Abstract: Systems and methods for improving a search process by providing a visual guided search experience is provided. A networked system determines a location of a user device. A user interface (UI) is presented illustrating a map at a first level view of an area based on the location. The networked system receives, via the UI, a first touch input indicating a zoom selection. In response, the UI shows a second level view of the area that includes a plurality of nodes each representing a point of interest in the area. The second level view is a lower level view than the first level view. The networked system then receives, via the UI, a second touch input selecting a node of the plurality of node. In response to the selecting of the node, navigation information for a selected point of interest corresponding to the selected node is presented.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to techniques for providing retail customers a seamless, individualized discovery and shopping experience. With an improved shopper/customer accounting system, along with other technologies such as intelligent fixtures, mobile devices, and product simulations, a shopper's product discovery, purchase, and post-sale experience can be highly integrated and personalized. For example, the shopper's out-of-store (online) and in-store product discovery sessions may be seamlessly linked and analyzed to provide the shopper with customized recommendations and assistance. Other variations and enhancements are disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprises at least one processor having a browser. The processor is configured for: receiving a request to purchase a first item (where a browser performs the receiving), displaying by the browser an indication that the first item has been added to a shopping cart of the user, before receiving an acknowledgement that the request has been received by a server, transmitting the request from the browser to the server, and receiving the acknowledgement of the transmitted request from the server after displaying the indication by the browser.

Abstract: A technique includes providing at least one service blueprint to orchestrate application programming interfaces to manage the lifecycle of at least one cloud service.

Abstract: A system and method for providing user-specified data to participating venues includes a system services environment having a website or App, and that facilitates communication between a user and a venue. The system includes functionality for uploading a plurality of user preferences for storage by the system environment server and/or decentralized blockchain nodes, identifying the presence of each user interface device that is physically located at or near a venue, generating a report containing the cumulative favorite selections within each preference category submitted by each of identified user interface devices, submitting the report to the venue and/or environmental devices and/or nodes, and changing the environmental conditions of the venue in real time based on the report.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for generating rules automatically navigate a website and perform updates of payment token information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for analyzing a user session within an online environment includes receiving, by a path analysis computer system, usage data related to a user session within an online environment, wherein the usage data includes a plurality of events occurring within the user session, and generating, by the path analysis computer system, a plurality of user paths for the user session based on the usage data, including generating a separate user path beginning with each of the plurality of events. Each of the user paths is generated by selecting one of the plurality of events as a starting event, and arranging the plurality of events subsequent to the starting event in order of occurrence, such that the user path includes the starting event and each of the subsequent events up to and including a final event.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an item-identifying, mobile cart that may be utilized by a user in a materials handling facility to automatically identify a user operating the cart and items that the user places into a basket of the cart. In addition, the cart may update a virtual shopping cart of the identified user to include items taken by the user. The mobile cart may include multiple imaging devices and oriented such that their respective optical axes are directed towards an interior of a perimeter of the top of the basket, and above the top of the basket. The mobile cart may also include an imaging device oriented away from the basket such that a user operating the mobile cart may scan a user identifier using this imaging device to enable recognition of the user.

Abstract: Advertisements are generated and selected for display to users, wherein the advertisements include representations of subject individuals. These subject individuals can be friends with whom the user interacts on the Internet and/or any other contributors who may or may not have expertise with regard to the subject matter of the advertisement. A subject individual can be portrayed in an advertisement by including any type of representation of the individual. Ranks for the subject individuals are determined based on the subject individuals' interactions with advertisements and/or on other factors. An advertisement is selected and presented to a user based on a score derived from friends' and/or contributors' interactions with the advertisement. According to various embodiments of the invention, a method is provided for choosing which advertisement(s) to show to a user and which subject individuals to portray in the advertisements.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes: requesting, from a player at the gaming machine, player account credentials associated with the player; receiving, at the gaming machine, the player account credentials, wherein the player account credentials are associated with a player's account on the account server and enable linking game play on the gaming machine to the player's account, and wherein the player account credentials are provided to the player's mobile phone in response to joining a players club prior to detection of the initiation event; transmitting, via the gaming machine, the player account credentials to the account server; receiving, from the account server, validation of the player account credentials based on comparing the received player account credentials with credentials stored on the account server; upon receipt of the validation, linking a wagering game session on the gaming machine with the player account.

Abstract: Merchants create ecommerce-enabled ad units advertising items offered by the merchants. The ad units contain functionality enabling customers to purchase the items by interacting with the ad units. The ad units have associated bid prices that the merchants agree to pay for sales through the ad units. The merchants provide the ad units to a broker. The broker publishes the ad units on web pages provided by publishers as comparison shop ad units that contain multiple ad units and functionality for navigating among them. A customer receiving a web page interacts with an ad unit to purchase the item. During the interactions, the broker dynamically updates the ad unit to conduct the transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing check-in based payment processing are discussed. In an example, a method for check-in based payment processing can include receiving check-in data, generating a pre-approval, sending a one-time-use PIN, receiving a validated transaction, and processing a payment. The check-in data can include a merchant identifier and user information identifying a user registered with the check-in service and associated with a mobile device. The pre-approval can include a one-time-user PIN. The validated transaction can include the one-time-user PIN associated with the pre-approval.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for performing actions based on user activation of custom user interface (“UI”) controls. A user of a networked computing service may activate a custom UI control by selecting the custom UI control (such as by touching the custom UI control displayed on a touchscreen display) to trigger the networked computing service to perform a predefined action associated with the custom UI control. In the event that the predefined action cannot be performed, the networked computing service may identify an alternative action that may be performed instead of the predefined action, optionally request user confirmation of the alternative action, and perform the alternative action.

Abstract: A data processing system generates a mapping between entries in an index to determine an object represented by digital content of a network address. The system includes a network interface system that receives script data and a content title of digital content; a data retrieval interface that retrieves executable logic; a parsing engine that executes the executable logic to extract an identifier of an object; a search engine that searches an index to identify a first entry with indexed data representing a descriptor of the object for which the identifier is extracted; and a mapping engine that generates, in the index, a second entry with data representing the content title of the digital content and with data representing the identifier of the object that is referenced by the digital content accessible at the network address, and a mapping between the first entry and the second entry.

Abstract: A user may create a wish/gift list and send the list to recipients, who have the option of accepting the list. Content being viewed or recorded by recipients who have accepted the list is scanned to determine whether the content is relevant to one or more items on the list. If so, an alert is displayed on a recipient device, which can be the same device as the displayed content. The recipient may select the alert to purchase the item(s) or obtain additional information about the item(s) for a subsequent purchase.

Abstract: An emergency preparation and response method includes providing one or more databases communicatively coupled with a first computing device. One or more admin user interfaces are displayed on the first computing device with input fields for storing emergency types and one or more emergency descriptions in the database(s) and associating each emergency type with one of the emergency descriptions. End user interfaces are displayed on second computing devices communicatively coupled with the database(s), having input fields configured to store user profiles in the database(s), each user profile including a geographic location. On a subset of the second computing devices associated with end users whose geographic locations fall within a geographic zone affected by an actual emergency, the end user interfaces display one of the emergency types matching the actual emergency and one of the emergency descriptions matching the actual emergency. Systems for implementing the methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The pull-type searching system provides an effective and efficient way to navigate deals and assist the user in identifying a deal for selection. The pull-type searching system further enables identification of one or more alternative deals to present to the user when no deals are identified for the selected search criteria. The pull-type searching system includes a method and apparatus. The method includes communicating ordered selectable search criteria, the search criteria including one or more categories, subcategories and deal types based on a user profile or available deals, or redemption goals. The method further includes receiving a selection from the search criteria and searching a deals database for results associated with the selection. Further, the method includes communicating the results associated with the selection, one or more alternative categories, or one or more alternative deals. A similar apparatus is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a website tracking system include a system provider device that detects a first interaction between a user and a web browser executing on the user device while the web browser displays a first merchant website, the first interaction determined by a first downloaded code provided by the system provider device. In some embodiments, a second interaction between the user and the web browser is detected while the web browser displays a second merchant website, the second interaction determined by a second downloaded code provided by the system provider. Based on the first interaction and the second interaction, one or more entries of a system provider database is updated. The system provider device thereafter causes to be displayed, on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the user device, the one or more entries.

Abstract: Systems and methods for that allow for the creation and management of a centralized gift registry are described. Gifts are added to the centralized gift registry from retailer-specific registries. A gift registrant may select one or more retailers. The centralized gift registry system may automatically submit a request for the creation of retailer-specific registries at each of the retailers selected by the gift registrant, based in part on information provided to the centralized gift registry by the gift registrant. This creation may involve the use of APIs at the centralized gift registry or the retailer-specific registries. A gift list is created and displayed. Gift givers may select a gift from the centralized gift registry.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods and systems that enable a consumer to electronically shop for products using a conventional electronic shopping cart such as are typically provided by online merchants, and to also create and manage one or more additional “shared” electronic shopping carts through which the end-user may automatically share details of such shopping activities with others using electronic means such as online social networks, short message services, and email, thereby enabling others to participate and assist in various shopping activities.

Abstract: Applications of the privacy switch technology are shown for handling data breaches in database systems, thereby providing fundamental improvements to the security and utility of database technology.

Abstract: Techniques for updating a graphical user interface (GUI) are described. In an example, a system provides, to a user device, a GUI element about an item and linked to a page. The user device is associated with a user account. Based on a selection of the GUI element, the system provides the page to the user device for presentation in the GUI. The page is configured to present one or more GUI objects in a main window, where these GUI objects are associated with one or more items based at least in part on the user account. The page is also configured to overlay a modal window over at least a portion of the main window. The modal window is configured to present a GUI object corresponding to the item. The web page is also configured to dismiss, based on a user interaction, the modal window.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display, interface, and processor. The interface receives video from a camera located in a physical store and directed at a first physical rack. The camera captures video of the rack during a shopping session. The processor displays a first virtual rack that emulates the first physical rack and includes first and second virtual shelves. The virtual shelves include virtual items, which include graphical representations of physical items located on the physical rack. The processor displays the rack video, which depicts an event including the person interacting with the first physical rack. The processor also displays a virtual shopping cart. The processor receives information associated with the event, identifying the first virtual item. The rack video depicts that the person selected the first physical item while interacting with the first physical rack. The processor then stores the first virtual item in the virtual shopping cart.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide an electronic procurement system and process that enables a buyer or purchasing organization to maintain explicitly or implicitly, a contract price between the buyer/purchasing organization and the supplier whose catalog is integrated with an electronic marketplace. In one embodiment, a process is executed to compare the listed/purchase price of catalog items against the contract price or against a ‘normal’ purchase price. A user (e.g. the buyer) may also be able to configure and receive specific alerts regarding items that are purchased in deviation of the contracted price and items that have been added to the catalog since the last contract. Disclosed embodiments may also maintain, automatically, the historical price and purchase information of supplier catalog items that are enabled through the electronic marketplace.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating item bundles. An item bundle includes more than one item from an item universe that can be bundled together. For example, in an electronic marketplace, two items can be linked together as a bundle that is sold. An order document can be created that includes a reference to the item bundle that is associated with an entry for each of the items in the bundle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bandwidth adjustment method and a related device, so as to flexibly adjust a bandwidth. A controller obtains behavior characteristic statistics sent by an end cloud node device, and obtains bandwidth resources remaining on a system. The behavior characteristic statistics are a statistical result indicating behavior characteristics of occupying network bandwidth resources by a user when accessing the end cloud node device. The controller determines a bandwidth adjustment amount of the end cloud node device according to the behavior characteristic statistics and bandwidth remaining on the system. The controller sends a bandwidth adjustment instruction to a first network device. The bandwidth adjustment instruction is used to instruct the first network device to adjust, according to the bandwidth adjustment amount, a bandwidth allocated to the end cloud node device by a network device on a transmission link.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that effectuate a simple protocol for tangible security on mobile devices. The system can include devices that generate sets of keys and associated secret identifiers, employs the one or more keys to encrypt a secret and utilizes the identifiers and encryptions of the secret to populate a table associated with a security token device that is used in conjunction with a mobile device to release sensitive information persisted on the mobile device for user selected purposes.

Abstract: A subscription-based system for providing commerce information for one or more mobile devices for one or more merchants. Some techniques employed feature a subscription-based method for presenting commercial resources to a mobile device. The method involves receiving mobile device user information relating to a geographic location to locate one or more merchants within a subscription-based shopping network, and receiving mobile device user information relating to a merchant type within the subscription-based shopping network. The method also involves receiving, from a database over a communication network, information for one or more merchants associated with the mobile device user information for the geographic location and the merchant type, and presenting the associated merchant information on the mobile device.

Abstract: A method plays sound clips in binaural sound to users during an electronic communication between two or more users. A processor convolves the sound clips with HRTFs so the sound externally localize away from a head of the user listening to the sound clip. The sound clips play to users during the electronic communication without transmitting the sound clips to electronic devices of the users.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided, comprising: creating at least a portion of an instant messaging application that is configured to cooperate with an apparatus, the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to: display an instant messaging interface including a communicant message user interface element and a send user interface element, and receive, from the apparatus and utilizing a communications agent on the device configured to receive incoming messages addressed to a communicant identifier associated with a user of the instant messaging application, one or more user interface elements including a first button.

Abstract: A coaching method considering a relationship type includes the steps of: acquiring relationship data associated with building a relationship between a first object receiving coaching and a second object having a relationship with the first object; on the basis of the relationship data, inferring a relationship type between the first object and the second object; and determining a scheme of providing the coaching considering the inferred relationship type.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automatically carrying out actions based on action identifiers in messages. In one embodiment, an appropriate computing entity can determine whether a message comprises an action identifier in the message. If the message comprises an action identifier, one or more of the parties of message can be identified and the corresponding action can be initiated.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for point-of-sale customization service. A processor executing a point-of-sale customization service can receive a unique identifier associated with a user device detected in a proximity of a computing device. The processor can query preferences stored in a data store using the unique identifier and identify point-of-sale preferences associated with the user device based upon the querying. The processor can transmit the point-of-sale preferences to the computing device to apply to a transaction.

Abstract: A user terminal for communicating with a computer server is operated on behalf of a first user (a second user terminal is operated on behalf of a second user). The user terminal transmits to the computer server pre-trade information including an order and receives first offset information that indicates a first price offset value, which is different from a second price offset value sent to the second user terminal. The terminals receive a single message from the server that indicates a market price but does not include the first price offset value or the second price offset value. The user terminal modifies the market price using the first price offset value to obtain a first actual price different from a second actual price corresponding to a modification of the market price based on the second price offset value.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting in shopping at a physical store (104) is described. The method includes receiving image data of the inside of a shopping cart (108) and processing the image data to detect one or more events. An event is the addition of an item (114) to the shopping cart (108) or the removal of an item (114) from the shopping cart (108). Responsive to detecting an event, the method processes the image data to identify an item associated with the event, and generates cart information based on the identified item. The cart information includes a record of items currently in the shopping cart (108). The method also communicates the cart information with respect to the identified item to a customer device (118).

Abstract: A system and method provides information to a user about other users who have shown an interest in the user or in whom the user shows an interest, or other users in whom the user has shown disinterest or other users who have shown disinterest in the user, as indicated by actions performed with respect to a website or other Internet-accessible repository of data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for authenticating the use of a wearable device to execute a transaction. The system is configured to receive an indication that a user is in possession of the wearable device; authenticate the wearable device; transmit a pointer associated with the token to a global merchant device; receive an indication from the user to execute a transaction with at least one of the one or more local merchant devices; retrieve information identifying the token; transmit a first notification associated with the transaction to the global merchant device; determine a match between the wearable device and the pointer associated with the token; determine that the user continues to remain in possession of the wearable device; and complete execution of the transaction.

Abstract: The subject invention advantageously allows a merchant to provide an override payment option, as an enticement, to pre-pay all or a portion of a series of recurring payments. With respect to recurring payments, the subject invention allows a merchant to alter pricing, if necessary, and/or to charge beyond a fixed term, e.g., to maintain a subscription. The invention includes monitoring payment requests made on a recurring payment basis over a payment network to ensure that any override payment is being properly accounted for along with any adjusted pricing and/or additional payments. This unconventional processing is not provided for with standard recurring payment systems.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for determining an amount of item that remains in the possession of a consumer for an automatic item subscription system, as well as a subsequent replacement date for that item. The remaining item amount may be determined from a consumption rate that is calculated from a number of factors. In some embodiments, the consumption rate may be based on cluster data or data representing trends related to the underlying item. As the consumption rate for an item changes, the replacement date may be dynamically updated to reflect the change in the consumption rate.

Abstract: A system for mitigating returns is disclosed. In particular, the system may analyze an order made by a user for an item. The system may apply one or more filters to the order to determine if the ordered item is compatible with the user's profile, devices, accounts, preferences, or a combination thereof. Based on the application of the filters, the system may determine if a conflict exists between the ordered item and the user's profile, devices, accounts, preferences. If a conflict is determined to exist, the system may notify the user and adjust the order to generate a new order for a different item that is compatible for the user so as to mitigate a return. An order may then be transmitted to a virtual assistant for approval, which may reject the order or approve the order for completion.

Abstract: A content delivery server that delivers a content screen image of content played by a player terminal to a plurality of viewer terminals, wherein the content delivery server includes a control unit for displaying, on the viewer terminals, options for manipulating an object in the content; and a communication unit that receives, from the viewer terminals, the result selected from among the options; the control unit performing an operation on the object within the content on the basis of the selected result, and the content screen image following the operation on the object being delivered from the communication unit to the player terminal and the viewer terminals.

Abstract: A method for authentication of coupons using a blockchain includes: storing transaction data for a payment transaction, wherein the transaction data includes at least a transaction amount; receiving an identification value; receiving a block included in a blockchain, wherein the block includes at least a block header and a plurality of transaction values, each transaction value including at least a coupon identifier and coupon data; executing a query on the received block to identify a specific transaction value of the plurality of transaction values where the included coupon identifier corresponds to the received identification value; and executing a query on the memory to update at least the transaction amount included in the stored transaction data based on the coupon data included in the identified specific transaction value.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a person's location at a school, hotel, office, business, restaurant or other venue and tracking the movements of that person during their visit to the venue. One or more wireless virtual beacons communicate with the person's electronic device. The virtual beacons provide the system with real-time data about the person's whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking of the person at the location. A first non-limiting example of use, include a company that provides food and beverage allowing the person to place an order for food and beverages on their electronic device and having the order delivered to the person at their current location as determined by the system. Another non-limiting example includes a company performing analytics on the time and movement of it's employees and customers.

Abstract: A device may receive a request for a product and, based on the request, determine a geographic location and delivery time for delivery of the product. The device may also identify a product location from which the product is capable of being provided. Based on the product and at least one product location characteristic, the device may determine an estimated fulfillment time associated with preparing the product for delivery. Based on the request and the product location, the device may identify a courier capable of transporting the product. In addition, the device may determine an estimated delivery time associated with delivering the product. The device may determine, based on the fulfillment time and the delivery time, a delay. The device may store the request in a data structure, associate the delay with the request, and perform an action based on the request and the delay.

Abstract: A system for in-application sale of physical goods on a mobile device is provided. The system includes one or more computer devices, and computer processors. The system includes a fulfillment module, a purchase module, and an application software for e-commerce sale of physical goods (“p-sale app”). The p-sale app is formed by integrating an e-commerce physical product sale protocol into an app lacking functionality for the sale of physical products (“no-sale app”). The p-sale app is configured to (i) send one or more product offer request(s) to the fulfillment module. The fulfillment module is configured to receive the product offer request(s) and (ii) search one or more databases containing information on a plurality of physical products. The search is based on the product, customer, and/or app criteria in the product offer request(s). The fulfillment module subsequently (iii) generates a product offer profile based on the criteria, and (iv) sends the product offer request to the p-sale app.

Abstract: A public cloud can host a multi-network service for transceiving common requests and responses for multiple networks. The public cloud can receive requests from the networks to join the service via an application programming interface (API). The public cloud can receive a request from a client device for information from one of the networks via the service, and the public cloud can transmit the request to that network and corresponding request(s) to one or more other networks joined to the service. The public cloud provider can receive multiple responses to the request and corresponding request(s), and transmit the responses to the client device.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating data across different systems is disclosed. Data in a plurality of databases are integrated by identifying the common data elements with equivalent semantics and selecting a preferred syntax for the data. A new record including the common data elements and data with preferred syntax is made available to users.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and/or computer program product control how an application window of a graphical user interface will open. A computing device defines a time period immediately after an application launch selection action by a user and before an on-screen drawing of the application window. A gesture input hardware sensing device senses a gesture input during the time period. A gesture recognition engine recognizes the gesture input. Based on at least one of a type and location of a recognized gesture input, the computing device selects the window location and window dimensions of the application window. The computing device draws the application window on-screen using a selected window location and selected window dimensions for the application window.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for trading multiple tradeable objects. One example method includes displaying at least one combined quantity indicator representing a combined quantity associated with at least two tradeable objects, detecting an input associated with an order for a predetermined order quantity in relation to one of the combined quantity indicators, and allocating the order quantity between the at least two tradeable objects using at least one quantity allocation rule. In one example embodiment, a plurality of quantity allocation rules can be user-configurable, and different rules can be defined and applied in relation to different order types.

Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include communication using a payment processing device. Various other embodiments are described.