Abstract: Methods for providing specialty product information to consumers.

Abstract: A customer sends a CAD file for the part to be manufactured to the system. The system assesses the CAD file to determine various pieces of manufacturing information. One or more acceptability criteria are applied to the part, such as whether the part can be machined in two opposing orientations in a 3 axis CNC machine. If not, the system sends a file to the customer graphically indicating which portions of the part need modification to be manufacturable. The system provides the customer with a quotation form, that allows the customer to select several parameters, such as number of cavities or parts per workpiece block, surface finish and material, which are independent of the shape of the part. The quotation module then provides the customer with the cost to manufacture the mold or a number of parts, which may include both molded parts and total profiled machined parts. Budget-driven quotation is possible, wherein proposed modifications in the molding process are controlled by the budget of the customer.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating item ratings for a user in order to allow for recommendations of selected items for that user. A set of known ratings of different items for a plurality of users is collected and maintained, and these known ratings are used to estimate rating factors influencing ratings, including user and item factors. Initial user and item factors are estimated and new user and item factors are successively added, with the original rating factors being progressively shrunk so as to reduce their magnitude and their contribution to the rating estimation as successive factors are added. When an appropriate number of user and item factors has been estimated, the rating factors are used to estimate ratings of items for a user, and the estimated ratings are employed to generate recommendations for that user.

Abstract: A wear apparel fit system on a global computer network enables, the apparel designer to provide apparel data to the fit system, a merchant interface that enables the apparel data to be embedded in a merchant's prior art apparel web pages, a customer of the apparel merchant, using a client computer connected to the global computer network with the ability to shop the apparel merchants display an apparel web page. The web page has a Try-it-on link displayed next to the display of the apparel on the merchant's web page that retrieves a fit program from a third party server, executes the fit program in the client and displays web pages, to try on the apparel for fit using visual color coded indicators overlaid over a wire line image of the customer. The fit system provides privacy to customer by not using a central database system for customer data.

Abstract: A machine-controlled electronic commerce (e-commerce) method may include receiving from a user an importance condition and a preference condition, target condition, or both. A data store may store textual information, numerical information, belief information, estimation data, or any combination thereof. A machine may execute a query against the stored information. A processor may apply an importance by asserting the importance condition against the stored information. The processor may apply a preference probability by asserting the preference condition against the stored information. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the processor may apply the target condition against the stored information. The machine may perform a search operation that incorporates at least one result of the querying and provide at least one search result based on the search operation. Responsive to multiple results of the querying, the machine may provide an indication of a ranking corresponding to at least one of the results.

Abstract: Providing query results includes: receiving a search query sent by a user; obtain user information that corresponds to the user; determining, at an online transaction system, merchandise information that corresponds to the search query; based on correspondence information of previously stored user information and previously stored search queries with respective highest need level categories, determining a highest need level category that correspond to the received user information and obtained search query, wherein the highest need level category is a category determined to best reflect the user's individual need for merchandise information in response to the search query; and ranking the merchandise information at least in part according to the determined highest need level category.

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: A system and method for designing a plurality of customized embodiments of petal window valances utilizing an on-line design interface. The system includes an on-line design server that is connected to at least one client computer via a network. The on-line design server provides the customer with a process to enable the creation of a customized petal window valance that is derived from the inputs of the customer as the customer utilizes the process. During particular steps of the design process, the on-line design server provides choices for the customer wherein the customer must select at least on of the provided choices. The on-line design server includes a plurality of databases of design elements contain therein and are provided to the customer different design elements that can be selected to create the customized embodiment.

Abstract: A system and method of illustrating where at least one ticket is located in an event venue, comprising: accepting event criteria for at least one ticket and at least one event; accepting price criteria for the at least one ticket and the at least one event; displaying an interactive graphics-based event venue map illustrating a location of all sections at a venue with at least one ticket meeting the event criteria and price criteria; accepting section selection criteria, at least one section being selected from the interactive graphics-based event venue map; displaying ticket information in a web browsing language corresponding to the section selection criteria, the displayed ticket information in the web browsing language being able to be utilized to drill down to a specific ticket, causing a location of the specific ticket to be displayed in the interactive graphics-based event venue map; and enabling a capability to utilize the interactive graphics-based event venue map to choose a section of interest, cau

Abstract: A distributed network transaction system and method includes a central exchange computer connected via the Internet (world wide web) to multiple remote computers associated with, for example, individual brokers. A central database is provided with the exchange computer and each remote computer can have a respective database for information that the individual brokers was to maintain separate from the system. E-commerce transactions are conducted by the system, which performs a number of transaction-related functions, such as pushing tickets up to the system for sale, purchasing tickets online, shipping, web site-related and bookkeeping. The system and methodology accommodate price event functions where non real-time tickets can be sold and the orders filled with tickets acquired on the system.

Abstract: In a consumer information system, a method of comparing products and services including providing product specific information, providing merchant specific information on the specified product, providing merchant specific business information, providing product specific information collected by third parties, providing merchant specific information collected by third parties, applying weighting factors to the information provided, producing an aggregate value for each merchant based on the weighting factors as applied to the information provided, and producing a ranking of the merchants offering the specified product based on the aggregate value for each merchant. The system provides for consumers to select a set of standardized weighting factors or to modify the standardized weighting factors or to create their own weighting factors. The system provides detailed information to consumers on the breakdown of factors influencing the rating.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP), conducting IP transactions and searching IP related data is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. Data associations are tags are established to relate IP content to vertical silos of data, such as an industry silo, A search engine enables customized search of a the vertical silos.

Abstract: A system for generating a view of a purchase history, includes an electronic receipt generator for generating an electronic receipt including information regarding a purchase by a customer, a storage device for storing the electronic receipt, and a display screen generator which accesses the electronic receipt in the storage device to generate a display screen which displays a map corresponding to the information included in the electronic receipt.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for providing navigation of a database includes a plurality of records having attributes, the method including transmitting a webpage configured to display a plurality of hierarchies of selectable filters corresponding for plural manufacturer's products, wherein each hierarchy corresponds to the respective manufacturer's product taxonomy, receiving at least one attribute value based on a filter selection, transmitting a query to an index for unique identifiers corresponding to that satisfy the at least one attribute value, receiving the unique identifiers, transmitting a query to a product data set for records in the data set corresponding to the unique identifier, receiving, with a computing device, the one or more records, and transmitting said one or more records.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of controlling a virtual shopping center can include: receiving a user input at a query input engine; aggregating an output from the query input engine with a user preference, such as a purchase history or other expressed interest, to form a search criteria; searching a database using the search criteria; and displaying an image associated with a matching product or service resulting from the search of the database.

Abstract: An interactive system personalizes pages of an electronic catalog with information reflective of related orders placed by the user. In one embodiment, when a user requests a category page (such as a browse node page, author page, or artist page) of an electronic catalog, the system determines whether the user previously ordered any items falling within the associated category. If any such orders are identified, information regarding the prior order(s) is incorporated into the requested category page. This information may include, for example, an indication of the particular item(s) ordered, and the order date and/or status of each such order. The system may also personalize item detail pages with information regarding any orders placed for the corresponding items and/or similar items.

Abstract: A method for performing an action based on user interaction with a graphical presentation, according to one embodiment. In use, output data is generated corresponding to a multidimensional presentation of graphical representations of two or more consumer products in relation to each other. Additionally, positions of the graphical representations of the consumer products relative to each other are based on multiple attributes of the products. Further, none of the dimensions correlates to a side by side ordering of the consumer products. Further still, a user selection of one or more of the consumer products is received. Also, a transaction is performed based on additional input received from the user. Additional embodiments are also presented.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing specialty product information to consumers.

Abstract: A configurable item finder user interface (UI) is provided that helps users locate desired items within data stores of item data and item attribute data. The configurable item finder UI presents a set of selectors through which users can quickly indicate the desired attribute values. In contrast to a request-response model in which users are required to select desired values for individual attributes serially and iteratively and wait for matching results to be displayed on a page, the configurable item finder UI dynamically adjusts its result display based on user interaction with the one or more selectors. Instances of the configurable item finder UI can be configured by a content management service to be used at various times and in various locations within a deployed or third party environment.

Abstract: A method of receiving input image data for an image search engine includes providing a two-dimensional input image on a display screen, enabling a user to rotate the input image on the display screen about an axis that is non-perpendicular to a plane of the input image, and enabling the user to electronically draw modifications on the rotated input image.

Abstract: A system and method for a buyer to purchase gold and gold bearing items from remote sellers. The system employs purchasers working with said buyer to seek gold bearing items from sellers. The sellers are provided with the price payable for their gold bearing item, before tendering it to the purchaser and are also afforded the ability to check gold prices before agreeing to a sale.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided that are directed to providing a user with time-sensitive information that is usable to determine when to purchase a product. In accordance with embodiments of the technology, exemplary steps include using historical product information to generate time-sensitive information. Moreover, in response to receiving from a user a request to receive information describing a given product, time-sensitive information is caused to be presented. For example, time-sensitive information might be usable by the user to determine when to purchase the given product and an alternative product.

Abstract: Online purchasing of components compatible with particular hardware devices of a computer system. In one aspect, the identity of a hardware device capable of communicating with computer systems is automatically determined. At least one component for the hardware device is displayed on a computer system based on the identity of the hardware device such that the user can select the at least one component for purchase, where the at least one component is compatible with and for use with the hardware device.

Abstract: A system for remote maintenance for a machine. The system includes a database having information for a plurality of machines. A customer accesses the database in order to receive an illustration of at least one of said plurality of machines. Thereafter, the customer identifies a position of the machine illustration and is provided with ordering data for that portion of the machine (e.g., a machine component, sub-component or part). Using this ordering data the customer can order parts of its machine. Additionally, using an imaging device, such as a digital camera, the customer can transmit images of the machine to an off-site expert and receive real-time information related to the assembly, installation, repair or maintenance of the machine.

Abstract: The disclosure enables a buyer to beat an advertised price and make a deal and a donation via a network by specifying at least one of a product and a service desired for purchase by the buyer, calculating a price range from a real-time network search of a comparable advertised product or service and making an offer to at least one registered seller based on a graded price from the price range comprising the seller's asking price. Furthermore, the disclosure transacts a deal between the buyer and a seller and transfers a difference between the graded price and the seller's asking price to a charity or a third party of the buyer's choice. Also, a loss difference to the seller between the seller's asking price and a graded price may be donated to a charity of the seller's choosing from the seller's proceeds and a difference with the graded price.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for recommending a disposable incontinence device to be used by an incontinent person. The method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving information, from a user, about incontinence devices which are currently used by the incontinent person; (b) receiving information about the situation which is experienced by the user; and (c) selecting at least one device, based on the information received, among predetermined disposable incontinence devices. By this method, an appropriate disposable incontinence device(s) to be used are recommended depending on the user's situation. The present invention is also directed a method for evaluating the quality of life of a caregiver who takes care of an incontinent person.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A method of comparing a plurality of decision options is provided. The method can include entering a plurality of factors; determining a plurality of decision options based on the plurality of factors; calculating a score for the plurality of factors; ranking each decision option based on the total score of each factor; outputting the rankings for each decision option.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for efficient delivery of a plurality of information regarding items for auction. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a server entity adapted to communicate with a plurality of information sources (such as sources having vehicle history information, estimated valuation information, etc.) The server entity compiles information received from the plurality of sources and formats the information for efficient delivery to a client device via e.g., SMS based text messaging, internet-based instant messaging, or the like. In another salient aspect of the invention, a client enters an auction identification number (AID) rather than a longer alpha-numeric VIN or other identification number. The server entity may also calculate and communicate estimates and/or alerts/reminders of when bidding will begin for particular items for auction which the client has expressed interest in. Exemplary client interface and business methods are also given.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: Network-based system and method for providing custom circuits to customers. At least one computer may be used to perform the method. A specification of a custom circuit may be received from at least one first user over a wide area network. The specification may specify a design of the custom circuit. Information regarding the custom circuit may be provided on a website over the wide area network. At least one purchase order of the custom circuit may be received from at least one second user over the wide area network. The purchase order(s) may include delivery information for the custom circuit. Delivery of the custom circuit may be configured based on the purchase order(s). The first user(s) may receive payment based on the purchase order(s).

Abstract: A request for information relating to a commodity is sent to a server using a client computer. The requested commodity information is received at the client computer and rendered on a display. A client action with respect to the commodity information is detected, and, using the client computer, a determination is made whether communication with the server is required to respond to the client action and, if the communication is not necessary, responding to the client action without communicating with the server regarding the response.

Abstract: An electronic catalog system, which may be implemented as a web site or another type of interactive system, presents context-sensitive information to customers reflective of their prior orders. In one embodiment, when a customer requests an item detail page for a particular item, the system may supplement the item detail page with information reflective of one or more related orders previously placed by the customer. This information may include, for example, an indication that the customer previously ordered this item or a related item, and may include information, such as status information, regarding such previously placed order(s). If the customer previously ordered a related item, the information provided on the item detail page may include an indication of whether the previously ordered item is compatible or interoperable with the item being viewed.

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: A commodity order issuing and accepting method is disclosed in which an order issuer requests a first electronic document having first input fields for order issuer information and for commodity order issuance information except for a payment date to an order accepter; the order accepter transmits the first electronic document to the order issuer; the order issuer fills the first input fields; the order issuer transmits the filled information to the order accepter; the order accepter retrieves a transaction condition corresponding to the commodity order issuance information except for the payment date; the order accepter transmits a second electronic document on which the transaction condition is described and which has a second input field for the payment date to the order issuer; the order issuer inputs the payment date to the second input field; and the order issuer transmits the payment date to the order accepter.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for conducting commercial transactions over the Internet, whereby a shopper can simultaneously search for a plurality of items on at least one website with a single search command. The shopper can selectively specify the items of interest to be searched and can also specify and/or exclude websites to be searched. The system also searches a selectively alterable set of default website(s) and intelligently recommended website(s). Under one search command, the system simultaneously searches for all of the items on any combination of the following: site(s) specified by the user, a default website, an alterable set of default or intelligently recommended website(s). Information regarding the items retrieved as a result of the search is compiled under an alterable set of criteria, and displayed for viewing by the shopper. The shopper can simultaneously purchase selected ones of said items with one order command.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that select an outfit for a user from a database that stores a plurality of predefined outfits. A first interface can be used to obtain instructions from a user including at least a body shape and an event type. Using the instructions, a computer-based selector can select at least one predefined outfit that has at least two pieces, and the at least one predefined outfit can be displayed to the user via a second interface. Physical transfer of the at least one predefined outfit, or a portion thereof, can be facilitated by the systems and methods described herein.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to perform pricing and brokering of Cloud services. Illustrative pricing/charging plans include “pay as you go (subscription)” and “pay for what you use (dynamic)”. The present invention also provides a way to display a price next to service. In general, a broker agent (hereinafter referred to as “agent”) executes within the environment and queries available and acceptable Cloud resources from a plurality of providers. Based on resources, published rates, and rate projections, the broker schedules, reschedules, moves, and otherwise manages Cloud jobs based on job criteria and optimized execution cost.

Abstract: In response to a request for audio-visual content from a user, a method and system is provided which sends the content and additional information related to the location of the user.

Abstract: A method of determining a computer system is provided. The method comprises categorizing the criticality level of each application based on a business impact assessment. The method includes identifying computer system configurations for an application based on a decision tree and on the criticality level of the application. The method also includes providing a computer system selected based on the computer system configurations.

Abstract: A book purchasing system allows a book buyer to log onto the system via a Web interface and purchase books from one or more book-selling venues. The buyer enters information on the books he wants to purchase and criteria relating to the purchases. The system searches the venues for listings matching this information. The listings are filtered using the other criteria entered by the buyer. These filtered listings may be displayed to the buyer and the buyer may then select which listings to execute to meet his purchasing needs. Once selected, the buyer can execute the listings at the venue. The system may automatically complete the transactions at the venues on behalf of the buyer. The system may continuously search the venues for listings that match the buyer criteria and will continue searching until listings are identified or the buyer manually stops the search.

Abstract: A method that provides a motion picture promotional item using digital data at an exhibition site. The method includes receiving motion picture digital data at the exhibition site; and receiving supplemental data transmitted along with the motion picture digital data, the supplemental data to be used for forming the promotional item. Additionally the method stores the supplemental data in a memory accessible from the exhibition site, and forms the promotional item according to the supplemental data in response to a user command.