for computing the prioritization ranking, the prioritization ranking being compiled by comp

Abstract: Aspects of this invention disclose a system for providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including providing storage circuitry comprising a database of products, storing product data in the database, receiving from a prospective product purchaser, product data of a desired product to purchase, accessing the database of products and comparing the product data to product data in the database, and determining a probability that the product data matches product data stored in the database. Other aspects may include a data processing apparatus providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including storage circuitry comprising a database of product data, processing circuitry configured to receive purchaser specified product search inquiry data, accessing the database of product data, and comparing the purchaser specified product search inquiry data to the product data; and determining a probability that the prospective purchaser product data matches the product data stored in the database.

Abstract: A shared “universal” virtual shopping cart (“the cart”) may be provided by a host to enable information sharing between multiple disparate electronic marketplaces provided by various merchants. The host may obtain user information via the cart to improve interactions with a user. The host may recommend an item to the user that is offered at a lower price and related to an item retained in the user's cart. The host may also recommend items based on a user's purchase history, such as complementary items (e.g., up-sell items) and items other users may recommend. In some aspects, the host may compile best selling lists based on data from multiple electronic marketplaces. The host may also perform user specific operations such as indicate an item in a cart is a duplicate of a previous purchase and monitor a price and/or available quantities of an item in the cart.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for generating customer-specific vehicle proposals based on ongoing vehicle finance pay-off information received from a third party entity. The embodiments of the invention herein disclosed provide for efficient identification of potential customers based on their current vehicle and the ongoing financial obligation related to the current vehicle. A replacement vehicle is identified and a vehicle proposal, such as a sales or lease proposal, is generated for one or more of the identified potential customers.

Abstract: An item record in an item database contains an item description generated by a seller of an item. A server machine is configured to access the item database, analyze the item description, and extract descriptive information by inferring an attribute and a corresponding attribute value from the item description. The attribute and its attribute value constitute an attribute-value pair. The server machine uses the attribute-value pair to map the item record to a product record stored in a product database. The mapping of the item record to the product record is based on comparing the attribute-value pair of the item record to a reference attribute-value pair in the product record to identify the product record. The mapping is performed upon detection of a match between the attribute-value pairs.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system and method for providing merchandise items at a network site. According to an embodiment, an image of a merchandise item is obtained. The image is programmatically analyzed to determine information about the merchandise item. The information is used to generate a presentation that includes the merchandise item.

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.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for generating a tier rollup record perform the steps of: receiving a request for one of a product record and a plurality of product records having a determined attribute value; querying a first data set for product records corresponding to the request; receiving one or more unique record identifiers corresponding to the request; querying a second data set for a product record and associated product attribute values corresponding to each unique identifier; receiving the product record and associated product attribute values corresponding to each unique identifier; identifying a most representative product record from the product records and associated product attribute values corresponding to each unique identifier; rolling up the most representative product record; and transmitting the rolled up most representative product record.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for searching for items in a set of items using a similarity model. These search techniques may be used in an online purchasing system. Receiving orders for items may comprise receiving input from a user indicating a request for a first item in the set of items, picking a first plurality of items from the set of items based on the first item and a similarity model, presenting the first plurality of items to the user, and receiving a request from the user for a second item in the first plurality of items. The similarity model may represent similarity between items in the set of items and may be used to select a subset of items to quickly to lead to identification of an item of interest.

Abstract: A computer implemented system, method and computer program product for identifying a user's design categories for one or more products offered by one or more sellers of products. A plurality of questions can be displayed. Each question is associated with a plurality of choices. A user can be permitted to select one or more choices to the plurality of questions. An indication of at least one of the selected choices to one or more of the plurality of questions can be received. The selected choices comprise lifestyle preferences for the user. Multiple user design categories can be identified based on the user's lifestyle preferences. The user's multiple design categories can be displayed. Access can be provided to an incentive for the purchase products associated with the user's design categories. The incentive is activatable at a seller's retail location.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing dynamic item pricing to a customer during online shopping and/or purchasing of wireless devices. In a representative embodiment, a dynamic pricing system is executed in a computing device that generates a network page to send to a client device over a network, the network page including a price for a specified wireless device. The dynamic pricing system communicates with the client device over the network to obtain a selected service plan associated with the specified wireless device. The dynamic pricing system determines an updated price for the specified wireless device in response to the selected service plan for access by the customer.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for processing data relating to transactions that enables, for example, performing a Drill-Through on a given association rule for a large number of transactions in a short period of time. A Drill-Through (DT) Preparation, which generates the prefix tree and the transaction group information, and the DT Execution, which determines the transactions supporting an association rule, may be carried out in order to extract hidden information from input data.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for delivering a selected gender specific baby registry gift. A baby registry profile is created in response to receiving registration information from a registrant. The baby registry profile is populated with a set of baby registry gifts selected by the registrant. The set of baby registry gifts includes one or more pairs of gender specific baby registry gifts. In response to receiving a gender notification from a gender notification entity, a selected gender specific baby registry gift is identified from the one or more pairs of gender specific baby registry gifts. The selected gender specific registry gift is delivered for the registrant.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for inventory filtering includes filtering one or more inventory items offered for sale. A primary list of the inventory items from a primary logistics information database may be obtained. A first restriction requirement based on the primary list may be generated. A second list may be generated pertaining to the inventory items and may include a list of one or more internally generated second restriction parameters different than any parameters used to establish the first restriction requirement. A second restriction requirement may be generated based on the second list. A combined restriction requirement may be generated based on any combination of the first restriction requirement and the second restriction requirement. The sale of the item may be restricted based on the combined restriction requirement.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for building store product finders. The system may include: a product search engine to find products matching at least one product subcategory of product subcategories of a store product category for a store product finder, and a dominant product subcategory determining device to determine a dominant product subcategory. Each product subcategory has a product coverage. The dominant product subcategory has a highest product coverage among the product subcategories. The system may also include a filter installing device to install at least one product search filter into the store product finder.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for building store product finders. The system may include: a product search engine configured to find, from product storage, a plurality of product subcategories that match at least one store product category of the plurality of store product categories, and a dominant product subcategory determining device configured to determine a dominant product subcategory. The dominant product subcategory has the highest product coverage among the plurality of product subcategories. The system may also include: a filter selecting device configured to select at least one product search filter from a list of product search filters, and a filter installing device configured to install the at least one product search filter in the store product finder.

Abstract: Techniques for searching for products in an inventory of product are disclosed. The techniques receive data that specifies attributes of a product, search inventory of products to determine potential matches or closely related matches to at least some of the attributes of the products, generate messages based on the search of inventory to determine the potential matches, generate positional information associated with the messages and generate a set of informational depictions of the generated messages, with the informational depictions of the messages when rendered on a display device are rendered in juxtaposition with representations of the products according to the generated positional information.

Abstract: A computerized product comparison and selection system configured to communicate with a plurality of product provider systems and a plurality of user access devices, and configured to enable a user of one of the user access devices to sequentially compare sets of different product images of a selected product type to determine user preferences for the various characteristics of the product type. A specific product is determined by the system by inferentially defining and identifying the user's preferences through analysis of visual product images selected by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods includes a server in communication with customer computers, such as through a user interface via the internet. The server can store customer information including billing information, and may include a real-time video processor. A mobile delivery system in communication with the server includes an energy efficient vehicle, a real-time video device, a global positioning system, a communication device and a printer. In use, a customer communicates with a mobile delivery agent via the real-time video device and the communication device to remotely acquire a product. Once acquired, the delivery agent delivers the product to a designated delivery location. The real-time video device can be utilized during the entire transaction. The system preferably includes a processor for optimizing system efficiencies, including selecting a delivery agent based on the product, pick-up location and delivery site.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptive commerce is disclosed. Adaptive commerce enables recommendations of products or services based on usage behaviors and commercial contextual information. Commercial contextual information may include the business environment of the recommendation recipient, purchase histories, and product or service attributes. Bundles of products and/or services, or specific product or service configurations may be recommended. Corresponding prices may be determined in accordance with behavioral inferences and commercial contextual information.